QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 21 Jun 2005, 12:36:50 VIA RAIL's Ocean Some background and an update regarding VIA Rail's Ocean I've been following the changes due for the historic passenger train once referred to as The Ocean Limited in the glory days of rail travel, but now simply known as the Ocean. This train travels the route between Montreal and Halifax, along CN and NBEC (New Brunswick East Coast) right of way. The 100th anniversary of that run was reached on July 3, 2004, as noted in the following VIA Rail Press Release: ------------------------------------------------------- QUOTE: VIA Rail marks route's anniversary HALIFAX, July 3, 2004 -- This year, VIA Rail Canada marks the 100th Anniversary of the Ocean, the longest-running regularly scheduled and named passenger train in North American history, according to this release issued by the Canadian passenger carrier. To commemorate the occasion, VIA Rail hosted celebrations throughout Nova Scotia and New Brunswick on Saturday, July 3, 2004. The celebrations commenced in Halifax where several special guests including Her Honor, The Honorable Myra A. Freeman Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia and His Honor Lawrence A. Freeman, Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly, Barbara Kane, member of VIA's Board and Keith Moulton, VIA's Regional Director , Eastern Services attended the event. One hundred years ago, on July 3rd 1904, the Ocean made its inaugural run between Montreal and Halifax. The train, which was christened through a public contest, began as a summer supplement to the Intercolonial Railway's Maritime Express. The rail link it traveled on had been completed in 1876 as a condition of Confederation. Today, the Ocean still travels the same 1346 kilometers of tracks along the St. Lawrence, through the Matapedia valley, linking the cities of Campbellton, Moncton, Truro and Halifax, with central and western Canada. First operated by the Intercolonial Railway, the Ocean became part of Canadian National's network in 1919 and changed hands again in 1978 when VIA was formed. During its 100 years of service, it has not only remained a vital link but a source of pride and progress for communities along its route. And it has played a crucial role during the two World Wars, transporting troops to the Port of Halifax and bringing them home victorious. The Ocean has also often served as a flagship for new railway equipment and technology throughout its history. Through the years, renovations and new equipment transformed the train from one with Victorian-style wooden cars pulled by a 10-wheeler steam locomotive, to a bed and breakfast on wheels. "As the Ocean celebrates one hundred years of Maritime travel this summer, the train seems destined to continue on as an important link between the eastern provinces and central Canada well into the new century", said Keith Moulton, VIA's Regional Director, Eastern Services. On July 15, 2004, as part of a five-year capital investment program, the sprightly hundred-year-old Ocean will make its inaugural run as Canada's newest train. The modern Renaissance equipment includes spacious coach cars, sleeping cars featuring bedrooms with individual showers, service cars with a lounge area and a brand new dining car designed specifically for the Ocean. VIA Rail Canada is the national passenger rail service. VIA transports some four million passengers per year, connecting over 450 communities from coast to coast. Its operations contribute significantly to the tourism sector, generating significant tourism spending throughout Canada. (The preceding release was issued by VIA Rail Canada on Saturday, July 3, 2004.) ------------------------------------------------------- Well, I'm sorry to report that the Ocean I know has faded into railroading history. The introduction of the Renaissance equipment on the run was delayed several times due to equipment problems, one of which was freeze ups. Seems that the cars weren't insulated for Canadian winters. On June 1st, 2005, two of the three trains were Renaissance, with the third still Budd. The Renaissance cars are being refitted in Moncton, NB and will all be ready by Jan 1st, 2006, when all Budd cars will be removed. On May 30th, 2005, I sent the following letter to VIA Rail's President & CEO, Mr. Paul Côté: ------------------------------------------------------- QUOTE: Enclosed you will find copies of VIA Rail ticket receipts for two complete round trips along the entire route of the Ocean from May 5th through the 12th. These are provided only to assure you of the authenticity of our travel. All trips were aboard the Budd stainless steel equipment - our preference. My thoughts regarding VIA Rail and the use of Renaissance equipment on the Ocean between Montreal and Halifax have been documented in past correspondence. However, there are now some issues that I feel should be brought to your attention. (1) Replacing the Budd stainless steel cars with Renaissance equipment will eliminate people such as my wife and I from future travel with you. We did not hear ONE favorable comment from any of the people with whom we spoke regarding your "Euro" train during our recent trips aboard the Ocean. Some were in possession of only anecdotal information, whereas others (such as myself) have travelled aboard them. If what we heard is any indication of the acceptance level of your Renaissance cars, my guess is that it is low. (2) VIA Rail's revision of Easterly Class (June 1st - October 31st) equipment and services will not change our minds insofar as future travel aboard the Ocean is concerned. We most certainly are not interested in having a "Learning Coordinator" intrude on what we have always felt is a personal and private enjoyment of the passing world around us while sitting in the Park Car's dome. Perhaps others may require such "learning," but to turn the Ocean's Park Car into something like a tourist train is a travesty of the 100 plus years of Ocean history and service. Additionally, with just one dome car for the entire train, I can well imagine how crowded that area will be, thereby perhaps eliminating some from the enjoyment of it all. (3) Without a full service Dining Car (with traditional meal preparation), Dome Cars, and bedroom accommodations that provide for reasonable stowage of suitcases for two travelers, Renaissance falls far short of what we have grown to expect during our trips to Halifax. Those "Chunnel chuggers" were not designed for long distance travel nor have they been made to accommodate the full needs of the traveling public. In my opinion, the best Renaissance cars are the Coaches, with comfortable seating and large windows. The Dining Car is well appointed, but the food preparation (previously documented) was very disappointing. The so called Service Cars are hardly the equal of the community and lounge areas of the Park and Skyline cars. (4) The elimination of the Continental Breakfast for Easterly Class passengers during the trips of May 5th - 8th - 9th and 11th was a disappointment and one that we were unprepared for. As early risers, a light pre-breakfast in the Park Car has ALWAYS been something we have enjoyed over the 15 years of traveling that route. It appears that there is nothing special regarding off season Easterly Class anymore - even though the fares keep rising. (5) The elimination of a full breakfast in the Budd Dining Car on the westbound journeys of May 9th and 12th to Montreal was also disappointing and not at all understood. Those breakfasts have been served for decades and apparently with little or no difficulty on the part of your dining car staffs. This "getaway" breakfast aboard the train was something we always enjoyed - but apparently never to be again. (6) The reduction to two entrees in the Budd Dining Car's evening menu along with no chowder (or any soup) was really surprising. Again, over the years, we have always looked forward to the splendid and varied menu selections aboard the Ocean. How disappointing. It is with a sense of profound sadness that we bid adieu to VIA Rail's Ocean in favor of airline travel to Halifax for visits with family and friends. We will miss "you" very much and are heartened only in the knowledge that we have our memories and many, many photographs to keep them alive. ----------------------------------------------------------- Mr. Côté's response dated June 16th: ------------------------------------------------------------ QUOTE: Thank you for your letter of May 30, 2005 and for sharing your views on our Renaissance equipment as well as on the new Easterly Class. We do appreciate feedback from an experienced traveler such as you. I understand your desire for VIA to retain its vintage stainless steel equipment on the Montreal - Halifax route, as it is part of Canada's rich passenger rail history. It is unfortunately not an option as the acquisition of our new Renaissance equipment represents for VIA the opportunity to modernize its services and address, amongst many things, the need of a growing tourism market. Your comments concerning your recent May trips and our new Easterly Service introduced in early June are noted. I would like to mention tht the redesigning of our Eastern Canada service became essential for VIA in light of the increasing compettion from other modes of transportation such as airline discount carriers. After extensive research and consultation it became obvious that success for VIA in maintaining its current level of service would happen by developing products which would cater to the tourism market and by the same token contribute to Eastern Canada's economy. We are in fact duplicating to some extent the service levels which, I understand, you have personally experienced on the Canadian between Vancouver and Toronto. [Note: two complete round trips] Many of the service elements mentioned in your letter have actually been addressed within the scope of our new Easterly project. For example, those traveling in Easterly class will be provided an all inclusive enhanced meal service, which has been redesigned by our Executive Chef. The addition of a Park Car combined with the introduction of a Learning Coordinator with a focus on the Maritime learning experience has proven to be a success since its introduction on June 1st. I understand your concerns about providing sufficient access to the Dome car and of the potential intrusion by the Learning Coordinator for those passengers who prefer a more private enjoyment. I would like to assure you that we will endeavor to exceed the expectations of our passengers and to that end will monitor very closely the service delivery of our new Easterly class service. Thank you again for writing and your genuine interests in VIA's services. --------------------------------------------------------------- All of the aforementioned translates to the end of an era. I'm extremely pleased that we've been fortunate enough to have traveled the route many, many times over a 15-year span. Those Budd stainless steel 85 ft passenger cars with the Skyline dome and Park Car observation dome cars made it the special train that it was once. A dining car with a chef, lounge areas with sufficient space for people to meet and enjoy the experience, bedrooms with sufficient storage space for luggage, and cars designed for North American requirements will all be transferred to the western routes. Exception: three Park Cars for the tourist season (June 1st - Oct 31st). Renaissance - or the Euro Train - or the Chunnel Chugger - will never replace what was for us. Our travels aboard the Ocean have drawn to a close, but the happy memories will remain. Tom
QUOTE: passengerfan Posted: 21 Jun 2005, 12:52:29 Well another Morning is about over somewhere it has to be noon so will use that clock to order my first Crown Royal and water back. I think this will be one of those days where the need for doubles might be necessary. Anyway good morning to all and hope everyone has a good day. I hope they released Chris from the hospital this day and that will surely help speed his recovery. Tom, The name of the Frisco train between Tulsa and KC was the Firefly inaugurated as a streamlined steam powered train December 10, 1939. The trains were originally three cars of streamlined heavyweights from the Frisco's own Springfield shops. Each train was comprised of Baggage 30'Ralway Post Office 16-Seat Coach, 60-seat full coach and Cafe Parlor cars bringing up the markers with 16 seats in the cafe and 16 seats in the parlor section. The Firefly was deseliised in 1950 and discontinued in 1960. Well must run for now as I have more digging to do on a few other trains to complete my manuscript.
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 21 Jun 2005, 14:12:32 passengerfan Al The usual AND the bottle! Enjoy ... Appreciate the info on the Firefly - just one of many trains calling KCity's Union Station home. That is one fine structure and thanx to a tremendous effort at rehabing, one can walk those concourses and almost hear the train announcements. Now boarding, the Firefly bound for - - - - - - on track 43. All aboard. or something similar. One of the simple pleasures for me is to just sit and take in the sights and sounds of a vibrant rail station - and in my opinion, Montreal's Central Station leads the pack. Just love that place .... All work and no play makes Al a dull boy - so how 'bout one more [?] [swg] Tom
QUOTE: wrwatkins Posted: 21 Jun 2005, 13:27:34 Sob! Sob! Stop it Tom! We have prepaid for an Eastern Class RT on the Ocean the first 2 weeks in August. Sob! Sob! I am beginning to cry after hearing your rendition of the deteriorating Ocean. Say it is not so. Tell us that we will have a great trip on a great train. That is what we want. I guess we were just born 50 years too late. Then we could ride in the mansions on rails as Beebe and Clegg so well described. Even with unlimited money today owning a private car is not too much fun. You can essentially only go where Amtrak goes and from what I hear they can be bears to deal with. I have a friend who is on the board of Rail America and owns a private car. Just keeping it inspected and overhauled to meet STB specs is driving him to the poor house. My benefactor, Everett Lee ***lyer (De G o l y e r), had a private car in the 50's. Of course he was a member of the Board of Directors of Southern Pacific which gave him certain trackage rights. I guess my only hope is to get elected to the board of one of the class 1s. Hopefully it will be Union Pacific as they have a line within 5 miles of my house and would be a great place to park a private car. Eustace TX, or as we call it Useless, could use a private car parked in downtown. Sob, sob! ***
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 21 Jun 2005, 14:24:50 *** No need for sobs - none at all. Your trip WILL be wonderful and you may have the Budd equipment requested. Just check with VIA Rail (as previously discussed by Email. If you booked your trip for a Budd consist, that should turn out just fine - given that something hasn't changed along the way. If I recall, you said you had the Budd equipment for one journey and the Renaissance for the other. So, you'll get both experiences. [tup] Mine was to document what was, what is and what will be. January 1st will be the complete changeover. Right now, one Budd consist remains. The two Renaissance consists have a Budd Park Car at the rear - with a tourist flavor. Look at it this way - if one hasn't traveled the route aboard the Budd cars, then one has nothing to compare it with. My guess is there will be just as many people pleased as not. People such as my wife and I simply detest the changes and will exercise our options to avoid Renaissance in favor of flying to Halifax. Private rail car [?] [yeah] That would be the apex of my dreams, for sure. I've seen them trailing along behind freights now and then .... and of course with Amtrak. I've read about the costs and agree, it would be one ton of bucks - but then again, it's the old saying, If you have to ask about the costs, you can't afford it. That would be me ..... Okay - 'nuf said. Have a drink on me - how 'bout one of your favorites - martooni, I believe [?] [swg] Tom
QUOTE: earlydiesels Posted: 21 Jun 2005, 14:34:05 Hello everyone. A ice cold draught, please. I can be at OUR PLACE around 1900 hours Friday evening. Nick, I haven't had corned beef and cabbage worth eating in around 15 years so there is one favorite dish. I'll try about anything but I am allergic to eggs so surprise me for the others. Ah yes, the Frisco shops here in Spfld. Could build anything from nothing and make it look good. Built the 4300 and 4400 series steamers from scratch and they were just as good as anything Baldwin built. Frisco shops here were actually one of the few to completely build steamers from the ground up on a regular basis. N&W also comes to mind in that respect. I can't remember exactly but it seems the Firefly was painted blue and white and may have been pulled by one of the Hudsons the shops built from tired older engines. There is a wealth of info from the old Frisco archives that the local library is putting on the web. Also being involved with the local rail museum helps too. Went up to the demonstration rr this past weekend. Had great ridership. So far this year ridership has been down. Competition for spendable income, high fuel prices, and lack of marketing so far are the culprits. Had a dragging brake Sunday so stopped the train and made the fireman and conductor(G.M.) walk the train. One of those Canadian cars was acting up. Big holed the train seemed to fix the problem. Time for me to get another cold one, please. Where our rr crosses a major highway, we do not have any active crossing devices. Not even lights. Plenty of visibility in both directions but still idiots race the train to the crossing. I was looking one gal in the eye as she sped up and got on the shoulder to beat me around. This was happening as my fireman was watching a semi skid to a stop partly on the shoulder on his side. We don't run over 10 mph over the crossing with any more than 5 or 6 cars so the time factor for us to pass is very minimal. I am probably preaching to the choir but please, my friends, give trains the right of way. Whew. Sorry about that but I got on a roll. It's a subject I feel very strongly about. It's a truly helpless feeling when you're behind the throttle doing all you can to be safe and some dingdong gambles with their life to save a few seconds. This might be a birthday I can look forward to. They quit being fun around 21 or so. As a form of rebellion against onrushing antiquity, I am letting my hair grow out like it was back in the 80s. Has everyone seen the film DANGER LIGHTS? It's an old 30s rr themed love story. Perhaps we can view it at the party. Things should go well with Boris gone. I don't really want to think of what he may be doing. Druid type things, probably. The local library is having a get together tonight at one of its locations about the Frisco. We are going to attend and maybe learn a few things. I've rambled on enough and so far the bell hasn’t rung so I will try to sneak out of here.
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 21 Jun 2005, 15:05:12 earlydiesels Dan Hey! Good seeing you again - cold one coming right up ... [tup] Okay - it's official, Birthday Bash for earlydiesels Dan is ON this Friday evening ..... Dan will be here 'round 7 PM CDST ... awwwwright! [swg] [tup] Nick In keeping with the policy of "Our" Place all cabbage must be cooked outdoors! [dinner]That will clear the back patio of any pests for sure! [swg] Nice post and don't run off .... you're entitled to a rant [soapbox] every now and then ... all of us are! [swg] Here's that second draught ....... enjoy! [tup] [:(!] Tom
QUOTE: nickinwestwales Posted: 21 Jun 2005, 20:46:59 Well good evening one and all, TOM -hope the check-up ran to plan, A large cold one if you please and one for yourself-seem to have missed the rest of the crew again-better take for a round anyway, thank you. Okay, excuse me just a moment whilst I wander over to the corner booth and howl for a bit-----------------------[:(!] --------------------------------Ah,much better. Just spent the evening applying a mixture of waterslide and rub-down decals to my laboriously hand painted F.P.7a. A process not helped by the return of my dear heart from an evening meeting. Mmm-that went down quick,best not let the glass get warm-ah,lovely job !--Now Friday--no gigs this weekend so should be able to do the party in real time for once-menu to follow, dont worry about cabbage-I only ever use young Savoy, steamed with butter & black pepper. My train film of choice will be the B/W Classic `Oh Mr Porter` from 193 something starring Will Hay & Moore Marriott. now,Tom, whilst we`re talking films here,-the Gene Hackman item you mentioned-I remember a similar scenario but it`s stuck in my mind that the film was one of the "French Connection" movies:--I remember silver cars with blue stripe above the window and what looked like a geep on the point,although you never got a good look at it--sounds like I`ve nodded off half way through a Gene Hackman double-bill without noticing again. TED, glad to see identity crisis nearing resolution-chances of successfull romance increased when potential bride not likely to be known as Mattah Farkas....................... Feeling much better now, simple things..........night all,take care,nick [C=:-)]
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 21 Jun 2005, 21:12:57 Evening Nick - Oh [yeah]two cold ones comin' right up! [tup] Glad you're in fine form this fine night and can work earlydiesels Dan's Birthday Bash this Friday. [tup] [tup] Nothing to be concerned about regarding the med appointment - just a routine thing that I asked for. Thanx for asking (you too, Ted) [:)] Understand those needs for a howl - being around Boris for this long, makes it almost a given! [;)] Howl away, young man - hoooooooooowl! That fllick, Narrow Margin isn't one a rail fan would soon forget. Much of it takes place aboard the train - in it and on it. - along with great shots from above. Gene Hackman and Anne Archer (circa 1990) do a good job with the thriller diller .... I have it, so I'll put it on one of our three large screen TV's ..... That film you recalled may very well have been one of the French Connection fliicks ... I seem to recall that shot of the VIA car's and loco too. Not the movie I'm talking about though. Okay [C=:-)] I'll take yout at your word that this bar 'n grill won't be turned into an eye watering, oxygen mask wearing – did YOU do THAT [?] kinda atmosphere! [}:)] Cabbage and beer - right, no problems ....... ugh! Gotta get going - almost time for Juneau's before bedtime jaunt around the south forty ....... Tom
QUOTE: passengerfan Posted: 21 Jun 2005, 21:21:35 Tom For a time the OCEAN operated with other fine Observations when the trains were CN and they purchased the former Milwaukee Road Skytop Lounge Observations. These cars I originally rode on the Milwaukee Road Olympian Hiawatha and was quite pleased when they showed up on the OCEAN, SCOTIAN and CHALEUR. These cars rode well and glass enclosed rear area really gave an air of spaciousness. Seating capacity wasn't that great but the scenery took on a whole different aspect when viewed from one of these beautiful cars They really were the crowning touch to the CN OCEAN when they were painted in the Black and White scheme. Well one more round for the house and I'm out the door once again. If I ever get carried away just throw me in the shed with Boris, that should sober me up rather quickly. Had the opportunity to ride a modern open platform observation on the rear of the RAPIDO one summer day and rode all of the way from Montreal to Toronto on that platform. Figured I would never get the opportunity again. The cars did not last long on the Rapidos so was even more glad to have had the chance. They even had a piano inside the car and a straw hatted piano player when sing-a-long was all the rage. I think at the time the CN was the most progressive passenger railroad in the country at the time. Haven't heard from Chris today sure hope he was able to leave the hospital this day.
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 21 Jun 2005, 23:47:47 Good evening everyone. Any news from Chris ? I do hope he's home and relaxing. TedI'm wondering which entree you are having with that Wal-Mart wine, the white meat or the red meat? Tom My train movie vote would be for Von Ryan's Express I've always liked it. BTW I'm thinking of sending a keg of Steam whistle beer from Toronto for the Friday birthday bash. It's brewed at the steam whistle brewery in the John street round house in Toronto. I have dug up some photo's from my honeymoon we went to the Sault and road the ACR but we stopped in Huntsville on the way home and sampled the Lake of bays tourist line. At one time this railway was the land link for all the Muskoka steamship lines on the Muskoka lakes which are landlocked but navigable. They have two little 0-4-0's and a couple of coaches (open bench cars) oddly enough both the coaches used to belong to the Toronto Railway Company and were used as summer months trailers for the open bench cars like the museum's 327. I'll post them and some of the better canyon shots the next time I'm in. Unfortunately it rained / snowed on the 7th of October when we were in the Agawa canyon so the shots aren't the clearest as the day certainly was not. Nick why is Boris wearing two ties? Anyway I'm off for now catch everyone tomorrow sometime. Rob
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 22 June 2005, 04:43:34 Mornin' one and all. Just a shot of O.J. please. I'm "on the run" packing for a reunion that will take me out of State. I'll be rubbing shoulders with some folks I haven't seen for 24 years and meeting others for the first time. This was really a "spur of the moment" happenstance. But, that is often preferable to meticulously planned, controlled events that go nowhere. Sorry to miss Friday's festivities but must leave early tomorrow (Thursday) with two old retired Army side kicks sharing the driving to Md. We never know when one of these things may be our last, so I'll "go for it." No lap tops or plans for P.C. sites, thus I'll be "cyberless" for an "open ended" stint. So long until...? Happy Birthday Dan and many happy returns. TED
QUOTE: wrwatkins Posted: 22 June 2005, 08:21:57 Thanks Tom. We will have a WONDERFUL trip. I did get us confirmed in the Budd cars both ways. No Reniassance cars as I have ridden on them in the old country. Do not need to do that again when you can really have fun in the Budds. Thanks for the drink. Make it a stiff one. More bad news yesterday. I guess I will need the Murine for the red eye from the tears. Yesterday, a casual acquaintance died from cancer at age 81. You probably do not know of Jack Kilby, but he is sort of a God in Dallas. He made most of what we have today possible including this web page. In 1958 while working at Texas Instruments, Jack was the co-inventor of the integrated chip. Without his chip we would not have computers, games, talking greetings cards, and a myriad of other things. Jack will be missed and I am sure that his funeral will be over populated with civic leaders and the leaders of the computer industry. His invention was what made Texas Instruments into the giant it is today. In Dallas TI is known as "The House that Jack Built". Jack was a very down to earth guy and if you did not know him you would never guess his true fame as he never bragged. His Nobel Prize in Physics in 2000 was well deserved. Thats all I can say for now. It truly is a sad day in Big D. ***
QUOTE: wrwatkins Posted: 22 Jun 2005, 15:29:35 Well yes and no I will be and not be around for my birthday. On July 15 my wife and I are leaving for London on the 5 PM BA flight. Will leave for the airport about noon so we will and will not be in town on the 15th. I get to work in London while my wife plays and abuses the plastic. All is not bad as we will be staying at the Hilton Paddington Hotel that is over Paddington Station. I will actually be working in Reading which is about a 20 minute ride west from Paddington. Get to ride a fast train twice per day and it is free. Got a pass from First Great Western railroad to ride their trains. Not all bad. ***
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 22 Jun 2005, 16:42:35 *** As a member of "Our" Place's Birthday Watch List you can decide WHEN the festivities will occur. Nick is our Party Coordinator and is rariin' to go ........ just let us know WHEN! Regarding your upcoming trip, check out my photo site for current pix of the trains running on the Montreal-Halifax run: http://www.railimages.com/gallery/thomasweber So, whatillyahave [?] [tup] [swg] Tom
QUOTE: nickinwestwales Posted: 22 Jun 2005, 20:36:36 Well good evening one and all,happy solstice !-go and check out the moon when it rises with you tonight, not only full but due to once-a-century alignment stuff looks much bigger than usual-"Man in the Moon" face unusually clear--portentious stuff........ O.K, Tom ,how are you Sir ?-a drink for us both whilst we wait for the rush-I`ll have a cold one & I trust you`ll shake hands with Mr Alexander ? Now, that film,-The more I think about it, the more I become convinced that Gene Hackman only played Doyle in the first film, the guy from that ghastly sitcom "Married with children" took over--Ed something ? But at the same time I can remember the plot line with them flying out of Marseilles to Montreal or somewhere & then taking to the train with Gene right behind them and then about a half hour of pure railway travelogue interspersed with occasional plot-related scenes..ring any bells ?--I have it in mind that it was made in 1979/80...enough already,the party approaches, I have some thoughts for a menu : 1: as Dan has expressed a preference for corned beef and cabbage (obviously heating is expensive where he lives...) how about, Fresh Oven-Baked corned beef pasties with double-butter pastry, steamed savoy cabbage & 1st crop baby carrots with onion gravy 2: thanks to the generosity of the `Mountain Dew` fishing club-3 whole sea bass, which I shall soak & marinade as the mood takes me, served with potato & parsnip gratinee and mange tout......3: [C=:-)] special chow mein with prawn crackers , glazed ribs, Singapore rice....wouldnt want to stretch Cindy on her first night in the engine room of the house-by the way, love her outfit, but if she`s going to be waiting at table as well we are going to need a lot of extra ice and probably some extra 3rd-party insurance............ Now here`s a thought for the company, whilst I would love to join you all on the Toronto Rendezvous the chances of this happening are, at best,slim. How about, at the same time,I take a weekend tour of some of the decent railfan stuff up in North Wales and write it up and post pix -page 6 -from our British correspondant, just like the old Mecanno magazine,-In fact, at risk of sounding like Julie Andrews, "lets all get up & do it-anyone who cant make the weekend, go visit a railway near you, take notes & ( if possible ) pix--fire `em all in & we`ll have a show`n`tell weekend.....bedtime now, slow, careful walk home..........night all...........<slam>...............................................................................................
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 22 Jun 2005, 21:16:58 Evenin' Nick Ahhhhh, Mr. Alexander's best - one for you [?] Yes, the more I think about that flick, the more I'm about to fire up the VCR and run through both French Connection movies in order to get to that specific scene. The menu sounds terrific and undoubtedly Dan will enjoy it - along with our customers. Too bad Boris will be howling at that Solstice Moon - [:-,] Another great idea from Nick [yeah]On the weekend of the [navy]First Annual "Our Place Classic Trains Rendezvous we will host a picture posting gala. Just check out what Nick came up with - we have until next May to get this organized ....... [tup] [tup] [tup] Okay - Friday evening .... Birthday Bash for earlydiesels Dan. Oh [yeah] Cindy said something about a birthday suit [wow]Guess we'll have to wait 'n see what she meant .... [yeah] Tom
QUOTE: Gunns Posted: 22 Jun 2005, 22:28:50 I need A cold one...... I spent all day workin on 2926, in Alburque NM, it was over 100 Deg in the machine shop, but we have the wiring done. Work on the Buckeye tender trucks is nearly done <I need to cut and heat treat about 32 bearings and pins for the 8 wheel trucks>. So Pass me a cold one, and Ill sit in the corner quietly. Gunns
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 22 Jun 2005, 23:41:39 Good evening everyone. guns I'm glad to make your acquaintance, I'll take a wild guess and say that you are a museum guy of some sort [tup] good stuff we need more of us here. Nick Any chance for some calamarie or shrimp cocktail Friday as well? Here’s round one of the pictures I promised I'll post the second set tomorrow. This is the Algoma Central railways train #1 the Aagawa Canyon tour train. Unfortunatly in their [censored] wisdom CN has removed the A-B-A set of F7's a replaced them with something more horrible. The day we were on it was a twenty-two car train we were in #16 just behind the dinning car [dinner] was pretty good on the train. Pancake a sausage breakfast and a half decent lunch you could buy on the train or do a boxed lunch. We opted for the boxed because there was 1000 paid riders on the train it was full so it was too long a wait. This was with two dining cars one for front half of train one for the back. First shot(s) is the consist at the Sault Ste Marie Station, the next is the front half of the train crossing the Montreal river tressel. (Shot from the dome car) the next twop shots are shots in the canyon and of the Montreal river hope you enjoy. As tour trains go it's not too bad as it's an 8 hour excursion so you feel as though you've actually gone somewhere and the ACR crews are wonderful and extremely friendly. Good night all, tomorrow I'm museum bound, I have a coffeeshop person comming up on their way to a race at Mosport. Ed. NOTE: UNABLE TO RE-POST PIX, unless they are mine, IN SUMMARIES Talk to you all later. Rob
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959
If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007
QUOTE: Gunns Posted: 23 Jun 2005, 11:22:59 Not a problem, the Bier is good here. <I was spoiled when I was in Germany> I'm not really a museum guy, I work for the FAA fixing the stuff the ATC break..... steady work that. On Wednesdays and Saturdays I am the Lead machinest for the NMSL&RHS, our page http://www.nmrhs.org/ as for food, I spent 5 years in Germany with the Army, and developed quite a taste for Deutcher essen. <german food> so I want a Curry Wurst. As to fixing up the 2926 I feel kinda like a guy that has seen a Cessna 152 and is trying to restore a 747....... None the less work is proceedin at a steady pace and we hope to be finshed in about 6 years. So I want another cold one, and this time I buying <G> and if its not too booring I'l drop comments in about our "war baby" <built in 1944> and tooling. BTW today <its my weekend I work a rotating shift> I'm heading up to Santa Fe NM to look at a 2-10-4 in the park there I need dimensions of the Builders plate, and the boiler data plate, ours were lost during our engines park years. if some one could put up a faq about posting pictures I'll put a few up. Gunns <short for Gunnarsson>
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 23 Jun 2005, 12:38:56 Hi Gunns – Kevin Didn't take you long to return - that's a good sign! [tup] [;)] I checked out your site - the New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society. So now I know who 2926 is! [:)] The food 'round here is simple, that is until Nick our Chief Chef [C=:-)] goes on a roll .... During the week we are a light breakfast and great sandwich kinda place. Thursday evenings is our Fish Fry and Nick's Picks - Friday is pizza night along with steak 'n fries - Saturday is also steak night, plus whatever specials Nick conjurs up. Perhaps Nick can help you out with a special Deutcher essen dish. Ask him ....... [tup] We specialize in cold ones 'round here -great draught and several floor to ceiling fridges loaded with frosty cold bottled beer (bier). Just ask, my guess is that we'll have what pleases you! [swg] Try one of these Alexander Keith's Pale Ale's from Halifax, Nova Scotia - goes down real eeeeeeeeeeeeeeasy [;)] Picture posting [?]These forums are loaded with advice and in fact a bit of research on the pages of our thread will give you some help. In a nutshell, here's how it works: The forums do NOT support retention of photo's unless they are stored elsewhere on the web. That may sound confusing - but it really isn't too bad to figure out. Several free photo sites are out there - and many forums users tend to go with www.railimages.com Once an account is established, you upload your photo's to your newly created album, then copy and paste them from there to here. It's really that simple. The hardest part is getting the account up and running. But, I can help you with that if the need arises. You can send Emails to other forum participants by clicking on their cyber names in the left hand column of the screen (like this one). Then you'll see how it works ....... So, if you need to ask me a question, suggest you do it by Email. Hope to see you 'round here again and it's a pleasure having you at the bar! [tup] [;)] Tom
QUOTE: coalminer3 Posted: 23 Jun 2005, 15:37:57 Back again after a few days conveying knowledge in the classroom. A round for the house and here's some money for the jukebox. BTW, since we are showing movies now and then, let's see if we can get a copy of "Thunder Road." Not rr related, but I believe it will appeal to the folks who frequent "our place." Then we can follow it with "Emperor of the North." Rolling back to long previous posts; MTA is now the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority); has been that way for awhile, in fact. to wr Watkins: in beautiful Raleigh County. Lot more trees than your present location, for sure. I have really been enjoying some of the old train names and discussion that have been appearing. Here are a few more names for the collection: Meadowlark Steel King Queen and Crescent The Sportsman The Sunbeam The Havana Special The Cabana Night White Mountains Twilight Limited Silent Knight (doesn't get much better than that one does it?) and one of my all time favorites (thank you C&EI) The Egyptian Zipper work safe
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 23 Jun 2005, 16:17:10 G'day coalminer3 - Ring the bell, Boris, time to set 'em up! [tup] Noticed that the jar over there is getting low on quarters, so appreciate the juke box contribution! [yeah]Just got some Alabama tunes put together along with Hank Williams, Jr. - just to get things off to a good start this fine afternoon! [tup]C'mon, guys - 5 plays for a quarter ....... We'll have back-to-back-to-back movies showing on all 3 screens tomorrow evening at the Birthday Bash for earlydiesels Dan. So if you, or anyone else brings 'em in, we'll show 'em! [swg] Some things in life just stay static as far as I'm concerned - MTA wil be it for me given the era that I called the Boston area home. Train names [?]Oh [yeah], some real beauties over the glory years, for sure. Here's a few more: Laurentian (D&H) Hawkeye (IC) Blue Bird (Wabash) Hummingbird (L&N) Land O' Corn (Chicago Central) Pennsylvania Limited (PRR) Chicago Limited (NYC) Overland Limited (UP-SP) Florida Special (ACL) Lark (SP) Oriental Limited (NP) Dixie Limited (L&N) and on it goes ........ [tup] Good idea! Undoubtedly there are hundreds more ....... Hope to see you at tomorrow's Birthday Bash - we're trying to get as many on board at the same time as possible - 7 PM CDST - but if that's out of the question, check in as close to it as possible. Have one on me! [tup] [swg] Tom
QUOTE: passengerfan Posted: 23 Jun 2005, 16:58:34 Good Afternoon all Sorry I'M late but digging for book information sometimes takes much longer than expected. The time just flies when one is doing research. Well have to buy around for the house and do you think I should use "Our House" for seeking some information for book? My very modern trains I have scant information on beginning with the LRC and even need some info on the Acela. The older streamliners have the information on. My gaps of knowledge and information are all on the latter day streamliners. If you think it is OK Tom will put it out to the readers for feed back. Well must run for now as I have a least three more hours of work today. Thx Al.
QUOTE: siberianmoPosted: 23 Jun 2005, 19:22:17 For passengerfan Al Hope you come up for air tomorrow evening - we're set for earlydiesels Dan and his Birthday Bash .... see you around 7 PM CDST, or whenever you can make it. [tup] Tom
QUOTE: Gunns Posted: 23 Jun 2005, 19:01:09 Well a classic train name, How about the El Pasoan. It ran daily to El Paso from Albuquerque, using Heavy Pullman cars and steam for motive power and Diesel after 1957. And has ay one mentioned The Scout, it was also high speed to LA. And lastly The Grand Canyon Limited, all the above were AT&SF "name" trains. Here is a link to the last Grand Canyon trip by the 3751 <a class sister of ours built in 1927> http://www.sbrhs.org/ondroad4a.html And Fish is good, an order Please. <Grin> Also draw me something cold tall with Yeast in it, Hefawietzen Bitte. got back from Santa Fe, the Texas class 2-10-4 is in the park, and in pretty good shape, it has been Abated, that is had the asbestos removed, and repainted. Of course this exposes the boiler shell, and you don’t have the smooth lines of the wrapper over the Lagging, but it also gets rid of that lagging, which tends to hold water next to the boiler, promoting pitting of the boiler. The Loco 5030 didn’t have the data plates I wanted but I didn’t have much hope as the Builders plates are highly collectable and worth from 300 to 1500 $$.I will append pics as soon as I Get my account up. <It is the same with my on line air to air combat game Fourm> Regards Gunns
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 23 Jun 2005, 19:30:05 For Gunns – Kevin Looks like you enjoy this bar 'n grill - glad you made it back for Fish 'n Chips and bier. [tup] Trains names are intriguing to many - there surely were valid reasons for 'em and as time passes, they to fade into distant memories. BUT, not 'round here, thanx to the type of input we get. That's the idea of "Our" Place and the discussion of Classic Trains [yeah] Okay - a little translation help, s'il vous plait! Hefawietzen Bitte [?] Enjoy! [swg] Tom
QUOTE: nickinwestwales Posted: 23 Jun 2005, 19:08:30 Good evening one and all, first up, [#welcome] Take a glass & make yourself comfortable my friend, the conversation here is wide ranging, eclectic and sometimes touches on trains in passing--despite Tom`s best efforts to keep us on track, the more off-the-wall element will have their say................... Now, Tom,another beer whilst I gather my thoughts,-Fish supper night again, Lordy I completely forgot to order, so, courtesy of the "Mountain Dew" fishing club we have:-1: baked rainbow trout, with sage & thyme stuffing 2: Sewin steaks with dill & mustard sauce 3:-Smoked mackerel fillets with gooseberry sauce. All the above served with fries or Pommes Duchess and whatever veg looks good at the market today.... Advise all Can-Am train crews to take extra care when passing our place this weekend due to increased risk of intoxicant related injury--would hate the party to get spoiled.....! enough now, moonlight mile, enjoy, nick [C=:-)]
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 23 Jun 2005, 19:39:17 For Nick [C=:-)] We've got you covered tonight - Fish 'n Chips not a big deal - however, glad that your Nick's Picks made it to the menu board over there by the jars of pigs feet and hard boiled eggs. [swg] Good advice given to our new customer, Gunns – Kevin - I'm sure in no time at all, he'll do his best to drive Tom to distraction. Hey! That's me .... [%-)] Can-Am track gangs are to be gathered out back. Since Boris has the night off, and Cindy will be part of the kitchen crew, they're drawing lots on whether or not she's wearing any ....... [:-,] Give a holler if you need anything for the Birthday Bash, okay [?] By the by - your earlier reference to our Rendezvous in Toronto, keep in mind that since we have a bit less than a year to go, anything can happen. I'm not writing you out of the script just yet ...... [swg] See ya on the 'morrow! [tup] Tom
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 23 Jun 2005, 22:44:17 Good evening all. Nick I think I'll take the smoked mackral sounds intriging. Had a full day at the museum today. Hosted J.R and his son from the coffee shop forum, they popped by on their way to Mosport for a race, wonderful guy and I think they really enjoyed themselves. I think the TO meet should go famously. (Re: Rendezvous in May 2006} I'm glad everyone liked the Algoma shots. Click on them to make them bigger the detail shows better this way. I cleaned them up best I could it was a wet sleety day. Next up is the Portage flyer, this little guy is in Huntsville Ontario. The original Portage flyer was a train conection between all the portaging points on the Muskoka lakes. They met up ( brought cottagers) to the various steamships operating on the lakes delivered coal and other supplies. All before hwy 11 and the rest of the Transcanada system was built. They run two little 0-4-0 steamers (porter types) and a small 25 tonner diesel. Their two main passenger cars are the Algonquin and the Iroquois. Both are ex Toronto Railway Company trailers, originally pulled by the TRC's 300 series open cars. Sisters to car 327 which is at our museum. Here's the shots hope you enjoy them. Click on them if you want them bigger. First shot is porter #2 the loco of the day, second is "coach" Algonquin third is coach Iroquois and the last is a shot of 327 from the museum. The coaches are actually a lot bigger than 327 being double trucked trailers. 327 is a single truck car with handbrakes only so imagine trying to stop the train of 327 and one of the trailers in city traffic. It's no wonder that the hand brake open cars were banned from the roads in the early teens (last century) Enjoy the shots. I'll pop back in tomorrow for the bday bash.
QUOTE: Fergmiester Posted: 24 June 2005, 07:12:11 Busted! I see some of you former CS patrons cowering in the corner!! For shame! But since I'm here and the sun is over the yard arm somewhere would the Bar Keep please pour me a Keith's on tap. I'm just over here looking for photos of the Royal Hudson 2850 used to pull the Royal Train of 1939 across Canada A friend of mine is building a reproduction of one and needs to figure out what colour blue was used. Anyway I gotta run as we're sailing tomorrow a.m. Regards Fergie
QUOTE: passengerfan Posted: 24 June 2005, 07:17:12 Well I realize it is early when I look at the clock but find early AM best time for working on book . Will Just have a coffee and sweet roll to start the day. Was rather surprised to find Boris taking care of kitchen this AM. Must say you will never have trouble with the health department as long as Boris is cleaning. But it must get expensive replacing the sandwich prep boards weekly when I see the way he scrapes them down daily. Gunns Welcome to "Our Place" Just a little additional information on "El Pasoan" final consist operating this schedule was Santa Fe's only two RDC's. Santa Fe didn't know where else to put them. They originally were assigned to "SAN DIEGAN" service operating twice daily round trips non-stop between Los Angeles and San Diego. They were banished from west coast after the Redondo Junction Accident one of the worst passenger accidents on the AT&SF. Cars were sent to Topeka where they were rebuilt with one becoming an RDC-2. They next operated local services in Kansas before finally becoming "El PASOAN" between Albuquerque and El Paso round trip daily. Since they did not have meal service a car attendant sold sandwiches, Coffee, and Soft drinks at passengers seats. There was a small refrigerator installed in baggage compartment to keep the drinks cold and sandwiches fresh. It is my understanding that the sandwiches for the train service were prepared by a local restaurant about three blocks from the station and people raved about said sandwiches. I wonder if the restaurant is still there and if they still make the sandwiches everyone raved about?
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