G'day Gents!
And Pete came back, as promised, with some fine fotos . . . also visited "my other Thread," which of course saved me from having to Post twice on this slooooooooow Saturday - thanx, Mate! <clink>
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Back with another spate of RANDOM FOTOS on this Saturday at the Tavern by the Tracks!
(7) Trackside at VIA Rail station, Halifax, Nova Scotia <2007 Canada Rail Adventure w/Pete>
(8) GO train arriving at Toronto's Union Station <Rendezvous I>
(9) Aboard ARRs northbound Denali Star in car #651 - UltraDome w/private dining area below <2006 Alaska Rail Adventure>
(10) WWII mural at the Kirkwood Depot <station> - Kirkwood, MO <Rendezvous II>
(11) Branson Scenic Railway - Branson, Missouri <2007 Fall Get-Away>
(12) Milwaukee Road dining car at KCity Union Station <trip with Pete>
Enjoy the weekend!
Tom
Evening gents-Leon,a round for the house please dear boy-just a quickie post whilst I update my catch up list-
And whilst I am here-ERIC -hope all is well mate-that smoke looked awful close there ....my answers to quiz questions are A-decomposed 3rd rail conductor shoe B-mechanism for changing from overhead supply to 3rd rail--reasoning-(tying in with small pantographs) #113 was intended for MoW or similar and set up for system wide access but without requiring the huge current draw of a regular loco
Right-back in an hour or two-just off to mercilessly flog (sorry,positively motivate) the galley crew before the saturday night rush
ttfn
Good evening Folks,in for a quick bite,however I'm not sure that I like the sounds comming from the kitchen. ( whipping ,crying and teutonic giggling Well as long as the steaks good and I'll help myself to a Keith's.
Tom-Great two pack of photo's sir kind of covered all teh bases north south east and west with them
I have noticed that Boris has been taking etiquette lesson's from Molly with the help of Helga so likely that's where he learned to pucker up. Betcha won't forget to say good bye again.the old lightning bolt scheme on the ONR takes some getting used to,it's a much better paint job than the modern one though.I think the CPR classic scheme is the best one they've ever had. I'm glad they repainted that GP38-2 and the two FP9's that way for the excursion trains.I don't know why but railfans up here have always refered to the "new" gold beaver herald as the Golden Rodent,most likely because it's not as classy looking.
Eric-Those fires indeed look menacing please be carefull, with the right gust of wind they could get quickly out of control.
Pete-I still think it's a beret , but nice try.I don't want to know how or why Helga owes you favours certainly not for public reading anyway.
More great shots of yours and Alan's Hopefully he can eventually join us on a stool here.From what I've read the general public could ride the Port Weller run, it was a regularly schedualed train on the time tables.
Rob
Right back for another pint, I'll leave a bit extra in case Nick or any of the late night crew develope a thirst
ONR GP38-2 in the new ON Rail paint scheme
A weather beaten ONR F at Northbay
A not seen very often unit
Part of CN's lease fleet listed for their Canac subnsidiary, the branch of teh company that sells off surplus equipment.
enjoy
Right then chaps,back again-Leon,looks like its just me & thee for now,but best take for a round anyway-they are bound to trickle in eventually.....
Boris & Copperkettle are freshly bandaged and attentive and ready to prepare tonights $20 special ...(under close supervision)....Monkfish,bacon & tiger prawn kebabs for a starter,Normandy pork chops with pommess duchesse & steamed veg for a main ,Strawberry souffle with Kiwi coulee to finish...please book early to avoid disappointment....
O.K-lets get straight into it-well almost-have just been watching some footage from this years Glastonbury festival-some of you may have heard of a talented but troubled chanteuse called Amy Winehouse-well.........she did herself no favours tonight-I will leave it to the vultures from the press to tear her apart-I just felt sorry for her band...very sad-a genuine talent self destructing...........
O.K-back to the catch up game..
DAN-Dont worry mate-many times I look back at what I have posted and dont understand it either -excellent link to the 158`s-that gantry is a thing of beauty-just glad I don`t have to look after the wires...
TOM-Welcome back old thing -Loving the mixed bags of pix-something for everyone -especially enjoyed those classic cars-words fail me-absolutely beautiful-you could eat yer dinner off the bonnets (hoods) of any of them-since we have brought steam rollers into the mix (museum shots ) -have a couple from the library that may be of interest,especially if you can lighten the images-will post soon...
R.E. Cute kids,lil` Lily is at that perfect age (2) where she has just learned to totter round on her own,point at things ("Da"..) and look incredibly pleased with herself for doing so-Hannah is best friends with her brother Barney (who`cos of their Indian dad looks just like Mowgli) and treats Lily like a baby sister-they are all in and out of the house constantly (used to live next door and now live just round the corner)-just one big happy family............
P.S-R.E. O.N.R `chevron` livery,one of the regular O.N.R Group,-a man beyond reproach,has been accused of neo-nazi leanings for wearing a baseball cap with the triple chevrons on-go figure..........
PETE-Welcome back also-winding back a bit-Unfortunately H/West yard doesn`t deal with any regular freight traffic-just MoW stuff and occaisional MOD loads-and they are rare enough
to be worth photographing-am hoping to get a look at when they load up and have an engine on site.........
Whitland-Yes,the building next to the east box certainly looks like a pub-could be that big sign on the wall....Apparently the MIL found the 175 to be a comfortable ride.......
Neyland shed-used to be quite a major turnaround point-the sub-sheds were less so-F/Guard had quite a good allocation,Milford was a branch line shed.Caerdigan was a single engine job,suspect that Whitland was a signing-on point only-unless they had a pilot for the yards....there is literature available-will get to the local library and try to confirm.......
Buffalo incident-Am reminded of the `moose head` episode of Fawlty Towers..........................
Delightful pix of the "Duchess" with `other` PETE
ROB-You continue to delight with magnificent pix from the archive -long may you continue !!--yes indeed-West of Swansea there are still some old fashioned semaphores in use (see below )
ERIC-Arriva seem to be a big company-they have numerous `bus franchises over here...ground signals-another name to add to your list-they are known as `Dods ` in the north country...ATC is not a new concept here-the G.W had a forerunner of it years ago where when you passed a `distant` signal it set off the alarm in the cab--
As to the old semaphores,out here in the wild west,somehow the old system has held on-most of the intermediate stations still have a wee cabin with the levers and up and down line semaphores-and yes you are right-on this region the signals drop down 45 degrres to the clear position-is mostlty the southern region that have `upper quadrant ` signals-
The manual signals dont extend all the way though-from Whitland,there is only one box-at Clarbeston road ,which controls everything west-all the movements at H/West are controlled by a `box 5 miles away-(note pix-all the signals have CR numbers)
ALTON #12-there is an engine that looks just like I feel-especially in the mornings.......
O.K -Leon,another round please whilst I check on the galley.....
Right then gents-thats me for tonight-I believe I am most of the way to catching up (an endless treadmill-TOM -how do you stay on top of it-P.S -Delighted you have the subway system starting to come on line-- good job mate !!-O.K-enjoy the day of rest tomorrow,speak soon,
Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, old friend! Good to see you! No, just a cold Tui, please.
This was a very short Saturday! I thought I would be able to stop by much earlier, but it did not work out. Well, here I am.
Tom – The wildfire is several miles away from home so I am not worried. It is not coming our way. What do you mean, the aging process has a lot to do with how fast time goes? Well, I feel like I am 27 and that is not very old. Okay 27++, but still. That grade crossing was found to be the most dagerous one in the US in a recent study that was published a few months ago. I don’t remember the details though. Collector shoe or pick-up shoe. It all depends on what side of the ocean. Since DL is on the east side I agreed with him and called it collector shoe. Since you are on this side of the pond I agree with you, it’s a pick-up shoe. A good collection of photos from different places, Alaska, Halifax (nice looking car in front of the station!), Branson, and Brantford! Even some snow and ice from last May! Parts of the platforms at Toronto Union Station are very narrow. Looks kind of dangerous when there is a lot of people. ARR’s UltraDome looks nice. Very good view from the inside! Pete – Collector/pick up shoe is correct. The actual shoes are missing (broken off) though. The second device is some kind of circuit breaker to disconnect the pick up shoes. I don’t know the correct name for it. I think you should ask the museum if it is allright for you to use Bobby’s car for your test! As a new member you should be entitled to it. The buffalo is choosy? That is sad, very sad. I would say we are safe from the wildfire. It is still burning tonight. Some nice steam locomotives in those photos! I have seen one of them before. That is the one with the 0-6-0 tank, WD 1959. Do you know if it still is sitting there waiting for restoration? Do you know why the A-4 had a red light on the front? Nick – Everything is fine, thank you! The fire is still burning but is not coming our way.3rd rail shoe (damaged) is correct. The other device is very likely just to disconnect the shoes and has nothing to do with the pantographs. Talking about ATC, it reminds me back in the late 80’s (I think) BR was very interested in the Swedish ATC system and planned to have it installed for tests somewhere in England. My boss at that time told me he was going to send me to England to help BR with some unspecified things because of that. The whole thing was stopped by the British government (no money) and nothing happened. Thanks for the info on the signals! Always interesting!If you feel like Alton #12 looks, I feel sorry for you! Must be very bad mornings!Rob – The fire is not contained yet, the problem is the terrain. It’s very rough. Nice older diesels! The F really looks weather beaten!
A few photos from 1995-2008.
The plane from Phoenix to London is leaving the smoke from the wildfire behind Friday evening.
Southbound train (to the left), EMU Class X1, meets northbound train, EMU Class X10, at Ösmo, Sweden. This was the nearest station from where I used to live in the old country.
Aero train locomotive/power car at the Museum of Transportation, Kirkwood, MO.
It is not hard to see it is a GM prodct from the 50's.
Eric
<CPs first diesel loco - from ExpoRail railway museum - personal foto>
Reminder: "Our" Place is CLOSED on SUNDAYs
<but go ahead ‘n slip your messages thru the mail slots on the doors!>
Yes, we're CLOSED on SUNDAYs, but there's always someone here to ensure that things get squared away for Monday, ‘n of course take care of the critters!
So, while I'm "resting," it's a good time to catch-up on the Posts . . .
Keeping track!
216 fotos from my 2008 Canada Rail Odyssey . . . the end!
216 fotos from Rendezvous III
. . . more to follow, but coming to an end!
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative):
Saturday - June 28th <all times Central daylite>:
Page 47 - Pete <pwolfe> at 1:25 PM: "In" with part deux of his catch-up < I3 > Post! As always, covered all the bases, Mate!
I watched you standing by the JCity station before the downpour - then scurried for shelter! <grin> Yeah, it makes all the difference to have a building rather than those modern open-ended "things." Each one of the stops along that route had station buildings - but of course as ridership dwindled along with maintenance funds - we've seen the results. Just thankful Kirkwood ‘n JCity still "stands."
I'll always maintain that Amtrak did a disservice to those using the trains when Kirkwood was placed on the list of "unmanned" stations. That station is the busiest along the St. Louis-KCity corridor - aside from JCity ‘n definitely should have Amtrak representation at train time. The volunteers do a fine job - but it just isn't the same . . .
First time I starred down a Buffalo - or it me - was in Yellowstone Park back in 1953 on the way home from Santa Ana, California ‘n the Boy Scout Jamboree <all by train>. Anyway, those beasts are HUGE - gentle for the most part - but HUGE. Unpredictable, of course, ‘n an animal one doesn't want to take for granted. Some people do - ‘n they pay the price. Sooooooo, the creature in the TrainWreck definitely has it's "eyes" on YOU, Mate . . . <grin>
Many thanx for the visit, chat ‘n ROUND!
Page 47 - Pete <pwolfe> at 3:42 PM: Back with a fine spate of fotos to keep us entertained on this sloooooooooow Saturday.
Check out this link for all you'll ever want to know about the KC Royals . . . has a good explanation regarding the opportunity they had to change leagues.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Kansas_City_Royals
There were two of those "green" switchers along the wayside on the MetroLink route to St. Louis. Unfortunately, when I enlarge the foto, the name just becomes more obscured that I can't make it out. When we passed by for this year's trip downtown, we were standing inside the packed train - so there was no way to check ‘em out - either way. I've done numerous web searches on this ‘n that, trying to get an "ID," but thus far - no luck. Since I'm no aficionado when it comes to nomenclature ‘n the like - they could be SW1500s or 1200s or . . . but this I know - they are privately owned.
Very colorful DMU set . . . ‘n fine looking steamer! I've never really appreciate the "look" of that front shroud on the Pacifics . . . rather "bland" to me - guess it's all what one is accustomed to ‘n I'll never accept the "no headlight" look. <grin>
When I first saw that little tank engine it appeared to be more of a model than a real-life version. Featured in the book <class, that is>, eh
Many thanx for the foto spread w/narrative. I know it takes time ‘n effort for a 2-finger-typer . . .
Appreciate the ROUND too!
Page 47 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 6 PM <midnite GMT>: "In" with an assurance for a return - answers for Eric's quiz questions - a ROUND ‘n a "motivation session" for the galley crew. <uh oh>
Page 47 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 8:32 PM ‘n 8:39 PM: Etiquette from Helga <yikes> Bad enuf from Molly <for we KNOW what motivates her!!> I just can't envision Boris in a Speed-O at Throttlebottom's Chippendale ‘n Tire Repair Emporium! <geesh> Yeah, I'll NOT forget to bid him adieu on my next leave of absence - but I think I've been ‘set up' on this one! Hmmmmmmm.
Bottom line on loco painting ‘n heralds - they own ‘em, we don't!
Good shots <again> - ‘n I think ONRs "lightning bolts" are very sad - sad, sad. Catchy - but if those are lightning bolts - hmmmmmm. <grin> Colors are fine . . .
I have a VIA Rail SW that looks somewhat like the one in your foto - but I had it custom painted - all Blue with a yellow stripe <didn't know any really existed - so I ordered an unpainted version with a caboose ‘n had it "done" for me>. Looks fine . . . thanx!
Many thanx for the two-fer ‘n ROUND!
Page 47 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 9:19 PM <3:19 AM Sunday GMT>: Seems to me that if people would get beyond the differences in people, people would be a happier lot! Celebrate the differences - until that is one or more slip into the AH-JO mode, then move along! The world is full of "nice" individuals - screw the remainder - saving only 6 for pall bearers! My credo, of sorts. <grin>
I recall living in a community south of Boston where we had some friends from Puerto Rico - great guy, wunnerful lady ‘n two fine kids. All of us were "family" - kinda sounds as if you've "hit" on something similar. It's a "nice" feeling . . .
Assuming you are serious about the ONR guy ‘n his cap! Takes all kinds, eh Mine was in jest - whereas it appears others are dead-serious with their deductions - which of course are dead-wrong!
Staying on top is pretty much the same as what you do ‘round here - maybe takes a wee bit more time, but same idea. One has to WANT to participate in order to obtain the maximum benefit from what goes on at this watering hole. My motivation comes from you guys - the more enthusiasm on your side of the bar, the more reciprocity from mine. Easy, eh
Chef's specials look super-fine - great supplements to our Saturday steak nite - or perhaps even THE bill o' fare, eh I KNOW what I'd select - Chief Chef Nick anytime!
A fine catch-up on the "treadmill," but at least you're "up" to it! Visit ‘n ROUND always appreciated!
Sunday - June 29th:
Page 47 - Eric <EricX2000> at 2:56 AM <12:56 AM Sandbox time>: Here's hoping the winds don't shift! <phew> Much too close for comfort - fer sure, fer sure.
A fine < I3 > Post from our Nocturnal Sandman! "Hit" on all the hi-points!
That grade crossing "rating" surely must have been challenged by now! Whoever puts those statistics together must have overlooked Illinois ‘n Missouri! Many people, of the stupid-kind, come in 2nd to the train - over ‘n over ‘n over again. <geesh>
Good observation regarding the platforms at Toronto's Union Station - seems to me they should permit people to squeeze in between stairwells ‘n the platform - thereby keeping them well behind the yellow lines. Platforms are "normal" width - but pictures are deceiving, eh
The snow ‘n ice you noted in my foto-spread for Saturday was not from this past May - but from New Year's Eve in 2002 <note the date on the foto> ! Shot taken while westbound on the Canadian heading to Vancouver. Glad you enjoyed ‘em all!
Terrific foto of the London-bound aircraft ‘n smoke nearby your abode! Also enjoyed the detail shot of the AeroTrain - you have an "eye" for things like that ‘n it shows! Pix from the old country is a <keeper> too . . .
Back in the mid-50s, GM came out with what they called "wrap-around-windshields" for their automobiles. The AereoTrain most definitely has the "look"! Good catch!
Quiz answers ‘n visit most appreciated!
"Our" Place is CLOSED on SUNDAYs
Starting TODAY at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!
. . . June 29th thru July 5th: Yankee Doodle Dandy <1942> Starring: James Cagney, Ann Sothern, Margaret O'Brien, Carey Wilson & Robert Osborne (II) - and - ENCORE Presentation of 1776 <1972> Starring: William Daniels, Howard Da Silva, Ken Howard, Donald Madden & John Cullum. SHORT - The Three Stooges: Pardon My Clutch <1948>.
<Note: 1776 first shown on Sunday July 2nd thru 8th, 2006>
Yankee Doodle Dandy <1942>
PLOT SUMMARY: This much-loved and much-acclaimed musical biography salutes the life and career of American composer and performer George M. Cohan. James Cagney brilliantly essays the role of Cohan, a song-and-dance man who made his mark on the vaudeville stage at the young age of 13. Thereafter, he continued to rack up triumph after triumph -- until he became the first performer of the popular theater to win a Congressional Medal of Honor. Along the way, he penned countless memorable tunes, including "Over There," "It's a Grand Old Flag," "Give My Regards to Broadway" and the film's rousing title number.
This much-loved and much-acclaimed musical biography salutes the life and career of American composer and performer George M. Cohan. James Cagney brilliantly essays the role of Cohan, a song-and-dance man who made his mark on the vaudeville stage at the young age of 13. Thereafter, he continued to rack up triumph after triumph -- until he became the first performer of the popular theater to win a Congressional Medal of Honor. Along the way, he penned countless memorable tunes, including "Over There," "It's a Grand Old Flag," "Give My Regards to Broadway" and the film's rousing title number.
1776 <1972>
PLOT SUMMARY: This acclaimed film version of Peter Stone's Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, which was one of the last big-budget studio musicals, stars William Daniels (TV's Saint Elsewhere) as John Adams and Howard Da Silva as Ben Franklin. A rollicking, anachronistic treatment of the creation of the Declaration of Independence, with the American forefathers conducting themselves with uncharacterstic--and comical--indignity. Academy Award Nominations: Best Cinematography (Harry Stradling, Jr.) Although 1776 tells the story of what happened at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1776 leading up to the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence, and it accurately portrays the serious personal and political issues at stake - frequently in the characters' own words, written by them at the time, it remains a musical comedy.
This acclaimed film version of Peter Stone's Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, which was one of the last big-budget studio musicals, stars William Daniels (TV's Saint Elsewhere) as John Adams and Howard Da Silva as Ben Franklin. A rollicking, anachronistic treatment of the creation of the Declaration of Independence, with the American forefathers conducting themselves with uncharacterstic--and comical--indignity. Academy Award Nominations: Best Cinematography (Harry Stradling, Jr.) Although 1776 tells the story of what happened at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1776 leading up to the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence, and it accurately portrays the serious personal and political issues at stake - frequently in the characters' own words, written by them at the time, it remains a musical comedy.
Although 1776 tells the story of what happened at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1776 leading up to the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence, and it accurately portrays the serious personal and political issues at stake - frequently in the characters' own words, written by them at the time, it remains a musical comedy.
SHORT: The Three Stooges - Pardon My Clutch (1948)
PLOT SUMMARY: Shemp is sick, and the Stooges' "know-it-all" friend Claude recommends that they take Shemp on a camping trip. Of course, he sells them everything they need, including a car. The Stooges practice putting up the tent... in their living room. When they try to get the car ready for the trip, they discover it's a piece of junk, and have all kinds of problems, especially with the tires. But when an avid car collector turns up, Claude quickly pays the Stooges back so he can sell it to the collector for more money, only the "collector" turns out to be an escaped lunatic!
Shemp is sick, and the Stooges' "know-it-all" friend Claude recommends that they take Shemp on a camping trip. Of course, he sells them everything they need, including a car. The Stooges practice putting up the tent... in their living room. When they try to get the car ready for the trip, they discover it's a piece of junk, and have all kinds of problems, especially with the tires. But when an avid car collector turns up, Claude quickly pays the Stooges back so he can sell it to the collector for more money, only the "collector" turns out to be an escaped lunatic!
<from: threestooges.net>
Enjoy the weekend! Tom
A quick good evening to do a catch up before the morrow Lots of paper work to do as usual.
Eric-Some good photo's as per usual.Watch that fire though with out of control jobs like that they can be quickly turned by the wind.
Tom-Great movie pics for the week Yes Via has a couple of those SW's not all that common but they are there.I actually like the lightening strip ONR scheme,though Nick's right many a person has mistaken it over the years,still they used various versions of it for over twenty years.
I think your green units are SW1500's with out reading the builders plate it would be hard to tell as the 1000's 1500's and 1001's all looked the same,just the insides were different.
Nick-A wonderfull sounding menu, I think you outdid yourself again. Sad about Amy Winehouse, makes two self destructing celebs between her and Brittany ( at least they keep the rehab centers in business. )
Right as couple photo's for the evening.
Another ONR GP38-2 at the Northbay Shop facility.
A CP SD40-2 in the full St Lawrence and Hudson lettering.
One of the more common ad wraps used by VIA at least four different F40's got this one.
Another High Hood Railink GP,this one was supposed to ahve been a GT GP18 when built new.
Hi Tom and all,
Leon, the usual round of Tui`s for all the guys` please!
Hi all, just testing the pasting option, seems as if it appears to be working now! YAHOOOOO!
Will pop in tomorrow to catch up with acknowledging all of your great posts and pix.
Rob. Some very colourful diesel pix from you mate!
See ya, Allan
A smile to begin the week!
Asked by Cardinal Spellman of New York City if he had an audience with the Pope while at the Vatican, Yogi said, "No, but I saw him."
<A Yogi-ism!>
Monday, Monday - ohhhhhhhhh, here we go again! <grin> Best way to get a jump-start on the work week <for many> is to fill up your coffee mug with our special blend, order a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board, ‘n while you're waitin' - grab a pastry or three from The Mentor Village Bakery case!
Comments from the Proprietor
Short work week coming up <for many> - Ruth leaves on Wednesday for her "long weekend"!
Tomorrow is CANADA Day! - 'n Friday is Happy B'Day USA!
Sunday - June 29th <all times Central daylite>:
Page 47- Rob <trolleyboy> at 9:58 PM: Surprise visit from our Manager, but most welcome with a spate of fotos at that!
Had one of those Kool Aid abominations on our first cross-Canada trip . . . I'll have to check out the number . . .
Yeah, SW1500 sounds about <aboot for YOU!> right!
Thanx for the chat ‘n visit!
Page 47 - Allan <Gunneral> at 10:36 PM <5:36 PM Monday NZ time>: "In" to let us know that things are looking "up" regarding Pasting ‘n Posting!
A ROUND for all on this Monday <his time!>
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!
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. This'll be the last one for awhile as we are off to the frozen north.
Pete - BR was not unique in getting rid of perfectly good steam locomotives. Main reason here was labor costs and availability of parts from different manufacturers. Enjoyed the picture of the North Briton and the folks mining coal in the tender - had to be done even if there was a stoker.
Allan - Maybe you're gonna beat the ‘puter? Good luck! I have been fighting with a couple of online teaching systems - it's enough to...well I think you understand.
Rob - Maxwell Smart - well, Pete has been known to talk to his shoes (lol). CANAC - not something you see too often.
Eric - That crossing has a lot of margin for error, particularly if you get caught in the middle - geez. There are some like that in the northeastern corner of PA - Former NYC and NKP run parallel to each other - sometimes you'll have three trains at once - you can truly get jackpotted there. Enjoyed your other photos.
Nick - Amy's "performance" was on over here - truly scary.
OSP was by with pictures and comment - Nice Milwaukee diner. Good choice of ‘moom pichers as well - I have not seen 1776 in a long time. Yes boris, I do remember the year- barely. When you said green switchers I was not sure if you meant color or environmentally friendly. You can Google green goats (no Boris, that's not what we're having for dinner tonight) or Gensets if they are environmentally correct units. UP has some I know.
Work safe
CM3 Shane is first "in" on this Monday <short work week for many> . . . Anyway, I'm surprised at YOU! The foto tells the story - the switchers are GREEN <as in color>! Hmmmm. Anyway, I'm not into those "new-isms" - like "Google" this 'n that - or "Green" meaning anything other than color! Kinda an old fart - an I like it that way! <grin>
I've "Dogpiled" about <aboot for Rob> as much as I'm gonna regarding those switchers . . . just will wait 'til my next trip aboard MetroLink. Thanx for the "tips" . . .
Good to see ya 'n appreciate your making it by . . . Green green, it's green they say . . . <remember THAT one??> If you do, you too are O-L-D! <groan> Oh yeah, it was sung by the New Christie Minstrels . . .
Received your Email 'n responded . . .
For those who enjoy these sorts of things, here's Part One of my "trip report" for our recent round trip to KCity aboard the Amtrak Mules . . .
AMTRAK Kirkwood, MO to Kansas City (round trip) Thursday, 26 Jun 2008
TRIP LOG (270 track miles between Kirkwood & Kansas City, MO)
<All times recorded were according to my watch - whereas the Amtrak web site was "off" by several minutes for most of the locations shown. Hmmmmmmm.>
8:56 AM - Train #311, Kansas City Mule arrived 3 minutes early at Kirkwood, MO.
Our train originated in St. Louis, departing at 8:30 AM. Powered by one locomotive with a 3-car Horizon consist - 2 coaches - 1 Business class/Café. Weather conditions at Kirkwood - cloudy, humid with restricted visibility. No rain.
The Café car was #58103, a Horizon car with the Business Class section up forward <as it should be!>. Single seats on the right - double on the left with NO luggage racks. Car appeared to have undergone recent renovation. Attendant, Natalie, was friendly, courteous ‘n YOUNG! Attentive to her job ‘n travelers.
Should mention that by the time we arrived in KCity, there were only 2 seats remaining in Business Class - coaches seemed to be rather full as well.
Passed one eastbound UP freight just west of Kirkwood.
9:42 AM - Arrived Washington, MO - 6 min late.
10:12 AM - Arrived Hermann, MO - 8 min late.
Light rain began to fall.
Stopped at 10:20 AM, east of Gasconade River due to freight traffic. Proceeded under slow orders at 10:40 AM as it was announced we were behind a slow moving freight train. Passed a total of 8 UP freights before arriving at JCity. All sidings were full of freight traffic.
Total of 12 freights passed since leaving Kirkwood.
In passing siding at 11:25 for late running east bound Amtrak <1 loco - Cafe/business class car & 3 horizon coaches>.
11:53 AM - Arrived Jefferson City, MO - 1 hr, 2 min late.
Got off to take a few fotos . . . rain stopped.
Passed one eastbound UP freight west of JCity.
Smooth run to Sedalia - good speed. Skies lightening up a bit.
1:06 PM - Arrived Sedalia, MO - 1 hr, 5 min late.
Good run to Warrensburg - good speed, no delays.
1:35 PM - Arrived Warrensburg, MO - 1 hr late.
Good run to Lees Summit.
2:18 PM - Arrived Lees Summit, MO - 1 hr, 1 min late.
Good run to Independence.
2:35 PM - Arrived Independence, MO - 1 hr late.
Stopped at 2:50 PM east of KCity for freight traffic ahead.
3:06 PM - Arrived Kansas City, MO <56 min late>
Amtrak's eastbound Southwest Chief apparently had just arrived from Los Angeles - over 7 ½ hours late. Took lots of fotos on a bright ‘n sunny afternoon in KCity. 2 locos - one baggage - 8 superliners! Fotos will be provided . . .
Entered Union Station to view the model RR layout before reboarding our train for the return trip. Fotos of the layout will be Posted on Wednesday for Toy ‘n Model Trains Day!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Reboarding the train was a nightmarish experience. Seems the two rather grumpy ladies working the ticket counter had nothing better to do than SHOUT to the people lined up against the wall <and out of the way of passing travelers> that they must return to the waiting room. This, in spite of the fact that a sign indicated ticketing to the left ‘n boarding to the right <paraphrased> these two created more problems than not.
Furthermore, some idiot <aka: Yokel #1> wearing an "Amtrak suit" decided to tell me to go to the waiting room <where it was at least 10 degrees warmer>, after I'd given up my "place" in line on two occasions <following "orders" ya know!>. I leveled a verbal blast in his direction ‘n he "went away." Others were equally vocal about the confusion ‘n contradictions regarding the boarding process.
Finally, yet another person wearing an "Amtrak suit" <aka: Yokel #2> came upon the scene - opened the doors ‘n off we went to a full STOP. Seems there was a rope barrier blocking passage to the long walkway to the stairwells ‘n elevator to the train platforms. Hmmmmm. Slight oversight - then Yokel #2 came back, removed the rope ‘n off we went. <geesh>
There were no announcements to board those needing assistance - or for seniors - or for Business Class. Just "move to the doors" ‘n off we went.
We boarded the train and guess what Yokel #2 was a member of the crew! <yikes> He even made a mess out of taking the tickets . . . but enuf is enuf. I think y'all have gotten the point.
We would've all done far better had Pete made the announcements - in spite of no one understanding what he was saying, at least it would've been CONSISTENT! <geesh>
Letter has been sent to Amtrak regarding all of this nonsense. I figure if no one tells ‘em, they'll not be able to take corrective measures <which they won't>. The KCity Amtrak facilities <former ‘n present> have had staffing problems <attitudes ‘n competence> for the nearly 20 years I've traveled that route. Institutionalized malaise, or something very close. <barf>
More to follow - along with a "Foto Gallery" . . . .
Hello Tom and all in
Thanks for the bottomless Stein - I'll have a fill of whatever you recommend!
Thanks for the explanation about Kirkwood Depot - yes, I'm sure there are a multitude of derelict depots for every one restored. There's no shortage of stations here, often with fairly frequent service, that have been reduced to the status of a bus shelter beside the highway - and staff long gone. However, I do recall being impressed when travelling in the Chicago area that even suburban Metra stations were often maintained in good order, clean and smart and not vandalized - which was nice to see.
Pete - thanks for that link to Little Bytham - did you read that The Mallard pub is now closed and turned into a house - this is happening to pubs all over the place and is bad news - did you read on and read the interesting bit about the Willoughby Arms being a station building for a short private railway to a nearby estate - I never know of this!
Yes, I've seen a Class 57 coupled to a Pendolino at Crewe. That occasion when 2 LMS 5's took the Liverpool train out must have been a good surprise - now I bet you wish you'd jumped on for the ride - then it would not have seemed so uncommon I guess.
Sounds like you are enjoying Platform Souls anyway as you gave it the thumbs up
On a spot of good news I read in Rail that EM Trains 158 units are going for refurb in Derby soon - not at the C&W works but at the old Tech centre - so not sure if it is a refresh or the major interior renewal they badly need but we shall see.
Yes, you can see the earthworks of the old M&GN as you go through Little Byhtam on the East Coast route - not far east is the site of Wymondham Station which I chanced upon last autumn and I think mentioned back then - station site mostly untouched complete with large goods shed - station itself now a house. I read it is coming up for 50 years since M&GN closure - that would have been a great route to have travelled on - very idiosyncratic I think.
For anyone interested plenty of info here - the M&GN was affectionately known as the ‘Muddle and Go Nowhere' line
http://www.mandgn.co.uk/index.htm
If you are on the old MR route from Leicester to Peterborough you can see where the M&GN branched off - I think at Saxby Jct. A typical country Jct in the middle of no where by the looks of it. I recall seeing some derelict station buildings there once when I went that way - but that was some time ago. Not sure if they have collapsed now - they were deserted and in a sad state.
This is the location
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/ type in 'Saxby' and choose Saxby Leicestershire (Tom this reader instruction is to avoid the very loooooooong link which I had which might give wide page today)
Hit 'east' arrow a few miles and you come to the cross over with the East Coast route - you can clearly see the line of the disused railway on the map. Nice thing about these Ordnance Survey maps is the way they show old closed rail lines (so long as the earthworks still feature onthe ground that is and not been ploughed up by a farmer or built over)
Allan - I was hoping to find a spot not too far from this sign which is now at the famous location - I think pretty much at the start of the Stoke incline - you will like this pic if you have not seen it before:
http://www.wandleys.demon.co.uk/mallard2.htm
Rob - enjoyed those ONR pics and thanks for the detail on St Catherines - that would have been a great way to travel to Toronto. Fairy Firefly - of course, I did not recognise it! Another rare survivor.
Nick - On Sat I went back to the final day of the local book festival I mentioned last week - they had, as part of the event, a marquee with second hand book sellers. I found and bought a reasonably priced - and I think perfect and never read, soft back GWR publication from about 1930 of Somerset - in the back of that was the large fold out GWR system map also in mint condition so I was having a good look at the south west Wales network you mention. I see it was quite extensive so no wonder it needed the sheds and sub sheds you listed in your post.
However, what I really had to splash out on was a copy of Tom Rolt's Lines of Character from 1952 where he does some trips on very remote and obscure branch lines in England and Ireland - obviously in retrospect lines that did not survive long. Unfortunately this a was a hardback first edition so I had to cut about 12 pints from the budget to obtain this book - that is what I call a lot for a second hand book. It is good though - copiously illustrated with pictures by Pat Whitehouse of Railway Roundabout fame, so I decided it was worth it, after some thought. Roll on next pay day.
Eric - enjoyed your recent picture selection. Some good stuff!
Regards
DL
PS Tom - just enjoyed that trip report - great pics - shame about some of the customer service and the poor timekeeping after a prompt departure (Yikes - SW Chief times not looking pretty either!)
CM3 - just missed your post - have a round on me whilst I catch up with it
Pleased to see Dan in Sherwood Forest make it "in" on this Monday . . . surely thought we'd see Stealthy Pete <but that's a contradiction, eh ??> Don't know about Mondays . . .
Anyway, thanx Dan! Comments in my AM acknowledgments . . . Keiths is on special today, tomorrow 'n Wednesday in honor of Canada Day! <grin>
The next to final set of Rendezvous III fotos . . . Rule of Six suspended <by one>!
NOTE: Day Four - departures . . .
"Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous III - St. Louis, MO 2008 - Day Four
(217) Eric ‘n Pete at the hotel on Sunday morning <Caption: Honest, Pete - this magic key chain will turn you into a Swede if you just drop it into your coffee!>
(218) Pensive looking bunch!
(219) Look what we got from Carol! Snacks for the road ‘n the train . . .
(220) Farewell shot of Shane - Tom ‘n Pete!
(221) Farewell shot of Shane - Eric ‘n Pete!
(222) Waiting to go to the airport at Juneau's Haus!
(223) Your dog is chewing my foot!
One more to go! . . .
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Bathams please RUTH.
TOM Congrats on turning page 48.
Many thanks for the 2nd set of random photos. It is good to be able to study that great painting at Kirkwood station and I would have loved to travel on the Milwaukee Road behind on of their electric locomotives and dined in the car.
Yes I agree it would be a good idea to have an Amtrak agent at Kirkwood or even Jeff City. The volunteers do a great job but they must be getting fed up trying the keep the passengers informed with a badly delayed train.
Yes buffaloes are not to be messed with.
Thanks for the kind words on the photos, and that is a very interesting URL to the Royals. I did not know that K.C. had a baseball team way back in 1883. It is really sad to see their record from 2000 though. I see that they asked fans their opinion in transferring to the NL but they only got 1,500 replies if they had done so, more games against the Cards and the Cubs would surely have helped their attendances.
What's the betting that next time one of us passes where those switchers are in St Louis, the MetroLink car will be empty but the named switcher will be hiding.
Good films on at the Emporium in the run up to the 4th of July. Yankee Doodle Dandy is a classic and I would very much like to see the musical 1776. With, of course the Stooges.
Many thanks for the photos and the excellent notes on our trip to KC. With those freights we passed I guess the UP dispatchers did a good job in keeping us moving
Yes waiting to board the train at KC did give the impression of being caught up in a Monty Python sketch. What made it worst, as I was farther down the queue, was one Amtrak guy told those in the waiting room to join the line while the one near you and those behind the counter were telling people to go back in the waiting room, which as you say was quite hot. Perhaps if a train was due it could be understandable but the next one was not due for another7 hours. It did give the impression that passengers were just a nuisance in running their trains.
Great photos and captions of Day four of Rendezvous III.I think we are pensive because we are wondering what is in that cup on the table. I see in that photo there is a reflection of you taking the photo in the mirror.
The chicken was very good, I was going to have it when my train stopped to let a freight go by but we had a clear run right up to just outside Jeff City and then we were only stopped for a short while so I had the chicken when I got home.
NICK It was sad to read H/West is like so many yards now that have little or no traffic nowadays. I guess with the MOD still having occasional use for the yard it should be safe for the time being and not in danger of disappearing under a supermarket.
It would be good to read about the steam sheds in your area if you can get he information from the library.
Glad you enjoyed the ‘Duchess' photo and it is good to hear the newish 175 units are comfortable.
Talking of the signal boxes, I had a thought, I guess the old Bell-Codes that used to communicate information between boxes are not used on BR anymore, although it may be in rural areas that have not gone over to radio controlled signaling like the Highland branches.
ROB Glad you enjoyed the photos.
It would have been good to take run over the bridge on the Port Weller run
Many thanks for the photos. You don't like the new O.N. Rail paint scheme thenI wonder how it will weather. Where does the VIA #201 work, it looks in great condition.
At first glance I thought the paintwork on Via rail #6454 was graffiti but I think the High Hood # 7438 looks in great condition.
As to the favor HELGA owes me, as they say, "What goes on in the beer cellar stays in the beer cellar"
ERIC Real glad you are safe from the wildfire and it is not heading in your direction.
As far as I know restoration of the USA tank WD 1959 as not started yet. I guess the larger locomotives on the line would be first in the queue for overhaul.
I had not noticed the light on the A4 showing a red aspect, good spot. I noticed the ‘Not To Be Moved' sign on the loco, perhaps the red light is an additional safety measure and could have had something to do with the class 5 loco that was to couple on to it, but this only a guess.
Many thanks for the photos. I noticed the different styles of the EMUs, do you know what dates the X1 and X10 EMUs were introduced.
ALLAN Really hope the computer problem is solved nowand I will look forward to your post tonight.
CM3 Glad you enjoyed the photos. I think on BR the ending of steam was not planned at all well. Although inevitable, with better planning, I am sure a lot of money could have been saved, especially when one considers some of the diesel classes that had very short lives indeed. I am sure if the railways had been in private hands it would have been handled very differently.
As far as I know, the only locomotives on BR with mechanical stokers were three class 9F 2-10-0s. A lot of people have wondered why the Duchess class Pacific's were not fitted with them as they had a large (by British standards) firebox.
DL Yes I too knew nothing about the Willoughby Arms or the private railway until I saw the URL, there can't have been many lines that used steam and then went back to horse power.
Thinking of those class 5s reminded me of a school trip in the early 1960s to Liverpool. We were hauled from Rugby by a class 5 and a lot of the lads on the train who nearly all were spotters were disappointed when we did not get, then a nearly new, electric locomotive from Crewe to Liverpool. Even now I can almost smell the steam and smoke as we climbed out of Liverpool in the cutting. It is one of really great things about Our Place it can bring back memories with a word of a photo.
Many tanks for the URL to the M&GN and the OS map. If I recall right there was a pitched battle at Saxby between landowners men and surveyors and navvys of the railway company before the line was built.
I have finished Platform Souls; I will give my impressions in my next post as this one as got a bit long.
I am sure you will enjoy the Lines Of Character book and will not regret getting it. I have not read the book myself but would no doubt find it very enjoyable.1952 would have been a great year to travel those lines especially those in Ireland.
Got carried away (ought to be I hear you say)again and a long post again so beer on me for the rest of the evening please RUTH.
Pete.
Good afternoon Ruth just a bottemless of the Keith's ( since it's on speacial )I'll leave some extra for a round cause I have a feeling we will need it this afternoon.
Tom-I think you managed to catch the best sides of everyone on your photo's from R3 sounds like the people you had to deal with were almost "green" on your recent train trip.Would put off almost everyone the saddest thing is that the letter will as you say likely fall on deaf ears.
Those Kool aid ones did take something to get used to but those first paint jobs have sapwned the rest of the ad wraps,still money made that way is money that didn't have to come out of raised fare prices,so a silver or in this case multi -coloured linning in that cloud.Just wait Amtrak will follow suit eventually ( if it already hasn't )A nice Purina chow painted Amtrak P42 on the Desert Chief might be interesting.
Shane-Yes full Canac paint like that's and oddity, they mostly concern themselves with the unloading of rolling stock and locomotives as opposed to renting them out. that unit eventually ended up on the Trillium RR in St Catharines.Have a safe trip to the "North Country" we'll hold down teh fort without you
Pete-Yes don't ask don't tell about things occuring in the beer celler are indeed a wise choice.Boris remind me to have the beer seller disinfected and scotch guarded.It's neat to still drive over the Port Weller bridge only two years ago did they fianlly rebuild the bridge deck and remove the rr trackage to put in a bike and stroller lane. CN last ran a train on that spur in 1989 the rest of the trackage into the drydocks and all the track through the city leading upto it was removed in the early 90's.
From what I hear most people don't like the new ON Rail scheme,unfortunatly it seems to be wearing well, at least on the SD70's which you see run through on CN freights once in awhile.
Allan-Good to see that the old cut 'n' paste is working again for you
Dan-A most welcome twofer on the traditionally slow weekday I'm glad that someof my ramblings on the ole home town were of use.If you can take a peak at the Candain Warplane Heritage's web site, lots of good stuff their on their collection and their commings and goings.
http://www.warplane.com/
great urls as always too sir
Well hello there Leon break out some more Keith's, I just got in from mowing the back 40 so I have a thirst.
Pete-IU don't know if it's agood thing or not but H&H have spent the whole day doing themselves up for you,seems like they are determined to "collect" tonight.<uh oh >
The 201 is assigned to Moncton,however we saw it down in Toronto possibly leased to CN of in for repairs VIA only rosters a few of them for coach switching,Montreal Vancouver,Winnipeg and possibly Edmonton have them assigned.
I see that Nick's out and about so I'll have Leon set up another round for the man's arrival Couple more random shots for tonight.
CP train power running light and Campbelville only a bit east of the Museum.
VIA P42 914 at Kingston Ontario.
An EX Milw GP40 before repainting by CP in Fenwick Ontario
A shot from Jolliet on our last train watching trip down in '95
Hi guys-a touch of the `hit & run` tonight-just started a new contract today-clearing about 5 acres (is that a universal measurement ? ) of home fields on an old farm on the other side of the valley-havn`t been touched for about ten years and its THIS deep in all sorts of well established spiky nonsense,with a solid core of abandoned machinery,building rubble & general detritus-on the plus side,I charge by the hour & look to be there for several months,on the minus side,I feel like I`ve just gone 3 rounds with Iron Mike-still,should soon loosen up......
Leon-as the `Keith`s `is on special lets have a look at a couple of pints of that-and a round for any takers-rest assured,have read everything-will be back atcha as soon as I have got into the rhythym of this extreme hard graft lark (whatever happened to indoor work with no heavy lifting......)
Big suprise yesterday-heard myself on the radio-(only Pembrokeshire radio in fairness-imagine hospital radio with a big transmitter...)-principally a suprise `cos none of the band realised (or had been consulted) about the material having been submitted --not best pleased to be honest-but enough of that--
Lots of good stuff here (as always)-happy Canada Day to ROB & HEATHER ( and CAROL )and building to the celebrations for the 4th-celebratory mugs of tea will be available from this end of the bar --
Apologies for not getting fully stuck in but would rather do a proper job tomorrow than half a job today-I trust you will bear with me
Leon-here is a Fifty for a good sized round of Canadian ales-(Molsons,Labbatts etc) for the company-I am away to my bed in anticipation of yet another dawn chorus from the neighbours chickens...........................oh the joys of rural living
Take care all,
Latest NZ railway news! The name for the new NZ railway`s is "KiwiRail" as of the handover to the government this morning, it will be run as a State owned enterprise like the rail track company "OnTrack". Hope it works better than the job Toll made of the whole fiasco!
Rob. Enjoyed all your colourful diesel pix here, and on the other page as well. Looks as if my pasting glitch maybe all sorted out now, keep your fingers crossed! Happy Canada Day to you and yours`!
Eric. Very graphic smoke shots of the wildfires`, my neighbour, who`s brother has a winter home in Scotsdale, was wondering if the wildfires` were in that area? Very graphic smoke shots and that most dangerous grade crossing in the USA as well. Great shots` of that London bound plane with the smoke plume, the Class X1 EMU`s and the Aerotrain ones`. Hope you are lucky enough to win that nice looking RV outside the Crackerbarrel.
Pete. A nice pic of the Scotrail 156 Dmu, and some more nice pix of Alan`s North Briton Railtour. Hope you will stare that Buffalo out next time your in the Train Wreck Saloon.
Nick. See that Amy Whitehouse has said that she was retaliating to a guy who grabbed her front "bumpers`" at the Glastonbury concert. My better half is also called Lily, she has a sister called Rose as well would you believe? Clearing 5 acres sounds like a BIG job, take it easy mate!
Dan. Nice link to the Mallard record speed sign on Stoke incline, last time we passed there was in 1969 on our way to Southampton to catch the ship when we migrated to Aussie. Nice links to the M&GN Rly and the Ordnance Survey map.
CM3. Best of luck with the online teaching sessions, you are so right about PC`s getting a bit frustrating at times!
Tom. A nice spread of random pix from Alaska, Canada and the Branson Scenic Rly. Coupla` good old flicks of the revolutionary period. A very comprehensive write up with pix in Pt1 of your KC trip with Pete, and a great set of pix of all the Boyz on day 4 of RVIII, looks as if you all did`nt want to break up the good times` you were having together there. Looks as if that pasting problem is in the distant past now, HOPEFULLY!
Good (and I do mean Good!) Evening Captain Tom and Company Rounds for all!!!
Sorry Boys... I'm Gloating!
Yeppers... we saw one of these about 5 weeks here, loved it! wanted one and now it's enroute... YESsssss!
Ohhhh sorry... Tom order me all who wants and keep it open for the next hour.
Got to love it
PS I'll be back to clean up once I've finished in the garden (Back to Sea tomorrow)
Fergie
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959
If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007
Good evening Catain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, a #3 special, super sized, please! Tuborg Green!
Another hot (not so dry heat) day in the desert. At least there is no snow or ice! Always something to be happy about!
Tom – I know the platforms at Toronto Union Station are normal width. It is the stairs that make parts of them very narrow. The wildfire is now 65% contained and they will likely have it 100% contained tomorrow. It’s amazing how many wildfires that are burning now. One town north of Phoenix, Crown King, is threatened by another wildfire. The whole town has been evacuated. 3 homes and a number of other buildings have been consumed by the fire so far. Thanks for the trip report from your and Pete’s trip to KC. Not a lot of people riding that train. Are those Amtrak trains ever on time when arriving to KC or St. Louis? Seems like it was not a very good experience. You did the right thing writing to Amtrak. Good picks of movies for the Emporium this week! Oh, I never noticed that Juneau was chewing my foot! Psst, Tom, did Pete drop the key chain into his coffee? Rob – Colorful locomotives! I like the ONR locos, but I don’t like advertising as on the VIA F40. Also the second set of photos is very interesting! The P42 looks nice in that livery! Didn’t you mention that VIA likes the old F40’s better and that is why they are being rebuilt? Do you know where Glenn Yard in Montréal is at? This photo is supposed to be from Glenn Yard.
Glenn Yard, Montréal.Allan – Thanks for the round! Hope your connection and computer problems are gone now!CM3 – That grade crossing is kind of complicated. The track runs along Grand Avenue in a nortwest-southeast direction, that gives the extra space between the track and Grand where there is a traffic light because there is an intersection with two other streets at the same place. DL – Glad you liked the photos!Interesting site on the Mallard and its speed record, 126 m.p.h. Pete – Thanks for the info on #1959! I think you may be right about the red light on the A4! Something similar to blue light here in the US. Class X1 was introduced 1967, but was not put into revenue seervice until the spring of 1968. Class X10 came 1982. I have been operating both types many times. It is possible to run X1 and X10 in multiple. Nick – Cleaning 5 acres for several months? That filed must be loaded with stuff! Good luck!
Cab signal.
Sellers turntable.
Hah, I made it before midnight!!! A round for the house!!
I'll have the Keith's given you have it on special - thanks - nice to see Fergie in too., as well as Rob - a full Canadian flavour. Shame we still miss BudKarr - I recall he was out there in the Canadian West at some time if I'm right.
Talking of UTBs are there any other notables who dropped by the way side during my recent absence?
Pete - pitched battles at Saxby - amazing - sounds like the wild west!
You've demolished Platform Souls pretty fast - so I will be interested in your comments in due course.
Nice recollection of that Liverpool trip - of course if a class 86 or 87 (or one of the other early types) backed on now you'd be impressed.
On this subject I'm really impressed by the way the AC loco group have built up a complete collection of all the types of AC locos:
http://www.aclocogroup.co.uk/
They even seems to have saved an 87 when the rest of the class are being exported to Bulgaria (that is quite remarkable when you think about it - that the owners have found a place to take on all of a 35 year old batch of locos. I wonder if any will ever come back? It is not impossible that they might.
Yes, I'm looking forward to reading Lines of Character. I also picked up a couple of interesting LMS books - one from the late 1920s detailing abbeys, castles and other historic places on the LMS system - this was very cheap as the seller was presumably unaware that the LMS connection made it interesting, the other was an official LMS hardback book detailing there part in the war effort - some nice colour paintings of aircraft and tanks under construction in Derby and Horwich works respectively - plus lots of other interesting B&W photos.
Also - reading your comment to Nick about signal boxes reminds me that where I grew up on the ex SR main line to Eastbourne there are still trad boxes and I think they must still use the bell codes (but I'm not sure). Between Lewes and Eastbourne (distance 15 miles) there are trad boxes still at Lewes, Berwick, Polegate, Hampden Park and Eastbourne. I think there would have once been a few more than this as Lewes to Berwick is 7 miles which is a stretch for a busy line (I think the box at Glynde has gone for example, which is in this stretch). This line takes at least 3 passenger trains per hour in each direction - so each box has to cover 6 trains per hour)
Rob - thanks for the Warplane Heritage link - reminds me of my visit there which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Nick - that land sounds like it is in a state - how did all that rubbish get dumped there? Is it abandoned farmers equipment from years back? Why are you clearing it - To restore the land for something (e.g. grazing?). A valuable task. Hope you have good weather - at least it is the time of year to be outside doing such tasks. Hard work, but better than ‘farming a desk' as we might say!
Maybe you can post a picture of the field for us?
Eric - hope the fires are under control!
Allan - I'd heard about the renationalisation of NZ railways - what is the story to this? Has it been bought back by the govt, or has the private owner collapsed leaving govt to pick up the pieces? What has been nationalised - is it the track, the trains, freight, passengers or the whole lot. I'd certainly be interested in your views and information on this topic.
1969 the last time you were on the East Coast route? Have you been back to the old country since then at all?
Happy Canada Day to all who lay claim to the land north of the 49th!
And it is Tuesday - the most <blah> day of the week . . . let's spice it up a bit with a jolt in the coffee, pastries from the case ‘n breakfasts from our Menu Board!
Take this quiz ‘n we'll let Rob provide the correct answers!
http://www.cbc.ca/cgi-bin/quiz/quiz.cgi?quiz=canada-day-2008
And a bit more on Canada Day!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_Day
This just in from my Canadian news feed:
http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2008/06/29/via.html
All drinks ‘n food are free this day for bona fide Canadians who take the time ‘n make the effort to join us at the bar!
On the not-so-good-news front: CM3 Shane will be away from the bar ‘til mid-July - sez maybe the 16th. So, that really puts a damper on the mornings ‘round here. <groan>
We'll miss our Resident WVA Connection . . . but wish he ‘n his family a very safe ‘n enjoyable getaway . . .
223 fotos from Rendezvous III
Monday - June 30th <all times Central daylite>:
Page 48 - CM3 Shane <coalminer3> at 10:25 AM: Happy to see our Resident WVA Connection begin the day, sad that he's departing the scene for a few weeks <Email sez so>. Anyway, you'll surely be missed ‘round the joint . . . I see you've left us with a "stash" of quarters for Herr Wurltizer ‘n all those ROUNDS you've been buying have "stacked up," so we'll be in good shape for awhile . . . thanx!
Safe trip away ‘n returning . . .
Page 48 - Dan <DL-UK> at 12:34 PM ‘n 12:36 PM <6:34 PM ‘n 6:36 PM GMT>: Much relief to see "someone" come by at the noon hour <central time> as I was beginning to think this was going to be yet another "one of those" Mondays . . . but YOU rescued Ruth from the doldrums!
Another well thought out ‘n put together effort from our Resident Brit in Sherwood Forest!
Want you to know that your name came up several times during discussions between Pete ‘n I regarding "that trip" to the UK. There's no denying I'd love to do it - but for reasons already expounded upon at the bar, it doesn't look promising. I do know that a full week of activities "over there" would be all I could muster up ‘n there's no doubt <doot for Rob!> that between Nick - Pete ‘n you, there'd be plenty to see ‘n do. Some nice thoughts - ‘n of course, NEVER say NEVER, eh
Regarding KCity trip - arriving an hour late was considered a GOOD DEAL - when there have been so many times we've not had time to anything substantive between trains . . . at least we had nearly an hour to check a few things out <oot for Rob!> My return to Kirkwood was just a bit shy of an hour as well - it wasn't that long ago I arrived at 12:35 AM - 5 hours LATE - now that's cause for complaining. <ugh>
I'm surprised to learn that your impressions of the Chicago area are so positive when it comes to the condition of the stations - I've had no first hand experience, but surely wudda thunk they've had their share of vandalism. Must be some rather good security going on . . . It's a great place <ChiTown> ‘n just as with any large metro area, there are pockets of nasty places one should avoid. Gotta maintain a sense of "street smarts" . . .
Perhaps one day we'll get another customer from Chicagoland - it would be great to have someone who "knows" the place - so if any of us travel up that way, we could get together - perhaps even a Rendezvous one day. Almost happened . . .
Many thanx for your fine Post ‘n hope you enjoyed your libation <Keiths>!
Page 48 - Pete <pwolfe> at 4:23 PM: Along comes our two-speed Bar Chandler <slow ‘n stop> with a better-late-than-never PM Post!
What IS it with Mondays ‘n YOU Hmmmmmm. Just can't seem to get you to "split" those visits . . . I'll have to get Vito to provide a bit o' "motivation," eh <uh oh>
Thanx for noting that we made it to Page 48 . . . "Recognition" turns both ways, eh
As infrequently as my travels include that MetroLink route, you probably are "right on" - the switchers will be gone. Guess we may never know . . .
Always the "Eagle eye," when it comes to details in fotos!
Now it can be revealed - I cooked the chicken! But prepared far to much - therefore youse guyz HAD to eat it <again ‘n again!>
As usual, most thorough < I3 > Post! And thanx for the ROUNDs
Page 48 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 4:55 PM ‘n 7:56 PM: Good chat, good cheer ‘n some fine fotos from our Resident Ontario Connection ‘n Manager!
Hope you have the day OFF, Mate! Probably not - given the nature of what you do . . . but it's the thought that counts, eh
Nothing would surprise me - nothing. So if Amtrak comes roaring through with a "panty hose wrap," why not <uh oh>
One thing I totally disagree with is the notion that these paint jobs ‘saved' the traveling public any money. <barf> <triple barf> That money went straight into the coffers without so much as a second glance back at those paying the fares. If you believe what you say, I have an Arch for sale! <grin>
P42s are "funky" to look at, but the color scheme is terrific!
Many thanx for the two-fer ‘n ROUNDS!
Page 48 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 7:57 PM <1:57 AM Tuesday GMT>: Not to worry, Mate - work comes before pleasure, ‘n it seems you've had your share of the former. Pull up a stool ‘n have a COUPLE on me!
Brush cutting - bush whacking - whatever it's called, it gets translated down to one four-letter word: WORK! <groan> Take ‘er on a slow bell . . .
Just curious, are any of your performances covered by recording contracts If so, do they have "strings attached," as in after a period of time - you're on your own, if you follow my drift Must've been quite an "ear opener" when the tune came thru . . . Keep us posted.
Passed on your greetings to my bride - thanx, sez she!
Appreciate your taking the time ‘n making the effort to share some brew ‘n speak with us!
Page 48 - Allan <Gunneral> at 9:46 PM <4:46 PM Tuesday NZ time>: Appears as if things are back to normal for our Resident Downunder NZ Kiwi Connection insofar as the Posting ‘n Pasting goes! Those problems can be absolutely maddening, eh
A fine < I3 > Post from you, covering the bases quite well. Also appreciate the update on the rail situation from your part of the world. Which by the way I've done a bit of reading on. Was wondering when ‘n how New Zealand came to be a nation. All kinds of "stuff" out there - but still a bit confusing when it comes to trying to "pin" a date for an annual celebration. Perhaps you can shed some light to it . . . Didn't realize the "Alps" were so high - over 12 thousand feet is a high mountain, no matter where located!
ROUND of Tui most welcome!
Page 48 - Fergie <Fergmiester> at 10:33 PM <12:33 AM Tuesday ADT>: Last visit at the bar was June 6th according to Boris' Customer Tracking System <CTS> . . . stopped "in" with a foto of another of his "toys" ‘n a ROUND - then skedaddled!
Page 48 - Eric <EricX2000> at 11:52 PM <9:52 PM Sandbox time>: Good news from our Resident Desert RETIRED Swede - the fires are less of a threat than they had been.
Perhaps Pete DID drop that key chain into his coffee ‘n his now speaking a combination of Rugby-English ‘n Swedish! <grin> <hooboy>
An unusual BEFORE mid-night visit, which of course is worthy of note - NOTED! <grin>
Fotos are deceiving - there were plenty of people aboard the trains for both legs of our trip. On the westbound, only 2 seats remained in Business Class when we arrived at KCity, on the return it filled up quickly at initial boarding. Remainder of the train <2 coaches> appeared to have more passengers than "normal."
I used to travel that route 5 or 6 times a year and can remember when the trains were ON TIME! Yep, used to get to KCity within minutes of the scheduled arrival - back in those times we had 3 ½ hours for the turn around, which provided plenty of time to check out this ‘n that. Now, I can't recall being on time at either end when it comes to arrivals. Departures are fine . . .
Two Amtrak locos in Montréal! Hmmmmm, I've not heard of Glenn Yard . . . but perhaps someone else has.
Surely appears that perhaps there's culpability on the part of the city when it comes to planning out that grade crossing where the accident rate is so high. Need to re-engineer it, in my OH-PIN-YUN.
Many thanx for the < I3 > Post, fotos ‘n ROUND!
Tuesday - July 1st:
Page 48 - Dan <DL-UK> at 6:26 AM <1:26 PM GMT>: Early morning visit from our Resident Brit in Sherwood Forest!
What you see is what you get ‘round the Tavern by the Tracks - our GoR has been holding steady <sans scheduled absences>. UTBs are gone-zo with only two rather puzzling - Jan <JanOlov> ‘n MoPac Chris <MoPacBarrettsTunnel>. Last we heard from them was in January shortly after we wished them both B'day greetings. Both were active contributors, with Jan having a bit of longevity - then, gone-zo!
Lars <LoveDomes> has been showing up on a monthly basis ‘n I did provide some info regarding BK <BudKarr> a short time ago . . . the former isn't in "control" of circumstances keeping him otherwise occupied ‘n BK is back to work in Europe <Germany, I believe>. We dearly miss ‘em both.
Enjoyed eavesdropping your comments to the boyz ‘n appreciate your visit ‘n business! <KaChing> <KaChing>
I know it is early RUTH, but a Keith's to celebrate and toast CANADA DAY with all our Canadian friends at the bar.
I'll post a couple of photos and be back later with my post.
Continuing on Alan's trip on the North Briton on April 13th 2008. The A4 and the class 5 have reached Aviemore where the preserved Strathspey Railway which is on part of the route from Aviemore to Forres. The saddle tank is an Austerity 0-6-0ST, some of these tanks were bought by the LNER from the War Department in 1946 and classified J94. A lot of others finished up on industrial lines a very succesful design of industrial tank loco. I am not sure if this loco in the photo was in BR service or was an industrial tank painted in BR colours in preservation.
I like this next photo. No 68030 seen between the Class 5 and the A4.
I have posted these next two before but with it heating up here in Mid-Mo I thought a bit of Highland snow might cool us off a bit .
Taken on April 15th 2008 on the trip back from Inverness to Perth.
Well good morning Ruth, just in for a quick Canada Round with the gang before we head on out for the festivities with the family . The well wishes are always appreciated.
Tom-Great little quizz there from the CBC, I managed to get 17 right missed all the unimportant ones about the pop culture. sorry Nick.
The Glen yard as far as I know is now run by the Montreal Transit System for storage of their commuter trains,it was part of the CPR's coach yards,hence why the Amtrak was pictured there as that is the yard the D&H trains woud have stored in after they discharged their passenegers.
Pass on Canada Day greetings to you and yours for me as well
Fergie-Nice Canada day preasant for yourself what did you get the other half
Eric-Good to know that the fires are subsiding,I'm alaways amazed at the deapths of the difficulties in Arizona and Califiornia each year Always make me question the smartness of packing so many people into arid places.
Allan-Good to hear that the pasting difficulites are behind you. Have a Tui on Me in honour of Canada day
Pete-As always loved Alans shots they are another good batch,pass on my thanks to his skills again
Dan-Great url on the AC loco's from what I've read they seem to be an interesting bunch. I love their meaningless time chart on the length of times they have for their loco's.I'll ahve to delve into tat site a bit deeper,but it looks as though they have a decent set up to operate and work from I've bookmarked that one for further study to be sure .
Well Ruth another round on me if you don't mind ,Yes Boris I know Tom said Canadians are free but I'm being generous by buying for all the non Canadian's.No Boris you are not a Canadian we wouldn't dream of taking you from your Transylvanian roots however here's a lumber jack costume for you so you can play the part for a day. Now where did we put that Monty Python CD ...ah there it is we'll install that in the wurlitzer and voila the lumber jack song with plenty of repeats.
Cheers Guys
Rather interesting day, thus far - Dan "in" early - Pete ‘n Rob before noon - most unusual to have this much activity in the daylite - but very appreciated!
Continuing on with Part Two of my "trip report" for our recently concluded round trip to KCity aboard the Amtrak Mules . . .
AMTRAK Kansas City to Kirkwood, MO (return trip) Thursday, 26 Jun 2008
TRIP LOG (270 track miles between Kansas City & Kirkwood, MO)
Return trip - Train #316 St. Louis Mule - same equipment as incoming train. New train crew with the exception of the Café/Business car attendant - Natalie.
Only 3 seats remained available in Business Class at KCity boarding - crowded train.
4 PM - Departed on time.
4:21 PM - Arrived Independence, MO - 2 min late.
Briefly stopped at 4:25 PM at Independence Junction for 3 west bound freights.
Resumed normal speed with mainly an uneventful trip to follow.
4:46 PM - Arrived Lees Summit, MO - 10 min late.
5:46 PM - Arrived Warrensburg, MO - 27 min late.
6:15 PM - Arrived Sedalia, MO - 26 min late.
Hard rain began at 6:40 PM - appeared to be severe weather. Slowed then stopped at 6:50 PM - reason unknown.
7:24 PM - Arrived Jefferson City, MO - 21 min late.
Pete departed for home!
Stopped at 7:40 PM east of the Osage River for late running west bound Amtrak <loco - café/business car plus 3 Horizon coaches>. Hard rain continued.
Noticed the beginning of double track from east of Osage River to west of Hermann. Lots of RR construction equipment; noted stacks of rail sets w/concrete ties.
Between 7:30 PM & 8:16 PM passed 5 west bound UP freights.
8:40 PM - Arrived Hermann, MO - 54 min late.
9:11 PM - Arrived Washington, MO - 55 min late.
9:48 PM - Arrived Kirkwood, MO - 50 min late.
Arrived home at 10:20 PM - day is done!
Reflection: I enjoyed Business Class <formerly Custom Class> far better when the cars had "charm" - individual reading lights from the overhead luggage area - interior car lights turned down or off - just was cozier as darkness enveloped the landscape. This generation of Amtrak crew apparently has a "clue." I've asked in the past about interior lights 'n I'm given some absolute <crap> about "safety" . . . I don't buy into that. That's what emergency light sytems are all about - 'n those cars have 'em. Just either too lazy or ignorant or disinterested - pick one!
Photo Gallery to follow . . .
Because it's Canada Day 2008, the Rule of Six is suspended for a display of some Canadian railway heralds . . . Enjoy!
PART ONE
(1) Canadian Pacific
(2)
(3) Canadian National
(4)
(5) Grand Trunk Western
(6)
(7)
(8) Dominion Atlantic
(9) Cape Breton & Nova Scotia
(10) Halifax & South Western
Happy Canada Day!
(11) Windsor & Handsport
(12) Via Rail
(12) Newfoundland
(13) Ontario Northland
(14) Hudson Bay
(15) Canadian Northern
(16) Northern Alberta
(17) Pacific Great Eastern
(18) British Columbia
(19) British Columbia
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