Good morning Captain Tom and all present!!
Thank you Ruth for letting me in for an early breakfast! That is very nice of you!
I know, it is the same as last year, but I didn't have time to create a new one.
My visit had to be postponed last night. A powerful thunderstorm surprised everyone in the Valley so I felt I should turn off and unplug my computer and other pieces of equipment. But after the storm I decided to stop by before going to bed anyway.
From the storm.
DL – I am going to check that canal link this weekend! No reason to apologize! Tom – I took the nite-shot of the station moments after Vito sneaked inside! He seems to be awake all the time! That is why the police car is there.Shane’s bag is not as black as Pete’s bag, but we don’t know what’s in it. Soda pop?Below is a picture from the Mohave desert (between Needles and Barstow) a chilly morning in January 1997. I was on my way to Tracy outside San Francisco with dog and cat food.I can see two trains in your photo from KC Union Station! Plus a guy with a black bag! Hmmm. But what happened to the black bag in Jefferson City? It is not attached to Pete!I must say that old friend of yours, the F at KC Union Station, looks very nice in that red and yellow livery! Pete – Interesting photos from the Katy Trail! After some research I would say that the old depot in your photo is New Franklin, MO. See link.http://www.katyroundhouse.com/Good looking caboose!Katy Trail sounds interesting! That bit of track on the piece of road, how big of a bit is it? The patrol car was sent to the station after it was reported that Vito was there! I thought that you would have more info. Rob – The shooting happened more than 28 years ago in the old country. No one was hit, except the train (a broken window), the police came and the guy was caught a few weeks later. I was so mad when the whole thing happened that I did not have the common sense to be scared. Not much to get upset about any more. Nice photos of the GT locos (+ CN and CSX)!Nick – Be careful when you work on your layout! Allan – 4th of July is my second birthday. Today it is exactly 11 years since I became a citizen of this great country!
Happy 4th of July!!!
Eric
Hello Tom and all in
I'll have a 4th July breakfast please if one is available, I guess after Allan maybe I'm next to be in 4th July! (oops no - Eric has done an all nighter and made it in at the same time!) Good holidays to you all.
Here's a round of Harvey's Tom Paine Bitter - they brew this in the town I grew up in - Tom Paine lived there for a while and I believe he wrote some of his works there. He supported American Independence as is well known I think.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Paine
They brew this beer in July (of course) and it is a 5.5% brew - quite strong for English Bitter. I know they do it in bottles and some is exported to the US - if you have a good beer store they may have it (I saw it in Boulder, CO) - watch out for it (yes, you can put the bottles in the fridge if you want!!!)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_&_Son
Tom, your comment to Allan reminded me to look up this link - looks like you can only travel about half of NZ by Rail - but the ‘Overlander' train looks great. Hopefully Allan can give us more info on this some time.
http://www.seat61.com/NewZealand.htm
Ah, Montana - and Big Sky Country - makes sense - I'd love to go there and visit Glacier Park - on the Empire Builder of course!
Thanks again for pics - not bad legroom in those business class cars! Bit of a difference from a 158 DMU wouldn't you say Pete?
Incidentally, can you get model superliner cars? I guess you can - and do you have any on the Can-Am layout (e.g. as cars of the future?)
Pete - turns page 50 with some nice trail shots - did you walk far on that trail?
Sad to see it without tracks but at least it is some sort of right of way - not built over or cuttings turned in to a waste tip.
All day pub opening - now there's a question - I think I was at college at the time so I think we are talking 1986 or about then. It is a good thing, but then I hear there are some landlords who deliberately close for an hour or so in the afternoon to get rid of the kind of people who like to stay in the pub all day. All day drinking and all day drinkers are not the same sort of thing at all!!
Thanks for the tip off about the Railway Magazine. I've just bought the Steam Railway 1968 Special called ‘Fire' - not bad. What was in line for the early electrics then?
Rob - thanks for your comments on the Canal and CN.
Regards
DL
HAPPY BIRTHDAY USA!
Friday's Grin
Brain Cramps
"If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure." -- A recent former U.S. President
G'day Gents!
It's the USAs Birthday - beginning in 1776 ‘n continuing to this day!
A most revealing link to peruse!
http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Independence_Day.shtml
Business as usual ‘til the noontime festivities begin - breakfasts, coffee ‘n pastries are ready!
There will be picnic baskets out in the big tent for those with families - buffet tables set up in the pool room for those without. The Rat's Patoot Room <remember that!?!?> is our Emergency Aid Station - with Nurse Helga on duty. <yikes>
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative):
Thursday - July 3rd <all times Central daylite>:
Page 50 - Pete <pwolfe> at 10:34 AM: Our Bar Chandler made it "in" before 11 AM - now that's gotta be close to a FIRST for him!
Turning to Page 50 is a rather significant event at this Tavern by the Tracks in cyber space . . . we've amassed quite a bit of meaningful contributions along the way. Especially noteworthy when one takes a look at just how few we are.
Nice spate of four fotos - especially liked that Katy caboose!
I'd go with New Franklin for the historic depot location - check the link:
http://www.katyroundhouse.com/historicdepot.htm
Appreciate the visit - BUT that was CINDY behind the bar! Et tu Pete <geesh>
Page 50 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 2:14 PM ‘n 2:57 PM: Our Manager dropped by with a two-fer to help things along during the daylite hours! Always helps when he has the day OFF from his other job!
Good speaking with you . . . Juneau "decided" that he needed to get outside, which usually is a major distraction for me when on the phone. He "grabs" my arm with his paw ‘n pulls towards him . . . has it all figured out <including Moi!>.
Legal minutia, you say!?!?! Hey, it's the fine print that rules the world! Go take a look at pretty much anything these days <daze> in the form of disclaimers, etc. Wolfman got off lightly . . . <grin>
KCity's Union Station has all kinds of space for exhibits, but I think they found a winner with the location for the latest in model railroad efforts. We've seen occupy the main hall most times, but they were all temporary. Time will reveal whether this thing grows ‘n stays.
Something to think about <aboot> - if someone took a shot at you AND you're able to talk about <aboot> it - apparently they either missed or did a PP job of it. Not to worry - shoot back ‘n do better at it! <uh oh>
The only thing that will eventually "give" in these parts regarding passenger rail travel are the travelers. They've shown a willingness to stay away from the trains when the on-time-arrivals are so <censored> lousy. Petrol prices are only a part of the equation.
Infrastructure at the stations along the routes hardly exists at all - with the exception of major stops. So, should someone get off a late arriving train in one of the smaller communities between here ‘n KCity - they will find a closed up station - no operable telephone - perhaps not even lighting at night <vandalism or just poor or no maintenance> no cabs - no buses ‘n pretty much downhill after that! <groan> Lots ‘n lots to attend to before the traveling public puts a vote of confidence back into the few trains we do have. Those things are hardly ever written or spoken of . . .
No, it takes far more than positive or wishful thinking to turn this mess around.
On that bright note - I thank you for another fine spate of fotos ‘n for taking the time ‘n making the effort to help out ‘round here! Fifty bucks, eh Red Printed on both sides, I hope! <grin>
Page 50 - Pete <pwolfe> at 4:30 PM: A departure submission from our "weekend specialist."
No, no - I'll gladly take that Coors Light off your hands . . . Thanx!
H&H accompanying YOU in the dome on your daylite round-trip <yikes> Best check the "fine print" in the disclaimer . . . <uh oh> Anyway, I don't EXPECT a ‘prize' for turning a Page - that's for youse guyz, not the Proprietor! Recognition is enuf . . .
Movement is a killer when it comes to digital fotography - it's ruined many a foto for me ‘n probably will do in the future. <arrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhh> Not to worry - the one you took of me isn't all that bad - I used a touch of "help" from my software - but that's the best I could get from it. At least there's one of me during our trip . . .
A fine < I3 > Post from our Bar Chandler along with holiday greetings ‘n a ROUND!
However, ‘n this hurts me more than you - <tweet> <tweet> Rules Violation! Rules Violation! Rule # 5 - failure to recognize the bartender! It has been CINDY since Thursday morning! <geesh> Penalty: Yes - you guessed it - take the scouring pads, bucket, swab <mop> ‘n elbow grease to Boris' shed. <yikes>
Note: Rob made the same mistake earlier on - but you've done it TWICE - in spite of references to Cindy being the bartender after your first omission. So, you've EARNED the <tweeting>! <uh oh>
Page 50 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 6:45 PM <12:45 AM GMT Friday>: I think it's TERRIFIC that you're able to use much of the material inherited from your friend ‘n father-in-law on your layout! It's always "better" when done that way - at least I've found it so. There's a bit o' this ‘n that on the Can-Am Railway from my previous effort - not much, but enough. Some of the structures go back to the humble beginnings in HO - mid 1960s . . . takes the mind back when viewed. I gather you feel the same way.
I think you'll find a bit more satisfaction with those new turnouts - I'm using #5s ‘n 6s on the Can-Am with 22" radius curves. Didn't have sufficient room for my trackplan to go with wider curves - but they are adequate for my operation ‘n beat those 18" used on my former pike.
Didn't expect to see ya, but appreciate your taking the time ‘n making the effort to swing on by . . . ROUND always appreciated along with the chat!
Page 50 - Allan <Gunneral> at 10:01 PM <5:01 PM Friday NZ time>: "In" with a B'day Greeting for the USA! And a ROUND of Tui to go along with it!
Page 50 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 11 PM: And our Manager has returned for a nite-cap!
All was in good condition ‘n clean, as the fotos revealed, for our trip to KCity - aside from the seemingly always grimy windows that is. The car attendant took some pride in her work to ensure the tables in the dining area were cleaned properly along with tidying up throughout the car. Something NOT seen very often on that route - especially where the rest rooms are concerned. <ugh> Anyway - it was a refreshing relief <no pun intended!>
No need for me to embellish upon your comments regarding the preparations for today's festivities at the Saloon by the Siding. All's at the ready, Sir!
I believe Pete "snuck" in his "chit" for ANOTHER long weekend amongst the bills to be paid - for I do see your "mark" on it . . . probably got "stamped" without paying close AT-TEN-SHUN! <geesh> Well, he's gone-zo ‘til Monday . . . whatchagonnado, eh
Thanx for the chat ‘n visit, good cheer 'n holiday wishes!
Friday- July 4th:
That's some big rig you drove! Appears that the "accommodations" were quite spacious too - I've never seen the inside of a cab ‘n sleeping compartment of one of those. Perhaps one day you may find a foto or two to share with us . . .
Storm shot is rather menacing - thunder ‘n lightning provides all the "effects" one will ever need when it comes to "fireworks," eh Best to secure the electronics each ‘n every time . . . wise move.
I was quite surprised that the now-infamous black bag wasn't attached to Pete while we made that brief stop in JCity . . . it was at the seats in business class. Good observation!
Seriously doubt <doot for Rob> that anyone will find fault with your repeating last year's 4th of July graphic for us. Nicely done - with all kinds of "Our" Place attachments - Boris - Awk - Herr Wurlitzer - Coal Scuttle - Frostbite ‘n Tex! Why make a new one Just keep it on "ice" for each year!
Many thanx for your visit, comments ‘n business! <KaChing> <KaChing>
Page 50 - Dan <DL-UK> at 4:50 AM <10:50 AM GMT>: "In" from the UKs Sherwood Forest with a bit o' this ‘n that for we "colonists" on this special day in the U.S.
Yes, Thomas Paine's writings were very supportive of the move to independence "back in the day." A fine link! He's earned a most revered spot in our history . . . IF that is we still call it that <history>! But that's ‘nother story in these times of revisionist this ‘n that . . . <barf>
Concur with your observation regarding the sadness associated with viewing a former rail right-of-way turned into a path for hiking ‘n biking. Once upon a time, when this country was expanding from coast to coast, the Iron Horse played such a significant ‘n vital role. To think . . . <sad>
A most interesting ‘n revealing link regarding rail travel in New Zealand! Still a sizeable portion available for passenger trains, which of course would be my preference <and yours!> Thanx!
Who knows Perhaps one day we'll meet up aboard the Empire Builder for that trip across the "top" of the 48! Given the value of the pound these days - c'mon over, Mate!
An interesting comment regarding the alcohol content of beer - check this link for some revealing info on U.S. <'n other> beer content:
http://www.realbeer.com/edu/health/calories.php
Many thanx for the "start-up" visit - a tad early over here - but appreciated nonetheless!
Reminder: Cindy has the bar until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
TODAY is hot dogs, apple pie 'n a buffet that doesn't quit!
Saturday is Steak ‘n All The Trimmings Nite!
Festivities begin at noon out in the big tent! so come early ‘n often!
Ruth returns on Tuesday!
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
Tom
Good almost afternoon everyone <grin> just a quick stop in to wish a happy fourth to those below the boarder.Off to work soon so I'll just take a quick thermos of the spiked best,beside had to come in and look and the festive "baby doll" Cindy is wearing. Tom you are luckey man.
Tom-I'm glad the fusiliers didn't make too much of a mess with the decorations, and not to worry I've finally got Helga believing that here spit isn't sufficent to clean her medical utencils with .
Eric-A fine festive piece weather it's reused or not it's good one and worthy of reuse Wow I don't think I could have shrugged off a shooting that easily,no matter how much metal was between you and the bullet,good to know they got the guy though.
Dan-Some fine beer links and some holiday cheer.It shows that we hold no grudges towards them eh
Anyway folks I'm off till much latter this evening.
Enjoy
Rob
Happy Independence Day to the U.S.A.!!!
<A variation was Posted on 04 Jul 2007, Page 77 of "Our" Place II>
1947--Freedom Train--1949126 Historic Freedom Documents American Heritage Foundation
The Freedom Train was on Tour for 413 days,visited 322 Communities in all 48 States and traveledover 37,000 miles during its historic Journey.
Over 3.5 Million Visitors touredthe Freedom Train with one in every 500,000receiving a special gift. Each visitor signed the "Freedom Scroll," which was presented to President Harry S. Truman.
Note: All Freedom Train images and relevant information obtained from http://www.lincoln-highway-museum.org/FT/FT-Index.html. There is no intent to misuse, profit or otherwise denigrate the use of these materials.
P.S. Good to see Rob in during daylite . . . helps a lot on this holiday Friday!
Greetings Captain Tom and Company!
I'll chime in here very quickly and wish you all a
HAPPY 4th Of JULY!!!!
I believe some Sousa is in order and i will glady provide libation in the form of 3 cases of Kieth's!!!
Now that I am back at sea i may have time to spend on the Forum as I am no longer imersed in Garden Dirt.
Unfortunately my internet access is about to come to an end
Anyway I did get a chance to preview some photos so thankyou all fro providing great pics as usual. And I will try to get on a bit more frequent over the next day or two.
I'll grab a Western to go please and thanks!
Later All
Fergie
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959
If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007
Very appreciative for the two daylite appearances we've gotten today from our north of the border customers - latest from Fergie the Sailorman!
Things are hoppin' out in the tent 'n picnic grounds! We've had a fair number partake in the buffet back in the pool room 'n thus far, no "customers" in the Aid Station <aka: Rat's Patoot Room>!
A bit of more of American Freedom Trains <orig ‘n bicent> on this Holiday Fourth of July in the USA!
Caveat: Images used are for enjoyment of the browsers frequenting this site and in no way represent an effort made for profit or gain of any kind. Credit shown clearly stipulated where identified.
(1) Bi-Centennial Freedom Train locomotive of the Southern Pacific <DVD>
(2) SP -4-8-4 #4449 <from Wikipedia.com>
(3) HO scale model of SP 4-8-4 <believed to be ConCor - foto credit: unknown>
(4) All Aboard America - book
(5) TRP magazine cover
(6) Freedom Train book
(7) TRP magazine cover
(8) ARR Bicentennial loco <foto credit: unknown>
Enjoy!
Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Yes, Leon. It's me! I know it is kind of early but I am hungry anyway. Yes, the Filet Mignon Special with mushrooms, please. Medium!
Got some time in the late afternoon so I thought it would be perfect to stop by for a moment.
DL – I thought the bar was almost empty this morning, but obviously crowded enough so I never saw you! Next round is on me!Tom – Thanks for the nice words! I’ll see if I can find any photos from the inside of the sleeper of my rig. I think I should have one or two, just have to find them. It was a two bed sleeper but since I was alone the top one was always folded. I have a photo of the inside of the cab, see photo below.I am very fascinated by storms of all kinds. Especially thunderstorms. I always spend a lot of time outside the house during storms to look at the “show”. The Freedom Train! Wow! Too bad I never saw it, that would have been something else! I am afraid it wasn’t preserved? Very nice DVD-, book-, and magazine covers! Perfect for this day! Including Juneau! I have to try to get one of those Freedom Train books!Rob – You are right, it makes more sense to take cover if and when you are threatened, but sometimes it doesn’t work that way. I just got mad and that is not very smart. Fergie – Back at sea again! Have one on me! Make it two!A few random photos.
Chicago & Illinois Midland #551. Air pumps.
Keep track of all 24 hours.
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe #5011, a Baldwin from 1944, 2-10-4. 74" drivers.
Yours truly 32 years ago (wow, time flies) as a young engineer in a Swedish State Railways class T44 (below).
Round for the house!
Well Good evening gentlemen all and
HAPPY 4TH JULY !!!!!!!!!!!
Best wishes to all in the New World from all of us in the old country-Leon,break out the Jack Daniels ,Jim Beam & Wild Turkey (no Boris,thats a real turkey-put it back where you found it then get back in here with a mop.......) and equip the gentlemen with absurdly large tumblers full with chasers of the Schlitz & Pabst beers the last Zeppelin flight obtained by outrageous meddling with the laws of time and space ( ERIC`s pic brilliantly captured the Draig Goch slipping through the space/time continuum-looked just like a lightning storm... )
Have just been out to watch the parade-the combined forces of the Fusiliers Fife & Drum Corps & Hibernian Pipe Band gave an interpretation of J.P Sousa`s finest work that will stay with me for many a long night-as will the foot long Hot Dog I rashly purchased from Vito`s All-American food stall....
Highlights for the early evening -according to the programme (printed by Vito`s quality graphics,I am unsuprised to discover) are the charity shield football game between the Mentor Buffaloes and the Can-Am Cowboys and the baseball fixture between the North Side Maple-Leafs and the Union All-Stars..........
The stage is ready up at the zeppelin field for the evenings musical entertainment-details have been kept secret thus far but having attended the soundcheck at lunchtime I can exclusively reveal that tonights late show will be:- the Big River Band (Johnny Cash classics),Jake & Elwood and the Blues Brothers R&B showband and topping the bill,Mr Bruce Springsteen with his `E` Street band (all courtesy of Vito International Artists-Representation And `Italian Litigation`--or to use their acronym,VIA RAIL .....)
Now then Leon-another round of the same if you would be so kind.....Would urge you all to attend the buffet tables-the galley crew have been slaving ( and I use the term advisedly) all day to produce a menu representing all the best in American cuisine-using (with the exception of the steaks-nothing will touch Welsh Black beef ) all American produce-the seafood table alone would be worth the ticket price-Maine lobster,Pacific coast salmon,Boston crab,Louisiana shrimp,Swordfish & Barracuda steaks flown in on ice from Hawaii........
On the meats table we have everything from Alaskan Moose steaks in wild cloudberry sauce to a New Mexican chilli that will make your ears bleed........
Especially for ROB we have a cheese board upstairs in the staff lounge with a centrepiece of the famous Mentor Blue Vein-which has to be stored in reinforced glass containers and will etch metal producing a highly combustible vapour-definately one for the experienced only.........
Well-I`m gonna go look at the first half of the football game then take in some of the baseball (two of the many sports about which I know absolutely nothing) and make a quick call at both Molly`s and Our Ladies of perpetual motion (somebody has to attend to their spiritual welfare.........) and then weave my way up to the zeppelin field ready to kick off the show(believe we are starting with Folsom Prison Blues and going from there)
Have a fine evening gentlemen and enjoy your various entertainments.....--just keep Boris away from the fireworks.........................................
P.S-High spot of my day-its friday,low spot-strimming the patch where Druid the bloodhound had had a very upset stomach-vaporised is not quite the right word but it gives the feel of it-is gonna take several washes to get that out of the boiler suit-certainly made my eyes water-even the horses backed away.....lordy lordy,that took the shine off the day................and everything else in about a ten foot radius
O.K:-speak soon,enjoy !!!!!
HEHEHE-gonna post this just so I get the 1,000th item award.......................
I know-I have no shame...........
Nite fall has arrived here in mid-continent USA 'n Can-Am County! So let the fireworks begin!
Many thanx to Dan - Rob - Fergie - Eric 'n Nick for helping to make this 4th a memorable one at the bar! Kudos to all who made it "in" during daylite - AND - extra special thanx to our across the pond Mate - Nick for remembering us!
Now for the BAD news! Nick, you didn't make the 1,000 reply at the bar - I did! <hee hee>
Yes, you did provide the 1,000th "item," but we recognize the REPLIES <as shown on the Forum's Page!> <ooooooops> Nice try, but NO seeegar! <groan>
However, since it is a holiday 'n we're "with it" today - there will be a special prize for you! Watch this space . . . <uh oh>
Catch y'all in the 'morrow!
Rats and double curses -foiled again............................
Hi Tom and all,
Leon, the usual round of Tui`s for all the guys` please!
Tom. Great firework display you put on for the 4th July celebrations, and all the great 1776 info in that link, plus the Freedom Train info and all the US RR pix for the USA`s special day. Hope you and yours had a great festive time. Glad to see that Boris did`nt offer any Tea to all of our visitors`! Nice link to our famous NZ All Black rugby team, they certainly have a great number of wins under their belts`, they play a Test game against the Springboks, the South African national team, in our capital Wellington tonight. You can only travel north to south from Auckland to Christchurch by passenger train nowadays`, from Auckland to Wellington on the "Overlander", then use the rail/car ferry from Wellington to Picton, then from Picton to Christchurch on the "TranzCoastal" train, a distance of some 473 miles total. Maybe now the Government has taken over they may do something about extending long distance train services` again. Some great pix of the Southwest Chief consist and those of you and Pete riding the rails, and at JC and KC.
Rob. Some more colourful diesel loco pix from you, I`ve saved all of your pix in jpeg format so they do`nt overfill the hard disc storage.
Eric. A very happy 11th on your 2nd birthday. Good to hear you are well away from those wildfires`. We have two Fjord like areas` in the South Island of NZ, one in the northern part called the Marlborough Sounds and the main Fjord area in the South West called aptly, Fjordland,which is a virtual carbon copy of Norway`s Fjord areas`. Some nice pix of BNSF #6521, the Mentor Village Union Station, Shane, great shot of that storm at your place, and the great graphics for the July 4th celebrations` with all those random RR pix .
Pete. Some nice Katy pix from you, and enjoyed evesdropping in on all you chats with the other guys`. The AB`s play the Boks in Wellington tonight, will be watching it on Sky Sports TV live, it`s supposed to be a bit stormy down there tonight, so anything can happen!
Dan. That Seat 61 link to NZ rail was very interesting, as you will see from my chat with Tom I`ve given the info on the longest train journey you can take nowadays from north to south. Enjoyed those links to the Foxton Locks and the Incline, there is a town called Foxton west of us on the other side of the north island. Have had really no inclination to visit the old country since leaving, have only got one brother remaining of our family, I would rather let my wife go as she comes from a large family , so she has far more ties than I have.
Nick. Sounds as if you`ve got a big job to do on your layout as well as those 5 acres`, pace yourself mate! A really humerous write up of those July 4th celebrations. The AB`s and Boks game tonight should be a CRACKER, everyones on tenterhooks over here just now, they reckon it will be the REAL RWC Final! (One year too LATE!)
Fergie. Nice to see you in on July 4th for the celebrations.
See Ya, Allan
An early good morning. I see that the building survived though moderatly damaged,will make a closer inspection tomorrow when the vision isn't as bleury. One more Keith's for old times sake there Leon.I see that the Fusiliers have dragged off the wounded and perhaps the dead.Only Vito's cousin Max and his staff at The Nighty Night funeral home will know the awfull truth.
Tom-Fine spat of festive stuff today,loved all the freedom train posters and such. I was nice to see a decent turn out kudo's to the bunch that inhabit's this place fer sure fer sure. I'm certain that tomorrow will be somewhat quieter as everyone will need to sleep it off.
Nice to see that the mascots and various bar appliances made an appearance on the posts today as well
Fergie-Good to know that we may see a bit more of you have a pleasant voyage ( hopefully sans the sloppy weather )Thanks for the beer
Nick-Just a great bunch of posts as always,the description of the dogs affliction left me in tears ( I could almost taste it )Hopefully the eardrums won't still be bleeding after the gig up at the Zepplin field. Does the Canadian ovt, now about Vito's usuagae of their copy right We don't need those "mounties" down here singing the lumberjack song again. I have to say , I'm almost affraid for you seeing as your shamless attempt at getting the big 1G post still garnered a prize <uh oh > I'm guessing that H&H will be involved some how.
Oh does the BBC know that you smuggled a Tardis drive into the Zepplin to cause those ripples in the space time continueumI've noticed that Copperkettle has taken to wrapping himself in a long multi coloured Dr Who scarf ( which is a look concidering his normal attire is a loin cloth and aviatior glasses )
Eric-Great shots today,loved the closeups of the Steamers and the cab shots from both locomotive and your truck
Allan-Keep a look out a few more shots from my last foray SOB are comming up to add to teh jpeg file Interesting sounding train run. i'd love to someday get to Australia and New Zealand ( it's on my bucket list ) Along with seeing the Commonwaelth sites at Vimy and Flanders and the lot.
Okay Leon one more round if you don't mind. Now as promissed a few more shots from my last foray SOB in 1995 .
Grand Trunk GP7 at Battlecreek
Grand Trunk GP 9 at Battlecreek
UP Power in the Proviso ( C&NW ) yard in Chicago
C&NW GP 7's in Chicago
Sante Fe power at Joilleit Union Station in Jolliet Ill.
Amtrak train at Jolliet Union station.
<CPs first diesel loco - from ExpoRail railway museum - personal foto>
The day after a fine holiday event - so for the few remaining standing, help yourself to breakfast! It's all on the house - coffee ‘n pastries too!
Comments from the Proprietor
For Nick <drumroll> . . . your prize for ALMOST attaining the 1,000th REPLY at the bar:
An all expenses paid round trip to the Citadel of Flatulence Chanting, high atop Majestic Mt. Mentor where the finest in Grottenhofer Auslese ‘n other Euro-cheeses are nurtured from the cows, goats ‘n assorted milk-giving critters to the rhythmic sounds from this acclaimed musicological ‘n interpretive monastic enclave. Included within your prize is an hour of group-participation, following a welcome aboard feast of beans, lentils, dairy products, onions, garlic, scallions, leeks, radishes, sweet potatoes, cashews, Jerusalem artichokes, breads, cauliflower, broccoli ‘n cabbage. <yikes> Enjoy - YOU earned it! <tee hee> Stay downwind, Mate . . . <phew> <uh oh>
Something to ponder <aboot for Rob> In 1998, Chester "Buckfart" Weimer of Pueblo, Colorado, USA received a patent for the first undergarment that contained a replaceable charcoal filter. The undergarments are air-tight and provide a pocketed escape hole in which a charcoal filter can be inserted <from Wikipedia.com>
In 1998, Chester "Buckfart" Weimer of Pueblo, Colorado, USA received a patent for the first undergarment that contained a replaceable charcoal filter. The undergarments are air-tight and provide a pocketed escape hole in which a charcoal filter can be inserted
Finale of Keeping track!
216 fotos from my 2008 Canada Rail Odyssey . . . the end!
230 fotos from Rendezvous III . . . the end!
Friday - July 4th <all times Central daylite>:
Page 50 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 11:03 AM: "In" for an assessment of things ‘round the bar - some good cheer ‘n passing thoughts!
Yeah, it took a bit of "doing" to square away the "sterilization methods" in the Aid Room! <ugh> Nurse Helga finally "got it" right . . . <uh oh>
Many thanx for the well wishes ‘n daylite support for the bar!
Page 50 - Fergie <Fergmiester> at 2:56 PM <5:26 PM Newfie time>: A surprise visit from our Most Irregular-Part-Part-Time Resident Canadian Maritime Mariner! Seen your "handle" many times over the past few weeks - glad you've found your way to the bar a couple of days ago ‘n today!
Three cases of Keiths lasted just about 3 hours - as the crowd out in the tent "absorbed" it quite well. Thanx! <grin>
There's no way we believe that you've been "in" the garden for each ‘n every waking hour of the day - but if that's your story, stick to it, Mate!
Appreciate the visit, brew ‘n good cheer!
Page 50 - Eric <EricX2000> at 6:32 PM <4:32 PM Sandbox time>: Most pleased to see our Resident Desert RETIRED Swede arrive at the bar during daylite!
Here's a link to provide everything anyone would want to know about the Freedom Trains . . .
http://www.freedomtrain.org/html/main.htm
I do recall going aboard the Freedom train when it visited Staten Island, NY in 1949 <Nov 25th-27th> . . . was quite a treat!
Terrific cab shot - sure makes sense to have the dashboard angled in that manner - puts everything within reasonable view ‘n distance from the driver.
Some interesting random shots . . . thought for a moment that Pix was of an ABBA singer! <grin> Don't you WISH!?!? I'm STILL enamored <politely put> with one of those babes . . . <pant> <pant>
Many thanx for the Holiday Cheer, fotos ‘n ROUND!
Page 50-51 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 7:56 PM ‘n 8:01 PM ‘n 9:12 PM <1:56 AM ‘n 2:01 AM ‘n 3:12 AM Saturday GMT>: Most special visit from our across the pond Resident Londoner in Wales!
Some outstanding humor to keep the joint rockin' . . . only you could come up with the vividness of description to the zaniness thought up by our Chief Chef ‘n long time supporter of the bar. Still laffing over the VIA Rail - cheese "thing" - chili to make one's ear's bleed ‘n all the rest. Outstanding stuff, Mate!
"Close enough" pretty much applies only to maybe horseshoes, hand grenades ‘n atomic weapons. When it comes to "getting it right" for the 1,000th REPLY at the bar - well, you came up just one short. Such is life, my man - but take heart - YOU Sir, are now the proud WINNER of . . . . . <drum roll> . . . . check out the Comments from the Proprietor!
As an aside, doesn't appear any of those chaps on the "other Threads" are interested in joining us. Methinks it's the structure of our way of doing things that either scares ‘em off - or turns ‘em off. Hey! We takes what we gets ‘n I prefer the group just the way it is, thank you very much!
Many thanx for a terrific submission all geared to put a fine capstone on perhaps our finest <yet> 4th of July SELL-A-BRAY-SHUNS at this Watering Hole by the Wayside!
Page 51 - Allan <Gunneral> at 11:06 PM <6:06 PM Saturday NZ time>: And who should arrive amidst the raucusness of the evening, but our Resident Downunder Kiwi - Allan! Great to have you aboard ‘n the turnout this day ‘n nite has been in a word - terrific! When one considers we are only a small number - we've "done good" today!
Things were really quiet in real-life in these parts. First time I can EVER recall not hearing <booms> <bangs> <cracks> <ka-booms> all day. Only a very few at sunset - then the distant sounds from organized efforts - none of the "let's blow the neighborhood to smithereens," experienced in past years. Anyway, Juneau was pleased - as he is not very good when it comes to the sounds of fireworks.
Fireworks are illegal in most of the municipalities within the county we reside in. However, there are fireworks stands pretty much everywhere - figure that out, eh But, this year - things were really, really unusually quiet. Praise the Lawd <'n pass the ammunition - WWII lyrics>.
Thanx for the skinny on the passenger train service in your land . . . even if those routes on the southern island are not restored, appears to be sufficient runs to make a venture on the rails worth the while, eh What's your assessment of the condition of the equipment <carriages, etc.> Is there still a viable infrastructure at the stations for the travelers As mentioned in my comments of yesterday - we've let things like that fall by the wayside in many, many towns served by rail . . . <sad>
My guess is your rugby teams take what they do quite seriously - as evidenced by that foto of the ABs! <grin>
Appears you ‘n I have yet another view of life in common - I pretty much regard where I am as home - don't care to look or go back, for there's nothing tangible in my wake to return to. So, this appears to be where I'll be ‘til carried out . . . Having said that, there are so many places I'd dearly love to experience - not as a tourist, but to spend some serious time at. Perhaps several months in Australia - was a time I wanted to spend some serious time in Germany ‘n Scandinavia - stuff like that. Just to be able to say that the impressions are based more upon being ‘n living there than from the artificialness of hotel ‘n restaurants - if you follow my drift.
Many thanx for another of your super-fine efforts ‘n appreciate - as always - the ROUND of Tui for the boyz!
Saturday - July 5th:
Page 51 - Rob <trolleboy> at 12:34 AM ‘n 12:43 AM: Back with a two-fer to put a fine "cap" on the nite! Was a full day of activities ‘round here ‘n very pleased with the turn out. Really our best for the 4th - AND we didn't have Pete! <CM3 Shane hasn't ever been to one of our 4th celebrations>. Anyway, "we done good," guyz!
Vito has a cousin named MAX Are you serious That doesn't fit! Nope - just doesn't get it. Guido - yes - Giuseppe, Antonio, Giovanni, Francesco - sure - but MAX This guy must be a "plant" - best to keep an eye on him! <uh oh>
Some fine fotos for the crew!
Noted in your fotos that you made it as far south as Joliet, IL - so that's fairly close to St. Louis. If you did it once, surely you can again!
Yeah, that was a rather "shameless" attempt by our Chief Chef to pick up a prize - there's something "brewing" just for him . . . <uh oh>
The Nighty Night funeral home Good Gawd Gertie - you are a sick-o! But, a good fit for this joint . . . <grin>
Thanx for your contributions in levity to this day o' SELL-A-BRAY-SHUN at the Bar by the Ballast!
Many thanx for the visits, fotos ‘n good cheer after a long day at work!
Dinner begins at 5 PM so come early ‘n often!
Good afternoon Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Hello Leon, a cold Tui would be perfect! Thank you!
Wow, it seems to be a very quiet afternoon at this place this Saturday! I guess many are gone for the long weekend.
Nick – Congratulations! You are the only one who really saw what I captured in my thunderstorm photo! Everyone else thought it was some lightning, but you recognized what it really was! I am impressed! The Alaskan moose steak sounds good! I have to try that!Sorry you missed the 1,000th item reward!Allan – Thanks for the birthday wishes! It was a big event for me and I was actually pictured in the local TV news the same day (to my big surprise).Thanks for the fjord info! I really have to go the our map store and get a good size map of NZ. I have talked about it now for a long time, it’s time to get it done! Rob – Glad you liked the photos! I am getting kind of short on train/locomotive photos so I have to start scanning more older ones I can use. Nice loco photos from 1995! I like those C&NW GP 7’s! You don’t see them any more. Plus, of course, Amtrak’s F40!Tom – Thanks for the link to the Freedom Trains! Sad to say, it seems like just one car is surviving today. Locomotive and all other cars are gone! I bet it was a treat to visit the train in 1949! ABBA singer? Hmm, I am afraid that would not work. But I wouldn’t mind to see the ABBA brunette, Anni-Frid, again!!! She is/was something else!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuB8xWeA59I&feature=relatedSome random photos again. Some shown before, some not.
Caboose on the mainline! UP in Nebraska 1981.
Cab of X2000.
EMU class X1, Swedish State Railways.
Grand Canyon 1992.
CB&Q #3006, Galesburg, IL.
Was surely beginning to think we'd have a day-lite shut-out on this Saturday . . . been watching Eric signed in 'n out for several times - also Fergie - but no visits! As I've said - if YOU Post - so will I. Otherwise I'll just sit it out 'til someone does. No point in Posting for the sake of it, eh
Sooooooo, thanx for the visit, Eric - we all haven't gone away! More comments in the next round of acknowledgments . . . .
An installment of Random Fotos for this Saturday following our active 4th at the Watering Hole by the Wayside . . .
(1) Pete in Empire Builder observation car at KCity Union Station
(2) Interior of Carlton Street trolley - that's Ted ‘n Rob <Rendezvous I>
(3) Patio of the TrainWreck Saloon - Rock Hill, Missouri - the bar is inside a former MoPac caboose! <Rendezvous II>
(4) SD70MAC power for the northbound ARR Denali Star at Anchorage <2006 Alaska Rail Adventure>
(5) Branson Scenic Railway - Branson, Missouri <2007 Fall Get-Away>
(6)Fall splendor from VIA Rail's eastbound Ocean <New Brunswick, Canada>
Enjoy the weekend!
Good evening gents.Leon just a cold Keith's tonight for me.As I suspected it's been a tad sloooooow today, okay alot slooooow but hey everyone basically woke up under the tables.
Tom-In with some late random shots all of them good. I like the shot out the back of the Carlton car another streetcar and a Bus plus the busy neighbourhood a keeper fer sure fer sure.I have to say that I've always had a<pant pant > appreciation for the Blonde girl in ABBA.
Yes Max is a blood cousin Maximo they just call him Max cause he prefers it.Creeplily he looks alot like Vincent Price
Great prize for Nick as well.Most definatly we need to be downwind for many days afterwards. Even Copperkettle and the girls avoid that place accept to get Nick's imported cheese order.Vito's cousin Antonia lends them the Hazmat truck as he has controlling intrest in the Enviro Clean-up duties for the area.We have him on speed dial ever since Boris started making inflatables and the odd batch of semi -explosive beer in his shed.He always gives us two for one deals,which is helpfull cause he's Max's brother so quite often half the deal has uses at the Nighty Night chapple as well.
Eric-More great photo's, as always I am intrigued by the interior shots.
Okay a couple more Random photo's from Chi-town and teh surrounding area's. No Tom we did not make it all the way down to St loo. At least back then gas was cheap, most we paid was about 0.89 a gallon,it has in the mid 50 cent range a litre then < grumble grumble >
SD 38 at Battlecreek.
More stuff on the ready tracks at Battlecreek.
Shots from the Soo Line yard Soo line GP's
Metra pulling into Jolliet
Another interesting train passing the Jolliet Union.
An Iowa Interstate train at Jolliet.
<R&S #20 RS-2, first diesel loco made in Canada by MLW - personal foto>
Reminder: "Our" Place is CLOSED on SUNDAYs
<but go ahead ‘n slip your messages thru the mail slots on the doors!>
As always, "Our" Place is CLOSED on SUNDAYs - time for the Proprietor to get things squared away for Monday's opening at 6 AM <all times zones - don't ask how we do that!!>.
Totally but good for a few! <grin> Check this link:
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=20201
Saturday - July 5th <all times Central daylite>:
Page 51 - Eric <EricX2000> at 5:53 PM <3:35 PM Sandbox time>: Most relieved that you dropped off a Post - otherwise nothing would've come from Moi!
And a fine effort from our Resident Desert RETIRED Swede on a verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry quiet Saturday at the Tavern by the Tracks.
It can be a bit confusing regarding the "count" of Posts at the bar . . . goes like this: When the Thread was established, the very FIRST Post "counted" towards "ITEMS," but of course REPLIEs are a different matter. ITEMS appear at the bottom of the Page you happen to be on at the bar, whereas REPLIES are what shows up when the Forum's Page is called up.
There are four columns - Thread - Replies - Views - Latest Post. We "count" REPLIES when it comes to the recognition ‘n prizes at the bar. ITEMS include the FIRST POST, whereas REPLIES do not! There's always a difference of ONE between ITEMS ‘n REPLIES! That's IT . . . Clear as mud, eh
Nice spate of random fotos for the day . . . always enjoy the cab shots, for they are views hardly ever experienced by our crew. Also liked that caboose scene - but never did appreciate those "signs" emblazoned on ‘em . . . too much like "bill board advertising" in my OH-PIN-YUN!
Thanx for the ABBA link - we've got a couple of DVDs of the group - one is of their hits whereas the other is a documentary of their times together. Both good - sad in a way, for they really "had it" . . . Also saw the touring edition of Mama Mia - very, very entertaining ‘n highly recommended for anyone enjoying the music of ABBA!
Brunettes seem to be your "weak link," eh
Mention of fjords always brings me back to 1971 when our flotilla of 3 ships steamed to Oslo passing through some of the most breathtaking scenery I've ever witnessed from the bridge of a ship. King's Yacht met us ‘n served as an escort - was a most memorable journey, fer sure, fer sure! <sweet>
Many thanx for the visit, chat ‘n fotos!
Page 51 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 10:03 PM: Hmmmmm, Maximo is it Perhaps a stretcccccccccccch, but seems "legit" . . . Not sure I wanna know about further lineage, though . . . . <grin>
As certain as sunrise ‘n sunset, we'll not be seeing petrol prices at the levels you quoted . . . gone-zo, Mate. <bratzafratz>
I've passed thru Joliet several times to/from Chicago . . . did visit the prison once, but that's a story best told at a Rendezvous . . . most unhappy place.
Do think there's a "line" regarding the <pant> <pant> for the blonde babe from ABBA!
Appreciate your taking the time ‘n making the effort to stop by the bar AND "my other Thread" . . .
Reminder: RUTH returns on Tuesday!
"Our" Place is CLOSED on SUNDAYs
Starting TODAY at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!
. . . July 6th thru 13th: Dances With Wolves <1990> Starring: Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, Floyd "Red Crow" Westerman, Rodney Grant & Tantoo Cardinal - and - ENCORE Presentation of Breakheart Pass <1975> Starring: Charles Bronson, Ben Johnson, Richard Crenna, Jill Ireland & Charles Durning. SHORT - The Three Stooges: Squareheads of the Round Table <1948>.
<Note: Breakheart Pass first shown on Sunday Feb 5th thru 11th, 2006>
Dances With Wolves <1990>
PLOT SUMMARY: Kevin Costner's 1990 epic won a bundle of Oscars for a moving, engrossing story of a white soldier (Costner) who single handedly mans a post in the 1870 Dakotas, and becomes a part of the Lakota Sioux community who live nearby. The film may not be a masterpiece, but it is far more than the sum of good intentions. The characters are strong, the development of relationships is both ambitious and careful, the love story between Costner and Mary McDonnell's character is captivating. Only the third-act portrait of white intruders as morons feels overbearing, but even that leads to a terribly moving conclusion. Costner's direction is assured, the balance of action and intimacy is perfect--what more could anyone want outside of an unqualified masterpiece? --Tom Keogh
Kevin Costner's 1990 epic won a bundle of Oscars for a moving, engrossing story of a white soldier (Costner) who single handedly mans a post in the 1870 Dakotas, and becomes a part of the Lakota Sioux community who live nearby. The film may not be a masterpiece, but it is far more than the sum of good intentions. The characters are strong, the development of relationships is both ambitious and careful, the love story between Costner and Mary McDonnell's character is captivating. Only the third-act portrait of white intruders as morons feels overbearing, but even that leads to a terribly moving conclusion. Costner's direction is assured, the balance of action and intimacy is perfect--what more could anyone want outside of an unqualified masterpiece? --Tom Keogh
<from: amazon.com>
Breakheart Pass <1975 >
PLOT SUMMARY: Charles Bronson (The Magnificent Seven, Death Wish) is at his dynamic, heroic best inthis suspenseful action-packed mystery-western based on the best-selling novel by Alistair MacLean (Where Eagles Dare). With a powerful cast that includes Ben Johnson (The Last Picture Show), Richard Crenna (First Blood), Jill Ireland (Death Wish II) and Charles Durning (Tootsie), Breakheart Pass throws open the throttle for runaway excitement! At the height of the frontier era, a locomotive races through the Rocky Mountains on a classified mission to a remote Army post. But one by one, the passengers are being murdered! Their only hope is John Deakin (Bronson), a mysterious prisoner-in-transit who must fight for his life - and the lives of everyone on the train - as he uncovers a deadly secret that explodes in a torrent of shocking revelations, explosive brawls and blazing gun battles.
Charles Bronson (The Magnificent Seven, Death Wish) is at his dynamic, heroic best inthis suspenseful action-packed mystery-western based on the best-selling novel by Alistair MacLean (Where Eagles Dare). With a powerful cast that includes Ben Johnson (The Last Picture Show), Richard Crenna (First Blood), Jill Ireland (Death Wish II) and Charles Durning (Tootsie), Breakheart Pass throws open the throttle for runaway excitement! At the height of the frontier era, a locomotive races through the Rocky Mountains on a classified mission to a remote Army post. But one by one, the passengers are being murdered! Their only hope is John Deakin (Bronson), a mysterious prisoner-in-transit who must fight for his life - and the lives of everyone on the train - as he uncovers a deadly secret that explodes in a torrent of shocking revelations, explosive brawls and blazing gun battles.
SHORT: The Three Stooges - Squareheads of the Round Table <1948>
PLOT SUMMARY: Set in medieval times the Stooges are troubadours who help Cedric the Blacksmith see his love, the Princess Elaine. At night the stooges sneak onto the palace grounds to serenade her but are spotted by the Black Prince, who wants Elaine for himself. Thrown in the dungeon, the boys escape & manage to foil the Black Prince, who had orders to have Cedric beheaded & the King assassinated. A grateful King allows Elaine & Cedric to be wedded.
Set in medieval times the Stooges are troubadours who help Cedric the Blacksmith see his love, the Princess Elaine. At night the stooges sneak onto the palace grounds to serenade her but are spotted by the Black Prince, who wants Elaine for himself. Thrown in the dungeon, the boys escape & manage to foil the Black Prince, who had orders to have Cedric beheaded & the King assassinated. A grateful King allows Elaine & Cedric to be wedded.
<from: threestooges.net>
Enjoy the weekend! Tom
Afternoon folks,I was just in finishing my paperwork when I noticed that the bossman had come in with this weeks movie posters for the emporium
Tom-A good batch of movies this week I've seen all but the stooges short and all are worth seeing again Oh I don't know if we take over all the oil patch countries we might get the prices back down to a livable level,but that would cost more in people and time than it would be worth .Still 60 cent a litre gas would be a good thing ( oddly I remember complaining greatly when it broke the 60 cent range ) It wasn't all that long ago either,amazing that gas has gone up almost a buck a litre in less than a decade.
One of the things I remeber of our trip to Jolliet was just down the street from the station we were talking with a local police officer ( realy nice guy ) we couldn't help but notice the cruiser he was driving,an imaculate 1977 Firebird, he then pointed out the rear quarter panel on it were letterd it said "Proudly Seized From a drug Dealer" .
Yes it's Maximo, best not to ask they are an old family from way back <uh oh >
Anyhow lets drop off a couple more snaps for this Sunday afternoon.
More Soo power from that trip.
Another interurban car preserved near Chicago suburb of St Charles.
Ottawa Street railway Linecar at the Seashore Trolley Museum in Maine
Baltimore City Peter Witt at the Baltimore Streetcar Museum.
enjoy
Morning folks neither Tom nor Cindy have made it in yet so I'll put the coffee on,the pastry shipment has just arrived as well so I'll get first crack at those.So while I ahve a spiked thermos of coffee and see that the kitchen is ready to go for breakfast I'll drop off a couple photo's to enjoy with the morning paper.
Another GT train from our foray to Battle Creek
One of the last left a CP RS10 at Kitchener Ontario in 1985 my uncle snapped this one on his way to work.
A CN RS18 in Windsor in the late 80's basically the last few weeks of it's life as well,I'll have to check the number but this might be one of the one's that was sold to the Cape Breton and Central Nova Scotia.
Another rarity at Battle Creek ( this shots from a post card ) one of the DT&I GP35's still wearing it's orange,but it has been renumbered already into the Grand Trunk numbering scheme.Original photo dates to 1982
A smile to begin the week!
Asked by Cardinal Spellman of New York City what his Holiness had said to him and what did Yogi say in response, Yogi said, "He said, ‘Hello, Yogi," and I said, ‘Hello, Pope.' "
<A Yogi-ism!>
Time again for the start-up of another work week <for many> - as Monday has arrived! <ugh> C'mon, let some "sun shine" brighten up your morning with a mugga Joe, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery ‘n of course a breakfast selection of a <light> or <traditional> offering from our Menu Board!
Suggestion for our GoR who "peek in" during the day . . . if you're spending time checking our submissions, why not drop off a little-something Doesn't have to be an epistle! I'm trying to restrict my Postings to avoid "talking to myself." So - you Post - then I'll Post, etc. Thanx!
Sunday - July 6th <all times Central daylite>:
Page 51 - Rob <trolleyboy at 5:11 PM: "In" for some admin work <but NO "ahem"> a bit o' reflection on petrol prices ‘n some fine fotos!
Traction shots are 4.0!
Monday - July 7th:
Page 51 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 6:10 AM: Our Manager has both ends covered with a fine start-up spate of fotos to jump start the day!
Motive power looks like a "Monday" - rarin' to go!
Reminder: Cindy 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!
Ruth returns tomorrow!
I'll have a pint of Bateman's XB please.
Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend. By the way I liked that picture of the interior of the Empire Builder Observation car you posted - nicely designed I thought.
Rob - thanks for your comments, and more great pics: "Some fine beer links and some holiday cheer. It shows that we hold no grudges towards them eh" - yep you are right there, although recent discussions with regard to Via and Amtrak timekeeping suggest that retaining links with the old country could pay the dividend of better timekeeping...!! (Now that comment will set the cat among the pigeons so I'd better offer a bottle of chilled Tom Paine Bitter to all in!
Eric - thanks for the round - what Swedish beverage do you recommend?
Incidentally - that great class T44 pic you posted - what sort of loco is that? A switcher design, or freight design perhaps? I liked the style of the design.
Allan - will be interesting to see if passenger rail in NZ does develop further as a result of recent changes in ownership - my guess would be that they are more likely to go for urban rail transit options before new long distance routes, but will be interesting to see no doubt.
Now on to the report of my expeditions to see the train services commemorating the 70th anniversary of the 126 mph steam speed record of the LNER A4 class. To celebrate this, a tour train was run from London to Edinburgh (400 miles each way roughly) on Saturday, and return on Sunday, using at different times 3 of the 4 UK based surviving A4 locos. The other 2 are in Canada and the US as Pete has mentioned
My plan was to find a location next to the line in open country to see the train go by.
Weather over the weekend was slightly iffy with intermittent rain showers, cloud and sun, so it was always going to be chancy. On the Saturday the time due to ascend the Stoke Incline (where the record was broken in the descent) was inconveniently early. So me and a mate headed north of Newark to a spot close to the old Great North Road (the A1 - a road with connotations close to the sort of Route 66 connotations in the US I guess).
After checking out a couple of places where ugly fencing obstructed the view we found a footpath from a village called Weston that lead across to the line. At this point the line was on an embankment above us, and although much of the line is now intermittently shrouded by low tress and bushes that would not have been there during the stem era, we could get a good view south of the train approaching and watch it cross a small farm access bridge just by us.
Right on schedule it came into view - whistling for a grade crossing to the south with plenty of steam in sight. It was hauled by A4 Sir Nigel Gresley (named for the loco designer) decked out in the short lived BR Blue paint scheme which I find very attractive - as shown in this picture. A great sight passing at speed:
http://www.trainweb.org/drs/Images/sc01sir%20nigel.jpg
This inspired me to go and have another look on the southbound run next day, but this time on the record breaking spot at Stoke Bank. I'd located a likely looking spot on the map and got there about an hour early after calling in at the Rutland Railway Museum earlier in the afternoon. Scheduled pass time was about 7.30PM and it was a nice evening - with some showers and sun intermittently. This spot was near a village called Burton-le-Coggles just south of Grantham on the Stoke incline descent near where the actual speed record was made.
This turned out to be a great train watching spot. It was easy to park up in the village and walk about ¾ of a mile along a trail and then take a public footpath which climbed up beside the line to a point where one is level with the track and then there is slight rise in the land so you are just above the height of the rails looking across and up and down the line.
There were plenty of train to watch as I bided my time, and also some nice wildlife (birds esp) in the fields to watch whilst waiting. From this point you could see up and down the line for about 3 miles with a clear view and at this point no bushes to interrupt the view.
Again on time A4 loco ‘Bittern' hauled the train south, whistling as it approached. This loco is painted in the more common BR dark green paint scheme as shown here:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/LNER_Class_A4_60019_Bittern.jpg
I'd decided not to take pics as I wanted to see the train in the whole landscape, not just concentrate on the view through the lens. Anyway - as bad luck would have it just as the loco got close to where I was standing in the field, coming up from the north was a heavy freight loco hauling a 20 wagon train of railway track panels stacked on flat bed wagons - at the critical moment obscuring the view for the critical moment the steam train was closest to where we were! Just the luck of the draw - I should have stood the other side of the track!
Anyway - en route to this point I took a minor road that shadowed the railway here and drove past the pub Pete mentioned in his post last week - the Willoughby Arms:
http://homepages.which.net/~rex/bourne/lbytham.htm
This looked like a great pub, owned by Bateman's Brewery, which also does accommodation - it stands opposite what must have once been Little Bytham station (some of the buildings of which still exist and look like they are for sale). I did not have time to stop there unfortunately - but it looks well worth a visit.
Allan - I thought you in particular would like this account (and I'm sure Pete will appreciate the report back) - it was a great way to see the train, and my only regret was that it was not hauling a rake of vintage teak LNER carriages!
Regards to all
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Bathams please RUTH.I hope everyone had a great 4th of July.
NICK Sounds as though you had a good day constructing your model railway.
Many thanks for the description of the 4th of July events at Mentor Village, as I was away for the weekend. I have heard The Big River Band was on top form and got the concert off to a great start, VITO says the CDs will be available soon.
So I guess Druid is not in your good books.
So near on the 1,000th post still you can join H&H and I on the Can -Am daylight express I won for turning page 50 if you want.
ALLAN Glad you enjoyed the photos. It would be good if the NZ government could extend the long distance train services there.
Managed to watch a replay of the AB v Boks game. I though a very hard fought and good game especially as the weather played a role. Maybe it was the camera angle but it looked as though a lot of the line out balls were not straight, it seems that the refs don't seem to call it nowadays.
ROB It always pays to get the payments to Second National Bank in on time, as you say a visit from Vito and his boys is not something to be looked forward to.
ERIC Great 4th of July graphic and lightning photo, or is it, as Nick said, the Zeppelin landing.
Thanks for the URL to the depot at New Franklin.
There is only a very small portion of the track left still embedded in the road, I will have to get to the local library and see if they any photos of the depot at Cedar City. I guess it must have connected with a ferry before the first bridge across the Missouri was built in Jeff City.
Read glad they caught that maniac they shot at you.
Congratulations on your 11th year anniversary.
Many thanks for the photos. How come you are only 27 yet that photo was taken 32 years ago. Did you ever think when driving the T44 that one day you would be driving a big rig in the USA. I must admit that if someone had said in 1976 and seeing the USA tank locomotive on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway in England that year, I would be in the US in 2008 I would not have believed them.
I believe VITO the HIT often travels by RDC when is armored car is having repairs done to it, he also has a few relatives who work for the Mountain Village Police, we are lucky the MV police are not the same as the Mentor Village squad.
DL Many thanks for the very interesting URL on Thomas Paine. I will keep a look out for the Harvey's special brew around here; I have not been able to get any Harvey's yet although I have seen Lees and some Moorhouses, and many varieties of Sam Smith's.
I see in the link Harvey's Christmas Ale is 8.1%, the two Alan's traveled down to Lewis last year to try some, I would be happy to get a pint of their Best Bitter here.
Yes the legroom in the Amtrak cars even in coach class is unbelievable to someone who is used to British cars, that and the seats all face forward apart from the tables in the café car.
The photos of the Katy Trail were taken on two different days. On the eastbound photo the bride was with her friend and I walked with them for a mile or two, but it was quite a hot day and I was not used to the heat and some kind soul had put a bench in so I sat there while they went on a bit further.
They witnessed a collision between a cyclist and a beaver both parties were uninjured. Really the Katy is mainly for cycles and a lot of folks do the whole length staying in B&Bs along the route. We have taken the dog walks along the trail for a short distance over the river from here and we keep saying we are going to get our bikes back to top order and ride the trail a bit more. There is an English guy who ran a bike shop on the trail at Hartsburg who has moved his shop just down the road from us. We went to Hartsburg once and walked a bit of the trail and what I though was a stick was a snake along side the trail and then the mosquitoes came out. It is sad that it is not a living railway, but as you say, better a trail than it disappearing forever and most of the old bridges have been kept in place and used for the trail. Highway 94 follows the trail for many miles except when the road climbs over a hill and the trail follows the river.
I agree about the all day drinkers and the all day opening, but I think I am right in thinking that there is less drunkenness about since the all day opening as there isn't the drinking down a load of beer before the lunch time closing as what used to happen.
I have seen an ad for Fire but I doubt if I will be able to get hold of one as it says it is only sold in WH Smith and I could not see anything about it on its website.
FERGIE Glad you are enjoying the photos and thanks for the Keith's.
Hope you have a pleasant voyage with calm seas.
TOM Congratulations on posting reply 1,000.
Really great graphics, book cover, models and photos for Independence Day 5X. The ALCO on the Freedom Train looked superb in that paint scheme, as does the SP # 4449.Great to see the mascots enjoying the festivities as well. Noticed the flags outside Our Place as the Amtrak passed by.
I was told I got off light this year we had a great time. It seems I missed a great time at the bar though on the 4th with a great firework display.
OH NO a ‘Tweeting',only excuse was I was making sure the bar was well stocked for the 4th and was so busy I got confused. I have had the misfortune to have seen the state of BORIS's shed lately so a clean up is overdue just a shame it is me who has got to do it.
Enjoyed the URL to the beers it said BUD is 5.0%
Oh Dear I have just started on page 51 and noticed how long the post as got so I had better post this. Be back later
A round please RUTH..
Pete.
A mid-morning informative Post from our Resident Brit in Sherwood Forest! Most appreciative of your daylite AM efforts!
Wondering if Dan "caught" this link, provided on Page 50 An interesting comment regarding the alcohol content of beer - check this link for some revealing info on U.S. <'n other> beer content:http://www.realbeer.com/edu/health/calories.php
An interesting comment regarding the alcohol content of beer - check this link for some revealing info on U.S. <'n other> beer content:http://www.realbeer.com/edu/health/calories.php
Also noted the return of our Bar Chandler - Wolfman Pete! Always gracious 'n willing to "accept" his penalty for Rules Violations! <grin> Also very appreciative of your taking the time 'n making the effort to provide a before-noon Monday visit!
With CM3 Shane gone-zo 'til the 17th <or thereabouts> the morning "slot" is in need of help - which tody is lookin' mighty fine!
Additional comments in my next round of acknowledgments . . .
The Passenger Railroad Fallen Flags of "Our" Place #7
Seaboard Air Line (SAL)
<A form of this was initially Posted on 22 Sep 2005, Page 115 of the Original Thread>
<source: Classic American Railroads>
Caveat: The information provided is NOT all inclusive and is reflective only of the periods mentioned.
Headquarters: Norfolk, VA
Route mileage in 1950: 4,146
Locomotives in 1963: Diesels - 531
Rolling stock in 1963: Freight cars - 27,560; Passenger cars - 446
Principal routes in 1950:
Richmond, VA-Homestead, FL (Miami) via Columbia, SC & Jacksonville & Auburndale, FL
Coleman-St. Petersburg, Fl
Hamlet, NC-Savannah, GA
Norlina, NC-Norfolk
Hamlet-Birmingham, AL
Savannah, GA - Montgomery, AL
Baldwin-Chattahoochee, FL
Baldwin-Gross, FL (bypass of Jacksonville)
Waldo-Sulphur Springs, FL
Plant City-Fort Myers, FL
Durant-Venice, FL
Hull-Port Boca Grande, FL
Valrico-West Lake Wales, FL
Passenger trains of note:
Cotton Blossom (Washington, DC-Atlanta)
Gulf Wind (Jacksonville-New Orleans)
New York-Florida Limited (New York-Miami)
Orange Blossom Special (New York-Miami)
Palmland (New York-Tampa & Boca Grande, FL)
Silver Meteor (New York-Miami & St. Petersburg & Venice & Ft. Myers)
Silver Comet (New York- & Portsmouth, VA-Birmingham)
Silver Star (New York-Miami & St. Petersburg & Venice & Boca Grande, FL)
Sunland (Washington & Portsmouth-Miami & Venice; formerly Southern States Special, Sun Queen & Camellia)
Suwannee River Special (Cincinnati-Florida destinations)
Of note: SAL passenger trains were handled by RF&P & PRR north of Richmond.
L&N handled the Gulf Wind west of Chattahoochee.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SAL ad - "Silver Meteor" Streamliner thru Tropical Florida (from: www.getcruising.com/rails)
SAL #3011 E4A
(Original line drawing art by Stan Lytle, enhanced by Jack Bleiberg - from: www.getcruising.com/rails)
Orange Blossom special ad (from: multiple sources)
A pint of Bathams please RUTH. Catching up, part 2 from my weekend away
ROB Looks like I missed the more outlandish behavior at the 4th of July celebrations, a vision of Copperkettle breaking the time and space continuum is not one to dwell on.
Many thanks for the great photos from Battlecreek and the Chicago area. There is a great variety of motive power at Joliet although I guess it would not be possible to see that great C&NW livery today. Enjoyed the photos of the preserved trolley and interurbans, is that a very large museum in the St Charles district of Chicago.
After clearing out BORIS"S shed, I fear he may be experimenting with inflatables again.
ERIC Many thanks for the varied photos. Very interesting to compare the different controls of the X1 and the X2000.
Enjoyed the U-Tube link to ABBA they really are a talented group.
DL Many thanks for the great and well-written description of seeing the A4s on the 70th anniversary runs. Sir Nigel must have looked a great sight in the BR Blue livery, as in the URL, and there is noting like that chime whistle. I have yet to see her in that livery at speed.
The second spot sounds an excellent place to watch trains at, just real bad luck that a PW train passed at just the wrong moment. Bittern seems in a slightly lighter shade of green but perhaps it is just the way the light is in link.
It is many years now since I was last at the Rutland Railway Museum, I seem to recall they had some interesting locomotives there.
Hopefully next time you are in the area you will be able to call in at the Willoughby Arms, Bateman's is quite a good drop of beer, are there any Bateman houses near you.
TOM
Great to talk with you today.
Got wind of Nick's great prize for nearly getting the 1,000th reply, I don't think the charcoal filter has a chance.
Many thanks for the link to the Freedom Trains. It was a pity the ALCO used in the 1947-1949 tour, the most kissed locomotive, was not saved, at least you got to see it. That was very interesting about the discovery of the Howard Fogg painting in the link.
Enjoyed the random photos. It looks like you have seen the other passengers off on your trip on the Carlton Street trolley on Rendezvous I. It is great how the sun is reflecting off the sides of the dome cars at Branson. I noticed the big number 5 on the tap at the TrainWreck; one of those would go down a treat this hot afternoon.
Good films on at the Emporium this week, it is a long time since I have seen Dances with Wolves and Breakheart Pass, then, of course the Stooges.
Many thanks for the Passenger Fallen Flag on the Seaboard Air Line. They seem to have a lot of freight and passenger cars for the number of diesels they had in 1963. I think they had some great names for their named trains, including the famous Orange Blossom Special.
Well LEON I see you are behind the bar, so a round please.
Many thanx to Pete for keeping the LIGHT in day-lite! <grin> Otherwise, we'd be in the doldrums, fer sure, fer sure . . .
Here's something Posted about a year ago at "Our" Place II . . . an interesting bit o' info . . .
<personal fotos>
The Davenport Locomotive on the pedestal in front of the Anchorage Depot was never on the roster as #1. It is actually #6 and started life as a 3 foot gauge locomotive that was then standard gauged. It became the ceremonial #1 only because it was a survivor.
from: http://alaskamodelrrnews.homestead.com/Steam.html
Historian Pat Durand says, "Builders #764 by Davenport Locomotive Works October 1907 for the Isthmus Canal Commission where it operated as No. 802. Acquired by the Alaska Engineering Commission as #6 in 1917. This locomotive was 3 foot gauge and was converted to standard gauge and used as a shop switcher in Anchorage. During 1947 she was renumbered No. 1 for use by the Anchorage Lions Club Moose Gooser train on 4th and 5th Avenue during the Fur Rendezvous for two years. Later she was placed on display facing East in front of the Depot. In the 1990, Bob Yost lead a group to a full restoration, short of a new boiler, and she went back on the display facing West."
from: http://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former-loco/JC-arr1.html
P.S. I KNOW Nick is "out there" - saw him Posting elsewhere . . . thought we'd get a "real time exchange" working . . . but not to be. Oh well . . . . CHEERS, Mate <clink> when you get "in"!
Hmmmm, should I <tweet> him for NOT Posting here FIRST Hmmmmm.
Enjoy 'n see y'all in the AM!
Good evening Leon,I think a round of guiness will be most welcome this evening.
Tom-Great to see the SAL and the Alaska RR info again, a nice change to see a couple of encores again,and ones with such neat info Thanks for the inbox giggles as well I enjoyed it thoroughly.Some of is ooooh so true.
It will be nice to have Ruth back,poor Pete will stop getting confused. I'm sure that she has enjoyed her looooong weekend.
Dan-Good to see you this morning. A wonderfull tale of the steam excursion. The pictures looked wonderfull too,I aggree with you the Blue scheme on the Sir Nigel is a keeper Bad luck on the freight train though,you would think they would have left the scheduale clear for the historic run.Still the frieght and the economy must move on.mind you a train load of tracl panels could have waited.
Pete- two for one appearance by you today,and you caught up on all the bases in well fell swoop I don't want to know about anything you may or may have not found in Boris's shed. Suffice to say you are a brave man wading in there with nothing but coveralls ,rubber boots and a smile. I hear that there are several countries willing to purchase Nick's prize as a riot control and breaking up substance.I'll buy you a nice heavy bitter due to your duress from that chore. it was a job well done though
You would be right about the C&NW units I don't believe any are still out there ( certainly none of the GP's )Jolliet and Battle Creek were two good train watching spots to be sure.
I'm not sure how big that museum was. It was closed so we didn't investigate as our flight was leaving a couple hours later ( out of the St Charles Airport )I'm not even sure what it's name was I've never been able to even find it on the net.I took a couple other shots from the same poit when I was thier of a 70 ton GE switcher and a coupe old meat reefers which were parked adjacent to the interurban.
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