"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[siberianmo]

Hey Rob!

Love that "clean up vehicle" [swg] great idea! However, I think we'll simply use snow shovels and push it all out onto the back patio . . . Boris 'n Leon are "tandem machines" once they get in synch! <grin>

Oh no, you'll not talk me into any of that "grog!" I'll stick with Keiths thank you very much! However, one of the deep sinks in the kitchen seems to be clogged . . . [swg]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[wanswheel]

Hey Tom, Ted, Rob, Al, Nick, CM3, Pete, Doug, Lars and John! even

Here's how we sing it at our house, with 3 verses and plenty of melted candle wax on the cake:

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Tom!
Happy Birthday to you!

Hope you have many more!
Hope you have many more!
Hope you have many more!
Happy Birthday to you!

May the dear Lord bless you!
May the dear Lord bless you!
May the dear Lord bless Thomas!
Happy Birthday to you!

Now why do you take the Broadway?
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/pictures/1606/prr2.jpg

This Budd's for you
http://photoswest.org/photos/00401501/00401558.jpg

[trolleyboy]

Wow I see that quite the crowd is stil hanging about. Good to see. [bday] bashes like this only come around once a year or so eh Tom. i'M going to have to skeedaddle in a minute or two. So let me pick up another round of hammerbrau for all of you brave or crazy [:O] enough to try it. The regular green or red otherwise. ding ding [oops] carleton cars here so I'm off. Enjoy the rest of the party gents.

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

The [bday] bash is going great[tup][tup][tup].

TOM I was editing a post(again) when you posted at 19:49 and you may have missed it. Be careful of the home brew we done ROB, in the post I said of Doug's post there were 3 teletubbies when I looked again there is 4 [:-^]. BORIS put a drop of the green ale in AWKS dish, I didn't know parrots could sing.

MIKE Wonderful links the forerunners of the GG1s look great locos][tup]. and the clarity of the Staten Island cars photos is brilliant.

DOUG That is a great patch[wow][yeah] is it the beer or are the jokes getting better

LARS Thanks for the messages from BK and DON and may I join in with what Tom said about your trip tomorrow.

JOHN Many congratulations on the Chief Engineers Test[tup][tup][tup].

TED Great to see you at the bash. Wonderful and true words.

ROB Glad you like the home brew. Great pictures USCGC Ingham struck a cord with TOM it is great that she has been preserved after such distinguished service.

Well I have some more of the red before the track gang get into their stride. PETE.

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Mike!

Many THANX for the song and URLs - love that WP RDC "Zephyrette" - great shot! [tup]

Broadway Ltd ad rounds out the evening for me. Getting close to bid adieu! However, for the rest of you - stick around - plenty of food 'n drink for one and all. Great surroundings - greater customers! [tup]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

Hello Pete 'n Rob!

Many THANX for helping to make this a memorable and fun evening for me! [tup] Means a lot.

It's getting closer to signing off - but I see a couple of guys still "peeking in" . . . . give you a couple of more minutes, then it's time to say G'nite!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

[bday][bday][bday][bday][bday][bday][bday][bday][-I guess we`ve all got the idea


The Mentor Village Gazette staff have pleaded long and hard with me to allow them the freedom of a wider press,and having seen their efforts for myself,I am delighted to do so,may I please present-a brief history of Mentor Village`s founding family,the Webers...

As has been related before in these pages,the fortunes of Mentor and the Weber`s have been inextricably linked since those far off days when the Kommandent,together with Austin & Kramer,his assisstants,carved their iron road through the mountains and established Mentor as a division point and railroad town.
During the civil war,Mentor offered up two fighting units:-the volunteer foot and Weber`s Ranger`s,a light cavalry unit.
Whilst nominally on the side of the abolitionists,the troops were generally of the opinion that anyone stepping into Mentor County bearing arms was fair game and thus for the greater part of the conflict the whole area was treated as neutral territory by both sides,an attitude which has endured.
By late 1883( a `date` only significant to exact-scale 4-mm modellers) Weber the elder had joined the ancestors,leaving his sons to continue his line.
Whilst the elder boy was happy with the commonplace of routine,the younger wished for the world-now.!-his is the name on the tickets for the return trip of the Titanic,the grand tour that ground to a halt in Sarajevo---exciting times.
About this time,the family moved back into the city--just in time for prohibition,which they naturally took in their stride.
It is between then and now that our host & steamed proprieter was introduced into a cynical world and has ,through generous donation of his time and enthusiasm, created a delightful escape from the cares of the day which we all take advantage of happily.

[4:-)][oX)]]TOM-----HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY FRIEND-May your years be long and glorious [tup][^][tup][tup][^][tup]

VITO-bring on the banquet..!!!
Gentlemen,in an appreciation of TOM`s teutonic heritage,tonights menu will have a primitive European theme:-

We have an entire roasted Sirloin of Welsh black beef but I think I`m going to keep that back for breakfast,we also have a fresh-shot deer from the Dynevor Estate,some very good locally raised pork,
I`ve found a recipe for flat bread baked with olives that looks promising
-I would value your opinions
Boris is also very keen that the "nice master" share a bowl of the stew he has made--I really wouldn`t recommend it

-or perhaps you fancy fi***onight-how about a 2lb Cleddau Bass,-I have it in mind to cut the fish in two and bake one half with butter & herbs and poach the other half in rum & lime and crumble them both over a bed of mixed rices....suggestions for a sauce,other than the obvious
Well-to return to my original theme
[bday][bday][bday][bday][bday]................Have a wonderful day mate,gotta go now,falling apart,spe3ak soon everybody,nick,[C=:-)]

[Anonymous]

Heyyyy ...the gang's still all here, and very appropriately so! These bottomless draughts were a darn good idea, and one of many that we can thank Tom for coming up with. I'd like to make my toast to Tom's continued good health, and look forward to meeting him at the 2nd Rendevous in St.Louis next year.

The bad news is that this birthday party may break all previous records for structural damage to the bar, and we may be seeing prices going up in the future. Well ....until they do ...I can still afford another round or two tonight, so who's drinking?

[:I] Two cannibals meet one day. The first cannibal says, "You know, I just can't seem to get a tender Missionary. I've baked them, I've roasted them, I've stewed them, I've barbecued them, I've tried every sort of marinade. I just can't seem to get them tender."
The second cannibal asks, "What kind of Missionary do you use?"
The other replied, "You know, the ones that hang out at that place at the bend of the river. They have those brown cloaks with a rope around the waist and they're sort of bald on top with a funny ring of hair on their heads."
"Ah, ha!" the second cannibal replies. "No wonder ... those are FRIARS!" [:I]

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

I'll have another drink and join in the toast with you DOUG[tup]. As you say the bar looks a bit different than it did a few hours earlier but the tip jar is mighty full.
I see NICK made it, great[tup].
Its been a great[bday] bash but the track gang have escaped and have found the home brew so I think I will hide out the way for a while.
PETE.

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Gents!

Well it has come to the time for me to say "Nite!" [zzz] That's what happens when one gets to be 68! [swg]

Good to see Nick come by - and that means 3:30 AM his time! Good grief, man - when do you sleep [?] Always good to see ya and appreciate your participation! [tup]

My heartfelt appreciation to all who took the time and made the effort to stop by during the "live" portion of this evening's festivities! THANX to:

Doug - Mike - John - Lars - Pete - Rob - Ted 'n Nick! [tup] [tup] [tup] All of those multiple Posts really kept the flow going strong! [yeah] Eight guys "live" - that ain't bad, not bad at all! [wow]

For all who worked so hard at organizing this event: THANX! [tup]

For all who put together such fine Posts with Pix - URLs and stories: THANX! [tup]

Catch y'all in the AM . . . .

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good morning all! I'd order a light breakfast, but the tables and chairs are gone, which usually happens here after a birthday, and the mentor Village inspectors won't let me enter the building anyway until they have determined the premises are safe! Terrific.

I'll be attending a new (for me) train club meeting in Chicago tonight, to see what they do, and let ya'll know more about it later. For now ... I'm off to work!

[:I] Some retired deputy sheriffs went to a retreat in the mountains. To save money, they decided to sleep two to a room. No one wanted to room with Daryl because he snored so badly. They decided it wasn't fair to make one of them stay with him the whole time, so they voted to take turns.
The first deputy slept with Daryl and comes to breakfast the next morning with his hair a mess and his eyes all bloodshot.
They said, "Man, what happened to you?" He said, "Daryl snored so loudly, I just sat up and watched him all night."
The next night it was a different deputy's turn. In the morning, same thing--hair all standing up, eyes all blood-shot.
They said, "Man, what happened to you? You look awful!"
He said, "Man, that Daryl! Shakes the roof. I watched him all night." The third night was Frank's turn. Frank was a big burly ex-football player; a man's man. The next morning he came to breakfast bright eyed and bushy tailed.
"Good morning," he said. They couldn't believe it!
They said, "Man, what happened?" He said, "Well, we got ready for bed. I went and tucked Daryl into bed and kissed him good night. He sat up and watched me all night long." [:I]

[siberianmo]

courtesy: www.viarail.ca

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


FRIDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS


Friday! Time for a cuppa Joe – some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and of course a selection from our Menu Board for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast! [swg] [tup]


Daily Wisdom


You’re bound to succeed if you have ignorance and confidence.



Info for the Day:

Railroads from Yesteryear – To be Announced!


* Weekly Calendar:

TODAY: Pizza Nite! & Steak Nite!
Saturday: Steak ‘n Trimmin’s Nite! – and –
ENCORE! Saturday


MVP Award Winners

April 2006 . . . LoveDome Lars



[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]



Comedy Corner


Yarns from the Barn
(from barndad Doug’s Posts)

[:I] One day two cowboys were riding together out in the desert. The first cowboy had to take a leak, so they stopped by a huge cactus. While the second cowboy was waiting, he heard a scream and a gunshot from behind the cactus, He ran to help his friend and found him lying on the ground, bleeding from the ***. By his side was a dead rattlesnake. The first cowboy knew he had to act fast, and said "You wait here, and don't do any movin' around. I'm going to town for the doctor!"
He rode as fast as he could into town and pulled up at the doctor's office. Running inside, he grabbed the doctor and said "My friend needs you right away. He's been bitten by a rattlesnake!"
The doctor said "Mrs. Cartwright just went into labor, and I have to head out to their ranch to deliver the baby. But here's what you do. Get back to your friend as fast as you can. Make him comfortable. Then you have to find the bite wound, and suck all the venom out of it. Keep sucking until you're sure it's all out. Then, bandage him up and bring him here."
"Ok, Doc" said the cowboy, and rode away on his horse as fast as it could carry him. Presently he got back to his friend, dismounted, and approached him.
"What did the doctor say?" asked the first cowboy.
"He said you're gonna die." [:I][/green]


[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]



The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre

NOW SHOWING:

Double Features and Three Stooges Short Subject!

. . . Sunday, May 14th thru May 20th: A Fish Called Wanda (1988) starring: John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline & Michael Palin –and- The French Connection (1971) starring: Gene Hackman & Ray Scheider. SHORT: Restless Knights (1935).

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

. . . Sunday, May 21st thru May 27th: The Pink Panther (1964) starring: Peter Sellers, David Niven & Capucine –and- The Odd Couple (1968) starring: Jack Lemon & Walter Mathau. SHORT: Pop Goes the Easel (1935).



SUMMARY

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

(1) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 18 May 2006, 04:02:43 (333) B’day!

(2) barndad Doug Posted: 18 May 2006, 05:21:08 (333) B’day, CN!

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 May 2006, 06:27:02 (333) Thursday’s Info & Summary

(4) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 18 May 2006, 07:24:20 (333) B’day, etc.

(5) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 18 May 2006, 07:53:18 (333) B’day, GG1s

(6) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 18 May 2006, 07:56:45 (333) B’day announcement!

(7) pwolfe Pete Posted: 18 May 2006, 08:16:43 (333) B’day

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 May 2006, 08:17:04 (333) Acknowledgments!

(9) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 18 May 2006, 08:17:07 (333) WVA Report! & B’day!

(10) pwolfe Pete Posted: 18 May 2006, 11:39:00 (333) B’day Inclusive Post!

(11) pwolfe Pete Posted: 18 May 2006, 12:02:09 (333) B’day: British DMUs

(12) pwolfe Pete Posted: 18 May 2006, 12:19:48 (334) B’day: British DMUs, part deux

(13) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 18 May 2006, 14:34:55 (334) B’day

(14) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 May 2006, 16:12:26 (334) B’day Inclusive Post!

(15) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 May 2006, 16:24:21 (334) B’day ENCORE: BC Rail

(16) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 18 May 2006, 16:28:32 (334) B’day: PRR Broadway Ltd!

(17) pwolfe Pete Posted: 18 May 2006, 17:00:46 (334) B’day

(18) passengerfan Al Posted: 18 May 2006, 17:22:44 (334) B’day: PRR Streamlined cars

(19) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 May 2006, 18:58:09 (334) B’day Acknowledgments!

(20) barndad Doug Posted: 18 May 2006, 19:10:13 (334) B’day

(21) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 May 2006, 19:11:52 (334) B’day

(22) wanswheel Mike Posted: 18 May 2006, 19:14:40 (334) B’day

(23) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 May 2006, 19:16:35 (334) B’day

(24) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 May 2006, 19:23:46 (334) B’day

(25) barndad Doug Posted: 18 May 2006, 19:27:15 (334) B’day

(26) jlampke John Posted: 18 May 2006, 19:31:49 (334) B’day

(27) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 18 May 2006, 19:37:35 (334) B’day

(28) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 18 May 2006, 19:40:05 (334) for John

(29) barndad Doug Posted: 18 May 2006, 19:46:18 (334) B’day

(30) pwolfe Pete Posted: 18 May 2006, 19:47:18 (334) Pix & B’day

(31) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 May 2006, 19:49:42 (334) B’day

(32) barndad Doug Posted: 18 May 2006, 19:56:07 (335) B’day

(33) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 May 2006, 20:06:39 (335) B’day

(34) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 May 2006, 20:07:31 (335) B’day

(35) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 May 2006, 20:22:54 (335) B’day

(36) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 18 May 2006, 20:23:02 (335) B’day

(37) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 May 2006, 20:24:46 (335) Pix & B’day

(38) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 May 2006, 20:32:38 (335) B’day

(39) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 May 2006, 20:35:57 (335) B’day

(40) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 May 2006, 20:46:41 (335) Pix & B’day

(41) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 May 2006, 20:52:31 (335) B’day

(42) wanswheel Mike Posted: 18 May 2006, 20:54:32 (335) B’day song & URLs

(43) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 May 2006, 20:56:56 (335) Pix & B’day

(44) pwolfe Pete Posted: 18 May 2006, 20:57:19 (335) B’day

(45) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 May 2006, 20:59:15 (335) B’day

(46) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 May 2006, 21:07:04 (335) B’day

(47) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 18 May 2006, 21:18:20 (335) B’day

(48) barndad Doug Posted: 18 May 2006, 21:18:20 (335) B’day

(49) pwolfe Pete Posted: 18 May 2006, 21:38:49 (335) B’day

(50) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 May 2006, 21:48:44 (335) G’nite!




That’s it! [tup][;)]


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

[coalminer3]

Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; also greetings to the explosives-sniffing dogs, the bomb squad, first responders, fire laddies (No Boris, the spittoon is not a fire helmet), and the satellite truck folks from WMEN (TV for all Greater Mentorians). Sometimes the aftermath is more fun than the party. I heard that several networks were bidding for video footage of Tom's party: these included Animal Planet, ESPN, Speed, and Outdoor Life Network. BTW, how are we going to get the elephants out from under the pool table?

Coffee, please, round for the house - straight or via an IV, and $ for the jukebox.

A few comments.

AL - Humbly sorry I forgot to mention the B&O postings from the other day, and thanks again for PRR material.

Pete - DMU item(s) were a nice addition.

Lars - Thanks for Broadway post

John - Good to hear from you sir, and congratulations on your recent achievement.

Nick - Weber's Rangers(?) - Gives new meaning to "Headquarters in the Brush."

I will be off line until abt. next Thursday (psychotic road trip from !@#$ with the school kiddies). But I will try and get back later today.

work safe

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

A fine May 19th here in mid-Continent USA – early morning rains have departed, leaving us with some blue skies, comfortable temps (for now) and perhaps the passing of a “low” that has been keeping us in the “gloom” for over a week. Speaking of mid-80s tomorrow and into next week. Summer is en route!

Many THANX to all who took the time and made the effort to stop by with B’day greetings and special Posts! [tup] Especially appreciate all who participated in the “Bash” last night! [tup] [tup] [tup] Rather than single out anyone, let me say that a good time was had by all – and if you missed it – well, you missed it! [swg]

The day was quite full of activities, least of all the trip to the Busch Stadium. Another good day and another win for the Birds of St. Louis! [tup]

My day got off to a rousing start, THANX to those who Posted early greetings, Pix and stories designed to “make my day!” You succeeded!! [tup]

That Special Gazette piece put together by Nick ‘spilled the beans,’ eh[?] Now you all KNOW the history of the von Weber’s of Mentor! [swg] Leave it to Sir Nick to come up with the family tree! There are times I feel as if I’m living in one . . . [swg]

Been thinking about the show of support and it goes a long way toward suppressing any notion I may have about the sun setting on our bar ‘n grill. Always figured that a small, tight nucleus is far better than one of those “hit ‘n run” places where no one really gets to know the other guy.

I see where coalminer3 CM3 will be away for a few days – I believe this was included in my “Planned Absences” Emails of a couple of weeks ago. Belt tightening time is upon us, Gents as our ‘dependables’ are temporarily vacating the premises! So, next week our mid-morning time slot is OPEN! Any takers [?] We also have pwolfe Pete departing for Merry Olde on Monday for a bit over a month away . . . a void extremely hard to fill – if at all.

So, let’s see: BK – Lars – CM3 & Pete – followed by Moi week after next. Belt tightening, fer sure, fer sure!

Back to the B’day – really liked those Pennsy Posts – GG1s and the Broadway Ltd!! Lots of effort put forth by Lars and given his situation – one just has to be awed by the fact that he was able to produce these things . . .

barndad Doug’s “productions” are always a thing to marvel at – and the “surprise” CN Patch was something else, indeed! Pete’s wit, Pix and unslefishness added most positively to the mix as did the wonderful Posts from trolleyboy Rob!! Cannot forget the “toast’ from our friend and “Mentorite” Theodore-the-bear-man Ted! and the contributions from wanswheel Mike-the-URLMeisterMonster! Perhaps the most pleasant surprise of the night was the visit by jlampke John! Good news from him and good having him amongst us – even for a short while. [tup]

As I stated last night – whoever the guys are who organized the Bash – a heartfelt THANX and congrats for a job well done!

Free breakfasts this fine day! Boris ring it . . . .


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all

OO me head. I have the puter set to flash up when FREE is mentioned[:-,] so may I have the Coffee CM3 bought and TOM's free breakfast .

What a great day yesterday was at the bar and a wonderful bash last night[tup][tup][tup].

I believe the track gang are hiding in the Can-Am tunnel with not a lot of work going on,
still it is their fault for making pigs of themselves on the H&H's Hammer ROB brewed[:O].

As DOUG and CM3 say the bar is a bit of a wreak but it will no doubt be up and running by tonite [yeah].

Thanks for the kind words TOM and am really glad you enjoyed it. It was great fun.
I really do hope I can get to Our Place while over the pond although the hours might be a bit strange. I DO know I am going to miss the bar and the regulars [:(].

That was a great breakfast TOM so I will be generous with the tip[^]. PETE.

[siberianmo]

G'day!

I'm in a VIA Rail frame of mind . . . so throughout the day, that's what you'll be seeing! [tup]


Courtesy: www.viarail.ca


Good to see you Pete! - appears as if the Bash! took its toll on more than a few of the party goers, eh[?] [swg]

Amazing how time flies! Last week at this time, we were on board the GO Transit train on our easterly round trip from Toronot's Union Station! [yeah] Hard to believe that Rendezvous I is said and done! [wow]

Later! [tup]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

Feeling a bit brighter but I think I had better just have a coffee.

TOM Good pic of the VIA car and it does seem hard to believe that a week as gone by since ROB, TED and YOU were at the Rendezvous.

Just to add a little to a post I done yesterday. Good old ALAN has sent me an e-mail to a question of mine, when he got back from a trip.It is to do with the depots the two locos I referred to last evening were allocated to.

In 1962 60033 SEAGULL was shedded at Kings Cross depot, just north of the London terminus of the same name, so she would be a regular engine to be seen on the southern part of the LNER East Coast Main Line.

Not so #68 later 60068 SIR VISTO this loco was allocated to Carlise Canel depot in ex LMS territory. She would work over the Waverley route which followed the Scottish Borders from Carlisle to Edinburgh. The line was run by the North British Railway until the 1923 grouping when it became part of the LNER . This much lamented line closed in 1969 amid much protest.
So #68 would be a rare engine indeed on the east coast main line specially south of Newcastle-On -Tyne causing great delight to railfans if she did.

When I get back it would be great to find out how locos were allocated to depots over here. PETE.

[siberianmo]

Hi Pete

I'm no help when it comes to "loco allocation" and perhaps we've got one or two guys who may be able to pick up on this. Unfortunately, given our dwindling numbers - you may wi***o restate the question later on.

Now remember, the whole idea of this trip to the "mother country" was to get some WORK done! Seems like you're already planning sufficient rail excursions to avoid getting the "heavy lifting" done! [swg] Hope your Mrs. isn't reading this! <grin>

As with any period of mergers with what used to be the competition, I'd guess there was quite a bit of consternation to contend with once LMS "downsized" and then folded its tent. Over here, I can just imagine the feelings of those who gave their very best to the Pennsylvania RR and New York Central, only to have them combine - and then fall flat on its collective faces. Pity, but it's life, eh[?]

Here's another of my favorite Pix . . . .

Courtesy: www.viarail.ca


Have a Bathams on me! Cofffee doesn't "get it" at this time of day! [swg] [tup]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

Go on then TOM I'll have the Bathams, thanks.

That pic is one of my all time favourites

Hopefully I should be able to get some work done over there but the two Alans are hatching a plan to see how many Holdens pubs we can visit in one day so that is a least one, more likely two, days out of the work programme. We will do this with a West Midlands bus and train ticket.

With the LMS the main problem occured with the 1923 grouping of lines in Britain into the Big Four. With the east coast route to Edinburgh, Scotland the companies which went into the LNER,the Great Northern , North Eastern and North British were already working together.
With the routes to Glasgow the main companies which went into the LMS in England the London & North Western and the Midland were bitter rivals and to make matters worse the Scottish companies The Caledonian, partner with the L &NWR and the Glasgow & South Western the Midland's partner were if any thing rather worse.

Things were not happy in the LMS for along time. It is said that the LMs was the largest private company in the world at one time. The Midland small engine policy was used by the new management with nothing larger than 4-4-0 being built for passenger work at first which were not good enough for the ex L&NWR route. Things improved with the Royal Scot class but it wasnt until W.A. Stanier from the Great Western was appointed Chief Engineer in 1933 that the LMS had really good motive power.

Unfortunatly I have to go out for a while but I would like to return to this subject again Pete.

[wanswheel]

Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house.

Always good to see that picture of the Moose.

Imagine playing pinball on a train, a notion from where else but a passengerfan post.
Every time Altoona comes up, I think what a cool name for a city. PRR set up shop about 1850 or so, on its way to conquering the Allegheny Mountains, necessesary task in order to reach Pittsburgh and the Ohio River. First suggested by a Danish engineer, after Altona, a railroad town in Denmark. The extra "o" gives it just the right amount of distinctive differentiation, as does the curve on the shoe of a horse, of course.
http://www.altoonalibrary.org/books/keystonecity/keystonecity_pic1.jpg

I like this photo of a New York Central train at Troy, NY. Found it from exploring the links within a URL that CM3 posted the other day. This Internet is truly forrest gumpy, it's all a box of chocolates. http://railroad.union.rpi.edu/images/troy/p-Broadway-Shag.jpg

Pete, thanks for the words "multiple unit" in describing DMU. There's so many abbreviations and acronyms in the industry it helps to occassionally spell it out for dummies. Six months ago I would've thought GG-1 had something to do with George Gobel.

DMU 144022/55845 http://www.jefflubchanskycpa.com/NS144022YORK-DE11-5D55.jpg

DMU 142042/55633 http://www.jefflubchanskycpa.com/MRSYRAL-LVRPOL-DE15-5D39.jpg

DMU 158757 http://www.jefflubchanskycpa.com/NW158757YORK-DE11-05D58.jpg

DMU158903. http://www.jefflubchanskycpa.com/NS158903YORK-DE11-5D56.jpg

DMU 170104 http://www.jefflubchanskycpa.com/CENT170104LVRPOL-DE15-5D23.jpg

Caledonia Sleeper http://www.jefflubchanskycpa.com/SR10519VCTRIA-DE15-5D9.jpg

On 1 January 1923, the 123 companies operating Britain's railways were amalgamated into four groups: the London and North Eastern Railway, the London, Midland & Scottish Railway, the Great Western Railway and the Southern Railway.
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/on-line/southforsunshine/images/straight.jpe

The Coronation Scot (London, Midland & Scottish) engine 6220, a 4-6-2 and 8 cars . New York World's Fair, August 4, 1939 http://photoswest.org/photos/00020501/00020569.jpg

[siberianmo]

Hi Pete

When I signed on, I saw you 'n jlampke John "lurking in the shadows" - but now it's just me. Anyway, appreciate your patronage and Posts! [tup] [tup]

If I could, I'd arrange for a trip over to YOUR HOUSE upon our return from Alaska. Wouldn't that be great! [?] You'd really get a lot of work done with me around, eh [?] [swg] I'd love to do it - and here's the reality part - I could - but who would take care of my "baby" - Juneau [?] Oh well, it's nice thinking about it . . . .

Appreciate the insight with regard to the LMS & LNER .. not at all unlike what must have been the case between the PRR 'n NYC. Fierce competition turned into "can't we all be friends??" Barf! [swg]

Here's another of my favorite Pix . . . .


Revelstoke Park Car w/Mount Robson in background -
Courtesy: www.trainweb.org


Enjoy the Bathams and have another! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

Hi Mike

Snuck that one in on me! Enjoyed the URLs and thanx for the effort (and round!) [tup] [tup]

That shot of the Troy, New York winter scene is 'something else' - really a nostalgic look about it! [tup]

Wonder WHAT it IS about passenger railroading that brings out the deep thought - the emotion - the urge to climb aboard - and GO! [?]

Appreciate your stopping by and helping to keep the place "up 'n running!"

And oh - that's an Elk watching the VIA Rail Park car go by . . . [swg]

Another VIA Rail Pix . . . .

VIA Rail Park Car Kooteny Park -
Courtesy: www.trainweb.org


Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Gadfrey Daniel, I was nearly crowned by the Can-Am 200 ton rail wrecking crane. Oh well, there was some talk of remodeling the bar anyhoo, right? Boris' shed will be missed temporarily tho. Tom, a double Crown and soda w/twist to make up for lost time, if you please.[tup] I can't believe the sensational participation for the "bash of the year."[tup] X a google. Pete, wow, the pix and text for U.K. rails have been a feast for the eyes and international palate. BTW, the magazine you sent via Rob is opening Pandora's Box for continental european steam as well. I gotta love the vintage "push (pull) door" smooth sides passenger cars. Lars, bon voyage and "leave your troubles at your door step" ( "Sunny Side of the Street" song circa 1930's). Nick [C=:-)] the "Black Beef" may be just a bit heavy for my still queezy intestinal condition. Sauces? How about an Armenian marinade instead? I wasn't aware of Tom's conspicuous auspicious lineage to the "olde country." I really can't picture him brandishing a broad sword in Sherwood Forest tights.[:O] There must be some mistake in the geneolgy some where. Al surely didn't allow the old B. & O. to go by unoticed, right?[tup] Mike it is uncanny that you manage such appropriate URL's even to a chronology of our "esteamed" proprietor's varied career on land and at sea, just unbelievable![tup] Hey Doug, that cloth heraldry patch took some doing. Just going on E-Bay is a daunting challenge for some of us. Seriously, it really is a pleasure for me to languish in the fine steam era railroadiana you manage to bring to the party on a steady basis.[^] Rob, the flyers and memorabilia from the Air War Museum is a huge hit with my senior colleagues who served near or during that epoch, many thanks again. Well foks, I know I'm leaving some unaddressed issues here but there is always another time. I know Tom and others are anticipating an active summer vacation period which will take a heavy toll on "Our" Place in the future. I'll do what time allows to "keep the home fires burning." For now, let's look at the positive side and remember there will be copius "feed back" from their absences. Good evening all and Boris put those matches away, "...home fires..." is only a metaphor. Happy rails, Ted

[siberianmo]

G'day Ted

Good to see ya at the bar! [tup] And to think that this time last week we were enjoying the comforts of the St. George Arms with the best of brews freely flowing and some fine cuisine to follow. [yeah] All but memories now - but good ones! [tup]

Another VIA Rail Pix . . .

Courtesy: www.viarail.ca



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


Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Leon, you seem to be listing a tad [:O] Oh it's just the broken footrail behind the bar. At least the genuine I can't believe it's not wood splinter proof parquet flooring managed to survive last nights onslaught. Oh and the left over hammerbrau was successfully used to clean out the steam lines in all the passeneger trains in the yard.

Pete'n'Lars 5x[tup] for spear heading the birthday fete yesterday. it was a rip roaring success [swg]

lars Try to enjoy the trip. Ted and I will try to keep the wheels greased here at the bar.

Mike Glad to see that you made it back in today in fine urlmeister form [tup]

Tom Fine spread of VIA pictures today as well, I enjoyed seeing them all again[tup] It was a good day last night everyone deserves a pat on the back for their participation 5x[tup] for all of you.[:D][yeah][wow]

CM3 Your absence will be missed, however enjoy the trip from H-E double Hockey sticks and we will keep your stool warm, and free of debris.

Ted I'm glad that you enjoyed the material,good to know some of your vetran friends got a kick out of that stuff as well. Looks as though it's you and I for a good part of the upcomming weeks,we shall fight the good fight alongside robin hood von Weber Tom [swg]


A suggestion folks. In the upcomming lean weeks ENCORES and short acknowledgements may be our best coarse of action as new info will have a quite small reading audience. Food for thought anyway

Anyhow kind of still winding down from yesterday so nite all [zzz] Rob

[siberianmo]

courtesy: www.viarail.ca


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


SATURDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS


It’s the weekend! Join us for some fine pastries from The Mentor Village Baker – a selection from our Menu Board for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast – and a cuppa Joe![tup]


Daily Wisdom


There’s always a few longhairs who do their ***dest to fertilize the cow country’s reputation for being wild and wooly.



Info for the Day:

Railroads from Yesteryear –
ENCORE: Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) -
Arrives Tuesday!



* Weekly Calendar:


TODAY: Steak ‘n Trimmin’s Nite! – and –
ENCORE! Saturday



MVP Award Winners


April 2006 . . . LoveDome Lars



[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]


Comedy Corner

Yarns from the Barn
(from barndad Doug’s Posts)


[:I] It was November, and the Indians on a remote reservation asked their new Chief if the coming winter was going to be cold or mild. Since he was a Chief in a modern society he had never been taught the old secrets. When he looked at the sky, he couldn’t tell what the winter was going to be like. Nevertheless, to be on the safe side, he told his tribe that it was indeed going to be cold and that the members of the village should collect firewood to be prepared. But being a practical leader, after several days he got an idea. He went to the phone booth and called the National Weather Service and asked “Is the coming winter going to be cold?” “It looks like this winter is going to be quite cold,” the meteorologist at the weather service responded. So the chief went back to his tribe and told them to collect even more firewood in order to be prepared. A week later, the chief called the National Weather Service again. “Does it still look like it’s going to be a very cold winter?” “Yes,” the man at the National Weather Service again replied “it’s going to be a very cold winter”. The Chief again went back to his people and ordered them to collect every piece of firewood they could find. Two weeks later, the Chief called the National Weather Service again and asked “Are you absolutely sure that this winter is going to be very cold? “Absolutely,” replied the man, it’s looking more and more that this is going to be one of the coldest winters ever. “How can you be so sure?” the Chief asked. The weatherman replied, “The Indians are collecting firewood like crazy.” [:I][/green]



[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]



The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre

NOW SHOWING:

Double Features and Three Stooges Short Subject!

. . . Sunday, May 14th thru May 20th: A Fish Called Wanda (1988) starring: John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline & Michael Palin –and- The French Connection (1971) starring: Gene Hackman & Ray Scheider. SHORT: Restless Knights (1935).

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

. . . Sunday, May 21st thru May 27th: The Pink Panther (1964) starring: Peter Sellers, David Niven & Capucine –and- The Odd Couple (1968) starring: Jack Lemon & Walter Mathau. SHORT: Pop Goes the Easel (1935).



SUMMARY

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

(1) barndad Doug Posted: 19 May 2006, 06:04:08 (335) AM Post

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 May 2006, 07:03:55 (336) Friday’s Info & 50-Post Summary

(3) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 19 May 2006, 08:11:27 (336) WVA Report!

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 May 2006, 09:04:48 (336) Acknowledgments & Comments

(5) pwolfe Pete Posted: 19 May 2006, 10:34:35 (336) Pete’s comments!

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 May 2006, 12:27:54 (336) Pix & Comments

(7) pwolfe Pete Posted: 19 May 2006, 13:33:43 (336) GB Loco allocation, etc.

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 May 2006, 14:01:35 (336) Pix & Comments

(9) pwolfe Pete Posted: 19 May 2006, 16:24:20 (336) More LMS & LNER, etc.

(10) wanswheel Mike Posted: 19 May 2006, 16:27:32 (336) URLs – what else? [swg]

(11) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 May 2006, 16:49:33 (336) for Pete & Pix!

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 May 2006, 17:03:36 (336) for Mike & Pix!

(13) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 19 May 2006, 18:24:40 (336) Bearman’s Chat!

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 May 2006, 19:28:33 (336) Pix & Comments

(15) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 20 May 2006, 00:25:58 (336) Count Robulla’s Nite Cap!



That’s it![tup][;)]


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

[Anonymous]

And a happy, healthy good Saturday morning to all. Tom, just a bakery fre***oasted Onion Roll w/cream cheese and a snort of C.R. in a tall cuppa Joe, if you please. Yes, just a week ago Rob, Heather, you and I were planning our day's excursion over a delicious breakfast with anticipation of plenty of traction and "war birds" in the offing. The day did not disappoint and but for an incredible social faux pas on my part, the experience rounded out the perfect rail encounter north of the 49th.[^] BTW gents, the "Airlink" limo to Pearson went without a hitch and a good conversation was shared with the Chaffeur and a native born Scotsman traveling to Seattle, WA. Still don't have a clue what Mr. MacDuff was saying but we were all laughing which is pretty international.[tup] I really don't want to go farther than the curb at Pearson Field as it would require mention of the transfer at Atlanta International, HELP!!![v]

jlampke John looks like I'm the last in line to congratulate you on pasing the Cheifs test. Do I smell promotion in the air? Be that as it may, the spiffy uniform and Officer's visored cap brings pride and prestige to the soul in my "old soldier's" manual.[tup] Pete if I may "read between the lines," it sounds as if you and Mrs. Pete are anxiously awaiting the peal of "Big Ben."[:D] A 4 hour layover at Gatwick is the best I could manage for "Jolly Olde." Travelers Aid folks there advised me not to venture via "tube" to Victoria Sta. and return in that narrow "window." Kinda kick myself now for not, at least giving it a shot.[V] Mike and CM3, great to see fellow survivors from Thursday's melee. Both of you even managed to claw your way from under the debris and offer something rational to the surreal aftermath, stout fellows and well done. Nick my good chap, I trust "Spring house cleaning" hasn't got the best of you by now.[:O] Your choices from the Galley were superb so far as I can recollect. However, I'm a poor judge as I was nearly through a bowl of Boris' Mutton stew before your A.P.B. went out. One trip from the Mentor rescue squad sufficed for treatment on all counts, fortunately. So it is really true that Tom's namesakes pillaged and raveged the Dales and Glens of the "Lion Heart's turf," eh? There must've been a Tutonic Knight some where in the "wood pile" because he asked me if "I had relatives in the Old Country" several times.[:O]

Well, today is marred with domestic accounts that just won't go away. So, without further ado Boris, set the spatula down and yank the lanyard...BURNK!!! I really don't discuss it![:(!] Happy rails, Ted

[siberianmo]

ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday
first Posted on page 114

Here’s another Fallen Flag for the gang from Classic American Railroads:

Atlantic Coast Line (ACL)

Headquarters: Jacksonville, FL

Route mileage in 1950: 5,528

Locomotives in 1963 (all diesel-electric):

Freight: 170
Passenger: 62
Dual mode (freight/passenger): 234
Switchers: 119

Rolling stock in 1963: Freight cars – 28,847; Passenger cars – 405

Principal routes in 1950:

Richmond, VA-Tampa, FL, via Jacksonville and Orlando.
Wilson-Wilmington, NC
Wilmington-Pee Dee (Florence) SC
Winston-Salem, NC-Florence
Florence-Atlanta
Brunswick, GA-Montgomery, AL
Birmingham, AL-Waycross, GA
Albany-Dunnellon, FL
Jacksonville-St. Petersburg, FLA via Gainesville, Leesburg and Trilby
Dupont, GA-Naples, FL

Passenger trains of note:

East Coast Champion (New York-Miami)
West Coast Champion (New York-Tampa & St. Petersburg & Sarasota)
Tamiami Champion – Predecessor of East and West Coast Champions
Florida Special (New York-Miami & St. Petersburg)
Miamian (Washington-Miami)
Vacationer (New York-Miami)
Havana Special (New York-Key West, FL)
Palmetto (New York-Savannah & Augusta & Wilmington)
Everglades (New York-Jacksonville)
Gulf Coast Special (New York-Tampa & Ft. Myers & St. Petersburg; formerly Havana Special)

Of note: North of Richmond, RF&P and PRR handled passenger trains.
South of Jacksonville, FEC handled trains bound for Miami and Key West.
SAL handled trains headed for Miami south of Auburndale, FL in 1963.

Other carrier’s trains destined to Florida, such as the City of Miami – South Wind – Flamingo – Dixie Limited – Dixie Flyer – Seminole and Southland were combined with named ACL trains.

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday

[Anonymous]

Good morning Tom and friends! I'll just have one light breakfast this AM (need to save room for IHOP). I notice we had 50 posts on Tom's B'Day! Not only was the quantity right up there, but the quality was amazing as well. Absolutely terrific posts of stories, pix, and information all day long, and I think it was great! The Weber/Mentor history from Nick was hysterical. Nice to see that Peter, Mike, Shane3, Ted, and of course our B'Day boy Tom survived the party more or less. Received your mail Tom, and have responded. I probably should have forwarded it to all others here as well, so you all know what I'm up to. In a nutshell, I am losing my computer for a few days this week, and then of course we are busy with things concerning our move this June 5th, so I will be here as I can.

Attended the Chicago Train club meeting last night, and saw some familiar faces from my other train clubs. Last night's presentation was slides from tourist railroads in the Appalachians. The speaker made a nifty handout, so I'll be sharing parts of that in the near future. For now, I've got fruit trays to spray, tools to buy, and projects to complete, so I will leave you with this ENCORE

The Great Pickleworks Wreck by Ron Ziel – Rail Classics May 1979

Ever since the Long Island Railroad built its mainline out to Greenport in 1814, the route has been synonymous with luxury trains. In the railway vernacular of the 19th century, these plush limiteds were simply called “varnish” in reference to the wooden coaches and parlor cars. Long after steel replaced wood in the railway car builder’s art, the term “varnish” still lingered. In the early years, the fast passenger express trains made the trip from Brooklyn to Greensport in less time than it takes today (two hours, five minutes in 1901, compared to two hours, forty-three now).

The original purpose of the mainline to Greensport was to speed passengers to Boston via a combination of two trains connected by a steamboat across Long Island Sound. By 1850, however, the New York , New Haven & Hartford Railroad had been completed across southern Connecticut, making the through train route faster and more convenient. The LIRR went into its first bankruptcy and began catering more to the needs of local traffic.

With good, fast and comfortable accommodations available right to the Shelter Island Ferry dock in Greensport, many of the most prominent of New York’s most upper crust of society built mansions on Shelter Island and summered there. For their particular needs, the railroad inaugurated a Friday evening express which has operated for nearly a century variously as “The Shelter Island Flyer,” “The Shelter Island Flyer,” or “The Shelter Island Express.” Whichever name it went by, the train was as much a symbol of luxurious travel as was the “Cannon Ball” or the “Sunrise Special” which ran to the Hamptons and Montauk, on Long Island’s South Fork.

By the 1920’s, The Shelter Island Express, double-headed with two locomotives, carried the stock brokers, the diplomats, the Broadway stars and the nabobs to their summer reverie on the North Fork and Shelter Island.

Friday afternoon, August 13, 1926, was hot and muggy in New York, as passengers descended the steps from the high concourse of Penn Station, to the sweltering tunnel level, to board the electric cars for Jamaica, it was 3:50 p.m., when most New Yorkers were still at work. These passengers were obviously well-to-do and their comings and goings were determined by their own whims, rather than by the clock. One was Harold Fish, a prominent stock broker, who lived in East Marion, beyond the terminal at Greenport. A young mother, Mrs. George Schuford, with two children in tow, followed close behind. They sat on the hard wicker seats of the electric car. Precisely at 4 p.m., the train rolled out of the station and into the tepid, damp tunnel, toward Jamaica.

One mile west of Jamaica station, in the Morris Park engine terminal, forty steam locomotives simmered on the ready tracks. More were being wheeled out of the roundhouse and onto the turntable. It was just an hour before the evening rush began. Engineer Squires and fireman Montgomery signed in with the engine-house clerk, walked over to the turntable pit, just in time to see a handsome four-drivered 1906 Pennsylvania Railroad-built D-16sb American-type locomotive, No. 214 drift out of the roundhouse.

Almost noiselessly, the engine rolled the 100 feet to the edge of the turntable and with a loud clunk, clank as the weight shifted the balance of the table, the trim passenger locomotive was aboard. As she was being turned, Squires and Montgomery walked back to the engine-house to get their orders. A few minutes later, they were in the cab of No. 214, at the throat of the yard.

Soon, a larger locomotive – a Camelback type, with the engineer’s cab astride the boiler – rolled up behind No. 214. This was a big 4-4-2 engine, built by Baldwin in 1901, with 876-inch driving wheels. The gold numeral 2 shone on the black flanks of her cab. This was one of the most renowned engines on the road, and the fastest, having hit close to 120 mph on several occasions, when making up lost time.

The crews of both engines compared watches, complained about the heat and wiped the sweat that left wide steaks of soot down their faces and necks, and returned to their cabs. No. 2 coupled onto the rear of No. 214’s tender, there was a blast of No. 2’s whistle, and the tandem of steam and steel slowly chugged out of the engine yard toward the station.

The electric train from Penn Station had barely discharged its passengers at Jamaica when engines 214 and 2 trundled up to the opposite side of the platform. Right behind No. 2 was the Pullman parlor car Easter Lily. Harold Fish was welcomed aboard by the porter, as were 31 other passengers, including Mrs. Schuford and her two children. A few noticed the gathering thunderheads in the muggy sky and remarked that a storm might bring some relief from the oppressive heat. Easter Lily was not air conditioned; all the widows were open, and the cinder screens were up. The screens offered some protection, but by the end of a run, celluloid collars and white bonnets would be grey with fine coal dust.

After an exchange of whistle blasts, the two locomotives began to roll eastward from track number eight. Directly behind Easter Lily was a combination baggage/coach (the baggage section kept the peasants in the coaches out of the first-class parlor car) followed by four more coaches. Three hundred eighty-seven souls bound for Manorville, the first stop, and points east. This was the great “varnish” of the twenties – the Friday-only train, No. 212, The Shelter Island Express!

At Golden’s Pickle Works in Calverton, it was quitting time. Actually, the workers should have stayed until 6 p.m., but it was Friday, hot and humid, and toward the north, rolling over the hills of southern Connecticut and crossing Long Island Sound, an enormous line storm was building up. The foreman at Golden’s decided to let his crew go half an hour early – before the storm hit. The lids were put on the brine barrels, the open sacks of salt were resealed, and by 5:30 p.m. the foreman had locked up the pickle factory doors, and the dozen workers were on their way home; some walking down the dusty road, others sputtering out of the lot in their Model T’s.


Engineer Squires eased out the throttle of Engine No. 214 after a brief stop at Manorville. The time was 5:41 p.m., and Train No. 212, The Shelter Island Express, was right on the advertised, not one minute late. Montgomery paused long enough in his shoveling to wipe long rivulets of black sweat off his brow with his big, red bandana. He had shoveled six tons of coal through the firebox doors of engine No. 214 in the 73 minutes since they left Jamaica, and he was exhausted.

From the wildly lurching gangway, he looked hopefully toward building thunderheads and the cooling rain, which he knew was just minutes away. Assisted by the big Camelback behind, No. 214 was leading the train at 70 mph. In the Easter Lily, Harold Fish was making his way toward the front vestibule of the rocking 90-ton parlor car. In his heavy, dark suit and high celluloid collar, Fish was sweltering. He needed a breath of fresh air. As he walked down the corridor of the car, the mother of the two children was telling them of the wonderful weekend ahead on Shelter Island. A maid brought them cups of ice water from the sweating cooler at the rear of the car.

Train No. 212 roared into Calverton at better than 70 mph. Half a mile ahead, a pickup truck approached the Edwards Avenue grade crossing. The driver decided to stop, for he knew the speed of the Shelter Island Express on this stretch of the railroad. As the two men in the truck watched, engine No. 214 reached the Golden siding switch, made a sudden, violent lurch, jumped into the air and rolled over on her side with a great crunching sound.

Engine No. 2 veered off the main track and, still coupled with the train, careened into the siding alongside the Golden Pickle Works, then left the rails and hit the side of the building, sending pickles and brine in every direction. The big Atlantic spun completely around knocking out the entire side of the pickle plant before it came to a stop. The Easter Lily, still coupled to No 2’s tender, wrenched free and burrowed deep into the collapsing building. A cloud of dust rose 200 feet in the air.

The men in the truck stared in disbelief at the scene. All was quiet, except for the distant rolling thunder.

The Camelback’s fireman had been thrown off his firing deck and was badly bruised. His engineer had a deep gash in the side of his head where he had been thrown against a red-hot injector pipe, but was still conscious. The fireman grabbed his shovel and began to heave dirt into the firebox, for he knew that if flames reached the wrecked building the passengers trapped inside the parlor car and the combine were doomed.

After extinguishing the fire in No. 2, the fireman ran down to No. 214 which was lying on her side, enveloped in clouds of escaping steam. As he began shoveling sand into the firebox of the No. 214, he found the bodies of her crew. Squires and Montgomery had been pinned against the red-hot boiler backhead by several tons of coal.

The two men in the truck regained their composure and raced to the wreck scene. A dazed man staggered out of the rear vestibule of Easter Lily. He was carrying a little boy. The boy was put in the truck, and the men sped the vehicle toward the hospital in Riverhead. They had gotten less than halfway when he died. Back in the parlor car, his sister was already dead. Their mother, Mrs. Schuford, was trapped in the wreckage.

A few miles away, at Camp Upton, the 62nd Coast Artillery Regiment was on maneuvers. The men had heard the Shelter Island Express pass, and they had heard the great crash as the engines left the rails. As the thunderstorm broke, the soldiers drove searchlight trucks over to Calverton. Doctors and rescue workers were crawling through the wreckage as the regiment set up its lights. The macabre scene was continually accentuated by brilliant lightning bolts. The thunder was deafening, and torrents of rain turned the dust and earth which the engines had churned up into a quagmire.

Men with lights reached the front vestibule of Easter Lily and found the body of Fish, who had smothered to death as salt poured down on him from the attic of the demolished building. The mother of the dead children, Mrs. Schuford, passed away shortly after reaching the hospital, six hours later.

Meanwhile, the electrifying news flashed up to the North Fork. The telegrapher at Calverton sent word of the wreck to Jamaica, and the agents farther east at Riverhead, Aquebogue, Jamesport, Mattituck, Cutchogue, Peconic, Southhold and Greenport all picked it up. They rushed out onto the station platforms to tell the people who were waiting to meet the train, what had happened.

Within minutes, everybody had heard of the Great Pickle Works Wreck. Anybody who had an automobile loaded up with family, friends and neighbors and headed for Calverton. By 7 p.m., on the Friday the thirteenth, Riverhead had a traffic jam – the first in its history.




[:I] Two guys are quietly sitting in a boat fishing and sucking down beer when suddenly one of them says, "I think I'm going to divorce my wife - she hasn't
spoken to me in over 2 months."
The other sips his beer and says, "You better think it over - women like that are hard to find." [:I]

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

A beautiful Saturday morning here in mid-Continent USA with an unexpected surprise – temps are to get no higher than the mid-70s! [yeah] Clear skies and just a good day to be outside! [tup]


A special THANX to Wolfman Pete for keeping the bar “open” yesterday! Those Posts were timely, interesting and appreciated! [tup] [tup] [tup]


Been working on a few “things” effecting the bar and one is to come up with a current roster of “who’s who” at ”Our” Place. It is time, as so many of our former “regulars” are nowhere to be seen, along with several who were “bestowed” special status in the Order of the Stools, perhaps an idea that has outlived its usefulness or most certainly needs revision. Anyway, there will be some changes forthcoming upon my return from Alaska. Watch for ‘em . . . .


Thanx for the Emails Rob – Ted ‘n Doug! [tup]


Regarding the “Planned Absences” – we simply take a deep breath, tighten our belts and do the best we can! [tup] The idea is – and always has been – to Post morning – noon and evening. Just one guy for the morning – another for noon and yet another in the evening, this place will do just fine. “Bunching” the Posts doesn’t work, nor do the extremely late night or early morning submissions. HOWEVER, if those are the ONLY times available, then go for it! [yeah]


I’ve received an Email from BK ‘n Lydia – along with a Post Card & Birthday card. They are in Hawaii and are planning to spend at least a week on each of the “accessible” islands. Now that’s the way to “honey moon,” eh [?] However, a room at the Red Roof Inn down the street, ‘round the corner, would “work” too! [}:)] [:-,] [;)]


If all went “well,” Lars ‘n Mrs. should be rolling along aboard the California Zephyr. The train was to depart Chicago at 1:50 PM yesterday and right now I’d say they are in Colorado – according to the schedule. He said they planned to spend as much time in the “Sightseer Lounge” as their collective butts could take! [swg] When tired of that, he’d go “below decks” to grab a beer! Now that’s my kinda train trip! [tup]


I concur with trolleyboy Rob and his recommendation to stay on the “ENCORE” idea for most of our Posts – at least until we build back our customer base. That’s what you’ll see from me – for the most part – until my return from the 49th State! [tup]


Appreciate the visits this AM from Ted ‘n Doug! Hope you both have enjoyable weekends – although my guess is Doug will be working, working, working. <groan>


Catch y’all later on . . . .


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


REMINDER: This is ENCORE Saturday!