QUOTE: CFournier Posted: Today, 09:46:46 Hi TOM, and all the others, especially TED, take care my friend, I'm sure that with your good humor and your wit (and with good medical treatment, of course) you will get over that unfortunate period of your life. Hope i'm not depressing you right now... If you need a little fresh air, take Ruth out for a spin on my bike, it's parked behind Our Place . Looks like we are getting more and more customers from the Coffee Shop across the tracks. I used to hang out there for a while before Our Place opened, but couldn't keep up reading all the posts every day! There was like 2, 3 or 4 pages of new conversation to catch up every time I would pop up on the site! It was good stuff but I didn't have the time to read OR answer... Tom, up there on this page I said 25th of july...no answer? Chris in the cloudy North
QUOTE: trolleyboyPosted: 27 May 20005, 11:30:30 Morning everyone. Ted I don't have any info on your parking lot trolley though that sounds like an interesting service,I would have liked to have seen that.I'm hoping that *** might be able to shed more ligth on that for you. Speaking of shed's Nick why are there chains holding the shed door shut? Did Boris get into the rubbing alcohol again? I digress anyway Ted I'd love to see some of that info on the birney clones, I /we at the museum had heard several stories but none of us have witnessed them first hand. Tom root canals can be awful or no trouble at all hope yours falls into the later category. Of coarse my non-dental opinion is that if it's a tooth you can't see why not just have it pulled lot less muss and fuss and a heck of allot cheaper. Also I may have been the one who inadvertently had Ruthie hire on at the CS. Sh'e only there to spell off the twins which whom she is apparently the first cousin.Not to worry though her allegiances are to us (I've been paying her CS salary) BTW you pay much better ,and she is here for all our busy Thurs,Fri,&Sat festivities. *** here's a shot of the weston Road Niles car the museum had. Sorry the photo's black and white I think from the late Forties. The cars were retired in 48. I'm not sure of the exact timing on this picure because I had purchased it at a train show years ago in a shoebox of parts and odd'sn'sods. Well gang I'm off for now catch you all later. Rob
QUOTE: trolleyboyPosted: 27 May 2005, 11:38:27 *** you will see that the weston car was a wood / metal combination construction. When the Toronto Civic had them built in the early teens all steal cars were still a rairity.Once the TTC was formed in 1921 they used these cars on westen road and port credit and rush hours on the Dundas street line all of which were stub ended hence the cars were double ended units. By the 30's and 43's whitt's had bumped them off everything but rush hour service and indeed many of them the one we had included were converted to snowscrappers. This is the main reason as to why they bodies and frames were deteriorated to the point of non]restoration which is why we had to scrap ours.Which unfortunatly was the only survivor of the class(if you could call it surviving) later Rob
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 27 May 2005, 13:46:12 SPECIAL for CHRIS QUOTE: CFournier Posted: 26 May 2005, 15:21:41 ..... BTW, my 51st birthday, this year, will be celebrated on july the 25 th. ...... Chris, stuck in a rainy north country... QUOTE: CFournier 27 May 2005, 09:46:46 ..... Tom, up there on this page I said 25th of july...no answer? Chris in the cloudy North =================================== That's a GOTCHA on me! My apologies ... must have been one of my increasing SENIOR MOMENTS! 2005 BIRTHDAY WATCH LIST revised: May 18th (Tom - 67) – July 15th (*** – 65) - July 25th (Chris - 51) - August 16th (Ted - 67) - September 8th (Rob - 34) C'mon guys - let's have thoses dates & ages! Drinks on me, Chris [tup] [;)] Tom
QUOTE: CFournierPosted: 27 May 2005, 14:22:39 Tom, No offense taken... To our American patrons, have a good long Memorial Day weekend, Tomorrow is Benchwork Day for me...Tackling the SP yard in S.F... Chris in the partially cloudy North (weather as been s*** here in the last month)
QUOTE: trolleyboyPosted: 27 May 2005, 14:42:18 Chris i know what you mean about the weather,been "craptacular" to say the least. Happy bench working BTW. Tom I see you missed the Ruthie explanation either that or I have a nasty e-mail comming LOL I'll pass it off on "novacane" brain. *** I've dug out a couple of PCC shot's for you.These are two of the three 4600 series that the museum purchased in the 90's (4600,11, and 18). All were to have been used on the rebuilt harbour front line but after two or three months of service the"condo yuppies) complained about the squeeling wheels on the return loops so the PCC's were retired and sold off (18 4600's had been rebuilt for this line) I imagine depending on the time frame that you folks purchased your cars they would have been the same rebuilt batch.A happy sidenote is the CLRV's and ALRV's that run this line now are just as squeaky. And the yuppies still complain,but are now ignored as they know the alternative is pating for parking in the downtown core which is a far more unpleasant thing. Have a good night guy's. Rob
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 27 May 2005, 14:58:15 Hey Rob - I've been catching up on my reading - ever since I blew the birthday post for Chris, I've been checking to ensure that other submissions haven't been ignored ....... THE MYSTERY OF RUTHIE ......... So, you are confessing? And so quickly? Hmmmmm, a conspiracy afoot, perhaps? Before this goes to the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (aka: Kangaroo Court), we must be certain of the facts and attendant circumstances (sounds legal enough to me } Now, here's the deal: She must be returned to "Our" Place - no moonllighting, no split affections. Make it happen, and you're off the hook. Ruthie, Ruthie, Ruthie ...... was it something we said? Done? Ah – Boris must have had a hand in I(or on) this ........ Perhaps Associate Justice Nick will enlighten us with his learned opinion of the "facts" thus far ....... To be continued ....... Tom, Proprietor of "Our" Place
QUOTE: Ted D. Kramer Posted: 27 May 2005, 18:36:23 Captain Tom, I can't begin to express my heart felt appreciation for the gratuitous bar "stool" amidst this august guild. I have taken the liberty of bringing along safety belts knowing that I'm "hanging on by the skin of my teeth" just as a listener. Rob, and any others into street rails, this is a web site for more on Teco here in Tampa: www.tecolinestreetcar.org. [813-223-6831, weekdays]. The Bernie Clones were mfg. by Gomaco Trolly Co., Ida Grove, Iowa. All, except one "Dinky" (single truck), are replicas of the double truck version of the "Safety Car." There is only a cosmetic similarity as these "Clones" are air conditioned and have "cutting edge" signaling and wireless communications. I suppose the agenda was to build a tourist venue much like the New Orleans' famed St Charles-Canal run. I can tell you that the Teco's financial straits are tenuous at best with several law suits pending. Wish I could stay longer, luxuriating in this secure and venerated stool but I have an appointment with a private investigator as to a certain "person of interest's" identity who shall remain anonymous pending further developments. Boris please, bring all 'round bar from me. Danka
QUOTE: f-7 manPosted: 27 May 2005, 19:51:01 Hello Tom; Put me down for place #1,and a hot order of onion rings. As for my favorite classics, I am fond of alcos and F units. John
QUOTE: nickinwestwalesPosted: 27 May 2005, 21:37:03 Well hey guys,,who wants another one!!-I`d better just step behind the counter for a bit whilst Tom has a well earned sit-down,did someone mention the Juke..?..How about some Chuck Berry & Eddie Cochran as its a friday night..... TED-good to see you back amongst us,as I`m sure youre doctors have told you,a little gentle exercise of an evening is an important part of the process-so a stroll down to Our Place with Ruthie on her rare nights off can only do you good...enjoy.. Now as to the mystery of.... I`m not sure if you are all aware,but Zoe,Chloe & cousin Ruthie are all distaff descendants of "Sonny" Barger,president of the Hells Angels motorcycle club,and as such,`biker girls` to their roots....Zoe has a Harley Shovelhead, Chloe,a Norton Commando Interstate and the lovely Ruthie a B.S.A Road Rocket,this being the case they tend to stick together,as one might expect. It seems that Ruthies eagerness to take on `extra shifts` at the C.S was partly to help out family but mostly to keep Boris out of her "Victoria`s Secret" saturday night specials--He will have to be spoken to again,this time with violence...... Hi to all the Trolley fans,a whole new thing happening here-ROB & others,thanks for posting pix-gives us novices something to tie the posts to,particulaly me cos I`m 3000 miles away and never seen most of this stuff before. O.K.-another round for the house before I go, Welcome F7,take a seat and relax,apologies to anyone I`ve missed--Steak Night tomorrow,where`s that left over pizza............... Tom,-What would you say the chances are of getting a taxi from Our Place to West Wales at this time of night.....yup, I tend to agree,oh well-Its the moonlight mile for me again,sweet dreams one and all!!!! nick
QUOTE: Also I may have been the one who inadvertenty had Ruthie hire on at the CS. Sh'e only there to spell off the twins which whom she is apparently the first cousin. Not to worry though her allegiances are to us (I've been paying her CS salary) BTW you pay much better,and she is here for all our busy Thurs,Fri, & Sat festivities.
QUOTE: Now as to the mystery of.... I`m not sure if you are all aware,but Zoe,Chloe & cousin Ruthie are all distaff descendants of "Sonny" Barger,president of the Hells Angels motorcycle club,and as such,`biker girls` to their roots....Zoe has a Harley Shovelhead, Chloe,a Norton Commando Interstate and the lovely Ruthie a B.S.A Road Rocket,this being the case they tend to stick together,as one might expect. It seems that Ruthies eagerness to take on `extra shifts` at the C.S was partly to help out family but mostly to keep Boris out of her "Victoria`s Secret" saturday night specials--He will have to be spoken to again,this time with violence......
QUOTE: ...... has spent a lifetime observing, photographing and writing about railroads. from watching CP Rail trains rumble past his home on Orr's Lake Hill, in Ontario, to tracking endangered Alcos in the deserts of Mexico, exploring obscure "boxcar branches" on the Saskatchewan prairie, and pacing Santa Fe hotshots along old Route 66, he travels extensively, pursuing his active interest in documenting all aspects of railroading. ......
QUOTE: We thought of Canadian Pacific, its history and its heritage. And what better way to evoke all that than to recall the clan Grant's rallying point in the old Scottish county of Banffshire. Or to recall that day, November 7, 1885, when Donald Smith drove the last spike in the Monashee Mountains of British Columbia, at a place also named after that "rock of alarm," Craigellachie!" [Robert J Ritchie, President & CEO Canadian Pacific Railways, June 6, 2003]
QUOTE: Ted D. KramerPosted: 28 May 2005, 07:19:16 Hi everyone and a special welcome to John [f-7 man]. It may take a few minutes of your time but Tom's advise on a quick synopsis should bring you up-to-date post haste. I join the rest of you in proposing a toast our beloved Veterans. They gave everything for keeping our values secure. As a retiree from the military (as is Tom), there is special meaning this holiday but none more "special" than being together with this great group of kindred souls sharing our liberties without fear or trepidation. So, for a quiet private moment, may we give these Heroes and Heroines a sober "God's speed" after your own fashion. Nick I'm following your sage medical advise for "getting around more," it works! Ruthy's B.S.A. Road Rocket seems to be unregistered. With all deference to our local authorities, I have contracted for a private investigation into her "mysterious" background Tom wisely noted previously. Oh, John (f-7 man) if this all seems terribly obtuse on a Classic Trains Forum, it will all "come together" as you review Tom's up-dates, without which, this thread could not function. I must make this a "wrap," several holiday functions require my presence which I am honored to attend. Please, a round for all and when Boris is located, make it his favorite (Stolichanya with Bulgar Wheat on the side?). Happy rails to all.
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 28 May 2005, 09:09:11 QUOTE: nickinwestwales Posted: 27 May 2005, 21:37:03 Well hey guys,,who wants another one!!-I`d better just step behind the counter for a bit whilst Tom has a well earned sit-down,did someone mention the Juke..?..How about some Chuck Berry & Eddie Cochran as its a friday night..... TED-good to see you back amongst us,as I`m sure youre doctors have told you,a little gentle exercise of an evening is an important part of the process-so a stroll down to Our Place with Ruthie on her rare nights off can only do you good...enjoy.. Now as to the mystery of.... I`m not sure if you are all aware,but Zoe,Chloe & cousin Ruthie are all distaff descendants of "Sonny" Barger,president of the Hells Angels motorcycle club,and as such,`biker girls` to their roots....Zoe has a Harley Shovelhead, Chloe,a Norton Commando Interstate and the lovely Ruthie a B.S.A Road Rocket,this being the case they tend to stick together,as one might expect. It seems that Ruthies eagerness to take on `extra shifts` at the C.S was partly to help out family but mostly to keep Boris out of her "Victoria`s Secret" saturday night specials--He will have to be spoken to again,this time with violence...... Hi to all the Trolley fans,a whole new thing happening here-ROB & others,thanks for posting pix-gives us novices something to tie the posts to,particulaly me cos I`m 3000 miles away and never seen most of this stuff before. O.K.-another round for the house before I go, Welcome F7,take a seat and relax,apologies to anyone I`ve missed--Steak Night tomorrow,where`s that left over pizza............... Tom,-What would you say the chances are of getting a taxi from Our Place to West Wales at this time of night.....yup, I tend to agree,oh well-Its the moonlight mile for me again,sweet dreams one and all!!!! nick ======================================= Hello Nick - We've just got to get you over to this side of the pond ... these time zones are killers ...... Okay, let me see IF I can get this all straight regarding The Mystery of Ruthie - (1) I hired her, along with the other three gals a few days before my departure for Canada. (2) Nick revealed their names right before I left. (3) Upon my return, they were made permanent staff due to the overwhelming acceptance by the gang here at "Our" Place and the increase in business. (4) Right around the time of "The Coffee Shop" 1st Anniversary/Birthday Party, Ruthie shows up over there. (5) Trolleyboy Rob says: QUOTE: Also I may have been the one who inadvertenty had Ruthie hire on at the CS. Sh'e only there to spell off the twins which whom she is apparently the first cousin. Not to worry though her allegiances are to us (I've been paying her CS salary) BTW you pay much better,and she is here for all our busy Thurs, Fri, & Sat festivities. (6) Based on #5, we are informed of a genetic link between Ruthie and the "twins" over at the CS. (7) Nick adds: QUOTE: Now as to the mystery of.... I`m not sure if you are all aware,but Zoe,Chloe & cousin Ruthie are all distaff descendants of "Sonny" Barger,president of the Hells Angels motorcycle club,and as such,`biker girls` to their roots....Zoe has a Harley Shovelhead, Chloe,a Norton Commando Interstate and the lovely Ruthie a B.S.A Road Rocket,this being the case they tend to stick together,as one might expect. It seems that Ruthies eagerness to take on `extra shifts` at the C.S was partly to help out family but mostly to keep Boris out of her "Victoria`s Secret" saturday night specials--He will have to be spoken to again,this time with violence...... (8) Based on #7, we now know that the gals are all related to some bad blood and are Biker Gals to the core ....... Ruthie apparently needed a break from the rigors of putting up with Boris along with some other understandable personal reasons took on work at the CS. Okay - before the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (aka: Kangaroo Court) hears this case, we first must read the report of Inspector Clueless of the Local Constabulary. I've since found out that HE is a CLOSE relative of one Boris, employee of "Our" Place. Further, the Inspector has been known to ride side cars at high speeds over rail crossings thereby having been ejected on several occasions onto the roadside and roadbed - on his head, of course. Ahhhhhhhh, the THLOT PICKENS ..... more to follow! Regarding that taxi to West Wales, why not just take the RDC out back .... one should be coming along any time now - haven't you heard about the Atlantic tunnel? Comes ashore somewhere in Ireland - then over to your neck of the woods - through England to the Chunnel. Quite a work, indeed. Hey! Anything's possible in this cyber world of ours .......... Tom, Proprietor of "Our" Place
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 28 May 2005, 09:59:36 What this thread is all about - "Classic Trains" Hi guys! Time to get back on track around here ..... nothing wrong with some laughs - we have lots of those, along with some fantasy situations - several ongoing as a matter of fact. How about some "Classic Train" talk? I'm looking at my Canadian Pacific - Stand Fast, Craigellachie! book by Greg McDonnell. Mr. McDonnell, according to the "jacket," QUOTE: ...... has spent a lifetime observing, photographing and writing about railroads. from watching CP Rail trains rumble past his home on Orr's Lake Hill, in Ontario, to tracking endangered Alcos in the deserts of Mexico, exploring obscure "boxcar branches" on the Saskatchewan prairie, and pacing Santa Fe hotshots along old Route 66, he travels extensively, pursuing his active interest in documenting all aspects of railroading. ...... I began a modest railroad library (only hard covers "allowed") about a year ago. I first started with railroads that I could "identify" with - pretty much the same logic used with my Can-Am HO layout; if I rode 'em - they are "allowed" on the pike (freights are the exception). Anyway, this library has grown a bit, and although I am more interested in passenger trains and diesels than anything else, there's much, much more in these great books. Looking at the Canadian Pacific Railway map of 1934, the system stretched from Nova Scotia to British Columbia (Vancouver and Vancouver Island) and up to some far flung northern locations in Alberta and BC. The "Craigellachie!" reference is steeped in Canadian railroading lore .... From the "Forward," QUOTE: We thought of Canadian Pacific, its history and its heritage. And what better way to evoke all that than to recall the clan Grant's rallying point in the old Scottish county of Banffshire. Or to recall that day, November 7, 1885, when Donald Smith drove the last spike in the Monashee Mountains of British Columbia, at a place also named after that "rock of alarm," Craigellachie!" [Robert J Ritchie, President & CEO Canadian Pacific Railways, June 6, 2003] It should also be noted that as Mr. Ritchie wrote the "Forward," he did so on the 59th anniversary of Canadian troops landing at Juno Beach on D-Day, where so many made the supreme sacrifice for what turned out to be the foundation for a better world in the years to follow. Note: In Canada, Remembrance Day is celebrated on the 11th hour of the 11 day of the 11th month. We call it Veteran's Day here in the U.S. - and since Canada does not have a "Memorial Day" as a separate holiday, let's also remember those who allied themselves during WWII to rid the world of European tyranny, as well as the ill fated conquest of Asia by the Japanese of another era. I leave you with: Stand Fast, Craigellachie, Where they drove the last spike in; To bind a vast Dominion, To let a brand new day begin. A whistle screams out of history, As red diesels roll their loads, Westbound to the Pacific, On the rails of Van Horne's Road." [From the song Craigellachie by Stan J. Smaill] ---------------------------------------------------------------- That's it for now! Tom (Siberianmo) Proprietor of "Our" Place
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 28 May 2005, 13:21:54 QUOTE: Ted D. Kramer Posted: 28 May 2005, 07:19:16 Hi everyone and a special welcome to John [f-7 man]. It may take a few minutes of your time but Tom's advise on a quick synopsis should bring you up-to-date post haste. I join the rest of you in proposing a toast our beloved Veterans. They gave everything for keeping our values secure. As a retiree from the military (as is Tom), there is special meaning this holiday but none more "special" than being together with this great group of kindred souls sharing our liberties without fear or trepidation. So, for a quiet private moment, may we give these Heroes and Heroines a sober "God's speed" after your own fashion. Nick I'm following your sage medical advise for "getting around more," it works! Ruthy's B.S.A. Road Rocket seems to be unregistered. With all deference to our local authorities, I have contracted for a private investigation into her "mysterious" background Tom wisely noted previously. Oh, John (f-7 man) if this all seems terribly obtuse on a Classic Trains Forum, it will all "come together" as you review Tom's up-dates, without which, this thread could not function. I must make this a "wrap," several holiday functions require my presence which I am honored to attend. Please, a round for all and when Boris is located, make it his favorite (Stolichanya with Bulgar Wheat on the side?). Happy rails to all. =================================================== And as we remember what Memorial Day is all about, let us not forget the others who have willingly sacrificied themselves for the rest of us ....... Police and Firefighters along with the countless others, like the Merchant Mariners of wars gone by and so forth. Many, many souls to be thankful for .......... Hoist your tankards high, mates, these people are responsible for the good things we all enjoy to this day! Tom, Proprietor of "Our" Place and military veteran (1956-1988)
QUOTE: nickinwestwales Posted: 28 May 2005, 20:28:20 Gentlemen ,your glasses please, For those that gave so that we wouldn`t have to,our thanks,you will not be forgotten. For those who returned to a lifetime of nightmares and memories that can never be shared,again,our thanks-You paid the price for the freedoms we all take for granted. In my book,you are all hero`s in the purest sense of the word
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 29 May 2005, 01:00:23 good evening gentlemen.A shorter and less wordy version tonight. Some server problems oblitereated my earlier attempt. tom Thank you for your elegant words of thanks for vets on both side of th 49th and both sides of the pond. Thank-you for also mentioning the police and fire Hero's as well. As a son of a retired PC that means allot. I also have a few serving and a few retired friends and family members from the CAF as well. I don't think any of us can thank them well enough or often enough. *** I had an interesting conversation with my wife today. It seems that ten or so years ago one of your groups people was at our museum. I guess my wife gave him a tour o the premises. She was wondering if he was still in your organization Howard B bond was the name we still have the business card he gave Heather, just goes to show how small a world it really is. He gave Heather a couple of Post cards of your classic cars 189 & 636, quite a nice job on those restorations! When i get a chance to upload them we have some shots of SEPTA's last PCC runs in Philly, of coarse that's come full circle now as I hear that they are rehabilitating 24 PCC's and are do to(if they haven't already) starting up some new PCC service on their Third Street line with more soon to follow. Yes folks the juice isn't done yet. Well it's late and I'm tired so I'm signing off for now. Everyone have a safe and good long weekend. Rob
QUOTE: While walking "Juneau" (Siberian Husky) last evening before sunset, a neighbor wished us a "Happy Memorial Day." I was taken aback by this comment - whereas Carol, always polite, reciprocated. I wanted to tell this adult female that: (1) The day was set aside shortly after our Civil War as a day to decorate the graves of the 600,000 military who died in that struggle. (2) The death total represented 2% of the nation's total population. Today, it would equate to about 6 million. (3) Right up until I was a young adult, we used to remember our war dead by decorating their graves, purchase and wear poppies, and take time to contemplate the sacrifices made for us all. (4) If one were to research Acts of Congress, you would find that several exist extolling the people to pay homage to our deceased military who gave their lives in battle and to pray for their souls on this day. (5) Then things changed - the day became known as Memorial Day. Shortly thereafter, "Monday holidays" became law, and the celebration of Decoration Day slipped into the past. (6) Alas, today I think most people think the day means cook outs, sales at the Mall, and a long weekend to recreate with only a hint of the intent of it all. "Happy" Memorial Day? Yeah, right!
QUOTE: nickinwestwales Posted: 29 May 2005, 18:59:18 Tom,Hi-just popped in to mop out the washrooms,move the kegs,feed Boris ,clean the fish fridge-all those little things that the ladies,quite rightly,consider beyond thier remit. Whilst I`m here I`ll write out the orders for next weeks menu, I`m off to visit the In-Laws for a few days in the A.M so my stool will remain cold...( can I say that ? ) here at the bar. Will be in Farnborough, Hampshire-faceless southern English suburbia for the most part but within striking distance of a handfull of preserved steam lines,inc. one with the largest collection of "Pacifics",from several roads,that I`ve seen outside a museum, several main lines,some cross-country secondary working,merry-go-round freight working ( with Canadian built G.M power I believe)plus loads of electric 3rd rail suburban and express multiple-unit working,inc. some 1960`s `slam door` stock that I grew up with and didn`t realise was still in use. Will have newly mastered digi-cam to hand, so hopefully will return with material in hand for a legitimate contribution to this classic train thread,albeit in the form of an oversea`s travelogue of "current events on a small island",to paraphrase Bill Bryson. As luck would have it,Father-In-Law is also trainfan and modeller ( 1930/40 Swiss/Austrian ) and L.H.S is 5 minutes walk away-here I`m looking at 70 miles each way,for this I can be deprived of the comforts of home with indecent haste...! A quick note to TED....Was engaged in conversation with Inspecter Clwliss (as they spell it in the old country) down by the bandstand this afternoon ( a small matter of permits & licenses for Boris) when who should I see pushing a stroller containing a tiny & perfect replica of herself but your own dear Ruthie......It all becomes clear, that "something" she wanted to discuss over dinner,the extra shifts at the Coffee Shop...............Think positive and be well my friend,speak soon. ...... Right, thats me-change the straw in Boris`s shed during the week,he can sleep with the Husky for the night-remind him of home,should be back for fish & chip night, have a good week fellow patrons..!!- Now Tom,before I go,about that Cymru & Maritime R.D.C service you mentioned--what manner of livery would such a service carry...?...Will try and find some usable shots of local R.D.C services for comparison, take care,nick
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 30 May 2005, 00:40:08 Gentlemen good evening. Nick you have RDC's in the UK? I'm not sure that I'd call them local. LOL I remember seeing those EMD's shipping out in CN and CP trains which were Halifax bound for ship ,loading. Am I right to assume that these are the SD70 clones that were bought by the WC when they assumed control of Britrail? As for classics I noticed that work on "416" our double ended light interurban car has picked up some pace the last few weeks a completely new roof has appeared and the wiring(re-wirinng) is strting up. This poor car had house wiring as it spent 20 some years as a house. A click on it's photo on the title page of the museum web site will link you to it's story. Last I had heard another 2 or $3000 will be required to fini***he work, including two new trucks(well old but new to us) Then the (shop trucks) which belong to Hamilton Street railway 521 can be returned to their rightfull owner. I'm trying to start up a fund raisng drive for 521 a neat little two truck nearside car clone built by national steel car in Hamilton Ontario for the HSR. The nice thing about our orginization is that beside donations garnering the giver a tax receipt you can specify where you would like the money to go. Allot of our cars and buildings have their own personal pots which are used exclusivly for them. well gents just a short Sunday report. I'll talk to everyone tomorrow. Rob
QUOTE: Ted D. Kramer Posted: 30 May 2005, 05:18:06 Esteemed Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen all. It ocurred to me (very) early this A.M. that amidst our "official" commemorative period, we may have over-looked the very catalyst that brings us together. I hope it isn't "too far afield" on this final day of observances to recognize the untold and little appreciated losses the railroads of our Homeland's endured throughout those desperate times. Perhaps it won't seem too far a "stretch" as we ponder the enormous effort in logisitcs, not to mention, exhausting use of men, women and machines to "keep our troops moving." No better example than that of England could be recognized (with Canada and the U.S. close behind) for the emergency exploitation of a National Industry to its' near ruin. No, certainly I'm not suggesting that even severe losses in materiels should be venerated in equal measure with that of our own people, never! If , however, we take a gestalt appraisal of our respective Country's casualties, the railroads would rank high among them. I know that Tom must remember (as I do), the endless coaches of troop trains and mile long consists of "flats, gons, munitions box" cars; over-laden with ordinance and literally wearing-out before our eyes. So far as I know, the Companies sustained these "war effort" losses "on their own." May we raise our quaffs to, at least, a hearty "well done" for an unfailing Industry and its' people? Here, here! Nick, the MI-6 is bating 1,000 as this latest "privilaged information" supports the initial findings of Mr. Doyle's (Private Investigator) dossier on the matter precisely. My currrent posture of "no news is good news," is probably prudent until Tom receives Inspector "Clwliss's" final report. It is obvious now that this medical event brought with it an incumbent "silver linning." So far, I'm only "out" a succulent repast in the finest tradition of gothic cuisine. That and the offer of an evening's souriee on Chris's motorcycle have been the only casualties thus far. Thank you again for "a word to the wise." And, thank all of you for sharing a memorable long weekend together. Happy rails, one and all.
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 30 May 2005, 08:38:05 And now, a little something different ........ The following is a copy of a portion of an Email sent to a friend: QUOTE While walking "Juneau" (Siberian Husky) last evening before sunset, a neighbor wished us a "Happy Memorial Day." I was taken aback by this comment - whereas Carol, always polite, reciprocated. I wanted to tell this adult female that: (1) The day was set aside shortly after our Civil War as a day to decorate the graves of the 600,000 military who died in that struggle. (2) The death total represented 2% of the nation's total population. Today, it would equate to about 6 million. (3) Right up until I was a young adult, we used to remember our war dead by decorating their graves, purchase and wear poppies, and take time to contemplate the sacrifices made for us all. (4) If one were to research Acts of Congress, you would find that several exist extolling the people to pay homage to our deceased military who gave their lives in battle and to pray for their souls on this day. (5) Then things changed - the day became known as Memorial Day. Shortly thereafter, "Monday holidays" became law, and the celebration of Decoration Day slipped into the past. (6) Alas, today I think most people think the day means cook outs, sales at the Mall, and a long weekend to recreate with only a hint of the intent of it all. "Happy" Memorial Day? Yeah, right! UNQUOTE =========================================== "Enjoy the long weekend" or "Have a good weekend" - but for those who have lost someone in battle, or who have themselves been in war and witnessed the horror of it all, "happy" just doesn't get it. See ya later, Tom (Siberianmo)
QUOTE: Ted D. Kramer Posted: 31 May 2005, 07:55:07 Hi one and all. Tom, may I try one of those "...Blue Mountain" (?) chasers Nick was on about a few days ago? I'd best forego the "Royal" as it may not "mix" so well with the "goof balls" the V.A. saw fit to prescribe. As the "...Mountain..." is in limited supply, I trust it is stored well away from access to Boris? "Hope springs eternal!" I did some browsing this a.m. (Drudge Report) and blundered into a article: www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1634726,00html This may be of interest to some Brit Rail Buffs. The lead-in quote: "In the age of steam, express trains averaged over 80mph...today they're lucky if they beat 60." The focus is on the "Great Western Main Line" and the transition from steam timetables thru diesel/electrification. Apparantly there is a guide book, "Bradshaw's Threepenny Railway Guide" used for reference to early day steam schedules. Why does the name Nick come to mind? I understand that "Craigellachie," B.C. (Nov. 11, 1885) made history in more ways than one. The shortest speech in railroading history was given by Donald Smith: "All I can say is the work has been done well in every way." I can only think that it must have been "colder than a 'well' digger's posterior" on dedication day? It gives me a chill just thinking about it. There are times that I do appreciate Florida, in spite of a plethora of other commiserations to lenghty for this posting. I'll be moving along now for yet another appointment but first, may I ask a favor of Rob? Failing the trip I'd hoped to make to the Museum and O'Keefe's Country, could you forward information so that I might make a modest contribution toward helping your worthy restoration efforts: regular postal access, etc.? Okay, I gotta "get the lead out!" See all you's real soon. Boris, please make for me all glasses full and if Tom says okay, pour for yourself what you best like. Happy rails.
QUOTE: coalminer3 Posted: 31 May 2005, 15:02:05 Back from our Williamsburg venture which went very well (always good when arrivals=departures). The younger set behaved which went a long way toward making the trip even more enjoyable Let's talk steam for a minute. The newest issue of the Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Magazine has a most interesting piece titled "Testing the PRR T1 on the C&O," with pictures (yet) of a PRR T1 at Clifton Forge in September, 1946. One of my old yardmaster friends (now deceased) on the C&O years ago told me abt. the tests and it was most interesting to see how well his recollections dovetailed with what was in the article. Anyway, for those of the group who are interested, you can probably obtain a copy of the magazine from the C&O Historical Society. They have a good website with lots of digital photographs, too. work safe
QUOTE: Ted D. Kramer Posted: 31 May 2005, 15:50:32 Tom, thank you for the up-date from the office of Inspector Clueless. I have informed Mr. Doyle (P.I.) personally of the "close" timing involved. He assured me that his full report will be in the hands of the Executive Board by this evening. I haven't availed myself as to its' contents. I'm sure the "Board" will release this concurrent with the honorable Inspector's findings after a thorough review. Now, if I may, a Crown Royal in a tall glass basking in "real ice cubes," a splash of fresh soda and a twist of lime would certainly "round out my day." Not to worry, I unceremoniously discarded the pain Rx after today's consul. Oh, I meant to apologize for misspelling that time honored British expression of approval: "hear, hear." Another reason for "trashing" the Hydrocodone!! I believe, by now, every Customer in "Our" Place is awaiting more information on the R.D.C.'s in Britain with bated breath. God forbid, If Nick elects to e-mail the vital statistics and one of the Gals intercepts same while sending their childish prattle about hither and yon! Until our next gathering, I bid all of you good health and safety. Happy rails.
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 31 May 2005, 22:15:26 Good evening everyone, I trust you are all trying to keep dry, my part of Ontario has been awash in rain and thunderstorms of late. If I can I will attempt to send some southwards to the more parched areas. Tom I don't really consider myself a national asset, understanding and preserving history has always been my thing. I would have to say that there are far more involved people at our museum, but thank-you nonetheless. I have a three day weekend coming up starting fri so we are tentatively going to be at the museum at least one of the days. I think I'l lend a hand to the restorers of 416. I had heard back from one of our board members and he was telling me that the "Boston" museum boy's had been up all last weekend and they and our master mechanic and his brother had torn into the guts of 797 an interurban combine of Lake Erie and Northern fame,. We reacquired this car from the seashore museum 15 twenty years ago. It cost us the transportation fees and one of our small Peter Whitt's. Which at the time was a very good deal as we had 5 Whitt's on sight at the time so the loss of 2890 was not a major blow as we have two operational an two in storage at the moment. It will be good to see this car run again as very little of the LE&N is left, this is truly a national treasure. Ted I'm glad that your on the mend those type of med's are awful. I thank-you in advance for your offer of support. I hope no one feels obligated to help us in this manner I was thinking out loud so I hope that I haven't sounded like I was begging/ I just wanted everyone to have a feel for our operation. I tend to run on at the mouth at it once in a while. ,I'll drop you an e-mail Ted but if anyone wants extra info about the museum you can e-mail me and I can mail out a brochure to you. *** and indeed any PCC fans I've found and scanned Heather's photo's from her early 90's charter on SEPTA in PHILLY ironically this charter took place on the last day of streetcar operations, I believe these are from 93 or 94 I'll ask the boss to clarify later. The irony is that this line is being reactivated and they have / are refurbing the PCC's to run on it again. I'll take me leave of everyone for the night . Rob
QUOTE: Ted D. Kramer Posted: 01 June 2005, 07:42:59 From the sublime to the ridiculous? I know I'm beyond my depth at just the mention of the short line, light rail, Gas Electrics employed by most of our favorite Roads throughout Canada the U.S. and Mexico. If there is a U.K. equivalent, I would be most grateful for input from our Forebearers on the subject. Risking a proper intellectual thrashing, I would like to forward my personal interest in this relatively brief but colorful era between light steam power and R.D.C. chores on these local "milk" runs. I hope this peculiar topic won't bring some of our "regulars" into cardiac arrest. After all, the trains hardly live up to the high standards of "Classic" by any "stretch." Still, if anyone could shed some enlightening "on board" experiences with these "hybrids," it would be appreciated by a majority of "one" that I know of so far. Rob, thanks for keeping us abreast of the fascinating efforts that go into the painstaking restoration of vintage equipment in and around the Museum. Along with cherished memories of elegant "varnish" on major roads, traction still holds a place of honorable mention and seeing its' resurrection, makes it all the more fascinating. Mornin' Boris, I know it is early but could you kindly set-up the bar with an eye opener? No sorry...that's "eye opener," not can opener! [Must've been a rough night in the shed?] Oh Tom, I finally got around to the Topic on the "Passenger Trains of North America." What a Herculean effort that has become. Something there for everyone, I dare say. No doubt the "Board" is convening today. I trust Mr. Doyle's dossier was helpful in some measure? Thank heavens for your periodic summaries, I would be a "basket case" without them. Hate to eat and run but my Crayola (Toyota) is starting to sound like Chris' bike but not as sexy. Who can you recommend Tom? Since Bernie Winkelpleck passed on, I need advice for a honest mechanic. So long for now. Ted
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 01 Jun 2005, 13:49:25 ANOTHER WHAT THIS THREAD IS ALL ABOUT SUBMISSION In my quest to ensure that "Our" Place stays on point, well at least some of the time, I thought a few comments about another my railroad library books may be appropriate. From Passing Trains - The Changing Face of Canadian Railroadingby Greg McDonnell. This hardcover book, given to me by my youngest son for my Birthday back in 2001, features a great wintery nighttime photo of VIA Rail's Canadian stopped at Parry Sound, Ontario (home of NHL legend, Bobby Orr) for the last time on January 14th, 1990. (The train had operated on Canadian Pacific tracks, but changed over to Canadian National, which it travels on to this day.) With such a fantastic cover, the book would simply have to be great .... which to me it is. Replete with outstanding photographs and narratives, I just cannot imagine any rail fan not becoming totally engrossed within its pages. The scenery is captured in all of its majesty and page after page seems to outdo the previous ones. The ruggedness of British Columbia is captured on page 155, where a photo of BC Rail's RDC's appears along the shoreline of Seton Lake, a very large and deep glacial lake with sheer cliffs dropping almost straight down to the water's edge. Carved out along one side is the right-of-way. The consist of four RDC's were preceeded by a motor-car patrol for the purpose of ensuring a clear and unobstructed right-of-way. I traveled that route and it is every bit as beautiful and foreboding as the picture. Of course, seeing the "shot" from outside makes all the difference. The picture itself is a story ...... but I'll let you figure out what it is by discovering it for yourself! Another great photo is of VIA Rail's blue and yellow FP7's (ABA) pulling the Budd stainless steel consist through the snow and over a short trestle at Kicking Horse Pass, BC on February 11th, 1982 on the right-of-way of CP. A lone CP RDC1 heads for Halifax on April 25th, 1975 in Dominion Atlantic livery along the route known as the "Evangeline Route," or "Land of the Evangeline." The picture tells it all, as you can make out the near empy RDC skirting the shore of the Annapolis Basin near Deep Brook, Nova Scotia. Freight service ended on the "Evangeline" on December 20, 1989 and the final run for the RDC's was on January 14th, 1990, under VIA Rail livery. More to follow on another day ........ Okay boys, whatillyahave? [tup] [;)] Tom (Siberianmo) Proprietor of "Our" Place
QUOTE: wrwatkins Posted: 01 Jun 2005, 14:33:45 Good afternoon Tom and friends. Do not need a lunch today as I walked to Central Market and had a Reuben sandwich. They tend to fill you up and I think I will skip supper tonight. Of course we will still have our happy hour on the dock tonight (We live on a lake), The name Howard B. Bond does not ring a bell with me. At our next meeting I will enquire about his whereabouts and report back.. Speaking of books I have quite a library at home. All of the Colorado Railroad Museums annuals, the 10 part RGS Story series, and working on the Triumph series regarding the great late PRR. One of my favorite books is Morants Canadian Pacific. Morant was the official photographer of CP and many of his photos are published in the book. It is hard to locate and is published by John Gartner in BC. First saw the book in the Entree Gold lounge of the Palliser Hotel in Calgary and immediately knew it was a must have. Another good book is a horizontal format photo study of the BC Rail. Do not remember the exact title or publisher (at my age I tend to suffer from CRS). Bought the book before my wife and I took our circle tour on BC Rail, the Skeena, BC Ferries, and E&N. It really got my wife fired up about the trip. In quite a ru***oday so I cannot stay too long. Will drop in later in the week. Cheers, ***
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 01 Jun 2005, 19:30:05 2005 BIRTHDAY WATCH LIST revised: May 18th (Tom - 67) – July 15th (*** – 65) - July 25th (Chris - 51) - August 16th (Ted - 67) - September 8th (Rob - 34) C'mon "Our" Place customers - sign up and let's make this BIRTHDAY WATCH LIST more reflective of our regular customer base ........ Even Nick has yet to reveal his Natal Day and age, and HE's the Party Coordinator! Tom (Siberianmo) Proprietor of "Our" Place
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 01 Jun 2005, 19:33:36 Oye, Oye, Oye, the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE of “Our” Place is now in session. All rise for the procession of the Judges. (Hey! Boris get out of there! You’re NOT part of the procession AND no, it’s NOT a parade! Sheesh ……) [bonk – bonk – bonk] (is THIS a gavel?) This Tribunal is now prepared to hear the case against Anonymous versus “Our” Place. Are the attorneys for both sides present? Yes we are, your Tribunalship. As we understand the situation brought before us, a Ruthie, employee of “Our” Place, a cyber bar ‘n grill located along the main lines of the Can-Am Railroad, and within this jurisdiction, was willingly or unwittingly introduced to the establishment known as “The Coffee Shop,” a cyber gathering place located “up” or “down” the road and around the bend, by a person or persons yet to be named and therefore referred hereinafter as Anonymous. (Phew) The Court takes note of the reports filed by one Inspector Clueless of the local Constabulary and one Mr. Doyle, a Private Investigator hired by an interested party to the party in the first part to ascertain the facts regarding what part the willing or unwitting Ruthie participated in that have led to these proceedings. (Double, phew) The Court further notes that the Proprietor of “Our” Place, a one Siberianmo, owner and resident of the structure located along the main lines of the Can-Am Railroad, and within this jurisdiction, has initiated these proceedings for the purpose of ascertaining whether an act of willing or unwitting unfaithfulness took place on the part of Ruthie AND to determine who, through direct, indirect, or best guess evidence, the party or parties were who took part in introducing Ruthie to the establishment known as “The Coffee Shop.” (Triple, phew) This Court will now stand in recess, pending review of the documentary evidence. (Hey, Boris, fire up the grill, three medium rare sirloins with fries and three frosty mugs of Alexander Keith’s fine Pale Ale for the Tribunal ………) All rise – Oh, you ARE standing. Hmmmmmm, well stay risen as the Judges depart.
QUOTE: Ted D. Kramer Posted: 02 June 2005, 08:05:02 Phew is right Tom! This "tangled web" could take all day long. After your nearly poetic description of the R.D.C's in British Columbia and brief review of the Greg McDonell book, plus ***'s mention of "Morant's Canadian Pacific;" I need to go Tish Gearheart's (?) Book Store a.s.a.p.! Maybe, after "boning-up" with these references, I can amount to more than a door stop amongst this august body. Am I wrong, or shouldn't Nick of Northeast Wales be appearing as a "material witness" in these proceedings? Any road, let's hope those top Sirloins and Keith's ale "set a fire" under the Tribunal's gowns. You're right, we need to "get our act together" for "Classic" over "Inane." Uh Oh, is recess over already? I'll bet most of the "Regulars" are praying for a "dismissal" for lack of evidence and the "key witness." See ya in court. Ted
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