"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[trolleyboy]

Good afternoon Tom. I have arrived and I guess I will partake in a CR and a nice roast beef sandwich while I put my thoughts together.[;)]

Though it does not feel like it it is my day off today. I does appear that i will be manning the nightcrew ( midnights [:(!][:(][xx(] ) on every sat and sun in Nov and dec. ( with three regular day shifts in the rest of the week [:(!][B)] ) So weekends will most likley be a wash for me the next 9 weeks or so.


The pictures from Chris's file were quite nice Tom. You can see a Montreal open car peeking out from behind the CP switcher and a Park cars hind quarters slinking around behind the Via "F" unit.I wonder if he took that picture from that angle for anyone's benefit [?] I have to say that i have always loved the massiveness of the FM trainmasters and the CPR old livery ( never should have done away with it ) makes it look even more imposing. Our good friend Chef Nick will i think appreciate the ONR RS10 as well. [tup]


I have recieved my email reguarding the railimages as well. i'll sit tight I don't think that they will be offline that long so for the moment I'll sit and wait.For the time being I have too many shots to transpose over to my photobucket account. There are maybe three that I will rescan and post there so I have access for them later this week.

Congrats on your new aquisition of some rapid transit for the Canam[tup] To me I have always liked the red set the best anyway ( very similar to the TTC's paint on their fierst gloschester built subway cars ) I have only seen the "red" and "green " sets in the LHS's around me. The green cars seem more prevalent now. I've toyed with the thought of obtaining a red set but they aren't that close to the red TTC cars so I may take a pass. MTS brass is still popping out various subway cars in HO but the prices would surly " gag a healthy maggot " to coin a phrase.[:D][:p]


Ted thank's for your concern about my l;essoned appearances here[;)] However i don't think my dental plan will cover Vito's remedial tooth straitening and removal 101. [B)][:0][xx(] Besides he likley wouldn't make it past the boarder checkpoints. He isn't very suttle in his attitude , mannor of dress, or his choice of luggage ( violin case )

Doug Thanks for the fine photo contributions as well. ( you guys really need to add a derail to avoid similar building damage in the future [;)][:p][swg] )
Nice baldwin locomotive as well. Does it still run ?Also did you folks finally gain the identity of your burnt out mystery car ?


Al Is there a railroad that you haven't been a passenger on ? Your first hand knowledge is absolutly astounding [bow] I can hardly wait for the stories in may [tup]
It is too bad that your one and only experiance with the CGW was one that is best not remembered and punctuated by a grievious injury to your mother as well. That's just the kind of thing that would put most people "off" of ever using the train as a mode of travel.

[b[ Tom [/b] Seems that we have a fine first post from a new soarse [tup] My only recollections of the CGW are of the photographic nature. The deep maroon / burny red colour of their diesels was quite striking. Any shot's I have seen of them pre CNW take over were of well used but maintained consists of early F units and RS2's and RSC 2's

I can't beleave that the SP actually used the term "dude" in and ad from the 50's. California really hasn't chanfed much over the decades has it ?[:D]



Well fplks I'm concocting a content post for later this aft so I'm away to prepare it.


Rob

[trolleyboy]

Okay back to business. I think I'll fortify with another CR Tom while I add this next bit of content to the fine collection already contained here in.


Classic Juice #8 The PCC


The PCC car. The final of what I think were the major three tactics / car designs brought out to keep the riding public on the street railways, as opposed to busses or cars.

The PCC or Presidents Conference Committee cars were designed by a committee of the 21largest streetcar companies of North America { Toronto , Philly . Clebveland , KC , St Louis , Chicago , and Detroit being amoung the designing presidents ) The company presidents got together in St Louis in 1934 to brainstorm and come up with a car design to compete with burgeoining compition from cars and busses also to modernize and maintain passenger levels in the final stages of the great depression.


They wated to go with a car that could operate as a one man vehicle( coast saving) most older designs had been so converted at this point) utilizing the revolutionary Pay as you pass ( the farebox ) idea started by Peter Witt in the late teens. They also wanted a lighter weight, faster car ( the older wood and steel cars Witt's nearside's etc had heavy framing and were slow and in some designs rough riding ) which would be comfortable and warm and appealing to modern people.

The cars ended up with a light weight unibidy design which as was envogue at the time streamlined with leather,padded upolstry in single an double seat sets the length of the car. Efficient electric in floor heating and a very quick 0 to 50 mph start up which would leave auto's and cars weighting in a dead start. These were the frist stret cars that could actually maintain a constant quick speed with which they could keep up with traffic. The cars were first put into production at the St Louis car company with the first units rolling off the assembly line in 1936. Pullman standard annd CC&F ( Canadain Car & Foundry of Montreal ) soon had licence to build the design as well. The first CC&F units rolled off the assembly line for the TTC in 1938. Our museum has air electric # 4000 the TTC'S original Candain prototype car. ( still operable as well )



The first batches of the cars had a definate art deco design very curvy and gracefull. They are also known as the airelectric PCC's meaning that the doors and brakes were air powered with the traction power and heaters being electric. In 1944 PS and St Louis car began building the all electric version's which featured as the name suggests all door brake and traction power being electric ( thus simplifying maintenance ) The later all electrics could be mu'd for train service on busy routes. Shaker heights in Cleveland Bloor and St clair in Toronto are two that come imediatly to mind.

The PCC's certainly had staying power they were manufactured from 1936 straight through to 1951. many external changes ocured to the designs over the production spans. A few double ended cars, larger bus type windows, ommision of standee windows, and roof ventilation options, etc etc.

Close to 6000 units were produce for the major Us and Canadian cities as well as several European city systems, in France , Belgium and Holland. The TTC even sold older airelectric cars to Alexandria and Cairo i Egypt. Several Us cities also sold off theiir cars to Turkey or other cities as they discontinued service or replaced with newer LRV's.

At one point in 1965 the TTC webt all PCC sysrem wide with 400 cars they purchased new and the additional cars they bought used a refurbised from US cities finally topping out at 775 cars on the system. Today most PCC's are in musuems however San Fransisco's street railway runs several lines with just PCC cars bought mostly from Toronto & other cities as well. One thing with theirs are that they maintain the cars with their classic donner paintjobs so on San Fran you can see Baltimore,detroit ,Cleveland . PE just about everyone's liveries plying the streets still doing what they do best. Quick efficient point "A" to point "B" oublic transit.

Rob

[siberianmo]

For gbrewer

Your Post is appreciated here at "Our" Place and I noticed that you also visited my other Thread on this Forum. Thanx. [tup]

What you had to say fits well with the conversations we have goin' on 'round here.

You may want to know that unlike the majority of other Threads, we are an interactive site where we greet one another, acknowledge one another's comments and have some fun while doing so.

Page one is where to start in order to get the "gist" of what we're all about. If you are interested, I suggest you take a look at last several pages - start at #153 and you'll quickly get the idea.

There's a whole lot to know about us - but that will come in time if you decide to make return visits.

By the by, there isn't very much info in your "Profile," so we really can't get to "know you." Feel free to "check us out" through the "Profile" mechanism .... [tup]

Should you return to this cyber bar 'n grill (an adult eating & drinking establishment) the first drink is on the house! [swg] That's when you'll also get your "official" welcome!

Tom [4:-)][oX)]
Proprietor of "Our" Place

[siberianmo]

Hello Rob

Sure gets quiet 'round here without our "Canadian Connection" on board! [swg] Sunday's just won't be the same without havin' you make the first Post for Sunday Photo Posting Day! [tdn]

I tried to make the best of it on Sunday, just doesn't seem to be the activity we used to have. Additionally, all of our guys either don't have or cannot Post pix. Oh well ..... It will remain on the schedule of events nonetheless.

Another fine Inclusive Post from you and if gbrewer is lookin' in on us, perhaps he'll get the "idea" right off about the way we do things 'round here! (1) Greet the barkeep - (2) order a drink and (3) acknowledge the other guy's Posts. [tup]

Man oh man, that's a fine piece of work with your Classic Juice #8 - PCC. I'll be sure to add it to the Index for next Monday's Summary. Good job - as always; very informative and educational. A fine fit for what goes on 'round here I'd say! [tup][tup][tup]

I've just about exhausted all avenues insofar as locating those LifeLike subway cars in silver w/blue striping. No problem - there are plenty of "Red Bird" sets available, so I'll order one of those to complete my "inventory." First set is on the way, so there will be a total of 8 subway cars in two separate consists. I've established contact with a Forum member who is "into" HO subway design and operation. He has been very forthcoming with some helpful information and URLs. These Forums are absolutely loaded with some fine information and congenial guys. Problem is, there are so many - too many - idiots frequenting the Forums that at times I really avoid "going out there." <grin>

Hey Rob don't feel "pressured" about us, given your work load. We have one "event" comin' up this week - check the SUMMARY for Friday's Posts for Veterans/Remembrance Day. Hope you can particpate.

Catch ya later and as always, good to see ya! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Hi tom thank's as alway's. I definatly have something planned for friday that is appropriate.[tup] Watch for it. Also let me know how the subway project develops, I still haven't completely sealed in the " basement of the layout yet " any ideas ? [:D][swg]

Glad you liked the PCC's i figured with you being a new england/ St Lou / well you know what i mean guy that the PCC's may flick your switch. I'm sure that Ted ,Dave, and CM3 will likely go with it as well.

Rob

[siberianmo]

Hey Rob (again} [swg]

You are in a great position to essentially "have it all" with your layout. What I mean is, you've got the trolley and rail lines. Why not a subway [?] From what I've gathered, these LifeLike sets are just the four cars - one powered, the others not. All are illuminated and they have the running lights and other nice features. They are DCC compatible too. Of course the decoders and all the associated "stuff" has to be purchased separately, but the connections are already in the cars. Makes it far easier.

Anyway, these subway layouts really can get quite involved. I've seen some "wall" and "floor" material for the stations, girders, lighting, and above ground subway "entrances," Really cool stuff indeed. So, if I were in your positioin, I'd just run a simple oval beneath the main layout with an above ground "entrance' for the passengers. You could also have a "trench" affair so that the cars could be viewed at a point on your layout that would be approrpaite. [yeah] You're in a good spot for something like this ....... I can easily spend your money for ya!! [swg]

Catch ya later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Trainnut484]

Good evening Tom and all. I'll have a cold Miller Lite please. Mostly sunny and 70s today. It sure doesn't feel like November.

Tom, I've located a link for RDC subway cars. It may not be exactly what you're looking for, but might be useful somewhat:

http://www.collect-corner.net/subways.html

Thanks Barndad, Chris, Rob, and Tom for the great pics for Sunday Photo posting day. My wife and I were at the Chiefs game yesterday. Chiefs 27 Raiders 23 [tup][yeah][bow][bow]. I did take a few pictures, one being of the Chiefs cheerleaders out in midfield as our team took to the field. Everytime the Raiders had the ball, we definately lived up to our reputation as being the loudest stadium in the NFL [^]. Okay Boris
ring the ding-a-ling thing and a round for the house for me being a little [#offtopic]

This semester is keeping me busier than the last one. Mainly for the technical stuff.

Time for me to skeedadle

Take care,

Russell

[Anonymous]

I see it is time to play "catch-up" again after a pretty scant offering on Sunday. Please, just a Crown and soda w/lime twist,Tom Oh yes, I did indeed see the C.G.W. Fallen Flag before my post. I just didn't know what to do with it.[:O] That one really left me in "left field" for anything worthy of mentioning. Al's horror story from his youthful encounter with the C.G.W. is surely enough to advise caution to all of us.[:O] Barndad's pix "rang a bell," however. The slightly desheveled S.R. business car tugged at the memory a bit. The major Roads all had their "executive, brass or business" varnish cars and most were really impressive, inside and out.[tup] HeyRob, lots a good info. on several subjects. Naturally, the P.C.C. "juice" caught my attention "big time." Very grateful for the additional "poop" on the final disposition of so many of those wonderful streamliners. Yes, they would indeed leave any of the contemporary autos in the dust from a standing start. At first, many a left turning driver had wished he had yielded the right of way when a wrecker truck peeled them of the anti climb of a P.C.C.! It was amazing the cavalier disregard some drivers would show for the size and weight of these street behemoths.[xx(] Trainnut Russell that URL on the subway, et al., cars is definately a "keeper." Surely appreciate the thought for all of us into the "juice" side of modeling.[bow]

Gbrewer, I wondered where the first "piggy backs" originated. Now I know, thanks.[^] Say, Tom, the S.P. "nostalga" piece was a good choice, as usual. Oh Rob, the "Dude" mentioned is an old reference out west to a "city dude" or "city slickers" who vaction at "Dude Ranches." BTW, I didn't know the P.C.C.s without the standee's clerestory windows were later issues rather than earlier, thanks. When you can, be sure to checkout Russell's URL. You're going to like it![tup]

I wish I could stay longer but today is laundry, and general maintenance day. Will return a.s.a.p. for further recognition of so many fine postings today. Happy Rails to all.

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Guys!

Been an interesting day 'round here - a new visitor - some pretty good Posts and an all around improvement for sure! [tup]

Some acknowledgements are in order:

Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 18:06:45

Hey Russell, good seein' ya again!

Hate to break the news - but, only Doug 'n I Posted pix on Sunday! What in the world were YOU drinkin' - smokin' - doin' [?] [swg]

That was one terrific ending to the Chiefs game on Sunday! Gotta hand it to the Coach - he's something else indeed. When he left St. Louis, the "inside scoop" was that he wanted to prove to the ownership that he was a winner. Won the Super Bowl and exited. Don't blame him one bit, for these people are a bunch of AH's in the first degree.

Anyway, we've been following the Chiefs for years and wish 'em well. A malcontent or two on the roster, but then again, that seems to be commonplace throughout the league these days. I admire the Eagles for the stand they took with "TO." [tup] By the by I think Cheerleaders at a pro football game are about as necessary as ....... oh never mind! [swg]

Appreciate the URL on the subway "stuff." Thanx! [tup]

Hope you can participate in this Friday's Veterans/Remembrance Day postings.

Thanx for the round!

Theodorebear Ted Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 19:33:21

Fair enough with the CGW - the feedback means a lot in terms of whether these things are getting seen. Thanx!

I've checked out that subway URL before, during my preliminary round of exploring the subject. Good stuff indeed. All aspects of this hobby of ours surely holds so much fascination. Just a week ago, I honestly thought that I'd reached the "end of the line" in terms of finding a place for another layout. Then all of a sudden - the subway thought popped into my grey matter. [swg] I'm really lookin' forward to getting started with this venture. Of course, I still have my "S Capades" to complete - landscaping.

Should we decide to come to the St. Louis area for a Rendezvous I'll have to install a turnstile for access to the Can-Am trainroom! [swg]

Catch y'all later .......

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

TUESDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

G’day All! Coffee’s freshly brewed – The Mentor Village Bakery pastry case is full and our <light> breakfasts are ready to order! Whatillyahave [?]

Info for the Day:

(1) Wednesday is Pike Perspectives Day! A good time for those engaged in the model railroading hobby (or any other aspect of railroading for pleasure) to discuss and Post what they are doing, have done, or plan to do. [tup]

(2) Thursday is Fish ‘n Chips Nite!. [dinner] Dinner begins at 5 PM. [tup]

(3) Friday is Pizza Nite! along with Steak ‘n Fries Nite! [dinner] Dinner begins at 5 PM. [tup]

(4) Friday, November 11th is Veteran’s Day (U.S.) and Remembrance Day (Canada & Great Britain). In recognition of all those who have served or are serving, let’s do something special on that day at ”Our” Place.

Find something to Post that is reflective of either of the World Wars that has some connection to the railroads, the war effort or both. Advertisements abound from those times, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.

With ample time to prepare, my hope is that we’ll get good participation! [tup][tup][tup]



INDEX Mondays only!

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 05:24:19 (156) Monday’s Info & Summary

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 05:25:39 (156) Fallen Flag – CGW

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 07:33:22 (156) reply to passengerfan, etc.

(4) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 08:15:01 (156)

(5) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 08:26:34 (156)

(6) passengerfan Al Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 10:58:08 (156) CGW, etc.

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 12:05:44 (156) reply to coalminer3 – Theodorebear – passengerfan

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 13:30:55 (156) NOSTALGIA #20 Ad – SP, Golden State

(9) gbrewer Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 14:10:22 (156) 1st visit

(10) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 14:12:42 (156) Inclusive Post!

(11) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 15:04:07 (157) Classic Juice #8 – PCC

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 15:45:57 (157) reply to gbrewer

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 16:08:34 (157) reply to trolleyboy

(14) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 16:19:12 (157)

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 16:47:51 (157) reply to trolleyboy

(16) Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 18:06:45 (157)

(17) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 19:33:21 (157) Inclusive Post!

(18)siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 19:48:31 (157) reply to Trainnut484 & Theodorebear

=======================================
That’s it! [tup][;)]

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

[siberianmo]

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

Reading Lines

Headquarters: Philadelphia, PA

Mileage in 1950: 1,286

Locomotives in:

1930:
Steam: 930
Diesel: 2 (box cab switchers)

1963:
Steam 4
Diesel: 337

Rolling stock in

1930:
Freight cars: 43,298
Passenger cars: 910 (includes MU self-propelled)

1975:
Freight cars: 12,213
Passenger cars: 176 (includes MU self-propelled and RDCs)

Principal routes in 1950:

Philadelphia-Jersey City (New York via ferries, floats)
Philadelphia-Bethlehem, PA
Philadelphia-Reading, PA
Philadelphia & Camden-Atlantic City, NJ
Manville-Port Reading, NJ
Reading-Harrisburg, PA
Reading-Allentown, PA
Reading-Newberry Jct. (Williamsport), PA
Reading-Wilmington, DE
Harrisburg-Hagerstown, MD (through arrangement Hagerstown-Lurgan, PA)

Passenger trains of note:

Crusader (Philadelphia-Jersey City (New York)
Wall Street (Philadelphia-Jersey City (New York)
Schuylkill (Philadelphia-Pottsville, PA)
King Coal (Philadelphia-Shamokin, PA)
Harrisburg Special (Jersey City (New York)-Harrisburg
Queen of the Valley (Jersey City (New York)-Harrisburg)
North Penn (Philadelphia-Bethlehem


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[Anonymous]

Well, good Tuesday a.m. to our "breakfast clubbers." I think just a toasted English Muffin, grape jelly and lots-a-cream cheese with a Veldez wash, please Tom. In line with the new projects that Rob and yourself are embarking on; I think I'll look into the possibility of adding an elevated train. Although KCity had only a few blocks of elevated street cars around 6th Street which then plunged into a tunnel and thence across a high bridge to the "West Bottoms," I may employ "artistic license" and run the entire length of the southern leg. This will surely change the focus of the layout but then, why not? Will you fellas be using strap hangers for suspending your subway tunnels? Those N.Y.C. "picket fence" entrances (HO) look mighty good on the URL sent by Russell, don't they?

Although folks could rightly accuse me of "over-kill" and the Pike being "too busy;" my "sixth sense" urges me to use this option. For sure I will need to add a couple more skyscrappers on the back drop before "El" construction begins. That's okay, the real imagery for K.C. has long since been lost anyhow.

Say Pete, remembering the old "Jone's Store" kiddies train, were you able to find anything more on the gauge? We have a "live steam" outdoor R.R. club in Largo, Fl. about 15 minutes from me. Its a 7-1/2" gauge and there is just under 6 miles of main line including about a 90 ft tunnel. "Steamers" and some diesel builders come from far and wide on operating days to "show and tell." The show stopper, for me, is a U.P 4-8-4 Northern class with 6 yellow smooth side cars in tow. An Alco FA sometimes makes an appearance too. The Club has a transfer table for positioning the locos and cars from owner's vehicles to the yards. All in all, it is an impressive operation.[^] Swope Park (in Kcity) and Fairland Park (long abandoned now) both had 15" live steam trains for the kids in the late 1940's. My parents could buy a roll of tickets and know that I wouldn't stray from those trains for "love nor money."[^]

Now, that the FL weather is inhabitable, I'm spending more time outside and thus my posts will drop-off a bit. However, I'll always try to check in at least once a day for what appears to be a steady core of members with much to say and the ability to "say" it well.[tup]

"lest we forget," hopefully, "Our" Place folks and the "Order of the Stools" members won't "forget" this Friday is Veterans Day with appropriate salutations and rememberances. Though the "mainstream media" has all but trashed patriotic observances from their "socially engineered" calendars; perhaps there are still a few of us "reactionaries" left to honor past and present sacrifices being made for us? Okay Boris, I brought the "Old Glory" flags for inside and out. Mentor Bakery has the 3' X 2' "Stars and Stripes" layer cake on order and, for once, you could put a shine on those "Boondockers" this Friday.[V] Oh yes, be sure to put those John Phillip Sousa Marches on the Junk Box also. Happy rails gang. (get it?)

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom Time for a Coffee and one of those diet pastries from the Mentor Bakery.
Just looked over your fallen flag of the Reading and thought I would add a short note on their one and only streamliner the CRUSADER.
It was the first streamliner from Budd to have two Observations. Actually it was the first stremliner from any manufacturer with an observation at each end. The CRUSADER was assigned to a twice daily round trip schedule between Philadelphia and Jersey City. The Reading shops rebuilt two G-1sa Pacifics for the new trains and clad the two in Stainless steel to match the following consist. The 117 and 118 weighed in at 306,340 pounds after the shrouding was added the tenders had an indentation to receice the rounded observation car end giving it the appearance of one long stainless steel train .
The CRUSADER was inaugurated on December 13, 1937.
The cars were numbered 1 through 5 with one and five round ended observations with 56 coach seats and 14 seat smaoking lounge in the observation end. Cars 2 and 4 were 56-seat coaches with a 12 seat smoking lounge at one end. Car 3 the center cars was a dining lounge car with 22 seat tavern Lounge and 32 seat dining car. In 1952 the Reading retired the 117 and 118 and replaced them with a pair of back to back EMD F7A units in 1952.
In 1964 the Canadian National purchased the five car streamliner and extensively refurbished the interior before renaming the train LA CHAMPLAIN when it entered service between Montreal and Quebec City.
Former Reading Car 1 was renumbered 302 by CN and the interior was equipped with 59 coach seats a pantry and luggage racks at the vestibule end.
Former Reading Observation 5 was renumbered CN 304 and was equipped with68 coach seats and a snack bar at the observation end.
Former Reading Coach 2 was renumbered CN 303 and received 72 coach seats.
Former Reading Coach 4 was renumbered CN 301and received 54 coach seatrs and a pantry and luggage racks.
And former Reading 3 was renumbered CN and refitted with a 32 seat lounge mid car with a snack food area at one end and the bar at the other.
After service as the LA CHAMPLAIN for several years the cars were transferred to Toronto and operated mixed with other cars to Southwestern Ontario serving Sarnia and Windsor. Rarely at this time were the cars kept in tack as a train. Two of the cars have been sold to US museums and I believe the others were scrapped. They were the first Budd cars operated on the CN other then the RDC's.

[coalminer3]

Good Afternoon All; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Running late today as it is time for "annual retraining." No, it has nothing to do with railroads.

Note to our 'steamed manager. The CGW post was not there, but the RDG one was - go figure.

PCC's brought back many memories, I rode them all the time when residing in Boston area. The PCCS in Boston ran in a variety of seting; underground, street running, right of way, and also on various elevated segments. The Boston cars had rider windows. It didn't make any difference as you couldn't see where you were most of the time. The Riverside Line, actually an old B&A branch, had an interesting interurban flavor and the PCCS could roll along through there. In 1976, I remember photographing several of them painted red white and blue (a stylized flag design). Most of them were traction orange but were later painted green to correspond with their service on the Green Line.

Classic Trains showed up today. In the back is a set of color shots from the Cincinnati St. Railway. Spread includes a Cincinnati car, a Witt, and a PCC that looks like a yellowjacket on steroids. This jogged my memory a little as IIRC, a lot of the Cincinnati cars went to Toronto. For all I know, I may have ridden some of them during sojourns in that fair city.

There is also a two-page color spread of the SP's only RDC in this issue as well.

Sorry to be so quick, but class calls..........

work safe

[siberianmo]

G’day Gents!

A nice warm, breezy and partly cloudy sky at mid day in mid Continent USA. Temps today are expected to reach 80 (F) – again. Gasoline is now at $2.18 (rounded) up at “Collusion Corner.”

I’ve just completed my ‘epoch’ compilations for Friday’s Veterans/Remembrance Day postings … time to come up for air, so to speak, and I see we’ve had a couple of visitors this day.

I’m not “up” for much more than to acknowledge Theodorebear Ted and passengerfan Al for stoppin’ by.

Al - Appreciate your comments on the [purpleFallen Flag – Reading[/purple]. Other than appearing on the Monopoly board game, I doubt whether too many people know a thing about this once fine railroad in PA. Obviously you do! That is quite a run down you’ve provided us. [tup] Don’t forget to find the time to Post something appropriate this Friday ……..

Ted I’ve promoted this Friday’s Vets Day just about as much as possible through a ‘special’ Post last week and every day since in the daily SUMMARY The support is appreciated! Hope you will have a little “something” to contribute too.

Haven’t seen our friend CM3 yet today. Kinda got used to the early mornin’ Pick us up Posts of his. [tup] If you are lookin’ in on us, consider sending me whatever you’d like to Post on Friday by Email – I will Post it for you. Every little bit helps to keep this “thing” of ours movin’ along.

Almost time for the NOSTALGIA piece ……..

Catch y’all later!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

Yo CM3

There you are! Love the way these things "sneak" in just at the time a Post is being put forth. [swg]

Glad you've dropped in - even for a "quickie" - so to speak. Round and quarters always appreciated! [tup]

Not sure I follow your "report" on the appearances of the Fallen Flags. Oh well ........ I'll keep puttin' these things into the Ether, hoping that someone's switch gets flicked ....... They will be comin' to an end though; runnin' out of material.

See ya later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #21

Here’s something to enjoy regarding the Southern Pacific (SP) from a 1951 advertisement in my personal collection.


Did you hear what the Colonel said about the “Sunset Limited”

”WHAT A TRAIN, SUN! THE FLOWER OF NEW ORLEANS, THE BOAST OF TEXAS, THE SUNLIGHT OF ARIZONA, THE SENSATION OF HOLLYWOOD. ANOTHER OF SP’S WONDERFUL WAYS WEST!”

We’re happy to say that thousands of Americans are finding our ”Sunset Limited” a new and charming way to go West.

We think that you, too, will enjoy this sensational new ”Streamlined Train With the Southern Accent.” Especially with that New Orleans stopover. Luxury Pullman or Chair Car. Extra fare.

Your connections at New Orleans from, or two, points like Chicago, St. Louis, Washington, New York, etc., are good and offer fine streamliners. (New Orleans is a gourmet’s and shopper’s delight as you know.)

The ”Sunset Limited” takes you in 42 delightful hours through the heart of Texas, Southern Arizona’s winter resort country, Palm Springs & Los Angeles.

There, you can connect with other great new S.P. streamliners, can return by another S.P. route. You see twice as much. The little map shows how.

Why not try it this winter? Or next summer? And meantime, why not let us send you our New Orleans folder, and full information about this new way to California?
Mail coupon below today

”SUNSET LIMITED New Orleans-Los Angeles via Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Douglas, Bisbee, Tucson, Phoenix, Palm Springs. Connects at New Orleans with streamliners to and from Chicago, New York, Washington, other Eastern points.

SP AMERICA’S MOST MODERN TRAINS


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

CHECK THE MONDAY SUMMARY and INDEX PAGES FOR MORE GREAT NOSTALGIA POSTS!

[siberianmo]

THE CUSTOMERS of ”Our” Place as of November 8th, 2005

Al – passengerfan, first visit: 12 April 2005 – 2nd CHARTER MEMBER!

CM3 coalminer3, first visit: 14 April 2005

Dan – earlydiesels, first visit: 16 April 2005

Dave – West Coast S, first visit: 14 April 2005

Doug – barndad, first visit: 12 July 2005

Nick – nickinwestwales, first visit: 27 April 2005

Pete – pwolfe, first visit: 8 Aug 2005

Rob – trolleyboy, first visit: 12 April 2005 – CHARTER MEMBER!

Russell – Trainnut 484, first visit: 27 June 2005

Ted – Theodorebear (and then some!), first visit: 2 May 2005

That’s the list of folks we see ‘round here.

Tom, Proprietor of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

A pint of bathams this sunny afternoon and a round for the excellent posts please[tup].

The computer seems to be behaving again.

Thanks Barndad Rob and Tom for the great photos Sunday.TOM has kindly offered to post a couple of mine next week.

The last couple of Flags were on railroads I had heard little about, thanks ALL for the extra info on them [tup].It is sad though to see how the Reading lines Locos and rolling stock went down from 1930 to 1963/75.

The S.P.Ad writer was brilliant after reading the headline you have to read the rest of the Ad they dont write them like that anymore[:(]

ROB thanks for another great Classic Juice and I agree with CM3 about the photos in Classic Trains, in the U.K. the older Trams(trolleys) seem to be forgotten by the rail mags there.

PASSENGERFAN AL Thanks for the info on the streamliners. There is a plan to re fit a streamlined casing to a preserved Duchess class loco in the U.K. this will put the loco into the same condition that it was when it visited the U.S. in the late 30's.The original casings were removed soon after the war.

RUSSELL. The wife had her friends over Sunday to watch the game having lived in K.C.
great result almost as exciting as soccer[;)] Seriously Footballs great and the atmosphere in Arrowhead IS unbelieveable[wow]

TED I am hoping to get to Union Station before the end of the year if I can I'll borrow the wife's digital camera and take some photos of the Jones train. Its worth going to K.C just to see the model layout at the station as in TOM's photos.
You are so right about the smaller guage trains, in my boyhood there was a 15" steam railway which ran around the Boating Lake in an amusement park at Rhyl in North Wales which kept me happy for hours. There was also a machine in the arcade that worked with old pennies. It was a model train and you had to stop the loco exactly on the station that lit up to win I Got quite good at it [^]

Well I'll have a pint and be off PETE.

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a CR and a round for the house.
What can be said about the new Budd built Sunset Limited for the SP. It was SP.s first Budd built trains after they were becoming disilusioned with the Pullman Standard built cars with fluted sides that would end up costing hundreds of thousands to repair.
The new Sunset Limited trains were initially assigned A-B-A sets of Alco PAs between Los Angeles and El Paso. East of El Paso the train was pulled by a pair of Alco PA's. The train operated one type of sleeper only the 10-6 and coaches were 44-leg rest seat cars. The trains carried a 30'RPO Baggage Car a Baggage Crew Dormitory Car A divided Coach with a Newstand
. The train had three feature cars first was the "Pride Of Texas" Coffee Shop Lounge cars with 32 seat dining area and 14 seat Tavern Lounge . Next was the "Audubon" Diningacar with 48 seats and the third feature car was the "French Quarter" Lounge open to sleeping car passengers only. This car fewatured a Valet -Barber shop with shower, a bar and 39 seat lounge.
One sleeping car in each consist was a Los Angeles to Dallas car that operated east of El Paso over the MP. Another sleeping car was a Los angeles - San Antonio car that arrived late and was left in the station for the passengers until the next AM. It then proceeded the following night from San Antonio to New Orleans in the next days eastbound Sunset Limited. The Alco PA's were soon replaced by EMD E7 and E9 units between Los Angeles and El Paso. The PA's were transferred to the Overland route and the Shasta Route as they were great performers in th mountains. The stainless steel consists carried a red letterboard above the windows and was the first SP train with this paint scheme. Eventually this would be the passenger scheme for all SP cars.

[siberianmo]

Evenin’ Guys!

In looking at that list of our current customers, the names of the “missing” really jumps out at ya.

I commend those of you who have stuck with this idea – and in no particular ranking, CM3 – Rob – Ted – Pete and Al are the faithful regulars lately. But with personal schedules, work and school, the forecast for drought is still with us. It may not be showing guys, but the load is getting rather heavy.

Some acknowledgements for the evening:

pwolfe Pete Thanx for the round and kind words regarding the Posts. Your Email response was received and I will add the descriptions to your pix for our Sunday Photo Posting Day! Thanx. [tup]

passengerfan Al Thanx for the round and the elaboration on SP’s Sunset Limited. [tup] Can always count on your for some great input and insights. Check out the “other” thread, there’s an interesting Post you may want to check out from agentatascadero.

I’ve always admired the livery of the SP – all of them. If I were to model a west coast RR, that would be my choice. However, I like to model those roads I can relate to, so I’m left with the “admiration factor.” [swg]

Catch y’all later!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Tom,day off tomorrow so hopefully I can be more talkative. [tup][swg].I'll nab a cr while I transpose my thoughts to the either.

Tom I'm glad that you are happy to help me spend my money. Though I'm not sure that Heather will approve of such free spdending.[:O] I may indeed add a touch of the red subway cars if i find a worhy set. Heck they may just run on the surface lines,dam the third rail and all speed ahead [tup]

Thank's for sending through the Reading story, it is funny how most people would automatically just think about that sqauare on the monoploly board. The fact that thier one train was called King coal sort of tells their railway history in a nut shell though dosen't it. ? Another fine archieve of the SP as well. I have to say that it is amazing as to how much of the country could be reached by rail during the golden age.


Ted glad that you liked the PCC bit. One could post pictures and info on them ad nauseum. Yes the standee's were and early and late part of the cars. Some early airelectrics from the thirties had them some from the 40's didn't yet you can see some built in 49-50 with them. As with the anticlimber number of control ends ( 1 or 2 ) or the type of doors the options were many between the major operators. at best the bowser model represents an early 40's air electric the less desirous bachman model a later 50's style ( with standee's ) I think that one could do a theseus on PCC's. Did you order a union jack and a red ensign cake for the 11th as well ?

CM3 Glad you were able to catch the PCC story as well.I thank-you for the info on the Cincinati cars in the latest mag. it's one that i may buy.To this point I haven't purchased any of the classic trains mags ( hopefully no lightening shorts out my pc [xx(][:O] ) Most of tthe Cinci Pcc's ended up in the high 4600 number series on the TTC.In fact the cars that ***'s line purchased from the TTC for the Dallas trolley routes may even be ex cinci cars ! Certainly one or two made it to San Fran. they were unique in having blinker doors instead of standard bi-folders.

Russell Thanks for the url always nice to see that type of info.Nect time if you stay longer alow me to pick up your ML or something more adventurous.

Pete The UK isn't unusual in forgetting their trolley / tram herritage. Not more than a 2 generations ago most major and some minor US and Canadain cities had a street railway of some description. I suppose that we had more fans take photo's in the 40's and 50's for posterity otherwise we would be in the same straits. Thankfully there are several good museums in the US and ours in Ontario still educating the young about what was and what may be again. You folks have the wonderfull Critch museum as well so your countries trams aren't dead and forgotten yet. [tup]

Al What can I say the maistro of mainkline passenger trains has come through again. Thanks for the info on the streaamliners that appeared on CN from the Reading. I'm assuming that they got pooled into the blueline Via's or were they done away with before then ?


Rob

[siberianmo]

WEDNESDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

We open at 6 AM (all time zones!) Stop by for some freshly brewed coffee, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and our <light> breakfasts! Whatillyahave [?]

Info for the Day:

(1) Today is Pike Perspectives Day! A good time for those engaged in the model railroading hobby (or any other aspect of railroading for pleasure) to discuss and Post what they are doing, have done, or plan to do. [tup]

(2) Thursday is Fish ‘n Chips Nite!. [dinner] Dinner begins at 5 PM. [tup]

(3) Friday is Pizza Nite! along with Steak ‘n Fries Nite! [dinner] Dinner begins at 5 PM. [tup]

(4) Friday, November 11th is Veteran’s Day (U.S.) and Remembrance Day (Canada & Great Britain). In recognition of all those who have served or are serving, let’s do something special on that day at ”Our” Place.

Find something to Post that is reflective of either of the World Wars that has some connection to the railroads, the war effort or both. Advertisements abound from those times, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.

With ample time to prepare, my hope is that we’ll get good participation! [tup][tup][tup]



INDEX Mondays only!

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 08 Nov 2005, 06:00:01 (157) Tuesday’s Info & Summary

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 08 Nov 2005, 06:01:44 (157) Fallen Flag – Reading

(3) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 08 Nov 2005, 07:16:33 (157) Inclusive Post!

(4) passengerfan Al Posted: 08 Nov 2005, 08:18:35 (157) Reading

(5) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 08 Nov 2005, 12:29:52 (157)

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 08 Nov 2005, 12:33:54 (157) reply to Theodorebear & passengerfan

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 08 Nov 2005, 12:47:26 (157) reply to coalminer3

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 08 Nov 2005, 12:50:41 (157) NOSTALGIA #21 – Ad – SP, Sunset Limited

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 08 Nov 2005, 16:24:47 (157) Customers of “Our” Place

(10) pwolfe Pete Posted: 08 Nov 2005, 17:32:45 (157) Inclusive Post!

(11) passengerfan Al Posted: 08 Nov 2005, 18:12:13 (157) SP - Sunset Limited

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 08 Nov 2005, 19:05:52 (157) reply to pwolfe & passengerfan

=======================================
That’s it! [tup][;)]

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

[siberianmo]

Early mornin' Rob

Nothing like a touch of insomnia to make life interesting ....... [tdn] The older I get, the more this happens. While you are a long way off (and remember, I have The Birthday Watch List!) [swg] the closer you will get to experiencing these changes in life. And who said it was just a "gal' thing [?]

Nice Post and glad that you've been able to resurface. Covered quite a few bases with that one ......

Subway sets are all over the place these days (daze); didn't know it until I began researching the subject for my new venture. I found my two sets on two different sites and both at the same price - $129 US. Wouldn't surprise me if that could be beaten by frequenting a train show or two, but that's the lowest I've seen on my visits to about two dozen sites. Trainworld in NYC has the "Red Birds" in stock - set #30300 and ships the day you order.

The Walthers web site gives good pictures and run downs of the LifeLike sets, albeit mostly unavailable and very pricey. If you go there, I purchased the red set with the silver roofs and the "Red Bird" set which is all red. I really wanted that silver set w/blue stripes, but gave up on it as all of my Email inquiries came back negative.

By the by - this ISN'T [#offtopic] Boris since today IS Pike Perspectives Day! [swg]

Your Email response was received - thanx! I concur with your thinking.

I have a suggestion regarding getting some "new blood" into "Our" Place. Why not 'talk us up" a bit when you visit over at the CS [?] There are a couple of guys who stop in (Fergie and Duke) and we could surely use some more. For example, our Posts coming up for Friday may be of interest to some. Between you, me and BK (whenever he returns), we could make some postiive progress. Just a thought .......

I've been Posting there for a bit over a week and can't say that it will continue as I'm running out of things to say. Not much going on that I'm really "into." However, since I regard a couple of those guys in rather high esteem, it's nice to keep the channels open for comms ........

Okay - I'm gonna try it again - catch ya later and enjoy your day off! [tup][zzz]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

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

Monon (The Hoosier Line)

Headquarters: Chicago, IL

Mileage in 1950: 573

Locomotives in 1951

Diesel: 57

Rolling stock in 1951:

Freight cars: 2,609
Passenger cars: 59

Principal routes in 1950:

Chicago-Indianapolis
Louisville-Michigan City
Wallace Junction-Midland
Orleans-French Lick

Passenger trains of note:

Bluegrass (Chicago-Louisville)
Chicago Limited (Indianpolis-Chicago)
Day Express (Chicago-Louisville)
Daylight Limited (Chicago-Indianapolis)
Executive (Chicago-Indianapolis)
Hoosier (Chicago-Indianapolis)
Hoosier Limited (Chicago-French Lick)
Night Express (Chicago-Louisville)
Thoroughbred (Chicago-Louisville)
Tippecanoe (Chicago-Indianapolis)
Varsity (Chicago-Bloomington)
Velvet Train (Chicago-Cincinnati)
Mid-Night Special (Chicago-Cincinnati)

Of note:
Trains east of Indianapolis handled by Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton
Monon operated on Chicago & Western Indiana tracks between Hammond and Dearborn Station.
Monon operated on Kentucky & Indiana Terminal tracks between New Albany-Youngstown Yard-Union Station.


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[Anonymous]

G'mornin' everyone. Tom, I'll just snatch a crulller and a cuppa Folgers for now, thanks. "Take a ride on the Reading," I believe was printed on the Monopoly "chance" cards. Oh yes, thanks Pete for your remarks on the miniature Kid's trains.[tup] During the war years, few children were able to buy electric trains (shortages), so we fell back on wooden and card stock (lithograph?) kits and "cut-outs." My only streamliner was a kit made by Stromberg of wooden roof, ends and floor stock with card stock sides printed up for the windows, road name, details, etc. The loco was modeled after the earliest EMC (forerunner of EMD), first run of the "E" series diesels. The glued on Road features (loco) were fashioned after the Rocket Island Rocket which was a popular train of those times. I had nearly a dozen steam (card stock) locos which were "cut outs" from the back of Kix dry cereal boxes. Amazingly, The Kellog Cereal Co. paid some mind to scale as the U.P. Challenger was proportionally larger than, say, the 0-6-0 switcher. I used to pay neighborhood kids from my allowance for their empty Kix boxes and soon amassed a roster of about a dozen locos.[^] Passenger cars also were printed on them (usually 2). I don't have to tell you that I ate a lot of dry cereal in those days.[V] I also threw a lot of it out when Mom wasn't around.[}:)] The "Jig was up" when she spotted me "in-the-act."[:-^] OUCH![:O]

It appears to me that Reading passenger service was largely commuter runs around the Northeast "corridor." The Road probably was a competitor to Central of New Jersey and like "feeder" lines? The size and scope of a city of ten million suddenly comes into focus when we summize the number of Roads serving the "Big Apple."[:O] Monon seems to provide a similar role in and around the Chicago area. Good Fallen Flag choices again Tom, thanks.

Au contrare Rob, the U.K. and Canada will naturally be represented along with the "Stars & Stripes" Cake. The head Baker assured me that all flags will be of the same size and prominence on the topping. It couldn't be any other way![:D][tup] Probably all that can be said on the variety of P.C.C.s over the world could never be covered totally here. But, we sure are covering a good deal of the subject and that's great.[^] Too be honest, as a kid, I really preferred the clatter, and hissing of the older cars with all of their swaying and jerking motions "thrown in."[tup] I was proned to "motion sickness" on the subtle undulating of the "new" P.C.C.s at first, especially in the rear of the car rounding switching movements.[:I]

Okay, I'm running late as it is. So it is sayanora and aufwieder sehen for now. Happy rails all.

[siberianmo]

Good Mornin' Guys!

Here's something you may find interesting.

Via Rail of Canada has put together a Veteran's Train that will take more than 300 Vets, military retirees and their families to Ottawa for Remembrance Day ceremonies on Nov 11th. This train will begin it's journey from Halifax, Nova Scotia today as the "Ocean," train #15 with a total of 32 cars - yes 32. The consist will include 3 diners and 20 sleepers (those numbers have not been confirmed). Change of trains takes place in Montreal where the "Corridor" train will supposedly be lengthened to accommodate the group. Return trip from Ottawa begins on Saturday, Nov 12th with arrival back in Halifax on Sunday on Via Rail's "Ocean" train #14.

A barbershop quartet will provide on board entertainment, and menus will have a vintage look.

What a grand idea! Kudo's to Via Rail and all behind the scenes for putting this together! [tup][tup][tup]

From the Via Rail website:

QUOTE: Remembrance Day Train fully booked!
The Remembrance Day Train has proven so popular that all seats are booked! As you may know, VIA Rail has organized a special Halifax-Ottawa return trip between November 9 and 13 for those who want to participate in Remembrance Day ceremonies. This year’s commemoration is doubly special because 2005 marks the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II and has been declared Year of the Veteran. VIA Rail is grateful to its customers for their confidence and involvement, and wishes all Remembrance Day Train passengers a pleasant journey!

As some may recall, I was in Ottawa this last May - traveling from Halifax by train - for the commemoration of the War Museum. Although I missed the formal ceremonies by a day, there were sufficient "left overs" and lots of Vets to meet which made the trip such a success.

Remember, we too will mark the occasion of Veterans & Remembrance Days with the Posting of relevant material from our "customers." It isn't "party time," so let's not "go there!" Cake - coffee, no problems.

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[coalminer3]

Good Afternoon All: Coffe, please; round for the house, and let's see if we can find "Up and Down the Monon" on the jukebox.

My, I would like to see the Remembrance Day Train. I will have some material to post on Thursday as we are off on Friday.

The Reading handled a lot more passenger traffic than most people realize. A lot of this was interline service, of course.

Sleeping car lines that operated over the Reading for parts of their runs included the following:

Rochester-Philadelphia
Wilkes-Barre-Philadelphia
Chicago-Philadelphia (via MC and LV - that's one I would have liked to traveled)
Chicago-New York (via CN and LV)
Buffalo-Philadelphia(via LV)
Syracuse-Philadelphia
Binghamton-Philadelphia
Philadelphia-Detroit (via LV and MC)
Phiuladelphia-Toronto (via LV and CN)
New York-Toronto (via LV and CN)
New York-Niagara Falls
New York-Ithaca
New York-Wilkes-Barre

Not bad

work safe

[siberianmo]

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #22

Here’s something to enjoy regarding the Southern Pacific (SP) from a 1951 advertisement in my personal collection.


Did you hear what the ‘49er said about the “City of San Francisco”

”WHAT A TRAIN, PARDNER! SHE’S THE FASTEST THING ON WHEELS BETWEEN CHICAGO AND THE GOLDEN GATE! ANOTHER OF SP’S WONDERFUL WAYS WEST!”

Did you know that you can board a modern streamliner in Chicago and travedl at your ease the same route the ‘49ers struggled over in the Gold Rush? Well, you can. In the crack extra-fare ”City of San Francisco” for instance, or the ”Overland” that shows you California’s lovely High Sierra by day.

Until you’ve done this you’ve never really seen the West.

We’ve just issued a new folder we’re rather proud of, ”Planning Your Overland Route Trip.” Tells you all about accommodations on these great “name trains” (finest Pullman; economical Chair Car).

By the way, at San Francisco these streamliners connect with our famous ”Lark,” “Daylight” and “Starlight” south to Los Angeles, thence with other great S.P. streamliners eastward. Or with the new ”Cascade” and ”Shasta Daylight” northward, right past gorgeous 14,161 foot Mt. Shasta to the lovely Pacific Northwest.

Mail that coupon today for free folders.

”CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO” Chicago-San Francisco via Omaha, Ogden, Great Salt Lake, Reno, Oakland. 40 ½ hours westbound via CNW-UP-SP. Shown here with Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

SP AMERICA’S MOST MODERN TRAINS


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

CHECK THE MONDAY SUMMARY and INDEX PAGES FOR MORE GREAT NOSTALGIA POSTS!

[trolleyboy]

Afternoon Tom. Tom ? Toooom? Sorry thought you dozed off behind the bar. Your head was getting quite close to the lit aroma therapy candles Boris put out to make Tex feel more at home.[:O]

Thank's for the uopdate on the LL "tube rockets" The all red redbirds will likely ( if any ) be the ones i go with. They are the closest to the TTc Gloster cars from the openning of the Yonge subway line in 1954. Structurally they aren't close at all but if it's underground who's gonna know ? [swg]

I'm glad that Via is going that extra mile for the vets.It's a classy move ( hopefully not just politically motivated ) A 32 car train has likley not been seen in Canada in likey a few decades. I'm sure that Branchline magazine will coper it. Hopefully Trains will as well.

Ted The PCC's do have a way of "loping along" don't they. The movement isn't so lively as say a single truck Birney aka " vomit rocket ". The funny thing about the PCC's that i have found when operating them is that if they start to pitch side to side or fore and aft ( yes on a rural non street line they will do that [:O] )b If you increase speed they level out. Guess they just want to go.

Funny Ted that you mention waiting for or enjoying the older cars when you were a kid. Heather's dad grew up in Toronto. He would go downtown to pay bills etc for hios mom. He would wait for the old wooden TR deck roofed cars,prefering them over the Modern Witt's,he had moved to Brantford just after the start of WW2 so he never got into the PCC cars. funny thouigh idf he visted family in the 50's and 60's he'd wait for the Witts as opposed to riding the PCC's.

Tom Haven't been over at the CS in three or four days but i certainly will chat up the 11th [tup]

I'm glad you picked the Monon. It seems to be a road that few people know off and even less model. How could you not with that gorgeous diesel paint scheme. Question however who absorbed them or did they just fade away ? I'm thinking it was CNW and then UP but I could be wrong.

Pike day for me I'm doing some trackwork in downtown Heaterton final placing of buildings etc. I won't post up pics to railimages till their upgrades are done however. Oh Ted i'm holding off adding your photo's to railimages as well. The gist of their email was that while they were upgradeing their server it was best not to upload things as any new pictures could be lost until their upgrades were complete. Haven't forgotten about you though. the new shot's of Ted's layout will be worth the wait guys as well.

I think that if I get bored of trackwork ( which I usually do. I loath it really ) I'll work on one of my older Bowser brills, I'm adding window glazing and some controller detatils. I found a small stash of old MTS imports trolley detail parts. Controllers , fare boxes, goose neck brake handles. I will use them on my better models. The bowsers.

Till later

Rob