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"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD! Locked

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 10:07 PM
Good evening all. I can only stay for a few minutes.
Theodorebear, Trolleyboy and Earlydiesels, my signature pic shows the Nebraska Zephyr running under electric wires, but it's not connected. As I said, the locomotive is the Silver Pilot. The consist is the Venus, Vesta, Minerva, Ceres and Juno. This pic was taken in front of the depot at the IRM. We've got wires running overhead on most of the track we own, as the IRM really started as a Trolley museum. I'll get some more pics of the Zephyr if you would like to see them. Here's a pic of the galley a few weeks ago when we had dinner in the dining car.

The pretty lady in red happens to be my wife! She's in a lot of the pictures I took that evening.
Like I said ... I'll get some more pics for you (minus my wife) soon! Niters!
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Posted by passengerfan on Thursday, July 21, 2005 7:15 AM
Good Morning All guess I'll have a coffee and a pastry or two from the "Mentor Bakery. Barndad,Have been curious about the museum Zephyr for some time now. So the only cars missing are two articulated cars 4850 PSYCHE and 4825 MINERVA. I have a question are the interiors close to as built (restored) in appearance or have they been updated or modernized? My notes show that the two other cars were scrapped and the postwar Baggage Car 906 ARGO went to Am,trak and may still be their today. Interesting to nate that the Train of the Goddesses operated more years in Nebraska Zephyr service than it did in Twin Zephyr service. Have seen a least one movie with the Zephyr in it and it looked like restoration to original.. Some day I have to get back their and see this magnificent train. Have seen the Pioneer Zephyr, and several other older Zephyrs including the Mark Twain Zephyr and 9902 Zephyr. Yours is operational and that makes all the difference in the world. Congradulations to your museum they have done an excellent job. To all of those restoring locomotives etc I have great respect. I belong to the California State Railroad Museum and several Railroad Societies. That keeps me busy with work and ongoing book project. By the way Twin Zephyrs are given space and credit for two inaugurals in my upcoming book as they originally entered Twin Zephyr service and as they entered Nebraska Zephyr service.
Time to start getting ready for work so will close for now.
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Posted by siberianmo on Thursday, July 21, 2005 8:18 AM
THURSDAY’s SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS (edited)

G’mornin’ All! We’re supposed to be flirting with the century mark today and perhaps until Monday as far as temps go …… Good times to find a cool, comfortable and friendly watering hole to escape the summer’s heat. Whaddyathink [?]

FISH 'n CHIPS Nite tonight! Ted our Interim Chief Chef [C=:-)] along with his assistant Boris of the kitchen staff, will surely conjure up something special for the menu selections. Remember, there are NO Nick's Picks until the return of our Master Chef from whereever he is or from whatever happened.

Looks like our regulars are back, minus Nick and Chris … but we’re hummin’ ‘round here! [tup]

Got some issues to attend to this AM, so Leon the Night Man will be filling in here and there … don’t let his rather large and imposing size give you the wrong impression. He’s a kind and gentle soul – unless and until someone ticks him off! Sounds just about right to me!

To the SUMMARY

QUOTE: Theodorebear
Posted: 20 July 2005, 09:26:48

I'm not sure Tom, but I seem to recall (vaguely) the missing blank to be something akin to A-holes? Mid-Wednesday a.m. and at least I've opened an account with 'photobucket.' So far, so good! Still, I'm not quite to the "uploading" stage and must take a break for helping some Seniors with transportation hassles. I won't take up space on the Thread for further instruction but Russel, Tom and Rob; you may have "mail" very soon. Please, just an iced tea for now, whilst I get the A/C running for my "mission of mercy."

Yes, there certainly are a lot of PHD's out there with "blue pencils" hacking away at everything from the Old Testament to the Kennedy Family; the former being discredited, the later- -Sainted. Don't want to go "beerserk" on politics though, it just "ain't worth it!" Hey Boris, hit the gong, this one is definately "on me."[#offtopic] Please excuse the hasty exit. I'll return this p.m. for proper greetings and salutations And one of those excellent Beefeater's Gin, tonic and a twist Tom. See you's guys a.s.a.p.!


QUOTE: siberianmo
Posted: 20 July 2005, 09:41:01

Mornin' Ted Iced Tea [?] [yeah] - Well, that'll rot your pipes - but I'm sure we can find some 'round here! Boris check in and under your shed, must be some fixin's in there somewhere .....

Oh [yeah] (3) is always and forever more, A-holes - but every now 'n then, I like to slide in a new one ....... . You are correct, of course, this thread ain't about politics nor should it be. Wasn't necessarily intended to go down that road, but there surely is a tie in. Revisionists, no matter what the persuasian, seem to have made some drammatic inroads into text books, et al. Why, we've got generations of people who actually BELIEVE that when Hollywood puts out a movie depticing an event from the past, that it is Gospel. Man oh man .... I think I need an Iced Tea - with a double shot of JD!

Good luck with your photo posting and perhaps that URL Russell provided may be a bit more friendly than RailImages. Hope so ......

See ya later!
Tom


QUOTE: earlydiesels
Posted: 20 July 2005, 14:02:40

Hello everyone! A Margarita on the rocks, please. I have been watching from a distance so now I have some replies to respond to.
Tom, I still haven't found my newest Trainline magazine. I can't even remember which rr was selling the RDCs.
Trolleyboy, I haven't heard anything about replacing the stolen horns. A temporary replacement was cobbed from exATSF 44 ton GE #460 which needs new trucks. It is a single note horn that I am told sounds like a pregnant moose. We are required to have horns and bells to operate over crossings. BTW, I used to do American Civil War reenacting. I was Union infantry and also was on the cannon crew at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield several years ago.
Barndad, loved the pix of the E5 and the Nebraska Zephyr. I would really love to tour this train and the loco. Does the E5 have 24 air or does it have that HSC air? With the 1630 around, do you all have any self guarding frogs??
Theodorebear, those Frisco Firefly Pacifics were quite the lookers. They were rebuilt here in Springfield. The shops here were full of very gifted artisans. Even if I wasn't from Spfld I would declare Frisco steam the cleanest, most balanced, and best maintained in the country! The Espee 4449 came from Lima with a air horn. Look on the skyline cowl near the stack. I observed this in 1976 when she pulled the Freedom Train and I also have a vinyl album from the time in which Doyle Mccormack alternated between the steam whistle and the single note horn.
According to my collection of books and other stuff, 5 Russian Decapods exist from the Frisco. I have seen 1621 @ MOT in St Louis and 1632 at Smoky Hill Ry in Belton, Mo. I haven't heard about if we are going to replace the stolen air horns. Both locos are privately owned so it may be a matter of liability. Both the Eunits were on auction until 5July but the owners did not get the price they wanted so we still have them for the meantime.We are still looking for the correct shades for the baggage cart. I posted this question on all 3 of Kalmbach's forums and just received a handful of replies.
Tom, thanks for the plug from the past. Come ride the rr when I'm engineer and you will get a cab ride. Talked to the rr's General Manager last night. We had over 17,000 riders for Thomas this time. That should help the budget. Now if we could get the dinner train going. We will be at the Midland this weekend and I will be running. The monthly meeting of the Board of Directors will be Saturday evening on the train. Talk about pressure! I will really have to watch my train handling skills!
Well, I've babbled enough for now so I will leave with this somber note. James Doohan, who played Scotty on the original Star Trek, died at age 85. He was a veteran of Canada's armed forces and a wounded veteran of DDay.


QUOTE: coalminer3
Posted: 20 July 2005, 14:14:47

Back at last! Round for the house and here's a roll of quarters for the jukebox. We're back after our trip north. I've been reading a few of the recent posts talking abt. Buffalo and all I can say is that there was day after day of 90 degree heat while we were there - worst I've seen in a long time for that part of the country. Can't wait until we go back up in November. The lake is so warm now that it'll be a giant snow machine when cooler weather reappears. There was record-breaking cold for this time of year while we were in New England. I won't even discuss the Red Sox except to say that it's a lot easier to win games now instead of having to deal with that sort of thing in October...

Did some looking around at the remains of the BR&P while I was in NY. It's hard to find it in the weeds north of West Valley, but it's still there if you know where to look. It is sad, however to see all of the rr crossbucks with "exempt" signs on them. Also, for other coal folks in the gorup, there's an interesting map of L&NB-served mines in the most recent trains; brought back more than a few memories.

Well, glad to be back, and I'll get out of here for now.

Work safe


QUOTE: siberianmo
Posted: 20 July 2005, 15:59:34

G'day earlydiesels Dan Looks like your back with us ... two days, two visits! Glad to know you are taking the time to catch up .... hope the SUMMARIES make it easier.

A Margarita on the rocks - comin' up! Boris have you seen Margarita lately [?]

Just curious about those RDC manufacturer's numbers. I like to keep track of there whereabouts, especially the ones that were run on the B&M - CP - CN - VIA Rail and BC Rail. Oh yeah, Dominion Atlantic (CP) too.

One of these days I'm going to take you up on your offer of a cab ride! I've never had the opportunity and surely would love it. Tried to pry Ted out of Florida for an Amtrak trip to KCity with me .... thought for awhile that we might do it ... but. Anyway, I'll be sure to let you know when I can get away and perhaps our schedules will work out - like to hook up with Russell too, of course.

Enjoy the day!
Tom


QUOTE: siberianmo
Posted: 20 June 2005, 16:09:10

G'day and [#welcome] back coalminer 3 been wondering where in heck you've been! That cold one over there is for you ....... Thanx for the quarters by the way; Boris put them in the jar over by the Juke, will ya please [?] By the by, as a regular 'round here, we haven't got a name to attach to you, other than your cyber handle. So, what do you prefer [?]

You've got lots of catching up to do, and as with my advice to earlydiesels Dan check out the SUMMARIES they should help speed up the process ......... [yeah]

In a life a long time ago, I recall being in Oswego over a longer weekend than planned. A buddy and I met a couple of gals in NYC back in the 50's who were going to the teacher's college in Oswego. As one thing led to another, we accepted their offer to spend a weekend with them.

So, off we drove from NYC to that far away place - can't remember if there even was a NY State Thruway back then - if there was, it was realtivey new. Anyway, we got there - tired, but being young and all of that - rarin' to go. We had a great time.

End of story [?] Not quite. On the morning that we were supposed to leave, we awoke to snow right up to the SECOND STORY windowsill of the place we were staying at. All we could see outside was white and the TOPS of telephone poles and some wires. Needless to say, we were going to be AWOL and no way could we get back in time.

All worked out well - but I'll never forget the first experience with what today is pretty well known as Lake effect snow.

[yeah] Boris you can ring the ding-dong bell, I KNOW I'm [#offtopic]! Ain't no way I'm making money lately ........

See ya and nice to have you back!
Tom


QUOTE: barndad
Posted: 20 Jul 2005, 22:07:53

Good evening all. I can only stay for a few minutes.
Theodorebear, Trolleyboy and Earlydiesels, my signature pic shows the Nebraska Zephyr running under electric wires, but it's not connected. As I said, the locomotive is the Silver Pilot. The consist is the Venus, Vesta, Minerva, Ceres and Juno. This pic was taken in front of the depot at the IRM. We've got wires running overhead on most of the track we own, as the IRM really started as a Trolley museum. I'll get some more pics of the Zephyr if you would like to see them. Here's a pic of the galley a few weeks ago when we had dinner in the dining car.
//NOTE: Scroll up for pix//

The pretty lady in red happens to be my wife! She's in a lot of the pictures I took that evening.
Like I said ... I'll get some more pics for you (minus my wife) soon! Niters!

Doubt that the galley ever looked this good in it’s operating days! [swg]
Tom

QUOTE: passengerfan
Posted: 21 July 2005, 07:15:58

Good Morning All guess I'll have a coffee and a pastry or two from the "Mentor Bakery.
Barndad,Have been curious about the museum Zephyr for some time now. So the only cars missing are two articulated cars 4850 PSYCHE and 4825 MINERVA. I have a question are the interiors close to as built (restored) in appearance or have they been updated or modernized? My notes show that the two other cars were scrapped and the postwar Baggage Car 906 ARGO went to Amtrak and may still be their today. Interesting to nate that the Train of the Goddesses operated more years in Nebraska Zephyr service than it did in Twin Zephyr service. Have seen a least one movie with the Zephyr in it and it looked like restoration to original.. Some day I have to get back their and see this magnificent train. Have seen the Pioneer Zephyr, and several other older Zephyrs including the Mark Twain Zephyr and 9902 Zephyr. Yours is operational and that makes all the difference in the world. Congratulations to your museum they have done an excellent job. To all of those restoring locomotives etc I have great respect. I belong to the California State Railroad Museum and several Railroad Societies. That keeps me busy with work and ongoing book project. By the way Twin Zephyrs are given space and credit for two inaugurals in my upcoming book as they originally entered Twin Zephyr service and as they entered Nebraska Zephyr service.

Time to start getting ready for work so will close for now.

Stop back in for lunch! You’ll be ready for a break then ……[swg]
Tom
==========================================================
That’s it! [tup][;)]
Tom (Siberianmo) [4:-)] [oX)]
Proprietor of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment![/b]
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, July 21, 2005 8:19 AM
Barndad thanks so much for the additional info. on the C.B.&Q setting and I ditto the request for more pix of same. Your "better half" is defintely the best 6 of the dozen.[(-D] Coalminer 3, I can't believe the temps. in Buffalo.[:O] Why would you want to return in November, unless you're a "Bills" fan?
Spring and early Summer in New England can bring just about any kind of weather and usually does![}:)]

Earlydiesels, hey I gotta agree on the Frisco steam out of Spfld, Mo.; it was superb. You and Rob share archeology in common. Not long ago, Rob dug up some remains of long ago abondoned R. of W. in his "neck of the woods." Those artifacts are easy to find around Tampa Bay; they are all jogging/bike trails![:(] Its a "long shot" but I'll bet a couple of the 1600's (Decs) ended up at that Gypsum mine near Carthage, MO. I know about 1632, she's near my Uncle's home (Belton, Mo). Tom is right about enticing me into a rail trek (St. L. to K.C., Mo). There's nothing I'd rather do. It's the ^#$%! r.t. flight (Tampa-St L.) that "turns me off." I'm still "running cold" from the Ireland encounter on B.A. and Lingus Air, not to mention the "shake down" and trousers sniffing Beagles at the Terminals.[oops] Oh Dan, the Espee put together an excellent video on an excursion "run" from Spokane, WA to Sacramento(?), CA. (Northern "on point"). At the end, the credits specifically stated: "No thanks to the California Highway Patrol!" I thought that had something to do with that ridiculous air horn near the boiler front?

Okay Mr. Tom, now I can enjoy that Beefeaters & Tonic.[^] BTW, I'll be in touch about some "security" issues on "hosting" from Railimages and Photobucket. Say Boris, I heard you and Leon were doing the Hungarian "two step" to Johnny Willfahrt's music after hours.[alien] Also, 2 quarts of Peppermint Schnapps are missing this morning.[;)] Give a care, see y'all later, Ted
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Posted by siberianmo on Thursday, July 21, 2005 8:58 AM
G'day to ya Ted and that Beefeaters, with a twist of lime, is comin' right up! [yeah] An all time favorite summertime refreshment for me .... just love 'em. Got started in another time and place in a life long ago ... Cuba was the place, prior to and during Castro. [yeah] Goes back a bit ....... My oh my, how HE is getting old! [:D]

Glad I checked the postings before setting out to take care of the issues of the day. Blankety-blank refrig/freezer is on the Fritz. What a time to go. Actually, is ANY time appropriate or convenient [?]

Carol and I had just returned from a 10-day cross-Canada rail trip aboard VIA Rail's Canadian in January 2003. When we opened the door to our home it smelled as if the entire neighborhood had camped out in our house and died. The refrigerator had. What an experience and what a wonderful time we had cleaning out - cleaning up and then trying to arrange for a replacement, etc. Ugh. [xx(]

So, this unit is relatively new - and fortunately on extended warranty. I wouldn't want Carol to have to get a night job to pay for the repairs! [}:)]

[yeah] Boris The Bossman is [#offtopic] again - so what else is new [?] Give 'em all a drink and of course, ring the ding-dong bell! [:(!]

C'mon Ted weaken! You KNOW that you'd like to take that cross-Missourah Amtrak trip with me - so check under the mattress, and pull out some of those green back silver certificates you undoubtedly have and c'mon up! [;)]

Oh [yeah] to add to the glorious start of this day, I got stung by a beast on my left elbow. Man oh man, felt it immediately and still do, about 2 hours later. Don't know what it was, but the critter came right at me, zapped and tried again on the other side. It was moving way to fast for ID - couldn't get the plate # - but I had hoped Juneau the Wonder Husky would have at least snapped it up. So, I'm iced on the elbow ........ I need a double JD on the rocks! [:(]

Remember, it's FISH 'n CHIPS Nite and you're up as Interim Chief Chef [C=:-)]! [:D]

See ya! [tup][;)]
Tom[4:-)][oX)]
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, July 21, 2005 1:26 PM
Hello everyone. A cold Margarita on the rocks, please. Tom, just sit there and relax and let one of these pretty waitresses get my drink and feed the jukebox. Keep that sting iced down. Still haven't found the Trainline but I will eventually. This area has a heat warning from today until at least Sunday so take it easy.
Barndad, about 1995 Trains magazine had a great article about the Nebraska Zephyr and IRM. I found it quite informative. A couple of seasons ago, a fellow from IRM came out to the Midland and spent the day. He took several rolls of film. I was engineer that day and we had the 652 and the 142 together on the train. One of the pix he took was made into a print and is sitting here by the pc in my den right now. If memory serves, his name was Harold. Tall, burly guy with glasses. Liked to talk.
Springfield has a footbridge that was built in 1902 that spans the former North yards. It was built so people would not have to cross what was even then, busy tracks. The former North roundhouse and servicing facility was close and lots of Frisco employees lived within walking distance and Commercial Street was full of businesses that catered to their needs. Today, the bridge is a Historic Landmark and was recently restored. The businesses are gone but the street is undergoing a recovery. There is now a farmer's market at the south end parking lot of the bridge. This is about 2 miles from the house so yesterday I walked up there to check it out.( and walk off some of this middleaged spread.) I started around 0930 and was home by 1230 before the real heat of the day. Still, I got burnt everywhere there wasn't clothes and my legs are sore. Got to see one of those odd Loram machines and 2 empty northbound coal trains. There is something like 65-70 trains a day thru Spfld now and a lot of those are coal trains. Being on the bridge, I was able to examine the tops of the power and the insides of different types of coal hoppers.
It's nice and cool in here. I may just hang out here by the jukebox and keep my ears open. I might learn something and see some of the regulars, too.
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Posted by siberianmo on Thursday, July 21, 2005 2:02 PM
Howdy earlydiesels Dan You're in luck, a couple of the gals talked me into letting them work this afternoon, so your Margarita , and then some, is on the way! [}:)]

Good advice about keeping that blankety-blank sting iced down - when it's not, it still hurts. No other symptoms going on - wonder what kinda beast it was [?] I recall as a kid in Boy Scout camp, I dropped a 2" firecracker into a hornet's nest. [wow] [#wstupid] Not smart! I don't think I've ever run so fast - fortunately the lake wasn't too far away - and I spent a lot of time under water! They weren't very pleased with me. Had a few stings - but got away lucky. Haven't been stung since ....... that is, until this AM.

65-70 trains a day through anywhere sounds like great train watching territory to me! [tup] What railroads pass through your area [?] Wouldn't it be great to catch a look at a steamliner from the past [?] Ahhhhhhh, you bet! [swg]

Used to get down to Sprfingfield at least once a year over a 5 year period. Always on business - law enforcement - so never had the time to enjoy the town. There was (or maybe still is) a Holiday Inn right off the I-44 exit that we'd stay at. Mirrors on the ceilings in some of the rooms! This was back in the mid-80's - and the Happy Hours were something else at that place. [yeah] Good times - at times - in Springfield, MO! We'd usually only get one night there, then off to somewhere else ....... long days, longer nights and today I wonder where the energy came from [?] [}:)]

Speaking of the Midland, I've been thinking that it would be smarter for me to drive. What's the best route to take from St. Louis [?] My Amtrak trips to KCity are really just day trips - round trips - and mostly late. So, to ensure that we could hook up, driving seems the way to do it. Your input is apprecited! [tup]

Been wondering where *** might be today. He said they were leaving for England the day after his July 15th Birthday Bash. Sure hope he and his wife didn't get involved with the latest terrorism attacks in London today. Well, let's all think positive thoughts .......[tup]

Enjoy the cool temps, good discussions, and pretty gals! [:D] Never know who will pop in, so throw a bunch of quarters from the jar over there into the Juke ....

Hey Boris leave her alone! [:-,] She doesn't want to serve you in your shed! Geesh ....... [:D]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, July 21, 2005 6:27 PM
Hi all!. Just have time to flash a few more pics. I'll have to do some reading to answer some of the questions that have been asked about the Zephyr.[:p]
Here's two pics for Trolleyboy and theodorebear

The trolley is in front of our barn #9, which is our largest barn. The Frisco is inside the same barn. It needs wheel work!
Gotta run
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Posted by siberianmo on Thursday, July 21, 2005 6:53 PM
Hello barndad Once again, nice photo's! [tup]

I have a suggestion for you. The regulars of "Our Place became regulars by taking the time to socialize with the barkeep and the other guys at the bar. Now, I know that may not be in keeping with whatever the agenda some may have, but this thread is that way. Don't get me wrong, you are very much welcome 'round here, just wish you'd spend a bit of time with all of us .... not just a few.

Don't forget - tonight is Fish 'n Chips nite and Ted is Interim Chief Chef [C=:-)].

By the way, whatillyahave [?] I can't stay open unless the customers order something! Gotta pay the bills ........ [;)]
Tom[4:-)][oX)]
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
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Posted by trolleyboy on Thursday, July 21, 2005 11:07 PM
Good evening everybody. Tom Try putting some after bite( made by deep woods ) on the sting, the swelling and pain should go away. I'll have a nice gyuiness I think with the fish of choice. No Boris i don't want the gold fish[XX(]. Dan I'm glad you have temporarily fixed your horn delema,you would hate to be sidelined indefinatly by that thoughtless act.The two years I worked at the fort I was part of the 41st regiment of Foot(redcoat unit) The Glengary's that I'm thinking of rejoining were a Canadian light infantry regiment raised to defend Canada just prior to the war of 1812 ( green jacket unit )They are still formally a CDN forces reserve unit. Battle honour s during the war of 1812 were at Chrylers farm, Stoney Creek , Chippawa, Plattsburg,Queenston Heights,Capture of Detroit,and yes they landed at Washington and assulted the white house along with the British units. Sorry weaved off the beaten path again.Ton this isn't as expensive of a passtime as you might think. Contrary to popular belevef I don't make the big bucks. Just a couple shots of the action. coalminer Next time you head buffalo way email me I'm only an hour and a bit from the buff.Our heats been constant like that as well,I'm certainly not looking forward to this winter either.barndad again thank-you for the pictures,a couple of our museum people were down to your fine museum this past may.Nice safety car BTW.I thought you guys might like to see a couple of fairly recent renovations turned out by our shop forces recently. this is London street railway 23 a lg DT open car of 1901 vintage.This car is 50' in lentgh so it's a big guy for an open car of wood construction. When we first got this car body it had sat in springbank park on a cement pad as a changeroom for the swimming pool there along with two sisters. The oroginal; plan was to aquire all three but the other two crumbled when we went to move them. We scrapped them on site and kept what we could off them as spares.This car arrived at our museum in 1984. It's first powered runs were last summer.It's still not cleared for regular use but this is mostly due to training issues for our crews. These shots show truck refurbishing and the final assembly of the car. This was essentially a complete rebuild from fram up. Frame and carbody are wood on this car.It sits fairly high on it's trucks as they are not the originals which were scrapped in the 40's when it was parked in the park.Other than that it's built to it's builders specs. This last shot is at last years 50th aniversary fete. My lovely wife is possing on the running board.Later all Rob
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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 22, 2005 7:51 AM
OH NO!!! I just typed the best reply yet and my spastic right middle finger hit "reset" and blew it away.[:(!] Okay, I'll just cover the "bear" neccessities and come back later with the "full" text.[8] Gents, we are in luck. My local "contacts" from yonder high country brought in a catch of Rainbow, Speckled and Cut Throat lake/stream Trout. Bring an apetite, 'cause there are plenty of- -"crisp" on the outside and "tender" on the inside- -Fries with buttered Garlic toast. Tom, between your broken Frige, Bee sting and my blunder, it just didn't pay to get out of bed this A.M. I gotta get busy on the cooking oil, etc. OH, stay away from Boris' fillets of Sole![alien] He used the bottoms of Leon's Boondockers![:O] Be back a.s.a.p., Ted
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Posted by siberianmo on Friday, July 22, 2005 8:15 AM
FRIDAY’s SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS (edited)

We made it! Friday once again and the weekend begins for many after work today! [yeah] Start the day with some fine treats from The Mentor Village Bakery. Then order the light breakfast that we feature along with some of that freshly ground and brewed coffee. Can’t beat it with a stick ….. [swg]

A couple of things to discuss:

The next Birthday Bash is supposed to be for Chris. However, it doesn’t appear that he’ll be checking in with us anytime soon. He’s recuperating at home and told me that his internet connection is so slow, that he’s given up on it (at least until he gets back to work.)

So, here’s the plan: I will provide you with his Email address at home IF you send me an Email. Don’t want to release it here in cyber space ….. Then each of us can send our greetings to him on July 25th. Okay [?] C’mon and let’s make this a special thing for our friend Chris – the first customer at ”Our” Place.[tup]

Birthday Bash coming up for trainnut484 Russell on July 30th. So – Russell let us know the time that you’d like us to help you celebrate![tup]

FISH FRY tonite! Due to reasons that only Ted the Interim Chief Chief of ”Our” Place, knows – tonight apparently will be a Fish Fry nite. Last night – Thursday – was our Traditional Fish ‘n Chips nite with Boris filling in quite well in the kitchen! Don’t forget – Tonight is ALSO Pizza Nite …….. and Steak ‘n fries Nite ….. So, the message is: Come hungry!

Okay, time for the SUMMARY with limited smilies, graphics and photos:


QUOTE: Theodorebear
Posted: 21 July 2005, 08:19:59
Barndad thanks so much for the additional info. on the C.B.&Q setting and I ditto the request for more pix of same. Your "better half" is defintely the best 6 of the dozen. Coalminer 3, I can't believe the temps. in Buffalo. Why would you want to return in November, unless you're a "Bills" fan?
Spring and early Summer in New England can bring just about any kind of weather and usually does!

Earlydiesels, hey I gotta agree on the Frisco steam out of Spfld, Mo.; it was superb. You and Rob share archeology in common. Not long ago, Rob dug up some remains of long ago abondoned R. of W. in his "neck of the woods." Those artifacts are easy to find around Tampa Bay; they are all jogging/bike trails! Its a "long shot" but I'll bet a couple of the 1600's (Decs) ended up at that Gypsum mine near Carthage, MO. I know about 1632, she's near my Uncle's home (Belton, Mo). Tom is right about enticing me into a rail trek (St. L. to K.C., Mo). There's nothing I'd rather do. It's the ^#$%! r.t. flight (Tampa-St L.) that "turns me off." I'm still "running cold" from the Ireland encounter on B.A. and Lingus Air, not to mention the "shake down" and trousers sniffing Beagles at the Terminals. Oh Dan, the Espee put together an excellent video on an excursion "run" from Spokane, WA to Sacramento(?), CA. (Northern "on point"). At the end, the credits specifically stated: "No thanks to the California Highway Patrol!" I thought that had something to do with that ridiculous air horn near the boiler front?

Okay Mr. Tom, now I can enjoy that Beefeaters & Tonic. BTW, I'll be in touch about some "security" issues on "hosting" from Railimages and Photobucket. Say Boris, I heard you and Leon were doing the Hungarian "two step" to Johnny Willfahrt's music after hours. Also, 2 quarts of Peppermint Schnapps are missing this morning. Give a care, see y'all later, Ted


QUOTE: siberianmo
Posted: 21 July 2005, 08:58:22

G'day to ya Ted and that Beefeaters, with a twist of lime, is comin' right up! [yeah] An all time favorite summertime refreshment for me .... just love 'em. Got started in another time and place in a life long ago ... Cuba was the place, prior to and during Castro. [yeah]Goes back a bit ....... My oh my, how HE is getting old!

Glad I checked the postings before setting out to take care of the issues of the day. Blankety-blank refrig/freezer is on the Fritz. What a time to go. Actually, is ANY time appropriate or convenient [?]

Carol and I had just returned from a 10-day cross-Canada rail trip aboard VIA Rail's Canadian in January 2003. When we opened the door to our home it smelled as if the entire neighborhood had camped out in our house and died. The refrigerator had. What an experience and what a wonderful time we had cleaning out - cleaning up and then trying to arrange for a replacement, etc. Ugh.

So, this unit is relatively new - and fortunately on extended warranty. I wouldn't want Carol to have to get a night job to pay for the repairs!

[yeah] Boris The Bossman is [#offtopic] again - so what else is new [?] Give 'em all a drink and of course, ring the ding-dong bell!

C'mon Ted weaken! You KNOW that you'd like to take that cross-Missourah Amtrak trip with me - so check under the mattress, and pull out some of those green back silver certificates you undoubtedly have and c'mon up!

Oh [yeah] to add to the glorious start of this day, I got stung by a beast on my left elbow. Man oh man, felt it immediately and still do, about 2 hours later. Don't know what it was, but the critter came right at me, zapped and tried again on the other side. It was moving way to fast for ID - couldn't get the plate # - but I had hoped Juneau the Wonder Husky would have at least snapped it up. So, I'm iced on the elbow ........ I need a double JD on the rocks!

Remember, it's FISH 'n CHIPS Nite and you're up as Interim Chief Chef [C=:-)]!

See ya!
Tom


QUOTE: earlydiesels
Posted: 21 July 2005, 13:26:33

Hello everyone. A cold Margarita on the rocks, please. Tom, just sit there and relax and let one of these pretty waitresses get my drink and feed the jukebox. Keep that sting iced down. Still haven't found the Trainline but I will eventually. This area has a heat warning from today until at least Sunday so take it easy.
Barndad, about 1995 Trains magazine had a great article about the Nebraska Zephyr and IRM. I found it quite informative. A couple of seasons ago, a fellow from IRM came out to the Midland and spent the day. He took several rolls of film. I was engineer that day and we had the 652 and the 142 together on the train. One of the pix he took was made into a print and is sitting here by the pc in my den right now. If memory serves, his name was Harold. Tall, burly guy with glasses. Liked to talk.
Springfield has a footbridge that was built in 1902 that spans the former North yards. It was built so people would not have to cross what was even then, busy tracks. The former North roundhouse and servicing facility was close and lots of Frisco employees lived within walking distance and Commercial Street was full of businesses that catered to their needs. Today, the bridge is a Historic Landmark and was recently restored. The businesses are gone but the street is undergoing a recovery. There is now a farmer's market at the south end parking lot of the bridge. This is about 2 miles from the house so yesterday I walked up there to check it out.( and walk off some of this middleaged spread.) I started around 0930 and was home by 1230 before the real heat of the day. Still, I got burnt everywhere there wasn't clothes and my legs are sore. Got to see one of those odd Loram machines and 2 empty northbound coal trains. There is something like 65-70 trains a day thru Spfld now and a lot of those are coal trains. Being on the bridge, I was able to examine the tops of the power and the insides of different types of coal hoppers.
It's nice and cool in here. I may just hang out here by the jukebox and keep my ears open. I might learn something and see some of the regulars, too.


QUOTE: siberianmo
Posted: 21 July 2005, 14:02:13

Howdy earlydiesels Dan You're in luck, a couple of the gals talked me into letting them work this afternoon, so your Margarita , and then some, is on the way!

Good advice about keeping that blankety-blank sting iced down - when it's not, it still hurts. No other symptoms going on - wonder what kinda beast it was [?] I recall as a kid in Boy Scout camp, I dropped a 2" firecracker into a hornet's nest. [wow] [#wstupid] Not smart! I don't think I've ever run so fast - fortunately the lake wasn't too far away - and I spent a lot of time under water! They weren't very pleased with me. Had a few stings - but got away lucky. Haven't been stung since ....... that is, until this AM.

65-70 trains a day through anywhere sounds like great train watching territory to me! What railroads pass through your area [?] Wouldn't it be great to catch a look at a steamliner from the past [?] Ahhhhhhh, you bet!

Used to get down to Sprfingfield at least once a year over a 5 year period. Always on business - law enforcement - so never had the time to enjoy the town. There was (or maybe still is) a Holiday Inn right off the I-44 exit that we'd stay at. Mirrors on the ceilings in some of the rooms! This was back in the mid-80's - and the Happy Hours were something else at that place. [yeah]Good times - at times - in Springfield, MO! We'd usually only get one night there, then off to somewhere else ....... long days, longer nights and today I wonder where the energy came from [?]

Speaking of the Midland, I've been thinking that it would be smarter for me to drive. What's the best route to take from St. Louis [?]My Amtrak trips to KCity are really just day trips - round trips - and mostly late. So, to ensure that we could hook up, driving seems the way to do it. Your input is apprecited!

Been wondering where *** might be today. He said they were leaving for England the day after his July 15th Birthday Bash. Sure hope he and his wife didn't get involved with the latest terrorism attacks in London today. Well, let's all think positive thoughts .......

Enjoy the cool temps, good discussions, and pretty gals! Never know who will pop in, so throw a bunch of quarters from the jar over there into the Juke ....

Hey Boris leave her alone! She doesn't want to serve you in your shed! Geesh .......

Tom


QUOTE: barndad
Posted: 21 July, 18:27:30

Hi all!. Just have time to flash a few more pics. I'll have to do some reading to answer some of the questions that have been asked about the Zephyr.
Here's two pics for Trolleyboy and theodorebear
[[NOTE: Scroll up for PIX//

The trolley is in front of our barn #9, which is our largest barn. The Frisco is inside the same barn. It needs wheel work!
Gotta run


QUOTE: siberianmo
Posted: 21 July 2005, 18:53:43

Hello barndad Once again, nice photo's!

I have a suggestion for you. The regulars of "Our Place became regulars by taking the time to socialize with the barkeep and the other guys at the bar. Now, I know that may not be in keeping with whatever the agenda some may have, but this thread is that way. Don't get me wrong, you are very much welcome 'round here, just wish you'd spend a bit of time with all of us .... not just a few.

Don't forget - tonight is Fish 'n Chips nite and Ted is Interim Chief Chef [C=:-)].

By the way, whatillyahave [?] I can't stay open unless the customers order something! Gotta pay the bills ........
Tom


QUOTE: trolleyboy
Posted: 21 Jul 2005, 23:07:56

Good evening everybody. Tom Try putting some after bite( made by deep woods ) on the sting, the swelling and pain should go away. I'll have a nice gyuiness I think with the fish of choice. No Boris i don't want the gold fish .

Dan I'm glad you have temporarily fixed your horn delema,you would hate to be sidelined indefinatly by that thoughtless act.The two years I worked at the fort I was part of the 41st regiment of Foot(redcoat unit) The Glengary's that I'm thinking of rejoining were a Canadian light infantry regiment raised to defend Canada just prior to the war of 1812 ( green jacket unit )They are still formally a CDN forces reserve unit. Battle honour s during the war of 1812 were at Chrylers farm, Stoney Creek , Chippawa, Plattsburg,Queenston Heights,Capture of Detroit,and yes they landed at Washington and assulted the white house along with the British units. Sorry weaved off the beaten path again.Ton this isn't as expensive of a passtime as you might think. Contrary to popular belevef I don't make the big bucks.

//NOTE: Scroll up for pix//

Just a couple shots of the action.

coalminer Next time you head buffalo way email me I'm only an hour and a bit from the buff.Our heats been constant like that as well,I'm certainly not looking forward to this winter either.

barndad again thank-you for the pictures,a couple of our museum people were down to your fine museum this past may.Nice safety car BTW.I thought you guys might like to see a couple of fairly recent renovations turned out by our shop forces recently. this is London street railway 23 a lg DT open car of 1901 vintage.This car is 50' in lentgh so it's a big guy for an open car of wood construction. When we first got this car body it had sat in springbank park on a cement pad as a changeroom for the swimming pool there along with two sisters. The oroginal; plan was to aquire all three but the other two crumbled when we went to move them. We scrapped them on site and kept what we could off them as spares.This car arrived at our museum in 1984. It's first powered runs were last summer.It's still not cleared for regular use but this is mostly due to training issues for our crews.

//NOTE: Scroll up for pix//

These shots show truck refurbishing and the final assembly of the car. This was essentially a complete rebuild from fram up. Frame and carbody are wood on this car.It sits fairly high on it's trucks as they are not the originals which were scrapped in the 40's when it was parked in the park.Other than that it's built to it's builders specs. This last shot is at last years 50th aniversary fete. My lovely wife is possing on the running board.Later all Rob


Nice shots! [tup] Pain has turned to itch – good sign. Kept it iced all day – worked well. Critter must have been upset with something ……. [tdn]

Hope to see a bit more of you ‘round here. Ain’t the same without you! [swg]
Tom

QUOTE: Theodorebear
Posted: 22 July 2005, 07:51:51

OH NO!!! I just typed the best reply yet and my spastic right middle finger hit "reset" and blew it away. Okay, I'll just cover the "bear" neccessities and come back later with the "full" text. Gents, we are in luck. My local "contacts" from yonder high country brought in a catch of Rainbow, Speckled and Cut Throat lake/stream Trout. Bring an apetite, 'cause there are plenty of- -"crisp" on the outside and "tender" on the inside- -Fries with buttered Garlic toast. Tom, between your broken Frige, Bee sting and my blunder, it just didn't pay to get out of bed this A.M. I gotta get busy on the cooking oil, etc. OH, stay away from Boris' fillets of Sole! He used the bottoms of Leon's Boondockers! Be back a.s.a.p., Ted

All I can say in response is: read the SUMMARY!! [swg]

For all of our REGULARS Remember: Monday, July 25th is Chris’ Birthday. I’ll provide his Email address if you send me a request for it by Email. That way we can communicate our [bday] wishes to him!
==========================================================
That’s it! [tup][;)]
Tom (Siberianmo) [4:-)] [oX)]
Proprietor of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!

Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
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Posted by coalminer3 on Friday, July 22, 2005 9:28 AM
Good Morning All:

Coffee, please. Also can I get four fish frys "to go?" I'll pick 'em up on my way home.
Weather report for the coalfields today is continued heat, fog, humidity, sun, and scattered cloudbursts - typical for July here.

I have been reading some recent posts and herewith a few replies.

Theodorebear: Inlaws live in Buffalo area. Thus, the regular roadtrips to "go see grandpa," which somehow ties in with visits to hallowed rr sites in the area. BTW, my wife is one of the world's greatest football fans. She doesn't follow WVU that much as she went to school in Ohio. But, she does love the Bills, so we must be careful (LOL).

Barndad: Thanks so much for sharing the pictures. IIRC, is the Zephyr equipment the same set that was used in the movie "A League of Their Own.?"

Trolleyboy: War of 1812 - excellent. For more than a few years I lived right near the old Navy yard in Charlestown, MA; home of "Old Ironsides." I remember being at Old Ft. Niagara awhile back and talking with some of the Briti***roops after they did a firing demonstration which was very well done. IIRC, they were 15th Foot, and were active in the Boston area in 1775. I enjoyed the picture of the open car - lovely restoration work. A question for you as I don't know much about traction (along with a lot of other stuff)...how did that car compare in size, etc. to the Connecticut Company's open cars?

Here's a 1943 era consist for the 20th Centruy Limited (eastward) that I thought visitors to Our Place might enjoy
Buffet lounge: Chicago-New York
Observatiion sleeping car (master room/bedroom/buffet): Chicago-New York
18 rtte sleeper: Chicago-New York
10 rte/5 db sleeper: Chicago-New York
4 compt/4 bdr/2 drawing room sleeper: Chicago-New York (three cars)
13 dbr sleeper: Chicago-New York (two cars)
Diner: Chicago-New York

Here's some additional copy that will make you weep.

"The 20th Century Limited and other New York Central passenger trains are frequently operated in two or more sections....When more than one section of a train is operated, it frequently happens that only the regular section will make all the advertised stops. Passengers expecting others to accompnay them [art of the journey, or join them en route, are requested to inquire at starting point what stops will be made."

Special service features are provided on limited trains as follows:

Nos. 25 and 26 - "Twentieth Century Limited"
Club-lounge car: Barber, secretary. dictaphone, valet, sporting events, magazines, newspoapers, stationery.
Observation car: Maid, telephone at terminals, lounge, radio, magazines, newspapers, stationery.
Cafe Centry (dining car): set up as Night Club after the dinner hour."

Somehow the "Lake Shore" didn't have a lot of that stuff when I made a Chicago-Boston RT last spring - I know, it was shopped for repairs.

Have a good one - work safe



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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 22, 2005 10:14 AM
Hello everyone. I believe I'll partake in that advertised breakfast with ( hopefully) a bottomless cup of black coffee. Biscuits and gravy are a particular weakness.
Tom, the motels on the I44/Glenstone exit have changed names so many times I can't keep track. BNSF is about the only rr in town but Railamerica's Missouri and Northern Arkansas keeps an ex Kansas City Terminal SW1200 here for their customers. A crew shows up around 0900 almost every day during the week to run across town to interchange with BNSF at the former Frisco South yard. They meander back spotting cars on the way and usually are done by midafternoon. They used to leave the loco running during cold weather but within the past couple of years it was fitted with something that enabled it to be shut off and not freeze up. Older locos could not use antifreeze, you know.
The West Coast Rwy Assoc. is selling these RDCs on Ebay on 10-3-05. RDC1 #10 and #11 and RDC3 #30. They are former BC Rail.
Tom, it looks like I70 to Kansas City then I35south to Gardner exit. At Gardner, take K 56 to Baldwin City. It's like 10 or 12 miles. Once you're in town, look for the signs or just drive for the grain elevaator. The depot is on High street at the elevator. I really like a series of maps put out by DeLorme in book form. Very informative and easy to use. I got mine at Wally World. Highly recommended as they have all rrs, farm roads , etc. I am marked up for engineer 23 and 24 July and 6and 7 August. Would like to see you then.
Theodorebear, I have run the Carthage area driving truck and there are no Decapods around. There is a small steam loco found by divers at a former mine a couple years ago. The Decapods from Eagle Picher are the following,
1615 @ Altus, OK
1621 @ MOT,St Louis, Mo
1625 @ SW RR Museum, Dallas, TX
1630 @ IRM
1632 @ Belton, Mo.
I found out last night that the board meeting for tomorrow that was supposed to occur aboard the train has been rescheduled for earlier in the day. That's good as now I won't have to worry about giving the directors a bum ride during the meeting!!
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Posted by siberianmo on Friday, July 22, 2005 10:35 AM
Mornin' coalminer 3 Coffee's right over there ....... Fish fry's to go [?] [yeah] I don't see why not. Just check with Boris and tell him when you expect to be back. [tup]

Knew we could count on you for some Classic Trains input ... and really good stuff at that! [yeah]

To be able to turn the clock back just for the sake of riding in those great passenger trains we had in our country ........ [wow]. My modest library of hard cover editions has many photo's of the NYC's 20th Century Limited. What a train indeed. Those trains of yesteryear had so many amenities that one might wind up having a time of it just deciding what car to spend the time in. Try 'em all! [tup]

I rode the Limited's (Pennsy's Broadway and NYC's 21st Century) but at a time when they were mere shadows of the glory days. Also much too young and poor to take advantage of the good stuff on board. Isn't that the way [?]

[yeah] I wonder why today's Lake Shore Limited even posts a schedule. Good Gawd Gertie, is that train ever on time [?] Not to bash Amtrak - really. Anyone who understands today's situation with our rail network surely has to cut 'em some slack given they are at the mercy of the freight guys - the owner's of the track in 99% of the instances of late arrivals. Still, the pitiful manner in which our country has overseen this quasi-governmental corporation leaves many wondering, "Is this any way to run a railroad [?]" [tdn]

Still not giving us a name, huh [?] Okay, I'll have to get Inspector Clueless of the Local Constabularly and his trusted sidekick, Mr. Doyle, Private Investigator to look into this ..... are you SURE this is what you want [?] [}:)]

See ya later! [tup] [;)]
Tom[4:-)][oX)]
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
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Posted by siberianmo on Friday, July 22, 2005 10:54 AM
G'day earlydiesels Dan Still in time for breakfast .... so help yourself! Boris will be changing over for lunch in about a half hour ......... [tup]

Appreciate the insight to railroading in the Springfield area ..... thanx!

I have two of those RDC's on my Can-Am HO layout! Life-Like of Canada did a great job with them as Proto 1000 models. Just saw that Walthers has bought out Life-Like. That's a biggie for the model railroad industry for sure. Anyway ... Have photo's of them both from trips aboard BC Rail's Cariboo Prospector (yes, that's the way they spelled it ......). Breaks my heart to know these cars wound up on eBay! What doesn't [?]

BC-10 and BC-11(builder's # 6319 & 6320) were built as RDC-1's in 1956.
BC-30 (builder's # 6508) was built as an RDC-3 in 1956.

First owner of these RDC's was the Pacific Great Eastern Railway (PGE) forerunner of the British Columbia Railway.

Memories are made of this! (Sorry, Dean Martin!) [swg]

Insofar as my trip to your neck of the woods goes, I doubt that it will be duirng the blazing heat of summer. First, I can't handle I-70 very well these days, try to avoid it as much as possible. But there's just no other highway to make decent time on ...... Second, put me in the blazing sun, and I'm ready to find a cool place to relax in! Kinda like "Our" Place! So, my thoughts would be to come out in the fall - the closer to cold weather, the better! Thanx for the offer and we'll talk again on this .........

Enjoy the day! [tup][;)]
Tom[4:-)][oX)]
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
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Posted by trolleyboy on Friday, July 22, 2005 11:05 AM
"Marnin" everyone. Tom I'm glad to hear that the ole elbow is almost back to functional,hope the fridge is as well, we wouldn't want thee beer to get cold.[tup][:P][;)]Coalminer 23 Would be essentially the same size as the double trucked Conn. Cars.Coupler to coupler 23 is 51'2". I've spent many a day at Ft Niagara as well.Two really nice sites.Ted you must be on modified newfoundland time with your fish frying. Oh wellat least it's hot and fresh unlike Boris underware[XX(] Dan Sooo when are you guys going to purchase those RDC's for Tom's I mean everyones enjoyment. Have a good afternoon everyone. Rob
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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 22, 2005 1:50 PM
Hey,I'm back,twice in one day. We'll be leaving early tomorrow for the Midland and probably won't be back until Monday or so. I'll take a tall, cold, Margarita,please. Tom, let one of the pretty women get it. Just relax and find something on the old Victrola. Understand about the hot weather, the older I get, the harder it is on me. Supposed to be around 100 or better in northeast Kansas. The only breeze I'll have is with the open doors of the loco. This is the kind of weather when I count my blessings that we don't run the E units. No A/C, no way for air to circulate from the nose, side windows that only roll down about 3/4, and the side doors being the only source of air. The big windshields add to the feeling that you are in a terrarium. These units are great looking but now I realize why in some old pix the nose door is open!!!
Trolleyboy, I doubt if we ever buy any RDCs. When the Eunits were up on auction, I thought we might try to get a Geep or a SD or even an Funit. After finding out the prices that even a junker brings, I'm just hoping that we don't have any major disasters! We have cars of all kinds stored everywhere that we probably will never use. Running out of space to store everything.
Well, I'll take another Margarita, please. I sure don't want to go outside in this hellish heat so I may just retire to one of the booths back here by the jukebox and watch this place liven up towards evening. Tom, do you have a VCR in this place? I could have brought some rr tapes to pass the time until all the regulars arrive.
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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 22, 2005 2:06 PM
Well, I never look a "gift horse in the mouth."[:D] Along with the usual steak and Pizza options, we have a "Lucky Strike Extra." In or out of season; day of the week or time of day; I'll go for "Fresh" every time. So, if you missed "Fish 'n' Chips Day;" your "Back in the Saddle Again" (Gene Autry- -1940's thru 50's).[tup]

Think I'll start at the bottom of the Summaries and work my way up. Its a lot faster! Hey Rob, love the nightime shot of the Witt. I see the Motormans shade is drawn against reflections. Barndad, the # 1112 bears an ucanny resemblence to K.C., MO cars in the 30's and 40's. I don't recognize the livery (red, cream and gold). What city does this car hail from? Can't get enough of the Frisco steam. That distinctive massive steam dome, tall stack, top boiler bell mount and unique pilot certainly bring back memories. Yeah Tom, I read somewhere that the "Great Eastern" in PGE was in deference to the Great Eastern Rwy. in England which financed the Road in the beginning (true or false?).

Yes earlydiesels, the steam (decapods) were pulled from Eagle Picher service many years ago. I do recall, in the mid-50's, playing a concert at Picher High School with the Univ. of Tulsa Concert Band. Just in the middle of Robin Russell Bennett's "Suite of Old American Dances," a Decapod came roaring by, not 100 yds., from the school.[:O] There was nothing for it but to stop and then continue after the train passed.[(-D]. Thanks for the additional locations of the other Decs beside #1632 in Belton, MO. Looks like coalminer and Rob are heavily engaged with the Revolutionary War. I trust this does not "mean war all over again!"[swg] Seriously, the uniforms, weapons, heraldry, et al. are very impressive. I've seen a few U.S. Civil War re-enactments and was amazed at the deafening roar of the 8 and 12 pound artillery pieces. Imagine those numbers mutiplied by a thousand-fold?[xx(] As I type this, the "Battle of Mine Creek" in Kansas is showing on the "History Channel"

Earlydiesels 65 to 70 trains a day would translate into soemthing like 2 to 3 trains an hour. That is as good as it gets for most areas of the Country (major terminals excepted). I'm afraid I wouldn't get much of anything done if I lived in the area.[8D] All the previous nostalgia over the great "Limiteds" makes me salivate for the smell of Diesel fumes, o-zone from the A/C's, coffee and fresh rolls in the Diner, sound of vestibule doors opening and closing, etc.[^]

Okay Gents, tell Boris what you'll have: fish steak or Pizza. I'll get busy at the grill and Tom and the girls have "got you covered" at the bar. [C=:-)]NICK, you really "owe me one old Chap." I'm supposed to be retired, not slaving over a hot oven![tdn] Take care everybody and let's hope ***, Chris and Nick return to their repective "Stools" very soon.[:D] I'll bet Tom will even forgive them for "dodging" the Summaries if they can "check-in."[swg] Happy Rails, Ted
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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 22, 2005 2:35 PM
I knew I would'nt be here long before someone showed up. Hello Theodorebear. I wish I had memories of Frisco steam but it was one of the first roads to dieselize. At the local museum, we have #4524 on display and quite a few old railroaders that worked steam.
I was a volunteer at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield for several years. At that time, we fired an original 1842 12 pound howitzer for living history. Now, they use a repro. It was quite fascinating. I also belonged to a Union infantry unit that wondered all over the midwest doing reenactments and battles. Nothing like charging thru 7 foot high corn and seeing nothing but dust and the colors. Closest I ever came to heat stroke was at a reenactment. All that wool and leather. Gives a whole new perspective when reading battle accounts about soldiers dying from the heat.
Spfld may have a lot of trains but they all look the same. Not like when the Kansas AVe. yard had 3 or 4 switchers around the clock with industrial jobs always out switching and locals on the main. Variety in motive power-even BN had that. Now everything is GE Pumpkins. The coal trains provide great visual interest. Between here and Thayer is the longest helper district in the U.S. One helper usually comes on the rear from K.C. and 2 more are generally added here for the 126 miles to Thayer. Used to, 3 engines on the front and 2 on the rear but now BNSF has flopped the other way around. There is a place the wife and I watch trains where you can hear the coal trains for over 30 minutes before you see them and then, they take about 10 minutes to traverse the rough 1 mile before they pass. All this on single track. Which means the passing sidings usually are occupied. Another Margarita, please.
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Posted by siberianmo on Friday, July 22, 2005 4:30 PM
MONDAY is Chris' 51st Birthday

I'm not getting the responses I thought I'd get regarding sending him an Email ........ Whazup [?] [%-)]

Check the SUMMARY opening
Tom
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
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Posted by siberianmo on Friday, July 22, 2005 4:38 PM
G'day Rob You're back! [tup]

The elbow is functioning - the refrig got repaired - some hobby supplies arrived this day - and Carol is home for the weekend! Awright ....... now if we could just get rid of these near Century mark temps! Can't have it all, can we [?]

Newfoundland and Bermuda are the two places in the world where I've spent many port calls over the years. Those 1/2 hour time zones are difficult to handle ....... undoubtedly Boris type thinking! [swg]

IF I had the bucks, I'd buy those RDC's in a heart beat and then have 'em shipped up to you for display in your museum! That would accomplish a couple of things: (1) provide a great home for them and (2) give me another excuse to travel up your way! [;)]

Hope to see you tonight for whatever Ted has in store for us. Remember, it's also Pizza nite, so there's a bit of something for everyone! Cold beer at the ready!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
  • Member since
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  • From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
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Posted by siberianmo on Friday, July 22, 2005 4:52 PM
Howdy Ted Another hot one 'round here ... enjoy the ambiance of this Oasis and let's talk a bit about trains.

You are correct, Sir. PGE was associated with England's Great Eastern railway in a financial arrangement. They (Britain) didn't fund the entire road, but were backers as I understand it. Must have been a close enough connection to adopt the name, though. Kinda strange when one considers the road was in British Columbia.

I concur with your assessment regarding the number of trains passing through Springfield, MO - that's quite a number. earlydiesels Dan just may not realize how fortunate he is to be able to be in an area with that kinda railroading going on. On the other hand - he does! [tup]

Okay [C=:-)][dinner], it's nearing the time when you should be in the kitchen. Should be a busy night with the crowd already beginning to show. The gals are all here - Cindy too (she's kitchen help when Nick's around - I'm sure you could convince her to continue on ....... [:-,]) so it looks like time to get to work. [tup] [swg]

Hey, if reading the SUMMARIES from the bolttom up works for you - go for it! [tup]
Tom[4:-)][oX)]
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
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Posted by siberianmo on Friday, July 22, 2005 5:00 PM
Hello earlydiesels Dan VCR's [?] Absolutely - one for each of the three large screen TV's. If you recall, we had 'em running for your Birthday Bash.

I doubt you'll be watching too much TV this evening, as the bar is jammed and the back room is jumpin' with the Juke blarin' out some Alabama tunes right now. Love their music .......

Appreciate your understanding about the heat and yours truly. Just can't handle it these days. About those RDC's - BC Rail had 'em in great shape last time I traveled in 'em back in 1999. They are such great American railroading treasures that I hope some organization winds up with all three. Hate to see them on eBay - just sort of irritates me. Can't explain it further ....... just does. [V]

Looks like we've got some good conversations going on this day .... "Our" Place is hummin' ........ [yeah]

Enjoy the evening! [tup] [;)]
Tom[4:-)][oX)]
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
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    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 22, 2005 5:18 PM
Yes earlydiesels at 67 years, I do go back to steam as far as my early teens. The last "working" steam I remember was a Mikado (2-8-2) U.S.R.A. type working on the Midland Valley Rwy. in Tulsa, OK shifiting freight from the Frisco Yards (West Tulsa) downtown to various small industries. It never really worked out for me to stop and take a tour of the Spgfld yards, shops and City. Seems I was always enroute (once by the Oklahoman) to another town and time was scarce. I kick myself in the behind now for not making the time available. "Too soon old...too late smart."

My Great, Great Uncle David Kramer was a drummer boy in a Union Volunter Regiment from Chicago, Illinois durng the Civil War. I have little info. on him other than dates entered and mustered. Its all in my Geneology locked up in a Safety Deposit Box. Yes, it is hard for us to imagine the suffering and sacrifice those soldiers endured. Today's combat conditions have been nearly "sanitized" (literally) since then. But, there has never been a "nice" war! Ring the bell and set 'em up Tom, I've done it again.[#offtopic]

When Our Family lived in K.C. MO there were more than twenty passenger trains a day through Union Station. As a very young boy, I would spend many hours on the Main St. overpass, watching the trains below for hours on end. I never tired of gawking in awe at the power of these massive steam and shiny new Diesels arriving and departing with up to 16 to 20 cars in tow. It wasn't until high school age that I finally gave up the dream of being an engineer. I think everyone on this "Thread" probably has had a similar past expeience in common with me. Eventually, I began riding trains alone at every opportunity even through my late thirties. Then, as we all know, all the Roads gradually made rail travel as miserable as possible. Now, all we have left to us (in the U.S.) are the private excursion trains as a viable means of enjoying rail travel. That is why I'm so appeciative of the Herculean efforts that go into restoration and preservation. It is our last "gasp" for remembering a better age in a "better" World. Happy Rails friends, Ted
  • Member since
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  • From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA
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Posted by siberianmo on Friday, July 22, 2005 5:29 PM
Hey Ted Who let you out of the kitchen [?][?][?] Boris escort our Interim Chief Chef [C=:-)] back to the stove! [swg]

Ditto on your comments regarding those who work in restoration! [tup][tup][tup]

By the way, according to our Birthday Watch List aren't you 66 [?] Correction requested ........ [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Central Valley California
  • 2,841 posts
Posted by passengerfan on Friday, July 22, 2005 6:00 PM
Tom I'll have a crown royal with water back and a round for the house. Those RDC's bring back many a fond memory. I go back to the time when the PGE ended at Squamish. When they started blasting the right of way through from above Horseshoe bay My dad and i were fishing about a mile offshore when they began blasting rock. Before we knew what was happening we were covering our heads as small pieces of rock were landing all around us. So much for the fishing we returned to Horsshoe bay and turned in the boat. It was the very next year that the line was completed along Howe Sound and the RDC's were delivered and we were on one of the first through trips to Prince George from N. Vancouver. Since that time rode the RDC's on numerous occasions and was planning yet one more trip when the service was discontinued. An interesting note on the BCR RDC's was they lost their original GM Detroit diesels in later years having them replaced with Cummins diesels. I believe a couple even changed their GM Detroits for Hawker Siddeley diesels but these were less than sucessful and were removed at Hawker Siddeleys expense as they never meant their performance guarantees. But I have to agree no one ever kept their RDC's in better condition than the PGE/BCR. I think a perfect route for their operation might be the one I mentioned between Salinas and Sand City what a tourist mecca and I gave the tracks a pretty good inspection and except for removing the covering blacktop at crossings I don't believe it would take to much to put it back in service. Automobile traffic and parking in the Monterey area are both nearing the saturation point especially on weekends. Dont imaging it would take to much to convert one of the RDC-1s to a dining operation for use as a dinner train having the food catered for the service.
There I go rambling again.
Let me get out of here before I go on any more.
  • Member since
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Posted by siberianmo on Friday, July 22, 2005 7:29 PM
Evenin' passengerfan Al As one of our Permanent Stool Members hope you've gotten the message(s) regarding Chris and his Birthday on Monday ......

Appreciate your info regarding the RDC's ... wanna chip in and purchase those cars [?] Wanna know how difficult it would be to institute a short line these days [?] Sad to say, been there and done that right in my own back yard with a 25 mile stretch of right-of-way, in limited use by freight, but absolutely put on the taboo list by the area transportation planning mechanism. Just ticks me off to think about it ....... [:(!]

The RDC's of BC Rail were outfitted for meal service at the seats - as you well know from your travels. They refurbished those interiors and from the little I know about the mechanics, they were in tip-top operating condition. Yes, the years took their toll, but I'ld bet that no other existing RDC's could have matched BC Rail's. Sad to know that run from N. Vancouver to Prince George isn't ........ [V]

I like the dinner train idea, but my preference for that type of operation has always been domes. The Spirit of Washington from Renton, WA up to the Columbia Winery comes to mind .......

Enjoy! [tup][;)]
Tom[4:-)][oX)]
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Central Valley California
  • 2,841 posts
Posted by passengerfan on Friday, July 22, 2005 8:13 PM
Good evening All Well guess I'll have one more Crown Royal with water back and one more round for the house. Tom you mentioned you were saving the bags for my marble collection better half says they would be perfect for the rocks in my head.
You are definetly right about domes but have you seen the price of used domes they bring more than RDC's on the used car market. The tracks I mentioned are already owned by a shortline in Salinas. Might be a less expensive way to get a dinner train in service using RDC's than searching for a diner another difficult find and almost as much as a dome on the used car market. You are right about the Spirit of Washington Dinner train operation it is first class. I have two dinner trains within 30 miles of me the most famous is the Napa Valley Wine train they also have a dome. The other is the Sierra that operates from Oakdale they do not have a dome. The Napa Valley wine train uses former Canadian National FPA4 -FPB-4 diesels and the dome is a former Milwaukee Road ex Canadian National full dome. All of the cars in the Napa Valley wine train are in magnificent shape and are well maintained. What I have seen of the Sierra equipment it to is in excellent shape but have never ridden this particular dinner train operation. They also have a mini non-dinner train that uses former extended vision cupola cabooses iguess they coul be classed as domes. They have neen fiited with many windows along the car sides and standard type coach seating. They actually look quite nice.
  • Member since
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Posted by siberianmo on Friday, July 22, 2005 8:52 PM
Hello again passengerfan Al One more Crown cummin' up, and a couple of more bags for your collection [swg]

Never priced any rail cars, that's something for another day. I guess my thing is to not do those things unless I'm seriously interested in purchasing - and that day surely won't occur in this lifetime!

Anyway, you know your turf far better than I. Most of my readings regarding startups are filled with so many hoops and hurdles, along with community resistance, that one wonders if it's really worth it all.

While we've experienced several dinner trains over the years, they really aren't something either of us prefer. Kinda like something for a special occasion, but hardly the experience of real passenger railroading. I think we've discussed this along with excursion trains over on Canadian Passenger Railroads. The Spirit of Washington is a well done consist with fine service and wonderful scenery. We're just spoiled in the sense that when we dine aboard trains, it's with VIA Rail, either cross-Canada or to Halifax from Montreal and back. Know what I mean [?]

Don't doubt for a sec that those dinner trains you mentioned are fine experiences ... at least it's a way of keeping the memories alive! [swg]

I'm going to make the assumption that you already have Chris' home Email address from the last time I provided it .... so please remember him on Monday.

Thanx!
Tom[4:-)][oX)]
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo

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