"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[siberianmo]

<bonk> <boink> <bonk> (What kinda gavel is this [?])

Oye, Oye – All Rise for the Order of the Stools Selection Committee

We are rized ….

Quiet!

Who let that parrot in here [?]

Right!

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

You may be seated!

The Selection Committee of the Order of the Stools announces the findings of their March meeting.

Be it known from this day forth that the following customer of ”Our” Place has been distinguished by faithful participation along with willingness to engage in the banter at the bar: LoveDomes Lars who first visited us on January 11th, 2006, has been awarded a Reserved Stool, in the Order of the Stools of the bar known as ”Our” Place!

Congratulations to you, Lars! [tup][tup][tup]


The next meeting of the Committee will be quarterly with no date determined.

This session is now concluded.

<bonk> <bornk <bonk> (We gotta do better than this!)

All Rise as the Selection Committee departs.

We are still rized …

Confound it! (Is THAT an Armadillo I see over there[?])

Awk, Awk, Awk

Quiet!

Drinks on the house! Boris ring the bell, twice! [tup][tup][tup]

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

[coalminer3]

Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house, and $ for the jukebox. Forum is acting crazy today as it ate my previous post - so we repeat. Maybe Boris is fooling with the electrical panels again - he has, I know, over the years taken lots of voltage.

Good material on SCL. B4 I forget, Richard Prince's books on SAL and ACL have been reprinted so they are readily available. I have both originals in the stack of stuff and recommend them highly.

The previous post on Lionel gives a lot of insight into marketing practices. The comments about the Rich Rodent were interesting (my grandmother, ever formal, called him Michael Mouse.) Last week we discussed some of the family values that Lionel used in their ads; scroll back and take a look at the tag line in the color insert - it says it all.

Let's return to the halcyon (no Boris, it's not a hailstorm) days of black and white TV. How many recall the TV shows hosted by American Flyer and Lionel?

These were, of course, nothing more than what we today call infomercials, but they were "must see TV" to those of us in the neighborhood who had layouts. I have mentioned in previous posts that the 'hood was divided into American Flyer and Lionel factions. Ever tolerant, I watched both programs.

American Flyer originated (portentous voiceover here,) from the "Gilbert Hall of Science." Well, that was in New Haven, so it was no surprise that some AF offerings resembled NH protoypes. Many of you have probably heard of American Flyer coaches such as ran on the New Haven and Lehigh Valley; this is where the term came from. The AF show featured lots of how-to material, and, of course, extended treatments of the latest and greatest products.

Lionel's program did a lot with product features, display layouts (there's a story in there for this year's hoilday page), and segments of real railroading. Somewhere I have a copy of a battered inch-thick paperback from Lionel which covered a lot of this material. I have got to find that and do a post on it. There were also regional spinoffs such as "Joe DiMaggio's Lionel Clubhouse" in which the once and future Mr. Coffee shamelessly shilled for Lionel trains - needless to say, that puppy didn't run in Boston.

BTW, it might be interesting to see what Barry Bonds would do with something like that - probably BIGGGGG trains...............

well, I 'd better get out of here.

work safe

[siberianmo]

Good Morning!

Nearly had ourselves a disaster behind the bar last night – as for some unexplained reason, I announced that Boris would have the bar at 9 PM (Central). Well, little did I know that the chain reaction of events began immediately upon my departure. Thanx to Rob, all got squared away – Leon the Night Man! assumed his “rightful” position, and Boris slinked away, into his shed for some late night sulking. Poor guy [?] he just doesn’t get it – can’t serve up the “slop” from the sink and call it “stew.” Can’t use his paws hands to clear off the foam overflowing over the top of the beer mug. Can’t stir the mixed drinks with one of his rather long and hairy fingers. And can’t whisper “sweet nothings” into the ear of a gal seated at the bar, clearly “belonging” to another. Bad scene – but “saved” before disaster struck. Good show, Rob!

Just want to acknowledge the Posts of Pete ‘n Rob from last night. While to you guys it may have appeared as if we had a fairly decent day – just check out the SUMMARY to see just who Posted and when. Hadn’t it been for Lars ‘n BK the PM would have been a clear “wash.”


Pete - Your reference to the “Manager” brings to mind that NO ONE has ever stepped up to assume that role, even though I asked several times. Another one of those “mysteries of life” ‘round here – for cripes sake, it’s a make believe “thing” in a “make believe” setting, and part time at that!! Oh well ……..


Rob I hate wallpapering – detest it, don’t care for it, and just plain avoid doing it. Carol really likes that aspect of home decorating. Ain’t I fortunate!![?][?] Painting and laying floor tiles, I can handle quite well. But when it comes to certain aspects of it all – I find that my arthritic fingers and hands are becoming more and more unwilling to allow me to do the things I once did. Perhaps that’s why I’m so reluctant to get into the subway construction on my layout. Hmmmmmm. Perhaps that’s it. Just don’t like the pain associated with forcing my fingers to do what they don’t care to do anymore. Funny, typing doesn’t seem to be a bother – ain’t life a puzzlement, eh[?][swg]

By the by, that was an interesting submission on the Seaboard and managing to “credit” it as a “Classic” at the same time![tup][swg] Appreciate your support for our “theme” AND the ten spot for the “kitty!”[tup]


I see that Doug has dropped quite an interesting piece on Lionel Trains with us for Pike Perspectives Day![tup][tup] Quite a bit of stuff in that article I never knew of, and I was at one time a huge Lionel fan. But my era was much later than the date of the article. I believe my first trainset was of the 1948 vintage – which I think was when MagneTraction came out. It was 0-27, which I have heard described in more than one place as S-gauge trains with O-gauge trucks. Could be. Anyway, appreciate the Post![tup] Joke[?] Nahhhhhhhhhhhh.[tdn]


Okay, boyz, I’ll be here for the day!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


Stick around a few minutes AFTER POSTING - The information you MISS may be for YOU!

Those who acknowledge the other guy, get acknowledged!

[siberianmo]

[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]


SOMETHING SPECIAL WILL BE POSTED

CLOSE TO 9 AM (Central) TODAY – WATCH FOR IT!


Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]

[Anonymous]

Good morning Tom and friends! I'll have 2 light breakfasts, then its off to work for me! Peter, you are right about the magazine I used yesterday no longer being in publication. They really started out in about 1917 as "Railroad Man" ...which changed to "Railroad Stories" in the 30's, then "Railroad Magazine" in the 40's. I finally set-up a spreadsheet yesterday to keep track of what I already have, to avoid getting any more duplicates. Great info on the Seaboard today Mr. Rob. Now .... here's some "stuff" of mine, and then I must run!

Lionel Streamlines Out of the Depression by Allan Miller, Spr. 96 Vintage Rails

“It’s the sensation of model railroading! The Train of Tomorrow. Reproduced exactly to scale! By every measurement, 1/45 actual size of that streamline beauty of the Union Pacific Railroad. The wonder-train that races to the Pacific Coast at the uncanny speed of 110 miles an hour.” – Lionel Trains 1934 consumer catalog, p. 13

Lionel’s 1934 catalog cover includes Union Pacific’s M-10000 streamliner


Lucky indeed was the lad who bounded down the stairs early on a frosty Christmas morn in 1934 to discover Lionel Outfit No. 751E – the Union Pacific’s streamlined Train of Tomorrow – circling the festive Yuletide tree! Lucky too, was the Lionel Corporation of New York City, because this futuristic outfit played a significant role in assuring that Lionel would survive to see its own tomorrow as a leading toy maker! Outfit 751E was the premier item in what would, in the mid-to-late 1930s, become a virtual barrage of streamlined passenger equipment from Lionel which replicated in miniature what Americans increasingly saw whooshing along on the nation’s main lines.

The original 46-inch-long, three-unit Train of Tomorrow model also marked Lionel’s debut in the age of dieselization. Almost simultaneously with the serious introduction of streamliners on the real railroads, Lionel produced a model of the Union Pacific’s innovative M-10000 consist. The prototype M-10000 had been unveiled in February 1934, and Lionel’s version hit retail shelves in ample time for the Christmas shopping season that same year. Thanks to a long-existing cordial and cooperative relationship between Lionel and the nation’s major railroads, the blueprints for prototype locomotives and rolling stock were regularly made available to Lionel’s engineers almost as soon as they left the builders drafting tables. And so it was that Lionel’s M-10000 came into being in double-quick time – with the toy company reaping the benefit of the Union Pacific’s mass media campaign!

Cataloged as an O gauge model, Lionel’s M-10000 was actually manufactured in 1/45 scale – slightly larger in size than the 1/48 proportions of today’s usual O scale. The train retailed for $19.50 in 1934, exclusive of track or transformer. It was a true articulated train, in the sense that the locomotive and individual cars were not designed to operate as stand-alone units. Instead, a unique swinging vestibule and shared-truck design gave the train the appearance of a continuous, unbroken, ad streamlined unit. Because of its size, articulated configuration, and overall length, a larger-radius curved track (available separately) had to be produced to accommodate the new streamliner. Although Lionel initially called this track “Model Builders” or “Model Makers” track (both terms were used in the 1934 catalog), it ultimately evolved into the more familiar O72 track – “O” for O gauge, and “72” for the curve diameter in inches. Today, Outfit 751E, in either yellow-and-brown enamel or aluminum finish (also offered with the same catalog number) commands collector prices of over $900 in excellent condition.

The M-10000 was just the beginning. In 1935, Lionel got into streamlining – both steam- and diesel powered – in a big way! The Milwaukee Road’s colorful streamlined Hiawatha steamer joined the lineup that year, as did several sets led by the New York Central’s shovel-nosed Commodore Vanderbilt, and a rendition of the Boston & Maine’s gleaming Flying Yankee. A sort of freelanced version of Lionel called a “Distant Control Streamliner” was even added to the low-end Lionel Jr. assortment. Of these sets, the Hiawatha has enjoyed the most enduring popularity among Lionel enthusiasts. This striking model remained in the lineup through 1942, and was later reissued as a “Classics” set by Lionel Trains, Inc., in 1938. Today, the original 250E Hiawatha locomotive alone is valued at around $1,500 in excellent condition. The more recent “Classics” issue is a relative bargain at $825 or so for the complete set (locomotive, tender, and three cars).

Additional streamlined trains joined the Lionel fleet in 1936, when a model of the Union Pacific’s Overland Express was released, along with O gauge and Lionel Jr. (O27 gauge) models of a Pennsylvania Railroad bullet-nosed Torpedo. As noted above, streamlining also helped reverse Lionel’s financial misfortunes in the years following the Great Depression. In the spring of 1934, Joshua Lionel Cowen, the firm’s founder and president, had been forced to place his namesake company in receivership to secure desperately-needed operating capital to manufacture the 1934 line.

Debate remains over who or what actually saved Lionel from bankruptcy in 1934. Some believe the honor should go to that famous rodent – Mickey Mouse – who, along with girlfriend Minnie, also appeared in 1934 gingerly pumping a $1 (retail) wind-up hand-car along the Lionel Lines. Others assert that Lionel’s uncanny ability to stay abreast of developments in real railroading – deserves equal if not greater credit for the rescue. Author and Lionel historian Ron Hollander provides a plausible explanation for Lionel’s 1934 comeback in his book All Aboard! (Workman Publishers, 1981). Hollander credits Mickey for providing Lionel with tremendous shot-in-the-arm publicity exposure needed to kindle renewed interest in Lionel Trains, and he credits sales of the UP Train of Tomorrow and other more profitable items in the train line with providing the cash revenue needed to put the toy maker back on a firm financial footing.

Whatever the cause-and-effect relationship may have been, the fact remains that both the mouse and the M-1000 models reportedly sold very well. And, by early February 1935, the Lionel Corporation was released from receivership, and the firm subsequently reported its first profit in four long and worrisome years. The dawning of the age of the streamliners marked a bright future for Lionel Trains.

[:I] A man was walking along a beach and came across an old lamp.
He rubbed it and out came a genie. The genie said, 'OK You get 1 wish.' The man said, 'I've always wanted to go to Hawaii but I'm scared to fly and I get seasick, could you build me a bridge to Hawaii?'
The genie laughed and said, 'That's impossible! Think of the logistics of that! How would the supports ever reach the bottom of the Pacific? Think of how much concrete... how much steel! No, think of another wish.'
The man thought of another wish. Finally, he said, 'I've been married and divorced 4 times. My wives always said that I'm insensitive. So, I wi***hat I could understand women... know how they feel inside and what they're thinking when they give me the silent treatment... know why they're crying, know what they really want when they say "nothing"... know how to make them truly happy.'
The genie said, 'You want that bridge two lanes or four?' [:I]

[siberianmo]

We open at 6 AM (all times zones!). (Don’t ask how we do that!)[swg]


WEDNESDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS


Good Wednesday Morning! Start the day with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and a selection from our Menu Board for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast![tup]


Birthday Bash! scheduled for Monday, March 13th at 2 PM (Central) Combined party for barndad Doug ‘n LoveDomes Lars


If anyone would like to “host” a St. Patrick’s Day Party! March 17th, , let me know! The time is up to whoever “hosts” it. I’m not sure that I’ll be available. NO takers, no party.


Daily Wisdom

It’s not too far, it just seems like it is.[swg]
(yogi-ism)


Info for the Day:

Railways of Europe ICE Train of Germany arrives TOMORROW – watch for it!

* Weekly Calendar:

TODAY: Pike Perspective’s Day!
Thursday: Fish ‘n Chips Nite!
Friday: Pizza Nite! & Steak ‘n Fries Nite!
Saturday: Steak ‘n Trimmin’s Nite! – and –
ENCORE! Saturday


SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 05:23:24 (267) Tuesday Info & Summary

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 05:26:36 (267) Unworthy Notice

(3) barndad Doug Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 05:45:06 (267) AM starter! & Joke!

(4) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 06:19:17 (267) AM report!

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 07:17:29 (267) RRs from Yesteryear Notice!

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 07:45:35 (267) AM comments, etc.

(7) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 07:54:44 (267) Theme for the Day! etc.

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 11:39:34 (267) Acknowledgments, updates, etc.

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 12:00:01 (267) RRs from Yesteryear – ACL-SCL-SAL, Part I

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 13:00:08 (268) RRs from Yesteryear – ACL-SCL-SAL, Part II

(11) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 14:02:11 (268) The Lars Report!

(12) BudKarr BK Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 15:30:15 (268) BK Speaks!

(13) barndad Doug Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 17:42:15 (268) Theme for the Day!, etc. & Joke!

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 19:00:44 (268) Acknowledgments, etc.

(15) pwolfe Pete Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 21:49:28 (268) Pete’s PM Post!

(16) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 22:51:51 (268) Inclusive Post, etc.

(17) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 23:29:42 (268) Theme for the Day! Classic Barn #9

NOW SHOWING:

The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre
Double Features! Now with The Three Stooges Short Subject!

. . . Sunday, March 5th thru 11th: North to Alaska (1960) starring: John Wayne, Stewart Granger & Capucine – and – Lost in Alaska (1952) starring: Bud Abbott & Lou Costello. Short: A Pain in the Pullman (1936).


That’s it! [tup][;)]

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

[trolleyboy]

Okay I'm back with some on theme info, a short synopsis of the Seaboards frieght ops.

CLASSIC DIESEL BARN # 9 SEABORD FRIEGHT OPS

Freight Service On The Seaboard

The Seaboard railroads position in the Southeast,allowed it to carry a wide variety of freight, it is of coarse best known for it's perishable fruit and produce trains between Florida and Georgia and the North. Carried on today by CSX. Despite the high profile hauling of perishables, the Seaboard carried more minerals than anything. Around 1950 approx. half of the Seaboards frieght traffic was mineral based, mostlyb phosphate, used for fertilizers ( and other things ) such as amunition and match maufactering. Alot of clay,iron ore , cement, and aggregates wwas also carried by the road, these loads also falling under the mineral category.

Next largest cargo type was durable manufactured goods, most of whick caame from the North. General mercjhandise accounted for approx 30 % of the freight moved by the SAL by mid-century. Forest products accounted for 15 % of their freight hauling which included pulpwood,paper,and pine tree stumps ( they actually had speacially designed gondolas for theae some still in use on the CSX ! ) used to make pine oil and turpintine.

The remaing 5 % was aggricultural loads, including grains, cotton products,and the perishables. The perishables accounted for half of the aggricultural loads , however the revnues from this service was important enough that the SAL held an intrest in the Fruit Growers Express, a consortium that operated a fleet of reefer cars, and refridgerated piggy back trailers.

In the 50's the SAL was one of the first other railroads to pick up the TOFC or Piggy Back trailer carrying system started by the Pennsey.By 1959 this mode of cargo handling became a huge hit with the SAL's customers,and they were operating a whole fleet of this type of trains.

As a sidenote the Seaboard was one of the few railroads that would name it's principal freight trains.Among the best known was the Merchandiser between Richmond and Miami,it was one of te few freights that held first calss operational status,putting it on par with passenger trains in the terms of priority handling. A Northbound conterpart was the Marketer , with a section out of Miami and one out of Tampa joining at Baldwin Florida . Other named freights included the Tar Heel ( Richmond-Bostic NC )this had a connection with the Clinchfield RY. The Capitol{Richmond-Birmingham NC }, the Iron Master {Birmingham-Atlanta }, the Clipper and the Alaga { Montgomery-Savanah } and the Pioneer { Montgomery-Jacksonville}.

In the 1960's ,Seaboard championed it's high speed piggy back service, the best train of the TOFC fleet being the Razorback . This hot trailer train ( for yeasr the fastest feight train in NA ) originated on The Pennsylvania RR at Kearny NJ and ran through to Hialeah Yard in Miami, 1000 miles in 30 hours !

During the SAL's last full year iof independance, 1966, it carried 66 million tons of freight the most ever in the roads history.

* info from Diesel era mags and railpace

Rob

[trolleyboy]

Good evening gentlemen. Okay Tom what gives why is Boris the night man [?] I thought that for hygenic and social reason's he was to be left in the kitchen or in his shed,as he and the bar and the barmaids do not mix [:O] Sounds like a job for the good inspector. I see Pete's still in so let me jump behind the ole bar and set up a round of Banthoms for both of us and the few bleury eyed locals in the pool room.

What can I say yesterday was one rip roaring success [tup], Kudo's and a round of Bromo for all those who made it happen.

Catching up from the last couple o days, great pictures on Sunday folks, Doug great picks from you my friend thank you, Lars, Tom and of coarse Nick more than out did themselves I should say as well.

Nick they say pictures say a thousand words, the one's you dropped on us I'm sure are a dissertation [;)] [swg]. To answer your question though, in a word nope in no way is my track work gonna get that intense, that was only a demi-union you should see some of the grand unions ( streetcars on four roads all crossing each other ) that the TTC has completely mind altering [:O]. In the heyday the TTC grandunion on the King, Queen, Bay , Connaught grand union ; a car enetering the intersection could exit via any of 8 different routes ! [:O] Hows that for making your head hurt [?]


Tom Great info today on the SCL,SAL,and ACL great info and great dedication to the thread sir [tup] I gulped when I originally heard ( read ) that you were going to do all three on the same theme day, I shouldn't have worried as it came off without a hitch.[tup]Great interaction from the gang too [tup][tup] I look forward to next Monday's rip roaring affair,it will be my first day back to work so I may have to come in early and come back in late [sigh]

Doug Nice bit you researched out, I have a bit of info I wrestled out myself that I will post soon. In agree with you, Tom's theme days make me run to the books and the research to find info on railways I otherwise new little about.

Lars Good news that you are now,water tight once again,now is the time that you can possibly start to look back upon and at least grin at , if not outright shake your head and laugh at the imbecility that abounded with your former insurer. Tom here's an extra ten for the Lars box, got to keep those profits flowing eh [?]

BK Good to see you in early in the week, retire sounds like it's both agreeing with you and keeping you busy at the same time. I too have noted the various and sundry fluff posts out there and the tools responding to them. I've often wondered ( sometimes aloud ) why the poll button's even an option in the forum, as I've yet to see one that has truly ment something. Hope to see you ( cyberly soon ) if not sooner ,than on Monday.


CM3 Great [assenger train on the themes of the day,took over nicly for the absent 20 fingers today.

Pete Hi another banthoms sir, sure you can handle it I'll have one with you. I aggree with the gas prices now would be the perfect time to attempt those autotrains again,of coarse that likely makes too much sence. [sigh] CNR tried them for a while aas well.The original cars were painted in the Maple Leaf scheme,so the satrt up was prior 1960, I'll have to dig in the archieves to see if I can come up with the story, that or perhaps Sir Tom or Al may have info on them as well.

I am back to some late night posts but at least the bathroom reno is going well,all the old ugly wall paper is off ( why do people paer bathrooms [?] ) Walls are patched and sanded ugh my hair was white! Tomorrow the painting is being done, Thursday the new floor tiles, Friday final touch ups then saturday I get a day off on my week of vacation [sigh]

See you guys with some late Seaboard info.

Rob

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

Great party last night it as taken nearly all day to get the head better. I try a Bathams although it will probably last a while so may I get a round to keep Tilla happy.

Thanks for the kind words TED it was really good to have the manager at the bash and ROB for making sure the bar was well stocked[tup].

Great theme day a lot of good info on lines I knew very little about.
Thanks CM3 for setting the scene for TOM's Coast Line Yesteryear. Many thanks for the maps[tup]. The Atlantic Coast line in Cornwall mentioned at the start of Part One is I believe refers to the now closed ex Southern Railway lines.
The Auto-Train was very interesting perhaps with rising gas prices there may be a market for it on other long distant passenger routes do you think[?].

DOUG Glad you found that piece from the magazine, loyalty to ones OWN railroad ran deep. Loved the"Full of Prunes" comment.
Just a thought, I wonder why the magazine was called The Railway Magazine rather than the Railroad Magazine. I suppose the magazine stopped publication quite a while ago [?].

Good to see LARS & BK in again[tup].

OK then LEON just one more then. PETE.

[siberianmo]

Good Evening!

The good thing about this day is that we had a couple of guys pick up the slack during mid-afternoon – that is appreciated![tup] Actually, it’s been a good day – hope the same for all of you out there![tup]

A few acknowledgments:

LoveDomes Lars
Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 14:02:11

Good news about the completion of the repair work![tup] Insofar as the insurance nonsense is concerned, as they say in “New Yawk” fuggedaboudit![swg] Strange how at times that “things” have a way of getting squared away.

No one should be feeling any remorse about not Posting for the “theme stuff.” That’s not at all why I put those pieces out there. However, if one can find something to compliment what is going on – fine. The more the merrier. The idea is to enjoy what’s there – no more, no less. Ask a question or two – begin a conversation – stuff like that is just as important. No self-induced pressure, okay[?]

So, you liked that story from my days of “yore” eh[?] After I Posted that, I gave it some thought and realized that this all took place shortly after my return from Alaska – 1960. So, I was a 1st Class Petty Officer at the time – not 2nd. Only significance in that is I had a heck of a lot more to lose! In those times, the “crows” had zippers on ‘em – easy come, easy go. Only thing is, I didn’t come by my promotions all that easily. I’ve always recognized the difference between the guys who got themselves “busted” and people like me is some got caught, others didn’t! Pretty simple concept, eh[?]

Pass along this bit of wisdom to your lady – sailors put toilet seats down! Now where in civilian life can you find a man so well trained[?][swg]

Thanx for the “contribution!” and of course, for sticking with me through it all yesterday![tup][tup][tup]

Rest up for Monday![swg]


BudKarr BK
Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 15:30:

Two days in succession – now that’s a good sign![tup] BK ya just gotta ignore those Ahs doing the things they do. As long as we’re not putting up with it here or on “my other thread,” who cares[?] Don’t sweat the small stuff . . . Wish I could follow that edict![swg]

You made an excellent observation about next week – looks as if we are going to be a bit overloaded – or at least I will. Should no one step forward to “host” St. Patrick’s Day I’ll just set it up myself and not plan on anything special, other than the menu and green beer. I’m already at max output, don’t want to push it even more . . . thanx again![tup]

See my comments to Lars regarding self-induced pressure to Post. Some guys just don’t provide the substantive stuff – but they provide another dimension to what we do ‘round here. Doesn’t diminish your status at the bar one bit – not one, single bit.[tup][tup]

Appreciate the info you provided by Email and my response is en route . . . .

Politics, politicos and schmoozing are just not in my bag of tricks these days. I had my turn with a bit of that in my last two assignments. Not something I need to get into here in cyber space, but should we meet one day, perhaps we can kick it around.

Even after retirement, I worked for my state Representative (later became a Senator) and that too got old in a hurry. Did it for 6 years.<yuck> Nice guy, but I detested having to “be nice, speak nice, and write nice!” Guess you guys already know that, eh[?][swg]

Somewhere on the shelves in our basement storeroom are a couple of boxes filled with “career” stuff. I should take those boxes and put ‘em out for the trash. Haven’t looked in ‘em since I retired in 1988 – so why in blazes am I keeping all that paper[?] It’s like I’m an annex of the National Archives or something![swg] You’ll probably be way ahead of the curve in purging your “files,” for once gone, who cares[?] Really.

Always good to have you around and hope to see ya again, soon![tup]


barndad Doug
Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 17:42:15


Thanx for the Email! . . . Monday should be another “winnah!”[tup]

Now that’s a bit of a “different” story you Posted regarding our “theme.” Prunes and cuspidors, now there’s a combination![swg]

Appreciate the round . . . although the place is empty at the moment!

Jokes of the past several Posts are, without a doubt …….


Leon the Night Man takes the bar at 9 PM (Central)


Later (maybe)![tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good evening Tom and gents! I've recovered from Nick's bash ... I think ... so I'll have some "hair of the dog" and order a bottomless draught, and front a round for the house, assuming we've been restocked. Great post on the Seaboard Mr CM3, and of course the two encyclopedia posts from Capt. Tom. The thing I like best about Tuesdays, is that it forces me to learn about a railroad that I probably wouldn't have studied on my own. I wasn't able to find much on todays railroads, but at least I found this!



From the December 1943 Railway Magazine

Billy Streit laid himself wide open to attack by Atlantic Coast Line protagonists when he cited arguments (Sept. issue) to support the contention of Whiley M. Bryan, Seaboard Air Line fireman, that “SAL schedules are faster than those of the ACL.” Naturally, the Coast Line boys are swarming into the fray like enraged hornets. Look out Billy, here they come!

“Messrs, Bryan and Streit evidently don’t know anything about the ACL,” replies V.E. Unmissig, “I have ridden both roads. For instance, between Richmond and Jacksonville the same class ACL train is two hours faster than the Seaboard, although it travels more miles. Or take ACL train No. 376, the advanced Havana Special, which takes only 3 hours and 25 minutes running between Richmond and Rock Mount, 215 miles. I personally clocked this train from Rocky Mount to Weldon, 40 miles in 32 minutes, at the rate of 75 m.p.h., with 19 cars! The Seaboard doesn’t run anything like this. I say this even though I prefer the Seaboard’s equipment and train crews.”

An army man, S.R. Appleby, ASTP cadet, Fort Worth, Texas, says. “Billy Streit is full of prunes” – a doubtful insult, in view of the fact that prunes recently have been put back on the ration list. Appleby goes on: “After careful study of the latest Official Guide I find the Seaboard’s Silver Meteor makes the daily run from Richmond to Miami in five minutes less than 20 hours, on single track, by way of central Florida, while the ACL-FEC takes 20 hours (5 minutes more!) for their fastest Tamiami Champion. Likewise, the SAL Sun Queen beats the ACL Havana Special by 30 minutes.”

And H.B. Haddock of Quincy, Fla., writes solemnly: “Reading Billy Streit’s evidence makes us of the SAL feel as if we are standing at the bar of justice about to be condemned. We ask that you permit us to say a few words in our behalf.” Haddock admits the ACL-FEC Champion takes 30 minutes longer than the SAL Silver Meteor to cover the distance between Richmond and Jacksonville, but stresses the Sun Queen’s time superiority over the Havana Special. He adds: “The SAL’s slowest passenger train uses 21 hours and 35 minutes on its southbound journey as against the ACL Florida Mail’s 23 ¼ hours, while on the northbound run the SAL takes 21 hours and 55 minutes as against the Coast Line’s 25 hours.” Brother Haddock fires this parting shot: “Your figures, Billy, smell of the era when squat cuspidors lined the coach and conductors sported handlebar mustaches.”

[:I] An undertaker is walking through the graveyard when he sees a man kneeling in front of a gravestone crying and "why did you have to die?"
"Is that your wife," the undertaker asked.
"No, says the man... it was my wife's first husband." [:I]

[BudKarr]

G'day Captain Tom! and all assembled!

A mighty fine shindig that you organized and mentored for Nick yesterday![tup] Judging by the sparse turnout today, my guess is some of the guys are laying low - perhaps recharging, to speak.

I see the innane postings are back on the Forum (Classic Trains) once again. I am so tempted to comment, however, I will refrain from engaging these people. Survey after survey, pointless question after pointless question, and so it goes. The thing that really disturbs me are the people who ANSWER these things! What in the world . . . .[?]

I have had a few hours to myself this day and was able to begin the process of sorting out "tons' of administrative materials into the "action - pending - file - or can" stacks. Never knew that I accumulated so much crap, and that is an accurate descriptor, over th years. I have a sea trunk full of paper - chock full in fact. Always said that "One day I'd have to go through it all." Keeps me occupied, eh[?]

I should say that your compilations of the eastern coast railroads serving the south were outstanding![tup] Very informative, very well done and of course, in keeping with the theme here of Classic Trains. Good show![tup] Same should be said for the contributions from CM3 and Doug! Perhaps one of these days, I will do more than simply observe and comment upon the works of others. That somehow annoys me, as I do not feel as if I am truly participating.

Another party and so soon[?] Is that really wise[?] Looking at next week, St. Patrick's Day is Friday - that could be quite the week for some of your heavy hitters. I am not certain about my availability for Monday, but if the opportunity presents itself, I will stop in.

Lars it sounds as if those complete fools at your former insurance company are bound and determined to have the last say. Thing is, they are talking amongst themselves, or so it would appear![swg] Glad to hear that things are on the upward trend. Makes for a much brighter outlook.

I will do my best to stop by before the end of the week, however, I have been informed that "we" have places to go and people to meet! So, I await my sealed envelope for my next mission!<grin>

Barkeep, I will have a Southern Comfort on the rocks and then I must return to the drudgery of administrative matters.

BK

[LoveDomes]

Good Day Tom and Gents wherever you happen to be!

Rather empty today, far cry from yesterday, huh[?] What a difference a day makes – so the song goes.[swg]

Ok – I saw that Doug sent you an email, so all is set for Monday coming. Another Bash! do you think this place can recover in time to host another[?][swg]

What a day we had and night too. Probably some material for the next Gazette and then some! [;)]

The news from here is that everything appears to be over and done with reference to the fiasco we’ve experienced these past weeks. Basement wall has been repaired and we have all sorts of assurances that it will hold out the water. My thinking says many a ship owner heard similar lauding comments from ship builders. Titanic comes to mind!

Mail delivery today had another certified letter from our former insurance company informing us that we have only two weeks to “comply” with their earlier “request” or they will cancel our policy! Now that tickles me – can you believe these absolute idiots[?] We dropped them, notified them, and are covered by some other outfit and they still think we give a . . . rat’s patoot comes to mind![swg] If one were to look up “stupid” in the dictionary, I think you’d find the name of this insurance company right up front![tdn]

So, we expect that life will return to normal. The wife has “plans” for me to “do this & that” now that the basement essentially has been ‘washed down’ quite properly!<ugh> Through it all we really didn’t lose anything of impact to either of us – just junk that winds up being stored for the ages. The “good stuff” was up on shelving. I did notice that the mildew and mold is now more of a problem than before and we are most definitely going to acquire one of those whole house dehumidifier units that you told me about, Tom – much appreciated![tup][tup][tup]

Looks like I’ve come up a bit short for a contribution to the “theme” for this day. I did check out some of the web sites, but copyrights, restrictions and the like abound. Didn’t want to submit anything that would detract from CM3s fine post, yours and whatever we may get from 20 Fingers Al. So, mea culpa as some Latin once said back when iron men sailed wooden ships!

Excellent material on those three roads, and I really like the way you put it all together! First Class job indeed![tup][tup][tup] Hope good ole 20 Fingers picks up on the way you split the material into two parts – makes it so much easier to take in. Kudos to you!

Between your story and the one that started it all from Nick I had a good rolling laugh, which of course brought the wife to my side. She read both accounts and remarked, “Oh, sailor stuff … !” She did think some of the material was very “cute” – where in the world do women get these descriptions[?] Cute is for kitty cats and puppy dogs! Nothing I read was “cute!” Good Grief Charlie Brown! [sigh] Women! Can’t live with ‘em and can’t live without ‘em! [sigh] By the way, I know where the old Peppermint Lounge was located. So, YOU’RE the guys they still talk about . . . [swg]

I’m not sure that I can even look at a beer right now, but I’ll take a JD on the rocks![swg] Drop this ten spot in the Lars Box and we’ll start it over again. What’s that about a profit in the registers[?] Good deal – funding for Monday![wow]


Until the next time!

Lars

[siberianmo]

Now arriving on track #2 …..
Railroads from Yesteryear! Number Nine (in two parts)

Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources.

The Coast Line/Seaboard Railways – ACL – SAL – SCL


Part II of II


Seaboard Air Line Railroad



Locale: Florida - Virginia, United States

Reporting marks: SAL

Dates of operation: – 1967

Track gauge: 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) (standard gauge)


Headquarters: Richmond, VA


The Seaboard Air Line Railroad (AAR reporting mark SAL) was an American railroad that existed between the 1880s and 1967, when it merged with the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, its longtime rival, to form the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad. The company was headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.

History


1896 map with connections

The SAL main line, now mostly CSX's "S" Line, was built by the following companies:

• Richmond, Petersburg and Carolina Railroad, Richmond, Virginia to Norlina, North Carolina (the immediate predecessor of the SAL)
• Raleigh and Gaston Railroad, Norlina to Raleigh, North Carolina
• Raleigh and Augusta Air-Line Railroad, Raleigh to Hamlet, North Carolina
• Palmetto Railroad, Hamlet to Cheraw, South Carolina
• Chesterfield and Kershaw Railroad, Cheraw to Camden, South Carolina
• Predecessors of the Florida Central and Peninsular Railroad:
o South Bound Railroad, Camden to Savannah, Georgia
o Florida Central and Peninsular Railroad Northern Division, Savannah to Georgia/Florida state line
o Florida Northern Railroad, state line to Yulee, Florida
o Fernandina and Jacksonville Railroad, Yulee to Jacksonville, Florida
o Florida, Atlantic and Gulf Central Railroad, Jacksonville to Baldwin, Florida
o Florida Railroad, Baldwin (continuing north to Yulee) to Waldo, Florida
o Florida Transit and Peninsular Railroad Tampa Division, Waldo to Tampa, Florida

On July 1, 1967 the SAL merged with the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, its longtime rival, to form the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad.

Seaboard Coast Line Railroad



Locale: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia

Reporting marks: SCL

Dates of operation: 1967 – 1982

Track gauge: 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) (standard gauge)


Headquarters: Jacksonville, FL and Richmond, VA


The main lines of the ACL and SAL, now CSX's A and S lines.

The Seaboard Coast Line Railroad (AAR reporting mark SCL) was created July 1, 1967 as a result of the merger of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad with the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (ACL). In 1982, The Seaboard Coast Line Railroad became Seaboard System Railroad as a result of a merger with the Louisville & Nashville Railroad (L&N). For some years prior to this, the SCL and L&N had been under the common ownership of a holding company, Seaboard Coast Line Industries (SCI), the company's railroad subsidiaries being collectively known as the Family Lines System which comprised of the L&N, SCL, Clinchfield and West Point Routes. After the 1980 merger of SCI with the Chessie System, the resulting CSX Corporation combined the Family Lines System units as the Seaboard System Railroad and later became CSX when the former Chessie units were merged into it in 1986.


Innovative SCL trains

Juice Train: a historic model of unit train competition

Juice Train is the popular name for famous unit trains of Tropicana fresh orange juice operated by railroads in the United States. In 1970, beginning on Seaboard Coast Line railroad, a mile-long Tropicana Juice Train train began carrying one million gallons of juice with one weekly round-trip from Bradenton, Florida to Kearny, New Jersey, in the New York City area.

Today operated by SCL successor CSX Transportation, CSX Juice Trains have been the focus of efficiency studies and awards as examples of how modern rail transportation can compete successfully against trucking and other modes to carry perishable products.

Auto-Train

The original Auto-Train operated on Seaboard Coast Line and Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac (RF&P) tracks. It was operated by Auto-Train Corporation, a privately-owned railroad which used its own rolling stock to provide a unique rail transportation service for both passengers and their automobiles in the United States, operating scheduled service between Lorton, Virginia (near Washington, D.C.) and Sanford, Florida, near Orlando.

The founder of Auto-Train Corporation was Eugene K. Garfield. His approach allowed families to relax en route and save the expense and unfamiliarity of a rental car on arrival. Passengers rode in either wide coach seats or private first-class sleeping compartments while their vehicles were safely carried in enclosed autoracks. The train included dining cars and meals were served.

The equipment of the Auto-Train Corporation was painted in red, white, and purple colors. The typical train was equipped with two or three General Electric U36B diesel-electric locomotives, 76' double-deck auto carriers, streamlined passenger cars, including coaches, dining cars, sleeper cars, and 85' full-dome cars, and a caboose, then an unusual sight on most passenger trains.

Auto-Train Corporation's first auto carriers were acquired used, and started life in the 1950s as a new innovation for Canadian National Railroad. The CN bi-level autorack cars had end-doors. They were huge by the standards of the time; each 75-footer could carry 8 vehicles. The cars were a big success and helped lead to the development of today's enclosed autoracks. The former CN autoracks were augmented by new tri-level versions in 1976.


auto carrier originally purchased by Auto-Train Corp. unloads from Amtrak's Auto Train in Lorton, VA in 2000. Photo courtesy of www.trainweb.com

Auto-Train Corporation's new service began operations on December 6, 1971 The service was a big hit with travelers. Before long, the ambitious entrepreneurs of Auto-Train were looking to expand into other markets. However, only the Lorton-Sanford service proved successful.

High crew costs, several spectacular accidents with the 58- to 64-car trains, and an unprofitable expansion to Louisville, Kentucky put Garfield's company into bankruptcy. Auto-Train Corporation was forced to end its services in late April, 1981.

Operating for almost 10 years, Auto-Train had developed a popular following, particularly among older travelers as it ferried passengers and their cars between Virginia and Florida.

However, no one else offered a service quite like that of Auto-Train: transport a car and its passengers together (on the same movement, at the same time) to and from vacation areas. In 1983, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, better known as Amtrak, a federally-chartered corporation which operates most intercity passenger trains in the United States acquired Auto-Train Corporation terminals in Lorton and Sanford and some of the rolling stock, including the autoracks. Amtrak began its slightly-renamed Auto Train route service between Virginia and Florida on a 3 day per week basis after a 22 month gap, expanding it to daily trips the following year.

Today, Amtrak's Auto Train carries about 200,000 passengers and generates around $50 million in revenue annually. Operating on leased CSX Transportation tracks for the entire distance, it is considered Amtrak's best-paying train in terms of income in comparison with operating expenses.

History

The Western and Atlantic Railroad is famous for the Great Locomotive Chase, which took place on the W&A during the US Civil War in April 1862.

End of Part II of II


Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

Did you miss the previous eight[?] Click the URL:

#1: Baltimore & Ohio (B&O
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=233&TOPIC_ID=35270
#2: Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=234&TOPIC_ID=35270
#3: Pennsylvania (PRR)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=237&TOPIC_ID=35270
#4: New York Central (NYC)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=240&TOPIC_ID=35270
#5: New Haven (NYNH&H)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=242&TOPIC_ID=35270
#6: Santa Fe (ATSF) (Two Parts)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=246&TOPIC_ID=35270
#7: Southern Pacific (SP)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=253&TOPIC_ID=35270
#8: Northern Pacific (NP)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=259&TOPIC_ID=35270

[siberianmo]

Now arriving on track #1 …..
Railroads from Yesteryear! Number Nine (in two parts)

Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources.

The Coast Line/Seaboard Railways – ACL – SAL – SCL


Part I of II

Atlantic Coast Line Railroad



Locale: United States Atlantic Coast

Reporting marks: ACL

Dates of operation: 1840 – July 1, 1967

Track gauge: 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) (standard gauge)

Headquarters: Jacksonville, FL

There is also an Atlantic Coast Line in Cornwall, England.

The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (AAR reporting mark ACL) was an American railroad that existed between 1898 and July 1, 1967, when it merged with the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, its long-time rival, to form the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad. The company was headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida (Wilmington, North Carolina before 1961). After several more mergers and consolidations, the former ACL is now part of CSX Transportation, also headquartered in Jacksonville.


History


1914 map

The Atlantic Coast Line Company was organized on May 29, 1889 as a holding company for a system of railroads from Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia south and southwest to Augusta, Georgia.

North Carolina

The Wilmington and Raleigh Railroad was chartered in 1835, opening in 1840 from Wilmington, North Carolina north to Weldon, where the Petersburg Railroad continued to Petersburg, Virginia. The name was changed in 1855 to the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad.

The Wilmington and Manchester Railroad was chartered in 1846 and opened in 1853 from Wilmington west to Camden Crossing, South Carolina on the South Carolina Railroad's branch to Camden. After the American Civil War, the company was reorganized in 1870 as the Wilmington, Columbia and Augusta Railroad, opening an extension west to Columbia in 1873 but never reaching Augusta, Georgia.

In 1872 the Wilmington, Columbia and Augusta Railroad leased the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, forming a continuous line through Wilmington, which was advertised as the Atlantic Coast Line. That lease was cancelled in 1878 due to the Wilmington, Columbia and Augusta's bankruptcy; that company was sold in 1879 and reorganized in 1880 under the same name.

Over the years, the Wilmington and Weldon bought many other lines. Most notable among those was the Wilson and Fayetteville Railroad, built as a cutoff from near Wilson to the Wilmington, Columbia and Augusta at Pee Dee, South Carolina. This was chartered in South Carolina as the Florence Railroad.

South Carolina


1885 map, when it was a loose system of affiliated lines

The Northeastern Railroad was chartered in 1851 and opened in 1856 from Charleston north to the Wilmington and Manchester Railroad at Florence. The Central Railroad, connecting this line at Lane northwest to the Wilmington, Columbia and Augusta Railroad at Sumter, was chartered in 1881 and opened in 1882. From opening it was leased by both railroads in connected to.

The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad of South Carolina was formed on July 18, 1898 as a consolidation of the Wilmington, Columbia and Augusta Railroad and Northeastern Railroad with several other lines:

• The Florence Railroad was chartered in 1882, continuing the Wilson and Fayetteville Railroad from the North Carolina state line south-southwest to the Wilmington, Columbia and Augusta at Pee Dee. This was part of a shorter route avoiding Wilmington, North Carolina.
• The Cheraw and Darlington Railroad was chartered in 1849 and opened in 1853, running from Florence north via Darlington to Cheraw. The Cheraw and Darlington acquired the Cheraw and Salisbury Railroad, an extension north to Wadesboro, North Carolina, in 1892.
• The Manchester and Augusta Railroad was chartered in 1875, and built a line from Sumter southwest to Denmark. On June 30, 1899, the ACL opened a continuation west-southwest to the Charleston and Western Carolina Railway at Robbins.

The Central Railroad stayed separate, leased but not merged.

Also involved in this was the Charleston, Sumter and Northern Railroad, a failed plan to build a main line from Charleston through Sumter into North Carolina. That company went bankrupt in 1892, and the bridge over the Santee River burned down. In 1895 the ACL bought and reorganized it as the Charleston and Northern Railroad to prevent it from being used by a competitor. The short Wilson and Summerton Railroad acquired a section south of Sumter, the Manchester and Augusta Railroad obtained the southernmost section (cut from the rest by the burned bridge) and the line from Sumter northeast to Darlington, extending the M&A's line to Darlington, and the Cheraw and Darlington Railroad was assigned the rest of the line, from Darlington north to Gibson, North Carolina. All but the Wilson and Summerton became part of the ACL in 1898. That company was renamed to the Northwestern Railroad in 1899, and with help from the ACL built an extension northwest from Sumter to Camden, opened in 1901.

In August 1899 the ACL acquired a half interest in the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company, fully owned by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad since 1898. This gave the ACL access to Atlanta and Macon, Georgia via the former Manchester and Augusta Railroad and the Georgia Railroad.

By 1899 the ACL also owned the Charleston and Western Carolina Railway, running from Port Royal, South Carolina at the south orner of the state northwest into the northwest part of the state, with lines ending at Anderson, Greenville and Spartanburg.

Virginia

The Petersburg Railroad was chartered in 1830 and opened in 1833, running from Petersburg, Virginia south to Garysburg, North Carolina, from which it ran to Weldon via trackage rights over the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad (later eliminated with a new alignment). The Richmond and Petersburg Railroad was chartered in 1836 and opened in 1838, continuing north from Petersburg to Richmond.

In March 1898, the Petersburg Railroad was merged into the Richmond and Petersburg, which was renamed to the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad of Virginia on November 21.

The Norfolk and Carolina Railroad was chartered in 1887 as the Chowan and Southern Railroad and renamed in 1889, opening in 1890 as a connection from the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad's branch to Tarboro, North Carolina northeast to Pinner's Point, Virginia, serving the Hampton Roads area.

Florida and Georgia

The Plant System was a system of railroads and steamboats in the U.S. South, founded by Florida's west coast developer Henry B. Plant. After his death in 1899, the Plant system was taken over by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in 1902. The original line of the system, named after its owner, Henry Plant, was the Savannah, Florida and Western Railway, running across southern Georgia.

forming the ACL by mergers and later history


1914 map of the lines through Florida

The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad was formed on April 21, 1900 as a merger of the two companies in Virginia and South Carolina, as well as the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad and Norfolk and Carolina Railroad.

In 1902 the ACL acquired the massive Plant System, stretching from Charleston, South Carolina southwest via Savannah, Georgia to Waycross, with lines branching out from there to Albany, Georgia, Montgomery, Alabama, and many points in Florida (including the main line to Tampa). The Jacksonville and Southwestern Railroad was bought July 28, 1904, running from Jacksonville, Florida southwest to Newberry. Around this time, the ACL built a new line from High Springs south to Juliette, Florida, connecting two Plant System lines and forming a shortcut around Gainesville down the west side of Florida.

The ACL bought the large Louisville and Nashville Railroad system on November 1, 1902, but kept operations separate for its entire life.

A short branch from Climax, Georgia south to Amsterdam opened in 1903.

The ACL bought the Conway Coast and Western Railroad on July 1, 1912, giving it access to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

On October 15, 1913, the ACL acquired the Sanford and Everglades Railroad, a short line near Sanford, Florida.

The Florida Central Railroad, bought February 27, 1915, provided a spur to Fanlew, Florida.

In July 1922 the ACL acquired the Rockingham Railroad, extending the former Charleston, Sumter and Northern Railroad from Gibson, North Carolina to Rockingham.

Also in 1922 the ACL leased the Virginia and Carolina Southern Railroad, running from Fayetteville, North Carolina south to Lumberton with a spur to Elizabethtown.

The ACL acquired the Moore Haven and Clewiston Railway on July 1, 1925, and the Deep Lake Railroad, a short line from the Gulf of Mexico port of Everglades City north to Deep Lake, Florida, on December 8, 1928. These formed short parts of a new line from the main line at Haines City south to Everglades City, with a branch to Lake Harbor on Lake Okeechobee via Moore Haven and Clewiston.

Also in 1925, the ACL leased the Fort Myers Southern Railroad, which continued the line of the Florida Southern Railroad south from Fort Myers to Marco. That same year, the Tampa Southern Railroad was leased, running from Uceta Yard in eastern Tampa south via Sarasota to the Florida Southern at Fort Ogden.

In 1926 the ACL acquired the Columbia, Newberry and Laurens Railroad, running from the end of the old Wilmington, Columbia and Augusta Railroad at Columbia, South Carolina northwest to Laurens.

The ACL incorporated the Atlanta, Birmingham and Coast Railroad on November 22, 1926 as a reorganization of the Atlantic, Birmingham and Atlantic Railway. This gave the ACL lines from Waycross to Atlanta, Georgia and Birmingham, Alabama, with a branch east to Brunswick

On May 1, 1927 the ACL leased the Washington and Vandemere Railroad, extending the old Wilmington and Weldon Railroad branch to Washington southeast to Vandemere.

In 1928 the Perry Cutoff was finished, providing a new shortcut from Thomasville, Georgia via Perry, Florida to Dunnellon, Florida, with a branch to Newberry, Florida. Additionally, the old Tampa and Thonotosassa Railroad line was extended northeast from Thonotosassa to Vitis, providing a shortcut between Tampa and the newly-important west Florida line.

The ACL acquired the East Carolina Railway at some point, running south from Tarboro to Hookerton.

Seaboard Coast Line, CSX Transportation

On July 1, 1967 the ACL merged with the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, its longtime rival, to form the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad.

CSX Transportation was formed on July 1, 1986 as a renaming of the Seaboard System Railroad, which had absorbed the former Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, Louisville and Nashville Railroad and Seaboard Air Line Railroad, as well as several smaller subsidiaries. On August 31, 1987 the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, which had absorbed the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad April 30 of that year, merged into CSX. The merger had been started in 1980 with the merger of Chessie System and Seaboard Coast Line Industries to form the CSX Corporation.

Station listing

For stations on the main line (now CSX's "A" line), see the following articles:

• Richmond and Petersburg Railroad, Richmond, Virginia to Petersburg, Virginia
• Petersburg Railroad, Petersburg to Weldon, North Carolina
• Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, Weldon to Wilson, North Carolina
• Wilson and Fayetteville Railroad, Wilson to North Carolina/South Carolina state line
• Florence Railroad, state line to Pee Dee, South Carolina
• Wilmington and Manchester Railroad, Pee Dee to Florence, South Carolina
• Northeastern Railroad, Florence to Charleston, South Carolina
• Plant System railroads:
o Ashley River Railroad, around Charleston
o Charleston and Savannah Railroad, Charleston to Savannah, Georgia
o Atlantic and Gulf Railroad, Savannah to Jesup, Georgia
o Folkston Cutoff, Jesup to Folkston, Georgia
o Waycross and Florida Railroad, Folkston to Georgia/Florida state line
o East Florida Railroad, state line to Jacksonville, Florida
o Jacksonville, Tampa and Key West Railway, Jacksonville to Sanford, Florida
o South Florida Railroad, Sanford to Tampa, Florida

References

• Railroad History Database
• Confederate Railroads
• St. Paul to Camden, Summerton to Wilson - North Western of SC

End of Part I of II


Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

G'day!

My guess is most of our customers are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our "special" on track #1 at noon![tup] Either that, or they are too bleary eyed and weary to join the human race this fine day![swg]

I see CM3 provided us with quite a rundown of information on the featured RRs for this day: ACL - SAL - SCL! Nice job [tup] and one that perhaps even 20 Fingers himself might not only enjoy, but perhaps make commentary about![swg]

Quarters and round taken in the spirit offered - many thanx![tup]

Doug I neglected to thank you for those URLs earlier this AM! [tup] Nice touch - and shows you are among the living![swg]

Should send out a "Get Well" to our friend from the left coast - passengerfan Al (aka: 20 Fingers) with best regards for a speedy recovery from whateveritisthatsgothimdown'nout![tup][tup][tup]

Just got the word that the Order of the Stools Selection Committee has met and will release their findings of their March meeting soon . . . More suspense!<grin>

Ah, this just "in" on Email - Doug 'n Lars have agreed to a combined Birthday Bash! on Monday, March 13th at 2 PM (Central). Okay! That's settled . . . be here, or be square<huh>

RR Book Relay! - book has been mailed by barndad Doug to the next recipient, trolleyboy Rob!

Okay - that's it for now ..... Catch y'all in a bit . . .

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[coalminer3]

Good Morning Barkeep and All Present (Body, Mind, and/or Spirit), coffee, please; round for the house, and $ for the jukebox (as soon as we get it off the roof). I just got in from watching the local shifter pick up the mt tank cars behind the bar. As the parrot said in Disorder in the Court, "What a night!"

I see that we are doing ACL/SAL/SCL today. I'll get things started with a survey of SCL passenger service in 1969. You can see from looking in the post that although a lot of local and short-haul service had vanished, there was still a fair amount of long haul stuff on several different routes. The City of Miami/South Wind material will be of interest to our car scholars as cars changed all the time on those runs.

Seaboard Coast Line – Eastern Trains 1969

“Silver Meteor” between New York, Washington, Richmond and Raleigh, Hamlet, Columbia, Savannah, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Miami

PC 171/PC 143/RF&P 57/SCL 57
PC 170/PC 142/RF&P 58/SCL 58

Baggage-dormitory: New York-Miami
Budget room coach (16 single budget rooms/4 double budget rooms): New York-Miami
Sleeping Cars (11 dbr, 10 rttes/6dbr, 5dbr/bar-lounge): New York-Miami
Diner: New York-Miami
Coaches (2): New York-Miami
Coach: Washington-Miami
Tavern/obs/lounge: New York-Miami
Registered Nurse – Passenger Service Agent – Coach Attendants

“Silver Star” between New York, Washington, Richmond and Raleigh, Hamlet, Columbia, Savannah, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice.

PC 177/PC135/RF&P21/SCL21
PC 8/PC 130/RF&P 22/SCL 22

Baggage-dormitory: Washington-Miami
Sleeping Cars
10 rttes/6 dbr: New York-Venice, New York-St Petersburg, Richmond-Miami
4 dbr/4 compt/2 drawing rooms: New York-Miami
Diner: New York-Miami
Tavern-lounge: New York-Miami
Budget meal car: Jacksonville-St. Petersburg
Coaches: New York-Miami (FR, SA, and SU only), New York-Miami (daily), New York-St. Petersburg, New York-Venice
Registered Nurse – Passenger Service Agent – Coach Attendants

“Champion” between New York, Washington, Richmond and Rocky Mount, Florence, Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville, Naples, Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg

PC 171/PC 145/ RF&P 91/SCL91
PC 6/ PC 144/RF&P 92/SCL 92

Baggage car: New York-St. Petersburg
Budget room coach (16 single budget rooms/4 double budget rooms): New York-St. Petersburg
Sleeping Cars
10 rttes/6 db: New York-St. Petersburg
6 db/bar lounge: New York-St. Petersburg
Diner (twin unit): New York-St. Petersburg
Tavern lounge: New York-St. Petersburg
Coaches: New York-St. Petersburg, New York-Naples, New York-Montgomery (via Waycross)

“Champion” Florence-Augusta

PC 145/ RF&P 91/SCL91-51
PC 144/RF&P 92/SCL 52-92

Baggage car: Florence-Augusta
Café lounge: Florence-Augusta
Coaches: Florence-Augusta

“Champion” Waycross-Montgomery

SCL 91-89
SCL 90-92

Passenger-baggage: Waycross-Montgomery
Coaches: Waycross,-Montgomery, New York-Montgomery

“Palmland” between Washington, Richmond and Raleigh, Hamlet, Columbia

PC 3/PC 147/RF&P 9-75/SCL 9
PC 2/PC 140/RF&P 10-76/SCL 10

Baggage-mail: Washington-Columbia
Sleeping car (10 rttte/6db): New York-Columbia
Café lounge: Richmond-Hamlet
Coaches (2): New York-Columbia


“Gulf Coast Special” between New York, Washington, Richmond and Rocky Mount, Florence, Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville

PC 3/PC 147/RF&P 9-75/SCL 75
PC 2/PC 140/RF&P 10-76/SCL 76

Baggage cars: New York-Jacksonville
Sleeping car (10 rtte/6db): New York-Jacksonville
Café lounge: Richmond-Florence
Snack service: Washington-Richmond, Florence-Jacksonville
Coaches New York-Florence (NB FR/SA, SB SA/SU), New York-Jacksonville (2) (Daily)

“Everglades” between Washington, Richmond and Rocky Mount, Florence, Charleston, Jacksonville

PC 177/PC 131/RF&P 85/SCL 85
PC 176/PC 158/RF&P 86/SCL 86

Baggage car: Washington-Jacksonville
Coaches: Washington-Florence, Washington-Jacksonville
Snack service: Washington-Florence

Seaboard Coast Line – Midwest, Alabama, Georgia and Florida 1969

“City of Miami” between Chicago, St. Louis, Birmingham, Albany and Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Miami, Gainesville, Leesburg, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Sarasota, Ft. Myers, Naples

Dates of operation from both Chicago and Florida
December 2 and EOD (even dates)
January 1 and EOD (odd dates)
February 2 and EOD (even dates)

IC 53/C of G 52/SCL 5
IC 52/C of G 53/SCL 6

Baggage car: Jacksonville-St. Petersburg
Baggage-dormitory: Chicago-Miami
Sleeping cars
10 rttes/6db: Chicago-St. Petersburg
12 dbr: Chicago-Miami
10 rttes/6db: Chicago-Miami
Café-diner: Chicago-Miami
Tavern lounge: Chicago-Miami
Grill car: Jacksonville-St. Petersburg
Coaches (2): Chicago-Miami
Dome coach: Chicago- Miami
Passenger Service Representative-Coach Attendants

“South Wind” between Chicago, Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville, Montgomery and Jacksonville West Palm Beach, Miami, Gainesville, Leesburg, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Sarasota, Ft. Myers, Naples

Dates of operation from both Chicago and Florida
December 2 and EOD (odd dates)
January 1 and EOD (even dates)
February 2 and EOD (odd dates)

PC 90/L&N 15/SCL 12-5
PC 93/L&N 16/SCL 6-11

Baggage cars: Chicago-Louisville, Louisville-Montgomery, Montgomery-Miami, Jacksonville-St. Petersburg
Sleeping Car (10 rttes/6db): Louisville-Miami
Snack bar coach: Chicago-Louisville
Grill car: Jacksonville-St. Petersburg
Café lounge: Dothan-Miami
Coaches: Chicago-Louisville, Louisville-Miami, Louisville-St. Petersburg
NOTE: “South Wind” equipment ran as part of L&N trains 8 and 9, the “Pan American.” The “South Wind’s” cars split from the “Pan” at Montgomery.

“Gulf Wind” Between Jacksonville and Chattahoochee, Mobile, New Orleans

L&N 8-11/SCL 40
L&N 12-9/SCL 39

Baggage cars: Jacksonville-New Orleans
Diner: Mobile-New Orleans
Grill car: Jacksonville-Chattahoochee
Coaches: Jacksonville-New Orleans

work safe

[siberianmo]

Good Morning!

A couple of things this fine day, beginning with the hugely successful and good time Birthday Bash! for Nick!.

Let me define what the day was supposed to be – in a word QUANTITY. One of those events where we reverse the “order of things” ‘round here. Most of our current ‘n former regulars should surely recognize that I have been “pitching” QUALITY over QUANTITY as a tenet for Posts at the bar. When it comes to events like Birthday Bashes and Parties in general, the idea is to get the guys to show up and “flood” the place with Posts. Many of you did that very thing yesterday and I know it was appreciated by Nick. Always nice to have a “full house,” whether playing poker or at a party![tup]

Going a step further, with work constraints and other obligations, everyone falling into those categories should know that your efforts were also very much appreciated and noticed![tup] Just take a look at today’s SUMMARY to check WHO showed up! Great effort by all who took the time to let Nick know how you feel about him![tup]

Rob It was a fine capstone to the night to have you visit us with the Closing Post.[tup] Once again, no need for any apologies – you are an integral part of this place and the only one left in our IC with Moi. Work trumps play every time, Mate, don’t feel as if you let anyone down – you didn’t![tup] By the by, your [Email was received – just haven’t gotten roundtuit with a reply.[swg] Thanx for the "contribution" to the "kitty!"[tup]

Finally, it wasn’t lost on several of us regarding those who just didn’t show up at all. Too bad and rather sad. Since this event had been advertised in the SUMMARIES and other Posts for awhile, it should not have come as a surprise to anyone frequenting this place that yesterday was to be a ‘special event.’ It was, we enjoyed it, and it was YOUR loss. It’s amazing to see the “cyber names” pop up in the “Phantom Browse” mode, but no Posts follow. Absolutely nuts-o and makes no sense at all. ‘Nuf said.


Getting off to a slow start today, most of it deliberate. Want to get away from this keyboard for a few hours. I Posted 15 times yesterday – that’s a bit “much,” and then there’s “my other thread.” Added up, it was a busy day for Moi too.


Good to see Doug ‘n Ted start the day off for us – and be patient guys, the “Theme for the Day RRs” will arrive at NOON! Humorous Post Doug - got a snicker or two![swg][tup]


Oh yeah – SPECIAL for Doug ‘n Lars – I really need to KNOW, guys! C’mon – it really messes things up with last minute scheduling ….. Thanx![tup]


I see the crew is in this AM and busy at cleaning up! Funny, I don’t recall asking them to do that.[wow] Also, counted up the cash in Tilla the Hun ‘n The Cashinator and wound up with a huge profit! [%-)][%-)] I don’t get it![?]![?] The drinks were on the house – but we still wound up in the black! That Cindy is one fine bartender, eh[?]<grin>

Boris ‘n Leon tell me that the food has been pretty much gone through. Those Track Gang guys came hungry, thirsty and ready to party.[yeah] I’m staying out of the back room until I get the “all clear” from the crew . . . .[swg]

THANX to all who bought rounds and more importantly, particpated![tup][tup][tup]


Later![tup]


Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


Stick around a few minutes AFTER POSTING - The information you MISS may be for YOU!

Those who acknowledge the other guy, get acknowledged!

[siberianmo]

[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]


RAILROADS from YESTERYEAR –

Coast Line/Seaboard Railways – ACL – SAL – SCL -

arrives on Track #1 at NOON! Watch for it!


Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]

[Anonymous]

"All work and no play......" Well yesterday contradicted the second part of that old Chestnut, didn't it? There wasn't a "dull boy" to be found last night. Tom please, a very tall V8 with a jigger of penicillin "up" and a celery stalk for swizzle, ah thanks. I'm in early so I can say thanks before taking lunch pail in hand and assaulting the I-State on a Tampa run this a.m.[V] I wish I could boast of 3 visits in one day, but alas, the first was was an embarrasing "blank" due to "crisis management" hereabouts. It was good news however, in that my friend's next of Kin were located and closure now seems possible to one horrendous weekend.[tup] Rob, glad you could make the "Last Waltz." I took someone else for you on the dance floor last night. Think it might be something I ate?[:O]

Let's see, Tuesday and it's ACL, SAL and SCL. Uh oh, once again I'm out of my element. The only thing I recall about them is they ran some beautiful Budd and PS car streamliners along the Eastern Coast. No problemo, Al will be along with sufficent pedantry to impress even a retired CEO from those fallen flags.[swg] I'm told there was always one anecdotal nuisance on return trips from the "Sunshine State"...sand fleas![:O] In retrospect, even that would be a small price to pay for the luxury of riding such well appointed trains. The closest claim I can make is having travelled on the Auto Train in 1973, lots'a fun.[^] Look at the time! "I gotta go, gotta go, gotta go right now."[tdn] Surely enjoyed the Bash and hope to see all of you safe and sound next time. Until then, happy rails and Boris, best soak that right flipper in epsom salts. We had to toss the Cuspidor for sanitary reasons. So long.

[Anonymous]

Omigosh ..... my head .... where is my head ..... how did these feathers get in my mouth and aardvark droppings get into my pockets .... this place smells like the Mentor zoo ...... this isn't going to be a good day for a while ......

Hope y'all are doing better than me this A.M. Did Nick ever show up for his party?

Here's some theme related stuff, that I hope you enjoy:

ACL - Atlantic Coast Line http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/acl/acl.html
SAL - Seaboard Airline Line http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/sal/sal.html
SCL - Seaboard Coast Line http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/scl/scl.html

[:I] Q - What do you do to an elephant with three balls?
A - Walk him, and pitch to the giraffe [:I]

[siberianmo]

[tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn]

THIS POST IS UNWORTHY OF OUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT!

QUOTE: Posted: Today, 03:53:35
I am quite sure there are some repowered RDC cars in local passenger service in various locations, mostly in Canada. Cummings engines most popular. Also, many "Boise Budds" rebuilt into cab cars for push-pull commuter trains with conventional diesel on other end. One tourist operation uses one or more.

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

[tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn][tdn]

[siberianmo]

We open at 6 AM (all times zones!). (Don’t ask how we do that!)[swg]


TUESDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS


Good Tuesday Morning! Start the day with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and a selection from our Menu Board for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast![tup]


An outstanding B’day BASH! for Sir Nick! Wonderful turnout![tup][tup][tup]

If anyone would like to “host” a St. Patrick’s Day Party! March 17th, , let me know! The time is up to whoever “hosts” it. I’m not sure that I’ll be available. NO takers, no party.


REMINDER! We have two more birthdays this month – Doug ‘n Lars – I need to KNOW “when” to schedule the BASH! Time’s running out - Thanx ……


Daily Wisdom

When asked if a player’s performance had exceeded his expectations, he said, “I’d say he’s done more than that.”[swg]
(yogi-ism)


Info for the Day:

Railroads from Yesteryear: Coast Line/Seaboard Railways – ACL – SAL – SCL arrives TODAY! This will be the THEME for the DAY!

Railways of Europe ICE Train of Germany arrives Thursday – watch for it!

* Weekly Calendar:

Wednesday: Pike Perspective’s Day!
Thursday: Fish ‘n Chips Nite!
Friday: Pizza Nite! & Steak ‘n Fries Nite!
Saturday: Steak ‘n Trimmin’s Nite! – and –
ENCORE! Saturday


SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 05:26:23 (265) Monday’s Info & Summary

(2) barndad Doug Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 07:24:40 (265) B’day Greeting, etc.

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 07:37:27 (265) Morning comments

(4) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 07:53:49 (265) Nick AM visit

(5) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 08:24:27 (265) Super fine AM Post!

(6) barndad Doug Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 09:50:03 (265) B’day stuff, suspiciously similar . . & joke!

(7) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 10:13:00 (265) B’day stuff

(8) barndad Doug Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 10:22:17 (265) Zephyr Pioneer article, etc.

(9) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 11:34:47 (265) B’day stuff, etc.

(10) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 11:57:23 (265) B’day stuff

(11) siberianmo Tom Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 12:01:57 (265) Official Start of the B’day Bash!

(12) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 12:17:43 (265) stuff

(13) barndad Doug Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 12:23:54 (265) B’day stuff & Joke!

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 12:27:48 (265) stuff

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 12:31:23 (265) stuff

(16) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 12:40:43 (265) stuff

(17) siberianmo Tom Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 12:43:43 (266) stuff

(18) BudKarr BK Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 13:06:09 (266) B’day & stuff

(19) siberianmo Tom Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 13:12:30 (266) Advice

(20) barndad Doug Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 13:19:43 (266) B’day & Joke!

(21) siberianmo Tom Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 13:22:27 (266) stuff

(22) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 13:29:48 (266) B’day stuff!

(23) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 13:32:56 (266) stuff

(24) barndad Doug Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 13:42:14 (266) B’day stuff & Joke!

(25) siberianmo Tom Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 13:53:19 (266) stuff

(26) barndad Doug Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 14:56:47 (266) B’day stuff

(27) pwolfe Pete Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 15:10:08 (266) B’day stuff, etc.

(28) siberianmo Tom Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 15:11:43 (266) Nonsense & no sense

(29) siberianmo Tom Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 15:25:34 (266) stuff for Pete

(30) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 16:43:06 (266) B’day!

(31) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 17:36:23 (266) B’day responses!

(32) siberianmo Tom Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 17:43:05 (266) B’day present![wow]

(33) passengerfan Al Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 18:03:20 (266) Streamliner #71 NYC SW Ltd., etc.

(34) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 18:24:35 (266) B’day stuff, etc.

(35) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 18:35:00 (267) Party Hardy!

(36) siberianmo Tom Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 18:51:09 (267) Party time!

(37) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 18:54:16 (267) Party

(38) siberianmo Tom Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 19:01:32 (267) Party

(39) pwolfe Pete Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 19:11:24 (267) Party

(40) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 19:29:41 (267) Adios!

(41) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 20:19:12 (267) Party!

(42) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 20:45:27 (267) G’nite!, etc.

(43) siberianmo Tom Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 21:25:47 (267) G’nite, etc.

(44) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 06 Mar 2006, 21:54:15 (267) B’day, etc.

NOW SHOWING:

The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre
Double Features! Now with The Three Stooges Short Subject!

. . . Sunday, March 5th thru 11th: North to Alaska (1960) starring: John Wayne, Stewart Granger & Capucine – and – Lost in Alaska (1952) starring: Bud Abbott & Lou Costello. Short: A Pain in the Pullman (1936).


That’s it! [tup][;)]

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

[daveklepper]

I am quite sure there are some repowered RDC cars in local passenger service in various locations, mostly in Canada. Cummings engines most popular. Also, many "Boise Budds" rebuilt into cab cars for push-pull commuter trains with conventional diesel on other end. One tourist operation uses one or more.

[trolleyboy]

Well good evening folks. 1 Million apologies for not being able to hit what was quite likley our finnest party[sigh] Nick It seems as though you have had more than a million happy returns this evening [tup][tup] Here's one more [bday][bday]

I won't to deeply comment on the Sunday pictures today as the theme for the day was the Nicks fantabulous party. Oh BTW the penthouse bar and kitchenette were speacially stocked by moi last night so I'm sure everything went smoothly[;)][tup][:-^]

I will be a tad sporadic at my timing this week. I'm on vacation for the week from work technically, but I have my task master aka mother ( I do love her dearly ) supervising a bathroom repaint and tile ( wish me well )


Tom Here's a 50$ for the sluch fund for some early morning eye openers for those found still snoozing under the tables in the morning. [:O]

Nite everyone

Rob

[siberianmo]

G'Evenin' Gents!

Well, a better bar tale I've not heard! Only from Nick would something like that make any sense at all![swg] What an experience, fer sure, fer sure! Good thing you and your Mates weren't seriously injured - not necessarily by deliberate action, but simply as a result of everything goin' on.

Now that the "speaking stick" is mine - I recall one night many, many decades back in NYC. Was in my "sailor suit" - 2nd Class Petty Officer, I believe at the time. Anyway, went to the "Peppermint Lounge" over on Manhattan island with the "troops." That was either right before or right after the "Peppermint Twist" hit the charts. Anyway, the bar was a rather long one that pretty much stretched its way into the dance floor and area where the tables were. "Joey D. and the Starlighters" called that place "home" and it was always packed. Anyway, having just arrived, I perched upon a stool, ordered a beer, when this great looking babe walked by. All heads turned to starboard as she passed on through to the dance floor -including my own. That' s when I got popped, big time, on the side of my head not watching the chick. I wound up on the deck, and everything went to blazes in a hand cart, as they say. What a fight, what a night, and to this day I don't know how in the world we got out of that place alive. Four sailors, battered, bruised, and laughing, got a ride back to the ferry by the NYPD - no charge - and told that we'd be smart to get our butts back to our "boat." <Geesh> you'd think even a cop would know a "boat" from a "ship!" Never did know who hit me, but supposedly it was the guy who accompanied that great looking gal into the place. When I finally got to my feet, I belted someone, and wound up back on the deck. Just wasn't my night![swg]

Ah, sweet memories . . . . [swg]

With that, I pass the "talking stick," and leave you all. Thanx to one and all for making this the best of the Bashes at "Our" Place, notwithstanding my own - hosted by Sir Nick! if I recollect.[tup][tup][tup]

I want to especially thank Lars for sticking it out for so much of the day and into the evening![tup][tup][tup] Also, Doug you too "done good!" with the Jokes and many, many Posts![tup][tup][tup]

Then Sir Ted with his three visits in one day! THAT surely hasn't happened in a long, long time. But then again, Nick is just that kinda "draw!"[tup][tup][tup] To everyone else - great job guys![tup][tup][tup]

Next up are Doug 'n Lars - their call![yeah] But PLEASE let me know SOOOOOOOOOOON![swg]

I see Boris the Night Man has the bar! Oddly enough, Cindy AND Nick have somehow disappeared . . . <envy> Well, [bday] old friend and many, many more![yeah]

Nite![zzz]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

Well thats the first set taken care of-not sure Insp. Clueless appreciated "I shot the sheriff" as a closing number,but what the heck-If he`s gonna crash a private party he can hardly complain.....
More beer please Leon
and I think it`s time for the special reserve, 150%, extra smooth, domestic market only,not for export Jamaican rum---Help yourself my friends,but be advised-this stuff is so smooth it barely troubles the palate but strong enough to take no prisoners-any injuries sustained from this point on are not the responsibility of the management
Well,since the Boss got my birthday started with music pics,I guess a music anecdote to finish should provide balance-
The scariest gig I ever played:-............with the Barflys,the band me,her & steve were in before Riptide
This happy event took place about ten years ago at a venue called the "County Hotel" in Haverfordwest.
We had played there several times before and found it a pleasant room-nice sound,room for about 120-usually a good night.
On the evening in question,about ten minutes before we went on,there were about 80-90 people in-then,the doors burst open,in march the Road Rebels,the local bike club(now forcibly absorbed into the Hells Angels-one or two difficult wounds to explain there...) plus the Twchan Twrch,the Welsh speaking club from the hills around W.Glamorgan ( the name means "Wild Boars" in Welsh) and the "Confederates" club from Amsterdam,all come to celebrate the Road Rebels 10th birthday party-the band they had booked to play at the clubhouse had crashed their van so the boys wanted entertaining---
When we started playing the room was so full,the front row of the audience were resting their drinks on our amplifiers,luckily everybody was drunk enough to go with the flow and we got everybody dancing fairly quickly.
Second set--Room like an oven by now,audience divided into two groups-left of room,folks just having a night out,-centre & right of room,bar,entrance hall,car park-Bikers-mostly in advanced states of chemically induced distress-starting to fight each other
We are carrying on regardless,and in fairness,everybody is going crazy-
(This bit I swear is true) As we kick into "Jumping Jack Flash" I look up from the fingerboard of the guitar to see a brawl erupt over by the door between several of the Dutch lads and some of the Boars,next thing we see(we are on a platform about 18 " high,so have a good view)is one of the Dutch boys pulling out a Browning,letting one off into the ceiling to focus attention on the matter at hand and then sticking it quite a long way up the other guys nose-At this point I decided that whatever the audience wanted they would get,so lets go for it guys....
As a postscript:- at the end of the evening,one of the more socially adept members of the club came and asked us if we wanted to go and play the whole set again at the clubhouse for twice the fee and all the drugs we could take-we naturally declined but am happy to report that the firework show they put on when they all got back there set a standard for the district(we lived about a mile up the valley and it looked wonderful from there)
Anyway,enough waffle,pass the speaking stick to :-

[Anonymous]

Okay, what unconscienable Clod quenched his cigarette in my quaff...and a filtered butt at that? Boris wring that out for me please and you should remove the cuspidor from your right hoof before too many folks notice.[V] Wow, I can't remeber a party more enthusiastic than this is proving to be.[tup] Sir Nick, your assessment of this [hiccup] den of inequity (wahtever that word is) proves widom far beyond your 46 years. I know the bands are really "making it" 'cause I'm now deaf in one ear and can't hear out of the other. Eh?...eh?...EH? Oh sorry Cindy, didn't realize I was standing on your ballerina pumps. Everything looks really festive except for all those ticky, tacky center folds.[:O] Some people have no taste at all.[:-^] By Gadfrey Al, you've done it again...the only Gent wearing the lampshade.[swg] Say Rob, still have the knack for "the trip fantastic"...or was that an Irish gigue you were affecting on the dance floor? Been waitng for CM3 to burst forth into a West-by-god-Virginia reel but I see he left his rod back in the pick up truck's gun rack. Pete, some very sage observations prompted by copius quaffs of Bathams, eh? Why not jot these gems of wisdom down on a serviette for perusal tomorrow?[:I] Nick old Sot Salt, this night cap is in your hono(u)r on this fine evening of debauchery, perversity and liquid lunacy. Now, I must repair to the back of your "Cooper mini limousine" for a bit of fresh air and about 12 hours of non compos mentis. Hey Tom and all the staff, you done good guys.[tup] It couldn't be for a more worthy case cause. Happy New Year rails to all you lot.

[LoveDomes]

Greetings Bar Flies One and All!

'Tis I, the LarsMaster, or is that Meister[?] Well, no matter, I'll have a bubble durbon whoever that is behind the bar![swg] Welllllllllllll, you cute "thang" you, been workin' around here long[?] My oh my, I don't think my old ticker can take much more of this![wow] Red sky at night, sailor's delight, and all that![tup]

Set 'em up on me, cutey and keep the change![swg]

Tom it's been a blast and wherever Nick is - well, I'm glad to have particpated in the event of the year (thus far!). Only "downer" I've witnessed have been a couple of the guys peeking in and playing the "phantom bit." Don't get it - just don't get it. But, what the H I'll get OVER it!

Also, a shame that Rob couldn't make it - and I KNOW - work trumps play, every time. Just too bad, for he's a live wire around here![swg]

Time for me to check out and I'll catch ya either tomorrow or the next for sure![tup] Adios, Sir Nick!

Until the next time!

Lars

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

Great Party Nick[tup][tup][tup].

Wish I hadn't had them pitchers of Bathams with the Ladies turning up Oh well too late now I'll have another one.

Had to chip in with the thoughts of NICK on Our Place.Very very well said.
I too am very new to N.America Railroads but there can be no better place to gather knowledge with a great bunch of gentlemen. Many thanks TOM for guiding us[tup].

Well back to the party, as Nick says the Bathams is pouring wonderfully, the company the best and the band is in top form[wow][yeah] PETE>