"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[Trainnut484]

Hi Tom and all [:)]. I'll have a Miller Lite. Just taking a break from decorating the tree. My wife and I rented "The Polar Express" on DVD. That was a good movie, even though it was animated. Tom Hanks did a great job [tup]. We'll go out and buy the DVD to add to our Christmas traditions.

Nick, glad you liked my little piece on "The Stephensons." I'm sure Trevithick's Great-Great grandaughter has a lot of stories to tell.

Doug, nice pic of the track car. When I was a kid, I called the motorized cars "Put-Puts", because of the sound they made put-put-put-put-put-put-put. Even today I refer to them as "Put-Puts." Some may laugh at that, but I'm sure everyone has their own weird or funny name for train-related stuff. I liked your story of a track-gang member. I too would cringe at a fast freight rumbling just four feet away at 50+ mph.

[:0] Boris, you got a haircut? Now, you'll never win that Cousin IT look-alike contest [V]. AH I see you're getting out the Xmas decorations. Don't get yourself tangled up. Oh, you have a mistletoe out for the ladies. I'm sure they'll run away line up.

Geez, the hankerchiefs still-r-acomin' I'll never catch up with the mustard.

Gotta get back to decorating the tree.

Russell

[siberianmo]

G'day Gentlemen!

Slow, but steady - nothin' wrong with that pace, eh [?] [swg]

Be careful, Ted swalling basketballs can be hazardous to one's health! [swg] The past couple of years we've been into "moderation" at the table and it really works wonders. Since it's just the two of us, we just prepare that which we KNOW we'll devour, limiting the intake so to speak. Following the feast is the one mile trek with the beast (aka: Juneau the Siberian Huskey). That too helps a great deal .....

Mike that beer can collection you referred to is a story unto itself. Somewhere on these pages I've detailed it somewhat - perhaps for Nick. There used to be 3,000 cans - yes, 3,000. But many of those were quadruples, octuples (?) etc. of the cans. So, I trimmed 'er down to the manageable - probably by 2/3rds.

Back in the mid 70s I was at a resident LE school in WashDC for entry level criminal investigators. A couple of guys took me to a bar called the "Rathskeller" near the "Embassy Row" area. Anway, unknown to me, when they served up the beer it was in cans and they were all opened from the bottom. Prior to the serving, one got to order from a multi-page menu of brews from all over the world. It was upon leaving that the barkeep had bundled up all of my cans in a paper sack and furnished it to me. That's when it dawned on me that this place was for collectors. Brilliant, eh [?] Semi-trained investigator that I was at that point! [swg]

So, over the years, everywhere I traveled I picked up a 6-pack of this or that and the collection grew. There are cans from all the continents, including those brewed especially for Operation Deep Freeze, formely the U.S. Navy's Antarctic resupply of our scientific bases, but now a continuing effort by the U.S. Coast Guard. That's pretty much the gist of the collection. Many of those beers were suitable only for unclogging sink drains and the like! [swg]

I've never engaged in trading, sellilng or buying the cans (other than when they were full!). You can place your order, but I don't guarantee fulfillng it! [swg] By the by, the collection now "sits" in what used to be my trainroom. If you've browsed my picture sites, you've seen that the Can-Am layout has pretty much overtaken what used to be an unfinished basement.

Boris did look a bit different today - haircut! By golly, who had the nerve to do such a thing [?] Amongst the missing, I would think so! <burp> I'd guess there will be a feature story in the next edition of the "bird cage liner" - "fish wrap" - aka: Gazette! [swg]

Oh yes - thanx for the round, Al and yours from yesterday, Mike! [tup][tup]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

G'day Russell

Snuck that one in on me, didja [?] [swg] Happens - the secret of course is to stay online, thereby being able to determine who else is "aboard." So many guys just Post 'n Split. Bad form. [tdn]

The Polar Express flick is outstanding - 4.0! It is destined to become a Christmas Classic movie fer sure, fer sure! [tup][tup][tup] I recall that when we first saw it last year that we were so engaged in the story that we completely "forgot" the animation. It is that well done! [yeah] Of course it was the inspiration for my shelf railroad system, the Lionel O-gauge Polar Express set. Simply put - a great movie - a must for kids of all ages. [swg] Our DVD (2 disc widescreen version) is en route from amazon.com).

One of these days (daze) we'll have to hook up for a Chiefs game. I recall that we tried, several times to get tickets, but were unsucccessful. Perhaps with an "insider" we'd have better luck. I'm not a patronizing kinda guy and really have always been an "AFL" fan of the Chiefs (formerly Dallas Texans). Hank was a magnificant leader of men and perhaps the last of his kind. One would have to look long and hard to find his equal. He wasn't bad in the "booth" either. [tup][tup][tup]

Hand cars [?] Well, just to show my ignorance - anything that small, just has to be called something; why not a hand car [?] [swg]

I saw Nick peeking in - so perhaps we'll get a word or three from our West Wales Connection before the daylight ends. [yeah]

Oh [yeah] I received an interesting and rather introspective Email today from our friend, BK. It appears - and this is just my take on it - that he's smitten with an Alberta kitten! (My choice of words ...... [swg]) So, he's kinda given "notice" that he may be "away" for some time. An interesting character fer sure, fer sure. Hope to see him again at the bar. Maybe the "kitten" is a train lover! [yeah] Ain't love grand [?]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

Evening gents,just a quick note to [4:-)]TOM-E-mails in transit for sunday posting-nice url-(`cept they got the date wrong [^] ) -media over here have been rank with it for most of the week.
Unlikely to affect us here on the margins,no pub within 40 odd miles has applied for the special license and the local rugby club has kept it`s own hours since time immemorial.
That said,I anticipate that by about 4am most large towns & cities will resemble something by H.Bosch in his more experimental phase.........not pleasant.
Well,to contradict that rather austere opinion,I`m just off out to pick up my wages and try a couple,being as how I`ve a friday night off-set everybody up please [4:-)]TOM and I`ll be back in a couple of hours[tup] nick[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

I knew it! Just when ya think it's safe to go back into the water ....... [swg]

Nick has Posted! Okay, Mate - so the media got it "wrong" - what's new [?] Roll with it - these A-holes create the news, surely you've known that all along!

I can well imagine - and it's only imagination - what a Rugy Club bar must be like! I hooked up with some Aussies in LA back in the late 80s and one of their Ruby teams was in SoCal. What a bunch - I mean, what a bunch! [swg] If it hadn't have been for the fact that I was armed and dangerous ........ [swg]

Nick I will take care of your pix for our Sunday Photo Posting Day! and thank you in advance for those nude photos of the West Wales Ladies of Perpetual Motion and Knitting Circle. Somehow, I don't get the "connection" with Classic Trains! [swg]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[red p]

QUOTE: Originally posted by siberianmo

The Polar Express flick is outstanding - 4.0! It is destined to become a Christmas Classic movie fer sure, fer sure! [tup][tup][tup] I recall that when we first saw it last year that we were so engaged in the story that we completely "forgot" the animation. It is that well done! [yeah] Of course it was the inspiration for my shelf railroad system, the Lionel O-gauge Polar Express set. Simply put - a great movie - a must for kids of all ages. [swg] Our DVD (2 disc widescreen version) is en route from amazon.com).

thanks for the info on polar express, I have been wondering about that movie. Guess Ill have to go out and get a copy

[nickinwestwales]

Hey [4:-)]TOM-here I am back already,as luck would have it ,Australia are the opposition for Wales tomorrow ,as a non Welshman(and thus a legitimate target should the home team lose ) I shall be putting up the shutters and tippling from the fridge until the all clear sounds.
Right,I`ll try a Staropramen please & one for yourself,aaah lovely [^]
Well,its been an eventful day at this end of the counter-the first snow of the season
Whilst this sounds like small beer,it should be pointed out that normally we have snow about once every five to eight years,usually in Feb.
For the last three years its been annual and earlier every time.............Last month we had a half years rainfall in two 3-day bursts............can anyone else see a wider pattern emerging here ( n.b-yes ,appreciate gulf-stream effects,hurricane spin-off etc but still---)
Enough of gloom,discovered a new bit bit of fun "techie" stuff yesterday-digital camera will take 30 sec.video clips ( Yeah yeah,I know " ancient Brit discovers wheel" )
Suddenly occurred to me-a special `Our Place` birthday sunday pic post-moving pictures!!!- layout runbys-your favoured rail or trolley line-Metro,whatever--I know I`ve seen these sort of files posted over on M.R. forum so its `do-able`.
Our camera is `Free-with-cereal` price bracket so I would imagine most others will have this facility-any takers ?-any budding John Fords amongst us ?
Sesame street`s other big idea for the day--a game for the long winter evenings,a variant on `Mornington Crescent`,a game based on the London Underground ,of which some of you may have heard.the game ,that is....
In the original,one team nominates a station and the other has to find the most direct route from it to Mornington Crescent ( a station which,if I have it right,was built and fully equipped,but never opened )

For our version,I thought something like this:- the nominated player "The Traveller" will begin & end his journey at Can-Am Union.
From here he may elect to travel to either New York or Chicago by Amtrak or VIA to Toronto or Vancouver.
Once he has made his choice,the other players then reveal their city of choice,The Traveller then has 24 hours to assemble a route that will take him to each destination,in order,using only the information on this thread.
The final leg back to Can-Am country can be either open or nominated ,according to whim,marks to be awarded for style,content,ingenuity,attempting to spell partners name in inter-twined routes.....
*****N.B,at risk of sounding heavy-handed,certain potential participants ( AL ) should carry a handicap,given encyclopaedic knowledge --say 15 minutes instead of 24 hours.*****
Right,time to feed the Wurlitzer-feel like something a lttle slinky and easy on the senses tonight,but as Cindys busy behind the bar I guess I`ll have to settle for some tunes instead (oh stop it ) right,how about,Steely Dan`s first album,then some John Lee Hooker,a slice of Muddy Waters with Willie Dixon & Little Walter and a chunk of Keef`s birthday concert for Chuck Berry to round it out. ( that juke box is truly a thing of wonder-it`s never let me down yet [^]
right,see you in a bit nick[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Gents!

Hey ftwNSengineer! Nice seein' ya again ....... by now you've got the "routine" figured out - so (1) Greet the barkeep -and- (2) order drink or food or both! (Gotta pay the bills donchaknow!) Otherwise you risk being "Tweeted." [swg]

My guess is you'll enjoy the Polar Express flick. By the by, thanx for the Email comms - enjoyed the chats! [tup]

Sir Nick Appreciate the drink(s). Snow, eh [?] Wish we had some. When I first moved to this part of the continent (1977) the winters were - well winter. Wasn't at all unusual to have snow in late fall. Now, our winters are llke fall and fall is rather blah. I'm a winter person - love it, revel in it and prefer it ten fold over the summer. [yeah] I know, I'm in need of therapy! [swg]

My take on the weather phenomenon of this old world is it is just that.. Cyclical patterns have been occurring since records have been kept. Man has only been aboard this planet for a fraction of its life. So one only can guess or take the scientific theories to heart, that ice ages, continental drift, etc. all happened and just may occur once again. Does that take us "off the hook" insofar as contributing to the air quality (lack thereof) and perhaps the acceloration of what used to be natural happenings [?} Nope. But man alone is not the reason for everything we are experiencing. More than one scientist is predicting an ice age for Europe before the end of this century - I repeat - this century.

I'm going to have to re-read your thoughts on gaming for "Our" Plade - have to get the concept imbedded before making comment.

My digital also can provide those moving shots with sound at that. I've never tried it, but am willing to figure it out. Not this Sunday, however, as there's too much else goin' on 'round here (personal life, that is) for that. But if we can get some "takers," why not for a future Sunday Photo Posting Day! [?] Bon ide, Mate! [tup]

Where else can one go where the juke still plays 5 tunes for a quarter [?] It was worth the cost to convert our Herr Wurltizer over to digital CD selections. Great sound comes out of that box - in spite of the abuse given it by the track gangs. <geesh> Better hurry back, coalminer3 CM3 the quarter supply is dwindling down ...... [swg]

Sorry to have to break the news - but Cindy isn't workin' tongiht! Take another look and I think you'll see one of YOUR gals behind the bar helpin' me out. That's Lucy with the brown hair, Mate! [swg]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

Hey guys,just found a must-look site:-poke your heads out the door and drop back to Gen. Disc. and then go & have a look at `Romanian stuff`-just scanned so far but looks intriguing-[tup]nick[C=:-)]

[Anonymous]

Good evening to all of you survivors of conspicuous consumption. Yes Tom, "moderation in all things," including "moderation."[swg] I finally "brought up the rear" on past posts. I think, judging by the diversity of our contributors, that "Our" Place has now achieved an ideal balance of raw data tempered with wit and technical prowess burnished with nostalgia. The numbers of contributions are still manageable and the quality is unsurpassed. Tom, I'll drink to that. A CR and soda for me and a round for those still able to stand please.[^]

Doug, those had to be "rough and ready" chaps in a equally rustic environment. I can't help thinking that had my approach to railroading entailed anything like the Author's; I could never look a number board in the face again. The realities of keeping the lines running in every adverse condition should be appreciated as well as the lilting rhythm of a first class overnight train to, who cares where?[tup]

Al, your Passenger Corner certainly is a winner among this astute membership.[tup] If you can please this audience, you have really done something. ftwNSengineer, yes the Buster Keaton movie was "The General" (if memory serves) and had some element of historical fact to it. During the U.S. Civil War a group of Union agents behind Confederate lines stole a Confederate locomotive and were employing acts of sabotage along their desperate trek toward the Union army lines. They cut telegraph lines, set trestles afire, and tried to blow up a few tunnels while chuffing along their escape route. Finally, they simply ran out of fuel (wood) even after canabalizing the wooden cars for tinder that were in tow. I believe all of the members of the party were apprehended and hung as spies. Of course, the "Flick" version was all Hollywood but an enormous success for Keaton's career.

Nick, anxiously awaiting Suday's Photo Posting Day. Hopefully, your pix will be joined by others who are able to send them along.[^] It seems that "Jolly Olde" is to become even more 'jolly,' though I can't help thinking this may be the U.S. "Noble Experiment" (1920's prohibition) in reverse.[:O] Glad to hear that your "gigs" probably won't turn into all night soirees of drunken dabauchery. From your descriptions, there is quite enough of that with 11:00 P.M. closings.[xx(]

Wanswheel Mike, isn't the story of egocentric bickering and "crack pot" ideas typical during the days of the R.R. Barons? This is what happens when powerful people in finance allow their money to over-load their brains. Say, an interesting coincidence regarding New London," Conn. My first trombone instructor was a U.S. Coast Guard Band member for 12 years. He was stationed at New London the entire time and claimed the Winter weather finally brought him to warmer climes.

Trainnut Russell, I trust your decorating chores will include some sort of train embellishmnets? BTW, my childhood nomenclature for a favorite aunt was "Aunt Choo Choo." When she visited us, it was always via trains, thus the connection.[:D] Okay Boris what about this missing Barber? Inspector Clueless may be slow but he isn't stupid. He has gone so far as to bring in P.I. Doyle all the way from London on the case. The Gazette may be a self serving, politically motivated rag but they can't be that far from reporting the facts this time. To be continued....? Happy Rails all.

[nickinwestwales]

SIR THEODORE-a delight to see you,sit awhile and try another one-I certainly intend to[^]-thanks for gifs by the way-will explore and no doubt over-use a,s,a,p-loved the other site-[tup]-have taken their advice and wrapped my head in tin-foil & guess what-no more voices !!!-hurrah for free speech....
Have tried to muster a varied selection for sun posting,we have 3 A4 size Canadian passenger trains ( including one which I think defines the page one charter description) plus half a dozen 4 & 2-to-a-page `whirlwind tour of Welsh ( mostly) narrow gauge` selections.-will provide full annotations on sunday,to reduce scrolling back.
right,it seems to have got late early again at this end of the counter,so will wish you all a pleasant evening ,a comfortable night & a peacefull weekend,nick[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

Good Evening Gents!

Just a couple of words to the guyz at the bar:

Ted Manageable, depends on which side of this effort one is on! For the creation of the Summaries, Monday Index and the multiple responses, it can be a daunting challenge. However, the idea was to attract "new blood," and that was achieved. A secondary impact has been the resurgence of input from our heretofore dormant regulars. Good show! [tup][tup]

Nick Your Emails have been received and I'll get those pix of yours Posted, the good Lord willing and the creek "don't" rise! [swg]

I'm tired ..... time to check out! [zzz]

Leon the Night Man has the Bar! Boris Ring the bell, a round on the house! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

SATURDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

We open at 6 AM (all time zones, don’t ask how we do that!)

Here we are, the 3rd Saturday of the week – seems like that to me! [swg] Okay, Gents, the coffee is freshly brewed, <light> breakfasts ready for orderin’ and the pastry is fresh from The Mentor Village Bakery. Whaddyawaitinfer [?]

Did you know [?] An optimist is man who, when she says, “I’m tellin’ you know for the last time,” he says, “I knew you’d weaken in time.” [swg]

Info for the Day:

(1) Saturday is “ENCORE! Day,” where we repeat some memorable Posts.
(2) Sunday we are CLOSED and it’s Sunday Photo Posting Day!

SUMMARY

Name …..…………… Date/Time …..…..………. (Page#) .. Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 00:02:44 (172) Friday’s Info & Summary’

(2) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 07:49:43 (173) Inclusive Post, etc.

(3) passengerfan Al Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 08:01:11 (173) Streamliner #12 – Electroliners

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 08:34:54 (173) Acknowledgments, etc.

(5) passengerfan Al Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 11:32:00 (173) Streamliner #12 – Streamliner

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 13:04:24 (173) NOSTALGIA #31 – Ad – Pullman (1950)

(7) wanswheel Mike Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 13:26:32 (173)

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 13:35:57 (173) Acknowledgments, etc.

(9) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 14:01:20 (173) Inclusive Post, etc.

(10) wanswheel Mike Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 14:56:35 (173) Inclusive Post, etc.

(11) Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 15:33:52 (173) Inclusive Post, etc.

[12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 15:37:07 (173) reply to: Theodorebear & wanswheel

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 15:56:00 (173) reply to Trainnut484, etc.

(14) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 15:56:17 (173)

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 16:07:46 (173) reply to nickinwestwales

(16) ftwNSengineer
Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 17:51:05 (173)

(17) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 18:33:22 (173)

(18) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 18:57:31 (173) reply to ftwNSengineer & nickinwestwales

(19) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 18:57:37 (173)

(20) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 19:53:02 (173) Inclusive Post, etc.

(21) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 20:23:06 (173)

(22) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 22:33:00 (174) Acknowledgments

=======================================
That’s it! [tup][;)]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]
Proprietor of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Leon I'll grab a CR and help you clean up and close down for the night.

Tom Thanks for the thumbs up on yesterday's feed ,glad that H&H and company were able to help out and give all the regulars a desreved night off.

Loved the passenger nost #30 good stuff

Glad to hear that BK is enjoying his visit to Alberta,colds not effecting him much obviously [:-^]

Mike thanks for the extra CV info, I'm gla dthat Al was able to clear up your questions about those numbers. CNR tended to use alot of large driving wheels on their passenger power during the days of steam. The H5 Hudsons on the CNR carries 81" driving wheels and were able to hit 100mph! The bigger the wheel generally the faster the locomotive coarse they were also lighter so tended to slip easily. The GT amd CV steam power was usually repeats of CN specs,built in US factories. In fact alot of the CV /GTW steam spent the last coouple years of their lives in Canada as CN desilized their US roads first.


Doug Wonderfull artical. I agree with Ted it's nice to see the gritty side of railroading explained on occasion. Likly a good thing that you didn't join the shopping feeding frenzy this morning. Something wrong in my eyes when you see people being trampled at Walmart at 5am.


Nick Glad you enjyed your night off ,I was amazed at the skill and efficiancy of H&H. BTW they booked passage back to the old country with you on the Zeplin ( the only payment they demanded ) Seems cousin Ursala was trying to teach Boris how to juggle chainsaws. Likely where the unique haircut came from[:O]

Al Wow nelly what an absolute array of streamliner info. [bow] At this rate none of us will need to buy your book.[;)][8D] Enjoyed the eelctroliner story BTW thanks. I don't no much of that service but it begs the question. Why was it discontinued? As Ted Said 90 miles in 90 minutes absolutly can't be done today via the interstate. I've driven Mil to Chicago a couple of times and know that to be true[V][xx(]


Well folks it's late I'm away for now catch you all later today,

Rob

[Anonymous]

Good morning Tom and friends. I'll have spam, spam, spam, eggs, spam and spam ... please.

I've been through a dozen Vintage Rails magazines now, and can find no more "gritty" ( my personal standard) type articles to share. So while I'm searching, I'll just have to do other things. Liked your 1950 Pullman add Tom. Let's see if this one comes through:


Thanks for another Streamliner Corner Al. Posting more than one a day outa keep our bartender busy!

I have to confess to actually stopping inside a Circuit City yesterday, but I was way too late to even see the $200 PC notebook that was advertized. So my bride and I did something even worse .... looked at new homes and townhouses. I am still in sticker shock!

I assume everyone read about the multiple-car/train wreck out here a few days ago. It's incredible how many people pull out onto train tracks at signal crossings. Really really dumb. I believe that Illinois is 2nd only to Pennsylvania in at-grade crossings.

Have a terrific day everyone. I've got some snow to move.

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a cup of coffee and one of those diet pastries from the Mentor bakery.

Rob glad you enjoyed the Electroliner piece. Just thought I would let you know that the pieces are only excerpts from the book. Dont really give away all that much information. As to your question why was it discontinued, to put it bluntly American's love affair with the car. Iguess people would rather run bumber to bumper on the freeway at 15 mph during rush hour and listen to the radio than ride great systems like the CNS&M and Pacific Electric. Remeber all to well being in Longe Beach and riding the PE to downtown LA in 1 hour. They replaced the PE with buses they called the freeway flyers and guess what they took 1 and 1/2 hours to cover the same distance. This was progress in the early 1960's. Rememeber when the TTC consisdered buses on the Queen St. Line , in fact they even tried them but found when the buses were loading passengers at the curb motorists were not prone to let them back into traffic. The streetcars never had that problem that is why they remained on the Queen St. line. The bus experiment lasted about a week I believe and the other thing was during rush hours the PCC were run in pairs, Could carry a lot of passengers that way.

PASSENGERFAN AL'S STREAMLINER CORNER #14

SOUTHERNER Southern - Pennsylvania trains 47-48 between New York and New Orleans Seven Car Coach streamliner sinaugurated March 31, 1941 via Atlanta and Birmingham. 1,383.3 miles in 28 hours 25 minutes daily each direction.

The SOUTHERNERS were inaugurated March 3, 1941 using three Pullman Standard built stainless steel seven car coach streamliners powered by EMD E6A units south of Washington and PRR GG-!s north of Washington. Cars in the new streamliners were both numbered and named and many had the same car names.

CONSIST ONE

Unknown PRR GG-1 Electric Passenger Locomotive
(New York - Washington)

2800 EMD E6A 2,000 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit
(Washington - New Orleans)

700 MISSISSIPPI Baggage 13-Crew Dormitory 22-Revenue Seat Coach

900 SOUTH CAROLINA 52-Revenue Seat Divided Coach

800 NORTH CAROLINA 56-Revenue Seat Coach

3300 VIRGINIA 48-Seat Dining Car

802 ALABAMA 56-Revenue Seat Coach

804 GEORGIA 56-Revenue Seat Coach

1100 LOUISIANA 32-Seat Tavern Lounge Bar Buffet Hostess Room 19-Seat Lounge Observation

CONSIST TWO

Unknown PRR GG-1 Electric Passenger Locomotive
(New York - Washington)

2801 EMD E6A 2,000 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit
(Washington - New Orleans)

701 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Baggage 13-Crew Dormitory 22-Revenue Seat Coach

901 SOUTH CAROLINA 52-Revenue Seat Divided Coach

801 MARYLAND 56-Revenue Seat Coach

3301 VIRGINIA 48-Seat Dining Car

803 ALABAMA 56-Revenue Seat Coach

805 GEORGIA 56-Revenue Seat Coach

1101 LOUISIANA 32-Seat Tavern Lounge Bar Buffet Hostess Room 19-Seat Lounge Observation

CONSIST THREE

Unknown PRR GG-1 Electric Passenger Cab Unit
(New York - Washington)

2802 EMD E6A 2,000 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

702 DELAWARE Baggage 13-Crew Dormitory 22-Revenue Seat Coach

902 SOUTH CAROLINA 52-Revenue Seat Divided Coach

4030 (PRR) 56-Revenue Seat Coach

3302 VIRGINIA 48-Seat Dining Car

4031 NEW JERSEY (PRR) 56-Revenue Seat Coach

4032 PENNSYLVANIA (PRR) 56-Revenue Seat Coach

1102 LOUISIANA 32-Seat Tavern Lounge Bar Buffet Hostess Room 19-Seat Lounge Observation

TTFN AL

[Anonymous]

Good mornin' to you Saturday early show viewers. Tom, I'll hook a Bavarian cream and a cuppa Folgers unleaded. Yes, I see what you mean about the Summaries on a heavy traffic day. But, isn't that the price to pay for a popular, successful thread? I took Nick's advise and looked into the "Romanian Stuff" thread.[^] Definately worth while for those interested in central and eastern European rolling stock etc.,don't miss it. Rob, Nokia2010 has some fine shots of trolley buses around Roumania. The steam is largely of German influence while the Electrics faov(u)r Swiss and Swedish designs. Get-a-load of the Renault trolley buses with 3 door entry/exit, also the articulated variety is really neat. Anyone thinking of doing a "slot" version? LOL Rob, the same question: "why was the North Shore abandoned" could apply to dozens of rapid rail transit systems. We now see a return to LRV systems and wonder how we did without them, "curiouser and curiouser," isn't it?

Hey, I really miss rrwatkins *** and westcoast S Dave! The hoildays are nearly upon us and, hopefully, they will drop in for a drop of "Christmas cheer" (if i am allowed to make that reference). In spite of the carnage inflicted by rabid, maniacal X-mas shoppers, the "spirit" of the Holidays is finally taking hold. With apologies to any secular Iconoclasts out there; some traditions just "stand the test of time." Many folks hereabouts (FL.), "go flat out" with outdoor decorating and lighting. Somehow, even after 17 years, I can't get accustomed to 8 tiny Reindeer levitating over Royal Palm trees.[:O] Its a little like Ken, Barbie and a "X-Box" supplanting the 3 wise men in the Manger scene. Oh well, "To Each His Own" (popular song, circa 1940's)!

Since I'm totally [#offtopic] already, let the bell resound Boris! BAP Broke a nail, didn't you?[(-D][alien] Its going to be a 12 oz. Top Sirloin for me tonight, medium well, in a Porto Bello mushroom and Burgandy sauce. Happy Rails.

[siberianmo]

Mornin’ Guys!

Nice start to this 3rd Saturday in succession! Anyone else “feel” that way [?]

Some acknowledgments are in order:

trolleyboy Rob Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 00:42:51

Glad you are enjoying those NOSTALGIA pieces … wonder why the CP would “flick your switch”[?] [swg]

My guess is that BK may be away for awhile. He intimated that he’s in a position to take months (repeat – months) off from what he does to earn his keep. Imagine that! Nope, can’t. Anyway. he obviously has a way to communicate by Email, don’t know about web access. Some Email accounts don’t require internet connectivity (one of my accounts is that way).

barndad Doug Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 06:59:54

Grade crossings are indeed the nemesis for the railroads. Note, I’m rather unsympathetic with the fools who ignore the precautionary procedures. It may be anecdotal, but ever since I moved to this part of the continent (1977) I have been told by railroad personnel and travelers alike that Illinois is #1 in grade crossings with Missouri #2. Perhaps someone “knows” out there fer sure, fer sure.

Nice Poster! Broadway limited was surely a “class” train and PRR the class of the roads. [tup]

New home shopping can be hazardous to your wallet! [swg]

passengerfan Al Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 07:38:51

Nice work on your #14 – the Southerners! [tup][tup]

Theodorebear Ted Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 07:45:22

Price to pay, for whom[?] is the point!

West Coast S Dave isn’t lost to us, he’s in a period of difficulty right now and will be amongst us in time. Fret not.

This bar ‘n grill is CLOSED on CHRISTMAS Day. Best to remind one and all of that now that we are one month away from the cherished holiday. By the by, political correctness remains outside our doors and since this is my bar, that’s the way it will remain.

Okay, time to set about getting’ some Saturday chores done … or I should say, started! All the home decorations for Christmas are up, takes us three days to complete it all. The LGB’s are runnin’ just fine ‘round the tree. It’s “that time of the year” ‘round our haus. [tup][tup]

Later!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

REMINDER: This is ENCORE! Saturday!

[siberianmo]

. . . . . . . . . . ENCORE! ENCORE! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #3

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Posted on page 121 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains. Check this out (from The Official Guide of the Railways – 1956)

Perhaps no railroad anywhere rivaled the Canadian Pacific in terms of world wide excellence in serving the traveling public, whether by air, rail or sea. How many of you are aware of the CP’s great hotel and lodge network [?] These proprieties were built by and for CP according to their requirements and were situated at the key rail stops and vacation sites along their main lines.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CANADIAN PACIFIC HOTELS AND LODGES

City…………....…Name…..………………..Open

Kentville, NS…….Cornwallis, Inn………….All year
McAdam, NS…...McAdam Hotel………….All year
Quebec, QC…....Chateau Frontenac….....All year
Toronto, ON……..Royal York Hotel…….…All year
Winnipeg, MN…..Royal Alexandra Hotel…All year
Regina, SK………Hotel Saskatchewan…..All year
Calgary, AB……..Hotel Palliser……………All year
Victoria, BC….….Empress Hotel………….All year
Kenora, ON….….Devil’s Gap Lodge………June to September
Digby, NS…….…The Digby Pines………...June to September
Yarmouth, NS…..Lakeside Inn………….…June to September
St. Andrews, NB..The Algonquin Hotel……June to September
Banff, AB……..….Banff Springs Hotel..…..June to September
Lake Louise, AB..Chateau Lake Louise…..June to September
Reached from Lake Louise:
…………………..Moraine Lake Lodge…….June to September
Hector, BC……...Lake O’Hara Lodge.…….June to September
Hector, BC……..Lake Wapta Lodge………June to September
Field, BC……….Yoho Valley Lodge……...June to September
Vancouver, BC…Hotel Vancouver….……..All year

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

CHECK THE MONDAY SUMMARY and INDEX PAGES FOR MORE GREAT NOSTALGIA POSTS!

[Anonymous]

Morning everyone. Tom, I'll take some hot, black coffee and some plain donuts, please. At one time I went thru training to be an Operation Lifesaver presenter and had access to the statistics among number of crossings per state but a fundamental disagreement with the "brass" ended that before I got certified( I am already certifiable!) Any one in train and engine service knows that it is only a matter of time before their train nails someone. Tom, the degree of stupidity that causes these people to the stunts they do around trains is nature's way of culling the herd.
Barndad, I can probably get that Abdill CW book for you thru the Midland's gift shop if you like. Let me know. While I'm on the subject, the correct author for the B&O CW book mentioned in a previous post is William Bain. At the risk of trusting the old gray matter again, I seem to remember that Walt Disney made a flick about James Andrews and his exploits with the locomotive General. Not all the Union soldiers who helped Andrews were hung. One, named Pittenger, wrote his account of the incident afterwards and some copies may be found in old bookstores or online.
Trainnut and ftwNSengineer, the Polar Express movie is worth watching. I have been thinking of getting a copy with the added features. The animation is so realistic that when we were watching it , the wife and I got goosebumps because of the realism. The detail is astounding compared to the manner Hollywood generally treats rail subjects. Of course, Pere Marquette 1225 is the star performer in my book. She is rendered quite well with only a couple of small alterations for the flick. I need to watch it again before next weekend so I can pick up some of the conductor's actions and phrases for the Midland's Christmas train. My instincts when working with the public tell me to anticipate being compared to the character in the movie.
Later today I am going to the local rail museum to help hang Christmas light on our train. We are close for the winter but like to decorate the driving wheels to imply action--something the steamer hasn't done in 52 years. We now have a website and I will get the address.

[Anonymous]

Good afternoon Tom and every.... hey ... where's our barkeep?


I guess I'll help myself then .....

Dan, I will surely take you up on your offer should my next EBay bid fail. I believe the auction has a few more days left. Thanks!

[siberianmo]

G'day!

I see earlydiesels Dan is amongst us once again! [tup] Good to see you and enjoy your contributions in conversation. [yeah]

I've said it several times on these pages, the Polar Express flick is one of the finest Christmas movies made and absolutely an outstanding job in realisitic animation. The train was a marvel to enjoy! [tup][tup] I run my Lionel O-gauge shelf system version about 2 or 3 times per week. Up against the "night sky" backdrop and the blue rope lighting, it looks great - kinda 'warm' just like the movie. For anyone unfamiliar with my shelf system - click on my cyber name - go to my photo album at RailImages.com and you'll be able to scroll through the pix .......

[yeah] I concur, one "cannot fix stupid," when it comes to the games people play at RR crossings.

Enjoy the day and weekend! Don't forget that tomorrow is Sunday Photo Posting Day!. Sure would be nice to get a few pix from YOU! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Yo! barndad Doug

Clever, very clever indeed! You, Sir, are a master at the digital imagery. [tup] Took "me"
from my signature photo and placed "me" on the front porch of the bar! Nicely done, fer sure, fer sure. (click to enlarge, for those who haven't caught on .....)

Perhaps things like this would be more appropriate for our Sunday Photo Posting Day! given that the last several weeks have been rather "thin" on the numbers of us participating. A huge reason for setting aside one day of the week for pix was to separate us out from the "mainstream" threads .......

However, one or two now 'n then surely doesn't hurt - especially when directed at the barkeep! [swg]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[wanswheel]

Hi Tom and gang, bah humbug, it's too early but have you got any eggnog?
If not, a diet Dr. Pep and a <light> pastry from the vill Bakery will do, if there's any.

Theory on grade crossings: More dangerous now than ever, because people are less aware of trains than ever. Years ago everybody rode trains, there were more of them, and far fewer automobiles.

Ted, my favorite mini-baron is J. Gregory Smith, founder of the CV and briefly president of NP during construction phase. His priorities were getting in on that huge land giveaway, and finding the best pass through the Rockies. I'm not up on all of this, but I think he was eased out of NP by a bigger baron after running low on funds. "Warm friend and supporter of Abraham Lincoln, he figured conspicuously in the presidential campaign of 1864, when George B. McClellan intrigued to gain the Democratic nomination and so achieve the downfall of Lincoln; he suceeded in breaking up a plot to unseat Lincoln. Largely because of this, in 1864, he was re-elected governor of Vermont by an increased majority and became much of a hero in the Green Mountain State." (from CV history "A Study in Human Effort). St. Albans, incidentally, is the site of the northernmost incident of the Civil War. Three Conferates raided the town and robbed the bank. And the CV was actually once the largest railroad in New England and 7th largest in the U.S.
Rob, 100 mph sounds good to me! Trying to picture an 81" driving wheel. Found a pick of the litter Hudson, perhaps you've seen it: http://www.threelittlekittens.com/pictures/vac2003/nether/p052.08.06.03.jpg
Loco in close-up: (slow loading for dial-ups though): http://theatreorgans.com/walnuthill/nethercutt10.jpg
Doug, always good to see the Broadway, great rival of NYC 20th Century Limited.
Tom, about Christmas: What I have left from Santa's generosity is a red 1956 Lionel switcher, LV 627. It is the entirety of my train collection. And about your layout in the basement: I don't see a flatbed lumber truck for the Mills Brothers to drive "once more round the block."

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

I see Mike has stopped by .... Let me address the last first: Yes, there happens to be a red flatbed, with a load of lumber, located back towards the truck terminal in the Mills Brothers Lumber Yard. Just not something evident in the photo spread. There are a couple of other flat beds located elsewhere on the layout.

Oh how I wi***hat my Lionel freight set from the 1948/49 vintage could reappear. You have something to build around - ever think of it that way [?] [swg] Interestingly by 1956, I was heading off to a long career in the service, and unbeknownst to me, the vestiges of childhood were to disappear forever. Story for 'nother time and place.

By the by, yes - we have egg nog - let me get the blender runnin' and I'll fix ya right up! [swg] Saturday's 'round here have been "historically" slow, that's kinda why the ENCORE! idea came along. But as you can see - I'm the only one "playing that hand." Happens a lot ...... but ya know what [?] If one doesn't try, then one will never know! [tup]

I don't recall ever seeing anyone drive around crossing gates until I moved to this part of the continent. Then again, I didn't live in a place where RR crossings were commonplace. Anyway, I was absolutely stunned by the numbers and frequency of drivers simply ignoring the oncoming train warnings. I also was aboard an Amtrak train that nailed a pickup at a rural crossing. Fortunately no one was hurt - except the truck. Went spinning off into a drainage ditch. Excuse from the driver [?] Thought he had plenty of time ...... guess he was wrong. Train 1, Driver 0. Happens every time.

Nice URL loco shots! Do you know where these were taken [?] Thanx! [tup][tup]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ENCORE! ENCORE!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Posted on page 129 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #4

Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains. Check this out (from The Official Guide of the Railways – 1956)

Did you know that the Canadian National Railways also owned and operated hotels in major cities along their main lines [?] Check these out:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CANADIAN NATIONAL HOTELS, LTD.

City...…………....…Name..…..……………Rooms..…..Open

Ottawa, ON.………. Chateau Laurier……… 550……… All year
Winnipeg, MN.…… The Fort Garry.………. 265...….... All year
Edmonton, AB.…… The MacDonald……... 480……… All year
Saskatoon, SK...… The Bessborough……. 260……… All year
Vancouver, BC.…... Hotel Vancouver.……. 560...…… All year
Halifax, NS.….…… The Nova Scotian…… 150.……… All year
Charlottetown, PE.. The Charlottetown…... 110……… All year
St. John’s, NL.…… Newfoundland Hotel… 140……… All year
Montreal, QC.……. Queen Elizabeth……... ----……… Under construction

Note: Hotel Vancouver operated jointly by CNR and CPR.


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

CHECK THE MONDAY SUMMARY and INDEX PAGES FOR MORE GREAT NOSTALGIA POSTS!

[nickinwestwales]

Well good evening gentlemen,thought I`d just pop in and check the galley ready for steak night,from what I remember of the fridges we could have some exotic specials tonight.
Well [4:-)]TOM,I`ll try a bottle whilst I build up my nerve-It`s always a pleasure to have an unlooked for night off,but it takes a day or two to get things back to where they usually are in the galley,so what time is it at your end of the counter-ah 5 0`clock-the cocktail hour in any civilised community [swg]-whats yer pleasure boss ?-to early for beer ?-you don`t strike me as a sherry sort of person-Ah !-the very thing,break out the reggae island special reserve rum-there`s a bottle down behind the till,the very thing to sharpen the appetite for a good steak dinner and the mind for the cut and thrust of informed debate [^]
Well,much rejoicing at this end-Wales beat Australia by 24-22 ( first time in 18 years )
-village suspiciously quiet,suspect rugby club stewardess has made heroic gesture and locked door with them all still in there,best of luck say I....
So-who`se been in,lets have a wee look:-
MIKE-Hi,have a nog on me[tup]-caught the reference to Essex Jn,there`s an article or two on a very nice `N` gauge model by Marty Mcguirk in the M.R.-I`m sure they have indices you can use-In fact I have most of them upstairs,I`ll try and find some time.
That 2nd loco pic url-wow,it loaded to a huge size,incredible detail--fine work there[tup][^][tup]
Whilst we are talking pics -DOUG -superlative cut & paste [bow][bow]-something lodged when I saw it but not until TOM mentioned it did the penny drop..top marks [^][swg][^]
As to your dinner request-as I`m sure you realise,anti-SPAM software has created something of a black market for this product ( nudge nudge,wink wink,saynahmore chief ).
However,we can offer : Spam,egg & chips
Spam,egg,beans & chips
Spam,beans,chips & Spam
Spam,Egg,Spam...................................aargh,stop me someone
MANAGER TED-Why thank you sir,most timely[tup]-your steak awaits,with full trimmings-let the girls know what time you wi***o dine-Nice job on Boris by the way[tup]-they`ll never spot him[:-^][C=:-)][alien][4:-)][:-^]...........
DAN-Hi there,glad you`re up an attem again-Go for it with the "Mr Conductor" gig-as TED will confirm,there`s no buzz like working an audience,particulaly one thats with you from the word go-Enjoy [^][tup]
BAR CHANDLER ROB-opposite shifts all weekend-at last we meet-top notch effort for celebration-H+H are to be particulaly commended,Indeed,I felt that their willingness to settle, beyond any reasonable doubt ,the track gangs long-running argument about nipple-piercing was beyond the call of duty,though none the less welcome for that [^]
Should they still require "fast passage",will have the Zeppelin "Draig Coch" standing by-Have spoken to Kapt & crew and are all in agreement-if H+H prepared to take it in turns to be figureheads they can fly home on a wage......hey,dont knock it-tax free is always good,right,out to the stove and sort out a menu,better take a bottle to go with-see you in a bit,nick[C=:-)]

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone. Tom, I'll take a house draught and some peanuts, please. We got the lights hung up on our museum train. White stationery lights around all the cars and engine and white chasers around the loco's drivers. Looks surprisingly good and not too cheesy.
Found out today the former Frisco diesel house is being torn down. Drove by and only the back wall is left. Been vacant about 10 years or so. A private loco rebuilder was at one time looking to move in but opted out when it was discovered how much of a big haz mat mess it would be. One of my friends at the museum was telling about an experience a buddy had with the Santa Fe crew doing the demolition. Around here ever since ATSF took over BN, no one has any good to say about the Santa Fe side and most all the employees are downright hostile. My friends at the Midland can't understand why I dislike the Santa Fe so much. Now you know some of the reasons.Sorry Russell. Anyway, the diesel shop was state of the art when it was built in 1947 or 48. The Frisco was the first Class 1 to dieselize and needed repair shops. This building replaced at least 2 roundhouses and assorted other steam era necessities. BNSF still has a service track here and it stays busy with the 50+ trains a day thru here. Talk is the Cherokee sub ( to Oklahoma) is supposed to get busier.
I believe I'll take another house draught,Tom. With all the talk on the airways lately, I'm wanting to here some Johnny Cash. Caught a piece of "Hey, Porter" the other day so let's dig around to see if it is on Herr Wurlitzer's creation.
Nick, I learned how to work the public somewhat when I volunteered for the National Park Service. The problem will be how to punch tickets the way the Polar Express conductor did. And I don't sing and dance, either. Hot cocoa would probably be nice on the train next Saturday.
Borrowed some 1960s Trains magazines from the museum a while back for my winter reading. Just finished an excellent article on the CP's 2800s. The Hudsons and some Royal Hudsons. Great engines, ran great, looked great doing it, but my sense of esthetics thinks four coupled power looks better.

[Anonymous]

Evening Tom, and glad you noticed the "something different" in the Our Place pic! I almost saved it for tomorrow, but I figured, why would there be so much activity at the bar on a Sunday? We're all supposed to be in Church, or a football game .. aren't we? Tell the truth now ... wouldn't it be great to be 1/87 your size and explore your layout?

Mike, I'm really enjoying your posts. Your links are always interesting, and you've got a lot to contribute as well!

Nick, I knew I could count on you to pick-up on the Monty Python spam skit. Your comments were too funny!

Al and Tom continue to keep this thread informative and great with their Nostalgia and Steamliner Corner articles.

Speaking of which ...I located another article I hope ya'll find interesting!


Walking the Track by John White Jr. From Vintage Rails magazine Mar/Apr 1998

It is difficult for modern railroaders to imagine the dozens of menial jobs once performed by station attendants, switch lamp tenders, and trackwalkwers. These low-paid workers performed their tasks in a dutiful manner, without the benefit of much education or training. The trackwalker was one of the most humble of these railroad workers. His occupation is largely forgotten today by an industry caught up in high technology, downsizing, job redundancy, and mergers.

But the trackwalker, as part of this lower class, was more than a rustic flunky who aimlessly wandered along the track tapping in a few loose spikes. In their day, these solitary figures were praised as guardians of the public safety. Edward Hungerford in his 19911 book The Modern Railroad said, “A good part of the railroad safety and the railroad responsibility rests upon his broad shoulders.” During the 1920’s and 1940’s, individual railroads even featured the good works of the trackwalkers in magazine advertisements.

When discussing a Pennsylvania Railroad campaign in 1926, Ivy Lee told representatives of the advertising agency about the importance of the trackwalkers’ inspection. “We have the road patrolled day and night by trackwalkers, and they are looking after the loose nuts or anything that affects the track, and you cannot supervise their work. You are dependent upon their efficiency and fidelity,” he said.

It is unlikely that we should ever uncover the name of the first trackwalker or even when this class of railroad employee first began service. The earliest instance for such a worker goes back to 1853 on the Pennsylvania Railroad. After 32 years of trudging up and down the tracks, this veteran was interviewed, but never named, by a newspaper reporter. The anonymous worker recalled the problems with iron rails during cold spells. Hunks of rail, some as long as three feet, would pop with a loud snap just like a musket shot. He once found three broken rails in one night. Sometime later, he found another broken rail and managed to flag down the Night Express just in time.

Walking the tracks required vigilance, not just to detect defective track, but to stay alive. Trains had a way of sneaking up behind a man. Our PRR veteran came close to meeting his maker one dark night, when a passenger train came upon him so close it clipped his coattails as he jumped to one side just in time. After 30-some years, our veteran grew too arthritic to tramp up and down the line, so the railroad magnanimously gave him a less strenuous job, for no one but the top brass retired during the Gilded Age.

Just why was it necessary to patrol every mile of mainline railroad in such an intense manner? Why were hundreds of men employed, at no little expense, to monitor every inch of track that carried more than a few trains a day? The answer lies in the nature of early track itself. For all of its ability to carry heavy and fast moving trains, railroad track was actually a fragile structure of many parts that tended to loosen and fall apart just with the normal passage of trains. Track, switches, guard rails, and other appendages associated with the right-of-way required constant adjustment and repair. Spikes pulled loose from the ties; track joint bolts vibrated and turned so that the nuts fell off. Rail joints, after so many years of flexing as cars wheels pounded over them, eventually fractured. Untreated ties, the norm before about 1920, might give six or seven years of service on a well-drained track before they rotted out. Should this occur below a joint – and there were 135 joints per mike per rail when 39-foot rail was standard – the unsupported joint or fishplate was likely to snap when subjected to a heavy load.

The weather was in many ways the track’s chief enemy, and every track worker learned to be on alert when storm clouds gathered or temperatures dropped. In the bad old days when wrought iron rails prevailed (1830-1890), the trackwalker prepared himself for a harvest of broken rails. During bitter, frosty periods, iron rails would pop and break without warning. Rails that looked like solid rods of iron were in fact cheap, laminated bars filled with hidden pockets of cinder and imperfect welds. Most of the rail was British and specially made to sell at low prices for the export market. It of course proved a poor bargain. W.H. Camp, in his 1903 book on track, confirmed the old veteran’s account, given earlier in the article, by saying that three or four broken iron rails a day was not uncommon in very cold periods. Conversely, on very hot days, rails tended to expand, pull up the spikes, and twist out of gauge, especially around curves. Stub switches were affected by hot weather too, and the trackwalker was required to check if they were working freely during his patrol. Thus the trackwalker learned to watch out for extremes in temperature – a sign of certain trouble.

Indeed, Mother Nature seemed determined to beat down the track with all of the considerable means within her realm. Rain, particularly early spring rains, would swell creeks and rivers to wash out embankments, bridges, and culverts. Trees and telegraph poles along streams were loosened by the rushing waters and seemed to have a perverse tendency to fall across and nearby track. Mud and rock slides were common after heavy rains. Roadbeds, if poorly ballasted or drained, became soft and spongy and so offered an unstable path for the iron horse. Untreated ties went soft when wet, allowing spikes to loosen and rails to spread out over gauge. Many railroads would temporarily double the number of trackwalkers during extreme weather, because so many track problems occurred during these periods. The avoidance of one wreck more than paid for the extra salaries involved. It was common practice to send out the trackwalkers following a major storm.

Dry spells were less troublesome times for railroad operations, yet even they caused problems. Fire was not a small concern. Wooden bridges and trackside structures became tinder-dry and therefore more combustible than ever. Brush fires could race along the tracks burning everything along the railroad’s property. In danger were not just the bridges and buildings, but also wooden cars parked on sidings, stores of ties set out along the line, and the telegraph poles. At the first sign of fire, the trackwalker knew it was urgent to get a message back to the section boss for help. Al all times, the trackwalker checked the water bottles stationed the length of trestles to make sure they were properly filled with water.

[:I] End of Part I [:I]

[nickinwestwales]

O.K gentlemen,I`ve had a root & rummage and find myself pleasantly suprised-so,if I could trouble you for another beer please [4:-)]TOM,oh,why not-lets have another rum as well,
We have:-
A couple of winter warmers first,as the weather seems to have turned:-
In the soup kettle today we have traditional French onion,todays hot bar-snack is a ham,cheese & mango chutney toastie ([yeah][tup][^][tup]OH[yeah] )
For those of you that fancy taking a booth and making a meal of it,so to speak, we have a few entree`s-
Button mushrooms paneed in garlic with cream & stilton sauce
Vegetable Samosas with lime pickle & cucumber raita
King Prawns with wasabi,Thai & Carribean dips

And for the main dishes,We have:-
Managers choice-12oz top Sirloin cooked med. well with Portobello mushroom & Burgundy sauce
Old Faithfull-16oz T-Bone cooked med. with grilled toms. onion rings & button mushrooms
[C=:-)]`s selection #1-honey-glazed duck ***,served pink,with Armagnac & black cherry sauce
The Five Star-( not for novice`s)-An 8oz rump,an 8oz gammon,2 lamb chops,2 pork chops,2 fried eggs (plus trimmings)
[C=:-)]`s choice #2...Butterfly pork chop with apricots & caramelised onions
Ribs`N`Bones party pack-a rack of lamb ribs,the same of pork with the cook-on sauce and a dozen chicken thighs with that finger lickin good stuff ( never did figure out what weird chemical they were testing out then )
Hmm-I seem to be wandering,off to the galley with me-I think we can call that a menu-if you want a dessert trolley,please invent your own,getting sleepy now,have a good one,nick[C=:-)]