QUOTE: wrwatkins Posted: 10 Jun 2005, 09:38:56 For Tom I was not aware that this thread was blocking the name of the library and my employer D e G O L Y E R. Everett Lee, or Mr. D as he was affectionately called ,was one of the founders of many of the current day oil institutions. In 1933 he discovered the first oil in Mexico. He was also the founder and president of Amerada Petroleum, which merged with Hess to form the current company Amerada Hess. He was the father of current day geophysical prospecting starting the GSI company (Geophysical Services Inc) to make the equipment needed. GSI morphed into the current day Texas Instruments. He recognized the need for an oil field laboratory services company and also started Core Labs, the premier company offering fluid and rock laboratory services. In 1936 he realized the need for an independent company to provide unbiased third party opinions of an oil fields value. He partnered with Louis MacNaughton and they formed the current D e G O L Y E R and Mac Naughton which employees me. I never met either man as they both passed away before I came here in 1978. During WW II Mr. D was on the Petroleum Board for the government (do not remember the correct name). During his service he visited Saudi Arabia, which was just beginning to produce oil. He announced that the centroid of oil production would shift from Texas to the Middle East in the future. Time has proven him correct! He also was on the board of directors of the Southern Pacific railroad and had his own private rail car. Being a director got the car hauled free. Not a bad deal. (This is the railroad connection for this blurb) Think I have been here too long as out of our 175 employees only one professional has more tenure (by 2 months) than me. (I know where all of the skeletons are hidden). I work in the international group and specialize with 75% of my time spent on North Sea fields. The North Sea is a very mature basin and I cannot advise a recent graduate to become a North Sea expert as I am. In 10-15 years he will be hunting a job. Since I have about 200 days to go I am not worrying. The North Sea is not a bad place to work. I have only been to an offshore platform once and that was for a half day inspection. All of my work is in offices. Going to London, Copenhagen, Aberdeen, Stavanger, and Paris is not bad duty. Certainly beats the H _ _ _ out of going to Lagos Nigeria. (Been there and have no desire to return). Oh well, back to my initial thought. The four letters that are redacted, D e G O, might be construed a slur to our Italian friends with the letter E changed to A. I agree that there is no place for profanity or ethnic slurs on such a forum and I do not use slurs at any time. Occasionally a four letter word will slip out at a bad moment. If you have any input to the webmaster of this forum suggests a little correction on redacted words and ask about using spell check. I tend to have fat fingers and will hit the wrong keys. Try to catch them but occasionally one will slip through. Cheers, ***
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 10 Jun 2005, 09:53:43 *** Good powers of deduction, my friend. I'd say your theory regarding D E G O Y L E R somehow kicking in the censor mechanism for these forums must be related to the an ethnic slur .... Nevertheless, you point was made and we've managed to circumvent the censor. [tup] I have a suggestion - avoid the countdown to retirement. It's not a healthy thing to do, for you or those around you. I saw so much of that in the service that when my time came - I kept it to myself. The end of the so called line insofar as a career is concerned is as inevitable as the end of any given day. Has nothing to do with the end of being productive and happy. Just my [2c] Now, how about some RESPONSES to the activity that's been taking place 'round here[?] Geesh .... You must be way behind in the SUMMARIES [;)] By the way, this is a cyber bar ' grill, so whatillyahave[?] [swg] See ya! [tup] [;)] Tom
QUOTE: coalminer3 Posted: 10 Jun 2005, 12:09:56 Please excuse the long silence. Coffee (as always) please, and I've got to get back to it. Back from yet another road trip to Northern Virginia. Lovely weather: all the heat humidity and thunderstorms I could stand! And more of the same over here. Things were VERY quiet on the C&O and also on what little of the NS I did see. A quick comment re Our Place's most excellent (and photogenic) mascot - I have a box of Milk Bones handy at all times to pacify our K9 corps at home, and will be happy to share. I assume the mascot is in the building - Aha! over there, under the pool table - I see the eyes! One last thought (I'm 5th on the list here): I don't even think abt retirement, but I do see lots of folks counting down and I think, what are they going to do when they get out? work safe
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 10 Jun 2005, 13:00:57 G'day coalminer 3 Whatillyahave[?] C'mon - it's lunch and our sandwiches are the absolute best anywhere 'round these parts. [tup] [;)] Amazing that any of those RR's would be quiet - ever. Given what we read these days about America's overloaded trackage, etc. I'm trying to convince a friend of mine to take a day trip with me aboard Amtrak to Chicago. Go north at 4:30 AM and return aboard the Texas Eagle at 3:15 PM. That return should be fun - Superliner cars - dinner in the diner (..... nothing could be finer!) and so forth .... Heck, if he doesn't make up his feebleassmind soon, I'll go it alone! [;)] You hit the nail on the head regarding your retirement comments. That's my point exactly - the countdown to my way of thinking is anything but a positive statement. Of course there ARE exceptions and I don't want to paint with too wide a brush. I'm a living example of one who had a plan to engage in something else almost immediately upon retirement. It was good for me and those around me and I'm NOT talking about another career. I went to college - full time day student - and got educated after 32 years of service to my country in the USCG. After that - I became a police officer (reserve) and after that an advisor to my State Representative/Senator and after that ......... Just don't let the word retirement mean more than it really is. End of story. Oh by the way, your input 'round here is always welcome - so let's have some thoughts on our Rendezvous - I'd appreciate an Email tho ...... See ya! [tup] [;)] Tom
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 10 Jun 2005, 15:31:10 Good afternoon everyone Hot but settled so far today more storms are lurking though Tom I've sent you another trip thought so you will likely have two replies from me.BTW Thanks for the stool, I'm truly honoured.I'm heading to St Catharines tonight so I may have an answer on that book for you (keep your fingers n toes crossed) Oh my Boris has taken that quite seriously he's quite the contorsionist, ahhaa, that's where I've seen him before he was one of those Barnam and Baily sideshow actors( the rubber boy or something to that effect) Ted I do hope that you are spared the worst of hurricane season, i'm spoiled I live in a fairly non-remarkable weather area, few tornadoes(like one every 20 years or so)and relatively mild winters and summers aside from the occasional storm.(Sure that you don't want to retire up here? I'll shovel the snow for you ) Well gentlemen I'm off for now enjoy pizza night,Boris has been slaving over the peperoni slicer(I just hope he dosen't back into it and get behind into his work) I know that's an old groaner. A little shot of yard three last July 10th during the museums 50TH Anniversary celebration. Talk to you all later. Rob
QUOTE: Ted D. Kramer Posted: 10 Jun 2005, 16:41:45 -A very recent Post serves to remind me that the drinking age is indeed of "cyber" stuff.- Let's see, which gal is working tonight? RUTHY, so nice to see ya [ashen face]. Please set up the bar and we need to talk later, okay? Funny how "retirement," is such an illusive condition. Perhaps "planned independence" would more accurately describe this "stage" for me. I see it as sort of casting away plodding regimentation for pursuing things for which, previously, there was no time. If anything, my days are now longer than before retirement, yet pass in half the time. Think I'll leave this to those toward a more philosophical bent. Speaking only for myself: I LIKE it! ***, it is of the wildest coincidence that we should both have relatives in "T-Town." I attended the University of Tulsa in 1956 and received a Bachelors of Music Education degree in 1961. I still have immediate family in Tulsa. Not much of a railroading town, except for the Frisco "hump yards" across the River. Still, I managed to catch the Frisco, Katy, and Santa Fe action as often as possible. This is too far a "stretch" to imagine but our neighbors across the street, The Hudsons, worked for Amarada until the early 1960's. I can't bring myself to say: "It's a small......". No...it’s just too schmalzy! Okay, how 'bout another bout for this tenacious "Ten" and Ruthy; how's about closing time for a little "somebody done somebody wrong song?" G'Night folks.
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 10 Jun 2005, 16:46:45 FOR Trolleyboy Rob (and anyone else who actually reads this stuff!) First off - Congrats (again) on your entry into the Order of the Stool. Now, of course, that could have a totally different meaning if one were a hospital worker, for example! [;)] Second - Good luck on the great Canadian book hunt. Hope it turns out well! I've got the PCC car all set to go ........ [swg] Third - It surely must be MY DAY for A-holes ... if you know what I mean. I've encountered a couple in the real world and have no tolerance left for any in the cyber world ....... NOT YOU, Rob - just venting ........ [:(!] Fourth - As much as I respect many of the guys over at the "Coffee Shop" the last thing I want to do with "Our" Place is to emulate that. No thanx. We have a good thing going 'round here and let's nurture it. Seems to me that every now and then we are going to get stragglers and just plain oblivious-to-reality people dropping in. I'm not for encouraging that kinda stuff. Too many other places where these guys "ring" up their numbers count, almost as if those "stars" really have significance. [yeah]right! Fifth: There are three things in life that really bother me: (1) Warm beer (2) Wet toilet paper (3) Inconsiderate people These are the "things" that drove me AWAY from Canadian Passenger Railroads!. Asking questions, repetitively - getting no responses. Posting information - getting nothing in return. Providing some continuity - getting less than 50% in return. I just don't get it ....... never have and never will. Thank heaven for those of you who keep this idea flourishing. THANX! [tup] [;)] You know who YOU are! [;)] Sixth: I'm rambling and raving ... and it's Friday night. Pizza night at "Our" Place - the gals are here, all four of 'em. The Juke is blaring away with some Alabama hits - awwwwwwwwwright! Let's party on [swg] Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 10 Jun 2005, 17:07:58 THE GALS of "Our" Place Every now and then I need a REMINDER - who's who when it comes to our gals ...... Ruth, Ann, Lucy, Jemima - hired by Tom as the "Redhead - Blonde - Brunette and Raven haired beauty." Nick provided the names - so Ruth is the redhead, and so on ......... They work weekend nights - Friday's and Saturdays, with occasional special events - lingerie shows, etc. [;)] [yeah] Tom
QUOTE: passengerfan Posted: 10 Jun 2005, 18:26:17 NOTE: Because of the detailed and interesting information contained in this post by passengerfan Al I have included it in the SUMMARYnot as encouragement to “interlopers” but as an example of what this thread is all about! First a round for the house …..General Motors believed that a single 2,000 hp E unit was capable of pulling a six or seven car train anywhere. Since the E unit was comprised of two 1,000 hp diesels they believed that if anything happened to one diesel the other would be enough to get the seven car lightweight streamlined train to the next station although the timekeeping would be slower. That was the primary reason for so many E-3 through E-7 powered six and seven car passenger trains. Following WW II the GN put the theory to the ultimate test with the twelve car Empire Builders pulling twelve cars behind a pair of E-7 units between St. Paul and Spokane. The GN soon learned that summers they did not have a difficult time maintaining schedules but winters it soon became apparent that through the mountains an additional 1,500 hp F unit would be a great help. They even went so far as to order five F7B units to be sandwiched between the E-units. But before delivery actually took place they changed their mind and switched to A-B-A sets of F-3 and F-7 units for the Empire Builder and the problem was solved. The E-units were slippery with their A-!-A trucks versus the F-units powered B-B trucks. The GN relegated the E-units to the flatter profile regions of the railroad pulling such trains as the Winnipeg Limited, Badger, Gopher, Internationals, and Red River. The UP on the other hand preferred the ride of the E-units at higher speeds and stuck with them. There solution to Sherman Hill etc. was to operate extra E - units between Omaha and LA and Omaha and Portland. But even with four or five E-8 units on a summer CITY OF PORTLAND the timing over the Blue Mountains and Sherman Hill was very slow. Once out of these areas they ran like the wind. The Santa Fe was another railroad that became disillusioned with E units and switched to F-units for their premier trains such as the Super Chief, El Capitan and San Francisco Chiefs. Now this was a railroad that provided many miles of 90 mph running and they preferred the F-units in four unit sets. The claim for the longest passenger train in the US was by the Alaska Railroad on September 15, 1979 from Anchorage to Seward and return with 24 cars and 700 passengers. During WW II passenger trains were stretched to the length of station platforms and then some. The GN ran the Empire Builder in two sections an all Pullman and an all coach section for the duration of the war. Troop mains rarely ran more than eighteen cars. Station platforms seemed to be the determining factor of passenger train lengths particularly those station stops where passenger trains were serviced water tanks filled windows washed etc. It was expensive for railroads to stop a passenger train twice at the same station in order to service a single train. It was better for the railroad to operate the train in sections rather than as one long train. It also destroyed timekeeping.
QUOTE: nickinwestwales Posted: 10 Jun 2005, 21:10:32 Well, good evening one and all,Heavens to Betsy it`s busy in here tonight- Boris, BORIS a large glass of the special reserve if you please. Have just come from a gig over in Tenby, mostly attended by sweet young things in frankly inadequate garb, only to slip in the back door and find myself in the middle of a lingerie demonstration- Ruthie in a bra is a definite first, not that I`m complaining........... Tom-I`ll take whatever pizza is left at this time of night, apologies for jokes- they were the only "fit for general consumption" examples I could call to mind at the time. Photos will appear as soon as I have mastered scanning in and posting ( This is all very new tech. to me ) Sadly, most of my collection is on `point and press` 110 snaps so will most likely not resolve well,however,digi-cam now to hand so watch this space....... ***-hi!-Cymru--pronounced,as near as I can manage, come-ree but with slight shortening of 1st syllable, Pontypridd (dd pronounced as th ) approx 15 miles north/north west of Cardiff, heading out towards Aberdare-as to LlanfairPG, I cant even spell it all, let alone pronounce it !,however will try to find translation (even longer if memory serves). Ted had no idea you were a fellow muso-should have guessed from your delicate and measured prose style-what is your instrument of choice ?-casts a new light on implications of your recent trauma ,thanks for drummer gag-new to me, right, moonlight mile for me, BORIS, a round for "the stools"(?) -the track gang can buy their own and the girls will never be short of a drink from an admirer and frankly I think the rest of them are nearly full- Well, Cardigan tomorrow night-wild west time again, wish me luck, safe journey home one and all, regards, nick
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 11 June 2005, 01:05:27 Good evening just popping in to help Nick and the girls clean up. Nick why does Boris have those lace panties on his head? Oh I see he thought it was his new chefs hat, ask a silly question. Tom round one of the book hunt did not go well. Not to worry I have a couple more thoughts up my sleeve. Seem Tom's difficulties with the light rail in MO aren't regulated to his city. As I've mentioned before Philly is reactivating their 15th street carline with refurbed PCC's seems they spent 96 mil to refurbi***hem and the line. Remembering that it was 1992 that the original PCC line there stopped running. It seems that in the 13 years hence people have begun parking where they shouldn't and now don't want to give up their new found though illegal parking spots. The city has also proposed to make the route one way which the populace also has rejected so who knows what will happen. They commenced service on the line late last year. I may have mentioned that in 1992 my wife and some of our museum people chartered a PCC for the last day of running. Looking at one of the shots it seems some people took chances parking then as well.Have a look at see what I mean. Have a good night. Rob
QUOTE: Ted D. Kramer Posted: 11 June 2005, 07:28:12 It’s a beautiful Saturday morning somewhere in the U.S but here is down right obscene. Rob, another summer here like last year and I may seriously consider reconnoitering your modestly touted area. Being totally retired and free of personal "excess baggage," anything is possible. Please Tom, I know you've hardly had time to retrieve the cash drawer from the upstairs water closet but a "stiff" Royal would be "to die for" about now. Thanks. Oh, had a "heart to heart" with Ruth and all is now (as before) of a platonic nature. Nick, good form! Glad to see you in so early. Matah is anticipating the Hungarian fete I have been promising and her Achiles' heel is Poultry Paprikash...a problem? I guess the band will be doning their Cardigans for tonight's gig. While working my way through College and later "moonlighting" in the Military, I worked lots of gigs ("casuals, club dates, dances," et al.). Most of my work was of the Tuxedo variety and the bands were "sweet" to "ad nauseam." Ted Weims, Bob Crosby, Jan Garber, Lester Lanin, etc., etc.! Occasionally, I was called to "sub" on bass trombone with the Kenton, Ray Anthony and Les Elgart bands. Had offers for the road but that Degree came first!!! Maybe some more on this later. Al, I can appreciate the reasons for breaking long trains into sections. One particularly nasty winter, I rode the B & O Capitol Limited (just another train by then) from Baltimore to Chicago. The consist was over 20 cars. The last eight cars were Pullman and all through W. Virginia and Ohio, the steam lines were freezing-up. Every time we stopped, a crew with blow torches were thawing the lines. We were a full 6 hours late arriving. Fortunately, I didn't go for the extra buck and was, at least, warm in second class (coach). By far, the worst tragedy was the club and dining car's supplies were exhausted and no effort was made to rectify the situation (add-on diner). Great Blue Balls of Scotland! Look at the time! I'm going to be late for Dr. Peter R. Longs' lecture on Feline dental hygiene over at the High School Gym, Cafe, Audi, Cine, Recreation Center. Hate to leave good company in a rush. Oh Boris, I'll take one of those miniature Royal's to go please? No, not that chess piece...Oh forget it! See ya my friends.
QUOTE: CFournier Posted: Today, 09:42:13 [sigh] Hello to all of you guys. I have been in the hospital for 8 days no, with a pneumothorax, my right lung collapsed Saturday morning last week and I had a rough time since then. Yesterday, the surgeon operated on me with, a new technique they say, and they say it was a success. I'm still in the hospital for recovery, and should be released late next week. As you can see, I got my laptop in my room and can communicate with the outside world... [%-)] I MAY SOUND FUNNY at times, the Morphine will keep me away of any single malt you may offer. [sigh] Got to go for an x_ray again [sigh] I'll be back in a little while. Chris, in the Northern Dominion...
QUOTE: CFournier Posted: 11 Jun 2005, 10:44:05 Now, first thing i need is hot cider with cinnamon, Boris and keep the old caribou out of my sight Hey Tom, did I miss something about a yearly convention of the oldtimers of this venerable group of ours, the wild bunch of ``Our Place``? I cannot read my emails from last week because I'm using another coputer with a distinct email address. Can you explain about this little gathering? BTW, I'm sending you a new email address that I will be using for the next month since I am on a sick leave, not going to the office for a few weeks.Chris
QUOTE: passengerfan Posted: 11 Jun 2005, 10:50:39 Chris this is passengerrfan my prayers are with you for I had a similar occurence years ago and i believe that the medicos have come a long ways since my pneumothorax. Good luck. If you ever feel like an online chat or need words of encouragement just contact me anytime. I've been through what you are going through and if I can help please don't hesitate. It only gets better.
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 11 Jun 2005, 10:56:01 Chris Oh [yeah]did you miss some stuff round here .... scrolling back a couple of pages will catch you up on the Rendezvous. Insofar as the Emails go, I'll fill you in once your new address is received! Best regards! [tup] [;)] Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 11 Jun 2005, 11:07:28 Hey Chris Since I had no clue what pneumothorax is, I looked it up in Carol's medical dictionary – [wow]! Bad news, for sure. So, HOW did this condition occur [?] If, you feel a bit ill at ease discussing it in cyber space, as is appreciated, please send me an Email. Oh [yeah], we don't want Boris getting too close to you or anything he's touched that will come in contact with you. Nick has provided some info that justifies the precautionary measures .......... [swg] Again - best to you for a speed recovery. [tup] Tom
QUOTE: Ted D. Kramer Posted: 11 Jun 2005, 19:47:37 Good heavens Chris, no sooner does this thread begin, than our "Magnificent Ten" begins to evolve into "God's Waiting Room" [much like an Amtrak Station!] I'm sure I echo best wishes from all your Buddies for a safe [no matter the time] recovery. Also, I'm certain Tom will "fill in" the details for the proposed "get together." It hardly seems the time for humor but imagine what "modern science" could do with our spare parts? A "Candy Stiiper" (V..A. Hospital) told me they saved my index finger for a Wendy's order of French fries (Chips, to you Nick). Let us not forget the therapeutic value of chicken soup of which Nick will assuredly advise. Okay Jemima, a 'round for the still standing (or otherwise indisposed)/b] and for bonhomie Monsieuer Chris Fournier; the best vintage in the Cellar, as Tom instructed. Our hope is for a safe and comfortable convalescence. Oh No Boris! That wine is for "All Saint's" Parrish and Fr. Flatski's Rectory which is "on age" until Sunday Mass. You had best handle this Tom! Bon soir Amis.
QUOTE: comechtech Posted: 11 Jun 2005, 22:12:52 Hi! I'm a newby to this, so please excuse me if I am in the wrong area. I am looking for info on the old UP "Colorado Columbine" train that began running in the '30s from Chicago to Denver, where I am. My wife wants me to model it for her, and I am seeking data on train consists, what type and number of cars, color schemes, engine types, in short, just about anything I can get. Is this the right place, or can you direct me there? Thanks in advance.
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 12 June 2005, 01:39:48 Good evening everyone. Late catching up to you all as per usual. Chris Wow I hope you have a speedy recovery as well,watch yourself especially in this heat were having right now. Tom I know fully understand your trials and tribulations over the light rail no need us flogging this particular dead horse anymore. Today was my day for Aholes as well. It's amazing what heat brings out in the human beings. Tom in regards to the meet I'm good for any timeframe that we feel works for everyone, I have 5 weeks of vacation to play with so spring / summer it's all good. The only season not good for me is fall/winter. Too cold to be hospitable then anyway. I think I'm museum bound tomorrow the operating crew looks thin, if I'm not needed there I'll check in at a more rational time. Later today. Rob
QUOTE: Ted D. Kramer Posted: 12 June 2005, 08:21:23 Comechtech, may I make so bold as to refer to your Christian name? Dennis, you have "hit the Bullseye," so far as the "right place at the right time." Although my sphere of railrodiana centers a bit east of the Colorado area; I surely appreciate the incredible history, raw beauty and endless variety of operations in your beautiful State. I mean, few other areas have the U.P. "Big Boys" to the rugged little Shays on offer. I took the Pike's Peak cog (verticular?) round trip a few years ago, very impressive [14,110 ft. elev.]. I'll lay ten-to-one that one of our "Regulars" will either have the data you seek or bona fide links to same. Tom, the Proprietor and others, should be along presently for a proper welcome to "Our" Place. So Dennis, pull up a stool, give a thought for your choice of libation which Tom gratuitously "covers" for new Customers. Let me be the first to say welcome to you and your question which surely fits the parameters of this Venue. Oh, by the way, what gauge are you working with? It will be helpful for referring to specific manufacturer’s kits, r. to r.'s, etc. I have to run (maybe walk) some errands in the Village now, so I'll leave you in the good care of Tom and the gang. What's that Dennis? Oh, that's Boris our full-time assistant cook, bottle washer and curiosity. He has a little problem with English and confusion can and does result sometimes. But, to date, he hasn't caused any problems that Tom or one of us can't sort out for a logical solution. Hope to see ya again 'round these parts. Cheers!
QUOTE: passengerfan Posted: 12 June 2005, 09:12:09 Just sent an Email to Dennis re the COLUMBINE thought it was to long for our Place so sent it to him directly. Morning all time for coffee and a quick hello than I hope to be able to get some railfanning in today. Think I will visit the two local stations the former AT&SF and former SP both are operational with Amtrak serving both and the ACE trains serving the former SP station as well. If I have enough time will try to get over to the former WP station in a terrible state of disrepair. Well Chris hope this morning finds you better than yesterday. Having been where you are at I know it is a long slow process but believe me it will be better, time is the magic healer where a pneumothorax is concerned.
QUOTE: Ted D. Kramer Posted: 12 June 2005, 09:25:35 Oh, oh! I forgot this was Sunday. "Our" Place is closed until Monday morning so check in again then. Yeah, our County still has "blue laws."
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