"Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment!

[siberianmo]

<w/permission: http://www.scenic-railroads.com/>

G'day Gents!

Tuesday at the Tavern by the Tracks - coffee's hot - pastries fresh ‘n our <light> ‘n <traditional> breakfasts are ready for serving!

Quite a day yesterday, rather surprising for a Monday - but most appreciated by Cashinator and Tilla (our cash registers for those who either don't know or have forgotten!). <KaChing> <KaChing>

Looks like a day justifying some ACKNOWLEDGMENTS!

Once again, many THANX go to those of you who take the time ‘n make the effort to provide some "heads up" notice when absences or late arrivals are on the horizon. It TRULY helps me a lot in knowing when to provide stimulus ‘round here to keep the Posts going . . .

 

Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative):

Per at 10:54 AM Monday - June 11^th: Greetings! Great to have you aboard to help kick off a new week. "Rinsing down" your breakfast with Tequilla surely puts you into a class of your own ‘round here! <grin>

Should make a point straight away regarding Pix Posting on this Thread on other than Saturdays: There's really no prohibition, but moreso an "agreement" most of us have held to over the years to limit the fotos to those with supplemental relevance to the discussion at hand and do the "dumps" on the weekend.  We also have tried to keep the numbers of ‘em down to 8 or less, just to help with the "loading" issues that many of the guys have experienced . . . So don't be alarmed, you aren't being singled out! <grin>

Having said that, I just poured through your 15 fotos and found ‘em all of interest! Actually, your Post could have been easily provided in two-parts, eh Nevertheless, appreciate the travelogue and great narratives to go along with what we're viewing. THAT's the way to do it!

I'm ALWAYS ready for a passenger train trip, especially long distance and in particular with VIA Rail (western routes) - only thing getting in the way is my bride's availability to accompany me - she's still employed! <geesh>

Another fantastic "sky shot" with that sunset foto!

Clever move to "frame" the Amtrak station with an archway from the larger structure.  Always a bit sad to see the passenger rail stations reduced to mere function than charm. Who wuddathunkit way back when, eh

In a life long ago, almost as if it didn't involve me, my travels took me to Victorville and Barstow MANY times. Been to Victorville by car ‘n police helicopter - but that's a story for another place and time, eh <grin> Anyway, I used to enjoy watching the trains in that part of the country, but never as a bona fide "foamer" so much as ancillary to what I was doing for a living. Hard not to stop for a moment to enjoy those mighty machines pulling their loads, eh

I've never considered myself a "fan" of the desert landscape. However, I must admit to being captivated by the beauty of it from time to time. Driving from Needles to San Bernadino, for example, can be an enjoyable ride while taking in the vistas along the way . . . not a place I'd want to drop anchor, but still there's "something" about it.

Somewhere in an earlier Post you made reference to "Stewarts" - which I believe you meant to call, "Stewards." A term used for those engaged in food service aboard ships, trains ‘n planes of old.

Next comes the "dah" lessons! Beginning with the letter "T" . . . <go fer it!>

 

CM3 Shane at 11:30 AM Monday - June 11^th: Always time for quarters ‘n a round! That's what makes YOU "the" SURVIVOR at the Bar - from near inception to date, we've been able to count on you. Many thanx - as always.

Appreciate the input on the Broadway Limited - my earlier Post refers . . .

 

Lars at 1:47 PM Monday - June 11^th: Treats for the critters, a smile on Ruth's face, some typical Larsman dialogue AND book covers! All's well with the world when the Larsman is onboard!

Don't feel like the Lone Ranger, I'd have never thought of a library for accessing the internet either! Shows how much I know about those places these days <daze> eh AND I SHOULD know better, given that I spent so much time in the campus library during and after my "career" at college (following my REAL career, that is!!)

By the by, YOU are on the "list" for Emails regarding the 3^rd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in Chicago 2008. I don't plan on getting the first one out ‘til July though . . . plenty of time. More than likely I'll Post the "basic stuff" here at the bar, just to give those who either don't know or have forgotten how we go about planning these extravaganzas

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

MORE Pix from the

2^nd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis:

Saturday - May 19, 2007  

at the St. Louis Museum of Transportation (Kirkwood, MO).

 

New York, Chicago & St. Louis (Nickel Plate Road) #170 - Hudson 4-6-4. Built by Alco (1927).

 

Southern Pacific # 4460 - Northern GS-6 - 4-8-4. Built by Lima (1943).

Chesapeake & Ohio #2727 - Kanawha 2-8-4. Built by Alco (1944).

 

Trains in the shed:

Santa Fe #5011 - Texas 2-10-4. Built by Baldwin (1944).

Boston & Providence RR Daniel Nelson # 952 - 4-4-0. Built by B&P 1858-1863.

 

Chesapeake &Ohio #2727 Kanawha (above)

General Motors #103 - FTA (Demonsrator). Built by EMC (1939).

Missouri Pacific coach # 6210. Built by American Car & Foundry (1940).

 

General Motors #103 - FTA (above)

 

Illinois Central #30 Dynamometer Car. Built by IC (1943).

 

More later . . .

Tom

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

Continuing on with Pix from Day Three: Saturday - May 26^th, 2007 - Halifax, Nova Scotia

 

Pete ‘n Fergie on the ferry to Dartmouth (Halifax side)

 

From the ferry to Dartmouth - Halifax side

 

Across the harbor is Dartmouth

 

Ferry bridge

 

Canadian Forces Naval Base - Halifax

 

Spot the submarine!

 

To be continued . . .

Tom

[LoveDomes]

Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!

HAPPY 26^th MONTH ANNIVERSARY to "Our" Place! The best watering hole in cyber space and this side of the Ether!! A 5- Salute to the Cap'n who makes all of this possible!

Hello Ruth my deAH! You look splendiferous as always and I'm saddened to know that this place has been so quiet on a day where there ought to be RECOGNITION! My, my how things have changed since I first came aboard . . . BUT, I'm here and let's have some treats for the crittAHs - a large jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris and a Larsman special hero for me - ham, Swiss, mustAHd ‘n buttAH with two extra large ‘n crunchy pickles from the barrel. A round for whenever there's a bunch at the bar, a frosty mug of Keiths for me - AND - the change is YOURS! <phew>

Some continuing extra fine pix from Da Bossman and I'd say he's really keeping this place hummin' along and is getting some super support from Eric ‘n Pete, who have been as "regular" as possible without taking a laxative! <whoa!> I hope to join youse guyz once we get back home and my "routine" gets established. Surely cannot have Da Boss exerting himself on a non-stop basis.

Cap'n Tom, I "dig" those pix from the ferry. That's a wonderful area to visit and I recall a couple of port calls up that way that were memorable for this sailor. Always thought of the place as "quality" and very much steeped in tradition. Doesn't matter to me that it's not my traditiion - the idea of it is what counts! Thanks for putting all of those trip pix together for us. I'm enjoying 'em all!

We're heading up to San Francisco tomorrow for a couple of nights and then our flight back to New York. We've always enjoyed ourselves in that town - although I must admit, I'm really no fan of what goes on there - hardly what I consider to be a lifestyle of my choosing. Nevertheless, there are still bastions of "normalcy" around and places we like to dine. So it should be an opportunity for the two of us to recharge - unwind and get back to being Mr. & Mrs. We both need it.

Don't want to belabor this piece with my personal tripe. The purpose of my visit was to join in on the "celebration" - but it seems I'm the only one celebrating! <geesh> My guess is Cap'n Tom hasn't made mention of anything just to "test the waters," as he's done in the past. A shame, really.

Ok, boyz - time for me to skedaddle - I've got the reservations squared away for SFran and our return flights and found this ‘convenient' library en route where we're staying. NOPE - haven't spotted that lovely creature who was here on Saturday - still the same ‘crew' - National Geographic ‘n Popular Mechanics "gals" I'd guess! <grin>

For Per: The reference to "20 Fingers" goes back to a time when we had a guy who simply "dropped data" on us pretty much with every post. He truly had his heart in the right place, but when it came to passenger trains, there was no stopping him as page after page after page of "pure data" would fill up the thread. So much so that Doug named him "20 Fingers" - and it stuck. He's no longer with us as an active member, as he's entrenched in Tom's Legion of the Lost, most probably never to be seen or read from again! <phew> <grin>

For Eric: Still trying to "pin" something on Ruth and I, huh Gotta use a different lure ‘n bait if you're gonna be successful, mate!

For Pete: Don't know what your California plans are, but should you find yourselves in this part of the state, a day at the RR museum is a MUST for a guy like you. Sacramento isn't a bad place to check out and all depends on what time you've got and what you ‘n your Mrs. enjoy doing. No sea coast here - but still nice.

For James: Thanks for the kind remarks - didn't think you were around, otherwise I'd have made mention. Good to see ya!

We fly back on Friday . . .

  

Until the next time!

Lars

[wanswheel]

Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house

Good old Al ordered something to begin with CR, a nightly Crown Royal or morning Crumpet.

Wow!  26 months, that's almost 800 days, or ten times around the world in a balloon.

Wrigley & Tribune

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/cph/3c00000/3c04000/3c04100/3c04114v.jpg

Wrigley & Sun-Times

http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/il/il0600/il0630/photos/037143pv.jpg

Wrigley & Trump

http://img316.imageshack.us/img316/8690/trump12tx.jpg

Wrigley & Marine Angel

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/cph/3c10000/3c19000/3c19700/3c19799v.jpg

Wrigley Field

http://img.nytstore.com/IMAGES/NSAPSD2_EXTR.JPG

TWA

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0183396/L/

American Airlines

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/cph/3c20000/3c23000/3c23500/3c23568v.jpg

CV Ambassador

http://216.94.16.48/structures/index_view.cfm?photoid=1775812032&id=36

http://216.94.16.48/people/index_view.cfm?photoid=64502357&id=28

Data

http://www.legendsofhockey.net:8080/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/LegendsMember.jsp?mem=p196108&type=Player&page=bio&list=#photo

http://www.legendsofhockey.net:8080/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=12244

http://www.legendsofhockey.net:8080/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=13967

http://www.legendsofhockey.net:8080/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=13789

CV freight train

http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2002031916410019996.jpg

Mike

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

A pint of Batham's please Ruth, no no I don't know anything about a Connie.

PER As I was saying to LARS the bride and I are hoping to visit the museum in Sacramento any tips on what is best to see and any hidden treasures that be great.

Many thanks for the photo journey on the Southwest Chief this a train we are thinking about using to get to California and coming back on the Zephyr. The landscape in New Mexico is like none I had ever seen before. We had a visit to Santa Fe and managed at trip on the preserved line out of Santa Fe although the train did not go as far as the junction with the BNSF. Thanks for the pictures and info on the Santa Fe ‘Doodlebug'.

Your trip on the Amtrak to Los Angeles reminded me of a train trip a few years ago on a branch line that connected with a preserved line in the North East of England. The train was a 3-Car Diesel Multiple Unit which was the school kids special, you literally could hear the train before it arrived. The Guard (Conductor) said, as the 6 or so of us boarded the train " We have a space for normal human beings in the last car" Boy was that train noisy. The journey was enlivened when one of the youths got his head stuck in the railing by one of the doors, luckily with the help of some of his pals he was able to get his head free before his stop although at one stage it looked as though the Fire Service was going to have to be called. At each station the noise got less until they had all left but the train was full of litter, which the guard collected.

The ‘Chili Line' sounds an interesting railway, was it part of the Denver & Rio Grande system do you know.

Have a great trip to Madrid and California.

LARS Great to see you in again real glad you found the library. Any info you have about the museum at Sacramento would be great from you as well, when you have time.

Many thanks for the book covers, particularly like the B&O painting. As far as I can make out the A4 on the British book cover is No 60029, which carried the name ‘Woodcock'. The loco was shedded at King Cross (London) and was one of the A4s fitted with a corridor tender.

Have a safe journey home and look forward to your visits to bar when you get back home.

JAMES Great to see back at Our Place after the busy time you have had lately.

Thanks for the photos of the Santa Fe ‘Doodlebug' it certainly is an interesting railroad vehicle; hopefully it is on its way to a railroad museum.

ERIC You are right there is so much to see at the St Louis museum. That was my third visit and I have seen things I have not noticed before each time I go. Of course nowadays I have some idea of the history and the significance of the exhibits than the first visit when I knew hardly nothing about North American Railroads and locomotives. I am pleased to say Classic Trains and Our Place has helped me greatly to understand N.American railroads.

I wonder how far the 5 feet 6 inch track extended on the Missouri Pacific before it was converted to standard gauge.

I have a feeling that the Leyland bus builders were taken over although I have lost touch.

Looking forward to more info on the narrow gauge line at Linkoping.

 I sent e-mail, but the way the puter was yesterday you may not have received it.

TOM The puter is working better today although still slow. I thought I had lost my post yesterday but it appeared as did page 68.I will have a look at my photobucket again later to see if that will work again later.

Enjoying the info on the PRR Broadway dining cars from you and CM3. As you say, the info at Our Place is one to trusted we are lucky compared to some other railway info on the web. It a recent (British) Railway Magazine they have looked back over some British train performance myths. One example is of a legendary run by a Caledonian 4-6-0 at the turn of the 1900s, the writer found the original log and found the train timer had included the weight of the locomotive and tender in the train weight. When this was deducted from the load the engine hauled, it was a good run but not anywhere near the horsepower originally credited to the loco. The article on locomotive performance still appears in the RM, it has been running for well over 100 years now.

Many thanks for the great St Louis and Halifax photos, I guess that is one of the submarines that were bought from Britain and were not popular. I well remember you telling me about Tim Horton, I very much enjoyed th

[CMSTPP]

G-day Tom and all present!

Leon- A coffee and a turkey sandwich if you could, Thanks! Yike, Boris! What, Pig's feet!? Okay, Okay..... Ah Leon.. Better get some pickeled Pig's feet for "Our" critter.

Well things have been good and I have some good news, mostly on my part. A couple of people I know down at the museum trust me and a couple of my friends, to restore an old caboose back to its former self. It's a DM&IR Bay window that hasn't been used for quite some time. So I will be getting some pics of it as we go about working on this thing and I will keep you guys updated on it.

Acknowledgements starting on page 66.

Tom- I see that you have been quite a busy guy while I was gone, and a nice show with all of the Rendezvous pics. I really liked the mural at Truro. Someone has a lot of patience when it comes to those very large murals, and it looks good too. And an interesting building with the CN pensioners association located in it.... Hmmm.. What kind of mysterious things does the CN do here.... Also a bunch of great scenes, Thanks for sharing. Some great shots of the Bedford Basin and the Halifax rail yards. I see they have a some intermodal service up there. But I was quite surprised to see grain cars up there since you wouldn't think there would much for grain near the Bedford basin. Yet, I'm guessing they have some grain elevators around there. And some more nice photos from the St. Louis transportation museum. I am still quite impressed with that Zephyr. They really did a nice job restoring that old piece of time back to life. Thanks for sharing.

Some more nice Passenger Nostalgia about the NYC. All I can say is that it had to be a nice train even though I didn't ride it. At that time railroads were competing for the people to ride there trains and they made them look as nice and classy as possible, to keep everyone happy. To bad these legends aren't around anymore.

mmmmmm... Alco power.. I love hearing those things. They chug away without a worry in the world.... Well unless they don't need work.. but when doesn't a Alco need work. Nice pic of the Missouri Pacific RS3. Always good to see some Alco locos sitting around. And that nice looking SD45. Like I said, I wonder if that thing even works? They sure made it look nice. Hey, I know I can come down there, Prelube it and see if it won't turnover, how about that.

Back to the current page, some more nice photos from Halifax. That Heavy weight coach caught my eye. It's in pretty nice condition. Now do you know what trains this car ran on and do you have any background info on it? It's a very nice car. I wonder how the interior looks Thanks for the pics. Well, I'm happy I know the raod back or I would be stuck out in the middle of nowhere... Maybe by a set railroad tracks, eh. Alright, another question has risen. That Southern Pacific Northern GS-6 4-8-4.. what is up with the paint scheme I have never seen them painted in a black before. I have always seen them in the Daylight scheme.. Why Besides that, some very nice photos from you sir. 5- As Lars had mentioned, I also "dig" those Ferry Photos. And yes I spotted the Submarine... Interesting to see it above land.. But I guess they don't need it rusting through and sinking now do they..Thanks for all the fine photos.

Eric- Some nice shots you have there from inside the passenger train. It looks weird with all of those trees zooming by and everyone literally standing still in the car. It gives the effect of the train really moving fast! I can tell you this, The St. Louis transportation museum people sure know how to keep things looking nice. I am really impressed with there work. I need to get to St. Louis someday and give that place a looky! Thanks for the pic of the Lima built steamer. The paint looks really good.

Thanks for the sign that explained that tunnel to me. I can't believe how old that thing is. I was quite surprised by that little fact. Interesting none-the-less. Thanks for the pics.

Per- First to start things off, even if it is a little late, Happy National Day in Sweden. I'm sure there had to be some great parties and events going on.

That's a nice interior shot of that wooden passenger car. I'm afraid it would be a little uncomfortable for me to sit on but I bet people thought it was great when they first came out. Thanks for the pic. Thanks for the link to all of your great photos. Soon I will beable to have a "puter" portfolio like that one, as soon as my Canon Digital SLR arrives in the mail. Then I can take some pictures. I can't wait!!!

Well, I think your right when it comes to sharp curves like that. It's probably to avoid any type of grade they might encounter along the way. It was the same with Tehachapi pass. I don't know if you have seen it but it was built to get trains out of the mountains and to avoid the really steep grades.

How long ago was it when you took the pics of that gas electric You're right, they are in the exact area and they're on the same flat cars too. So I wonder if the guy hadn't taken the photo almost the same time you were there. Interesting. Thanks for the other

[EricX2000]

Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!

Nice to sit down for a while. Leon, tonight is the right time for my very favorite, Rumpsteak Café de Paris! That's right, medium! What? Ruth is cleaning and decorating the Penthouse? Really, no I won't say anything!

A whole bunch of pictures today! The Captain has been working hard as usual!

Tom –  Thanks for the Tim Horton info! Obviously a very good hockey player! When I get a chance I will stop at Tim Horton's and try the coffee. Maybe also a doughnut!

I’ll be back one day to go to the Museum of Transportation again and I’ll let you know when! I have a few more catalogs I’ll check for S-scale buses and other things. Just have to get them out of the box where they reside.

It would be interesting to know exactly what is hidden in that tunnel. I am sure it is filled with old locomotives and cars.

Nice pictures from the museum!! I especially like the first one of the Nickel Plate Road loco. Very nice! I never thought about taking a picture of it from that angle! I hope West Coast Dave can see the SP locomotive!

It seems like you and Pete had very nice weather in Halifax! Blue skies and sunshine! Is that Naval Base a big one? Reminds me about a Swedish Navy base that is partly inside a mountain. They can take in submarines and destroyers inside, where they are well protected.

Lars –  No, no, I am not trying anything. One of these days...

Thank you for remindning me about the Anniversary! We are all looking forward to have you back on a regular basis!

Mike –  Some old pictures from Chicago! I wonder how they managed to get that barge (?) that far into the city? The TWA picture reminds me that I have a similar one of a TWA Constellation. A beutiful airplane!

Pictures and data on those four hockeyplayers! Interesting combination, trains, players and data!

Thanks Mike!

Pete –   I think that SF Doodlebug is/was on its way to Sacramento! I took a quick look and the 5’ 6” track was at least all the way from St. Louis to Kansas City, including Jefferson City. They changed to standard gauge 1869.

I found out that British Leyland went bankrupt in 2005. But before that the Trucks Division - Leyland Vehicles merged with Dutch DAF. Hmm, it’s kind of complicated, there should still be a company called Leyland Bus. No, it was acquired by Volvo Buses and the name disappeared in 1993. Sorry!

I received your mail (Thank you!) and I sent a response tonight.

James –  Yes, St. Louis Museum of Transportation is a very interesting place to visit. It will take several days to see it all! Some of the cars and locomotives are in pretty sad shape, but they are working on them to put them back in good condition. But it takes a lot of work and even more money!

I am adding a picture of a SP locomotive. Class SP-2, #5021.

 

 

Eric 

[siberianmo]

<w/permission: http://www.scenic-railroads.com/>

 

Wednesday's Witticism

Drunks sober up. Fools remain fools.

 

G'day Gents!

Mid-week again and mid-continent USA is enjoying some pre-summer weather as the temps are expected to remain comfortable in the morning, with high 80s to lo-90s (F) during the afternoon. Blue skies for the most part, just a "great to be alive" day!

Petrol dropped to $2.82 (rounded) up at "Collusion Corner" - but who knows? We've got the 4^th of July "hike" to look forward to, eh

Received an Email from trolleyMAN Rob yesterday. He "sounds" serious about stopping by - but it's best we don't get our hopes up, for his "play time" has been dramatically reduced.  It's a shame he's missed (and is missing) so many fine Posts ‘n Pix . . .

As previously mentioned, we've lost the man as a "regular" and as our "Chief Chef." While life marches on, he is sorely missed . . . the last of the "plank owners" at the bar. Unlike so many who've simply dropped off the face of the Earth, Count Robulla wants to maintain the "ties" - which ain't so bad, eh Youbetcha!

It has been, and always will be, a personal choice to frequent this place . . . where there's a will, there's a way, so the saying goes, eh

So our 26^th Month Anniversary came ‘n went with only ONE upfront recognition. Many THANX to our Manager Lars for remembering . . . yes, things have surely changed at this Bar by the Ballast. Ah, there's that word again, CHANGE . . .

 

Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative):

 

Lars at 3:24 PM Tuesday - June 12^th: First daylight visit of the day! Thought perhaps we'd have a "shutout"! <geesh>

Good for you ‘n the bride - a couple of nights in the Bay Area is good for the heart ‘n soul! Great place for a bit of rekindling the flame and so forth! Enjoy, Mate!

We'll be looking for your return to the Saloon by the Siding AND making a "dent" into that pile of paperwork that's accumulated in your looooooooong absence. <groan> Not to worry, Boris has been keeping things in some semblance of "order" ?!?!?!? <uh oh>

Remembering our bar's Anniversary day means a lot to Moi - much appreciated! And to stop off at a library to do so adds even more meaning to your consideration!

OR were you in hopes that "Connie" would be around?? Hmmmmm, nah - YOU wouldn't think of such things, eh

Thanx for the round, treats for the critters ‘n conversation!

 

Mike at 4:32 PM Tuesday - June 12^th: Two Pix ‘n URLs from our Resident URLMeisterMonster. Good show!

 

Pete at 5:58 PM Tuesday - June 12^th: An inclusive, informative ‘n interesting Post from our Bar Chandler!

No, that sub is NOT one of the "flawed four" purchased from the Brits - I recall Fergie making mention that she was "up" like that initially for the winter. But wondered aloud why she was still out of the water . . .

Amazing how things "live" seemingly forever, even if flawed in content 'n context. That's why I "harp" on references and the like when putting out "stuff" here at the bar - especially where there are so many browsers bent on dropping off their "one liners" as if that's "proof." <barf> The downside of freedom of speech, eh Then again, one doesn't have to believe all that is espoused . . . .

I've probably been to San Diego at least three dozen times, mostly business. But when for pleasure, I ALWAYS took the time to visit Balboa Park - especially the Model RR Museum. Check this link: http://www.sdmodelrailroadm.com/

Also, here's a connection for the California State RR Museum in Sacramento:

http://www.csrmf.org/default.asp

Round appreciated - Enjoy your day!

 

James at 9:01 PM Tuesday - June 12^th: Quite an inclusive Post from our Duluth Connection!

Grain cars in Halifax would be for export as the port is Canada's most significant Atlantic outlet . . . best guess is grain comes from the prairie Provinces, most likely Alberta.

You'd have to possess the "secret word 'n handshake" to know what goes on in the CN Pensioners shack . . .<grin> Good observation!

Sorry, but without West Coast S - Dave - around, there's no one I'm aware of who can claim the "title" of Southern Pacific Aficionado - so the answers to your questions may be awh

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

Ruth, take a break - make it a long one - go on over to the Mentor Village Mall 'n Fish Hatchery and spend some money! <grin> I'll watch the place . . .

Every now 'n then there comes a topic that interests me regarding passenger rail service, especially here in my part of the country. For years - decades - there's been "talk" about resurrecting the route between St. Louis 'n Springfield - once a thriving FRISCO line (St. Louis-San Frfancisco Railway Co.), but today nothing but a memory.

So, there's a CLASSIC TRAINS connection with this Post of mine!

Several years back, I was a participant in a semi-official citizens-government group whose purpose was to keep the Amtrak line between St. Louis 'n Kansas City, MO a thriving one. The group was hosted by MoDOT (Missouri Department of Transportation) and was comprised of representatives from all of the ten cities along that route. Representatives of the Mayor's offices - Chambers of Commerce - Tourism organizations and passenger rail lobbyists (Moi) were included. Amtrak sent representatives to the quarterly meetings from their offices in Chicago and at times we'd even be "blessed" by the appearance of Union Pacific Railroad - the not-so-motivated "host" of the StL-KC route.

A "hook" the group had was to communicate to the state legislature a "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" regarding the continuation of the subsidy for the intra-Missouri Amtrak operations. Obviously, Amtrak was a cooperative participant. But I should mention, ALL of their reps that I came in contact were great people who really came across as wanting to provide the best service possible within the very tight budget they were given. That's the absolute truth from my aging recollections . . . <grin>

Anyway, every now 'n then the topic of expanding Amtrak services within the state would crop up and we'd have some lively discussions that usually ended the way they began. Nice topic, no money, case closed.

It appears that "something" is in the wind with the St. Louis-Springfield idea - but I'm not really encouraged beyond saying that. For once you read the article I'm providing, you'll see that to get this up 'n running will take effort beyond belief, funds that aren't identified, and of course passengers.

Here then are two articles of interest to the resurrection of a route that still lives within the memories of those who experienced those FRISCO Classic Trains:

MoDOT proposes St. Louis - Springfield Amtrak line - June 16, 2006

The Missouri Department of Transportation proposed Wednesday an Amtrak passenger rail service between St. Louis and Springfield, Mo., and to lessen congestion on Interstate 44.

The department, along with Amtrak, is exploring the possibility of one round trip daily between the two cities, according to a release. The rail line would head northeast from Springfield and make stops along the way in Lebanon, Rolla, Sullivan and Kirkwood, Mo., before reaching St. Louis. The train would run on existing privately owned rail lines.

A map showing the proposed and existing Amtrak corridors in Missouri can be viewed on MoDOT's Web site.

The state of Missouri currently supports an Amtrak route between St. Louis and Kansas City, Mo. National Amtrak currently runs two rail service lines in Missouri, one from St. Louis south to Poplar Bluff, and another between Kansas City and northeast Missouri heading to Chicago.

Conditions may be right for an expansion in service, MoDOT Multimodal Operations Director Brian Weiler said in a statement: "Population and travel is way up in the Springfield/Branson area, and Fort Leonard Wood is very busy as well. And with highways becoming more congested and fuel costs going up, more people than ever are looking for other ways to travel."

The possible expansion would be at least a year or two away, according to Weiler. Funding, stations and crossings are among the details that have yet to be worked out.

Now, fast forward to current time . . .

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Amtrak Skeptical about St. Louis - Springfield Route

Below is the press release that Amtrak issued concerning proposed service between St. Louis and Springfield. Missouri has made no significant investment in passenger rail, unlike in many other states such as Illinois where the state and freight railroads have made joint investments to improve service.

CHICAGO - Amtrak has provided a report to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) that shows formidable obstacles to possible passenger rail service between St. Louis and Springfield, Mo. The report requested by MoDOT found strategic merit to the proposed route, including serving the state's third largest metropolitan area, tourism potential, and connections to Amtrak's national rail service. However, it would also require an initial significant capital investment and ongoing state operating support. The lack of a competitive trip time versus that of automobiles and a lower than expected ridership projection were also cited as concerns.

Specifically, the report found the route as-is would generate only 34,000 passengers annually, including 5,000 connecting from the current state-supported Amtrak service between St. Louis and Kansas City. This is primarily due to the lengthy travel times on the nearly 235 miles of track, largely owned by the BNSF Railway, with train speeds lower than that of the adjacent Interstate 44. The result is a trip time of almost six hours -- nearly twice that of driving -- even after building a $4 million track connection between the BNSF and Union Pacific Railroad to shorten the route and complement the current state-supported service at Kirkwood, Mo. by adding a stop there. The low speeds are mainly due to the BNSF track as it follows the undulating terrain in the scenic Ozark Foothills, with much of it as curvature.

The report estimates the direct cost of providing the service would be $4.1 million annually and would generate approximately $700,000 in ticket revenue. The initial annual state contract cost would be approximately $3.4 million. Another issue is the lack of available station infrastructure at proposed train stops in Sullivan, Rolla, Lebanon, and Springfield. Communities along the existing St. Louis to Kansas City service receive no state funding for station construction and must fund these projects locally. Proposed changes to federal regulations require all new train stations meet new standards, to include a full-length platform to serve the longest passenger train using the line. It could cost several million dollars per stop to construct the required station infrastructure. Due to cost constraints, Amtrak was not asked to study a major re-engin

Happy Railroading! Siberianmo