Hello Tom and all in
Round for the house and a beer for myself - been able to scan through the recent posts (well pics at least) see CM3 in juts before me.
Nice pics of Park Car interior Tom - and your recent pics caught my eye Rob. Good to see other regulars keeping up a better attendance record than myself!
Anyway - in the spirit of the bosses recent request I can at least say I'll def not be in next week as I'm on hols - and I think it will be computer (and telephone) free - down in the south of the UK so not too far. Breakfast in the restaurant car south tomorrow morning starts the trip!
Nick - I've just tried to e-mail you off line - it may have worked. Pete and I have got a plan for the meet the week after next - meeting location New Street Station. You'd be welcome to join us.
Pete - I respoinded to your message off line last night - may have got to you if you have not departed for your own travels yet - your suggested time and location made sense to me. Leave a message on my home phone when you are in the UK with your number and I'll give you a shout - but at the time of writing my intention is to be at the time and the place as agreed.
No doubt about it we will toast the rest of the regulars (and the boss) and probably most of the Legion of the Lost too.
Not been able to go through the recent posts in details but best wishes to all - Eric, Allan, Fergie and those of you previously mentioned of course!
Best wishes to all - let me check the breakfast menu while I leave another round for the house on the bar!
DL
No comments (of course) regarding current political situation but it was interesting how our gas prices came down 10 cents/gal after the AGs visit yesterday. They're at $3.89 this morning when I visited the truck stop to get my a.m. newspaper.
Nick - Hope you're o.k. Remember what the training tape said - you jump with the parachute, not with the cooler. Scary stuff, man! That's why I don't do roofs no more....
Rob was by with comments and information re his pictures. Ain't retail grand?
Fergie was in with comments - Our promotion "system" if you can call it that is somewhat similar to the railroad. Jobs are posted and you bid on them. Over the years I have bid on my own job four times. Ideal way is to get a grade raise, but you have to be strolling on the water to do that - I'm getting better; last time I took about three steps before I went down (lol).
Eric - 13 and counting - that's the style! Snow in the sleeper - interesting. Better close the window the next time. I recall seeing stuff like that on the Lake Shore more than a few times in the winter where it blew in through the vestibules and piled up in the car aisle - not in the rooms although we did have our share of busted water pipes and frozen plumbing. The Ty-D-Bowl man was skating! Nice shot of your consist; proves the old saying that there's a prototype for everything if you wait long enough.
OSP - Nice car pictures you sent along - the lounge looks great! BTW, Pete looked right at home, I think. Must have been a ball game on the TV.
Work safe
<The Chaleur at Gaspé, Québec, Canada - personal foto>
Friday's Grin
Lines To Make You Smile
Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
G'day Gents!
The final Friday of the month has arrived ‘n my, my how time doth fly! There IS time to order a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board ‘n sample a pastry or three from The Mentor Village Bakery case. Remember, our coffee is FREE for those who order!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Comments from the Proprietor
For planning purposes - IF we survive the month of October - our Annual Dart's Challenge ‘n Grudge Match with The Second Class Saloon goons will take place on November 6th thru 8th <Thurs thru Fri> with the opening set at "Our" Place.
If you wish to participate - send me an Email ‘n I'll assign you to a team. We'll try to put forth two teams of two - with an alternate if interest permits. Shane has accepted the assignment of Ace Reporter. Again - please let me know by Email. Thanx . . .
It's "You Post, I Post" at the Bar by the Ballast!
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative):
Thursday - September 25th <all times Central daylite>:
Page 25 - CM3 Shane <coalminer3> at 8:27 AM <10:27 AM EDT> All kinds of comments for the crew . . . no point in my expounding on ‘em other than to say we appreciate your efforts!
I just LUV IT when our Attorney General ‘splains things to us, ‘specially when it comes to petrol pricing. Yeah, it helps soooooooo much to know, eh <barf>
I read that piece about Kodak ‘n Kodachrome - only one processing place in the U.S. left for that film! That's shocking . . . will soon go the way of the typewriter <manual AND electric>. I stand by my comments - 35 mm was definitely better-er, but the advantages of digital certainly are there. Just a matter of what one is willing to give up. I detest that <censored> blur. I cannot recall even ONE 35 mm shot blown without my knowing I did it . . . meaning, when I got the film, none were blurry - none. Sure, I screwed up on this ‘n that - but slight motion on my part surely didn't ruin the fotos. <arrrrrggggghhhhh>
So, you're NOT the Ace Reporter. Okay, we can "go" with that . . . but Ace remains!
Anyway, appreciate the visit, ROUND ‘n quarters!
Page 25 - Fergie <Fergmiester> at 8:40 AM <10:40 AM ADT>: Nice to see our Resident Canadian Maritime Mariner two days in succession at the bar!
Nice conversational effort - I'm sure the guys who've been "talking" to you will appreciate it!
I had no clue your organization has been reduced to simply a handful of large vessels. That's almost embarrassing, eh You guys need some FRIENDS in Ottawa ‘n you need ‘em NOW! <geesh> Again, I had no idea. If you wish, I'll get Vito the Hit to contact his "people" north of the 49th to get things rollin' . . .
Shipyard Brewery sounds like something we'd like to see on our Wednesday Toy ‘n Model Trains Day! How's the progress with that tavern you've been working on
Handful of beans
Page 25 - Pete <pwofle> at 3:38 PM: "In" with an afternoon inclusive Post, replete with plenty of conversation for the participants at our bar.
I believe you were looking at the TV when I took that shot because I asked you NOT to pose! <grin>
You may not realize it, but even with remaining logged on - your cyber name does NOT appear at the bottom of the main Page until you are actually visiting the Forums. It is then when your cyber handle shows up, thereby giving "away" your anonymity! <uh oh> That does help to drive me NUTS! But, I've been told I'm already there . . . <yikes>
Regarding any discrepancies found, irrespective of the source, perhaps you'll consider notifying the party who may be in error than trying to resolve it here. I've sent my share of notices to Wikipedia regarding things I KNOW to be in error ‘n I believe Eric has as well. A letter to the StL MoT wouldn't hurt IF you are sure of your facts ‘n of course can substantiate it. Just a thought . . .
Time's approaching ‘n I hope you're prepared for your visit to your homeland. Get your flu shot yet Not something to take lightly, Mate . . . especially now that you're closer to 60 than 50! <grin>
Then again, given the strength of that Brit-brew you like, perhaps those flu-bugs couldn't survive in such a concoction! <yikes>
Thanx for the visit, good cheer ‘n chat!
Page 25 - Fergie <Fergmiester> at 5:35 PM <7:35 PM ADT>: A rare 2nd appearance in the same day from our Resident Canadian Maritime Mariner! [wow] Clarification received ‘n understood, Sir! We'll still call you Skipper Fergie ‘n you'll be splicing the mainbrace a few times as a result!
Yes, it does appear as if Nova Scotia may just be in-line for another blast of weather . . . batten ‘em down! <arrrrggggghhhhh>
Drams all ‘round appreciated!
Page 25 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 5:41 PM ‘n 7:03 PM <11:41 PM ‘n 1:03 AM Friday GMT>: No need for an apology - really don't expect anyone to keep at this thing on a daily basis - aside from the Proprietor <of course>. On a more serious note, surely hope that accident of yours doesn't give you long lasting adversity.
I've had a few nites lately where I've been awake every hour on the hour throughout the supposed sleeping period. Kinda like dreaming I've been awake all night! <yikes> Makes for a gumpy day . . . not to mention dragging my sorry caboose from here to there . . . <groan>
Appreciate the libation while you are preparing the evening's creation!
Back with your Part Duex: Again understand the frustration of trying to get a group on the same Page . . . it's perhaps the single-most challenging challenge a guy at the helm can have. But when it all comes together, it's all sooooooo special, eh Can't say it's worth it - sometimes the <censored> frustration is enough to drive a sober man to drink! <clink>
Thanx for keeping us in mind ‘n sharing what semblance of good cheer you have on a most difficult evening at your digs.
Page 25 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 11:03 PM <12:03 AM Friday EDT>: A late-niter from our Resident Ontario Connection to keep Leon ‘n Boris awake!
Ahhhhh, digital cameras. Sounds as if you're pleased with your acquisition - which of course is better than not. <grin> I bought my Sony digital about 5 years ago ‘n really haven't been enamored with it. The problem is ME - but I've forced myself to learn its use, in spite of my failings. Sure, the majority of my fotos seem to come out fine - but when stacked up against 35 mm shots, I can see the difference. It's just a matter of accepting less for convenience ‘n of course saving on the development of fotos. Also bought Carol a Sony when we made our Alaska trip - hers is much more "friendly" in terms of the anti-motion feature - but far too much to "think" about . . . Speaking of "thinking," I fail to do so when it comes time for me to go off on a foto spree - should use hers. <groan> These things are worse than the early VCRs . . . <grin> Anyway, good luck with your foto ops!
Four days for the Algoma Central trip is pretty much what I figured - plus one more day for me for arrival ‘n a visit to the St. George Arms pub! <grin> That's venture I'd have to work on insofar as time away is concerned - probably better when the bride is visiting her mother . . . Juneau would be in the kennel 'n I'd be free. <grin> Something to think about . . .
Yes, I recall the Chicago transit car from Rendezvous I at Halton County . . .
A fine < I3 > Post for the crew . . . appears as if you've done quite a bit to catch up!
Friday - September 25th:
Page 25 - Eric <EricX2000> at 2:23 AM <12:23 AM Sandbox time>: Our Sandman is back to his nocturnal ways, but at least he hasn't forgotten us. Between you ‘n Rob, there's no rest for the weary <Moi> when it comes to preparing these <censored> daily Acknowledgments . . . <grrrrrrr>
Jaja, jag försökte! <grin>
Not to worry, the Black Bag was ‘round Pete's neck the whole time . . .
Really impressed with the way you identify things in fotos . . . that shot of your Canada trip is most revealing. Thanx!
Don't get me started on the unwillingness of Congress to adopt an OH-FISH-UL language. This has been plaguing the U.S. for decades . . . Yeah, where's the German too In case some haven't noticed, this is a melting pot nation - not just for those from this hemisphere. <barf>
Snow across the bed I think there's an explanation missing on that one! <yikes>
Nice clarity with that Ue . . . a functional MoSheen.
Finally, <chomp> <chomp> <burp> What's that The sound of the Cardinals feasting on Snake! <tee hee> Sent back to Arizona eliminated from contention. Payback is FUN! <grin>
Visit, chat ‘n ROUND most appreciated!
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
TODAY is Pizza ‘n Beer Nite! - and - Steak ‘n Fries Nite!
Saturday is Steak ‘n All The Trimmings Nite!
Dinner begins at 5 PM so come early ‘n often!
Cindy is our Saturday bartender!
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
Tom
Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Hi Leon, no it's too late. Just a cold Keith's please!
My work week is over! Feels good. 13 more days to work!
Tom – Trying to push yourself away from the table must be rough. I feel sorry for Fergie!Interesting to learn they are moving stuff around at MoT. Thanks for the link to the translation site! I tried a few common phrases and it worked pretty good. But the Swedish sentence you have in your post is a little bit off. It should be:Här är anknytningen till min översättare. “Översättare” is really a living person who is translating whatever, not a computer or machine. But that is okay. I am all with you, one language to bind a nation together!! That is what it should be! In my opinion there are too much of Spanish signs, etc. Where are the Swedish ones?
Terminal 4 is the brunette terminal, correct. The mystery photo is not a big mystery. It’s a truck under a private business car where I had breakfast and dinner during our tour in Canada 1993 with the X2000. As Shane mentioned, it has SKF roller bearings. See photo below.Nice photos from the Museum of Transportation! It’s almost like seeing old friends! But what happened to Pete’s black bag? I can’t see it. CM3 – I don’t know if I ever hauled any dark monster heads while I was working as a truck driver. But I remember one time I had a load of diapers from Waco, TX, to Phoenix. I also saw that snowplow photo. Not for me, not for me. I am sorry, I was wrong about the temperature yesterday, it wasn’t 104˚F, it was 106˚F. Today it was cooler though, just 102˚F. You can still ride a sleeper from Stockholm to Narvik, but not the ones in my photo. I took a sleeper to Oslo, Norway many years ago. It was in the winter and when I woke up early in the morning I had a snow drift across the bed, about two inches thick. Fergie – Congratulations on your promotion/assignment, Captain!!!That’s quite a cut back, from 27 to 6 vessels in 15 years! Pete – To write the manual for class Ue wasn’t that hard. I could use a lot of stuff from the manual for class Ub. Almost all Ub’s were rebuilt to Ue. I think there are only a few (if any) left in service today. A kid a few years ago? Hmmm. Yeah, right. I am just 27! Or was, a few years ago!
The first class Ue. Still marked Ub.
Nick – Falling off the roof? You better stop doing that, it might be dangerous. I guess you were lucky you didn’t break anything! You better be careful and take it easy. In other words, get well!Rob – I still have my old 35 mm film camera, but I haven’t used it for a long time. Saw something in the paper that Kodak may stop making more Kodachrome film soon. I always used Kodachrome 25 and 64. My slides from the 50’s still have the correct colors! Amazing. As I mentioned to Tom, the mystery photo shows a truck under a private business car where we had our meals during the Canada tour with the X2000. Very nice car inside.
The consist during our Canada Tour. The two business cars can be seen in front of the second F40.
Round for the house!
Eric
Good evening Leon a cold Keith's and some haddock and chips if theer are any left thnaks.
Tom-A couple of fine rounds of phoot's from yourlatest adventures with the iterm GG.Interesting seeing that preserved Chicago "l" car. as you know we have one of those critters at our museum as well,not that we run it much but it's a conversation starter at any rate.
The new camera is a digital. I went with my old satnd by.I've had great success over the years with Minolta's when I was shooting slide and print 35mm with a standard 35mm SLR.I still have my last one a slightly aged X570 which I still troop out for the odd film shot.This new one is a Minolta digital their Dimage Z6. Good camera heavy bugger though.It's an older one the lines been out for probably four years now but I got a good pice for it it wasn't brand new but it hardly had any use on it by the looks of it.
I see that you ahd asked a coupel weeks back how long you would need to set aside if we do the Algoma thing.I'd say not less than four days for travel time etc.We could do it in three but it would feel rushed.
Fergie-I think Tom's right confess Of coarse if Lisa is like my wife she shruggs it off.I could be spending the money on worse things.Congrats on the appointment,your promotion structure sounds about as straight forward as the system my company uses.Likely the powers at be went to the same seminars.If ther si time drop me an email when your headed this way perhaps Heather and I can meet up with you guys.
Shane-I apologize I had forgotten that you were the roving reporters chief message passer.If he's interested the Mentor Fusiliers just recieved an entire platoon of the RR armoured cars.They still have their 1914 build date plates on them and all came with several Lewis guns !The fusiliers Colonel said that you guys can have the best one of the bunch
I have to check the numbers series but those CN ballast cars seem to be the old 70 ton cars orange if definatly similar to the Amtrak,it's supposed to be the same orange as CN uses on the locomotives but you know paint and how consistant pigments ever are.
Interesting story about the Halloween masks. I aggree with you completly September and October are the worst two months in retail as far as there being so little time for so much to do.We get luckey up hear boxing week sales are not what they are in the US so the week after Christmas isn't too bad other than the returns.
Pete-Yes the new camera is a digital.It's amazing how little one see's now of the old 35mm stuff.I actually prefer the film cameras but as Shane mentioned they are slowly ( or not so slowly ) becomming a dying breed.
Usually CN pulls the ballast and other work trains rail trains etc with one or two GP38-2's.Though I have seen them use two GP9'a splicing a hump slug so it's a whatever runs sort of thing once in a while.
Those are the dwarf yard signals that you see of coarse above the unit is the mainline signals at the end of the station plateform as ther mainline through Brantford and on the corridor is double tracked.
Eric-Nice mystery photo of a CPR heavy weight cars truck.CN will likely fix that GP as long as it's not too major a repair.They are starting to not fix major failures now on the GP9's.Seems the president has it in his head that everything can and should be done with heavy six axle power.
Nick-Good god man be carefull,you are not some sort of superman no matter what Boris tells you.hopefully nothing terribly important was shaken loose by your plunge from the roof.
Allan-It's good to be back actually,didn't seem normal when I wasn't in daily.I have to say that Heather and I love Ikea. there isn't one here in Brantford but the Burlington Ontario stores only a 20 minute drive away.many a piece of furnature in this house is from theer.Good solid stuff
Rob
Well here we are again-Leon-be so good dear boy.....
Must confess,am still a little under strength( by d*mn,that HURT--) lots to respond too-for example-earliest narrow gauge steam-would agree with PETE on that one-although earliest passenger carrying would be either the Surrey Iron rly or the Oystermouth tramway (Google that one and see what you find -sail powered passenger trains-used to live across the road from the old Oystermouth station-was recently demolished after years as a `bus terminus......most of the old line is now a walkway-includes the former L.N.W.R line into Swansea Victoria stn-now the leisure centre......By a Coincidence,grew up near the trackbed of the Surrey Iron Rly-several of the old earthworks are still there-if you know what to look for-there is still one complete embankment from just north of Coulsdon sth stn ,through the grounds of Cane hill hospital (where David Bowie`s brother was `kept` for many years ) and swings round to meet the London to Brighton line before taking off towards Mitcham via Hackbridge....but I am prolly the only person who actually cares about this-One of the first rail lines ANYWHERE.......Hmmm-I sense a note of self pity here-cant be doing with it-apologies-time for bed
Right-Apologies to all-been wandering-have spent the evening trying to persuade the rest of the band to play `user friendly` stuff for a wedding gig on saturday-with limited success -to my mind,we are being paid $500 to make their party swing-a little help here would be great....
Have no doubt they will come through on the night,but can do without the grief............
Will get back to you all with proper commentary soon....-be lucky,
<Skyline dome car #8503 at Montreal's Central Station - personal foto>
While working on the 'morrow's Acknowledgments, thought I'd make mention of visits by Pete - Fergie 'n Nick this afternoon . . .
SPECIAL RECOGNTION to Nick who is doing it RIGHT! My THANX for dropping off a brief few lines to keep us going, then going to work on your compilation. THAT's THE WAY TO DI IT!
Fell off the roof! <yikes> That hurts just to think about it. <triple yikes>
I see Skipper Fergie has clarified the point . . . I suppose it makes sense in a civilian-kinda-way. <grin>
Here's one more from my trip aboard the Chaleur this past spring . . .
Lounge area of the Skyline dome
Reminder: If we are to have teams for the 3rd Annual Dart's Challenge 'n Grudge Match - then those interested in participating need to send me an Email . . .
See ya in the 'morrow!
Evening all-quick `bookmark whilst I catch up
Leon-beer for all please-apologies for absense yesterday-been looking forward to Can-Am steam special pix but fate intervened-in short,got careless and fell off the cottage roof-nothing broken but lots of exciting grazes and general `been hit with a big stick `feelings-went to bed early to feel quiety miserable on my own-you know how it is
Back in a bit
Good Evening Captain Tom and Crew
An evening Dram for all who wish to imbibe!
Please Note: This is not a promotion this is an appointment Promos in my organization are very slow moving and slower forth comin, which results in very slow progression through the ranks. So when vacancies occur they fill the holes on a rotational basis until the next round of competitions occur, which by the way has averaged once every 7 years since I graduated some 24 years ago. Kinda like the Vulcan mating ritual... Frustrating but that's our reality.A true case of where "one bad day can mean seven years of bad luck". Unlike the services we do not get the boot if we don't advance up the ranks. Are we confused yet??? Saying all this not everyone is considered for the position of Captain. So even if it's an assignment I'm still greatful for getting the chance as the Matthew is truly a gem and if all goes well I'll be up on the Labrador Coast next summer.
Anyway guys I see "Kyle" has gone to a TS and headed my way for the weekend.
I'd better stock up on provisions tomorrow.
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
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Bathams please RUTH paid for by Rob.
TOM That is an attractive looking Canadian snowplow in the photo.
I hope Nick can pick up on that sign at the MOT in your photo, I had a look at the Ffestiniog Railway web-site and they were running in the 1840s perhaps it was that steam was introduced on narrow gauge lines in 1862.
Yes I think a really good photo with a 35mm camera can't be beat, but I think with a digital being able to see the image straight away and retake the photo and delete the old image is a massive bonus. It is a real disappointment when getting the film back from developing and a shot you are looking forward to is spoiled in some way, like being blurred. I think the next camera I get will be a digital and I shall have to hope my luck changes with them.
Yes the Lewis & Clarke is a good pub and St Charles is a nice place to visit. I dare say the town is busy at the moment with travelers on the Katy Trail.
It sounds Call of Trains is a good album; the British reviewer of the book was quite excited about it.
Glad you enjoyed the miniature engines from Rhyl, I think I have got too many photos in my Photobucket album.
Many thanks for the next photos from our trip to the MOT The life of the conductor was certainly made a lot better when the 1954 Northern Pacific caboose was rebuilt in 1968. I think Interurban car # 10 was the one we traveled on at Rendezvous III. I wonder what was on the TV at Duffy's that has got my attention.
ROB Great to see you in the bar. Congratulations on your 20 years service.
Many thanks for the ale and food for the rest of the week. Do you realize how much 10% of my bar tab is.
Glad you liked the photos of the engines on the RMR. The puter does not want to ‘view all' now on my photobucket, but at least I was able to load the Rhyl photos.
Is it a new digital camera you have got, it is taking good photos. That looks an interesting signal to the right of the Via Rail P42. I suppose it will be smaller locomotives that will work those ballast cars for the track work.
ALLAN I guess the air-smoothed casing on the Merchant Navy of the Southern Railway must have caused quite a stir when it first appeared in Newcastle in the Locomotive Exchanges. If I recall correctly the rebuilt Royal Scots in the exchanges were included in the larger passenger types.
I did not know Alan had gone to the Gala at the Rhyl Miniature Railway until he e-mailed me the photos so it was a pleasant surprise. It is good that all of the 6 locomotives of that type are still around today.
The Toon v Spurs Carling cup match was live on TV here yesterday, I was looking forward to the game but both teams are struggling at the present. The commentator summed it up at the start of the second half when he said "For those who have just come in and missed the first half congratulations". Spurs won 2-1 in front of the lowest Newcastle crowd for many years.
ERIC I don't think the volunteers hat Jeff City have a device like the ones at Kirkwood it would be very handy though.
Thanks for the information on class Ue # 279. Writing a manual for the modified locomotives must have taken a lot of talent. Were all the Ubs concerted to remote controlled locomotives and are they still running today.
Thanks for the kind words on the photos. I have fond memories of the RMR I traveled on it when I was a kid, a few years a go now. We should be passing by the railway as part of the line around the boating lake it runs on is along side the BR North Wales Coast line which we are due to travel on
That is an interesting spring arrangement on the 6-wheeled bogie in your photo.
CM3 Yes I really enjoyed Alan's photos from Rhyl as well, I will have to find out if the overhaul the locomotives in house or if they send them away although it says in the web site there is a dedicated workshop for the maintenance of the engines. It is a bit lenghty the web site, but I found it an interesting read about the history of the railway.
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~stownsen/
Thanks for sharing your encounter with the New Hampshire's finest while carrying that load.
Many thanks for being the messenger for the upcoming Darts Contest, a job not many would take on despite the very high danger money involved
FERGIE Congratulations on your promotion to Captain. It was sad to read of the great reduction of the number of vessels in your service since 1993.
I will have a look at the Artic photos.
Well RUTH another of Rob's Bathams please and the Fish ‘N' Chips later.
Pete.
Pleased to see that Skipper Fergie has made it back to the bar for the 2nd successive day. In spite of him being so far behind the curve - it's always a pleasure having our Resident Canadian Maritime Mariner on board!
Perhaps an easier way for you to seek out info related to YOU is to use the "find on this page" feature on your browser for each Page you've missed at the bar - just type in "Fergie" . . . at least you'll pick up on comments directed to YOU.
A congrats is in order for your promotion - but I'm not sure how your outfit goes about these things. In the military, you either are or aren't - but with civilians, who KNOWS!? <grin> But, Skipper befits you - so that's what we'll call ya!
Lisa WILL find out - best to just fess-up ‘n pay the fiddler! <yikes>
Also noted that Shane began our morning at the Tavern by the Tracks - seems like "normal" when he does so. This has been a most crazy month with the absences - whether planned or not, they've taken a toll at the bar . . .
More specifics in my next round of Acknowledgments . . .
(1) Northern Pacific caboose #1082 at StL MoT <Kirkwood>
(3) Chicago Transit Authority <CTA> #44 rapid transit car at StL MoT <Kirkwood>
(5) St. Louis Waterworks Railway #10 interurban car at StL MoT <Kirkwood>
(6) That's our Bar Chandler at the bar in Mike Duffy's Pub
Later!
Hello Captain Tom and Crew
Coffee and the Mariner's Special with a heaping handful of Beans
trolleyboy wrote:Fergie-Nice to see you ashore again,hopefully teh Ta do list will; not take up your entire six weeks off.Or they may if Lisa noticed the credit card bill from your last few steam aquisitions.
Fergie-Nice to see you ashore again,hopefully teh Ta do list will; not take up your entire six weeks off.Or they may if Lisa noticed the credit card bill from your last few steam aquisitions.
Not a word has been said... yet! However we have a trip to Toronto in two weeks and I plan on seeing a couple of LHS's so I best be on my best behaviour. I also have the new TLT CNR 4-8-4 on backorder along with three Tsunami's
It's a darn good thing my transfer from the Hudson includes an assignment as Captain as I'll need a few extra Peso's. Though nothing is cast in stone yet depending on other promotions of senior people to other regions etc etc.
Eric: Yes as it was stated by Tom no Captain time this trip as I was "bumped" by a senior officer... I wasn't too pleased about it either but this is what happens when your Fleet gets smaller due to transfer and cuts! The former CCG/DFO (now one organization) had a combined number of 27 large fleet vessels prior to 93'. Our number is now 6. So you can well imagine the impact the reduction has had on our career aspirations but more importantly the service delivery to the public.
Shane: The politicains can spew all they want, the bottom line is the price is what it is to get the most out of us! Good story on the Cop! Wish I had been there for that one. That would be a keeper for one of those police shows!
Well what can I say I'm home but in a haze. Just plane exhausted and sore all over. Probably the change in beds and the fact one doesn't realizre the stresses three days of storms puts the body under.
Well I added pics of my Arctic Travels to my webshots account and these can be found on this link.
http://travel.webshots.com/album/136660433pMRiwj?start=120
Sorry can't get the direct link to function. I think it's a Firefox issueGrumpy
Anyway it's sunny so I think I'll be heading to the garden and start the Ta-Do list. Rain this weekend and Rain=MR'ngBig Smile
Pete - Excellent shots of the Rhyl miniature. I had a couple of friends up home who did a lot with live steam - fascinating. All I know is if I went to Rhyl, they'd never get me out of the shop area.
Rob - Good morning. Your remarks remind me of the old Bob Dylan line, "After 20 years of working they put you on the day shift." I practiced the retail arts in a previous life and understand about that sort of thing. We did wholesale, retail and manufacturing with outlets in several states with different tax structures, etc. I can still do math in my head faster than with a calculator. The run-up to Christmas was dreadful and the week between Christmas and New Years was not really a whole lot better. Ate many a sandwich on the loading dock between trucks, which reminds me of a story.
I got stopped once by one of New Hampshire's finest while driving one of our company trucks. Purpose of this was to check paperwork. He asked me what I was carrying and I said, "Glow in the dark monster heads." He went !@#$ nuts and it was game on after that as he REALLY wanted to look at everything. I actually was carrying what I said and the manifest and cargo proved it. My load was many cases of Halloween monster model kits.
I liked the modified GP9 shot - it actually looks good in that paint which is more than I can say for many other types. Also appreciated the ballast cars - thy look like what Amtrak uses; bright orange. Kind of interesting how certain locomotives get "reputations."
Incidentally, you must understand that I'm not the reporter. Nobody has ever seen the reporter (except me and the critters and they have been sworn to silence - I don't worry about Boris because he does what the Rice Krispies tell him to) - I am paid handsomely to be a discreet messenger. The idea of a Rolls Royce armored car has, however, piqued his interest along with the notion of a bulletproof sedan chair.
Allan was in with comments. I'm working up a little more N&W information,
Eric - I thought of you when I saw OSP's snowplow photo - it won't be long now. Only 104? Jeez - break out the salamanders and the storm blankets. A sleeper run to Narvik? I would like to have ridden that one - I'll bet they didn't freeze up like our sleeper did once on the Lake Shore coming out of Chicago; even I thought it was a little brisk (lol). SKF roller bearings - how come I'm not surprised.
OSP - Email rec'd. See my remarks above about the snowplow. Re 35mm cameras, CNN (I think it was them) ran a piece on Kodachrome film a couple of days ago - very limited supply now and Kodak may not make any more. That stuff lasts forever and the color saturation is amazing. As always, convenience and lower quality rules the marketplace.
Thursday ‘round here means it's the day BEFORE week's end! A fine way to begin this day is to join us at the bar for a steaming hot mugga Joe, some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery ‘n an order for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast right off our Menu Board!
PLANNED ABSENCES:
Bar Chandler Pete will be gone for the month of October . . .
Wednesday - September 24th <all times Central daylite>:
Page 25 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 8:38 PM <9:38 PM EDT>: Appreciate the fotos - have you seen any VIA Rail locos with their new face-lift New camera appears to be agreeable to the owner. What make is it
Appreciate the visit, fotos ‘n ROUND!
Page 25 - Allan <Gunneral> at 9:07 PM <4:07 PM Thursday NZ time>: When one thinks of the globe we all share, it's a bit mind boggling to realize how many differences there are from place to place. As you mentioned, the plant ‘n animal life differs vastly as one travels to the distant locales on this planet. The one constant - the gals always seem to be terrific! <pant> <pant> Oh well, I can dream, can't I
Thanx for your < I3 > Post, good cheer ‘n ROUND!
Thursday - September 25th:
Page 25 - Eric <EricX2000> at 1:03 AM <11:03 PM Wednesday Sandbox time>: Another super-fine < I3> contribution from our Sandman!
The Captain of a ship NEVER rests - nor has much time to gain weight. So you see, Fergie was NOT in command during his last voyage. <grin> He probably spent far too much time trying to push himself away from the table. <uh oh>
Many of the locos ‘n rolling stock had been moved at StL MoT since Rendzvous III - but the AeroTrain was in the same spot. It had been moved from where Pete ‘n I viewed it in Dec 2007 though . . . which was different from where it was at Rendezvous II. Hmmmmm. Wonder what that's all about Good eye!
Här är anknyta till min översättare:
http://www.stars21.com/translator/swedish_to_english.html
Call me strange <weird is okay too> but when I'm in a land not my own, I really try to speak their language. It's not only a challenge, but makes the local people feel that you have a degree of respect for them. Just the way I like to be. I've always been impressed with those who have mastered several tongues . . . a talent, fer sure, fer sure.
BUT I'm all for ONE language to bind a nation together. I can't think of anything more inclusive to a nation than a common-tongue. Babel comes to mind . . . <uh oh>
I'll remember - Terminal 4 - the "brunette" terminal!
Appreciate your visit, chat ‘n mystery foto!
TODAY is Fish ‘ Chips Nite!
Friday is Pizza ‘n Beer Nite! - and - Steak ‘n Fries Nite!
Leon, a #2, please! Yes, and a cold Tui!
A busy day at the office and a busy rest of the day when I got home. 106˚F today. Only 104 tomorrow.
Tom – I think we will manage to handle October one way or the other! I’ll ask the brunette to help! That doesn’t mean I need any deck chair aboard the Titanic though. Youe are right, the electric overhead wires are very important for electric locomotives! Very!Southwest Airlines = terminal 4 at Sky Harbor Airport! Flying American was a way to add some more frequent flyer miles! Speak a phrase and get it translated? Hmmm. I don’t know. If you are going to Sweden you wouldn’t have any problems at all not speaking Swedish. 99% of people speak both English and Swedish. It’s mandatory to learn English in school. Sackville, New Brunswick? A lot of water coming in during the tide, I guess. Would be interesting to see that high tech listening device! 500 ft? More Swedish! Not quite right this time, but 100% understandable! Not bad. Nice photos. I like those signs they have at MoT. Very informative! I noticed that the Aerotrain locomotive is still in the same spot as in last May! Always interesting to look at the Can-Am Railway! Especially when they have steam locomotives running! CM3 – The sleepers in the background was bought or leased from Germany for a few years and used in the trains going north from Stockholm across the Arctic Circle and to Narvik, Norway. As far as I know those cars are now back in Germany. Thanks for the round!Fergie – You added 5 pounds? To much to eat and too little to do! That is what a captain is entitled to on his ship! You’ll probably lose it during the next 6 weeks!Pete – I am sure the people at Kirkwood station has some kind of warning/info when an Amtrak train is approaching. Most likely a monitor hooked up to a some kind of an UP network. Locomotive #279 is a remote (radio) controlled locomotive, class Ue. In the second half of the 80’s they rebuilt old class Ub and installed equipment for remote control. They were still going to call them class Ub but I protested very sharply and said they should be class Ue since they were different. And so they did. I was very much involved in that process and wrote the manual for that class. So, in a way, I feel like class Ue locomotives are “my” locomotives.Nice photos from Rhyl Miniature Railway! That is what I call a model railway! Many thanks to Alan!Rob – Nice to see you back at the bar! Sorry you had to waste your bonus check paying food and drinks, thank you, but at least you don’t have to spend your money on somethinmg you don’t need! They actually have two transfer tables complete with electric overhead wire. I can’t even count how many times I have been taking locomotives in and out of that building. Thanks for the photos. A dead GP9, I guess they will fix it some time in the future! It seems like VIA P42 911 is a not so lucky locomotive. Allan – Hey, I think you misunderstood that photo. A snowy photo can’t be nice! No way. It looks so cold so I am freezing when I look at it. It was 3 degrees below zero (F) when it was taken according to the photographer.
Somewhere in Canada!
Eric.
Hi Tom and all,
Leon, the usual round of Tui`s for all the guys` please.
Rob. It`s great to see you back with us once again mate, you`ve been sorely missed here. Sorry to hear about your internet hassles`. Nice set of shots with the test run with your new camera.
CM3. Some interesting info on the N&W RR Crewe, VA, passenger train schedules.
Eric. Will most surely visit an IKEA store the next time we`re in Aussie. That was a real nice snowy photo you posted for Tom. Interesting plan and pix of the loco facility in the old country, and the loco as well.
Nick. Very sorry about the name error mate, must be because my wife`s name is Lily as well, anyway,a couple of nice pix of Hannah. The carmine/cream livery was used for the Tyneside EMU rolling stock for quite a while, can`t remember the exact dates though, I do remember that they painted a lot of the Gresley teak coaches in that livery, which was a great travesty, until they were replaced by the Mk1 stock around 1951.
Pete. I`m sure that I at least saw a SR Merchant Navy Class and an LMS Royal Scot in Newcastle during that loco trials period in my distant memory. A very nice selection of the Rhyl Miniture Rly locos` from Alan, please give him my thanks. Only a week to go now for your trip back to the old country.
Fergie. Good to see you in again.
Tom. "Cheers" was a great show BITD with the original cast of Coach, Ted Danson and Shelley Long, used to have a great belly laugh at some of the comedy. Nice repost of the Fallen Flags #19 on the C&NW RR info with the Drumheads. A very nice selection of pix of Pete`s visit with you and the great shots of your Can Am RR equipment including it`s proud owner/operator. You would have loved a visit here downunder, it`s a totally different place to the Northern hemisphere with the big difference in flora and fauna and the native animal population, and Xmas being in the summer is a bit strange at first.
See ya, Allan
Good evening again Leon. I see that you are keeping the tankard's full for eveyone which is good. Another Keith's for 'em as well please.I picked up a new camera and was testing it out the other day ) more settings and gizmo's than our other one ) so here are the first few test shots that I picked off with it the other day (sunday last)
A dead GP9 in Brantford yard.It quit on the yard crew three weeks ago and here it's been left.Oil cooler problem hence why the oiler coolers access door is open.
VIA P42 911 the cursed one ( it's had three repairable accidents, including two colitions and one derailment already in it's career )
String actually two strings of Ballast cars in the CN's Brantford yard ( in town for track work )
<from ExpoRail - personal foto>
This is a SPECIAL round of Acknowledgments directed to our Manager - Rob <trolleyboy> who for whatever the reason took a looooooong hiatus <that means absence!> from the bar ‘n did so without forewarning. Soooooooo, there's a HUGE <tweeting> to be resolved - but that's for later. <uh oh> Right now, I'm sure the crew is relieved to have you back at the bar.
Page 24 ‘n 25 - Rob <trolleyboy> at 5:28 PM ‘n 5:54 PM <6:28 PM ‘n 6:54 PM EDT>: Simply put, welcome back. While you may feel there's life in the old girl yet . . . we've had some difficult times, especially during daylite.
It's still "You Post, I Post" insofar as my contributions are concerned - back to backs are out <except for unusual ‘n special circumstances>.
Our Irregular customer base has been added to by Dan <DL-UK> who was "in" The Legion of the Lost. Thought perhaps you may have seen him there! <grin>
So, once Pete departs for the UK - next week - it looks like only Shane ‘n Moi will be holding things together at daylite during weekdays.
Conflicting signals - figured the last week of September was this week <full week>. Anyway - do what you can, when you can ‘n it surely will help.
That Keiths is on me . . .
Hello Leon back again after abit of a read extra big draft of keith's if you don't mind
Eric-Let me just say that that was a super fine pictrue of the frozen north you dug out for Tom reminds me of here some days in winter.Grteat shots of the transfer table as well.Nice to see such a big one in use and under cover at that
I see Shane was in twice and has graciously accepted teh grudge match number three's reporting duties.Boris and Kopperkettle have both said they will ride shot gun for you and defend your honour.Leon's got the old rolls Royce armoured car up and ready for actionas well.
Pete-So you have had some photobucket issues as well.However the shots of the mini live steam came through quite nicely,love the bright colours on those locmotives.
Nick-Fab pictures of the little ones. I suppose enjoy them while they are small ,eventually they get odd friends and more exopebsive tastes.I'd like to know who my doppleganger stand in was. I'm assuming it was one of Vito's boyz trying to muscle in on the bars action,we will all need to be vigilante.
Tom-Great recent info on the TRE rdc's and their rebuilds and the C&NW stats I'm glad to see that you are getting some daylight support.I shall attempt to give you as much as possible myself [tu[]Great shots and "edu-ma-cational" from your latest outing with Pete.Good to see that you enjoyed the ole pub with the GG as well Seems like everything is shipshpae with your steam and caboose collection as well.
Well good evening everybody ( finally ) for some unknown reason likely gremlins of the "microchipped variety"I wasn't able to log on yesterday of Monday putting me that much farther behind.Mind you it's a good thing that I'm a few pages behind as it shows theer is lots o life in the ole girl yet To log in finally I had to change the ole password woerd but whatchagonnado I'll catch up as time and space allows.First off thanks for everyones patience ( I'm sure that Tom was almost a the end of his ) to make up Leon all the food n drink for the rest of the weeks on me,I'll even pay off ten percent of Pete's bartab There goes the bonus cheque I got from work for my twenty years with the company that I recieved last week.
At any rate the good news is I'm back, the somewhat better news is that even thougbh I had announced a complete not going to be around for next week,I may indeed be able to check in ( gremlin problems not withstanding )We have decided to do a bunch of small day trips over the coarse of the week insetdead of the several days away from the homestead type of vacation )
I have to say agin folks thanks for the understanding even if it was through clenched and knashing teeth.Septemer is the worst month for retail.All the fall layouts and religns have to be done ( hence my week of midnights asile moves and religns can't be done during open hours )Then there was yesterday's tortuous hiring seminar for the Christmas staff,never fun to have eight hours of interviewing the mass of populous,one see's all kinds and hears all sorts of odd things Next week we begin training the new lot and hope they pan out <ugh>thankfully I'll miss that part
So to the bar hmmm
Tom-I noticed many a fine photo of yourself and the new additons today looking good ( the trains not you )Nice to see that Shane and Nick and Even Dan have all checked back in since my short absence and the return of our intrepid Kiwi as well As I said I'll give a more thorough run through as time and reading permits,just wanted everyone to know that I'm alive and kicking
<remnants of winter en route Gaspé - personal foto>
What had all the makings of a blah day at the bar, during daylite, turned out to be far better-er than average. So, many thanx to those who tried to calm my concerns. Makes all the difference in the world when one gives that Rat's Patoot!
So, here's my catch-up round of Acknowledgments, before the nite crowd trickles in . . .
Page 24 -CM3 Shane <coalminer3> at 8:29 AM <9:29 AM EDT>: Petrol "dropped" to $3.66 <rounded> yesterday in these parts . . . who knows what's next, eh
Good to see ya this AM ‘n know you are pleased that the BoSox are "in" - Cards are "out" - OH-FISH-UL-LEE in spite of dropping the Snakes of Arizona a bit deeper behind the Dodgers. Wondering - but not too much - if the ChiSox will make it - they've kinda been foundering <not the fish - that's a fLounder>
Antenna Hmmmmm, might just be on to something there - after all, the Wolfman does have MANY sides. Hmmmmm. Maybe one of those sets of faux eyewear with nose ‘n mustache - yeah, that would work! <grin>
Interesting eavesdropping - always pick up a bit more insight regarding our Resident WVA Connection . . . benefit of being the bar keep I suppose.
Thanx for the visit, chat, quarters ‘n ROUND!
Page 24 - Fergie <Fergmiester> at 12:25 PM <2:25 PM ADT>: Home is the sailor ‘n we're most pleased to have you back with us.
Sorry ‘bout that five dollar mugga Joe - but even YOU shudda known . . . <grin>
Looking forward to some fotos from the arctic . . .
Glad you liked the steamer collection - kinda "instant," but effective. The idea was to have ‘em moreso than run ‘em. What's money for other than to satisfy one's desires, eh MINE, of course!
There's scores of great fotos ‘n associated material on the Pages Past . . . so even if you cannot get A-ROUNDTUIT insofar as commenting on each ‘n every one - do avail yourself of the opportunity to scan thru ‘em. For once this joint shuts down - all of my fotos will get expunged . . .
Catch ya later ‘n enjoy your in-port. Lots of "honey-dos" ‘n other things on your "list," fer sure, fer sure. Thanx for your ROUND - ‘n by the by, we received your allotment electronic transfer, paying off your tab! Whataguy . . .
Page 24 - Pete <pwolfe> at 2:47 PM: Our Bar Chandler arrived with a lot to offer ‘n much to absorb.
Don't know what to say regarding any discrepancy found with the StL MoT information. What is provided on those signs is also within the guidebook. I wouldn't take Wikipedia as Gospel . . . they've been known to be wrong in the past. But I surely am in no position to refute what you say, nor am I doing so. Perhaps someone will take it upon themselves to research it further . . .
As I understand it, when Amtrak discontinued rail service to many cities, bus service was established throughout the country. There are examples of it even in Missouri - as there's a bus connection running from KCity to Omaha for those wanting to catch the California Zephyr.
I think you'd probably cause that translator device to TILT! <uh oh> <grin>
I'll be retaking some of those steamer shots on the Can-Am Railway . . . gotta figure out how to get the depth of field straightened out . . . never a problem with my old 35mm. Ya know, I really think the quality of fotos were far better-er with those gems than these digitals. But, today's society wants FAST - so I suppose what one gains in speed, one gives up in clarity. No doubt there are many out there who'd like to argue the point. I'm not debating - just saying that my experiences haven't been all that impressive.
I like right-of-way shots too - ‘n that one from Gaspé tells the tale, eh
We'll have to visit the Lewis & Clark Public House once again . . . surely was a great place to wait for the gals, eh
Many thanx for the visit, chat ‘n ROUND!
Page 24 - CM3 Shane <coalminer3> at 3:25 PM <4:25 PM EDT>: A surprise in the form of a 2nd visit from WVA.
Just when it appeared we were becalmed - along comes a flurry. Isn't that the way Hope springs eternal, or something like that . . . for such a small group, it's so very hard to keep things active - but this crew seems to find a way.
Hope you're getting to view the shots from last week's extravaganza with the Wolfman. Some of those shots should bring back memories . . .
Received your Email - thanx for volunteering for the Ace Reporter's assignment for our Annual Dart's Challenger ‘n Grudge Match! I'm expecting that it will be like pulling hen's teeth to get a quorum . . . some guys just think they actually have to DO something! <geesh> YOU are the one with the work load. <geesh>
Thanx for the double-dose of quarters ‘n ROUND!
Page 24 - Pete <pwolfe> at 4 PM: Back with Part Deux!
I checked out Call of Trains on amazon.com - looks like a keeper. Especially like those that are done in two shades - somehow it's better that way. It will be added to my Wish List . . . Thanx for the tip . . .
Appears you resolved the PhotoBucket situation as your miniature railway fotos came through just fine! Most appropriate selection for our Wednesday Toy ‘n Model Trains Day!
Thanx for the 2nd ROUND!
A pint of Bathams please RUTH
CM3 Thanks for the round. It sounds that Call of Trains will be a book well worth having .I will have to order one when I return just in case it came before I get back. I though it was a good offer on Amazon.
I have shown one of these photos before but I though I would show all 5. They were taken by Alan on May 26th 2008 at a gala on the Rhyl Miniature Railway. Thanks to Alan for the notes on the engines as well.. I sure Allan will enjoy the photos and I hope they will bring back good memories of the area.
First photo is of No.105 MICHEAL, resident engine awaiting overhaul.
No. 102 RAILWAY QUEEN at front and No. 106 BILLY behind. Billy is a resident engine usually on display.
In the next 3 photos No. 103 JOHN leads No. 101 JOAN. John is privately owned, Joan is a resident engine in steam .
Railway Queen returned to Rhyl in 2007.
There were 6 engines built, 4 for Rhyl Miniature Railway. Built by Albert Barnes all 6 still exist.
.
Well RUTH a round please.
Good afternoon Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Thought I'd stop by as I had a couple of minutes.
Fergie has returned from the frozen north. Gald to hear from you.
OSP - Steam looks at home on the Can-Am.
Pete - Call of Trains will be released in November; preordered mine at Amazon yesterday. Shaughnessy, in addition to being a premier photographer, is author of two excellent books on the Delaware and Hudson and another on the dearly departed Rutland - two must-haves for your collection if you don't own them already.
Have a good evening and I'll see y'all tomorrow.
work safe
A pint of Bathams please RUTH.
TOM That is a great photo of the end of the line at Gaspe.
I agree the loudspeaker at Kirkwood is a great touch; it is good how they knew the Amtrak was just a few minutes away. I wonder if they were just going by the timetable or they had other information.
Had a look at Green Bay and it seems there is a bus connection if one wanted to go, say, to Chicago, although can't understand the 5: 10 AM start and over a 3-hour wait in Milwaukee for the train. Looking at the station list brought a thought to mind, I wonder which is the largest city in the U.S. without an Amtrak service nowadays
Thanks for the link to the Bay of Fundy, certainly an interesting part of the world.
I wonder how that translation device would get on with my accent, better than Amtrak's Julie I hope.
Many thanks for the photos from the MOT. I think Nick may question the part in the board on the Narrow Gauge where it says the first NG line was in Norway in 1862 as the Ffestiniog in Wales opened on 1836 and Wikipedia says it was carrying tourist passengers by 1850.Still that and the board on the Standard gauge is very interesting.
It is good one of the last cabooses has been saved, I bet many cabooses had a lot longer life than the 20 years Mo-Pac # 13889 had.
Great to see the photos of the new steamers on the Can-Am after my recent visit to see them in the flesh. It is great how the CN Mikado looks really at home with the diesels on the freight.
NICK May I join you in the toast to absent friends.
That is an interesting question on the BR carmine and cream livery, I can just recall seeing coaches in that colour but I must have been very young. I wonder if the coaches were taken to works just for re-painting before they were due an overhaul. I would be interested in any info you do find out on this subject. It does seem odd that on the Midland region there was maroon, green on the Southern with chocolate and cream for the Western yet the Eastern region was not allocated a colour.. I found this link to the MkIs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Railways_Mark_1
Yes Shame on me, there was the ex War Department class of 25 2-10-0s taken into BR stock. I noticed they were classified 8Fs like there 2-8-0 WD brothers, not 9F like the BR built 2-10-0s.
Glad you enjoyed the photos of the Duchess and Bittern. Thinking about the 37 on the train made me wonder if all the 37s were built with train heating boilers as they done a fair bit of passenger work in their early days. There used to be a tour company that ran rail tours nearly every weekend from March To October and Rugby was a stop for the majority of them. One regular was a trip to Barry with time there to visit the scrapyard or Barry Island, outward by Cardiff the special returning by the Vale of Glamorgan line bypassing Swansea and up the Central Wales line. Often it was a class 37 on the Barry to Wolverhampton part of the trip.
It is a shame to read about Landore today, I can recall the shed full of Western, Hymeks and class 37s.
Great photos of Hannah and her friends.
ERIC It is a pity Green Bay does not have a passenger service. Luckily the station still survives, last time I was there it is a Brew Pub and Restaurant.
It is good to hear they run enthusiasts tours in Sweden, I sure someone could make some money over here running them with hired coaches and freight locomotives on some non-passenger lines.
Many thanks for the photo of Hagalund depot. B 279 looks an older electric locomotive and they look like Wagon-Lits cars on the far left.
CM3 Many thanks for the information on the passenger locomotives through Crewe W.Va. I guess there was not many class 1 railroads that did not have F units or E units or the Alco equivalent on their passenger trains at one time. I bet it must have been a great experience traveling behind N&W ‘J' # 611. I sure Nick will know for sure, but I think the Somerset & Dorset stayed all steam until the line closed in the mid 1960s. The Great Central was still majority steam hauled until its closure as a through route in 1966, one exception was the York to Poole which was diesel hauled in the last few years.
I see in a British railway magazine there is a glowing report of a North American Railway book called 'The Call of Trains: Railroad photography by Jim Shaughnessy'. I don't know if it out here yet.
Yes the black bag is getting excited as it nears the time it will cross the Atlantic again.
FERGIE Great to see you back at the bar, have a very enjoyable 6 weeks off.
Glad you enjoyed the photos. Unfortunately I can't get Bathams over here, apart from at Our Place. The nearest I have had to Bathams over here, is a beer called Blonde Ale which Tom and I had at the Lewis and Clarke in St Charles which was brewed locally.
Looking forward to your photos from the Arctic.
Relief comes in all measures at this Tavern by the Tracks. Many thanx Fergie for the life-line - I'm hardly enthused these days when I see that those who CAN, WILL NOT! <barf> This submission was totally predicated on having someone make a Post . . . I'm sure you didn't know that - but it came at the right time - for today!
Sorry but our coffee is FREE only when ordered with some food. So <KaChing> that's a five dollar mug you've ordered! <gulp> ENJOY! <yikes> But take heart, Mate - refills are FREE!
For planning purposes - IF we survive the month of October - our Annual Dart's Challenge ‘n Grudge Match with The Second Class Saloon goons will take place on November 6th thru 8th <Thurs thru Sat> with the opening set at "Our" Place.
If you wish to participate - send me an Email ‘n I'll assign you to a team. We'll try to put forth two teams of two - with an alternate if interest permits. Shane is invited to pick up his quill pen ‘n do the honors of being our Ace Reporter. Again - please let me know by Email. Thanx . . .
Wednesday's at the Bar by the Ballast are most times reserved for presentation of our Toy ‘n Model Trains! It's an OP-SHUN-UL event - but followed by our decreasing number of stalwarts. So here's a few more from my modest HO steam collection in the Can-Am Trainroom . . .
(1) Ten steam locos w/cabooses in the display case <recently viewed>
(2) The Proprietor ‘n Chief Operator of the Can-Am Railway <recently viewed>
(3) CN 2-8-2 "Mikado" steam powered freight on the Can-Am Railway
(4) Test run of a B&O 2-10-2 "Santa Fe" w/caboose rounding the bend
(5) CN 2-8-2 "Mikado" freight approaching "Our" Place Junction
(6)
<Note: apologize for the blur - still not adept at catching moving trains in close-up mode>
Enjoy!
Good Afternoon Captain Tom and Crew!
Since I packed on about 5 pounds last month on the high seas I'll just have a coffee...
Finally made it in and clear of the paper work and... Off for 6 weeks before I join my next assignment. There is a formidable Ta-Do list that awaits and requires my attention over the next several weeks.
Kudos once again to the prolific ones Between all the photos and narratives I find myself rather cross-eyed... Maybe I'll have that beer after all.
Tom: Excellent case for the locos. very proffessional looking. Love the pic of the Gaspe Terminus and yes I can say "Been There but not by train". Alos enjoyed the history lesson on narrow guage
Pete: Nice photoes as well and I have to say, You DO look rather "happy" in that photo or is it just the Bantham's?
Well I must run (as usual) so have one on my tab and enjoy. I'll be posting some of my Arctic pics in the not so distant future. I'll keep ya posted!
Shane made it "in" thereby springing loose this from me - "You Post, I Post!"
(1) Continuing ED-U-MUH-KAY-SHUN at the StL MoT <Kirkwood>
(3) MoPac mainline caboose at StL MoT <Kirkwood>
(5) An old friend - RI AeroTrain at StL MoT <Kirkwood>
Eric - Aha! A transfer table. I thought it might be that but wasn't sure. The plan you sent enlarged fine. Thank you. The picture at the electrics at Hagalund- Stockholm is great! Lots of detail. Any more information about the sleepers in the background? From what I could read it appears that they are assigned to a particular train?
Pete - N&W passenger trains back in the day got J class 4-8-4s (well known to most everyone) or K class 4-8-2s. The N&W dieselized fairly late in the game so you will not find F units or E units on their passenger trains when the diesels came. That being said, as my old Latin teacher used to remark, "There's always an exception." They did borrow some E units for awhile (IIRC from ACL) as they were waiting for passenger geeps to be delivered. Every time I rode their trains, however, it was behind geeps, except for the excursions I rode that operated behind 611 (a "J"). Helpers were on coal for the most part. I must find Boris, have him fill the carbide lamps, and we will look for N&W material in the archives.
Nick - A Pink Floyd marathon? Why not? I remember Kadets - the idea of a "hot tuned" Opel; well..... Gibe the Man from Wales one of his choice and a Marsh-Wheeling to accompany same (Awk, they're in the orange and blue box under the bar, right beside the shotgun). Elkins was a big coal operation on the Western Maryland. IIRC, the most recent Classic Trains has a piece on WM in that part of West Virginia. The area around Black Rock Falls is spectacular.
Django - excellent! Have lots of his work on vinyl. Let me see, ah here it is "Clouds" on the jukebox. Let's play that one. Amazing how he could o all of that on a guitar. Looking at your pictures, all I can say there's a lot of energy in the room - I can imagine that all walls are in play once they get started.
OSP - Nice collection of CNW material. Glad you cleared up the bag perplex, but I think there's an RDF on one of them - it sure don't look like no handle to me (grin). The Yogism was on ESPN's tribute to Yankee Stadium. As an update, I am working may way through the book - will keep you posted. Maybe you can get Pete a trench coat, appropriate hat, etc. and turn him into a foreign correspondent? I know, how will he fit the coat and hat into the bag?
Wednesday's Witticism
You'll never find a hired gun sittin' on his gun hand.
Mid-week once again in mid-continent USA where the aroma of breakfast goodies fills the air at "Our" Place . . . Coffee is fresh as are the pastries, so what's the delay in beginning your day right here
Tuesday - September 23rd <all times Central daylite>:
Page 24 - Nick <nickinwestwales> at 8:38 PM ‘n 9:03 PM <2:38 AM ‘n 3:03 AM GMT>: The man never sleeps!<Or at least, never sleeps when the rest of us do.> Most happy fella, regardless of the hour - but he's a Nite Owl, fer sure, fer sure!
Ya see it goes like this, organized labor ‘round here is like shoveling sand against the incoming tide. Just doesn't work . . . <grin>
And mention of Count Robulla brings to mind some disparate thoughts. Just find it perplexing that he hasn't been able to "pop in" even for a brief respite. <sad>
Just a thought - a pity we can't get the Wolfman to peek in during the nite hours, every now ‘n then he might be able to get on a "real time" exchange . . . BUT, the support from our Interim Governor General is something depended upon ‘n he'll surely be missed once we "release" him back to the auld sod. <groan>
That's an amazing tidal differential in the Cleddau - might think about a concession for surf boarding when tides change! <yikes> I've seen ‘em at the Bay of Fundy <Sackville, New Brunswick> ‘n it's truly an amazing site to witness. Fifty feet differentials ain't nothin' to sneeze at. Also while in Alaska <Kodiak> there were some awesome changes. Made it most difficult to crawl "up" or "down" the gangway when returning the ship from the club(s) . . . <uh oh>
A link to the Bay of Fundy:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_of_Fundy
Yeah, that Georgia Railroad #724 surely comes close to replicating the colors of the RR spectrum! <grin>
I've always associated north American steamers with the shade of black whereas looking at those fine beasts from your part of the globe came in colors <colours>! Different strokes, eh Now that I'm one foot into becoming a steam-addict, I'm much more appreciative of ‘n for the differences!
Description of fingers made mine hurt even more! Courting Hmmmmm. Now there's always something new to pick up on ‘round here! <grin> Amazing you can manipulate those frets - much less anything else!
A house becomes a home with lil' ones in it. Fine fotos, Mate!
As always, much appreciation for the effort you put forth to entertain the crew ‘round here. Never at a loss for words or material - always good stuff! ROUNDs help immensely too - puts everyone at ease.
Wednesday - September 24th:
Page 24 - Eric <EricX2000> at 1:14 AM <11:14 PM Tuesday Sandbox time>: Ahhhhh, Page 34 of the MoT guidebook . . . just didn't catch it! Thanx . . .
Hoping that the guy who took that wonderful winter scene will permit me to use it every now ‘n then - I'll certainly not abuse the privilege.
With Wolfman gone during October, it's going to be really a difficult time during day lite. For it ONLY Shane shows up - that means I'm relegated to one Post per session <not counting the AM Acknowledgments> - which will surely cut down on material. Anyway, whenever you can make it "in" when the sky is other than black - would really appreciate it! We are now down to a precious FEW who can be DEPENDED upon. Next stop may indeed be our last - sad to say. Beginning to get that feeling of being the concessionaire for deck chairs aboard the Titanic . . . <uh oh>
Nice shot of the electrics ‘n coaches . . . those overhead wires kinda ruin the scene - BUT of course without ‘em, nothing MOVES! <grin>
We are flying Southwest, non-stop from here to Phoenix - return trip is also non-stop. Next time you come this way, you may wish to check out SWest . . . why change planes if you don't have to Anyway, I'll send our arrival info to you by Email as the time gets closer.
I saw a device advertised on the web where you speak a phrase into it ‘n the translation comes out through a speaker. One for every major language on the planet. Amazing thing, fer sure, fer sure. I'd probably buy one <expensive> if I were to make a trip to a country where I had no proficiency at all with the tongue <Sweden>. Glad my translation was spot-on . . . the stuff you can find on the web is truly without rival, eh
If you should ever accompany me on a Canada Rail Adventure, we'll definitely have to stop in Sackville, New Brunswick - the Bay of Fundy tide change is a "must" to witness. Have a good friend there who is most receptive to showing me this ‘n that in ‘n around his town. Nice guy ‘n really nice place to see.
Of course you didn't find any listening device - it wasn't attached or installed to your car. It's a hi-tech eavesdropping receiver that picks up signals from distances up to 500 ft - as clear as a bell! Heard every <gasp> word, giggle ‘n . . . <uh oh>
Tack för att stödja bar och för runda!
Thursday is Fish ‘ Chips Nite!
Leon, a ham sandwich and a cold Tuborg Gold, please!
A last stop before hitting the sack. Working the next two days and that will stop my daylite visits.
Tom – I’ll try to stop by sometime around noon on my days off. After Oct 30 I it’s going to be easier for me to come in at that time. This week I am working two days, Wednesday and Thursday as I mentioned above. I’ll send a mail tomorrow to the guy who took that snowy picture and ask him if you can use it. Your translation is right on! I didn’t know that you speak Swedish! That guy just wanted to remind everybody what is coming up pretty soon. Snow and ice!!! Not here in the desert though!!! What airline are you flying to and from Phoenix? I know what terminal each airline “belongs” to. Listening device? in my car? I checked, there was no listening device!I wish I had pictures showing the entire maintenance facilties north of Stockholm. I’ll see if I can find any. There is one more picture below.The Italian locomotive is listed on page 34 in the MoT guide book. Top of the right column. Thanks for the link to TRE’s web site! A lot of information!Pete – You are right, Green Bay doesn’t have any passenger service today. They run fan trips on all kinds of lines in Sweden, including freight only lines. Coaches are normally maintained in other buildings at the depot outside Stockholm.Nick – I know everything about hammers and tricky nails! Using a hammer always includes Murphy’s Laws! Thanks for the info on the pictures! I’ll probably will have the info on the narrow gauge equipment on Friday. 4-5 meters tide is also a lot of water coming in.
Hagalund, Stockholm.
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