QUOTE: coalminer3 Posted: 26 July 2005, 10:31:29 Good Morning All: Fill the thermos - I left a roll of quarters for the jukebox, too. We had some lovely weather yesterday - high temperatures with accompanying humidity followed by a violent windstorm in the early evening which knocked out our power. Electricity has been restored, but it's still hot and muggy. I believe it's time to head north; may be a bit cooler. Let's roll back the tape to 1942, We'll take NYC 207 out of Detroit at 11:00 p.m. with an 8:10 arrival at Mackinaw City the next morning. 207 has a 10 section/drawing room car and a coach from Detoit to Mackinaw City. That's not a Pullman; it's a battleship. The connecting services off of this train are most interesting. 207 misses a connection to DSS&A train 1 at Mackinaw City, but if you're willing to stay the night, you can leave out at 7:45 a.m. with a 9:45 a.m. arrival at Trout Lake (xpt Sunday) where you can connect to M St P and SSM train 8 to Sault Ste Marie or M St P and SSM train 87 (xpt Sunday) to Gladstone. For the truly adventerous, NYC 207 connects in the middle of the night with D&M train 1 at Bay City. D&M1 operates to Alpena. And that, unless the maps are wrong is about as "fur north" as a traveler could get on the NYC. Have a good day. work safe
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 26 July 2005, 12:24:49 G'day coalminer 3 Thanx for the quarters - Boris you know where they go. Lots of things have been happening around here since your last visit - and of course we had another Birthday Bash for Chris last night ...... sorry you missed it. By the by, it seems that we're never going to know you by any other name other than your cyber handle. No clues in your cyber profile either. Respect your privacy and won't bug you again about it. Thanx for the fantasy itinerary - always enjoy those! See ya! Tom
QUOTE: Trainnut484 Posted: 26 July 2005, 12:54:33 Afternoon all . I'm taking a short break, so a tall Coke will do fine. Gunns- I'm sorry to hear about your car window accident. Glad you're fine. I had a similar instance on a highway where some in front of me didn't tie down his Maytag washer box, and it fell out of his truck bed onto the highway. I slammed on the brakes, and hit the box. Luckily it was empty. My wife was with me and was terrified. We had some...ahem...words for the guy. OHHHHKAAYYYY. Tom, 7:30pm CENTRAL time Saturday night will do fine for me. If anybody can't make it, I'll understand. Whuuups. Time to get my keister on the move. Take care, Russell
QUOTE: West Coast S Posted: 26 July 2005, 12:58:59 Top of the day Tom and the gang, I feel like a smuck missing Chris's BD shindig. So, without further ado, a happy belated [bday]. The US Government ordered me on TDY, internet time is spotty at best when i'm on the road. Good coffee this morning by the way. On my way back to LA I spent a couple of hours in the searing heat at Kingman Cut in AZ, to my surprise I observed a eastbound general freight with 6 patched ex SF GP-30s for power, amazing I wasn't aware they were still any in service. This is the first set i've seen in mainline service since 1984, BNSF must need locomotives badly, a pleasent change from the usual gut wrenching BNSF Heritage colors I must say. I'm not confirming this tidbit , but some info came my way regarding possible mergers. Last week the Surface Transportation Board five year moritorium on mergers expired. Will we be seeing a UP/NS + BNSF/CP merger in the near future? The ultimate future of the CSX and KCS is unknown. Well, duty calls. Off to another day in the salt mines Dave
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 26 July 2005, 13:10:14 A quick good afternoon to everyone.Tom if you don't mind I think I'll just do a milkshake today ( stomaches still rcovering from the party ) Coalminer The only way further north on the NYC was to get yourself to Buffalo, then you could meet up with the TH&B train and head up into Ontario. waterford My home town of Brantford , Hamilton and on into Toronto. Or you could change trains in the falls and head up the Caso into welland and on into tobacco country St Thomas. From there you could get electric rail service on the LE&N to Kitchener waterloo or the other way to Port Dover and the beaches. This is the line I sort of dug up that Ted was on about a couple of Days ago. Of coarse if you do the St Thomas route you could catch a C&O Train back ( CSX still uses part of this old Pere marquette line ) Well gents just a quick run through I'll try to pop back in later.Oh BTW Russell did you find my switch keys last nigth I may have left them on the jukebox? Have a good evening gentlemen and Boris Rob
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 26 July 2005, 14:13:21 Hi trainnut484 Russell Okaaaaaaay - finally! There must be a higher power - for we now know that the next Birthday Bash is this coming Saturday evening at 7:30 PM, CDST - that's CENTRAL TIME for anyone out there who is easily confused! So, Ted Manager and Interim Chief Chef looks like you have work to do! Those items falling out of or off of vehicles are killers, no doubt. One of my experiences was a wheel w/mounted tire, breaking loose up ahead and came rolling right towards me in the center lane of a crowded highway - no where to go. This thing suddenly rose up in the air, bounced on the roof of my car, and continued on behind me. Must've hit something on the pavement to cause it to fly like that ...... Man, nerves were working overtime that day. Sure glad that our friend Gunns Kevin avoided injury. Take it slow ...... Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 26 July 2005, 14:24:02 G'day West Coast S Dave *** - that has a nice ring to it. I suppose now that you've missed pretty much all of these things, we're going to have to figure out a way to assign some duties to you, just to ensure your presence! TDY - ha! About 18 months ago, while in KCity, MO, I saw two honest to goodness GP's in the Santa Fe livery of old - one red and one blue - really did. They were sitting about in the middle of a long string of freights, on a siding, in the yards nearby Kemper Arena. Sure wished that I had my camera. I'm not enough of an aficionado to have been able to tell what precise models they were - but they were GEEPS for sure - maybe 35's. A few years back, I used to pal around with a guy who was connected to the STB. He told me that with regard to U.S. railroads, there would eventually be only two companies left - one handling north/south traffic and the other east/west. Well, since that time, CN has become a North American monster RR, CP isn't far off, and the U.S. names are disappearing faster than chalk from our pool tables! So, that merger rumor may very well be more than just that ....... Enjoy! And - remember: This Saturday night at 7:30 PM CDST is the Birthday Bash for our friend, Trainnut484 Russell!! Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 26 July 2005, 14:30:35 Hello Rob Milk shake [?]Are you out of your ever luvin' mind [?]We don't serve those things here - you've gotten us confused with the CS! We're a bar, serving hootch and brew. Okay, Boris go out back and shake the cow! Hey - I noticed you began a thread for Trolley Jolleys on this forum. Great! And, of course good luck with it. I posted a message for you - do I get a prize for being your first respondent [?] Remember: This Saturday night at 7:30 PM CDST is the Birthday Bash for our friend, Trainnut484 Russell!! See ya! Tom
QUOTE: wrwatkins Posted: 26 July 2005, 15:15:36 Good afternoon Tom et al. Glad to be back. At my age (65) I have lost the ability to outrun a speeding bullet or exploding bomb. Think I will have a strong cup of java. Still fighting a little jet lag. The old body cannot take it as well as it did in my youth. Air travel used to be glamorous 30 years ago as trains were, but now air travel is a big Greyhound with wings. And the service is about the same as on the Greyhound. Let me continue my dialogue. Reading is 40 miles west of London and the best way to get there is by high speed train from Paddington station. Paddington is not the largest station in London as it only has 8 active tracks. Service is operated by First Great Western which covers the southwest of England and Wales. They offer a first class service. The Heathrow express also operates from Paddington. Except for a small curve upon leaving Paddington the line to Reading is straight as an arrow. Four tracks are in the ROW. Two are used for high speed inter city trains, such as I rode, and the other two are used for the slower speed commuter trains that stop every mile or so. First Great Western runs the trains at 100 miles per hour with the 40 mile trip taking 25 minutes. Reading is their first stop for the trains that go to Cardiff, Swansea or Penzance. I still have a pass from First Great Western that I received while on the DART board that lets me ride free in first class. The ride is very smooth and quiet. They have a copy of The Times at every seat and free coffee and a sweet from the trolley. Second class has to pay for the food and drink. Even got a beer one afternoon on the return ride. The bad thing was that sometimes the trolley would not make it to my seat before we arrived in Reading. As a backup I would get a Cornish pastry and coffee from the kiosk in Paddington. Just showed my pass and they would open the turnstile for me. The normal first class fare is £21.70 each way which at an exchange rate of $1.8 US = £1 equates to about $39 each way. I figure my pass saved the client about $400. Train travel in England is not cheap. Along the way to Reading you pass the Plasser Railway Equipment Company facilities where several pieces of MOW equipment are in the yard. You also pass the service, inspection, and storage facility for the Eurostar or Chunnel train. I cannot figure out why the Eurostar is yarded here as they operate out of Waterloo station and there is not a direct connection between the yard and Waterloo. Also pass a combination yard for the Heathrow Express and First Great Western's equipment. Did spot several trains from Ed Burkhardt's (sp??) England-Scotland-Wales freight operation. They mainly seemed to be working rock cars, which I assume to be railway ballast. Did see one that had rebars and some coiled steel as cargo. Most of the freight cars are two axle variety, however there were some independant truck four axle gondolas. All of the two axle cars (LGB?) had hook and link couplings. Train length was limited due to the limited strength of this type of coupler. Most of the 4 axle independant truck gondolas had knuckle couplers. (There is hope). I think these were in dedicated unit train service. All of the passenger equipment, except for the permantly coupled train sets, have knuckle couplers. Even with the knuckle couplers they still have the buffers. I assume these take up any slack and give a smoother ride. All of the 8 tracks leaving Paddington have overhead catenary, however the electrification only goes to Staines where the Heathrow Express cuts off for the airport. The Heathrow Express is electrified into Heathrow airport as there is a 4 mile tunnel under the terminals and diesels would present a pollution problem. My train had a diesel engine on each end and ran in a modified push pull fashion. Other lines radiating from London have third rail electrification. Talk about negative compatability! The only thing they lack is to be blessed (or cursed) with three separate gauges like in Australia. I was working in Thames Valley Park (TVP), a business complex about 5 miles east of Reading along the line from Paddington. British rail was to build a station at TVP, but it has not come to pass. The train is beginning to slow down when we pass TVP. I was working with British Gas, now called BG Group, at TVP. Other tennants are multi building complexes for Oracle and Microsoft. Since 9-11 security has increased at TVP with TV cameras everywhere and security gates at several locations. TVP provides a free shuttle bus from the rail station in Reading to TVP so getting there is not bad. Londoners work from 9 AM to 5 PM. I would take a taxi from the hotel to Paddington about 7 AM before the rush hour. The ride at this time would take about 10 minutes. The evening was a different story. I was in rush hour and it would take 30 to 45 minutes to get back to the hotel. The bad thing about the evening commute was that this was in the heat of the day and the black taxis are NOT air conditioned. The double decker buses also are not air conditioned, although some murderer managed to ventilate one on July 7th. Well I have been talking too long and my coffee has ran out. Tom, could I sneak another cup of JO? Cheers, ***
QUOTE: wrwatkins Posted: 26 July 2005, 15:36:49 Tom- In response to your question about my travels, the trip to England was business for me and plastic abuse for my wife. After a week (this week) in Dallas we are leaving on Saturday for our vacation and train trip on The Ocean. Two weeks before the trip to England I spent a week in Tripoli Libya. I am scheduled to go to Tunisia in mid September and back to England at the end of September. With all of these nice places I think someone at work is trying to get me killed! There is light in the tunnel. I will be going to Calgary in late October for a week. That is not all bad duty there as Banff and Lake Louise are places that I would kill to get to live there. ***
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 26 July 2005, 15:40:57 Howdy *** Good to see that you're back and talking about our favorite subject - classic trains! Emails received and replied to. Airline reservations taken care of - now it's a matter of finding a hotel with breakfast and airport limo. Really appreciate your help! For the rest of you guys - sorry - don't mean to cut you out of the conversation. I'm taking a trip down to Dallas - that's TEXAS for those of you who might not KNOW - to see those former VIA Rail RDC's that now operate with DART and the Trinity line (is that correct, ***[?]) Anyway, it'll be a chance to meet one of the regulars from "Our" Place and of course, do what I love to do - ride trains! [yeah]More info as the itinerary falls into place. That accounting you've given of the trains is worth at least a round on me! Boris ring the bell! C'mon, *** there's a great gin & tonic with your name on it - or something in the JO, perhaps [?] Good job! Keep this up, and we'll have no choice but to consider you for a more elevated status as a regular around here. Now, if I could only get you to read the SUMMARIES! If you are able, we have yet another Birthday Bash coming up this Saturday at 7:30 PM for our friend, Trainnut484 Russell Hope you can make it! Tom
QUOTE: Trainnut484 Posted: 26 July 2005, 15:42:34 Afternoon all again . I'll have a cold draft. It's FINALLY RAINING, and the heat wave here in KC has been broken Tom, the yard where you saw the GEEPS was BN's exFrisco yard (I think) now BNSF. The place where I meet with my Saturday morning breakfast bunch is not far from there. Doc's Caboose (LHS) is closeby too where we traverse to after breakfast. Rob, yes I did find your keys and left them with Leon. Hopefully he didn't do any moonlight switching last night Dave, those old GP30s can keep on going and going. They're used primarily in local or yard service. Ted, leave the tp home mmmmm that draft went down cold and smooth. I'll have another please Russell
QUOTE: West Coast S Posted: 26 July 2005, 15:55:10 For the record I will attending the events this coming Saturday Tom. I still can't recall with certain clarity the events of the last bash for all is blank after consuming that second quart of Johnny Walker Black Label Theodorebear are you aware that the 2929 powered the final steam powered revenue passenger train westbound to Los Angeles on the overflow mail in 1952? Sister 2928 ran the final eastbound overflow train. 2929 was also featured on a 1951 Railway Club Of Southern California excursion from LA to Barstow and return and was the last operable steam engine retained at Redondo Jct. for passenger helper service out of LAUPT. She deserves to run again. Since they were impressed by the performance of the 3751,Perhaps the Grand Canyon Railway can be persuaded to restore the 3759 to service. Anyone up for AT&SF triple headed steam? Well, i'm off to partake in the sandwich fixings and see what' s on draft this afternoon. Until later Dave
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 26 July 2005, 15:55:36 G'day Trainnut484 Russell I think I'd make a trip to KCity just to join in on the brunch and the interlude at Doc's Caboose - sounds like my kinda thing to do! Do you recall seeing those GEEPS I mentioned [?]I checked out the times we were out that way, and it was definitely December of 2004 when we saw 'em. Really got my attention, for it has been years since I've seen that livery on anything other than model trains. We had 103 on Sunday, 101 yesterday, and high 90's today. Cold front supposed to be here by late afternoon - c'mon rain! I just cannot handle the heat - and that's that! I'm sitting here with my frosty cold half litre glass from the Golden OX (Boulevard Brewing Co.) and those Coors Lights are going down really well! The OX is a place I've been frequenting since 1977 - love it. Oh, it's changed alot over the years, but who or what hasn't [?] The Prime Rib is the best I've ever had - you know, once upon a time (and this ain't a fairy tale) you could order any size cut you wanted - and then watch 'em cook it. It was a great place to go - still is, but somewhat chilled out from my first decade or so of visits. Anyway, I liked the beer glasses, so I bought a half dozen from the bartender. He probably thinks to this day, who was that nut case who bought the glasses![?] Now, everyone knows! No secrets around here ........ See ya! Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 26 July 2005, 16:03:01 G'day West Coast S Dave The great thing about a cyber bar 'n grill, is one can consume what one always thought they'd like to, but never quite made it to that point! Been there, done that a few times in my younger days, mate! What's on draught[?] Pick a brew - we've got it! Just have to be careful with Boris tapping those kegs. When I first taught him how, he couldn't get used to the idea of first picking up the keg, shaking it, then punching a hole in it with his paw fist. He's a strange one, indeed - wonder where in the world Nick found him[?] Okay - good deal - you're set for Saturday night - which is really late afternoon for you left coast guys! Enjoy! Tom
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 26 July 2005, 18:59:28 G'evening everyone, *** that was an excellent synopsis of your travels in and around London Town. The name Brunel rings a ffamiliar bell. ***, is this the same person who built the super ship which eventually laid the Trans Atlantic Cable? I would think a "cold chill" ran up your spine after learning of the bombings. The Brits are taking action rather than languishing in an endless "witch hunt" committee (photo ops). Let us hope they meet with more success than their "American Cousins." Saturday, 7:30 pm Central (8:30 Eastern, 6:30 Mtn., 5:30 Pacific), Russell will be celebrating his "B-Day Bash" here at "Our" Place. I think the holes in the walls will be patched and painted by then. Please make a note of it 'cause it will be a great time "had by all." Good ole American fare that day: B.B.Q. spare ribs, sliced Beef and beans (K.C. Masterpiece sauce), corn on the cob, Fries, cole slaw and P.salad. Rolaids, Tums and Alka Seltzer available on request. If you miss it, shame on "yo hide." Just received the August Model R.R. News and thought I'd pass on a few "S" guage URL's: www.the-n-arch.com; www.trainstuffllc.com; www.p-b-l.com; Jerry Wilson steamer461@yahoo.com; www.pinecanyonscalemodels.com; www.tin-soldier.com. There is a good review of the HO Bdwy Ltd's N & W streamlined 4-8-4. Dave thanks for the additional input on #2929 and #3759, its always a kick to hear the fate of these "classics." Tom I remember the "Original" Golden Ox down in the West Bottoms. Lot's of cattle deals were "done" there. If you could get passed the barnyard aroma, you had the best steak south of the John Hancock (Chicago). Okay, its great to see the Joint bar and grill doing so well. Hope those among "the missing" are okay and will return very soon. So long, Ted
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 26 July 2005, 19:18:08 Evenin' Ted Weather report: Storm front approaching - looks like the Century temps will be leaving - and rather quickly! [yeah] Nice menu for the Birthday Bash for Trainnut484 Russell this Saturday nite at 7:30 PM CDST (Central Time) Phew! I'm going to rely upon the regulars to make this event happen as I'll be away from the keyboard for most of the evening. So, c'mon you guys - especially the Order of the Permanent Stools you are needed! Unless I'm out in left field on this, my impression has been that the present day site for the Golden Ox is the same as it's been since the stockyards were there. In fact, I recall those yards ...... not quite as extensive, but they (or some) remained in the 70's. It's one of our favorite places to go and we've dined there on consecutive nights more than once ..... Anyway, the location is directly across the parking lot from Kemper Arena - where we used to watch the now defunct IHL KC Blades and an assortment of other sports teams - long gone. KCity is really a great place to visit. Enjoy the evening! Tom
QUOTE: Trainnut484 Posted: 26 Jul 2005, 20:17:22 Evening all. I'll have my usual, Thanks. It's nice and cool outside. Overnight low is supposed to be in the 50s. That'll give the A/C a well deserved break. Thanks Dave for making your R.S.V.P. Ted, my mouth is already watering . What about cake and ice cream?? The Golden Ox is indeed in the Bottoms across from Kemper. At one time they closed down (for what reason I can't remember). I think they've reopened. Tom, you're not going to make it Saturday night[?] It's alright though. You're welcome to join us for Saturday morning breakfast, and the trek down to Doc's afterwards. Sorry he doesn't carry S gauge. His website is www.docscaboose.com Also you have mail. My thirst still hasn't been quenched. Another one for me please, and put a round on the house on me.
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 26 Jul 2005, 23:36:10 Good evening gentlemen and Boris. Tom Thank-you for being poster #1 on the new thread, barnda's found it already as well and I beleave Gunns too. Your prize is me doing the dishes left over from Chris's party and if you check with Heather you know how much I love that job. Oh and also I guess I didn't make it clear earlier . It was a milkshake with a shot or two of kalua in it, a frozen brown cow if you will. I gave Leon the recipe.That was the cost to have my switch keys returned. thanks for finding them BTW Russell.Russell I'm going to miss your shindig as well unfortunatley I'm going to be up in the north country doing some camping( needs to be done once a year just like Boris's bath ) Ted I've sent you 20 or so pounds of canadian back bacon for the party hope it is of some use for you.dave GOP30's they are a favourite of mine, that hump backed look. If memory serves didn't BN rebuild the powered ones to GP38-2 standars a couple of years back?I only got to personally see a CDN GP30 once 5001 leading a local frieght in Welland ontario that was back in the 80's. As you know only two units of that type were sold in Canada CPR 8500,8501 later renumbered to 5000,5001. Even their GP35 follow ons weren't that popular up here CN bought two and 24 were picked up by CP numbered in order right after the two 30's. This is a small request. More so for my museum thread but it would work here as well.I'm wondering if the posters of pictures could try to makle the posted shots as small a jpg as possible.We with the old PC's can't download them very well. I'm not trying to ***, this is just a small favour for the technologically challenged. thanks so much
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