"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[Anonymous]

Part II

Through Thick and Thin by Bland Osborn – From Vintage Rail magazine Sep/Oct 1998

As this narrative progresses, you may find that you are learning more about railroad life and equipment than you wanted to know. However, most of the descriptions, such as the ones of my bunk car layout here, will prove crucial to understanding the stories I will relate. In addition, I would like to leave posterity some small record of a lifestyle that was experienced by few men inclined to memorialize it in print and is, as surely as service “before the mast,” an experience totally of the past.

At 5:00 that first evening, I was introduced to one of the redeeming features of life on the bridge gang – the chow. The cook and his wife (they were contract personnel and changed often) were, next to Jim, the most influential people on the outfit. A majority of cooks worked hard, providing excellent meals under difficult conditions. While the discerning palate might have been occasionally offended, and while the ambiance (encompassing a single, long, oilcloth-covered table with benches on each side, located next to an enormous coal-fired range in a sun-baked modified boxcar) might have left something to be desired, no one ever complained about the size of the servings. Three meals were provided six days a week (sandwiches were packed for lunch on the few occasions when we worked too far from the outfit to return at midday), and an abbreviated breakfast was available over a wide time span on Sunday, after which the icebox and pantry were available to us for the remainder of the day. These Sunday guidelines held unless we were working or were parked so far from civilization that Jim felt a full-meal schedule was required.

I will not attempt to describe the noon and evening meals, other that to remind the reader that, traditionally, the working man’s dinner is at noon, and to state that the variety of steaming hot dishes served up in temperatures that often ran well over 100 degrees was no more astounding than the speed at which they disappeared. Breakfast I can describe, as it was standardized and identical to the one served on the gang I ran several years later. We always had the following selection actually set out on the table, family style.
1. Two kinds of iced fruit juice
2. Two kinds of cold cereal
3. A hot cereal
4. Flapjacks and syrup
5. Platters of fried eggs
6. Two kinds of meat (usually bacon and sausage)
7. Fried potatoes
8. Hot biscuits and gravy
9. Bread and buns with jams, jellies, and butter
10. Oranges, grapefruit, and bananas, if available locally
11. Milk, cream, and coffee
All you could eat was guaranteed, the full meal plan cost $8.75 a week! The married men (who would eat with us occasionally) pain 50 cents a meal, cash on the barrel head.

That first night I remember being awakened a number of times by locomotives whizzing by, less than four feet from the open window at the head of my bunk, at speeds in excess of 50 mph. The bunk car would sway, and, if the train was a freight, the noise was ferocious. That sort of thing, and thoughts of the consequences of a derailment, could keep a man of my present age awake forever, but it was only a rather exciting experience at the time. By the third or fourth night, I would have slept soundly through the sinking of the Titanic at the head of my bed.

To assume that I fit right into a slot in the gang would be a mistake, and, although there was no overt hostility, it was immediately obvious to me that I had intruded upon a closed community. However, as I discovered in later years, it’s hard to stay upset with a youngster who does his best to please and is neither supercilious nor a smart-aleck, and I guess that worked in my behalf with Fred, Sherman, and the rest of the men. By the end of the first week, I had earned the nickname “Young’un” and the reputation of always being the “Arkansas side” (the wrong side) of every lift – backing up when everyone else was going forward and generally in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The senior man on the gang, in terms of service, was Mac. Mac was a black Irishman who did all the oxy-acetylene cutting for the gang. He invariably wore a blue shirt, which he occasionally washed, and a set of bib overalls, which he wore until they fell off. He also wore a leather cutting cape over his shoulders, a black mechanics cap turned backwards, a pair of black-lensed cutting goggles over his eyes or on his forehead, a quarter-inch of black beard and, often, a black look. As physically tough a man as I have ever known, Mac’s only vice was smoking – up to four packs a day – but he never drank or “went to town.” He worked on letters to his wife every single night, went straight home each year on his vacation, and sent every nickel he possibly could back to support his family. Mac also managed to use the phrases “GD” and “SOB” in almost every sentence, a habit as unconscious as the present day use of “y’know”. I am sorry to say that during a long career in construction, that habit has rubbed off a bit on me, and, as my entire family can testify, I have problems with my blue vocabulary to this day.

My first assignment did not require a lot of talent. The gang was cutting away and replacing cracked gussets under a long but very low steel-girder bridge where body clearances were snug. I spent most of a week crouched behind Mac with a pail of water and a dipper, putting him out whenever he caught on fire. “GD, get one on my SOB’n head Young’un,” Mac would yell; and day after a day or two, I got to where I could differentiate between the relatively harmless sparks from his cutting torch and the larger particles of molten metal that would really burn him and set his clothes on fire.

When we moved off that bridge, Mac allowed as how I how done a good job. For some reason everyone on the gang seemed very pleased about that. It was several months before Gene revealed to me that the whole crew had first believed that I was a spy sent out from Chicago solely to investigate rumored drinking binges by some members of the gang. Evidently my stint as Mac’s personal fireman firmly established my credentials. Social acceptance won in strange ways!

[:I] more to come! [:I]

[siberianmo]

Evenin’ Guys!

Quite a crowd this Thanksgiving Eve …. Rather different for a Wednesday! [tup]

Some acknowledgments:

passengerfan Al Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 16:26:59 and 20:46:57

Good Grief – how many per day will it take to “tip the canoe”[?] Easy, man, easy does it. Nice stuff – fantastic info.. Surely you have received my Email …… Anyway, there’s so much in my “backlog” that I’m going to have to spend a few hours just reading through all of these great submissions.

Am I seeing a pattern here [?] Previously a CR – then a double CR – now a triple CR! [wow][swg]

Thanx for the rounds! [tup][tup]

nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 19:38:28

Twice in one day – now you’re perkin’ Mate! [swg]

[yeah] Always nice to spend a bit of time with the grandkids. These are my late son’s children – boy 8, girl 10. Tough for them at this time of year.

The E8’s really are out of place on the pike, but I “justify” that particular train and consist as my “Perpetual Commemorative Run” of “old” Via Rail. There’s simply no comparison to the rather geometric F40’s and the stylish E8’s. The latter simply are food for the eye. [tup]

Thanx for the drink! [tup]

Theodorebear Ted Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 20:07:02

Looking back over at least the past 6 weeks, we have experienced some fantastic flurries of inputs. Now the “phase” has us heavily into narratives along with data-filled features. I’d say there most probably isn’t another thread anywhere on the Forums with this quality and quantity of information. Good job, one and all! [tup][tup][tup]

It takes just about a year in order for everything to come together when the subject of a Rendezvous is concerned. The seed has been “planted.” [tup]

barndad Doug Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 20:52:38

Whoa! Et tu, Doug [?] So am I to now suppose that a “Doug’s Roundhouse” will become part of our Monday Index [?] Arghhhhhhhhhh, it just keeps coming and coming ……. Words, words, words. Nicely done! [tup][tup]

I think we’ll have to reconfigure the Rat’s Patoot Room into a Reading Room, for there’s no way to do justice to these fine submissions without having a suitable place to digest ‘em all.

[yeah] You have some friends ‘round here, Doug and I’m glad that they took the time to recognize your Reserved Stool induction! Bromo, eh [?] [swg]

Thanx for the round! Boris Ring it!

Okay, guys – I see Leon the Night Man has arrived. Time for me to make like a wishbone, and split! [swg]

Later![zzz]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[trolleyboy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by siberianmo

Good Evenin’ Gents!



Okay guyz, Boris the Night Man has arrived and I’m outta here! [swg] Ring it again Boris, give ‘em a round on me! [tup]

Sorry Tom but at the bottom of pg 169 you did leave Boris in charge "o" the bar[:0]I didn't think I had breathed in to many fumes but I went back to check just in case.

Thanks for the revisit ti the CPR passenger trains [tup] enjoyed them the second time round

I won't knock you for thinking of the all reds a gaudy personal preferance just like me not really liking E8's[:D][;)]One for each of us[^]

Nick yup the weather just starting to materialize should be maybe an inch inch in a half when alls said and done. Toronto is getting much worse ( darn lake )

mike loved the poem and a great picture and story about your grand dads loco and a notable part of career for sure. did he get to meet old Winston ?

As Nick already got to. Catenery is the poles or mast supports and the overhead hung wire on electrified railroad right of ways.

Doug Great article I've read half and will catch the rest tomorrow. Good stuff. Thanks for enjoying my steam bits as well.

Tom I'm not sure that the rats patoot room is a good choice as a reading room as well. To much noise and language for those venting their frustrations there. Maybe the room upstairs where the ladies of perpetual motion do their thing[:p][:D] Nope on secon dthought too many distractions there too[:p][;)] Maybe we just need to build a second dtory on the shed ?

Ted Glad you are enjoying the steamer tales as well. I think that you are right best the eating public don't no of Boris's plucking tecniques[:0][xx(] We'll keep the doors shut and helga will keep him on a short chain[:X][:I][B)][:0]


Happy thanks-giving to those south of the 49th. Catch you all tomorrow.

Rob

[Anonymous]

Hi Tom and Rob. No drink for me, as I need to get to bed, put feel free to put another round on my revolving tab. Glad you seem to like my "little" article! Here's part III. I think I can wrap this up tomorrow!

Through Thick and Thin by Bland Osborn – From Vintage Rail magazine Sep/Oct 1998


After that job was completed, the outfit moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico, to reconstruct a long, low trestle across a dry wash. The move itself was exciting and took several days. A majority of the 20 or so cars that made up the outfit were pretty old, so unless there was an emergency, we were usually moved by the lowly local. During the move many of us went to bed with a bottle, but John, the only member of the gang my age, had a .22 automatic rifle, and we spent a lot of the trip on top of his bunk car shooting at anything that moved and many things that didn’t. The most fun were the rabbits that the engine would scare up ahead of the right-of-way, but anything would do. Actually, I don’t remember hitting anything live from a moving train with a rifle or handgun (a shotgun was a different story), but we had a lot of fun and scared the daylights out of a bunch of bunnies. On my very first payday, I went to Sears in Carlsbad and bought the Marlin 39A lever-action that still hangs on my gun rack. Then John and I really burned up the ammunition!

One of the funniest things I have ever seen happened on the Carlsbad job, but you will have to absorb a little more background to understand the circumstances. We always traveled from the outfit to the job on a motorcar. Our big motorcar was perhaps nine feet long, had four steel wheels and 18 inches in diameter, and was propelled by a hand-cranked four-cylinder engine through a regular three-speed automotive transmission and clutch. Just like driving a car with a hand throttle, except you didn’t have to steer.

Lawrence drove the motorcar. He was 60, quite heavy, and our “engineer,” meaning he drove, and he checked the fuel, oil, and water in the welding machines and air compressor and started them every morning and shut them down every evening. Although he was a genial old soul, Lawrence had the habit, which grated upon my sensibilities, of shoving the throttle wide open before starting any engine, and the motorcar engine would howl like a banshee whenever he cranked it up.

The bridge we were reconstructing near Carlsbad was a single-track trestle, with ties only eight feet long across the top of longitudinal steel beams, forming an :open deck” bridge. Because it was only six or seven feet above the dry wash, it had no hand rails, and the ties were spaced about nine or ten inches apart – a perfect distance to allow your foot, followed by your leg, to go through, if you didn’t watch your step. The trestle was perhaps 400 feet long, and at each end there was a little platform off to one side called a “motorcar setoff.”

On the morning in question, about a dozen of us squeezed onto the motorcar and its trailer-like “push car” and took off for the bridge, which was eight or nine miles to the south. We crossed it, set the cars off, and prepared to go to work, but found we had forgotten the welding rod. So we put the motorcar back on the track facing toward town, and Lawrence went around to the front to crank her, having first slapped the throttle wide open. But he had made a big mistake. He had left the car in high gear. Lawrence gave the crank a mighty twist, and the hot little engine responded instantly, howling and spinning that car’s wheels frantically. Even though the car weighed half a ton or so, with no real load on the wheels, they had very little traction, particularly once they started spinning. But they had enough to start the car towards Lawrence, who naturally backed away. He soon saw that backing was not going to do the trick and turned to run. But by the time he was on the trestle: There was no side clearance, and therefore only one way to go – 400 feet to the other end! Adrenaline obviously pumping madly, Lawrence was off like the wind, taking enormous bounds and somehow managing to land on the ties and not between them. Just one miss and he could well be, all kidding aside, a dead man.

Every one of us yelled encouragement; “Run, Lawrence, run – run you SOB, run!” but it soon became obvious that running was not going to work, because the motorcar continued to gain traction and to accelerate; so we cupped out hands and screamed “Jump, Lawrence, jump – jump you SOB, jump!” The car had a “bumper” made of steel pipe, and I honestly believe that it was not until Lawrence felt it nip at his heel that he launched himself into space, at full speed, off the side of the bridge, where he disappeared with a scream and a puff of riverside sand. John, Gene, and Sherman lay on the ground in helpless laughter, but Fred and Chet, the assistant foreman, were of sterner stuff and hurried down to Lawrence’s aid. Jim pensively watched the driverless car, now getting up to its top speed of 70 miles an hour, disappearing toward Carlsbad – and then he gave me my first responsible task. “Young’un,” he said, “see how quick you can get Carlsbad on that device of yours.”

For I had found, in the back of a locker in the tool car, an old wooden box that contained a telephone with a wire magneto ringer, plus a collapsible rod that would extend for perhaps 15 feet and had two spring-loaded arms with special clips for snapping over telephone wires. I had bought a lantern cell for it with my own money, and for several days, while we were held up by train traffic, I had hooked it to various pairs of the many wires that telephone poles carried alongside the track, just as they did on every railroad right-of-way in America before the days of microwave towers and satellites. I had been trying to identify the pair we could use to communicate with the Carlsbad stationmaster about train movements that were holding up our work, and at noon the previous day I had finally succeeded.

It took me about 5 minutes to assemble the gear and raise Carlsbad, and, after Jim explained the situation as rapidly as he could to the stationmaster, that worthy dropped his phone and tore down the track in our direction in an attempt to reach a switch which would divert the motorcar before it sped unannounced through the heart of town, collecting stray dogs, cars, and perhaps pedestrians on the way. He made it – sort of.

We learned later (after one of the extra-gang foremen came and got us with his motorcar) that the only switch the stationmaster had time to reach was the one at the south end for our outfit.

Our siding’s derail was down and locked, but it was close to the end of the outfit – and not designed for motorcars traveling 70 mph. As fate would have it, that end car was the cook car, and the cook and his wife had just finished cleaning up the dishes and were settling down to a nice cup of coffee when Lawrence’s pride and joy hit the derail. It lept into the air and made a totally unauthorized entry through the end of the car! It really didn’t get very far in, but it hung, before God ad everybody, right across from the station platform.

Wrecking a motorcar could be a firing offense, but we were a “System” outfit and took orders only from Chicago. Jim must have spun them a pretty good tale (no one ever found out what – but very possibly just the unvarnished truth!), because a new motorcar came down from Clovis on the local the next day. He had a hell of a time with the cook’s wife, though, and finally moved the outfit to a longer siding where we chained a tie across the track in addition to the derail.

Oh – although Lawrence had been badly bruised, he wouldn’t admit to being hurt (though he crippled around for a week or more); and would you believe that for as long as I knew him, he STILL started engines with the throttle wide open? However, he did learn to carefully check the position of the motorcar’s gearshift lever before doing so.

[:I] One more part to go .... Tomorrow! [:I]

[siberianmo]

Yo Guyz!

Okay Rob you probably need to recheck page 169 - that's NOT what it sez! You are messin' wid me mind! [swg] You'll pay for this little deed, my friend! [}:)][:-,]

Okay, Part Deux - that wasn't a "rerun" on the CPR! First time "release" and you saw it here! [swg] NOSTALGIA #29 was prepared for y'all on Tuesday ..... <geesh>

Nope - upstairs is OUTTATHEQUESTION ... those are private quarters, a staff "lounge" and "special events" circular room! For now, we'll issue ear protectors for those wishin' to read in the Rat's Patoot Room and Temporary Reading Room. [swg]

Doug You have justified a Reading Room! [tup] Hey - take the day "off" - it's THANKSGIVING DAY! [swg]

Okay, Gents - last call - Boris ring it!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

THURSDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

We open at 6 AM (all time zones, don’t ask how we do that!



[dinner] Dinner is served at 4 and 6 PM! Hilda ‘n Helga will prepare the meal, while their “relatives” will “work” the tables! [swg] <hoooooboy!>



We fully understand that today is a FAMILY day and for those who cannot make it in – enjoy your holiday and this special break from the work week! Others may be traveling the highways, airways and rail systems – so to you, safe journeys and hope to see y’all on Monday!

We thank Rob in advance for attending to the [dinner] dinner arrangements for this day! I too expect to be away for most of it.

Also, special recognition goes out to all of you who have taken the time to make timely Posts and provide us all with such interesting topics to reflect and respond to. Just check the SUMMARIES and the names of those who are responsible for this resurgence of activity are plainly evident! [tup][tup][tup]

Info for the Day:

(1) Friday is “Steak ‘n Fries Nite!”
(2) Saturday is “ENCORE! Day,” where we repeat some memorable Posts.
(3) Sunday we are CLOSED and it’s Sunday Photo Posting Day!

SUMMARY

Name …..…………… Date/Time …..…..………. (Page#) .. Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 00:56:20 (171) Wednesday’s Info & Summary

(2) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 03:38:12 (171)

(3) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 05:26:15 (171) Inclusive Post!

(4) passengerfan Al Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 07:26:52 (171) Streamliner #8 – Twin Star Rocket

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 08:02:31 (171) Order of the Stools

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 08:09:38 (171) Good Morning!

(7) jdonald Don Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 08:37:11 (171)

(8) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 11:15:33 (171) Inclusive Post!

(9) Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 12:26:27 (171) Congrats & Inclusive Post!

(10) wanswheel Mike Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 12:31:45 (171) Inclusive Post, etc.

(11) siberianmo Tom Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 12:40:31 (171)

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 12:41:55 (171) NOSTALIGA #29 – Ad – CP (1956)

(13) Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 15:36:18 (171) The Stephenson’s, etc.

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 16:03:05 (171) Acknowledgments, etc.

(15) passengerfan Al Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 16:26:59 (171)

(16) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 19:38:28 (171) Inclusive Post, etc.

(17) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 20:07:02 (171) Inclusive Post, etc.

(18) passengerfan Al Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 20:46:57 (171) Streamliner #9 – Dixie Flagler

(19) barndad Doug Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 20:52:38 (171) Through Thick & Thin, Part I, etc.

(20) barndad Doug Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 21:43:43 (171) Through Thick & Thin, Part II

(21) siberianmo Tom Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 21:49:37 (172) Acknowledgments,etc.

(22) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 22:52:20 (172) Inclusive Post, etc.

(23) barndad Doug Posted: 23 Nov 2005, 23:01:28 (172) Through Thick & Thin, Part III

(24) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Oct 2005, 00:22:55 (172) Acknowledgments, etc.

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

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

[red p]

well while everyone is having turkey and watching football, I will be stuck on a train again

and in case anybody is interested, here is the veiw from my office window

[Anonymous]

Happy Thanksgiving to all who observe the occasion on this day and, come to think of it, all of those who don't.[^] Tom, I know you will be in and out today, so grab a round "catch as catch can" on me. Hey, anything on the CPR is always a welcome "good read."[tup]

Just putting the finishing touches to the egg nog. That is my contribution to a planned menu where everyone brings his or her assingned dish. We are a group of kindred souls who through distance or circumstances are away from families and old friends. It works very well, since we take turns on which will be the "host home" through the successive years.[tup]

Bardad Doug, really enjoying your entries on the "nitty gritty" side of railroading. So often we get lost in the finery and oppulance of rail travel that the logistics and "human element" are ignored entirely. Gandy Dancer's were a tough lot who "paid their dues" in keeping these fine trains "up and running." The motor car tale is one of thousands that should be told to remind us that R.R. workers lead a rugged yet fulfilling life.[tup] ftwNSengineer, its a shame you must work on Thanksgiving but I'll bet there are a dozen or more here that would like to join you any day of the year.[^]

Like most of you folks, I too am committed to the social priorities of the day and must get to the business of sharing and caring. Please everyone, you have a care while you are "out and about." We want to see you back for a synopsis of your holiday in person, not by proxy, okay?[:D] See you soon, Happy Thanksgiving.

[siberianmo]

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


Good Morning this fine day!

Here in mid-continent USA we have blue skies, a bit of chill with a breeze from the north and temps expected to be in the mid-30s (F). Petrol up at "Collusion Corner" was $1.89 (rounded) last time I checked .... Turkey goes in at 11:30 AM, we feast 'round here in mid-day. Probably catch some football on the "tube," although we've kinda gotten away from that over the years. I have a bit of a problem with these bizillionaires, attitudes, et al. Just as soon put on some CDs with seasonal music and begin decorating the inside of our home.

Hope y'all have a wonderful day, I know we plan to!

Thanx Theodorebear Ted and ftwNSengineeer (no first name?) for the Posts. Work or play, stay safe today ...... [tup]

Later! [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

Howdy folks,just stopped by to check on the preparations ( and enjoy the rare pleasure of watching someone else struggle with the stove ).
Well the ladies appear to have everything in hand out there,Cindy has polished the bar counter to a mirror like finish,Leon is busy stacking crates of extra beer ready to hand,Boris is absorbed in sticking feathers,glitter and various shiny stuff to Tex ( who looks like a sort of mobile cargo-cult offering ) and the sound of gentle snoring is drifting down from the landlords quarters.......
Yup,all is well in the world and I would say we are green to go[^][tup]
Right,more likely to be in for the 6 pm sitting ( snow permitting ) so will see you all then

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ONE AND ALL !!!!!
enjoy the day,nick[C=:-)]-off-duty[^]

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom and the rest of the gang. And happy turkey day to everyone on this side of the border. Just Time for a cofee and a diet pastry from the Mentor Bakery.

PASSENGERFAN AL'S STREAMLINER CORNER #10

CITY OF MIAMI operated by the Illinois Central, Central of Georgia, Atlantic Coast Line and Florida East Coast. Inaugurated December 18, 1940 from Chicago to Miami every third day 1,493 miles in 29 hours 30 minutes.

The Illinois Central inaugurated their seven car Pullman Standard built coach streamliner on December 18, 1940 from Chicago.
The CITY OF MIAMI was powered by a single EMD E6A 2,000 HP diesel passenger cab unit numbered 4000. The entire train was painted in a never repeated paint scheme of Orange and Palm Green with Scarlet stripes and lettering. Up to and including this train the IC seemed to have difficulty deciding on a paint scheme for their streamlined trains. The GREEN DIAMOND, ILLINI, MISS LOU, and CITY OF MIAMI were each painted in different paint schemes.

The route of the new CITY OF MIAMI took it south from Chicago to Miami by way of Champaign, Centralia, Fulton, Jackson, Birmingham, Columbus, Waycross, and Jacksonville. The route between Chicago and Birmingham was over IC trackage, between Birmingham and Albany the tracks of the Central of Georgia were employed, between Albany and Jacksonville the train operated over the Atlantic Coast Line and finally between Jacksonville and Miami the Florida East Coast was the chosen route. Their was no engine train from Chicago to Miami the IC unit was the through power for the entire trip. The IC CITY OF MIAMI was the only one of the three coach streamliners between Chicago and Miami to be diesel powered for the entire run.

The 1,493 mile route of the CITY OF MIAMI was operated with 25 stops in route and the diesel maintained a 50 mph average for the trip.

The CITY OF MIAMI was the only one of the three Chicago - Miami coach streamliners to have its consist built by Pullman Standard.

CONSIST ILLINOIS CENTRAL CITY OF MIAMI.

4000 EMD E6A 2,000 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

1900 BOUGAINVILLEA Baggage 13 Crew Dormitory 22-Revenue Seat Coach

2600 CAMELLIA 52-Revenue Seat Coach with Nurses Room

2601 JAPONICA 60-Revenue Seat Coach

4100 PALM GARDEN 48-Seat Dining Car

2602 HIBISCUS 60-Revenue Seat Coach

2603 POINSETTIA 60-Revenue Seat Coach

3300 BAMBOO GROVE 32-Seat Tavern Lounge Bar 22-Seat Lounge Observation

By the 1951-52 winter season the the CITY OF MIAMI had changed from an all coach streamliner to a full service streamliner with Coaches, Sleeping cars, Lounge and Dining cars. Not only had the CITY OF MIAMI grown from seven cars but also served both St. Louis and Chicago with through cars. Not only that their were also two consists operating in CITY OF MIAMI service providing every other day service. The IC trains were all painted by that time in the Chocolate, Orange and Yellow paint scheme. The St. Louis cars were added and eleeted at Carbondale, Illinois to the main section of the CITY OF MIAMI trains.

CONSIST ONE

4018 EMD E8A 2,250 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

4104 EMD E8B 2,250 HP Diesel Passenger Booster Unit

4019 EMD E8A 2,250 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

1900 Baggage 21-Crew Dormitory Car

BLUE GRASS STATE 6-Section 6-Roomette 4-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car
(Chicago - Jacksonville)

MAGNOLIA STATE 6-Section 6-Roomette 4-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car

CLIFTON 10-Roomette 6-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car

CARBONDALE 10-Roomette 6-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car

CHAMPAIGN 10-Roomette 6-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car

CALVERT 10-Roomette 6-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car
(St. Louis - Miami)

GENERAL BEAUREGARD 3-Double Bedroom 1-Compartment 1-Drawing Room Bar 19-Seat Lounge Car

4100 PALM GARDEN 48-Seat Dining Car

2600 CAMELLIA 52-Revenue Seat Coach with Nurses Room

2601 JAPONICA 60-Revenue Seat Coach

247 (ACL) 54-Revenue Seat Coach

2640 56-Revenue Seat Coach

SEBASTIAN 56-Revenue Seat Coach
(St. Louis - Miami)

3300 BAMBOO GROVE 32-Seat Tavern Lounge Bar 22-Seat Lounge Observation

CONSIST TWO

4020 EMD E8A 2,250 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

4105 EMD E8B 2,250 HP Diesel Passenger Booster Unit

4021 EMD E8A 2,250 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

1906 Baggage 21-Crew Dormitory Car

VOLUNTEER STATE 6-Section 6-Roomette 4-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car
(Jacksonville - Chicago)

PRAIRIE STATE 6-Section 6-Roomette 4-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car

CAIRO 10-Roomette 6-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car

CENTRALIA 10-Roomette 6-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car

COVINGTON 10-Roomette 6-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car

CHEBANSE 10-Roomette 6-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car
(Miami - St. Louis)

GENERAL JACKSON 3-Double Bedroom 1-Compartment 1-Drawing Room Bar 19-Seat Lounge Car

4101 EVANGELINE 48-Seat Dining Car

672 (CofG) 52-Revenue Seat Coach

2602 HIBISCUS 60-Revenue Seat Coach

248 (ACL) 54-Revenue Seat Coach

2603 POINSETTIA 60-Revenue Seat Coach

LANTANA (FEC) 56-Revenue Seat Coach
(Miami - St. Louis)

3308 32-Seat Tavern Lounge Bar 22-Seat Lounge Observation

All ACL, FEC and CofG cars operated in the CITy OF MIAMI were painted in the IC Chocolate, Orange and Yellow scheme to match the rest of the trains. Beginning in the winters of 1957 the IC leased NP Dome sleepers with one each assigned to the CITY OF MIAMI consists. These cars were painted to match the IC cars and received a fresh coat of NP paint before being returned to NORTH COAST LIMITED service each spring.

TTFN AL

[Anonymous]

Good morning Tom and all my good friends. I'll have a light breakfast prior to our family dinner at 1pm. Man, it's cold and windy here! We had a new horse introduced into our paddock this morning, and didn't have much fun standing outside to watch the new herd dynamics being tested. We finally had the sense to bring the car up so we could observe in comfort!
Loved your Streamliner Corner #10 Al. And Ted, you are most correct about my current article showing the "gritty side" of railroad life. You might want to finish your meal before reading the final installment of part IV, which is as follows:

Through Thick and Thin by Bland Osborn – From Vintage Rail magazine Sep/Oct 1998

The bunk cars had no running water. There was a sink which drained out onto the ground, but you had to carry the water in a bucket from the water car and heat it on the coal stove if you weren’t satisfied with cold, or the cook might give you enough from shaving from a pot he kept simmering on the back of his range. Our water was kept in a tank car that Jim sent to the nearest division point once every 60 days or so, where it was filled from a fire hydrant or whatever. We never could drink the stuff for a couple of days after a move; it took that long for all the junk to settle to the bottom of the car. Later, when I got my own outfit, one of the periodic rainy-day jobs was to drain the water car and put a couple of guys down in it to shovel the muck into baskets, which we would then hoist out. For almost five years, I drank out of pails, dippers, engine tenders, wooden barrels, muddy tank cars, and anything else that had water in it – and never had a problem. Now, being in my seventies, I may get diarrhea drinking from the tap at the house next door!

Be that as it may, we did have a shower car. One end of this car was used to store our supply of coal. In the other end (along with the one-lung, 1,500-watt generator set that provided power for each car’s one 60-watt and two 40-watt bulbs) was a small gasoline engine-driven water pump hooked to the water car. There were also two shower stalls, and between the water pump and these stalls was a potbellied stove with two holes knocked out of it. These holes allowed the installation of a coil of steel tubing inside the stove. There was also an accumulation tank for “hot” water. So if you built a fire in the stove, and managed to get the pump started, after a while you could get a hot shower of sorts.

“On Wednesdays and on Saturdays, but mostly on the latter days” (with apologies to A.A. Milne) the women helped by firing up this equipment before we got back to camp. So we always (almost always) got sort of clean twice a week. I say “sort of clean,” because running two gasoline engines and shoveling coal in the bathroom ain’t exactly right out of House Beautiful magazine! In snow or rain it wasn’t much fun getting back and forth between cars, either. Let’s just say it beat the hell out of the toilet arrangements.

Those arrangements are easy to describe. There weren’t any. None. Nada. Zilch. Here was an outfit that had five wives in addition to the men, but if someone wanted to go – well, Jim didn’t consider it was his business. In this one respect we lived on a par with the coyotes, rabbits, and other denizens of the lone prairie. Later, on my outfit, we had a one-holer that was the first thing unloaded and installed when we made camp and the last thing removed when we left. In years past the bridge the bridge gang had also had one, but they moved in a hurry and left it behind. So whenever Jim parked the outfit, we all hoped it would be near a town, and the sanitary facilities at the station were always the first thing I checked out on a move.

By the way, if you are ever caught in a similar situation, it might be of value to know that Gene’s wife, Helen, told me that in very early editions Emily Post said: “In open country – 400 feet; somewhat less for Number 1.

Now for the story, which is out of chronological sequence but fits well here. We were parked in the big middle of nowhere a few miles outside Fort Worth, Texas, on a very high and steep fill made of slag and cinders. The fill dropped off right from the back side of the bunk cars for 50 feet or so down to a creek. We had put in a miserable week, working in a cold rain most of the time, and on the night under discussion it was coming down pretty hard and was colder than a witch’s you know what. Bunking in the car with us was a pair of big, rough, young laborers that Jim had hired for the week at the local pool hall (that’s the way it was done back then) to help with some heavy lifts.

So here’s the picture. It’s about 9 p.m. Fred and Sherman are drinking whiskey and playing a desultory game of nickel-dime stud. I am tipped back in a chair reading. One of the laborers is on his cot, and the other emerges from Sherman’s end of the car. Got it?

This guy goes to the coal bin, gets the scoop-shovel, puts it down in the middle of the floor just a few feet from the table, and takes down his pants. “What the hell do you think you’re gonna’ do?” says Sherman. “I’m gonna’ *** in this shovel and throw it out the door,” says the guy, now squatting over the shovel. “Oh, well, in that case, Young’un,” says Fred, “open the back door.” I did as I was told.

Without any word or sign I could see, Fred and Sherman pounced on the offender. Each got him on one side by the pants at his knee and under his armpit. “On the count of one,” said Fred, and on the count of one they threw that guy as far as they could, tail end first, out into the night. “Shut the *** door, Young’un,” said Sherman, “you’re lettin’ the rain in.” I shut it, went back, sat down, and held my breath for what seemed like a quarter of an hour, while I feigned nonchalance and flipped the pages of my book without seeing them. The car was, as I said, built with the floor over four feet off the ground, and with that steep drop-off and what I could glimpse of his trajectory as he left, that fellow had to have fallen at least 15 feet into the cinders, with a straight slide from there to the creek.

Fred and Sherman played silently on, apparently unconcerned. I was positive we had just killed a man. After an eternity, and to my intense relief, I felt the car tremble. The door opened about three inches. Nobody moved. After a few more seconds the door swung wider and the guy, absolutely soaking wet, slipped quietly in and headed towards his end of the car. As he passed the table, Sherman, without lifting his head, said, “Throw your clothes out and we’ll hang ‘em by the stove.” He did, Sherman hung them up, and nothing more was ever said.

And I’ll bet my sons still believe I was rough when I tried to teach them a few of the things you just don’t ever do in polite society! End of article*

I'd like to wish all my friends here a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving.
Have a terrific day! Seeyas !!

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone and Happy Thanksgiving to all in the US. I'll take a steaming cup of hot tea so I won't be having stomach convulsions before putting on the feed bag. Just the wife and I today so I plan on being here for the late serving, and in the meantime, celebrate with my friends here at OUR PLACE.
Barndad, congrats on the order of the stools. How goes the bidding on the CW book? If that doesn't work out, the Midland's gift shop had a copy the last time I looked.
Tom, the Midland gets several copies of the Pocket List about 4 times a year addressed to the various officials. Although one has never been officially addressed to me, I get one from a noshow. I don't know if the rr has to belong to this organization to receive them or not.
Theodorebear, always appreciate the CW info. A great book for those interested in the B&Os part in the war, should find a book called The Baltimore and Ohio in the Civil War by, IIRC, Festus Summers. This important line saw more action and received more damage than probably any other rr. Although I do not have this book, I have seen it and it is full of info. I can't remember if it describes how the Confederates stole several locos from the B&O and transported them over dirt roads to the South, however.
Passengerfan, congrats on passing the exam and getting your license. Perhaps now we will see more of you around here.
Russell, thanks on asking about my health. It's a matter of finding an MD who knows what they're doing. I have been having bronchitis and started back on some meds that I was taken off of earlier this year so hopefully I will be completely back to normal. The Midland still has a Santa train scheduled for Nov. 26 and another on Dec. 3. I have been chosen as conductor on the latter. Gives me a chance to wear the entire conductor's uniform from the BN that I bought a couple years ago. It's entirely too heavy and HOT to wear during the summer on our non AC equipped cars. I am going to try to watch Polar Express again to study Tom Hanks as conductor.
NSengineer-nothing like watching 2 silver rails unfold in front on you. Hope you can have your Thanksgiving upon your arrival home, regardless of the date. Be safe out there.
Happy Thanksgiving to all and don't eat too much. Later, Dan.

[siberianmo]

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #30

Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains. Check out this advertisement regarding the Canadian Pacific from 1950:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . Let yourself go! . . . . . . . . . .
See big beautiful CANADA in armchair ease

Salty vacation? It’s at The Algonquin, St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick . . . . 2 seaside golf courses, swimming, sailing. Or across Bay of Fundy waits The Digby Pines, at Digby, Nova Scotia – heaps of family fun! Either place, you’re in the good carte of Canadian Pacific.

Like “another world” city? See friendly Old Québec. Ride in a Calèche. Shop winding streets. Visit Ste. Anne de Beaupré or isle d'Orléans! Relax gaily in luxury at Canadian Pacific’s great Château Frontenac!

All the talk’s about Canada – land of vacations unlimited! See it from the Atlantic to the Pacific – by Canadian Pacific train with picture-window views. Enjoy real hospitality at fine Canadian Pacific hotels.

See the skyscraper Canadian Rockies – by Canadian Pacific, Diesel train. Stop over at Banff and Lake Louise, the area for breeze-swept Victoria, British Columbia – stay at the famous Empress Hotel. Revel in the roses. Go sightseeing, shopping. Sporty golf courses . . . swim in Crystal Garden, world’s largest enclosed sea pool. Enjoy climate like springtime all year ‘round.

Ask your own agent about fast Empress airliners to the Far East, New Zealand and Australia . . . cruise by “Princess” to Alaska . . . sail to Europe in White Empress style.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Canadian Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . Canada is news! See it by Canadian Pacific. . . . . . . . . . .


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

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

[passengerfan]

Good Afdternoon Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a CR and a round for the house.
Forgot to mention that the CITY OF MIAMI operated as trains 52-53.

PASSENGERFAN AL'S STREAMLINER CORNER #11

SOUTH WIND trains 33-15/32-16 operated by the Pennsylvania Railroad, Louisville & Nashville, Atlantic Coast Line and Florida East Coast between Chicago and Miami every third day seven car coach streamliner built by Budd operating the longest of the three coach streamliner routes at 1,559 miles in 29 hours 30 minutes each way.

The PRR SOUTH WIND became the third of the Chicago - Miami seven car coach streamliners when it was inaugurated from Chicago on December 19, 1940. No one would realize at first glance that the SOUTRH WIND was a stainless steel streamliner complete with fluted sides as the PRR at that time painted everyting in the roads Tuscan Red with Yellow lettering.

For Power the PRR assigned different semi-streamlined 4-6-2 Pacifics between Chicago and Louisville. From Louisville to Montgomery, Alabama the L&N assigned streamlined 4-6-2 Pacific locomotive and tender 295 specially streamlined for this specific train.
Between Montgomery and Jacksonville the ACL assigned whatever Pacif or Mountain that was available this was the only non-streamlined power assigned to the SOUTH WIND.
Between Jacksonville and Miami the FEC assigned the 1001 an EMC E3A for the rest of the trip.

The FEC part of the route was the only part duplicated by all three seven car coach streamliners. The route of the SOUTH WIND was 1,559 miles and the trains averaged 53 miles per hour including fifteen stops and four engine changes.

CONSIST OF SOUTH WIND

1120 (PRR) Streamlined K-4s 4-6-2 Pacific Locomotive and Tender
(Chicago - Louisville)

295 (L&N) Streamlined K-7s 4-6-2 Pacific Locomotive and Tender
(Louisville - Montgomery)

(ACL) Non Streamlined 4-6-2 Pacific Locomotive and Tender
(Montgomery - Jacksonville)

1001 (FEC) EMC E3A 2,000 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

6700 Baggage 16-Crew Dormitory 18-Revenue Seat Coach

4022 60-Revenue Seat Coach

4023 60- Revenue Seat Coach

4518 48-Seat Dining Car

4020 60-Revenue Seat Coach

4021 60-Revenue Seat Coach

1126 Kitchen 16-Seat Dinette 35-Seat Lounge Observation

TTFN AL

[trolleyboy]

Good evening everyone. seems like the gang are enjoying the fare as prepared by the teutonic legions. Even Boris is behaving himself. On a worisome note the girls cousin Ursala seems to have taken a shine to Boris that will need to be kept an eye on.


Hope everyone had agood thanksgiving


Rob

[nickinwestwales]

Well good evening fellow diners,looks like I`m in good time for the second sitting so an aperetif or two may be in order-Staropramen please Cindy and a round for the house.
Looks like feeding the Track Gangs at the first sitting has paid off,they all seem to be snoozing happily in the pool room and H&H seem to have the situation well under control in the galley- Boris is speed-washing dishes with a look on his face somewhere between hero-worship and mindless terror and Leon is giving the whole area a wide berth.
Well I`ve no idea what order,if any,these dishes are consumed in but I`ll have one of everything please with a double spoon of that maple leaf stuffing,looks like the tables have been relaid so I`ll go and grab a pew and prepare myself for an extravagent evening of epicurean excess ,see you in a bit,nick[C=:-)]

[wanswheel]

Hi Tom and everyone, Happy Thanksgiving, have a nightcap on me

Guys thanks for helping me honor my grandfather by checking out the url to the CV 601. It was a 4-8-2. There were 4 of them, the 600, 601, 602, 603 built 1927 at Schenectady by American Locomotive Company. I don't know what these numbers represent: 26x28" and 73" and 200. But now I don't know. Ted you say it's a 4-8-4, the fallenflags.www said it was a 4-8-4, and Classic Trains magazine evidently has a winter issue article about the Montrealer-Washingtonian that refers to a CN 4-8-4, which is logical because CN owned CV. Rob I doubt if my grandfather would've had the opportunity to meet Churchill. The train would've been stopped at White River Jct. just long enough for the CV to take over for the B&M, who took over for NYNH&H at Springfield, I imagine, if it was similar procedure to the Montrealer. Anything's possible but any incident of my grandfather actually meeting Churchill is not in the family folklore here. I'm sure it would be if it had occurred, thanks for asking.

Doug great selections. Last week dodging trains in a blizzard and now a runaway whatcha-call-it. Cool!

Pantograph: http://www.old-dalby.com/images/BW%20pantograph%20at%20Pueblo.jpg
Caternary: http://www.nycrs.org/along-the-row-2004.html

[passengerfan]

Good evening Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a CR and a round for the house.

To Wanswheel the numbers you asked about are the 26x28 is the cylinders 73" is the size of the driving wheels and the 200 represents the boiler pressure hope this helps.

Like many people today I am feeling stuffed and those around me keep asking if I had enough. Probably had enough for a week.

TTFN AL

[siberianmo]

Evenin’ Gents!

First and foremost a huge THANX! to Rob and his Teutonic Traveling Road Show for putting on such a feast for those who had their Thanskgiving [dinner] Dinner at ”Our” Place. Good show and it is much appreciated by one and all, especially those who would have normally had to work this holiday. [tup][tup][tup] Cindy you are ever the sweetheart and without you this place of ours would most certainly be the worse for the loss. For those who don’t know, Cindy is NOT staff ‘round here – she volunteers here time by filling in for me behind the bar. She’s also “kitchen help,” but ONLY when our Chief Chef, Nick [C=:-)] is on scene! [swg]

Quite a flurry of activity today and in spite of my pleas to “gimme a break,” it wasn’t to be – as the “long winded” Posts continue! [swg]

Some acknowledgments are in order:

nickinwestwales Nick
Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 09:21:41 and 17:39:39

passengerfan Al
Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 09:24:07 and 15:08:38 and 20:07:58

barndad Doug
Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 10:20:22

earlydiesels Dan
Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 11:53:21

trolleyboy Rob
Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 17:18:43

wanswheel Mike
Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 18:16:38

Consider yourselves ACKNOWLEDGED! [swg] [tup][tup] Appreciate, as always, your patronage and contributions to making this place “the place to be” on the Forums! [yeah]

Nick [C=:-)] Always a pleasure havin’ you “pop” in on us, and twice in the same day is a double treat! [yeah] I figured that it was time to let Rob have a whirl with the kitchen duty, and I’d say he “done good!” [tup][tup]

Mike Thanx for those URLs, especially enjoyed the pix on the 2nd one .. outstanding, indeed. And that’s quite a Government car, eh[?] Never saw anything like that! [tup]

Al What can I say [?] You are definitely NOT a man of a few words! [swg] I’ll have sufficient reading stacked up to keep me busy for at least the next week. Three Posts in one day - when DID you find the time to eat [?] <grin>

Doug So, you are trying to become passengerfan Jr. [?] [swg] What is it you two don’t understand about “moderation” [?] <grin>

Rob Wonderful job – well done! [tup][tup][tup]

Dan Good to see ya again – and hope this means you are definitely “out of the woods.” A word of caution, my friend, don’t rush it. Just think about how you might have gotten yourself into a state where you were vulnerable to whatever “got ya.” Always good havin’ your [2c] at the bar! [swg]

Thanx to all who bought rounds! [tup]\[tup]

Okay, Gents – a final HAPPY THANKSGIVING and I’ll catch y’all in the ‘morrow.

Leon the Night Man has the bar! Boris Ring it – drinks on me!


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

FRIDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

We open at 6 AM (all time zones, don’t ask how we do that!

It’s Friday and it seems like …… well two Saturdays in a row! Always “does that” at Thanksgiving time. Okay guys, try some freshly brewed coffee, just delivered pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and our <light> breakfasts, featuring Turkey Omelets! <ugh> Just kiddin’ [swg]

One guy said that our coffee tasted like dirt. Well it should, it was ground right before it was brewed! [swg]

Info for the Day:

(1) Today is “Steak ‘n Fries Nite!”
(2) Saturday is “ENCORE! Day,” where we repeat some memorable Posts.
(3) Sunday we are CLOSED and it’s Sunday Photo Posting Day!

SUMMARY

Name …..…………… Date/Time …..…..………. (Page#) .. Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 00:34:55 (172) Thursday’s Info & Summary

(2) ftwNSengineer
Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 04:10:34 (172) Greetings!

(3) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 08:09:39 (172) Greetings!, etc.

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 08:53:15 (172) Greetings!, etc.

(5) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 09:21:41 (172) Greetings!, etc.

(6) passengerfan Al Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 09:24:07 (172) Streamliner #10, City of Miami, etc.

(7) barndad Doug Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 10:20:22 (172) Through Thick & Thin, Part IV, etc.

(8) earlydiesels Dan Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 11:53:21 (172) Congrats, etc.

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 13:23:58 (172) NOSTALGIA #30 – Ad – CP (1950)

(10) passengerfan Al Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 15:08:38 (172) Streamliner #11 – South Wind

(11) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 17:18:43 (172)

(12) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 17:39:39 (172)

(13) wanswheel Mike Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 18:16:38 (172)

(14) passengerfan Al Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 20:07:58 (172)

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 20:53:58 (172) Acknowledgments, etc.

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

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

[Anonymous]

Good morning Tom and my fellow railfans. I'll have four light breakfasts and a space heater. My bride and I almost joined the morning shopping mayhem at 5am to grab a few PC notebooks, but fortunately, logic prevailed!

Dan, I lost that E-Bay auction for the CW rail book, but I'm in for another one. Sure do like anything CW related!

Tom, sorry about the long-windedness of some of my recent posts, but I'm hoping the majority of your patrons are entertained. Nice CP Nostalgia #30, by the way.

Al, nifty Streamliner Corner #11. There are so many interesting aspects to our hobby!

Mike, Really enjoyed your link to the NY Connecting Railroad. Glad you like the story I just typed. Here's what the runaway motorcar looked like!


Take care, my friends

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a coffee and a diet pastry from the Mentor Bakery.

PASSENGERFAN AL'S STREAMLINER CORNER #12

ELECTROLINER"S operated by the Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee four round trips daily 85 miles 1hour 58 minutes each way.

On February 9, 1941 the CNS&M inaugurated a pair of articulated lightweight streamlined double ended streamliners between Chicago's downtown loop and downtown Milwaukee. The time of 1 hour 58 minutes takes into account street running in Milwaukee and numerous stops in route.

The two tone green speedsters were built by St. Louis Car Company and were designed to operate on electric power supplied by overhead wire with trolley poles used for power pick up between Milwaukee and the outskirts of Chicago. From that point the poles were lowered and the trains received their power from third rail with an overiding shoe for the remainder of the trip to the Chicago Loop.

The new four car articulated trains operated with numbers on the Cab Units only. I have taken liberties with the numbering.

CONSIST ONE

801A Articulated MU Cab 40-Revenue Seat Coach
801B Articulated MU Grill Bar 26-Seat Lounge Car
801C Articulated MU 40-Revenue Seat Coach
802A Articulated MU Cab 40-Revenue Seat Coach

CONSIST TWO

803A Articulated MU Cab 40-Revenue Seat Coach
803B Articulated MU GRILL BAR 26-Seat Lounge Car
803C Articulated MU 40-Revenue Seat Coach
804A Articulated MU Cab 40-Revenue Seat Coach

Tossed this in for Trolleyboy Rob thought he might like it.

TTFN AL

[siberianmo]

Mornin' Gents!

The "morning aftter," has arrived. For those who have the long weekend off, nice time to lay back, perhaps get some of those personal things taken care of, or just get a leg up on "Saturday's" things to do! [swg]

barndad Doug No need to apologize, my friend. Most of what I have been throwin' at you and Al is simply fun ... However, as the person who has to keep track of all these Posts - [yeah] limiting the long winded ones to once per day would really help. (Readin' this Al[?])

Good stuff has been provided to all - and it IS appreciated! [tup]

Al Feelin'; a bit sluggi***his AM [?] That was a rather short Post from you! <geesh> Not at all like the ones you have been providing us. Oh, I get it - a short consist deserves a short story! [swg]

For Nick - Check out this URL - this has to be GREAT news! [swg]
http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2005/11/24/pubs-hours051124.html

Okay Gents, I'll be behind the bar for the day! Whaddilyahave [?]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom. Time for a CR no make that a double and a round for the house.

PASSENGERFAN AL'S STREAMLINER CORNER #13

STREAMLINER Spokane Portland and Seattle trains 1-2 Portland and Spokane round trip daily became fully streamlined on June 24, 1950. Operated 379.5 miles in each direction in a time of 7 hours 24 minutes each way.

This was the connecting train to and from the Great Northerns EMPIRE BUILDER in Spokane. In fact a 48-seat Coach and PASS series car were the through Chicago- Portland cars forwarded to and from the EMPIRE BUILDER in Spokane.

Connections with and through cars to and from Chicago from the NP NORTH COAST LIMITED were added to the Streamliner in 1952 these cars were a coach and sleeper as well. The NP transfer of cars for Portland took place at Pasco Washington both eastbound and westbound.

Before the addition of the NP cars the STREWAMLINER cars were all painted in EMPIRE BUILDER colors to match the through cars of the GN EMPIRE BUILDER.

The SP&S Sleeper Lounge Car operated as a sleeping car westbound only and the space in the car was sold at Parlor car rates eastbound.

At Portland Union Station when passengers were called to baord they called for STREAMLINER passengers and EMPIRE BUILDER passengers both and later in 1952 added the NORTH COAST LIMITED as well.

CONSIST OF SP&S STREAMLINER

750 EMD E7A 2,000 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

75 Baggage 12-Crew Dormitory Car

301 64-Revenue Seat Coach

303 64-Revenue Seat Coach

1120 (GN) 48-Revenue Seat Leg Rest Coach
(Chicago - Portland)

405 18-Seat Dining 16-Revenue Seat Parlor Car

1160 GUNSIGHT PASS 4-Section 8-Duplex Roomette 4-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car ((Chicago - Portland)

600 MOUNT HOOD 6-Roomette 3-Double Bedroom Buffet 20-Seat Lounge Car

TTFN AL

[siberianmo]

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #31

Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains. Check out this advertisement regarding the Pullman Company from 1950:

The carefree distance between two points

Travel by Pullman is more than just a trip! It is a carefree vacation . . . relaxing overnight travel that leaves you rested and refreshed when you arrive! No highway worries . . . no driving tensions. Just sit back and enjoy Pullman’s many travel extras – the immaculate, king-size beds . . . the privacy . . .. the freshly-cooked meals . . . the refreshments and pleasant conversation in the friendly club car. Next trip, travel the carefree way . . . by Pullman! You’ll be as safe as you are in your own home!

Complete privacy! Every Pullman room accommodation has its own toilet facilities. Individually controlled heat and air-conditioning let you choose your own travel “climate” . . . and the many courteous extra services of Pullman are yours at the touch of a button.

Your local Ticket Agent will help:
1. Provide information on routes and fares.
2. Plan your stopovers.
3. Furnish your railroad Pullman tickets.
4. Reserve a “rent-a-car” at your destination.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pullman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . means comfort, safety, privacy and sleep . . . . .


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

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

[wanswheel]

Hi Tom and gang and no doubt multitudes of railfans. Just a <light> lunch for me please (way overdid it on consumption yesterday).

So that's a motor car. I'd jump out of the way of that, cool pic Doug. Did you see the Hell Gate Bridge? Crucial link to New England. Coming from the North (there is no other direction to come from) Grand Central Terminal is essentially a dead end. But Penn Station isn't. You could go from Boston, or even Montreal, to Miami without changing trains or back-tracking or even without getting out of bed, in theory. I like the Hell Gate, it's about the sturdiest bridge on earth, can support the weight of 50 locomotives (something like that).
Also you can talk about it in front of children. My mother's kids were not allowed to use words like "hell" casually. Our ears perked up when Dad mentioned the Hell Gate Bridge.

Mike

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents,

Just a quick acknowledgment to Al for his SECOND Streamliner Post of the day! [swg] That's not a very innovative name for a train - "Streamliner." But very appropriate, eh [?]

Mike I really enjoyed that URL with the Hell Gate. That's "my part of the world" - grew up in NYC. Traveled the New Haven many, many times between Grand Central and New London, CT back in the mid-50s. I've traveled north to Boston on occasion and from New England south to WashDC, all back in the mid-50s. Passenger railroading was "it" for me - too poor to own a car as I recall my service pay was well under $100 per month. [swg] The furlough rate sure helped. Ah, the "good" old days (daze) [?] All a matter of one's perspective I'd say ....

Light lunch, hmmmmmm. We serve the freshest lunchmeats in the county and always have equally fresh breads. Just order a half sandwich and you'll be fine - we make 'em to order. [tup] Have a special on turkey sandwiches! [swg]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good afternoon Tom and fellow members. "I can't believe I ate the whole thing!" (Alka Seltzer T.V. "spot" in the 80's). Maybe just a B. & B. for now Tom, thanks. Rob, your culinaty talents match your teutonic bent for thoroughness and continuity in your posts.[tup] Barndad and Al, I must admit that I haven't caught up yet on your last posts. The pic of the motor car says volumes Doug. I can imagine that missle flying down the "high iron" smack into town, grade X-ings and all.[:O] For years, I've been in error calling these vehicles "hand cars." Anyhoo, I'll get to the your posts and respond when the basket ball I swallowed yesterday abates. Earlydiesels Dan, thanks for the tip on the B. & O. and its role during the U.S. Civil War. I'll look for the book anon. For Pavlov's dog, it was a bell that caused it to salivate while for me it is anything on Pullman cars. Thanks for the C.P. and Pullman pieces Tom and Al, the mention of the C.N.S. & M. "Electroliner" is greatly appeciated. After the North Shore discontinued service, those great looking "Liners" went to the Red Arrow in Philadelphia and had a "new lease on life." They had to be altered for high platform boarding but the reshop gave them a "face lift" of their new "Liberty Bell" livery. It was so much nicer than the former dull red with yellow stripes of the North Shore. BTW, I rode the N.S. standards cars from Milwaukee to Racine and return in 1962. Its amazing how smooth and quiet they were. At one time the C.N.S. & M. advertised "Chicago to Milwaukee- -90 miles- -90 minutes." That was no empty boast. They regularly made that schedule and I'm willing to bet commuters miss them today. Now they drive the I-State and "no way" are they going to get to the "loop" from downtown Milwaukee in 90 minutes.[V]

Again, I appologize for coming "empty handed" for this visit. I'll get caught up with past postings as time permits. Okay Boris, OH! I see you got a haircut. Who did your "quaff," Conn Edison? I heard Inspector Cluless reported a missing local Barber to the Mentor (fish wrap) Gazette...Hmmm.[:O][alien]

[wanswheel]

Hi again Tom, think I'll pass on the turkey sandwich, good day for coffee actually.

Ted, handcars, that's what I thought they were called too. Maybe because I saw Buster Keaton cranking up and down on a handcar in the movies.
Al, I'm late on this: thanks for the cylinder, boiler pressure(?) explanation.
The driving wheel diameter of 6'1" is impressive. I have a photo, undigitized glossy, of my great-uncle (my grandfather's brother, also a CV engineer) standing next to a driving wheel, poking the curved tip of a long-spout oil can through the spokes.
He was a tall man and the wheel appears to be close to his height, allowing for shoes and cap and the fact that the rail is recessessed into the floor of the shed, so that it is more of a groove into which the flange (?) is recessed a couple inches below the floor. I have that oil can, or one similar, in the basement. Speaking of basement, Tom, in reviewing this thread from time to time, clicking pages at random, I came across a link to an astounding collection of beer cans. If I ever need to could I get an order in for a couple cases of "Cost Cutter"?
Almost wish you hadn't mentioned growing up in this area (I'm on Long Island) because now I'm forced to press you on baseball allegience. If you're a Yankee fan I'm outta here (Let's Go Mets!) My older brother got to see a game at Ebbets Field, Long Island Rail Road (yes, 4 words) to Brooklyn. I was in New London once, not by train but by hydrofoil ferry. Saw a submarine across the way. New London is the southern terminus of the old CV, as I'm sure you know. The CV was concieved as a railroad from Boston to the Great Lakes, of course it never happened. The 19th century Boston magnates who wanted a rail route to the west were blocked by the Berkshires, so the idea of going through Vermont made some sense. But the CV was determined that St. Albans, in the northwest corner of the state, would be the hub of everything. Running tracks diagonally up to St. Albans was not ideal because of the Green Mountains. But they did it anyway.

From the CV history "A Study in Human Effort"...

"In after years, there was to be much critism of the location of this line. In order to bring it squarely through the village of St. Albans, it ascended steep grades north of Essex Junction, and having attained St. Albans Hill, it ran just as sharply down again. It used to be said among railroaders that if you let a car get away from you in St. Albans yard, it would go sliding all the way down into Canada without stopping itself. Unquestionably a great deal of money could have been saved, both in construction and operation through the years, if the road had been placed closer to the Lake [Champlain]. But then it would not have passed through St. Albans village and the Smiths had willed that it should pass through St. Albans village and they would make the town the headquarters of the railroad. And when the Smiths of St. Albans once willed a thing, it was hard to will it otherwise. So up into the heart of St. Albans the new railroad ascended and let the other fellow pay the coal bills for climbing up the hill through the years."

Mike