Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Bathams please RUTH.
ROB Have a great time with the family at the Canada Day festivities. Looking forward to seeing the answers to the quiz.
Have you got any photos from the Port Weller Bridge from the stroller lane.
Very much enjoyed he virtual tour of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum on the URL. Many thanks for the photos, I do like the livery of the VIA Rail P42.
Thanks for the kind words on the photos I will pass them on to Allan and thanks for the round. I will enjoy listening to the ‘Lumber jack song' as well; I can just picture BORIS as part of the chorus.
NICK Take it easy in those 5 acres of what sounds like very hard work especially if the weather turns hot there. It does sound a bit off with the local radio playing your stuff without your permission.
Many thanks for fifty I will have a Keith's or two.
ALLAN Hoping the government run KiwiRail has a great deal of success.
Thanks for the kind words on the photos. I guess there have not been many A4s that have visited Inverness, as it was LMS territory.
Trouble is in staring at the buffalo, is you have to stop staring at it to have a drink, but the buffalo is handy, as if you think it is talking to you it is time to go home.
FERGIE That is a good-looking locomotive.
ERIC As Tom says the two trains we traveled on were quite well filled, as was the one I traveled over to Kirkwood on the day before, which is a lot different to just a few months ago. At least Tom and I know what to expect with the lateness, but what is very worrying is what happened to a lady who was traveling on the same train to Kirkwood as I, was she had a plane to catchProbably she had not used the train before and saw in the timetable plenty of time to get to the airport not expecting the train to be over 2 hours late arriving in St Loui. I really hope she made her flight.
Many thanks for the info on the X1 and X10 EMUs and the photos. Thanks for the round.
DL Yes the West Coast Main Line is not the same now with no electric locomotive hauled passenger trains; it is hard to believe that they had been passing Rugby for over 40 years. I well recall the time the electrics had reached Rugby and it was the change over point from Diesels from the south and there was still steam about mainly on the ex Great Central.
Many thanks to the link to the AC Locomotive Group. It was very lucky that the class 82 and 83 locos were used on the empty stock workings out of Euston allowing them to survive long enough to be saved.
87002 looks a picture, I think I had one of its first trips out when new. I was coming home from Euston after an all line rover and walking past the station when I looked to see the locomotive that had hauled me, as the train was early and was waiting time. Fully expecting an 86 when to my surprise was a very new looking 87002, the first one I had seen. The 87s must be good locomotives indeed, after many years of hard work hauling WCML expresses they have more work left in them.
I believe I have read the LMS at War book, which was in our local library. The RR book relay book, Steel Rails To Victory I am reading now, is a really good book about the railways in wartime.
I hope those old signal boxes on the South Coast are there for years to come.
TOM Many thanks for the links and the Heralds to commemorate Canada Day and say ‘Happy Canada Day' to your bride for me.
I did not do too well on the quiz. I can at least forgive the railways running late if the weather is bad with heavy snow etc, but it seems some of Via's trains suffer like us from being at the mercy of the freight companies. At least though, unlike us, if a train is badly delayed a refund to for another fare is issued.
As you say, we will very much miss CM3 while he is away, I too, wish him and his family a great vacation.
Yes I got a bit carried away with yesterday's post; time just seemed to fly by.
The chicken was very good.
Many thanks for the photos and notes on our return trip on the Mule. By my expression, I have just caught sight of that rain, but a minute later it was simply belting down.Mind you, hearing that thunder clap a few miles out of Jeff City should have prepared me for it.
As you say, the business class could be improved and I prefer the other type of car. Both types though, I think, are showing their age, but I bet it will be a very long time before we see, if any, new stock.
Well RUTH I will have the round Rob has so kindly offered to get.
Pete.
G'day Gents!
Some Canadian railway drumheads for this 2008 Canada Day!
Rule of Six suspended . . .
PART ONE
(1) CP
(2) CP
(3) CP
(4) CP
(5) B&M/CP
(6) CP
(7) CP
(8) CP
(9) CP/SOO
(10) Algoma Central
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Enjoy!
Tom
Continuing on with more drumheads for our 2008 Canada Day celebration!
PART TWO
(11) CN
(12) CN
(13) CN
(14) CN
(15) CN
(16) GTW
(17) GTW
(18) GTW
(19) GTW
(20) VIA Rail
Good evening Leon , good to see you still sporting your red and white boondockers I'll have a Keiths while I collect my thoughts for the evening.We had a splendid more food and family than you could shake a stick at, it was a really good afternoon,thanks to everyone for your wellwishes
Tom-You had quite the day, with the bar mostly to yourself. Great railroad hearalds and drumheads past ,lots of good ones there to enjoy As always the CP one's are much more colourfull and classey.
I have to say that by the sounds of your latest foray with Pete that for the most part it was a decent run except for the frieght delays. Don't get me started on that one, to my mind the passenger runs should have the right of way or at least a bigger window to run in. Still sounds like you guys had a good time, which is all important. Hopefully the ROW upgrades and extra double tracking will help lesson the impact on the Amtrak runs,but we won't hold our breath.
Pete-I'm glad that you enjoyed the virtual tour of the CWH,we need to get you there to see it in person though however. That and our Museum and the Maritime Museum HMCS Haida in Hamilton Harbour as well,oh and some pub and train time as well. ( that's just day one )
I haven't ever taken pictures from the bridge,I'll have to look into it the next time I'm down.
Nick-Perhaps an army surplus Centurian tank with a dozer blade might speed along your field job.Gives you an excuse to buy one anyway ( I know that you've always wanted one )
Right a few photo's to go along with some of Tom's hearalds and drumheads.
Cape Breton and Central Nova Scotia M630 John Galt ex CN unit.
Onatrio Northland SD40-2
Soo Line SD60 on the CP at Fenwick Ontario
GT GP7 at Battlecreek
A CP C424
Enjoy
Rob
Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, my ham sandwich, please! Tui! I know, I know, thank you!
A hot day and it is going to warm up the next few days.
Fergie – For whatever reason I missed to include you in my post last night. But you have to tell me what class that model locomotive is? It looks like a 2-10-4. DL – Thanks for the link to the AC Group. Very interesting site! The fires are not under control, not yet. High winds today made things worse.Tom – Glad to learn that the Amtrak trains had/have many riders. I guess that gasoline price helps even though Missouri has the cheapest gas in the country, accordning to the news last night. The two Amtrak F40’s in Montréal are the two that pushed/pulled the X2000 on the tour. It is hard to re-engineer that grade crossing. But something should be done. Thanks for part two of your trip report with photos! I wonder why Natalie is mentioned? Hmmm. Have I heard that name before? I can see it was raining in Jefferson City! Nice Canadian railroad heralds! I like the Canadian National Railways with the maple leaf the best! CP and Soo Line’s The Mountaineer is also a nice herald! Pete – What are you trying to do? Post pictures with snow in the middle of the summer? Hmmm. Nice photos though. Thanks to Alan! Glad to know it is heating up in MO! Just like here in the desert. We are supposed to get at least 115˚ Thursday, probably higher. Let’s hope that lady was able to catch her plane. Two hours late is indeed very late. I was running X1 and X10 for several years as an engineer so I know them pretty well. The worst about them was the passengers!Rob – The worst fire in AZ right now is not in the desert, it is in a wooded area north of Phoenix. Lots of pine trees. Burning like crazy. High winds today made it worse. Nice photos of the diesels! Where is Battlecreek? Ontario?
A few photos.
The world's largest tank car.
Tired? Pete and Tom.
Late Amtrak train in snow.
Last but not least. Bull moose Brutus taking a break in the snow.
Eric
<CPs first diesel loco - from ExpoRail railway museum - personal foto>
Wednesday's Witticism
Stealin' for charity is stealin'.
Mid-week in mid-continent USA with a new month underway . . . gonna get hot, hot, hot ‘round here . . . but we've been most fortunate for this time of year - can't complain.
Not a bad day for this joint on Monday - goes to show that we can NEVER anticipate when we'll have business or who it may be . . . just have to take what we gets, eh One thing IS certain - as a rule, I'll try to Post after someone comes by - aside from the AM acknowledgments ‘n special occasions <yesterday> of course.
Okay - ‘nuf of that! Coffee ‘n pastries are fresh ‘n ready! Also, check out our Menu Board for <light> ‘n <traditional> breakfasts!
Keeping track!
216 fotos from my 2008 Canada Rail Odyssey . . . the end!
223 fotos from Rendezvous III
. . . more to follow, but coming to an end!
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative):
Tuesday - July 1st <all times Central daylite>:
Page 48 - Pete <pwolfe> at 11:03 AM: "In" with a fine spate of fotos, good cheer ‘n a toast for the boyz on this special day for Canada!
Appears things were rather chilly on that April 13th <in foto #1> . . . but that steam surely was hot, hot, hot! Nicely done descriptions ‘n of course fine Pix from your Mate, Alan!
Good of you to help out in the AM . . . we surely need it!
Page 48 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 11:28 AM: Pleased to know that you had the day to yourself . . . Missed some questions!?!? Hmmmm, well - it's up to YOU to provide the CORRECT answers for the gang. After all, you are THE Resident Canadian at the bar!
Appreciate the "scoop" on the Glen <Glenn> yards in Montréal . . .
I'm a lumberjack and I'm okay
I sleep all night and I work all day
. . . that tune will NOT leave me. Thanx, Mate! <groan> <grin>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zey8567bcg&feature=related
Reciprocal greetings from us to you ‘n yours!
Many thanx for the generosity displayed . . . ROUNDS kept coming, but you were sooooooo lucky - hardly any customers! <grin> Timed that one, eh
Appreciate the < I3 > Post ‘n visit on your day off!
Page 49 - Pete <pwolfe> at 5:01 PM: Turned the Page to 49, eh Okay, let's see what's behind Door #1 - Boris, go ahead ‘n open it! A week's supply of COLD Coors Light for the Wolfman! <grin> <cheers>
I'm unaware of any new passenger equipment for Amtrak - much less replacements on the way to mid-continent for those Horizons. Surely wish otherwise . . . <groan>
Canada Day greetings passed along - comment: Thanx - but I'm an American citizen! And she's quite proud ‘n serious about <aboot for Rob> that! <She's lived more years "down here" than "up there," just to set the record straight . . .> Also, BOTH flags are proudly displayed in front of our Haus on these special days . . .
I dunno, it appears that what you were looking at was that gal who departed the train before you who was "almost" wearing that mini . . . <uh oh>
As I looked back on the July 1st offerings for this holiday north of the 49th - seems I've pretty much been doing solos in commemorating Canada Day. Strange, eh But, it is my 2nd favorite place to be ‘n I'm very happy to know <'n have known> so many fine folks living up that-a-way . . . <cheers> <clink> Simply love the place . . .
Not to worry ‘bout the Canada Day Quiz - I expect <hope> Rob will come thru with the answers! <correct ones, of course!> <grin>
Can you imagine the financial condition Amtrak would be in if they had a policy whereby late arrivals resulted in "free" trips for those experiencing ‘em <yikes> Bankruptcy, fer sure, fer sure . . . VIA Rail is much more dependable, so I'm guessing they can "afford" to be that generous . . . but of course, if they continue to experience problems, watch that "policy" go the way of the dinosaur . . .
Email sent your way on Monday . . . also sent one shortly after we returned from our trip.
Appreciate the < I3 > Post ‘n two-fer visits on this day!
Page 49 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 10:56 PM: Back to the bar after a full day of things to do <other than work!> . . . appreciate the return visit!
It's one of those conundrums of life where the Circular Rule kicks in when it comes to priority for passenger trains. They supposedly have priority over freights - but ONLY within the "window" assigned. Once they drop from that "slot," they must give way to freights - which most probably are running late as well. The more freights pushing the passenger trains into sidings, the later . . . can't ever dig out of that hole. Don't know what good the "regulations" are IF they aren't enforced. Kinda like life itself, eh <barf>
In my experiences, most times the lateness begins with being pushed into a siding or getting "stuck" behind a slow moving freight. Sure, there have been times when the passenger train has problems of its own - such as the 4 hour late start in Montréal last year . . . but those have been rare events for Moi in my travels. <triple barf>
A fine spate of fotos for all to enjoy!
Many thanx for the return visit ‘n chat!
Wednesday - July 2nd:
Page 49 - Eric <EricX2000> at 12:11 AM <10:11 PM Tuesday Sandbox time>: The report from the desert continues to mention FIRE! <geesh> What's to burn in a desert Only kidding - it's a sad thing to realize that what little life there is in that sandbox out there is being devoured by flames.
All kinds of interesting fotos from Rendezvous III - good memories. Fine shot of Brutus, late running Amtrak in SNOW - Pete, black bag ‘n Moi, etc.
So what was the "deal" with the passengers on X1 ‘n X10 Curious mind needs to know! <grin>
Oh, by the by - my book arrived on Saturday - Steel Rails to Victory. I'm impressed with the condition of it - dust jacket in really good condition with a protective clear laminate over it. Pages seem to be free of any kind of abuse - really pleased with it. A fine addition to my modest hard cover RR library. And all thanx to YOU!
RR BOOK RELAY 2008! now with Pete - next "up" will be Nick, then CM3 Shane, Rob ‘n Allan.
As always, enjoy your good cheer ‘n inclusiveness of comments!
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!
Hello Tom and all in
I'll have a light lunch please, just the one beer go with it.
Glad you are still thinking about the poss. UK trip Tom, but I fully understand your line of thinking. You've explained the position and that's the way it is. Thanks also for the rest of your trip report.
I agree with you about pointless citing of ‘safety' every time someone wants to justify something they can't be bothered to explain - why not just say ‘we designed the cars like that, it is not ideal, we can't afford to change them, that is the way it is' they'd get more respect.
Reminds me of a recent late night journey - I got on the DMU and the car was empty so I pulled across the internal doors at each end of the carriage to cut down on noise and drafts. The guard walked through and she left them open behind her - so I closed them, thinking she'd just been busy - then she walks back to check my ticked and tell me in no uncertain terms that these doors must be left open for ‘safety'. Well, I thought, I'll play along with this and said to her that I was now worried because if they had to be left open for safety, surely it was dangerous that I as a passenger, was able to just close them, surely, I said, they must be locked open if it was ‘unsafe' to allow them to be closed - or maybe they should have removed the doors to ensure there was absolutely no risk of someone being able to close them, to which she replied that they had to be left open ‘for safety', unless she decided that ‘for safety', they had to be closed. What a load of BS. She just could not be bothered to open and close them when she wanted to walk through the train - simple - so say so!
I wrote in and complained about this encounter - in fairness their customer service people sent a considered reply - except they go the wrong end of the stick and explained that the internal doors were electric operated and thus would be left open only if the mechanism was broken. The train I'd been on had manually operating sliding doors so this wall all more BS!!
UTB I was thinking about was Ron - as I recalled he had a particular interest in Electric locos and I was reminded of that when posting that AC Loco group link.
Pete - nice pics of the highland scenery - if you take the sleeper to Inverness you can wake up in the morning and see those Cairngorm Mountains from the car window - a nice way to wake up! Just the same view as your picture on the Perth to Inverness run.
The Strathspey line is a great steam line. I recall there is a very nice hotel next to Boat of Garten station where you can sit in the lounge and watch the steam trains whilst you enjoy a Malt.
Rob, glad you liked the AC Group site. You mention Monty Python - last night I watched a recording of a programme I taped a few weeks back which was one with Michael Palin travelling in Eastern Europe. This one was about Poland and included 2 very interesting things. One was a journey by canal boat from Gdansk - including the ship going on some really interesting inclined plane boat lifts I'd never heard of before:
Some info I found with pics:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ElblÄ g_Canal#The_Inclined_Planes
He then went on to Poznan where he was able to drive the steam trains to Wolsztyn - Palin is quite well known for his interest in railways and rail travel and it was clear driving this train was a massive highlight for him - he was enjoying every minute of being at the controls of what looked like a Polish Railways 2-6-2 of some sort - on s scheduled commuter service!
Something about this service is here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3523499.stm
And there is a bit about the series here - maybe it will be broadcast in Canada / US on Public Service Channel or some such - watch out for it - esp. the Polish episode.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/palin/about.shtml#6
Regards
DL
Off to a fair start as Dan in Sherwood Forest came "in" with a mid-morning offering with some truly interesting URLs - both the Polish steam 'n Michael Palin links are well worth the time! <couldn't get anything on the 1st though . . .> More comments in the 'morrow's acknowledgments . . . Really appreciate the daylite SUPPORT!
Email sent your way . . .
Email received from Pete 'n responded to . . . Thanx!
It's Wednesday ‘n time for our OP-SHUN-UL Toy ‘n Model Trains Day!
Some shots of KCity's Union Station model trains display. These fotos were taken last week as Pete ‘n I awaited the boarding for our return trip to JCity ‘n Kirkwood, respectively.
This layout appears to be the on-going work of a model RR club with operating trains in O ‘n S gauges. There are areas set aside for HO ‘n N scale track as well. Lots to look at . . .
Rule of Six suspended <by three>!
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9) <w/flash>
Enjoy - we did!
A cup of coffee and a bacon sarnie please RUTH.
Back later with my post, but first a couple of photos.. These were taken on the Katy trail at Rocheport Missouri.
Just to the west of the station is a tunnel, I believe the only one on the trail.
Back later.
Thanks Tom
Not sure why the link went wrong - try:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elbl%C4%85g_Canal
Or search 'Canal Poland Inclined Plane wikipedia' on Google or Wikipedia - it is quite a feat of engineering - problem is Wikipedia then has a whole load of other interestign things on inclined planes on waterway systems that you can get diverted into.
I'll have another beer while I look at them please!
With Pete coming by before noon, it not only rejuvenates this Bar by the Ballast, but also gives me another opportunity to Post! <I'm trying to refrain from Posting to "myself"!> Also noted Dan's 2nd visit . . .
A Photo Gallery from my recent trip with Pete to KCity ‘n back . . . Rule of Six applies.
Amtrak's Southwest Chief at KCity Union Station:
<Two locos - baggage car - 8 Superliner cars>
PART ONE of THREE
(1) <seen before>
More to follow . . .
A Bathams please RUTH.
TOM Many thanks for the Canadian Drumheads; they had some very colorful ones. I noticed the similarity between CN's Continental Limited and the GTW International Limited, both great drumheads I feel.
Glad you liked the photo of the train in the Highlands
Yes the Lumber Jack song, once heard never forgotten.
Thanks for my prize in turning page 49, I think. I can only guess what my prize would be if I happen to turn page 50.
With Canada Day I bet nearly all Canadians can name the day it falls on. I wonder how many in England, especially the younger generations, could tell when St Georges Day is, not that many I bet.
Yes if Amtrak gave free tickets away for late running on our line, the trains would have to be 10 coaches long to carry the passengers with free tickets, although it usually is not Amtrak's fault.
Those photos of the model layout at K.C. Union Station have come out really well, by the lights it can be seen how dark it was by the exhibit. I think it is really great to have that model railway in the station.
It was a good surprise to see the Southwest Chief in KC when we arrived aboard the ‘Mule'. I think the 2 locomotives and the Superliners still give a hint of the romance of long distance American rail travel. I noticed the Sightseer Lounge car had the mixture of tables and outward facing seats that the Bride and I had on our trip on the ‘Chief'
ROB Glad you had a great afternoon on Canada Day.
There certainly sounds a lot of interesting things to see in your area, do you think all that could be fitted into one day. Then of course the St George's Arms.
Many thanks for the photos. I noticed the John Galt name on the Cape Breton & Central Nova Scotia M630.
ERIC Thanks for the kind words on the photos.
We are getting the same sort of rain as in Tom's photo as I type this after a hot and humid morning.
Unfortunately being 2 hours late on this line is all too common, it makes one wonder how many of the new passengers using the line only use it once.
Talking about passengers, I think it was of a bus company boss who once said "We could run a real good service if it was not for the passengers.
Many thanks for the photos. A caption for the one with Tom and I on the bench could be Tom saying to me" Don't tell me you have wrecked another camera"
Great photo of ‘Brutus' a fearsome beast that even BORIS leaves alone.
To help you feel a bit cooler in those 115F temps, a photo I know you will like.
.
Quiz Question. Can you guess which railroad Santa is on
DL Seems it is impossible to talk reason to somebody like the guard on that train.
I have been lucky enough to travel on the Inverness and the Fort William sleepers, as you say, it is marvelous to wake up in the Scottish Highlands after leaving London the night before.
I managed to google to get the URL on the incline plane, very interesting. Have you seen the remains of the one at Foxton Locks in Leicestershire, there is a link to the plane and the locks in the incline plane URL. I see they have received some Heritage Lottery funds to start a restoration on the plane.
Seeing Tom's photo of the Southwestern Chief, I have found a couple of photos the bride took from the Sightseer Lounge Car in Colorado.
Well RUTH a round please.
Pete's been "in" with a fine all-inclusive effort along with some splendid fotos AND a QUIZ! Although I should wait 'til the AM to answer it - here's my GUESS:
Hmmmmmmm, looks like a Baldwin K-36 loco - probably operating on the narrow gauge of the Durango & Silverton in Colorodo. N'est-ce pas
Noticed Nick is on-line - made a visit to another Thread, but expect him here soon! An idea! Why NOT invite new guys to the bar??? We surely could use some new adult-blood 'round here . . .
The final set of Rendezvous III fotos . . . Rule of Six suspended <by one>!
"Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous III - St. Louis, MO 2008
NOTE: Plaques, Certificates ‘n Gifts . . .
First want to make special mention to Eric - Pete ‘n Shane for making Rendezvous III such a fine time! Just like a fine wine, we get better with age, eh
I'd rather not make comparisons, but Rendezvous III was a sure-fire-winner! Suffice it to say that other than the rain at the ball game, EVERYTHING went off without a hitch or glitch <hmmmmm, not counting my defunct slide projector lamp!> . . . Rendezvous activities were fun, interesting ‘n exhausting! <grin>
Thanx to all for the birthday ‘n other gifts! Much appreciation for chipping in for the petrol . . . and of course taking Caorl ‘n Moi out to dinner <the the icing on the cake!> Cake Where's the CAKE!!!!???? Oh yeah, I provided that with the Cardinals logo . . . <geesh>
And there's still chicken left over! <uh oh>
It was our pleasure having you here ‘n as has been said before, it will be a bit <sad> not having it here again in 2009, but it's on to West Virginia ‘n the Shane-Show!
So, here then is the finale for the foto spread of Rendezvous III . . .
(224) All participants received a plaque from Tom <including Carol! > <Eric's foto>
(225-226) Eric presented Certificates of Appreciation for us!
(227) A book from CM3 Shane!
(228) A book from Eric!
(229) Each of us received a signal aspect chart from Eric!
(230) A sign for the Can-Am Trainroom from Pete!
P.S. We all received ‘special key chains' from Eric on Sunday morning - the kind that when dropped into coffee, turns one into a Swede! <grin>
230 fotos from Rendezvous III - That's all folks! . . .
Another round please LEON.
In my last post this fell off the bottom
DL Platform Soles. I did enjoy the book as being just a few years older than the author. The book has that magical ability to take me back and say "Oh yes that's how it was", and to think I could have been on that same overnight train to the West Country in 1973 that the author took as I was on an all line Railrover that year and took the overnight Paddington to Penzance train (I can still recall it being hauled by Western 1006 Western Stalwart).
I did find though a few mistakes though (probably I am more of an anorak than the author is), like saying that the A4s displaced from the ECML were on goods trains etc in Scotland when they were working the 3 hour Glasgow-Aberdeen expresses and it certainly was not Deltic St Paddy at the Worcester open day in 1994, 55001 was long gone by then.
Having said that though it would be good to have the author take an all line rover today, in the age of privatization, and compare it with his thoughts of BR in the 1970s to 1990s. I noticed how the author thought Milton Keynes station was too large for the traffic in those days, yet it is being enlarged to cope with the rise in passenger numbers.
I am very glad a comment of yours at the bar reminded me to find the book and read it..
TOM Many thanks for the photos from Rendezvous III.We really did have a great time and the photos are a very fine record and the plaques a great momento of the great time we had.
Well time for, I wish it was some more of the chicken.
Well good evening mes ami`s-Hope all is well,-apologies for missing the Canada day celebrations-just had to get to bed (mondays post was made between sleeping in the chair and sleeping in my pit....)
Leon-is there any beer left ?? -the street outside is littered with comatose lumberjacks (just when you had all got the tune out of your heads )--well get these good people a tray of liver-liveners,
So:- lots going on
TOM-A FINE selection of logos,drumheads,layout pix and AMTRAK trip shots-enjoyed the trip report -If I may be allowed a comment,the style & attn. to detail identify your former career to a nicety --was suprised at the amount of freight traffic on the route-but no bad thing,even if it does mean the odd delay-find it harder to understand that these busy corridors were not double tracked years ago-even the line from Swansea out to here,which is as bucolic as you might imagine,is mostly double.....Still,from what you guys say,it sounds like mind over matter-the company doesn`t mind and the customers don`t matter.......
As you noted,posted on another thread on my way here-the title interested me,and thought a small `pointer`to this place would do no harm ( I always leave one of the bands cards when I visit a bar or club for the first time...you never know..)
As to music-none of the songs are copywrited-in this day and age access to music is pretty much beyond regulation or control (and rightly so in my opinion) my gripe is with the git who sent in the disc without checking with the rest of us first-believe me ,he is gonna be getting the hard word soon enough-is a matter of common courtesy and him trading on our hard work...anyway,enough..
ROB-Glad the family enjoyed the day -and a mighty fine selection of pix from north of the border,enjoyed them all-although you spotted my faves in advance (they looked SOOO much nicer in the old scheme)-a fine mix of unusual designs,livery combinations and general good stuff --note to an interested party-news report the other day,the last D.C.3 still rated to carry passengers (over here ,at least) is on a farewell tour as the owners can no longer afford the insurance and certification fees...
ALLAN-Delighted to have you back mate -have a Tui on me !! Be interested to see how KiwiRail makes out-I suspect the key will be getting it together with the track & signal operator-from experiences over here I am not convinced that that form of division is the way to go......still,if all else fails,appoint Graeme Henry as the fat controller-now HE would have the trains run on time...........
P.S-have found my old 110 snaps of Barmouth Bridge and environs,will post when I have a moment
DAN-What an excellent find on the second hand book front-am quietly envious -suspect I have read an extract from the Rolt volume on the Tralee & Dingle and immediately wanted to read more-well worth the price of a night out -Have only one volume of Railway Roundabout on video (the one with an S&D Bath-Evercreech freight) and it is a source of constant delight
Sounds like you had a guard who got her customer service skills straight out of `Catch 22`if not `1984`-round here we are pretty lucky-most of the crews are local and are as likely as not to sit down and chat & show you pictures of their kids,especially on the evening runs which are lightly attended-in fact,the line has a lot of the old days about it-plump wifeys heading home to the farm from a day shopping in Swansea market nattering away (often in Welsh), sharp young business types heading home to Llanelli or Carmarthen,weary looking travellers heading back from Heathrow-an old fashioned country train I guess.....
ERIC-Delighted to see you safe & sound mate-was starting to get a bit anxious there....Before I forget,what an excellent job with the plaques -A kind and thoughtful gesture that speaks volumes about you !!! -wonderful close up pic of the tank car truck (oh to be able to create that sort of detail in miniature ....)-also your documentation of stealthy PETE`s wanderings around the state of Missouri is a source of ongoing pleasure-You have the rare knack of catching those unguarded moments that just cry out for captions-top notch stuff !!!
PETE-How ya doin mate !?!-sounds like another productive trip out on the steel with Da Boss-a fine set from the far north-A4,J94 et al-even included the prototype for the Dapol(ex AIRFIX) platform figures set-includes `anxious man running whilst looking sideways`-always a difficult figure to place realistically -think I may have seen a T.V show about the restoration of the lock system you mentioned-looked like a very worthwhile project-but a shed load of hard graft......
Quiz question-I`m with TOM on this one-not through any special knowledge but `cos the back cover of our C&W band promo disc has the 4 of us looking like the worlds least successful outlaws photoshopped onto a pic of that or a similar engine in the same location-will post a copy for general amusement
general notes-Also watched the Palin `New Europe` series-excellent viewing-the boat hoist was an especial delight ( a perfect example of lateral thinking )-by chance had read about the Polish `drive a steam train` deal fairly recently-assuming its the same one,it is (usually) a 2-6-2 tender loco on a regular service train of double-decker cars (dont ask me how they get insurance for this ) -on a more sinister note,one of the branch lines that peels off into the forest runs to either Dachau,Belsen or one of the other death camps....not one for the brochure I suspect....The entire series is worth a look-in another episode yer man takes a train up into the Transylvanian forests with a crew of lumberjacks behind an ancient 2ft gauge steamer and in the last episode ,a mud bath with Miss World (yes really-the first ever Czech winner)-and what a honey-I do have a weakness for those high Slavic cheekbones
Meanwhile,back in my world-have cleared an area about the size of a rugby pitch in front of the house-enough room for the kids to get out and play-now got to fence off the bits where the horses won`t be safe to graze- and they can do a fair bit of the work for me -the old barn is a priority as it is only held up by dirt,rust and force of habit-gotta take it down and rebuild as Bob`s recording studio-also the kitchen garden-looks like something from Snow White-brambles with inch-thick stems,some lovely wild roses that I am gonna have to work around (too nice to just chop them)--can see the potential-gonna be a thoroughly enjoyable project ...
Apparently,this used to be the kennels for the hunt pack maintained by the local landowners-all the cottages in the village were once tied to this estate,which is why all of our gardens are randomly distributed-you got a cottage and a patch of land but not necessarily adjacent-ours is at the top of the hill and the cottage at the bottom-we have to go through next doors garden to get to it-some properties have several minutes walk to get to their gardens........
Right-Much to do tomorrow and its late again-I hope I have mentioned everybody,if not I apologise-was working without notes
Leon-a round for the house if you would be so kind--good man,one for yourself as well..
O.K-Take care chaps-might not make it in tomorrow-(long day plus band night...)-if not,will speak on Friday for the big party (cup of tea anyone ????? )
Be lucky,happy & content
Hi Tom and all,
Leon, the usual round of Tui`s for all the guys` please!
Nick. Hope your not working too hard on those 5 acres? The NZ track system was handed over to government control a couple of years back for a peppercorn cost of NZ$1, one dollar, I kid you not! It`s operating name is OnTrack , it will be most probably merged with our new KiwiRail State owned enterprise. Looking forward to seeing those Barmouth Bridge photos`, they will bring back a lot of happy old memories I can tell you!
Fergie. Nice looking brass steam loco you`ve acqired for your MESS RR.
CM3. Have a safe trip.
Rob. More very colourful diesel loco pix from you, have a file for them all named "Rob`s Trains" no less!
Eric. Hope those wildfires` stay well away from your area. Nice set of pix from RVIII, good shots` of Tom and Pete and the Can-Am RR.
Dan. I have`nt been back to to the old country at all, my wife has though, we tend to go over to Aussie to see our old friends` from our Queensland days there, they have a very nice sub-tropical climate. The NZ government bought back the railway`s as Toll Transport was running the whole system down cost wise and wanted to increase the annual government subsidies, they payed NZ$690 million for 180 locos`, 4,200 rolling stock, 3 rail/car ferries and 3,200 staff. Toll sold the track system back for NZ$1, one dollar, two years ago because they could`nt afford the increasing maintainance and upgrading costs. Nice links to the AC loco`s and the boat inclines, saw Micheal Palins new travel series in the NEW Europe earlier this year, a great series.
Pete. More nice pix of Alan`s North Briton trip, the station and tunnel, and some very lovely colourful sunset pix from your bride, looks as if Santa is on the Silverton RR line in Colo.?
Tom. The Southern Alps are a great sight indeed, we always stop and have a good look at Mount Cook, the highest NZ peak, on our way down to see our son down south. NZ was settled by whalers at first, then the Maori tribes` signed a treaty, called the Treaty of Waitangi ,with Queen Victoria`s representative in 1842, the national day called Waitangi Day, is observerd by a public holiday in February each year. Great Pt 2 report with pix on your trip to KC with Pete, nice two part post on the Canadian Rly Heralds, nice shots of the model RR layout at KC Station, some great shots of the Southwest Chief consist, and some nice shots of all the Boyz` at the presentation ceremony at RVIII.
See ya, Allan
Good evening Leon, I think a round of Keith'as is required looks like the lumberjacks and mounties are sobering up
Tom-Great photo's today as always. Looks like quiet the pile of work has gone into that layout at the Union Station,is that a permanent thing or is it moved around now and again. If it is movable again what a fine feat of engineering.
Sad to know how un imprtant the powers at be still feel rail travel is in your neck of the woods. UP is luckey they don't have the same system inplace as CN does on the Corridor. If a VIA train is late due to CN caused problems ie trackwork freight trains dimwitted dispatchers etc,they get a monetary fine starting at 15 minutes late and up.Contrastingly if the trains are on time they get a bonus from VIA ( CDN Govt ) so the dipatchers are encouraged to keep the VIA Sceduale,if they mis they ahve paperwork to fill out to the higher ups as to why CN lost it's ontime bonus. of coarse this is only enforced on the Corridor.
I did indeed pass along the best wishes to Heather and she likewise returned them Got your phome message when I returned home from work 10pm my time,I'm off tomorrow so I'll try to catch up with you then.
Nick-Ah yes lumberjacks and liver liveners what a concept.Hope things get strightened out on the music end. Still even if it wasn't authorized it must have been neat hearing oneself on the radio ( local station or not ) I'm sure that all the big names started out similarly.We can lend you Boris if that helps on the day of the big disscussion ( just feed him first )Figured there would be a good photo or two in my last couple bunches for you. or the record I like the old Green schemem the best on the ONR with the lightening bolt scheme as number two.
Too abd about that DC3, I would imagine that keeping acommersial passenger licenmce on one would be hard and pricy,hopefully it end s up fliable at a museum somewhere.
Dan-Great links liked em all. I haven't seen that series of Michael Palin shows but if they are anything like his round the world in 80 days set from about ten years ago they should be keepers so I'll keep my eye out on the local PBS station.What can I say about that car attendant,seems like railways on both side of the pond ahve their "speacial" employees.
Pete-Alan's done it again more great shots loved em all If you took the quizz on the CBC website and hit submit it gave you your score and then all the correct answers. I printed them off as a hoot ( and to use at parties later ) I'm not sure if I can post the results here of not though.
Allan-My my I hope the Rob's pictrues don't end up crashing you hardrive if your file gets too big <uh oh > I do try to make them as small as possible.Interesting info on Kiwirail, hope it goes well for everyone invoved.
Yes, Leon, you are right! am not hungry tonight. I'll just have a cold Keith's, please!
Back to normal hours! This place is not that crowded at this hour!
Tom – It is much more in the desert that can burn than one believes. And it is dry! The deal with the passengers on X1 and X10? They are human beings and too many of the human beings have a tendency to not behave according to common sense and excisting rules. After ten years as a bus driver and 4 years running commuter trains I had had enough of dealing with people. Being threatened in different ways, even being shot at, I decided enough is enough. That's when I became a Road foreman and instructor.
Glad to hear that you got your copy of Steel Rails to Victory. It is a very interesting book and I have read it many times. The only thing that could be better is the quality of the photos. The print is not the best. Interesting photos from KC Union Station. I discovered stealthy Pete in photos #3, 4, and 5! New record? Good shots! Two locos for 8 cars!? That is plenty of power. Did you have two locos both ways?Of course we get better with age! I agree, Rendezvous III was great! Just some cold rain day 1, but the rest! And the cake was top notch!! Very good, I heard Boris baked it! Looking forward to number IV next year! BTW, that key ring shows a EMU class X11, which is basically the same as X10. DL – Interesting discussion with the guard on that late train. Safety for her is obviously the easiast way to do things, leave the doors open. No trouble opening or closing them. I had no luck with the links to the Inclined Plane. I’ll try a search later. Pete – Nice photos of that old railroad tunnel! Rocheport, is that close to J. City?That bus company boss is/was right. No, I should not be that mean, but as I mentioned to Tom, after 14 years of close contact with people I was sick and tired of them. Most people are nice though, but too many are not. I like the caption for the picture of you and Tom, “Don’t tell me you have wrecked another camera.” That is a good one!Brutus has kind of short temper so don’t mess with him. That photo of the steam train in snow and with Santa in front of it really makes the temp drop 5 degrees! What railroad? One of two, so I pick Silverton - Durango. It could be Toltec, but for some reason I believe it is in Colorado.Tell your bride that she got some real nice pictures of the sunset in Colorado! I love the top one! Nick – Thanks for the nice words, but I did not have anything to do with the plaques until I got mine! It was Tom who fixed them. I did the Certificates for Tom and Carol, that was all! Allan – The wildfire south of Phoenix is not a threat any more. The one north of Phoenix is much worse and only 5% contained. They have between 500-600 firefighters up there fighting it, plus helicopters and airplanes. I have heard that NZ is Norway of the southern hemisphere. High mountains and deep fjords!
A few photos.BNSF SD45-2 #6521 (#2 in the consist). No cab. My bride took this photo outside Lincoln, NE, in April this year.
Mentor Village Union Station in daylight.At nite!Shane thinking.
In case of emergency!
I'll have a pancake breakfast please, juice and black coffee.
Sorry about the canal links folks - both don't work (though I just pasted them straight out the browser when I was looking at the site. I hate to paste duff links - but if you follow the links on the page it does link to (if you get my drift) you get there in the end. Or alternatively just forgettabout it! Apols to Tom and Eric about this!
Pete - I've never been to Foxton Locks but I should do so as I've heard about it and it is not far. They have a quite a good website and obviously a serious restoration project underway. Typical of the UK that the thing was built as late as 1900 when it would have been needed much earlier - but then more or less abandoned as soon as 1911 and totally abandoned in 1928
http://www.foxtonlocks.com/
"Find out about Foxton's fascinating history at the museum, then take a boat trip on the canal. Enjoy a pint, or treat yourself to a meal at the Foxton Locks Inn. Then browse through the traditional 'roses and castles' gifts and canal books at the Foxton Locks Shop."
http://www.foxtonlocks.com/sections/explore/
Here's on the Plane specifically, as I expect you saw.
http://www.fipt.org.uk/
Also - nice pics from the Chief. Too many of my pics from the Zephyr had reflection from the glass - not so in those you used - nice work by your other half. Great cloudscapes - is that what they call ‘big sky country' ?
Glad you enjoyed Platform Souls - I guess a few errors from things he'd not actually seen himself (although I'm sure I've seen pics of A4s heading good trains in later years, yet you are right they are famous for their swansong on the Scottish internal routes). As you say, it does capture the sprit of the era.
Nick - I kind off reckoned ‘what's the point of hard work if you can't spend it on things you really like' - after all the ‘other half' seems to take this attitude when passing shoe shops...Tralee line gets a further mention in Rolt's biog so you may have encountered that. Same book dealer had a few other Rolt books at similar prices, but I held back!
You remind me that I saw in the LT museum shop a few months back a box set of Railway Roundabout DVDs which I think may be the total episodes. There was not price on it and I did not dare to ask!
Sounds like some hard work on the land is paying dividends for you. Interesting comments about land and garden distribution.
Allan - thanks for your update on the NZ rail situation - interesting to read that. At first I was surprised to read you've never been back here - but I guess you'd be amused at some of the changes (not all for the good no doubt). Mind you I have a friend who came to live here from Pakistan in about 1955 as a young man, and he has never been back to Pakistan since - so I guess your story is not at all unusual.
Rob - thanks for your explanation of the VIA / CN ‘on time' penalty regime - I guess this is how to make it work - does it date back to when CN was also state owned and thus easier to broker the deal?
Eric - yep - you hit the nail on the head with that guard's attitude. Thanks for the pics.
The day before Friday - which this week turns out to be the END OF THE WORK WEEK <for many> as the U.S. prepares to celebrate our 232nd Birthday as a nation.
Family picnic 'n fireworks tomorrow along with rides for the kids 'n games for the adults! All begins at noon at our picnic grounds - can't miss the big tent!
So, let's get those coffee mugs filled, make a run on The Mentor Village Bakery case ‘n don't forget to order one of our <light> or <traditional> breakfasts from the Menu Board!
230 fotos from Rendezvous III . . . the end!
Wednesday - July 2nd <all times Central daylite>:
Page 49 - Dan <DL-UK> at 9:42 AM <5:42 PM GMT>: A most interesting Post from Our Resident Brit in Sherwood Forest ‘n a most timely one at that! With CM3 Shane away, his "slot" surely can use all the help we can muster up. Thanx!
Perhaps we should NOT travel the rails together! Surely seems to be we'd have the "opposition" foaming at the mouth - after they've stuck their foot in it, of course! <grin> Great "come back" to that ignoramus aboard the DMU. Then the "standard" letter you received, which is oh-so-typical in my experiences. I DO write letters ‘n most times get responses. However, I've gotten my share of "canned" answers ‘n wind up having to "wind ‘em up" a bit more in order to get further attention. Anyway, sorry you encountered such nonsense, but enjoyed reading about it!
Really enjoyed the link about Howard Jones ‘n his experiences with Polish steam railways. Very interesting, fer sure, fer sure! Also checked out that link regarding Michael Palin's travels. One or more of his episodes have been shown on cable TV over here - as I recall viewing one a year or so ago. At that time I hadn't a clue he was so interested in such things. Anyway, a good link!
Many thanx for the visit, chat ‘n business! <KaChing> <KaChing>
Page 49 - Pete <pwolfe> at 10:53 PM: Little did those guys know when they labored to make that tunnel - one day it would be for hiking ‘n biking! <barf> Wonder if any bats use it <uh oh>
Nice trio of fotos!
Many thanx for continuing to "split" your daily efforts - does help a lot - PLUS enables me to continue Posting to "someone" rather than "myself"! <grin>
Page 49 - Dan <DL-UK> at 11:10 AM <5:10 PM GMT>: "In" with a bit of mop-up ‘n clarification . . . ‘n for a drink! <KaChing> <KaChing>
Page 49 - Pete <pwolfe> at 4:20 PM: At the get-go, must say those shots taken by your bride are simply outstanding. Hmmmmm, perhaps - just perhaps -you may want to have her teach you a thing or two about <aboot for Rob> digital fotography! <grin>
Regarding St. George's Day . . . I try to keep track of all the most significant of national holidays for our GoR . . . however, surely would appreciate some help when they are coming up . . . So, I'm asking the Brits to keep me notified - Swedes ‘n Kiwis too!! Pretty much have Canada ‘covered'!
Did I win <huh> <huh> Must ask you this - what in the world is in that foto that would give even a inkling of a "hint" regarding the railroad that steamer ‘n Santa were on You surely come up with <mind benders>! <geesh> Ah, but the loco number ‘n some web surfing came up with the answer <I think>!
As always, a fine < I3 > Post, with fotos ‘n a ROUND!
Page 49 - Pete <pwolfe> at 5:21 PM: Back for a 3rd time - been awhile since we've seen that happen!
Discussion "topped off," along with a 2nd ROUND!
Page 49 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 8:18 PM <2:18 AM Thursday GMT>: I knew you'd be "in" - but didn't think you'd remain "up" for so long . . . do you ever sleep <grin> Ohhhhh, wait a minute - you slept on Monday! <grin>
Figured you'd not engage on the Forums without leaving a "calling card" for the bar! That's the idea - we NEED more guys of the adult variety! I've noticed a few of our guys visiting here ‘n there now ‘n then, but not making mention of "Our" Place - which of course doesn't help us at all. <groan>
Thanx for the comments regarding my efforts - methinks we're both of the same "stripe" when it comes to putting forth the effort to recognize the efforts of others. Actually, with this GoR - there are no "slugs" - all <top drawer> in my OH-PIN-YUN. So much so that it's past due time for Da Bossman to spring for a ROUND! Boris, ring the bell - drinks on the Proprietor! <yay>
Yes, the Certificate of Appreciation from Eric was a "nice touch," one that goes along with the way the guy is. Just a genuine article, fer sure, fer sure!
Many moons ago, that route between St. Louis ‘n westward was double-tracked, I've been told. I cannot tell you when it all went to single - but I do recall segments of it being torn up. That was not anomaly here in the states - happened throughout the landscape <railscape>. Now there's all kinds of construction going on to put much of it back. Go figger, eh
Certainly am in "wonderment" over how the technology advances of the day have completely put asunder those "safeguards" we used to have over things like proprietary rights in music, photographs, artwork, etc. Almost impossible to police, much less enforce. So, perhaps we're back in the times when guys like Vito the Hit ‘n his boyz have to wait "outside" to convey the "message" needed. <uh oh> What goes around, comes around, eh
Sounds like you've cleared an area most suitable for an AeroPort for Zeps along with a Euro Fairgrounds for an"Our" Place Rendzvous! We'd probably need at least that amount of acreage for the hordes of gleeful attendees ‘n adoring fans, eh Yeah, I know - dream on . . .
Hope you can swing by during the 4th of July celebrations going on ‘round here - but I must offer this: NO TEA! <grin>
Meant to comment awhile back - my curiosity got the best of me regarding your repeated references to the "All Blacks," so I looked ‘em up ‘n this is what I found!
Haka of the All Blacks against France in 2006
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_blacks
Many thanx for the super-fine < I3 > Post, good cheer ‘n ROUND!
Page 49 - Allan <Gunneral> at 10:29 PM <5:29 PM Thursday NZ time>: Some enlightening info from our Resident Downunder Kiwi Connection - always learnin' things at the Tavern by the Tracks!
One dollar can get you quite a bit in New Zealand, or so it seems! Those maintenance costs must've been staggering <gag a healthy maggot> for everything to have been sold off at that price. But, it's nothing more than sufficient to make the whole process "legal" - has to be money involved. If it wasn't for the law! <The Mikado>
Thanx for the skinny on your national day - it will be up to YOU to provide a REMINDER a few days in advance, so I can prepare something suitable at the bar! Deal
Can one travel the 1,000 mile length of New Zealand by rail ‘n ferry Probably not, but I'll bet that would be one hulluva trip!
Most appreciative of the visit, < I3 > Post ‘n ROUND! <KaChing> <KaChing>
Page 49 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 11:06 PM: From the looks of the KCity model RR, it appears it will be in an area of permanence. I'd not seen it before, whereas Pete did on a more recent visit. Anyway, it's a work in progress ‘n will pretty much cover the spectrum of toy ‘n model train interest. Toys insofar as some of the trackside accessories go - models for everything else. The O ‘n S gauge stuff is 4.0!
The Amtrak contract with UP does <or did> stipulate "penalties" for UP-induced lateness of the passenger trains. Of course, it gets into "hair splitting" ‘n the like in order to prove the point. I've not had any insights into that other than what was passed at those quarterly meetings I used to attend in Jefferson City with Amtrak. UP is a "favored son" in these parts with the states - from what I've heard. They get pretty much everything they want from the legislatures. Again, that is mostly anecdotal ‘n hardly based on fact - but I throw it out there simply to bolster the popular notion that passenger service is pretty much dangling on strings manipulated by the freight outfits. Much to much to get into here . . . <barf>
A fine < I3 > Post from our Manager ‘n Resident Ontario Connection!
The ROUND is appreciated as well - but take that SONG out the door with ya! <geesh> I'm a lumberjack and . . . <aaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrggggggggghhhhhhhhh>
Thursday - July 3rd:
Page 49 - Eric <EricX2000> at 1:43 AM <11:43 PM Wednesday Sandbox time>: As always, an interesting spate of fotos - must make mention those station shots you've called "Mentor Village Union Station" really are at the Can-Am Mountain Village. Nice shots thought especially the nite-time Pix - didn't see you take that one!
Appears CM3 Shane is hanging on to HIS black bag! <geesh> What has Pete started <yikes>
We had one loco on our 3 car consist between Kirkwood ‘n KCity . . . very, very rare to see two - maybe once in awhile for "deadheading" - if that term is still used.
Yeah, seems two of those locos for the Southwest Chief would be an overkill - perhaps one is for HEP use . . . but that train appeared to be quite crowded, so who knows what the weight of it all was. Anyway, she looked clean ‘n rarin' to go <from the outside>. <grin>
Being shot at !?!?! Well, aside from shooting back - I'd take a dim view towards certain kinds of people too! <geesh> Then again, there's never been much room in my stone-cold-heart for the JOs ‘n Ahs in this world. Too many nice people to focus on ‘n to blazes with the driftwood.
I recall driving through the Mohave Desert en route southern California back in 1986 for what was to be my final tour of duty. Got up rather early at my motel in Needles, CA - for I wanted to see the desert at sunrise - it was absolutely beautiful on that summer's morning. There was really lots to look at as the road seemed to never end on the way to Barstow, where I turned to the south heading to San Bernadino. Over the two years out that way, my travels took me back through the desert many times <quarterly> for meetings in Laughlin, NV . . . never got tired of the views, never . . .
Many thanx for a fine < I3 > Post, visit, fotos ‘n chat!
Page 49 - Dan <DL-UK> at 5:28 AM <11:28 PM GMT>: "In" with a rather early <for us> visit ‘n chat!
FYI: "Big Sky Country" is more associated with Montana and the route of the Empire Builder ‘n long-gone North Coast Ltd.
Nice "thing" regarding links is that it's a pick ‘n choose kinda thing - so not to worry. Got more than I expected from the other two!
I've found glass reflection is somewhat reduced by placing the camera lens "smack" up against the <dirty> window! Of course taking anything other than "straight on" shots adds to the problem . . .
Thanx for an interesting Post to eavesdrop . . .
Appreciate the visit ‘n support for "Our" Place!
Reminder: Cindy has the bar until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
TODAY is Fish ‘ Chips Nite!
Ruth returns on Tuesday!
A cup of Coffee and a bacon sanie please RUTH.
A few more photos of the old Katy.
A view heading east from Rocheport.
A bit farther alomg the trail this old marker is carved into the cutting side.
I am not sure if this is the old depot at Franklin or New Franklin MO.
A MKT caboose in the town square at New Franklin.
Back in a while.
<personal foto taken at ExpoRail>
Pete turned the Page to 50, which as a multiple of 10 means it is time again to list the simple ground rules for "Our" Place . . . <from Page 1>
As determined by Kalmbach, the 2nd "old Thread" has been shut down <locked> and the new begins today, 21 Mar 2008. What's different Nothing! Same crew, same way of doing things and hopefully the same supporting cast that has kept us afloat all this time.History: "Our" Place began on April 12th, 2005 on the General Discussion (Classic Trains) Forum.Concept: An adult bar & grill for all who are interested in and familiar with "Classic Trains." The conversations are as they would be in a neighborhood bar, where people know one another and share stories, photos and other information relevant to the idea of the Forum - Classic Trains. All of this with some humor thrown in and the rest is simple.Objective: Have fun!Ground rules: Leave ALL emotional baggage and "attitudes" on the front porch. Be inclusive with your comments through the acknowledgment of the other guy's efforts. Hit ‘n run Posts are not welcome.Greet the bartender upon entering and order a drink or food. Pretty easy, eh * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Final "stats" for the 2nd "old" Thread at 9:34 AM, 21 Mar 2008:Replies: 4,001Views: 122,664 Pages: 201* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *For those who may require it, the links to the "old" Threads are:#1 - http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/451/991587/ShowPost.aspx#991587#2 - http://cs.trains.com/forums/201/991960/ShowPost.aspx#991960* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
What's different Nothing! Same crew, same way of doing things and hopefully the same supporting cast that has kept us afloat all this time.
History: "Our" Place began on April 12th, 2005 on the General Discussion (Classic Trains) Forum.
Concept: An adult bar & grill for all who are interested in and familiar with "Classic Trains."
The conversations are as they would be in a neighborhood bar, where people know one another and share stories, photos and other information relevant to the idea of the Forum - Classic Trains.
All of this with some humor thrown in and the rest is simple.
Objective: Have fun!
Ground rules: Leave ALL emotional baggage and "attitudes" on the front porch.
Be inclusive with your comments through the acknowledgment of the other guy's efforts. Hit ‘n run Posts are not welcome.
Greet the bartender upon entering and order a drink or food. Pretty easy, eh
Final "stats" for the 2nd "old" Thread at 9:34 AM, 21 Mar 2008:
Replies: 4,001
Views: 122,664
Pages: 201
For those who may require it, the links to the "old" Threads are:
#1 - http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/451/991587/ShowPost.aspx#991587
#2 - http://cs.trains.com/forums/201/991960/ShowPost.aspx#991960
See y'all later . . .
Pete did it! Turned the Page to 50 - probably ‘worth' something in recognition . . . hmmmm. Okay, Boris, let's see what's behind door #1! An all expenses paid round trip aboard the Can-Am Daylite Flyer - dome seating - with all food 'n drinks provided! <transportation to/from home not included - local, county & state taxes extra, liability for slipping out of seat onto the deck not covered (see reverse for additional exclama) and additional fees may apply for hand carried items!>
Photo Gallery continues with Pix from my recently concluded Amtrak trip with Pete to KCity ‘n return . . . Rule of Six applies.
Continuing with the Southwest Chief fotos . . . .
(9)
(10)
(11) "Our" train at KCity
(12) "Our" train headed for the Wye
One more batch to follow . . .
Good afternoon folks,Ruth just va Keith's for me and I'll leave a red fifty ( with the newfie firing squad on the back ) for rounds for the late comers.If there are no late comers than it's one good sized tip for your trip fund.
Eric-I lost you in the shuffle last night apologies sir. Great rouind of photo's from the deapth's ( or hieghts ) of the mountain villiage. I love that BCR RDC Good to hear that the close fiores contained not so good that the other still doing it's thing.Just a point of clarification were you shot at while working in Sweden or in the US Still if anyone took a pot shot at me I'd find the closest training job as well.
Dan-Interesting urls on thiose locks,not all that unuausal of a thing over here as well. At the end of my street is what's left of the old Mohawk barge canal,built in the 1880's closed in the 1890's.It was ment to be a bridge to gap the non-navigable parts of the Grand river they even wbet as far as making a manmade lake to feed it. However three railways to electric LE&N amd B&H and the Grand Trunk steam railway built into Brantford before the canal was finished ( never really was in fact ) so all the package feight that would have been barged went onto the rails instead
That agrrement was indeed created while CN was still satte owned and run as well,however they powers at be at CN have maintained it,but again only on the corridor.
Pete- For flipping yet another page,and a prize fit for the occation,right down to the leagal minutia Wonderfull shots of the sunset as well please pass on my apprciation to your bride,she has a good eye Nice spat of photo's from today as well great looking depot and the caboose isn't to shabby either
Tom-As always great chatting with you today Nice to see that the bookmobile has been making the rounds over on the other thread as well Wow close to 500 snaps between the R3 and the latest Canadian experiance hope phootbucket can handle em all.
Interestiung to hear that UP has aggreements in place re penalties bad to hear that they come with sooo many loose strings as to make the collection and enforcement of all but impossible( would likely cost more than the actual penalties would bring in )Still something eventually will give.
I kind of thought that that layout looked realitively permanent,it did have the modular look but what a job it would be to move and then re. set it up.Still nice to see that the internal space of the station is getting such an inetresting usuage.
back later on.
Hello Ruth , back again for another pint.Gotta keep the tills "greased" anyway folks heres a few more images to pass the time with this afternoon.
GT unit at Delray jct just outside of Detroit.
CN GP40-2W waiting at Battlecreek Mi.
CN train in Chicago.
CSX Uboat's at Blue Island Ill.
CSX U23B Silvis Ill
GT GP35 at Battlecreek
enjoy
Noted that Rob ‘n Pete are logged on . . . have a cold one on me!
A two-fer from Rob on this early end of the work week <for many in the U.S.> - good talking with you also!
Was going to hold off with this one . . . but figured Pete would enjoy seeing it before he takes OFF for a long weekend <another!!> Yeah, Manager Rob - he's "at it" again! <geesh>
Anyone NOTICE that Cindy is behind the bar Hmmmmmmm <check the AM acknowledgments!!>
Here's the final batch of fotos from my recently concluded round trip to KCity with Pete . . . Rule of Six suspended <by two>!
(13) Pete in Business Class
(14) Pete in dining area of Café car
(15) Tom in Business Class
(16) Pete at Jefferson City
(17) An old friend in KCity
(18) Southwest Chief departing KCity
(19)
(20) Kansas City Mule - now St. Louis Mule - returned from the Wye <seen before>
That's all folks!
TOM. Yes you are right with the quiz answer. The location is at Cascade Wye; this was how far the train was operating from Durango, as the line northwards was snowbound. I was going to say your prize was the Coors Lite you gave me for turning page 49 but having seen me fabulous prize for turning page 50 I will think of something better. Only problem is I have appeared to have promised, (no doubt after having too much Bathams XXXboth HILDA and HELGA they could accompany me if I ever won a prize like this.
I think I did walk through the tunnel no doubt keeping to the center looking for bats and snakes.
Considering how long it took the bride to re-set the digital camera after I used it in Canada I think it may be a bit early to ask about using it again.
Thanks for the round and very good words about Eric.
Great URL about the All Blacks. To actually see their record against other nations really shows what a great team they are.
Many thanks for the great photos from our K.C. Trip. I wish the one I had took had been a bit clearer. It was a good idea to get some photos in Business class early has it filled right up as the train got nearer to KC. I think, when we have had time at KC, the weather has been kind to us. A rare pic of me at Jeff City, no black bag.
NICK. I must admit I too often wonder why the Jeff City to Independence is not doubled tracked, although there is, what is known, as the River Sub, which roughly follows the Missouri River from Kansas City to Jeff City. This is used for eastbound freights including the heavy coal trains and UP would use the Sedalia Sub for westbound traffic, so I read in the paper, of course Amtrak uses this line in both directions. I am fairly certain I have seen eastbound freights on the Sedalia Sub and the River Sub is in danger of being flooded if the Missouri river gets too high.
Alan has a term for that method of running down a platform "The Gricer's Trot" owing to nothing seeming to move above the knees usually the hands are holding cameras notebooks etc.
I hope we can get to see Michael Palin's progs over here. A Great Western Prairie tank is in Poland at the minute I believe.
Seems as though the work on the 5 acres is going well.
I will look forward to the band and Barmouth Bridge photos.
ALLAN Thanks for the information on the NZ Government take over of the railways.
Many thanks for the kind words on the photos, I will pass them on to the bride, I did think about passing them off as my own but you guys would have guessed they weren't mine.
Yes Santa was on the Silverton line.
ROB Glad you liked the photos. I will have a go at the Canadian Quiz if it is still available.
Yes the prize for turning page 50 is a truly good one and with the Zeppelin bringing some more English coin of the realm my bar tab should not be too hard hit with the taxes etc.
Many thanks for the photos of the CN, GT and CSX power
ERIC I don't blame you at all for feeling like that about passengers, being shot at is not on at all.
Rocheport is about 40 to 50 miles from Jeff City. The Katy trail runs through to the north of Jeff City across the Missouri River, they are putting in a cycle way across one of the two bridges here so cyclists and hikers can get into town safely. Across the river was a town known as Cedar City, which is mostly abandoned now due to flooding although the roads are still in place. On one piece of road there is a bit of track from the short branch off the KATY that ran to Cedar City.
I am glad the photo of Santa helped cool you off a bit and I will pass on your kind words to the bride.
Many Thanks for the photos great photo taken by your bride, I have yet to see a cabless unit over here.
Great photo of the Village station at night I wonder if the patrol car got any customers off the RDCs from the Second Class Saloon.
DL Many thanks for the URLs to Foxton Locks and Incline. It is many years since I was last there, as it was before the all day opening of pubs. I was trying think when this came in but can't remember.
Glad you enjoyed the photos.
If there were to be a sequel to Platform Souls I would like to get a copy.
There is a very good DVD free with the August issue of the Railway Magazine out now. The main theme is a very good and very honest, I thought, interview at the NRM with Pete Waterman, illustrated with archive footage of both steam and modern traction. It mentions the saving of the early AC electrics and there is a disturbing revelation about them just before they were preserved. If you can get a copy I am sure you will like it.
Pete Waterman says he used to do some spotting at the girder bridge in Rugby in the 1950s.
Well RUTH soon time for me to head for south Missouri for the weekend, just time to get a round and the Fish ‘N' Chips.
Before I go I would just like to wish all my American friends A VERY HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY tomorrow.
Well good evening all-happened to be passing so thought I would drop in for a nightcap and a quick look about the galley-Carry on boys,you are doing well so far-if anybody orders anything complicated,give us a shout....
Leon-a round of beers please before stealthy PETE sneaks off to his weekend rendezvous-
Well-has been a productive day here,was a rain-off on the work front,so after paying lip-service to the 3rd commandment ( In case of rain,thou shalt spend the day doing housework ) managed to grab a few hours in the train shed-grabbed the nettle with both hands,a large part of the upper level has now been temporarily removed (must have planned for this originally-the necessary bits came out very smoothly-although there is much rail that will need to be replaced) and the required bits of the low level have also been removed-much of it still attached to the benchwork-next task is to cut some formers to shape the replacement flexitrack curves,then solder on power feed droppers and rail join bridges before it all goes back in ,although,as noted before,with flexi there are fewer joins per foot-which can only be a good thing......Am gonna take the opputunity(?) to replace as many #4 turnouts as possible with#6 or 8`s whilst I am there and,if things go well,might even experiment with some proper ballasting--Missisnick is quietly pleased that the various rails and stuff I inherited from her dad are being used in a way he would have approved of-to my mind it`s still a joint project-just one I have to build on my own.........
O.K-I seem to be rambling-weather looks good for the morning,so a full day behind the strimmer in prospect,better get some sleep-see you all tomorrow for some proper interaction
Sleep well
Leon, please splice the Main Brace and serve an extra large round of Tui`s for all the guys` and join in on a toast to all in the good old US of A for the July 4th Independence Day celebrations!
To all our guys in the States`. Seeing that here in NZ we are in July 4th already, thought I would pop in with good wishes to you all on your special anniversary day, , have a great day, have lots of "Goodies"[Within reason of course!], and have a very special day with your loved ones.[a fifer!]
Good evening Leon. I see that you've had some buisness again tonight which is a good good thing I see the Mentor fusiliers and their fife and drum corps are here to begin the decorating for the 4th of July festivities. I also see that the flak jackets and steel hats have arrived via the Zepplin in case the fire works display either here or over at the Second calss get out of hand.
Tom-Nice looking last batch of photo's from your latest foray upto Jeff City with Pete.Both the cafe and the buisness class car looked quite clean and in good repair. Nice shot of the preserved passenger power at the station as well even though they are outside it looks like they have some measure of cover in the location they aer in, which is a good thing.
Pete-I don't know another long weekend who approved this one surly not me <grumble grumble>It's also nice to know that your bar tab is down to a managable tenth power number ! The second national bank is very happy to do business with you,and since you've met all the payments thus far, you have been saved the visit by their collections departmentEnjoy your train trip with H&H, I'm sure they will be on their best behaviour, unless of coarse they get into a fight again over who gets to sit on your lap. probably a good thing you haven't got the digital camera privilages back with that pair on a voyage with you.
Nick-Nice to see you thanks for the round as always.Good to hear the equipment you recieved is going to good use,I think you'll find that ballasted track may require a bit less maintenance and you will be happy to rid yourself of some of the number fours as well. Good luck on tomorrows forray into the field.If you come upon any shot down ME109's or the like in that stuff let us know.
Allan-Ah yes the days complete with an early holiday wish for my neighbours to the South. Thanks for the round of TUi's and the tot of rum,you made alot of the fusiliers happy,we may now have some backwards or upside down decorations though
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