<personal foto>
Friday's Grin
Brain Cramps
G'day Gents!
Made it - Friday! <phew> Fill up the mugs, check out the pastries ‘n order a breakfast. Can't get much easier than that, eh
Comments from the Proprietor
Saturday is our 3rd Year Anniversary. My plans are to be available for several periods of daylite . . . morning - noon - late afternoon. Let's try to get some real-time interaction going as we used to during our long gone B'day Bashes . . .
HINT: In order to determine whether you have the MOST CURRENT information on your browser use that REFRESH/RELOAD feature OFTEN - Try it - it does work.
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative):
Thursday - April 10th: <all times Central daylite>:
Page 9 - CM3 Shane <coalminer3> at 8:53 AM: Just missed some "real-time" exchanges . . . glad you made it "in."
Songs are "guduns" - here's some from my collection for you ‘n the gang:
I Don't Know Whether To Kill Myself Or Go Bowling
Going to Hell in Your Heavenly Arms
There Ain't Enough Room in my Fruit of the Looms to Hold All My Lovin' for You
It's Hard to Kiss the Lips at Night that Chew Your Butt Out All Day Long
If Whiskey Were A Woman I'd Be Married For Sure
Ohhhhhhhh, now I get it - Totes is a better name. But I certainly remember "Piggy Back" - shame on me for not linking better . . . thanx for the synonyms!
Page 9 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 5:04 PM: A loooooooooong time between customers, far too long. Two Pages per day I hope we NEVER get to that point - ever, ever. STEADY is one word - the other is RELIABLE - a steady ‘n reliable customer base is what this joint NEEDS to make it through the next 12 months . . . My Email a few weeks back to our "core" pretty much said it all . . .
Glad to here that you're off for the weekend. Weather shouldn't factor in for Saturday at the ‘puter - unless of course you have violent weather or power losses. No excuses - you are the Manager ‘n we expect to see you about <aboot> the decks, Mate!
For those reading these words - check out "my other Thread" for some sick-o humor from our trolleyMAN. Took liberties with a mag cover I provided - ‘n quite frankly, his comments will give you a chuckle <in 2 different Posts> . . . check it out!
Most interesting spate of motive power - never saw an "albino" CP Rail loco before. What's the story on that one
All of my Lionel ‘n S-gauge stuff came from internet sources - brick ‘n mortar places have plenty of Lionel but not so for S-gauge. Yes, it IS costly - especially the S-gauge. But oh so worth it as far as my S-Capades is concerned. The Polar Express set, additional cars ‘n lots of extra track wasn't quite as bad, money wise. A real shame you won't be here for Rendezvous III - won't be having any more of ‘em in St. Louis - THAT I know fer sure, fer sure.
Page 9 - Pete <pwolfe> at 5:19 PM: Nope, Ruth heads out the door to her little sports car ‘n zooms away . . . she ‘n the Penthouse Suite are strangers once again. <grin>
This morning's rain was unbelievably fierce - no funnel clouds, hardly any thunder ‘n lightning, but driving, horizontal at times, rain - lots of it. The second wave was due in later in the day but apparently "split" with those to the south ‘n north getting "it" - we were spared that round. <phew>
Fine looking loco in that Duchess of Sutherland - Mayflower ‘n Plymouth - most definitely a colonial American connection.
Email response received - looking forward to the Wolfe's visit! Juneau is eagerly awaiting too . . . <uh oh>
You'll be missed on Friday . . . hope you can make it in before closing. Otherwise, we'll be looking for you on Saturday at our celebration!
"Secret supply of mushy peas" better not be anywhere within these walls . . . Boris' shed is okay - but not in this joint! <grrrrrrrr>
Page 9 - Mike <wanswheel> at 6:51 PM: The man disappears for long periods - then returns with a rather sneaky way of getting back into the barkeep's good graces - R&R from the 50s. That will do it every time!
Page 9 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 8:31 PM ‘n 8:33 PM <2:31 AM ‘n 2:33 AM Friday GMT>: What's to say other than - step aside all ye pretenders to the galley stove ‘n ovens - Chief Chef Nick is up ‘n about the decks! A splendid menu fit for hungry track gangs, starving Cyclops ‘n royalty alike! A five- Salute to our Resident Londoner in Wales!
Party time begins in earnest upon the arrival of our first Saturday reveler - time doesn't matter! Celebration is primarily intended for daylite hours - morn - noon - afternoon. After that, it's every man for himself! <uh oh>
Oh by the by - <tweeeeeeeeeet> <tweeeeeeeeeet> Rules Violation! Rules Violation! Rule #1 - failure to greet the barkeep upon entering. Rule #2 - failure to order drink or food! Hmmmmmm, given that tremendous spread you put forth for the gang - I'll waive Rule #2 . . . Penalty: Park that Carlsberg car in our private siding!
Always a treat to have ya aboard, Mate!
Friday - April 11th <all times Central daylite>:
Eric <EricX2000> at 1:41 AM: Nice looking Superliner Sightseer Lounge car! Looks like St. Louis for Rendezvous II - the "giveaway" is the ratty looking condition of the platform! <ugh>
Banff is indeed a beautiful place - so many others in that area of the Canadian Rockies are as well. VIA Rail no longer uses that route for it's train called the Canadian - so the only train pulling into Banff is the Rocky Mountaineer excursion <extortion> train. Otherwise one msut rent a car or take a bus to get there . . . If I recollect, that's where BK 'n Lydia used to go . . . <good memories>.
As with you, I never made it to Berlin either. Was in Europe in 1971, but we weren't permitted to travel to that city <cold war restrictions on military personal travel>. But enjoyed the countryside from "top to bottom." Most enjoyable experience . . . trains were great!
Well, should you make it to the century mark in life - hope you have the good health to go along with it!
Many thanx for your <I3 > Post 'n appreciate the ROUND!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
TODAY is Pizza ‘n Beer Nite! - and - Steak ‘n Fries Nite!
Saturday is Steak ‘n All The Trimmings Nite!
Dinner begins at 5 PM so come early ‘n often!
Cindy is our Saturday bartender!
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
Tom
"Our" Place III
I plan to rerun this <from Page One> each time we reach a new Page in increments of ten . . .
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *The REGULAR customers of "Our" Place as of 21 Mar 2008: Pete <pwolfe> Bar Chandler . . . Jefferson City, MO, USA <resident Brit> Eric <EricX2000> . . . Phoenix, AZ, USA <resident Swede> Rob <trolleyboy> Manager . . . Brantford, ON, Canada <resident Canadian> Allan <Gunneral> . . . Waipukurau, New Zealand <resident Kiwi - ex-pat Brit> CM3 Shane <coalminer3> . . . Beckley, West Virginia, USA <resident coal miner>
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.
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
The REGULAR customers of "Our" Place as of 21 Mar 2008:
Pete <pwolfe> Bar Chandler . . . Jefferson City, MO, USA <resident Brit>
Eric <EricX2000> . . . Phoenix, AZ, USA <resident Swede>
Rob <trolleyboy> Manager . . . Brantford, ON, Canada <resident Canadian>
Allan <Gunneral> . . . Waipukurau, New Zealand <resident Kiwi - ex-pat Brit>
And <drumroll> RESTORE as a Regular of "Our" Place:
Tom (siberianmo)
Proprietor, "Our" Place
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Weather is questionable for today as we have six different forecasts either on the Net or on TV - pick the one you like. They are still agreeing on snow for the first of next week.
Rob - I began in O scale yrs ago but switched to N when it became available with something that looked remotely like U.S. prototype. The reason was (you guessed it) limited amount of space but wanted to have something running. I appreciated your remark, "Let's buy anything that runs." That was certainly the case. We saw a lot of leased power through here.
Pete - Slugs are around; CSX has more than a few of them. Just before one of the C&O branches through here was turned into a rail trail, typical power was a GP40-2 with a slug. Mine shifters, of course, got bigger stuff. Mayflower - the ancestor's ship - excellent!
Mike was by with pictures and comments.
Nick - Excellent menu.
Eric - I knew you'd remember pan rules. During your time on the SP I am sure you spotted more than a few units with the ice breakers on the cab roof.
BTW, I did even better on tonnage ratings - found a sheet for the B&O separated out by geographic location - I'll try and break it into small installments so we don't have a data dump. It's fascinating material, though, even though I forgot that I had it squirreled away. Boris - thanks for handling the carbide lights during our search.
OSP was in with CP material and some Grafix Classix - My vote for this batch goes to the Nach Berlin piece; second place to the PRR Atlantic City item.
Speaking of Atlantic City, how about these 1942-era train names which the P Company used on their NY Atlantic City runs?
Trains 1070 and 1078 - "Sea Plane"
Trains 1075 and 1078 - "Sea Clipper"
Trains 1077 and 1070 - "Nellie Bly" (probably the best-known name of the lot)
Trains 1079 and 1080 "Flying Spray"
Trains 1070, 1072, 1073, 1077, and 1080 carried Buffet parlor car and coaches
Trains 1075, 1078, and 1079 carried parlor cars, dining car, and coaches
All parlors and diners were air conditioned and trains 1070, 1072, 1073, and 1077 carried air conditioned coaches.
Nellie Bly was the pen name of Elizabeth Jane Cochran, one of the first investigative reporters. There are a lot of websites about her if you want to find out more.
I will try and visit tomorrow if I can, but if not, I have the track gang setting up the never-ending punch bowl for the celebration - those who remember some of the darts tournaments and Christmas parades from past years know about that. Anyway, must head out back to see that the tank cars are properly spotted, PPE provided and all fire suppression systems are in place and functional.
Work safe
Wunnerful blue sky mornin - stiff breeze 'n a chill has returned to the air in mid-continent USA - but a glorious beginning to Friday!
I see our Resident WVA Connection has made it "in" with a promise to try 'n join us for tomorrow's 3rd Year Anniversary Bash . . . can't ask for more than that!
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #4
<A form of this was Initially Posted on Page 129 on the Original Thread, 06 Oct 2005>
Did you know that the Canadian National Railways also owned and operated hotels in major cities along their main lines Check these out:
CANADIAN NATIONAL HOTELS, LTD. City......................Name......................Rooms.......Open Ottawa, ON........... Chateau Laurier....... 550......... All year Winnipeg, MN....... The Fort Garry........... 265. ....... All year Edmonton, AB....... The MacDonald.......... 480........ All year Saskatoon, SK....... The Bessborough....... 260........ All year Vancouver, BC....... Hotel Vancouver........ 560....... All year Halifax, NS............ The Nova Scotian........ 150....... All year Charlottetown, PE.. The Charlottetown...... 110....... All year St. John's, NL........ Newfoundland Hotel.... 140....... All year Montreal, QC......... Queen Elizabeth......... ----....... Under construction Note: Hotel Vancouver operated jointly by CNR and CPR. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - blt by CN <GNU Free Documentation>
Enjoy! Tom
Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house
Good Graces great balls of fire! I'm sure I was in your good graces for about 2 minutes.
What do ya mean sneaky? It was a youtube link plain as day.
Eric, sorry to confuse. To answer your question, in the first picture, the building with the 6 smokestacks is the Interborough Rapid Transit Co. powerhouse, 11th Ave. & 58th St., just south of the 60th St. yard, and you may recall seeing it before in a post about a great grain elevator on page 185 of the old thread. The train in the 2nd picture is northbound on 10th Ave at 29th St, very near the 30th St. yard.
CM3, your posts are a major reason people read this thread.
http://library.duke.edu/digitalcollections/images/adaccess/T/T33/T3368/T3368-med.jpeg
Pete, given that you can't type, your productivity is astounding. Rugby looks neat, cool boats too.
Allan, you sure are cheerful, mate! I bet you'd love New York even now, but it was really at its peak in the first half of the 20th century. Like Rome, it was once the greatest of cities.
Rob, next time I'm in trouble could you try a little harder not to help me. Rubber Gloves! Gimme a break kid.
Nick, long may you run.
Mike
Hello Tom and all in
Here's a round for the house and I'll have a pint of Harvey's Bitter - I think we are approaching the 3rd anniversary very soon - so wanted to call in and offer all the regulars best wishes - and thank the staff of course. Hope everyone has a great weekend, and the significant day tommorrow goes well.
I see I'll have to catch up with the new thread - but good to see the regulars still frequenting the place despite my enforced absence.
Very best wishes to all!
Regards
DL
Looks as if we've had a little business today, Ruth - so stick 'round, perhaps others will trickle through those doors during your shift . . .
Customer Acknowledgments <since my last narrative>:
Page 10 - CM3 Shane <coalminer3> at 9:09 AM: Well it's OH-FISH-UL! Of the nearly half million "hits" this bar has had since inception, YOURS are the Posts people want to read the most. At least that's what was recently dropped on us at the bar by a guy who obviously has "connections" to that kind of input.
So, I suppose you'll be shopping for a new hat! <grin>
Enjoyed the Pennsy names - 'n in fact ALWAYS enjoy anything connected with the Keystone Railway . . .
Surely hope that you'll surprise us with a Saturday appearance for the Gala Bash . . . would be great to have all of our regular crew onboard for at least a portion of the daylite hours.
So the never-ending punchbowl <aka: bottomless pit> has made its way back from the Second Class Saloon - last I saw it, Pete was trying to do the Australian crawl in it.
Many thanx for the visit, chat, info, quarters 'n ROUND!
Page 10 - Mike <wanswheel> at 12:11 PM: "In" with comments all 'round - most unusual, but certainly in the spirit of what this joint is supposed to be about <aboot for Rob!>
Didn't know you were such an oracle . . . but now we KNOW! A long time ago while in the P.A.L. someone said to me, "Never lead with your chin." Pretty good advice for anyone not wishing to be deposited on the seat of his pants . . . <uh oh>
A good link to that Wabash ad . . .
Round appreciated!
Page 10 - Dan <DL-UK> at 12:15 PM <6:15 PM GMT>: A surprise visit is better than no visit! Thanx for the well wishes 'n of course you're welcome to particpate with us for our 3rd Year Anniversary Bash . . .
As they say, "It's the thought that counts!"
Cheers, Mate 'n thanx for the ROUND! [tupl]
Okay, now for something that I suppose no one will be interested in . . .
The Story of Awk <seen a few times at "Our" Place I & II>
A true story about Awk while staying at Cindy's place.Cindy's dishwasher quit working so she called a repairman. Since she had to go to work the next day, she told the repairman, "I'll leave the key under the mat. Fix the dishwasher, leave the bill on the counter, and I'll mail you a check.""Oh, by the way don't worry about my bulldog, Spike. He won't bother you. But, whatever you do, do NOT, under ANY circumstances, talk to my parrot!" "I REPEAT, DO NOT TALK TO MY PARROT!!!" When the repairman arrived at Cindy's apartment the following day, he discovered the biggest, meanest looking bulldog he has ever seen. But, just as she had said, the dog just lay there on the carpet watching the repairman go about his work.The parrot, however, drove him nuts the whole time with his incessant yelling, cursing and name calling. Finally the repairman couldn't contain himself any longer and yelled,"Shut up, you stupid, ugly bird!"To which the parrot replied, "Get him, Spike!"
Cindy's dishwasher quit working so she called a repairman. Since she had to go to work the next day, she told the repairman, "I'll leave the key under the mat. Fix the dishwasher, leave the bill on the counter, and I'll mail you a check.""Oh, by the way don't worry about my bulldog, Spike. He won't bother you. But, whatever you do, do NOT, under ANY circumstances, talk to my parrot!" "I REPEAT, DO NOT TALK TO MY PARROT!!!" When the repairman arrived at Cindy's apartment the following day, he discovered the biggest, meanest looking bulldog he has ever seen. But, just as she had said, the dog just lay there on the carpet watching the repairman go about his work.The parrot, however, drove him nuts the whole time with his incessant yelling, cursing and name calling. Finally the repairman couldn't contain himself any longer and yelled,"Shut up, you stupid, ugly bird!"To which the parrot replied, "Get him, Spike!"
See y'all later <maybe>!
Filling in for Wolfman Pete, here's some Brit stuff rounded up from my archives . . .
Pete's hometown - Rugby, England
Rugby railway station, Warwickshire, England <from: public domain>
The Railway at Rugby, England <from: public domain>
Where Nick lives <from public domain>
Nick's hometown - Haverfordwest, Wales <from public domain>
Haverfordwest railway station <from public domain>
That's IT - "Rule of Six" applies!
Enjoy!
Well good evening all (or morning actually...) Leon-Heres a C note for the party fund-see that it is all used up---Just a quickie before I hit the sack-owing to the time differential it is saturday here already so-the first birthday post goes to me.... to our favourite watering hole -long may it continue to prosper !!!!!
TOM-Tweeting accepted without complaint-Carlsberg van is now safely stowed out back ( some extreme lateral thinking required to get that baby coupled to the buckeye equipped switcher ) Thanks for that fine old pic of H/West station-much changed since then-and not for the better.
For anyone interested- to locate Llangwm or H/West on that map-take a line down vertically from Fishguard to about a half inch from the south coast and thats us...
Right-bed for me,not long back from Cardigan-about 60/70 miles round trip over the mountain-unlit roads and driving sleet most of the way-an exhilarating show to a small but appreciative audience but definately need to go charge the batteries now-catch you all later,take care
Hi Tom and all,
Leon, "splice the mainbrace" with a round of Tui`s for all the guys` please!
To all. Seeing that "we" in little old New Zealand are now into the afternoon of Saturday April 12th, it gives me the greatest of pleasure to wish "Our" Place a very on our 3rd Anniversary, long may we continue!
Tom. Enjoyed all your posts of the Passenger Train Nostalga #3 on the Canadian Pacific Hotels and Lodges, the 6 Pack on the railroad Ads, the Passenger Train Nostalga #4 on the Canadian National Railway Hotels, a nice item of where Pete lived in the old country, and where Nick lives. Had a good laugh at the great Awk joke! A good idea of yours to post the "Our" Place format guide every 10 pages` from now on. I`ve found that my hearing loss can have some compensations at times, especially if my bride comes up with some particularly onerous tasks`at the WRONG time!
Eric. Have driven under the Mohaka Bridge many times but never crossed it in a train, I missed out again this year when a J Class 4-8-2 was in Napier for our Hawkes Bay annual Wine Festival in February. Nice pics of the Class B 4-6-0 steam loco and the Amtrak Superliner Viewing Car.
CM3. Glad you enjoyed the Tui calender. Those were some interesting train names used by the P Company. [Is that the Pennsylvania RR by any chance?]
Pete. Great to hear they are reopening some of the Lynton and Barnstaple Rly, had a look on the net and found some info and pics about it, they must have a lot of visitors to Lynmouth to see where that disasterous flood occured in 1952, and to visit Exmoor too. Glad you liked that Tui calender. A very nostalgic pic of the "Duchess of Sutherland with the "Mayflower" train and the link to the USA with it`s name.
Mike. You took me back to the days` of my youth with that Bobby Day "Tweedle le de" Rockin Robin song, had a look in on those Wabash stairs too! Would have loved to have visited NY BITD.
Nick Another very tempting menu from you again.
Dan. Good to see you in on a quick visit!
Lars. Looking forward to seeing you in with us on the "Glorious" 12th celebrations, greetings to you on this special occasion.
It`s now afternoon "T" and "buttie" time over here!
See ya, Allan
Hi Tom and all.
Well LEON a Bathams please.
MIKE Thanks for the link to Rockin' Robin and the photo, it seems like a bit of a traffic jam going on there.
Yes the typing is not all I wish it was I think I am doing well and quite fast and then look up and see all the mistakes. Glad you enjoyed the photos from my old home
NICK Say it's not true Mushy Peas banned, just as I have found a supply. Real glad they were featured in your Cod Fillet menu, Batchelors are the best I have found. Looks like a couple of busy nights with Riptide and your C&W band the next two nights. Looking forward to Saturday Night here at the bar sounds like a great feast from our chief and some great music for us.
I had a feeling that Carlsberg van might end up in a siding behind Our Place somehow.
Congratulations on being the first to wish the bar and thanks for the c-note. Glad the Riptide gig tonight went well.
Have you any photos showing how Haverfordwest station looks today
ERIC Congratulations on your 500th post.
So RUTH has more secrets, oh well perhaps best not to ask.
I did not go over to Coventry all that often in the 1970s but if I recall right they did have a Bier Keller there I used to go to now and again.
The light in the middle of the bufferbeam on 6233 hauling the Mayflower is the high intensity headlight all BR locomotives and units have to have for running on BR tracks nowadays. The two oil lamps are just for show but they denote ‘Express Passenger Train'
I wish the cars windows on the run through here were as clean as the ones on the one in your photo.
CM3 Thanks for the info on the CSX slugs. I can't recall ever seeing a photo of a CSX slug.
Glad you enjoyed the Mayflower photo.
It will be good to see those B&O tonnage ratings and many thanks for those great Pennsy NY to Atlantic City train names.
I do indeed remember the ‘infamous' punch bowl.
DL Great to see you thinking of us at the bar. Really hope you are able to joins us again real soon..Alan is going to send me a couple of Backtracks I will let you know if there is any more on the Silver Princess
ALLAN Good to see you at the 3rd Anniversary party . The bride's birthday is a day after mine and when I was in England I could call her after midnight English time and wish her and she could wish me the same and we would both be right.
Yes the Lynton & Barnstable railway seem to catch the affections of a lot of people, if they can rebuild the line over most of its length it will be a very popular tourist attraction I am sure
Glad you liked the ‘Mayflower' pic and lets hope for another TOON win this weekend it would be a good win at Portsmouth.
TOM Seems as though you got the same weather system we had, torrential rain in the early hours and into the morning but as you say, with little thunder. Luckily the system, they said might happen in the afternoon, missed us although it did threaten a couple of times with dark clouds. Real sorry to hear there was more water in the basement.
Enjoyed the song titles
The Great Western region used to have a regular name train called The Mayflower that ran between London Paddington and Plymouth and the Eastern region had a B1 class locomotive named Mayflower, although the locomotive that carried the name in BR service was scrapped one of the two B1s that were preserved carries the name today.
Good idea to show the rules of the bar.
Many thanks for the hotels owned by the Canadian National after Thursday's hotels of their rivals the CP. That hotel in Saskatoon sure is an impressive looking building.
Great to see the story of AWK again, it still makes laugh out loud.
Well what can I say except what a nice surprise and many thanks for the piece on Rugby. The station is being rebuilt and I doubt if I will recognize most of it when I see it again. In the first photo the class 321 EMU unit is heading southbound on Platform 2. The second photo was taken from the footbridge I mentioned in Thursday's post. Looking at the photo is it a bit rare, as I believe the northbound Virgin class 87 electric is running wrong line. The up (towards London) fast line is bi-directional and it looks as though the train is using this line.
That is a great photo of the busy scene at Nick's home station, with the class 47 diesel- electric busy in the yard and my favorite class of DMU, the Swindon built cross-country or class 120.
I know this very late post but word seized up solid and it took the bride nearly an hour to get it back and some of it was missing. I think I have put the missing bits back, anyway I think I will post this incase it is not there when I try to get it back in the morning.
To show Virgin Trains have a heart a photo from Rugby Station, I hope it enlarges so the words can be read.
Well LEON us staff will have a busy day tomorrow and I have made sure the bar is well stocked. After the puter prob;lems I had better have a Bathams XXX before.
Pete.
Good Morning Captain Tom and Ladies and Gentlemen!!!
The festivities can start! It is finally time for Our Place's 3rd Anniversary!!!
Happy Anniversary!!! All drinks for the first 100 guests on me this beautiful Saturday!!
Our proprietor Tom has arrived and is ready for the BIG Party!!! Frosty Ballons LLC will provide cheap ballon rides (just $10) as long as the pilot can stand up.
Now Leon, I am ready for that Filet Mignon with mushrooms and all extras! Two cold Tui's, please!
This will be a great day! I'll be around as much as I can. I saw the brunette is here and she waved and smiled . Excuse me.
Tom – Sorry to hear that your problems with the leak continues. No regular trains to Banff? I guess one has to get there by car then. I never thought about hitting the century mark before. I agree, with good health it may be fun, but not with poor helath. A nice looking hotel, the Bessborough Hotel! 260 rooms. I think that repairman who fixed Cindy’s dishwasher spent 3 months in the hopspital after Spike got him. Awk can really be a mean bird.Hey, I couldn’t find Nick’s place on the Wales map! I also noted that the coaches the electric locomotive is hauling are kind of short. Is that an optical illusion or are they that short? CM3 – Snow? You better come to this state and check some mines, we will be in the mid- to high 90’s this weekend. I am afaid I never worked for SP. Was offered a job, but said no thanks after checking the work hours. But I have seen those ice breakers you mentioned. I’m looking forward to the tonnage ratings!Mike – It doesn’t take much to confuse me, so don’t worry! Thanks for the picture info! Now, when you mentioned it I remember that grain elevator and the smokestacks in the background. DL – Yes, you are right, the 3rd Anniversary just started! Nick – Thanks, you gave me the missing information on where you live! Allan – You are right about some advantages of hearing loss. I’can hardly hear anything with my left ear and it happens I miss doing things because I never heard I was asked to. I had a feeling that you have been driving under that bridge. Next year will be a good opportunity for you to take atrain ride across it! Pete – I think we should let Ruth keep her secrets at least until next week. So the middle light is the headlight!?! Looks like the opening is kind of small. Nice photo of the “water hole”! Something for Juneau! Maybe you could bring it to Our Place so he can use it?
I'll be back later.
Eric
Tom - thanks for your good wishes - noted and appreciated.
I'll take the full breakfast please on this important day!
The Saskatoon hotel looks very like the one in Quebec - same architect perhaps - an impressive building and nice to see that shot.
I see Nick stayed up late esp to be the first in on the anniversary day - despite a heavy round of chef's duties.
Allan - interesting to read those comments about the L&B - a few years back we were in the area in winter time and drove past Woody Bay station - very picturesque and the building was in a very good state. The landscape there near the edge of Exmoor by the sea is esp attractive. There is no doubt that a re-opened L&B would be the top English narrow gauge - not Welsh of course, but English.
Actually - on this subject I have just managed to get hold of a copy of Tom Rolt's 3rd vol of autobiog from a local second hand bookshop - this volume covers his time from the point of starting to become involved with the Tallylyn railway - the ‘first' preserved line of course. So I'll be interested in that - I'm going to read Vol 2 first though - as I read that some years back and I want to follow the story in order!
Pete - thanks for your message. Appreciated. Enjoy the Backtracks - I think it must be a good mag - wish I had time to read it!
On the subject of WR expresses - the same bookshop had a very good condition second hand copy of the BR (WR) passenger timetable for summer 1960 which I bought - nice section in front with all the named expresses (inc The mayflower) - I think The Golden Hind, Cornish Riviera, Red Dragon and possibly a named Bristol Service (but I don't think it is either Bristolian or Merchant Venturer) still exist.
Eric - nice celebratory post there!
Apols to all for my limited visits - as Tom said a while back - I would have LIKED to have been here. My plan is to try and get in more regularly - but I've decided not to try and catch up with stuff as it will distract me from the current conversations! However, if anyone had posted any specific Q's for me, or things I have ignored - please remind me of them as I'd like to answer anything I can!
Well, have a great 3rd anniversary - and all the best to all.
DL - UK
"Our" Place 3rd Year Anniversary!
Herr Wurlitzer
It's party time at the Bar by the Ballast, Saloon by the Siding, Tavern by the Tracks ‘n Watering Hole by the Wayside! This is a Saturday we hope to celebrate all of the good times at "Our" Place I, II ‘n III.
Coal Scuttle <holds the quarters for Herr Wurlitzer!>
Breakfasts ‘n pastries are on the house! Just a nominal fee for the specially brewed Joe! <grin>
Cashinator the Cash Register
This day is especially SPECIAL for all of you who have kept this ship afloat through your support of "Our" Place ‘n the way we do things . . . Five- Salute to the ‘core'!
Awk the Parrot
Tilla the Cash Register
Today is our 3rd Year Anniversary. My plans are to be available for several periods of daylite . . . morning - noon - late afternoon. Let's try to get some real-time interaction going as we used to during our long gone B'day Bashes . . .
Artie the Owl
Tex the Armadillo
Friday - April 11th: <all times Central daylite>:
Page 10 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 8:23 PM <2:23 AM Saturday>: "In" with the 1st of hopefully MANY celebratory messages!
Our hopes are in line with yours - we'll continue to prosper ONLY with the kind of support from guys like YOU! What the world needs now <where have I heard that one??> is 12 months of Nick!
Thanx for kicking off our Anniversary <GMT>!
Page 10 - Allan <Gunneral> at 9:29 PM <4:29 PM Saturday NZ time>: A day at "Our" Place just wouldn't be complete without the Tui Man! And he didn't disappoint!
Can't imagine a man of your standing using the <selective hearing> ploy! What married man hasn't <uh oh>
The Awk story is always good for a <snicker> or three! <grin>
One of the "wishes" I had from way back was to get at least one Aussie 'n Kiwi to participate at the bar. Now I KNOW why!! You are 'n have been a tremendous boost to the way things are done 'round here and I sincerely THANK you for joining us in the full spirit of this whacky cyber bar 'n grill! Five- Salute to our Resident Downunder KIWI - the Tui Man!
Now - get a move on 'n "fetch" us an Aussie! <grin>
What's "buttie" - bride <with Brit heritage> doesn't know. Hmmmmmm.
Much appreciation for the Anniversary visit, most inclusive chat 'n ROUND!
Page 10 - Pete <pwolfe> at 11:26 PM: Unbelievable! A near-mid-nite Post from our Bar Chandler! The man is following in the footsteps of our Resident NOCTURNAL Desert Swede! <yikes>
Juneau WANTS one of "those" when you visit next week . . . what a great idea from Virgin for our 4-legged friends! <neat>
Another typical <I3 > Post from the Wolfman! Nicely done - 'n in spite of the 'puter difficulties, you managed it all quite well.
As always, vist appreciated! What!?!? NO ROUND Hmmmm. Need a "pay day loan" <uh oh>
Saturday - April 12th <all times Central daylite>:
Page 10 - Eric at 2:55 AM: What's to say other than - what a surprise with all of your talented creative efforts! Surely an early hi-lite to the spirit of this celebratory day! Many, many thanx for thinking of us! Five- Salute to our Resident Nocturnal Desert Swede!
Nick provided "instructions" to find where he is! <geesh> Guess RR engineers really don't get that familiar with charts <maps> - for they just follow the steel rails <yellow brick road, so to speak!> <grin>
Another < I3> Post from you, which is in keeping with the way we try to operate 'round here. Thanx!
Page 10 - Dan <DL-UK> at 5:06 AM <11:06 AM GMT>: A most pleasant suprise in the form of a Saturday visit 'n chat from our Resident Brit in Sherwood Forest!
Absolutely NO NEED to explain or apologize for your circumstances at work. After all, we all have to pay those bills, eh It is MOST EVIDENT that you want to spend some time with us 'n do so whenever time permits. That speaks VOLUMES, Mate - VOLUMES. For my contention is <and always has been> that those who "want to" will find a way. All the rest are simply expending CO2 . . . .
Thanx for remembering this day 'n of course the ROUND!
Frostbite the Penguin
Cash Stasher - Safe
DoNut MoSheen <anyone recall the name >
Sausage ‘n Road Kill MoSheen <anyone recall the name >
Spike the Porcupine
Reminder: Cindy has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
Juneau the Husky Dog
See ya throughout the daylite hours!
Thanks Tom - free breakfast! Well, I'll certainly pay for the joe - and here's a good tip for all the staff who've kept things rollin day and night!
Like the look of those donuts coming out of that donut machine - maybe I'll check one of those out too please!
HAPPY 3rd Year Anniversary to "Our" Place!
Ahoy Cap'n Tom 'n fellow travelers at the bAH!
Cindy, I have NO CLUE what happened to my Post, but looks like the text is all wrong, wrong, wrong. Gotta begin over . . . don't understand it, simply don't. Everything looked fine when I put it up, now it's gone.
I'll never recreate what I had said earlier - so let me just say CONGRATULATIONS to all of the guyz who have made an above 'n beyond effort to keep "Our" Place OURS!
That's Tom - Shane - Pete - Eric - Allan - Rob 'n Nick too! 5- to youse guyz!
So! Where's the trolleyMAN For crying out loud, it's mid-day on our 3rd Year Anniversary 'n our Manger ain't here (yet)!!!! NO excuses, mate! You said this was an "off" weekend. Best not mess with Vito's boyz . . . Could be hazardous to one's health.
Boris, go find Rob! <geesh>
Here's the spate of photos that had been posted, but disappeared . . . all from the Larsman Mobile . . . .
from page 129 - 23 Oct 2007 (Brit books) "Our" Place 2 . . .
British Railways Reflections - The Glory of Steam
British Railway Stations in Colour
Great Britain's Express Steam Locomotives
ABC British Railways Atlas - 3rd ed.
The A to Z of Steam Railway (DVD)
Ellis' British Railway Encyclopedia
Gotta get out to the tent . . . Ruth is working the bar out there!
Until the next time! Lars
G'day Celebrants!
Just checked in 'n noted that Dan 'n Lars have added some contributions to our party . . . still see Lars logged in, Dan's gone-zo. Anyway, THANX, Gents!
Lars said he'd be here 'n he IS! Way to go, Mate! Great Brit stuff, fer sure, fer sure!
Also thought we'd be hearing from Rob <it's nearly 10:30 AM where he is!> 'n he said he had the weekend off. Hmmmmm. The guy was busting loose a few days ago with Posts, now when he's off 'n it's Saturday. Maybe I'm speaking far too soon - we'll "pay" for this, eh
Hey ALL! Please - please - please - let's NOT data-dump today. Keep things within reason so we don't "turn off" those who are trying to keep up with things. THANX! "Rule of Six" invoked . . .
Gotta get the Husky out before the rains begin again. Priorities, priorities! Catch y'all a bit later! Oh yeah, check out the festivities in the tent 'n picnic grounds. Looks like that balloon ride of Eric's has "taken off." Hmmmmm. Isn't it supposed to <grin>
Later!
Despite the kind offers of drinks this early hour I had better have a coffee and a bacon sarnie (on the house) or two please CINDY
For the 3rd anniversary of Our Place what great start with greetings from NICK, ALLAN, ERIC, DL, LARS and of course TOM.5X
Oh Dear I have just seen HELGA's costume for the day, just two large 3s, as in the top of Eric post, and nothing else, well I guess it covers the vitals but, will the sale of strong spirits go up when the track gang see her and BORIS has had two inflatable failures already.
Well I will catch up on the posts and be back, but I thought I would have a little 3rd Anniversary QUIZ.
Which City is this great station in.
In the original the booking window on the left has Pullman written above it..
Clue I believe 2 Amtrak trains call there today and a part of the station is used by a light rail system
For the Brits an easy station to guess. the Bride took this photo and it is one of our favorites
.
Back in a bit.
Good morning Captain Tom and all!!!
Cindy, glad to see you. Surprise me with your favorite drink! No, don't tell me.
The music is loud and it should be a day like today! Perfect weather and a lot of people.
DL – The best to you too!Tom – Didn’t you notice when I took the picture of you arriving to Our Place this morning? I guess you were partly still asleep. Follow the steel rails is the safe way to get where you want to go! Hope the rain in your area will stop today. Lars – Of course your name had to be included! Ruth insisted and who can say no to her??? Just because you can’t make it to this place everyday now doesn’t mean that you are forgotten in any way. There are things that are more important than Our Place and that is what is keeping you busy nowadays. We just hope to see you stop by once in while when you have the time to do it!Next drink is on me!Nice books, DVD and a most interesting Encyclopedia! I certainly would like to get hold of a copy of the encyclopedia. Pete – Oh, did Helga lose her costume? Too bad, I know she worked real hard to get it done in time for today!Too bad, but I really don’t know what Union Station it is. Light Rail? Denver? I know it isn’t Portland, OR.The British station? Just a wild guess, Waterloo?A classic place, Harpers Ferry.
Hello Pete 'n Eric! Great to see the two of ya, especially our Nocturnal One in the daylite!
Pete, looks like Denver to me . . . but admittedly it's been quite awhile since I've been there.
Eric, excellent Harper's Ferry shot! And of course I picked up on "me" at "Our" Place . . . thought I "covered" that in my laudatory comments about your innovative 'n clever work! But if you missed the intent - THANX for putting so much effort into everything festive for this fine day!
Be back later as well . . . Juneau's 2nd walk was brisk <temps dropping with a chance of snow flurries today!> What happened to spring Rain, rain go away - I'll take SNOW any time!
Hello All again!
Another one, Cindy!
Tom – No, I meant if you didn't notice the flash when I took the picture? Must have been blinding, it was a home made one. I guess all the smoke made it impossible for you to see me or anyone else. Boris mixed it in his shed late last night. You should see his lab! It is located behind his closet.
Snow or rain, I"ll take rain.
Kansas City Southern.
So it was YOU, Eric! Thought the brilliance on that day was from the radiant glow of Ruth's red hair! <grin>
What a BLAND looking caboose - don't care for the color. KCS should know better, eh But "vans" of any stripe are on my list of FAY-VOR-ITE-Sssssss>
Figured you'd prefer rain over snow . . . we were both born in the WRONG places.
Thanx for helping to make this joint "go" on our 3rd Year Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary again All!
Tom – I think you also like RPO cars, right? I know you have seen this one before, but it is worth a rerun.
A Burlington RPO. Atchison, KS.
I hope they will get this car fixed one day.
Born in the wrong place? Yes, I guess you are right. One day in snow is one day too many!
Cindy, this time I'll take a stein of Rheingold 'n one of those brats from the grill . . . <ummmm>
I've totally lost my 1st post today - have to go back to figure out what happened!
Looks like a bit of exchange going on 'tween Eric 'n Da Bossman today! That was the idea, huh Just need some MORE guys to belly up to the bAH to make it "work." C'mon . . . let's not let this day pass on without FULL participation. Remember, I'm still Senior Manager Emeritus (with an "in" to Vito the Hit's gang!) As ElmAH Fudd has been known to say, "Be vewwwwy cawwwwful . . . . "
Saw Pete was in too - 'n two from Dan over in the UK! Not bad, not bad . . .
Hey boyz! How about dropping off a little something on Cap'n Tom's OTHER THREAD I see he's extended the celebration over there too.
Another spate of "stuff" from the Larsman Mobile for Da Boyz on this festive day!
from Page 108, 09 Sep 2007 (dome interiors) - "Our" Place 2 . . .
California Zephyr obs dome bar lounge (courtesy: www.calzephyr.railfan.net - Public Domain)
California Zephyr - obs dome lower level lounge (courtesy: www.calzephyr.railfan.net - Public Domain - photo: Hedrich-Blessing)
California Zephyr - Pre 1960 obs dome lower level lounge (courtesy: www.calzephyr.railfan.net - Public Domain)
California Zephyr - Post 1960 obs dome lower level lounge (courtesy: www.calzephyr.railfan.net - Public Domain)
California Zephyr (from: www.trainweb.org)
Gotta get back out to the tent . . . Ruth awaits!
Friends!
Oh, Cindy, I need a ham sandwich. My stomach is empty.
Lars– stumbled in just behind my back and now he is out to the tent! Hmmm, really, the tent? With Ruth?
Nice photos of the inside of those dome cars!
Since I am here I'll post another photo of a Burlington car.
It also needs some rework. It is all a matter of money (and time).
Seeing as it is at Our Place I will have a beer, after all it is 5PM in England but a Holden's Mild please CINDY.
ERIC what great graphics in your post defiantly a 5X and let me get you your beers from the Carlsberg car. Tom and the mascots, magic and the gathering outside Our Place with Tom again keeping an eye on us. I guess it will be HILDA piloting the balloon flights but who is watching out for AWK's attacks. Good luck with the brunette.
The cars in the photo of the 87 electric loco is hauling are Mark 3 standard opens and are 75feet long and seat 72 passengers.
Although the headlight looks small it has a very powerful lamp inside it is surprising how effectual it is.
Yes I wonder if those Virgin watering bowls are still there after the station re-building, one of our friends has just retired from working on the station for many years, and I know the dogs would have clean water in the bowl for them.
No I think Helga has decided to save her costume for later.
You and Tom have got the station right. The Brit one is not Waterloo though thanks for having a go and the Harper's Ferry photo.
DL Glad you were able to get the 3rd volume of Tom Rolt's autobiography I bet the three volumes are a very good read. That sounds a good bookshop I have the booklet in the same series as the Western Region expresses on the London Midland ones.
I saw a Backtrack in here in mid Missouri although not near to us. I have given in and order a subscription (the bride does not know yet). Being a historical magazine it can be left aside and read later. There is a four part series on the development of the British diesel locomotives; Alan is kindly going to send me the first two when he as finished with them.
If you can great in more it will be great If you have sent me an-e-mail recently could you send it again please, as I think I have had a problem with it a while back.
LARS Always great to see you in and especially on our anniversary day. Many thanks for the kind words as you say, if the some of the UTBs turn up great but if not we have a very fine crew here 5X and your stool, and RUTH, will always be waiting for when you can call in the bar, for me.
Many thanks for the British covers from the Larsman Mobile. Allan will like the first one as it is a shed scene from Allan's native North East and the ELLIS book looks full of great information.
TOM Great graphics photos and very good words for the 3rd anniversary defiantly a 5X salute.
Yes the puter had me worried last night everything else worked but word locked up it would not let me save anything and it always seems to do it after nearly all the post had been completed, if my bar tab was not so large I would invest in a new puter, I may have to anyway. Yes as I said to Eric the station is Denver.
It is a lot different than last week, it was quite warm doing the yard work even put Maggie's coat on this morning to take her out on her walk.
Well Cindy let me get a round and I think a new roll is required for my bar tab. Back in a bit with a few photos..
Just caught Lars' Post then up popped Eric! Great - at least two of you are stickin' it out. Thanx! Gremlins at work even on our Anniversary. <geesh> Sorry 'bout that Larsman. Excellent interior dome shots in your last spate of fotos . . .
Nice looking corrugated metal passenger car from Eric . . . Budd made I presume. All it needs to make it purrrrrrfect is a DOME! Right, Lars Youbetcha!
I see Pete made it back too! I'll catch up on the reading a bit later on . . . but good to see ya! This ain't a day for much other than chit-chat ' fotos . . . otherwise we'll never get 'em read!
Food is free today . . . inside 'n out. So help yourself, Gents!
Gotta take a break from the 'puter for a bit . . . but as "AHnold" would say, "I'll be back!"
Hello again Tom - free food - I'll have to watch myself -I'll have a beer please
Lars - superb set of Zephyr pics - wouldn't you just like to join those folks! Nice to see you.
Pete - I thought we were talking about Denver Union Station (I was right) and York station in the UK - easy for me of course? Yes, I also have an LMR timetable from 1964. I'm trying to build up a selection of pre Beaching ones from the late 1950s early 1960s with maps included when I see them in good condition, 1 for each region. You have to pay about 10 quid each for a nice one! I copied you in on an e-mail to Tom, but you did not reply, so I did wonder if it had gone astray. I'll try and re-find it and send again. Nothing urgent in it.
Eric - nice to see you in so early in the day - nice pics too - esp those stainless cars!
I see we have 4 logged in at the same time - Cap'n, Pete, Eric 'n me. Still missing two in order to make this a daytime success. Figure Allan has done the best he can from "upside down land." <grin>
Figured you'd like those covAHs, Pete! And you SAW THEM before they somehow disappeared. I'll nevAH understand how these things happen. At least I know there are two of us who saw 'em . . . <dizzy> Gimme another belt of JD on the rocks willya Cindy
Just wanted to give it a "go" with the "real time stuff." Nice when we have it going, huh
Just caught ANOTHER post from Dan over in the UK! That makes FIVE of us on at once!! A "threesome" on a Saturday from Sherwood Forest's own! <triple wow> Great to see ya, mate. tup] Glad you enjoyed the Brit covAHs . . . why not, huh
Until the next time!
Lars
Time for a Holdens Bitter please CINDY.
I see I posted just before you TOM, a great turn out and the train crew have already had to do some switching to take the empty boxcars away and put full cars in the sidings behind the bar.
Great to see ERIC, LARS and Tom still in the bar with great photos as well and DL has called back in, greatYes York station with unmistakable roof
To keep the six photo rule I will do some photos in two lots.
Eric sorry about the quality of the photo but it is the only SJ photo I can find.
Lars.
Tom and a NYC locomotive
TOM
Back in a bit with some more.
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