"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[siberianmo]

G’day!

. . . . . . . . . . CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #7 of 8 . . . . . . . . . .

Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1953 advertisement in my private collection:

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

Christmas Window on the Water Level Route

Watch New York Central trains roll past this time of year. You’ll see Christmas windows by the hundred . . . bright with the most precious of all gifts. People!

Couples taking their children to see Grandmother (on money-saving Family Fares). Older folk, off to spend Christmas with married sons or daughters - enjoying ever minute of New York Central comfort.

Youngsters from school or college getting a first taste of holiday fare in the dining car. Fathers, away on business, taking it easy in the club car . . . sure that New York Central will get them home “weather or not.”

Those are the year’s favorite jobs for New York Central men and women. So whether you ride with us or meet the train . . . here’s wishing you a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Give Tickets – The Gift that Brings Them Home!
. . . Ask any Central ticket agent how easy it is to
. . . send rail and Pullman tickets as your gift
. . . to someone you want with you at holiday time.


. . . . . . . . . . New York Central . . . . . . . . . .

The Water Level-Route – You Can Sleep


Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[Anonymous]

Howdy Tom and friends. I'll have a bottomless draught, and kindly set-up my buddies with their favorite bebida, por favor. Yeah ... I'm not so good on the Christmas RR material over here. Though I was always a fan, it hasn't been until recently that I've been able to become more involved. My wife would surely tell you that I'm more than making up for it now. Along those lines, being affiliated with "Our Place" has become one of the places I rely upon for useful information. It sure helps that the people here are also so helpful and friendly. In token of my appreciation, please allow me to donate this train set for display above the bar for the 8 month anniversary of Our Place


Really enjoyed your Christmas RR travel adds Tom. Your hard work is obvious, and appreciated. As for the details on the night of my induction into ROOT, I must confess not remembering a single detail from the evening. Even today, my vision is still fuzzy, and my watch is too loud.

Don, we sorta had our own car on our trip to Springfield, as other passengers were directed to the other cars, so we owned the last car in the consist both ways. We did not have any other passengers visit us until we had to stop for an hour or so while we waited for some freight to clear ahead of us. That's when the smokers panicked, and hurried to through our car so they could let in cold air, and smoke on the little landing on the back of the car. None of us appreciated the intrusion. I have a problem with smokers in general, as well as the folks on their cell phones while distractedly driving their cars, so put me in agreement with CM3 on that one.

Nice Christmas reflections CM3 and Ted ... very nice indeed! It was nice to see BK is back and sharing his experiences ... and I don't want to forget to say hello to Matt, as he seems to be trying to fit in.

I'm going to forego the rest of my Pickleworks post for now, as it really isn't appropriate for the celebration of the anniversary of Tom's incredible "thread that could". I raise my glass to everyone who make this place "Our Place".

[nickinwestwales]

Well good evening one and all and Happy Near-Anniversary or whatever we are calling it.
Looks like a two-parter tonight,First photo captions,then festive contribution with responses mixed in as we go,so-
[4:-)]TOM,set `em up-I see BK just outside the door-take for one for him to enjoy at his leisure,indeed,an extra ration of grog for all `festive` contributers [^]
Had intended to place captions yesterday but spent the day under a near terminal hangover (Beware Jamaican Red Stripe lager-it has a sting in the tail....)
So,The first batch are,clockwise from top,Wexford Town,looking N & S , not a particulaly unusual scene to American eyes,but bear in mind that almost all Brit lines are securely fenced off and `street running` is almost unknown-this is part of the Dublin-Rosslare Europort route,a sort of Inter-City branchline-mentioned previously by PETE & myself.
Next we have the replica broad gauge loco under construction at Didcot ( again mentioned by PETE ) and to round out the set we have Sentinel vertical boilered,gear driven shunter `Swansea Vale #1`at the Gwili railway nr Carmarthen.
Next batch is a `Toronto Taster` in advance of next May`s shenanigans. All postcard views,they are-C.N#391 on Copetown Hill,1998, GO Train nr Lambton Park,1991. Turbo Train passing GO Train,nr Scarborough,1970 and VIA #75 & AMTRAK `Maple Leaf`,Union Stn,1981
The remainder are from the Welshpool & Llanfair Lt Rly nr the English/Welsh border,first four are around the yard at Llanfair Caereinion & include ex-Sierra Leone Hunslet & `Dougal`,formerly owned by a Glasgow gasworks and the smallest loco I have ever seen.
The last is at Castle Caereinion and shows ex Austrian 0-8-0 tk with mix of Austrian & Sierra Leone stock ( close ups of this loco are elsewhere in `nicks pix)
So,other pix-DOUG a nice record of a fine day out,good to see the local architecture as well-context is always good[tup]-that crash scene looks kinda hairy-the loco has something of the look of a De Glenn about it,will do some chasing when time permits
DON-nice shots of unusual liveries (north of the 49th always works for me[^])-that red/orange with white cab is a keeper-[tup]-Is the Via unit in the second shot wearing an `older` version of `Zebra` stripes ( red angled into stripes & stripes back facing on both sides rather than square-cut red and `lean to the right `stripes both sides ?)
JOHN-Thats some mobile home you got yourself buddy[swg]-hope She keeps you safe,look forward to more pix
BAR CHANDLER ROB-magnificent effort,as usual-nice to see Boris & the clan`s private car back from `Halloween` service [swg]-the O.S.R RS18 very easy on the eye and the #2786 running through the woods is a sheer delight-Blues are on me[tup].
[4:-)]TOM-WOW-`S` Capades looking very fine indeed-I see the access panel on the highway now-are the trees/shrubs etc scaled to 1:64 or are they large HO ?
display case -I dare not look too closely in case the drool gets on the keyboard and shorts something out [swg]-what are the odds of both of us having VIA #6519 available to roster ?-It wasn`t even the `sample` number on the decal sheet ( S.M.P)-obviously kindred spirits,despite our radically different lifestyles [^]-I see where the Zebra F-Units are going,should free up the green & yellow babe for `Our Place` charter work [:-^]
On to Can-Am country-new buses fit the scene perfectly and those big buildings give the whole place a real sense of `presence`-You may have interrupted a police `sting`-The Merc senator parked with the sun roof open,Clueless circling the block in a prowl car-surely an attempt to lure the evil Farkus into a grand theft auto scenario[}:)].
Nice to have some close ups of the yards,timber yard looking properly stocked,stacked and sorted,good stuff [tup][^][tup]
Now then-Mentor Gazette,PURE DEAD BRULLIANT as one of my Glaswegian pals would say---well I started off on carpet tiles,just at weekends with the boys like,then tried a couple of off-cuts,maybe a hearthrug once in a while,nothing heavy-got into a bit of underlay but I can stop anytime man,it`s not like I need it,just a social thing-lend us ten bucks til payday man,theres some real clean embroidery threads goin about........................whoops....
right that looks like part one,back for festive recollections in a bit,Boris needs scrubbing ,bleaching and doubtless more besides,nick[C=:-)]

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

A pint of Bathams and a round for the great photos and posts [wow] great weekend at the bar[tup].

Many thanks ROB JOHN DON NICK DOUG and of course TOM you certainly deserve more than the one [tup] you awarded yourself it is great to see the S-CAPADES looking so good.
May thanks for posting the photos of those who send them via you for us to enjoy[tup][tup][tup].

Great photo of Wexford NICK . My mate in England tells me that at the moment one of the train companies is offering very cheap fares by train and ferry to Ireland.

JOHN thanks for the news and the link on the sad derailment it is indeed good news no one was injured and the locos suffered only minor damage.

DON Thanks for the details on your photos and I will take up your offer as interpretor if a phrase book is not availiable.

The 8th Anniversary is off to a great start with TOMs Christmas Railroad Travel and the 2nd edition of the excellent Mentor Village Gazette. The statue of William Webb Ellis is
outside Rugby School, you pass it when coming on to town from the Raglan Arms. There was a class 86 electric loco named after him, this has recently been withdrawn from service.

Doug looking forward to part two of the Great Pickleworks Wreak.

Wonderfully amospheric posts by CM3 and TED they make one feel as you were there.
[bow][tup][yeah].

TED I was wondering what to say to the new callers, as a relatively new guy myself at the bar ,but you expressed my thoughts so well in your post on Saturday. the bar is not the same without you [tup].

BK Good to see you back[tup]. The story of the Train set at Christmas brought back warm memories for me thanks.

Well I have been thinking of a Chrismas time railway story although not in the Classic Train era, it was my first taste of American trains.
In 2000 my now bride asked if I would like to come to Kansas City over Christmas. while I was here she said that we ought to go to St. Louis although Missouri had gotten a fair amount of snow. I asked was it possible to get by train. So on the New Years Day of 2001 we made our way to down-town K.C. after a mild panic on not being able to find the entrance to the Amtrak station( thankfully this has now changed as you board the trains through the main Union Station) we got to the plaform as the Conductor was calling for All Aboard. I was able to get a quick photo of the Amtrak loco as the early morning sun was reflecting off the loco's side.
The cars used that day were Superliners I think where you climbed through the baggage area to get to your seat, the view, amount of leg-room and all the seats facing the direction of travel was so different to Britain. Soon after leaving KC the first of many freights was passed this one had a red Santa-Fe loco at the head. As we passed through the snow covered landscape every loop contained a freight so different from England. After Jefferson City the line runs along side the Missouri which looked part frozen over and with large chunks of ice floating downstream. We spotted dear and even a bald eagle as we headed to St Louis. Having seen photos of the Union Station in St Louis I wi***his could have been 50 years ago but I am still grateful I was able to enjoy American Railroad travel. PETE.

[siberianmo]

G’day!

. . . . . . . . . . CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #8 of 8 . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . THE PULLMAN COMPANY . . . . . . . . . .

Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1948 advertisement in my private collection:

Happy holiday homecoming by Pullman!

This year let your trip itself be a holiday! make it A pleasure all the way – by Pullman. No driving tensions or weather worries . . . no time-wasting stops for meals or lodging. The miles slip by safely and swiftly. You and your family enjoy the peace, quiet and relaxation of your private Pullman “living room.” This very holiday season, take the greatest trip on earth. Home for the holidays by Pullman!

A full night’s rest! For dad, mother and every young member of the family – sleep just comes naturally in soft, king-sized Pullman beds. Next morning everyone’s fresh and rested . . . ready for a busy day.

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

. . . . . . . . . . YOU’RE SAFE AND SURE WHEN YOU TRAVEL BY . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . PULLMAN. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . the travel service of comfort, privacy and sleep! . . . . .


That’s it for this day – hope you enjoyed these advertisements from Christmas seasons past. It was my pleasure to present them to you!


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[jdonald]

Evening Tom & all-this is just a quick in and outer-have one of your choice and a round for the house.
My Anti-Virus programme has gone screwy, so am going to stay off the Net until problem is solved-sooner the better.
My Christmas recollections will have to wait for a day or 2

Talk to you later-Keep it on the rails

Don

[siberianmo]

Gentlemn of the bar! Good evening and for those who have taken the time to participate in our 8th Month Anniversary and Christmas season RR travel stories, personal recollections, etc. - many, many thanx! [tup][tup][tup]

There have been so many words passed today - so many great thoughts and still more sincere offerings, that it appears to me we've "done good!"

I'm a bit fatigued given the efforts these past two days (daze), so I'm going to dispense with the long narrative acknowledgments. Rather, just let me offer these few thoughts to those of you who Posted since my last response:

BudKarr BK Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 13:57:11 and 15:42:41

You, Sir, are having a blast! Does she have a girl friend [?] ][swg] Not for moi, of course - but I'm sure one or more of our "eligibles" would gladly find their way up to Alberta for a bit of the good life. Sounds lilke a fantastic time, Mate! Enjoy!

Thanx for the story regarding the Christmastime toy train around the tree. I'd say more of us than not can relate to that. [tup][tup][tup]

barndad Doug Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 17:05:48

What a great gift for the bar! Thanx very, very much. I will Post it above the daily SUMAMRY 'til the New Year. Really a great idea and thoughtful gift. [tup][tup][tup]

Also, very, very considerate of you to withhold your Part II for another day. With so much to read for this day, and of course a review of the happenings of yesterday, it would be a shame to have it buriied within all of that - plus our discussions. Thanx! [tup]

Glad you enjoyed the Gazette, it's a fun thing to do and I hope to keep it going. With all the "inspiration" around here, it's not that hard to come up with the stories! [swg]

nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 17:50:36

Thanx for the captions and of course your presence!

I know a bit about Red Stripe, not one of my favorites. But then again, neither are the Ports in the Caribbean. [yeah} I know, I'm a strange person! Prefer the far northern latitudes!, or those down under! [yeah]

You've got quite the eye for detail - quickly assessed that "sting" operation, didn't you [?] [swg] Glad you like the S-Capades progress, and the HO Fishbowls at the Bus Depot. Progress shows, eh [?]

Nick smoking rugs can be hazardous to your health! Chill, Mate, chill! [swg] Glad you enjoyed the Gazette - your contribution was surely a highlight! Love it ....

Look foward to Part Deux with your Christmas offering - that is if I can remain awake. Don't know how you do it!

pwolfe Pete Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 17:52:47

Good to see ya, Mate! Glad you made it in and your Christmas story is just fine! Appreciate the effort and willingness to share it with us! [tup][tup]

Figured that bit about William Webb Ellis would flick your switch. [swg]

You, Sir, may very well be the first of the "Our" Place regulars to witness the Can-Am trainroom and layouts. We should work toward a date - to be discussed on Wednesday en route KCity!

jdonald Don Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 18:23:45

Hope the problems get ironed out - we'll be here when you return! We look forward to your Christmas submission. [tup]


Okay, Gents - I'm outta here for awhile. Leon the Night Man has come in early to give the boss a break.

Boris Ring the bell, a round on the house - Leon give 'em what they want! Let's toast to those regulars who for whatever the reason, couldn't make it in tonight. They helped make this day possible too![tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

Right,the second half-festive memories-
This has proved harder to assemble than I had thought,most of the non-auto travelling I have done has been on National Express Coaches,a slow,dirty,unreliable but above all CHEAP mover of people.
However,I do recall making one festive season rail journey-Twas in 1980 or `81and my then partner and I needed to get from St Andrews in Fife,Scotland down to Surrey in south east England. We were both skint at the time ( If memory serves we had been living on red beans,rice & peas for about a fortnight as the end of term approached,augmented with bread rolls & milk pilfered from the college refectory ) and were not looking forward to hitching the best part of 400 miles in snow,sleet & all that good stuff. We then discovered that British Rail were offering dirt-cheap overnight tickets for students-cheaper even than the coach fares.......
Two days of `aggressive` busking ( dont just stand there playing and smiling,select a `mark` and stand in front of them until they give you money to go away) and a quiet half hour with the electric meter and a pry-bar and we were in business-just.
We arrived at Leuchars station on a filthy December evening,climbed on the Metro-Cammell D.M.U which plied between Dundee & Edinburgh and off we went.
On reaching Edinburgh Waverly stn,we discovered the reason for the cheapness of the ticket-we were on a series of short haul locals & had to break journey several times and instead of the normal East Coast route we were going the long way round,via Carlisle & Birmingham into Euston.
The weather deteriorated as the interminably slow journey progressed and we hit Carlisle at least an hour behind schedule,shortly after this,we were put`in the hole` for two hours,thus knackering any chance of making later connections.
We finally arrived at Birmingham New Street at about 4.00 am,the last train in or out and there we sat for some 3 hours ( At this period in time a lot of racial unrest was happening and Birmingham was not a good place for two white kids to be at that time of night ) and were desperately pleased to get the first train out of town.
We arrived at Euston tired,cold,hungry and broke with the dawning realisation that this was as far as our tickets took us-we still had to get across London to Victoria and then on to a Southern Electric commuter line home,complete with more luggage than we could carry between us.
Happily,inspiration kicked in-I worked down the Taxi rank until I found a driver who worked for the London General Cab Co. -The company for whom my dad drove and my grandfather co-founded,who was prepared to take the family name,plus dads badge & vehicle license plate numbers as security against his fare,this got us to Victoria where there was,in those days, a side entrance ( next to the old cartoon cinema,for those that know the place ) that gave onto the platforms inside the ticket barriers. The bags were loaded onto a trolley and we moved firmly and purposefully across the station to the appropriate platform ( wouldn`t you just know it was waaay over the other side )
40 minutes of dodge-the-conductor and an "I`m goin through here pal,like it or not" exchange later we found ourselves in the familiar exhaust-fumes,take aways & general decay fug that passes for fresh air around Croydon and retired to bed for 48 hrs of serious sleep-6 weeks later I found her in bed with an alleged pal of mine,as Chuck Berry put it "You never can tell"......Happy Christmas Trails,nick[C=:-)]

[nickinwestwales]

Hey [4:-)]TOM-forgot to mention,enjoy whatever it is that you are doing for the next coupla days,the bar is in safe hands,see you for fish & chip night-safe journey mate [tup]
SIR MANAGER THEODORE, CM3,BK,DOUG,PETE & of course [4:-)]TOM-thanks for the `warm & fuzzy` Xmas travels-makes mine look rather dark & desperate
MATT-[#welcome]back,sit tight and pitch in when ready-no rush[swg]
quick p.s on Webb-Ellis,of glorious memory-as some of you may know the `basic unit` in rugby scoring is the `try` which is then converted to a goal with a place kick,urban myth would have it that the origin of this is from Webb-Ellis` first words to the duty master after making his touchdown-"I say Sir,was that a goal ?" "No boy,but it was a f*****g good try!"-night all,[C=:-)]

[passengerfan]

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

Have enjoyed your Xmas advertisements today especially tyhe Pullman ones.

Remember a personal trip one Xmas while still in the Navy was TDY at Boston Naval Shipyard and finally recived orders to return to sea duty aboard a destroyer out of Long Beach. So decideed to add a little leave with the transfer and visited my favorite Aunt and Uncle in St. Joe Mo for Xmas that year.
Left from Bostons South Station aboard the second section of the NEW ENGLAND STATES all Pullman for Chicago in a roomette. Itr was snowing and blowing leaving Boston but the NYC delivered us on time the next morning in Chicago. After taking the bus to Union Station I had a layover of several hours before boarding the CB&Q AMERICAN ROYAL ZEPHYR and was assigned an upper berth on this train as it was all that was available booking just two days before Xmas. The train departed on time and remembered to order the Chicken Pot Pie in the diner that evening as it was the best I eveer had on any railroad.
After a memorable Xmas and New Years with relatives proceeded to Kansas City on the local CB&Q train then boarded the SUPER CHIEF the same night to LA. It was the only time I ever remember the SUPER CHIEF being crowded as extra cars were added for the holidays. But as always Santa Fe crews made the difference between an ordinary trip and a superb trip. I had a roomette on the SUPER CHIEF three cars away from the Dome and four from the Diner. As I recall their were four sittings for lunch and dinner and the Turquoise Room was being used for dining. As usual the Santa Fe arrived on time in LA and it was a bus ride from their to my ship. By that time the Big Red cars were out of service and buses had replaced them between LA and Long Beach. What a shame as the buses were not as comfortable to sleep on returning to Long Beach. This was my second tour of duty aboard the same tincan, never could understand why they transferred me to the east coast in the first place for TDY. They had to have ratings their who were qualified. Oh well I got rail mileage east and west compliments of Uncle Sam.

TTFN Al

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone. Tom, I will take a house draught and some peanuts--wait--let someone else get the beer while you take a bow for this wonderful thread you created. I feel most fortunate to have chanced upon it early on. Have a drink on me(AC/DC 1980) and let's toast to many more months of OUR PLACE!
I don't have any memories of Christmastime train travel so I will elaborate on the Christmas train I conducted at the Midland 3 Dec.
It was cold,windy, and the coaches were unheated. I wore longjohns and a white shirt with my BN conductor's uniform and my back was still cold. We had advised in the media releases for passengers to dress warmly and most did. Insulated coveralls, stocking caps, and scarves were the order of the day. Some people brought blankets and quilts and were glad they had them.
We had Santa ensconced in the combine behind the engine and a empty coach between it and the 2 coaches we used for passengers. My plan was to send 1 coach at a time thru the cars for the visit with the jolly old elf. I had crew stationed in the vestibules and an EMT in 1 car. When people were moving to the combine, a quartet of young singers would sing carols.
When word came that Santa was ready for visitors, I went thru and asked who wanted to see Santa. I got plenty of responses and soon the aisles were jammed. You should have seen the eyes light up on the little ones! I had my photo taken several times with children and even found a few who just wanted to ride the train. When the passengers returned from the combine, they had some small gifts that Santa had given and everyone's faces were beaming. When the quartet was caroling, the atmosphere was almost magical. Being on a train, singing with the carolers, watching happy children and their relaxed parents--what more could one ask?

[Anonymous]

Good evening everyone. Tom, maybe a Hot Buttered Rum on this chilly P.M., thanks. I dropped in with the thought that perhaps the activity for the Christmas and 8 month observances might have "dried up." I am most happy to see my anxieties were totally unfounded. CM3, you managed to raise "goose flesh" again with that most moving piece.[tup] Barndad, your installments on making something we all dread (train derailments) into a compelling serialized drama is remarkable. Hey, that special trip to Springfield, IL must've been terrific. I know what you mean regarding the "party crashers."[tdn] Some people are on this earth just to test the tolerance of others, cell phones and all! Don, your recollections will be well worth the wait. I won't be the only one staying "tuned in." Pete, thanks for the nice comments, it is good to be back, believe me.[^] I trust you and Tom will have a productive "get-away" in me home town "of choice." Nick old chap, the material for the pix was as enlightening as the last piece of "material" was intruiging. The X Glasgow gas works loco should definitely find it's way to some museum. I've seen 15" gauge "live steam" locos nearly that size. Hi BK, how great it must be to be able to select from which particular area you choose to base your activity. If this "smacks" of envy, let me assure you, it is. The memorabilia from the N.Y.C., Santa Fe, U.P., Pullman advertisements brings a "lump to my throat" everytime Tom. Knowing that it just isn't possible anymore is a "killer." Still, they are a "bitter sweet" reminder that I was lucky enough to claim them as memories, if that makes any sense.[:)] There is a quorum in support of "Tin Plate" electric trains being synonomous with Christmas trees, lights, Santa and the Elves for sure. I was no exception with my first train being an American Flyer Reading RR Atlantic O gauge third rail with four metal freight cars. But, it was the second train, a Lionel Union Pacific O-27 Alco FA, (2 units) and a string of mixed freight cars that were my "pride and joy." It wasn't long before I was drawn to the more accurate HO but I'll always remember those when the Holidays roll around.[^] Okay Boris, on three, alright? One, two CLANG..... "Peace on earth, good will toward [alien]!" [:(!] Happy rails all.

[Anonymous]

Good morning Tom and my fellow early-birds .....I see John reading the thread this morning. I'll have 4 light breakfast this a.m. (gotta make up for the one I missed yesterday), and old copies of Rail Classics for the house, please.

Nice stories Dan and Al. You guys are a tough act to follow, but still I try. Here's Part II of my derailment series:

The Great Pickleworks Wreck by Ron Ziel – Rail Classics May 1979



Engineer Squires eased out the throttle of Engine No. 214 after a brief stop at Manorville. The time was 5:41 p.m., and Train No. 212, The Shelter Island Express, was right on the advertised, not one minute late. Montgomery paused long enough in his shoveling to wipe long rivulets of black sweat off his brow with his big, red bandana. He had shoveled six tons of coal through the firebox doors of engine No. 214 in the 73 minutes since they left Jamaica, and he was exhausted.

From the wildly lurching gangway, he looked hopefully toward building thunderheads and the cooling rain, which he knew was just minutes away. Assisted by the big Camelback behind, No. 214 was leading the train at 70 mph. In the Easter Lily, Harold Fish was making his way toward the front vestibule of the rocking 90-ton parlor car. In his heavy, dark suit and high celluloid collar, Fish was sweltering. He needed a breath of fresh air. As he walked down the corridor of the car, the mother of the two children was telling them of the wonderful weekend ahead on Shelter Island. A maid brought them cups of ice water from the sweating cooler at the rear of the car.

Train No. 212 roared into Calverton at better than 70 mph. Half a mile ahead, a pickup truck approached the Edwards Avenue grade crossing. The driver decided to stop, for he knew the speed of the Shelter Island Express on this stretch of the railroad. As the two men in the truck watched, engine No. 214 reached the Golden siding switch, made a sudden, violent lurch, jumped into the air and rolled over on her side with a great crunching sound.

Engine No. 2 veered off the main track and, still coupled with the train, careened into the siding alongside the Golden Pickle Works, then left the rails and hit the side of the building, sending pickles and brine in every direction. The big Atlantic spun completely around knocking out the entire side of the pickle plant before it came to a stop. The Easter Lily, still coupled to No 2’s tender, wrenched free and burrowed deep into the collapsing building. A cloud of dust rose 200 feet in the air.

The men in the truck stared in disbelief at the scene. All was quiet, except for the distant rolling thunder.

The Camelback’s fireman had been thrown off his firing deck and was badly bruised. His engineer had a deep gash in the side of his head where he had been thrown against a red-hot injector pipe, but was still conscious. The fireman grabbed his shovel and began to heave dirt into the firebox, for he knew that if flames reached the wrecked building the passengers trapped inside the parlor car and the combine were doomed.

After extinguishing the fire in No. 2, the fireman ran down to No. 214 which was lying on her side, enveloped in clouds of escaping steam. As he began shoveling sand into the firebox of the No. 214, he found the bodies of her crew. Squires and Montgomery had been pinned against the red-hot boiler backhead by several tons of coal.

The two men in the truck regained their composure and raced to the wreck scene. A dazed man staggered out of the rear vestibule of Easter Lily. He was carrying a little boy. The boy was put in the truck, and the men sped the vehicle toward the hospital in Riverhead. They had gotten less than halfway when he died. Back in the parlor car, his sister was already dead. Their mother, Mrs. Schuford, was trapped in the wreckage.

A few miles away, at Camp Upton, the 62nd Coast Artillery Regiment was on maneuvers. The men had heard the Shelter Island Express pass, and they had heard the great crash as the engines left the rails. As the thunderstorm broke, the soldiers drove searchlight trucks over to Calverton. Doctors and rescue workers were crawling through the wreckage as the regiment set up its lights. The macabre scene was continually accentuated by brilliant lightning bolts. The thunder was deafening, and torrents of rain turned the dust and earth which the engines had churned up into a quagmire.

Men with lights reached the front vestibule of Easter Lily and found the body of Fish, who had smothered to death as salt poured down on him from the attic of the demolished building. The mother of the dead children, Mrs. Schuford, passed away shortly after reaching the hospital, six hours later.

Meanwhile, the electrifying news flashed up to the North Fork. The telegrapher at Calverton sent word of the wreck to Jamaica, and the agents farther east at Riverhead, Aquebogue, Jamesport, Mattituck, Cutchogue, Peconic, Southhold and Greenport all picked it up. They rushed out onto the station platforms to tell the people who were waiting to meet the train, what had happened.

Within minutes, everybody had heard of the Great Pickle Works Wreck. Anybody who had an automobile loaded up with family, friends and neighbors and headed for Calverton. By 7 p.m., on the Friday the thirteenth, Riverhead had a traffic jam – the first in its history.



[:I] Final installment to follow [:I]

[siberianmo]

TUESDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

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

The train at the top of the page is a gift from barndad Doug to "Our" Place

G’day one and all – we had a grand turnout yesterday and a big THANX goes out to all who took the time to participate in our 8th Month Anniversary Christmas season RR travel Postings! [tup][tup][tup]

I’m outta here for most of the day, should be back by late afternoon. Rob said he’d keep things movin’ and Cindy has the bar! Remember – greet the bartender, order a drink, and keep those Posts comin’!


Daily Wisdom:

Important comes in two sizes – yours and mine.


Info for the Day:

(1) CONTEST:
What date (time optional) will ”Our” Place reach the next plateau – page 200 [?] BONUS question: WHO will be the one to “turn the page” [?]

Participants . . . . . . Date chosen . . . . (Bonus) Who will put us over the top [?]
(in order of participation)
pwolfe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 20th . . . . . . . . . .siberianmo Tom
trolleyboy Rob . . . . . . . . . Dec 18th (12:05 PM) . siberianmo Tom
coalminer3 CM3 . . . . . . . .Dec 18th. . . . . . . . . . siberianmo Tom
barndad Doug . . . . . . . . . Dec 22nd . . . . . . . . . none
nickinwestwales Nick . . . .Dec 27th . . . . . . . . . .trolleyboy Rob
ftwNSengineer P . . . . . . . Dec 23rd . . . . . . . . . .trolleyboy Rob
jlampke John . . . . . . . . . Dec 24th (noon) . . . . . siberianmo Tom

CONTEST CLOSED!


SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 00:17:44 (188) Monday Info & Summary

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 00:27:53 (188) Final Monday Index

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 00:29:52 (188) Mentor Village Gazette

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 01:12:06 (188) Acknowledgments & comments

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 01:15:29 (188) Christmas RR travel #1

(6) jlampke John Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 02:14:32 (189) Inclusive Post, etc.

(7) barndad Doug Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 06:43:21 (189) Inclusive Post, etc.

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 07:30:10 (189) Acknowledgments, etc.

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 07:32:18 (189) Christmas RR travel #2

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 09:35:29 (189) Christmas RR travel #3

(11) uspscsx Matt Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 10:01:52 (189) 3rd post

(12) jdonald Don Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 10:16:41 (189) Inclusive Post, etc.

(13) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 10:21:46 (189) Inclusive Post, etc. Christmas RR travel

(14) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 10:30:24 (189) Reflections and Christmas related info

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 11:20:57 (189) Special for uspscsx

(16) uspscsx Matt Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 11:26:31 (189)

(17) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 12:00:33 (189) Welcome Aboard! to uspscsx

(18) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 12:02:00 (189) Acknowledgments, etc.

(19) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 12:05:54 (189) Christmas RR travel #4

(20) uspscsx Matt Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 12:23:47 (189)

(21) BudKarr Budd Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 13:57:11 (189) He’s baaaaaaack! Plus!

(22) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 14:31:00 (189) Christmas RR travel #5

(23) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 15:14:47 (189) Christmas RR travel #6

(24) BudKarr BK Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 15:42:41 (189) etc.

(25) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 16:36:10 (189) Christmas RR travel #7

(26) barndad Doug Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 17:05:48 (190) Inclusive Post, etc. Train set for the bar!

(27) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 17:50:36 (190) Inclusive Post, pix captions, etc.

(28) pwolfe Pete Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 17:52:47 (190) Inclusive Post, etc. Christmas RR story

(29) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 17:53:36 (190) Christmas RR travel #8

(30) jdonald Don Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 18:23:45 (190)

(31) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 18:39:26 (190) Acknowledgments, etc.

(32) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 19:09:55 (190) not-so-traditional Christmas story!

(33) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 19:36:55 (190) Inclusive Post, etc.

(34) passengerfan Al Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 19:39:49 (190) Christmas RR trip

(35) earlydiesels Dan Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 20:16:40 (190) Santa at the Midland

(36) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 12 Dec 2005, 20:24:36 (190) Inclusive Post More Christmas thoughts

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

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]
Proprietor of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!
[img]http://www.railimages.com/albums/thomasweber/aco.thumb.jpg[/img

[Anonymous]

Here's the final installment of my series:

The Great Pickleworks Wreck by Ron Ziel – Rail Classics May 1979



It took the railroad over five days to clear away the debris and to haul the once-proud speed queens – engines 2 and 214 – to the scrap heap. During the weekend, sightseers had to park as far as a mile and a half away to reach the wreck. Train wrecks had always been an occasion of great social gatherings in Suffolk County, with spectators bringing box lunches and picnicking while they watched the clearing process. Nothing, however, matched the Calverton pile-up.

After the dust had settled and the wreckage was cleared, the interest in the pickle works pile-up moved from the Calverton pine barrens to the newspaper editorial pages and the courts. It had taken nearly five hours to get the wrecking train to Calverton, a seemingly long time to travel the 60 miles from Jamaica during an extreme emergency, prompting an official condemnation of the LIRR by the court of inquiry.

Despite testimony that revealed that the wreck had been caused by the lead engine splitting the pickle-house switch which was the result of a bolt having worked loose on one of the points, the coroner’s inquest exonerated the railroad from blame. Shortly thereafter, it was revealed that Dr. Clarence Miles, the coroner, was an employee of the LIRR and carried a pass. Several other county coroners also had passes and one resigned in the ensuing scandal.

A grand jury was convened and the Interstate Commerce Commission Investigation found the railroad at fault. In October, the grand jury roundly condemned the LIRR for laxness, apathy and failure to properly maintain and inspect the switch, but no indictments were handed down.

Almost up until World War II, there was a grisly reminder – sort of a monument – of the Great Pickle Works Wreck. The foundation of the Golden building became weed-grown, but arching up out of the middle of it was a long, bent rail from the siding, which Engine No. 2 tore up as she ravaged the right of way. This most famous and celebrated of Long Island Railroad wrecks is still a topic of conversation among old-timers, like the 1938 hurricane.

The railroad went on to perform with an incredibly good safety record of 24 years without a single passenger fatality due to negligence, until the Rockville Center disaster in February, 1950. To those who lived on eastern Long Island in the 1920’s, however, the Great Pickle Works Wreck will always be remembered as a classic, with all of the melodrama, excitement, and morbid romance associated with the terrible wrecks of the 19th Century. It happened over a half century ago – to the old-timers it was yesterday.




[:I] Hope you enjoyed the series! [:I]

[siberianmo]

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #42

Here’s something to enjoy regarding the New York Central (NYC) in a 1950 advertisement from my private collection:

X marks my Room

. . . on a Dieseliner, and no hotel was ever finer. For New York Central travel feels just like a great hotel on wheels!

Having a Wonderful Time you see,
Loafing or working in privacy.
But when I feel more like a chat,
The lounge car is just made for that!

. . . . . . . . . . The Meals are Swell, and I am able
. . . . . . . . . . To have them at a real table.
. . . . . . . . . . It’s fun – this dining as I ride,
. . . . . . . . . . With scenery “served on the side!”

My Big, Soft Bed is six-foot-three,
Smooth Diesel power cradles me.
For sleep, no place could better suit,
Than Central’s Water Level Route!

. . . . . . . . . . No Need to Step Outside my door
. . . . . . . . . . To wash and dress next morning, for
. . . . . . . . . . My Central room’s equipped complete,
. . . . . . . . . . And when I leave, I’m fresh and neat.

My Plans are Sure! Come storm or fair,
My Dieseliner gets me there.
On New York Central trains I find Comfort is matched by peace of mind!

Make these great trains your Hotels on Wheels

New York – Chicago
20th CENTURY LIMITED
COMMODORE VANDERBILT

. . . . . Chicago – Boston
. . . . . NEW ENGLAND STATES

St. Louis, Indianapolis – New York, Boston
SOUTHWESTERN LIMITED

. . . . . Cincinnati – New York
. . . . . OHIO STATE LIMITED

New York – Cleveland
CLEVELAND LIMITED

. . . . . New York – Detroit
. . . . . THE DETROITER

And many, many others!


. . . . . NEW YORK CENTRAL RAILROAD . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . The Water Level Route – You Can Sleep . . . . . . . . . .

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


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)][oX)]

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

[jlampke]

Morning' Gents. (Who's running the place today? [?] ) I'll have a hot lemon tea and an apple fritter to start the day, please. [:)]

I'm normally not an early morning type person, but the trip across the Pacific and all the time changes have got my sleep hours a little out of sync here... [|)]

Glad you guys found the item on the 4449 & 700 derailment this last weekend interesting.
I was hugely relieved to hear that damage to the locomotives was minimal. While I'm not
in any way involved with them at this time, they are "near & dear" to me, so to speak.

Mike; Holy smokes man! [:O] I spent a couple hours looking over all the URL's you posted. (what's URL stand for? [?] ) Well, sadly, [:(] I've heard horror stories IRT the way the railroads treated passengers towards the end, but didn't want to believe it was official company policy..... [tdn]

I have an older camera I bought in the '80's (and like), but it makes getting pictures onto a computer a little bit of an ordeal. [%-)] I may have to break down, join the 21st century and get a digital camera so I can really participate here.

Doug; I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't catch your inclusion of Tom in your picture until after it was pointed out. Nice touch. I'll have to keep that in mind for future reference and pranks........ [:-,]

Cell phones..... well, I bought one for my teenage daughter last Christmas. She had asked for one a couple years earlier when she was 14, but I thought she needed to be a little older.... so now it was time. Plus, I liked the idea of her having a phone if she was driving, in case of trouble. For the first few months, no problem. Last May, she ran her minutes over and the bill was excessive. I pointed it out to her, and increased her service level and monthly minutes thinking it would solve the problem. June, July & August she went over her minutes, so I took the phone back and had the service cancelled. Too bad.
[V] I don't see her a lot, so I try to keep unpleasantries to a minimum, but that was out of control. I'm still fuming about it. [:(!] [:(!]

Tom; IRT the Mentor Village Gazette (henceforth to be referred to as MVG by me) I would have to say that it seems you missed your calling in life.... Very imaginative.
[tup]

We call them "Tiger Cruises", or "Dependant Cruises". Usually it's just for a day, or if a ship is returning from West Pac they'll allow guests from Hawaii to the West Coast. Not usually done, and especially rare in the post 9-11 world, thanks to those wonderful Muslims............ It was pretty rare on an ammo ship even before that.

I don't want to sound like the Bar Idiot here [D)] , and maybe I missed something, but please explain to me why a couple of you referred to an "inappropriate ending" to Sunday's posts. [D)] [?] If you don't want to post it here, send me an e-mail.

Rob; Back in early '96 the ship I was on at the time, the USNS San Jose (T-AFS 7) went to Manila for about a week. There were a couple Canadian ships there tied up to the pier across from us. If I remember right, they were the Halifax and the Vancouver. I keep notes, but my '96 book is at home in OR. I went aboard to look 'em over. Very clean ships. Wasn't I surprised when the Petty Officer assigned to escort me around took me to the bar!!! [:O] U.S. ships don't have any such a thing aboard ship. If caught with booze, we would be severely disciplined. Especially after the Exxon Valdez grounding and spill.

Typical of life in the good ol' USA anymore......... Punish everybody for the actions of a few.
[V] That's why they search little old ladies at airports; We sure don't want to hurt any Muslim's feelings........ Political correctness really burns me up............. [soapbox]

Doug; Very interesting story on The Great Pickleworks Wreck. Thanks. [tup]

John [|(]

[red p]

Good morning Tom Is the coffee fre***his morning? How about an order off biscuts and gravy also.
I know I havnt been in in a while, Ive made 2 round trips since the last time I was here.
Im 1st. out now and getting ready to go to work again. Its been crazy out there Benn getting out on my rest on both ends of the road. Been a lot of trains going dead out there latly, so there calling a few relief jobs.
I went dead the other day, dispatcher and another train stop and pick us up. We were on duty 17 hours before we got to the terminal and got markedd off.
P

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom and the rest of the regulars. Time for a quick cup of Coffee and a diet pastry from the Mentor Bakery.

Nick Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your Sunday Pix especially the CN turbo brings back many fond memories.

Almost tax season and if early inquiries are indicators it's going to be the busiest ever. Don't know how often I will be able to join the group between January and April 15, 2006 but will just have to see how it goes. Government made very few changes between 2004 and 2005 taxes.

PASSENGERFAN AL'S STREAMLINER CORNER #26

DENVER ZEPHYRS CB&Q trains 1-2 November 7, 1936 Denver - Chicago overnight each direction 1,034 miles 15 hours 30 minutes.

The Burlington Railroads answer to the Union Pacific CITY OF DENVER trains the new streamlined Budd built stainless steel DENVER ZEPHYRS entered scheduled service November 7, 1936.

These trains represented the first CB&Q Shovelnose ZEPHYRS in which the power was not articulated to the rest of the trailing consist. These were the first and only Shovelnose Diesels to have a booster unit built for operation with them. The Shovelnose A-units had a pair of 900 HP Winton 201 diesels developing a total of 1,800 HP and the trailing Booster or B-units had a single 1,200 HP Winton 201-A diesel giving each ten car consist a total of 3,000 HP each.

The DENVER ZEPHYRS were the first Burlington ZEPHYRS in which the power and all cars featured SILVER prefix names something that would become synonymous with the CB&Q almost a trademark as it were.

The new DENVER ZEPHYRS replaced the three car ADVANCED DENVER ZEPHYRS on a fast 15 hour 30 minute overnight schedule between Chicago and Denver in either direction.

The new ten car DENVER ZEPHYRS provided Coach seating, Sleeping Car space and Parlor Car seating , this was quite unusual for a train to provide both Sleeping Car space and parlor car seating in the same train. The Parlor seating was sold between Denver and Omaha eastbound and Chicago and Lincoln westbound.

The new DENVER ZEPHYRS were sold out almost from the beginning and in May 1938 a new 64 revenue seat coach 16-seat dinette seat car was added to each consist to increase coach capacity. These cars were 4852 SILVER BEAM added to one consist and 4853 SILVER BELL added to the other consist. The addition of the additional coach brought each DENVER ZEPHYR to eleven cars.

In April 1939 Budd delivered a pair of Sleeping cars with 4-Roomettes 4-Chambrettes 1-Drawing Room 1-Compartment and 4-Double Bedrooms to the CB&Q for assignment to the DENVER ZEPHYRS one for each consist. These two cars were 445 SILVER SLIPPER added to one consist and 446 SILVER MOON added to the other DENVER ZEPHYR consist. With the addition of these sleeping cars the DENVER ZEPHYRS were now twelve car consists and the original diesels with 3,000 Hp total were sufficient to maintain the hot schedule.

As the CB&Q began receiving the A-B sets of EMD E5 diesels they were assigned in A-B sets to replace the shovelnose pairs built originally for the DENVER ZEPHYRS. This gave each consist 4,000 HP instead of the 3,000 HP.

Other than a refurbishing of the interiors that the two DENVER ZEPHYR train sets underwent in 1948 and 1949 they remained on the Chicago -Denver route until October 27, 1956. On the following day October 28, 1956 the 1936 DENVER ZEPHYRS were replaced by in Chicago - Denver service with new VISTA DOME DENVER ZEPHYRS. At that time the original DENVER ZEPHYRS were leased to CB&Q subsidiary C&S for operation as the TEXAS ZEPHYRS between Denver and Dallas. In June 1957 the two train sets were transferred to C&S ownership and continued in TEXAS ZEPHYR service.

CONSIST ONE

9906A SILVER KING 1,800 HP Shovelnose Diesel Cab Unit

9906B SILVER QUEEN 1,200 HP Diesel Passenger Booster Unit

950 SILVER COURIER Auxiliary Power 30'Railway Post Office Baggage Car

980 SILVER LINING Baggage 12-Crew Dormitory Bar 36-Seat Lounge Car

4631SILVER CITY Articulated 64-Revenue Seat Coach
4632 SILVER LAKE Articulated 38-Revenue Seat Coach
152 SILVER GRILL Articulated Kitchen 40-Seat Dining Car

410 SILVER STATE Articulated 12-Section Sleeping Car
411 SILVER TIP Articulated 12-Section Sleeping Car

412 SILVER ARROW Articulated 12-Section Sleeping Car
440 SILVER SIDES Articulated 3-Compartment 1-Drawing Room 6-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car

230 SILVER FLASH 10-Revenue Seat Parlor 31-Seat Lounge Observation

A 64-Seat Coach Buffet 16-Seat Dinette car 4852 SILVER BEAM was added to the above consist in May 1938 ahead of the articulated coaches. This car was added for summer season only until 1941 at which time it became permanent year round.

In April 1939 a 4-Roomette 4-Chambrette 1-Drawing Room 1-Compartment 4-Double Bedroom Sleeping car 445 SILVER SLIPPER was added to the abopve consist ahead of 230 SILVER FLASH.

CONSIST TWO

9907A SILVER KNIGHT 1,800 HP Shovelnose Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

9907B SILVER PRINCESS 1,200 HP Diesel Booster Unit

951 SILVER HERALD Auxiliary Power 30' Railway Post Office Baggage Car

981 SILVER BAR Baggage 12-Crew Dormitory Bar 31-Seat Lounge Car

4833 SILVER SPRUCE Articulated 64-Revenue Seat Coach
4834 SILVER PLUME Articulate 38-Revenue Seat Coach
153 SILVER SERVICE Articulated Kitchen 40-Seat Dining Car

413 SILVER SKATES Articulated 12-Section Sleeping Car
414 SILVER SCREEN Articulated 12-Section Sleeping Car

415 SILVER TONE Articulated 12-Section Sleeping Car
441 SILVER THREADS Articulated 3-Compartment 1-Drawing Room 6-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car

231 SILVER STREAK 10-Revenue Seat Parlor Buffet 31-Seat Lounge Observation

A 64-Seat Coach Buffet 16-Seat Dinette Car 4853 SILVER BELL was added to the above consist in May 1938 ahead of the articulated coaches. This car was initially operated during peak travel periods summera dn Christmas until summer 1941 when when the car was added permanently to the consist.

A 4 Roomette 4-Chambrette 1-Drawing Room 1-Compartment 4-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car 446 SILVER MOON was added ahead of 231 SILVER STREAK in April 1939.

TTFN Al

[siberianmo]

Good Morning Gents!

Just a word or two before I depart for the day .... so many Posts since I checked out last evening, unbelievable activity 'round here. Ka-ching, ka-ching - gotta pay for those special events that "Our" Place is known for! Speaking of which - coalminer3 CM3 we are still waiting for the date and time for YOUR Birthday Bash!!

I see that nickinwestwales Nick - passengerfan Al - earlydiesels Dan & Theordorebear Ted stopped by after I departed last evening. While I haven't got the time to fully address what you Posted - thanx for thinking about us once again! It really was quite an 8th Month Anniversary wasn't it [?] Those Christmas season RR related stories and ads fit in quite well ... [tup][tup][tup] to all who participated! [swg]

For this morning's Posts - well, again - acknowledgments to barndad Doug - jlampke John - ftwNSengineer P and passengerfan Al. Great way to start off a new day! Lots of good stuff once again. [tup][tup][tup]

John Sunday's are for the posting of pix - we are closed and urge those with long winded Posts to save 'em up for Monday or a day when we have our customers on board. Just not the day for "business as usual." It's fine to stop by and slip a Post through the door if it is relevant to the pix or whatever else may be going on. But replies and the like - nope. That's why some made reference to the inapppriateness "thing."

P Nice new look! We're going to need sun glasses if this keeps up! [swg] Hope to hear some comments from you about what you've missed, once you have time to catch up on the reading. [tup]

barndad Doug & passengerfan Al Good sumissions and something to look forward to for reading - in the "library annex" of the Rat's Patoot Room! of course! [swg]

CINDY has the bar until my return!

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good morning Cindy and all of you dawn gazers. Think I'll endulge in a nice hot Irish Coffee this chilly A.M. I need something to get "kick started." Tom started the day off for us with the Summaries and another fine Nostalgia piece on the N.Y.C.[^] Nick's Post also greeted the morning (due to the time difference) and described a holiday odyssey of Homeric proportions. There are only two sorts of people who would embark on such an adventure: Ulysses or a "out-of-pocket" college student. True to form, Nick does not dissapoint. He offers us an ending befitting any great Greek Tragedy.[:(] Barndad Doug decided to relieve of us of our "nail biting" apprehensions by posting the 2nd and 3rd (final) series on Ron Ziel's "The Great Pickle Works Wreck." What an ignominious fate for the top "varnish" on the L.I.R.R.'s "Shelter Island Express."[:O] Just as Nick's tale displayed a multi layered aura of morality; so does Ziel's account of the resulting "cover up" by the L.I. R.R. Funny how "the more things change, the more they stay the same," isn't it? I hope I'm not "out of order" if I applaud out loud at this point.[:D]

In line with being "out of order," may I risk passing on a personal thought now while Tom is away temporarily? Here is a fellow who has unfailingly taken untold time and tireless effort to put together something we all have come to enjoy as a unique refuge from any other threads in Kalmbachdom. Isn't it only common courtesy for each and every one of us to show a bare minimum of gratitude by reading the summaries, checking the events rosters and acknowledging, not only his efforts, but those of our fellow Members? So how much extra time does it take? Let's all begin our last one third of the road to the First Anniversary of "Our" Place with sharing "inclusively" between all of our esteemed Members.[tup] That's the style.[:D]

Rob and I will be "standing in" as frequently as possible for monitoring and continuity in Tom's absence. No, it won't be the same but with your participation, it can still be a lot of fun.[^] We are all hoping to see westcoast S Dave soon and, of course Don, Mike and John with their always meanigful input and humo(u)r. Hey, the last few days have "been a ball" for me and I hope for all of you as well. So, "keep those cards and letters comin in" gents and know they are all valued and appreciated.[:D] Okay Boris, a round on me and BONG.....you could've waited 'til I moved my head away from "Old 99" first, couldn't you?[:(!] See ya's soon.

[trolleyboy]

Good morning everyone. Wow quite busy this morning , which is a good thing.[tup] I have brought in Hilda and helga to help out , so unlike most AM's we will be serving a more full bodied [:D] breakfast. 5 egg omelets whhite's only available for those needing to still fit into their overalls. Steack and eggs a full continental platter from the bakery, eggs benedict and Boris Carpathian egg supprise ( overly spicey and greesy, good for use as axle grease on a locamotive though ) This will be served all day long or until Boris annoys H&H to the point that they head home on the Zepplin.

First off Ton ,Ted , BK , CM3 ,& Doug Wonderfull buits yesteryday, I was unable to participate because of a need to sleep ( the mixed midnights+dayshifts are taking their toll on me I'm affraid,but I'm awake today )

Tom Above and beyond yesterday I would say,nice pullman and other posts truly good stuff. You guys undeed done good . Happy belated aniversary BTW,like Te dI'm looking forward to the year aniversary.
S-capades looks wonderfull and the new busses are the cats caboose [tup]

Nick Great pictures as per usual, looking forward to May hope you make it. ! you and I and Tom have a few blues with our names on them for sure for sure !

John Nice comfey looking ship,not sure that I would be wanting to ride on top of all that stuff that can go bang but good looking ship anyway. In '96 Only four of the Halifax class would have been in service. Halifax, Montreal,Toronto,& Vancouver. Ville de Quebec and Calgary may have been on running trials. Nice little tradition we have eh! You can thank the senior service ie the RN. The RCN still follows British practice in as far as the bars go ( It is regulated though if your drunk you tend to not be on the ships for long )

Most of the pictures I post are 35mm that i've scanned via the flatbed scanner, I've yet to buy a digital yet as well.Ouch on the cell bills. We find a pay as you go is the best method forces only emergency use. Not sure if that method is available in the US but here you buy a prepaid card $10 or $25, and load it on your account,once the time runs out you buy a new card,you can't run overtime unless it's a 911 call which is free anyway. Worth a look.

Al Been in with a streamliner already good stuff,what can I get you for breakfast. Must pay the bills and all !

Doug Great story tragic but a good piece. Keep em comming [tup]

Nick Thought you would like that OSR paint scheme. taken from the TH&B. Maroon and cream. That fall shot of 2786 was made into a T-shirt way back when. Some years the colours are absolutly increadible on our mainline,this year was qyuite good,late starting and of short duration but lots of firey reds and oranges. Your pictures weren't too bad either my friend.

Ted You old sea dog you glad that you are the earlier riser of the two of us.[tup] Thanks for catching this mornin's early people. H&H say they have something speacial for you. For some reason Cindy is winking as well. I'm not sure that thats a good sign or not. [:O][swg]

Tom . I know that Cindy is yours but the girl just seems to like to share and she has so much[:X][:I][;)] to give. ( knits very nice sweaters, you should see the darling sweater scarf combination she made for Tex to keep him warm ) Such a thoughtfull girl.[;)][:D]

Catch everyone later,remember order anything but the Carpathian supprise unless that is that you have a cast iron stomache.

Rob

[trolleyboy]

My goodness the afternoon has slowed up a tad. No matter H&H have switched over to the afternoon Bavarien buffet,various ***'s,worst's, and snitzeles. Cn and CP track gangs are happy and so is the rail management since the by-products can be used to cut down on diesel costs. [:D][swg][:O][xx(]. This is of coarse a true case of when the boss is away the peons play.[tup[[swg]

Right who wants what. I'm sure Ted and sir Nick will appreciate the breezy greasy spoon atmosphere that we have gone for this afternoon.[swg][:O]

A tibit for the valt to keep us on topic as it were. Yes Boris you can wring a round. Cloink , bwooong gwoong bwooong. Boris {alien] moron leave the gold perch where it belongs <sheesh>

Anyhow to the tidbit/
CNR Classic Steam #9 Speacial Steam Frieghts on the Niagara Frontier

Thorrold Switchers

Niagara Falls to Thorold and return same day. Originally one morning assignment. Between sept 30,1945,and april 28, 1946 a second switcher was added. Both ran in the mornings,several hours appart. Circa oct 28 1957 this was cut to a single train during the navigation season. Main task was to serve the Ontario Paper company at lock 7 of the Welland Canal. train would also interchange traffic with the NS&T's electric frieght division in Thorold and Merriton.Heaveu Consolidation main locomotive of choice.


The St Thomas Way Freight

Circa april of 1940 , switching extras that left Fort Erie Tues, Thurs,& sat, for Jarvis and return.Re-classed as a way frieght in april of 1945.Frequency doubled and the territory was expanded to St Thomas so train began leaving Ft Erie M,W,Fri and leavung St Thomas Tues,thurs,& Sat. This assignment was handled by a 1600 series wabash class J2 Pacific. In the 50's 1951 on Wabash SW8's 122-127 handled this run.The train carried a CNR caboose and was jointly operated,CNR and Wabash alternated crewing this train every six months.Effective 1953 Wabash with drew their crews for the local swtiching on the St Thomas division in favour of all CNR crews. Served all local industries. CNR operated train with heavy consolidations until dieselized in 1957 wwith SW1200RS's and GP7's.

Welland way freight

Niagara Fall's to Welland way freight or switcher,returnung the same day. Became known as a way frieght in april of 1945. A joint CNR/Wabash service ( ie CN could handle the Wabash cars ), although this was infrequent as the line handled very little Waba***raffic. Main jop was to service the Cyanamid plant in Port Robinson. Train only operated as far as Port Robinson after 1959. Consolidations in the 2300/2400 series were the power of choice,dieselized after 1958 by SW1200RS's and GP7's.

Enjoy more later.

Rob








's

[coalminer3]

Good Afternoon Barkeep and All, coffee please with a, little of the good stuff to take the "edge" off as I just got in from the outside (8 degrees when we started this a.m.), a round for the house, and $ for the jukebox - how abt. some Christmas selections by the Canadian Brass for today.

I just finished reading all of the posts and all I can say is, excellent - everyone "done good." The NYC and Pullman ads brought back so many memories.

Nick, I think we have all had holiday trips to the "dark side." One I remember is riding coach (with my future ex-wife) on a New Haven train (I can't remember the name right now). There was a woman seated in front of us with a paper bag in each hand. She took alternate pulls on the bottle in each bag and sang the chorus to "Make the World Go Away" over and over again from South Station to GCT. We helped her off the train in NY, and, ever since, I have not liked that tune.

I appreciate the kind words re my postings yesterday. I don't know how it was with you folks out there that had Lionel or Flyer trains, but I was always on the lookout for orange and blue boxes under the tree. I still have a lot of the Lionel stuff from that era, and have a friend here who graciously allows me to run it now and then. Pride of the fleet is a 6464-sewries 'State of Maine" car alogn with a Rutland boxcar and a PRR car which still has the freight handler inside. He pops out when the car door is opened remotely.

Since my birthday occurs during the holidays, maybe we can have a "belated" celebration after the first of the year. It will give me time to raise bail mone, enroll in a witness protection program, and get Boris out from under that loaded tank car.

work safe

[trainboyH16-44]

May I come in to the Adult environment?
I'm Matthew, 16, you may know me from my other posts. Nothing like a good pot of TEA in the morning to get you going, eh?

[trolleyboy]

Good afternoon again everyone. I see that we have had a couple of paying customers by. Alway's a good thing [tup]

CM3 The canadain brass is a personal favourite of mine,I've been luckey to catch a couple of live concerts of thiers over the years. Last time I saw them for real was in dec of 1993 at the Shaw festival theater in Niagara- on- the- Lake. Doubley meaningful concert in that it was the last Christmas we had with my Grandmother who had lived with myself and my parents for a good twenty years. My Grandfather ( passed away in 1963 so I never met him ) ws a Salvation army band leader so needless to say Gran loved a good brass band and the Canadian Brass were/are still one of the best around.[tup]

I can understand how that train trip was one from **ll. Could not have been a pleasant ride,thankfully it wasn't a longer trip,though I'm sure that it's length felt like an eternity.Nice to have friends that let you enjoy the treasures of your youth.Also nice to still have that classic stuff,many people gave away such treasures when they growed up only to discover what they missed many years later.

Hope that "speacial" coffee warmed you up. Were you brave enough to try the buffet ?

Matt Certainly this is a bar ,so at your tender age, it will certainly force you to be chaperoned. One word on this thread is that we do tend to stay rather on topic, with a bit of humour thrown in. My suggestion is that if you read through several pages and see what we are about. If you think that you can talk the clasics and respond in kind to everyone else here, and thier offerings ( no run by posts ) which is something we do try to do then stop back tomorrow when the boss's back,I'm sure that we can find a spot for you.[tup]

Rob

[trolleyboy]

Here's another CN Steam recollection.

Classic CNR Steam # 10 CNR speacial Frights Part 2

Merriton Switcher

Niagara Falls - Merriton,later known as the Niagara Falls-Merriton Road switcher. Night assignment through 1952,became evening assignment during the first half of 1953. Normally ran as a caboose hop to Merriton.Switched cars off the NS&T transfer ( CN trains used front tracks of station. Thje NS&T passenger cars off the interurban district loaded behind the station and they owned the yard. Station was a standard GT type two located right in the Grimsby sub mainline,sane type as Museumm's rockwood statton. Merriton station burnt down in 1998).This train then lined up cars for road trains 464 and 461. After the last NS&T job arrived and the transfer was clear, the switcher switched out any set offs and placed them in the yard for the NS&T's specific customers. Untill spring of 1954, the switcher waited for an express car off #84,then helped 461 make a set off.Niagara Falls bound cars were put onto train 461 to allieviate the beed for a pilot on the switcher. Switcher followed 461 into Niagara Falls as a caboose hop. After the spring of 1954 the Merriton switcher began returning to the falls at midnight, powered by Consolidations until deisilization.

Pilot Assignments

Operated between Niagara Falls , Merriton , and Thorold. Typically a morning and afternoon assignment.Most often a heavy Mikado assigned to Niagara falls,but any available power laying over from other assignments could be used. This was a helper for the Thorold sub hill that climbed the escarpment by lock 7 of the Welland canal. 2-3.5% grade worst in S Ontario.

Toronto-St Catharines Fruit Extras

Less-than-carload express pickup train,operated in season.Engine several "blowers" and/pr express refridgerator cars and rider coach left Toronto in the morning.Empty cars were left at points along the Grimsby subdivision. Lifted carload traffic as well.Fruit was destined for Toronto and beyond. Normal power was a light Pacific through 1655 season. SW1200RS took over after1956 no coach at this point.

Hamiltin-St Catharines Fruit Extras

Operated Hamilton-Mimico via St Catharines during the peak fruit season,this train ran almost daily. Ordered for early afternoon out of Hamilton as a caboose hop,tender first! ( occationally empties were set off but not often )Proceeded to Jordan,St Catharines,or Merriton as ordered. Lifted loaded express refridgerator cars of fruit all the way to Winnona.Whenever possible,the dispatcher issued a work order for both tracks.Once off the Grimsby sub,train highballed to Mimico,with the exception of a stop at the canal on the Beach sub( Burlington Bay ). At Mimico, a new engine and caboose took over the train,which wasted little time in proceeding to Montreal.Usually powered by a light Pacific ( occationally a Mogul or Consolidation ) all engines assigned to Hamilton. Northerns or better took over at Mimico. Train was dieselized in 1958.

Enjoy Rob

[jdonald]

Good afternoon all: If I read things correctly Cindy is behind the bar and Rob is looking over her shoulder[:p] I'll have an Alexander Keith and a round for the house.
My Anti Virus Prog. has been replaced and my wallet lightened[:(]

Sheesh-just be away for a day there is so much to read
Doug nice series on the Great Pickleworks Wreck . Spooky that it happend on Friday the 13th

John I'm with you on political correctness. How has "Merry Christmas" been modified into "Happy Holidays"[?][:(!]

Rob enjoying the latest CN steam. Regarding St Thomas and the Wabash, I have a couple of pics maybe for the next Sunday Picture Show

As for Christmas(not "Holiday")memories: This happened in the week before Christmas 1955 or1956. I was finally allowed to ride my bike down to the local station(Sarnia) and had ridden out to the crossing where the Plank Road crossed the CNR tracks. This crossing was just at the throat of the west yard and had 5 or 6 tracks-very busy what with switching moves, passenger trains and freight locos backing down to their trains. The crossing was protected by gates that were operated by the gateman in a wooden tower. After standing at the bottom of the tower steps and getting frozen, the operator invited me up into the tower to get warmed up by the coal stove. We chatted about trains for a while and I noticed quite a bit of activity on the ground in the parts of the yard I could see from the tower. Several yardmen could be seen heading for the far side of the yard with pails and anything else that would hold liquid. The operator finally yelled at one of them to ask what was going on. Apparently a tank car of spirits of some kind has mysteriously sprung a leak and everyone was helping themselves! With a twinkle in his eye the operator asked me if I wanted to watch the gates while he took his bucket and filled it. He wasn't serious of course but I was ready operate those gates! Wish now that I had taken a picture of that tower-oh well.

Bye for now-Keep it on the rails

[Anonymous]

Good day, bartend and all! How about a Cherry Coke?

I would have shared a Christmas story of my own...if it weren't for the fact that I haven't been a railfan forever, as my newly-updated profile states.

Matthew, good to see you stopping in!

Doug, I really enjoyed that series on the wreck. That really is creepy that it happened on Friday the 13th! Encore, encore!

Rob, I've been enjoying your segments as well.

Since I'm fairly new to the place, are we still on Christmas items, or is it "free-for-all," if you catch my drift...

I believe that is all.

Have a great day.

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all

Hi Rob have you got the bar at the moment? Can I have a pint of Bathams and are there any Steak and Eggs left. I'll have a Bathams XXX for after the steak( this is a season ale which is quite to find but NICK as managed to ship some over)[tup]

[wow] What a great day of posts yesterday.

Nick Thanks for the photo captions. I have great fun trying to guess the locations of the U,K. pics before you let us know where they were taken. The Gwili always catches me out, its been many years since I have been to it.
I dont envy you being stuck at Birmingham New St. At least when you done the trip there were overnight trains with seating accomadation. there was even one that ran from Bristol to Milford Haven with a passenger car attached to the mail vans.

DAN thanks for the insight on the Santas from a operaters view. When my friend's lads were young a trip to see Santa on one of the local preserved lines in the U.K was one of their highlights of the year for them.

JOHN Excuse my ignorance but what is USNS. I thought the U.S navy ships were USS[?].

DOUG Thanks for parts 2 & 3 of the Great Pickleworks Wreak. The photos of the locos involved were much appriciated for me who is not familiar with N. American locos
[tup]. The model looks great on the shelf at Our Place.[^].

AL Great Christmas story and the info on the Denver Zephers.

TED Great post hope H&H are not giving you too much bother. Well said about TOM[tup].

ROB Thanks for the CNR Special Frieghts. Reading it brought to mind a another piece of Railroading that as almost vanished, at least in the U.K., that of the Staton Pilot. The switcher(?) that was always busy around the station attaching and removing cars and vans from trains Usually an 0-6-0 tank loco in steam days. On the L.M.S. lines this duty was preformed a class of small 0-6-0 tank locos known as Jintys. Very similar in appearence to Thomas the Tank Engine.

TOM Thanks for the N.Y.C Ad. I can,t imagine a Railroad company today doing an Ad in rhyme. PETE>