Guten Morgen allersiets!
Wie ist jeder? Es is OKTOBERFEST! Partei wollen wir!
And a rainy morning here in mid-continent USA with temps still comfortably in the low 50s (F). All is to change later this evening with a warming trend and dry throughout the weekend. Petrol up at “Collusion Corner” mysteriously jumped to $2.10 (rounded) per gallon. Well, perhaps no mystery, as someone surely must have sneezed at OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Extorting Countries).
And so, the St. Louis Cardinals (aka: Red Birds) are but one game away from this year’s World Series Championship! Up 3 games to 1, should things continue on has they have, it could all be over tonite in the new stadium downtown.
Mike – enjoyed the spate of URLs and that Pennsy parlor car really brought a rush of nostalgia – not that I ever traveled within one! Appreciate no visuals of the PC though! The CV steamers are terrific!
RR routes of the major league baseball teams Now that’s something to research – my guess is someone has put all of this together, just a matter of finding where. And yes, I do recall when this part of the country was “it” for the traveling teams of both leagues.
The first team to relocate “west” were the National League’s Boston Braves who departed for Milwaukee, WI at the conclusion of the 1953 season. The American League’s Philadelphia A’s packed up and moved to Kansas City, MO at the end of the 1954 season. Then a move east by the St. Louis Browns to Baltimore, where they became the American Leauge's Orioles. And of course perhaps the most controversial of all the relocations occurred at the end of the 1957 season when two teams departed New York City for California as the Brooklyn Dodgers settled in Los Angeles and the Giants headed for San Francisco. After that – well, do a web search!
Nick – ransom arranged – bathtub funds in upper hallway have been depleted. You were set free in the “nick of time” to participate in last night’s thriller-diller here at “Our” Place.
DL – a very fine Post this morning and surely well within our parameters for meaningful exchanges of information on Classic Trains, with a bit of humor (humour) thrown in!
Can’t really recall how many times I’ve mapped out a rail journey to include the itinerary you’ve mentioned. I seriously could spend the remaining years of my life doing nothing but traveling on the rails. Of course I’d wind up in the poor house in short order! Anyway, by pacing myself, I have managed to squeeze in at least one annual event where an overnight train trip is involved. 2006 has been a bit rough in that the 1st Annual “Our” Place Class Trains Rendezvous in Toronto along with my recently concluded trip to Nova Scotia pretty much put the damper on anything else. However, the year hasn’t ended – yet!!
Regarding your observations – yes the Malahat on Vancouver Island is an RDC run from Victoria – Nanaimo - Courtenay. VIA Rail has been operating it for quite some time. I’ve not had the opportunity to experience it, although we’ve been to the Island. I understand the equipment is pretty much on its last legs and while the route is enjoyable, the comforts are in the austere range.
The Skeena does have cars manufactured by the Colorado Railcar Company – Ultra Domes – 85 ft single level cars with very large glassed dome windows. Two of these cars wound up in the VIA Rail inventory as a result of the “folding” of BC Rail. The Skeena, when operating “in peak season” uses one car along with a Budd consist of a Skyline dome and a Park car. The trip from Jasper, AB up to Prince Ruppert, BC requires an overnight stay at a hotel in Prince George, BC. It is indeed a trip we’ve discussed many times. One day . . . .
It is indeed interesting to note how the lexicon somehow simplifies when one engages in the discussion of traveling by rail!
I bookmarked that site for the closed stations in the UK – great stuff indeed – thanx!
Finally - have a most enjoyable weekend on the rails!
Ruth opens up at 9 AM until Leon comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing. Tonite is Pizza ‘n Beer Nite! along with Steak ‘n Fries Nite!
Boris, serve ‘em all of the “spiked” OJ they can handle!
Auf Wiedersehen!
Tom
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
My, my! We finally got to see a baseball game last night. One more and the Cards take it all.
A Frozen Dainty
Greetings from our dugout high atop Majestic Mount Mentor where we watch the Greater Mentor Electric Telegraph Authority’s wire train in action. The line crew, between pulls on the water jug (how come it’s leather?) is performing the last bit of restoration work on the trunk line to the outside world. Boris, please put the steamer trunks back in the crypt.
The second match of the IMWWDT is in the bookies (make that books). The Our Place folks earned the victory by superior skills and creative help from the mascots.
The pre-match parade was much more subdued, if only because the Ancient and Honorable Mentor Fusiliers were activated (first time since their campaign in the Crimea) for crowd control. They lined the streets in full battle regalia; Brown Bess muskets at the ready. In addition, the annual Greater Mentor Sheep Drive went through town as the parade was about ready to start. The boys on the 3-foot gauge Mentor and Southern sure have a gift for timing. When interviewed, the trainmaster said, “We couldn’t hold them back!” Your reporter is not sure whether he meant the sheep or the brakemen as both had been on the road for a long time.
The crowd, not being able to parade, was a bit sullen, but their morale perked up a little as they watched the pregame festivities led by the cheerleaders and the bikini drill team.
Our Place won the doubloon toss. Your reporter noticed that they were using the “Steamed Proprietor’s infamous two-headed coin. Also, Tim (Tiny) fell for the old “Heads I win, tails you lose” opening gambit. There’s something satisfying about seeing old school stuff now and again. No Boris, not power sweep, put the breaker panel back on the wall!
Second Class and Our Place matched each other dart for dart, drink for drink, claw hold for claw hold, body slam for body slam, well, you get the picture...Your reporter was, in fact, thinking about having to tear up the lead for this story and do a new one as it appeared we might have another tie.
We now channel Hemingway (no Boris, the author; not the trucking company). Late in the contest. Larry up for Second Class. He needs a double 17 to tie; anything better wins. Larry toes the line and the crowd grows quiet. He’s about ready to throw when Awk suddenly darts forward toward the punchbowl and extracts the bowl’s drain plug. The contents of the bowl gush out on the floor. Strong women tremble and men swoon as a tidal wave of punch surges forward. Larry is undisturbed – ready to do or die for alma mater (dear old Mentor License Plate Making and Auto Boosting Academy). He starts to throw and the flood of punch suddenly freezes solid! There, I’m myself again, I think – these flashbacks are wicked! It couldn’t have been the lobster; it must have been the beer.
To continue; Larry slipped, stepped over the line and fell, striking his head smartly on the left front corner of pool table #3. His throw went wild, but Ruth, ever agile and quick (she has to be with this crew!) managed to deflect the errant dart with her bar tray. According to the rules the throw did not count, thereby awarding the victory to Our Place.
The ensuing riot was rapidly quelled by the Fusiliers who formed into hollow squares and fired over the heads of the rioters.
Your reporter slipped out the back door and found the entrance to the Our Place building’s sub basement. There he found Frostbite seated at the controls of a monstrous ice making machine. It turns out that the MHL (Mentor Hockey League) is getting ready for their season and they will be using Our Place for practice. Frostbite was downstairs testing the equipment when Awk unplugged the punchbowl. I asked Frostbite if he had planned this. All he did was give me a sly look and hold up a Pittsburgh Penguins sweater.
One more to go. Our Place takes the upcoming match; they win it all – if not, it’s a three way tie. Somehow, I don’t think that Vito and the boys are going to let it happen.
Well, back to our studios high atop Majestic Mount Mentor courtesy of the Greater Mentor Sedan Chair and Portajohn Company, LLC. Say good night Frostbite!
In a most bizzare and thrilling conclusion, the "Our" Place team in the Grudge Match Bragging Rights DARTS CHALLENGE! overcame the misfits from The Second Class Saloon in a finish that could have been only orchestrated in the mind of a demented, tortured, but happy soul! WE WIN! WE WIN! Oooooooooops, WE WON! WE WON! there's another game to go in order to conclude the series. Most strange set of circumstances and we await with heightened anticipation . . .
Continuing thanx go to CM3 Ace Reporter for the "report" - and given that it is Friday, perhaps we will know by Monday of the fate of it all . . . Final match is over at The Second Class Saloon.
Did any of you catch that great URL from wanswheel Mike of the "tribute" to Mountain Man Mike from The Second Class Saloon It's a "keeper" - especially if you've been following the reports from CM3 and the barrage from the catapult, Gremlins, Pacers, Edsels 'n Corvairs! Here it is again:
http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/collections/cushman/full/P06176.jpg
Aside from a somewhat confused schedule - which fits well within most things taking place in and around Mentor Village - match #3 should indeed set the stage for an annual event. Yes, Mountain Man Mike and I have penned the contract - approved by the Committee What's In Charge (CWIC) for each establishment - that in the month of October, there shall be a Grudge Match Bragging Rights DARTS CHALLENGE! between the two taverns. Next year, match #1 opens at "Our" Place, etc.
I see Ruth has arrived, so I'll head out back and check to see if the work has been done in and around "Our" Place, including the fumigation of Boris' habitat!
G’day Cap’n Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth, set ‘em up if you please – a stein of German lager, your choice! Ah, it’s a bit early for lunch for me, however, I’ll take a foot long hero, ham – Swiss – mustAHd ‘n buttAH along with two large pickles from the barrel and a saucer of brine for Tex. Ok, Boris - you can have a dozen pickles too! <grin>
One game to go and the Cardinals from St. Louis become the Champions of Baseball for 2006. As a National League fan I’m elated at the prospect, however as a Mets fan, I’m still in a state of denial. Mixed bag for sure, huh This series has shown the chinks in the armor of the Detroit Tigers in that at times they surely have been throwing the ball away thereby giving the Cardinals every advantage. Are we ready for some FOOTBALL
I’m booked for a return to NYC early this coming week to wind up this chapter of “In the life of the Larson Family!” Sad to report that things here on the left coast didn’t go quite the way we had hoped and – well, it’s just a sad reality of the way life takes twists and turns. Never pleasant to institutionalize a loved one – but that’s the scourge of some diseases.
Ok, now what is the deal with this Darts Tournament ?? I’m trying to follow along, but honestly must say that I’m either not in synch, or it appears our “reporter” and “proprietor” are on different frequencies. So, when’s the next game?? Thought it was supposed to be a three-night “thing” – Tuesday thru Thursday. Did I miss something?? Also looks as if either of them are using different names for the tournament. Maybe there are two different challenge matches going on and some of us just haven’t picked up on it!
Now before CM3 I’m not Shane! gets offended – don’t take any! Mixed signals, that’s all – love the reports, and they really are creative and all of that. Hard to figure out where things were, are or are going. Looking forward to the final chapter of things . . . Also, good news about the event becoming an annual thing. Now the idea is to generate sufficient interest in this place to guarantee that we'll be here!
Good dialogue underway, once again, between Cap’n Tom and DL in the UK. Makes me want to book a trip on one of those routes being kicked around. Also, back to Pete! You’ve been sorely missed ‘round the Saloon by the Siding and we’re looking forward to your posts, insights and banter at the bar! I'd surely like to be added to that itinerary that Cap'n Tom mentioned for the Gaspe trip and visit to the Delson museum.
Anyone seen or heard from the man called trolleyboy Has he dropped off the Earth again Also, looks as if my “bookend” hasn’t made a return for awhile either. All adds up to limited interaction, fewer bucks in Cashinator ‘n Tilla and of course a quieter environment than we prefer here at the Tavern by the Tracks.
Good to see our Proprietor break out the TWEETER – unfortunately there was an erroneous accusation – but I see amends were made. <grin> Nice penalties!
I’ll try to make it back later . . .
Until the next time!
Manager Lars
Hi Tom and all.
I'll try a rum please Leon to try and shake off this head cold, probably caught on the trip back over,and a round to celebrate our well deserved dart victory so well described by ace reporter CM3.
Well I am now up to date at OUR PLACE and have throughly enjoyed reading the great posts, links and pics, many thanks TOM,ROB,CM3, DOUG,LARS,BK,DL-UK,MIKE, JAMES, NICK,ERICand even a brief visit from AL.Gentlemen you make Our Place the trully remarkable place that it is.
I will go into more detail of my trip to England a bit later, although it was mostly work I did manage a trip to the Bluebell railway in Sussex for their "Giants of Steam"day where they had the two surviving Great Western 4-4-0 double-framers working together #3440 City Of Truro and #9017 Earl Of Berkley" The Bluebell is hoping to connect back with BR at East Grinstead in the not too distant future, at present their is a bus link from Kingscoat to East Grinstead. On the day we were there it was a preserved Routemaster bus which was talked about while I was away.
There is a service from Watford Junction to Brighton which skirts London and saves the hassle of crossing London by Underground. Unfortunatly on the way back there was a fatality on the line at South Croyden and our train was luckily stopped in the platform at Purley. After waiting over an hour trains started moving on the slow lines and Alan and I done a good smaritan act for a fairly elderly lady who was frightened to go on the Underground alone, so we took her with us to Euston and made sure she caught her train north. The railways cant be blamed for this and the driver of our train did his best to keep us informed.
NICK You are right I meant to say Free with All Right Now must have been jet-lag. As for songs with a railway theme how about "The Last Steam Powered Train" by the KINKS( on the Village Green Preservation Society album) and "The One After The 909" by a little known band The Beatles, I belive this was going to be the first track on the Please Please Me album but "I Saw Her Standing There" was chosen instead. Thanks for the Prairie model pics, I think the large prairie tanks were my favourite GW locos.
Looking forward to the description of your trip behind the SEMI. DL
Well TOM I had better go watch the Cards, when they are successful I will tell you what I said to the bride a week or two before the play-offs.
Another round LEONand many thanks all for the welcome back.
Pete
G-day Captain Tom and all present.
Leon, That Steak 'n fires is sounding so good!! I would like to have that along with some coffee, evening blend, please. Here's some money. Buy the Gentlemen drinks please.
Tom- I did go back into the thread and saw the five dollars for coffee, Tea, etc. if you haven't ordered anything. My apologies. Anyway thought your little "Tilla 'n cashinator was clever. But at the same time was mean!! Thats how life works.
Thanks for the photos Mike. Infact E70 is the little joe that I have for a model. I also know that E70 was one of the passenger units. It lead the Hiawathas (Chicago to Seattle and back) throught the mountains. But, around 1960, is when it took in some work and was converted over to frieght service. It's sister unit, #E71, took in the same work a couple months later. Just a little history behind the two Joes.
I also noticed the box cab pics. I know that an EF1 series locomotive (The one pictured) was used for helper service after there passenger train days were over. Now the bipolars had been around for quite some time and they were having some difficulties with them, so that was one of the reasons for a box cab being in passenger service. They were the most reliable locomotive the milwaukee owned. But when tonnage was increasing the milwaukee had to get with there program so they came up with EF2, EF3, and EF5 sets. EF4 being the little joe. Very interesting history behind the 4 different box cab sets.
Nick- Very interesting history on your layout. It seems like it's saying, "I been every layout." Nothing wrong there. My layout has changed so many times that I've lost count. I just finally came up with a track plan that I like. Keep up the good work.
Well, Tom, you will be happy to know that Boris' shed is done. All the bugs are dead, the shed has been sweeped out and things piled neatly inside, what ever those things are. But it finally looks pretty. What a work out. There were dust bunnies the size of lake Superior in there. Here's another question. When was the last time someone cleaned out this place..Hmmm.
Happy railroading
James
Good evening Leon , a frozen slushy of spiked punch from the punch bowl if you will. No I was not arrested ( I think ) or otherwise detained by the demented or twisted souls from the second class , nor have I succomed to wounds recieved in action at the dart brawls. Just blew a modem and had to replace it. Alls good now though.
Tom-Nice to see our customer tweeting autocrat back. I'm glad that things went well in Halifax, their gas still seems a bit high , we're getting a bargin in these parts 82.9 a litreBTW let me be the first to congratulate you for your team winning the soggiest world series of recent times.
The reaper actually ran fairly well concidering it gets one run a year.We cahse the service cars with it. This is the last year it will be used for this though as we have to keep it in parallell to keep up with the other cars ( only one motor works )
Pete-Welcome back sir, good to have the wolfman back in the fold or is that den
CM3-A truly amazing blow by blow , impalation by impalation description of the first anual mentor darts grudge matches.I narrowly missed being flattened by the first pacer launched by the catapult !I also was narrowly missed by some stray musket balls from the fusliers.Speaking of which , at last saturday's halloween show, myself and our one member were giving live demo's of Brow bess action ( long story suffice to say he is an 1812 reenactor at brought his BB along as a prop ) He just happened to have some balck powder and well it added some ambiance to the evening
James-Great photo's from wed.Great looking autorack BTW. Your luckey that you only had to deal with the half dollar sized spiders in the shed, those are just the babies Boris must have eaten the bigger ones.
Nick-Loved your pictures from wed as well.I wouldn't worry too much about your hospital room, you only need to fear the big nurse if she says "turn your head and cough "
Mike-Great spats of urls, ad thanks for being the one and only Monon contributer tues. I had a piece but the moden crapped out before I could post it.
DL-Great ongoing VIA dialogue between you and Herr Tom !The ACR is beautifull country, and is worth the visit eventually.I don't think that you will be dissapointed by the ONR either.My best suggestion is the Bus route as opposed to trying to link by train and taxi, when and if you do the ACR the bus will be cheaper.The Sault has alot of other interesting atractions as well , the great lakes locks biot tours and the Bush Plane Museum are definate to do's as well.When you do make it to the HCRY, save a bit of time for a trip into the warplane Museum in Hamilton, perhaps Tom and I can did out some shots from this past May's visit.
Lars-Thanks for missing me I wouldn't leave dis here place not willingly anyway
Eric-Just call me pshycic , actually I road over with the Bikini team in the Zepplin ( they wouldn't let me fly over in the Gotha bombers, they told me I was too interested in the bomb release switch
Rob
ENCORE SATURDAY ENCORE SATURDAY ENCORE SATURDAY ENCORE SAT
Here's an encore to get the saturday rerolls a rolling Thsi one was frist posted on pg 354 the first full week of fulltime reactivation of the festivities here at Our Place.
Also looks like Eric mamaged to sneak in right before me and congratulated Tom and his Redbirds first.Oh well I'll be first after him adding my congrats
trolleyboy wrote: Wierd Tales From The Barn # 2 Oddball Trolley's Pt 1 As we know, railroading can at times be an ecentric thing.The street railways were no exception to this rule. Many times during the early years of electrification 1880's to 90's many street railway companies tended to express themselves in unique ways with unique one off cars. here are two examples one from the US and one from Great Britain. I have poor magazine photo's of both cars an I will attempt to scan and clean them up ( may not be possible ) The text gives one a general idea of what they were if the pictures don't come out. article by Frank Rowsome c1956 " Of all the wierdest trolley's ever built, perhaps none was stranger than the armoured, gun carrying craft that emerged from a carbarn at Fitchburg Mass in the fall of 1896. It was modelled after the Brooklyn , a formidable vessel in the Great White Fleet.It brandished two 6-pounders in barbettes astride the bows, plus a fearsome 18- pounder on the main deck. There appear to have been additional guns in the rear to discourage pursuit. Built on a self propelled faltcar ( work motor ), this armoured trolley was 37 feet long, and 9 feet wide. She had a perfusuion of portholes, a bridge,and, somewhat perplexingly an anchor. Whether she was seriously intended as an exparamental land cruiser or was built simply as a stunt is uncertain.Some evidence points each way. There were sober articles written about such a weapon in the Litterary Digest and the Electrical Review . The Digest called it "an instrument of warfare of infinate use". The Review pondered that " it is not beyond the range of medern mechanics to build a car that would be bullet proof, and that would constitute a travelling fort... it could carry men and guns from one point to another wiht great celerity " Arguing against it's actual marshall uses there are other bits of evidence. 1) It was promptly christenned the Mckinnley and saw imidiate action in the campaining against William Jennings Bryant 2) Although, as James D Hill wrote later about it, it's proponenets laid great stress upon the lead ballasted bow whose speacial design, augmenetd by the brute force of 60 horsepower motors, could shear it's way throuhg any barricade. They overlooked that someone might desend upon the power lines and separate it from iot's power sorce. 3) Inspectiomn opf surviving photo's off it show a small lifeboat suspended on davits on the port side.It's not clear how, in doughty defence of the republic,a lifeboat could come in very handy on an armoured streetcar. The second bizzare trolley comes from England. This one required a lifeboat ! Infact several. A seagoing trolley ran in the 1890's from Brighton to Rottingdean. One of the most cheerfully lunatic vehicles ever made. The 36 ton Pioneer ran on a three mile track that was 14 feet beneth the waves at high tide. It was built on four tubular steel legs had two decks, a sumptuous yacht saloon, and lifeboats for 150 passengers. A weel aftre the Pioneer familiarly known as Daddy Long Legs made it's inaugural run in 1896, it was totally wrecked in a storm. Rebuilt the following spring, Daddy Long Legs had a successfull three year life as a tourist attraction, including one red letter day when King Edward VII, and then Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Duke and Dutchess of Fife made a happy round trip on this seagoing trolley. Enjoy Rob
World Champions of Baseball for 2006!
OKTOBERFEST at "Our" Place!
We will feature GERMAN brew all month!
GERMAN sausages will be added to the menu for the month, with all the trimmings!
On Saturday's in Otober The Mentor Village Teutonic Society will sponsor Oompah Music live at the "Our" Place picnic grounds Pavillion and Dance Emporium! Performers include the Sauerkraut Band, Electric Lederhosen and Burst the Wurst Trio
Lederhosen and Alpine hats will be worn by "Our Place"! staff throughout the month!
Full scale LGB trains will be running on the main lines for free round trips toCan-Am Gorge on weekends - 10 AM to 4 PM. First northbound departs the "Our" Place platform at 10 AM sharp. undt ve mean, sharp!
PLAN TO SHARE THIS FALL CELEBRATION WITH US!
This is our last weekend for our October celebration! <phew> Back to “normal” on the 1st of November . . . . Coming up: November 11th – Armistice Day/Remembrance Day/Veterans Day – as we’ve done in the past, this is the time to provide some nostalgia related to rail travel and the armed forces during the wars of past decades . . . .
With a finale only fit for Hollywood, the 2006 World Series and baseball season has finally concluded! A win for my Cardinals, some relief from the TV and perhaps some time for other things – like model railroading and real trains! A gutsy performance by Weaver (pitcher) and some outstanding support from the lesser known cast as the Red Birds took advantage of every opportunity presented them by the Detroit Tigers. A shame to witness the ineptitude of defense – but such is the game. You win some, lose some and others are rained out! Well, the inclement weather held off – the game got played and there was a winner and loser. Really happy that it’s over. We’ll be going to the downtown parade and celebration at the ballpark tomorrow afternoon . . .
Really a slow day yesterday – nothing all afternoon and it appeared it was going to remain stagnant until Pete came along to liven us up. Appreciate the late morning visit from Lars – evening reports from Pete – James ‘n Eric and the late night appearances by Rob! Stayin’ alive! (A Bee Gees song . . . .)
Today is our ENCORE! Saturday and was aptly kicked off by Rob . . . so, let’s see what we can do to keep ‘er movin’ forward! The Oddball Trolleys should be read – very enjoyable. Noticed that Rob’s fingers must be getting caught in between the keys from time to time! <grin>
Nice job with the shed, James. Boris slept on top of it the past couple of nites - just didn't recognize the place!
Ruth opens up at 9 AM until Leon comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing. Tonite is Steak Nite! So be sure to come hungry!
HI Tom and all.
A cup of the great coffee and a German sausage selection please RUTH.
TOM CARDS DO IT.When they were struggling at the end of the season I went down to Pat's Place, which as been temporary named Pujoles Malone the last few weeks, I said to the owner and the bride"If the Cards get to the play offs they will win the title" which brought pitying looks and a question of "How many have you had?"It should be a good time at the parade this afternoon the weather is pleasent in in mid Mo.
Perhaps if one has not been to Our Place for a while they should be greeted by BORIS singing the falsetto part of Stayin' Alive., blame this on the cold medicine.
It looks as though LARS could join us in Montreal which would be great.
JAMES Great info on the Joes and the Box-cabs fine looking locos. The shed is looking great..Congrats for the well deserved medal for the frieght car.
ERIC I have got to put the pics in for devoloping as the were taken on a 35mm camera when I get the disc I will put them on the site.Really enjoyed the pics from Sweeden, thanks to DOUG and TOM for helping to see them.The bus looks a lot like some the UK Midland Red company had in there last years as an independent company.
ROB Good to be back. I thought my darts partner's shaky hands was nerves I did not know you had arrived in the Zepplin with the Bikini team.
Great encore on the Oddball Trolleys, were the pics of them able to be posted? If we ever do get a visit from Our Place to England a visit to Crich and the Blackpool Tramway is a must.
For Encore Saturday and as it is near the 31st a story I done last year.
A tale for Halloween.It was a very foggy October 31st 1944 somewhere in England as they used to say. Actually it is the exchange sidings connecting the L.N.E.R line to the U.S.A.F. airbase in East Anglia. Amos Smith a native of Iowa is in the engineman’s shanty with his young stoker and the crew of the freight train that has brought the trucks he is to take to the airfield. They are holed up in the hut, as there has been an air-raid warning. They had heard the sound of aircraft including one that was very low but the planes were heading further inland.After a while Jed the signalman poked is head in the door of the hut to let them know that the all-clear had been given and they could move off.The loco's used on the line to the base were 0-6-0 switcher tank locos built by Baldwin for the U.S. Transportation Corps. The line followed an original branch line for most of the way until swinging off on a new piece of ROW after crossing over the Big Cut River on an old swing-bridge, which had luckily survived the branches closure.After the young Stoker had brought the steam pressure up, they set off down the branch. The fog had gotten thicker but the Corps of Transport track crew had done a really good job of re-laying the track. Still the short wheel-based 0-6-0 was doing its usual waggle like dance. I'm getting too old for this thought Amos as he peered out into the wet fog. As they approached the curve to the bridge the fog thickened, suddenly Amos thought he could see a light in the 4 foot ahead, with years of experience he closed the regulator and gently applied the brake well aware of the cargo of bombs and other ammunition a few vans behind the loco. As the train stopped the light was still there Amos climbed down off the loco as the young stoker could not understand the locals at all.The source of the light was a lantern in the hand of an old guy in a long overcoat wearing an old railway hat with a badge Amos didn’t reconise. As Amos drew level with him the old guy turned on his heel and headed towards the bridge. They had not gone far when the lantern picked out a sight that took Amos back 40 years, back to the family farm in Iowa when he had gone to the barn and came face to face with a Copperhead. Lying between the rails was a landmine dug into the ballast. Feeling someone next to him Amos looked around to see his stoker who said, "If we had hit that they would have heard the bang back in the States."Amos was about to thank the old railwayman who had warned him but he had disappeared. Very gingerly they reversed the train back to the junction where Amos informed Jed the signalman who had a direct phone-line to the air -base who called in the Bomb disposal squad.Amos told Jed about the old railwayman, as the story went on Jed face turned white."That sounds like old Seth. He fell off the Swing Bridge into the Big Cut and drowned 60 years ago."
Pete.
ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday
GREAT BRITAIN PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #4
from multiple sources
first Posted on Page 146Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with Classic Trains, this time from Great Britain! Check this 1935 poster out! . . . . . . . . . .”THE SILVER JUBILEE” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SILVER LINK 4-6-2 #2509 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BRITAINS FIRST STREAMLINE TRAIN NEWCASTLE AND LONDON IN 4 HOURS AVERAGE THROUGHOUT SPEED 67.0 M.P.H. Weekdays (Saturdays excepted) from 30th. September 1935 NEWCASTLE - - dep am 10.0 ………. KING’s CROSS - - dep pm 5.30 DARLINGTON - - - - - - - - 10.42 ………DARLINGTON - - - - arr - - - 8.48 KING’S CROSS – arr pm 2.0 ……….. NEWCASTLE - - - - - - - - - - 9.30 . . . . . . . . . .Connecting trains serve Tyneside and Tees-side . . . . . . . . . SUPPLEMENTARY FARES: First Class 5/- Third Class 3/- LONDON & NORTHEASTERN RAILWAY Enjoy! Tom
Another coffee RUTH to go with the sausage I have got left.
TOM thanks for the Silver Jubilee Encore This is what I wrote at the time.
I think I have seen the poster on the Silver Jubilee the A4 engine does look a bit boxy. I think the A4s looked better when the valance over the wheels was removed and not replaced during the war. Also the Silver and Gray livery I do not think suited them. A non-working preserved one was painted in this way a few years ago. Most of the A4s were painted in L.N.E.R. Garter Blue. in wartime they were black. In B.R. days brunswick green was the color as are the 2 preseved in North America today. I think this livery suited them best although #60007 Sir Nigel Gresley was painted in the short lived early B.R. blue(like the Caledonian light blue) it looked superb . #2509 Silver Link soon after being built was used on a Press run in which it ran for many miles averaging over 100M.P.H and setting a then world record of 112 M.P.H. It also worked alone for 14 days faultlessly until the second A4 Quicksilver was ready.
Obviously Teething Troubles hadnt been invented then .
Back to now. I have a link which hopefully will show the A4s in action
http://www.railwaymags.com/nav?page=railwaymags.contentspage&view_resource=5343461
If you click on the "click here" by DVD trailers there should be 3 dvds , then click on the dvd trailer there should be about 3 mins of the A4s. Also the 9F trailer is worth a look as there are some scenes of 9Fs on the Somerset & Dorset, I am sure NICK will enjoy these.
About at this time DL should by enjoying his trip behind the magnificent red machine in the UK. Looking forward to the report and pics.
Great to see ya this fine day, Wolfman Pete! Thanx for the two Posts and that wonderful URL - really liked those locos - favored the 9Fs; sound of the rails and steam loco is just out of this world!
I should add that your ENCORE! was as good the second time 'round as the first! Good choice!
Parade and celebration inside the stadium is set for tomorrow at 2 PM. Should be lotsafun - Cardinals fans are rather rabid 'round these parts! Took in the 1982 parade downtown when they beat the Milwaukee Brewers (then in the American League). It was during the work week and the crowds were civil, happy and many. Tomorrow should be a fine tribute. Hope they have the Clydesdales in the stadium, for that's always a great treat. When AB owned the team, they were a "fixture" at opening day, playoffs and world series.
Give me a call if you and your bride would like to take in the festivities tomorrow . . . .
G'day Cap'n Tom and all assembled!
St. Louis Cardinals are the Champions of the World of Baseball! Fantastic achievement and congratulations to Cap'n Tom and all who claim the Red Birds as their own! 5- to all!
I'm hardly a sportscaster, but here's what I recall: The Tigers botched pretty much every easy play where the potential for a run by the opposition turned to reality. The Cardinals played nearly flawlessly in the field with the exception of that kid in the outfield. What a mess he made of things, huh Fortunately, the Cardinals pitcher saved his bacon on more than one occasion. Anyway, perhaps not the best team in baseball, but for sure the best in the playoffs - which is where it counts the most! A redemption of the 2004 sweep, I'd say.
Ruth, a tall, frosty pilsner - you pick it from the list of German brews please. Just slide the snacks down my way - it's a bit early for lunch for me - and oh yes, a round on me.
Good to see ya up 'n about the decks Pete! That also goes for you too Rob with those late night posts! Perhaps with the two of you back in the saddle, we can resume some normalcy 'round this joint. The way I figger it, we NEED Doug in the AM - Rob whenever we can get him - and Pete as our PM poster. If we can count on those three - we're in good shape for the in betweens. Problem is - you-know-what-happens! Evenings seem to have settled in quite nicely with contributions from Eric - DL 'n Nick on a semi-routine basis. Of course on Mon thru Fri, we have CM3 I'm Not Shane! (xcpt for federal holidays!!) All works to our advantage - the more we have aboard, the better the info exchange, and of course the banter at the bar!
So, we're winding down the month of October - hard to believe, but it's been a looooooooong month in some ways and I'm more than ready to return to my digs in Staten Island.
I noted some serious housekeeping has been done 'round the joint - must've been that TWEETING punishment doled out by our Mentor - Cap'n Tom. Although not acknowledged by Doug (yet) - all of the Awk - Tex 'n Frostbite droppings have been removed. Good show! And I noted that Boris' shed looks like it has had a thorough cleansing and purging of this 'n that. I noted he slept on the roof, probably didn't recognize his lair, huh Hopefully his "inflatibles" weren't disturbed - that would be cause for serious alarms. Boris and his 'girls' cannot be parted!
I was able to do a bit of browsing referencing the Gaspe train and that museum in Quebec that Cap'n Tom and Pete have been discussing. Seems like we could "do" the museum in plenty of time to get back to Montreal for the 6:15 PM departure of the train. One night in Montreal - two nights up 'n back aboard the train - a three-nighter would do it. The Gaspe train returns to Montreal in the monring which would give us plenty of time to jet-away back home without having to spend another night. Just keep me apprised of what you guys are planning by e-mail and perhaps we can hook up. I'm way overdue for something like that.
Enjoyed the Url and your rerun of the Halloween story - somehow, I don't recall viewing it before - but then again, I wasn't a customer last fall! <duh>
Can't stay online for much longer, as the family "divies" up 'puter time quite well. They've been kind to their uncle though - and just as long as I don't hog the "mo-sheen" we all get along quite well.
Enjoy the parade tomorrow Tom and have a great weekend gents!
Lars
Good morning Tom and friends! A thousand pardons for my tweetable offense. As Tom noted, I have removed all critter droppings, and "recycled" them to Boris’ shack, where he uses them for bedding (now that we're throwing down my pine chips and peanut shells during regular business hours). Howabout them Cardinals? They surely came through when it counted! I’m hoping my Bears don’t embear*** me tonight, as the TV Gods have moved their game from its usual 12 noon slot, so that more people can see ‘em play in their pumpkin orange costumes. Speaking of which .. I never divulged exactly what job#2 was for me. I work at a Spirit of Halloween Store, which is owned by Spencer. We took over an old Frank’s Nursery, and filled it with all sorts of Halloween costumes, acsessories and other assorted scary stuff about 2 months ago. After Halloween, there’s a one-day 50% off sale, then everything is boxed over the following week to resurface again in another 10 months when the store reopens. The volume of sales this close to Halloween has been insane, and I get to be right in the trenches! I worked a long shift yesterday, and have another to look forward to today.
On the home front, Our walk-through for the new house is this Thursday, and we’ve begun packing. The big project our builder has not begun is installing the water heater and all the plumbing fixtures. Many of the problems we’ve seen have been fixed to our satisfaction, but there are still plenty more to go! Can’t help but notice that the leaves are slowly blanketing the grass surrounding the farm house we’re renting, so I’ll be needing to do something about them. No rest for this wicked boy.
Most amazing coverage of the dart games from CM3. I guess what doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger. Hats off to partner Nick for somehow staying alive. It’s been an ordeal. Hats off also to the rest of the gang for keeping this thread a pretty darn-good read in spite of the absence of usual contributions. Amazing material as usual, to be sure. I for one will not be full-strength until later into November, events in my life being what they are these days. Here’s a small little something for today:
Pictured is the interior of the lounge of the privately-owned deluxe five-bedroom sleeper/lounge car Hollywood Beach, in Chicago on Sept. 15 in preparation for departure that night to the American Association of Private Railcar Owners convention in Scranton, PA. Just four of these cars were built for the Seaboard Railroad, and this is the only one left in service. Worth noting is that the unique curved windows in the ceiling of this car inspired similar ones in Amtrak’s Superliner lounge cars.
It seems the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a unique device for testing the strength of windshields on airplanes. The device is a gun that launches a dead chicken at a plane's windshield at approximately the speed the plane flies.The theory is that if the windshield doesn't crack from the carcass impact, it'll survive a real collision with a bird during flight. It seems the British were very interested in this and wanted to test a windshield on a brand new, speedy locomotive they're developing.They borrowed the FAA's chicken launcher, loaded the chicken and fired. The ballistic chicken shattered the windshield, went through the engineer's chair, broke an instrument panel and embedded itself in the back wall of the engine cab. The British were stunned and asked the FAA to recheck the test to see if everything was done correctly.The FAA reviewed the test thoroughly and had one recommendation: "Use a thawed chicken."
Even though the bar at "Our" Place is
CLOSED on SUNDAYs -
We do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day!
NOW PLAYING at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!
. . . Sunday, October 29th thru November 4th: The Usual Suspects (1995) Starring: Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, Benicio del Toro & Kevin Spacey – and – Anger Management (2003) Starring: Adam Sandler & Jack Nicholson. SHORT: The Three Stooges – Playing the Ponies (1937)
The Usual Suspects (1995)
PLOT SUMMARY: After a waterfront explosion, Verbal (Kevin Spacey), an eye-witness and participant tells the story of events leading up to the conflagration. The story begins when five men are rounded up for a line-up, and grilled about a truck hijacking (the usual suspects). Least pleased is Keaton (Gabriel Byrne) a crooked cop - exposed, indicted, but now desperately trying to go straight. The cops won't leave him alone, however, and as they wait for their lawyers to post bail, he is talked into doing one more job with the other four. All goes tolerably well until the influence of the legendary, seemingly omnipotent "Keyser Soze" is felt. Although set in the modern day, it has much of the texture of the forties, plus suspense, intrigue (a fairly high body count), and lots of twists in the plot.
Anger Management (2003)
PLOT SUMMARY: Overworked and undervalued Dave Buznik is a businessman whose life practically seems stuck in second gear. He's got a boss who just as well step on him, as acknowledge the fact that Dave does all the work but the boss gets the credit. He's got a pacifist nature that always gets the best of him, causing him to avoid conflict whenever possible. But it only seems to get worse for Dave when he can't take action and lets everything just sit. However, when a misunderstanding aboard an airplane lands Dave in court, the only way out is through the therapy of Dr. Buddy Rydell, a psychiatrist and anger management expert. While the unconventional Buddy seems harmful and psychotic, he might just be Dave's only solution to a problem that seriously needs to be addressed.
from: www.imdb.com
SHORT: Playing the Ponies (1937)
PLOT SUMMARY: Featuring Moe, Larry and Curly Moe, Larry and Curly are three restaurant owners who want to make money faster through horse racing. They get suckered into buying a broken down nag named Thunderbolt, but fortunately the Stooges have a secret weapon: hot pepperinos!
Moe, Larry and Curly are three restaurant owners who want to make money faster through horse racing. They get suckered into buying a broken down nag named Thunderbolt, but fortunately the Stooges have a secret weapon: hot pepperinos!
from: www.threestooges.net
Enjoy!
IN TRIBUTE - IN TRIBUTE - IN TRIBUTE
Good after morning everyone. I'm glad to see that I am in time for the Sunday brunch here at the old saloon by the siding.
Tom-A fine and fitting tribute toRed Auerbach good show and form and all that.I do have fat fingers on occation don't I
Lars-Good to hear that you are soon to be wending your way home, things are indeed rounding hopefully back into form around here.Sounds as though the Montreal trip is rounding into form as well No fear about poor Boris's girls. They were put back right where James found them, he on;y dusted them off
Pete-I loved the "spook" story , just as good the second time around If we do ever get to the old country Crich needs to be on the itinerary.The folks that we have met from their membership over the years are of the top notch variety.I'm just glad that no one suffered any real direct hits from my dart tossing Just that one poor moosehead on the wall I have not got scanable photo's of either of those trolley's , perhaps Eric will be able to scan in his sketches of them.
Doug-Spencers at Halloween ! Good gawd man that's 'bout as insane as my line of work.speaking of oddities at Halloween our last night show went without a hitch last night over seven hundred showed up to be both scarred and entertained by the cast and crew at the museum ( despite the ongoing drizzle )Great dome shots from this morning as well
Eric-yes I survived the flight over , through the force of sheer willpower I might add
Well a few traction shots to keep things perking along on this sunday photo posting day.
NS&T "Curvesider" in St Catharines On in 1949 from OERHA collection
NS&T Interurban Car 623 c1956 from OERHA collection
NS&T Interurban car 83 on last run 1957 from OERHA collection
Enjoy Rob
A few more Pix from my 2005 Dallas trip . . . .
TRE bi-levels approaching Centrepoint Station
TRE bi-level at Centrepoint Station
TRE F59PH at rear of bi-levels, Centrepoint Station
Bi-level and RDC at TRE Inspection & Maintenance facility
RDC at TRE Inspection & Maintenance facility
F59PH at TRE Inspection & Maintenance facility
Bi-level consist at TRE Inspection & Maintenance facility
Herzog GP9s at TRE Inspection & Maintenance facility
I'll just pop this through the mail slot.
LARS That looks a great intinarary for Montral, hope you have a safe trip back home.
ERIC I will try to put type your link to the pics in so I can have a look. I will try to paste them but I am not sure what I am doing on the computer.
I saw the A4 #60007 very soon after she had been painted into the early BR blue livery she looked superb, I am glad to say she is still in that blue after the recent overhaul.
DOUG I am glad the Halloween House has been very busy although it has meant a lot of work for you.The new house looks great .
Thanks for the pics of the Hollywood Beach car it must have been great to travel on.it.
I actully knew someone who part of his job WAS to put dead chickins in to jet engines, although hopefully not frozen ones..
ROB Glad you liked the story and glad there was a good turn out at the museum again.It must be fun to travel in the Halloween tramcar.
Yes the poor moosehead wont be the same again.
Always good to see the trolley pics.
TOM Some fairly new but good main features on at the Emporium this week, and what the Stooges do with the pepperinos has got me intrigued.
Enjoyed the Dallas pics, some rare shots of the maintainance facility.
Was the coach Red Auerbach who died the one who used to have a large cigar after each win.
Alans pics.
41.1144-9 after a trip down a recenly open branch line.
at Dippoldiswalde
99 1608-1 at Seifersdorf.
Seifersdorf Station
(photo courtesy Divisionpoint)
(photo courtesy Canada Science & Technology Museum)
Red Auerbach photos
http://www.nba.com/celtics/photogallery/red-auerbach-photo-gallery.html
Cigar Aficianado
http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/CA_Profiles/People_Profile/0,2540,33,00.html
The Hick From French Lick (Monon Railroad town)
http://www.sportsmemorabilia.com/files/cache/03e1e52839b5cebdc2f3db72b69b6203.jpg
G-day captain Tom and all present.
Well a very active pics night going on here.
I saw Pete had some interesting steam photos. What it looks like is a couple of Japanese steam engines in the group of pics. If not they closely resemble Japanese steam. BTW, If it's one railroad I know, Its the Milwaukee road. If you need information on it let me know. I will try to answer it to the best of my ability.
Glad you liked my progress on the shed. That was a mess.
Tom- I am also glad you liked the shed. One good deed finished. Now Boris can enjoy it, if... He can recognize it that is. Well, Rob told me there were spiders bigger than a half dollar in there. Am I glad Boris ate them. Also, Tom, Your pics were really cool. I noticed your two Geeps in the one pic and do you think that at one point in time they were Santa Fe?
Eric- Glad you found those Fs. Would there be anyway to post them so I could see them? I just like F-units. There some of the coolest looking loco's.
Barndad- That was a very interesting passenger car. A sleeper lounge. I noticed in one of my books that the milwaukee road a similar car to this sleeper lounge. It was a sleeper with an observation end. The oberservation end of the car has a small lounge area just like the one shown in your picture. But not with the curved glass. The milwaukee road car was a heavy wieght. So it was interesting to get a look into a louge car. It gives me ideas of how a lounge area looks. Even though each railroad differs with interiors. Thanks for the pics.
I would like to thank those who commented on my auto rack. It was quite a heart warmer to win that medal. Never thought I could. But, If you try, There's no telling what you can do.
Great photo's!! But It's time for some more pics.
This has Rock Island written all over it. These signals are classic Rock Island. Very distiguishable by it's three cirrcular lights. This sscene is located in New Mexico, on the now BNSF.
The Union Pacific, and what a picture this is. This is one of those breath taking Dusk shots, with a manifest train in the foreground. Leading unit is an SD90/43MAC, with 3 other units behind it. This is quite a train.
Another one of those breath taking views. Two SD70ACes, (newly delivered this year) are shown shoving a train up a hill. These units are helper sets. This was taken in Montana.
Happy railroading!
G-day Captain Tom and all present!
This is a new start.
Milwaukee Road News.
The 4-6-4 F7 Baltics!
Photo from: www.mylargescale.com/.../introduction.asp
Mostly responsible for the Morning and Evening Hiawathas from Minneapolis to Chicago.
First introduced in 1939 with the third most pronounced Hiawatha streamlined passenger, it was considered the fastest and most bueatiful of passenger trains in North America. Clocking speeds at over 105 mph it made for a sure sight when passing.
Photo from: www.minnesotajones.com/hiawatha_page.htm
In 1939 with the new baltic locomotives, seen above, the train was coonsisted of an Express-Tap car, four coaches and Diners, two parlor cars and a Parlor Observation, also reffered to as a Beaver tail car. (the one shown below) These trains ran up untill the 1948 and 49. Then they became no more.
Photo from: http://www.trainweb.org/hiawatha/tailopening.html
Almost all of the milwaukee roads passenger cars were built in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Baltics were built for the Milwaukee road by the American locomotive company, or as we have always know it, ALCO.
Express-Tap lounge
Coach
Dining Car
Parlor Car
Parlor Observation (Beavertail)
The pics above show the interiors of each of the cars used on the Hiawatha. These show some pretty indepth features of each car. These give the arrangement of seats, were the kitchen was and what each looked like inside. The outside of the car is shown in depth also high lighting all the features on these cars. If one notices, Each car as 7 ribs to match the locomotive. Give it a look and see what you think.
Photo's from:www.minnesotajones.com/hiawatha_page.htm
If you have a question on anything let me know.
And a glorious beginning to another great day here in mid-continent USA – blue skies, temps expected to be in the upper 70s – just a fine day to be outdoors, which I’m planning to be. The leaves are on the ground and in the air – have lots to pick up and with over 3 dozen deciduous trees just waiting to let loose <grin> this will continue for a couple of more weeks. <groan>
I see where St. Louis has been ‘crowned’ the World Series Champion city AND the #1 in crime as well. At a time like this it’s easy to say that I DON’T reside in the city – but we all take “credit” for being Cardinals fans! Go figger! Not a great distinction regarding the crime rate – but something that has been constant since I moved to this part of the country nearly 30 years ago. It’s not as if one is going to get themselves in serious trouble while in downtown – but then again, one has to KNOW their surroundings and remain with the “flow” – a bit of “streetwise” stuff from my youth in NYC.
Some acknowledgments are in order:
Lars -10-28-2006, 2:02 PM: Good to see ya and hope yoru trip home is uneventful. I concur with your assessment of the "series" as the Cards took every advantage whereas the Tigers didn't. Throwing the ball away so many times didn't help their cause either . . . Appears as if you're interested in the Delson 'n Gaspe ida. What you put together is pretty much "on the mark" as it is what I had planned to do. The Delson Museum is an extra for me, and I'll only partake should either you or Pete make the trip. Otherise, I'll just "do" the Gaspe run; not interested in a night in Montreal - alone. Much rather spend my nights aboard a rolling train!
Eric - 10-29-2006, 2:09 AM:: Here’s your link:
http://web.mac.com/ericx2000/iWeb/Sunday%20Picts/Sunday%20Pictures.html
Highly recommend the “slide show” – great Pix – many thanx!
Doug – 10-29-2006, 8:08 AM: Your Bears didn’t let you down – they’re doing GREAT! Hope they continue strongly for the second half of the season. Good work with your Sunday Pix – appreciate the time you give us, in spite of everything going on in your personal life.
Rob – 10-29-2006, 11:17 AM and 11:23 AM: Fine inclusive “catch up” and of course wonderful traction Pix!
Pete – 10-29-2006, 5:03 PM: Great shots from Alan (you’ve GOT to get him to stop in!!) – and of course, enjoyed your narrative. And yes, Red Auerbach was the cigar smoking coach who always lit up upon chalking up another Celtics victory. Quite the character and a most revered figure in sports history in this country.
Mike – 10-29-2006, 6:05 PM: Fine selection of CV Pix along with some wonderful URLs. Hope the guys avail themselves of the Red Auerbach spate of Pix – some very insightful stuff indeed.
James – 10-29-2006, 8:24 PM and 10:05 PM: A diverse and well done selections of Pix for our Sunday Photo Posting Day! The GEEPS in my spread very well could’ve been Santa Fe – I’ll have to get our crack research team on that! <grin> My favorite was that “track shot” – really cool!
Ruth opens up at 9 AM until Leon comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Nice day here today as well. We had a wicked storm Friday night through Saturday p.m., but it headed north and hammered the home front on the northern division.
Thanks for the post re Red Auerbach's passing. Let us return to the thrilling days of yore when I'm listening to the old Emerson as raspy-voiced Johnny Most broadcasts from "High above courtside, where we have another 15,909 on hand to watch the Celtics." We listen to the game and then wait for the announcement, "There it goes, the victory cigar is lighted." My, my! All I can say is whatever his new team may be, they'll do well, if only because they know where the soft spots are in the parquet floor. Last dart news follows - it'll seem funny to get back to the railroad.
Are We There Yet?
Greetings from our studios high atop Majestic Mount Mentor where we are watching a parade of armored vehicles escorting a garrulous gathering of garbage trucks and swift street sweepers as they clean up the remains of the first IMWWD. Boris! Stop throwing bottles at the vultures! They have work to do!
The Our Place d’artistes won the trophy and will hold it for a year; assuming it’s not stolen, pawned, melted down or sold for scrap. The match wasn’t even close this time as the Second Class team was distracted, not only by the cheerleader’s antics, but also by the bottle car of refreshments set out on the Mentor and Southern Narrow Gauge siding down by the sheep pens. Whatever that stuff was, it sure worked. The Second Classers couldn’t even see the board, and the Our Place team rolled to an easy victory, afterwards rolling the Second Classers out into the street where they were set upon by the mascots.
Incidentally the M&S NG track crew does have some work to do as some of the contents of the bottle car spilled onto the roadbed. The melted rail is not too tough to handle, but the Mentor Hazmats team is presently at a loss as to what to do about the ballast at the spill site which has a lovely greenish glow during the dark hours. The area has been cordoned off, traffic rerouted, and cultures taken for further examination. Your reporter suggests that it’s as close to culture as some of those folks have been in a long time.
All hail the stumbling (make that conquering) heroes. Your reporter has found out that the Our Place team is going on a talk show and book promotional tour to celebrate their forthcoming commemorative volume, How to Do Whatever at Takes to Win at Darts, or Smoky the Bar.
When asked why a book tour, various team members responded. One said, “I have nothing to say bout it, and don’t quote me on that!” A second remarked cryptically, “If nominated, I will not run, if elected I will not serve!” A third pulled his coat over his head saying, “Talk to my attorney.” The remaining two said at the same time, “I never saw those tapes before.”
Certainly there is some additional work to be done to ferret out the story behind the story. However, your reporter will follow Vito and Leon’s advice, “The boys need a change of scenery. It’ll do ‘em good. Anyway, people forget after awhile.” If anybody knows about rapid departures under cover of darkness it has to be Vito and Leon. We thank them for their insight.
One last note regarding the tour. The team has a well-known interest in things old. Usually the longer aged the better. As part of their talk show and book tour they will be giving demonstrations of “old school” darts. Your reporter, after diligent consultation with the Greater Mentor Historical, Genealogical Sipping Society and Garden Club (their motto, throw the empties in the flower beds), is given to understand that “old school” darts involves bows, arrows, and an empty wine barrel. All of the consultants suggested that the Our Place team was certainly up to the challenge as none of them had ever been observed to have trouble emptying a barrel of anything.
Well, that about wraps it up from our studios high atop Majestic Mount Mentor. Thank you for listening – we now return you to our regularly scheduled programming, “Armadillo Mud Wrestling.” Good night, all.
work safe
Hello Tom
I’ll take a cooked breakfast, no coffee, but plenty of grapefruit juice.
Few posts to catch up on so I think I’ll contribute to them before giving you a run down of my mainline steam trip 2 days back.
Nice to review everyone’s input.
Tom, I’ll start off with your Silver Jubilee Post. I think this comes from this image does it not – a very stylish poster:
Of course part of the route of this service is part of the route of the steam special I took on Saturday.
http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?image=10173050
By the way Tom, all your most recent pics were viewable to me, and those pics inside the service sheds were most enjoyable.
Eric – glad you enjoyed the closed stations link – it looks like a life’s work does it not – and when started presumably back in the 60s he would have had no knowledge that the web would come along and allow all those great pics to be published. It’s a fascinating site. If I’ve been through or near a location where the service is now abandoned I often check the site to see what once was. There’s probably a few locations on there Pete will know of old too.
Rob – Thanks for your comments on Sault Ste Marie – sounds a place of interest. Good point also about Hamilton air museum. My relative who lives in Toronto is ex RAF (in fact that is why he first came to Canada to be trained as a pilot in 1942 or 43 – went on to fly seaplanes – Catalinas and Short Sunderlands). I recall reading they have an airworthy Lancaster at Hamilton too. In the past I think I had suggested to my relative we pay a visit there but for some reason we ran out of time, maybe this should be a definite next time I’m in the area. It would be good to see any of those pictures you mention from your own visit.
Your mention of the Daddy Long Legs Railway in Brighton was of interest, since I grew up in Sussex – some good pics on this site:
http://www.urban75.org/railway/brighton-sea-railway.html
And you probably know it, but thought you’d enjoy this site too about the other seashore ‘tram line’ that operates in Brighton – Volks Electric Railway
http://www.volkselectricrailway.co.uk/
James – you’ve sure done a good job on that shed – shows you are guy happy to put a shoulder to the grindstone when required! Those pics you posted are great ones, and that info on the Hiawatha was superb, enjoyed the link to the page with those car diags and interior pictures too – what would a preserved line give to have a consist of one of those to run as a set today?
Lars – on the darts, yes, hard to follow through the cut and thrust of the action – what I’m wondering was – did any railway ever operate a darts car in service? (ha ha) Tom, is this something you can advise on? The empty space in VIA Renaissance Transition Car between the train and the Budd Park car would be an obvious location for a game of darts with that long empty interior and the darts board at one end?
The closest thing I can think of are the frankly slightly surreal ‘Tavern Cars’ introduced by the UK Southern Railway after WW2 – which fitted out the interiors like a trad British Pub (I think they had the pub sign painted on the outside of the car as well as over the bar as seen here) – hard to convey the sense of this any better than these amusing official photograph from the national Railway Museum archive on this link
http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?image=10323923&wwwflag=2&imagepos=2
http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?image=10459903&wwwflag=2&imagepos=1
http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?image=10459904&wwwflag=2&imagepos=2
I think this would have been the ideal place for a darts match on wheels!!!
Incidentally – this is a fantastic archive of images – if you click any of the key word links on the RHS of the pic you get to a great selection you can look over – click a keyword here like ‘Southern Railway’ and the choice is pretty unlimited!
Try this one for some Trans Atlantic Flavour – ‘American Tourists being served drinks on the Devon Belle – 1953’ – Do any of you statesiders know these guys?
http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?image=10310580&wwwflag=2&imagepos=5
The archive is so good because the NRM inherited the picture archive of British Railways on privatisation I think, BR itself having inherited the picture archive of the private companies back in 1948. With the NRM being part of the UK national museum service they have put the image library (or a lot of it) up on the web for us to enjoy – moreover if you like a pic you can buy a print I think. So even with the Devon Belle there are about 14 official looking pics taken on board this run in 1953 which are very evocative of that era.
Pete – enjoyed that Halloween story – spine chilling!! That Watford to Brighton service is a smart way round London which I’ve not done – I imagine the scenery is rather interesting too (in a sort of urban backyard kind of way) – is it essentially an extension of the old Clapham Jct - Watford Jct service that we used to know unofficially as the ‘Kenny Belle’ as it went via Kensington Olympia Station?
Bluebell Giants of Steam eh – what a classic day out – you sure know how to slip a trump card into the conversation Pete!! For readers who don’t know it the Bluebell is one of the UK’s best preserved railways – easily accessible from London. I’m biased because it was the nearest preserved line to where I grew up (it has been preserved since about 1960 or 1962), so it was the favoured family trip out throughout much of the childhood (and beyond). Secondly, the folks there pride themselves on the high standards of restoration, not just of the locos – which is common through UK preservation – but the passenger cars too – so you usually find yourself riding in a 1930s to 1950s passenger car fixed up just like the day it was first built – reproduction period upholstery, period interior pictures and images – the works. In my mind that really makes the grade.
Worth a look are the stock lists of cars:
http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/car_list.html
and locos:
http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/locos.html
No doubt Pete will give us a full report in due course (hope you can shake that cold Pete). I for one look forward to reading that.
Recharge your glasses for that Duchess of Sutherland Trip Report later on.
DL - UK
Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!
Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter