foto credit: www.viarail.ca
G'day Gents!
Once again, many THANX to Manager Lars for taking care of business this morning; much appreciated! Appreciate the "well wishes" by Email . . . . ‘nuf said.
Appears as if we're beginning to see a bit more activity ‘round the Saloon by the Siding with the return of CM3 and DL to the gathering.
Time to catch up on the acknowledgments since my last narrative:
Rob at 4:25 PM yesterday: Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained, eh It was worth a try - but alas, formatting nightmare continues for our Ontario Connection. Good to see ya in spite of it!
Somewhere in my "think tank" there is this unpaid debt and it has to do with BLUE and YOU! Perhaps another time and place, eh
Isn't that VIA Rail Pix the absolute BEST of the bunch Really one special photo and something I'd like to find in a much larger format - suitable for framing of course!
Lars at 4:51 PM yesterday: We made it to PAGE TWO! <grin> In comparison to the "frenzy" of activity going on elsewhere, we're kinda like the tortoise and the hare - but we'll get there just the same, eh Quality of quantity is the rule of thumb ‘round these parts!
Fine "F units" and they all enlarged for Moi. Interesting selection of road names too. Thought perhaps we'd get something going on the "Texas Special" and Lehigh Valley.
Comments regarding our wandering friend, Nick brings to mind that he'll pop up again and resume his place at the bar as if he's never left. Isn't that the mark of a true friendship One doesn't always have to be "in the hip pocket" of another in order to maintain a relationship. Nick reminds us all of just what it is to have other interests and to be human at the same time. Wherever you are, the welcome mat is out for ya here at the Bar by the Ballast!
Pete at 5:40 PM & 6:08 PM yesterday: Nicely done, as always, Wolfman! Some "teasers" in the form of Pix for us along with that table top "layout" of yours. Still awaiting the details on those two ‘display' locos . . .
A Norseman Bar, eh Figured the Larsman or Eric would come up with something to describe what might be found behind the doors of such a place. Conjurs up images for me of rather large, loud and somewhat hairy guys drinking, eating and carousing with the best of ‘em - all in the name of "fun" of course! <grin> Just a bit like "Our" Place on a festive Friday or Saturday night!
Got a kick out of your comments on the "English bar." Yes, I've found those kinds of places to be huge disappointments, especially if one has actually visited the real thing in whatever country name is being "used' to entice customers. Can you imagine how many people there are who actually believe that what they've experienced in the "English bar" is reality KInda reminds me of my first visit to one of the "Outback Steak" restaurants. The guy who waited on us was as far away from being an Aussie as I am from resembling someone from Japan. Yet there are scores of people who "dig" that kinda stuff and pay dearly for the experience. It goes on and on . . .
I surely hope that Amtrak changes the times back to where they were insofar as the "turn around" in KCity is concerned. Makes the return trip for me a rather late arrival and puts the damper on future round trips to KC for Moi. However, the visit to Union Station IS something anyone with an appreciation for the railroad stations of old to take in. A mighty fine restoration job.
James at 9:27 PM yesterday: Interesting semaphore Pix along with the layout shots. Agree that the derailment situation makes for an interesting layout scene. Appreciate the effort to keep the Toy ‘n Model Trains Day! (OPTIONAL) going here at the bar . . . .
Eric at 11:53 PM yesterday: Another chock full o' info Post from our resident desert Swede! You really came through in the clutch with the descriptions for the fine Norwegian train Pix provided by the Larsman. Now that's a tandem operation we haven't seen in awhile ‘round these parts! Nice to experience that effect here at the bar . . .
WHY IN THE WORLD would "they" change the livery of the X2000 to something as ‘drab' as seen in that URL Awful, simply awful. Glad you let ‘em have it by mail. If you don't tell ‘em, they'll not know anyone gives a Rat's Patoot! Although my guess is that the Aficionados out there have done more than whimper about it.
Lars at 8:05 AM & 11:10 AM today: Another fine effort in helping to keep this going in my absence! Many, many THANX, I'm appreciative that you answered "the call." Actually with so many guys being in varying states of absence an
G'day Cap'n Tom & fellow travelers at the bar!
Hey Tom! Check out "your other thread" - there's an interesting post that I know you'll enjoy!
Nice one from DL and let me add my back to the bar! We missed ya, but you proababy knew that already! What happened in Denver you asked Snow, snow and more snow with quite a bit of ice thrown in. Just crippled the transportation industry - but the trains rolled along.
Couldn't agree more with what you said (pretty much along the lines of what Tom & I said some pages back on the "original" site). People gripe & complain & moan & groan about the rail system, but hardly lift a finger to say or do anything to support 'em. Just ticks me off to the "inth." <grrrrr>
DL, you apparently haven't taken a good look at the gals who work at "Our" Place (info provided on many past pages). For once captured by their radiance, you'd not be looking at those Zephyrettes from decades past! Anyway, methinks THOSE gals are using walkers these days! makes 'em far easier to catch up with, but . . . <grin>
I'm uncertain regarding whether those Zephyr obs domes are indeed different from the Canadian versions. Budd made 'em, at least I'm fairly sure they did. Perhaps a design difference here or there, but the interiors are very much the same. I traveled 'em way back when there was a "real" California Zephyr.
Maybe Tom or another of our resident 'experts' can help us here. I KNOW that if 20 Fingers Al still sailed these waters he'd jump right in. BUT, he's having 'puter problems dontchano! <grin>
Enjoyed the links you provided!
Ruth, make it a JD on the rocks then I'm outta here for this day . . .
Until the next time!
Lars
Well joy and bliss Ruth, tis I the trolleyman er bor er well you know what the heck I mean.What to wondering eyes should appear ..... but a forum tool bar and all it's inherent things and formats and well you gus know what i'm driving at. I did get a response from the forum gurus and they were looking into things so I would say that from the looks of things I'm back in business. So Ruth a round on me and I'll pre-order some of H&H's halibut supprise ( yes my insurance is paid up Boris )
Lars-I'm glad to see things worked out as well for your day two as the bars oppening guy for the help you've given da bossman.It was actually nice to be on the same page and time as you for a change, wierd though, I can't always be the "count". Loved the E's from yestreday, not my most favourite Classic passenger power , but a third place after PA's and C-liners. i know Tom will dispute me on my choice , but I'm and Alcophile to the end LOL.I think it is a noble challenge to drag in some newcommers kicking and screaming, a worthwile bar resolution to be sure.
Tom-Yes i still owe you a blue or two, we just needs to do that Agawa canyon triphopefully alls well with you now that you've gotten your million mile check up
James-Some fine photo's of both the real and sureal of tthe railroading I would think that it would be a red and green lens, if there were three you would have an amber as well. I imagine tough that since it is a dwarf signal it would just be a two aspect absolute stop and absolute go. Though I'm hardly an expert.We have a sometimes functioning Wig wag at the museum and a functional sempahore mounted on the roof edge of our Rockwood station.
Eric-No sweat you can't no all things about all railways,loved the extra wigwag shot sir I have to aggree with you and Tom though what an awfull paint scheme the x200 now has Reminds me of the awfull "tempo" train paint job CN used in the 70's right before the VIA rail takeover,it was something certainly to be forgotten ( and was )Mind you the coaches still soldier on for the Ontario Northland albiet rebuilt as intercity cars ( recieved better suspension )
DL-Good to have you back. I'd have to say that our little band is now complete
CM3-Ah some subsatnce from the coal feilds. To fine post today to be sure.For some unkonw reason I've always been anamoured with ore jenny's speacifially the CN / ONR barrel type ones. Most of which are now long gone or been converted to sand cars or scale test units.great additional wisdom on the TE of locomotives as well. A calculation indeed vital to the mountain dwelling roads of your backwoods.
Pete-Nice to see you in a couple times last evening as well. fine fine shots of KC Union, it's grand hall strikes me as similar to toronto's Union station, if not in design ,in it's breadth and scope.Two truly grand old railway edifaces, oh and the layout wasn't bad either
Rob
CLASSIC JUICE #38 THE NICOLS-LINTERN A JUICE TECH STORY
Okay a new thread a new continuing story from the "classic" achives,actually this story is as written by our museum's master mechanic Gord McQuat a master of everything electrical and the guru of the technical from our musuem's volenteers.
The Nichols-Lintern company emerged in 1892, being founded by one William Lintern.Shortly thereafter, the company incorporated and for many years supplied steam road and electric railway equipment,ranging from sanders and ventilators to streetcar taillights.Today based in Mentor, Ohio ( gotta love that name eh Tom ) the lintern company is a leading manufacurer of severe duty air conditioners.They also offer a line of traffic signals and industrial signal lights.
The two lamp devise I'm speaking of was manufactured in Canada under license, by Dominion Steel Foundries of Toronto and was used on city streetcars throughout Canada, and to a lessor degree in the USA.The TTC made extensive use of this type of tailight on the majority of it's cars and on most of their work equipment.The former "TR" wooden streetcars sent to Ouebec City Ottawa and Fort william by the TTC during WW2 caried this eqiuipment to those roads and several other Canadian systems also made wide spread use of them, notably the NS&T,Hamilton Street Railway,Ottawa Elelctric railway, and the "80" series Witt cars on the Edmonton Radial Railway.
The primary function of the two lamp "NL" taillight, was to give following streetcarsan indication as to the movement of the streetcar ahead throuhg a display of red and green lights.This was found to assist in maintaining headways and reducing accidents.
The unit consisted of two cast portions. The back housing contained to hexagonal,medium base,lamp holders and was nstalled aprtially recessed, in a rectangular cutout in the cars dasherboard. The outer portion was sloped at the top toshed snow and sleet,normally they contained two Corning four inch diameter optical glass lens red on the right green on the left.Some were convex some were flat depending on when they were made.
The TTC did have some varients, notably on the 409-416 series suburban cars ( 416 currently undergoing full restoration at the museum )these cars were obtained from the Hydro-Electric Power Commision and being double ended and having Westinghouse Electric HL controls, with type 806 switch groups, they featured the standard two lamp fixture on each end,in later yeasr these were changed to double red lights.Both lamps lit to the rear of the car when the reverser was thrown. Normal usage of the lights on the TTC's Witt's and TR cars had the lights only on the rear as they were both single ended cars.When the brakes are engaged the red light is on, when the car is in motion the green light displays. On the 409's with them being double ended tthe aspects were both red for braking as once the cars reached the end of their runs, the operator would change ends and change poles and head back from whence he came so double red for braking was all te aspect they needed to display.
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Holdens Bitter and can you put me down for some Fish 'N' Chips please RUTH.
JAMES Shame about the de-railment, but that is a good crane to sort it out. Thanks for the pics of the signals, the wig wag signal is very interesting. I see ERIC has posted another pic of a wig wag. I wonder where these signals were used.
Thanks Eric for the link to the loco, were there locos of the same design but smaller, working at the Norvik mines.
CM3 Great to see you back. Interesting part on the rostering of certain locomotives to the different type of frieght train.I have often wondered if the larger locos, say on Union Pacific, are allocated to a depot or do they run over the whole system and get maintenance at a depot they are nearest to when the examination is due. I suppose on a intermodel train from California to the East Coast, or a coal train from Wyoming the trains must be re-engined several times during the journey.
DL Great to see you back as well. Thanks for the link to the California Zephyr, but I will have to go back to it as the computer is being real slow in enlarging the pictures at the moment.
Looking forward to the Swanage report and I was told that the fog in England was as bad as it used to get in the 50s and 60s. I have got the railwaymans fog story on the word proceessor but having a problem pasting it at the moment, not a good day on the puter.
Thanks for the model railway gauge info. The pic on my first post yesterday is of the Irish loco after the derailment luckily there was not too much damage, it seems a tough little loco. the cause of the wreck was a combination of poor track, a coupling coming loose and the driver not paying attention.If the pic of the Irish loco enlarges would you like to have a guess at what the other two BR loco models are.
Maybe you could help me on another modelling problem. Do you know if there is a company in the UK who do Irish engines or coaches etc in ready to run in HO scale. I have looked on the net but with no luck.
They are three great books you got. I got The Age Of Steam book by Fred Dibnah as a present in 2003. Do they show his great TV programmes over there still, he had a great passion for steam and it was a sad to hear of his passing in 2004.
LARS Good to know Ruth is in safe hands while the boss is away.
The answer to the Manchester United question, (" The Most Popular football club in the World", according to their web-site). When they were formed in 1878 they went by the name of Newton Heath F.C. and were made up from the railwaymen at the Newton Heath locomotive depot of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway. The depot is situated about 2 miles North East of Manchester Victoria station. They changed the name to Manchester United in 1902.
TOM Seems it is my turn for computer probs, there is something up with the e-mail again, it as got stuck with an incoming message.
I have asked DL to have a go at guessing the locos and then I will reveal the answer. As soon as Lars or Eric tell us about a Norse bar do you think we can have a Norse night at Our Place.
I did hear that there is to be some more track work on the line between St Louis and Kansas City starting in April again this year with busses being used . Perhaps when it is all done they will put the train back to the original schedule, I hope so. On the new schedule, although I have only seen the train a couple of times it seems to be doing much better keeping to time, at least on the westbound direction.
Well I'll have another RUTH and let me get a round in before the Fish 'N ' Chips then I will try to sort the e-mail prob out.
Pete.
Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang. This is my first message from home in some months. Puter Tech just left if I was thirty years younger I would marry her. She saw all of my train Library and turns out her grandfather was a SP engineer for over forty years. Set up around for the regulars on me and will get back to being a regular myself from now on.
TTFN Al
G-day Tom and all present.
Leon- set me up for the special tonight, with a coffee please.
Eric- A good find there in Arizona. Especially a Zephyr trailing car. Good pic
We do have lens for the dwarf Semaphore but, Tim took them out so that they wouldn't get stolen. We have people walk around the museum and we don't want some of the rail buffs to "accidently" take them, if you know what I mean.
Rob- Well I am glad I could get you to think about what was going on with the T.E. Some of those problems would make me go crazy.
About the semaphore. I would think that there would be a green and red lens in there but there might have been a white and red lens for a restricting signal but thats a question for y friend Tim. I always like to read your Classical juice articles. Good read. thanks.
Tom- I like the elk behind the Via rail passenger train. I suppose you would see a lot of those in the mountains up there. Nice shot!
Glad you liked the small accident around the layout. Someone wasn't watching what was going on when the caboose picked the switch and derail 20 feet ahead. But the wrecking crew got out right away and cleaned the mess up in an hour.
Pete- Glad you liked the article on T.E. It was interesting "trying" to figure out some of the mathematical eqautions. The layout at the K.C. union station is quite impressive. I think by just looking at it, that it's S gauage trains, correct?
BTW" The wig wags were used at grade crossings. That was quite a few years ago. They also had Griswald signals too.
Doug- I'm also glad that you liked the T.E. article, and no I didn't mean to hurt your brain.
Good article on the Big dropper. That is one big coal car. Do you thnk it would fit in a rotary dumper?
BTW- I give your joke on the first a page a 4.
Mike- It was sad to hear of her death but things happen that can't be stopped. This was one of them.
Anyway, Good link on the Swedish trains. Do know what they're hauling? To me it looks like Iron Ore cars but I might be wrong.
Lars- A nice set of pics from you. I really liked the Class 73 EMU high speed passenger train. That is an impressive looking train. Do you know what its top speed is? Also liked the picture of the Cresent. Nice pic.
CM3- I liked you little quote to me, "A physics lesson." I suppose the crew learned something new.
DL- Thanks for the link on the California Zephyr. Enjoyed it.
I also liked the link to the Dublo model trains. I am seeing more of the newer steam engines like this, with the realistic steam, in many of the hobby shops. The detail on the steamer is amazing. They run so quite and smoke up a storm. They're really nice looking.
Happy railroading
James
Special for passengerfan Al:
Send me an Email via the Forums - I need to resume comms with you.
Thanx,
Tom
Hello Tom and all in
Thanks for the welcome back from all of you, appreciated. Can I have a light breakfast today please, with grapefruit juice.
Just a few catch ups on recent posts first of all.
Tom, yes, I'd looked through the stuff at the end of the old thread, interesting posts as usual, sorry to muddle up the forum manager with the web develop manager, but yes I see the difference.
CM3 - thanks for the Blue Streak info - sounds like a good freight train. There is not much tradition of naming freight trains here in the UK, although a famous one was the ‘Condor' - which was named after a shortened version of ‘Container Transport Door to Door', which ran overnight between London and Scotland as an express freight. Pete will know of this train I'm sure.
Lars, snow in Denver - explains the situation. Interesting to read of your mention of travelling on the ‘real' C Zephyr - can I tempt you to post some memories of that trip some time?
Thanks to those of you who commented on that Zephyr link (James and Pete), yes the pics are slow to load. I think it is great site, with a wealth of info on it, seems strange to me that whoever ‘owns it' seems to have left it be with no updates going on. Well worth a look though.
Rob, nice classic juice contrib.
Pete - can't see your pics at all at the mo (in fact only pics I can see are those posted by Eric, so keep posting them Eric!) - I just get a blank space in the message, but I think the problem is my end. As a consequence I can't do any loco guess work so you'd better reveal all!
Fred Dibnah book is rather interesting, the biog is written by the film maker who did all the series screened in recent years, which more or less culminated with one last autumn called ‘Fred Dibnah's steam, steel and stone' - which seemed like basically a tribute series using material filmed previously but not in previous progs, then with contributions from various (fairly important) people, like head of collections at V&A museum, head of historic buildings at English Heritage (the govt conservation body, a bit like US National Parks Service but for buildings) etc, talking about the important role Dibnah had played in terms of bringing an interest in steam and engineering and historic construction etc to a wider audience than just enthusiasts, but doing so in a way that enthusiasts would also not feel was dumbed down.
Mind you, the bit of the book about his struggle with Cancer is pretty grim, and certainly would encourage you to keep off the ciggies or take up any other steps to avoid the big ‘C'.
Irish Outline stuff - interesting question - I don't know, but there is a superb model shop just round the corner from me and I'll pop in an ask them. Presumably it was steam outline Irish stuff as opposed to Modern outline you were most interested in?
Al - good to make your acquaintance, as someone who has become a regular in your absence I should introduce myself as DL from the UK, so I'm coming from across the pond, but have been a regular visitor to North America and admire the steel wheels from that side of the pond. I'm a subscriber to Classic Trains, but learn as much if not more from this thread, thanks, of course, to the regulars, who have given me a warm welcome since I first stumbled across one of Tom's threads where he kindly gave me some great info to help me with a planned VIA trip last autumn!
Now for the Swanage Trip report
Got down there for the week by road, but first day there was able to go to the Swanage Steam Railway preserved station in the town (it is right in the centre of this small English Seaside Town, so very convenient) and took a return trip to a village called Corfe Castle (about 4 miles each way), where there is the ruin of a medieval castle. Must be one of the most picturesque villages in England (a hotly contested title I know, but those without steam train service are automatically discounted in my view so the competition is more limited!).
Explored the village with my 3 friends who then wanted to get back to our accommodation, but darkness was falling and there was still another round trip to be had, so I asked the guard and he let me take a further round trip for free on the last train of the day, and it is great to be behind steam after dark with the glow from the engine fire box lighting the night sky.
They had a ‘one engine in steam' operation during the week we were there, and pictures of it are here on New Years Day (some interesting info about the last day before BR closed the line here too, which was 35 years ago to the day)
http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/news337.htm
More info about the loco class is here - it was a 2-6-4 BR standard class 4 tank locomotive, built in 1955 at Brighton Locomotive works
http://www.80072.co.uk/And%20Suckling%20article.htm
It will look quite small by US standards, but I have a fondness for this design as I had a model of one as a child, and it was built in the loco works of the town near where I grew up, Brighton.
Some good clear pictures of this design are on this site here too:
http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/locos/80151/index.html
The good thing about the Swanage railway is that the station is in the town and also serves as a bus station, that means it has public access all the time and you can just call in to watch the trains any day they are operating, by just walking on to the platform at the main station in the town - simple as that, don't even need to buy a platform ticket. The stations are restored to classic era 1950s/1960s style.
People may recall also from prev posts that this road is fundraising to return a UK Pullman observation car that had ended up in San Francisco - well I asked about that and it turns out they still need about £15 k to pay for the shipping costs. They also want to bring back a stowage van used to move the coffin of Sir Winston Churchill to his final resting place, which has ended up in Los Angeles. More info on this is here for those interested.
http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/news319.htm
All in all a good trip, with some great winter steam. Only small down side is that they seem to store their out of use engines and carriages at some place on the line where you can't really visit, so I know they have other interesting things to see there, but since they were not operational at the time of my visit I could not see where they were.
Visit also complemented by drinking the excellent beers of the local Dorset Brewery ‘Ringwood' at a number of local pubs (none of which had 12 TV screens I can re-assure you)!
Cheerio
DL
Happy Friday to one and all - been a tough 4-day work week for some, eh <grin> Why not join us this morning for a great start-up from the Menu Board featuring <light> and <traditional> breakfasts. A selection or three from The Mentor Village Bakery case and a mug of freshly ground ‘n brewed "Our" Place special blend just to round it all out.
SPECIAL NOTE for passengerfan Al: Send me an Email through the Forums, PLEASE!
Looks like I'm back to my regular schedule, whatever THAT happens to be, but for now, Larsman, you may stand down! <grin> Many THANX for taking the helm in my absence; much appreciated!
The talk in these parts, through the local newspaper (aka: bird cage liner) is that the Super Bowl finalists will be the Bears vs Ravens with Baltimore winning (2 out of 5 "experts" see it that way) whereas another has it the Saints vs Chargers with San Diego winning and two others see it as the Eagles vs Chargers with San Diego winning. Go figger! <grin> I'm in the "who cares?" department. Let's go Cardinals (baseball variety)! Actually, I'm an NFC kinda guy and hope the Bears pull it off - I like the coach.
On to the acknowledgments:
Lars at 3:15 PM yesterday: Still smiling over that remark you made regarding the Zephyrettes and the Gals of "Our" Place - nicely put! Walkers, indeed! <grin>
Been thinking about some of your commentary these past few days and it occurs to me that you have hit on something we should seriously take to heart. The healthy continuation of this cyber bar depends upon dependable people. We've had so many long term absences and days of veritable quiet, that we surely need to seek out some "new blood." I like the idea of each of us finding at least one customer to add to our number for 2007. That's an objective we could reach if the guys take it to heart.
My hope is to get us to our April 12th Anniversary date and of course the May Rendevzous. Right now that's where my sights are set.
And yes, I noted the visit from "Blackie" over on "my other Thread." Let's see how it works out and perhaps we'll get him to stop by "Our" Place.
Rob at 4:35 PM & 5:04 PM yesterday: You are BAAAAAAACK with a tool bar! You must share the 'secret' with us - what did you do???????
Okay, it's a matter of record - you owe me at least a "few' BLUES! I'll take ‘em aboard a rolling train anywhere anytime!
Did I mistakenly refer to the Es as Fs or were there perhaps one or more of either I'll yield to the "master" on this. Alcos (PAs) for me too, although I must say that matched E8As "do it" for me too! Then there's the GG1, and . . . . <grin
Your Classic Juice #38 certainly is an "eye opener" on yet another facet of the "classics" that I never knew existed. Nicely done!
Pete at 5:05 PM yesterday: I'd NEVER have come up with the answer to your "quiz' question. Methinks you and barndad Doug are in "cahoots" to bend our collective minds! <grin>
Norse night at the Saloon by the Siding is a good idea. We can have the Gals of "Our" Place all decked out in their Viking outfits (from Victor's not-so-Secret, of course!) All we need is some authoritive input from our Scandinavian friends.
Al at 6:48 PM yesterday: If you were 30 years younger, I'd hope you'd have better sense than to run off with a ‘puter geek! <grin> PLEASE send me an Email via the Forums, I want to resume comms with you. Have some ‘things' you need to know.
For the benefit of the guys who are relatively new ‘round here, passengerfan Al is one of the "Charter Members" of this bar. Translated: he Posted on the first day we opened back on April 12th 2005. The other remaining Charter Member is trolleyboy Rob.
James at 8:51 PM yesterday:
DL: appears as if the "pending" matters have been addressed, other than the observation dome question. Those cars were indeed of Budd manufacture and design. So perhaps the "fin" was specific to the Zephyr. My guess is that the major railroads of the day all incorporated their peculiarities in order to make their cars a bit more distinctive. Again, I'll yield to the "experts," of which passengerfan Al is certainly one of when it comes to this subject.
Thanx for the California Zephyr link - it's been "bookmarked." Also enjoyed the others you provided.
Sorry to cut this short, however, some "things" have cropped up that require attending to - be back before noon!
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
Hello Tom
This response is for Pete re earlier query, first of all Pete will you join me in a pint of mild of your choice whilst I outline what we shall call the 'Irish Question'
Called into the model shop here (which is a real great shop, not really a toy shop) anmd asked the chap - he said Bachmann models had at one time done a 00 gauge SR N class in Irish Livery (apparently these locos were shipped from UK in kits of parts to the Republic back in the day) they did soem coaches to match this and sold the thing as a boxed set, no longer in production). he knew of no other irish outline stuff, suggesting the market there was too small to sustain the market and that modellers probably relied on scratch building.
Seems a shame to me, esp since even for modern image outline BR Mk2 and Mk 3 coaches in CIE livery would, you migth think, have a market over there.
I don't know much about Irish railways but pics I have seen show some pretty weird and wonderful designs used over there. I know the more recent GM built locos they use there have a following. I think recently they have bought spanish manufactured designs, which is a shame for the UK industry.
Perhaps some of this Bachmann stuff is available second hand on e-bay?
Hope this helps at least clarify why you did not find much on the web
Regards
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Warm and rainy here today (53 degrees when the K9 Korps emerged from the kitchen and hit the backyard.) Gas is still at $2.33 when I visited my local truck stop this a.m. on the way to work to pick up the Daily Whizbang (aka USA Today). Must be ships in Norfolk as there were many trucks with shipping containers in the yard today when I stopped.
Lars - Checked in with his daily notes and comments; we'd better be lighting a candle or two for our Gints.
Rob - Appeared with comments and historical material. Mentor, OH - Know it well.
Al visited? Wow!
DSL - Thanks for the trip report
Last (but not least) our ‘Steamed Proprietor is with us! Excellent!
Pete raised a couple of questions which I'll try and address. Engines were changed back in the day.
Power tended to congregate in certain locations. GE power was handled at one location, for example, and EMD at another. The road that our ‘steamed proprietor will not let us mention here, in fact, assigned locomotives to certain terminals, dictated to some extent by the service in which they were used and by the builder. If you had shop queens or orphan units, they were in many cases assigned to one spot so they could be worked on by folks knowledgeable about them.
In the 60s (maybe a bit earlier for that matter), the Burlington started run-through power. Later, different railroads entered into agreements which allowed power to venture off-line. I remember this well on the L&N seeing Missouri Pacific power (and cabs) on freights. One of my favorite pictures is one I shot of a Chessie-painted U-boat followed by a Conrail GE engine on a westbound mty train on the former C&O.
Current practice now is to run power, say from Wyoming coalfields, to power plants in Michigan. A trip along what used to be the New York Central mainline between Cleveland and Buffalo will turn up an amazing variety of foreign power and leased units. Santa Fe in Buffalo, and Union Pacific in Boston; why not? IOW, it's a lot more flexible than before.
That being said, sometimes you will see, for example on CSX, a CSX locomotive on point. This happens for a variety of reasons, in many cases, however, it is because of certain types of signaling equipment or safety devices.
DL had a comment re named freight trains. There were quite a few on U.S. railroads; many of them informal and unprintable. Here are a few that I always liked. "Speed With" (New Haven); "Overnight" (SP); "Buffalo Boxcar" (PRR). One of my favorite informal names was the so-called "Midnight Horror" also on the New Haven.
Last to DL - Thanks for the trip report.
Work safe
Thanks CM3 for the info on the freights - yes some informal names here for merchandise, but the only formal name I know of was the 'Condor' - that was running in the early 1960s.
Anyway, I'll have a pint whilst I post this for Pete:
I see (after some Googling) Hattons Models in Liverpool (famous Liverpool model shop you probably know of, been there since at least the 1950s) seems to have a SR N class in Irish Livery for sale on website:
See this link and go to bottom of page (scroll down) item no H598, at 51 quid (might be second hand, looks in good condition)
http://www.connectstores.com/hattons/sp_785.html
You can contact them
Contact us: Hattons Model Railways,364-368 Smithdown Road,Liverpool,L15 5AN,
Phone +44 (0)151-733-3655Fax +44(0)151-734-4040
and there is an e-mail link form here at the bottom of their home page if you wanted to ask more about it
http://www.hattons.co.uk/
I guess what we need is an Irish contributor to this site to tell us more about modelling the Irish scene in the classic era! (if we can get a decent Irish Stout on the bar - perhaps something a bit more unusual than Guinness, we may attract one!)
Cheerio all
<huff> <puff> <phew> Just made it, but alas, not before NOON as promised! A shame to have my personal life get in the way of running this bar, eh <grin>
SPECIAL for passengerfan Al: PLEASE send me an Email via the Forums. We need to resume our comms. THANX!
So where was I Ah yes, acknowledgments . . . .
Rob at 9:37 PM yesterday: <argggggghhhhh> The Scourge of the Forums has revisited you! Nevertheless, still good to have you with us . . .
Nice to read some traction and signaling "stuff," which of course provides broader dimensions for our Classic Trains discussions!
DL at 7:17 AM & 9:04 AM & 11:36 AM today: An early morning visit from our other-side-of-the-pond Brit! Nice way to begin the day through a visit to what I hope has become your favorite cyber pub.
I note that you are still experiencing difficulties viewing the Pix some of us have Posted. I would greatly appreciate knowing of these occasions when they occur. Helps to keep track for my compilations to the people at Kalmbach and of course to ensure that my own Posts have been submitted properly. Thanx!
Not trying to be a ‘damp rag' regarding this, however, Posts to passengerfan Al at this juncture are somewhat futile. Until he resumes his position here at the bar, my guess is he's not reading, but only Posting. However, once he's back with us, you'll find at least an equal in knowledge of passenger trains to that which you've provided from your corner of the world regarding railways of all stripes. He's quite the asset, as are you, Sir!
What an absolute treat to have perused the information regarding the Swanage Railroad and your trip report! Kudos to you, Sir!
Also enjoy the exchanges between you, CM3 ‘n Pete. Makes for a lively atmosphere ‘round the Tavern by the Tracks. And - we only have 3 large screen TVs, none of which are located in the area of the bar! <grin>
Irish brews are stocked and readily available. Just make the call, and you'll find something more than adequate to meet your expectations!
CM3 at 9:38 AM today: It's always a better place when our WVA Connection stops by and today is no exception. A fine spate of info and of course the continuing generosity in the form of quarters for Herr Wurlitzer via our Coal Scuttle - and - the round surely keeps our registers, Tilla ‘n Cashinator humming along.
Ah, "the road that our ‘steamed proprietor will not let us mention here" must be the PennCentral! <arggggggggggghhhhh>
Also I may have neglected to throw in my appreciation for the "Blue Streak" info that you so promptly and thoroughly provided. Another "well done" to you, Sir!
Okay gang, ‘til I must take my leave again as the rigors of retired life are calling! <yeah, right!> Translated: my wife is still home from the University and wants me to accompany her to the milling throngs at whatever stores she has in mind. <ugh>
‘Til later . . . Ruth, a round on the house 'n Boris, ring the bell!
Here is something from the "It could've been us!" department that I thought you would find interesting. While browsing through my daily check of the CBC web site for news from Canada, this story "jumped out" at me. Read it and what I've provided further on, and you'll understand why!
Please take the time to check out the URL BEFORE reading any further:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2007/01/04/bc-derailment.html
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
As many of you know, my wife and I took our 2nd cross-Canada roundtrip a few years ago, departing Toronto on New Year's Eve 2002 bound for Vancouver. Along the way we encountered an event that undoubtedly will "live" on in our memories for all the years to come.
I have shared this story with you before and it was first Posted on a now "defunct" site I created, then Posted on Page 99 of the "original" Thread back on Sep 9th, 2005. Here are EXCERPTS for your perusal:
In December of 2002, my wife and I departed Toronto aboard VIA Rail's "Canadian" bound for Vancovuer. Having made the round trip once before, but in May, we were exicited about the prospects of a winter voyage across most of Canada. We were able to book the drawing room suite in the Park Car (Glacier Park) and settled into our seats in the dome as the train pulled out of Toronto's Union Station. The day was rather gloomy, a bit of light rain and sleet hitting the windows as we wound our way through and out of the city. The further north we got, the clearer the skies and by the time we started see evidence of that magnificant Canadian Shield, the skies were blue with some white puffy clouds. Great picture taking with some memorable sights indeed. Now I could continue this dialogue in the style aforementioned - but then it would just drone on and on - for really, the trip WAS fantastic. The snow amounts were far, far less than what we had hoped for - but then again, those of you living in Canada - especially the mountainous regions, know full well what the drought conditions have been like for quite some time. Nevertheless, we were undaunted in our optimism that the trip would hold true to our high expectations - and for the most part it did. On Friday, January 3rd, our train was struck by a rock slide just north of Boston Bar in the Fraser Canyon. Fortunately, this event did not seriously damage the train or harm any people within it. The delay of six hours wound up being a PLUS in that once we resumed our voyage, we got to view some sights that would have otherwise been "voids" to us. For had the train kept to its schedule, we would have passed through that area in darkness. (Same for the eastbound - darkness..........). Saw things that were all new to me (and have been alluded to in my previous posts) - for example, the rock slide 'sheds' that deflect the slides OVER the tracks rather than on to them. Interesting and effective concept indeed. Also the tunnel carved out of the rock - no portals - pretty rugged and functional. Can just imagine the work those people put into building that railroad! . . . . .
To sum it up, "It could've been us!"
Ruth my deAH, a frosty mug of Kokanee brew from BC, and slide those snack trays down my way, wudja please Yes, of course a round for the house, snacks for the critters and a small jar of pickled pig's feet for our resident cloven-footed Cyclops, Boris! <grin>
That's quite a sobering combining of the CBC article and the excerpt from your 2002-2003 Canada rail journey. Yes, how many times in life could any of us utter the phrase, "If not for (this or that) it cudda been me!" Been there, done that too many times, especially on the rolling decks above 'n below far out at sea. Sobering for sure!
Particular mention to DL for not only returning to the bar, but doing so with such enthusiasm and informative posts. 5- to you, Sir!
Your mention of getting a bona fide Irishman aboard brings to mind that we should also strive to entice an Aussie, and perhaps a Kiwi as well. I've had nothing but OUTSTANDING experiences with the guys from "down under" and what a welcomed sight it would be to have a few of 'em join us in the libations and goings on here at "Our" Place. The more the merrier!
Been an interesting past couple of days as the guys have wound their way back to Mentor Village and this fine establishment located near the main lines of the Can-Am. Makes for the fun and frolic intended and believe me, I've spent many an hour in a man's bar and aside from a few "tussles" here 'n there, have always come out feeling far better than when arrived!
That wasn't much of a shopping trip your Mrs. dragged you off on, Tom. <geesh> Had it been my lady, we'd have had to book a room for the night, just to get an early start for the continuation of what she calls shopping! Some people take this stuff far too seriously, huh <grin>
Rob, those Gremlins apparently have found your "number," with the on-again, off-again tool bar situation. Just curious, what kind of info did Kalmbach pass your way to help you
That info on your trip, DL, was very well done and there's more than enough info via the Urls to keep one engaged for quite some time. Amazing just how much is "out there" on virtually any subject. Unfortunately, there are really no checks 'n balances to ensure that whatever it is one comes away with is "Gospel," unless of course if comes from reputable sources. The advent of the internet has brought with it many unintended consequences, one being the fostering of anecdotal crap, which Tom detests and so do I. Sorry, I got sidetracked in thought.
Just wanted to remind you guys that tonight is PIZZA 'n BEER NIGHT! along with STEAK 'n FRIES NIGHT! here at the Tavern by the Tracks. begins at 5 PM and will be served by a trio of "Our" Place Gals!
One more, Ruth, then I'm gone . . . .
I' ll join DL in a Ringwood Best Bitter please RUTH. at 3.8 ABV a nice quaffing beer.
ROB Saw your post just before mine yesterday.It was good to see the toolbar back if only for a short time, today my puter keeps going back to the home page for no apparent reason.
Thanks for the Classic Juice post on the Nichols- Lintern tail-light.There is so much to learn in this great hobby of ours.
Another Our Place co-incidence, after we were talking about the wig wag signals I read a piece in the January issue of Trains mag which said there are still surviving wig wag signals, probably 15 to 20, in the state of Winsconsin.It would be great to see one in operation.
JAMES. I'm afraid I am not too up on the model railway gauge sizes,but they were a large guage. It would really need a video camera to capture the full atmosphere of the layout this year with the lights in the cars and the locos fitted with sound and smoke with automatic control the locos stopping at stations and to allow other trains to pass.
AL Great to see you in looking forward to your return.
DL Many thanks for the Irish model loco info and links. The loco at Hattons looks like the one I have. I did try Bachmann and they said the set was discontinued. On the box they offered two of the coaches as spares.Bachmann refered me to a company that does dis-continued items but they did not reply to my E-mail I sent over a week ago. As you say it is a bit surprising that no one has produced Irish models as they did have some interesting and colourful steam locos, also their GM diesels do indeed have quite a following.
Our Place does have a great St Patrick's day and Tom gets in some good Irish brews .
I have heard of the Condor named frieght it ran over the Midland line as you say from Glasgow to London. The train used the short lived Metro-Vickers type 2 CO-BO diesels. Here is a link to a cab ride on these locos on the Condor.
http://www.d5705.org.uk/start.html.
One other named frieght train I can think of is the Green Arrow fast frieght that was introduced by the London & North Eastern Railway in the mid 1930s that ran between London and Edinburgh. The first of Sir Nigel Gresley's 2-6-2 V2s locos was named after the service, No 60800 Green Arrow is the only survivor of the 184 V2s built. It is owned by the National Railway Museum and is passed for main line running on BR.
In BR days there was a fast frieght to Edinburgh, I dont think it had an official name but was well known for it was often hauled by a Gresley Pacific loco producing the sight of a streamlined class A4 with a train of 4-wheeled vans. I believe the train ran to fast timings.
YES Fred Dibnah did have that magic touch in being able to combine a great knowledge of steam and mechanical things and be able to entertain the enthusiast as well as the ordinary viewer..
It seems the main stream media has a terrible blindspot when it comes to reporting transport, especially railways, in the UK.
Since the new year I am trying to pack up smoking(again).
Great info on the Swanage Railway and the Standard 2-6-4 tank locos with great photos of 80104 in lovely weather . These tanks are ideal for the larger preserved railways being quite happy hauling 8 cars. We are lucky that a good number if them were sent to Barry scrapyard and were able to be saved. They are great looking locos as well,certainly up with the Fowler LMS 2-6-4s and, although it hurts to say it being a LMS man , the Great Western large Prairie 2-6-2 tanks for looks in my opinion.
I think the Winston Churchill van would be a good cause for the NRM.
CM3 Many thanks for the info on the loco movements. Shop Queens and Orphan Units. I would love to hear more about them as they are terms I am not familiar with.
We get ex Southern Pacific locos through here, mainly with the UP number, although there was a pure SP loco just before Christmas, they are usually the single locomotive at the rear of a coal train. I keep looking out for the locos that UP have painted in the heritage colors but with no luck so far. I guess they do not let these locos move about the UP system as much.
LARS Still no news on what a Norse bar is like.
I agree it would be great if we could get a New Zealand or Aussie rail enthusiast to join us at the bar, although the Australians have just whitewashed England 5-0 at Cricket, for the first time in over 80 years, in the Ashes test series
Back again, but only for a brief brew - thanks Leon - and some comments for DL 'n Pete:
Yes, I traveled aboard the "real" California Zephyr on a few round trips from Chicago to the "left coast." The good news is that the trips were fantastic and never once disappointed us. The not-so-good news is that I wasn't then and am not now much of a note taker or a photographer when it comes to travel. Just not my style.
So, I'll try to put together something from memory, but it will fall far short in terms of details and the like that so many others include "naturally." Thanks for asking.
Good to see ya, Pete and I'll take one of those "funny looking" brews you've been ordering. <grin> I've sent you a couple of e-mails over the past week, but think you've not received them due to your 'puter issues. No problems, just "talk."
Yes, let's do what we can to engage some other guys with similar interests and like-minded resolve to carry on in the atmosphere of an adult bar 'n grill setting. Pubs, bars, taverns, saloons - call 'em what you will, but there's no better place to pass the time than in a gin mill surrounded by a mentally healthy bunch of misfits!
Gotta run (again)!
Good evening Leon, I'll nab a Keith's and a nice medium rarewith all the fixin's if you don't mind.Looks like I have a toolbar again.At least for this post , oh well I'll roll with the punches the forum throws my way.
Lars-They didn't really send me any suggestions. She thought that I was running a mac and therefore having some of the same issue's that Eric was so she suggested alternate Mac friendly search engines,when they found out I was running PC they said they would check to see if it was an issue at their end. Yet to hear back on that one but as it goes it seems to be working at least part of the time.
Tom-That was quite the sobering article,and not to worry I'll get you a couple Blue's the next time we are riding a train together ( hopefully sooner as opposed to latter ) I have an email question to ask you so I'll send that out to you latter ( no big thing )Glad you likied the Lintern story. I get asked so often at the museum why the cars have the by-coloured tail lights, most peoples eyes glaze over when you try to explain them.Whatcanyado Hopefully we can entice Blackie to pop by here, he strikes me as an "Our Place " kinda guy or girl.
CM3-Great rundown on the power sharing and pooling a good read to be sure.I'm kinda not supprised that you knew Mentor. Coal minning town
Dl-Those were interesting links on that musuem neat read. One begs to wonder why and how Churchills funeral car ended up in the US though I'll aggree with Tom though if and when Al gets back upto speed ( as much as possible ) he is a passenger car/train font of information. I imagine that he's forgotten more about the subject than most people have ever learned.great to know that I was sort of on track in suggesting to Pete that he checks with Hatton's , thanks for finding the email address for him, I seem to have purged it from my system while I was rtying to figure out if it was indeed my problem with the formatting issues I've had lately.
Pete-I'm supprised that there are some Wig-Wags left, they are a bit more labour intensive to fix than standard grade crossing flashers,I'm supprised that railways in the US would still bother with them. Still they take one back to the more classic age of railroading.
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, old friend! No, just a cup of coffee if you still have any.
Another (short) work week gone! I missed last night and that gave me a lot of reading for tonight/this morning! I even found a short message from Al!!
Lars – You are absolutely right, this is a great place! Everyone knows something and together we know quite a bit, learning from each other.
I think the Larsman family will have a good year 2007 and you will bew able to make it to St. Louis!!I am looking forward to read about your travles aboard the California Zephyr! CM3 – You are right about what is deciding what kind of and how much power that will be assigned to a certain train. I worked as a locomotive dispatcher for a year and it is quite a job to figure out how to use available power depending on all circumstances. Mostly there are lists made up ahead of time about what power is supposed to be assigned to what train, but then something happens, a locomtive breaks down, and adjustments have to be made. Not only for one train but for a number of trains. You mentioned the weather. The fall is a very critical time. When the leafs are coming down along the line, the tracks get very slippery. Especially if it is raining a bit at the same time. That can create a lot of trouble for heavy trains. I read with great interest your info on power disposition!!DL – Denver had a very bad snowstorm, blizzard, the week before Christmas. The airport was closed for several days and thousands of people were stuck there. Some made it to the railroad station and managed to get on an Amtrak train. Snowsstorms also affect trains! Switches get full of snow and/or ice. The heating capacity is not big enough or the melted snow freezes under the switch and more melted snow makes the ice grow int to the switch and block it. Thanks for the links! I have heard about Hornby Trains but I don’t know if I have ever seen one. So the diagrammatic railway maps came in1929! I didn’t know they had been around for that long! Blue Streak is for real. As far as I know it was a highest priority freight train run by Southern Pacific. The train was called the Blue Streak Merchandise.Today Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are running the Blue Streak. More info on this link:http://www.progressiverailroading.com/freightnews/article.asp?id=3258Swanage Steam Railway seems to be a in very good condition! A lot of nice pictures on the two pages from the first day of operation! Tom – I searched (Googled) but could not find any Norseman Bar in St. Louis. With all the experience as a manager Lars has from Our Place I think he is the right person to open such a bar at St. Louis Union Station! I just don’t know why they had to change the livery of the X2000. In 1990, when the train was put into service, the railroad got a design award for the X2000! They certainly didn’t get any this time! It certainly could have been you! I wonder how common those rock slides are in the Fraser Canyon? I can’t see any protection for the track in that picture. Do you know if they have any sensors that via signals will warn the engineer? Sometimes one is saved just by a coincidence. If it hadn’t been for a faint, short, squeaky sound that I barely could hear I would not have been around today, I would have been smashed between two EMU’s. But I guess my Guardian Angle was there.Norse night at the Saloon by the Siding? Sounds like a good idea! Rob – I have to find some pictures of CN..., no I am probably better off not to do that. I trust your opinion about that paint job!Interesting story about the streetcar tail lights! I remember that hte more modern streetcars in Stockholm had a similar arrangement with a red and a yellow light. The red light was always on when it was dark as a regular tail light, and the yellowcame on when when the dynamic (or air) brake was used.My Mac works just perfect using the browser, Camino, that I found by accident. Everything is working!Pete – First a correction, there are no mines in Narvik. The mines are in and around Kiruna (in Sweden). The mining company, LKAB, had a number of small electric locomotives for switching. Maybe it could be one like the one in my picture below:
This is a Class Ue (rebuilt from a Class Ub and still marked as such). The one you saw was probably brown.The wig wag in my picture is located at Orange Empire Railway Museum in California. Where it was used earlier I don’t know. I guess I have to do some research to find out where those wig wags in Wisconsin are located. I plan to go there after our rendevouez in May. Al – You are missed Al!!! Hope to see you again soon! James – It is too bad the lenses had to be removed, but I know what you mean.
I guess it is time for a few hours of sleep. Thank you Leon!
Eric
Good morning Tom and friends! I'll have two light breakfasts please. Sorry I haven't been in the last few days. The bride has been ill and missing work, and you all know how dead I would be if I didn't divert my available energies to home management details. Lotsa great stuff posted since my last visit, as usual for you guys. Liked the picture of your dwarf signal James. Here's one at the IRM:
We have lots of ground level signals. I have their pictures at:
http://www.railimages.com/gallery/RR-Signals?page=1
Hope you're doing better yourself these days Tom. I'm reading great things about Amtrak ridership being up 91% between Chicago and St. Louis, now that they added the extra runs. I know it's not "classic" discussion, but perhaps we'll look back on these times as a turnaround for train transportation in the future. Interesting conversations on the California Zephyr from several here. I'm hoping the IRM gets theirs operational for the 2008 season, and that we might schedule to ride her. If not, we can visit her in barn 9, alongside the Little Joe. What's this I see? 20-fingers Al in our midst? Excellent! I see Rob is making regular stops these days too. I see he's trying to get in good with the boss though. A classic juice from a town called "Mentor". Just too much coincidence there! Good job keeping things going by manager Lars, Pete, CM3, DL and Eric! Hmmm ... I believe one of those guys has a birthday coming up this month ..... like on the 14th ... and will be 64 years young? Wonder which one it is .....
I'll have to look at everyone's page 3 stuff later, as I must run. Please forgive the hasty retreat, but I must get #2 son to Taesoodo and scurry back for more rock removal in back of our lot. It's important that I finish quickly now, as the lot next door just got a building permit, and I want this done before excavation starts, which might be as soon as Monday! My back is going to hate me this weekend. Here's a little ENCORE from myself, and have a great day!
Taxes and a Silk Train from Railroad Stories Dec. 1935
Back in the ‘80's the Canadian Pacific Railway owed the little village of Port Arthur, Ont. (then Prince Arthur's landing), about fourteen thousand dollars in taxes on property and right-of-way. This sum was an accumulation of several years, pending negotiations between the town and the railroad. The C.P.R. was asking for tax exemption on the grounds of certain advantages it brought to the town, and the village retorted that exemption might be arranged if the company would handle all its freight over the Port Arthur docks instead of diverting a part of it to Fort William, the newer town springing up in the west. William Van Horne, later Sir William Van Horne, president of the road, would give no assurances as to whether this request would be met, and the controversy entered the stage where neither side would yield an inch. The taxes remained unpaid. The C.P.R. was billed and bulled, cajoled, written to and written at, but it refused to pay. Tax collector William Sydney Beaver was ordered by the city fathers to get the full amount or to seize the railway property to satisfy it. He acted promptly, with the usual thoroughness of Canadian officials. Silk shipments from the Orient were then being routed to the East via Port Arthur. Mr. Beaver waited until a particularly valuable silk express stopped long enough to change crews and seized it in the name of the village. Telegraph wires buzzed. A town of a few hundred souls had the temerity to cross swords with the great national carrier! The village was adamant. Pay up and it would release the train; no pay and it would stay there until hell froze over. Interest on a million dollars mounts up fast, and the C.P.R. would be held responsible for undue delays. The village became hard-boiled. When the officials of the railway finally agreed to pay, the tax collector would not accept a check now a warrant drawn on the home office. He demanded cash. A hasty inventory of Port Arthur's one and only bank disclosed twelve thousand dollars - two thousand short of the sum needed. Mr. Beaver wouldn't take that either. Full payment or none was his dictum. After a frantic search, in which the C.P.R. employees were asked to contribute (as a loan, of course), the additional two thousand was raised. The full amount was paid and the train and its freight was released. William Van Horne was furious. He never forgave Port Arthur. He informed the mayor and the council that he would live to see grass growing on its main streets. Keeping his word, next spring the C.P.R. routed all its freight boats to Fort William, and began the removal of its freight terminals from Port Arthur. The feud grew by leaps and bounds. Port Arthur merchants refused to accept goods routed through Fort William. They notified consignors in both the Dominion and the United States that they also would not accept goods shipped on C.P.R. boats. This embargo had quick results and in two months, figuratively speaking, the railroad was on its knees to the town. Then William Van Horne came to Port Arthur to see at first hand the little village that had defied his company. The city fathers were ready for reconciliation, but not at Van Horne's price The removal of terminals to Fort William continued, but freight was routed directly to Port Arthur. This was a concession which C.P.R. had to make. Today Port Arthur has a population in excess of twenty thousand, much larger that Fort William, but it still remains, so far as the C.P.R. is concerned, just a station in its far-flung system. The main station is a Fort William - R.A. Emberg.
One day at school, the teacher was talking to the class about there parent's occupations.
Jane put up her hand and said, "My mother is a nurse".
The teacher said, "That's wonderful, she helps to cure sick people."
Andrew then out up his hand. "My father is a pilot," he said.
The teacher said, "Congratulations! Your father helps people get to where they are going."
Johnny then said, "Miss, my father plays the piano in a brothel."
The teacher quickly changed the topic, but kept it in her head for later reference.
At the parent/teacher night a month later Johnny's parents came to see the teacher and the teacher asked him if he really was a piano player in a brothel.
Johnny's father replied that he wasn't. But that is what he told Johnny because he didn't want to admit to being a lawyer.
Saturday is in full swing here in mid-continent USA with temps dropping, skies cloudy and petrol at $2.20 (rounded) up at "Collusion Corner." Why not begin this weekend with us by drawing a freshly ground ‘n brewed cuppa Joe from our urns, a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from the Menu Board and a few selections from The Mentor Village Bakery case.
Here is a follow-up to that CN train/rock slide story from yesterday, definitely worth the read: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2007/01/05/bc-engineer.html
Today is ENCORE! Saturday and don't let the change between the "old" and "new" Threads confuse you. Just copy whatever it is you want from the "old" - paste it here, then do a "preview" to see if the Pix ‘n graphics came through. If not, you have two ways to reinsert them - do a "right click" on what you want - copy the location data and paste it where you want it. Or go back to the original source and start over. Sounds much more confusing than it is. The key is to "preview" BEFORE Posting - just to make sure that everything shows up as desired.
Let's get right to the acknowledgments since my last narrative:
Lars at 4:05 PM & 5:10 PM yesterday: Couldn't agree more with your comments on bringing in guys from Australia and New Zealand. As with you, I've never encountered people from that part of the world who weren't as "genuine" as real leather. Would love to have ‘em!
Yeah, I'm "blessed" when it comes to the bride and shopping. She actually doesn't enjoy it and most times simply puts it off until there's no recourse but to get it over with. Lucky guy, eh Youbetcha! <grin>
I like the commentary on the unintended consequences of the internet. Life is full of ‘em. Take the cell phone as just one example. Look what has happened as a result of that innovation brought into mainstream life. One-handed driving is now more the "norm" than the exception, along with the preoccupation of simply being engaged in a telephone conversation. Absolutely frightening to peer into the review mirror only to see someone speaking into the phone stuck in their ear with no awareness of the danger they pose to others, much less themselves. Unintended consequences of the technology. There are university courses on the subject, fer sure, fer sure.
I'd love to read of your travels aboard the California Zephyr of days gone by, when it was operated by roads other than Amtrak. Don't fret over the small stuff - anything you can recall will be enjoyed by the majority of us!
Received your Email and responded - THANX!
Pete at 4:50 PM yesterday: Enjoyed the info on the "named" freights in GB along with the URL. Also, thanx for the "plug" for our St. Patrick's Day here at the Tavern by the Tracks!
Appreciate the info on your "display" locos. The one nice thing about having ‘em in model form is that they can be viewed whenever one likes. As you've seen, my display cases in the Can-Am Trainroom are chock full o' models of locomotives, passenger cars and freights that have totally disappeared from the landscape. But NOT from my trainroom!
I would hope that between you ‘n DL, we'll at least get a couple of new customers here at the Bar by the Ballast. Nationalities notwithstanding, as long as they appreciate and are willing to share info regarding "Classic Trains" - and of course are adults in every sense of the word - they are most welcome to join us!
A Norseman bar is simply a term applied to a pub where guys from that part of the world hang out. Nothing more. Just like an English Pub has a certain ‘ring' to it, or an Irish Bar, etc. Given the reception to your idea of a Norseman Nite here at the Saloon by the Siding, we'll have to work on scheduling it!
Your Email reply was received and responded to - THANX!
Rob at 11:50 PM yesterday: Of course you knew that Sir Winston Churchill was a U.S. citizen too as his mother was an American. Anyway, perhaps that had something to do with the car winding up here. He is still revered by many in this country, this household included.
Good to see that the "toolbar Troll" has spared you once again. But, always keep looking backwards, one never knows . . . . <grin> The good news is that Kalmbach responded to your request for assistance, even though they "got it wrong." It's a start!
Your Email was received and responded to - THANX!
Eric at 2:38 AM today: As always a most enjoyable inclusive Post from our resident desert Swede! <grin> You cover the bases well, Sir, as do some others ‘round here.
I'm not familiar with the warning signal arrangements along that particular stretch of CN track in BC. However, one would think with the rather frequent mud, rock and snow slides out that way, there'd be something to warn the engineer. According to the follow-up article they didn't have advance warning - just came ‘round the bend and there is was. A harrowing experience fer sure, fer sure.
On my trips through that area (4 of ‘em) it is interesting to view the "shed-like" structures that have been erected to deflect slides over the track rather than onto them. I've only been able to see them on one trip, as mentioned in my "report," because on the regular schedule, the train passes through that part of Fraser Canyon in darkness. Anyway, it's quite the adventure and those guys were lucky - oh so lucky. Your experiences will live with you forever, as do some of mine when flirting with death or serious injury. Probably some good material for our Rendezvous discussions, eh
Doug at 7:59 AM today: Figured it was either work or family that kept
ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday
Initially Posted on Page 218 at our "original" site
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #56 Here's something to enjoy regarding the Canadian Pacific (CP) from a 1965 advertisement in my personal collection. We'll give your holiday a foreign flavor . . . . . (just north of the border!) . . . . . Rail away with us through the Canadian Rockies aboard "The Canadian." You'll enjoy spectacular scenery, continental service in the comfort of a Scenic Dome streamliner as you travel the Banff-Lake Louise route between Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. It's a holiday all the way - gourmet dining, tasty budget meals, snacks, all accommodations reserved. . . . . . . . . . . Canadian Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trains/Trucks/Ships/Planes/Hotels/Telecommunications . . . . . . . . . . WORLD'S MOST COMPLETE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM . . . . . Enjoy! Tom
Initially Posted on Page 226 at our "original" site
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #61 Here's something to enjoy regarding the Union Pacific (UP) in a 1933 advertisement from my private collection:
The trail to "Wonderland" Union Pacific serves 15 of our National parks and more of the famous scenic wonderlands of the West than does any other railroad. Plan now to see the west this summer. We suggest: Zion-Bryce Canyon . . .Yellowstone-Grand Teton . . . . . .Rock Mountain-National Parks . . . . . . . . . Colorado California and Hawaii . . . Pacific Northwest and Alaska . . . . . .Western Dude Ranches . . . . . . . . .Hoover Dam All costs are down. Rail fares are the lowest ever offered. Sightseeing rates, hotels, meals - in fact, all expenses are reduced. . . . . . . . . . . UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OVERLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Enjoy! Tom
A pint of holden's Golden Glow please LEON and a round dispite the Chiefs losing.
ROB I was surprised too, to read about the wig wags still in use perhaps when Eric goes up to Wisconsin he may be able to find some and get some pics. Thanks for saying about Hattons It does look a great model shop..
ERIC Thanks for the link to the Blue Streak If you can it would be great to hear some tales from your days as a dispatcher.
Sorry about getting the site of the mines wrong. Yes that does look like the locos in that article the picture was in black and white so brown sounds right, thanks for finding the pic. Are you planning to go to the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay when you visit Wisconsin. It is a good museum, I will have a look to see if I have some pics of it.
I,m glad your guardian angel was about at the time of the EMU incident.
DOUG Hope your bride is fully recover from her illness real soon.
Thanks for the pic of the ground signal, it is of a simular design to the ones used on British railways before the introduction of the color light ones used today.
It is real good to read the Silk Train and Port Arthur encore An entertaining story of a town versus a railway.
It would be great if you could meet Tom and I in Chicago.
LARS Looking forward to your California Zephyr piece. Unfortunately I did not get your e-mails but it is working again now. It would be great if you could see you at the rendezvous, but if not we will certainly drink a toast or two to you.
TOM It was great to talk to you, I am keeping out of the brides way after the Chiefs display.
Enjoyed the CP and the UP Encores.
Thanks for the link to the CBC update. On the line to Oban in the Western Highlands of Scotland it is a single track line and a part of it was subject to rock falls. What was devised to protect the line was a system of wires that were connected to semaphore signals spaced along the track so if a rock fall broke the wire the counterweight on the signals would put the signal at danger and alert the crew of the train. It has been a few years now since I travelled on the line so I don't know if this system is still in use.
It should be a great Norseman nite at the bar, no doubt H&H will play a full part.
As you say, model locos and cars are a great reminder of the railroads great past and the detail on the models is wonderful..
What a great idea it would be if the Battle of Britain loco Sir Winston Churchill could be brought back to steam and do a tour over here, only a dream, I know but what a good one.
And now one of TOM's Encores
GREAT BRITAIN PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #3 from multiple sources First Posted on page 137 Here's something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with Classic Trains, this time from Great Britain! Check this pre-WWI poster out! LONDON & NORTH WESTERN & CALEDONIAN RAILWAYS TRAVEL BY WEST COAST ROUTE BETWEEN ENGLAND & SCOTLAND Comfort - Punctuality - Speed QUICKEST & BEST ROUTE BETWEEN ALL PARTS of ENGLAND and SCOTLAND PASSENGERS BY THE WEST COAST ROUTE MAY HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF TRAVELLING BY THE NEW "GRAMPIAN CORRIDOR" DINING CAR TRAINS of the CALEDONIA COMPANY in SCOTLAND. WEST COAST NIGHT EXPRESS LONDON (Euston) & SCOTLAND The Finest Vehicles in Europe, Vestibule Throughout. BREAKFAST, LUNCHEON & DINING CARS. Passengers traveling between England and the North of Scotland can go via EDINBURGH (Princes Street) and break their journey there, in both directions, without extra charge or inconvenience, and after visiting the places of interest in Edinburgh, resume their journey North or South from the same Station by the "GRAMPIAN CORRIDOR or other Express Trains. Enjoy! Tom . . . . . ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday . . . . .
Well LEON allow me to get another round.
Good morning Captain Tom and all present!!
A beautiful Saturday! We had some shooting outside here a half hour ago but now it is very quiet. There is an apartment complex next block and that's where shots were fired.
Doug – Glad to see you again, Sir!! Hope the Mrs is doing fine again!!Nice picture of the dwarf semaphores! 64? Who? Not me, I am just 27++. A good story about David and Goliath! Would have been interesting being there the time when it happened!Tom – The shed-like structures! That was exactly what I was looking for when I read the article about the latest slide! So there are some structures then.You are right, my experience is popping up once in a while in my mind for different reasons and I can still hear that faint sound. Yeah, we can discuss that in May. Talking about May, I have just started to plan my trip/vacation and I have now included plans to find as many as possible of the wig wags in Wisconsin after the rendevouez. Thanks for the two Encores! CP and UP, two great very Classic railroads!!Pete – After doing some reaearch I know exactly where I can find some wig wags in Wisconsin. I have friends in Baraboo I am going to see and, believe it or not, they have wig wags there! As far as I know they are still in service. My dispatching days? I’ll see what I can recollect and write down. That was more than 20 years ago. A job that some times was very quiet and other times a living hell. A good job to get an ulcer. It is not that easy to know exactly where those iron mines are located. Narvik is the Norwegian port from where most of the iron ore is shipped out. I don’t know if I will have time to go to the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay this time. But I will go to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, which is close to Baraboo! I have been there a number of times and love it.
Below are some pictures from the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, WI.
Two semaphores!
Interesting place!
M v h
Ingwar
Good morning Tom and gang. I'll be having the light breakfast, please. Delighted to hear that both yourself and Pete will make a stopover at Chicago's Union Station this month, and I'll be pleased to meet you! You do realize that with such short notice, I will not be able to arrange a parade for y'all, but perhaps you'll let me buy a few libations before your departure. Looks like Tom provided the only ENCORES yesterday, with some help from Pete. Oh well. We gets what we gets, and it's usually pretty good even when it's sparse. Eric blew the whistle on himself, and will be 27+37 (I did the math) on the 14th of this month. Nice pix of the Mid-Continent Museum. Looks like they get a lot of use out of No. 1385. Thanks to ya'll who wished my bride well. She's doing a little better.
Here are some classic pix from Chicago:
Every few minutes in the 1950's, a passenger train arrived or departed one of Chicago's six major terminals (from east to west - Illinois Central, Dearborn, LaSalle, Grand Central, Union and North Western).
Grand Central was perhaps the most deserving of Chicago's rail stations to receive historical landmark status and preservation. Unfortunately it also was the first of Chicago's six major stations to be dismantled. Opened in December 1890, Grand Central began hosting Baltimore & Ohio trains in late 1891 and Chesapeake & Ohio trains in 1903. Both roads stayed at Grand Central until the station was closed after the departures of November 8, 1969. The Chicago Great Western was a long time occupant until the end of its Chicago passenger service in 1956. Grand Central also was home for the Wisconsin Central (Soo Line) for many years until the Soo moved its last remaining pair of trains, the Chicago-Superior/Duluth Lakers, to the Illinois Central Station in 1963.
B&O's blue 1955-built E9A 1456 idles under Grand Central's huge shed after bringing in #7, the Diplomat, in July 1966. After Grand Central closed in 1969, B&O/C&O trains moved to North Western Station until they discontinued with the coming of Amtrak in 1971.
Dearborn, Chicago's oldest station dating from 1885, hosted the greatest variety of passenger trains of all the Windy City's great temples of transportation. In the late 1950's six roads called Dearborn home, the Chicago & Eastern Illinois, Erie, Grand Trunk Western, Monon, Santa Fe and Wabash. On a bitter January 1968 morning, E8A 814 starts a five-car Lake Cities toward New York.
In 1956 the passenger service of Canadian National-subsidiary Grand Trunk Western was entirely in the hands of handsome 4-8-4's out of Chicago (both steam and diesel were working freight). Alco-built U3b 6334 rides the turntable at the GTW's Elsdon Yard in September 1956 after bringing #15, the International Limited, in from Michigan.
The day is drab and cold as the 6408 thunders out of the curve past Elsdon Yard and across 55th Street in Chicago. It is February 5, 1957 - the last week for GTW steam in Chicago (although steam-powered runs continued for three more years in the Detroit area). Lima built U4b's 6405-6410 in 1938 with a streamlined jacket similar to the CN's own 6400-6404. The train is Number 20, the Maple leaf.
The Nickel Plate, officially the New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad company, concentrated on it's freight business, content to let giant neighbor New York Central worry over passengers. Nevertheless the NKP did manage a comfortable service and in diesels opted for Alco's classic PA's. Two of the blue and white Alco's accelerate out of LaSalle Station in May 1961, bound for Buffalo with #8, The New Yorker. Service continued beyond Buffalo to New York via the Erie-Lackawanna.
A guy walks into a post office one day to see a middle-aged, balding man standing at the counter methodically placing "Love" stamps on bright pink envelopes with hearts all over them. He then takes out a perfume bottle and starts spraying scent all over them.
His curiosity getting the better of him, he goes up to the balding man and asks him what he is doing. The man says "I'm sending out 1,000 Valentine cards signed, 'Guess who?'"
"But why?" asks the man.
"I'm a divorce lawyer," the man replies.
The bar at "Our" Place
is CLOSED on Sundays!
A somewhat gloomy start to Sunday here in mid-continent USA as the drizzle continues with temps in the low 40s, but expected to get into the 50s later on. No snow on the horizon and thus far it has been a rather disappointing season for Juneau!
Pull up a stool and enjoy a bit o' breakfast - bruch - lunch ('til 2 PM)!
To the acknowledgments:
Pete at 8:13 PM yesterday: Yes, that's correct 8:13 PM to get a "daytime" Post!! Anyway, yes - it was a pleasure speaking with you again and we'll be all set for our Chicago trip once I arrange for the ticketing this morning.
Weren't the Chiefs simply disappointing yesterday I surely expected better of them and thought that they'd "show up" with their "A game." Apparently the word didn't get out. Was most pleased with Seattle's win, but the game I'm looking forward to is the Super Bowl. Go Bears!
You'd think that something - anything - in the form of a warning system would be in place on that stretch of track where the rock slides seem to be so prevalent out in BC. Perhaps something is and the article just didn't get into it.
Thanx for the flattery through the use of one of my pieces as an ENCORE!
Eric at 1:25 AM today: Gun shots in and around where one resides is not a comforting thought. Did you find out what was going on Idiots.
Those deflector "sheds" appear to be principally located where the preponderance of slides are expected. Kind of like the "Deer Crossing" signs on the highways - as if the deer pay attention to ‘em! Anyway, those sheds were the only visible signs of anything precautionary that I saw along the route where the most recent slide took place.
Your mention of your vacation trip brings to mind that I better get my caboose in gear - as promised - with another Email installment of "what's happenin' with the Rendezvous!" <grin>
Love the Pix - many, thanx! That vintage auto has me wonderin' just what make and model it might be. Looks like a Chrysler product from way back - Dodge, DeSoto, hmmmm Anyone know
Doug at 7:12 AM today: A truly OUTSTANDING spate of Pix and descriptions from you on this day! I had been looking for some info on Chicago's Grand Central Station (as opposed to New York's Grand Central Terminal) and you found it for me! Nice shots - really nice. Save some of those B&O for this coming Tuesday's "Theme"!
Yes, it would be nice to "connect" with you in Chicago. I'll get an Email off to you later on this day with the details . . . kind of pressed at the moment for time. Our trip is a last minute arrangement, but we're gonna "do it" anyway!
Boris, serve ‘em all of the OJ they can handle!
Hello again guys! Glad you liked the earlier post Tom. Just got lucky on the Chicago Grand Central Station for you, but now that I know you're interested I'll be watching for more. Here's some more stuff:
Pennsy's finest was the all-Pullman Chicago-New York Broadway Limited. Urged east in steam days by double-headed K4 Pacifics and later by a Loewy-streamlined 4-4-4-4 duplex, the dieselized Broadway was led by Tuscan red E's, elegantly pin-striped in gold. A-B-A E7's back the Pullmans into Union Station in 1962, shortly before Broadway's late afternoon departure time. EMD 5863 still carries the tasteful gold pinstriping, but most units now were getting a simplified single broad stripe. Chicago's Union Station was the newest of the six major rail stations with a completion date of 1925. Calling Union Station home, in addition to the Pennsylvania Railroad, were the Burlington Route, the Milwaukee Road and the Chicago & Alton (later Gulf, Mobile & Ohio). Competition was keener at Union than at any other of Chicago's downtown depots. Both the Q and the MILW served up great trains to the Twin Cities, the Pacific Northwest and San Francisco, departing from the same station (although from opposite sides).
Five of the slant-nosed E6A's built by EMD in 1940 and 1941 hauled passengers for the Illinois Central. On August 17, 1964 the 4003 was the lead unit in charge of #14, the Land O'Corn, as it docked in the IC's Central station. Central was built for the Columbian Exposition of 1893 and in addition to being home for all of IC's intercity trains, the Central hosted Michigan Central and Big Four passenger trains (instead of LaSalle) under a long-term lease. In addition the Soo's Laker worked out of Central from 1963 until it was discontinued in January 1965.
The electrified Chicago, North Shore & Milwaukee operated fast and frequent service along the west side of Lake Michigan in the area indicated by its corporate title. Two sets of Electroliner equipment regularly spun off the 87 miles between Chicago and Milwaukee in one hour and fifty minutes including stops and some slow-speed street running in Milwaukee. Electroliners 801-802 and 803-804 came from the St. Louis Car Company and went into service during February 1941. In its last winter of operation for the North Shore the 801-802 were sold to the Philadelphia Suburban Transportation Company in September 1963 where they were renamed Liberty Liners.
Mother Nature has a special touch for those cities around the five Great Lakes. In addition to getting snows from passing storms, whenever winter winds blow off the relatively "warmer" waters of the Lakes, more snow falls - up to two inches per hour until the wind changes and somebody else catches it. Santa Fe PA's 67 and 74 loom out of a Lake Michigan snow squall with #23 at Clark St. on January 6, 1968. Trains 23/24, the Grand Canyon Limiteds, regularly ran in two or three sections behind steam into the early 1950's. As the number of passenger trains decreased on the AT&SF in later years, the economy-style Canyon gradually became the all-stops workhorse from Chicago to California.
America's favorite land cruise in the 1950's and 1960's was the California Zephyr, traversing the Rockies and the Feather River Canyon during daylight hours (in both directions) was a treat unequalled in standard gauge railroading. Here the CZ rambles west three miles beyond Earlville, Illinois, on February 21, 1970 with Q 9932B on the point. California Zephyr service began on March 20, 1949 and the final departure left Chicago on March 20, 1970 with CB&Q 9965 leading.
Milwaukee's Afternoon Hiawatha sweeps out of Union Station past a skyline dominated by a Chicago landmark, the huge Marchandise Mart. The four Skytop Lounge cars which graced the Hiawathas were built in the railroad's own West Milwaukee Shops in 1948.
Two women came before wise King Solomon, dragging between them a young man in a three-piece suit.
"This young lawyer agreed to marry my daughter," said one.
"No! He agreed to marry MY daughter," said the other.
And so they haggled before the King until he called for silence.
"Bring me my biggest sword," said Solomon, "and I shall hew the young attorney in half. Each of you shall receive a half."
"Sounds good to me," said the first lady.
But the other woman said, "Oh Sire, do not spill innocent blood. Let the other woman's daughter marry him."
The wise king did not hesitate a moment. "The attorney must marry the first lady's daughter," he proclaimed.
"But she was willing to hew him in two!" exclaimed the king's court.
"Indeed," said wise King Solomon. "That shows she is the TRUE mother-in-law."
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