"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the Gang. Time for a CR and a round for the house.

Picked up on your CPR ad the othe day and finally got around to commenting. The CPR was another road that helped develope National Parks in this case Canadian Parks. Among them both Banff and Lake Louise. The Hotel at Banff built by the CPR was a world class hotel and summers was booked solidly for the season with many of the guests arriving on the CANADIAN and DOMINION. Today the hotel enjoys more year round use thanks to the excellent sking in the area. Alas the CANADIAN and DOMINION no longer serve Banff in fact the DOMINION exists no more period.
When the tech returns my printer I intend to do a streeamliner piece on the DOMINION one of the most interesting trains to ever operate in Canada. Many passengers preferred the DOMINION over the CANADIAN and it enjoyed better year round passenger loads then the premier CANADIAN.

The NP ad you ran today mentions travel the NP to Seattle and board a steamship for Alaska. Those ads referred to the Alaska Steamship Company. For all of my years in Seattle I was quite familiar with the Alaska Steamship Co. Remember well in the 1950's when the S S DENALI last of the Alaska Steamship Co. Passenger liners made its final run. I believe the ship was sold to one of the South American countries where it operated for a few more years before being scrapped.
Their were weekly freighters from Seattle after that and some of them carried twelve passengers.

Next to make its appearnce in Seattle was the Alaska Ferry COLUMBIA that operated a weekly service to Alaska later the service moved to Bellingham.

Both services were a far cry from the numerous Cruise ship lines now operating summers to Alaska.

North of the US border in Vancouver the CPR and even the CNR operated steamships to Alaska from that port. The CPR Princess ships operated numerous routes in BC waters to Vancouver Island. South from Vancouver to Victoria and Seattle the so called Tri-Angle route. They also operated ships up both sides of Vancouver Island. The last Princess liner to operate to Alaska was the S S Princess Patricia originally built for the Tri-Angle run then remodeled and assigned summers to Alaska service.

Rival CNR operated the S S Prince George to Alaska summers and I believe this ship was sent for scrap just in the last five years.

So much for my rambling time to let someone else have a say.

And how did I get interested in ships. One of my summer jobs as a kid was for Seattle Harbor Water Tours and the owner knew everything about ships their was to know and was only to willing to share that knowledge with the young summer help. Probably the reason I chose the Navy when it came time to go in the service.

[nickinwestwales]

Well good evening fellow tipplers,drink up please cos it`s time for a round from across the water [4:-)]TOM-If you would be so kind-I`ll try a Staropramen,one yourself and refre***he company.
Well,I bear glad tidings from our touring member PETE-he called me this afternoon from Swansea,due to cancellations and late running he was unable to make the last 70 miles across to here,but he and his lady wife are both in fine fettle,enjoying their holiday and he is eager to get back amongst it and catch up with the ebb & flow.
He is of the opinion that he will be back over in june for a family wedding and we will definately raise a glass or two together ( We have a tall ships regatta due around then and waterborne high jinks are positively indicated ).
Am late tonight after a 3-way real-time conversation-a facility I didn`t realise this machine possessed-with the remaining members of the band,both of whom are as eager as myself to treat Charlie`s desertion as a positive opportunity and to move onwards and upwards a.s.a.p--splendid stuff [^]
General query-I heard somewhere recently that Lionel Trains are now owned by Neil Young,the well known Canadian troubadour and Steven Spielberg,who I understand is something in moving pictures-I know Young has a huge ( barn sized) Lionel spread which is part of the therapy for his deaf-blind kids,which gives the rumour some substance--can anyone shed any light on this ??
LARS-thank you for the kind words,my function here is largely one of `court jester`-since I have little to contribute in the `Classic Trains` area,I try to flesh out the bar & grill side of things and prevent it all becoming too dry and dusty and technical--aided and abetted by those masters of the surreal MANAGER TED & BAR CHANDLER ROB,without whom....
[4:-)]TOM-Oh yes,us Brits were drinking cider long before you Teutons first turned barley into beer-indeed,I have given the best years of my liver to the stuff-at one stage in my development,it was not uncommon to drink a bottle of T-Bird before going out and to then wash it down with 10 or 12 pints of farmhouse cider-a murky and cloudy brew of about 9% alcohol content-happily missisnick rescued me from that particular evolutionary dead end and I now regard it as a learning experience ( although it would be nice to have retained a few more teeth.........) Pix will be with you as soon as found-will try to put together a `piece` about the R.N.A.D Trecwn railway-given the maritime heritage hereabouts I feel it would probably be relevant
SIR THEODORE-agree entirely with your thoughts re band organisation-at best its like trying to herd cats in the dark,at worst it`s the short route to madness..lets raise a glass to M.L.K jr and freedom-salut,mon ami [tup]
CM3-thanks for kind thoughts also-tis darkest before the dawn and all that--There were still a couple of airship sheds around over here back at the end of the 50`s,when my dad was inducted into the R.A.F ,one of them was used for model glider flying contests since it provided the largest volume of still air in the country.
[4:-)]TOM-that N.P. cruise does sound tempting-they must have employed some very clever writers-very strong imagery...
ROB-if you get Lightfoot tickets,do the decent thing and bootleg it for those of us less fortunate-I`ll do a straight swap for my only-4-copies-ever-made,(including Keith`s) straight-from-the-desk Stones rehearsal session ( scrappy but fun )
O.K-looks like time for my self-improvement class (as advertised in the Gazette)so,starkle,starkle little twink-moonlight mile for me-be good chaps,see you soon,nick[C=:-)]

[nickinwestwales]

Al- sorry I missed you-another case of simultaneous posting,so,another matleau revealed-there seems to be an underlying secondary interest aboard this merry vessel-o.k-hands up anyone who HASN`T spent time behind the mast ?

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Gents!

Just a quickie to acknowledge the fine Posts by passengerfan Al & nickinwestwales Nick [tup][tup][tup]

Great news regarding contact with pwolfe Pete! Man of his word, indeed![tup]

Al Thanx very much for your continuing support here and on my "other thread." Very much apprecited![tup]

Nick I also heard that Lionel Train rumor, and will offer a bit more once I have a chance to check it out.

Al You are soooooooooo fortunate to have traveled those CPR and CNR passenger trains of yesteryear. [wow] Insofar as the hotels are concerned, both of those RR's surely made their marks.

Nick You sell yourself short, my man. Court jester indeed. Your role 'round here is as vital to the success of our bar 'n grill as mine. Synergy, mate, synergy.[tup][tup]

Al That comment you made regarding "when it came time to go in the service" speaks volumes of the times and people such as you and I. We KNEW that serving was all part of what our duty was, and who wanted to be drafted![swg]

Oh, by the by - my experiment with Boris behind the bar seemed to pass the first test. Everything was in good shape upon my return. No reports of customers running amok in fear of their lives.[swg] He just may work out - time will tell. Plan is to let him handle the bar, a little at a time. I'm still looking for a replacement for Cindy now that she's back at the unviersity. No, no, no Rob don't even go there - not H&H! No way, no how.[tdn]

Time to prepare for that 5 AM reveille!

Leon the Night Man has the bar! Drinks on me - ring the bell Boris!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Leon. A crown and a round for any interested parties her at the ole bar.A bit of a quiet day here,but some good conversation nonetheless.

Tom Moi concider H&H as unworthy replacements for Cindy never.[;)] However Trude thier younger ( more attractive cousin may serve ) Other than some minor spills and Tex sleeping on the bar Boris's solo flight on the bar wasn't too disasterous.

To answer your question Mr Lightfoot is comming to the Sanderson Centre either in June or July < the actual date's not been confirmed yet > from what I have heard he's still got it. Several of my friends went to his concert in St Catharines last year and said they had a capitol time. He doesn't sing as long anymore maybe 45 minutes but he's still got it. Saw him on CBC last fall and he seemed allright,mind you he only played one song.


Lars Thanks for the aswer to my question. Amazing how many of the street railway systems and El's all seemed to call it quits in the early to mid 50's. I have to agree with Tom though the two of you have had earily similar lives. Are you sure that your niot Tom's long lost twin [?] LOL

I agree with you guy's on the drivel out there on the forums as well. rarely do I stray from here or my museum thread < which has had it's rash-giving moments as well. >

Nick I have no means of burning or otherwise clandestinly copiing a Lightfoot concert should we be luckey to land tickets. The Sanderson centre is a small but very ornate old theater here in Brantford, but they do not tolerate such antics. In fact they make people leave their cells etc outside the hall before allowing them to enter. IMHO a good policy,I've yet to see something there and had it drwoned out by someone elses inane chat on a cell phone. Glad Pete contacted you [tup] Hopefully if he does head back to your side of the pond in June you caan indeed spend some quality drinking Time with him. I enjoy a good spiked cider myself once in a while. Not common here but if you look hard enough it's there.


Tom & Al The back and forth on the passenger ad's and cars was quite good. I'm looking forward to the Dominion piece Al,<with baited breath as they say >Another sailor to boot too! We could have our own "Our Place Regatta " at this pace,let see heavy fours or single sculls though [?] Throw in my love of everything RCN and I'm sure that we can all twirl quite a tale.


That should mostly catch me up on te commings and goings Back soon.

Rob

[trolleyboy]

Okay a content post for this evening as well. The CPR electric lines were an important part of the Southwestern Ontario Rail scene. I'll do them in a few installments. I'll put them out in very thin format as they literally can fill volumes. < And do >

CLASSIC JUICE # 17 THE GRAND RIVER RAILWAY BEGINNINGS


It began as one of Canada's first electric street railways, four miles of track known as the Galt and Preston Street Railway. In 1894, it was built from the Grand Trunk station in Galt,following King and Main to the speed river in Preston,and the collection of resort hotels known as Preston Springs. The early years were good ones,and by 1896 the line had expanded to Hespler, and thereby remnamed as the Galt, Preston and Hespler Railway. ( All three towns are now known as the City of Cambridge Ontario ) By 1898 it was carrying 35,000 passengers and 1,000 tons of freight each month,thanks largely to connections with the CPR station at samuelson street in Galt.


In the meantime, the Preston and Berlin railway was building from the GP&H at east Preston,following a route that took it through Freeport,Centreville,and along King street in Berlin( preasant day Kitchener ) to it's junction with the Waterloo and Berlin Railway at Albert street. It's Waterloo terminus was at Erb st near the site of what was Waterloo's St Jacobs tourist Raiway line. ( This line will likley be part of the New Light rail system building for Waterloo,Kitchener and Cambridge

Service on this new line the PBR began in 1904 and four years laterthe line merged with the GPH itself. Car barns and a station were built at Preston Jct, on the north side of th speed rivernear the entrance to today's Riverside Park. Another station was built on Guelph street at the popular Idelwyde Park,and a terminus added onGuelph street in Hespler. Later still in 1918 the line recieved it's final name the Grang River Railway.

CPR Ownership

In 1921 the route was realigned trough Kitchener between the city limit and Courtland St. To accomodate this new alignment at station was built at Queen st, a wooden structure initially which was replaced by a Tudor style brick station in 1943. In Galt, a new solid brick station built to CPR's " international" flat roofed style wa added at main street.

Although bus service began in 1925,rail passenger service remained largely uninterrupted until 1938 when it was cut back from Waterloo to the Queen st station in Kitchener. And following the war, a new set iof passenger coaches, the first interurban's built in canada since 1930 were put into service betweenKitchener and Galt. More frieght business was picked up at this point with steeple cabs becomming more common sights on the line than the strings of interurban cars.

The booming frieght business was continued as well,feeding the CPR line in Galt. But the post war auto boom soon began to take it's toll and passenger traffic declined,finally ending in 1955. The old GRR track was cut back from Centreville to Ottawa street,while a new link was built from a point south of Centreville to a CN spur on the West side of Kitchener. Electric frieght operations continued untill 1961 when COP pulled the plug a switched the line over to SW1200RS diesels. In the 1990's more trackage was pulled from between Ottawa street and Victoria park. Trains continue to use the GRR tracks between Centreville and Preston JCt where new spurs were built to the new Toyota assembly plant.


Enjoy Rob

[siberianmo]

Does anyone see me[?]

WEDNESDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS

We open at 6 AM, all time zones! (Don’t ask how we do that!)[swg]


Another a new day! Why not begin it with us by drawing a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee[?] While you’re at it, try our <light> and <traditional> breakfasts along with freshly baked pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery!


Daily Wisdom

This is very poorly unorganized. (Yogi-ism) Is anyone reading these[?]


Info for the Day:

* Weekly Calendar: Does anyone care[?]

Today is Pike Perspective’s Day!
Thursday Fish ‘n Chips Nite!
Friday Pizza Nite! & Steak ‘n Fries Nite!
Saturday Steak ‘n Trimmin’s Nite!


SUMMARY

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

(1) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 01:20:14 (222) Inclusive Post, etc.

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 01:27:25 (222) Monday’s & Summary

(3) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 01:30:38 (222) etc.

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 07:42:09 (222) reply to trolleyboy, etc.

(5) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 08:15:47 (222) Inclusive Post, etc.

(6) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 08:49:04 (222) Inclusive Post, etc.

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 10:45:12 (222) Acknowledgments, etc.

(8) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 12:23:17 (222) Inclusive Post, etc.

(9) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 12:57:22 (222) PM check in

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 13:02:57 (222) Acknowledgments, etc.

(11) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 13:20:25 (222) oooops

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 13:30:10 (222) reply to coalminer3

(13) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 13:47:57 (222) Disclaimer, etc.

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 14:54:15 (222) NOSTALGIA #58 – Ad, NP (1947)

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 18:29:05 (222) NOSTALGIA #59 – Ad, NYC (1954)

(16) passengerfan Al Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 19:17:22 (222) Most informative Post!

(17) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 21:26:23 (223) Inclusive Post, etc.

(18) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 21:34:56 (223) etc.

(19) siberianmo Tom Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 22:05:17 (223) Acknowledgments, etc.

(20) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 23:04:03 (223) Inclusive Post, etc.

(21) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 23:36:25 (223) Classic Juice #17


NOW SHOWING at The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre: Is anyone interested[?]

. . . January 16th thru 21st: Disaster on the Coastliner (1979-TV) starring Lloyd Bridges, Raymond Burr & Robert Fuller.


That’s it! [tup][;)]

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

[wanswheel]

Hi Tom and every who. A <light> breakfast and Eight O'Clock Coffee is fine.

I salute all who had the gumption to sign up and serve, but let's not knock draftees gratuitously, please. LBJ withdrew from us the option to turn 20 as civilians, so we were all in the same boat. Well maybe not a boat.

Tom, Elvis sort of "stole" Blue Suede, and the flip side was "Honey Don't," more famously sung by Ringo. According to Paul McCartney, "If there were no Carl Perkins, there would be no Beatles."

Ted, the dope on "the last electric interurban" is that it doesn't go downtown South Bend anymore, rather it begins its route to Chicago at South Bend airport. The CSS&SB chose not to join Amtrak in 1971 so it was obliged to keep the passenger service going. I rode it in 1976. It was interesting to ride a train right down the middle of a street. www.monon.monon.org/sobendpixs3/sobend_sstreet3.jpg The cars on the South Shore Line now were built by Nippon Sharyo Seizo Kaisha Ltd. of Japan and Sumitomo Corp of America, earliest delivery 1982. www.monon.monon.org/railpixs1/soshore_bendix.jpg Constructed of fluted stainless steel, 85 feet long with center doors and 2 pantographs. Top speed 75mph. Usual consist, 4 to 6 cars, sometimes 8 cars at rush hour. Very seldom run as single unit. Hoosiers are wary of brake failure. www.monon.monon.org/railpixs2/11-07framess2.jpg "Railway Age" Jun '01 said the South Shore Line was converting the entire system to continuous welded rail, overhauling cars for conversion to A.C. Propulsion (not sure what that is), and contemplating a new constant-tension catenary system.
www.yackalot.net/ssscans/12-04HudsonLake1975-2.jpg Bix's stop again
www.yackalot.net/ssscans/08-21SS-goodrickD.jpg Studebaker-Packard lark

[siberianmo]

Mornin' Gents!

So what's it gonna be today[?] Looks like a sunshine day 'round here - temps in the 20s, but expected to rise rapidly into unseasonably warm January. What's new[?][swg]

Sorry, Mate - we don't recognize Elvis 'round here, except on the rarest of occasions. I can still see and hear him on his first appearance with Ed Sullivan. <ugh> First time I actually questioned the "sanity" of my high school sweetheart![swg]

"Knock draftees," where in the world did you get that notion, wanswheel Mike[?] Amazing, simply amazing what one can construe from someone else's thoughts and words.[wow]

Since you brought it up, I have NO sympathy whatsoever for the kids of yesterday who were forced to serve their country. None. Mine was a simple choice: my "number was up," the Army for two, or another service for four. I chose the latter. Motivation: needed a job, a place to sleep and three squares. Serving my country was a 'given' in those days, just a matter of how and when for the people I "hung" with. Can't and won't speak for the motivation of others.

As a careerist, the ending of the draft was a good deal for those of us "in." Much easier to work with people who wanted to be there as opposed to those who didn't. Made all the difference in the world. Insofar as society is concerned, that's a totally different matter. I'd say we lost quite a bit along the way in the socialization of young men, not to mention attitudes in general about what one's "duty" to country is and should be. 'Nuf on that score. Bors Ring 'er up - OJ all around![swg]

[tup][tup] For those fine pix within the URLs! Thanx.

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[coalminer3]

Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee for me, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.

Many things to read in the "overnight mail."

First - Jim Nance came to your house? Egad! I remember him quite well. I recall when the Pats played at Fenway Park and, again I am really reaching back here, but IIRC, they also played at Nickerson Field (BU).

BTW, my last residence in MA, b4 moving to WV was on Washington St. in Dedham. Lots of New Haven history in the area and more than a few artifacts if one knew where to look.

The NYC ad was interesting. Every so often they ran ad campaigns touting the $ saving aspects of train travel. IIRC, they had several ads of a similar type that ran promoting their Sleepercoach service(s).

Hot dog - a regatta! How about a steam division? Nick can provide airborne coverage from the Zep, while the walking beam boats compete. The New Haven, back in the day, used to run special trains for the Harvard-Yale boat races. The consist included cars with bleacher seats so folks could watch the competition as the train ran along the tracks that paralleled the river.

The Grand River Rys certainly evolved and changed with the passage of time.

And as for the South Shore - a fascinating operation. although I do miss the Little Joes. I spent a fair amount of time around them over the years which sent me back to a 1969 Official Guide.

Back in the late 60s the CSS&SB had belt switching connections in Chicago with the B&OCT, BRC, C&WI, and IHB.

Their other connections were as follows:
South Bend - PC and Grand Trunk
Michigan City - Monon, N&W, PC, and C&O
Miller - B&O
Goff Jct. - EJ&E
Gary - PC, N&W
East Chico - IHB, B&OCT
Burnham - C&EI
Chicago (15th St., and Cottage Grove Ave.) - IC, CRI&P

They had freight sales offices throuighout the country including ones in San Franciso, Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver

Here's a little promo

Route your passengers via CSS&SB - the convenient way to Hammond, Gary, Michigan City, and South Bend.
Special Reduced Rates AVailable for Groups

work safe

[Anonymous]

Well, its another day (thank heavens) and we are looking at a possible freeze just north of here.[:O] Tom, a ration of cafe noir, French Toast with Mrs. Butterworth's maple syrup should start the day off with a international flavo(u)r, thank you.[^] Let's see, from Dome cars to the N.F.L./A.F.L., to maritime disasters, to paper routes, to world class R.R. hotels, to "Pop and Rock," to vintage movies: this is definately "My Kind of Town" [the Village is].[^] Its Wednesday so it must be Pikes Perspective Day," right? In that regard, I must report that nothing towards the addition of an El to my HO layout has been done. I'm still elevating the North leg of the ROW to a more reasonable gradient. This entails "moving mountains," not to mention adding an impediment to my work bench area. Oh well, the worst thing that could happen is that I fini***he thing.[(-D]

Thanks Mike for the fine photos of the C.S.S. & S.B. and yes, the older orange cars are the heavy weights I am familiar with.[tup] Street traffic had every reason to be cautious with such Goliaths trundling down the avenues. That is evidenced in the picture of the hapless (1950 Chevrolet?) auto mishap.[xx(] Every manner of bazaar street rail and traffic accidents were prevelant through the Interurban and Trolley "Golden Years."[:(] I am still apprehensive concerning the future of New Orleans traction and, of course, the City itself. Any further oratory from local civic leaders might well bring the "future" for that once dynamic City into question.[V]

Northern Pacific Nostalgia # 58 piece brought back to mind a previous question on the appx. 1/2" gauge model of a Budd dome car along the ROW. Did anyone ever determinne which R.R. and the location of this "display model?" I probably missed it in the concurrent avalanche of posts at the time.[zzz] While dwelling on the neglected past, what has become of the "Book Relay" proposed by our esteemed Proprietor? It sounds a lot more fun than Clearing House Sweepstakes and assuredly more honest. Rob, after reading copius numbers of the "Juice Encores," I must now trek over to Tampa for a sorely needed traction "fix." Granted the "cloned" Birneys aren't Niles or Jewetts but the "moan and droan" of the motors, bell and whislte, plus the vertigo from tight curves is "Mana from Heaven" for me. You should see the elaborate (over-Kill) cross over the Trolley has spanning the CSX ROW. There is even a full time flagman thrown in for good measure. Some cold Winter season you and your lovely family should consider a "get away" 'round these parts.[tup] Nick, what can I say? "Stiff upper lip" and all the rest. Was my post for Pete's call fortuitous or what?[^]

Well, I'm not "there" yet but I'm working on it folks. Boris, you seem no the less for the wear after your trip to the "Old Country."[alien] Hummm, future "Peter Principal" promotion in the offing, eh? I hope no one orders a spoon layered Zombie![8] Happy rails, see ya soon.

[LoveDomes]

Good Morning Tom and spirited bunch at the bar!

I see some fine contributions this morning and also a "blood pumper."

Thank you, one and all, for making me feel "at home" at this respite from reality. Although I am certainly not in need of a place to seek shelter in this phase of my life, stopping in does provide that "grounding" we all need from time to time.

Mike you hit a nerve with that comment of yours regarding the draftees. I too am a product of the times that Tom speaks of. My number was also at the top of the Draft Board's list. There were no deferments coming my way. In all the days leading up to graduation from high school, the talk around the dinner table when it came to me, was "What branch are you going into?" It was a given that the men of my family and the families throughout the area where I grew up, would all enter the military. I chose the U.S. Navy for perhaps some of the reasons Tom made his selection. Didn't want any part of fox holes and Army life. Four years sailing "the ocean's blue" made much better sense in my young scrambled head.

Knock the draftees? I didn't see that. Mine was a four-year stint and there were all sorts aboard the ship I served in. Some guys were transparent in why they were "in," others were more like me. It was something we all had to do, get it over with, and get started with our lives. I hold everyone in similar esteem when it comes to serving our country in an honorable manner. Only the ones who have served know whether they gave of themselves to the best of their abilities. I tried to do my best, then and throughout the remainder of my working years.

I wouldn't give a "plug nickel" for a draftee who caused grief from the moment of entry until kicked out, or treaded water until discharged. Nor do I hold these types up to the admiration I have for others who have served and served well - no matter what the motivation to join. I'm with you all the way on this, Tom!

Just browsed your other thread and enjoyed the pix! Submitted a few of my own.[swg]

Just want you to know, Tom that I have the book you are advertising for the RR Book Relay!. Highly recommend it guys, it is a picture-book, so don't fret - nothing to worry about regarding a final exam or term paper![swg]

I'll try to get a 2nd installment of my S.I.R.T. series put together before the week's end. And, I'm wondering - when is the next issue of "The Mentor Village Gazette"? Is this a monthly paper? Really enjoyed the three you've put out thus far .....

Twins, you wonder Rob! Hardly. From the pix I have viewed of Tom, he must have come from the "good looking genes" in the family.[swg]

Until the next time - set 'em up on me and Boris Ring the bell! Will a ten spot handle it?

Lars

[trolleyboy]

Good morning Tom < and all the ships at sea > I'll grab a coffee and the light breakfast,maybe a short stack or two ( so long as Boris hasn't mixed the batter )

Cold wet and rainy again today. I noticed yesterday amd this morning that our local collusion corner jumped gas from $.91 a litre to$ .99. Dollars to donut's when I come home from work this evening it will be $.94. Interesting how the same underground tank of gasoline's price can change in an 18 hour stretch. A job for the good inspector should he leave helga alone long enough to come up for air.

Mike, Tom ,& Lars I'll stay out of the draft talk, we have never had it here other than in 1917,everything is still volentary. I almost signed up for our navy but several physical problems compelled me to civilian life. ( re bad eyes wear glasses and I sink rather than float [:O] not a good thing for a navy guy one wouild suspect ) Still I've a;ways given [tup] for those that do serve.

Ted You never wnat to actually finish it it's always going to need some tweeking. Otherwise who's going to pay the saleries of all those poor hobby shop employee's [swg]

I hate to think what may or may not become of NO's fine traction system. On one hand they could rebuild and become a shinning example of what to do. Or the opposite is true. I unfortunatly have my suspicions as to which will happen...

Heather's not a "sun" person. I'm not either for that matter. I have visited your fine state maybe three times in my life. One obligatory visit to WDW other than that we avoid such places. If I can convince her to travel south I will most certainly do so. Zombie birney's are better than no birney's.


Mike Nice to see those url's. as alway's excellent research my friend.[tup] I imagine that they are changing their over head to strait AC as opposed to DC. No need for rectifier's etc. They would have to convert the motors , controllers and power systems in the cars as well to make them compatable. same as AC traction in diesel locomotives. Less maintenance and more of an instant hit for getting off the mark and going. Nice to see that at least a part of the South shore is still a going concern. Again this could be concidered a shinning example of what should be in our larger cities.

CM3 Yes indeed the GRR had many a name a twist. Not unlike King Henry the Eigth. LOL Most of the system is still intact. Aside from the catenery, trolleybarns and shops most of the stations still stand ( used for other purposes ). CPR still is a going concern switching the Toyota Lexus plant amd soon to add a second plant currently under construction,a large Westinghouse transformer plant a few other auto related supply plants. The speed River bridge groans under the weight of two three CPR GP38-2's and never ending cuts of auto racks and parts cars. Had the electrification still been there, they would have to have raised the height of the overhead for today's oversized freight cars.

Lars The" bad gene's" could always be repaired for the right amount of money. I'm sure that vito has a cousin in the "plastic trade" LOL [swg]

Nothing much to report pikewise for me. I have started cataloging doner cars ( large lot of questionable bachman PCC's and Brills ) as suitable doners for a few scratch building projects I'm contemplateing. A double truck water sprinkler car and a line car of some sort are the first order of business. With Heather's car croaking I've been preoccupied searching out a replacement to do much pikewise lately. QWe pick up the new money pit on Monday though so hopefully I'll be able to egt back in the sadle as it were.

Till later fokls .

Rob

[siberianmo]

Good Morning!


Should make mention that ’”Our” Place will be conducting interviews for a new position. We require the services of a part-time relief daytime bartender. While Cindy was on sabbatical from her university, everything worked out fine.[yeah][wow]<no kidding!> However, now that she’s back to her full-time faculty job, I’m in need of some help for those periods when I’m away from the bar.

Boris has been relegated to return to his normal duties as kitchen help, and odd-job’s man about the bar. It’ll be a snowy day in I’m rather uncertain whether I’ll permit him behind the bar again. Reports are trickling in and from what I’ve heard, Tex the Armadillo sleeping ON the bar is just the tip of the berg. Just got off the phone with the Chair”person” of The Mentor Village Temperance Union and Rosetta Stone Deciphering Circle. Seems that two of her gals ladies came in the other day to collect a few coins from our customers, and left shrieking in horror at the sight of Boris in what they described as “the all together!” I’m not at all convinced that he was down to “bare essentials,” but when questioned about it, he mumbled something about having to wash his cloven feet in the deep sink behind the bar. Seems the detergent really gets in and …. Oh well, I don’t think we need to know anymore than that!<groan>

So, I’ll be putting together an Ad, with the requirements, and will personally oversee this venture. Given our Chandler’s suggestion, I think not. No connections wanted with that bunch from Teutonia.[swg]

A few more acknowledgments this fine day!

coalminer3 CM3
Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 08:12:10

Ever hear of Turtle Pond Parkway[?] We lived right off it, pretty much on the border between Dedham & Hyde Park. The USCG actually bought out a subdivision and used the housing for those of us with families. It was a terrific location and the duplex units were outstanding, especially in consideration of the housing costs in “Taxachusetts” back in those times. The 5 years I spent in the Boston area were good ones, albeit many months away at sea. But perhaps more so in good for the family. We departed right before the outbreak of school violence back in the early 70s. Whereas you moved to WVA, we moved to Tidewater, VA. Amazing, eh[?]

Here’s a pretty good URL to peruse: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England_Patriots

Those NOSTALGIA ads that I’ve put together really need the accompanying pix. Seems to me that there couldn’t possible be a copyright infringement, given those RRs have folded the tent, so speak. But then again, who knows – perhaps some organization bought up all the rights. I just may chance it. Anyway, glad that you are taking notice and enjoying them.

Railcars with “bleacher seats”[?] Funky looking trains, I’d guess. But given the zeal with which New England loves the sea, I can see it![swg]

Thanx for your continuing contributions to Herr Wurlitzer’s Coal Scuttl! Boris ring the ding, the WVA man has bought a round![tup]

By the by, I’ve had a minor set back with that pix scanning venture we discussed by Email – I should be up and runnin’ today.[tup]

Theodorebear Ted
Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 08:21:46

A good day to you, too! Must admit, I’m a bit “light” on the input for Pike Perspective’s Day! although I can always find something … just a matter of putting it together.<grin> I’m really having a bit of trouble getting motivated to work on the subway system! Hmmmmmm.

Much diversity in jabber lately and it is most entertaining. Hope to see some Classic Trains “stuff” begin to flow again, as we seem to be off on a tangent with social issues, et al. Well, that’s just the kinda stuff one hears at a “brick ‘n mortar” bar ‘n grill, so why not here[?][swg]

Email received and responded to – thanx!

I’m going to try one more time with the RR Book Relay! Not getting the responses I had expected. However, I will get the book sent out – promise. Thanx for the “plug.”[tup][tup]

I don’t recall a follow-up on that ½ gauge Budd Dome either. Anyone out there following this[?]

Next time I go to the track (which is NOT something I do) I’ll have to tap your “crystal ball.”[swg]

LoveDomes Lars
Posted: 17 Jan 2006, 08:59:14

Caught those pix you Posted over at “my other thread.” Sweet! Looks like we are in competition over finding these things. Good job![tup] Don’t forget to re-do ‘em for us on Sunday Photo Posting Day!

Appears that your switch was definitely “flicked” awhile ago, as was mine. Best to let the matter drop – what was said is all that needs to be said. This IS a Classic Trains discussion site and we all need to focus on that a bit more.[tup][tup]

I’ve got a few things put together on the SIRT, but all from internet sources. Sure wish I could’ve found that book by Irvin Leigh & Paul Matus, Staten Island Rapid Transit, 1860-1965. It has been out of print for decades and I haven’t even come close to finding it on amazon.com or similar sites. Nope, I don’t “do” eBay – today or tomorrow. Not my thing.

Anyway, I got a lot from www.rapidtransit.net/net/thirdrail/0201/sirt1.html
and www.forgotten-ny.com/SUBWAYS/SIRT/sirt.html
You may want to give it a looksee.

Your reference to my personal appearance surely has more to do with my “jeans” than my “genes!”[swg] Let’s just consider ourselves brothers in the sense of The Three Horsemen! Watch out Attila, Ivan and Genghis there ain’t room in this here town for allus![swg]

Thanx for the thought regarding the RR Book Relay!. You are correct Sir, a picture book of the world’s trains – and well done at that![tup]

Oh yes – received your Email and response on the way – thanx![tup] Between this thread and Emails I’m runnin’ out of time ……. Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.[swg]

Rob Just caught your Post BEFORE I set out to Post this one (see GOOD habits work!)[swg]

From the looks of the weather map, your part of the world is having “slop” today![swg] Gotta c’mon down here for a bit. I’m sure we could find lotsathings to do – and there’s a couple of ‘puters hooked up to keep your “oar in the water” with the Forums![swg]

We’re back to browsing around for a trip in mid-May/early June. That Algoma Central sure looks like fun. Now if only we can find a way to get there without having to take out a 2nd mortgage!<groan>

Like sailor talk, eh[?] Well, it could be worse! All talk about trolleys, beer, gals, trains, hockey, work, play, and …… makes one a “dull boy!”[swg] There are a couple of guys that I see from time to time who are REAL sailors in the sense that these guys were absolutely weaned on and of the sea. Mine is more of a “thing that happened,” although I do have a lineage going back to Germany and the Kaiser’s Navy where both Grandfathers served (there’s that word again!) their native land. My father, his brother, my mother’s two brothers and moi, have all found ourselves doing our thing aboard ships. Could be worse I suppose! Sitting around drinking Blue swapping lies (aka: tales) and laughing at ourselves! Sounds to me like the makings for a RENDEZVOUS![yeah]

Thanx for stoppin’ in! Batter you say, batter[?] So THAT’s what that “stuff” is all over his overalls![swg]


Important point regarding Email: I have received two lately with attachments that have been cited by my software as being suspected of containing a virus. Therefore they were discarded. These are the “garden variety” readdressals” that get passed around in cyber space. Just thought I’d let y’all know. Ensure YOUR virus protection software is up to date and has the ability to screen these BEFORE you open ‘em. Otherwise, your computer winds up in drydock, and perhaps destined for the scrap yard.


Later!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


Stick around a few minutes AFTER POSTING - The information you MISS may be for YOU!

Those who acknowledge the other guy, get acknowledged!

[coalminer3]

Good Afternoon BArkeep and all Present; fill the thermos, please, round for the house, and $ for the jukebox.

Here's a url which is right interesting. I figured I'd better post otr b4 it got old or BBC took it down. I'll reply to other notes and comments in my usual tomorrow a.m.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/4609450.stm

Have a good evening

work safe

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

My contribution for "Pike Perspective's Day!" comes from the pages of the HO Can-Am Inventory:

HO Model Railroad Inventory

Locomotives of the Can-AM

Description Road name/#/color Qty Part # Misc.

AMD103 P40 Powered AMTRAK, #303, Phase III Athearn 140-3644
AMD103 P40 Powered AMTRAK, #838, Phase III Athearn 140-3645
AMD103 P42 Powered AMTRAK NE Corr #107, Phase IV Athearn 140-3653
AMD103 P42 Powered AMTRAK NE Corr (no #), Phase IV Athearn 140-3655
AMD103 P40 Dummy AMTRAK #838, Phase III Athearn 140-3675
AMD103 P42 Dummy AMTRAK NE Corr, #104, Phase IV Athearn 140-3684


EMD F40PH Powered AMTRAK #303, Phase III Walthers 931-302
EMD F40PH Powered VIA Rail (small flag) #6415 (02) Walthers 931-308
EMD F40PH Powered VIA Rail (large flag) #6450 (02) Walthers 931-316
EMD F40PH Powered AMTRAK #406, Phase IV Walthers 931-325

EMD F40PH Powered AMTRAK #229, Phase III Life Like 433-8241

EMD F40PH Powered AMTRAK #217, w/strobes Bachmann 160-87003
EMD F40PH Powered VIA Rail #6404 Bachmann 160-87021
EMD F40PH Powered VIA Rail #6425 Bachmann 160-87022


EMD E-8 “A” Powered (set) VIA Rail #6530, blue/yellow IHC 348-1954
EMD E-8 “A” Dummy VIA Rail #6530, blue/yellow IHC 348-1954

EMD E-8 “A” Powered (set) Canadian Pacific #1800, maroon/gray Rivarossi 635-6247 Display case
EMD E-8 “A” Dummy Canadian Pacific #1800, maroon, gray Rivarossi 635-6247 Display case


F7B Dummy Canadian National, green/black Athearn 140-3026 Display case
F7A Powered Canadian National, green/black Athearn 140-3225 Display case

F7B Dummy CP Rail, red/white Athearn 140-3038 Display case
F7A Powered CP Rail, red/white Athearn 140-3237 Display case

F7B Dummy VIA Rail #6637, blue/yellow Athearn 140-3078 Display case
F7A Powered VIA Rail #6519, blue/yellow Athearn 140-3277 Display case

GP7 Powered CN #4563, black Athearn 140-3161


GP38-2 Powered CN #5543, black Athearn 140-4517

GP40-2 Powered Canadian Pacific #4656, beaver, red Athearn 140-4436

GP9M Powered CP Rail #1522, dual flags, red Walthers 931-114

GE8 40B Powered AMTRAK #510, Phase III Walthers 931-166
GE8 40B Powered AMTRAK #517, Phase IV Walthers 931-197

SW7 Powered AMTRAK #551, gray Athearn 140-4013
SW7 Powered VIA Rail #21 (custom), blue/yellow Athearn 140-4051

Notes:

(1) Does not include 8 subway cars awaiting operation beneath Can-Am City.
(2) Display case refers to "Retired Canadian loco's and rolling stock."
(3) Formatting differences between MS Word and Forums accounts for appearance oddities.

Enjoy!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

LAST CALL for ”Our” Place RR Book Relay!




A picture-book of some of the world's finest and most intersting passenger trains and places!


If you wi***o participate, send me an Email with your mailing address and we'll get this idea off 'n running!

I will mail the book to the first person on the list. Within two weeks after receipt, that person forwards the book to the next person, and so forth.

Ground rules:

(1) Additional blank pages have been provided inside the front cover for comments by each recipient.

(2) Comments should include:

. . . (a) Date received and from whom.

. . . (b) What in particular you enjoyed the most.

(3) I will provide the mailing address for the next recipient on the list.

(4) Send me an Email when you receive the book and again when you send it to the next person. That will be our “tracking system.”

(5) The last person to participate, ships the book back to me.

Pretty simple, eh[?]


Enjoy!

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

[siberianmo]

Special for: nickinwestwales Nick

Just ran a couple of searches for Lionel trains, Neil Young and Steven Speilberg.

Check these URLs regarding Young:
http://www.thrasherswheat.org/2004/09/lionel-trains-shakeup.html
http://www.thrasherswheat.org/tfa/toytrains.htm

Didn't find anything linking Speilberg. And yes - he is "something" regarding films! Perhaps without peer.

Later!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

Howdy guys,[4:-)]TOM-a big green bottle for me,beers for the boys & an extra large one for yourself-have just spent a happy half -hour perusing the Neil Young/Lionel site-now thats what I call an evening out- boundary-stretching guitar playing AND a tent full of trains to play with-only Spielberg (N.B. spelling) link I could find was that his first 8mm home movies were of his Lionel trains,but who knows-there may have been changes afoot since those articles were posted/published and given Spielbergs much publicised desire to keep alive the magic of childhood it would seem a likely area for him to invest some of his hard earned squillions,anyway-nice link,thanks[tup]
Also,thanks for the Can-Am shed roster-satisfied a long held curiosity--just out of interest,how do the various `brand names` compare in terms of performance ?-I know the Can-Am is an all level pike (main lines) so grades are not a problem but some of those consists look like a pretty solid pull-I have a couple of Walthers F40`s which I am very pleased with plus a couple of Roco-powered Atlas FP7`s which are pretty well equivalent in terms of tractive effort ( although desperately power-hungry--we are talking street lights dimming here ) but my Bachmann units are a real mixed bag-the G.P35 (can motor,8 wheel drive) will out perform any of the above and will lift a scale 750` N.M.R.A weighted freight up the 1:40 bank on the layout from a dead start.
The 2 F9`s( pancake motors,4wd) are as different as chalk & cheese,despite a generous fist of lead in each-one will pull the side off a house,the other couldn`t pull the wool over your eyes....another little mystery to keep me awake at nights[swg]
Right,another beer please-plus a bag of crisps/chips as that vengeful wretch of a parrot is nowhere in sight.................
ROB-the reference to bootlegging was strictly in jest-whilst I have no firm position on the debate re music copying per se,I wouldn`t wish for any friend to have his collar felt by a beetle browed thug in a monkey-suit----another fine `juice` by the way-I am beginning to think I could negotiate my way around TO with nothing more than a print-out of these pages[^]
MIKE-in deference to the managements delicate sensibilities [swg] Elvis,Hendrix & other personae non grata are only to be heard on the galley sound system,which is securely stored under Boris`s bedding in the shed....
CM3-The Regatta should indeed be fun-not least since they will be the deepest drafted vessels ever to venture this far up river-Llangwm was a fairly active coal exporting site prior to the coming of the railways but even then they used shallow draft coasters which had to moor out in the main channel whilst loading.
Add to this a tidal range of somewhere around the 8 metre mark and a number of `pinch points` where a few feet divergence from the centre of the channel can very quickly put you in 18 inches of water,even on a spring tide and I`m sure you can see the potential....
Nice URL by the way-I suspect I may have some pix of the line by Colin Garrett,quite likely of Stanier 8F`s left over from WW2,may take some time to find but leave it with me
TED-your powers are strong young skywalker,you must use them wisely.........
LARS-matters of military service beyond my brief-have a drink on me in lieu of a proper response[tup]
[4:-)]TOM-like the book idea in principle,checked at the local post office when it was first mooted,and to be brutally honest the cost of shipping would render it beyond my limited means,especially at the moment.....sorry to be a wet blanket [:(] thanks for the warning re rogue E-Mails-ya cant be to careful-( what is the point of those deals ?-why should one computer user want to f*ck up another persons machine ??-I could end up getting quite right wing about it all ).
Anyway,busy day tomorrow,-school run,days tasks,feed the tribe,work out with the other band then in here for fun ,frolics & fishy dishes.
take care one & all,moonlight mile for me,be lucky,nick[C=:-)]

[red p]

hey Tom, Jack and coke please.
Been trying to get caught up here. there was some talk awhile back ago about Rule G.
well here it is right out of the book of operating rules.

An employee who reports for duty under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicant, cannabis in any form, an amphetamine, a narcotic drug, a hallucinogenic drug, any controlled substance (as defined by federal law), or a drivitive or combination of these,or who uses any of the foregoing while on duty, will be dismissed. Possession of any of the forgoing while on duty, or possession, use , or being under the influence of any of the foregoing while on company propery or occupying facilities provided by the company is prohibited

As far as the modeling goes I dont model the glory or golden days of railroading. I model it as I saw it when I was a kid in the mid 1970s. Although I do model an early Amtak operation in addition to PC.

I also dug up an old book that I have on railroad folklore, so the next time im in ill have a story to tell.
P

[passengerfan]

Good Evening Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a CR and a round for the house.

Just informed that I will not have a printer until Monday by the service tech who took mine. They are sending me a new one. Can't say enough about a certain computer companies service absolutely superb.

Can't wait until Monday so will try to do one now.

PASSENGERFAN AL'S STREAMLINER CORNER #43

DOMINION Canadian Pacific Railway Trains 3-4 Montreal/Toronto - Vancouver 2,881 miles 78 hours daily each direction.

Prior to the introduction of the CANADIAN the DOMINION was the CPR transcontinental It was truly one of the most unusual trains in al of North America after the CANADIAN was introduced. How could one classify the DOMINION as being a secondary train when it operated every type of Budd car found in the CANADIAN plus a mixture of heavyweights and CPR shop built streamlined cars. This mixture of the old with the newer and newest gave the DOMINION a flavor all its own.

Prior to the CANADIAN the DOMINION operated in two separate sections one from Toronto to Vancouver and one from Montreal to Vancouver. The DOMINION also carried the mail across Canada so a combined train from Sudbury to Vanmcouver was operated after the CANADIAN was inaugurated.

It was soon found that summers the DOMINION would operate as separate trains west of Sudbury. The Toronto section of the summer DOMINION retained the Budd built cars while the Montreal section operated with all Maroon equipment.

The following DOMINION consist is west of Sudbury on April 24, 1955 the day the CANADIAN was inaugurated.

DOMINION CONSIST.

1407 GMD FP9A 1,750 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

1901 GMD F9B 1,750 HP Diesel Passenger Booster Unit

1409 GMD FP9A 1.750 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

3645 Baggage 30" Railway Post Office Car (Built by CC&F)
(Toronto - Vancouver)

4750 Baggage Car (Built by CC&F)
(Montreal - Vancouver)

3003 Baggage 17-Crew Dormitory Car (Budd)
(Toronto - Vancouver)

GADSBY 14-Section Tourist Sleeping Car (Heavyweight)
(Toronto - Vancouver)

GANDER 14-Section Tourist Sleeping Car (Heavyweight)
(Montreal - Vancouver)

2287 68 Revenue Seat Coach (CPR Shops)
(Montreal - Vancouver)

2226 68- Revenue Seat Coach (CPR Shops)
(Montreal - Vancouver)

103 60-Revenue Seat Coach (Budd)
(Toronto - Vancouver)

ANTRIM 35-Seat Dining Car (Heavyweight)
(Montreal - Vancouver)

506 SKYLINE DOME 24-Seat Dome 17-Seat Coffee Shop 8-Seat Buffet 24-Revenue Seat Coach (Budd)
(Toronto - Vancouver)

APPLE GROVE 10-Roomette 5-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car (CPR Shops)
(Montreal - Vancouver)

SASKATOON 12-Section 1-Drawing Room Sleeping Car (Heavyweight)
(Montreal - Vancouver)

TEESWATER 12-Section 1-Drawing Room Sleeping Car (Heavyweight)
(Toronto - Vancouver)

HUNTER MANOR 4-Roomette 5-Double Bedroom 1-Compartment 4-Section Sleeping Car (Budd)
(Toronto - Vancouver)

VALOIS 8-Section 4-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car (Heavyweight)
(Montreal - Vancouver)

CHATEAU LEMOYNE 8-Duplex Roomette 1-Drawing Room 3-Double Bedroom 4-Section Sleeping Car (Budd)
(Toronto - Vancouver)

RIVERTON 1-Drawing Room 2-Compartment 8-Section Sleeping Car (Heavyweight)
(Toronto - Vancouver)

RIDING MOUNTAIN PARK 24-Seat Dome 3-Double Bedroom 1-Drawing Room 12-Seat Mural Lounge Bar 13-Seat Lounge Observation (Budd)
(Toronto - Vancouver)

Can yo imagine all of that switching at Sudbury and it was completed in 1 Hour, and that included transferring the mail and Express packages. Not unusual for a baggage car to operate from both Montreal and Toronto to the west coast when Express business was heavy.

Many times the DOMINION operated with two Baggage 30' Railway Post Office cars when the mail volume was heavy particularly at Christmas.

Twenty cars was the maximum for stations served by the DOMINION but often two stops were necessary at smaller stations. The DOMINION made flag stops that were not stops for the CANADIAN.

The DOMINION was truly a first class train operating on a secondary train schedule. Many found the DOMINION a far more interesting train than the CANADIAN. The second dining crew from Montreal were assigned space in the Montreal - Vancouver Tourist sleeping car. In fact the onboard crew changed at Winnipeg both east and westbound. No 35 seats in the CPR dining car is not an error they gave the Steward a seat in these old cars to do all of his paper work at a tiny desk that eliminated the 36th dining seat.

TTFN AL

[siberianmo]

Good Evening!

Not long on Posts this mid-week day, but some very interesting input!

Acknowledging:

coalminer3 CM3
Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 12:54:43

Confirmed! I am NOT traveling to the middle east nor do I ever want to! Good grief. That’s quite a story within the URL you provided on the Hejaz Railway.

Your Email was received and responded to – thanx![tup]

nickinwestwales Nick
Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 19:56:20

Glad that the URLs on Lionel/Neil Young perked your interests![tup]

An interesting question regarding the loco’s of the Can-Am. Actually, I haven’t detected any of the “mainline” engines being any more powerful than the other, regardless of make. I used to double up the F40PH’s with my VIA Rail consists, but stopped the practice upon noticing that since they really weren’t “matched,” that I was perhaps causing more harm than not. Single F40’s pull the 6 car consists quite well, at realistic speeds. Those are made by Walthers (Trainline series) and by Bachmann (Spectrum series). The Amtrak loco’s by Athearn perform equally well, and I only use one per consist, although only the Superliners are run with 6 cars. The Amfleet and Horizon consists are 4 car trains each. I prefer the Walthers loco’s moreso because they are quiet in comparison with the Athearns and Bachmann. Also have noted that the Athearn loco’s are a bit more “sensitive” when it comes to navigating the turnouts, whereas the Walthers can be run at “speed” without worrying about derailments.

The absolute best running, most powerful loco’s are the Rivarossi/IHC EMD E8’s. Unfortu nately, they are “dated,” and I only run ‘em on special occasions – commemorative runs and the like.,

The Athearn F7A’s in the display case are no match for the F40’s and PA’s. They simply are crap in comparison. More for looks and they rest well in the display case![swg]

I see that you are far more advanced than I will ever be when it comes to performance measures used by the more serious in the hobby. My “measure” is whether the loco’s run at realistic speeds when compared to where my throttles are set. None of them really do – and it is moreso the problem of the MRC Tech IV dual packs than anything else. However, to my eye, they all run as hoped. Thanx for asking!

Vengeful wretch of a parrot, you say! Well, that can only mean …. The return of Awk scourge of the bar known as ”Our” Place![swg]

Look forward to more from you in the ‘morrow! Glad you’re back and hope things are looking “up.”[tup][tup]

ftwNSengineer P
Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 19:56:51

Back again – Good to see ya![tup] The Rule G info is appreciated. My model RR interests are strictly along the lines of what my “mind’s eye” recalls. Oh, of course I try to keep with the proper roadnames and types of equipment in use during the period of my experiences, including the cars, trucks and buses appropriate to the era. My rule of thumb with model railroading is quite simple: if it pleases me, then it works!

passengerfan Al
Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 20:07:42

So what’s the “deal” between your printer and computer[?] Still don’t understand how one screws up your ability to “do your thing” with Posts here. Oh well ………

Didn’t we see the Dominion Streamliner piece once before[?] Anyway, always enjoyable – a treat. You need pix, photos, pictures – even URLs to do these things justice!

Thanx for the round! Can always count on you for some “cheer” at the bar![swg] Boris leave Awk alone and ring the bell!


Okay, Gents – Leon the Night Man has arrived wearing his “spiffy” jump boots, white cummerbund and overalls. What a clothes horse the man is!


Later!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


Stick around a few minutes AFTER POSTING - The information you MISS may be for YOU!

Those who acknowledge the other guy, get acknowledged!

[red p]

yo Tom, another Jack and coke. By the way I really like the new menu cards.
P

[img.nr] http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c218/ftwnsengineer/scan0007.jpg [/img.nr]

[siberianmo]

P

Now THAT's the FIRST thing I've ever seen from the PC that I like![swg]

I'll have to figure a way to use it for the bar ....

I'm outta here for the night!

Thanx!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[passengerfan]

Tom forgot the 48-Seat Budd Dining Car in DOMINION consist located between TEESWATER and HUNTER MANOR it was a Toronto - Vancouver car.

Just thought I would add that I never had the opportunity to ride on one of the GROVE series 10 Roomette 5-Double Bedroom sleeping cars built by the CPR shops in Montreal but did have an opportunity to go through one before they were sold to the NdeM and elegant is an apt description for the workmanship of the CPR men who bult those cars. The interiors were exquisite and the fitting of the woodwork reminded me of those cars built by Milwaukee Road a road that built most of their streamlined cars in their own Milwaukee Shops.

[Anonymous]

Good evening Tom and friends. I'll have a bottlemless draught, and allow me to buy a round for the house. Looks like "Our Place" has been plenty busy since my last visit Mondy morning. Looks like everyone has been here except for me! Yes Tom, I do read the Dailey Wisdoms, and enjoy them very much. Thank-You for providing them. Thanks also for the Nostalgia adds for the NP and NYC, as well as the Bangor and Aroostook encore. You really do a great job of keeping this thread well supplied with subjects to discuss. Does "Ikpikpuk" mean anything?

Ted, I seem to recall the CTC documentary as well, though I might just be remembering all the noise around here when the Chicago River flooded several building basements when the tunnels flooded. Chicago has a history of flooding and going to battle with the river.

Nice piece on the S.I.R.T. Lars. I think you fit in just fine here, and hope you'll continue to be a part of our little group.

Nick, I look forward to your pix on the Royal Navy Armaments. Did you find them?

Mike, thanks for your numerous contributions. You really have a way of pouncing on whatever is being discussed, and then digging out the information no matter what the subject. I really enjoyed the Last Electric Interurban post, and as usual, your incredible URL selections. Really good stuff!

AL, fine job on your CPR posts. They complimented Rob's as if the two of you were in cahoots. Great Grand River Railways info Mr. Rob.

Then there was CM3's information on the South Shore, and please forgive me, but someone mentioned the rimless wheels on the Decapods ... and yes ...it is the inside driving wheels so that the loco can make the curves. Speaking of which .... here is part II in the series!

A Brief History of Russian Decapods – by Thomas J. Schneider and Hugh R. Harris – selected from November 1996 Rail & Wire

Train 21 departs Harrisville en route to Springfield. The Decapods were used on this line as they were very “light footed” and easy on track. Photo collection of Don Wirth.


The first Decapods ordered in 1914, were shipped in 1915. Locomotives were built by Baldwin Locomotive Works and Alco (at both the Brooks and Schenectady Plants) with additional units from the Canadian Locomotive Company. These orders, starting in 1914, were to re-equip the state railroads of Russia. Specific orders for Decapods by year are listed in Table II.



In May of 1917 the Russian government notified the United States government through the US Ambassador in Moscow, or their desire to order another 2,000 Decapods. In June of 1917, Professor Lomonosoff of the Russian Mission discussed the need in Russia for another 2,000 Decapods in meetings with the American press in Washington. The order was cabled to the federal government in October of 1917, and in November, 1917, it was assigned to Baldwin and American by the United States Railroad Administration (USRA).

However, by November of 1917 the federal government was undecided about the situation in Russia, and the new order was placed on hold. In any case, by the middle of 1917 the locomotive builders already had backlogs that were full through 1918, so there was no capacity available to start the new order even if it had been released. Both Baldwin and Alco were already building locomotives for the French, Italian and British railways as well as large orders of “Pershing” (Consolidation) locomotives for the American Expeditionary Force (AEF). There is no evidence that any work was done on any locomotives for the new Russian 2,000 unit order.

During 1917, world order had changed. The Russian Revolution was underway. The communist revolutionaries would likely not be long-term friends of the United States, and Russia had started negotiating a peace treaty with Germany in any case. The strategic reasons for supplying Russia with locomotives were no longer valid. So in November, 1917, the US government not only canceled work on new orders for Russia, but stopped delivery of locomotives already built but not shipped.

Earlier in 1917 two orders had been placed. In May the Russian government ordered 60 Decapods from Baldwin along with another 53 small gasoline locomotives. In June a further order of 500 Decapods was placed, split equally between Baldwin and Alco. On all the orders, the locomotives were erected and tested at the builder’s plant and then were broken down and crated for shipment.

When shipments were suspended, most of the orders for Russia had been built and shipped with the exception of this last one. The last order for 500 locomotives was largely complete with some shipped, others crated and prepared for shipment, and the balance of the process of final erection at the builders or already completed and being stored at the builder’s plants.

The numbers of locomotives actually completed and shipped is a subject of substantial controversy. According to William D. Edison’s well-researched article cited above, somewhere between 831 and 857 locomotives actually made it overseas. We do know from the United States Railroad Administration records that 200 locomotives were completed and then converted for American service. These were 100 units from the last Baldwin order, USRA 1101-1200 (originally Russian numbers E926 to E1025), 35 from Alco Brooks (USRA 1066-1100, Russian E1176 to E1210) and 65 from Alco-Richmond which became USRA 1001-1065. Also at least half of the last Baldwin order was canceled, as well as some portion of the Alco orders. One of the last locomotives built but not shipped eventually became our Frisco 1630, but not immediately.

Meanwhile, railroads in the United States were facing a crisis. Even though the United States did not declare war on Germany and Austria until April, 1917, America’s industrial might was busy supplying the needs of Allied countries already at war. The railroads were suddenly strained to capacity.

The winter of 1916-1917 was the worst in many years and caused immense delays on the railroads. Track was frozen, equipment breakdowns were frequent and much of the effort of the roundhouse and shop crews was expended digging locomotives out of snowdrifts. One report suggests the one division of the Pennsylvania Railroad used over 50% of their shop crew time that way one month.

During most of 1917 the railroads were trying to recover from the damage done by the bad weather and by the enormous losses in skilled personnel both to the armed forces and to better paying jobs in the manufacturing industries.

Unfortunately the winter of 1917-1918 was a repeat of the previous year. Shipments were delayed, warships were unable to sail on schedule because there was insufficient coal at the docks and material for the troops couldn’t be gathered ready for ocean transportation because there were too few cars available. Late in 1917, the United States Railway Administration (USRA) was created to take over operational control of the railroads and try to bring unity and order to the transportation system.

By moving locomotives from one area to another and having roads with spare shop capacity repair locomotives for other lines much progress was made. However power was still in critically short supply. And with the demand for locomotives to be built and shipped to France to support the American Expeditionary Force there was little chance of enough new locomotives coming from the builders for domestic use.

However, the Russian Decapods which had been built but were not shipped were available and could be modified for use in the US. And that is what the USRA decided to do. According to the USRA report for 1918, 200 of the Decapods were modified and leased by the War Department to US Railroads at $45.00 per day (see Table III).



One Baldwin leased to the Pennsylvania Railroad bore the builder’s number 47953. This is the locomotive that ultimately became the Frisco 1630. Operating as USRA 1147, she ran on Pennsylvania lines west of Pittsburgh from March 1918 until 1920. Some old PRR employees recall that USRA 1147 ran on the PRR lines in Illinois in the 1918-1919 time period. We have little other information about the kind of work she did or any specific trains that she pulled while with the Pennsylvania Railroad.

[:I] One part to go ! Have a great evening !![:I]

[trolleyboy]

Good evening gentlemen. Leon sir a round for the assembled if you please.

Tom An interesting grouping of equipment to be sure. I'm supprised that you have yet to aquire one of the Athearn Via Genesis units. One see's them on occastion still in some of our hobby shops up here,maybe you will find one in may.

You may have to bite the bullet and drive into the Sault to do one of those Algoma trips. If you do book a trip on them spend the extra few bucks and get a dome car seat ( like you wouldn't anyway ). When you book a dome on them they set you up one way on the trip up top and the other way on the bottom. Last time I was on only those with dome tickets were allowed in the dome cars as well.[tup]

I would say book the bar job on monster.com,but then I thought that that was maybe how Nick came accross Boris. I suppose you could just give the other girls a chance, you know work your way through and see who [s] fills out [/u] fills the position the best.[;)]


Al Wonderfull detail on the Dominion sir [bow] Those Angus shop built cars were things of beauty. At least several have been preserved up here in various museum collections. I think CP still has some as well in their, corporate business train and for use on the Royal Candian Pacific charter trains.


Doug Another fine installment on the Decapods. Seeing as it's still Pike perspective day did you folks know that Bachman manufactured the Russian decapod in it's spectrum steam line a few years back. Very good runners they even had the : blind drivers on them.

Glad you liked the GRR story and no Al and I are not in Cahoots just a similar thought the same day I suppose. Our museum has a few relics from the GRR bonder M4, line truck M6, locomotive 335 which was also used on the Cornwall street railway as # 17 and earlier than that on sister road LE&N as 228. I don't know of any of the GRR's passenger stock surviving, I know CP tried to get buyers in the US for them but they were set up for 1500v overhead and there was no takers. We do have combine car 797 from sister route LE&N though,the Lake Erie and Northern, will be a later juice piece.

Nick Good to see you more regularly sir ( also good because Boris cooks less now that your back [:O][XX(]. Don't just use my Juice picks for navigating TO becaus ein many cases the streets aren't the same anymore. Wouldn't want you to get lost in the shuffle.Coarse you might run into the Stones as they seem to come to Toronto quite regularly to practice up for tours and such.Knew you were joking about the recording of the concert. I'm rather on the fence about that whole issue myself,need to see how it all shakes out I suppose.

Well Boris ring up another round . Leon set em up for everyone.

Rob

[siberianmo]

Does anyone see me[?]

THURSDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS

We open at 6 AM, all time zones! (Don’t ask how we do that!)[swg]


Nearing the end of the work week for many! Time to pour a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee and try our <light> and <traditional> breakfasts. Don’t forget the freshly baked pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery!


Daily Wisdom

The similarities between my father and me are different. (Yogi-ism) Is anyone reading these[?]


Info for the Day:

* Weekly Calendar: Does anyone care[?]

Today is Fish ‘n Chips Nite!
Friday Pizza Nite! & Steak ‘n Fries Nite!
Saturday Steak ‘n Trimmin’s Nite!


SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 05:28:21 (223) Wednesday’s Info & Summary

(2) wanswheel Mike Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 05:34:12 (223) AM URLs, etc.

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 08:06:40 (223) reply to wanswheel, etc.

(4) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 08:12:10 (223) Covered the bases Post!

(5) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 08:21:46 (223) Inclusive Post, etc.

(6) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 08:59:14 (223) AM commentary!

(7) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 10:42:57 (223) Inclusive Post, etc.

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 11:35:27 (223) Acknowledgments, etc.

(9) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 12:54:43 (223) URL

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 14:23:09 (223) Pike Perspective’s Day! Locos of the Can-Am

(11) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 15:18:58 (223) Last Call: RR Book Relay!

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 16:17:48 (223) Special for Nick

(13) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 19:56:20 (223) Inclusive Post, etc.

(14) ftwNSengineer P Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 19:56:51 (223) He’s baaaaaaaack! Rule G, etc.

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 20:48:35 (224) Acknowledgments, etc.

(16) ftwNSengineer P Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 20:52:25 (224) Menu

(17) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 21:01:00 (224) reply to P

(18) passengerfan Al Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 21:10:14 (224) etc.

(19) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 21:22:38 (224) Inclusive Post, Russian Decapods, Part II

(20) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Jan 2006, 23:21:21 (224) Inclusive Post, etc.


NOW SHOWING at The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre: Is anyone interested[?]

. . . January 16th thru 21st: Disaster on the Coastliner (1979-TV) starring Lloyd Bridges, Raymond Burr & Robert Fuller.


That’s it! [tup][;)]

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

[coalminer3]

Good Morning Barkeep and All Assembled; coffee for me, round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Let's play the Delmore Brothers "Wreck on the Virginian," another happy train wreck ditty.

I raised the Budd dome question awhile back. To the best pf my recollection, there was an outdoor display model of a Budd dome car somewhere along the route of the CZ.
What's left of my memory seems to tell me it was along the D&RG segment of the route. I KNOW I have a picture of it somewhere (I think?)

My compliments on the "Dominion" post. There was always something interesting abt the so-called "secondary" trains as they seemed to have varied consists.

Sailor talk? Reminds me of the line from Spongebob (the younger set at the house tipped me off to this one). "If you're going to talk like sailors, you're going to work like sailors."

Speaking of things nautical, is the parrot back? I may be the only one who has missed him.

I diodn't know that Disaster on the Coastliner was playing at the theeater. How about seeing if you can book "Shadow of a Doubt." This one was made in 1943 and stars Joseph Cotton - he'll scare the !@#$ out of you. The railroad link is that several scenes were filmed on the SP with steam in abundance. Seriously, if you haven't seen this one, make sure you catch it sometime - it shows up every now and then on TCM. Second feature might be another Joseph Cotton picture (and one of my favorites), "The Third Man."

BTW, the last time I heard the music from this was during one of the Mentor Village Pro Musica's holiday performances featuring Boris on the zither (or was it a band saw?)

How about the following (Seaboard Coast Line 1969) to get you up and out of your chair?

"For $21 we'll rent you a room that's here today, in Miami tomorrow.

Your room between New York and Miami on the Silver Meteor costs about the same as a night in a motel ($21, plus low coach fare). Only $18 between New York and St. Petersburg on the Champion.

It's your for privacy and relaxation throughout the trip. And when you're ready, you can also go for a stroll, eat a leisurely dinner, or enjoy your favorite beverage in our lounge car. How else can you get a good night's sleep and wake up 600 miles closer to your vacation?"

Here's another one, again from SCL.

"Our Trains Feature Good Restauarants with Changing Views.

Join us for a hearty breakfast. Or simple snack. Or five course dinner. Then linger over a cup of coffee and chat as you roll across country.

SCL - Seaboard Coast Line Railroad"

work safe

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for coffee and thats all this AM as my better half says its time for me to lose the holiday plump.

Coalminer3 In answer to your question about the Budd Dome car model. It was located across the Colorado River from the D&RGW right of way through Glenwood Canyon.
Today it resides at the Colorado Rail Museum in Boulder Colorado a fitting place for it to be. It was a tribute to the California Zephyr. I remember seeing it many times and each time it seemed like it had a few more dents from rock throwers and other things vandals did to it. I don't know why some people get their kicks out of destroying things others enjoy. It was certainly worth saving and I personally am glad it resides at the museum today. By the way it is one of the better rail museums in the country. Well worth a visit.

Tom Just had an idea for the second get together how about a rail trip from Winnipeg to Churchill, everyone I have talked to who ever made the trip raved about it and I am not sure how much longer it will last. Passengers can fly into Churchill and so the train may be on the hit list. I understand it still operates a Park car.

TTFN Al