QUOTE: JPowellPosted: 20 May 2005, 11:21:19 Afternoon all - Si, I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop in for a drink before i head over to the CS. I must say,,, quite a place you have here. Lively bunch from what I've read in a few of the posts. And the food.... A very familiar taste of what I had in leftovers from the CS's anniversary bash... The steak, et al... Nick, you really outdo yourself in the kitchen my friend. BTW, is 'culinary' your 'real' job? Well, I hear Chloe, Zoe, and Ruthie callin' me to get over to the CS for my lunch that I complained about earlier... Take care! JP
QUOTE: trolleyboyPosted: 20 May 2005, 12:03:38 G'morning everyone, Tom I'm glad that I'm still qualified to sit in at the bar LOL actually I'm having quite a bit of fun here.You will be happy to know that while I was at our exalyed VIA station here in town(okay I was at the LHS there) Both the east and westbounds were all budd.It seems the Ocean's loss for the time being may be our gain.I must say that P42's and Budd's are an even odder match than the f40's but what can you do.The one (westbound) is / was the Montreal train as it had it's baggage car in tow.Of interest the local switcher the last couple of day's has been another antique GMD1 1413,nice to see one still functioning aand in an almost pristine zebra stripe livery to boot. Well gents i'll wish you all the grace of the day. I'll try to pop back in later. Rob
QUOTE: siberianmoPosted: 20 May 2005, 12:06:08 Hey JP .... Good to see you 'round here. Don't rush off, but if you've made a committment, we understand. Yes, this is a lively place, for sure. More importantly, check out the "reports" from the guys regarding their train travels - all "classics" for sure! The idea of "Our" Place is to share our rail riding experiences, all while having a bit of fun in this cyber bar 'n grill. Thanx to the active imaginations of many of our "regulars," the idea has taken root and I'd say we're established. C'mon back for tonight's bill or fare - normally it's pizza night (I prepare it). The first 8 slices are free PROVIDING you order a mug of your favorite brew with each slice! Additionally, we have steak & fries. There's more - now that Nick is Chief Chef - take a look at Nick's Picks the gourmet menu right over there by the pig's feet jar. See ya soon! ......... now where was I? Oh yeah, getting "things" back to normal. Tom
QUOTE: JPowellPosted: 20 May 2005, 13:00:41 Si - Thanks for the invite for this evening's 'pub fare' but I unfortunately must decline. I am helping the 'CFO' and her son start moving this weekend and tonight's project is dismantling some cabinets and his bunkbed in prep for tomorrow's bunkbed rebuild. I'll try and stop in tomorrow evening, but not sure if I'll get stuck helping out more than I really want to. As for Nick's Picks... next time I'm in for a 'spell' I will deffinately do that! Till then... JP
QUOTE: Ted D. KramerPosted: 20 May 2005, 13:40:42 Great suns of Jupiter, was that Boris? Tom, what is he doing wearing lifts, girley wig and a pinafore? Back from the errands and yes, I'll take that Royal straight up drizzled with a spoon of honey, no soda...sick call, don't you know. This will go down better then the hair down my back at Hubert's. Say Tom, will you be sharing pix of the War Museum with us? That would be of interest to at least four or five others to be sure. St Louis was quite a rail hub through the "golden years." Our Frisco train from Tulsa to St Louis (The Oil Flyer?) backed into the terminal via a humungus wye that seemed to stretch the radius limitations of the coaches to their limit. The stub end terminal was a more impressive grid than K.C.'s through Station, however the quasi Egyptian architecture of Union Station is hard to beat for massive elegance. The Pennsy for New York was a little disappointing for me. I guess I was expecting too much from a major eastern road. The Frisco Diner took the award easily over Pennsy, but then, there is no "horse shoe curve" in Misourri either. Frisco was running EMD E-7's A and B while Pennsylvania sported four E-8's, A-B-B-A. Naturally, Penn Station, when we finally arrived, "took my breath away." I was in New York before but never had seen this titan from the inside before... my, my! Tom, if you are able and willing to elaborate on some of your experiences with pursuit water craft, I would be "all ears." Some say I am without inspiration. Anyhoo, thanks, I enjoyed our chat and now must go home and try to research the psychological import of "cross dressing." You don't suppose that could've been a traditional ensemble native to Albania? In any case, I'll rethink taking on Boris for preparations prior to Aug. 16th! So long all and not a word of the misidentification to Lucy, please.
QUOTE: earlydieselsPosted: 20 May 2005, 14:08:28 Hello everybody! The railroad called and wants to see me 1000 Monday. The first week in June is when I would start. That just moves things up. A lot to think about for this weekend and next week--money, moving, wife's job, etc. I need a Ale, Tom!
QUOTE: siberianmoPosted: 20 May 2005, 14:21:48 Canadian Rail Journey, Part III SEE PAGE 15
QUOTE: siberianmoPosted: 20 May 2005, 15:39:20 Now for some photo's to go along with my Part III commentary SEE PAGE 15
QUOTE: siberianmoPosted: 20 May 2005, 16:25:00 For Rob A couple of years back I traveled in a VIA1 Budd car – nice accommodations – plenty of room. I do prefer the LRC’s though for corridor travel – hard not to like those cars. As far as loco’s go, well what is there to be said these days? The “fold along the dotted lines” approach to design doesn’t do a thing for me. But then, what do I know? I’m a retired sailor after all …… it’s always easy to be critical of the other guy’s efforts. Don’t forget to stop in tonight – Friday’s around here are hoppin’ – but then again, after this mid-week party, I’m not too sure there’s much hop left in me! See ya! Tom FOR JP Okay, ‘til then ……. Tom FOR TED Hate to continue breaking the news, BUT, Boris has been wearing his “greasy spoon” apron, chefs hat and boondockers. I’d be careful out in public my friend! The pictures at the War Museum is another story indeed. Let’s just say my battery ran out. A bit of clarification: I took along two fully charged batteries for my digital camera when we left for our adventure. Sitting in the drawer where for the accessories are two battery chargers – one as a plug in to the camera the other as a plug in to the wall. Left ‘em both at home. I was fortunate to get the shots I got ……. Each picture represented the “last” as I judiciously saved up the power for the trip back to Montreal. Once at the station, and with about an hour to kill, I wandered the ungerground shops at the various malls to find a charger. Finally did, right back at the station complex! Negotiated the guy down from $99 Cdn to $49 by using the logic: “How many of these do you sell?? Given that he had to dust off the one he had in stock! Oh well, now I have three battery chargers for my Sony camera. Regarding my exploits in federal law enforcement with the USCG – those kinds of things are better discussed elsewhere. I really prefer knowing who I’m talking to when it comes to things like this and more importantly who else is “listening.” Appreciate your understanding …….. And yes, St. Louis WAS quite the passenger rail hub .... it's so sad to see what's left. Union Station doesn't even accommodate REAL passenger train service ...... was designed to be "upscale" and the developers "threw out" Amtrak. Long story ....... one day I'l share my thoughts on this; qualifies as "classic" - plus I was here when it happened. But, I have my memories and books .... so for me, ALL the nation's great train stations and depots still thrive! Stick around - the gals will be gracing our establishment in a couple of hours. Tom FOR earlydiesels TWO frosty bottles comin’ right up …… whatever the decision, there’s always a seat at the bar ‘round here for you! Tom
QUOTE: Ted D. KramerPosted: 20 May 2005, 19:24:24 Fantastic pictures and running commentary. The finished product is "its own reward," I'm sure. Personally, the "fold along the dotted line" description of post 1960's industrial designs, I feel, is right on the mark whether it be railroads, automobiles, or even Caribbean cruise ships. There is nothing I would rather do than await the girls arrival and the inevitable social debauchery attending however I perceive an unseasonable chill in the air. There isn't anything much worse than a summer cold, so allow me to bid all bon soir until another time.
QUOTE: nickinwestwalesPosted: 20 May 2005, 21:02:52 Well Tom,how the devil are you-I must say you`re looking suprisingly chipper given the busy week that you`ve had,I wont stay long but I`m just back from a gig at the Bucaneer public house in Tenby,and need to wind down for a while,so, a molsons for me an Alexanders for yourself and the same again for this crowd of ner`do`wells---Well some small news from this side of the pond,after the encouragement received here & at the Coffee shop,have finally made it out of the armchair and back into the shed--for the first time in 3 years,have managed to run a train (G.P.9+6 cars and a van) from "Barrie/Allendale" all the way to the Metro Toronto staging tracks,around the balloon loop and on to "Steeles ave". yard-a total run of about 180-200 feet,thank you all for providing the inspiration,havn`t yet mastered the knack of digital photo downloads or whatever they are called,but will be happy to provide description of route if any intrest until I can persuade management to show me how it works .Well as it`s Friday,we`ll keep it tradional-Steaks & fries,any pizza you want,beer to wash it down with,OY-YOU!!-IF I CANT SMOKE THAT S**T IN HERE,NEITHER CAN YOU.......OUTSIDE PLEASE,thank you,now Boris,BORIS,confound the man where is he,right here you are ,okay, " I GO HOME NOW , YOU COOK FOOD FOR THESE NICE PEOPLE,GIRLS BEHIND BAR FIND YOU SOMEWHERE TO SLEEP,"see you all ,be good,nick
QUOTE: siberianmoPosted: 20 May 2005, 21:06:25 FOR TED C'mon back soon and hope you get over whatever is ailing you ....... I'm outta here too ... the gals have the bar .... see y'all tomorrow. Remember, we're CLOSED on Sunday's .... of course you can always slip your messages through the slots on either sets of doors. Nite all! Tom
QUOTE: siberianmoPosted: 21 May 2005, 13:21:45 G'day all ...... From the looks of things 'round here, Friday night must have been "typical" indeed. Saw the note on the back bar glass indicating that if Boris doesn't behave himself, he'll be singing soprano rather than the deep baritone he is - signed, "The girls." Methinks this is a job for Nick ...... Three of my four rail trips in Canada have been posted, along with pictures .... check 'em out on pages 12, 13 and 15. Birthday Watch List: Something new to participate in - let me know your Natal Day and age to be in 2005. This info will get posted in "Our" Place and as the date approaches, our "committee" will conjur up plan an appropriate celebration. Nick I must have just missed you last evening, Nick - spring was sprung and I needed to rest my aging bones. About your layout: What gauge are you running? Sounds like G to me, but sure would appreciate a description. If I can be of assistance to you with any photo-type downloads, send me an Email - I'll be happy to assist. Meant to make a comment regarding the "Stones" and where the "real" talent lies. My oldest son was an absolute addict when it came to their music. I know that he had EVERYTHING pressed in vinyl by them, including knock-offs. He also was big time into Nazarath, the rock group from Scotland. In fact, he was their album art director (for lack of a better description.) Even did a tour or three with them. I'll tell you that the influence of Mick and the Boyz had concerned - raising kids is hard enough, but some of THAT STUFF was unfit for the human ear, especially those in their formative years (late 60's into the 70's). When he formed his own group - guess who he thought he was while performing? You got it. Well, Tom Jr. isn't anymore - he was taken from us a bit over four years ago in an auto accident at age 39. Left behind two kids and a wife. Somewhere in this expanse of Universe, I'd bet my retirement pay that he's still listening to the "Stones" - so where's the real talent? In the fan base my friend - the ever lovin' fan base. Okay - I'm outta here for a bit ....... Boris has the bar (oh Lord!) ............. Tom
QUOTE: siberianmoPosted: 21 May 2005, 13:39:09 Hey guys! I'm thinking of setting up some "logos" for our regular customers. They can be whatever you'd like 'em to be - your favorite railroad - your model railroad - a photo, etc. Only requirement that we must adhere to is the "logo" has to be in the "thumb" size. For example: the picture I post of "Our" Place at the end of many of my submissions is "thumb" size. Do a "right" click on it, go to "properties" click and highlight the URL - this is what you should see - http://www.railimages.com/albums/thomasweber/aco.thumb.jpg Notice the word "thumb" to the right? That prevents the picture from being enlarged when posted. (Of course, this can be "backed out," if one wants to post a picture for others to enlarge.} There is a catch, however, you must load your logo/picture onto a site that permits free posting to other sites. Confused? Let me explain - you cannot simply take a photo and post it on this forum. You have to "belong" to a group that offers this kind of service. The one I use is www.railimages.com - as do many other forum participants. That's where all of my photo's that you have seen on this thread are stored. I have to transfer them from my digital camera or hard drive to www.railimages.com then transfer them again to this forum. Sounds much more confusing than it really is. If anyone has problems or questions, fire off an Email to me ..... So, depending on the response, I'd like to have some fun with this. See ya! Tom
QUOTE: KenLarsenPosted: 21 May 2005, 15:45:04 Hail, Siberius! Thought I'd stop in and grab a Philly cheesesteak and an iced tea. Guess I owe you a belated , better late than never I suppose ... I set a goal for myself to reach a certain layout construction milestone before I resumed actively participating in these forums. I notice you've inherited a few patrons from "across the street" LOL. Really enjoyed viewing your VIA rail trip images, I eagerly await the next episode. TTFN -------------------- -ken
QUOTE: siberianmoPosted: 21 May 2005, 16:19:58 Hi Ken! to "Our" Place ........ first drink is on the house, so enjoy! Yes, this place is something else indeed. Between the "Shop" and here, along with "Canadian Passenger Railroads!" there are times when I wonder how and why did this all begin!? But, it's fun 'round here and the "customers" are really top shelf. No 'turn offs' in sight .......... The idea is to talk "Classic Trains" and have some fun while doing it. Sure, we "imbibe" 'round here - but it's a cyber bar 'n grill, no harm, no foul - so to speak. Hope you come back often and participate in our "Classic Trains" tallk ....... See ya! Tom
QUOTE: KenLarsenPosted: 21 May 2005, 16:35:47 Tom, It's great to be back. During my 3 days of convention attendance last week, I got to pass Union Station several times. Still plenty of trains...except most of these are commuter, not like the glory days of the Capitol Limited, the George Washington and the Cresent. But I suppose it's preferable to empty tracks. I don't know if I can dream up a logo for my gritty industrial short line, a simple Capitol dome may have to suffice. Suppertime, gotta run! -------------------- -ken
QUOTE: siberianmoPosted: 21 May 2005, 16:55:01 Hey Ken! Here's the "deal" if those commuters ran on the tracks traveled by the "classics," and the "classics" are no more - then your accounts of the journeys taken are more than welcome 'round here! (Our "Excecutive Committe" came up with that determination ....... ) The logo you placed at the bottom of your last post is a good example for the guys to "right click" on ... go to "properties" - click and the URL shows "thmb" - just a different service - this one is trainweb.org - so, guys, don't be afraid of this - it just might be some fun. Thanx, Ken - see ya later. Tom
QUOTE: passengerfanPosted: 21 May 2005, 22:13:42 Tom I finally made it back I have had to earn a living for the past few days so have kind of ignored "OUR PLACE" will try not to make that mistake again. Time for a Crown Royal and whatever the house is having. Unfortunately my boss says my time for goofing off as he calls it is going to be limited for the next couple of months. Little does he know how easy it is for me to goof off as he calls it. Haven't even had time to go by either of our active stations for awhile so will plan a trip to those in the next few days. We are lucky how many cities do you know of with 300,000 people having two active Amtrak stations. We have a third station but is in a sad state of neglect at the present time. But at least it is saved and will not be leveled. Well have enjoyed the pictures and just catching up on the rest. TA TA for now Al
QUOTE: trolleyboyPosted: 21 May 2005, 23:56:14 Good evening everyone. Tom I like the idea of the personalized thumbnails. I'm confused though( and no it's not Boris's strange atire though I think the powdered wig and faux beauty mark are a bit over the top) Back to my thought are you posting the thumbs or are we sorry i get a bit blonde once in a while. If you are the photo I sent you of 2894 parked in front of the station would be my choice. BTW I've requested a railimages account today(we,ve aquired a second hand flat scanner) so I may be able to share new photo's with everyone in the near future. Also for Passengerfan and others interested. I was doing some reading on the Algoma Central this afternoon, and the dome cars that they are using are all ex WP cars. That's my only tidbit today. Happy long weekend everyone. Rob
QUOTE: passengerfanPosted: 22 May 2005, 02:42:56 Trolleyboy Thx for the info on Algoma Central dome cars . Don't happen to know how many they have and car numbers by chance do you? Thx Al Tom I beleive the CHATEAU series sleepers you mention were built with duplex roomettes just a wee bit smaller than standard roomettes found in MANOR series sleeping cars on Via Rail Canada. Amtrak charged the same for both in the few cars they bought with duplex roomettes made no differnce in pricing. The same was true of the Amtrak sleeping cars that had compartments they sold them at bedroom rates as well. Duplex Roomettes were step up or step down from aisle and roomettes were all on the same level. Outside the cars the duplex roomette windows were staggered and roomette windows all on same level. Time for one more round for the house then must get some shuteye sometime tonight. We have an attractive young lady who drives a jeep wrangler stopping by the office now who is always in western dress just happened to see her get in her jeep the other day and she has a bumper sticker that reads "COWGIRLS need more than an eight second ride" thought I would share that with the gang at the bar.
QUOTE: nickinwestwalesPosted: 22 May 2005, 20:18:51 Tom,hi,just popped in to pu***he mop around the kitchen and polish a few glasses and saw your note- I will be out playing with one of the bands twice next weekend,and Jumping Jack Flash will be a special dedication for Thomas Weber Jr from now on,-He`s up there with Brian Jones & Ian Stewart,now they`ve got John Entwhistle back with Keith Moon as a rhythm section they`re playing to full houses every night....Your Boy is stage left,with a black custom Telecaster somewhere down by his knees,throwing those cross-beats against Brians slide guitar spirals.........................so so sorry for your loss my friend,I`ve tried to hide behind trivia here but I cant imagine the pain you and Carol must be going through,be strong and abide...speak soon,nick
QUOTE: trolleyboyPosted: 23 May 2005, 00:01:08 Good evening folks. Tom Haven't given up on labour day yet Heather's got a couple of administrative snags as well,she should have seen the vacation sheet by now but has not. We'll talk more later. Speaking od administrative sangs i've got my railimages account now and i had / have the scanner workinf tested it last night and scanned in a saved a couple of shots. Now this aft I can't find them in the computer. Assuming I find them or scan them again, I'm not real sure how to load them up onto the account. You seem to be the wise grand poohbah of the railimages so any thoughts and or help would be greatly appreciated. Passengerfan They have three domes, I'll need to consult the trusty branchline guide for the former numbers for you.Once I look them up I'll post the results for you my trackside guide dates from before they were bought so next time I'm at the inlaws I'll get the info for you. earlydiesel My late two cents is go for the dream job they don't usually come up or get offered very often. Remembeering that you have a cyberfamily as well as family family for support. well I'm off to enjoy the Victoria day festivities talk to you all soon. Rob
QUOTE: nickinwestwalesPosted: 23 May 2005, 14:34:44 Hi Tom,just a quick "livener" whilst she`s at the gym,Pilsner for me tonight please,not forgetting an Alexanders for your good self. -Had in fact read back through post,but felt that my note left me without anything left to say,for once. So,where was I,ah yes-Nazareth-brilliant!!!! they and Alex Harvey & his band are for, my money, the finest Scotland has produced bar none! Have spoken at length with Boris (no easy task as you know) and after much confusion,a few tears and the bare minimum of violent co-ercion a compromise has been reached. He will appear for work in appropriate Chefs attire at all times,this is to be removed fortnightly for de-contamination purposes during which time he will remain in the shed. What he wears under his whites will remain his own perogative. He is NOT to approach the track gang for any more "traditional local welcomes" ( I`ll be speaking to you lot later about that-and the state of the washrooms on sunday *@#~$$$%£!!!!!!!) Finally,he is not to stir the draught beer with his finger "To mix in all the goodness"..right,Trains!!.. I remembered...I`m working in HO,although G would be a lottery dream My only large scale models are two part built 3.5inch gauge live steamers which I inherited some years ago. I have no hopes of finishing them myself but there is a lad in the village who rebuilds the real thing for a living,negotiations are ongoing............ Back to the HO-I have the run of a 16x10 ft summerhouse at the end of the garden with a round the walls stacked onto 4 levels with rather more double run through of scenes than I would like. The origins of the system and the rationale behind it may merit brief amplification -ah she`s back, back soon for part two..........later,nick
QUOTE: nickinwestwalesPosted: 23 May 2005, 17:52:26 Right,Her Majesty has retired for the night,the court & commons may go about their tasks. Same again for me please Tom and how about trying one of these bottled Worthingtons i ordered in. It`s an I.P.A,but with a much lighter flavour than draught (cask) I.P.A`s. When I worked bars in London it was quite often served with a half of keg,in a pint glass to take off the `twang` off of the keg. O.K, back to the tale,where was I.....ah yes. First off,confession time,until 5 years or so ago,I had had no exposure to modelling outside of U.K prototypes,have amassed a collection of 30+ steamers,handful of diesels,40+ pass cars & 100+ freight cars,all British OO,mostly by Tri-Ang and Triang/Hornby but with a liberal salting of most other makers of the time. To give them all something to do,I was building a representation of the much-mourned Bath to Bournemouth secondary main line (-the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway, a route which in it`s latter days,played host to locos from all corners of the country, the original `prototype for anything` ) but was finding burnout a problem. Arrival of daughter in Nov 2000 put full stop to any modelling at all. Arrival of my sister on visit home from Toronto for Xmas provided unexpected Damascene moment---Bachman C.N. freight set-F9 (as I later discovered),couple of cars,caboose,track`n`pack..........................well,looks kinda silly with just 2 cars,hmmmmmmmmmmm..................................... 2002-all British stock now in storage,large numbers of C.N,C.P plus many almost randomly purchased U.S. road cars now looking very silly on a layout where almost all the buildings have obvious Brit origins,signalled for left-hand running,................. 2nd Damascene moment---Model Railroad Planning,2002-page 61,Steam around Allandale. For those without a copy to hand,this describes the route from Toronto north,round the west side of Lake Simcoe and on eventually,to North Bay. Some research suggested that the juxtaposition of the key features on this route could be superimposed onto the existing layout-or enough to satisfy rule #1 at any rate. As an added bonus,sister has lived in Toronto,Newmarket & New Liskeard-all stations on the line. 2005-intermitant intervals spent in train shed during prev. 3 yrs starting to show-barely keeping pace with decay,little or no forward progress,however,daughter starting to approach age of reason requiring slightly less supervision,aquisition of computer allowing contact with the wider world,specifically,the guys on these forums and the O.N.R site,providing much needed `shot in the arm`---once again wheels are turning,track repairs continue apace ( P.S.-I need to speak to you about a loan of the track gang),buildings and scenery are starting to re-appear,some with a heavy "Maple Leaf makeover" from their former lives. and guess what...? It`s fun again,just like when I was a kid with the first few Tri-Ang trains,you start off running anything with anything `cos you dont know any better,but you know youre gonna have lots of fun climbing the learning curve................... Right,I`m off to check on Boris and do the orders,Tom please feel free to use editorial blue pencil here,vol 3,if required,will describe the actual layout. Another bottle to take back with me please Tom,and same again yourself,later,nick
QUOTE: nickinwestwalesPosted: 23 May 2005, 20:02:26 Well,it`s been a quiet one so far boss,better set `em up again and I`ll wedge open the door and throw a few coins in the juke--- just scrolled back and `found` your last update-didnt you have that pair of locos on the outbound trip ?-does the whole set lay over for a few days or did you chance upon them on a repeat visit ? Fine reportage by the way,photo`s also top drawer.....always been more of a `blue with the stripes` fan in my limited exposure but that silver finish suits those Park cars extraordinarily well-I may have to take a fresh look at my model power obs car.......... right,here come the sounds,Take 5 performed by the Oscar Peterson Trio to start,smartly followed by Ball & Chain from Janis Joplin,then a whole load from the Campfire Tapes,by Michelle Shocked (which I would warmly recommend to all) and Misguided Angel by the Cowboy Junkies (`cos my Missis sings it perfectly and I love the high-capo open `G` guitar tuning that makes it sound like a mandolin ) to close..... well,it`s getting late at this end of the counter,give the boys a drink on me when they finally show up,sweet dreams to one and all,nick.. P.S.-almost forgot,love the logo idea,will give it serious thought-The S+DJR armorial crest was in some very familiar blue & gold/yellow shades....................
QUOTE: siberianmoPosted: 23 May 2005, 21:07:15 Evening NickI just had a rather long reply to your three posts "disappear" on me ..... so, I think I'll call it a night and try again in the morning! I'll never learn - shudda composed the response on my word processor then pasted it to the "reply to topic" screen. Oh well ....... can't fix stupid someone once said! Where's that Worthingtons you were taking about? Tom
QUOTE: passengerfanPosted: 23 May 2005, 22:26:59 Good evening all time for a Crown Royal with water back and another round for the house. Tom, you mentioned backing into stations didn't seem very railroad like . Remember the old Rock Island Twin Star Rocket between Minneapolis and Houston. The train always backed into Des Moines Station southbound and backed out northbound. Last time I rode the train it backed in both northbound and southbound never thought to ask why they changed the procedure that had been in place for so long. Well just thought I would toss that into the fire. I wonder how many other stations besides St. Louis where everything backed in their were. I don't remeber any others off hand but I'm sure their had to be others?
QUOTE: Thursday morning found me sitting in the dome at about 5 AM (EDST) as the train backed into the station at Charny, Quebec. I guess I’ll never get used to this backing in, backing out business – and yes, it is railroading – but somewhere in my “socialization” regarding railroads, trains are supposed to pull in and pull out. As I thought about this quirk of mine, it occurred to me that even my model railroad “empire” requires backing in or out amongst the 8 consists of passenger cars accommodated at my Can-Am Union Station. Oh well ….. In a perfect world, it surely would be different!
QUOTE: trolleyboyPosted: 24 May 2005, 01:11:13 Good evenong everyone. Rather overstuffed from our Victoria day BBQ so I'm keeping this short tonight. Tom thanks for the help don't be suprised if I drop you a pianed e-mail or two(still haven't found the pictures that I scanned) BTW lovely shots of your trip,sad to hear about our continuing labour day woes.Assuming that the before mentioned problems derail us this time out there is always next year. I prefer to be a "The glass is half full type of person" It's too bad too I had scanned a couple of good shots of Brantfords VIA station and some of the action around it, and a shot or two of a certain aircraft our friend Fergie likes to borrow from time to time. Well good night all i'll check in tomorrow. Rob
QUOTE: passengerfanPosted: 24 May 2005, 07:23:18 Tom Just time for Coffee and a Bismarck ! Just wanted to say the more I look at those pictures of the Budd Park cars I for one find it hard to believe thay are celebrating their fifty-first birthday this year. It was 1954 when the CPR received the Park cars and they first entered service on the Dominion. And today marks the fifty year one month anniversary of the CANADIAN April 24, 1955. How could I have misssed mentioning it last month. The cars gathered in Montreal as they were delivered from Budd and finally someone in upper management decided that the passenger yard space was more valuable than holding all of the cars for the inaugural of the CANADIAN so the cars actually entered service on the DOMINION first. This train was the premier CPR train across Canada at the time and would be relegated to secondary train when then CANADIAN entered service. The DOMINION was a mixture of heavyweights and the new lightweights with each dominion assigned a Budd Baggage Crew Dormitory, Skyline Dome Coach Chateau, Manor and Park car. All other cars in the DOMINION were heavyweight or earlier streamlined cars built by the CPR itself. The ATLANTIC LIMITED was never assigned a Park car until VIA operated the service.
QUOTE: KenLarsenPosted: 24 May 2005, 07:57:50 Good Morning, ClassicFans - Just stopping in for my morning caffeine charge, can't stay long as I'm now "on the clock." Tom, enjoyed the chat Monday evening, best of luck getting that web site up and running on Geocities - I'm sure you'll have quite a bit of fun with it! I've heard an unconfirmable rumour that the Maryland Dept of Transp. plans to start running MARC commuter trains on the former B&O Old Main Line - very interesting, since no passenger trains have been operated there since the mid-1950's. Perhaps that is why they are replacing all the track that has been there sine the late 1940's? Later....
QUOTE: coalminer3 Posted: 24 May 2005, 08:14:28 Fill the thermos and on our way... Re passengerfan's post: One station that had lots of backup (and head in moves as well) was Louisville. C&O backed in as well as L&N and PRR (depending on which direction they were heading upon departure.) Wish I had my pictures handy as somewhere in the "stack of stuff" is a group of color shots of the the "George Washington" and the "Pan American," both having backed into the station at Louisville. George was getting ready to head out to DC and the Pan was on its way to New Orleans. The "South Wind" was not running that day or I would have had a trifecta (gotta use them horse words when we talk about Louisville). John Droege's book Passenger Terminals and Trains has lots of track plans for stub end and stub on wye terminals in various U.S. cities; fascinating stuff, especially when you can find photos to go with the track plans; that's what the old ICC valuation study pictures are good for. Road trip coming up (taking the heathinistics, i.e. school class trip) to Williamsburg. Will be back after Memorial Day. Have a good one and don't forget to take some time to reflect on what this holiday is all about. work safe
QUOTE: wrwatkins Posted: 24 May 2005, 15:03:22 Welcome back from the Maritimes, Tom. As we have discussed off line we are going to be taking the same trip the first two weeks in August. We have been wanting to visit the Maritimes for several years and your travelogues pushed us over the edge. Better pour me a strong one before I continue. Make that Plymouth gin over ice with a twist. Better yet make it a double. As Tom said getting everything pulled together with VIA is tough. Had to coordinate airplane flights, hotels, and VIA to get what we wanted. Thanks for the info about phasing out the Budd cars. I had to hunt to find VIA's phone number, but finally reached a real human who told me which days the Park cars would be running. Had to adjust our tentative schedule one day to get the Park cars. Unfortunately cabin "D" is occupied for the trip to Halifax, but we did get it for the return. I will do a travelogue and post some pictures after our trip. Noted another thread about the full length dome cars that SP had on their coast line. This brought back many good memories of riding the coast line. Between 1972 and 1974 we lived in Ventura California, which is about 35 miles south of Santa Barbra. For fun we would catch the Amtrak northbound train in Oxnard, which is directly south of Ventura across the Santa Clara river. The train would leave about 11 AM for a 55 minute run to Santa Barbara. This was in the days before Caltrans and the only trains were one Amtrak train in each direction per day. Santa Barbara was as far north as you could go and still catch the southbound train the same day. This gave us 4 hours in beautiful Santa Barbara shopping or walking the beach before the 4 PM departure. Just about enough time to empty your wallet in town as they had many places where you could part with your dough. The highlight of the trip was Summerland beach a couple miles south of Santa Barbara. This beach was over one mile from the highway and developed into a nudist beach. Almost daily there would be a female standing along the track with her hands cupped behind her head for all of the passengers to view her wares. It was hard to cover the eyes of our children when we were passing the beach. Amtrak in their unofficial advertising referred to the train as "The only X-rated train in America". I do not know if the beach is still being used for this purpose, as it is over 30 years since we rode the train. Better pour me another for the road.
QUOTE: wrwatkins Posted: 24 May 2005, 15:30:12 Tom - A belated Happy Birthday to you. Mine is coming up on July 15. I will not say how old I am but I was born in 1940. Do the math. Plan to retire at the end of March 2006. This will permit maxing out Social Security and to get the year end reports complete. I work for an oil and gas consulting company and thanks to Sarbanes-Oxley we do the reserves for numerous oil companies and they all want them as of December 31. It has been a fun ride as a consultant having traveled to 5 continents over the years and viewed many trains of various types. I am going to miss the fun of the job after i hang up my hat next spring. Say, I missed lunch. Please have the Chef make me up a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. and give me another Molson if you brought a few back from our northern neighbor. That should be good for an extra dose of lipitor.
QUOTE: nickinwestwales Posted: 24 May 2005, 17:28:38 Tom,Hi-an ice cold bottle for me please,plus one for yourself,a small glass of shandy for Boris and a round for the boys when they arrive, ahhh,lovely ,thankyou. Right,where`s that note...Damascene-biblical reference, St. Paul’s (?) conversion on road to Damascus,unless I`ve spelt it wrong in which case it`s"similar to damask"( a fabric). I.P.A-a relic from the shameful days of the British Raj-India Pale Ale,brewed to mature in the cask during the sea voyage from home to keep the troops supplied. Joint Running-once the decision was made to cross the water,all `inappropriate` stock removed,-I tried them together once only... 3 hours work managed today on ongoing scenery conversion,will have to look again in daylight but pleased so far. right,thats me for the road, nick
QUOTE: siberianmoPosted: 24 May 2005, 21:11:41 Evening all, Once again, I prepared replies to all recent posts and they disappeared - second night in succession! This is getting to me ..... So, time to do something else. See y'all tomorrow! Tom
QUOTE: trolleyboyPosted: 24 May 2005, 23:25:29 Good evening everyone.Tom I will try to entice some of the other regulars over here,I'm sure if they give us a try they will keep comming back if for no other reason but to keep up with the continuing antics of barboy Boris.As for the photo's I seem to have not saved them thus the reason I could not find them to upload I have since rescanned and saved. Now the railimages account is not bare. I invite everyone to take a peak. A lot of museum shots but some other classics and not so classics to enjoy as well. Please take a look and let me know what you think. Now kids Brantford's Via station a nice classic GT station built round about 1912 and still heavilly used today.by via A small Whitt #2894 entering the east loop at our museum this shot is circa 1991 so a few years before I joined, however this is a car that I do love to operate. Hope we see some pictures and not just the red "x" of death. More later Rob
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 24 May 2005, 23:30:53 Hey drinks for me she worked captain she worked!!!! Tempting fate here's another classic This is former Toronto Hamilton and buffalo NW2 #51 Owned now by shortline Ontario Southland serving several CN and CP spurs in ontario. This shot is in St Thomas Ontario at the Elgin county rail museum. This loco is assigned to an ex CN spur in St Thomas and still runs on it's original prime mover. Rob
QUOTE: passengerfanPosted: 25 May 2005, 01:46:08 Trolleyboy, The picture of the Peter Whitt of the TTC brings back memories of when I lived in Toronto. We used to have all day runs using a Peter Whitt operating over the Dundas, Queen, and King St. Lines. We always requested a particular TTC operator for these trips his nickname was boom boom Charlie. I believe his actual name was Charlie Price. The nickname came about when a certain lady was testifying in court about an accident he had with a streetcar in Toronto. It seems she was running alongside the street car on Dundas St. When she said the streetcar ran into the side of her car twice thus the boom boom. The lady swore the streetcar left the rails and hit her car twice. The court erupted in laughter and the Magistrate threw out the case. Another incident with Charlie occurred on one of the Peter Whitt outings when we were traveling across Queen St and he stopped at a loading island for a particularly attractive lady and after climbing aboard she asked Charlie if the went to college (st). which was about a half mile ahead and Charlie replied no lady this is a full time job. Those were the good old days in Toronto all PCCs running and the one Peter Whitt held for specials. I was their when the new streetcars arrived and I must say I never rode one somehow they didn't have the appeal of the PCCs.
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