Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, a Sugar Cured Ham Sandwich, please! Cold!
Managed to make it to the bar kind of early tonight! I will try to go to bed before midnight tonight! Does not happen too often.
CM3 – Glad you could make it to the bar today! The only GG1 I have seen is the one in Harrisburg. I guess it is still there. I just wish it was operational. Tom – No need for apologies! My post was the last on page 10 last night and sometime this morning it showed up on page 11! That is why you didn’t see it. My Sunday absence was because I couldn’t get to the forum at all, trying different browsers. All other websites I tried showed up right away, but not Kalmbach’s. I agree, Phoenix is kind of an artificial habitat. But normally we never see snow and the tempertature is decent. Little bit on the hot side in the summer but nothing is perfect. The bad part is that Phoenix is not really a railroad town. The good thing is that the governor wants to start running passenger trains between Phoenix and Tucson. I don’t know if I feel fortunate about the snow. Personally I never saw it. But the windshield was covered by frost/ice the second morning in a row today. DL – Phoenix is different. Most of all, it’s warmer!! Besides the forest I miss my railroad job and I regret I didn’t start working for Southern Pacific when I was offered a job back in 1994. Lars – Don’t worry, I would never tell anyone! Ruth is a nice lady! Two nice pictures of steam locomotives when they were pulling real trains!Pete – 65 AEM-7 were built plus 33 ALP44. The difference between them is basically that AEM-7 was built here in the US and ALP44 built in Sweden. AEM-7 is geared for 125 mph and ALP44 100 mph. I rode in the cab of AEM-7 from Washington D.C. to Baltimore once and it was a smooth ride. Thousands of people turned out to see the X2000 wherever we went! It was unbelievable. James – If you mean the picture from Washington D.C., it’s an AEM-7. I must say I have hard to believe you would see one in Chicago though. As I said before, AEM-7 runs on 11 kV / 25 Hz, 12.5 kV / 60 Hz, or 25 kV / 60 Hz and that is not what they have in Chicago. I like the pictures! I guess there will be a second track to the left. Good job! Are you drawing it for fun or for a special purpose? Hello underworld, hope it tasted good!
Eric
foto credit: www.viarail.ca
G'day Gents!
Mid-week in mid-continent USA once again! Temps are at 30 (F), forecast is for continued dry weather, rather <blah> thru the week. Liven up the start to the day with a cuppa freshly ground' n brewed coffee, a selection from our Menu Board for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast and of course our recently arrived pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery!
The evening hours surely surpassed those of the daylight and it was good to see some familiar faces ‘round here. Leon reports all went well with the evening crowd.
Acknowledgments:
Lars at 3:06 PM yesterday: Nice to be able to count on you for the mid-day visit. No matter how long the Post, it's the idea of it all and the fact that you participate in an inclusive way. Makes all the "diff"!
Appreciate your willingness to help get our guys back online with the reiteration of what needs to be done. Yes, Kalmbach needs to know. So c'mon guys, send the Forum's Manager an Email direct or through either Lars or Moi. We'll be happy to help get things restored for ya!
Nice MoPacs!
Pete at 5:00 PM yesterday: And you WEREN'T LAST this time!! Good to see ya, Mate and your inclusive Post is good readin'!!
When we visit the Mercantile Museum at the University of Missouri - St. Louis to check out the railroad section, you'll see maps of the rail lines that "used to be." Quite impressive.
I'll put the "Six Five Special" and "The Runaway Train" on my list of things to research - THANX!
Yes, we ARE going to get a supply of KWISPEL "beer" for the Mascots of "Our" Place. As a non-alcoholic beverage, my guess is we'll have to restrain Boris from lapping up the "suds" from their bowls! <grin>
Regarding the Pix of Herr Wurlitzer ‘n Coal Scuttle, I reduced them as far as I could to preserve the details. Of course in reality, Coal Scuttle is quite a bit smaller. Holds plenty of quarters though, mainly from CM3! Thanx for your contribution! Remember guys, the music at "Our" Place is FREE - just pick up a quarter or three and pop it into Herr Wurlitzer - 5 plays for a quarter and the list to select from is limitless!
James at 8:08 PM yesterday: A fine Post from you, Sir and I really am impressed with your talents. Those signals look terrific and while I have no clue regarding how one goes about doing such things, I'm awed by the realism! A gold 5- to you!
While I'm at it, I must say that you have become quite a welcomed sight ‘round here. Contrary to the start, you've gone overboard with your willingness to be part of this group (such as it is!) and exemplify what we try to do ‘round here. Truly appreciate your enthusiasm and sharing of the classic RR info with us. Thanx!
Want to say that I too saw an Amtrak electric in Chicago. Yes I did. It was sitting idle on the right side approach to Union Station, where all of the Amtrak locos are. Anyway, this particular AEM was not in an area where pantographs existed and I wondered when it came into view whether it had been "deadheaded" west for some sort of maintenance problem that the Chicago folks had the expertise with. Or perhaps a transfer to another area. Don't really know, but I do recall seeing it. Was about 10 years ago, give or take a year or so.
Having said all of that, Eric is correct, those locos did not and do not operate in the mid-west. Kinda reminds me of the NdeM loco I saw sitting outside of a shop in Montreal several years ago. One never knows just what one will "discover" while taking in the sights from a moving train!
I'm sure the guys would really appreciate viewing the Pix of Fred Soup's model RR - perhaps on a "Toy ‘n Model Trains Day!" would be a good idea!
SPECIAL for: underworld at 10:01 PM yesterday: Hope you enjoyed the sandwich ‘n brew! Thanx for the business!
Your Posts have been noted by the guys. You've been "invited" to participate by reviewing Page One for the ground rules, etc. We've not had much success at "Our" Place with those who are anonymous (in the profiles) or keep to the "one way" Postings. To get acknowledged ‘round here, one has to climb aboard! Hard to maintain dialogue with hit ‘n run type visitors.
Eric at 10:59 PM yesterday: A great way to wind down the day with an epistle from the sand! <grin> Our "resident desert Swede" hasn't let us down, in spite of the pratfalls of the Forum Gremlins! <arggggggggghhhhh>
Thanx for the clarification on yesterday's Post - I knew it "wasn't there" when I first logged in and used the Refresh/Reload feature. Then later on, there it was. Crazy!
I used to know a guy who was a former SP employee. He was more the "office type" than operational. Anyway, he had a long career with ‘em, 29 years I think. Didn't have one positive word about his experiences. I always wondered why in the world would someone put up with misery for that long, especially when no one forced him to work for the company To his credit, and only because he brought it up, I later on did a bit of research on the SP and found that there was indeed ‘smoke' to be looked into insofar as management was concerned. Too bad we don&#
G'day All! PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #1
Initially Posted on Page 113 of the "old" ThreadHere's something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with Classic Trains. Check this out ....... Many of the passenger railroads we've heard of and perhaps traveled aboard, had their start up in the 1800's and early 1900's. Check out these names of perhaps the best known: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (1863) Atlantic Coast Line (1900) Baltimore & Ohio (1827) #1 Boston & Maine (1835) Canadian Pacific (1881) Chesapeake & Ohio (1867) Chicago & Northwestern (1859) Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (1855) Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul ("The Milwaukee Road," 1874) Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific (1866) Erie (1859) Great Northern (1889) Illinois Central (1851) Kansas City Southern (1900) Lehigh Valley (1855) Louisville & Nashville (1850) Missouri Pacific (1879) New York Central (1914, although the formal adoption of that name came later) New York, Chicago & St. Louis ("Nickel Plate Road," 1881) Norfolk & Western (1881) Northern Pacific (1864) Pennsylvania Railroad (1846) Seaboard Air Line (1900) Southern Pacific (1884) Southern Railway (1887) Union Pacific (1862) Wabash (1877) Western Pacific (1903) [source:] The American Passenger Train Enjoy! Tom
OPTIONAL Toy 'n Model Trains Day!
As our "regulars" have become accustomed, Wednesday has been set aside for the Posting of Pix 'n narratives relating to the hobby that has drawn us to Kalmbach and their magazines. Our intent here is to NOT take away from the Forums and Threads set aside for the display of Toy 'n Model Trains, but rather to share with one another - under one roof, so to speak - some tangible signs of our continued interest in Toy 'n Model Trains - all in the Classic sense!
This installment shows Pix of the trains I had in my youth. These are NOT my trains, for they are long gone, however their images "live" in the Ether!
Lionel 2020 (O-27) PRR 6-8-6 S-2 turbine (1946-49)w/smoke & MagneTraction
Lionel #6020 I(O-27) tender w/whistle (1948-49)
Lionel #3451 operating log car (1947-48)
Lionel #6452 PRR gondola w/barrels (1948-49)
Lionel #2456 LV hopper (1948)
Lionel #2460 Bucyrus Erie Crane Car (1946-50)
Lionel #6420 DL&W work caboose /w searchlight (1948-50)
Lionel #1033 90 watt transformer (1948-56)
These trains are "classics" in every sense and represent to many an era as important as those we discuss here at the bar involving the real trains of days gone by . . .
Enjoy!
Tom
Here is the 2nd installment for the trains from my youth:
These are Pix of the "add ons" to my Lionel O-27 trains from many decades past! The trains, sad to say, are long gone, but "live" here in the Ether!
Lionel #2402 Chatham passenger car (1948-49)
Lionel #2400 Maplewood passenger car (1948-49)
Lionel #2401 Hillside observation car (1948-49)
Lionel #115 City Station
Hello Tom and all in
I just wanted to get back to Lars on the forum problem he kindly asked me about. Lars, will you join me in a beer?
It was kind of you to offer regarding my pic glitches, but there's no obligation to report them, but if you are minded to here goes:
I've never had problems logging in to the forums, never had formatting problems, never had probs seeing posts.
Only probs are with certain pictures.
Eric's pics always display. James' pics used to display, don't now. Rob's pics display. Lars pics and Doug's pics never displayed.
Tom and Pete's more recent pics do not display, so I went to check the ones from before that I could see to see if they were still displayed (they were).
SO: Tom's pics of Mentor Village Theatre and Pete's pics of A4 at Green Bay Museum, on Page 4 of this thread, still display to me, but Pete's pic of an A4 on P9 does not show (nor ever did to me). Tom's Via Credited dome car picture on p5 (with the Moose) did display, now does not show (Tom's small pic next to Park Car under his log in always shows, as in fact does Lars' domes pic by log in name on LHS). James' pics on p7 still show, but new pics on p11 does not.
I'm using Internet Explorer version 6.0
The only thing that occurs to me is that if someone posts a picture in a slightly different way (eg Pete or Tom) it is not visible to me, if they do it another way it shows (?). If that is not the case hard to assume it is not a matter for the forum IT - however, could be IT my end of course - I simply don't know.
I don't expect anyone to do anything about this - just kind of ‘for the record'
Best wishes for now
DL
Pete - looks like you must have seen the same O.W.Link TV programme I saw, not see Colin Gifford books, but know of him of course, will watch out for them following your recommendation.
Railroad lyrics: Trans Europe Express (by Kraftwerk), Night Train (by Visage) - both 1980s synth pop bands not to everyone's taste, but songs never the less, and chart toppers at the time as I recall.
Here is the 3rd installment for the trains from my youth:
More "add ons" to my Lionel Empire!
Lionel #8471 PRR NW2 switcher
Lionel #3474 WP operating box car (1952-53)
Lionel #2458 PRR auto box car (1946-48)
Lionel #6472 refrigerator car (1950-53)
Lionel #6002 NYC gondola (1950)
Lionel #6019 remote control track (1948-66)
Lionel O-27 switches (post war)
Lionel #364 conveyer log loader (1948-57)
Lionel #395 floodlight tower (1949-56)
Lionel #26 illuminated bumper (1948-50)
Lionel KW 190 watt transformer (1950-65)
That's was IT!
Good Afternoon Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please, round for the house and $ for the jukebox. In from the outside finally; it's damp and coolish here today, it may snow or it may not - take your pick as we have five different forecasts for the area. The K9s don't care as long as they can get outside and run around.
Lars - Thanks for the comments and pictures.
Pete - I almost wound up working for the MP back in the day; an interesting property with its own way of doing things.
Eric - I'll sit down before long and write up some more about the GG1s as I remember them. They were truly something special.
James - Signals, signals - where's the train - oh, man - if I'm reading the display correctly, it's right behind me (LOL).
For our ‘steamed proprietor - I can show you a mechanical register (operated by hand crank, yet) at my local barber shop. It's his pride and joy; it does sound great. Ka-ching, ka-ching, and then BANG as the cash drawer opens.
Thanks for the classic Lionel stuff. I have the PRR version of the WP car, also have the refrigerator car. The NYC gon you showed came with barrels; had that both in black and in red with white lettering. BTW, will be interested to hear what you think of the Matewan movie. I have several stories to bring forward about it, but I'll wait until you get a chance to see it. IMHO, James Earl Jones "did good."
Well, time to put equipment away. I think I'll be around tomorrow. B4 I forget, C&O ran a couple of BIG coal trains by the house last evening. Wind was right and the second one sounded like it was going through the living room. Big GEs, lots of crossing signals, etc. Probably abt. 120 cars.
Work safe
G'day Cap'n Tom & fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth, my deAH a pint of whatever the European special is today! Snacks for the critters, pickled pig's feet for Boris 'n a round for the house! Keep the change you lovely lady!
Tom, you've done "it" again. That's quite a compilation of your Lionel Trains that you put together for a pretty empty house. Lots of effort and not lost on the likes of me. In spite of having seen most (not all), they ALWAYS bring back "that" feeiling from my childhood. Great to see 'em and many thanks from your friend on "the island."
DL, may I suggest that you download the latest revision to the Internet Explorer browser I'm hardly a 'puter kinda guy, however, it just may be part of the problem you're experiencing with some of the pix. Tom 'n most of the guys are all using the same "storage" service - PhotoBucket - so there really shouldn't be any "difference" in the manner in which those pix are posted. Anyway, IE is now at an iteration of revisions in the "7.0" series. I'd think it would be worth the while.
Tom, many thanks for the Email regarding the forum problems. With Bergie in the loop, perhaps we'll see something postive come of it.
Eric, great to see your contribution, along with James 'n Pete from yesterday evening 'n night. Keeping Leon busy is a wise thing to do given the way Boris likes to "play" when things get slow. When the two of 'em get going, it's "Katy bar the door!" 'round this joint!
Still haven't gotten 'round to do any serious browsing for "stuff" to contribute. Been pretty much in the doldrums myself these days. Generally get this way in January 'n February. Hate this time of year, for some strange reason. The Mrs. and I have been seriously discussing a cruise. She loves 'em, I am neutral. Figure I did my sailing for a living, why would I want to return aboard one of those gimmicky "love boats" However, once the Mrs. begins talking this way, that can only mean, cast off! <grin> My sons are pushing for it to happen and it's just a matter of when and to where. One thing though, IF we go, I'm for the long version. These foolish "less than a week" getaways really makes no sense to me. I'm looking at nothing less than 2 weeks aboard and of course in warm waters. Problem we had last time was there were so many ports o' call that the at sea time was greatly diminished. So, I'll be checking out what's what in the next few days.
Sure is lonely 'round here - Ruth, can you DO something about that
Just caught the post from CM3 I'm NOT Shane! So, at least the day hasn't been a total "wash," as they say. An operating cash register!! Now, THAT would be worth the trip to WVa to check out. Well, maybe not. <grin> Wonder if I could get to where you are from where I am by train Hmmmmmm. Good to see ya! Have one on me.
Until the next time!
Lars
HI Tom and all.
As the snow is still hanging about round here, I will have a Winters Ale please RUTH and I will stand a Kwispel beer for the mascots.
JAMES Glad you like the smaller locos in the pics. Nearly all the preservation sites in Britain started their operations using the smaller industrial steam locos. There are still quite a few lines which feature these great little locos.The Foxfield Railway in the Midlands, The Middleton Railway in Leeds and the Bowes and Tanfield Railways in the North East of England to name some.
Enjoyed the signal art.
ERIC Thanks for the info on the AEM-7 electric locos.
I have been looking at scanners and it looks like there is an Epson one that will do the job. It says on the box it does slides and prints. We will have to work out where to put it and I will probably get one.
Great pic of the Narrow Guage steam loco.
DL Sorry to hear that you are still having problems with the pics on the forum. I have not changed the way I post mine.
I have found a couple of links to some of Colin Giffords photos. There was even a set of Royal Mail postage stamps that had his railway photos on.
http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?txtkeys1=Gifford,+Colin+T
http://www.newcastle-arts-centre.co.uk/colin_gifford_photographer.htm
http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0860935264/002-2126663-3538439?SubscriptionId=1VSKFQ1XD6PZCE1ET682%26tag%3Dearth-searchresults-20
The last link shows his the last album he has done I have included it as it shows some of the pictures in the book. The one through the waiting room window in Derbyshire includes so many things that were common place at the time but now gone,like the ornate window,the gas lamp and the BR totem.
CM3 Now you mention it I think My barber in Mid- Mo still has an old style cash register, I will have a look next time I go.
I will look forward to reading more of the GG1s, I have seen a couple of them on static display in museums, I would have dearly loved to have seen and heard them in action.
LARS Have a English Beer on me.
So a sea cruise to warmer waters in on the cards. If you go I hope you have a great time, but will you be able to be away from Ruth for that long.
Yes I use the Photo bucket for my pics. There format seemed to have changed a bit lately, I am going to post a couple of pics later it will be interesting to see if DL can view them.
TOM Thanks for the kind words and many thanks for the Lionel Trains from your youth. I think the PRR Switcher and the Bucyrus crane are my favorites but they are all great models and accessories.
Great list of the old passenger railroads and their dates. I suppose some of the lines were merged with other RR companies a long time ago but their names are still well known.
Looking forward to the visit to the Mercantile Museum. Is this at the University that is served by the St Louis Metro.
The 5 plays for a quarter on Herr wurlitzer is certainly good value. It reminds me of a pub back in my home town that had a simular priced Juke-Box, unfortunatly that pub as long gone.
Readind about the AEM-7 you saw at Chicago, perhaps we could have a Rare Sight Seen on the Railroad mini theme one day. I am sure there would be some interesting posts.
G-day Tom and all present.
Leon- Could I get a coffee and a sandwich, please. Thanks
Tonight, I'm going to give a couple of articles on some model railroad companies and leave the other posting for tomorrow.
Atlas Model Railroad Company, Inc. makes scale models in N scale, HO scale, and O scale. The company is based out of Hillside, NJ. They produce a wide variety of locomotives, rolling stock, and vehicles. Atlas is well known for their flex track and codes 55, 80, 83 and 100 track. Atlas also makes structures and bridges.
In 1924 Stephan Schaffan Sr. founded the Atlas Tool Company in Newark, NJ. In 1933 his son, Stephan Schaffan Jr., came to work for his father at the age of sixteen. Steve Jr. built model airplanes as a hobby and frequented a local hobby shop. Being an enterprising young man, he would often ask the owner if there was anything he could do to earn some extra spending money. Tired of listening to his requests, the hobby-store owner threw some model railroad track parts his way and said, "Here, see if you can improve on this".
In those days, railroad modelers had to assemble and build everything from scratch. Steve Jr. created a "switch kit" which sold so well, that the entire family worked on them in the basement at night, while doing business as usual in the machine shop during the day.
Subsequently, Steve Jr. engineered the stapling of rail to fiber track, along with inventing the first practical rail joiner and pre-assembled turnouts and flexible track. All of these products, and more, helped to popularize model railroading and assisted in the creation of a mass-market hobby. The budding entrepreneur quickly outgrew the limitations of a basement and small garage operation. Realizing they could actually make a living selling track and related products, Steve and his father had the first factory built in Hillside, New Jersey at 413 Florence Avenue in 1947. On September 30th, 1949, Atlas Tool Company Inc. was officially incorporated as a New Jersey company.
Visit there website at: http://www.Atlasrr.com/
Atlas Alco RS-11 locomotive.
Athearn is an American manufacturer of model railroad equipment, produced and distributed by American hobby manufacturer Horizon Hobby of Champaign, Illinois, USA.
The story of Athearn really began in 1938, when its founder, Irv Athearn, started an elaborate O-scale layout in his mother's house. After placing an ad selling the layout, and receiving much response to it, Irv decided that selling model railroads would be a good living. He sold train products out of his mother's house through most of the 1940s. After becoming a full-time retailer in 1946, Irv opened a separate facility in Hawthorne, Ca in 1948, and that same year he branched into HO for the first time.
Irv Athearn died in 1991. New owners took control in 1994, but Irv's commitment to offer high-quality products at reasonable prices remained.
Athearn was bought in 2004 by Horizon Hobby Inc. Athearn was then moved from its facility in Compton to a new state-of-the-art facility in Carson, California
Visit there website at: http://www.athearn.com/
Articles from: www.Wikipedia.org
Photos from: www.Atlasrr.com and www.Athearn.com
Enjoy
Happy railroading
James
A word or two before checking out for the evening . . .
Noticed that petrol prices jumped from $1.87 (rounded) to $2.10 up at Collusion Corner. Happened right before my eyes while waiting for the traffic signals to change. Just like that - up goes to the price without so much as a tanker truck in sight. Petrol was already in the tanks, presumed paid for when delivered - so the price goes up! <grrrrrrrrr>
Getting to be a bit on the chilly side again and the forecast is for a continued dropping of the temps with some really cold stuff coming in for the weekend - teens. <brrrrrrrrrr>
CM3 at 3:02 PM today: A rare late afternoon Post from our West Virginia Connection!
Kinda figures that if any place would have a mechanical cash register it would be a barber shop! Makes sense!
My Lionel PRR gondola came with barrels, whereas the NYC one that I purchased from a "used trains" hobby shop did not. Perhaps originally it did.
Matewan flick is to be delivered tomorrow, I suspect we'll view it over the weekend - report to follow!
Lars at 3:14 PM today: What!! A cruise No way, Jose! You ain't leavin' the bar for two weeks, that just can't happen. <arggggggggggggggggghhhh> Perhaps we should all go with you. Now there's an idea - an "Our" Place cruise to the warmer climes. Ahhhhh, yes - Boris, Leon, Ruth, Awk, Tex, Frostbite, et al, would surely enjoy it. <grin>
Well if you MUST, then you must. Should all of this come to pass, we'll do our best to keep the place open ‘til your return.
Dittos on the recommendation for ALL to ensure that the most current Internet Explorer browser is downloaded to at least ensure optimum compatibility with the Forums requirements. Good suggestion!
Pete at 5:34 PM today: Nice spate of Pix just in time for our "Toys ‘n Model Trains Day!" here at the bar.
On scanners, Canon puts out a nice series and they do the trick too. Mine came in at under a hundred bucks and has been operating quite well for 3 years. Now that I've said that . . . <groan>
Colin Gifford's Pix are something else, fer sure, fer sure! Reminds me a bit of Ansel Adams work with black ‘n white photography. I'll have to spend a bit more time with those links you provided - thanx!
Yes, the library we will visit during the Rendezvous is located on the campus where my bride teaches (also my alma mater) and the campus has two MetroLink stations. Should be really convenient for us.
Check out this URL: http://www.umsl.edu/barriger/
I like the idea of a "Rare Sight Seen on the RR" theme! Something we can DO - but, must first wait ‘til we get sufficient numbers to participate.
James at 7:00 PM today: A rare "hit ‘n run" from you! But, you DID greet the barkeep and order something, so you escaped the Wrath of the Wretched Tweeter! <grin>
You selected two fine manufacturers of HO model trains - Atlas & Athearn. Always figured Atlas to be a bit on the "upscale" side of things until Athearn was bought out and jumped into the fray for more bucks. Happens, eh Nevertheless, some good info for our "Toys ‘n Model Trains Day!" - thanx!
Boris, ring the bell - Leon drinks on the house!
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, just a cup of coffee, please! I am in a kind of hurry tonight! Keep the change!
A lot of interesting stuff today! A lot to read and to look at. Have to sped some more time doing that Friday night.
Tom – An AEM-7 in Chicago could be on its way to or from the Transportation Technology Center, Inc. outside Pueblo, CO. They have test tracks with catenary and can supply the right voltage for an AEM-7.
http://www.aar.com/welcome.htmAfter I started to use the new browser for Kalmbach I have only had problems once and that was last Sunday. SP paid for the California part of the X2000’s tour in 1993 and I talked to quite a few people working for them. From conductors and engineers to one of the vice presidents. All of them (including the VP) were very positive about SP. But there will always be people that don’t like their employer for a good or bad reason. I don’t know enough about SP to say if they were a good or bad employer. Interesting info on start up years for those railroads. I made a copy for myself. Nice collection of Classic Toy Trains! Wish I still had mine. I have been looking at pictures from my childhood to see if I could find any showing my train, but no luck. Especially I like the picture of Lionel #8471, the PRR NW2 switcher! Looks real nice!Pretty good jump, from $1.87 to $2.10!!! Oil went up 5% yesterday and down somewhat today. Good reason to increase the price 12%!!Hope you don’t get any scanner problems now! Thanks for the link to John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library! I found a nice picture from St Louis Union Station in the 1940’s! DL – Too bad you are having those problems with viewing the posted pictures. I have always been able to see all pictures so far. The only exception was some links from Mike that did not open last fall. CM3 – I am looking forward to your memories of GG1!! Lars – I would say a cruise in warm waters in the winter is next to perfect!! Watch out for all those viruses found on different ships though. Pete – Since I have a manual for AEM-7 I can give you some more facts about them.Weight: 205,700 lbs; length over pulling faces: 51’ 1-25/32”; max height: 14’ 10”; width over body 10’; Driving wheels diameter: 51” continuous rating 4320 kW; maximum Diesel--Equivalent Horsepower: 7000: max short time Tractive Effort: 42,000 lbs; max speed 125 m.p.h.29 of Amtrak’s AEM-7 have been rebuilt to AC traction (AEM-7AC). Yes, the picture shows a very narrow gauge train, 600 mm.Nice layouts at Union Station Kansas City! Are they on display year round or only at Christmas time?James – Thanks for the info on those model railroad companies!! Some real nice models! I have to take pictures of some of my models for Wednesday next week.
What a great way to begin the day here at "Our" Place! A terrific Post from our "Resident Desert Swede" along with freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from the Menu Board! Bring on Thursday!
Eric at 1:32 AM today: Whenever I read through a Post such as yours, I wonder just what is it with some people who cannot figure out how we "do things" ‘round here Ours is an inclusive place where interaction amongst the guys is key to a thriving exchange of classic trains information. Apparently "lost" on some . . . A fine Post, Eric and much appreciated!
Thanx for the insights regarding the testing center and the AEM. Makes sense and my supposition is that loco was either headed there or had returned. Apparently James saw a similar thing in Chicago. Good link!
Appreciate the "skinny" on the Forums issues. Good that you're fully on board again. However, each ‘n every time something goes haywire, PLEASE ensure that Bergie gets notified.
Yeah, I did a bit of "mental math" myself with those petrol prices and gagged!
The way oil prices are manipulated ‘round the world in these commodity markets is something that all nations with a modicum of common sense should take on and take on mightily. There's no way any country should be subject to the whims of speculators and cartels. Stand up to ‘em in order to bring ‘em to their knees. <arggggggggghhhhhh>
Mine was only a "relay" of thought obtained from a former acquaintance who had a long, and apparently "sorry," career with SP. If I had felt that way about my 32 year career, I'd have jumped ship long ago . . .
If wishes were horses . . . (never did quite understand that saying!) . . . Anyway, I'd love to have my Lionel Trains of yesterday. Oh, how I'd dearly love to have those trains. When I entered the military, they were all discarded with the thinking being that they'd no longer be a part of my life "now that he's a man." <groan> <double groan> Whoever wound up with ‘em - $200 for the lot - wound up with a treasure. I got the money when "boot camp" was over and you can well imagine how quickly those dollars disappeared after 13 weeks of "captivity." <triple groan>
We'll have a fine time at the library and I'll be doing a "dry run" to ensure that all's set up for our visit.
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing. Tonight is Fish 'n Chips Nite! at the Saloon by the Siding! Dinner at 5 PM sharp!
Watch for a new weekly feature tomorrow - The Idiot of the Week Award!
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
Now arriving on Track #2 -
From NOW 'til THEN #1 -
Great Northern Railway
G'day!
Something just a bit different for today . . . Let's look backwards at today's railroads to when there was a Great Northern Railway was created on 22 Sep 1995, when merged with Burlington Northern came about after these railroads merged: along with the on March 2nd, 1970. then was added on 21 Nov 1980. Enjoy! Tom
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Approx. 27 days until pitchers and catchers report and it is pouring down the snow here today. K9 Korps ran a "plow extra" in the yard at abt. 5:30 this a.m.
Gas prices never dropped here - they have been at $2.19 for awhile, but I understand what you mean abt. prices. I try and buy from locally-owned dealer (who, OMG, still has a garage AND a mechanic), and he is at the "mercy" of forces as he says that are "Way beyond my control."
LARS - Be careful boating; viruses out there give a new meaning to being "seasick."
PETE - Thanks for the comments and pictures.
ERIC - We are working on GG1 material even as "we speak." I understand what you mentioned re SP folks. It's tough to have a job you hate. I am blessed in being able to do something I truly enjoy and also feeling as though I can help to possibly make a difference.
To Our ‘Steamed Proprietor - My barber is a great man if only because his shop looks like something out of the 1940s; equipment and all. He is from the beautiful city of Wierton, WV, but moved down here a long time ago. He does bear a cross in that he follows the Pittsburgh Pirates. I managed to hang onto a lot of my Lionel equipment, but did sell some of it to a "good home" in Kentucky where it still runs today; now, about some of those baseball cards. I'll be interested to read your take on Matewan. Oh, almost forgot, there is a new/reprint book out there on Canadian National RDCs and other self-propelled beasties. Herewith a citation. Anthony Clegg. Self-Propelled Cars of the CNR. Thought you might be interested. GN material hit while I was getting this post ready. You want to see something interesting, check out pp. 8-9 in the most recent Classic Trains magazine - my, my!
Following may pique folk's interest in spring railroad activities.
C&O Modelers Weekend - Hawks Nest, WV March 22-25. Including tours of Thurmond, Nuttalburg, and Ansted. Yeah - let's go out and tramp through the woods - in some cases, it's about the best chance to see some of this stuff b4 the leaves reappear. Maybe we can find Hawks Nest if it stops snowing. Go on the net and type in Hawks Nest - it's a WV State Park and a beautiful place with an most excellent overlook to view the C&O and other ways to access the activitiy as well. Also a fiar amount of CW-related things in the area to attract our armchair generals.
"See and Know C&O - Clifton Forge, VA - May 18-20. You can get there by train (what a concept)
A new offering from the C&O Historical Society; from George Washington to CSX and everything in between. The program is an overview of the C&O; history, equipment, personalities, geography, mergers, marketing, passenger, freight, structures, etc - everything you need to know but were afraid to ask. Great for new members as well as more experienced members, friends, and family. The program will include lectures as well as seminars, interviews with C&O veterans, tours of the archives, Smiths Creek Yard, Clifton Forge shops, etc." You can find out more on their website.
Incidentally, the C&O annual convention will be in Charleston, WV, July 11-15. All sorts of stuff including a tour of the Winifrede RR and the Cabin Creek area. Again find out more at their website.
In particular, CM3 at 9:07 AM today: Yes, we Posted pretty much "on top" of one another.
Glad you discovered the GN progression . . . I have the latest Classic Trains and you are correct, Sir - that spread is worth the read!
ANYONE out there who appreciates observation cars, with or without domes, check this out on Pages 8 'n 9!! Outstanding Pix.
Lots of railroadin' going on in your part of the world. Best I can offer is a few days with us here at the May Rendezvous in St. Louis. Perhaps one day I'll drag my aging butt to those beautiful "hills" in WVA. Always liked it there, but that was then and here we are, eh
GG1 material will make my day! Lets GO!
Barber shops are quite the places for all sorts of "man stuff"! The place I've been frequenting for about 16 years is on the old fashioned side, but hardly aligned with what you have described. If one wants to know what's happening in the world, immediate locale, or perhaps in your own back yard, one only needs to have the hairs trimmed at Mike's Place!
I checked out that CNR book you mentioned on amazon.com. Seems they only have the soft cover version. I'll keep checking though on other sites 'til I find the hard bound edition. Many THANX! I can see that I'll be spending some time catching up on my reading with the Kalmbach magazines - have fallen behind these past months. <groan>
Good to see ya and thanx for the round 'n quarters!
For all who are experiencing difficulties on the Forums: If you can browse, but cannot log in, you can still participate. Ship me an Email and I'll Post your comments. We're really stretching it 'round here and I'd surely like some relief! THANX.
I'd better have a cheese sandwich and some fruit juice to go with that please.
Lars - I suspect your suggestion to upgrade to a more recent version of Internet Explorer would make sense. Unfortunately the ‘puter isn't my own so I can't do that. I don't mind missing pictures too much, as it is the discussion around here that is really interesting, so there we are, as I say, not other problems with the forum to speak of.
Cruise? What you need is a Land Cruise, specifically one on, for example, The Canadian, both ways!
James - your model pics are visible form your latest post - and fine looking models they look to.
Eric - interesting comments about the Pueblo test centre.
Pete - I must say how the heck have I got this far without being properly aware of that superb Colin Gifford photography? Unbelievable - Scrolling through those pic links was a joy - esp. the Science and Society collection. I noted he was art school trained so I guess that helped him learn an eye for the picture. Like OWLink it is the wider landscape he picks up which is so good!
That GWR Branch Line picture or the 8F in Burnley with the terraced street in the foreground is every bit as evocative of ‘merrie old' (or not so ‘merrie') English Landscapes as OWL pics of mid century N&W steam (not that I was in either place but evocative can convey the sense of things even when you weren't there I guess). Superb. The Hayling Island Branch pic is great (near where my grandparents lived and where my dad used to go and watch the first generation of RAF jets doing target practice and low level flying in the Solent from when he was youth). That picture of the Merchant Navy is great - looks pretty standard sort of picture at first and then you notice how he has caught the motion of the wheels at speed - just superb. Nice pic of the WD 2-8-0 crossing the Trent no doubt to or from Colwick Yards.
Looks like I'm going to have to hunt those books down. Obviously they don't have the skill of the night photography that OWL used, but they are art nevertheless. Thanks for that!
By the way, could not see that latest test picture you posted - weird eh? Some pages you seem ‘em, some you don't.
All the best
PS Tom - just saw your post - P8&9 Classic Trains - are you talking about the 3 Obs cars waiting to get routes into Chicago? That is one great picture. I really enjoyed the article by the chap who rode footplate in Canada on steam - I bet you liked that too?
Ruth, is that a tear I see coming down your pretty face Not to worry, the Larsman hasn't shoved off for places far away. Take heart my deAH, I'm still in Mentor Village! A round on me, a frosty mug of Schaefer, treats for the critters, pickled pig's feet for Boris and the change is for you!
Sorry Bossman if I failed to submit my "chit" for a leave of absence. However, the dates aren't selected yet, if at all. I'll be sure to line up someone (unsuspecting "regular'!!) to fill in as Manager should this trip of ours materialize.
For all who've mentioned that <blankety blank> virus, we've considered that, for sure. Tom came down with it aboard the Via Rail trip across Canada and his description convinced me it ain't anything to take lightly. Also, a six-day round trip across ‘n back in Canuck territory would be fantastic for me, but I'd be going alone. The Mrs. can only take so many nights aboard a train and the older WE get, the tougher it has become. When we had our last California Zephyr trip aboard Amtrak, she pretty much had me convinced it was indeed the last.
In general I offer this regarding the forums and difficulties being encountered. Updating, purging old files and so on can only help to ensure that the compatibility issue is a non-issue. It's not fool proof, but pretty much like an insurance policy, it sure helps to do all one can for those eventualities that befall us. ‘Nuf said . . .
That was an interesting "backwards" look at the Great Northern! Leave it to our ‘steamed Proprietor to come up with something like that! It did look somewhat familiar though, think I've seen it either at the former site or on "your other thread," yes/no Still enjoyed it!
Good to see Eric last night, CM3 I'm NOT Shane! ‘n DL this morning!
Eric, those Amtrak electric locos seem to have captivated your interests. Any history with them that we should know about Of course I've seen ‘em in operation and never really thought they were anything other than a box with motive power. Hardly the charm of the GG1, for example. <grin>
CM3, at least you have reason to go to a barber! <groan> Mechanical things make me interested, just love to take ‘em apart!
That's an interesting link you provided for the library at the university. I'm sure we'll all find something to check out while there. Surely looking forward to the "Renezvous in St. Louis!"
Been working on my income taxes, just in a preliminary way and it appears that I won't be writing a check to either the federal or state government. <awwwwright!!> Gotta take it while we can, for who knows what's in store down the road, huh
I noticed that Boris was down on his knees alongside Tex, Frostbite ‘n Awk while they were imbibing in that "Kwispel" faux brew you ordered. The shipment came in last night and Boris couldn't wait to tap the keg! <grin> The guy will consume ANYTHING, I mean ANYTHING.
"The Idiot of the Week" huh Hope I'm not the first recipient! <groan> Better watch it, Cap'n, I run the engines ‘round here, so if you want to remain operational, treat the "snipes" well! <grin>
While I don't subscribe to ANY magazines anymore (gave ‘em all up once I retired) I do pick up an occasional this or that at a local joint where a pretty good spread of ‘em is on hand. I looked through the latest issue of Classic Trains and found it to be "right on" and very enjoyable. Those pix that CM3, Tom ‘n DL mentioned are indeed terrific. I liked the Santa Fe spread along with those great looking steam locomotives. Really an issue worth the while for anyone out there wishing to find some enjoyable material on classic trains!
Oh, I forgot to mention Pete's submission of yesterday! Fine work, mate and liked those links too. Lots to check out, for sure! Also, James with the HO model train manufacturers too!
Pete, the model railroad shots looked fine to me and my guess is that the Kansas City Union Station has a continuing display. Recalling Tom's pix from some time back of the fantastic N gauge stuff, seems like they must rotate amongst several organizations desirous of putting up their stuff. Anyway, that must be a great place to visit.
Sure hope we get Rob ‘n Doug back here. It's really been a tough go these past weeks with just a handful making a go of it.
Something to keep the "interest" going . . .
British: 6998 GWR modified Hall Class "Burton Agnes Hall" (GNU Free Documentation)
Sweden X2000 (SJ AB) (photo credit: unknown - hope it's not yours, Eric!!)
One more Ruth, then I'm heading over to Tom'
G-day Tom and all present!
Ruth- Could I get an OJ and a sandwich, please. Keep the change.
Eric- The signals that I am drawing, are for fun. I just like to draw, paint, and draw some more. It's quite fun really. I figured out what electric railroad I had crossed over. It is called Metra electric lines. It begins at the Chicago Union station and works it's way out to the Southern Suburbs of Chicago. When I crossed over the railroad, I saw a lot of electric locomotives and passenger cars. All the locomotives run on 1500 volts DC electricity.
Thanks for the comments on my two model articles.
Tom- I especially want to thank you for all of the comments sent my way. It feels good to talk about all of the classical trains. I can show off a lot of classical trains and pictures. It's quite fun. Thanks for the comments on my signal pcture. Ever since I knew I could draw, which was a long time ago, I have kept at it. I am thinking that my next drawing will be of a passenger train. I think the Hiawatha, but I will keep looking.
That was quite an extensive collection of Lionel O-27 gauge trains. I was into the same thing. I had a Lionel train set. To me it was the only "real" toy a kid would want. But, now it's packed away, and I have moved on to HO scale.
Alos liked the Passenger Nostalgia. I didn't know that the Milwaukee Road began there passenger service in 1874. Thanks
CM3- Very funny. Yes the train would be behind me but, The train could be about 5 miles away. Out on the plains of North Dakota, the trains will usually hit the signal detector from about 5 to six miles away. From that distance you can still see the train too. It's a small little light on the horizon. It's really wierd. Believe me.
Pete- Thanks for the Links to Collin Gifford. That guy knows how to take a picture. He takes some really nice pictures. Some of thise pictures look as if the train is traveling at a 100 mph. Thanks
Also enjoyed looking at the layout pics. That last picture with the BNSF train, that is one long train. Nice pics.
DL- Thanks for the comments on the model RR pics.
Thought you guys might want to read about the Metra electrified line.
The Metra Electric Line (ME) is an electrified commuter rail line owned and operated by Metra, connecting Randolph Street Station in downtown Chicago, Illinois with its southern suburbs. While Metra does not specifically refer to any of its lines by a particular color, the timetable accents for the Metra Electric line are printed in bright "Panama Orange" to reflect the line's origins with the Illinois Central Railroad and its Panama Limited passenger train.
The Electric Line is the only Metra line that is powered by overhead catenary. Trains operate on 1500 volts DC, and all stations have high-level platforms. Sharing the main line north of Kensington is NICTD's South Shore Line, an interurban line that runs through northern Indiana to South Bend.
The line was originally built and operated by the Illinois Central Railroad. Commuter service, one of the first outside the major metropolitan areas of the northeastern U.S., began July 21, 1856 between the Illinois Central's downtown station (at the current location of Randolph Street Station) and Hyde Park. Extensions of the commuter service were later made, and part of the line was elevated for the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Jackson Park.
The line predates the Chicago Fire and used to run on a trestle just offshore in
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of the usual and a round for the House please RUTH and yes it is Fish 'N' Chips nite.
JAMES Great model railroad post with the Atlas and the Athearn pics and links.That is a fine Atlas model of the Alco RS-11 in Lehigh Valley colors. I see on the Athearn pic of the three models the center loco is in Union Pacific color but it says GECX on the side, is this a leasing company.
ERIC I see you are the same as Tom and I in regretting not still having the train set we had in our youth.
Thanks for the link to the Technology center and the details on the AEM-7 for a comparison here are some details on the class 91 electric locos that work the East Coast Main Line trains for GNER in Britain.
Built 1998-1991 at Crewe works of British Rail Engineering Limited, electrical equipment by GEC.
Continuous rating 4540 kW(6090HP) Maximum rating 4700kW(6300HP) Weight 84 tonnes
Max speed 140 MPH( These locos only run at 125MPH as this is the maximum track speed)
There are 31 locos in the class, all the locos carry names and have been recently refurbished.
As to the layouts at Union Station K.C. As far as I know the large scale layout in the Entrance Hall is just there for the Christmas period, the HO layout in the last 2 pics is in a side room and I think it is permanent. There is also a great N gauge layout on the Rail Experience, still being worked on it has a model roundhouse.
DL It seems as though you feel as I do with the photos of Colin Gifford. He seems to have captured how the railways and Britain was in the last years of steam.
I can still remember the impact his first album Decline of Steam had ,when it first came out.We were trainspotting at Rugby when one of the older lads said about a great book being out, we all got on the push bikes and rode up the hill to the bookshop in town where the older lads turn the pages and we looked at the pics, this was in 1965 it is funny how some memories stick. Although it was quite a few years before I could afford to get one.
One of the albums Each a Glimpse is, I believe, quite hard to get nowadays. Although I could not bring all my books over I made sure the Giffords albums came.
Sorry the pics didn't show.
LARS Glad you liked the pics.There would have been some more pics of the models but for a mistake on my part that must put me in line for TOM's new award.Union Station is a great place to visit to see how they renovated it from the condition it was in is simply amazing and they are keeping a railroad theme there with the Rail Experience . Amtrak is using a part of it now, with a ticket counter and a waiting room.
Great pic of Burton Agnes Hall and the X2000. The Hall is at the Didcot Railway Centre, Oxfordshire about 40 odd miles from London.She is a member of the 'Modified Hall' class 4-6-0s introduced in 1944, a Hawksworth devolpment of the Hall class. She was built in the Swindon Works of the Great Western Railway.6998 was at Cardiff shed for many years and was also shedded at Shrewsbury. In her last years she was near Didcot at Oxford shed. the loco was bought straight from BR for preservation.
TOM I am lucky here in Jeff City to have found an old style barber. He always asks "How the Queen and Prince Charles are"
The visit to the library will be a great time ,enjoyed the link liked the pic of Earl Mountbatten and the Union Pacific to Boulder Dam Poster. I think we could be in there for some time.
In England the saying is "If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride", perhaps the second part got lost in the translation. Still doesn't make a great deal of sense though..
Great way to show the way the Great Northern got to be BNSF today.Looking forward to others in the series.
Must admit waiting with a bit of trepidation for The Idiot Of The Week award tomorrow.
Glad you liked the C.T Gifford links I have the albums here, another reason to come to Jeff City.It seems the latest issue of Classic trains is a good one with the recommendations of DL ,CM3, LARS and yourself I will pick one up from the locally owned book store, if they sent it in an envelope I would get it on subscription as I keep the Classic Trains mags, some have been over the Atlantic twice.
Finally a pic for the young at heart.
Well LEON another beer to go with theFish 'N' Chip
A quick Winters please LEON
JAMES Just caught your post. Having just been to Chicago on the train I am very interested in the railroad system there. Many thanks for the very detailed post you have done on the Metra Electric Line.It as made me all the more determined to spent some time riding the rails there .
In the picture of Colin Gifford's you mentioned I think it was taken between the towns of Working and Basingstoke on the Southern Region's 4 track, fairly straight and fairly level main line. The SR Mechant Navy Pacific locos, as the one in the pic, would very often be near the 100 MPH mark on that stretch. I have a Aunt who lives near the line there and I can remember seeing a Merchant Navy going very fast along the line there.
In the last weeks of Sothern steam in 1966 one was timed at 104 MPH on two occasions. A few weeks later the locos were heading for the scrapyard.
Pete.
A round for the house Tom
Here's some links I hope you will find of interest.
Green Cove, VA
http://www.rlrouse.com/pic-of-the-day/green-cove-station.jpg
O. Winston Link
http://www.carolinaarts.com/owlink2-999.jpeg
William Crooks
http://collections.mnhs.org/VisualResources/VRDbimages/pf080/pf080452.jpg
James J. Hill at St. Paul Depot
http://www.jjhill.org/gallery/JH386.JPG
http://www.jjhill.org/gallery/JH376.JPG
Empire Builder
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN12558.jpg
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN12563.jpg
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN12562.jpg
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN12570.jpg
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN12664.jpg
http://www.gnrhs.org/CON4.JPG
Lima Machine Works geared locomotives, design patented by Ephraim Shay
http://worlddmc.ohiolink.edu/mrsid/bin/OMPview.pl?client=Sanborn&image=/Bdg/Hist1MDS/d95/1013764702780.Om437_008.sid&x=2193&y=1700&levels=4&lastlevel=1&w=999&h=573&width=560&height=400&fullwidth=4387&fullheight=3400&level=2&win=max
http://worlddmc.ohiolink.edu/mrsid/bin/OMPview.pl?client=Sanborn&image=/Bdg/Hist1MDS/d95/1013764758223.Om437_013.sid&x=2000&y=1593&levels=4&lastlevel=1&w=999&h=573&width=560&height=400&fullwidth=4000&fullheight=3187&level=2&win=max
http://worlddmc.ohiolink.edu/mrsid/bin/OMPview.pl?client=Sanborn&image=/Bdg/Hist1MDS/d95/1013764774472.Om437_015.sid&x=2000&y=1586&levels=4&lastlevel=2&w=999&h=573&width=560&height=400&fullwidth=4000&fullheight=3173&level=2&win=max
Mike
Leon, Friday morning, I think I would like a ham sandwich! Yes, again. I love ham! Coffee please.
Kind of interesting day at the Bar today! Some real good stuff to read. Today we had real nice weather here in the desert, 72° for high. No snow, no ice!
Tom – Yes, I will send Bergie a mail if and when something does not work properly. I fully agree with you about selling (or giving away) belongings, like a toy train. Okay, it’s nice to get some cash, but when the money is gone, everything is gone. Forever! So I am a keeper, but I started too late. The big problem is that the house is too small for all the things I have. The whole oil industry is a scam! I wrote to some kind of organisation representing the oil industry and asked them why the gas price always have 9/10 of a cent added to it. The only reason I can see is that they want you to believe that the gas is cheaper (less expensive) than it actually is. But no, not according to this oragnisation. The 9/10 was added sometime in the 1930’s because of something about a tax (or whatever)!! Yeah, right! Great Northern! I like the name of that Railroad! Nice way to tell the history of that railroad! I have a bad picture of one of Great Northen’s steam locomotives on display in Minot, ND. When I took the picture I managed to cut off the smoke stack! Burlington Northern Santa Fe is now BNSF. I think it was about a year ago when they declared that their name is just BNSF and that those letters don’t mean anything per seiper se. Maybe it was two years ago, I am not sure. CM3 – I could never stay with an employer if I didn’t like them. I know, sometimes you don’t have much choice, it might be hard to find another job, but still...I think Don Scott (System General Road Foreman, Amtrak) nailed it when he said that “Working for the railroad is not just a job, it is a way of life!” So true! Don was my boss at Amtrak. DL – The Transportation Technology Center, Inc. is a very interesting place! I would love to spend some time there. I don’t know if they welcome visitors. I don’t think so. Lars – I guess AEM-7 is kind of special to me. It is based on, and is roughly the same locomotive as, the Swedish Class Rc4. Amtrak borrowed a Rc4 in 1976 (I believe) and tested it together with a French locomotive. The French loco derailed and the French blamed the “substandard” track. Rc4 did not have any problems with the same track. The French locomotive was sent back to France, Amtrak liked the Rc4 and ordered a number of locomotives built under license by EMD. AEM-7 replaced GG1 and has done a great job keeping the trains running on NEC. I think I have to buy the latest issue of Classic Trains too! No, that of X2000 is not mine. To be honest, I don’t even know where it was taken, can’t recognize that station. James – Then we have something in common! I mean to draw pictures and stuff using the computer. I used to create a lot of pictures for the work instructions where I work. I did that for a few years in the late 90’s. I thought it was Metra Electric Line you crossed over. Thanks for the info on ME! Interestin history! That accident in 1972 was a real bad one. You always have to be very careful backing up a train like that. Pete – Thanks for the info on Class 91! I looked it up in one of my books and found that it has an unusual “feature”. The traction motors are hung under the body and drive through cardan shafts! Interesting!! Unusual is also the “locomotive” in your picture!Mike – Thanks for the url’s! I especially liked the pictures of the Empire Builder! Very nice pictures!
foto credit: http://www.viarail.ca/
The end of the work week (for many) has arrived along with the promise for a weekend of rest ‘n relaxation ahead! Join us for some healthy conversation about Classic Trains, a mug of freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee, a few pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and of course a <light> or <traditional> breakfast!
As promised, here's the first of our weekly "Idiot of the Week Awards!"
*Idiot of the Week #1
A medical student currently doing a rotation in toxicology
at a poison control center reported: a woman called in very
upset because she caught her little daughter eating ants.
Quickly reassuring her that the ants were not harmful and
there would be no need to bring her daughter into the hospital,
she calmed down. At the end of the conversation mention was
made that she gave her daughter some ant poison to eat in order
to kill the ants. She was told that she better bring her daughter
into the emergency room right away!
Here's your sign, lady. Wear it with pride.
STAY ALERT!
They walk among us .. and they REPRODUCE ..!!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
DL at 11:30 AM yesterday: Yes, that current issue of Classic Trains is a keeper! Haven't gotten through it all yet, but I did skim through and picked up on that there's something for everyone in it! Traction shots are outstanding and goes to show that when it comes to the Classics, street cars are definitely included! I really like that Pix on Page 98 of the Coast Line's Wilmington Fleet - fine looking "Fs" fer sure, fer sure! Riding foot plates surely can be hazardous to one's well being! <grin>
Caught your comments regarding the Pix that aren't showing up and it remains a "puzzlement." I'd lean on the side of downloading the most current browser update, which of course in time will impact every site one visits. Seems a shame that you are missing out on so many fine submissions that are supported by photos. Oh well . . . ‘nuf said and that's "it" from here.
Lars at 2:34 PM yesterday: Yes, it was indeed the Norwalk virus that put me down ‘n nearly out on our return from Vancouver aboard VIA Rails' Canadian. Was perhaps one of the most severe episode of "working well at both ends" that I've ever experienced. Hope never to go through that again. Not good. I've noticed that the reference these days is moreso for the "Noro-virus" as it seems this particular strain has branched off into a "family" of ills that spell much doom ‘n gloom for whoever happens to be inflicted. <groan> <double groan>
You can have my share of cruises. My bride and I are of a like mind when it comes to those "vacations." Neither of us are interested and would much prefer riding the rails. However, to each his (or her) own and I feel the same way about the duration. I'd much rather be at sea than pulling into this ‘n that port only to see pretty much the same ‘junk' in the shops, all being sold at "bargain" prices. Yeah, right! <barf> A cruise should be primarily at sea and a couple of weeks wouldn't be a bad way to do it. Unfortunately, my lady feels pretty much about ships the way yours apparently does about overnight trains. Can't have it all, eh
We've pretty much had to delay any plans for visiting Great Britain 'til later on . . . May has filled up and with summer teaching, well, ya know how THAT goes, eh
Yes, it has been difficult without Rob ‘n Doug and I'm not seeing any "light" at the end of the tunnel. Rob's situation is very odd and I'm wondering whether the Email is also "down" as more than one guy has indicated they've offered to "relay" his Posts.
Nice Euro stuff!
James at 4:48 PM yesterday: Just curious, what kind of "sandwich" did Ruth give you <grin> Anyway, good to see ya again. The info on the Metra is most informative and my guess is that when and if Doug picks up on it, he'll make comment.
Seriously doubt that the AEM7 you saw had anything to do with Metra, but I best stop right there, as I'm out of my area of expertise. Eric would know. I think the AEM was destined to or returning from that facility he mentioned. Makes sense to me. Do you recall when you saw that loco Doesn't have to be exact, just curious. I saw it about 9 years ago, and will have to check my "stuff" to get the precise date of the round trip I was aboard.
Pete at 5:40 PM & 6:06 PM yesterday: Good speaking with you last night! I'm beginning to understand EVERY word, which of course means I'm becoming Briticized, or something like that! <grin> Sorry I had to depart, seems that a DVD set I ordered for my bride was "acting up" and only Techie Tom can figure out these things. <grin> The exasperating thing is that this is the 2nd set purchased and the problem is occurring in the very same spot and scene as experienced with the first set. Exasperating. A 7-DVD set at that. Oh well, it too gets returned. Fortunately, amazon.com is good about these things.
If your barber is so interested in the well being of your Queen and Prince, perhaps he should offer his services to the "court"! In the barber shop that I frequent, there are 4 guys who
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house, and hot bricks for my boots. Lovely here today, lots of snow, approx 8 degrees, etc., etc. K9s ran another plow extra early this a.m.
Lots to look at today.
DL stopped by with notes and comments.
Lars - Good to hear from you with wide-0ranging comments as well.
James - I know what you mean about seeing the train long before it gets there. I especially recall times in western NY, Montana, No. Dakota, and Nevada. Around here we hear them before we see them. We do a lot of CG and animation stuff when we are developing DVDs, and web-based material. Lots of fun, but it eats up tons of space. BTW, around here signals stay red all the time until a move is set up. Old NYC used approach lighted signals as did parts of the old L&N. Also, thanks for the overview of IC electrification.
Pete stopped by.
Mike sent along some URLs. The Link photo at Green Cove is one of my favorites of his.
The Empire Builder shots were interesting. The E7s are excellent, but check out the beasties in the parking lot. The last Empire Builder shot with the F units was a good one; if you look carefully, I believe that that is a mix of F3s and F7s.
The Shay pictures were good ones as well; come to WV and see the real thing in action. Anyway, the last shot was a keeper - steam, snow, and mining, what else is there?
Our ‘steamed proprietor provided a good one for idiot of the week; I remember being at a face one time and seeing somebody pull on leg wires and say "What do these do?" Pretty scary.
Almost forgot Eric (how could we do that?) - Your comments re doing something you like to do are on target - it "gets in your blood" and before you know it 30 yrs are gone.
Last, something from the file.
Bill, a loving husband, was in trouble. He forgot his weddinganniversary and his wife was really ticked off at him.
She told him, "Tomorrow morning, I expect to find a gift in the driveway that goes from 0 to 200 in under 6 seconds, AND IT BETTER BE THERE." The next morning, he got up really early. When his wife woke up a couple of hours later, she looked out the window, and there wasa small gift-wrapped box sitting in the middle of the driveway. Confused, the wife put on her robe, ran out to the driveway, and tookthe box into the house. She opened it, and found a brand new bathroom scale. Bill is not yet well enough to have visitors....
Will try and post more later.
Hello Tom
Can I have a Shipstones Bitter please, just a quick call in, while I reveiw the posts. Some good stuff to look over.
Mike - something serious missing from the modern picture of the Green Cove station - rather sad, but at least the building is there I suppose.
Lars, shame about the land cruise idea. My other half likes the sleeping cars big time - in fact I think if I came home and said 'guess what, I managed to swap the house for a Superliner Sleeping car parked on a private siding' I think the response might be along the lines of 'Oh well, shame you couldn't get one of those Park cars like we saw in Canada but I suppose that was quite a good deal - how soon can we move'. I guess you can get good cruise operations though - although I like the idea of actually going somewhere - eg the Cunard Transatlantic run appeals (bank manager permitting, which is pretty unlikely).
Tom, I already thought you had pretty much postponed the Brit trip in favour of the Canada jaunt in May, but good to know you are still thinking about it. Whenever you find the time some beers will be put on ice! Hopefully you can think of another suitable date in the future some time.
Back in due course - a few other posts to read and digest.
Is it Pizza night tonight, if so I'll just think about my order.
G'day All!
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #2
Initially Posed on Page 117 of the "old" ThreadHere's a little something taken from the literature associated with the California-Zephyr and its Vista-Dome sleeper observation-lounge: Rest and Relaxation in the "Vista-Dome" Lounge-Observation Car
California Zephyr passing trains (foto: Otto Roach)
D&RGW #1145 Silver Sky "California Zephyr" (? 1994 Corel Corp)
The spacious and luxurious lounge-observation car at the rear of the train and immediately behind the sleeping cars, furnishes congenial lounging facilities on three different levels for as many as fifty passengers. Modern ingenious designing and expert fabrication combine to make a composite unit of four distinctly separate accommodations in this exquisite car. The ‘main floor" lounge is located within the gracefully rounded end of the observation car. Here, deeply-cushioned occasionally chairs and settees, in shades of sandalwood and brown in a setting of rose-tan and petal beige, invite complete relaxation. Carpeted and individually-lighted steps from the lounge lead to the distinctive air-conditioned "Vista-Dome - tastefully decorated in tones of sandalwood. Here, enclosed in shatter-proof, glare-resistant glass, are twenty-four deep-cushioned seats, where passengers may ride in comfort and enjoy a complete view in every direction. Nestled beneath the Dome is a buffet. Tastefully decorated in rose and gray-green, it provides a delightful rendezvous in which to speed the miles and minutes. At one end of the buffet is a refreshment counter with carved linoleum base and back bar of stainless steel and etched mirrors. Electric refrigeration units assure an ample supply of cool, refreshing beverages at all times. The buffet has a telephone connection with the dining car, over which table reservations can be made. Forward from the buffet are three bedrooms and a drawing room, each having enclosed toilet facilities. Each room is attractively decorated in harmonious shades of rose-tan, petal beige, taupe and ashes of roses. This car is completely carpeted and windows are equipped with Venetian blinds - those in the observation-lounge having drapes of gold and white. From the "American Passenger Train" Of note: The design of these Budd manufactured cars carries over to day with the VIA Rail Canada fleet of Park Car observation domes. With slight modifications, the literature quoted above could be closely associated with the cars still in use in Canada.
Enjoy! Tom
Man oh man, the Forum Gremlins must have taken up residence here! There are two 'puters in this Haus, one a laptop (which I'm operating from right now) and the other a desktop - both the same make, both using the same OS, both equipped with the latest Internet Explorer revisions and I'm STILL unable to "see" the most current Posts in spite of using the Reload/Refresh feature! Also, haven't been successful with the URLs Posted by "silent Mike." <groan>
Good to see CM3 at 10:25 AM: Sorry to have to do this BUT . . .<tweet> <tweet> <Rules Violations> <Rules Violations> Rule # - Greet the barkeep upon entering! Rule #2 - Order a drink and/or food! <tweet> <tweet> Your punishment: A cleansing of the Rat's Patoot Room, including assorted receptacles for "chews" and so forth! <ugh> YOU should've known better! <grin>
Having said and done THAT - still good to see ya and appreciate the Friday morning appearance. Cold in your part of the woods, eh Bricks for the boots - we can do that! Unfortunately, Boris doesn't always translate the meanings quite the same way as most of we two legged hominids do! Use caution! <groan>
And similar greetings to DL at 11:14 AM: A nice brew, something we have in stock, but rarely ordered!
No, no, no - we surely haven't scrapped any plans for the trip to your country. Just a matter of getting our acts together in terms of time and so forth. I've copied that fine material you ‘n Pete provided, also some from Nick (remember him???) and once this plan resurfaces, we'll be ready to put it all together!
My bride is on board with train travel, although I know she's not interested in my "grand plan," which is to spend the remainder of my days (and nights) aboard any passenger train equipped with the Budd observation dome cars! <grin>
It is indeed Pizza ‘n Beer Nite here at the Saloon by the Siding as well as Steak ‘n Fries Nite! So be sure to be here at 5 PM sharp! Track Gangs are known to be a bit on the rude side when food is involved! <grin>
Good Afternoon BArkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Tom - I think the forum gremlins must have gotten you again for, on my a.m. post I did greet the barkeep. As Casey used to say, "You could look it up." I think the Inspector needs to look into this (LOL). Anyway - have another on me. folks.
I did a little more looking re Great Northern E7s as I sorta, mighta, remembered that they did not have too many of them. My idea was correct. They had 13 in all; the first round was built between April and June, 1945. These had a variety of #s when received, but were r# 500-509 in 1950. The second batch carred #s 510-512; all of them were built in 1947. The GN had bunches of F units, but we'll save that for another time.
Also thanks to our 'stemed proprietor for the Zephyr review. I guess the picutre in Classic Trains set all of this off.
Hello, DL.
work safe
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