Howdy hi from the Barndad, located in the break room of the soon-to-be-open Office Depot in Woodstock! I'll just leave money with Tom for your round, as I cannot partake of adult beverages myself. They're working the heck out of me, and all of us, here in preparation for an August 10th opening. Wish I could see all those Canadian pix that the boss uploaded, but these store computers allow very little in from the outside world.
Great to see the thread is so active, and picking up new patrons! Keep up the great work, as usual. Speaking of work ..... TTFN!
G'day Gents!
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative)
Great to see the return of Fergie our Maritime Canada Connection at 11:12 AM today - Aug 4th! Took the time 'n made the effort to pass along greetings from out at sea! Even picked up on the Coast Guard Day recognition - much appreciated.
Fair winds 'n following seas, Captain!
Email received 'n responded to . . . thanx!
Appreciate the greetings from the officers 'n crew aboard the good ship Hudson (Canadian Coast Guard Ship - CCGS)! Nice touch . . .
Continuing 'n most welcome support from Lars our Manager who stopped by at 11:14 AM today - Aug 4th! Much appreciation for the ENCORE! selection (wonder if Doug even saw it??!!) Anyway, the material goes well with the discussions we've been having about DOMES!
<barbs> directed at the USCG all taken in good fun - no thin skins allowed at this bar! Anyway, you more than made up for it with that nice finish! Navy guys are welcome 'round here, as long as they're BUYING! <grin>
Thanx for the visit, chat, ENCORE! 'n round!
Then Doug popped in at 1:03 PM today - Aug 4th from The Legion of the <almost> Lost! His was the 1800th Post at the "reborn bar." Hold the applause, he won't hear it . . .
Glad my Email got you back, if only for a moment . . . Bucks for beer appreciated!
Emporium Theatre listings will be my finale for the day . . .
Later!
Tom
ENCORE! Saturday ‘n Photo Posting Day!
at "Our" Place!
We are CLOSED on SUNDAYs!
For those who have been following along these past couple of Saturday's, I've been Posting some fotos from my 2006 Alaskan RR Adventure. Here is another installment taken from Page 377 of the Original Thread, Posted on 18 June 2006.
Continuing on from last Sunday with two more sets of Pix from our recently concluded Alaska Rail Adventure! See Page 351-352 for others. Click to enlarge (1) First sighting of Mt. McKinley (Denali) - from the northbound train Tallest mountain in North America at 20,320 ft (6,194 m). Native Americans and Alaskans refer to the mountain as "Denali" which means "the great one." (2) Mt. McKinley (Denali) in the clouds - center, right - from the northbound train (3) Bridge at Hurricane Gulch - from the northbound train Built in 1921, is the longest bridge on the railroad - just over 914 ft (279 m) and is poised 296 ft (90 m) above Hurricane Creek. (4) AAR passing Denali Star trains! (5) Princess cruise lines car on the southbound Denali Star Check out the lower right corner of the car - probably pay extra for that service! (6) AAR Denali Star northbound in the Alaska Range (7) AAR Denali Star northbound in the Alaska Range Yes, that's ice in the river! (8) AAR Denali Star northbound in the Alaska Range (9) AAR Denali Star passing a southbound coal train That guy must be traveling 1st class - freight! (10) AAR Denali Star passing a southbound coal train One of the "issues" we read about was the enormous amount of coal being shipped to Asia from Alaskan mines. (11) A room with a view at Denali! This place is called Denali Bluffs and is situated within a short drive from the main entrance to Denali National Park. (12) In the wilderness at Denali National Park The park is larger than the state of Massachusetts and has only 90 miles of paved road, and much of that is restricted access - no RVs, campers, snow mobiles, etc.
We are CLOSED on SUNDAYs!Starting Sunday at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!
. . . August 5th thru 11th: THE THREE STOOGES DOUBLE FEATURE WEEK! Hellzapoppin (1941) - and - Butch Minds The Baby (1942). Bugs Bunny CARTOON: A Wild Hare (1940).
TheThree Stooges: Butch Minds The Baby (1942)
Features Shemp Howard (solo)
PLOT SUMMARY:
Reformed safecracker Aloyisius "Butch" Grogan (Broderick Crawford) regularly baby sits the infant son of widow Susie O'Neill (Virginia Bruce). When his former cronies come to him with a payroll job, Butch signs on because he is the only one experienced to handle the nitroglycerin needed to blow the safe... and then realizes that it's on the same night that he baby sits. He can't find a substitute sitter, and decides that the only thing he can do is take the baby with him. Complicating matters are Susie's suspicious policeman boyfriend (Dick Foran), and a curious baby with an attraction to nitroglycerin.
<from: threestooges.net>
Hellzapopppin (1941)
Universal purchased the film rights to Ole Olsen's and Chic Johnson's Broadway hit HELLZAPOPPIN' (1938 - 1941), an 'anything-goes' revue of non-stop jokes and sight gags... with some minor conditions that included the introduction of musical numbers, a linear storyline, and a romantic subplot. Olsen and Johnson complied, and with the help of screenwriter Nat Perrin, lampooned everything that Universal wanted.The filmed insanity of HELLZAPOPPIN' is unacceptable to the director (Richard Lane), so Ole and Chic break the fourth wall of reality with the help of projectionist Louie (Shemp Howard), and screen an imaginery film with the requisite studio demands. Louie and his film projector control the goings-on around Ole & Chic, with reality-altering complications provided by his fat, short-tempered girlfriend in the projection booth.Rich Kitty Rand loves struggling stage producer Jeff Hunter, and Jeff's new high-class production of orchestral music and ballet will premiere at a society affair on her parent's vast estate. Kitty's parents disapprove of Jeff and want her to marry dim-witted playboy Woody Taylor. Jeff's partners Olsen & Johnson bring their inspired insanity to the Rand estate, along with Chic's man-hungry sister Betty (Martha Raye), and Jeff's ballet star Pepi (Mischa Auer), a phony, exiled Russian Prince. Betty's late night pursuit of Pepi launches a series of misunderstandings, leading O&J to conclude that Kitty has fallen for Pepi. The comics decide that Jeff's honor is worth more than the success of the show, so Chic and Ole set out to sabotage the premiere, resulting in... HELLZAPOPPIN'! Throughout it all, zany master-of-disguise PI Quimby (Hugh Herbert) plays the Greek chorus, wandering through scenes with a series of trademark 'hoo hoo's' and nonsensical observations.Don't worry, none of this is supposed to make sense!
The filmed insanity of HELLZAPOPPIN' is unacceptable to the director (Richard Lane), so Ole and Chic break the fourth wall of reality with the help of projectionist Louie (Shemp Howard), and screen an imaginery film with the requisite studio demands. Louie and his film projector control the goings-on around Ole & Chic, with reality-altering complications provided by his fat, short-tempered girlfriend in the projection booth.
Rich Kitty Rand loves struggling stage producer Jeff Hunter, and Jeff's new high-class production of orchestral music and ballet will premiere at a society affair on her parent's vast estate. Kitty's parents disapprove of Jeff and want her to marry dim-witted playboy Woody Taylor. Jeff's partners Olsen & Johnson bring their inspired insanity to the Rand estate, along with Chic's man-hungry sister Betty (Martha Raye), and Jeff's ballet star Pepi (Mischa Auer), a phony, exiled Russian Prince. Betty's late night pursuit of Pepi launches a series of misunderstandings, leading O&J to conclude that Kitty has fallen for Pepi. The comics decide that Jeff's honor is worth more than the success of the show, so Chic and Ole set out to sabotage the premiere, resulting in... HELLZAPOPPIN'! Throughout it all, zany master-of-disguise PI Quimby (Hugh Herbert) plays the Greek chorus, wandering through scenes with a series of trademark 'hoo hoo's' and nonsensical observations.
Don't worry, none of this is supposed to make sense!
Cartoon Special:
A Wild Hare is considered by many film historians as the first "official" Bugs Bunny cartoon. The title is a play on "wild hair", the first of many puns between "hare" and "hair" that would appear in Bugs Bunny titles.The basic plot of A Wild Hare, which centers on Elmer Fudd's hopeless pursuit of the much smarter Bugs, would serve as a template for many subsequent cartoons. In addition, many of the specific gags and plot devices in this cartoon became part of the template for later Bugs/Elmer confrontations, with subsequent shorts repeating them or varying them for comic effect. Examples include Elmer failing to recognise Bugs as a rabbit, Bugs kissing Elmer, and Bugs feigning death.
The basic plot of A Wild Hare, which centers on Elmer Fudd's hopeless pursuit of the much smarter Bugs, would serve as a template for many subsequent cartoons. In addition, many of the specific gags and plot devices in this cartoon became part of the template for later Bugs/Elmer confrontations, with subsequent shorts repeating them or varying them for comic effect. Examples include Elmer failing to recognise Bugs as a rabbit, Bugs kissing Elmer, and Bugs feigning death.
Special note: The month of August (starting on the 5th) will be Three Stooges FEATURE Films month! Watch for the double features!
Enjoy the weekend! Tom
HI Tom and all.
A round please CINDY to celebrate United States Coast Guard Day and FERGIE'S elevation to Skipper.
ALLAN It will be good to go to Kansas City again with Tom on Amtrak. Many thanks for the birthday wishes; I will post the encore of My East Coast Main Line trip from last year. We will miss you while you are in Auckland; have a great time at the 50th anniversary of your wife's sister.
Rhyl was where I spent a lot of our annual holidays when I was a lad, in the late 1950s and early 60s, do you remember the miniature steam railway that ran around the boating lake there.
Thanks for the Hornby link, it is a good site. I would like to see one of their live steam models in action, No 60008 looks a great model, although I would like to see an A4 in the black livery with NE on the tender, if it was in clean condition.
ERIC Really glad your visit to the DOC turned out really well.
As you say with the weeds on the track what could be controlled fairly cheaply now may cost a lot more to repair later. One of the worse to me is, in the UK, you can see bushes, quite large in some cases, growing out of brick retaining walls and the sides of bridges and viaducts, those surely must be causing damage.Thanks for the info on # 6711 it seems quite an historic locomotive; I still can't find that guidebook.
Tom put it very well on my sad look, heading back to reality after 6 great days in Canada.
FERGIE again on your promotion. I hope it becomes permanent in the near future. Anyway wishing you calm seas and a good voyage.
LARS Enjoyed the maritime banter between Tom and you.
I was about on time with my afternoon posts until Tom compared me to Amtrak.
You are right about the dome cars, now I have been on a journey in one I would like to go on another.
There is a problem with the Zeppelins every since Boris found out the puncture repair kit for the Zeppelins works just as well on his inflatable ‘friends'
Many thanks for Doug's Milwaukee super Domes Encore, That was interesting about the ‘Solar Discs' as an extra temperature control, I wonder if they worked. Although 18 months ago, I can still remember the joke at the end.
A smaller dipper, pretty soon it will be a spoon.
DOUG Great to see you in and thanks for the drink. We have picked up some good new guys but you are very much missed, even the jokes.
TOM Many thanks for the USCG post ‘A Tradition of Heroes' indeed. A very well written first part of the post and an interesting history of ‘Coast Guard Day'.
Those pics from Exporail was three out of the six in Shed #1 that were worth showing as the rest were too blurred. I am very grateful to have your photos as a memento to that wonderful museum.
Many thanks for those wonderful Alaska photos, to be able to ride a train in such marvelous scenery today is a great thing in my humble opinion it would be nowhere near the same experience in a bus.
I do hope the guys enlarge the photos to get the full effect, love the one with the ice on the river, and if the car in #5 lived up to it's labeling. Good to see a fright train on the line as well.
Summer
Hi Tom and all.
Another Bathams please LEON
An encore from last year.
A TRIP TO SCOTLAND JUNE 2006.
Part One Rugby to Newcastle.
A trip I did manage to take while in England was a day trip to Stirling, Scotland. It was an early start with leaving the house at 5:00 AM and walking the mile and a half or so to Rugby station. A pleasant walk, just cool enough in the early morning light to need a light coat, at that time of year it gets light about 4 AM in England.
Arriving at the station a pleasant surprise was that the station buffet was open and plenty of time for a cuppa tea.
In the new timetable which had started earlier that week, a train using an 87 electric loco and coaching stock was timed to leave Rugby for London at 6:20 AM, this was waiting on platform 1. Apart from one train in the evening all services for Virgin are booked for Pendelinos, Virgin's new 9-Car tilting Electric Units, capable of a higher speed but running at 125 MPH at the present, and it was a Pendelino, which arrived on platform 2 with the 6:05 am to London. I did toy with the idea of waiting for the 87 hauled train but decided to go with the 6:05. Come departure time and no movement, and then the conductor came on and announced that some overnight engineering work on the main line was running late although we should be away in a few minutes. A couple of trains had passed us but they were routed via the Northampton loop and as one was an intermodel freight; if we had to go that way we would be delayed. But the conductor was good to is word and after a short while the Beep-Beep of the automatic door closing sounded and we were away for a pleasant 82 mile journey in a hour, with 2 stops, and a on time arrival in Euston.
It is fairly short walk along Euston Road from Euston to Kings Cross station and the rush hour was not yet started at that time. There is an Underground connection but by the time you get your ticket and go to the deep level tube line it is almost as quick to walk plus the minimum fare on the Underground is now 3 Pounds (about $5.30).
There was a fair bit of construction work at St Pancreas station in connection with the new Channel Tunnel Rail Link, next door to King's Cross.
I don't know if it still is, but the King's Cross area was noted as a haunt of the 'Ladies of the Night' but I did not see any, perhaps they had finished their shift.
London King's Cross station June last year. the loco on the left is class 91 91130 'City Of Newcastle' The train on the right is a GNER HST.
The train to Edinburgh was due to leave at 8AM but as the 7:30 to Newcastle had not left I decided to go on that. The loco hauling the train was a class 91 electric loco #91120 and carried the name Royal Armouries(I believe to commemorate a museum in Leeds).
An on time departure had us soon heading out of London with the inbound line busy with Electric Multiple Units of classes 313, 317 and 365 bringing the commuters into the City.
After 77 miles our train arrived at Peterborough passing over the former London & North Western Railway line which ran to Rugby and for the first few miles out of Peterborough is now The Nene Valley preserved railway which has steam-hauled trains at weekends.
Departing Peterborough, past the freight yard which had 3 GM class 66 locos in the blue and yellow livery of the GBFr company we were put on the slow line to allow the 7:35 Leeds train to pass we were soon back on the fast line and up to 125 MPH again passing the sign to mark the place where Mallard achieved the World Record for Steam of 126 MPH. On through Grantham Newark and Retford to Doncaster the next stop, passing the loco depot on the approach to the station unfortunately mostly hidden by trees.
On the west side of Doncaster station is the famous loco works, known as the Plant, where the Great Northern later LNER constructed and repaired such famous locos as Flying Scotsman, Mallard, Sir Nigel Gresley etc. The works is still in operation in private hands though on a very reduced scale. Heading north from Doncaster and onto the 1970/80s constructed line to by-pass the Selby coalfield, now itself about to close or so I hear.
The next stop is the old city of York with its magnificent station.
If anyone gets to visit England a visit to York is a must with the Medieval Shambles, City Walls the Minster, Viking Center, good beer and of course The National Railway Museum which is just north of the station.
A few miles after leaving York our train is on the 4 track, mainly straight racing ground across the Plain of York although the line limit is 125 MPH. The slow lines were quite busy with freight with coal and steel trains hauled by class 60 and 66 locos.
The 4 track line ends at Northallerton where the lines to Teeside veer off to the east we head north to Darlington where the works of the North Eastern Railway was located and a brand new steam loco of the LNER A1 class is being built by railfans.
Shortly after leaving the station the trackbed of the 1825 Stockton & Darlington Railway is crossed. Next station is Durham where the line passes high above the city on a viaduct with a grand view of the Cathedral.
It was here a few years ago, on a steam special, that ex LNER A2 pacific Blue Peter went into a severe wheel slip and wrecked its motion costing many thousands of pounds to repair.
Shortly after passing Tyne marshaling yard our train slowed for the approach to Newcastle. To reach the station the River Tyne is crossed on the King Edward Bridge where we were held for a few minutes awaiting a clear platform as we were a few minutes early. Newcastle, like York is a station on a curve and is quite impressive.
There are two railway bridges that cross the Tyne, not counting the new Metro line one, connecting Newcastle on the north side with Gateshead on the south, with tri-angular junctions on the south side of the two bridges. Gateshead was the site of a large loco depot. With a large allocation of LNER express steam locos. Near the depot was the site of Robert Stephenson's early 19th century works.
91120 after arrival at Newcastle on Tyne.
I am about ready for the steak now LEON.
Pete.
Hmm, here is it, that light bulb is out again. Now back to a warmer place. The winds from Mt. Mentor are kind of cold.
Sorry I didn't make it back here yesterday afternoon, but I had kind of a down day and did not feel like doing anything. Back to normal today and everything feels good again. Ready for another week!
Tom – The brunette at Hooters? Have you seen her? I mean, Hooters is no longer there at Union Station. I am on your side when it comes to bad behavior, baseball or not! I had only two mugs of decaf today. I think I am losing it. No, I just have decided to follow the advices the doctor is giving me until I am fully recovered. Oh yeah, of course Pete was thinking about Son... Budd stainless steel train. That sad look? What else could it have been? Thanks for the info on the Coast Guard! So it didn’t get the name Coast Guard until 1915!?!I ,love those pictures from Alaska! The grand nature and somewhat different trains! That is something else!! They ship the coal to Asia?A laughing week at the Emporium! Good choice of funny films!Fergie – Congratulations to your promotion (temporary or not)! So you are running/sailing around in an 296 feet quadruple ALCO? Wow!Lars – I’ll be back to you in a day or two via email about the book relay. You and Ruth in the spotlight? Of course not, I would say you are in the floodlights!!! Thanks for posting Dougs encore from last year! Interesting info! I have never heard about using Solar Discs to change the setting of the thermostats inside a car! Doug – Good to see you again, Sir! Grand Opening on Friday? Take cover!Pete – Sad look because you were heading back to reality? Oh, come on. She looked very real to me! Thanks for your Scotland encore from last year! A Viking Center in York? I’ll remember that in case I’ll make it to England again!
Here is another Rugby station!
DD1 – Yes, I would also prefer riding in a Vista dome!
Eric
<courtesy: www.viarail.ca>
A smile to begin the week!
If people don't want to come to the ballpark, how are you going to stop them?
<A Yogi-ism!>
And Monday has arrived once more. No denying "that day," eh Let's make the most of the start by filling up those mugs with our freshly ground ‘n brewed special Colombian blend <unleaded> or <regular>. Some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery ‘n of course a selection from our Menu Board for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast!
In a word - HOT - describes where I'm at in mid-continent USA - 80 (F) at 5 AM! Temps should top the century mark (F) with the next 5 days looking mighty <grim> insofar as heat ‘n humidity is concerned. Hooray for air conditioning! <phew>
Noted that petrol was at $2.56 (rounded) up at "Collusion Corner," that's about 14 cents lower than this time last year. I expect we'll not see any return to the "good old" days when the prices were BELOW two bucks. Now the bench mark has been set at three - and on the rise is my guess. <groan>
From the Proprietor:
Absences from the bar - Email info points to some adjustments coming on line as the summer passes.
Pete (pwolfe) will be away for a couple of weeks in early September (‘n this coming weekend!) - Allan (Gunneral) will be gone ‘til Thursday or Friday of this week - Dan (DL-UK) said he'd be in Toronto for awhile ‘n may not be back at the bar ‘til the end of the month. Lars (LoveDomes) says he'll be gone for a few days, but dates haven't been set.
Add those to the continuing absences of Per (marthastrainyard) - Dave (West Coast S) ‘n Nick (nickinwestwales) ‘n it should be evident that the "load" either gets spread amongst those of us still around, or we simply go into a long lull. Lars (LoveDomes) hit it on the head with his plea to make your Postings at times most beneficial to keeping the bar up ‘n running. It's up to YOU!
I plan on taking "off" a day here ‘n there - beginning with this coming Tuesday. However, I'll get the AM acknowledgments out (mainly prepared the night before) . . .
So, if there's anyone left ‘round here to pick up the slack, now is the time! It's up to YOU!!
About the RR Book Relay!
As Lars mentioned - yes, we had such a thing 'n it was a great deal of fun for those who participated.
The idea was to read through a RR picture book of international trains, make some written comments then mail it on to the next guy on the list.
The guys who participated in the spring of 2006 were: Ted (Theodorebear) - Nick (nickinwestwales) - Pete (pwolfe Pete) - Doug (barndad) 'n Rob (trolleyboy). If I remember, Lars said he had a copy of the book . . .
So, we could do this again with either the same book OR another. But I'd recommend waiting until we rebuild our customer base.
Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative):
Pete (pwolfe) at 5:09 PM ‘n 6:01 PM Saturday - Aug 4th: Two fine efforts to wrap up our rather quiet Saturday. If not for you ‘n Lars, the day would've been relegated solely to me. (Sorry, UTB Doug's hit ‘n run Post doesn't "count"!)
Hope the guys avail themselves of the opportunity to review the fotos, narratives ‘n chat!
Your trip report is a fine read ‘n although for me it took place in a place ‘n time far away ‘n removed, there is a rekindling of train trips of my own. Nicely done!
Light at 4 AM would take a bit of getting used to, but no complaints when traveling on the rails, eh Perhaps that early sunrise accounted for the disappearance of those "ladies" you mentioned! <uh oh>
Are there also Liver ‘n Kidney station stops to go along with Pancreas?? <grin>
I can't even imagine 4 mainline straight aways with 125 mph passenger trains!
Mechanically speaking, can you elaborate a bit on what damages result when severe wheel slippage occurs?? (I believe some of this was touched on in past Posts . . .)
Two fine fotos, by the by!
Many thanx for your chronicle, as it rekindles the ‘spirit' for a trip to Scotland by rail . . . don't know if it will ever occur, but I somehow feel I've been there by rail between what you ‘n Dan (DL-UK) have provided!
Round,visit, et al most appreciated!
Ron (DD1) at 9:02 AM Sunday - Aug 5th: A message slipped through the mail slot for Manager Lars. However, I'd like to add my thoughts . . .
I've recently traveled in three kinds of domes - "standard from days of old"- Superliner Sightse
Hello Tom and all in
Cindy on duty? I'll have something from the breakfast menu please.
Tom - thanks for your e-mail - you'll hopefully get / have got my reply - much appreciated the info even if I can't now act on it (yet).
Pete - I was in the pub on Saturday and they had Batham's Dark on draught - very nice it was too I must say - a superb pint. Sunday morning I was wondering if I'd had one too many however! Yes, I agree with your comments about some of the staff - very friendly. I recall an occasion when I was about 12 or 13 standing at the east end of one of London Bridge station through platforms with my note book. A commuter train drew up and the cab window was pulled open, the driver gave me a shout and asked how I was getting on, then held out a note book from his own jacket pocket with numbers of EMUs listed and dates - and he explained these were the numbers of units he had driven over the years! The stop would only have been of about 2 - 3 minutes of friendly chat, then he was off - sticks in my mind though 25 years or more later! All this from a guy who probably spent his whole life driving commuter trains around the south east London suburbs - which would not class as glamorous on many people's radars - but it sounded good to me back at the time.
As Tom says I'll be crossing the Atlantic in a few days time, so visits will be sparse (probably limited to a postcard from my travels). Family reasons take me over so there will be a number of tasks and duties but no trip should be without time on the steel wheel / rail. I'm hoping I can make a trip on the ONR route and I see they have some ex BC rail dome cars in action on that route - anyone know what those domes are like? (since we've had some interesting dome themed contributions recently kicked off by Lars):
http://onr.stabler.org/news/ontc042304.htm
I see a number of sites on the web dedicated to ONR - if any one know of any good ones for me to look over, hints and tips about the journey etc I'd happily listen to them.
In my search of sites I came across this one (nothing to do with ONR but I think some regulars will be interested):
http://www.budd-rdc.org/
Eric - indeed you are correct - signal box being the 4th picture as you say.
Allan - NZ scenery is certainly spectacular as you say. Even more impressive than the north Wales coast!
Nice to see Fergie in, and Lars - I enjoyed that piece on the Milwaukee super domes.
All the best
DL
Ah, no not Cindy, it's Ruth, my apologies.
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please (New England Four Seasons Blend if you have it); round for the house and $ for the jukebox. It looks as though we will be heading into what is supposed to be the hottest weather of the season here this week. Gas is at $2.83. Now let's see what's in the mailbox today.
DL - I have been interested in LMS since I was a "pup." No Boris, the dog kind of pup, not a Lehigh Valley switcher. Geez! He takes everything literally! You can put the Cornell Red paint away, please. I guess it was probably the name, LMS. One of my departed rr friends was a GWR devotee, so we had more than few debates.
DD1 stopped by. Comments and reflections on dome cars.
Pete - Thanks for sending the bell code information. As I mentioned, bells where I spent my formative years served as a warning to the gate tender to get out and lower the gates. I was interested in the other bits you provided re safety. Operators along different routes provided such information to the dispatcher, usually by phone. This call gave train number and time by a particular station. The dispatcher recorded the information on the train sheet (later on the computer). It was called an "OS," which was short for "on station," or "On sheet," depending on the railroad.
Allan - Good to hear from you.
Eric - Was glad to hear you got a good medical report. Keep it up!
Fergie is off Sable Island. Be careful and have a safe return voyage.
Barndad who - Good to hear from you, sir.
Lars stopped by - Congratulations on Glavine - good to see a homeboy get to #300.
OSP - Happy Birthday to your branch - they were always high profile in our area, of course. You mention the Navy. I used to visit a place now and then when I lived in NH which had several crowds - SAC folks from Pease, guards from the naval prison at Portsmouth, submariners from Kittery, factory folks from all points, and a few college students - good times, lots of stories, and most of the time folks on their best behavior.
Fire up the popcorn machine - I'm off to the Theatuh. Now, if we can just find a copy of "Spit Ball Sadie," yes, Awk, its one of the first baseball movies made, supposedly around the time of the Great War. I can see it now, running with "The Great Train Robbery," and "Fred Ott's Sneeze." No Frostbite, not Mel Ott.
Well, let's get after it.
Work safe
Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth my deAH, ‘tis Monday ‘n time for a jolt! Need to kick start this day as it's been one of "those" weekends. Can't point my finger to anything in particular, but just weary from it all. Ah, but you've brightened up my morning, as always! <blush> A round on me, ‘n the change is yours!
Boris, feed the crittAHs ‘n the small jar of pickled pig's feet is YOURS!
For Da Boss: Another fine Saturday effort from you ‘n I enjoyed it all! Just love those Alaska photos - the clarity is something else! What's the chief complaint with that camera of yours? Seems to "do" quite well as I see it. Sure, there are going to be times when we "blow" pix - at least with a digital you stand a chance of "fixing" them through software editing, or taking so many that you can find at least one to satisfy you.
Listen to me! I don't' engage in the practice at all. That's the Mrs. responsibility ‘n half the time she forgets the camera is in her carry on! <grin>
I liked that link you provided regarding the names of the dome cars. Didn't you provide that as a post over at the old bar?? I think so. Anyway, really lots of info crammed into that one.
Also, appreciate the dialogue regarding the domes (all kinds). Nice job of putting it all together.
Regarding the planned absences, I'll do what I can to relieve the strain . . . Got some "things" comin' up myself, a day here ‘n there kinda thing. I too have been preparing in advance - really helps a lot for those times when there's no time! <groan>
Additionally, we haven't decided on the dates for our return trek to the Keys. Last of the "kids" tells me that he can close up the place ‘n make it secure ‘til we decide to return. The Mrs. is "pressing" for a trip. I've been putting it off because it's just too humid for my liking. However, we definitely will be "wintering" in the Keys!
Also have a "standing invite" to head back up to Plattsburgh for a long weekend with Phil ‘n Mrs. Just might do it . . . but NOT by Amrak. Going solo, I'd take the train, but the Mrs. would have to be bound ‘n gagged - hmmmm, now there's a THOUGHT! <grin>
For Pete: Very informative piece on your 2006 trip to Scotland. Ladies of the night? Surely you jest!! Anyway, getting back to the trip, makes one want to board the train ‘n get a move on!!
Now look, complaining about the size of your "dipper" is like complaining about . . . oh, well, let's NOT go there, huh You "dip" according to the hours you put in ‘round here. We only require your services on Thursday thru Saturday nights! <geesh>
For Ron: To each his own, mate. I prefer the old domes big time, but when it comes to names - they are all domes to me.
For Doug: You'll probably not even see this - but "hi."
For Fergie: Great to see ya ‘n even better to find out that you're "Da Man!!' Nice gesture from you, the officers ‘n crew! Class act, for sure.
Best to you in your newfound, if only temporary, position! CHEERS to Cap'n Fergie!
For Eric: Spotlight, floodlight - it's all the same! Just as long as we're NOT being filmed! <arrrggghhhh>
The RR Book Relay "thing" is something I figured Da Boss would pick up on it. And yes, I do have a copy . . . but would be glad to participate in whatever book is selected. Waiting for a return to normal ‘round here is a good idea!
Continued best wishes for your recovery!
For Dan: Fine links - one of ‘em has been posted here sometime back (RDC) - but the ONR is a "fresh" one! Couldn't get it to load fully, therefore wasn't able to check out the link within the link. I'll try later . . .
Glad you liked the dome "stuff" Regarding your question about the ONR acquisition of domes from the defunct BC rail, I believe none of ‘em are of the "vintage" variety that we've been discussing. I think they are the Colorado railcar single level domes, but my guess is the Cap'n would know bettAH!
Safe journey across the pond, mate. Also, we'll be looking for your "report" should the ONR idea pan out.
For CM3 I'm NOT Shane! A weekday without our WVA Connection is like summAH without heat! <ugh> So, I guess my Saturday efforts didn't "work" for you, huh Gotta try harder next time! <grin>
Funny,
We've had three daylite AM visitors today - CM3 Shane, Dan DL-UK 'n Lars Lovedomes - good to see y'all!
Here's a Blast from the Past . . .
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #46
Here's something to enjoy regarding the Canadian Pacific (CP) from a 1949 advertisement in my personal collection.
<A form of this was initially Posted on Page 196 of the Original Thread>
Enjoy a world of service . . . go Canadian Pacific
Miles and miles of solid comfort . . . that's the vast Canadian Pacific Railway network. East or West across Canada . . . enjoy every service on smooth rolling Canadian Pacific trains! Stop over at luxurious Canadian Pacific hotels like the Chateau Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies.
Superb service! Such comfort aboard sleek Canadian Pacific Princess ships, sailing the Inside Passage to Alaska and the Yukon. Canadian Pacific White Empress ships will sail you to Europe. Soon, Canadian Pacific will fly you to Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, and later - the Orient!
There's no place like Eastern Canada for vacation fun! And you can't beat hospitable Canadian Pacific hotels like Digby Pines in Nova Scotia for gracious service! Or visit The Algonquin in New Brunswick. (These are two of Nineteen Canadian Pacific hotels And lodges across Canada!)
Canadian Pacific
SPANS THE WORLD
Railways - Steamships - Air Lines - Hotels - Communications - Express
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Some drumheads of the Canadian Pacific
Enjoy!
A pint of Batham's Mild this hot day please RUTH.
RON Yes the vista dome is the best car I have traveled in but a sightseer lounge is far better than we have in the UK. The only way to have a view ahead was on the First Generation of Diesel Multiple Units where you could sit behind the driver and look through the front windows. These units not longer run on the main line and this view is not possible with the replacement trains.
ERIC Sorry to hear you were not feeling to well yesterday and glad you are back to normal today, take it easy.
Although I have not been to the Jorvik exhibition at York I have heard it was very good, it has been going for a few years now, when it first came out it was famous for creating the smells as well as the sights and sounds. Here is a link to the centre.
http://www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/
I guess that Rugby is in North Dakota; I would love to take the Empire Builder to Rugby one day. Thanks for the photo.
DL Tell me more about the Batham' s Dark, glad you enjoyed it, which pub was you in
Yes it seemed a lot of railwaymen of old loved there jobs and appreciated the interest others shown in the railways. After steam finished on BR a driver came to work at my works and we talk about steam days for hours, it was the same when we attended a retired driver's wedding anniversary. There were some of his old workmates and Alan and I had a very pleasant evening, we got them to talk of the old steam days at Rugby Shed.
We will miss you while you are in Canada. I hope you do get a chance to ride the rails there; I shall look forward to the report. Thanks for the links on the ONR and that is a great link to the Budd RDCs.
CM3 It was interesting the GWR v LMS debate was heard on this side of the Atlantic as well, it used to get a big airing at a slide show at the Rugby Railway Circle.
I forgot to mention that each signal box had a train register, in which all the details of train movement had to be entered, from the time the train was offered to the box until the box ahead signaled train out of section. In the busy boxes a lad was employed solely for this task. Most of this now is on computer but I think the old boxes still keep a register, on preserved lines with the old boxes a register is kept, a vital part of any incident.
To think that on the new CTRL there will no fixed signals, it will be all cab signaling from a center many miles from the train.
Those would be great films at the Emporium.
LARS Thanks for the round.Glad you enjoyed the Trip to Scotland post. I only hope the company that takes over from GNER on the East Coast line provides the same good service GNER had.
We have had some interesting discussions on the domes since your post.
I was watching some soccer on TV last night and I can't understand why they kept breaking away from showing David Beckham, in a suit, on the bench to show some other guys kicking a ball about. Sorry English irony.
I guess what you are saying about the dipper is, it is not the size it is how it is used.
Good photo of the Auto- Train Dome.
TOM Yes the book relay was a lot of fun it was good reading the reviews of those who read the book. I agree it is best to wait until we have at least all the regulars at home.
Glad you liked the trip to Scotland post encore, I will post part 2 soon. The hours of daylight are great for train travel, in north Scotland they get about an hours extra daylight around the equinox than we do in the Midlands of England.
There is, of course a LIVERpool and a Lydney.
The damage to #60532 ‘Blue Peter' Durham included, Both sets of outside valve gear destroyed, leading coupling rods bent, driving wheel axleboxes damaged and the left leading driving whe
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, a ham sandwich, please. Fries, cole slaw and mustard. Coffee. No, regular!
A "cool" day here in the desert today, 90°F. But humid.
Tom – We are still a little bit ahead, gas is $2.54 (rounded up) on the other side of the freeway. About the book relay, are the written comments supposed to go with the book when it is sent to the next guy or are they added to your post? So the brunette is more like a graynette today? Hmm, she didn’t look that old. XXL? Too bad I am so busy, but tell her hi!I think Coast Guard is a perfect name. At least it tells me what they do!This is for you Tom! Some new pictures of VIA’s Budd RDCs. A guy from the old country is in Canada now and posting pix from his trip. Brush up your Swedish and have a look!http://f15.parsimony.net/forum25608/messages/785697.htmThanks for the blast from the past! Canadian Pacific! Nice drumheads! It reminds me about a question I recieved from the old country yesterday. There is a guy who is planning a trip from Toronto to Vancouver by train (VIA) and he wants to know about the meals. Do you as a passenger get a certain time to come to the dining car for lunch and dinner or is that something you can change from one day to the next? I know you are an expert on this!!!DL – Ruth was kind of upset after you called her Cindy. Have a nice and safe trip across the Atlantic! CM3 – Hottest weather of the season? We have had cooler weather than normal for a couple of weeks now. But they promised last night that it is going to warm up here too. Perfect time to drive up to the high country and get some more BNSF pictures! Lars – Thanks, I feel much better again! Not filmed? Who said that? I've been thinking about the book relay, maybe that is a good idea. Cardinals dead meat? They won tonight!Nice picture of the Auto-Train dome!Pete – Thanks for the viking link! Found some interesting stuff there. My Grandma’s maiden name was Viking!Sorry to say, I don’t have a clue about those “Railbuses”.
Platforms prepared for double track!
HOT ‘n getting HOTTER here in mid-continent USA. What a difference between July ‘n August! <phew>
On a lighter note, breakfast is ready - pastries ‘n coffee's fresh - so let's get a move on!
Dan (DL-UK) at 8:56 AM ‘n 8:58 AM Monday - Aug 6th: Good to see ya, Mate! Thought you were en route north America. Anyway, Email has been received ‘n responded to - thanx!
ONR link didn't fully load for me either - but there's some good info on the Page, thanx! Also enjoyed the RDC link - I had provided that a long time ago over at the Original Thread - good opportunity to have it again!
I echo the sentiments from Lars - safe trip over ‘n back. Hope you're able to find the time for some enjoyment on the rails!
And of course, we'll ensure that your stool is reserved ‘til the next time we see ya! Cheers . . .
Good rebound with the gals - Cindy ‘n Ruth ARE "knock outs" - just remember, Ruth has the RED hair . . . <and Cindy works only on Saturday> <grin>
CM3 Shane (coalminer3) at 9:10 AM Monday - Aug 6th: I think Lars summed it up quite well, a day ‘round here without our WVA Connection just isn't complete . . . Good to see ya!
I used to have occasion to swing by Portsmouth, NH - we units there. One of my assignments involved inspecting all of our ships ‘n stations in security ‘n telecommunications. Didn't have "down time" for liberty - but found the area to be an okay place. Haven't the foggiest what it is like today. Recall having lunch over at Pease AFB though . . .
I think I've research those movie titles - wonder where in the world you come up with ‘em! <grin>
Round, quarters ‘n visit appreciated!
Lars (LoveDomes) at 9:59 AM Monday - Aug 6th: As with our friend, Shane, I think the bar would be seriously hurting without a morning visit from our Staten Island Connection (or is it the NYC Connection or the Marathon Connection, or . . .) Anyway, good to see ya, Mate!
Figured you'd enjoy the dome data - there's more to ‘em than simply calling ‘em domes, eh Gotta travel in ‘em to really appreciate the differences. So many domes, so little time! <grin>
If this joint is still operating in 2009, I'd surely love to put together a Rendezvous on the rails. Then again, maybe that's something we could work towards as a "special get together" and leave the May event as is. Already working on a site for 2009 . . .
Don't even wanna talk baseball - especially in Saint Loooooooo . . . . Really dislike getting down on my team ‘n especially the superstars, who haven't been so super. However, one must call what one must call - they haven't come through. Amazing to me how the team is still within "shot" of making it serious. I just don't see the verve . . .
Must chime in about Glavin ‘n Maddox. First, I never really thought they'd depart HOTlanta - but money talks, eh Both are shoo-ins for the "hall" ‘n I too see ‘em as Braves, irrespective of what uniforms they may be wearing today. Tremendous talent, but they also had the benefit of being supported by decent batting orders . . .
Thanx for offering to pitch in during the planned absences - figured you would!
Round, visit ‘n pix appreciated!
Pete (pwolfe) at 6:31 PM Monday - Aug 6th: Yes, yes - I shudda caught LIVERpool! <grin> Kidney though, that's ‘nother matter, eh
Never thought of rail damage, but why not, eh Also wheels ‘n perhaps the remainder of the "thing-a-ma-bobs" that make steam engines move would suffer grave damage on a "runaway" situation like that. Thanx!
At one time Canadian Pacific did indeed own ‘n operate the world's largest ‘n most extensive transportation system. Really an iconic company with a special place in history.
Perhaps you can drop off that Part II of your Scotland adventure before you depart this weekend . . . time permitting of course!
Gotta pass on your foto quiz - I haven't the foggiest . . . hmmmmm, foggy equates to London! How about THAT???? <grin>
EricX2000 wrote: Fergie - Congratulations to your promotion (temporary or not)! So you are running/sailing around in an 296 feet quadruple ALCO? Wow!
Fergie - Congratulations to your promotion (temporary or not)! So you are running/sailing around in an 296 feet quadruple ALCO? Wow!
Ya know as a navigator I never ever thought of it in that manner before, as a model railroader it never dawned on me but I'm sure now that you've put it that way I know how an engineer must percieve it. Interesting perspective. Interesting to say the least.
Well thank you all for your congratz. It will be all over come Saturday as the "Regular Captain" will be back and I will resume my regular duties as Chief Officer. All though too brief it has been good and a great experience. As for a full time position I fear with our dwindling fleet and number of qualified persons available, promotion won't be for a few more years. The downside of downsizing!
Anyway I have a couple of projects on the go as I'm now building a second Jordan Kit Erie Steam shovel and I'm building a much needed Bar and grill for the MESS. It is a rough facsimile of a Bar in Sheet Harbour which was built out of, believe it or not, a Oil Tank. Yep you heard it and it will be open for business in the near future. No I will not be competing against Tom.
Anyway I must be off
Regards
Fergie
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959
If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007
Good Morning Barkeep And all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Gonna be a hot one today. I saw some pictures from the St. Louis zoo where the animals were enjoying blocks of ice which had been put into their space(s).
We are, of course, hopeful of good news from Utah.
Fergie - Your post showed up just a second ago. Jordan kits are fun. I used to build HO items for folks yrs ago and enjoyed working on their stuff. I recall doing severl trucks lettered for Purina feeds. The customer wanted them for a feed mill on his lkayout. I wish that they did some of their material in N scale. I have seen some of the boys asleep under tank cars in the yard behind Our Place - 20 thousand gallons of cheap wine - Yikes!
Pete - Rugby is, indeed in ND; I can recommend a ride on the "Empire Builder." You'd enjoy it. Sightseer was the best place to be for a lot of the trip. I remember burning up a ton of film going out there.
Register books here were for crews to sign in and sign off duty. Train sheets, as I mentioned were used to record where trains were. Stations had OS sheets. Amazing amount of paperwork.
Lars - Go Giants! Of course! I know we'll do our part to help them along, but, they do have a lot of problems not only with the coaching staff, but also with a few of their players. Thanks for the dome car (Auto Train) with passengers inside! I must remember to tell Boris that helmets are not optional this year.
Eric - Glad to hear from you this morning.
OSP sent CP material with some great drumheads. Pease is still there, but it is an industrial park (with a monstrous runway). They were flying B52s out of there when I lived in Durham. They ran about eight of them heading north every evening about 11 p.m. They were all painted black and truly scary because they flew right over the house where I lived. It was not so much their cargo that concerned me so much as knowing how much fuel they were carrying.
Here's something for our eastern maritime interests:
"The Staten Island Rapid Transit Railway Company
Frequent commuter train service between Tottenville and St. George and intermediate points, all on Staten Island, with connecting service to Manhattan provided by New York City ferries between St. George and South Ferry, NY.
Distances: St. George to Tottenville 14.3 miles; St. George. NY to Cranford Jct., NJ (Freight service only) 12.2 miles.
Freight Connections:
At Cranford Jct., NJ: Central Railroad Company of New Jersey, Baltimore and Ohio (Park Jct. PA)
Via Cranford Jct. Central Railroad Company of New Jersey, Reading Company
Linden Jct., NJ - PRR
Staten Island Jct., NY - LV
St George, NY - Erie-Lackawanna, PRR (via car float)"
Ruth my deAH, yeah I know iI'm confused - I was gonna "do" an afternoon post, but realized Da Boss said he'd be gone most of the day - so here I am - the Larsman in the flesh. Well not quite - what an awful image! <grin>
A round for the house, treats for the crittAHs, small jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris, ‘n the change is YOURS. Me? I'm ready for a frosty mug of Schaefer with a snack tray if you please!
For Da Boss: Enjoyed the Nostalgia piece - CP is ALWAYS a good selection 'n the drum heads are 1st Class! Really strange 'round here without your "daily" run of pix - got used to 'em 5 days per week. Now, we'll just have to wait 'til Saturdays, huh
For Eric: Good to see you back in your "position" as the Night Owl! Also, Pete is holding up quite well for the mid-late afternoon time slot . . . really helps Da Boss when youse guys pitch in like that! Although, I really doubt Tom give's a rat's patoot about staying up ‘til "howling time" just to make sure the bar is being attended to. <grin>
"Book Relay" just may come back - stay tuned! I think we've gotten Da Boss' attention.
Penthouse Suite now equipped with the latest in technology regarding anti-eavesdroppping 'n video capture devices. Installed by Vito the Hit's Hi-Tech 'n Cement Shoes, Inc.
For Pete: Yes, Pete, those words are rather profound! Could explore this further, but probably should drop it, as the police are "out there"!! <grin>
How many times while watching sports on TV do we find ourselves watching some person totally removed from the game being "captured" for our "entertainment"?? I mean if they MUST do that, why not place the image in a "box" so that the viewer isn't totally losing track of the game?? <geesh>
For Fergie: 'tis far better to have BEEN than NOT . . . Skipper at sea, even for a brief period, is something myriads of ship's officers never experienced - including this one! Of course, I'm a below decks sailor - ya know, the guys who keep the engines turnin' 'n burnin'
A word of CAUTION: You've gotta greet the bar keep 'n order a drink or food IF you wish to avoid the dreaded <tweeter>!!! <arrrrrrggggghhhh>
Appears to me that Per ‘n Nick are back in the LEGION! Too bad . . . I too have sent 'em emails, but nothing back.
Let me drop this off for the boys (especially SHANE), then I'll just stick ‘round a bit. Go ahead, take your break, I'll handle things . . .
Boston and Albany RailroadFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Reporting marksBALocaleMassachusetts and eastern New YorkDates of operation1833 -Track gauge4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) (standard gauge)HeadquartersThe Boston and Albany Railroad (AAR reporting marks BA) was a railroad connecting Boston, Massachusetts to Albany, New York, later becoming part of the New York Central Railroad system. Passenger service is still operated on the line by Amtrak (as part of their Lake Shore Limited), and the MBTA Commuter Rail system uses the section east of Worcester as their DL - UK Member sinceAugust 2006 280 posts Posted by DL - UK on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 10:05 AM Hello Tom and all inRuth, I'll have a look at the breakfast menu please and select something nice - maybe pancakes? Yes Tom, crossing the pond at the end of the week, so still about to call in.CM3 - one of the interesting things was that when the LMS and others were created in 1923 by a forced government merger they were created on geographical lines broadly speaking. However there were some lines that went well inside other companies territory. One such line was the heart of Wales line which took the LMS I think, well into GWR territory.I see this line has a website:http://www.heart-of-wales.co.uk/galframe.htmLars - yes some of the links on that ONR site seem a bit broken - I'll report back on the trip if I make it - including the Dome info!Pete - I was in the Victoria pub in Beeston next to the station. You can sit in the garden there which is right next to the platform - trains going by include HST 125s, 156s 158s, Turbostars and Meridians. No freight on a Saturday evening though it would seem. Good flavour on the Batham's dark, well kept and nicely refreshing. Comes in at 3.5% I think, a typical Mild I suppose - where is it from? By the way I've got your e-mail and tried to reply including the sign in approval spam filter process. Hope you get my test reply.Your mention of the 1st generation DMUs is interesting - after al nearly all designs had the front visibility - I wonder who decided to do that - it was good idea even if the drivers sometimes pulled the blinds down - I guess they did not like the idea of people right behind them. The design feature was reproduced by almost every manufacturer.Pete - I'd have thought the big debate in Rugby would have been between LNER (GC) and LMS (LNWR) devotees? GWR fans are of course always diehards to the cause and should be respected as such (chap I work with - his father and grandfather both worked in Swindon works and he has a picture of a Castle Class loco on his office wall!)My journey across the pond will start with a trip to Manchester airport - so that will be the railway line across the Pennines, the Hope valley route - which is always very scenic and pleasurable. Eric - I liked those RDC pics - I can't speak or read Swedish (despite all the IKEA instructions) but I'm guessing that was scenes from The Malahat train on Victoria Island? They were nice shots with lots of visual interest!DLPS - Eric - to add to Tom's info on the Canadian trip it might be worth your contact having alook over this website which has some good pics on what to expect inside the cars etc: http://www.seat61.com/Canada.htm#Canadian pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 3:57 PM Hi Tom and all. A pint of Bathams please RUTH.ERIC We have to come to Phoenix for a cool down only 90 F it is supposed to reach 100F here for the next couple of days with heat index nearing 110F. Great photos in the linkloved the title ‘Budd Y Holly-Day'.York really is a great city for a visit; the Vikings are still recognized by some of the town names. The first station on the line from York to Leeds is named Ulleskelf.I see they are running a regular steam train every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during August from York. It is the same route on which BR operated steam specials on in the1980s although run by a railtour company this time. The full route is: departing York and on a circular route via Harrogate and Leeds back to York and then on to the seaside town of Scarborough for a nearly 5 hour break (there are some great fish n chips shops) and then back to York where the train then runs the circuit via Leeds in the opposite direction. The Leeds circuit has some good grades on it, especially the climb out of Leeds, in both directions. Tickets are available for parts of the journey or a ticket for the whole day. The locomotives scheduled are from a pool, of two LNER A4s and a LMS Duchess. I hope this great idea is a success for the company.Thanks for the photo. FERGIE Glad you are enjoying your time as Captain, hope the chance for permanent promotion comes along earlier than you think it will.It would be great to see a photo of the Erie Steam Shovel and the bar when they are finished.CM3 As you say lets hope for good news out of Utah.I have heard that the Empire Builder is the best train run by Amtrak from a few people.Your remarks about the paperwork involved with the railways made me wonder, how long those signalbox registers were kept after they were filled. I must admit that I have not heard of them being sold on the railfan market.Thanks for the Staten Island Rapid Transit details.LARS It seems you too are missing Tom's Canadian photos they really were a great series of pics.There are my sentiments exactly with the ‘Interviews when the game is going on. I guess with the TV companies paying the money they have the say. It is the same in the UK with the soccer with Kick off times and even days the game is played being dictated by the TV. The traditional time for football in Britain was 3pm on Saturday but especially in the top two divisions it can be any time, last year there was clubs without a Saturday game for weeks.Many thanks for the Boston & Albany. If I ever get back to the Boston area I will make sure I get some time to travel on the MBTA trains in the area including the ex B&A line to Framingham.The start of your post had me.DL The Heart of Wales line is a very scenic line, we are lucky the line is still running I suppose as it travels through a very sparely populated area. I think why it became part of the LMS was it was owned by the LNWR, which had its own station in Swansea deep in the heart of Great Western territory.Hopefully the e-mails should be OK nowThe trouble with the Batham pubs is that none of them is too near a station although the local bus service is very good http://www.bathams.com/ When I next come over to England, if it is possible we will have to meet up with the two Alan's at Birmingham New St, get a West Midland rover and visit some Batham and Holden pubs, finishing up at the Great Western in Wolverhampton, a Holden's house but which serves Bathams as well.I can't remember any rivalry between the GC and the LMS. I think the GC was thought of with a lot of affection it certainly had it own atmosphere, it seemed to me that Rugby Central station was more like a country station rather than the very busy Rugby Midland. We did get some Great Western locomotives on the GC mainly on some inter-regionals, although there was a train, which ran from Banbury, which if I remember right, went to Leicester. It was usually a Hall class and when the loco was in very clean condition it was a great sight. Yes The Great Western has very faithful supporters. Unlike the other lines it was not really changed from the beginning in 1835 up to late BR days. It was not really affected by the grouping or nationalization. Even in the diesel days it went it's own way with the Diesel Hydraulics, although one Alan (a firm LMS LNER fan) says they stopped steam loco development in 1910 the other Alan is a firm GWR fan. All I will say is I am really glad the LMS got Stanier from the GWR in the 1930s. pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 7:22 PM Hi Tom and all.A pint of Holden,s and a round please LEON while I post Part 2..Tour to Scotland 2006Part two Newcastle to StirlingAt Newcastle the 7:30 AM from London King's Cross terminated and after a few minutes 91120 hauled the Mk IV coaching stock off to Heaton Depot for servicing. After the platform was clear the Edinburgh train arrived, having left King's Cross at 8 AM but with a couple less stops, hauled by electric loco # 91102 Durham Cathedral. An on time departure past the Newcastle Keep which looked over a grand sets of diamond crossings in steam days, the track layout as been much simplified nowadays.The train is soon speeding north past Heaton depot now mainly serving Diesel Multiple Units. Further north is a triangular junction with a freight only line heading east and serving and area which was the Northumberland coalfield, the area from which the Stephenson's came from and is known as the "Cradle of Railways".Past a couple of lines serving open-cast coal pits and then pleasant scenery, the train approaches Berwick. Coming from the south,the famous Royal Border Bridge ,is visible from the train as it as to make a long 90 degree turn. Over the bridge our train makes the only stop on this trip at Berwick-On-Tweed.The reason I took the East Coast route to Scotland was that I had not traveled over the line north of Newcastle for many years. Leaving Berwick the train soon passes into Scotland and onto a part of the line, which runs on top of cliffs alongside the North Sea, this scenic bit of line does not seem to get a lot of publicity unfortunately.With Edinburgh Bay to the east, the train is soon slowing for Waverley station.The station as been extended in the past and is quite difficult to navigate if not a regular user. We had arrived at platform 20, which is separated, from the main part of the station by a wall. So it was over the footbridge into the main part of the station . I thought the train to Stirling would be leaving from one of the North Bays but it was due to leave from the south end of one of the through platforms. Luckily it was a couple of minutes late and I was able to make the connection. Waverley station was known to be tricky even in the early days and by tradition the clock on the North British Hotel, by the station in Princes Street, runs two minutes fast. Heading north from Waverley the line runs through a shallow cutting with Edinburgh Castle high on a hill on one side and Princes Street on the other, after two tunnels the train calls at Haymarket station. On departure of the station, Haymarket loco depot is passed. In steam days it supplied the top-link locos for the East Coast, including the A4 loco for the Non-Stop Elizabethan Edinburgh to London express, a duty shared with King's Cross depot. Later it looked after the Diesel fleet including 8 of the legendary Deltic Express Passenger Diesel-Electrics. Today the modernized depot looks after a large part of the Scottish Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) fleet, of classes 150/2, 156 158 and 170/4.After heading north for a few miles we head west towards Glasgow, leaving the line to the Forth and Tay bridges and Aberdeen. The magnificent Forth Bridge can be viewed in the distance from this line. I have heard that it is illuminated at night by floodlights a sight I would love to see.Through Falkirk and a tri-angular junction at Larbert it is not far to Stirling a pleasant enough trip on the 2-Car class 158 DMU although with the slowest approach to the station stops I can remember in quite a while. The last time I arrived in Stirling was on a steam special after a 10-day tour of Scotland. After a good lunch and a visit to Stirling's oldest pub for a good pint of Dark Island which is brewed on the Isle of Orkney, I then passed a shop that was selling T-Shirts that said " Please God Anyone But England" a reference to the Soccer World Cup which was taking place at the time (Scotland didn't qualify) which I must admit made me smile. I have always found the Scottish people very friendly and warm hearted and so it was on this trip.Stirling station looking south with a fine array of semaphore signals and the signalbox just visible in the distance. I believe the signalling is to be modified soon and replaced with colour light signals. I shall be sad to see them go.Pete. LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 7:31 PM Ahoy Cap'n Tom 'n fellow travelers at the bar!Leon, set 'em up - Boris ring the bell 'n I'll have a frosty mug of Rheingold! AhhhhhhhhWhat a perfectly AWFUL day here on "the island" as the summAH is here. As with Da Boss, I'm not "into" this kinda stuff. <ugh>A rare evening visit from me, but I promised Cap'n Tom I'd keep an eye on things, so let's see what's been going on.Dan hasn't left yet! Which is good for us, as the business is sorely needed - thanks, mate!Pete is holding up his "slot," and found my error (which I've corrected!!!) - THANKS!! Here's the skinny: I prepare as much as possible in advance then fill in the blanks as needed. What happened is I thought mine was going to be afternoon, but then it hit me that Da Boss said he'd be gone for most of the day. I reversed direction, but forget to clean up the post. Happens. I see the Wolfman dropped off his Part II . . . Looks like we posted pretty much on top of one another . . . . Have a pint of Bathams on me! Yeah, it does seem rather odd not having our daily spread of pix from Cap'n Tom. I mean the "series" began so long ago 'n he didn't miss a beat . . . . really not only got used to 'em, but looked forward to the next installment. Terrible situation in Utah with those miners - can only hope for the best. Must be absolutely frustrating for all involved above the ground and most frightening for those beneath it. I took a break from the tube, as the HOTlanta Braves are putting it to my Mets - a thrashing by any other name. Had to walk away for a bit . . . <groan>Ok guys, enjoy the nite! SP #3606 full length dome (from: LA River RRs) Until the next time! Lars EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 1:33 AM Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!Leon, old friend! Since I am going to the lab in the morning I have to pass, nothing to eat or drink! Thanks for asking!Strange to have nothing to eat or drink while here. Found some interesting reading and the surpirsing news about the high-tech installation in the Pnethouse Suite! Tom – Thanks for all the info on the routine aboard the Canadian!! I have forwarded it to my friend! Including a copy of that picture (the Canadian). No, the photo I posted is UP's Sunset Route south of Phoenix. UP is adding a second track (double track) across the state. That is why the Amtrak station has two platforms but still only one track. Fergie – So that is why the Captain never sleeps? He is building models! CM3 – More trouble in Utah, but hopefully those guys are still alive and well (considering the circumstances).Lars – The Penthouse Suite equipped with the latest in technology? Installed by Vito Cement Shoes? Wow, it will take at least 20 minutes to figure out how to get around that. Boston and Albany! I remember that line. Beautiful country! A picture of the line in 1993 below.Thanks for the picture of SP #3606! I did not know SP had any full length domes. Dan – You mean the Malahat train on Vancouver Island, right? The train goes from Victoria to Courtenay on Vancouver Island.Thank you for the link! I have forwarded it to the guy in the old country!Pete – Don’t worry about cooling off in Phoenix, today we will get 106° F! But it is a dry heat! It sounds like York is a good place to go for a nice train ride!I hate interviews when the game is going on! I want to see the game, nothing else. I found a recording of Blue Peter’s extended wheel slip Oct. 1 1994. It was a real bad wheel slip! Check the link and listen to it.http://www.steamsoundsarchive.com/13/audio/19940814.mp3Thanks for the second part of your trip report! I don’t know if I missed something, but why did you go to Stirling? To have a pint of Dark Island? Eric siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment! Posted by siberianmo on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 6:52 AM <courtesy: www.viarail.ca>A smile to begin the week! You never know your luck ‘til the wheel stops.<A Yogi-ism!>G'day Gents! Mid-week again in mid-continent USA where the petrol prices are the opposite of the temperatures. Temps UP, prices DOWN.Something I've NEVER seen: Within the past 18 hours, the price of petrol went from $2.56 (rounded) to $2.74 to $2.55. Now HOW does THAT happen when the gasoline is in the ground storage tank all the while???? There's supposed to be a law against this kind of thing, but obviously pretty much not enforced. <barf>Join me with a mugga Joe, a few pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery, and perhaps a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board.Dog days <daze> of summer are here - Juneau knows it!! <ugh> <double ugh> Had the hottest day of the year on Tuesday - 104 (F) downtown. Fortunately, we were "cooler" here in Chesterfield with another day of hitting the century mark. <phew>Big day ‘n nite ‘round our Haus as we celebrate our anniversary. Flowers, dinner, ‘n who knows?? <grin>Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative)Fergie (Fergmiester) at 7:43 AM Tuesday - Aug 7th: Great seeing our Maritime Canada Connection once again! Seems that being at sea does wonders for you - it always seemed to "work" for me too, once past the sea buoy that is. <grin>I see that our Manager, Lars, has given you ‘warning' about the <tweeter>! Would hate to let go a blast in your direction, Mate - ooooooooops, Captain! There are some fine HO models of taverns available from Walthers - and two of ‘em are on the Can-Am. The Second Class Saloon ‘n of course the prototype for "Our" Place - The 9 Mile House. Will be interesting to see some fotos from your project! Of course we don't feel threatened. We welcome you to this aspect of fun stuff - "the other side of the mountain"! <grin>CM3 Shane (coalminer3) at 8:52 AM Tuesday - Aug 7th: BLACK B-52s flying over your house??!! That should've been cause to vacate!! <geesh>Don't know the ‘era your info on the Staten Island Rapid Transit represented, but it surely brought back some fond thoughts about riding those "3rd railers" from my home in Port Richmond to St. George - transfer to the South Beach line for a day at the ocean. It was really a great line ‘n perhaps represented my first inculcation to the world of passenger trains, thanx to my best friend - my grandpa! That was all in the war years right up ‘til the line in my area shut down in the early 50s.Many thanx! There's been a lot of "press" regarding what you guys do in the organization you're in. Positive thoughts to those trapped ‘n to the families involved. Round ‘ quarters most welcome! Lars (LoveDomes) at 8:48 AM Tuesday - Aug 7th: Many thanx for a fine Post along with that "bonus" feature on the Boston & Albany. Always enjoy the chatter ‘n banter from our Manager! And, what's this about Vito the Hit ‘n his anti-eaves dropping device?? Isn't that like hiring the Fox to guard the Hen houses??Round appreciated, of course! Dan (DL-UK) at 10:05 AM Tuesday - Aug 7th: Many thanx for the continuing support, especially during this period of absences. Figured you were gone, but you keep coming back! Email received ‘n responded to - thanx! Methinks one needs TWO TONGUES to pronounce those locations in your Wales link! <grin>Appreciate the visit ‘n business! Pete (pwolfe) at 3:57 PM ‘n 7:52 PM Tuesday - Aug 7th: TWO visits on one week day - now that's a rarity from our Bar Chandler! Guess I missed whatever it is you detected with Lars' Post . . . Eagle Eye Pete strikes again, eh <grin> In reading his explanation - that stuff happens, especially when trying to get things done in advance. BUT, one SHOULD check before Posting, eh Received your Email - glad the fotos arrived safe ‘n sound . . . Bathams link made me THIRSTY! <grin>Part Deux really rounds out the story. Nicely done, Mate! Mention of the Forth Bridge brings to mind some interesting dialogue amongst you, Moi ‘n Dan . . .Sounds like the route along the cliffs at the North Sea are well worth the trip . . . not a place to Happy Railroading! Siberianmo coalminer3 Member sinceJanuary 2001 From: WV 1,251 posts Posted by coalminer3 on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 8:02 AM Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. How hot is it? It was o hot that........Lars visited with B&A material. The first photo (the one with the 2-8-4) is, indeed, at Springfield. Check out the huge sand dome - dead giveaway for a B&A engine. Incidentally, the 2-8-4 got its name from the Berkshire Hills, traversed by the B&A.The 4-6-4 with train 25 is just west of the Springfield station; it is the Boston section of the 20th Century - through cars were handed off to NYC 25 at Albany. Later on, the Boston section was dropped when the NYC tightened the 20th Century schedule. It became a separate train, the dearly beloved "New England States." Pete wants to ride the B&A. You can do some of the east end between Boston and Worcester on MBTA commuter trains. Amtrak 448/449 in a plug section of the Lake Shore which operates between Boston and Albany. It's a nice trip, especially in the summer because you can see the west end in the daylight. Eastbound you have daylight pretty much all the time, except in the "dead" of winter. Holy smokes - there's an idea for a rail rendezvous. Incidentally, your railcars have be stumped (but it doesn't take much - LOL)Thanks also for the travelogue and the picture of the Stirling station - I enlarged it to the max and enjoyed looking at all of the signals, etc. Eric sent a B&A picture - typical scenery on the line which in spots can be, as Cosby once said, "Uphill-both ways." It's truly a challenge for an engineer, especially with a freight train. OSP - We won't even discuss petroleum machinations. I will observe, however, that presently they are on a bungee cord - like the stock market. I truly don't like the looks of a lot that I am seeing. Happy anniversary.My UPS buddy stopped by the other day and told me that the K9 Korps was "bald." I did get him shaved for the hot weather. It makes things easier on him.The SIRT material was from the late 60s. Remind me at the rendezvous to tell the story abt. air conditioning on the Georgia Northern - can't do it here or we'd get "shot off the air." Work safe LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 9:23 AM Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!Ruth my deAH, I'm baaaaaaack ‘n ready for a #3 from the menu. A mugga Joe with a jolt will be fine too, Ah yes, treats for the crittAHs ‘n a small jar of PPF for our man Boris! Round for the house ‘n the change is for YOU! A nice day yesterday, in spite of our Cap'n being gone for most of the day. Once he dropped of the acknowledgments, he was a goner. Don't blame him, we all need a refresher now ‘n then, huh HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to our Cap'n & his Chief Officer! Good to see the continuing activity from CM3 I'm NOT Shane! - Dan over in the UK - Pete in the Wolf Den ‘n Eric, our confused Swede in the desert! <grin> No doubt that without youse guys, this place would be taking on water. Nice work, gents! Oh yeah, the "bonus" yesterday was the visit from Fergie, our seagoing Canadian connection. How could I miss him?!?!Appears the mornings ‘round here are now the peak of activity. But now we seem to be in that long period between posts in the PM . . . The joint could use some good natured, serious minded, classic trains (REAL, of course!) guys who like ‘n understand the environment our Cap'n has provided! For Shane: Glad that the B&A "stuff" flicked your switch - figured as much! In spite of it having been provided in the past, it's still a good read. Appreciate the descriptions - always helps a bunch to have that insider info . . . . No Boris, we're not talking the stock market . . . . <geesh> Boris ‘n the stock market???? Why not!! <grin>A rail rendezvous in New England - now that IS something to consider. Wouldn't have to take the place of the regular annual event - but just a special "thing" for those who CAN make it. Anyway, my guess is our Cap'n is thinking along the lines of at least one night aboard the train. Didn't you say there are no sleepers anymore in ‘n out of Boston?? <barf> Here's a little something for the day from the Book Mobile! Ruth, we better get a start on that <ahem> admin work, as the temps up in the Penthouse Suite are sure to rise!! Boris, set the alarm-system - disengage the monitor - full speed ahead - ‘n mind your ruddAH! <huh?> Until the next time! Lars siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment! Posted by siberianmo on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 11:25 AM G'day Gents!Many thanx to CM3 Shane 'n Lars for stopping in this AM . . . keeps the flow, uh -flowing! Appreciate the Anniversary best wishes . . . So, it's Wednesday 'n time again for our OPTIONAL Toy 'n Model Trains day! Here's some more from the Can-Am HO layout . . . ALL of the operating trains in these fotos are normally within my wall-mounted <lucite> display cases. They' were put on the tracks just for FUN! "click" to ENLARGE!CPR on the Can-AmCPR emerging from the tunnel on the east side of the mountain range - heading south. That's the Dominion Atlantic RDCs above on the mountain run! CPs "The Canadian" at Can-Am Gorge - and - Dominion Atlantic RDCs on the mountain run CPs "The Canadian" on the west side of the mountains, headed south passing "Our" Place! (take note that the EMD E8 is minus the beaver shield on the "nose" - a flaw from Rivarossi! <boo hissss> Enjoy! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 1:19 PM Good day Tom and all present. Drinks all around. Guinness for me as usual. Tom, I have followed your directions on posting and attached is a sample. I'm doing this on a word processor before copying and pasting into the forum. I hope it works. This will be short as I'm just trying to master this image posting thing.To CM3: I remember Pease AFB, when I worked in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from 1960 to 1964. I almost was picked to go on the ill-fated voyage of the USS Thresher, but was bumped by more important people. Portsmouth was a great little town and is now a historical landmark. I used to commute every day from Boston along the Newberryport turnpike. On the way home, I would stop at a market and pick up a couple-a-lobsters at 69 cents a pound. Some of them were more than 5 lbs each. Following is the attempt at posting images. Edit « First«58596061626364»Last » SUBSCRIBER & MEMBER LOGIN Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more! Login Register FREE NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter Submit More great sites from Kalmbach Media Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy
Boston and Albany Railroad
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Reporting marks
BA
Locale
Massachusetts and eastern New York
Dates of operation
1833 -
Track gauge
4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) (standard gauge)
Headquarters
The Boston and Albany Railroad (AAR reporting marks BA) was a railroad connecting Boston, Massachusetts to Albany, New York, later becoming part of the New York Central Railroad system. Passenger service is still operated on the line by Amtrak (as part of their Lake Shore Limited), and the MBTA Commuter Rail system uses the section east of Worcester as their
Ruth, I'll have a look at the breakfast menu please and select something nice - maybe pancakes?
Yes Tom, crossing the pond at the end of the week, so still about to call in.
CM3 - one of the interesting things was that when the LMS and others were created in 1923 by a forced government merger they were created on geographical lines broadly speaking. However there were some lines that went well inside other companies territory. One such line was the heart of Wales line which took the LMS I think, well into GWR territory.
I see this line has a website:
http://www.heart-of-wales.co.uk/galframe.htm
Lars - yes some of the links on that ONR site seem a bit broken - I'll report back on the trip if I make it - including the Dome info!
Pete - I was in the Victoria pub in Beeston next to the station. You can sit in the garden there which is right next to the platform - trains going by include HST 125s, 156s 158s, Turbostars and Meridians. No freight on a Saturday evening though it would seem. Good flavour on the Batham's dark, well kept and nicely refreshing. Comes in at 3.5% I think, a typical Mild I suppose - where is it from? By the way I've got your e-mail and tried to reply including the sign in approval spam filter process. Hope you get my test reply.
Your mention of the 1st generation DMUs is interesting - after al nearly all designs had the front visibility - I wonder who decided to do that - it was good idea even if the drivers sometimes pulled the blinds down - I guess they did not like the idea of people right behind them. The design feature was reproduced by almost every manufacturer.
Pete - I'd have thought the big debate in Rugby would have been between LNER (GC) and LMS (LNWR) devotees? GWR fans are of course always diehards to the cause and should be respected as such (chap I work with - his father and grandfather both worked in Swindon works and he has a picture of a Castle Class loco on his office wall!)
My journey across the pond will start with a trip to Manchester airport - so that will be the railway line across the Pennines, the Hope valley route - which is always very scenic and pleasurable.
Eric - I liked those RDC pics - I can't speak or read Swedish (despite all the IKEA instructions) but I'm guessing that was scenes from The Malahat train on Victoria Island? They were nice shots with lots of visual interest!
PS - Eric - to add to Tom's info on the Canadian trip it might be worth your contact having alook over this website which has some good pics on what to expect inside the cars etc: http://www.seat61.com/Canada.htm#Canadian
A pint of Bathams please RUTH.
ERIC We have to come to Phoenix for a cool down only 90 F it is supposed to reach 100F here for the next couple of days with heat index nearing 110F.
Great photos in the linkloved the title ‘Budd Y Holly-Day'.
York really is a great city for a visit; the Vikings are still recognized by some of the town names. The first station on the line from York to Leeds is named Ulleskelf.
I see they are running a regular steam train every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during August from York. It is the same route on which BR operated steam specials on in the1980s although run by a railtour company this time. The full route is: departing York and on a circular route via Harrogate and Leeds back to York and then on to the seaside town of Scarborough for a nearly 5 hour break (there are some great fish n chips shops) and then back to York where the train then runs the circuit via Leeds in the opposite direction. The Leeds circuit has some good grades on it, especially the climb out of Leeds, in both directions. Tickets are available for parts of the journey or a ticket for the whole day. The locomotives scheduled are from a pool, of two LNER A4s and a LMS Duchess. I hope this great idea is a success for the company.
Thanks for the photo.
FERGIE Glad you are enjoying your time as Captain, hope the chance for permanent promotion comes along earlier than you think it will.
It would be great to see a photo of the Erie Steam Shovel and the bar when they are finished.
CM3 As you say lets hope for good news out of Utah.
I have heard that the Empire Builder is the best train run by Amtrak from a few people.
Your remarks about the paperwork involved with the railways made me wonder, how long those signalbox registers were kept after they were filled. I must admit that I have not heard of them being sold on the railfan market.
Thanks for the Staten Island Rapid Transit details.
LARS It seems you too are missing Tom's Canadian photos they really were a great series of pics.
There are my sentiments exactly with the ‘Interviews when the game is going on. I guess with the TV companies paying the money they have the say. It is the same in the UK with the soccer with Kick off times and even days the game is played being dictated by the TV. The traditional time for football in Britain was 3pm on Saturday but especially in the top two divisions it can be any time, last year there was clubs without a Saturday game for weeks.
Many thanks for the Boston & Albany. If I ever get back to the Boston area I will make sure I get some time to travel on the MBTA trains in the area including the ex B&A line to Framingham.
The start of your post had me.
DL The Heart of Wales line is a very scenic line, we are lucky the line is still running I suppose as it travels through a very sparely populated area. I think why it became part of the LMS was it was owned by the LNWR, which had its own station in Swansea deep in the heart of Great Western territory.
Hopefully the e-mails should be OK now
The trouble with the Batham pubs is that none of them is too near a station although the local bus service is very good
http://www.bathams.com/
When I next come over to England, if it is possible we will have to meet up with the two Alan's at Birmingham New St, get a West Midland rover and visit some Batham and Holden pubs, finishing up at the Great Western in Wolverhampton, a Holden's house but which serves Bathams as well.
I can't remember any rivalry between the GC and the LMS. I think the GC was thought of with a lot of affection it certainly had it own atmosphere, it seemed to me that Rugby Central station was more like a country station rather than the very busy Rugby Midland. We did get some Great Western locomotives on the GC mainly on some inter-regionals, although there was a train, which ran from Banbury, which if I remember right, went to Leicester. It was usually a Hall class and when the loco was in very clean condition it was a great sight.
Yes The Great Western has very faithful supporters. Unlike the other lines it was not really changed from the beginning in 1835 up to late BR days. It was not really affected by the grouping or nationalization. Even in the diesel days it went it's own way with the Diesel Hydraulics, although one Alan (a firm LMS LNER fan) says they stopped steam loco development in 1910 the other Alan is a firm GWR fan. All I will say is I am really glad the LMS got Stanier from the GWR in the 1930s.
A pint of Holden,s and a round please LEON while I post Part 2..
Tour to Scotland 2006
Part two Newcastle to Stirling
At Newcastle the 7:30 AM from London King's Cross terminated and after a few minutes 91120 hauled the Mk IV coaching stock off to Heaton Depot for servicing. After the platform was clear the Edinburgh train arrived, having left King's Cross at 8 AM but with a couple less stops, hauled by electric loco # 91102 Durham Cathedral. An on time departure past the Newcastle Keep which looked over a grand sets of diamond crossings in steam days, the track layout as been much simplified nowadays.
The train is soon speeding north past Heaton depot now mainly serving Diesel Multiple Units. Further north is a triangular junction with a freight only line heading east and serving and area which was the Northumberland coalfield, the area from which the Stephenson's came from and is known as the "Cradle of Railways".
Past a couple of lines serving open-cast coal pits and then pleasant scenery, the train approaches Berwick. Coming from the south,the famous Royal Border Bridge ,is visible from the train as it as to make a long 90 degree turn. Over the bridge our train makes the only stop on this trip at Berwick-On-Tweed.
The reason I took the East Coast route to Scotland was that I had not traveled over the line north of Newcastle for many years. Leaving Berwick the train soon passes into Scotland and onto a part of the line, which runs on top of cliffs alongside the North Sea, this scenic bit of line does not seem to get a lot of publicity unfortunately.
With Edinburgh Bay to the east, the train is soon slowing for Waverley station.
The station as been extended in the past and is quite difficult to navigate if not a regular user. We had arrived at platform 20, which is separated, from the main part of the station by a wall. So it was over the footbridge into the main part of the station . I thought the train to Stirling would be leaving from one of the North Bays but it was due to leave from the south end of one of the through platforms. Luckily it was a couple of minutes late and I was able to make the connection.
Waverley station was known to be tricky even in the early days and by tradition the clock on the North British Hotel, by the station in Princes Street, runs two minutes fast. Heading north from Waverley the line runs through a shallow cutting with Edinburgh Castle high on a hill on one side and Princes Street on the other, after two tunnels the train calls at Haymarket station. On departure of the station, Haymarket loco depot is passed. In steam days it supplied the top-link locos for the East Coast, including the A4 loco for the Non-Stop Elizabethan Edinburgh to London express, a duty shared with King's Cross depot. Later it looked after the Diesel fleet including 8 of the legendary Deltic Express Passenger Diesel-Electrics. Today the modernized depot looks after a large part of the Scottish Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) fleet, of classes 150/2, 156 158 and 170/4.
After heading north for a few miles we head west towards Glasgow, leaving the line to the Forth and Tay bridges and Aberdeen. The magnificent Forth Bridge can be viewed in the distance from this line. I have heard that it is illuminated at night by floodlights a sight I would love to see.
Through Falkirk and a tri-angular junction at Larbert it is not far to Stirling a pleasant enough trip on the 2-Car class 158 DMU although with the slowest approach to the station stops I can remember in quite a while. The last time I arrived in Stirling was on a steam special after a 10-day tour of Scotland. After a good lunch and a visit to Stirling's oldest pub for a good pint of Dark Island which is brewed on the Isle of Orkney, I then passed a shop that was selling T-Shirts that said " Please God Anyone But England" a reference to the Soccer World Cup which was taking place at the time (Scotland didn't qualify) which I must admit made me smile. I have always found the Scottish people very friendly and warm hearted and so it was on this trip.
Stirling station looking south with a fine array of semaphore signals and the signalbox just visible in the distance. I believe the signalling is to be modified soon and replaced with colour light signals. I shall be sad to see them go.
Ahoy Cap'n Tom 'n fellow travelers at the bar!
Leon, set 'em up - Boris ring the bell 'n I'll have a frosty mug of Rheingold! AhhhhhhhhWhat a perfectly AWFUL day here on "the island" as the summAH is here. As with Da Boss, I'm not "into" this kinda stuff. <ugh>
A rare evening visit from me, but I promised Cap'n Tom I'd keep an eye on things, so let's see what's been going on.
Dan hasn't left yet! Which is good for us, as the business is sorely needed - thanks, mate!
Pete is holding up his "slot," and found my error (which I've corrected!!!) - THANKS!! Here's the skinny: I prepare as much as possible in advance then fill in the blanks as needed. What happened is I thought mine was going to be afternoon, but then it hit me that Da Boss said he'd be gone for most of the day. I reversed direction, but forget to clean up the post. Happens.
I see the Wolfman dropped off his Part II . . . Looks like we posted pretty much on top of one another . . . . Have a pint of Bathams on me!
Yeah, it does seem rather odd not having our daily spread of pix from Cap'n Tom. I mean the "series" began so long ago 'n he didn't miss a beat . . . . really not only got used to 'em, but looked forward to the next installment.
Terrible situation in Utah with those miners - can only hope for the best. Must be absolutely frustrating for all involved above the ground and most frightening for those beneath it.
I took a break from the tube, as the HOTlanta Braves are putting it to my Mets - a thrashing by any other name. Had to walk away for a bit . . . <groan>
Ok guys, enjoy the nite!
SP #3606 full length dome (from: LA River RRs)
Until the next time!
Lars
Leon, old friend! Since I am going to the lab in the morning I have to pass, nothing to eat or drink! Thanks for asking!
Strange to have nothing to eat or drink while here. Found some interesting reading and the surpirsing news about the high-tech installation in the Pnethouse Suite!
Tom – Thanks for all the info on the routine aboard the Canadian!! I have forwarded it to my friend! Including a copy of that picture (the Canadian). No, the photo I posted is UP's Sunset Route south of Phoenix. UP is adding a second track (double track) across the state. That is why the Amtrak station has two platforms but still only one track. Fergie – So that is why the Captain never sleeps? He is building models! CM3 – More trouble in Utah, but hopefully those guys are still alive and well (considering the circumstances).Lars – The Penthouse Suite equipped with the latest in technology? Installed by Vito Cement Shoes? Wow, it will take at least 20 minutes to figure out how to get around that. Boston and Albany! I remember that line. Beautiful country! A picture of the line in 1993 below.
Thanks for the picture of SP #3606! I did not know SP had any full length domes. Dan – You mean the Malahat train on Vancouver Island, right? The train goes from Victoria to Courtenay on Vancouver Island.Thank you for the link! I have forwarded it to the guy in the old country!Pete – Don’t worry about cooling off in Phoenix, today we will get 106° F! But it is a dry heat! It sounds like York is a good place to go for a nice train ride!I hate interviews when the game is going on! I want to see the game, nothing else. I found a recording of Blue Peter’s extended wheel slip Oct. 1 1994. It was a real bad wheel slip! Check the link and listen to it.http://www.steamsoundsarchive.com/13/audio/19940814.mp3Thanks for the second part of your trip report! I don’t know if I missed something, but why did you go to Stirling? To have a pint of Dark Island?
You never know your luck ‘til the wheel stops.
Mid-week again in mid-continent USA where the petrol prices are the opposite of the temperatures. Temps UP, prices DOWN.
Something I've NEVER seen: Within the past 18 hours, the price of petrol went from $2.56 (rounded) to $2.74 to $2.55. Now HOW does THAT happen when the gasoline is in the ground storage tank all the while???? There's supposed to be a law against this kind of thing, but obviously pretty much not enforced. <barf>
Join me with a mugga Joe, a few pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery, and perhaps a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board.
Dog days <daze> of summer are here - Juneau knows it!! <ugh> <double ugh> Had the hottest day of the year on Tuesday - 104 (F) downtown. Fortunately, we were "cooler" here in Chesterfield with another day of hitting the century mark. <phew>
Big day ‘n nite ‘round our Haus as we celebrate our anniversary. Flowers, dinner, ‘n who knows?? <grin>
Fergie (Fergmiester) at 7:43 AM Tuesday - Aug 7th: Great seeing our Maritime Canada Connection once again! Seems that being at sea does wonders for you - it always seemed to "work" for me too, once past the sea buoy that is. <grin>
I see that our Manager, Lars, has given you ‘warning' about the <tweeter>! Would hate to let go a blast in your direction, Mate - ooooooooops, Captain!
There are some fine HO models of taverns available from Walthers - and two of ‘em are on the Can-Am. The Second Class Saloon ‘n of course the prototype for "Our" Place - The 9 Mile House. Will be interesting to see some fotos from your project! Of course we don't feel threatened. We welcome you to this aspect of fun stuff - "the other side of the mountain"! <grin>
CM3 Shane (coalminer3) at 8:52 AM Tuesday - Aug 7th: BLACK B-52s flying over your house??!! That should've been cause to vacate!! <geesh>
Don't know the ‘era your info on the Staten Island Rapid Transit represented, but it surely brought back some fond thoughts about riding those "3rd railers" from my home in Port Richmond to St. George - transfer to the South Beach line for a day at the ocean. It was really a great line ‘n perhaps represented my first inculcation to the world of passenger trains, thanx to my best friend - my grandpa! That was all in the war years right up ‘til the line in my area shut down in the early 50s.
Many thanx!
There's been a lot of "press" regarding what you guys do in the organization you're in. Positive thoughts to those trapped ‘n to the families involved.
Round ‘ quarters most welcome!
Lars (LoveDomes) at 8:48 AM Tuesday - Aug 7th: Many thanx for a fine Post along with that "bonus" feature on the Boston & Albany.
Always enjoy the chatter ‘n banter from our Manager! And, what's this about Vito the Hit ‘n his anti-eaves dropping device?? Isn't that like hiring the Fox to guard the Hen houses??
Round appreciated, of course!
Dan (DL-UK) at 10:05 AM Tuesday - Aug 7th: Many thanx for the continuing support, especially during this period of absences. Figured you were gone, but you keep coming back!
Email received ‘n responded to - thanx!
Methinks one needs TWO TONGUES to pronounce those locations in your Wales link! <grin>
Appreciate the visit ‘n business!
Pete (pwolfe) at 3:57 PM ‘n 7:52 PM Tuesday - Aug 7th: TWO visits on one week day - now that's a rarity from our Bar Chandler!
Guess I missed whatever it is you detected with Lars' Post . . . Eagle Eye Pete strikes again, eh <grin> In reading his explanation - that stuff happens, especially when trying to get things done in advance. BUT, one SHOULD check before Posting, eh
Received your Email - glad the fotos arrived safe ‘n sound . . .
Bathams link made me THIRSTY! <grin>
Part Deux really rounds out the story. Nicely done, Mate!
Mention of the Forth Bridge brings to mind some interesting dialogue amongst you, Moi ‘n Dan . . .
Sounds like the route along the cliffs at the North Sea are well worth the trip . . . not a place to
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. How hot is it? It was o hot that........
Lars visited with B&A material. The first photo (the one with the 2-8-4) is, indeed, at Springfield. Check out the huge sand dome - dead giveaway for a B&A engine. Incidentally, the 2-8-4 got its name from the Berkshire Hills, traversed by the B&A.
The 4-6-4 with train 25 is just west of the Springfield station; it is the Boston section of the 20th Century - through cars were handed off to NYC 25 at Albany. Later on, the Boston section was dropped when the NYC tightened the 20th Century schedule. It became a separate train, the dearly beloved "New England States."
Pete wants to ride the B&A. You can do some of the east end between Boston and Worcester on MBTA commuter trains. Amtrak 448/449 in a plug section of the Lake Shore which operates between Boston and Albany. It's a nice trip, especially in the summer because you can see the west end in the daylight. Eastbound you have daylight pretty much all the time, except in the "dead" of winter. Holy smokes - there's an idea for a rail rendezvous.
Incidentally, your railcars have be stumped (but it doesn't take much - LOL)
Thanks also for the travelogue and the picture of the Stirling station - I enlarged it to the max and enjoyed looking at all of the signals, etc.
Eric sent a B&A picture - typical scenery on the line which in spots can be, as Cosby once said, "Uphill-both ways." It's truly a challenge for an engineer, especially with a freight train.
OSP - We won't even discuss petroleum machinations. I will observe, however, that presently they are on a bungee cord - like the stock market. I truly don't like the looks of a lot that I am seeing.
Happy anniversary.
My UPS buddy stopped by the other day and told me that the K9 Korps was "bald." I did get him shaved for the hot weather. It makes things easier on him.
The SIRT material was from the late 60s. Remind me at the rendezvous to tell the story abt. air conditioning on the Georgia Northern - can't do it here or we'd get "shot off the air."
Ruth my deAH, I'm baaaaaaack ‘n ready for a #3 from the menu. A mugga Joe with a jolt will be fine too, Ah yes, treats for the crittAHs ‘n a small jar of PPF for our man Boris! Round for the house ‘n the change is for YOU!
A nice day yesterday, in spite of our Cap'n being gone for most of the day. Once he dropped of the acknowledgments, he was a goner. Don't blame him, we all need a refresher now ‘n then, huh
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to our Cap'n & his Chief Officer!
Good to see the continuing activity from CM3 I'm NOT Shane! - Dan over in the UK - Pete in the Wolf Den ‘n Eric, our confused Swede in the desert! <grin> No doubt that without youse guys, this place would be taking on water. Nice work, gents! Oh yeah, the "bonus" yesterday was the visit from Fergie, our seagoing Canadian connection. How could I miss him?!?!
Appears the mornings ‘round here are now the peak of activity. But now we seem to be in that long period between posts in the PM . . . The joint could use some good natured, serious minded, classic trains (REAL, of course!) guys who like ‘n understand the environment our Cap'n has provided!
For Shane: Glad that the B&A "stuff" flicked your switch - figured as much! In spite of it having been provided in the past, it's still a good read. Appreciate the descriptions - always helps a bunch to have that insider info . . . . No Boris, we're not talking the stock market . . . . <geesh> Boris ‘n the stock market???? Why not!! <grin>
A rail rendezvous in New England - now that IS something to consider. Wouldn't have to take the place of the regular annual event - but just a special "thing" for those who CAN make it.
Anyway, my guess is our Cap'n is thinking along the lines of at least one night aboard the train. Didn't you say there are no sleepers anymore in ‘n out of Boston?? <barf>
Here's a little something for the day from the Book Mobile!
Ruth, we better get a start on that <ahem> admin work, as the temps up in the Penthouse Suite are sure to rise!! Boris, set the alarm-system - disengage the monitor - full speed ahead - ‘n mind your ruddAH! <huh?>
Many thanx to CM3 Shane 'n Lars for stopping in this AM . . . keeps the flow, uh -flowing! Appreciate the Anniversary best wishes . . .
So, it's Wednesday 'n time again for our OPTIONAL Toy 'n Model Trains day! Here's some more from the Can-Am HO layout . . . ALL of the operating trains in these fotos are normally within my wall-mounted <lucite> display cases. They' were put on the tracks just for FUN!
"click" to ENLARGE!
CPR on the Can-Am
CPR emerging from the tunnel on the east side of the mountain range - heading south. That's the Dominion Atlantic RDCs above on the mountain run!
CPs "The Canadian" at Can-Am Gorge - and - Dominion Atlantic RDCs on the mountain run
CPs "The Canadian" on the west side of the mountains, headed south passing "Our" Place! (take note that the EMD E8 is minus the beaver shield on the "nose" - a flaw from Rivarossi! <boo hissss>
Good day Tom and all present. Drinks all around. Guinness for me as usual. Tom, I have followed your directions on posting and attached is a sample. I'm doing this on a word processor before copying and pasting into the forum. I hope it works. This will be short as I'm just trying to master this image posting thing.
Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!
Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter