"Our" Place <est 12 Apr 2005> Adults talking Classic Trains!

[trolleyboy]

Ah yes a bit of a busy night all of a sudden.With both the and the chief in. Thanks for the rounds gents,and I've sprung for at least one round tonight so we should be all well "preserved" by the end of the evening. Boris break out the rickshaw lad were gonna need it.

Tom-Wow lake Chesterfield eh Here's hopping that it doesn't end up in everyone's basements.I aggree with you about the interleague crap ,<grumble grumble etc> I can't say as I can ever get into roundball,just a sport that does not do it for me.I'll have a bucnh of new aircraft shots avaialble soon as we spent most of Staurday at the Candain Warplane Herritages fathers day weekend air display. They fly their own stuff and had a few speacial guests in.

Nick-Those are two more great shots sir,loved em both.Has Pete procured enough Helium to keep our airforce up and running I don't want to use the gas that Boris manufactures in his shed All right while I enjoy the various pints of beer in front of me lets drop a couple more photo's on you fine folks.

A shot of BC Rails RS18 609, this is one of the one's they rebuilt with caterpiller primemovers in the early to mid 80's . CN has purged all of these from the roster now,the last couple just went to the scrap heap last month.

Another of the cat repowerd RS18's

Another random shot, this is Go transit GP40-2W 700 seen with the original single level coaches before they were sold to the ONR. The six GP40's were sold to CN oce the first F59PH's arrived on the property.

enjoy

Rob

[trolleyboy]

Well good evening Leon.I'm in for a quick pint and a catch up.I had attempted to last night but the latest round of thunderstorms kept me at bay. At least they were normal thunderstorms and not the horrible ones like we had last week.So without further adieu how about a Rickard's red and around for the rest of the usual suspects.

Tom-Lots of neat stuff from you the last couple days ( daze] loved the UP info and today's covers and R3 shots. The more I see of the MOT and it's collection the more impressed I get Looks to be a nicley laid out facility.Nice cross section and selection of equipment,one gets just about a bit of everything.

Nice to hear that Fergie may soon be up and about the decks,hopefully his gardenning does not get too knocked about as alot of the bad storms we got headed out towards his neck of the woods.

Fine reminincances of Fred. Animals do mean so much to so many people.

Nick-I'm sorry to hear about the fine furred friend,never easy to deal with.

Lots of great photo's and comments from you the last couple days. As Lars said you have re-injected soem spice to the bar by the ballast All my ONR shots come from North Bay and it's imediate surroundings.I don't get up to Cochrane all that often ( who would awant to there are rednecks and then there are Northern Ontario rednecks )That shots a good dozen years old now having said that they don't seem to repaint anything in any sort of hurry.

That was a nice shot of the PGE you dug out today as well. If one of teh loco's in your shot is the same as the one at the musuem it will be the same locomotive,those units spent their entire lives on the PGE / BCR 

I like the looks of your garden shed. Seems to be a nice relaxing local for your endevours. I aggree with Tom though get as much dehumidifier time going as you can in there and if you can I would try to loose the steel rail as well ( your knuckles will thank you )

Looks like we ahve aquired an entire airforce of Zepplins ! Did H&H's family leave them a large inherritance or something,or has Boris been betting on the horse races again

Pete-I have to say that I missed the grafittee on that unit until it was mentioned by others then I went back for a second look.Those SD90's are indeed beasts. I can't say that I really find them attractive,but hey they are built in Canada so  don't complain.

Great shots of the German steam from Allan,facinating shots

CM3-As I said to Pete,I don't find those Big CP monsters particuarlly appealing, but they do have a rather unique sound.They have a much different sound than the last batch of EMD's,it's hard to describe but they all have a high pitch whine as well as the sounds one would normally hear from other newer EMD units.I've seen teh Pentrex cartier movie I think it's called the Iron Roads of Quebec or something similar. It deals with all the Northern Quebec and Labrador RR's. They were (Cartier) a Mecca for Alco Lovers.

Allan-Bad luck on the disappearing posts,but at least you still popped in to say howdy.Which speaks volumes sir

Lars-Wonderfull to see you in,espeacially seeing how it was father's day and I'm sure it was a busy one for you. Good to know that you guys had a good day with the kids I have to whiole heartedly aggree with you that this is the best gang that we have had here at our favourite watering hole.

A fine bunch of covah's from dalarsman's mobile as well

Back in a bit guys, have another round on me.

Rob

[siberianmo]

<from ExpoRail railway museum - personal foto>

 

G'day Gents!

I'm going to get a leg up on the acknowledgments in that the ‘morrow is chock full o' things to do ‘n places to go . . . also, we've got a huge problem at the bottom of our hill - water main has busted ‘n looks like the beginning of the 6^th Great Lake. <uh oh> Figured this will impact us - which it has already - no pressure at our Haus. Fortunately, we do have supplies of fresh water for drinking ‘n washing.  Living in these parts with the severity of storms - it pays to plan ahead.

So, lets get to it, shall we

 

 

Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative):

Monday - June 16^th <all times Central daylite>:

Page 40 - CM3 Shane <coalminer3> at 8:59 AM: Off to a good start when our Resident Coalminer keeps to his "slot"!

Watched the Celtics put away the Lakers in an unbelievable 2^nd half of game #4, then watched them nearly repeat it Sunday nite. Too much to ask, eh Back to BahStun where they should wrap it up. Hard for me to really get "into" this edition - actually I've drifted far away from round ball years ‘n years ago, but the lure of the name - Celtics - still "does it" for me.

Really detest this time of the baseball year - inter league play bothers me immensely. It's had a good run - now let's restore the independence of the league schedules ‘n get on with it. We're "stuck" with having to play KCity in TWO series - home ‘n away - year after year after year. There are more Cardinals fans who travel to KCity than they can muster up on their own. It's NOT a rivalry, but a contrived "thing" for TV brought on by sheer stupidity residing in the Commissioners' Office. <arrrrrrgggggghhhhh> Ask me how I really feel!!! Yeah, I know, - ring it Boris - drinks on the ‘steamed Proprietor! <censored> <mumble> <grumble>

Don't know if you caught my comments, but converting RDCs to coaches makes absolutely no sense to me. Someone has more money than brains, methinks. Good Gawd Gertie - those RDCs are chock full o' "things" designed to make ‘em RDCs - Rail Diesel Cars - independent motive power in other words. You'd think whoever decided to go that route wudda checked the availability of "standard" coaches needing a bit of TLC . . . to tear up RDCs for that purpose. <arrrrrrrrgggggghhhhh> I'm NOT having a good day!

You are correct, Sir - coupler springs are nightmarish - sproing goes the spring - then the hunt for ‘em. As for solder connections - well I've been using telephone wire connectors - just need a crimping tool ‘n they "work" really, really well. This I "discovered" after soldering 14 zillion pieces of wire together for the Can-Am HO layout - dripping ‘n dropping solder everywhere, including on Moi. The connectors are the way to go!

Appreciate your taking the time ‘n making the effort to kick off Monday with quarters for the juke ‘n a ROUND for the gang!

 

Page 40 - Pete <pwolfe> at 1:43 PM: Another loooooooong < I³ > Post <phew> - that must've taken awhile to compile. <grin>

No, I surely wouldn't have guessed that we'd be amassing Pages at the rate we have since "Our" Place III came into being - especially with so few contributors. And the switch to fotos rather than looooooooong narratives seems to have added to the "bulk" BUT enhanced the interest. Far more comments regarding fotos than with the latter, dontchathink I do!

Pub Club lounge has Pete ‘n Tom written all over it, eh Youbetch!

There's a U.S. brewer who has made a "name" in doing that which you described with smaller breweries. Bought up by the droves back in the 70s ‘n 80s - kept the labels - but the tastes are hardly what one would expect. I'll show you some of the cans in my "modest" collection <grin> when you come by next week - rather not list the name here - who knows where that would go, eh

Go ahead ‘n list the names of those locos - we haven't had a good <tweeting> in a long, long time. Just don't do it Twenty Fingers style, without coming up for air! <ugh>

Seems to me that 8 pints of brew went down rather freely when we last got together over at Lewis ‘n Clarks! <uh oh> We'll have to get ya into "training" at the TrainWreck next week, eh Looking forward to our end of the month get together ‘n of course the round trip to KCity aboard Amtrak's Mules . . . <KCity Mule westbound - St. Louis Mule eastbound>.

Many thanx for the early afternoon visit, especially on a Monday. Does help - but we're really back in the doldrums <again> with our GoR not operating on all cylinders lately. Hmmmmm.

As always, visit, chat ‘n ROUND very much appreciated! Drink up - Nick's Century Note still has many, many more in it!

 

Page 41 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 5:43 PM ‘n 7:23 PM <11:43 PM ‘n 1:23 AM Tuesday GMT>: Really a great time for you to visit the Watering Hole by the Wayside - begins our evening on a positive note! <cheers> <clink>

Congrats <again> on turning yet another Page - 41 this time! Hmmmm, let's see - ahhhhh yes, take one of those "passes" to Molly Throttlebottom's Massage, Hot Tub ‘n Whips, Chairs ‘n Whistles Emporium! Redeemable ONLY after mid-nite ‘n ONLY if able to hit one's caboose with both hands! <grin>

Really, really, really am hoping that your warranty "holds" for those expenses incurred with the kerosene problem.

Coors has become a behemoth, eh Why, I remember when they were dipping empty cans into those Colorado mountain streams ‘n . . . . <grin> I understand the premise - but stock holders apparently aren't satisfied with just "reasonable" returns - now it seems the profits must exceed, exceed, exceed . . . regardless of cost to whom ‘n what! <barf>

Appears at least two of us have seen through that Budd RDC conversion nonsense.

Three generations in one shot! Grandma looks healthy, happy ‘n in a hurry!

A fine mountain shot of some PGE power! <sweet>

I had NO idea the Zep fleet was so large ‘n dispersed to the corners of the world <as we know it!> Had to change out the water bed mattresses for those Swedish foam "jobs" - figured water at higher altitudes would cause problems - not to mention <shudders> when crawling into a cooooooooold sack! <yikes> Two belly buttons, indeed!

Appreciate the above ‘n beyond support for the place! Next ROUND is on me, Gents! Boris - ring the ding . . .

 

Page 41 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 8:18 PM <2:18 AM Tuesday GMT>: Back with to complete the trifecta! The man has unlimited stuff to share  . . .

Just caught your 3^rd when I put "up" my acknowledgments . . . so, let me get to it, eh

I KNOW the dehumidifier will help - has to. I've used ‘em for years until we sprung for a whole house unit. What a difference. Actually killed off any vestiges of mold ‘n mildew in what used to be a rather damp ‘n dank basement. No more. The portable units work fine for small spaces. And if you can do it, find a way to drain ‘em without having to empty the receptacles on a daily basis. Otherwise they keep on keeping on, if you follow my drift! And DRIFT you will with water, water everywhere . . . <yikes>

Good news regarding your lil' one . . . yes, kids have a way of handling things once the initial shock gets absorbed. Whereas we "adults" seem to beat ourselves into a "state" . . .

Can't really provide any comment regarding that "demonstrator" beauty, other than to say those are the original colors . . . And I too like that Erie-Lackawana <sweet> livery, fer sure, fer sure!

Something special about looooooong, winding freights in mountainous settings, eh Yourbetcha - and the presence of snow makes ‘em even better-er!

Many thanx for installment #3 of chat, pix ‘n drinks!

 

* * * * *     * * * * *     * * * * *

 

Tom

[nickinwestwales]

O.K-On the home staight now,Leon-keep em coming old thing-good man ! Now-where was I...?-Ah yes:- TOM-Oddly enough ,small Hannah has been the most pragmatic of all of us-Once we assured her that Muesli was up next to Willow cat in the garden,she was quite content-the resilience of children eh..... The de-humidifier idea is such an obvious one I am appalled I didn`t think of it (hey-where has the `stupid` icon gone ?? )-the worst aspect of ripping out the steel rail is that I will have to dis-mount a fair amount of the upper level boards to do it-no small undertaking,but as you so rightly suggest-if I am going to get any sort of reliable running the nettle must be firmly grasped-your recent experience with the CACSS will no doubt give a flavour of what I am looking at (insert the swear-words of your choice here)-still-No pain,no gain-can live with the excessive cleaning on the visible sections ( for now..)-its just the tunnel sections that take all the fun out of it............ SHANE-As you rightly point out-at least the house is still standing-although if anything untoward happens at either of the refineries or the new L.N.G plant down on the Haven,there is a good chance that this part of Pembrokeshire will become the new lake Baikal.....You will almost certainly see the smoke plume from your front porch.............. PETE-Yes indeed ,the old moggie had a good life here-she turned up,half starved,about 8 years ago -latest in a long line of waifs and strays-hey,what ya gonna do ?-go on then-theres a bowl of chow-sort yourself out with the other cats,see you all in the morning................ TOM-Nice one with Nostalgia #10-the faithful pup has a good eye for a decent book and the classic covers is an all-win spread American Gangster is actually on my list of movies to watch-am something of a fan of D.W (although less so of R.C ) PETE-A splendid euro-pic selection from Alan-assume the mirror on the platform in pic#6 is for the drivers benefit in some way ??...-Seeing the background in this set reminds me of how much forestry we have lost over here ... TOM-again-that D.M.I santa fe is a real beaut-the E.L S.D 45 looks very fine in those colours-am also a fan of the L&N grey/yellow scheme-interesting to speculate whether the G.M demonstrator was in those colours because they were popular or possibly the other way round...? img{}/img  img{}/img  Well here`s a couple of images from the wide open spaces to round out the evening-B.C rail & The Northern Alberta Rly See you all soon-be lucky

[nickinwestwales]

Well back again for more of the same-Leon,please do the honours again for these good people-and lets have a couple of snack platters as well please-looks to be quiet in the back bar tonight-the word is,the track gang are out fixing a `sprung` rail joint on the new subway system having been promised certain `considerations` in regard to their bar-tabs..... Just back from the Zeppelin field ,where work continues apace fitting out the `Draig Goch` for her trip down under,meanwhile the `Maple Leaf` is in the hanger for a full service,the `Pride of Missouri` has just radioed in that she is over the coast of Co Cork and the `Arizona Desert Queen` is nearly ready for her maiden voyage........ So -back to the posts- ROB-that Cartier Alco looks an interesting beast-seems to have a very long low hood-or is that just camera angle ??,the S.D 90 is a pure brute and I love that P.G.E livery-here is some more of the same:- img{}/img Wonder if it`s the same engine ?? -interesting to note that they used them long hood forward-always look `right` to me with Alcos-rather more than G.M`s TOM-Lovely header pic from expo-rail-class act -also fine new tunes for Herr Wurlitzer-sure I could play some of them... ALLAN-A bit of a result for youse guys in the rugby-fair play,you showed us the way home-cant argue with it-suspect the juniors are gonna do the same with Wales next week-although the post match brawl with the French gave grounds for some optimism.........-Hope you get on top of the pasting thing-I tend to write straight to the forum and cut it into short posts-mostly through lack of technical expertise and lack of Word on our `ware package ERIC-Wild pix from the suspension bridge-makes me feel vertiginous just looking at them Also a real cutie MOPAC Alco-love the colours,the old time Bud box car also a treat-V.Nice Interesting pix of the R.D.C-as noted -why tear them apart when ordinary cars are available-unless someone has the `innards` squirreled away somewhere and wanted the shells saved-we shall never know.... Glad you like our garden-it is located several metres above and behind the cottage with a pleasant south facing aspect and a lovely view across the valley-as well as plenty of lawn for the wee monkey and her little pals it also has a decent veg patch and pear & plum trees -soil is incredibly rich and keeps us in beans,carrots,onions,lettuce,radishes,beets,zuccini,toms plus strawberries,raspberries,gooseberries,blueberries and blackcurrants for a good part of each year  Right-gonna post before I lose-back in a bit

[nickinwestwales]

Well good evening fellow tipplers-hope all is well around these parts -Am in somewhat better mood tonight -Thanks to all for kind and generous words,a great comfort  -Leon -I would buy a round but it looks like I already did-several times over-forgot the difference in bar prices and was thinking in `Brit` price terms.....well-enjoy !!!!!,you are all most welcome. Have spent a busy day working the phone,having received a bill from the oil tank people this a.m. to the tune of $1300-now have to find out where to off-load it-appears the warranty situation may be rather more fluid than it seemed.....hmmmmm Right-am going to press on from where I left off last night,which was :- TOM-Museum pix-the E2 is a fabulous looking machine,the SRD is cute and the Army 1149 ....well-it appears to have been designed by a committee to my jaundiced eye Whilst I am with you,-I fully agree with PETE about your early morning post-fine thoughts ,well put -appreciate the time taken Skipper.. PETE-Will look out the Paignton `Scotsman` pix-although my memory is that they are not my best work by any means....Lydham Manor was the duty turn on our visit last summer-here she is at Paignton with 3 generations of my nearest and dearest in the foreground img{}/img As to pints & litres-I was always taught-a litre of water`s a pint and three quarters-gives roughly the same `5 will get you 8` ratio as miles & klicks A good job on the Westerns description-a design I have warmed to over time,I thought desert sand & maroon both worked well on them R.E brewery takeovers,as I understand it,Coors now own the whole of Britain,not just the pubs and are currently in negotiations with U2 for the franchise to run Ireland..... Also spotted that graffitti on the `37 but couldn`t get the resolution to read it all-good to see the spirit of free thought alive and well   ROB-More tasty tidbits from your corner-A very rare pairing of an O.N.R `chevron` geep with a `development road` van-where did you catch that one ????? Right-gonna post this and catch up on the next page-back in a bit

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

Can ALWAYS count on Wolfman to READ the words! Not only a testament to how he regards those of us who CONTRIBUATE 'round this joint, but sez a lot about his approach to being a customer in good standing at "Our" Place! Cheers to Pete! <clink> That ROUND was on Nick 'n the Century Note he left with us . . . <swg> Wonder if he realized it was a POUND note in lieu of DOLLARS Our gain, eh

Spent about an hour or more chatting with Fergie by fone this fine day . . . he's doing well, lots of gardening <his passion alongside model railroading!> Anyway, maybe we'll see him "pop" by . . . hope so. Said he's viewed the fotos, but out at sea the loading process takes forever. That coupled with 2-hour windows for the satellite use really puts a crimp in participation. I didn't bug him about <aboot for Rob> what's the problem now that he's ashore! <grin>

Sooooooooo, time for another installment of Rendezvous fotos . . . seemingly an endless supply, eh

 

 

Continuing on with Rendezvous III fotos . . . Rule of Six suspended <by one!>

NOTE: Day Three at the St. Louis Museum of Transportation <MoT, Kirkwood> . . .

"Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous III - St. Louis, MO 2008 - Day Three

(163) Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range #502 Santa Fe 2-10-2 <built in 1916 by Baldwin>

(164)

(165)

(166) Erie-Lackawana SD-45 #3607 <built in 1947 by EMD>

(167)

(168) GM FTA #103 <built in 1939 by EMC>

(169)

* * * * *     * * * * *     * * * * *

More to follow  . . .  

Tom

 

 

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

I see you are all smiles again RUTH with the prospect of another weekend away with the Larsman. The usual for me please

ROB Congratulations on turning page 40 at the bar.

Many thanks for the great photos. I noticed the fine looking Waterloo And St Jacobs # 6520 carried a name and I always enjoy railway scenes in the snow. The CP livery seems to give the SD90s a look of power, I think.

Thinking about the grimy class 37 in my photo, it could have the time when the Gateshead(across the river from Newcastle) loco washing plant was out of commission, owing the building of the Tyne and Wear Metro system. Looking at the photo again I noticed that someonre as written "I hate Tractors" (a nickname for the 37 class) in the dirt on the loco.

NICK. It was good you had a magical night with the band before the real bad time at the weekend with the kerosene tank; real glad that has been sorted out.

I was real sorry to read about the old Museli cat it is indeed very sad and hard time to lose a family pet, but I am sure she a good life while she was with you and the family.

I wonder how long it will be before some BR locomotives or units are named after TV characters. I must admit when I first saw 50021 named Rodney, which funny enough was a long time after it was named, I wondered if it had a classmate named Rwupert as Rwodney and Rwupert featured in the Monty Python Film at the time.

ALLAN Isn't modern technology great some times. I too have had a fair share of lost posts although I must admit nowhere near as many now that I use word. On one in the now rare occasions I have lost a post transferring from word to the forum was when I put a URL link in the word and when I transferred it all I got was the link and the rest disappeared. I now do the words on word transfer them and add the URLs and photos on the forum.

I though at one point England was going to get a real hiding against the All Blacks although a defeat it could have been a lot worse.

ERIC Hope you had a great time seeing the BNSF power with some good photos.

Many thanks for the photos and the URL on the Royal Gorge Bridge. I see it has not only the Worlds Highest Suspension Bridge but also the Worlds Steepest Incline Railway.Many thanks as well for the photos at the MOT at Kirkwood, I like the Missouri Pacific livery on # 4502 it looks a lot like the D&H livery to me.

Yes I'm afraid 8 pints of beer now would have me feeling a bit poorly.

Thanks for the kind words on the photos, yes the 37 does look as though she has put in a lot of work after her last wash, but some of the steam locos in their last days on BR were in far worst condition.

Less yard work does sound attractive but I don't think I do so well in 100+ temperatures.

Glad you enjoyed Alan's photos and you knew where they were taken. I have a few more and the film in Alan's camera is anther European visit.

Many thanks for the photo of #403 and the B&M roster.

LARS A good and pleasant surprise to see you in the Bar We sure do miss you and a visit sure does the bar a world of good.

Many thanks for the kind words. Yes when I look back to my early days at the bar I knew very little about computers and would have been amazed at what I have learnt like posting and scanning photos, with Eric's help I hope to get full use out of the scanner. I have to admit now, if I had to choose between having just a computer or the TV, I would pick the computer.

Great NYC book covers from the Larsman Mobile.

Very much looking forward to your next visit to the bar when you can make it in.

CM3 Glad you enjoyed the photos.

Yes I guess the Great Western tradition lasted longer than most. From 1835 up to Nationalization in 1948 and even well in to BR days. Unlike the other railways, the Big Four grouping of 1923 did not affect the GW, as really they just took over the lines in their territory in South and Mid Wales. Even their locomotives did not to change numbers in BR days.

It is probably best if I do not list the ‘Western' Names' as I am sure to get ‘Tweeted' and BORIS's shed is in a state again.     

TOM I wonder if we thought we would be on Page 40 of Our Place III and approaching 800 replies by the middle of June when the bar was reopened.

Looks like some great tunes added to Herr Wurlitzer.

It does seem the Busch possible takeover has caused a lot of concern. As perhaps you recall DL and I have discussed how the brewing industry has changed in the UK, with a lot of the smaller, but long established, breweries being taken over by a big company. The worst thing being in, a lot of them, the big company as closed the smaller firm's brewery with the loss of the unique beers it used to make, sometimes using the small breweries names on beer which is nothing like the original, then expecting the beer drinker not to know the difference.

On a happier note it will be good to see photos of the new signs in the Can-Am train room and the 3^rd rail on the CACSS is making good progress. I am looking forward to my visit.

Many thanks for the Passenger Train Nostalgia on the Union Pacific City of Denver from 1956. I was thinking the eastbound train took over an hour longer than the westbound until I realized the time difference. I think if we could have traveled on it we would have had to try Pullman ‘The Pub' club lounge.

Juneau certainly knows how to pick gifts for Father's Day.

Glad you enjoyed Alan's photos, I have a few more German ones, and then steam in England and Scotland.

Two very different films on at the Emporium this week. American Gangster sounds a good movie I have not seen and The Pride of the Yankees about Lou Gehrig is a movie I would like to see again. Then, of course the Stooges. 

May I say that I thought your early morning post today was very special with a lot of very wise words in it 5X. I do hope everyone takes time to read them.

Great to see the Railroad Magazine covers again. Seeing the great artwork on them I was trying to think when there was a painting on the cover of a railway magazine in the UK as well as over here last. It seems railway art is not featured much in magazines nowadays.

Well RUTH it seems as my post as got a bit long again so a round please, while I load some more photos.

Pete.

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

Off to a good start with our Resident WVA Connection returning to his "slot"! Yeah, GO CELTICS. Hmmmmm, always wondered why it's pronounced differently on this side of the pond. Keltics, eh

Not knowing when we'll see the return of our regulars, after a long weekend break <which is why I'm beginning to DETEST Mondays 'round here!> figured I'd put this "up" then go about doing other things . . . Oh how I miss the Larsman. <groan>

Anyway, something from other times 'n Pages . . .

 

Now Arriving on Track #1

A Nickel's Worth of Classic Covers!

Number Four

< Initially Posted on 27 Nov 2007, Page 145 - "Our" Place II">

 

Caveat: Use of the images presented is made under the provisions of Public Domain. There is no intent to profit or otherwise benefit from the display of these images except for personal pleasure.

 

(1) RR Magazine - 1946 - The Circus on the Tracks

 

(2) RR Magazine - 1950 - Traveling

 

(3) RR Magazine - 1954 - Railroads of the Twin Cities

 

(4) RR Magazine - 1942 - Freight Through the Wilderness

 

(5) RR Magazine - 1949 - Through the Storm

* * * * *     * * * * *     * * * * *

 

Enjoy!

Tom

 

 

[coalminer3]

Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.  Sunny here so far today with possible "end of civilization as we know it" forecast for later (maybe, possibly0 IOW, pick which forecast you like best.  Had an interesting few days watching the Red Sox have their way with the Cincinnatis.  We pick up the Cincinnati feed on our cable.  Will get to the Towne Team against the Philadelphias this evening on ESPN.   Celtics did not have enough in the tank last night, but they did win one in LA which was a necessity.  Let's go home and close it out in six. 

Pete - Great Western?  I figured there had to be some sort of tradition involved.  Thanks for the information; I'll pass on the name list for now.  I enjoyed the pictures of York and also the ones that Alan sent along for posting.  Incidentally you can do frequent trips between Springfield and New Haven; the problem, "dear Brutus," is getting from Boston to Springfield.  Note to OSP; Boston and Albany "Beeliners" (their name for Budd cars) held down this end of things early on.   

Rob - Scrap values were good.  The ironic part about this is that a lot of PRR material was squirreled away at Northumberland.  Cartier units - good one.  IIRC, Pentrex did a video on them yrs ago - it's somewhere in the east wing.  That CP is one nasty looking piece of equipment - form does not follow function for certain! 

Nick - Condolences from our side on your loss - we lost a valued member of the K9 Korps about a year go.  At least your house is still standing.

Lars - Good to hear from you.  Thanks for the kind words and the NYC items.

Eric - The Boise Budds (no Boris, they're not frozen potatoes!)  You can turn an RDC into a coach but you can't disguise its ancestry - look at that roof line.  We never did get into that set of materials in the B&M items I brought along - oh well.  Incidentally temps are supposed to be in the low 50s here after the next round of cold fronts goes through.  I heard you folks were around 111 yesterday.  That's warm; dry or not.

OSP has been in with a plethora of offerings (I know Awk, a lot of stuff, too).  Good music titles.  I must say that Juneau was very thoughtful.  Both of those New Haven books are good ones.  We ran the table with a couple of David Lean-directed DVDs of recently restored moves; Lawrence of Arabia (on my short list of all-time greats) and Bridge on the River Kwai.  Well, I'm going to get my Theatuh togs on and head out to see the latest offerings at the Emporium.  BTW, the only things on a layout that act crazier are coupler springs and soldered joints which can get interesting sometimes.  Glad the work on the subway progresses.  Also thanks for the updates.

Work safe

 

[siberianmo]

<VIA Rail's Evangeline Park car at Halifax station - personal foto>

 

A smile to begin the week!

When asked if Joe DiMaggioi was fast, Yogi said, "No, he just got there in time."

<A Yogi-ism!>

 

G'day Gents!

A new week at the Tavern by the Tracks - good time to fill up your coffee mug, grab a few pastries ‘n if you're up to it - order a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board! Whatcha waiting for

 

Comments from the Proprietor

PLEASE drop off at least one foto over on "my other Thread" if you notice inactivity for long periods of time - otherwise it's time to shut 'er down.

 

* * * * *     * * * * *     * * * * *

Keeping track!

216 fotos from my 2008 Canada Rail Odyssey . . . the end!

162 fotos from Rendezvous III

. . . more to follow!

* * * * *     * * * * *     * * * * *

 

 

Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative):

Sunday - June 15^th <all times Central daylite>:

Page 40 - Lars <LoveDomes> at 10:51 AM: What a pleasant surprise to have our Manager Emeritus drop by on Father's Day!

You said in your Email that you'd try to visit before the month ended ‘and you did!

Things ‘round here have been rather unusual - nicely so, but still unusual. We don't have the "periphery guys" anymore - all gone ‘n we're operating with our GoR . . . which is fine for as long as it lasts.

Always enjoy the book covers, especially when they are of the railroads of my younger days <daze>! Nice selection, Mate!

Another long weekend for Ruth No problem-o, for things ‘round here are really slow during daylite - especially morning ‘n early afternoon. I'm trying to NOT put anything "up" ‘til at least one guy stops by - what's the point, eh Too much talking to myself. Anyway, all she needs to do is submit her request . . . Energizer Bunny, eh Better watch it - you KNOW what bunnies "do" . . . <yikes>

Many thanx for the surprise visit!

 

 

Page 40 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 5:51 PM ‘n 8:31 PM <11:51 PM Sunday ‘n 2:31 AM Monday GMT>: A two-fer from our Resident Londoner in Wales - surely keeping the forward momentum here at the Bar by the Ballast!

Whilst amongst friends <which you are> I see no breaking of the "rules" when it comes to sharing a bit of day-to-day set backs with us. That's not what the "emotional baggage" deals with - or at least I didn't think so. Nope - the AH JOs who from time-to-time display their ignorance ‘round here are the point of that rule!

A good thing that you were able to get on top of the kerosene situation - cudda been a disaster fer sure, fer sure. And thank the Lawd for warranties, eh

There is NO pain worse than that felt when a loved one passes on to the next threshold - NONE. It's a pain so intense, so overwhelming, so all-encompassing that getting a kick in the "ball bearings" would be mild in comparison. When our most beloved friend - Fred the long-haired Siberian Husky was put to rest 5 years ago, it was as if a huge part of our collective love was ripped from us. He lived 16 years ‘n 2 months - suffered a stroke ‘n had a rough several hours before we could have the pain eased for him. Still brings tears . . . Our understanding to you, Missinick ‘n your lil' one, who I suspect is having difficulty with this fer sure, fer sure. . . <sad>

BUT here's the good part - we still celebrate Fred's life with us! Yeah- so many smiles, so many, many warm ‘n wonderful memories. Here's to your 4-legged feline! <clink>

All kinds of things to digest in your two-fer . . . beginning of course with your positive comments on the Larsman ‘n our friend Bud Karr ‘n Lydia. Life is cruel - and anyone who thinks otherwise is a dreamer . . . just have to try ‘n grab the brass ring when it comes ‘round . . . some never have the opportunity. As if any of us can <or could>control where we were born - or when - or to whom - or our color - or whether we're short or tall - ravishingly attractive or simply human And it goes on . . . Yeah, life is cruel - or maybe it's the people on this globe who are. Hmmmmm.

A brief interruption as I type this - Juneau has emerged! Yeah, he's yawning, stretching ‘n making his most special sounds that come from this loveable creature each morning. Really fun to have him with us! He has his routine ‘n we best react accordingly! No doubt <doot for Rob> who's boss - not a one! <grin>

Now, where was I Oh yeah . . . A century note! Best have that one put in a special place - don't see too many of ‘em ‘round these parts! Vito the Hit has "control" on the big bucks through his interests in Mentor Village's 2^nd National Bank ‘n Cement Shoe Company! <uh oh>

Most interesting description <'n foto> of the situation regarding your train shed. Hmmmm, guess there's one thing I'd do fer sure, fer sure. And that is run a dehumidifier <or two> in order to extract as much of the airborne water vapor as possible. That's a sure killer for model railroads - but you know that. Yeah, I think ripping up the steel rails probably will have to occur . . . I'm sure you detest the thought of it. But consider this: you'll LUV the results!

Nice shot of the shed - which I seem to recall being on one of your earlier submissions at "Our" Place I, c'est vrai

And speaking of pins vs glue - I experienced my first repair beneath Can-Am City when a rail joiner popped up on the CACCS in a most inaccessible place. Have no idea how it happened, for everything was glued fast, but it did. What an exercise in trying to get things restored to normal. That <censored> glue I used is good stuff! <yikes> But, all ended well . . . a few abrasions on Moi - more than a few sailor words . . . but things are back to the way they should be. <grin>

Only thing I can offer regarding AB is that if you lived ‘round these parts, you'd appreciate all they do for community. Insofar as board room ‘n marketing decisions on a global scale, methinks those "wars" will be waged for as long as there are companies in competition. Yeah, I've tried to follow the "flap" over the name Budweiser - can really see both sides of it. After all, how many are named "Nick" in this world <grin>

Looks as if my attempt at an early morning catch-up is passing me by - just returned from Juneau's 1^st walk of the day <phew> - a brisk mile ‘n a half, fer sure, fer sure! Anyway - many thanx for the great chat ‘n taking the time to share some thoughts with us! ROUNDS on Sir Nick for the remainder of the next couple of days <daze>!

 

 

Page 40- Eric <EricX2000> at 9:11 PM: A Sunday visit ‘n a fine < I³ > Post at that!

You may be interested to know that I've completed the construction 'n installation of the 3rd rail for the CACSS! Looks great, if I do say so myself . . . Yeah, I'll get some fotos out - but not right away, still have other details to work on.

Since I've been a bit on the introspective side this AM, let me say this about winter. It's not that I enjoy slippin' ‘n slidin' on ice ‘n snow or freezing my patoot to the bone - nope, not at all. However, some of my best memories of good times have snow in the background. Winter was ‘n is my best time of year IF that is it has snow, not slush - not ice - not slop - but good ole fashioned SNOW! Anyway, I've NEVER handled heat very well - just makes me more irritable than normal <grin> - really, really gets to me. I'm sapped before taking my first step - been that way since childhood. Deserts with the "dry heat" or sweltering in this hot, hot, humid, humid zone - doesn't matter - heat is a killer for people like Moi. Bring on the winter!

Yeah, the Plymouth Satellite wagon was a fun thing for the kids - had a 3^rd seating facing backwards - so there was always a "fight" for who got to sit in it. Needless to say, the oldest son won out! <grin> Really a good car for that time in my life . . .

Somewhere in my memory banks I recall a roomette where one could unfold the beds without going into the passageway - was aboard the Crescent en route New York City from Mobile, AL - back in 1951. Long time ago . . . those roomettes in the Budd cars that VIA Rail operates are tight, but not bad for a guy my size. Would be rather interesting for the larger amongst us . . .

Nice link on the B&M inventory - I do believe I've checked it out before - probably something CM3 Shane dropped on us many moons ago. Thanx! Always enjoy looking at RDC info . . . HOWEVER, it breaks my heart to see that someone went to the expense of converting RDCs to plain coaches. I don't understand it - for surely there were <and are> plenty of coaches "out there" waiting for refurbishment. An RDC is a horse of a different color, fer sure, fer sure. To think that someone actually thought it to be cost effective to remove all the mechanisms for self-propulsion, cooling 'n heating, etc. just boggles the mind. More money than brains, methinks.

Many thanx for the visit ‘n chat ‘n spate of fotos!

 

* * * * *     * * * * *     * * * * *

 

 

Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.

Thursday is Fish ‘ Chips Nite!

Friday is Pizza ‘n Beer Nite! - and - Steak ‘n Fries Nite!

Saturday is Steak ‘n All The Trimmings Nite!

 

Dinner begins at 5 PM so come early ‘n often!

Cindy is our Saturday bartender!

Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!

 

Tom

 

[EricX2000]

Let's see where it is, I don't know why I having a hard time finding this mail slot every time I need to. But here it is!

Tom –  Plymouth Satellite? My first wife had an uncle who had one, a good size car!

I think we should make sure the Budweiser car is placed on the siding next to Our Place! Loaded!

I am sure you are right about the speculators and the oil/gas price.

The Grinch lives in Phoenix? I didn’t know that. Me? No no, no. But it would not change my opinion about snow. I’ve had too much of it in my life, so I don’t want it any more. Way too much snow and ice! Way too much!

City of Denver, an almost perfect night train! Leaving in the afternoon and arriving not too early the following morning! In other words, a perfect night for sleep after a good dinner. It was also possible to lower and raise the bed in the romettes without stepping out in the corridor!

Two good book covers! I would love to have both of them.

Another visit to the Emporium this week. Have to see the two movies picked for this week, plus the short one, Three Stooges.

Pete –  Hope the yard work went well. If you move to Phoenix you can have desert landscaping and the yard work will decrease to a very minimum!

Typical German locomotives in Allan’s pictures! Katzhütte is located in Thüringen in southeast Germany. Thanks to Allan! Interesting picutres!

Allan –  You should send a nasty email to Bill Gates about Word! I’ll be happy to help you.

Hope things will change for the better soon! Thanks for the Tui!

Lars –  Good to see you again, our Senior Manager Emeritus!! Hope you had a very good Father’s Day. It obviously started right!

You wonder what keeps me busy these days? I thought you would know, you are retired so you know that after retirement the speed of time increases 25X (or just about). There is not time enough. That is what Ruth told me, that extended weekend was way too short, she said! Way too short!

You certainly picked a good sixpack of book covers today! I guess the last one is for Captain Tom, New York Central, St. Louis to New York City! That is basically his life in short! But the other way around.

Nick –  Sorry to hear the news about the old Muesli cat, but he/she is now in the best of places for a cat, cat heaven, from where she will keep an eye on you. I’ve been through that and it is hard, but she is in no pain or misery any more.

Glad that the leak was discovered before something bad happened.

I like your garden! Apple tree and other trees, a nice green lawn and an interesting shed in the background!

Looking forward to your layout details and loco photos!


Yesterday a friend and I went on a trip to northern Arizona. We stopped in Wlliams for a visit to the Grand Canyon Railway. Discovered some strange looking passenger cars on a track. My friend saw right away that it was four RDC’s converted to regular passenger cars! The one in my photos is marked #403. I did some research and found this info in the Boston & Maine All-Time Diesel locomotive and RDC Roster.

http://home.comcast.net/~railimages/bmros2.htm

6113 RDC1      BUDD 6108     4/55 Sold to the MBTA in 12/76.  Rebuilt
                                        to an unpowered "Boise Budd" by M-K
                                        in 6/82 and numbered #403.

I don't know, but believe this is the #403 below.

#403.

The vestibule.

 

The front.

 

 

Eric

 

[nickinwestwales]

Right-back again with the party face on-lets have a look at catching up to the end of the previous page-Can`t really get a round in as we are closed,but I guess a century note should cover breakfasts,light lunches,mid afternoon snacks and early evening dust-cutters for all of the company-if not ,make a note and I will square it away when I get back O.K-Sort of a Brit `in joke` for PETE:- if 50021 is called Rodney,what nos are assigned to Del-boy,Trigger & Uncle Albert............ TOM-Two Bud notes before I start-1st, Glad to hear that our good friend BUD KARR is not letting the grass grow under his feet-A good man who fate has treated cruelly-LYDIA is much missed,even by us who barely knew her.....Thoughts are with him 2nd-The A.B empire-two sides to every story,whilst I don`t doubt they are well regarded in your home town for good works,elsewhere around the globe (especially in the Czech republic ) they rank between Stalin & Syphillis on the popularity ladder -can go into detail on the back channel if you are interested (chapter & verse...) Now-to business:-Appreciate the links for track cleaners-nice one mate -I suspect the best way to go is in fact to bite the bullet and rip out all the steel sectional track and replace it with yard lengths of nickel silver flexi-thus reducing the number of rail joiners as well-there is really no point in wasting what little modelling time I have scratching away at rusty track-plain track should be within the budget and the turnouts I inherited from Alan are calling out to be used -I feel a major offensive coming on-partly `cos at my last B/day Missisnick refused to buy me any more stock " Cos the stuff you have isn`t getting used" -a very fair point it must be said.......Indeed ,recent correspondance has caused me to consult the stock lists and I find I have (European Division) 34 locos,64 coaches,151 wagons (N.American division ) 22 locos,13 coaches,91 freight-an absurd volume of stock to have gathering dust when a layout is available ........ As to weatherproofing the train shed-I take your thoughts once again,however ,I am not sure how much I can do with it-have put an insulating layer of polystyrene sheets under the zinc sheet roof,which has done much to stop the condensation dripping down,the basic shell is 6x1 planks over which I have layed an offset  second layer,with a skin of hardboard (Masonite ? ) tacked onto the inside of the framework-given the high local rainfall and consequent humidity,I suspect this is the best I can hope for-until small Hannah is of an age to branch out on her own and I can claim her room back........ img{}/img Here is a shot of the garden with the train shed at the end-that area has since aquired decking,extra seats and a barbie grill-railway backscenes are visible in the windows R.E the Can-Am-Have always been a fan of pins rather than glue although I have trashed more than my fair share of trak trying to pull out pins that have `settled` into overly dense baseboard material-I guess there is a no-win aspect to this-it grieves me that I have a big box of set-trak components that are far to rusted and damaged to be used but that have been with me since I was a wee lad-excessive sentiment was ever my enemy........... ROB- Glad you enjoyed the SOB review-you would also enjoy Uncle Fester-one of the few people I know who has a darker sense of humour than me-(an evil s*d) Big thanks for the tip R.E C.D.S decals-am needing a big envelope full-will get straight on the case -some more fine pix from north( west) of the border-from where I am sitting ERIC-glad you enjoyed the layout details-will have more on operations next wednesday-also detail on Swiss & French Engines-just to settle things.... TOM-Would love to have 5 minutes alone with the Chrysler CEO just now...........in a locked room..please  As to ROBS girl-I suspect she was just short for her width--M.E.S.S cars -I seem to remember a pic of you being presented with them....... SHANE-Now am I the only one that can see the irony in SHANE asking about Westerns .....??????? O.K guys-I think I have had my fill for the night,I promise to catch up with the rest as soon as may be-sleep well-enjoy your day,take care

[nickinwestwales]

Well-A Very happy fathers day to one and all,regardless of parental status,-and a double delight to share an all-to-brief visit with the LARSMAN-you`ve put a shine on the day my friend-thank you for the kind words,hope you may be able to enjoy the same rennaissence at the best bar this side of the firewall-Best regards to you and yours-be assured,there is a lot of positive thought beaming it`s way to you all...    P.S- great to see the N.Y.C back on the radar

Well-as is my custom,I`m gonna sit quietly in a corner and take a brew or three-quite frankly,I need it-realised in advance that today was gonna be a difficult one (Missisnicks first without Alan ) but as it turned out,events overtook even that long shadow with a sort of fri 13th inexorability-to start with,we have been smelling kerosene fumes around the place for a couple of weeks-had Glyn the genial boiler man call by to take a look-eventually traced it to a split in the storage tank-which is tucked away almost inaccessably at the back of the cottage,right under our bedrooms-and currently contains 1200 litres of expensive ($1.20 per lt) and more importantly,volatile, juice....Several frantic phone-calls later and a couple of likely lads turn up-they are shown the installation in question,much swearing and muttering ensues (in Welsh-one of the great swearing languages...) -more phone calls and 2 more,even bigger, laddos arrive-fully kitted:-holding tanks,replacement tank,pumps and hoses and 3`x 2`concrete slabs are all ferried in across several adjacent gardens with a degree of haste that I found somewhat un-nerving.

Happily,this part of the tale ends well-all was speedily resolved,the tank was still under warranty so someone else is picking up the tab and I had enough cash to be able to send them all off with a good drink each..

The next part is rather less happy-old Muesli cat,after fading for several days ,has now joined the ancestors-the vet was the very embodiment of kindness & quiet sympathy but was a deeply difficult and gruelling afternoon,as you who have been there all know...........

So-There is the emotional baggage that I should have left at the door--never trust a weekend that starts with fri 13th-still,at least the gig went well (What did you think of the play Mrs Lincoln and all that........)

Just gonna pop out back and throw things at Boris for a few minutes,then attend to some post

  

[siberianmo]

"Our" Place is CLOSED on SUNDAYs

 

G'day Gents!

A surprise visit on this Sunday from our friend 'n Manager Emeritus, the Larsman!  

Time again for our weekly feature . . . .

Starting TODAY at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!

 

. . . June 15^th thru 21^st: American Gangster <2007> Starring: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin & Carla Gugino  - and - ENCORE Presentation of The Pride of The Yankees <1943> Starring: Gary Cooper, Teresa Wright, Babe Ruth, Walter Brennan, Dan Duryea. SHORT - The Three Stooges: All Gummed Up <1947>.

<Note: The Pride of the Yankees first shown on Sunday April 22^nd thru 28^th>

 

American Gangster <2007>

PLOT SUMMARY:

Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Brian Grazer and Ridley Scott team to tell the true juggernaut success story of a cult figure from the streets of 1970s Harlem in American Gangster. Nobody used to notice Frank Lucas, the quiet driver to one of the inner city's leading black crime bosses. But when his boss suddenly dies, Frank exploits the opening in the power structure to build his own empire and create his own version of the American Dream. Through ingenuity and a strict business ethic, he comes to rule the inner-city drug trade, flooding the streets with a purer product at a better price. Lucas outplays all of the leading crime syndicates and becomes not only one of the city's mainline corrupters, but part of its circle of legit civic superstars. Richie Roberts is an outcast cop close enough to the streets to feel a shift of control in the drug underworld. Roberts believes someone is climbing the rungs above the known Mafia families and starts to suspect that a black power player has come from nowhere to dominate the scene. Both Lucas and Roberts share a rigorous ethical code that sets them apart from their own colleagues, making them lone figures on opposite sides of the law. The destinies of these two men will become intertwined as they approach a confrontation where only one of them can come out on top. Washington (Training Day) and Crowe (Gladiator) lead a spectacular cast of accomplished and rising stars--Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Josh Brolin, Ted Levine, Armand Assante, John Ortiz, John Hawkes, RZA, Common and T.I.--in this blistering tale of a true American entrepreneur.

<from: rottentomatoes.com>

 

The Pride of the Yankees <1947>

PLOT SUMMARY:

His talent made him a legend. His courage made him a hero. Gary Cooper is nothing short of wonderful (The Motion Picture Guide) in this moving true story of Lou Gehrig, the Hall-of-Fame ballplayer who reached the heights of stardom only to face tragedy with a dignity that inspired a nation. Nominated* for eleven Academy Awards(r), including Best Picture, The Pride of the Yankees is a glorious [and] inspiring (The Hollywood Reporter) sports classic. Lou Gehrig's boyhood dreams come true when he signs on with the New York Yankees and takes the field alongside his idol, Babe Ruth. In fact, Lou considers himself 'the luckiest man in the world until unthinkable misfortune strikes, and he must summon all his courage to face his toughest battle yet. 

<from: amazon.com>

 

SHORT: The Three Stooges - All Gummed Up (1947)

PLOT SUMMARY:

The Stooges are owners of the Cut Throat Drug Store, but their crabby old landlord, Amos Flint, wants them out after 10 years because he made a better deal with the Pinch Penny Market. Flint's wife shows up while he's telling the Stooges, and he dumps her because she's gotten old. The boys take her in, and Shemp gets the brilliant idea to invent a Fountain of Youth to make old people young again. And, beyond all expectation, they actually succeed, making Mrs. Flint back into a gorgeous young woman again!

<from: threestooges.net>

* * * * *     * * * * *     * * * * *

Enjoy the weekend!

Tom

 

[LoveDomes]

Ahoy Cap'n Tom 'n fellow travelers waiting for the bar to open!

A HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all who are!

Yes, 'tis the Larsman once again after another prolonged absence! Won't bore anyone with the details, but let me just say I'm not in control of circumstances -no changes though. So, be thankful for small favors, huh

My sons and their families have stopped by on their rounds to visit all of the fathers today! That's kinda a tradition in our hut, which is nice. All of the dads are still alive ‘n kickin' - so, they just left for dad #2 . . . I have the honor of being dad #1. Later today we're gathering at son #2's hut for a buffet dinner. Should be fun - beer is always plentiful and COLD!

Do want to thank Cap'n Tom for signing off on Ruth's chit for an extended weekend! We're lining up another . . . that gal puts the energizer back in the bunny!

Sorry I missed the monthly event, but I was with youse guyz in spirit! Hey, Boris bring over that bottle of JD, I feel a thirst. Yeah, we're CLOSED, but as ManagAH Emeritus (still sounds impressive!) I retained my key to the joint! Anyway, fix the crittAHs their special trays 'n I'll find a LARGE jar of PPF for you, but FIRST you must put me down. Good Grief Charlie Brown - your hugs would crush a GG1.

I've managed to get through all of the pages, but not the heavy reading - photos of course with captions are all top shelf! What a spread Da Bossman has provided since his return from Canada and the closing of the Rendezvous events. Simply splendid stuff, Cap'n! A 5-tup Salute to our SkippAH, Cap'n Tom!

So what's for me to say other than I wish my name could be included amongst the Gang of Regulars. I agree that this bunch is Da Best - really. Many have come ‘n gone from this happy bar, but none have stuck it out in the manner of youse guyz! Our Kiwi buddy fits in like a hand in a glove, so what more can one hope for, huh Not to worry, Bossman, for as long as this gang sticks together, "Our" Place will prosper. <kaching> With many thanks to the Wolfman who is now paying in cash. <teeeeee heeeee> Good one, Cap'n ‘n ManagAH Rob!

Since I haven't really digested each ‘n every word, I feel lost with my comments. So let me just say these few words:

For Nick: Having you back with the crew has been like turning on a light in a darkened room. Really has jump started the place again! Almost like old times, but bettAH! You've outdone yourself, mate with all the photos! Amazing layout you have ‘n lots ‘n lots of rolling stock. <again>

For Eric: Sandman or Sandflea! Whatever floats your boat, mate! Wondering what in the world keeps you so occupied out in the dry heat these days? After all, you're supposedly retired. Anyway, have been enjoying your photos ‘n steady hand at the bar. Keep it going!

For Pete: Other than to say you're the backbone of this joint, especially when it comes to making sure that Da Bossman isn't shouldering it all by himself. Really means a lot to see that someone has tried to be consistent ‘n supportive of our skippAH! Your photo spreads have been a treat ‘n it surely looks like you've mastered the scanning ‘n posting technique. You've come a long way since the old days, huh Keep those shillings comin' . . . <grin>

For Rob: Some bad weathAH has had you take sheltAH up in your part of the world, huh But not so bad as to keep you away for any lengthy periods, which is good since Da Bossman depends so much on you, the Manager! As always, I see you've been active on Cap'n Tom's other thread too! Good to see that we have at least one Canadian Connection with us. Can't figure out what's the deal with the FergiemeistAH. Guess he's knee deep into "honey do" kinda things - did note he communicated when out to sea though. Keep up the good "stuff" trolleyMAN!

For Allan: The man down undAH is having a bout of disappearing-itis with the forums, huh Don't ya just hate it when that happens!!?? <grin> I know the guyz enjoy your company ‘n maybe one day we'll get ya to spring for some photos of what life is like in your neck of the woods - trains of course! NO babes from the Tui Brewery! <grin> Welllllllllllll, maybe a few!

For CM3 I'm NOT Shane: Of course now that your covAH is blown - at least to 3 of the gang, I see the moniker still thrives! Working man keeping on keeping on, now that's an ethic that maybe lost in this land amongst the younger set. Don't really know, for my sons work their collective tails off doing what they do - the idea is for how long They talk about retirement as if it's a blessing. Ha! They'll find out. Anyway, have enjoyed your "stuff" ‘n glad you're still amongst the few who can be counted on ‘rouind the joint called "Our" Place! I guess you ‘n Rob have the distinction of being with the place since opening, huh Not bad, not bad at all! Still springing for the juke box I see AND buying those rounds. Can't beat it, mate!

Ok, time for some of my signature stuff - a visit from the Larsman Mobile! New York Central - my favorite road! In keeping with the RULE OF SIX, of course!

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

Until the next time!

Lars

[siberianmo]

<VIA Rail's Evangeline Park car at Halifax station - personal foto>

 

 

Reminder: "Our" Place is CLOSED on SUNDAYs

<but go ahead ‘n slip your messages thru the mail slots on the doors!>

 

 

HAPPY FATHER's DAY to all who can claim the title!

 

 

G'day Gents!

A beautiful Sunday morning here in mid-continent USA - birds chirping away, blue skies ‘n pleasant temps. Warm-up ‘n storms on the way - so best to enjoy all of this while we can!

Gifts from Juneau on this Father's Day!

 

 

* * * * *     * * * * *     * * * * *

Keeping track!

216 fotos from my 2008 Canada Rail Odyssey . . . the end!

162 fotos from Rendezvous III

. . . more to follow!

* * * * *     * * * * *     * * * * *

 

 

Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative):

Saturday - June 14^th <all times Central daylite>:

Page 40 - Pete <pwofle> at 2:38 PM: Our one ‘n only daylite customer - Saturdays are beginning to look rather hopeless ‘round here. As I've said - I'm not Posting after my morning acknowledgments unless ‘n until someone swings by - what's the point

Very happy to see ya, Mate!

Alan's fotos are well done ‘n appreciated - that incline shot has a "feeling" of depth!

Thanx for stopping "in" ‘n also for the ROUND! <KaChing> <KaChing>

 

 

Page 40 - Allan <Gunneral> at 8:40 PM <3:40 PM Sunday NZ time>: Really sorry to learn that you're experiencing such frustration with Posting your material . . . first thought is, are you saving your word processor version If not, suggest you do so - as that way when you're able, at least everything you've put together won't be lost.

Second - when you call up the reply box on the Forum - you should see the word "MESSAGE" with a bunch on icons immediately beneath it. Find the one that says "Post from Word" (4^th from left) and "click" it - a box will appear. Paste your word processor material in it - then "click" "INSERT" - this may help. If not - hmmmmmm. I'll have to give it further thought.

An Email with this suggestion is on the way . . .

Many thanx for the ROUND!

 * * * *     * * * * *     * * * * *

Tom

 

[Gunneral]

Hi Tom and all,

The usual round of Tui`s for all the guys` please Leon.

Tom. Whenever I cut and paste from word to Our Place the whole lot is lost for some reason as it goes off line on my dial up connection, i`ve tried it several times so that is why I resort to posting straight on the page. Maybe you could e-mail me with a few pointers on what i`m doing wrong. Enjoying all your posts and all the pix of the gang at Kirkwood museum on your RVIII visit.

To Eric, Rob, Pete, CM3 and Nick, am really enjoying all your great posts and pix, many thanks for them all. Am having some problems with this glitch getting onto our page and losing posts somehow. Hope things get back to some sort of order soon.

See ya, Allan 

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

Saturday daylite malaise - rather similiar to Monday, Tuesday, etc. phenom, eh <groan> Ain't like it used to be . . . but, we takes what we gets ,eh Good to see at least one of our GoR make it "in" today - Stealthy Pete!

And no one has visited my other Thread - but that kinda figures unless Rob is about <aboot> the decks!

So, enuf of my brow beating - been busy in the Can-Am Trainroom, mainly working on the CACSS. Got the major portion of the 3rd rail installed. Rather ingenious, if I do say so myself! Rather than try to explain how it was fashioned <all out of scrap 'n left over materials> I'll take some fotos for a "how to" on an upcoming Wednesday OP-SHUN-UL Toy 'n Model Trains Day!

Here's a contribution to keep things movin' down the line on this fine day . . .

 

 

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #10

 

<A form of this was initially Posted on Page 140 of the "original" Thread>

Here's something to enjoy regarding the Union Pacific from an advertisement in The Official Guide of the Railways - Aug 1956

Overnight - Every night
between CHICAGO & DENVER Streamliner "CITY of DENVER"

THIS SMART STREAMLINER FEATURES . . .

* The very latest in Pullman equipment; de luxe
bedrooms with newly designed, convenient
lavatory facilities. Modern roomettes . . . no
need to step into the aisle to lower or raise bed.
Also long length, restful berths.

* Coach seats built for complete comfort. Stretch-
Out leg rests and reclining backs. All seats
Reserved.

* Unusually attractive dining car serving highest
Quality of freshly prepared foods.

* Beautiful club lounge for Pullman occupants
and distinctive tavern car "The PUB" for all
passengers.

Early morning arrival in both Denver and Chicago

WESTBOUND
Lv. Chicago (Milw. Road) .......... 4:30 p.m.
Ar. Denver (U. P.) ..................... 8:30 a.m.

EASTBOUND
Lv. Denver (U. P.) ..................... 3:30 p.m.
Ar. Chicago (Milw. Road) .......... 8:45 a. m.

 

UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD

* * * * *     * * * * *     * * * * *

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy! 

Tom 

 

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

A sunny day here in Mid-Mo so that means yard work after yesterday rain, so a quick Bathams please CINDY.

I will do my normal post later if I may, so some photos from Alan in the meantime.

In Germany on October 14th 2007.

 

94.1538 at the branch terminus at Katzhutte.

.

Another photo of 94.1538 at Katzhutte.

Two views of the incline at Lichtenhain

The to of the incline has an interchange with a tram.479.201.6 at Kursdorf the tram terminal.

 

94.1538 at Obstfeldeschmede which is an intermediate station for the incline .

On to Meinengen Locomotive Works

The replica of Der Adler(The Eagle) being reconstructed after the disasterous fire in the German Railway Museum.

A Hoffman replica for the Saxony(Chemnitz) under construction.

Well CINDY a round for those who come in and back to work for me..

Pete. 

[siberianmo]

<VIA Rail's Glacier Park car at Sioux Lookout - personal foto>

 

 

Flag Day in America - fly it!

 

G'day Gents!

Saturday at the Tavern by the Tracks ‘n time again to kick back with a <light> or <traditional> breakfast - fill up the coffee mug ‘n grab a pastry from The Mentor Village Bakery case too!

Have a decent weekend forecast with comfortable temps ‘n rain-free! Petrol is holding at $3.87 <rounded> up at "Collusion Corner."

 

 

Comments from the Proprietor

Just added these tunes to Herr Wurlitzer:

Forget the Night, Help Me Make It Through the Door

From The Indies To The Andes In His Undies

I Can't Love Your Body if Your Heart's Not In It

If Money Talks, It Ain't On Speaking Terms With Me

If My Nose Were Full of Nickels, I'd Blow It All On You

 

 

* * * * *     * * * * *     * * * * *

Keeping track!

216 fotos from my 2008 Canada Rail Odyssey . . . the end!

162 fotos from Rendezvous III

. . . more to follow!

* * * * *     * * * * *     * * * * *

 

 

 

Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative):

Friday - June 13^th <all times Central daylite>:

Page 39 - CM3 Shane <coalminer3> at 2:40 PM: First daylite customer after a really looooooong morning! Good to see ya made it "in" - must've been able to sneak away for a breather, eh Our good fortune, fer sure, fer sure.

Wasn't really sure about the "off limits" thing - background kinda looked like the area where there are signs of warning, etc. But of course neither of you wudda violated the rules, eh <grin>

Thames River - RR bridge - salt air ‘n New England, all brings to mind some very fine memories of years gone by . . .

Meant to tell ya that I taped that Alaska RR feature on the History Channel per your heads up of a week or so ago - it was indeed a fine hour to pass the time. Good stuff, fer sure, fer sure!

Appreciate the visit, chat, quarters ‘n ROUND!

 

 

Page 39 - Pete <pwolfe> at 4:30 PM: "In" with a little something for everyone in the crew!

At times when ‘wishing' for a return to the days gone by, it is easy to forget that all wasn't just glamour ‘n excitement. Your comments were spot on regarding hot summer days in coaches with windows closed fast. <ugh> It's one thing to "excursion" it's quite another to have had to travel that way for great distances . . .

Absolutely - the TrainWreck Saloon IS on the agenda for our end of month extravaganza! <grin> Let's hope for a clear day, comfortable temps ‘n no sidings for us for our KCtiy venture! Juneau is ready for a return visit by "Uncle Pete"!

I suppose it's just a way of doing business these days to forego any allegiance to country when it comes to keeping the shareholders in the chips <not talking about fries!>. Perhaps it has always been that way - but nowadays with the multi-national approach to business, bigger surely doesn't mean better . . . layoffs, PP customer service, inferior products, etc.

Today I finally got A-ROUNDTUIT ‘n put up a bunch of new signs in the Can-Am Trainroom - including the present you purchased for me! I'll have to take some fotos for viewing on a future Wednesday OP-SHUN-UL Toy ‘n Model Trains Day!

Sure would enjoy having the gang back - anytime! Just too bad there's so much distance for the guys to travel . . . being centrally located does help a bit though. Great having two Rendezvous here!

Interesting how the term "Bi-polar" has taken on a totally different meaning in these times . . . but not in connection with locomotives. <uh oh>

Many thanx for the visit, chat, fotos ‘n of course the ROUND <cash>! <grin>

 

 

Page 39 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 4:31 PM: Looks like the daylite has been "saved" by a threesome of Shane - Pete ‘n Rob! Drinks on me, Mates!

Do you happen to know where that dinner train was previously located An interesting livery on the loco . . . Also liked the ONR, wudda liked an up close on the caboose. So, you'll just have to go back ‘n do it! <grin> Also LUV the snow!

Nice spate of four! And thanx for the cash for a ROUND!

 

 

Page 40 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 4:51 PM: Did it again - turned the Page! The man on the trolley is on a roll! Give him that flask of Keiths along with the snack tray to recognize the feat!

Came up with a terrific threesome for the eyes to feast upon! Cartier - a new one for us, eh Always liked that PGE livery! Thanx for ‘em all!

Return visit appreciated ‘n good of you to tap into Pete's Bat-Bag for some olde country cash!

 

 

Page 40 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 9:40 PM <3:40 AM Saturday GMT>: Yeah, I know the feeling when something's done right <properly> - kinda like a euphoria, eh Good one Mate! Pinched, eh Well, the boyz at the Rendezvous will vouch for the fact that I got "carded" at the ballpark while buying a beer! Yep - carded at age 70! Now that's something else, fer sure, fer sure!

Didn't expect ya, but most pleased to see ya - use the bar stool restraint system, Mate - can't have ya landing on the deck! <grin>

 

 

Page 40 - Allan <Gunneral> at 10:02 PM <5:02 PM Sunday NZ time>: Looks as if we've got another "student" for Molly Throttlebottom's Adult Learning Centre - Using the Word Processor, Basic Course. <geesh> Don't, don't, don't prepare your submissions directly on the Forums - the Gremlins await! <chomp> <chomp> <groan>

Nope, the natives aren't happy with the prospects of having "their" brewery company taken over by foreign interests <see previous comments>.

Good to see ya anyway - ‘n of course the Tui's help a lot!

 

 

Saturday - June 14^th:

Page 40 - Eric <EricX2000> at 2:11 AM <12:11 AM Sandbox time>: Certainly fooled me with those gorge fotos - NOT from a satellite, eh Maybe a Plymouth Satellite!! I used to own one - a wagon at that, seated 9! Anyway, great shots, fer sure, fer sure! Good link too - thanx!

Very good shots along with the Budweiser car! <sweet>

Firefly, hmmmmmmm. Perhaps you are correct - next time I visit the MoT I'll have to ask one of the volunteers OR check out any info they may have in the area of the car. Good observation!

Also, believe the Rock Island also ran The Firefly, Train 31 - 32, (Ft. Worth - Kansas City).

Yeah, Pete 'n I signed up for membership at the MoT when we were there for Rendezvous III . . . Figured it was just a wee bit of help to those who keep the place functioning <'n do it so well!>

I'm convinced it's the speculators who have caused the current outta site petrol market . . . but NOT just in the U.S. - those markets are world-wide. The malaise of the U.S. dollar also is a contributing factor . . . far too involved for the likes of Moi to sort out. <geesh>

Now I KNOW where the Grinch really lives - in Phoenix! <hum bug> Snow, snow ‘n more snow - now that's what Christmastime is all about <aboot for Rob>!

Many thanx for the fine inclusive Post, fotos ‘n ROUND!

 

* * * * *     * * * * *     * * * * *

 

Reminder: Cindy has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.

 

TODAY is Steak ‘n All The Trimmings Nite!

 

Dinner begins at 5 PM so come early ‘n often!

Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!

 

Tom

 

[EricX2000]

Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!

Ahh, Friday night, it's time for a juicy Filet Mignon with mushrooms! Oh, Leon, a round for the house!

Tomorrow I am going to northern Arizona for the day with a friend. We are going to see if we can catch anything interesting on BNSF's tracks. I don't know what time we will be back so in the worst case I'll just drop a note through the mail slot on Sunday.

Tom –  I better clarify the comment about snow. No snow is my opinion, but in order to give Santa feeling kind of home at Christmas time it is okay if there are some flakes coming down starting Christmas Eve morning and then it should all be gone the morning after Christmas Day! That’s it!

According to what I heard on TV it is speculation here in the US that is keeping the prize of oil up at an astronomical level.

So you are a member of MoT now?! If the SLSTA shots were taken in forbidden territory I don’t know. I didn’t see any signs.

Too bad I didn’t know about the cars Fergie customized for you.

The photos of Royal Gorge were not taken from a satellite, I took them from the bridge, 1,053 feet above Arkansas River. It’s the highest suspension bridge in the world.

I don’t know if you noticed the hanging railroad bridge down at the bottom? The two structures across the river and track are holding the railroad bridge underneath.

More info:
http://www.royalgorgebridge.com/Bridge.aspx


Talking about those SLSTA cars, I noticed that the crew car had a name, Firefly, on its side. Does that have anything to do with Frisco’s train Firefly between Kansas City and Oklahoma City?

Very nice photos of Milwaukee’s E-2 (the only surviving one) and those small locos! The little US Army #1149 is an interesting thing!

CM3 –  Thanks for the round! More storms? It is a good feeling when you are able to scare people away that are trying to stop you from taking pictures of railroad cars and locomotives!

Pete –  You are correct about the imp. gallon, it is 4.546 liters. 8 pints of beer sounds a little bit excessive.

Thanks for the info on the diesels using headcodes!

Nice photos! The class 37 looks like it has been doing some hard work for a long time!

Rob –  Don’t ask me to push the FA1 even if the engine is missing!

It was a real bad accident when 371 was wrecked! Two dead, two badly injured, fire and acid spills! That is tragic!

Nice photos of interesting locomotives! The top one is the best looking one! I hope they will be able to start something so both the locomotive and the cars will be used again!

It looks like the GP38-2 is hooked up to electric power for heating purposes. Heting the engine that is and maybe the cab.

The Alco RSD15 is a good looking locomotive! SD90 looks very modern and very powerful!

Nick –  Get some rest, you certainly need it! See you later.

Allan –  If you are mad I will understand, if you want to hit something (not me) I will still understand. Hit it! I don’t dare to type directly on line, I always use a word processor and then copy and paste it.




ALCO RS-3. Built 1955.




Sold to Belgium? Hope not.

 

 

Eric 

[Gunneral]

Hi Tom and all,

The usual round of Tui`s for all the guys` please Leon.

To all. It just happend again, just lost one hours worth of typing here, just vanished in cyberspace like that! Will get on site again tommorrow to acknowledge all your great posts and pix.

Tom. St Louis was featured on our TV news last night would you  believe, they were interviewing the patrons of Big Daddy`s Bar about the takeover of Budweiser by a Belgian brewing company, they were not all that pleased about it by the looks of it!

See ya,  Allan

[nickinwestwales]

Evening all-just popping in for a nightcap after an exceptional evening-not quite dancing on the tables but not far short-return booking sorted,free beer all night (hic !) -even had my *** pinched (cant remember the last time anyone was that desperate....)-One of those rare nights when everything just clicks and the whole thing rises to a different level-Leon-break out a bottle of the special rum and keep the boys glasses filled `til it`s gone-my treat-In no fit state to respond tonight ( you know how it is......)-but all read and enjoyed -Nice one !!-Just thought I would touch base before sliding off the seat ............Right =thats me done-medium rare-not looking forward to the morning..(oh please turn off the sunlight--it hurts) Take care guys-speak soon

[siberianmo]

  <personal foto taken at ExpoRail>

 

G'day Gents!

Rob turned the Page to 40, 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 12^th, 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 in the 'morrow . . .

Tom

 

 

[trolleyboy]

Hello Leon I'm back again,guess I'll attempt to sit down with Pete and have a pint or two with him.I'll even let him buy since he's paying cash nowadays

Pete-That photo was taken during the afternoon I think (twas quite a while ago )Great shots of those "blue devils" the grime gives them character. I need a fair amount of clean air so I'll leave a couple stools between us I imagine that those town houses would now cost the first born plus several hundred thousand pounds nowadays.

Well since I'm back here are a couple more shots.Leon another round if you don't mind sir

Another gem from the flea market find. another rare bird in Canada an Alco RSD15 on Quebec minning road Cartier

A new shot a big CP SD90 at Milton Ontario,this grade crossing is about ten miles from the museum.

One more rare Canadian loco and RSC3 of the Pacific Great Eastern. This unit is restored and operable at the west coast rail museum in BC

enjoy

Rob 

 

[trolleyboy]

Good afternoon Leon.Looks like you managed to get Boris to go outside and run off some pent up energy Did he take the menagerie with him Anyway a cold Keith's if you don't mind,I'll leave a twenty for any stragglers to quench their thirsts with as well.

Tom-Yup she would have matched H&H for sure. lets hope that they are not kissing cousins.

 Thanks for the update on BK and Lars.Good to hear that they are both making the best they can do with their situations.Both are missed.

Some nice shots from the MOT. now that you are a member you can get in there with the paint cans and putty knives.Don't make your subway plateforms too clean there's got to be some garbage floating about.<grin>Nice shots of the Frisco F's as well

Shane-I wonder how much bearing the fact that few NYC steamers survived was more due to the speed of the transition to diesel power in the US in general.You guys did drop the fires far quicker than happened up hear.I'm guessing that with some of the roads in the US the scrap value was needed to offset the cost of the new locomotives.It is fortunate that the Empress was saved,being that she was a one and only.

Eric-Couple fine shots of the service cars  I imagine that the FA1 would be light , mind you I still wouldn't want to try and push it along by hand.When 371 was wrecked the engineer and the conductor survived but were badley burnt, the head end brakeman was killed along with the truck driver.To top it off several tanks cars derailed and spilled as well which were carrying sulfuric acid for the paper plants down on the peninsula.

Lets see Leon another round please,and I'll leave the gang with a couple more photo's.

The power of the Waterloo and St Jacobs dinner train.(now defunct ) teh power and several of the coaches are stored at the VIA/GO Mimico storage facility just outside of Union Station in Toronto.

A shot of a Conrail GP9 in Niagara Falls New York. If my researchn't too faulty this is one of the GP's built in London to operate the Conrail facilities when they were still operating in St Thomas Ontario.The Ex NYC Canada Southern / Michigan Central Branches

A Quebec Central RS18u another former CP unit now working in the Ottawa valley area

One Nick and Tom will enjoy,an ONR GP38-2 and friend

enjoy

Rob

A Quebec Central

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

A pint of Bathams please RUTH on this rainy Mid-Mo day.

NICK Good words indeed for Our Place's 38^th Anniversary.

Enjoyed reading about your model layout, a lot of hard work but a great deal of pleasure and a great relief from the pressures of life when it is up and running the way you want it.

Glad you enjoyed the photos, It would be good to see your photos of Flying Scotsman in the 60103 guise, I have a couple of her in that variation at the Severn Valley. Your mention of the Scotsman on the P&DR reminded me of a trip in the seventies when she was there it must have been just after she returned from the USA. I could not travel behind her as they had sold all the tickets for the train I wanted to travel on.

The steam loco I rode on the P&DR on the day I took the photo of 1001 was Great Western No 7827 'Lydham Manor'.

ROB It would indeed be great to meet up with you one day.

Thanks for the kind words on the photos. I would hate to think what one of those town houses would cost today. How I would have loved to have lived in one of them in steam days with Great Western Kings, Castles halls etc stoking up with Welsh steam coal ready for departure time, but a dare say, for a non railfan they must have been bad days with even in the heat of summer not being able to open the windows. I think the site of the servicing point has been built on now.

Many thanks for the great photos, they locos look in great condition. I remember reading about the Empress of Agincourt at the bar and that is a great place for a railway photo in Preston, I guess it was taken in the evening with the sun setting on the locomotives.

ERIC Many thanks for the great photos of the Royal George.

I think a Gallon in the UK is 4.54 liters; I did not realize that a US gallon was different to the UK gallon until I was doing a quiz in the paper. Still a gallon of beer is still 8 pints (BURP).

I will pass the kind words to Alan on, yes Scotland has some great scenery. Yes the photos of the diesels were in the days before headlights were fitted to BR locomotives. I noticed looking at the photos that it must have been in the days the 4-character headcodes were in use as in the 1A35 on Western No 1023. When the 4-character code was no longer in use a lot of the Westerns had their locomotive number in the headcode box.

 It is great that ‘Daisy' is still flying.

CM3 Thanks for the information on the Boston and New Haven line closure, It would be good to ride the line from Boston through Springfield to New Haven if one lived in the area, I don't suppose there is much a chance to ride the line on a passenger train normally.

I wish I had a soda pop drinking bat in the bag at Rendezvous II.

The Western Region of BR, in true Great Western Railway tradition, had to be different going for Diesel-Hydraulics while the rest of BR went for Diesel-Electrics. The Westerns were the last passenger Hydraulic locomotives built on BR. Introduced in 1961 these 74 C-C locos, were built at Swindon and Crewe workshops of BR; they were powered by two Maybach MD655 1,400HP engines with Voith transmission.

The class was all named the name starting with ‘Western', the first Western Explorer then Pathfinder next Explorer etc. (I can do a list of all 74 if you want). There was a plan to build many more of these locomotives and Railway Magazine had a list of the proposed names for them but BR decided on all diesel electric for locomotives.

Also another difference was the liveries of the locos when new, 1000 was turned out in a unique desert sand livery with some in green and maroon they finished their days in BR blue. Hope the helps

TOM Tickets booked for our trip, yes a visit to the MOT is always worthwhile and we always find something we had not noticed before, but if it is too rainy or too hot I guess it will have to be the TrainWreck Saloon.

Glad you liked the photos, I did get a bit carried away with the post, I did not realize how long it was until I saw it on the forum.

Sorry about having to ring you yesterday, but you know me, a choice of two and I will pick the wrong one and you know any chance to cause chaos. I think when the finishing touches to the Can -Am City Subway System, especially the third rail are done, Eric will have to come and see it in person.

Talking about breweries and railways I read just now is that Coors, who own Bass in the UK, are to close the museum in Burton on Trent and they were wondering what was to happen to the old brewery engines and coach that are there. Last time I was there, admittedly a fair while ago, the magnificent Shire horses were kept there.

Many thanks for the Fallen Flag on the SLSF ‘Frisco' Railroad. The Frisco seemed to have a lot of switchers in relation to their total of locomotives in 1963. I guess the St Louis to Springfield MO line is run by BNSF now.

Great color photos of the Frisco EMD ‘Fs', interesting red livery.

I will have to ask the bride how much clean air she needs after I have been on the beer, but perhaps not.

A couple of photos at York from the mid 1970s..

An English Electric class 40 heads north on probably a Liverpool to Newcastle Trans Pennine train. On the left of the diesel is the York diesel Motive Power Depot.

 

When the National Railway Museum opened the car park on the side of the museum looked over the yard of BR's York MPD, there was often a collection of diesels there, usually of classes 31, 37 and 40. Here is a Class 37, I think it is in blue livery although it is hard to tell under that grime. The diesel depot is now closed and is a workshop of the NRM now.

TOM Just caught your great photos from the MOT. The Milwaukee Road E-2 is a impressive locomotive and good infomation on the Bi-Polar arrangement.I liked the part about Maximum 'Safe' Speed.

I think it is real great that the smaller locomotives like the St Louis Water Division and the US Army ones were saved and are safe in a museum 

Well RUTH a round please and the Steak and Fries .

Pete.

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

A surprise PM visit from the coalminer - good to see ya Shane!

Really a slow one ‘round here - so Ruth has taken off for the weekend. Poor gal, she's had to put up with Boris nearly all day . . . <geesh>

Continuing on with Rendezvous III  fotos . . . Rule of Six suspended <by two>!

NOTE: Day Three at the St. Louis Museum of Transportation <MoT, Kirkwood> . . .

 

"Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous III - St. Louis, MO 2008 - Day Three

(155) Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific - E-2 <built in 1950 by EMD>

(156)

(157)

(158) St. Louis Water Division #1 - SRD switcher <built in 1924 by Whitcomb>

(159)

(160) U.S. Army #1149 - Experimental gas turbine <built in 1954 by Davenport>

(161)

(162)

* * * * *     * * * * *     * * * * *

More to follow  . . .  

Tom

 

[coalminer3]

Good Afternoon Barkeep and all Present, coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.  I'm here because thunderstorms drove us inside - there are some more just to the west.

Pete - Nice photos from Alan.  I thought the bat was in the bag already (LOL). 

What can you tell me about the Western "Pathfinder?"  Enquiring minds want to know.

OSP/Pete - NEC will be closed between Boston and New Haven.  It is my understanding that ATK may run some trains from Boston to Springfield and then down to New Haven during the closure.  I rode this route in the cab of the "Roger Williams" yrs ago. 

The Thames River Bridge goes back to c. 1906, IIRC, and has been a real pain to operate for more than a few years.  Salt air does good things to machinery, right, Tom? 

Rob stopped by with comments, kind words, etc.  At least they did not cut up the Empress.  It still bothers me that virtually no NYC steam engines were saved.

Nick - Off to a good start, lad!  I go for the smaller layouts as well, for the chance to detail if nothing else; I work with N scale so you can do a little more with the space you have.

Eric was in with cars and comments - good to hear from you.

OSP - SLSTA cars off limits?  I don't know, but I was there, too.  I guess Eric and I blended in well or (probably more likely, we scared ‘em away!)  Bud situation has been all over the place.  NPR did a long story about on "Morning Edition" a few days ago.  Thanks for the Frisco pictures. 

Work safe