Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, I'll have a cold Tui! Thanks!
A quick visit before I hit the sack. I am finally all set for tomorrow. I think. Almost. At least pretty close.
Tom – If, no, when you get to Union Station in DC next time, don’t forget to browse the inner sanctum! It is well worth the time. No lost F40! That sounds good. It looks like you were alone on that train! Nice Dome car! CM3 – I understand you survived the primary day!Rob – More nice photos of very nice looking ships! The Swedish Navy does not have any destroyers in service today as far as I know. Destroyers built 1973-74? They are almost brand new!I am afraid I have to pass on your quiz about the aircraft carrier. Glad to learn that at least two PCCs are still in operating condition! Interesting locomotives in those photos! Are there any RS10 still in service, do you know?Pete – Thanks for the info on the RES class! Smart to give them names starting with Res. Except the Royal Mail locos! They were working on both locomotives in my picture from Mariefred. Thanks for the photos taken at Towyn station! Are they all metre gauge or is it just the French locomotive? Nick – Sorry to hear about your bad luck. Get some sleep and try again!Allan – Thanks for the info on the future for NZ Rail! The snow in Arizona fell about 100 miles north of Phoenix at 6,000+ ft altitude. I moved to Phoenix in October 1992 and it has snowed once here since then. It lasted for about 15 minutes and the snow melted as soon as it hit the ground. Phoenix is a perfect place for a snow hater like me. The Swedish State Railways class E10, 4-8-0. Oilburner. Still operational.
Eric
<The Chaleur at Gaspé, Québec - personal foto>
Wednesday's Witticism
A faint heart never filled a flush.
G'day Gents!
Mid-week in mid-continent ‘n nearly mid-month - sounds like a plan for Rendezvous III, with arrivals today from Beckley, WV - Jefferson City, MO ‘n Phoenix, AZ! Here's hoping the weather will be cooperative. <hope, hope, hope>
Coffee has been freshly ground ‘n brewed - pastries stocked in The Mentor Village Bakery case ‘n our Menu Board is brimming with <light> ‘n <traditional> bills o' fare!
Comments from the Proprietor
The "Our" Place 3rd Annual Classic Trains Rendezvous - St. Louis 2008 will keep four of us away from the bar ‘til Monday. I may be able to pop in at least once per day - otherwise, it's just gonna be a slow few days here in the Ether . . .
For those who do provide material, let me stress again that fotos w/descriptions are encouraged . . . Thanx!
On the Rendezvous agenda for this day: Get together at Juneau's Haus for a buffet-style dinner followed by a "tour" of the Can-Am Trainroom's layouts: Can-Am HO layout - S-Capades - ‘n Lionel Polar Express shelf system. Beer fridge freshly stocked!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative):
Tuesday - May 13th <all times Central daylite>:
Page 26 - CM3 Shane <coalminer3> at 8:09 AM: The end is near for the anonymous nature for our Resident WVA Connection as three of us will find out your TRUE identity! BUT, not to worry - here at the bar, you'll still be CM3 Shane! <grin>
I've never seen any baggage cars used with VIA Rail's Budd stainless steel fleet other than those converted RPOs . . . unfortunately, the models I purchased <ConCor> offer only the more "standard" type of car. Anyway, there's all kinds of adaptations with those Budd cars as I've seen the diners ‘n Skyline cars with "plates" welded over what used to be windows. Good eye!
Many thanx for the visit, quarters ‘n ROUND - drive safely, Mate - we're looking forward to meeting you!
Page 26 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 9:49 AM ‘n 10:19 AM: Ships, ships, ships ‘n more ships in a spate of six very well selected representations of Canada's fleet of days gone by. Classics all.
Continuing with this discussion a bit - I'm one of "those" who thinks surface warfare days <daze> are gone-zo. With the missiles of the day, whether fired from aircraft or submarines, surface ships have seen their best of halcyon years. Just my OH-PIN-YUN.
SEPTA cars still running! Also, nice spate of three switchers for an <on topic> finale!
Glad to learn that you squared away the <gizmo> in Boris' Shed . . . probably should have issued you a "dead man's stick" before venturing in. <uh oh>
Many thanx for the AM visits!
Page 26 - Pete <pwolfe> at 4:18 PM: Yes, I'd think 2 locos would be used for a consist of 12 passenger cars - one probably for HEP. Wondering <rhetorically> whether they'd use the Renaissance cars given the supposed scarceness of the Budd equipment At any rate, I'm not planning any peak-season trips to Canada or anywhere else . . .
I checked my notes ‘n we didn't stop at Chandler - one of those places where the train only stops when conditions warrant. So, perhaps you were there, but being "stealthy" we didn't see you! <grin>
As we both discovered - in spite of the disappointment of being put on the bus last year, we at least got to see some of the countryside rather than cooling our buns back at New Carlisle. Would've been "terrible" had we been "forced" to find a pub to wyle away the time in. <hmmmmm>
Spate of four from 34 years ago! Top one appears to have "eyes"! <uh oh>
Also, never heard the term "metre gauge" before . . . always learnin' here at the Bar by the Ballast!
Page 26 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 7:43 PM <1:43 AM Wednesday GMT>: So sorry that the Gremlins gobbled up your efforts - dontchahateitwhenthathappens <grrrrrrrrrrrr> Perhaps another example - sorry to say - to make sure that everything is prepared on a WP program - at least that way should the Forum's peculiarities act up, one always can go back to the WP version for a second "go."
Page 26 - Allan <Gunneral> at 9:27 PM <6:27 PM Wednesday NZ time>: Our Resident Downunder Kiwi "boom boom" Connection heard from!
Glad you enjoyed the "book reports" - all I did was compile 'em, you guyz should get the "credit"!
We'd luv to have you join us today for Rendezvous III - but knowing you're with us in spirit will have to do. Tuis it will be . . . or something "wet" fer sure, fer sure! <grin>
As mentioned a few times 'round here - there's NO better comedy than the boyz from the UK who were in the Monty Python flicks . . . tremendous talents all. Faulty Towers cracks me up as well 'n the list goes on 'n on . . . just tickles me to think of 'em!
Many thanx for the fine <I3 > Post, visit 'n ROUND!
Page 26 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 10:40 PM: As this is our arrivals day, we gather at Juneau's Haus this evening . . . agenda begins in the 'morrow. First will be the John Barriger Railroad Library <University of Missouri-St. Louis> then MetroLink <light rail> to Bush Stadium and the Cardinals-Pirates game with some super-fine seats at field level. Then we'll go over to the Amtrak station to pick up our Beagle <Texas Eagle> tix for Friday's round-trip to Springfield, Illinois - then back to Juneau's for dinner 'n CM3 Shane's slide show supreme <S3 >!
More ships! Sorry - but don't have the time right at the moment to engage your quiz . . . Canada's Bonaventure is the only name I can think of . . . perhaps something a bit later on. Nice looking spate <again>!
A Fish Called Wanda 'n Fierce Creatures are flicks in our home movie library - just hilarious stuff, fer sure, fer sure!
Odd thing about traveling in those domes is that I've rarely seen 'em full. No kidding - especially on the eastern runs. Of course the Canadian - when in the Rockies - has a packed house - but the Ocean 'n Chaleur are pretty much empty domes. Many just prefer remaining in their bedrooms or in coach. Certainly NOT moi!
Many thanx for helping to keep things ship-shape 'round here . . .
Wednesday - May 14th <all times Central daylite>:
Page 26 - Eric <EricX2000> at 1:38 AM: Figured our Resident NOCTURNAL Desert RETIRED Swede would come in after mid-nite on his departure day for Rendezvous III! <geesh>
Looking forward to seeing you again 'n wish you a safe 'n speedy trip with NO delays en route! Airlines, yuck! <grin>
That E10 surely looks like a "rails monster" fer sure, fer sure!
Many thanx for the < I3> Post, visit 'n chat!
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
Thursday is Fish ‘ Chips Nite!
Friday is Pizza ‘n Beer Nite! - and - Steak ‘n Fries Nite!
Saturday is Steak ‘n All The Trimmings Nite!
Dinner begins at 5 PM so come early ‘n often!
Cindy is our Saturday bartender!
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
Tom
Good morning Ruth,oh I see that you have your "work" attire on, mind you the overalls and workboots look better on you than most . In see that you are planning on going underneath to do some maintenace on the beer taps, good thought as they will have less use the next couple three days.I'll help myself to the BK blas and a couple apple turnovers I'll rose Leon so he can do the heavy lifting for you,Boris can do the Brass polishing and boot rail cleaning once he's done servicing the critters,a large PPF Boris if the works upto Ruth's standards
Tom-Going into full host and catering mode today.Have fun,I'll be there in spirit with you "fellers" as well. I know that we both would have been glued to the dome had I been able to continue on with you two weeks ago,looks like by the crewing in the dome we each would have had a person that way.I hope that more people would use the domes on the eastern runs,or eventually they won't be included that would be a downer fer sure fer sure.
You got part one of the quizz right indeed HMCS Bonaventure, last capitol ship in the fleet served 1957-1970. Don't get me too started on her, Suffice to say the Liberal gov of the day decided that we didn't need her even after paying $30 million for a half life refit in 1968-69. The suervice life should have taken her to 1990 at the earliest.The fleet ASW hasn't been as efficient since and that's the fleets whole purpose in NATO circles Yes today's surface fleets are far more redundant but they still are the best sub killers so it's a catch 22. Mind you all the new ships in the RCN can fight on full automantic ( until they are out of ammo ) even the serviving three tribals can go into full auto mode as well.
What no shot at part two of the quizz it's almost as easy
Eric-That is one great looking beheamoth of a steamer It just looks mean.No RS10's left in mainline usage,they were the poor sister of the slightly more powerfull RS18s of which many are still operating on shortlines. The biggest downfall of the RS10 is that they were powered with the more problematic alco 244 motor where as the 18's had the bullet proof 251's. One of the Ontario Northland's RS10's is at the Delson / Exporail museum in Montreal and there are two operable one's on a dinner train in New Brunswick.
The old tribals have been rebuilt so many times since their launching in 1973-74 that they ahrdly look like the ships that were originally built. One must remeber that construction started in 1969 on them as the yards weren't as quick or automated as today.The twelve new general purpose frigates of the Halifax/Montreal classes only took 18 months from satrt to fifnish and they are much more electronically automated. The twelve Kingston class minesweeper/patrol ships have taken the sam amount of time as to build as well.
New patrol MCDV HMCS Kingston lead ship of class.
And for Tom here's why you never by anything used from the brits
HMCS Windsor and HMCS Connerbrooke still alongside refitting we should have kept the old "O" boats not bought these "bargins"
Everyone enjoy your rendezvous, happy flights 'n' drives
Rob
I see Rob has things well in hand with Ruth 'n Boris doing some "heavy" work! What a task masker this Manager of ours is. <geesh>
Goes without saying that we'd luv to have you with us for this week's festivities . . . but we CAN say that our Rendezvous I reunion was a fun-filled couple of days <daze> 'n I'm very happy you were able to help make it so.
Not a matter of missing your Part II - just stretched for time. Let's see . . . hmmmmm - appears to be a Diadem class cruiser (8 in the class) from WWI -
Displacement: 11,000 tons Dimensions: 142.0 x 21.0 x 7.9 meters (466 x 69 x 26 feet) Propulsion: 15 knots Crew: 677 Armament: 16 6", 12 12 Pdrs, 5 3 Pdrs, 2 18" TT (below waterline). Close enuf
You gotta ask the questions when we have the guys on board <geesh>!
Pete called from JeffCity to say his train is already running 30 mins late . . . what's new However, I later checked the Amtrak site 'n it shows only a 15 min late departure! But, no matter we've got all day . . . I'll try to get him to "pop in" this afternoon.
One thing more about the observation dome attached to the Renaissance consist for the Ocean: As has been said many times, it's a tourist season "thing," a far cry from when the consist included an all Budd stainless steel array along with a Skyline dome up forward. Anyway, the Park Car <obs dome> is really on the line for tourist groups as opposed to catering to the individual passengers. So, that's why VIA Rail went with the idea <crap> of a "Learning Coordinator" who could dazzle one 'n all with facts regarding the passing landscape. Probably fine if you're into that sort of thing. Not for Moi - and I'll not book it. Nope. Now that I've "found" the Chaleur - and as long as they run the Skyline dome with the Budd equipment - that's going to be my "treat" when I need a VIA Rail "fix."
And now -
My 2008 Canada Rail Odyssey continues . . .
MORE from Day Two: Friday - May 2nd, 2008
(91) Looking forward from the Skyline dome - passing corridor train on port side
(92) "Popular" #900 coming up on the port side!
(93) Approaching the Seaway
(94) Adieu Montréal!
(95) On the Victoria Jubilee Bridge with passing freight to starboard
(96) One more time!
For some strange, but expected reason - Pete cannot log on to the Forums from Juneau's Haus! Anyway, here he is - logged in on my access . . . .
A round please RUTH seeing and as I am logged on in Tom's name it may not go on my bar tab. Have arrived and waiting the arrival of Eric and CM3 to join us at Rendezvous III, I think Juneau is glad to see me.
Tom has let me on the computer and I have had a read through the posts and seen the great photos. Many thanks Alan Eric Rob and of course Tom, real sorry you lost your post Nick, I hope the photos of the Tal-Y-Llyn locomotives helped ease the pain.
Well I had better post this before I do any damage to TOM,s puter.
Pete.
Well good evening one and all-Hope the party is getting up to speed -I`ll have a bottle please Leon & a round for the chaps-although I suspect the greater part of the company are currently lounging on TOM`s deck with good food & cold beer to hand,planning the evenings moves on the Can-Am & S-capades and the Polar Express midnight runby ---Better send Boris out with a tray for them....
Well -given the limited chance of most of the company being able to read by the time they get this,I will go straight to Pikes Perspectives photos-Some more modern Brit trains,as a contrast to all the F.P`s & Geeps that will be running tonight....
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Here is the most modern of the lot-early `90`s-I.C.125 picks it`s way carefully through long abandoned tracks on an enthusiast charter
Wind the clock back to the `70`s now-and here is Cl 45 " The Manchester Regiment" on an up sleeper service,held up by signals.
And here is the reason-a trip freight of mostly perishables (bananas from Bristol) has been given priority to use the reversible section to pass a mineral train
Here is the view from the other end -right by the one building I was foolish enough to glue down (why do we do these things ..
Having handed off the sleeper at Bath ,the 45 returns with a mixed freight. The 37 on the yard neck is waiting for northbound empties from Hamworthy quay
Again-the opposite view
--60`s now......Cl 35 `Hymek`glides through with a light-weight Southampton-Cardiff express (which will pick up extra coaches at Bath )..Parked on left are Std Cl 2 prairie with B/West-Hamworthy shuttle and jinty with van awaiting orders
Again-a different view
And once more............
Right-I rather suspect I have hit my ceiling for this evening-Have a good time guys
Good evening Leon.Nice to see everything so spit polished and clean. Boris and the critters did well ( Ruth is a hard task master let me say ) I think just a Keith's for me while I collect my thoughts for this evening.
Tom-Nice to hear that your want to play in Cannada was rekindled by your latest trip. I imagine that the four of us may be able to wrangle up a round tripper on the Chaleur at some point.
Wonderfull batch of photo's this afternoon,even nicer of you to let ole one finger have at your computer as well. I'll give you an "A" for part two of the quizz as you left out the name of the ship. HMCS Niobe the first vessel of the then new Royal Canadian Navy. One of two cruisers purchased from Great Britain in 1910 when the RCN came into being,the other being the smaller cruiser HMCS Rainbow. The Niobe was unfortunate enough to be in Halifax in 1917 when the explosion happened lost everything above the main deck in the blast.
HMCS Rainbow the original Canadian Pacific fleet
Pete-Looks like your tab took a beating again,just cause you sign on under someone elses screename,Ruth and Leon know what you look like so nice try.
Nick-great looking layout shots sir looks like you I and Allan to keep things cooking while the rest play and drink. Oh well we'll have a right good time by ourselves
Right everyone a round on me so drink up and have a wonderfull couple three days with the
First want to make mention of my appreciation to Rob 'n Nick for helping to keep things moving forward 'round here whilst 4 of our crew are enjoying Rendezvous III!
I will not be Posting in the morning - as we've an early start to our day with departure from the hotel at 7:30 AM . . . full day of activity <previously mentioned>. Rain, rain go away . . . <grrrrr>
Nice model RR material from our man Nick! Many thanx for keeping the 'spirit of Wednesday' alive 'n kicking! Cheers to ya, Mate! <clink>
Should tell y'all that the guys are as genuine in person as they are here at the bar - CM3 Shane is a character who fits well with the likings of Eric, Pete 'n Moi! Rob - you'd love this gang, as would Nick 'n Allan!
A gift from CM3 Shane for my modest hard cover RR book library:
Great start for our 'arrival' day - 'n looking forward to a fun-filled Thursday . . .
Boris, ring the bell 'n set 'em up on the boss!
Good Afternoon All
Am I to understand Captain Tom is away? Did he tell you that we were having a comemorative Tea Party Revolt and that all drinks were on the house? I'm sure that's what he said...
Anyway greetings from Orphan Knoll some 300 nm NE of St John's (that's worth a drink I dare say) anyway it's a very calm and placid day here so I'll take it whilst I can!
Pete some more excellent pics Thank You!
Tom: The demise of Cape Breton Coal Mines could be attributed to a dozen different factors and yes the mines slowly collapsing under the sea was one of them. One of our ships did a Hydrographic Survey off of Cape Breton several years ago and the imaging that came back actually showed where the seabed had depressed as a result of the mines collapsing. Some properties over the mines are sinking into the ground as a result of the mines caving in. As I said the coal industry has failed as a result of many factors.
If I'm not mistaken that's a painting of one of the B&O Mallets. Handsome looking machines!!
Nick: Thanks for sharing pics of your layout, very nice indeed.
Anyway hopefully we will get to see more great pics!
Fergie (I'd better pay for these drinks or Tom will have Guido paying his "respects" again
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 afternoon Leon. I see that you let Ruth slip off early today,what a gentleman.I've told her that she can work half shifts ( while the bulk of the cstomers are away ) as between you myself and Nick we can keep things ship sahpe round here.
Tom-What a fine and thoughtfull gift from the coal fields looks like a real keeper. I'm sure that with so many real characters around Pete won't be able to get into too much trouble with his black bag.
Fergie-A wonderfull stop in supprise not often one gets a smooth surface to the North Atlantic, you should almost break out the good china for dinner. I'm all for the re-enactment of the Boston tea Party but did we get the final approval for the use of orange pekoe tea in the waters around town. I mean did Boris complete the environmental study.
Oh BTW no rounds on the house unless verbally approved by the or the head Anything approved by Nick goes on Pete's tab not Toms.
Smooth sailing mate
Lets see a few photo's to liven the day up with.
Four shots of the arrival at the museum of the Gloster car set from the TTC,started out on a train in Toronto's CP rail yard then a short train ride to Arkel Ontario loaded onto highway flatbed trucks at Arkel Ontario ( near Guelph ) and trucked down old highway 7 to the museum.The only way we get equipment in as the museum has no rail connections to the outside world.
Lets see another round of photo's I think to keep it up and going. I Imagine the brew is likely flowing in MO as I post this. Unless of coarse the ladies Allan sent us the pictures of have worked their magic and got the gang off the fire water. That being the case Leon another round of Keith's for me.
Three shots of the Sydney and Louisburg's Louisburg station from our trip to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland last year.
The Evangeline Park our Park car on the Ocean for that trip.
Our return loco on the last leg of our trip arriving at Brantford
Hey Leon, might as well close up a bit early. You and Boris have some heavy lifting to do tomorrw.It's time to flip the shed around for a more Northerly aspect for the warm season ( keeps the stench of Boris and his critters away from town )
Time for another batch of photo's.Some random stuff from the station plateform in Brantford.
An IC SD70 with the old satndard cab only NS and IC bought these locomotives in this configuration.
Tom's friend VIA 900
A Pan of Brantford yard
Another VIA train pulling into the station
enjoy
The OH-FISH-UL Day #1 of Rendezvous III has come to a close with all hands making ready for an early departure for Day #2 ‘n our Amtrak Texas Eagle trip on Friday . . .
Cardinals embarrassed themselves against the formidable crew from Pittsburgh - a rainy, chilly day at Bush. But we endured nonetheless after an enjoyable morning at the Barriger RR Library . . . Squeezed in a MetroLink <light rail> round trip to/from the game as well!
CM3 Shane's evening slide show (B&M - D&H - NH) followed a fine home made Italian dinner at Juneau's Haus - ‘n concluded with smiles of contenment all ‘round. <burp>
I'm going to be a bit shy on the acknowledgments, other than to say I did note the presence of Fergie ‘n Rob today! Fine effort from our Manager with those multiple Posts! Nice try Fergie - BUT no seeeeeegar!
(97) Crossing the Seaway - look beneath the bridge in the distance, that's Montreal's Olympic Stadium - observation tower very prominent - former home of the baseball Expo's
(98) Westbound shipping
Day Three: Saturday - May 3rd, 2008
NOTE: Awoke at 5 AM <EDT> at Matapedia - watched separation of Chaleur from Ocean. Very overcast ‘n chilly with a light mist. Visibility too poor for fotos . . . underway at 5:20 AM. Encountered banks of fog as we headed northward up the peninsula.
(99) From the Chateau Rouville bedroom car vestibule
(100) And another!
(101) From the Skyline dome - Still looks like winter!
(102) One of many water crossings
To be continued . . . .
Morning Ruth, I see that both Leon and Boris ahve their tool belts on and the critters are all out fitted with some safety apparel as well. Looks as though the first stages of the shed flip are well underway. I think we'll keep the kitchen closed this morning and just run with the donnut moosheen and the mentor pastry case. With that said an apple fritter or two and the alrge thermos of BK blast numebr one Got the early squirrly shift this morning still looks like it's gonna be a fine day.
Tom-Sounds like a great time was had by all I'm sure that some southern comfort likely warmed the chilled bones from the game. Unless of coarse Pete had enouhg rain slickers and umbrellas in his black bag for all.
Fine shots from the trip, even when we didn't expect to see any of you in the bar. what a guy Always sad to see the big "O" unused.
Well some morning shots then I'm away to work
Needs no introduction !
T&NO Consolidation on the Northbay waterfront.
CPR's now unused North Bay Station
And a couple for Nick to enjoy as well. The ONR's Northbay facilities.
Back this afternoon.
Afternoon check in time some more photo's.Leon I'll take a Keith's,you might as well join me in one. We'll put it on Pete's tab he won't notice.
A couple CN geeps working the Niagara transfer run at feeder yard in Wellend
An ex Milwaukee road GP40 on the CPR at Fenwick Ontario
CN GP40-2W's at Battlecreek
CP C424 at Mount Carmel ( just outside Niagara Falls Ontario )
Last call for the night a coupe more photo's.
ONR's North Bay sanding facility
Shots of the ONR's northbay engine terminal
Hi Tom and all,
The usual round of Tui`s for all the guys` please Leon!
Rob. Looks a bit lonely around here with most of the other guys` on the Rendezvous III get together at Tom`s place, see you have been mighty busy with your great selection of pics and info on the RCN`s new patrol ships`, the Louisburg trip, the Brantford yard, some more Battlecreek pics, the very smart steam locos`, and todays great set of diesel locos`, a veritable feast of pics to behold. Hope those Tui girls are`nt pestering the guys` too much and not taking their minds off the primary reason for the RV!
Nick. Those were some nice pics of the Brit equipment on your layout you posted for us, looks as if you have put a lot of time and effort into what you`ve accomplished by the look of all those fine shots!
Fergie. Nice to see you on board again.
Pete. Have a great time there with the other guys`, wish I could have been there with you all.
Eric. Hope you enjoy the trip with all the other guys` on the Texas Eagle, hope that SNOW they had in Texas has all gone by now!
CM3. Would have loved to have seen that slide show of yours at Tom`s place, that book you presented to Tom looks great!
Tom. Sounds like you are all having a great RV III at your place, you have worked out a great programme of interesting things to do over the RV, hope you will have a great trip on the Texas Eagle, only wish I could have been there with you all! Really enjoying the continuing great pics of your Chaleur train trip, some nice scenic pics of the countryside on the way including some of your favourite snow, will get the Tui girls to drop off another "coupla" barrels of Tui for when you get back from the train trip!Nice looking book that CM3 Shane presented to you!
See ya, Allan
And a grand time was had by all on Day 2 of Rendezvous III as we traveled to 'n from Springfield, Illinois aboard Amtrak's Texas Eagle - all Superliners. Wonderful temperatures, blue skies 'n great visibility. A most active day for the four of us - rather tired as we made it back to the place of lodging by about 9:15 PM . . . so we called it a day. I do believe I slept thru the nite - which is a FIRST for me.
It has been "decreed" that Rendezvous IV will be held in West Virginia - Beckley is where we'll be lodged - 'n CM3 Shane <we KNOW who he really is!!> will be our host. The dates are set for mid-May (13th - 17th) - arrival on Wednesday, departure on Sunday. As always, I'll be the Rendezvous Coordinator - keeping all apprised of our plans by Email, with occasional mention here at the bar.
The guys are to arrive here this AM for breakfast - then off we go to the St. Louis Museum of Transportation <Kirkwood> for another full day of things to do! Will be having a late lunch at the TrainWreck Saloon which will follow a visit to the historic Kirkwood Amtrak Station <formerly MoPac). Skies are blue 'n it appears we're in for another fine day . . .
Tonite we take the lady of the Haus out to dinner <it's also "awards nite"> then back here for some Can-Am Railway 'n S-Capades operation - along with Part Deux of CM3 Shane's slide show extravaganza!
Thanx, Rob for keeping the joint operating 'n to Allan for stopping by . . . appears that we're "fresh out" of irregulars these days <daze> but I think this group of regulars is by far our finest in the 3 years plus of "Our" Place!
See y'all when the wind shifts!
Back from a great day at the RR museum, Kirkwood Station ‘n the TrainWreck Saloon . . . now awaiting the boyz for our evening out-to-dinner event! Rendezvous III is coming to a close . . . been a super-fine one, fer sure, fer sure!
Not much brewing ‘round the place on this fine day - so I'll just drop this off to keep things going a bit . . .
MORE from Day Three: Saturday - May 3rd, 2008
(103) From the Skyline dome
(104)
(105)
(106) Solitude in the dome!
(107) Water running high
(108) A pipeline
Good evening Leon, I see that Boris has the track gangs under control and no casualties which is great for a saturday night here with the track boys . So I'll partake in aTui and a couple slices of the hot fresh pizza.
Allan-Thanks for the stop in mate, as always you included all that goes on round this joint I've been enjoying the inbox giggles as well , thank-you I don't think the Tui girls could have gotten into too much trouble with that other lot they are gentlemen all,one even carries a bag
Tom-Sounds like another rip roaring rendezvous success full speed to the next one eh deep under ground where the black diamonds are
Some great photo's from day three of the NOTB train trip wonderfull looking countryside.And a dome to yourself to boot must have been heaven. You should forget the deoderant more often
A few more pics to flick everyone's bic
A shot from the archieves of the Museum's first two cars on route to the museum down highway seven.Summer of 1955
Our Grand River Railway line truck M6
Car number one in the collection as photographed 50 yeasr after her first arrival at the museum TTC 1326 ex Toronto Railway Company 1326 summer of 2005.
Car number two in the collection Toronto Civic railway 55 also photographed 50 years after her arrival at the museum,summer 2005
One of the "century" club at the museum Work flat W4 ex Toronto Railway Company built in 1904 !
Well it's Sunday morning time to relax and do the paper work. Boris Leon and the critters are out terrorising the country side. tomorrows speacials of the day will likely contain a great deal of "shot gun " hash, so bite down carfully
There's money in the box for monday morning rounds on me for those that require a wake up after the rendezvous festivitiies,Ruth has promissed to make the coffee extra strong and black,Nick flew in some wonderfull expresso beans,unfortunatly he flew in soem Chocolate covered one's as well and I noticed that H&H and Boris were having a bean eating contest. One more reason that they are out in the fields today lots of excess energy for some reason.
Right couple photo's then I'm off.
O-boat in halifax. They were old but at least they could make it to sea unlike the new lot
[img]http://ill.photobucket.com/albums/a158/streetcarnut/trains/4232.jpg" border="0" />
Three CP C424's at the Aberdeen roundhouse ( ex TH&B ) in Hamilton Ontario
Some Classic Power in Toronto
Some classic switcher power at Toronto in a short lived paint scheme. CNR NW2 in it's original as deliverd paint job.
Reminder: "Our" Place is CLOSED on SUNDAYs
Rendezvous III is now a matter of history 'n a good time was had by all! Every bit as successful as the past two! Profound THANX to Pete <pfwolfe> - Eric <EricX2000> 'n CM3 Shane <coalminer3> for making this annual event such a memorable one. And cannot forget the behind the scenes superlative support 'n effort from my bride who turned out all of those mealtime specials along with ensuring that all felt at home at the Siberianmo Haus! <aka: Juneau's Haus> Juneau is still looking 'round for his buddies - all en route their respective corners of this world. Five to all!
I see it has been the Rob-Show during our collective absence. In spite of little to no support, he has kept the bar 'n "my other Thread" up on the Forum's Page! Five to the trolleyMAN - Rob!
Here's that first foto of Rob's that didn't come thru this morning . . .
I'll be back in a bit!
"Our" Place is CLOSED on SUNDAYs
Starting TODAY at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!
. . . May 18th thru 24th: The Guns of Navarone <1961> Starring: Gregory Peck, David Niven, Anthony Quinn & Stanley Baker - and - ENCORE Presentation of Major League II <1994> starring: Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, Corgin Bernsen, Dennis Haysbert & James Gammon. SHORT - The Three Stooges: Out West <1947>.
The Guns of Navarone <1961>
PLOT SUMMARY: This rousing, explosive 1961 WWII adventure, based on Alistair MacLean's thrilling novel, turns the war thriller into a deadly caper film. Gregory Peck heads a star-studded cast charged with a near impossible mission: destroy a pair of German guns nestled in a protective cave on the strategic Mediterranean island of Navarone, from where they can control a vital sea passage. As world famous mountain climber turned British army Captain Mallory, Peck leads a guerrilla force composed of the humanistic explosives expert, Miller (David Niven), the ruthless Greek patriot with a grudge, Stavros (Anthony Quinn), veteran special forces soldier Brown (Stanley Baker), and the cool, quiet young marksman Pappadimos (James Darren). This disparate collection of classic types must overcome internal conflicts, enemy attacks, betrayal, and capture to complete their mission. Director J. Lee Thompson sets a driving pace for this exciting (if familiar) military operation, a succession of close calls, pitched battles, and last-minute escapes as our heroes infiltrate the garrisoned town with the help of resistance leader Maria (Irene Papas) and plot their entry into the heavily guarded mountain fort. Carl Foreman's screenplay embraces MacLean's role call of clichés and delivers them with style, creating one of the liveliest mixes of espionage, combat, and good old-fashioned military derring-do put on film. --Sean Axmaker
This rousing, explosive 1961 WWII adventure, based on Alistair MacLean's thrilling novel, turns the war thriller into a deadly caper film. Gregory Peck heads a star-studded cast charged with a near impossible mission: destroy a pair of German guns nestled in a protective cave on the strategic Mediterranean island of Navarone, from where they can control a vital sea passage. As world famous mountain climber turned British army Captain Mallory, Peck leads a guerrilla force composed of the humanistic explosives expert, Miller (David Niven), the ruthless Greek patriot with a grudge, Stavros (Anthony Quinn), veteran special forces soldier Brown (Stanley Baker), and the cool, quiet young marksman Pappadimos (James Darren). This disparate collection of classic types must overcome internal conflicts, enemy attacks, betrayal, and capture to complete their mission. Director J. Lee Thompson sets a driving pace for this exciting (if familiar) military operation, a succession of close calls, pitched battles, and last-minute escapes as our heroes infiltrate the garrisoned town with the help of resistance leader Maria (Irene Papas) and plot their entry into the heavily guarded mountain fort. Carl Foreman's screenplay embraces MacLean's role call of clichés and delivers them with style, creating one of the liveliest mixes of espionage, combat, and good old-fashioned military derring-do put on film. --Sean Axmaker
Major League II <1994>
PLOT SUMMARY: Those diehard Cleveland Indians that went from worst to first in the hit original now cope with fame and its perks as the hangdog team tries to hit hustle and joke its way back to the top. Charlie Sheen Tom Berenger and Corbin Bernsen star.
Those diehard Cleveland Indians that went from worst to first in the hit original now cope with fame and its perks as the hangdog team tries to hit hustle and joke its way back to the top. Charlie Sheen Tom Berenger and Corbin Bernsen star.
SHORT: The Three Stooges - Out West (1947)
PLOT SUMMARY: The stooges go west on vacation for Shemp's health, who has a swollen vein in his leg. At a saloon the stooges get acquainted with Nell & Shemp begins to tell her about his vein. Doc Barker overhears & thinks Shemp is talking about a hidden gold mine. Later the boys find out that Doc Barker stole the Red Dog Saloon from Nell & will kill her boyfriend the Arizona Kid if she doesn't marry him. After being freed from his cell the Arizona Kid rides to get the Calvary but when they arrive find that the stooges have layed out the bad guys.
The stooges go west on vacation for Shemp's health, who has a swollen vein in his leg. At a saloon the stooges get acquainted with Nell & Shemp begins to tell her about his vein. Doc Barker overhears & thinks Shemp is talking about a hidden gold mine. Later the boys find out that Doc Barker stole the Red Dog Saloon from Nell & will kill her boyfriend the Arizona Kid if she doesn't marry him. After being freed from his cell the Arizona Kid rides to get the Calvary but when they arrive find that the stooges have layed out the bad guys.
<from: threestooges.net>
Enjoy the weekend! Tom
<Big Boy at the StL Museum of Transportation - personal foto>
A wee bit of catch-up on this Sunday - CLOSED of course!
Customer Acknowledgments in BRIEF (since my last narrative):
Page 26 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 9:58 AM: And no extra charge for the screen doors on those submarines!
Page 26 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 8:31 PM <2:41 AM Thursday GMT>: Mighty fine model fotos from Mighty Man!
Page 27 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 11:27 PM: Inclusive chat ‘n stuff!
Thursday - May 15th:
Page 26 - Fergie <Fergmiester> at 12:32 PM: A Fergism!
Page 26 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 3:56 PM: Trolley fotos!
Page 27 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 8:35 PM: Nova Scotia fotos!
Page 27 - Rob <trolleyboy at 9:07 PM: Random "live" action at the Brantford station!
Friday - May 16th:
Page 27 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 4:47 AM: North Bay fotos!
Page 27 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 4:50 PM: Loco fotos!
Page 27 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 11:11 PM: ONR fotos!
Page 27 - Allan <Gunneral> at 11:22 PM: <6:22 PM Saturday NZ time>: Inclusive Post with TUIs!
Saturday - May 17th:
Page 27 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 9:01 PM: Trolley fotos!
Sunday - May 18th:
Page 27 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 8:41 AM: Loco fotos!
Hi Tom and all.
I'll just slip this through the mail slot to say I am back in Mid-Mo after a most wonderful Rendezvous III. It really was a great time in the best company and the very best of hospitality from TOM and his bride 5X,it was great to know Juneau had not forgotton me as well.
I' ll catch up on the posts now and be back tomorrow.
Breakfasts on me tomorrow please RUTH to celebrate the Rendezvous.
Pete
Ahoy Cap'n Tom 'n fellow travelers waiting for the bar to open!
Yes, 'tis the Larsman with a special purpose visit on this 18th day of May in the year two thousand and eight! THIS, my friends, is the day we should celebrate as Cap'n Tom's birthday! Yes, 70 I believe! So, to YOU, Bossman and many MORE to come!
So very envious of you who made it to the third "bash" in St. Louis! Must have been a great time and no doubt we will be finding out shortly once Da Bossman puts it all together!
Want youse guyz - Eric - Pete - Shane (will we still call you that now that your ID is known??) - Rob - Nick and Allan - to know that I miss being a part of this wonderful experience. When time permits, I try to at least keep abreast of the happenings at the bar. Just cannot do justice to being a regulAH the way I want to be. Not in control of circumstances here at the hut.
Am enjoying the photo spread of your latest Canadian rail adventure. Great to see that you and Rob connected for a repeat performance in his town and at that great looking pub! Appears that your trip up into the reaches of Quebec went off without a hitch. Good for you, mate!
Also had wanted to stop by on the monthly celebration for "Our" Place's anniversary on the 12th. Just could not swing it.
Again, a very to you Cap'n Tom! KNOW that I think of you 'n the guyz often. Maybe one day I will be able to do a bit bettAH!
Boris, put me down wudja??!! Yes, it IS me 'n I missed YOU too! Geesh. Feed the gang 'n you can have that LARGE jar of PPF.
Here's a handful of twenties for the week - hope the bell gets rung alot!
Ruth - all is set for "that" long weekend getaway!
Until the next time!
Lars
Ahoy Cap'n Tom (again)!
In honor of YOUR DAY , here are EIGHT covAHs from the Larsman Mobile to flick your switch!
and the grand finale!
A most HAPPY BIRTHDAY Cap'n TOM!
Leon, a special round of Tui`s today to celebrate Tom`s birthday, to Tom, have a good one mate! Guys`, please raise your glasses` and give a big hearty toast to Tom on this his special day!
Lars. What a neat surprise to see you on board again, just like BITD with the great selection of covAH`S of the Pennsy from the Larsman Mobile! Hope things are going OK for you and yours, you are missed a great deal here in the bar, it`s always the icing on the cake when you show up that`s for sure!
Rob. Another selection of great pics from you, Tom and Fergie will like all of those naval ship pics you are putting up. Am enjoying all those mailbox laughs` from you!
Pete. Good to see you got home OK and that you had a great time with Tom and the guys`.
Tom. Just had to break the Sunday curfew to wish you a today, could`nt get on line yesterday [May 18th here], we were up in Napier till late. Hope you have a great celebration and lots of nice presents as well. By all of your accounts it sounds as if you had a mighty fine time at your place with all the guys` at RV III, it will have been an added pleasure for you to have them with you so close to your birthday. Wish I could have joined in on all those special meals your wife provided! The "Guns of Naveronne" was a great flick to pick for us ex artillerymen! Leon, Tom`s bar tab is on me for the rest of today.
Monday has rolled ‘round again ‘n here we are beginning the countdown to week's end!
Coffee has been freshly ground ‘n brewed. Mama ‘n Papa Grundledink baked the goodies in The Mentor Village Bakery ‘n our Menu Board has been updated with the latest in <light> ‘n <traditional> breakfasts! Soooooooo, let's get a move on, eh
Many thanx to Lars ‘n Allan for the [b'day] wishes! Didn't expect anyone to remember at the bar - but you two did! The guys at the Rendezvous made "my day" special ‘n it will surely be a most memorable Natal Day fer sure, fer sure! Thanx to ALL - it's indeed nice to be remembered.
Snippets from the Birthday Watch List
May 18th (Tom - 70)
POSSUM (April 21 - May 21) When confronted with life's difficulties, possums have a marked tendency to withdraw and develop a don't-bother-me-about- it attitude. Sometimes you become so withdrawn, people actually think you're dead. This strategy is probably not psychologically healthy but seems to work for you. You are a rare breed. Most folks love to watch you work and play. You are a night person and mind your own business. You should definitely marry an Armadillo.
August 11th (Pete - 57) NEXT UP!
August 14th (Allan - 73)
CATFISH (July 24 - Aug 23) Catfish are traditionalists in matters of the heart, although one's whiskers may cause problems for loved ones. You Catfish are never easy people to understand. You run fast. You work and play hard. Even though you prefer the muddy bottoms to the clear surface of life, you are liked by most. Above all else, Catfish should stay away from Moon Pies.
Page 27 - Pete <pwolfe> at 3:20 PM: Glad you made it home safely ‘n appreciated the fone call too!!
Yes, we had a grand time at Rendezvous III ‘n the time seemed to zooooooom by, even with our extra day cranked in. Just a very active several days ‘n nites . . . it was every bit as good as last year. Many thanx for helping to make it so!
We'll have to make some plans for a return to Springfield, IL - aboard the Beagle of course!
It will be a few days before I get A-ROUNDTUIT regarding the fotos, but I'll get there!
Page 27 Lars <LoveDomes> at - 6:27 PM ‘n 7:20 PM: A MOST surprising Sunday set of visits from our Senior Manager <emeritus> - The Larsman himself!
Many thanx for the spate of Pennsy covers . . . you know how to flick my Bic! Sad to say, the GG1 at the StL Museum of Transportation is in poor shape. Best one can say is that at least it hasn't been reduced to razor blades. <sad> Anyway, that final cover is "way cool" as we had just visited Union Station ‘n spoke about "back in the day" with all the track ‘n trains that have faded into memory.
You would've enjoyed the Rendezvous ‘n your name came up more than a few times . . . always will keep the Larsman in good stead with this crew!
I received the "chit" from Ruth for her "leave" over the next weekend. She dropped it in "Da Bossman's basket" ‘n noted that Rob had put his "seal of approval" on it as well. Sooooooooo, off she goes! <grin> Cindy said she'll fill in . . . . what an understatement! <grin>
Cash for ROUNDS ready to be spent! Really great seeing you at the bar ‘n hope you'll be able to swing by again - soon!
Page 27 - Allan <Gunneral> at 9:19 PM <4:19 PM Monday NZ time>: What a treat to have our TUI MAN drop by with good CHEER for the gang on my B'day at that!
There's a ‘thing' about our Rendezvous that seems to have carried on from the first one - the guys who attend are as genuine as can be. Same in person as at the bar. That speaks volumes as far as I'm concerned. I have a "feeling" you're in that category ‘n you'd be most welcome at Juneau's Haus anytime!
Yes, having the boyz here for my B'day weekend was a special treat ‘n they helped make it so. Was most memorable ‘n I couldn't have orchestrated it any better. <hmmmmmm, I think I did!>
Thanx for the ROUND coming up ‘n for taking the time to keep me in mind!
(109) From the Skyline dome
(110)
(111) Approaching New Richmond in the fog
(112) Departing New Richmond
(113) A place called home - for some fortunate family!
(114) View from the Skyline dome
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