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Posted by pwolfe on Saturday, March 18, 2006 12:27 PM
Hi Tom and all.

A pint of Guinness and a Bacon Sandwich if there is one left.
I missed a great day yesterday.with TOM NICK CM3 LARS DOUG AND COMETECH.
I was ready to join in early but I had no internet connection. The bride was on the phone for 45 minutes on hold later in the day but there was a technical problem with the broadband. We were connected this morning and it is a lot better .

[wow] What a great Gazette Special Issue[tup][tup][tup]. With the history of the opening of the CAN-AM and the Irish connection, the jokes and the Beer Notes ETC Wonderful . it will be something to go to if I need cheering up sometime.


Great post and photos on Irish Rail. I will add a little on Monday as it is Encore day today.

Thanks for the Encores TOM , ROB and DOUG.

I hope it wont be too long before the Streamliners are back AL.

Well as penance for missing yesterday I will load the empty Guinness barrels in to the cars and try to get the glasses cleaned. If I,m lucky there may be some of the Irish Stew left. PETE.
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Posted by siberianmo on Saturday, March 18, 2006 1:21 PM
ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday
first Posted on page 167

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

. . . . . . . . . . The Pocket List of . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . Railroad Officials . . . . . . . . . . . . .


. . . . . . . . . . Containing the Names of Officials in Charge of . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Railroads in the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
United States, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico & Dominican Republic

Showing the Gauge of each road, Number of Miles Operated and Rolling Stock in Service of Each Company
. . . . . . . . . . Also List of Private Car Companies . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . PUBLISHED QUARTERLY . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . Distributed approximately the last week in the months of
. . . . . . . . . . . JANUARY, APRIL, JULY and OCTOBER . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . SUBSCRIPTION PRICE (Postages Prepaid.) . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . UNITED STATES and Possessions - - $8.00 Per Annum . . . . .
. . . . . FOREIGN, including Canada - - - - - - $8.50 Per Annum . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . Single Copies - $3.00 . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . For Advertising Rates Address . . . . . . . . . .
The Railway Equipment and Publication Co. – 424 West 33rd St. (11th Floor), New York 1, N.Y.
John A. Patee, Advertising Manger
424 West 33rd Street, New York 1, N.Y.

James M. Fawcett, Western Representative
1428 Lyton Building, Chicago 4, Illinois



Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
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Posted by LoveDomes on Saturday, March 18, 2006 1:50 PM
G’day Tom and Gents at the Bar!

Feeling just a bit “fuzzy” this day [swg] and of course, I’ll never learn! Where did I hear that before[?] Oh yes, just this morning, from the wife![swg]

A glorious day it was and not without controversy. The times we live in are most perplexing to an old fart such as I. Check out this URL from the NY Daily News for some pix: http://www.nydailynews.com/services/gallery/
Where it says “Enter Gallary” click – then scroll thru the parade pix and much more . . . . you’ll see what I mean about controversy. Not the place here on the Forums to get into “that!”

Tom You surely deserve a break for all the work you have done for us all lately. Let’s see, just within two weeks you’ve organized and ran two Birthday Bashes – twice weekly “specials” for Railroads from Yesteryear – Canadian Railways of the Past – European Railways and of course the Gazette and St. Pat’s Day “stuff’ I’d say you’ve done more than anyone could possibly expect. A five-[tup] salute to you, Sir! [tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]

Don’t quite know what to make of the absences and planned ones. Guess we just chalk it up to “that’s life!” Fellas, I’m really not in the “mood” for much more – so let’s just say, I’ll see ya later!

Buy the guys a round on me . . . nothing for me, though! That “stuff” about a “hair of the dog” might just make me head for the leeward side![swg]


Until the next time!

Lars
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Posted by passengerfan on Saturday, March 18, 2006 4:51 PM
Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang. Just stopped by for a few minutes to tahnk everyone for the St. Patricks day outpouring . congrats to all. Guess its time for a CR and a round for the house.

TTFN AL
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Posted by comechtech on Saturday, March 18, 2006 5:11 PM
Good day Tom and all present. How about a round for all and some extra on the till for those who come in later, OK? I see from past posts that a Kahlua milk shake isn't unknown so I will order one, please. Next time in I'll leave a couple of bottles of my homemade Kahlua, I make it with everclear!! I'll give the recipe to anyone who wants it, IT'S YUMMY![:D][}:)] I agree with Lars about the kudos owed to Tom. Without his tireless efforts, this string would just be another "HoHum" place, not knocking the input from you other guys, but lets face it, Tom really makes this place!!![^] Sorry if I'm off kilter, but that's how I feel. Al, it's always nice to see you, I've been wanting to say thanks personally for the data you sent my lady on the Columbine. Again, thanks, and the next drink for you is on me, OK Tom?[;)] Will set back for awhile, later. Dennis
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Posted by comechtech on Saturday, March 18, 2006 5:21 PM
Tom. To answer your question about retiring, you reach the age where the job is hard on the body, accumulate enough years service to add to the age and make what is called "the rule of 85" and you run like [}:)][}:)][}:)][}:)] with a pension. Kapish ? Talk more later, the drinks are on me. Bye!! Dennis
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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, March 18, 2006 6:01 PM
Good evening Tom and all. I'll have a Roy Rogers please. Thanks for the Encores sir, and this is the last part of mine for the day:

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

Every efficient business seeks to reduce its number of employees while maintaining the quality of his product. Railroads are no different. The long-term rise in wages and benefits costs have accelerated this process. Some jobs disappear because they become obsolete, as was the case of the trackwalker. As early as 1903, W.H. Camp said railroads were gradually eliminating the trackwalkers, primarily because the introduction of steel rails had made track so much more durable and safe. The section foreman took over the duties of the walker and often made inspection on a hand car. Yet it was considered prudent to patrol dangerous or troublesome sections the old-fashioned way, so the trackwalker did not disappear for some years to come.

Still, labor costs kept the pressure on to eliminate workers. In the 19th century, most track workers were dollar-a-day laborers. By 1916, the average wage for railroad workers had crept up to 28 cents an hour, and by 1941 it was 85 cents. Unions pushed for retirement and health benefits. The 40-hour work week and minimum wage created two more reasons to cut jobs. Railroad managers sought ways to downsize. The most direct way to do this was through technological changes. Diesel locomotives led to the closure of many maintenance shops and so reduced employment by the thousands. Track maintenance mechanization ended the traditional hard labor of the section gang. Advancing technology also made track stronger, more reliable, and less the collection of loose parts that it formerly had been. Welded rail replaced dubious fishplates, bolts, and washers. Screw or clip spikes did a far better job of holding rails in place. Better quality controls at rail mills and superior methods of inspection before the rail entered service greatly reduced the number of rail failures. Track inspection cars, such a s those operated by Sperry Rail Service starting in 1928, made rail inspection more of a science and less of a handicraft service. Simultaneously, many other tasks one attended to by the trackwalker began to disappear as well. Switch stand lamps were electrified, wire fences hooked into the signaling system alerted crews to rockslides, and propane heaters kept switch frogs clear of ice.

Yet, for all of these remarkable developments, some railroad managers believed the trackwalker was essential to railroad safety and that nothing could replace the attentive gaze of a good man moving slowly down the track on foot. Tom Arnold, a B&O brakeman who retired in 1976, told me in a 1995 interview that there were no trackwalkers when he started work in 1936. However, his knowledge was limited to the Baltimore area, and it is possible that the B&O had trackwalkers on the more mountainous divisions to the west.

At least one western railroad, the Southern Pacific, had a few trackwalkers on the staff in 1949-50, for Richard Steinheimer photographed one of them at work. The picture (bottom of Part II of this series) is reproduced in Lucius Beebe’s Central Pacific and Southern Pacific Railroads (1963).

The Lackawanna replaced most trackwalkers with motor cars around 1940, but it retained them on one electrified commuter portion of the line in New Jersey until at least 1969 and perhaps beyond that date, according to Perry M. Shoemaker, a former DL&W president. In a similar manner, the Central Railroad Company of New Jersey retained the use of trackwalkers on the New Jersey City to Elizabethport section of the line also until the late 1960s. The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum states that the Penn Central used trackwalkers in Altoona, Pennsylvania, area until the early 1970s.

Perhaps the walkers maintained the plodding inspection duties elsewhere on the American railroad network until a later date, but if so, we have found no evidence to confirm such activity. Just where and when the last walker made his final hike is to remain a mystery. Today such jaunts are mode from the comfort of Hi-Rail vehicles. Truck inspectors now must get their exercise at the gym instead of on the job.



Everyone ready for Sunday photos tomorrow?

[:I] A man sticks his head in the barbershop and asks “how long before I can get a haircut?" The barber looks around the shop and says, "About two hours." The guy leaves. A few days later, the same guy sticks his head in the door and asks, "how long before I can get a haircut? The barber looks around at shop full of customers and says, "About two hours." The guy leaves. A week later, the same guy sticks his head in the shop and asks, "How long before I can get a haircut?" The barber looks around the shop and says, "about an hour and a half." The guy leaves. The barber looks over at a friend in the shop and says, "Hey, Bill, follow that guy and see where he goes". In a little while, Bill comes back into the shop, laughing hysterically. The barber asks, "Bill, where did he go when he left here?" Bill looked up and said, "to your house." [:I]
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Posted by siberianmo on Saturday, March 18, 2006 7:05 PM
Good Evening!

Pleasantly surprised by the turnout this Saturday … not overwhelming, but sufficient. One just never knows at the “Feast or Famine Bar ‘n Grill!”[swg]

Some brief acknowledgments are in order:

barndad Doug
Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 10:30:04


I don’t even want to know what possessed you to not only Post that URL, but even go looking for it![swg]


pwolfe Pete
Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 12:27:33


Figured it was something with the ‘puter OR the company you had mentioned . . .


LoveDomes Lars
Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 13:50:59


I think I’ve explained to a few just where “sympathy” is located in the dictionary![swg] None from me, Mate! You reaps what you sowz![swg] Maybe the whole dog is what you need, the H with the hair!<grin>

Passing comment – my oh my how times have changed, or have they[?] So it’s “shame” on you guyz, eh[?] Seems to me the “ilk” throwing that around are indeed to be shamed. Thanx for the URL and the round![tup]


passengerfan Al Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 16:51:26

Not sure I’m following your line of thought, however surprised and pleased to see ya!
Thanx for the round![tup]


comechtech Dennis
Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 17:11:49 & 17:21:25


Twice in daylight! Awwwwwright – thanx for the round and kind words![tup] Retirement[?] I’ve been in that situation since 1988 – know all about it. Was just yanking your chain regarding working for a brewery.[swg] Not sure about that recipe – I use milk for cereal![swg] Just a “hard core” beer drinker and JD on the rocks kinda guy![tup]


barndad Doug
Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 18:01:16


Thanx for keeping “the spirit” of ENCORE! Saturday up ‘n running![tup][tup][tup]

Haven’t commented about your “jokes” because they aren’t![swg] Mine from yesterday, however, were in keeping with the occasion. Why are you H-bent on torturing us[?][swg]

Didja get the word about the RR Book Relay![?] Book received . . .


Some comments for Sunday Photo Posting Day!

For the “Browsers” we appreciate your stopping by, however, there IS a little something you could add to make our efforts a bit more worthwhile. Add some comments – especially if you happen to be one of our customers!

For the “Posters” Also, while all of the Pix are most appreciated, it would really help a whole lot if rather than Posting a bunch at a time – spread ‘em out throughout the day. That achieves a couple of goals: keeps the Thread “up” on the “Forum” page and entices the guys to come back for a “look see.” Pix-dumping” just shoots the wad, so to speak . . . think about it.


Leon the Night Man takes the bar at 9 PM (Central)


Later![tup]

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!
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
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Posted by siberianmo on Saturday, March 18, 2006 7:14 PM
ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday

Here's one that didn't make it on Tuesday for our "Southern Railway Theme Day!"

Here’s another Fallen Flag for the gang from Classic American Railroads:
first Posted on page 155

Southern (SOU)

Headquarters: Washington, DC

Mileage in 1950: 6,300

Locomotives in 1963:

Diesel: 644

Rolling stock in 1963:

Freight cars: 40,038
Passenger cars: 587

Principal routes in 1950:

Washington, DC-Charlotte, NC-Atlanta, GA-Birmingham, AL-New Orleans, LA
Cincinnati, OH-Chattanooga, TN-Birmingham
Danville, KY-St. Louis, MO
Chattanooga-Memphis, TN
Chattanooga-Morristown-Knoxville-Bristol, TN
Chattanooga-Atlanta-Valdosta, FL-Jacksonville, FL
Valdosta-Palatka, FL
Salisbury-Asheville, NC-Morristown, TN
Asheville-Spartanburg-Charleston, SC
Charlotte-Jacksonville
Danville-West Point, VA
Greensboro, NC-Norfolk, VA
Rome, GA-Mobile, AL

Passenger trains of note:

Aiken-Augusta Special (Washington-Salisbury-Augusta)
Asheville Special (Washington-Greensboro-Asheville)
Birmingham Special (Washington-Lynchburg-Bristol-Knoxvillle-Chattanooga-Birmingham
Carolina Special (Cincinnati-Knoxville-Asheville-Greensboro & Charleston)
Crescent (New York-Washington-Atlanta-Montgomery-New Orleans))
Florida Sunbeam (Cincinnati-Atlanta-Florida points)
Kansas City-Florida Special (Kansas City-Birmingham-Atlanta-Brunswick & Florida points)
Peach Queen (Washington-Atlanta)
Pelican (New York-Lynchburg-Bristol-Knoxville-Chattanooga-Birmingham-New Orleans)
Piedmont Limited (Washington-Atlanta-Montgomery-New Orleans)
Ponce de Leon (Cincinnati-Atlanta-Jacksonville)
Queen & Crescent (Cincinnati-Chattanooga-Birmingham-New Orleans)
Royal Palm (Cincinnati-Chattanooga-Jacksonville)
Skyland Special (Asheville-Jacksonville)
Southerner (Washington-Atlanta-Birmingham-New Orleans)
Sunnyland (Memphis-Birmingham-Atlanta)
Tennessean (Washington-Lynchburg-Bristol-Knoxville-Chattanooga-Memphis)
Washington-Atlanta-New Orleans Express (Washington-Atlanta-Montgomery-New Orleans)

Of note:
PRR handled SR trains east of Washington.
N&W handled SR trains via Bristol between Lynchburg and Bristol.
A&WP handled SR trains to and from New Orleans via Montgomery.
WRofA and L&N handled SR trains to and from New Orleans via Montgomery west of Atlanta.
Frisco handled SR trains between Memphis and Birmingham, west of Birmingham (The Kansas City-Florida Special).
Frisco handled SR trains handled the Sunnyland Memphis-Birmingham route.
SAL handled SR train The Florida Sunbeam south of Jacksonville.


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
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Posted by comechtech on Saturday, March 18, 2006 7:16 PM
Hi, Tom. I knew you were joshing me.[:D] But I do know of several people who work at the brewery proper who don't want to retire because they know where there are taps in the basement where they can get "freebies" any time they want![}:)] Alkies Unanimous, fer sure, fer sure!! Still playing catch-up with the past pages, still got about 180 to go, so I'm off to read some more history. Another round on me, I'll check back in later. Ta Ta fer now. Dennis
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Posted by nickinwestwales on Saturday, March 18, 2006 7:37 PM
Well good evenin` yer honors and may Lady Luck favour all here....
Thought I`d better wobble in and relieve the girls for their meal break before the usual weekend mayhem.....will write out the menu as soon as I decide which eye to close for best focusing.
With that in mind-better get `em in:-
So-for [4:-)][oX)]TOM-( when he wakes up from his snooze on the pool-table-actually Cindy,could you stick a cushion under his forehead or he`ll wake up with a face like a relief map of Wyoming again )--A glass,an ice bucket and a bottle each of Jamiesons,Black Bush,Old Paddy and Lagavullin for a blind tasting-A two stage contest,first-which is the scotch,second-which Irish is which.....[tup][}:)][tup]
For ROB-how about a Mangers cider ?-I deliberately kept the crates hidden last night,given the state of the track-gangs it seemed the wisest precaution.........
For LARS-Hmmm...You sound somewhat jaded my friend-this wont do-especially as you are due to judge the Miss Mentor Pageant in the school sports hall at eight o`clock ( Stools bring responsibilities.....[swg]...)-I think what you need is the Keith Richards special Bloody Mary ( Enough vodka to significantly alter the viscosity of the drink plus enough Tabasco & Worcester sauce to cause a heart murmour ................serve near frozen if possible ) followed by a coffee of the sort only your fair City can provide.
For DENNIS-[#welcome]-Hail fellow and well met [tup]-a Killians for you Sir
For DOUG-Along with ROB,I have you down for the Mangers cider for your bottomless draught tonight-just bear in mind,you drink it like beer but it`s as strong as a lot of high-end wines.......[tup][}:)][tup]
AL-A large Crown Royal with water back for yourself...
PETE-The Guinness is at it`s peak-enjoy[tup][^][tup]--bacon butties ALWAYS available
--Right-which bright spark let Tex out into the galley before the party leftovers had been put away---there`s `dillo poo everywhere out there-It smells like a heavy metal band`s tourbus.....
Back in a bit.......BORIS...!!!!!!!!HERE,NOW!!!!!!!
Later[C=:-)]
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Posted by nickinwestwales on Saturday, March 18, 2006 9:50 PM
My word,that was one of the least pleasant hours I`ve spent recently-However,I am happy to declare the galley open again and as a gesture of confidence a member of staff will eat the first meal prepared....(.it`s just too easy really.....Boris,little treat for you-go eat dinner........)
Right,time to get to posts,
[4:-)][oX)]TOM--Mouse never made the crossing,but appreciate the verse[tup]-no worries Mate....Serious pat on the back time for yesterday-Huge effort,I for one,thoroughly enjoyed it....[tup][tup][^][tup][tup]--will bring everybody up to date directly.
--By-the bye:-nice touch giving us Milw.Rd orange after all the green [swg]
ROB-How are you dear boy-appreciate enquiries r.e. health-2 bugs doing rounds,one `flu,one gastric,had both in quick sucession ( band pix taken during few days between)-somewhat lighter and paler than previously but making steady progress[^]
Glad the Gazette was able to help with the family jigsaw-Those pegs should be worth a bob or two................
R.E the menu-Irish cuisine is shaped by two linked factors--climate & availability of produce.
As to the first,like Wales,Ireland has 2 seasons-July(often wet,sometimes warm) and winter(varies from "very wet "to "I didn`t know there was this much rain on the planet" )
will discuss produce some other time.
LARS-Are you still here ?-Leon.go fire up the motor,Mr LARS needs to be across town very,very soon-nice URL by the way,further evidence that life is stranger than we could ever imagine-good luck with the pageant [swg]
DENNIS-Nice to see you again [tup]-come and join us,always a spare seat,-so-whats the spark with the modelling-the narrow-gauge trains or the mountain railroading..?--curious minds need to know.....[^]
DOUG-Hey there,glad you weathered the storm-where to start ?-Loved the URL,jokes remain at an unreachable standard,good call on the encore,loved the pix of the old trains last weds.( big thank-you to everybody for that-just caught up on it)
AL-Thats a fine and laudable work-ethic there my friend,drop in and see us when you can[tup]
PETE-What-ho !-desperate day of rugby-we shall speak of it no more[V][V][banghead][V][V]....hope the machine is settling down-you pay for a service,you should reasonably expect to have that service provided...........
Well gentlemen,It`s been an exciting second day of the village`s big weekend-we started straight after breakfast with the junior events,by early afternoon (and an earlier lunch) we were set for the first 4 rounds of the Pentathlon,as you will no doubt know by now,the greens & oranges are tied with the Baseball tomorrow afternoon to decide the contest.
After the Miss Mentor contest we have a late entrant to the programme-Apparently the entire Can-Am International Zeppelin fleet:-The Draig Goch,The Liberty Belle,The Michael Collins and the Red Hand,will be making a low-level fly by along the rail-line,test firing the laser light show for tomorrows grand finale over at Mentor bowl.
Speaking of the bowl,be sure to get over there later for the Symphonia-they are playing different and exciting versions of "Fanfare for the common man","Pictures at an exhibition" and then the "Planets"suite for a climax with the fireworks as a back-drop-should be a drop-dead show.
Mystery still surrounds tomorrow nights` special guests,although The Gazette can reveal exclusively ( through a reliable source at the Can-Am Intercontinental ) that the entire top floor of the hotel has been rented to a Mr C.Watts of Wembley.Middlesex. and the floor below to a Mr Richards who gave his address as "somewhere in Conneticut"
Looks like moonlight mile time for me,a round for all before I go,
Have a good one,nick[C=:-)]
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Posted by siberianmo on Saturday, March 18, 2006 10:06 PM
G'Evenin' Gents!

All's well with the world now that we've heard from Nick at NIte![swg][tup] Two fine Posts, Sir and just the "shot in the arm" this place needed![tup]

Are you teasing us a bit with perhaps a lead-in to the next Gazette article[?] Mr. C. Watts & Mr. Richards, hmmmmmmmm.[swg]

With all of the mentioned activities taking place this weekend, no doubt the patronage of the bar has been somewhat impacted. Wudda thunk otherwise, but we'll remain open 'til there's no call for bar goods.

My guess is Cindy is a "lock" for the "Miss Mentor" title.[yeah] She's MINE - MINE I tell ya, MINE![:O]

Let's go Greens![tup]

A parade of Zeps. What's the chance of getting aboard for a ride[?] Do you have an "in" with the Kommandant Kommander[?]

You've made the wheels not only turn, but spin! Thanx for the round(s)![tup]

Remember, Leon the Night Man has the bar!

Nite![zzz]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
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Posted by trolleyboy on Sunday, March 19, 2006 12:21 AM
Evening Leon , I will indeed partake in some of Nick's maagers cider speacial reserve [tup]

An interesting day to be sure around here with most of the regulars at least glancing in through the windows, even after such a booze soaked day as St patrick's day in Mentor[:0][B)][xx(]

Doug as Tom had mentioned the book did indeed arrive, I think that they found the one poney express horse and rider still working[:0][;)] Nice to see the trackwalkers piece again as well.

Nick It was a very good idea to keep the cider underwraps with the trackgangs in, you know how they take to it like babes to mother's milk , with the unfortunate after effects in the pool room[:0][:p][xx(]. Good to know that you are on the mend,also glad that the H&H trauma team did not need to come and nurse you back to health[B)][:0][;)]. On another semi related note, I hear that teh Kommendant of the Zepplin fleet has decreed that the parade flyby will be made by the crews wearing their summer undress uniforms in honour of the Miss Mentor Pagent[;)][:D][:-^]

Lars & Dennis I whole heartedly agree with the 5 [tup] salutes to the good captain of the good ship our place. With his trusty crew and first mate Cindy[;)][:D][:-^] how could we ever get steered wrong[?]

Leon here's a donation for the Monday round slush fund, and a couple of toonies for the coal scuttle.Perpetual railroad trillogy for the Sunday picture posters.[;)]

Rob
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Posted by trolleyboy on Sunday, March 19, 2006 12:30 AM
This will likely be the only pictures from me this week, I'm working all day and having a birthday bash for Heather this evening so I may or may not make it back later on. Just some locomotive odd balls this week. Enjoy Rob



VIA's Home Hardware locomotive at Bayview jct.



Ontario railinks GP10 ( ICG rebuild ) at Brantford with the steel train



An MP15 CSX forgiot to repaint july 1995 in Chicago



A Wabash shop switcher (Tilly) preserved by the Elgin County rail Museum in St Thomas On
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 19, 2006 5:43 AM
Good morning all. Here are some random photos of some of the equipment (that I could identify) that hides in the "back" of the property at IRM.





Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee 1002
Builder: American Car & Foundry Company
Year Built: 1926
Length: 37ft 9in
Width: 9ft 6in
Height: 11ft 6in
Weight: 38300 lbs
Brakes: H
Trucks: Huntoon Archbar
Description: Wood Caboose


Chicago & North Western X300902
Builder: Pullman/Pullman-Standard
Year Built: 1936
Seats: 36
Length: 78ft
Width: 10ft
Height: 12ft 8in
Weight: 98460 lbs
Brakes: AHSC
Trucks: UP-Pullman 4 Wheel
Description: Baggage/Bar Room (ex City of Denver 70 / ex 11701)







Chicago Sanitary District 39
Builder: Western Wheeled Scraper
Year Built: ???
Length: 41ft 6in
Width: 10ft 8in
Height: 7ft 9in
Weight: 60000 lbs
Brakes: AB
Trucks: Bettendorf
Description: MWD Dump Car


[:I] Resolving to surprise her husband, an executive's wife stopped by his office.
When she opened the door, she found him with his secretary sitting in his lap.
Without hesitating, he dictated, "...and in conclusion, gentlemen, budget cuts or no budget cuts, I cannot continue to operate this office with just one chair." [:I]
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 19, 2006 5:49 AM
Good morning again gents! This might be the last pix I submit today. The wife and I have an anual horse auction that we like to attend, and today is the day. They mostly auction horse-related products, and not so many horses, so it's a good place to stock-up on that kind of thing, or do something stupid like purchase a 6th saddle for our one horse! Sheesh [:p]

Here are some pictures of a car at the IRM that I cannot identify. Can anyone tell us what it is or how old it is?








Here are some more cars I that I don’t know much about. Anyone care to provide information besides the following?

Association of American Railroads X201
Builder: Buda
Year Built: 1936
Length: 22ft 4in
Width: 9ft 10in
Height: 10ft 4in
Weight: 22000 lbs
Brakes: Bendix
Trucks: Buda
Description: Rail Test Car



[:I] A big earthquake with the strength of 8.1 on the Richter scale has hit Mexico. 1,500,000 Mexicans have died and over 3 million are injured. The country is totally ruined and the government doesn't know where to start with providing help to rebuild. The rest of the world is in shock. Canada is sending troopers to help the Mexican Army control the riots. The European community is sending food and money. The United States is sending 1,500,000 replacement Mexicans. [:I]

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Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, March 19, 2006 7:26 AM

(courtesy: www.trainweb.org)

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


SUNDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS


We are CLOSED on SUNDAY! However, it is Sunday Photo Posting Day![tup]


Daily Wisdom

Little League baseball is a good thing ‘cause it keeps the parents off the streets and the kids out of the house!”[swg]
(final yogi-ism)


Info for the Day:

Railroads from Yesteryear – Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RG) arrives Tuesday!

* Weekly Calendar:

Wednesday: Pike Perspective’s Day!
Thursday: Fish ‘n Chips Nite!
Friday: Pizza Nite & Steak Nite!
Saturday: Steak ‘n Trimmin’s Nite! – and –
ENCORE! Saturday


SUMMARY

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

(1) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 00:01:33 (279) Inclusive Post

(2) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 00:14:07 (279) ENCORE! Classic Steam #14

(3) comechtech Dennis Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 00:24:24 (279) for Rob

(4) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 00:53:16 (279) Classic Steam #17[?][?]

(5) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 06:18:20 (279) Inclusive Post & Encore: Walking the Track

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 06:38:51 (279) Saturday’s Info & Summary

(7) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 09:26:27 (279) ENCORE! Walking the Track, part II

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 10:05:34 (279) Acknowledgments

(9) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 10:30:04 (279) Only in America!

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 10:33:39 (279) ENCORE! Milwaukee Road Ad

(11) pwolfe Pete Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 12:27:33 (279) Pete’s Post!

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 13:21:02 (280) ENCORE! 1956 Ad for RR Officials

(13) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 13:50:59 (280) Lars Talk!

(14) passengerfan Al Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 16:51:26 (280) Comments!

(15) comechtech Dennis Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 17:11:49 (280) Daylight visit!

(16) comechtech Dennis Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 17:21:25 (280) etc.

(17) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 18:01:16 (280) ENCORE! Walking the Track, part III, etc.

(18) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 19:05:50 (280) Acknowledgments & Comments

(19) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 19:14:46 (280) ENCORE! Fallen Flag Southern Railway

(20) comechtech Dennis Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 19:16:02 (280) for Tom

(21) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 19:37:51 (280) Nick at Nite!

(22) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 21:50:12 (280) Inclusive Nick-Post!

(23) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 22:06:28 (280) reply to nickinwestwales



NOW SHOWING:

The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre
Double Features! Now with The Three Stooges Short Subject![/size=3]

. . . Sunday, March 19th thru 25th: Midnight Run (1988) starring: Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin & Yaphet Kotto – and - The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) starring: Betty Hutton, Cornel Wilde & Charlton Heston. SHORT: Hello Pop (1933).


That’s it! [tup][;)]

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

Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
  • Member since
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Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, March 19, 2006 11:06 AM
Even though ”Our” Place is CLOSED on SUNDAY’s we do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day!


NOW PLAYING at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!


Midnight Run (1988)

QUOTE: PLOT DESCRIPTION:
Director Martin Brest, of Going in Style and Beverly Hills Cop fame, was in charge of Midnight Run. Robert De Niro stars as Jack Walsh, a hard-bitten bounty hunter offered $100,000 to bring in embezzler Jonathan Mardukas (Charles Grodin). Handcuffed to the wimpy Mardukas, Walsh assumes that the extradition trip from New York to Los Angeles will be an uneventful one. But the prisoner hasn't told Wal***he whole story: the embezzler owes $15 million to a mobster (Dennis Farina), and he's been targeted for assassination.

From: All Movie Guide


The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)

QUOTE: PLOT DESCRIPTION:
Cecil B. DeMille's The Greatest Show on Earth is a lavi***ribute to circuses, featuring three intertwining plotlines concerning romance and rivalry beneath the big top. DeMille's film is an over-the-top piece of entertainment, boasting hammy performances, exaggerated clichés and spectacular action sequences, including a show-stopping train wreck.The Greatest Show on Earth won Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Story.

From: All Movie Guide


Three Stooges Short Subject: Hello Pop (1933):
(Poster unavailable)
QUOTE: Featuring Ted Healy and His Stooges:
Ted Healy is an aggravated producer trying to put on a costume show, but of course he gets little cooperation from his helpers, the Stooges. At the climax of the show the Stooges slip out onto the stage under the hoop skirt of the star vocalist, ruining the scene and the show.

From: Online Filmography


If you are browsing, how about letting the guys know that you’ve enjoyed their efforts!

Enjoy![tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


REMINDER! Read the SUMMARY!
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
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Posted by LoveDomes on Sunday, March 19, 2006 12:53 PM
Greetings Tom and browsers!

So, you didn't think I'd make it, huh[?] Suprise, surprise - ole Lars ain't dead, yet![swg]

Well, well looks as if you've begun something here. You announced a bit of a slack for the day which was rather quickly followed by Rob & Doug. Given that the three of you are the heart & soul of this Photo Sunday I'd say the "free loaders" are going to be outta luck![swg]

No sweat though, I've enjoyed the pix displayed thus far and am looking forward to the movies! In fact, I think we'll head on over to the Emporium for the evening showing![tup]

Some observations: New blood in Dennis, huh[?] Ok my friend, here's the deal - sooner or later you've got to spring for some innovative contributions of your own! Yep - that's the way it works around the bar. We all post what we think will be of interest, sit back and wait for comments, then begin it anew. Of course the exceptions are out there - we've had and have some guys who don't play the game at all. But ya know - there are at least three of us who have a saying about that - Screw 'em![swg] Next time you're in when the bar is open - have one on me![tup][#welcome] aboard.

20 Fingers What's this stuff about you not being here[?] I've seen you post here AND on one of those JO threads on our forum. So, let's not hear of this anymore - you're around and THIS PLACE should be your first stop!!! How in the world do you expect us to go on without those looooooooooooooooong data dumps of yours[?][swg]

Pete Let's get this computer thing straightened out so that we can get you on board for regular postings. Always good to read you cheerful insights and I for one am looking forward to whatever it is you plan to entertain us with.[tup] A Bathams coming your way when you're in next and the joint is open![swg]

Nick did indeed "save the day" on the 17th and as always, cheered our Proprietor up immensely. I'm still detecting "something" out of whack, but he seems to be at his best when the guys are. Have one on me, next time the bar is open and you're around![tup]

Doug and Rob just a word - my take on this place lately is that it really has come down to just a few in order to keep things hopping. Take a laptop to work - and when you have a coffe break, smoke break, potty break, girl watching break, or just plain break - log in - post something - then get back to work! What do you think they're paying you for[?][swg]

Ok - that's my "note" slipped through the door and I know this isn't "dialogue day" but if I don't say it now, it won't get said at all![swg]

Next post will be some pix.[tup]


Until the next time!

Lars
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Posted by LoveDomes on Sunday, March 19, 2006 1:19 PM
G'day Tom and Gents looking in!


Another installment of some Alaska “stuff” for “the boss!” . . .


For Tom’s Alaska Trip! Alaska RR herald



For Tom’s Alaska Trip! Alaska RR emblem (wall sign)



For Tom’s Alaska Trip! Alaska RR at Mt. McKinley (lithograph)


Enjoy the pix![tup]

Until the next time!

Lars
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    February 2004
  • From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
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Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, March 19, 2006 3:17 PM
Even though ”Our” Place is CLOSED on SUNDAY’s we do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day!


Continuing with Tom’s Nostalgia! from last week, here are a few more Pix from what I remember of my childhood Lionel trains! As previously mentioned, those trains are long gone, but thanx to internet sources, the Pix remain. What you see are trains like those I purchased at a New York City train store selling “used” stuff back in the early 1950s. So, take a trip with me through what just may be the only remaining “evidence” of the trains from my yesteryear . . . .


(1) Lionel #8471 PRR NW2 switcher



(2) Lionel #2400 Maplewood passenger car (1948-49)



(3) Lionel #2402 Chatham passenger car (1948-49)



(4) Lionel #2401 Hillside observation car (1948-49)



If you are browsing, how about letting the guys know that you’ve enjoyed their efforts!


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


REMINDER! Read the SUMMARY!
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
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Posted by passengerfan on Sunday, March 19, 2006 7:16 PM
Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang.
Enjoyed the photos only wish I had some to contribute.

Photo Sundays sure do get a good distribution.
That photo posted on the former City of Denver Baggage Lounge car got me to thinking. I believe I have a bit of information on this car will have to do some digging and see what I can turn up.

TTFN AL
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    June 2005
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Posted by comechtech on Sunday, March 19, 2006 9:37 PM
Hello, all. Around for any and all present or soon to be.[:D] Lars, thanks for the greeting, but for your info, I'm an old timer newbee, check back in the pages 20-25. The wife and I started way back then, then had a house move with all the resultant problems and time offline, so I am now trying to catch up with the timeline. I am a narrow gauge, old time train nut, but the wife is into the old passenger trains, particularly the Columbine and the Portland Rose. Thats how we first got into this area, and I find the banter and worlds of information well worth the time spent reading it. We may not have too much to contribute for a while, but are here to help any way we can. Thanks for the kind words, and you'll hear from us off and on. Onward and upward!! [:D] [:D] Dennis
  • Member since
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  • 13 posts
Posted by comechtech on Sunday, March 19, 2006 9:38 PM
Hello, all. Around for any and all present or soon to be.[:D] Lars, thanks for the greeting, but for your info, I'm an old timer newbee, check back in the pages 20-25. The wife and I started way back then, then had a house move with all the resultant problems and time offline, so I am now trying to catch up with the timeline. I am a narrow gauge, old time train nut, but the wife is into the old passenger trains, particularly the Columbine and the Portland Rose. Thats how we first got into this area, and I find the banter and worlds of information well worth the time spent reading it. We may not have too much to contribute for a while, but are here to help any way we can. Thanks for the kind words, and you'll hear from us off and on. Onward and upward!! [:D] [:D] Dennis
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    February 2005
  • From: mid mo
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Posted by pwolfe on Sunday, March 19, 2006 10:57 PM
Hi Tom and all.

I'll put this in the mail-slot to say thanks for the photo day[tup][tup][tup].

NICK. As you say about the Rugby it cost me a pint of Guinness with the owner of the local Irish Pub. How have we gone so far down hill after winning the World Cup [%-)][?].

It may be of interest, with the latest issue of the(British) Railway Magazine there is a free DVD. One of the tracks is a real time view from the cab of a new class 377 EMU on the recent record breaking run from London Bridge to Brighton through Croyden.
I was able to watch this although I had no internet connection. The puter is much better now. I can get all of the Sunday photos without having to press the refresh icon several times and having to wait ages [^].

ROB Thanks for the photos its great to see some of the smaller diesel locos.[tup].

DOUG Great photos from the IRM. They have a good selection of rolling stock, I had not heard of a Dump Car before and is it best not to ask any more about it[?].

I hope we get some info on the two mystery vehicles. #175 looks very simular to the Wickham's which were called trolleys in Britain they were used by maintainance crews on the branch lines to carry the workers for inspection and light track maintainance. the open sides had canvas sheetes for use in wet weather.
I hope you had a good time at the auction[tup].

LARS Thanks for the kind words[tup] Great Alaska logos and posters, the one with the howling wolf is really special.

COMETECH DENNIS Good to see you in again, reading the past pages takes a fair while but it is certainly worth it. I have learnt a great amount on the N. American railroads at Our Place. [tup]

TOM Had a good weekend with the guests. Mentor Village had a very busy weekend too.
plenty of news for the gazette[tup].
Sad to see that was the last YOGISM they have brought many a smile over the weeks[:)]
many thanks.

Great model photos the detailing is supurb. That Switcher looks a very distinctive loco,
I wonder if any of them were saved [?].
Another good week at the Emporium thanks for the reviews.
Thanks again all for the photos[tup][tup][tup]. PETE.
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Posted by siberianmo on Monday, March 20, 2006 5:18 AM

(courtesy: www.trainweb.org)

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


MONDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS


Monday has arrived! Great way to begin the day is right here with a cuppa Joe – some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and if you’re really hungry, try our <light> or <traditional> breakfasts from the Menu Board![tup]


Daily Wisdom

No matter how hard the winter, spring always comes.[swg]


”Our” Place” ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION is Wednesday, April 12th!


Info for the Day:

Railroads from Yesteryear – Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RG) arrives Tuesday!

* Weekly Calendar:

Wednesday: Pike Perspective’s Day!
Thursday: Fish ‘n Chips Nite!
Friday: Pizza Nite & Steak Nite!
Saturday: Steak ‘n Trimmin’s Nite! – and –
ENCORE! Saturday


SUMMARY

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

(1) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 19 Mar 2006, 00:21:14 (280) Late Nite Post

(2) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 19 Mar 2006, 00:30:33 (280) 4 Pix!

(3) barndad Doug Posted: 19 Mar 2006, 05:43:01 (280) 7 Pix! & joke

(4) barndad Doug Posted: 19 Mar 2006, 05:49:53 (280) 5 Pix! & joke

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 Mar 2006, 07:26:53 (280) Sunday’s Info & Summary

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 Mar 2006, 11:06:28 (280) Movie Posters - Now Playing!

(7) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 19 Mar 2006, 12:53:22 (280) Lars Report!

(8) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 19 Mar 2006, 13:19:15 (280) 3 Pix!

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 Mar 2006, 15:17:23 (281) 4 Pix!

(10) passengerfan Al Posted: 19 Mar 2006, 19:16:22 (281) Comments

(11) comechtech Dennis Posted: 19 Mar 2006, 21:37:13 (281) Comments

(12) pwolfe Pete Posted: 19 Mar 2006, 22:57:07 (281) Inclusive Post



NOW SHOWING:

The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre
Double Features! Now with The Three Stooges Short Subject![/size=3]

. . . Sunday, March 19th thru 25th: Midnight Run (1988) starring: Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin & Yaphet Kotto – and - The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) starring: Betty Hutton, Cornel Wilde & Charlton Heston. SHORT: Hello Pop (1933).


That’s it! [tup][;)]

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

Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 20, 2006 5:55 AM
Good morning Tom and all! I'll have my usual 2 light breakfasts and a bottle of picante sauce. I figure if it won't warm-up outside, I'll have to warm the insides. Nice movie poster pix Mr. Tom, but I really enjoyed the Lionel pix! Thanks for the support yesterday Lars with your Alaska RR pix. I wish I had the portable computer you mentioned ... got an extra? Peter,t hanks for taking a stab at identifying the RR cars. I'm sure the one is a maintenance-of-way jobber, and but that's where my knowledge ends. Yes, we had a good time at the horse auction. We spent too much, as usual. I'm sure you have listed the City of Denver baggage/bar car in a previous post Al. That was my thought too when I found out where this car had been.

Time for another work-week, and this promises to be a real one, with my arriving early and staying late most every day. All the usual stuff. [B)] Have not had time to look for D&RG info yet, but will make an attempt with the time I have. Here is the 2nd part of the Tunnel series:

Tunnels by Henry B. Comstock June 1947 Railroad Magazine

Eastern portal of the Hoosac, for many years was the longest smoke hole on the North American continent. False start to the south was abandoned when quicksand was found just inside the facing. Helper engine in this 1900 photo is Fitchburg 1075, a Taunton-built consolidation converted into a compound by Baldwin in 1898.


So much for the surveyor’s work, which was done with such skill that when the headings finally met there was less than half a yard’s variance between them. But the record of actual construction was a black monument to governmental ineptitude. A huge and costly drilling machine was hauled into position and promptly battered itself to pieces against the flinty Green Mountain head. To add to the confusion, miners encountered quicksand below the original facing on the Deerfield slope and a second portal site had to be selected further along the slope.

Drilling at first was by hand; the only explosive, primitive black powder. Three times in nine years the project bogged down for want of funds. Pamphlets denounced the Tunnel politicians, urging that they be “lodged for the remainder of their days in State Prison or an asylum for idiots.” Even genial Oliver Wendell Holmes lampooned such doubtful efforts, predicting that when locomotive wheels rolled through Hoosac bore, it would be the citizens of Massachusetts to order their ascension robes. The tragic central-shaft fire of 1865 increased the demand for a general housecleaning. Belatedly the commissioners announced that new drilling methods were being introduced which would greatly accelerate the work. Word had reached them that in the Mont Cenis bore, then under construction in the French Alps, compressed air was being used effectively.

A firm in Fitchburg, Mass., pondered over the blueprints and with Yankee ingenuity improved upon the design of the hammer drills. Their pneumatic apparatus was mounted on a light pushcar, pipe-connected to large air compressors placed at both ends of the Hoosac. Deerfield River waterpower drove one pump; steam engines, the other. With sixty-pound pressure, holes ranging from four to five feet could now be put down in one hour.

We have already mentioned George Mowbray’s experiments with nitro-glycerine. In 1867 he finally convinced the commissioners that the liquid explosive would more than double the rate of blasting progress. The problem was how to handle it. Spill but a small amount on the floor of the tunnel and the spot was unsafe for months to come. Mowbray stored the treacherous stuff in a magazine near his manufacturing plant in North Adams, and shipped it to the shafts in copper cans. One winter’s day a driver named Nate Smith stacked a load of these drums on a little sled and started over the snow-covered mountain toward the east portal. The under-footing was treacherous and when he was well up the slope one of the horses stumbled and fell, dragging down his mate. The sled jackknifed and the whole outfit slithered over the shoulder of the road, tumbling end over end down the mountainside.

Nate, who had been thrown clear on the first roll, started digging a tunnel of his own into the snow, expecting any moment to be blown sky-high. But there was no explosion and when he finally summoned up the courage to slide on down the hill and release the team, he discovered to his surprise that the glycerine inside the cans was frozen stiff. That lucky accident provided the clue for safe handling of the powerful explosive. For in a solid state glycerine is quite harmless. Thereafter all nitro was pre-frozen before it left the plant.

Despite the improvements in blasting technique the state project continued to lag and in 1869 a private contractor from Montreal was called in. Soon the rock began to fly. Huge new pumps were set up at the center shaft to handle the immense quantity of water welling into it. Crews worked in three shifts, around the clock. Within two years the length of the cuttings had been doubled. Then on a November afternoon in 1873, a feeble tremor of electricity flicked along the detonator wires from a primitive hand-cranked friction machine, Twelve pounds of gylcerine roared from the depths of four stone throats and when the last loose fragment of shale had rattled to the tunnel floor a sudden lusty cheer went up. Through the dust and smoke could be dimly seen a ragged hole some eight feet square, its mica lips backlighted by the glimmer of lamps beyond. The last headings head met – an open corridor now pierced New England’s Chinese Wall.

Oratory and black smoke roiled from the West Portal as the first train out of North Adams entered the Hoosac on October 13th, 1875. A brass band raised Green Mountain echoes from its bunting-decorated platform at the portal. Statisticians loosed an avalanche of figures: More than a million tons of rock removed; twenty million bricks troweled together to form a firm sleeve at the western end, where the rock was so soft and saturated with moisture that tunnelers aply named it “porridge”. Half a million pounds of nitro-glycerine had been exploded; more than seventeen million dollars spent on wages and equipment; one hundred and thirty-nine lives “laid on the altar of transportation progress.”

In due course the little trains that scurried into the black hole grew in size. Huge Mallet engines hunched their shoulders behind he multicolored drags that creaked in steady procession out of North Adams. The full-throated exhausts that rattled dishes on the shelves and cocked the chromo portrait of Uncle Zeke at an unbecoming angle, found small room for expansion in Hoosac Tunnel. Fans whirled feebly in the central ventilating shaft. Neither they nor the two smaller chimneys on the mountain’s outer slopes did much to clear the atmosphere. Engine crews buried their mouths in wet sponges; mumbling curses as driving wheels lost their grip on slippery rails, sending still denser smoke columns up the stack.

Still worse was the plight of the tunnel workers. When the big mills came, it was no longer possible to stand between an engine and the nearer side wall. Safety niches were cut into the rock at intervals of two hundred and fifty feet. They were a help, provided you could find them in the fog. This is how matters stood until 1911, when nine miles of trolley wire was threaded through the Hoosac. Shot hot in May of that year, it fed its smoke-free energy to five diminutive Westinghouse motors. Locking knuckles with a long manifest, two of the juice jacks grumbled up the 0.5 per cent tunnel grade at a steady, twenty-mile-per-hour clip. The stubby stack of the trailing steam still spurned a drifting exhaust but its breath was no longer lethal.

[:I] The steps at the White House need some repairs so bids are taken from carpenters from across the country. First a carpenter from California looks it over. After a session of measuring and figuring he presents his bid. “I can do it for $9,000,” he says. “I’d need $4,000 for materials, $4,000 for my crew, and $1,000 profit for me.” Next a carpenter from Missouri does his measuring and calculating then says, “I’ll do it for $7,000. $3,000 for materials, $3,000 for my crew, and $1,000 profit for me.” Last a carpenter from Brooklyn steps up. Without even looking at the job site he says, “I’ll do it for $27,000.” Surprised at how high it is, the man taking the bids asks him to explain it. “It’s simple,” he says. “$10,000 for me, $10,000 for you, and we hire the guy from Missouri.” [:I]
  • Member since
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Posted by siberianmo on Monday, March 20, 2006 7:30 AM
Good Morning!

Spring arrives today, however we’re in one of those “winter advisories” in mid-Continent USA. Seems that a huge storm system is passing through, with areas to the north of us expected to get quite a snowfall – we’re looking at somewhere between 1 and 5 inches before it all ends tomorrow. Too little, too late. Winter’s over – let’s get on with spring![tup]


A mixed bag yesterday, I’d say. Looks like my plea for ‘sunup to sunrise’ Posts didn’t work – as the majority of Pix wound up at the wee hours. Nevertheless, they were appreciated – always are. Also appears that we have drifted away from the “intent” of Photo Posting Sunday! Post Pix – make comments about the Pix is the general idea.


Thanx to Rob – Doug ‘n Lars for taking the time and making the effort to provide us with some interesting Pix and descriptions![tup][tup][tup] Perhaps some do not realize what it takes to provide us with Pix – it is indeed a process of labor.

. . . First: The Pix must be digitized (either taken with a digital camera or transferred over by scanner from “conventional” sources).
. . . Second: The Pix then gets “uploaded” to a site where it can be “stored” for future use on the web (PhotoBucket, RailImages, etc.)
. . . Third: The Pix gets “downloaded” either directly to the Forums or to a WP file for Posting at a later time.
. . . Fourth: Posting of the Pix.

The casual observer may not think of any of these efforts, but I do. Thanx guys![tup][tup][tup]

Pix comments appreciated from Pete 'n Al[tup]

Lars is “right on” with his comments on what we should be doing on this Thread. The idea is to contribute to the theme – which is “Classic Trains!” That’s why the Thread was created and what some of us have been trying to maintain. The banter at the bar is supposed to be supplemental to the Posting of “train suff!”[tup]

Doug I see you’ve kicked off the new week with another fine Post – but oh so awful joke![swg]

Rob – belated [bday] to your bride!


I expect to be here for the remainder of the day . . .


Later![tup]

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!
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: WV
  • 1,251 posts
Posted by coalminer3 on Monday, March 20, 2006 9:21 AM
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Many basketballs over the weekend, 'nough said.

Lots of excellent material over the weekend.

A few comments and we'll do some Michigan material; with a nod toward our Canadian friends.

Irish Rail material was appreciated. We watched the "Quiet Man" twice over the weekend - mom for the story, me for the steam train(s). Kind of like ATK around here; 4.5 hrs late (but no big deal).

The material from Vintage Rails (late lamented publication along with Passenger Train Jornal) re trackwalkers was interesting. I remember seeing them on the B&A when I was a pup (as my youngest says, "before the earth cooled." - I wonder where she gets her attitude?) Somewhere in my mound of material I have a PRR ad abt. trackwalkers.

Picture postings - fascinating as always. Thanks for the shots of the "stuff in the back of the collection."

Also more tunnel material - I need to get some material together of the B&M electrification at Hoosac.

Then we had vintage Lionel.. I had similar passenger cars, only mine were silver with a red window stripe. I wonder how many incarnations those short Lionel passenger cars went through?

I see we are doing D&RGW tomorrow - I have some material on D&RG 1950-vintage coal operations set and ready to go.

We, too are looking at possible winter weather - smaller segment of the K9 Korps celebrated possible spring by partially uprooting the post at the end of his run; love freeze and thaw cycles; can't do anything abt. it until the weather breaks for good, then we get to play with concrete.

Here's some Michigan-related items from the ORG of December, 1969.

Delray Connecting Railroad Co.
Zug Island Route

Gen'l Offices - Detroit, MI

A terminal railroad in the "Down River" District of Detroit, MI connecting with the Detroit, Toledo and Ironton, PC, C&O and Norfolk and Western Rys.

Miles of road operated: 15.

Port Huron and Detroit RR

Port Huron, MI

Connection at Port Huron, MI - wth C&O Ry and Grand Trunk Ry. System

The Detroit and Toledo Shore Line Railraod Co.

Total mileage: 59

This railroad is owned jointly by Grand Trunk Western Railroad
and Norfolk and Western Railway and is operated for freight traffic only between Detroit and Toledo forming a link between the east, west, north and south
with joint through fast train service with Grand Trunk western to and from Toledo

work safe

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