G-day captain Tom and all present!
Pete- I must have missed you there. I'm glad you liked the little story. I'm sure you could look it up on the internet if you're interested in the whole story. thanks for the comments.
I found an article on the Union station in chicago.
Union Station is a Chicago train station that opened in 1925, replacing an earlier 1881 station, and is now the only intercity rail terminal in Chicago. Union Station was built on the west side of the Chicago river and stands between Adams street and Jackson street. It is, including approach and storage tracks, about nine and a half city blocks in size, and almost entirely beneath streets and skyscrapers. The Chicago nion Saion Comany, now a subsidiary of Amrak, owns the station.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Unionstation2.jpg
Pic of the outside of the station.
On April 7, 1874 the Pennsylvania company (the owner of the Pennsylvania railroad's "Lines West" territory), Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, Michigan Central Railroad, Chicago and Alton Railroad and Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway signed an agreement to build a union station on land owned by the Pennsylvania Company's Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railway between Van Buren Street and Madison Street on the west side of the Chicago River.
The Michigan Central, which used the Illinois Central Railroad's Illinois Central Depot, would have switched to the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railway at Tolleston, Indiana. However, it quickly decided to keep using the Illinois Central Depot. The Chicago and North Western Railway also considered switching to the new station from its Wells Street Station, but instead built the Chicago and North Western Passenger Terminal in 1911. The other four companies went on to use the station when it opened in 1881.
The second Union Station was built by the Chicago Union Station Company, owned by all the companies that used the first station but the Chicago and Alton (which used the new one anyway). The architect was Daniel Burnham of Chicago, who died before its completion. The firm of Graham, Anderson, Probst and White completed the work to Burnham's designs. Work began in 1913 and the station opened on May 16, 1925, though some construction on viaducts carrying streets over the approach tracks went on into 1927. Construction was delayed by World War I, labor shortages and strikes. It is one of about a dozen monumental Beaux-Arts railroad stations that were among the most complicated architectural programs of the era called the "American Renaissance", combining traditional architecture with engineering technology, circulation patterning and urban planning.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Union22.jpg
Pic inside the station
Upon its completion, Union Station was hailed as an outstanding achievement in railroad facility planning. Today, the monumental neoclassical station is the last remaining railroad terminal still used by intercity trains in Chicago. The station's ornate Beaux-Arts main waiting room, the "Great Hall", is one of the United States' great interior public spaces with its vaulted skylight, statuary, and connecting lobbies, staircases, and balconies. The Great Hall is over 34 meters high. Enormous wooden benches are arranged in the room for travellers to wait for connections.
During World War II, Union Station was at its busiest, handling as many as 300 trains and 100,000 passengers daily. In 1969, the concourse at Union Station was demolished so that two office buildings and a new, modernized concourse could be constructed. In 1992, Union Station was renovated by Lucien Lagrange Associates. Union Station currently serves all Amtrak intercity trains to Chicago, as well as Metra commuter rail lines - the North Central Service, Milwaukee District/North Line, Milwaukee District/West Line, BNSF Railway Line, Heritage Corridor and SouthWest Service. Union Station is as busy as ever: as of 2006, approximately 126,000 people use the station on a daily basis, including 6,000 Amtrak passengers.[1]
Unlike other major American intercity/commuter rail hubs, such as Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station in New York, and Union Station in Los Angeles, Union Station does not have any direct connection to local rapid transit service: the Chicago Transit Authority's El system does not stop at Union Station. However, Chicago's highly centralized urban form means that most commuters can walk to their final destinations.
Info from Wikipedia.
Happy Railroading! Enjoy!
James
G-day Captain Tom and all present.
Well something is going on with the toolbar here. I can't get all the similies!
Anyway. leon could you get me a coffee along with the fish n'chips. Thanks.
Well I see there was a lot of activity while I was out. Some really good articles out there.
Eric- Glad you saw the speeder. I have had the honors to ride those things. They are a little bumpy on jointed rail and not to mention loud. There cool what ever the case. Also glad that you saw the video links. It gets a person to think. A 40 ton truck V.S. 18000 ton train.....hmm, thats a hard one. And the answer to your yellowstone question...I'm not sure. I don't know if anyone has taken the time to restore one and keep it in doors. That might take a little bit of searching and researching to find that answer.
Barndad- glad you liked the pixs. I like them myself The history on the toy train was fascinating. I didn't know they had issues coming out in the late 30s. Now that tells you how much people did like the hobby. Also your Match book history was also interesting. We have an exhibit at the LSRM here in Duluth that is dedicated to railroad china and in all of the cases there is a match book. I never knew how renouned they were. Very interesting, thanks.
Tom- Thanks for the info on the RDC. I didn't know that some were built just for that purpose. An RDC-5 I will have to remember. thanks.
You're right. The truck drivers were really stupid. When the narrator in the second clip said, "The crossing signal lights are really bright, but the driver of this truck is not." You know that something is going to go really wrong.. and it did.
Nice Polar express train. It's a really cool idea to have it go around the ceiling on the shelves. Our local Blackwoods has the same thing. They have a train going all around the inside of the restaurant. It's nice to sit there and the signals above you are lit for green and then the train gos by about a minute later. Then the signals go read. It's cool.
Can't wait for the Tuesday Boat trains. Should be a good day.
DL- We are starting to see some concrete ties on some of the coal railroads. Our coal trains are making over 18000 tons and the weight is almost to much for the coal trains. A few running here and there aren't bad but when the train is sitting still for long periods of time on wooden ties, it seems to wear them out faster. So now they have been upgrading to concrete. Not really fast but there getting there.
The article on Manchester station was most appreciated. that is one really big station. The only station I know that could compete against that would be Union station in Chicago, Illinios. I know there is another in New York but I can't remember what it's called. But thanks for the URL. It was great!
Pete- I will have to look up #500. I would have to see what it's like but, I have no doubt that it is a cool engine.
Mike- Once again, you bring in some really nice pics. The Z-4 locomotive is an older steam locomotive. That one, as said on the site, was built in 1923. That was about 14 to 16 years before the Z-5. The Z-5 steam engine, like the one I have, is what you should look for. The Z-4 is really nice but look at the Z-5. They were some of the most powerful steam engines built. The Mallet and Union Pacific Big boy were the other. BTW: your christmas tree is much bigger than mine. I think it stands 7 or so feet. I'm taking a guess that yours is about a 1000 feet higher than mine.
CM3- It's good to hear from you. I hear you ran into and American Flyer set!! I'm going to take a wing at it but I think those sets go for something like $1000+. I'm not completely sure. But like you said, it is high. Glad you came on.
Happy railroading!
Hi Tom and all.
Has the forum posting changed again it seems different today.
Anyway RUTH I better have a Bathams XXX to combat the cold here.
Great evening last night and this morning at the bar. Great model JAMES of the Yellowstone and #750. Interesting story on #750 falling in the lake and the loco staying local to Deluth must have made it a favorite around there.
ERIC It seems as though it is as cold there as we have been although it is supposed to get a lot colder with a load of snow round here in the next couple of days BRRRRR. As DL says Marylebone station is worth a visit if in London. It was the last of the London terminal stations to be built, it opened in 1899 one of the last parts left of the Great Central London extension a grand station that today is as busy as it as ever been serving Chiltern Trains franchise although there was talk a few years ago of closing the station.
The smell of creosote always takes me back to my youth when it seems nearly every garden fence was treated with it.
DOUG Great idea on the Matchbooks. They were a good advertising tool for the railroads and with the attractive designs no wonder they are so collectable. The humble matchbook is staging a recovery today with the airlines banning lighters.
I bet you can type faster than me. I'm glad you liked the Manchester details I am doing the Nottingham trip by Alan later.
MIKE Thanks for the links. Those are fantastic pics of the Hall & Castle at Penzance, it is amazing how the Great Western locos always look better on their home territory.
It is long way from Thurso to Penzance for us Brits but nothing to the distances over here. I have read that if Britain was squashed up it would fit in an area the size of Pennsylvania. Good pic of the prototype of JAMES's model loco in service.
CM3 Great to have you back. Thanks for the Boston area info.Reading the post reminded me that how much milk and for that matter livestock traffic there was on the railways at one time. In Britain there was often a 6 Wheel milk tank car in fast passenger consists in old photos, and a cosiderable amount of cattle trains on certain lines. I bet the guard(conductor) in the caboose was not sad to see them go.
DL As you say the Manchester Tram system could be improved especially with a ticket inspector travelling on the tram instead of the spot checks, I have never been able to understand that. Still if the Manchester tram had not been the success it is it would have been so much harder, if not impossible for the other cities systems to get financial approval.
The Beeston mystery is deepening I have checked the Ian Allan and it is showing ED10 as a diesel, perhaps the steam loco mentioned in your post took over from the diesel or was used when the diesel needed repair, it will be very interesting to find out. I will see if Alan as that By-Line mag, when I post that great link to the industral lines around Nottingham to him.It is interesting to see how the collierys had links to the rival main lines in the area and the Stanton Works having 30 steam locos on its books.
As promised Alan's Nottingham trip
Please thank your mate from Nottingham,everything worked fine.
Last brew is the 22nd of Dec apparently., We got a kangaroo ticket which gives bus and tram in the city for £2.90 but you have to excess it on the bus as Kimberley is just outside.only a few more pennies. Found rainbow 1 easy enough( bus service)-every 10 minutes up to 6.30pm and got put off in Kimberley ok
I spotted the old Midland station now sadly derelict and the brewery is picture postcard, tower with flag on and trees all round it.Apparently there where originally two breweries but only Handy's survives entire and only a part of Hansons.They are each side of a small valley with the tiny Midland station in the bottom.
Found the Nelson and Railway pub which is superb with good beer and sensible pub food and tidy inside.Eventually moved on and took the old original road back to the village centre and as if by magic we came across the old Great Northern Rly station which looks as if it has only just been renovated- in fact it is for sale.There is even a set of crossing gates but I suspect they may have been put back as part of the project.
Next we came to the Cricketers and went in, bit more of a basic boozer but friendly and the beer excellent.Chap here told us all about the brewery and how they were all angry at closure although job loss is not massive ,about 40 he thought. He also told us the Midland station had been a social club but someone pinched all the slates off the roof one night a few years ago and it has just been left.
Tried the Gate pub [shut] and then the Lord Clyde pub which was young,busy, noisy and good beer.And that was time to leave Kimberley. PARADISE DISCOVERED TOO LATE!!! Then head back to the Victoria Centre (site of the old Nottingham Victoria station) for a quick look and found your mates pub 'The White Hart' at the back of the station-ok, but beer was a bit rough.I HAD FOUND THE NAME FROM THR BREWERY WEB SITE WHICH IS VERY GOOD.Then on to the Bell who said they had already had their LAST barrel of best bitter. We had to have 'trip'. And that was it- didnt have time for the old Shipstones brewery -just tram and home A great day out. Alan
TOM OH DEAR we wont be able to go to Manchester now on your trip to England after calling Holts
G'day Cap'n Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth, rather emtpy place today and it is beginning to look like we're going to have to provide you with something to keep you awake! I can think of a few things, but then again . . . Ah, how about a JD on the rocks - make it a double.
Doesn't appear to be much going on aside from Doug's morning gala, a visit from CM3 followed by Tom's acknowledgments 'n a word or three from across the pond from DL and nothing since. Then again, that's NOT a bad start to the morning! Good show! It's the "thereafter" that presents a problem.
A cloudy day here on the "island" with some thunder boomers moving in for tomorrow. I see where St. Louis is getting hit with an ice storm right about now and that you're in for some heavy snow thereafter. Winter has arrived for you, which I suppose makes you and Juneau happy campers, huh
Been doing a bit of reading on high speed rail in New York state and there's some interesting proposals. Quebec province and NY state have discussed the feasibility of a high speed rail corridor between Montreal and New York City (2005). Although not much has been done with the idea, at least talks have taken place. This wouldn't be something that would operate on existing right of way, as I understand it, but rather on dedicated trackage. A good planning scheme.
Also, getting high speed rail to connect Toronto and Buffalo has also been discussed between the politicos in Ontario and New York as well. Again, a good start.
We're putting up the Christmas decorations, inside and out, and as the song goes, "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!" Anyway, without the white stuff and temperatures in the 60's, well it hardly resembles the Christmas' I used to know! <grin> Global warming is real.
Couldn't agree with you more, CM3 I'm NOT Shane!, let's not go there insofar as the Jints are concerned. Good to see ya back and hope you resume your morning slot - you've been missed.
Really like the idea of visiting the Trainwreck Saloon that you have been mentioning. How many sites do you figure are fashioned after a real-live tavern and have a model to prove it We've got to be the ONLY one on Kalmbach for certain, and I'd guess not too many (if any) in the ether. Neat!
I really like the taverns from the past, the kinds of places where one could drop in for a few beers, have a sandwich, shoot the breeze, smoke 'em if you got 'em, and just enjoy a couple of hours with the boys. Yeah, I like that. Is the Trainwreck a local hangout do you think Do you have any pix of the place Do they rent rooms
Good to see Pete 'n Eric holding the fort in the late afternoon and evening hours. The dialogue is meaningful and definitely in keeping with the way the Proprietor had hoped things would flow. Only those who have frequented taverns truly understand what it's like to be amongst men in a man's enviornment! (Sorry, gals!)
I'm being beckoned (as in bellowed!) so it's time for me to drag my lethargic butt outside, head for home, climb up the ladder, and get those lights strung before it turns to darkness. <grin>
A round on me, Ruth and Boris - ring the bell!
Until the next time!
Lars
P.S. Don't know what happened - but my version of the Fourms no longer has the option to color in certain things (blue, red, etc.) Totally different tool bar is showing. What in the world is going on
Hello Tom
I’ll have a Robinson’s Bitter please.
Eric – you have missed some good railway terminals in London – although sadly the ones that are not listed for their architectural properties have often been messed up – with concrete rafts set above them for office or shopping developments which have destroyed their cathedral like qualities. Kings Cross, St Pancras, Paddington and Waterloo are all very impressive however, and Marylebone is rather nice (for trivia it features in the Beatles Film A Hard Days Night when they have to escape crowds of fans chasing them along the platform). – maybe this is film suggestion for the picture house some day Tom?
Pete – that Manchester ship canal tour sounds rather interesting.
The Manchester streetcar system is rather good – although I must say it compares unfavourably with the newer Nottingham one in a number of respects – the cars themselves are less stylishly designed, and in terms of stop information there is little to help you (eg at the stop I waited at there was no time count down to inform you how long to wait before the next car, nor no printed timetable on display) The ticket vending machines are confusing, and the cars do not have conductors on board – which is a nice touch here and helps re-assure travellers about personal safety etc as well as provide a ticket sales service). However, you have to credit Manchester with the work down to kick off a new streetcar revival when the system was opened some years back.
Beeston Creosote work – well you at least confirmed to me that it did indeed exist. Of course I then searched the web a bit more and found some info which I have pasted below. I have still not worked out exactly where the works site was. By the way – you are spot on about creosote – it does the job – I picked up some stocks of it before the ban came into force!!
This is an extract from an article I found – I reckon this was transcribed from a 1950s article:
“At Beeston, the L.M.S. had a Creosote Works and a narrow-gauge system for handling sleepers and chairs. The metre-gauge lines ran along the same track-bed as standard-gauge metals in places, both gauges using a common rail. A steam locomotive was used for narrow-gauge shunting.”
From this site – a good article if you are interested in the area, even if the website itself is not so well designed:
http://nottinghamrail.com/RCTStxt.htm
Also – looks like a bit of that loco you mentioned still exists!!! This is form an auction catalogue I found:
“Lot 223 Brass Locomotive worksplate "WG Bagnall Ltd Stafford England Engineers No. 1889" as carried by 0-4-0ST outside cylinder 3' gauge loco ex works May 1911 and delivered new to Judkins Ltd., Tuttle Hill Granite Quarries, Nuneaton as their No. 1. In mid-1956 it was transferred to M.E. Engineering, Cricklewood and then to Beeston Creosote Works as BR ED10. In October 1962 sold to R. Hilton for preservation, now in store in Cambridgeshire. Oval 6½" x 4¼", cleaned. £220”
Then I found this magazine cover – looks like they featured the site in this issue – I’ll have to look out for a back number – it probably had some photos:
“RAILWAY BYLINES Vol.10 Issue 9: August 2005”
Mike - nice UK pic links there - esp Penzance - that will interest Tom if he can make it there - to the LHS is the sea, and over the headland in the rear - well - it is next stop USA more or less! Thurso is as far north as British Steel rails will take you - from there it is boats to the Orkney Islands etc - the train journey up there is through some real wilderness country (nothing new for North Americans but it is rare here)
Vintage railway film screening this evening – will report back in due course, there will be some treats in store that is for sure, have to get there and back by train too (30 mins away, as you can imagine that is a real chore...)
I’m pretty hungry – what is on the menu today? – Now Nick's back I’m sure some feast will be on offer!
Best wishes to all - just read the recent posts and enjoyed them (good to see you 'miner).
DL
PS – Pete some good pics of LMS ferries on the Science and Society Picture archive – I’ve been looking for some SR stuff for next Tuesday – can’t let our rebel friends down 2 weeks in a row!!
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please, round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Cloudy and warm in the coalfields today, but it is supposed to turn colder later this week. The entrail readers (weather folks) say we might get some snow, but they are not “sure.” Well, nothing’s sure in this world. Gas is $2.26/gal.
I have been reading through a monstrous load of posts and will confine comments, etc. to the more recent ones. These comments are in nor rank order; just as I jotted down some notes/
Barndad provides some fascinating material on matchbook covers. I have a few from the New Haven, C&O, B&O, and I do have a WM one with diesels (red white and black). The C&IM cover was an interesting one, as you usually don’t think of them being a freight hauler (other than coal).
The CSSB car shots brought back a lot of memories.
The picture of B&M 3713 is nice but it would be nicer in color. The lettering on the tender was silver with a red border. They were pretty.
Lars – We won’t even discuss the Giants. I think you know where I’m coming from with that.
Tom provided Canadian RR materials and some fine train room pictures (with new toys, yet!) Also like the Christmas train.
Rob – Thanks for Halifax tram material.
Eric provided some interesting comments
James – Thanks for sharing modeling pictures. Funny how a lot of the MILW followers I know also have an interest in NP. BTW, when I was at the WNY Train Show in Buffalo before Thanksgiving, one of the dealers had an American Flyer North Coast Limited set for sale. A pair of PAs and, IIRC 5-6 cars; all in two-tone green, I didn’t ask the price but I’m sure it was right up there.
Mike has provided a ton of links.
The B&M RDC in Troy was a keeper, not just for the trains but also for the vintage autos and some fine buildings. The RDC was the last remnant of B&M service to Troy.
Many of the B&M 4100s went to the B&O where they soldiered on for quite awhile.
The shot of B&M 41176 at North Station gives a good idea of what the place looked like back in the day. The old Manger Hotel is above the train and the station building itself is to the left. The old Boston Gahdin sat atop the station.
The shots at Melrose caused severe palpitations and flashbacks, if only because I had sort of forgotten how “rural” many of the Boston suburbs were back in the 50s; before they paved everything and put a Starbucks on every corner.
The Boston Engine Terminal shot in 1958 with the RDCs in the snow is as I remember it. The big structure in the background was the coal dock. It stayed around for a long time after steam was gone.
RDC 6108 is in the “as delivered” scheme with the Minute Man herald. The heralds were later changed to the more familiar linked B&M initials.
B&M 1566 gives the viewer a good idea of the geeps with all their “extras.” This is a passenger geep; the steam generator is visible atop the short hood. The box at the end of the long hood contains electrical gear for train lighting. The geeps ran all over the B&M is passenger and freight service; so they were truly dual purpose engines.
Barndad sent some BV&M material along as well.
The milk train with the RS# brought back some memories. Bellows Falls Creamery was, indeed, a busy place. B4 I forget, the Rutland carried lots of milk traffic as well back in the day; much of which went down to New York.
The shot of the B&M RS2 in 1952 had an inaccurate caption. The large building to the right is not the Prudential Center; it is the old John Hancock building which is still with us. The Pru Center did not appear until the early 1960s when they ripped up and paved most of the Boston and Albany facilities in Boston.
The Willows is still an active spot for trains. The shot of B&M 4207 has an inaccurate caption as its western terminal was Mechanicville, NY. The B&M and the D&H interchanged there. I had several friends who worked the towers in and around there. People commonly mistake the town name.
The shot at North Adams was made about 6 yrs before the wires came down.
The picture at South Ashburnham gives a good idea of the terrain west of Boston on the Fitchburg Division. I had a family ancestor who worked on the Fitchburg years ago – it’s a !@#$ in the winter.
Last but not least, Pete’s pix gave a pretty good idea of how things have changed around North Station. The Zagin Bridge ( part of the Big Dig) is in the foreground. The drawbridge with the big counterweights is the throat of North Station.
Anyway, it’s good to be back.
Work safe
Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house.
Holy smokes!
"Strike another match and start anew, and it's all over now Baby Blue"
http://www.old-dalby.com/images/Midland_Pullman_Wirksworth_line.jpg
Thurso, way up north
http://www.nigelburkin.co.uk/Railway_modelling/OMWB/OMWB2006/CRW_3585_JFR.jpg
Penzance, far from Thurso
http://www.cwinpenny.plus.com/royal_duchy/royal_duchy.htm
B&M encore
http://railroad.union.rpi.edu/images/troy/Troy-6th-by-Union-Ballard.jpg
Northern Pacific locomotive 4502 is James' steam engine, I think
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvnjpeg_img_rec.php?objno=RVN10709
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvnjpeg_img_rec.php?objno=RVN10706
Hurry up and light the Christmas tree
http://images.nypl.org/?id=723021F&t=w
Mike
G’day Gents! A wild ‘n wet Thursday here in mid-continent USA! Time to pour some freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee. Check out our pastries from the Mentor Village Bakery along with a selection from our Menu Board for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast!
Temps have dropped 35 degrees from the high of yesterday! Brrrrrr – raining like the Dickens with ice and snow on the way. “They” say before it’s over, we should expect up to 9 inches by the morning. Snow over ice, now that’s not a good combination. <ugh>
On to the acknowledgments:
DL at 10:39 AM yesterday: I see you stuck ‘round as well! Makes for 2-way conversations, eh Really liked that St. Pancras Station URL – quite a structure. Also, the article was a good read as well! Lotsacash put into that renovation, eh Can you imagine “staffs” of attendants scurrying hither ‘n yon with “chamber pots” I can’t! <grin>
Regardng the clientele (past ‘n present): Yes, I’ve mulled it over many times. However, doesn’t change the outcome. We still have occasions whereby a guy will drop a Post on us – make no mention of the works that appeared since his last – and then take off. Those are “one way” Posts and not at all what this bar encourages or expects from the guys who frequent it. It’s kinda like training puppies – some will, some won’t and others don’t.
Appreciate your patronage!
Lars at 4:49 PM yesterday: Thanx for stopping by, as it appeared we were going to have another one of those near-shut-outs during the day. No more regular business during late mornings or afternoons, so it seems.
Glad you enjoyed the Polar Express Pix. Constructing the shelf system was really a challenge as I had three areas where ‘sky hooks’ would’ve really helped! The system is quite simple, as you can see, and it “works”! No derailments, no problems. There’s also a rope-light system installed between the roadbed and “night sky” backdrop all around the rectangular run. It gives off a blue light which looks great as the train makes it’s way from one imaginary place to the next.
Concur with your comments regarding those Lionel locos of the past. As you know, I had the Pennsy S2 turbine, 6-8-6 and it was a heavy little machine. Been well chronicled on these Pages . . .
Pete at 5:04 PM yesterday: Nice to see ya again, Mate and as you know, we carry all major brands of brew from ‘round the globe – but NO micro-brews. Nope – far too expensive and extensive an inventory for our humble basement storage. Plus arranging for its delivery is a nightmare, in spite of the dependable air ship deliveries from the UK and the Continent. <grin>
Just heard that mid-Missouri is in for a hulluva winter storm, forecasts are worse than for here. So, ensure you have an adequate supply of the important things in life – beer – and batten down the hatches, here she comes! <oooooooooh>
Thanx for the URL on the Mersey Ferries. Appears to be something we’d enjoy experiencing should we realize our thoughts to visit the UK. Also liked the URL to the Hornby trains – great looking models, fer sure, fer sure!
Next time you’re in the Can-Am Trainroom, we’ll have to begin the training program to certify you as an Engineer for the Polar Express! Once you master that, we’ll move on to the S-Capades. Last will be the HO layout. Don’t worry, the beer fridge will remain stocked throughout!
Good thinking regarding the trains ‘round the tree. I suggest fashioning some roadbed for your track system. That will greatly reduce any adverse impact on your carpeting, for toy and model trains have been known to cause “grief” on carpets. Nothing fancy mind you. You can use Styrofoam to press the track into – put on a coat of grey paint before you do this, and the stuff really takes on the appearance of roadbed. Not something that costs a lot and easy to do. Check your local crafts stores (Michaels comes to mind) for sheets of it, and if that doesn’t work, your “big box” hardware chains will have insulated foam board – get the 1 inch or less. It will work just fine, but costs a tad more. Stay away from hobby shops – costs are exorbitant and they probably won’t have either!
Eric at 11:50 PM yesterday: Must be your lucky day, for I cannot find my TWEETER! Boris, where did you put it What’s that Whaddyamean Awk flew away with it!!
Good morning Tom and friends! I’ll have 2 light breakfasts please. It’s been rainy and blowy for the last two days now, and a change in the weather will soon be here. Never did get the last of my outdoor lights up, but there’s a lot out there anyway. So, the theme is “boat trains” for this coming Tuesday. I’ll have to see what I can dig up. Surely enjoyed the CanAm room Polar express pix. I am very close to buying that set here myself, but won’t have a cool place to set it up like you do. Looking forward to seeing the prototype for “Our Place.” Do they have a picture on the wall of the model you built?Thanks for the Wikipedia Halifax explosion link and Machester information. DL, yep .. I type-up the articles you see here with my own two elbows, and use my feet to position the magazines and books in the scanner. It’s a time-consuming process, and the scanner has to be disinfected every time, but it’s worth the effort, I think. Great Manchester links and info by the way. Good to see manager Lars, and thanks for your words. Pete, I know what you mean about all the clutter on the front of Railroad magazines. When I’m in article “hunt mode”, I actually like to know the contents by glancing just at the cover. But you are right. The information clutters an otherwise awesome full-size color picture. Thanks for sharing your Manchester information and experiences yesterday. That’s exactly the kind of theme support Lars talks about. Nice model pix yesterday James, and I’ll bet Eric wishes he had his childhood O gauge back. Who wouldn’t? And now …. Here’s something I hope you find entertaining:
Matchbooks: Socializing in the Lounge Car by Ralph D. Pierce VR#14 1998
The movie theatre darkens. As the curtain rises, the feature film begins to flicker on the silver screen. The camera pans the lounge car of the Limited. May West enters, and moves through the car, slowly but deliberately making the statement she is so capable of making. She selects a sofa, specifically not hidden in the corner of the car. All eyes follow her as she rests on the overstuffed furniture.
A long slender cigarette holder dangles from her hand; she raises it toward her lips. As the Limited speeds through the countryside, the shadows and lights carry across her face. Two arms sheathed in pinstripe material enter the picture. A matchbook is opened and a small flame erupts when the stick is pulled across the striker. As the match torches the cigarette, a gentle puff of smoke emerges, and the lovely Miss West gently raises her eyebrows to acknowledge and reward the gentleman’s efforts. The camera fades and the audience has just participated in one of those stereotypical moments in motion picture history.
Without the lowly matchbook setting the mood, the movie scene would be seriously lacking in its vitality. Here we have learned that even the smallest item, used correctly and wisely, can and will show its necessary.
The matchbook has been with us from before the Civil War. Hundreds of small factories produced this inexpensive item until the industry was ravaged by the affects of the war. Peace brought the usual recovery of most businesses and manufacturing, but as an industry of many producers it did not survive. Many became few and technology prevailed, making the matchbook an inexpensively produced and mass distributed item.
Here enters the railroad, as we have stated before an industry well schooled in the art of using outside products to promote its services. The railroad’s passenger service consisted heavily of traveling businessmen. In the days gone by, a great percentage of them smoked, first mainly cigars, but as the 20th century progressed, the “modern” way was cigarettes. In the lounge car, a vehicle for socializing and conducting business, beverages, games, and camaraderie were the menu of the day. With the extended time spent in these endeavors, smoking was a major element in a lifestyle lasting well into the second half of the century. The railroad industry knew that contact with its commercial shippers enhanced the railroads’ chance at capturing additional business. Trinkets and promotional items were used readily by railroads, and matchbooks played a significant part in this end of business.
The lowly matchbook, often found in piles in kitchen drawers or office desks, was not normally, in the past, purchased by the consumers but was readily available for the taking. There never was a need to look very hard to find a pack; but how times have changed! Why it took civilization so long to discover that inhaling smoke could affect your health is one of the wonders of the world. The matchbook, in many sizes, many colors, many styles, and really almost any way one’s imagination could dream a pack up, was produced for a public that almost took the product for granted.
Like most items, associations are devoted to collecting matchbooks and match covers. Several appear on the Internet. These groups will help you preserve your covers, suggest where to look for supplies for your collection, and help with about any of your needs.
With single matchbooks, their care and presentation needs to be addressed. In the photo, the Milwaukee Road matchbooks are presented flat with the matches removed. True collectors will tell you that this is the only way to handle them. Removing the match sticks will virtually eliminate spoilage by chemical reaction of the match head with the cover. This also allows you to flatten the covers for ease of display and storage. It’s no longer necessary to handle rare covers with greasy fingers to see both sides.
The experts will tell you to carefully remove the staple (no staple pullers please) with a sharp, narrow-bladed knife. Once removed, discard the matches and lay the cover beneath a heavy book to straighten and flatten your gem. With the millions of matchbooks that have been created, the unusual ones will appear often. If you come across a packet with imprinting or artwork on the matches, then by all means keep the book intact. You will also find matchboxes, and these you need to decide case by case whether to flatten or keep as produced.
The railroads distributed countless numbers f matchbooks as individual packs and groups. Pictured is a box of matchbooks packaged to look like a boxcar. Frisco seemed to use these items very successfully, since they are even now relatively easy to come by. On the other hand, I recently came across a Soo Line boxcar of matchbooks which was retailing for more than $50. Union Pacific created a package of matchbooks in the basic shape of a Centennial diesel. As in any specialized hobby, items usually are not too expensive, but there are always gems which demand above-normal prices.
The Hiawatha match covers are colorful and historic. With only two covers you are introduced to steam on the Hiawatha, the early diesel age, and the wonderful beaver tail cars of the train. Here generally is a reasonably priced hobby for yourself or as a start with your children (with the matches removed). Great history of railroading is visible in an easily accessible, manageably, sized collection. Railroads graced the covers with logos, system maps, slogans, equipment, celebrations, events – you name it, and the railroads produced a matchbook about it.
Companies such as Brown & Bigelow and Universal Match Company created a treasure of matchbooks, preserving the history and story of many a railroad. Spend a few dollars and some time looking, and you can have a collection of artistic beauty which could stand in many an art museum.
Check out the kitchen cupboards and shop drawers, and while scouting out the paper shows remember the treasures that may be hiding just out of site.
Here are some matchbooks that you can find on sale on ebay right now!
The NW caboose contains four other smaller boxes
I like the Jersey Central chefs (match head for chef hats) the best!
G-day Tom and all present!
Leon, a quick coffee for me tonight. I've got to stay awake for a good portion of the night. Thanks
Sorry about the quick post. Work is calling, but I will get to the real posts tomorrow.
Just a couple pics of the locos I have.
How about a 2-8-8-2 Northern Pacific Yellowstone. Now this is one big steam engine. This is one of my models I have on display. I love this steamer. It is one good looking engine.
I realize that not everything I own is Milwaukee road. Northern Pacific is my second favorite railroad out there. Anyway, this is the only S6 the Northern Pacific owned. #750 was located in Duluth, Superior for all of it's life. It took a cold bath in Lake Superior once. (the real thing) It decided to roll away on it's own and ended up rolling right off the end of one of the many piers here in Duluth. It was recovered and did serve again for another 10 or so years.
Got to keep the model railroad spirit alive.
Happy railroading
Hi Tom an all.
To follow DL,s lead on Manchester brews I'll have a HOLT's bitter please RUTH, a good pint that was one of the cheapest to buy last time I had one, there is a Holt,s pub not far from Manchester Victoria station.
JAMES Good pic of #3713 it looks slightly European with the smoke deflectors, I think I would rather see #500 at 90 MPH thand be on it at that speed.
Those videos ARE scary, very lucky no one was hurt. I wonder if the semis insurers in the second film had to pay for all the demage to all the vehicles. IT is a good thing the police officer was there in the 3rd video.
ERIC When I go to Boston again I will have to take a trip out of the North station. we travelled from Providence to Boston South.
DOUG Really enjoyed the Toy Trains Magazine article. It is a good insight into model railway publishing at the time It was good to see a rival publisher wishing the best to a new magazine
On thing that struck me was, although that was the first issue of the magazine, how uncluttered the cover of the magazine was compared with the covers of the railroad magazines of today, on both sides of the Atlantic. I know it is slighly but it seems to getting worse lately, soon it won,t be possible to see a loco at all on the front of the mags for the writing.
Even though it is usually a normal car I bet it is still a great day put on the Chicago South Shore.
DL Good to see you back Seems you had a great time in Manchester, a great city and the Central Station is a really impressive building. and the Tram system in Manchester is very impressive. The last time is was at St Panreas station in London there was a great deal of construction work going on, I only hope the station is still as impressive when the work is finished.
On The Manchester Ship Canal they do trips from Pier Head Liverpool to Salford, Manchester run by Mersey Ferries.
http://www.merseyferries.co.uk/manchester-scc/index.aspx
These are a great trip. I did one a couple of years ago and although the industries and the use of the canal are only a shadow of former times it really is a wonderful experience, I think TOM and LARS would really enjoy it. There is even a swing bridge that carries a canal over the ship canal.
AH Beeston Creosote Works, Unfortunaltly I only knew of it in the back of the much loved Ian Allan Locoshed books in the Service Locomotives section which listed the often smaller locos in use by the various maintance departments. ( the Locoshed Book was published regularly in steam days and listed the locomotive depot each British Railway locomotive was allocated to).
Back to Beeston, it looks an interesting site as it also had a 3 Foot gauge 0-4-0 diesel locomotive with chain drive which was numbered ED10 and was built in 1958 by Ruston & Hornsby it weight was just over 8 Tons but I dont know its Horsepower. Also at the site was a standard gauge 25 Ton 88 HP 0-4-0 diesel loco built by John Fowler of Leedsin1936 it was LMS 2 and was later ED 1. I am hopefully getting my 1950s Railway Magazines arriving here soon so when they get here I will have a look to see if there is any mention of the Beeston Works.
As a footnote Creosote has been banned in England and they now sell a Creosote "substitute" which is no where near as good as the old stuff in my opinion.( shed and fence painting experience).
I will post Alans post soon.
Thanks for the list of Named Trains. I will do the ex LMS trains to Ireland on theme day if that is OK.I was looking into The Manxman and the only link was to a model train so has it is Modal Day I will post a link to it.
http://www.hattons.co.uk/ProductList/bargains2.asp?m=17&p=7&s=1
The loco is one of the unrebuilt Patriot class locos, none were saved for preservation, they were also known as "Baby Scots". On the lower half of the link is a picture of the Northumbrian set those Gresley cars look superb .
TOM Hope you have a great time at the Trainwreak Saloon.
Thanks for the link to the Halifax Disaster, in the midst of all the danger there was the heroism of the Dispatcher Vince Coleman who saved those two trains from the explosion with no regard for his own safety. Such deeds are very humbling indeed.
Great pictures of the Polar Express and the construction of track, as you say the Berkshire looks superb especially if the pic is enlarged.I know I am fortunate to see the Express actually running on the layout and the extra cars really do add to the train.
To show how little I know about model trains, what is the easiest way to stop the Irish Model set I have from marking the table or wooden floor as we are hoping to set it up round the tree this year..
When we were in Boston we visited a pub near the North Station called the Boston Beer Works,it was opposite a Green Line Subway station.
Well I had forgotten how good the Manchester beer is so I,ll have another please Ruth and a round please while I drool over that Northumbrian model set.
Pete.
Cheers Tom
Another mild beer for me.
Yes, the Manchester building is impressive, no doubt about it – good that it survives although a shame that the sound of a steam loco getting into stride under that roof is no more. Mind you – the Midland Railway who constructed it built another train shed the same in London – their St Pancras station – which is still operational and being fitted out for the High Speed Line to Paris. The Midland Railway thought big I guess – why have one station like this when you can have two!
It has a very famous gothic style building at the front (actually a hotel originally) as described in the article link - not to be missed on any London visit.
Recent(ish) pic here
http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?image=10448985&wwwflag=2&imagepos=7
Article here:
http://arts.guardian.co.uk/features/story/0,11710,797009,00.html
I think the negative of that Blue Pullman must have faded – as you say it's looking rather green!
This location is just across from the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry which incorporates the original Manchester Station from the Liverpool and Manchester Railway – the world’s first passenger Inter City Line of course.
Yeah – those named trains really conjure up the image, no doubt about it. Some still exist – although in reality little more than a footnote in the timetable.
I can see that compared with North America trains here offer a lot, but it is not all rosy – too many dirty trains, short units, overcrowded and cramped interiors, too many JOs being inconsiderate as passengers too. Still, we can be thankful for what we have. Now, Switzerland – that IS the place to ride trains!! Mind you there is something about taking a North American long distance service (Via or Amtrak) that is certainly unmatched in the experience, and gives you that true sense of distance.
I expect you have mulled over the contributor participation before – but seems strange people were on board in the way you describe, but fell by the wayside. I guess you will have spent time musing this since then and no need for me to get you to repeat all that.
Hi Tom and all in
I’ll take a pint of Lees Mild and something off the food menu please, let me think. Maybe I’ll have the Black Pudding which I saw on the menu of the bar I was in in Manchester (more of which later). Round for the house too of course.
Well folks – some of you have been indicating you are unhappy about quiet days – but I think you should re-consider – try looking over the last few days contributions – there is a heck of a lot there – I’ve caught up with it, and it shows people just keep on talking about interesting stuff.
Rob – interesting encore on BC Rail, and stuff on Halifax Streetcars. I figured someone would explain about the explosion – as Tom says there is a very fine exhibition on this in the Halifax Maritme Musuem which I enjoyed (not quite the right word actually) when I visited the place.
Eric – really appreciated the X2000 technical site – well done and thanks. UK APT had tilting power cars in the middle of the train – I expect this added to the complexity of the design and the problems the engineers had to overcome. As I recall the full consist had 2 power cars in the middle the rest of the train replicated either side of the power cars (ie 2 buffet cars, 2 fist class portions etc) since you could not walk through the power cars due to the strong electro magnetic forces.
Cell phone signals – I think most UK new cars are made of aluminium, not stainless – but I’m not too sure about that.
Tom – enjoyed your nostalgia ad about Switzerland – reminded me of travels there – railways constructed in the most spectacular countryside. I visited the Swiss Rail museum which as I recall is at Lucern – that must have had info about their transition from steam and when it happened but I can’t recall the info. It is a good museum. Probably moved to electric early due to little or no natural supplies of coal but plenty of hydro electric power available.
Doug – am I right to think you are transcribing the articles you are posting? – quite a chore – don’t think it is not appreciated – interesting stuff to those of us for whom this is new info. Thanks.
Pete – Kimberley Post – I’m around to read it when you have time to post it!
Named trains – try http://www.joyce.whitchurch.btinternet.co.uk/namers.htm a site worth exploring in some detail too.
I think this is comprehensive list and includes a few Boat Trains (ready for next week!)
James – spotted your mention of concrete ties (we call them ‘sleepers’) – as it happens most ties in UK (and probably much of Europe now) are concrete – in fact there is a concrete tie factory not so far from here. I think reason is about longevity but also accuracy of gauge when faced with high pressures exerted by trains at speed (esp on curves). On some older lines wood is still found and also for crossings and junctions wood seems to be preferred so you do see new wooden ties in some locations.
I’m told that near here years ago was a works site for preparing the wooden sleepers and treating them with the preservative Creosote (do you call the preservative by the same name in North America?) – however I’ve never been able to find much info about this site. Pete – I wonder if you knew of it? Beeston Creosote Works?
Tom – forum location – I understand your frustration re the ratings system but worth bearing in mind I located the Canadian Passenger Trains forum by chance but as I saw it was linked to Classic Trains, which I subscribed to – I thought it would be a reliable forum – as indeed it was, so Kalmbach gave it a certain credibility in my mind – would that be the case if you moved it elsewhere? Just a thought – it is of course your call in these matters.
Kind of glad you postponed the Boat Train theme – should be able to come through on this next week, hope it is the same for others too.
Rob, hilarious story re your ROW neighbours! I think you could sue an estate agent for that here – but doubt you’d find they ever put anything in writing! I believe the Great Central preserved Railway here used to issue householders whose property backed on to the line a free trip on one day per year – kind of helped keep them on side I guess – even though nearly all their houses were built long after the railway arrived!
Anyway – had to go to Manchester the other day – which involves a train journey crossing through the Peak District National Park – has quite scenic stretch of about 50 minutes between Sheffield and Manchester (UK National Parks are not like in the US – they are not wilderness areas where humans cannot build, rather construction is much more limited and has to take special care of the environment (supposedly) – they are areas of particular beauty and it is always enjoyable to see the scenery from the train).
Anyway – event I was at was near part of the Manchester Ship Canal – this still functions for its original purpose as UK’s only canal for ocean going vessels, although the area I was in is undergoing waterside regeneration for housing etc. I know some visitors to the bar (and our proprietor) have more than a passing interest in shipping so thought this link might be of interest
http://www.shipcanal.co.uk/
the downloadable pdf Brief History is an interesting doc with some good pics too.
I was also near the former Manchester Central station – this is a gigantic former terminus building (train shed) – very impressive – after closure it survived long enough derelict to get listed as a monument which resulted in its ultimate restoration and re-use as an event centre. Better than nothing I guess. Some pics here:
http://www.subbrit.org.uk/sb-sites/stations/m/manchester_central/index.shtml
Regards to all
G’day Gents!
Mid-week once again! Time to pour some freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee. Then check out our pastries from the Mentor Village Bakery along with a selection from our Menu Board for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast!
Repeated for those who missed it: What’s THAT, you say It’s the Christmas Train that circles the bar on our elevated track system. For those who don’t know – it was a gift to the bar from barndad Doug for our 1st Christmas last year! It will remain atop my morning Posts ‘til the end of the year.
The rains stayed away, but you’d not know it given the cloud cover. “They” are still calling for the front to make its way to us this evening and then the bottom drops out with temps settling below freezing (F).
Rob at 10:31 AM yesterday: Good to see ya, but surprised you didn’t drop a “Theme” on us. But then again, this was a last minute change – you’ve escaped the wrath of the tweeter! <grin>
Not sure I understand your comments regarding “laws like your NIMBY’s.” Each state pretty much decides what will and won’t fly insofar as that kinda stuff goes, with it then going down to the respective counties, cities, towns and so forth. So a law in Missouri is just that – a law in Missouri. I must have missed something while eavesdropping.
Check out this URL on the 1917 Halifax explosion:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halifax_Explosion
There’s also a great video on it – I think we first viewed it at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax.
CM3 at 1:45 PM yesterday: He lives! Hope we can reconnect before week’s end!
Good to receive some quarters for our Coal Scuttle – Herr Wurlitzer has been hurtin’ in your absence. We need some tunes!
Lars at 2:10 PM yesterday: Many thanx for your continuing support in the form of book covers for our Theme for the Day!
Not to worry about me – okay Really! When I feel pressured or have simply had enough – you’ll all know. <grin>
Your comments regarding pro-athletes rings true with me, fer sure, fer sure! I’ve really been turned off for years when it comes to the behavior being exhibited by some of these ignoramuses when they should be engaging in sportsmanship. What’s THAT Yeah, I know – just an old fart I am, I am. <groan>
Pete at 7:56 PM yesterday: Nice shots of Boston – brings back memories of my 5 years living there. North Station was MY hangout, or better put – the Iron Horse (tavern) was! One of the all time GREAT watering holes in my long ago past. <ahhhhhhhhhh>
James at 8:14 PM ‘n 8:46 PM yesterday: Appreciate the B&M contributions of Pix ‘n narratives! Love the RDC!
Budd manufactured five basic variants of the RDC: • The RDC-1 — an 85 ft (26 m) all-passenger coach seating 88 passengers. • The RDC-2 — an 85 ft (26 m) Railway Post Office and passenger coach configuration seating 71 passengers. • The RDC-3 — an 85 ft (26 m) variant with a Railway Post Office, a baggage compartment and 44 passenger seats. • The RDC-4 — a 65 ft (20 m) variant with only the Railway Post Office and baggage area. • The Happy Railroading! Siberianmo Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 5:40 AM Good morning Tom and friends! I’ll have a light breakfast and see how I feel about more later. Pretty good info on the theme railroad (B&M) yesterday from our proprietor, as usual, and surely appreciated Robs response to my question on what caused the great explosion of Halifax in 1917. Incredible story there. Great to see CM3 back again, and the book cover pix from manager Lars. To answer Pete’s question on the use of special cars for 20th Century Club trips, the answer is seldom. We will sometimes get a varnish or other special car, but mostly the best that can be done is that we get a car all our own at the back of the train. Thanks for your pix of Boston North station waterfront trackage. Great pix from James, but the google videos in the 2nd post are a must-see! Great to see Eric in so early today as well. Here’s a sorta pike article to read with your coffees: Toy Trains by Allan W. Miller VR#12 1998 The post-World War II economic and baby-boom years from the mid-1940s through the early 1950s impacted virtually every facet of American life, including the model railroad hobby industry. Toy trains emerged as the playthings of choice for countless thousands of blossoming families in this prosperous period, and manufacturers scurried in overtime mode to both cultivate and meet the insatiable demand. But along with the durable and colorful toy trains themselves, consumer-hobbyists also wanted, and needed, more timely information about new product releases and reviews, plus descriptions of how to use, and maintain, repair, and further enjoy these mechanical marvels. It was somewhat inevitable, then, that entrepreneurs in the hobby publishing industry would take up the gauntlet and attempt to fill the perceived information gap. In the earliest postwar years, the toy train hobbyist’s information needs had been largely met by Model Builder magazine, published by the Lionel Corporation. But Lionel’s publication, though impressive and information-packed, was targeted primarily to the O gauge model railroader – the audience that supported Lionel’s product line with its dollars. The interests of a second large group of modelers – the devoted followers of American Flyer’s S gauge line – among others were largely ignored. Furthermore, Model Builder ceased publication in April 1949, following a successful run of some 13 years. The publisher, in announcing cessation of publication, said simply that it had “served its major purpose.” Perhaps that was true from Lionel’s perspective, but thousands of toy train fans were left without a regular source of information and entertainment. Stepping into the breach 2 ½ years later was an all-new publication: Toy Trains, a Penn Publications monthly, with Charles Penn as publisher, was launched with the November 1951 issue. From the start, the magazine featured contributions from some of the most renowned luminaries in model railroading, including O gauge model building legend Frank C. Ellison (former long-time contributor to Model Builder). Ellison was presented in the new magazine’s “Meet the Crew” listing as the individual responsible for “Buildings and Right-of-Way.” The premier issue of Toy Trains was dated November 1951. The cover painting by Herb Mott depicts branchline switching on the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Interestingly, the premier issue also displayed an endorsement from what could surely have been its most formidable competitor: Model Railroader. Founded in 1934 by Al Kalmbach, Model Railroader occupied a preeminent position in the scale model railroading community, a ranking it retains to this day. Had he so desired, Kalmbach could have devoted his considerable expertise and resources to reaching the toy train hobbyist as well. He elected not to do so. In a statement published in Toy Trains’ premier issue, Kalmbach noted: “Model Railroader welcomes Toy Trains to the miniature railroading field. We wish the editors and publishers smooth track and a high green all the way. “It will occupy a hitherto vacant niche, and this speaks well for its prospects. Model Railroader, which has served the scale field well for nearly 18 years, stands ready to cooperate. We feel that any publication which assists with any phase of model railroading deserves full support.” Arrival of each new issue of Toy Trains at the local hobby shop was a greatly anticipated event. Children and fathers alike could find much to read and enjoy in each issue. “How to Build” articles, which customarily made use of common materials found around the house or in the garage, ranked among the most popular features. At times, the back cover (front and back covers were the only full-color pages) would feature colorful cut-out cardboard and then assembled into a useful trackside addition to a model pike. Other content included historical articles, layout planning tips, scenery-building hints, layout photo tours, and regular departments such as “Repair Depot,” “The Mail Car,” and a “Super Market” classified section wherein readers could buy, sell, seek, or swap equipment. Toy Trains didn’t neglect S gaugers, either. American Flyer fans could learn how to make Gilbert switches look more realistic or even gain some reasoned editorial support for their stance in the long-standing two-rail versus three-rail debate. Track planning features in the magazine most often included a reasonable balance of O gauge and S gauge designs. Unfortunately, the economic success enjoyed by toy train manufacturers in post-war years did not extend to Toy Trains. The editor’s column in the fall 1954 edition – the first issue named for a season and not for a month – foretold what was to come” “Here is why this issue is labeled “Fall Edition.” Three years ago when the first issues of Toy Trains magazine were taking shape, we had anticipated keeping interest in model railroading at a high peak throughout the year. Although thousands of readers actively pursued their hobby 12 months a year, still many, many others limited their model railroading to the school and winter months.” “This seasonal lessening of activity lowered our summer sales of Toy Trains magazine while we were still maintaining high production costs. The situation has forced us to make some changes in the future plans of Toy Trains. As this addition goes to press, we are considering the idea of publishing Toy Trains on a quarterly basis; the next issue will appear on your local newsstand October 15 labeled “Winter Edition.” “In the meantime, we suggest you read Toy Trains companion magazine, Railroad Model Craftsman, each and every month; it contains many features of special interest to O and S gauge enthusiasts.” A “Winter Edition” did, indeed, appear as advertised, but it was called the “Christmas 1954 issue.” It was the final complete issue. Al Kalmbach’s aforementioned and presumably sincere offer of support notwithstanding, Toy Trains ultimately cast its allegiance with Kalmbach’s erstwhile competitor, Railroad Model Craftsman. In part, this was a somewhat logical alliance, because Hal Carstens, Railroad Model Craftsman’s publisher, had served the Toy Trains editorial effort as an associate editor as early as mid-1952. In a column titled “Introducing Railroad Model Craftsman,” the editor wrote: “It is … with deep regret that it is necessary to announce that this issue will be the last until sometime next fall. Announcement will be made in Railroad Model Craftsman as to when the next issue will be ready. Meanwhile, we’d like to suggest to all of you that in Railroad Model Craftsman you will find many of your favorite authors as well as most of the old familiar crew who have been bringing you Toy Trains.” The column continued for several more paragraphs, attempting to convince disappointed fans that there was much more for them to find in the pages of Railroad Model Craftsman and enticing them to “hop aboard.” But these were somewhat futile expressions, and they convinced few for very long. The February 1957 issue of Railroad Model Craftsman heralded the inclusion of its toy train sister:”100 Pages – Two Magazines in One” and “Now including Toy Trains,” exclaimed a pair of banners on the cover. Inside, there was no further mention of the union, but the magazine was divided into two sections: a “Craftsman Section” and a “Toy Trains Section.” It was a noble effort, but it was to be a short-lived marriage, with one partner being quickly overshadowed by its mate. Like Model Railroader, Railroad Model Craftsman had traditionally aimed squarely at the interests of scale model builders. This group was, and still is, distinguishable from the toy train fraternity. Each niche group has its own motivations, goals, agenda, and each has its own clubs, organizations, and periodicals. Relatively few toy train enthusiasts are overly concerned with the level of prototypical detail and operation evidenced by scale modeling. Similarly, few scale-oriented hobbyists are attracted to the more whimsical playtime and collecting activities associated with toy trains. To be sure, there is a common bond in the shared love of trains and railroading in general, but that is usually where the similarities end. It’s somewhat unrealistic to assume that any one magazine could effectively cater to both groups, and, to date, reality has borne this out. Toy Trains disappeared just as public attention began to be diverted away from toy electric trains and focused instead on television, video games, space-related games and toys, and a variety of other leisure activities It was not until more recent times – in the last decade or so, to be precise – that interest in toy trains as a hobby and collecting pastime has seen a tremendous resurgence. This resurrection is likely due, in large measure, to the growing numbers of now-aging baby boomers who are actively seeking to recapture a bit of the days of their youth. If that’s the case, then the short-lived Toy Trains magazine has effectively perpetuated its legacy. Back covers often had full-color cutouts, like these for crossing gates and shanty in the October 1953 issue Edit EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 12:34 AM Good morning Captain Tom and all!! Psst, Boris, just a cup of coffee, please. No, no, I am not going to tell. A lot of information about Boston & Maine today! Next time I get to Boston I have to visit North Station. I've only been to South Station. Doug – Nice stories about Boston & Maine! It must have been very time saving when they replaced the wye with a curve. Lets hope 3717 will run again one day! How did you manage to find the “x”? Mike – Thanks for the links. Nice pictures, especially the one of the Old Milwaukee Road and the Bipolar! Tom – You don’t have to disappoint me. I know the food service is limited, but I found a friend in Boris. And I think I know why, but I have promised not to tell. Anyway, he knows where everything is in the kitchen so he has been helping me. But I don’t want him to get into trouble so I’ll talk to him. I am looking forward to more logos! You don’t know what happened in Canada 1993? Where have you been? The X2000 was on a tour in parts of southern Canada in July 1993!! <grin> Interesting statistics about B & M! Thanks for the map! B & M has obviously been around for quite some time! Rob – I know Kalmbach has a hard time answering email so I will do this the same way I did when I had similar problems (to get in touch) with Cracker Barrel’s home office. It worked. CM3 – Nice to see you again sir, even if it is just for a brief moment! Lars – Thanks for telling me about the post from the Forum Manager! His solution looks very much like one he told me in September and it did not work. But I will try it again. Nice book covers. Quite a few books about B & M. I don’t have any of them, that is the sad truth. Pete – I’ll find the info about SBB some time this week. Yeah, maybe you are right, maybe we should challenge Red Garter Saloon! Nice pictures from Boston! James – I like that B & M speeder! Those videos, I wonder how some people thinlk. A couple of big rigs turned pretty small i a heart beat. I have been lucky, I’ve collided with a car just once. The car was a total loss of course. You’ll always lose against the train. Good coffee Boris! Eric <img src="http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/BillC/fr37cp.jpg" border="0" /> CMSTPP Member sinceAugust 2005 From: Along the old Milwaukee Road. 1,152 posts Posted by CMSTPP on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 8:36 PM G-day Tom and all present. I just got these from my e-mail. These are a bit scarry! http://tinyurl.com/ygye44 A dumb trucker http://tinyurl.com/yz3qss Another dumb trucker. Notice the Operation lifesaver on the side of the Illinois Central SD40-2 http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=8fa1468d86 This one just hurts. I hate it when cars stall. I can't imagine what goes through these peoples minds! Happy railroading...I think. Atleast not for these people. James The Milwaukee Road From Miles City, Montana, to Avery, Idaho. The Mighty Milwaukee's Rocky Mountain Division. Visit: http://www.sd45.com/milwaukeeroad/index.htm CMSTPP Member sinceAugust 2005 From: Along the old Milwaukee Road. 1,152 posts Posted by CMSTPP on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 8:14 PM G-day Tom and all present! There has been some activity here today and a lot of interesting articles. But before I go on, Leon, if you could I would like a sandwich with a coffee, thanks. Barndad-Thanks for the info on the IRM. We go to Chicago each year in March and I am going to have to make a stop by one of these times just check things out. Your Chicago South shore interurban article was really cool. I learned a few more things now about tram cars. thanks. And Your B&M articles are also good. The steam caught my attention. The pic with the station in the back ground, the track looks great. That is some very good looking track. Thanks for the info. Pete- Your right in thinking those UP engines are older. They came out in the late 70s early 80s. They were some of the best locos at the time and were the predecessors of the dash 9 locomotive. Also glad you liked the Milwaukee news. The bipolar is a really interesting locomotive. Tom- I certainly won't forget to post around here. It's great! Glad to see a christmas train up. Thanks to barndad! Also, some nice things from you sir. I enjoyed reading about the Canadain RR history events. Some of the stuff, like the Grand trunk and the year it came to be was a bit surprising. That railroad lasted quite some time. I still see a lot of orginal GT locomotives wandering around. Especially switching Pokegama yard in Superior. Rob- The Halifax electric tramway company was a good article to read. Glad you brought it up. Some new things learned there. Keep it coming! Eric- I have to admit that the Bipolar is not the prettiest locomotive ever built but it left the world remembered. They were some of the most famous electrics here in North America. Glad you liked the article otherwise. Mike- You certainly have some very good photos. The Milwaukee bipolar is a great picture. And RDCs!!! How can you forget those. Love them and Love them even more. I wish I could see a line up of those things cruising along. Great photos. Thanks. Lars- Another great selection of book covers from you sir. Glad you post those. They show me what is out there for books. Thanks. Now I think it's time for some pics!! Photo from: www.northeast.railfan.net/diesel32.html RDCs.. I really can't explain there greatness. But you can notice that the back of this RDC has no windows. Somewhat interesting since they were suppose to run both ways. Photo from: www.steamlocomotive.com/pacific/bm.shtml Photo by: Edward G. Weinstein collection To me, the wheels seem a little bigger than most steam engines. But none the less, it is impressive. Hauling a passenger train is even better. This would have been cool to see coming down the tracks at 90+ mph! What about a Boston and Maine speeder. This is not a fairmont speeder but it is cool looking. A bit ackward with the small plow on the front. Imagine going down the tracks in this. Happy railroading James The Milwaukee Road From Miles City, Montana, to Avery, Idaho. The Mighty Milwaukee's Rocky Mountain Division. Visit: http://www.sd45.com/milwaukeeroad/index.htm pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 7:56 PM Hi Tom and all. A pint of Kimberley mild please RUTH. Great to see ROB in with the Classic Juice and history of The Halifax Electric Tramway Co..Glad you enjoyed the pics Sunday. I was going to ask about the Halifax explosion, but Doug beat me to it. That was a terrible disaster with the loss of 1635 lives. Were there many of the Halifax system cars saved for preservation. That was a good piece about the chap who bought the house near the museum running track, it had a great ending as well. ERIC Looking forward to the Swiss Electrification info if you can get it and thanks for the info on the GE B40-8. As the Red Garter regulars dont know how to play darts it should be a good contest. DOUG When you go on the 20th Century RR club do they use the normal cars for the trip Enjoying the B&M Theme day with TOM'S Encores from the great Fallen Flags and Railroads from Yesteryear series and DOUG with the photos and descriptions from George C Corey. I see that the B&M ended steam in 1956They were some good looking locos with a well designed tender which added a lot to the locos appearence. It was interesting to learn that # 3713 and her P4 sisters originally carried names that the schoolkids came up with, although they later lost there names. I wonder what the names were, perhaps CM3 can help. Another good set of links from MIKE, that was a very attractive B&M diesel livery they had. The RDCs in the snow and the Quebec car were great too.It would have been interesting to hear what the BI-polar sounded like. LARS I think you are mixing ROB up with me about the KC Chiefs,Iwas wrong anyway the Chiefs are playing Baltimore not San Diego when we go . A great set of book covers on the B&M. I Have a couple of pics taken from just outside Boston North station in October last year, they are a bit dark but are better if enlarged I hope. I was going to add something really good but I cant get it to work, it was CM3's wonderful post on a trip on the B&M from Boston North, it trully is a great piece of railway writing. It is half way down Page 307 well worth a read. TOM I forgot to say but I was doing a Google search on boat trains yesterday or Sunday and one of the links was to Our Place As you say lets keep Cashinator and Tilla happy, another round please LEON Pete. LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts "Our" PLACE - Adults talking Classic Trains in a special place since April 12th, 2005! Posted by LoveDomes on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 2:10 PM Greetings Cap'n Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!Ruth my deAH you are looooooooookin' mighty fine today! Love that red hair in the style your wearing and as far as . . . . Oh yes, I'll take a frosty mug of Keiths Ale, a half hero of ham 'n Swiss, mustAHd 'n buttAH, a saucer of brine for Tex, the "usual" for the critters AND a small jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris! <phew>Some really fine B&M material today, all begun by Doug. Good to see we're somewhat back to normal with the start of the day. Also see that CM3 I'm NOT Shane! has made an appearance, with a promise to resume activity by Friday. Is that a tweetable offense Threatening us with something like THAT! <grin>Good move, Tom, with the ENCORE! Theme - the Boat Trains wudda been a disaster in my not so humble opinion. Sorry that the burden seems to have fallen upon you (again) to save the day. You know when I asked the guys to come back to the bar and get you involved again, my last thought was to dump this back into your lap. Don't know why we can't do better. It really bothers me. Sure seems like we have sufficient numbers whereby someone can step up now 'n then - take the bar - and run the place, thereby giving you a chance to be a spectator. Last time I asked for such a thing, I believe only Rob and I answered the call. Doug, one nice thing about cyber space is that we can have the most extensive library of this 'n that available! If I had all the books that go with the covers I've put together, I think the Mrs. would have me sleeping curbside. <grin> Looking forward to the "tech" stuff . . . Rob, I'm confused (which isn't totally a revelation!). How does a gal from Newfoundland wind up being a Kansas City Chiefs fan Apparently you must receive sufficient TV coverage up your way to develop a following, huh I used to watch Canadian football - but sadly must admit that I stopped when what I was seeing reminded me of some of the reasons I get turned off watching NFL football. Not the game necessarily, but the idiotic behavior and antics by the overpaid atheletes. Canada should've done what we failed to do; clamped down hard on 'em. Don't know what this thought just popped into my mind - Nick with electric guitar in hand, standing atop a roof, flood waters all 'round him, and doing a Stones tune, totally oblivious to the surroundings. Now is THAT frightening, or what <laff>Didjacatch that post from the forums Manager Appears he is trying to address the situation being pursued by Eric. Good show!! Now if ONLY he would scrap that #$*!& ratings system. So much for my nonsense, here's my offering for the Theme on this day; book covers -what else One more Ruth and a round for the house! Ring it, Boris! Until the next time! Lars coalminer3 Member sinceJanuary 2001 From: WV 1,251 posts Posted by coalminer3 on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 1:45 PM Good Afternoon Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please, round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Just a quick stop to let you know that we have returned. Work calls for a couple of days, but I hope to be back contributing, etc. by Friday. work safe trolleyboy Member sinceMay 2014 3,727 posts Posted by trolleyboy on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 10:31 AM Good morning gents. Ruth my lovely I would love to have the bottomless thermos of cofee and of coarse a number 3 ( if Doug left any )Seems like today weatherwise is shapping up alot like yesterday. 17C yesterday round these parts ( over 60 F ) "spoused" to be 15 or 16 today thoug we are expecting a nice big T storm latter on day off for me today I was going to finish the raking and outdoor lights, but it looks like mother nature is giving me the day off as well Doug-First in with some great B&M articles nice going sir a fine way to start off the day. Thankfully we don't have laws like your NIMBY's. Mind you we are starting to get more and more houses built around us and we now are landlocked. We could pick up maybe half an acre to the one side of the property as a buffer but that's it.To show what kind of JO's we have delt with over the years, we had one guy complain because he was told by the estate agent that we were an abandonned ROW and was due to be pulled up. ( He bought the house in November when we don't run anything or are open to the public.Was he supprised come May when the first run of the year was L&PS 8. We for saftey reasons blow warnings for certain spots along the line and 8's equiped with a steam locomotive whistle ! Oh and car number two on that run was the sweeper S37 going back to storage barn one she's equiped with locomotive 335's air horn. Needless to say he was on the phone to city hall and the realtor was told he was SOL by both. Laast we heard he had got back some of the realtor's fees he paid from them for the inconveniance, he also became a meber of the museum, incidently he loves operating 8 go figure Now as to your Halifax explosin question. Halifax harbour has a narrows in it close to the city centre essentially the surronding terrain is roughly bowl shapped.On Dec 6 , 1917 the belgian freighter IMO collieded with the French freighter Mont Blanc in the fog. The Imo was going to see without escort and was operating against the harbour mastrers instructions. Unfortunatly for Halifax the Mont Blanc was carrying ammunition to the front , gun cotton TNT te whole shebang. The Mont Blanc was crippled and on fire her crew abandoned and she drifted accross the harbour towards Halifax and exploded.Over 4 million pounds of TNT ! it leveleed 2.5 square kilometres ( mile ) of the city killing 1635 and wounding at least that many more. it was the largest man made explosion before the test of the first atom bomb at Los alamos in 1945. Tom-Two wunnerfull B&M exposes` again today. Don't get me started on ticketmaster an the like here either. Piracy of the legal nature. Glad you approved of Halifax figured that it went well with everything else latley.We are likely heading there this september, I haven't been back there since 1991. we are doing NFLD and NB and PEI the same trip, should be fun. You are right though tis the season, xmas train comes out and we go into encore mode in a week or two, oh well good to relax and recharge You are right wasn't just work that kept me away Sunday. I was off but we resued another cat from the pound so I was reffereeing the two of them during the day. they actually don't hate each other and haven't fought so it looks to be a mutual you stay away from me and I won't bug you much kind of deal. Eric-I wish you well in your email endevours. I still haven't got any replies back to any of the one's I've sent,who know's if they wre even read or got through. P poor way to run things.I'm glad that you got a "charge" out of the Halifax article,too bad the systems are gone but theirs was one of the longer lasting ones. Mike-great batch of url's sir. Loved the B&M shots and I know that the approved of the RDC shots. Nick-Good to see that you are still affloat there mate. I was affraid that H&H and Copperkettle were going to be left in charge of the food services this week. Rob siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" PLACE - Adults talking Classic Trains in a special place since April 12th, 2005! Posted by siberianmo on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 9:04 AM THEME for the DAY! - THEME for the DAY!Now arriving on track #1 ….. Railroads from Yesteryear! Number Fifteen first Posted on Page 307 Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources. Boston & Maine Railroad (B&M) passenger operations Reporting marks: BM, BMZ Locale: Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont Dates of operation: 1836 – Track gauge: 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) (standard gauge) Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts 1898 map The Boston and Maine Railroad (AAR reporting mark BM), also known by the abbreviation B&M, was the dominant railroad of the northern New England region of the United States for a century. It is now part of the Guilford Rail System network. History The Andover and Wilmington Railroad was incorporated March 15, 1833 to build a branch from the Boston and Lowell Railroad at Wilmington, Massachusetts north to Andover. The line opened to Andover on August 8, 1836. The name was changed to the Andover and Haverhill Railroad on April 18, 1837, reflecting plans to build further to Haverhill (opened later that year), and yet further to Portland, Maine with the renaming to the Boston and Portland Railroad on April 3, 1839, opening to the New Hampshire state line in 1840. The Boston and Maine Railroad was chartered in New Hampshire on June 27, 1835, and the Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts Railroad was incorporated March 12, 1839 in Maine, both companies continuing the proposed line to South Berwick, Maine. The railroad opened in 1840 to Exeter, New Hampshire, and on January 1, 1842 the two companies merged with the Boston and Portland to form a new Boston and Maine Railroad. On February 23, 1843 the B&M opened to Agamenticus, on the line of the Portland, Saco and Portsmouth Railroad in South Berwick. On January 28 of that year the B&M and Eastern Railroad came to an agreement to both lease the PS&P as a joint line to Portland. The Boston and Maine Extension Railroad was incorporated March 16, 1844, due to a dispute with the Boston and Lowell Railroad over trackage rights rates between Wilmington and Boston. That company was merged into the main B&M on March 19, 1845, and opened July 1, leading to the abandonment of the old connection to the B&L (later reused by the B&L for their Wildcat Branch). In 1848 another original section was abandoned, as a new alignment was built from Wilmington north to North Andover in order to better serve Lawrence. A new alignment to Portland opened in 1873, splitting from the old route at South Berwick. The old route was later abandoned. As the B&M grew, it also gained control of its former rivals. These acquisitions included the following: Eastern The Eastern Railroad was leased by the B&M on December 23, 1883. This provided a second route to Maine, as well as many local branches, ending competition along the immediate route between Boston and Portland. Worcester, Nashua and Portland The Worcester and Nashua Railroad was organized in 1845 (opened 1848) and the Nashua and Rochester Railroad in 1847, forming a line between Worcester, Massachusetts and Rochester, New Hampshire via Nashua. The W&N leased the N&R in 1874, and the two companies merged into the Worcester, Nashua and Rochester Railroad in 1883. The B&M leased the line on January 1, 1886. This acquisition also included the continuation from Rochester to Portland, Maine, incorporated in 1846 as the York and Cumberland Railroad. It opened partially in 1851 and 1853, was reorganized as the Portland and Rochester Railroad in 1867, and opened the rest of the way in 1871. It was again reorganized in 1881 and then operated in conjunction with the line to Worcester. Boston and Lowell On April 1, 1887 the B&M leased the Boston and Lowell Railroad, adding not only trackage in the Boston area, but also the Central Massachusetts Railroad west to Northampton, the Boston, Concord and Montreal Railroad into northern New Hampshire, the St. Johnsbury and Lake Champlain Railroad to northwestern Vermont, and the Connecticut and Passumpsic Rivers Railroad from White River Junction into Quebec. However, the BC&M was separated in 1889 and merged with the Concord Railroad to form the Concord and Montreal Railroad, which the B&M leased on April 1, 1895, gaining the Concord Railroad's direct line between Nashua and Concord. Additionally, the St. Johnsbury and Lake Champlain Railroad, owned by the B&M through stock, was leased to the Maine Central Railroad by 1912. The Central Massachusetts Railroad stayed a part of the B&M, as did the Connecticut and Passumpsic Rivers Railroad (as the Passumpsic Division). Northern The Northern Railroad was leased to the Boston and Lowell in 1884, but that lease was cancelled and the Northern was on its own until 1890, when it was released to the B&L, then part of the B&M. The Northern owned a number of lines running west from Concord. Connecticut River On January 1, 1893, the B&M leased the Connecticut River Railroad, with a main line from Springfield, Massachusetts north along the Conencticut River to White River Junction, Vermont, where the Connecticut and Passumpsic Rivers Railroad (acquired in 1887) continued north. Concord and Montreal As discussed above, the B&M acquired the Boston, Concord and Montreal Railroad in 1887, but gave it up in 1889, allowing it to merge with the Concord Railroad to form the Concord and Montreal Railroad. That company did poorly on its own, and was leased by the B&M on April 1, 1895, giving the B&M the majority of lines in New Hampshire. Fitchburg The B&M leased the Fitchburg Railroad on July 1, 1900. This was primarily a main line from Boston west via the Hoosac Tunnel to the Albany, New York area, with various branches. At one point, the B&M also owned a majority of stock of the Maine Central Railroad, stretching from Quebec via northern New Hampshire to southern and eastern Maine. The B&M flourished with the growth of New England's mill towns in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but still faced financial struggles. It came under the control of J. P. Morgan and his New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad around 1910, but anti-trust forces wrested control back. Later it faced heavy debt problems from track construction and from the cost of acquiring the Fitchburg Railroad, causing a reorganization in 1919. Beginning in the 1930s, f Happy Railroading! Siberianmo siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" PLACE - Adults talking Classic Trains in a special place since April 12th, 2005! Posted by siberianmo on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 8:12 AM THEME for the DAY! - THEME for the DAY! First Posted on page 139 Here’s another Fallen Flag for the gang from Classic American Railroads: Boston & Maine (B&M) – (passenger ops) Headquarters: Boston, MA Mileage: 1950: 1,700 1995: 1,350 Locomotives in 1963: Diesel: 235 Rolling stock in 1963: Freight cars – 5,490 Passenger – 155 Principal routes in 1950: Boston-Dover, MA-Portland, ME Boston-White River Junction, VT Boston, MA-Troy, NY Boston-Portsmouth, NH-Portland, ME Springfield, MA-Berlin, NH Worcester-Lowell Junction, MA Worcester-Gardner, MA South Ashburnham, MA-Bellows Falls, VT Dover, NH-Intervale, NH Passenger trains of note: Alouette (Boston-Montreal, QC) Ambassador (New York & Boston-Montreal) Cheshire (Boston-White River Junction) Day White Mountains (New York-Berlin, NH) Flying Yankee (Boston-Bangor, ME Green Mountain Flyer (Boston-Montreal The Gull (Boston-Halifax, NS) Kennebec (Boston-Portland-Bangor) Minute Man (Boston-Troy, NY) Montrealer & Washingtonian (Washington-Montreal) Mountaineer (Boston-Littleton & Bethlehem, NH) Pine Tree (Boston-Portland-Bangor) Red Wing (Boston-Montreal) State of Maine (New York-Portland) Enjoy! Tom THEME for the DAY! - THEME for the DAY! Happy Railroading! Siberianmo siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" PLACE - Adults talking Classic Trains in a special place since April 12th, 2005! Posted by siberianmo on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 7:56 AM G’day Gents! Begin your Tuesday with us by pouring some freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee. Then some pastries from the Mentor Village Bakery and perhaps a selection from our Menu Board for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast! Repeated from yesterday for those who missed it: What’s THAT, you say It’s the Christmas Train that circles the bar on our elevated track system. For those who don’t know – it was a gift to the bar from barndad Doug for our 1st Christmas last year! It will remain atop my morning Post ‘til the end of the year. Light rains are on the way and will get heavier and more frequent ‘til Thursday when the bottom drops out with temps settling below freezing (F). Noted the petrol prices up at “Collusion Corner” were at $2.15 (rounded), however that ain’t gonna last given the world situation. Expect to see some major hikes coming soon. On to the acknowledgments: DL at 12:44 PM yesterday: A brief visit is better ‘n no visit, Mate! Good to see ya anytime you have the time. Appreciate the “heads up” for the Boat Trains theme – best to postpone it ‘til you give us the go-ahead. Lars at 12:59 PM yesterday: Good to see ya and take heart – it’s only a spectator sport! <grin> I try my best not to get wrapped around the axle over any of it – but it IS difficult, eh Good suggestion regarding the Tuesday “themes” – I had planned to get into the ENCORE! routine, probably in mid-December through year’s end. So, if “Boat Trains” doesn’t make it for next week, or the week after – we’ll go with it in 2007. I’ve checked out a few other Forums too – but they’ve been other than Kalmbach; looking for a new “home” for the bar, should it come to that. Nothing firm – just a fall back position. I think we’ve been pretty much “told” that the ratings system will stand, no matter how insulting those “zeros” were from the guys who haven’t been seen since they were shut down by the Forums Manager. Last I heard from BK is that he was looking at early December for a return. Then, they pack up for a trip away over the holidays. That from an Email some time back . . . . Nick at 6:26 PM yesterday: Good to see ya, even if briefly, Chief Chef Nick! Figured something out of the ordinary happened – glad it didn’t result in a few months away. Been there, done that, eh You must get some pretty damaging storms over in your part of the world. Best to avoid things that go “zap” in the nite! Pete at 9:14 PM yesterday: Another “model” inclusive Post from the Wolfman! Always a pleasure to have you aboard, and the cash registers – Tilla ‘n Cashinator – love ya too, KaChing, KaChing! Leave it to you to notice the train! <grin> Time flies, eh Another Dart’s Challenge I don’t think we could handle it! The “Our” Place “Stick ‘em where it hurts!” team needs a recharging. <grin> Anyway, that joint you referred to doesn’t have the charm of “Our” Place much less The Second Class Saloon. Looks like one of those “road houses” where one can wind up in serious trouble in a heartbeat. <ooooooooooh> Happy Railroading! Siberianmo « First«78910111213»Last » SUBSCRIBER & MEMBER LOGIN Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more! Login Register FREE NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter Submit More great sites from Kalmbach Media Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy
Good morning Tom and friends! I’ll have a light breakfast and see how I feel about more later. Pretty good info on the theme railroad (B&M) yesterday from our proprietor, as usual, and surely appreciated Robs response to my question on what caused the great explosion of Halifax in 1917. Incredible story there. Great to see CM3 back again, and the book cover pix from manager Lars. To answer Pete’s question on the use of special cars for 20th Century Club trips, the answer is seldom. We will sometimes get a varnish or other special car, but mostly the best that can be done is that we get a car all our own at the back of the train. Thanks for your pix of Boston North station waterfront trackage. Great pix from James, but the google videos in the 2nd post are a must-see! Great to see Eric in so early today as well. Here’s a sorta pike article to read with your coffees:
Toy Trains by Allan W. Miller VR#12 1998
The post-World War II economic and baby-boom years from the mid-1940s through the early 1950s impacted virtually every facet of American life, including the model railroad hobby industry. Toy trains emerged as the playthings of choice for countless thousands of blossoming families in this prosperous period, and manufacturers scurried in overtime mode to both cultivate and meet the insatiable demand.
But along with the durable and colorful toy trains themselves, consumer-hobbyists also wanted, and needed, more timely information about new product releases and reviews, plus descriptions of how to use, and maintain, repair, and further enjoy these mechanical marvels. It was somewhat inevitable, then, that entrepreneurs in the hobby publishing industry would take up the gauntlet and attempt to fill the perceived information gap.
In the earliest postwar years, the toy train hobbyist’s information needs had been largely met by Model Builder magazine, published by the Lionel Corporation. But Lionel’s publication, though impressive and information-packed, was targeted primarily to the O gauge model railroader – the audience that supported Lionel’s product line with its dollars. The interests of a second large group of modelers – the devoted followers of American Flyer’s S gauge line – among others were largely ignored. Furthermore, Model Builder ceased publication in April 1949, following a successful run of some 13 years. The publisher, in announcing cessation of publication, said simply that it had “served its major purpose.” Perhaps that was true from Lionel’s perspective, but thousands of toy train fans were left without a regular source of information and entertainment.
Stepping into the breach 2 ½ years later was an all-new publication: Toy Trains, a Penn Publications monthly, with Charles Penn as publisher, was launched with the November 1951 issue. From the start, the magazine featured contributions from some of the most renowned luminaries in model railroading, including O gauge model building legend Frank C. Ellison (former long-time contributor to Model Builder). Ellison was presented in the new magazine’s “Meet the Crew” listing as the individual responsible for “Buildings and Right-of-Way.”
The premier issue of Toy Trains was dated November 1951. The cover painting by Herb Mott depicts branchline switching on the Lehigh Valley Railroad.
Interestingly, the premier issue also displayed an endorsement from what could surely have been its most formidable competitor: Model Railroader. Founded in 1934 by Al Kalmbach, Model Railroader occupied a preeminent position in the scale model railroading community, a ranking it retains to this day. Had he so desired, Kalmbach could have devoted his considerable expertise and resources to reaching the toy train hobbyist as well. He elected not to do so. In a statement published in Toy Trains’ premier issue, Kalmbach noted:
“Model Railroader welcomes Toy Trains to the miniature railroading field. We wish the editors and publishers smooth track and a high green all the way.
“It will occupy a hitherto vacant niche, and this speaks well for its prospects. Model Railroader, which has served the scale field well for nearly 18 years, stands ready to cooperate. We feel that any publication which assists with any phase of model railroading deserves full support.”
Arrival of each new issue of Toy Trains at the local hobby shop was a greatly anticipated event. Children and fathers alike could find much to read and enjoy in each issue. “How to Build” articles, which customarily made use of common materials found around the house or in the garage, ranked among the most popular features. At times, the back cover (front and back covers were the only full-color pages) would feature colorful cut-out cardboard and then assembled into a useful trackside addition to a model pike.
Other content included historical articles, layout planning tips, scenery-building hints, layout photo tours, and regular departments such as “Repair Depot,” “The Mail Car,” and a “Super Market” classified section wherein readers could buy, sell, seek, or swap equipment.
Toy Trains didn’t neglect S gaugers, either. American Flyer fans could learn how to make Gilbert switches look more realistic or even gain some reasoned editorial support for their stance in the long-standing two-rail versus three-rail debate. Track planning features in the magazine most often included a reasonable balance of O gauge and S gauge designs.
Unfortunately, the economic success enjoyed by toy train manufacturers in post-war years did not extend to Toy Trains. The editor’s column in the fall 1954 edition – the first issue named for a season and not for a month – foretold what was to come”
“Here is why this issue is labeled “Fall Edition.” Three years ago when the first issues of Toy Trains magazine were taking shape, we had anticipated keeping interest in model railroading at a high peak throughout the year. Although thousands of readers actively pursued their hobby 12 months a year, still many, many others limited their model railroading to the school and winter months.”
“This seasonal lessening of activity lowered our summer sales of Toy Trains magazine while we were still maintaining high production costs. The situation has forced us to make some changes in the future plans of Toy Trains. As this addition goes to press, we are considering the idea of publishing Toy Trains on a quarterly basis; the next issue will appear on your local newsstand October 15 labeled “Winter Edition.”
“In the meantime, we suggest you read Toy Trains companion magazine, Railroad Model Craftsman, each and every month; it contains many features of special interest to O and S gauge enthusiasts.”
A “Winter Edition” did, indeed, appear as advertised, but it was called the “Christmas 1954 issue.” It was the final complete issue.
Al Kalmbach’s aforementioned and presumably sincere offer of support notwithstanding, Toy Trains ultimately cast its allegiance with Kalmbach’s erstwhile competitor, Railroad Model Craftsman. In part, this was a somewhat logical alliance, because Hal Carstens, Railroad Model Craftsman’s publisher, had served the Toy Trains editorial effort as an associate editor as early as mid-1952.
In a column titled “Introducing Railroad Model Craftsman,” the editor wrote:
“It is … with deep regret that it is necessary to announce that this issue will be the last until sometime next fall. Announcement will be made in Railroad Model Craftsman as to when the next issue will be ready. Meanwhile, we’d like to suggest to all of you that in Railroad Model Craftsman you will find many of your favorite authors as well as most of the old familiar crew who have been bringing you Toy Trains.”
The column continued for several more paragraphs, attempting to convince disappointed fans that there was much more for them to find in the pages of Railroad Model Craftsman and enticing them to “hop aboard.” But these were somewhat futile expressions, and they convinced few for very long.
The February 1957 issue of Railroad Model Craftsman heralded the inclusion of its toy train sister:”100 Pages – Two Magazines in One” and “Now including Toy Trains,” exclaimed a pair of banners on the cover. Inside, there was no further mention of the union, but the magazine was divided into two sections: a “Craftsman Section” and a “Toy Trains Section.” It was a noble effort, but it was to be a short-lived marriage, with one partner being quickly overshadowed by its mate.
Like Model Railroader, Railroad Model Craftsman had traditionally aimed squarely at the interests of scale model builders. This group was, and still is, distinguishable from the toy train fraternity. Each niche group has its own motivations, goals, agenda, and each has its own clubs, organizations, and periodicals. Relatively few toy train enthusiasts are overly concerned with the level of prototypical detail and operation evidenced by scale modeling. Similarly, few scale-oriented hobbyists are attracted to the more whimsical playtime and collecting activities associated with toy trains. To be sure, there is a common bond in the shared love of trains and railroading in general, but that is usually where the similarities end. It’s somewhat unrealistic to assume that any one magazine could effectively cater to both groups, and, to date, reality has borne this out.
Toy Trains disappeared just as public attention began to be diverted away from toy electric trains and focused instead on television, video games, space-related games and toys, and a variety of other leisure activities It was not until more recent times – in the last decade or so, to be precise – that interest in toy trains as a hobby and collecting pastime has seen a tremendous resurgence. This resurrection is likely due, in large measure, to the growing numbers of now-aging baby boomers who are actively seeking to recapture a bit of the days of their youth. If that’s the case, then the short-lived Toy Trains magazine has effectively perpetuated its legacy.
Back covers often had full-color cutouts, like these for crossing gates and shanty in the October 1953 issue
G-day Tom and all present.
I just got these from my e-mail. These are a bit scarry!
http://tinyurl.com/ygye44
A dumb trucker
http://tinyurl.com/yz3qss
Another dumb trucker. Notice the Operation lifesaver on the side of the Illinois Central SD40-2
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=8fa1468d86
This one just hurts. I hate it when cars stall.
I can't imagine what goes through these peoples minds!
Happy railroading...I think. Atleast not for these people.
There has been some activity here today and a lot of interesting articles.
But before I go on, Leon, if you could I would like a sandwich with a coffee, thanks.
Barndad-Thanks for the info on the IRM. We go to Chicago each year in March and I am going to have to make a stop by one of these times just check things out. Your Chicago South shore interurban article was really cool. I learned a few more things now about tram cars. thanks. And Your B&M articles are also good. The steam caught my attention. The pic with the station in the back ground, the track looks great. That is some very good looking track. Thanks for the info.
Pete- Your right in thinking those UP engines are older. They came out in the late 70s early 80s. They were some of the best locos at the time and were the predecessors of the dash 9 locomotive.
Also glad you liked the Milwaukee news. The bipolar is a really interesting locomotive.
Tom- I certainly won't forget to post around here. It's great! Glad to see a christmas train up. Thanks to barndad!
Also, some nice things from you sir. I enjoyed reading about the Canadain RR history events. Some of the stuff, like the Grand trunk and the year it came to be was a bit surprising. That railroad lasted quite some time. I still see a lot of orginal GT locomotives wandering around. Especially switching Pokegama yard in Superior.
Rob- The Halifax electric tramway company was a good article to read. Glad you brought it up. Some new things learned there. Keep it coming!
Eric- I have to admit that the Bipolar is not the prettiest locomotive ever built but it left the world remembered. They were some of the most famous electrics here in North America. Glad you liked the article otherwise.
Mike- You certainly have some very good photos. The Milwaukee bipolar is a great picture. And RDCs!!! How can you forget those. Love them and Love them even more. I wish I could see a line up of those things cruising along. Great photos. Thanks.
Lars- Another great selection of book covers from you sir. Glad you post those. They show me what is out there for books. Thanks.
Now I think it's time for some pics!!
Photo from: www.northeast.railfan.net/diesel32.html
RDCs.. I really can't explain there greatness. But you can notice that the back of this RDC has no windows. Somewhat interesting since they were suppose to run both ways.
Photo from: www.steamlocomotive.com/pacific/bm.shtml
Photo by: Edward G. Weinstein collection
To me, the wheels seem a little bigger than most steam engines. But none the less, it is impressive. Hauling a passenger train is even better. This would have been cool to see coming down the tracks at 90+ mph!
What about a Boston and Maine speeder. This is not a fairmont speeder but it is cool looking. A bit ackward with the small plow on the front. Imagine going down the tracks in this.
A pint of Kimberley mild please RUTH.
Great to see ROB in with the Classic Juice and history of The Halifax Electric Tramway Co..Glad you enjoyed the pics Sunday.
I was going to ask about the Halifax explosion, but Doug beat me to it. That was a terrible disaster with the loss of 1635 lives.
Were there many of the Halifax system cars saved for preservation. That was a good piece about the chap who bought the house near the museum running track, it had a great ending as well.
ERIC Looking forward to the Swiss Electrification info if you can get it and thanks for the info on the GE B40-8.
As the Red Garter regulars dont know how to play darts it should be a good contest.
DOUG When you go on the 20th Century RR club do they use the normal cars for the trip
Enjoying the B&M Theme day with TOM'S Encores from the great Fallen Flags and Railroads from Yesteryear series and DOUG with the photos and descriptions from George C Corey. I see that the B&M ended steam in 1956They were some good looking locos with a well designed tender which added a lot to the locos appearence.
It was interesting to learn that # 3713 and her P4 sisters originally carried names that the schoolkids came up with, although they later lost there names. I wonder what the names were, perhaps CM3 can help.
Another good set of links from MIKE, that was a very attractive B&M diesel livery they had. The RDCs in the snow and the Quebec car were great too.It would have been interesting to hear what the BI-polar sounded like.
LARS I think you are mixing ROB up with me about the KC Chiefs,Iwas wrong anyway the Chiefs are playing Baltimore not San Diego when we go .
A great set of book covers on the B&M.
I Have a couple of pics taken from just outside Boston North station in October last year, they are a bit dark but are better if enlarged I hope.
I was going to add something really good but I cant get it to work, it was CM3's wonderful post on a trip on the B&M from Boston North, it trully is a great piece of railway writing. It is half way down Page 307 well worth a read.
TOM I forgot to say but I was doing a Google search on boat trains yesterday or Sunday and one of the links was to Our Place
As you say lets keep Cashinator and Tilla happy, another round please LEON
Good Afternoon Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please, round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Just a quick stop to let you know that we have returned. Work calls for a couple of days, but I hope to be back contributing, etc. by Friday.
work safe
Good morning gents. Ruth my lovely I would love to have the bottomless thermos of cofee and of coarse a number 3 ( if Doug left any )Seems like today weatherwise is shapping up alot like yesterday. 17C yesterday round these parts ( over 60 F ) "spoused" to be 15 or 16 today thoug we are expecting a nice big T storm latter on day off for me today I was going to finish the raking and outdoor lights, but it looks like mother nature is giving me the day off as well
Doug-First in with some great B&M articles nice going sir a fine way to start off the day. Thankfully we don't have laws like your NIMBY's. Mind you we are starting to get more and more houses built around us and we now are landlocked. We could pick up maybe half an acre to the one side of the property as a buffer but that's it.To show what kind of JO's we have delt with over the years, we had one guy complain because he was told by the estate agent that we were an abandonned ROW and was due to be pulled up. ( He bought the house in November when we don't run anything or are open to the public.Was he supprised come May when the first run of the year was L&PS 8. We for saftey reasons blow warnings for certain spots along the line and 8's equiped with a steam locomotive whistle ! Oh and car number two on that run was the sweeper S37 going back to storage barn one she's equiped with locomotive 335's air horn. Needless to say he was on the phone to city hall and the realtor was told he was SOL by both. Laast we heard he had got back some of the realtor's fees he paid from them for the inconveniance, he also became a meber of the museum, incidently he loves operating 8 go figure
Now as to your Halifax explosin question. Halifax harbour has a narrows in it close to the city centre essentially the surronding terrain is roughly bowl shapped.On Dec 6 , 1917 the belgian freighter IMO collieded with the French freighter Mont Blanc in the fog. The Imo was going to see without escort and was operating against the harbour mastrers instructions. Unfortunatly for Halifax the Mont Blanc was carrying ammunition to the front , gun cotton TNT te whole shebang. The Mont Blanc was crippled and on fire her crew abandoned and she drifted accross the harbour towards Halifax and exploded.Over 4 million pounds of TNT ! it leveleed 2.5 square kilometres ( mile ) of the city killing 1635 and wounding at least that many more. it was the largest man made explosion before the test of the first atom bomb at Los alamos in 1945.
Tom-Two wunnerfull B&M exposes` again today. Don't get me started on ticketmaster an the like here either. Piracy of the legal nature. Glad you approved of Halifax figured that it went well with everything else latley.We are likely heading there this september, I haven't been back there since 1991. we are doing NFLD and NB and PEI the same trip, should be fun. You are right though tis the season, xmas train comes out and we go into encore mode in a week or two, oh well good to relax and recharge You are right wasn't just work that kept me away Sunday. I was off but we resued another cat from the pound so I was reffereeing the two of them during the day. they actually don't hate each other and haven't fought so it looks to be a mutual you stay away from me and I won't bug you much kind of deal.
Eric-I wish you well in your email endevours. I still haven't got any replies back to any of the one's I've sent,who know's if they wre even read or got through. P poor way to run things.I'm glad that you got a "charge" out of the Halifax article,too bad the systems are gone but theirs was one of the longer lasting ones.
Mike-great batch of url's sir. Loved the B&M shots and I know that the approved of the RDC shots.
Nick-Good to see that you are still affloat there mate. I was affraid that H&H and Copperkettle were going to be left in charge of the food services this week.
Rob
Begin your Tuesday with us by pouring some freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee. Then some pastries from the Mentor Village Bakery and perhaps a selection from our Menu Board for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast!
Repeated from yesterday for those who missed it: What’s THAT, you say It’s the Christmas Train that circles the bar on our elevated track system. For those who don’t know – it was a gift to the bar from barndad Doug for our 1st Christmas last year! It will remain atop my morning Post ‘til the end of the year.
Light rains are on the way and will get heavier and more frequent ‘til Thursday when the bottom drops out with temps settling below freezing (F). Noted the petrol prices up at “Collusion Corner” were at $2.15 (rounded), however that ain’t gonna last given the world situation. Expect to see some major hikes coming soon.
DL at 12:44 PM yesterday: A brief visit is better ‘n no visit, Mate! Good to see ya anytime you have the time. Appreciate the “heads up” for the Boat Trains theme – best to postpone it ‘til you give us the go-ahead.
Lars at 12:59 PM yesterday: Good to see ya and take heart – it’s only a spectator sport! <grin> I try my best not to get wrapped around the axle over any of it – but it IS difficult, eh
Good suggestion regarding the Tuesday “themes” – I had planned to get into the ENCORE! routine, probably in mid-December through year’s end. So, if “Boat Trains” doesn’t make it for next week, or the week after – we’ll go with it in 2007.
I’ve checked out a few other Forums too – but they’ve been other than Kalmbach; looking for a new “home” for the bar, should it come to that. Nothing firm – just a fall back position. I think we’ve been pretty much “told” that the ratings system will stand, no matter how insulting those “zeros” were from the guys who haven’t been seen since they were shut down by the Forums Manager.
Last I heard from BK is that he was looking at early December for a return. Then, they pack up for a trip away over the holidays. That from an Email some time back . . . .
Nick at 6:26 PM yesterday: Good to see ya, even if briefly, Chief Chef Nick! Figured something out of the ordinary happened – glad it didn’t result in a few months away. Been there, done that, eh You must get some pretty damaging storms over in your part of the world. Best to avoid things that go “zap” in the nite!
Pete at 9:14 PM yesterday: Another “model” inclusive Post from the Wolfman! Always a pleasure to have you aboard, and the cash registers – Tilla ‘n Cashinator – love ya too, KaChing, KaChing! Leave it to you to notice the train! <grin> Time flies, eh
Another Dart’s Challenge I don’t think we could handle it! The “Our” Place “Stick ‘em where it hurts!” team needs a recharging. <grin> Anyway, that joint you referred to doesn’t have the charm of “Our” Place much less The Second Class Saloon. Looks like one of those “road houses” where one can wind up in serious trouble in a heartbeat. <ooooooooooh>
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