"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Gents!

P I'd think that you'd have MORE of a thirst than just one Bud after 6 hours of what I presume you could teach! [swg]

What do you mean by "picture day?" The next one is January 8th.

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Evenin'

I just received this text in an Email from VIA Rail Canada:

QUOTE: For immediate distribution - Thursday, December 22, 2005

VIA pursuing talks with union representing locomotive engineers
VIA Rail Canada issued earlier today the following statement.

"VIA Rail Canada representatives are currently negotiating with the Teamster Canada Rail Conference union representing some 350 locomotive engineers in a bid to avert a work stoppage. The union has given notice to the company of its intent to go on strike on Saturday, December 24, 2005, 4:30 pm EST.

"The Minister of Labour and Housing has appointed a mediator who is assisting the parties in the negotiation process.

"VIA is working hard to avoid a service disruption to customers and remains hopeful that an agreement will be reached before the set deadline. In the interim, VIA is also taking steps to ensure that passengers already en route are protected, should there be a work stoppage.

Customers with individual enquiries concerning their travel plans may contact VIA at 1-888-VIA-RAIL. Or check for the latest news at http://www.viarail.ca"

What a time to pull such a stunt! For shame, fer sure! [tdn]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[pwolfe]

HiTom and all.

A pint of Bathams and is there some North Sea Cod, Chips and Mushy Peas please[dinner].

A busy day at the bar and[tup] DOUG on winning the compition.Your posts on Indian Railways has sparked at lot of interest, keep them coming. Good to see you BK and great info on the BESA Loco. The private loco builders in the U.K. produced some impressive engines. What a great museum in the link I was particuly impressed by the Bayer- Garrett articulated loco on one of the pages. The Indian Railways must be congratulated on saving so many fine engines and stock[^].

CM3 Thanks for the info on the Electro-Diesel FL9 locos, with the unusual wheel arrangement, it would be good to see a photo of one. Good poems[tup].

Al Interesting post on the High-Level cars and thanks DON for the photo reference in Classic Trains a great picture.Also thanks for the info on the F diesels, the numbers that were built certainly make the U.K. diesel class sizes seem puny.

TED Yes London is a fascinating place for railways but from the begining has suffered in the fact the north and south terminal stations were not directly linked. There will be another line from the north side of the city to the south coast when the Channel Tunnel Rail Link opens.
Last time I was in London they had the One-day travel card for travel on London Underground and British rail services in the Greater London area. It was availiable after the morning rush hour and is fairly cheap way of travelling the rails of London. It is amazing how little of the system you can cover in a day thought.

ROB I dont know if you have seen the January issue of Trains Magazine there is a very interesting, though sad, article on the Minneapolis-St Paul trolley system and how it fell to buses.

TOM Good Nostalgia. It reminded me of the days when the railways were a viable choice to visit parks, natural attractions and visits to the coast etc. Even in the U.K. you dont see the railways advertizing for this trade anymore. Yet in the 50s you could not pass a station without seeing a poster advertizing an excursion train or a least special fares to an attraction. Times change I suppose [:(]
Bad news about the strike there is talk of one in Britain when we are due over there. We just hope it can be settled before we get there. Always at holiday time. PETE

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Pete

Was just about to check out when I saw your Post! [tup]

That VIA Rail situation just "jacks my jowels!" I heard today that the NYC transit walkout will wind up costing those employees a week's salary, plus the heavy fines against the Union. So how does any of this make sense [?] It is ILLEGAL to strike in New York State if one is a public employee and those transit workers are in that category. Duh. So now they go back to work - incovenienced millions. <yikes>

Appreciate your stoppin' by and hope that you'll do so right up until your departure date! By the by, tomorrow we're looking for afternoon Posts, hope you can help out. Also, how come we haven't been able to get you to sign up for the Birthday Watch List! [?}

Yes, it was good seeing the return of BK - Posted three times today. That's gotta be a first for him. Good info was porvided too. [tup][tup] Too bad Doug missed the "stuff" on the BESA locos of India.

Okay - Leon the Njight Man has the bar! Boris Ring it. GIve 'em what they want on the house, Leon

Later! [zzz]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

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

FRIDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

A “Friday way” to continue this countdown to Christmas is to spend a bit of time with us by ordering a <light> breakfast from the menu board – have a cup of freshly brewed coffee and try some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery! [tup]

Daily Wisdom:

Experience is another word for mistakes.


Info for the Day:

(1) CONTEST OVER!:
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
WINNER! barndad Doug . . Dec 22nd . . . . . . . . . none
nickinwestwales Nick . . . .Dec 27th . . . . . . . . . .trolleyboy Rob
ftwNSengineer P . . . . . . . Dec 23rd . . . . . . . . . .trolleyboy Rob
jlampke John . . . . . . . . . Dec 24th (noon) . . . . . siberianmo Tom

(2) repeat Birthday Bash for CM3 set for Friday, January 6th!

(3) repeat I suspect next week will be rather light insofar as patrons are concerned, so many of my Posts will be ENCORE! pieces. Enjoy!

(4) "Our" Place is looking for a couple of good men! This afternoon, from about 2 PM CDT until about 8 PM, I'm going to be away from the keyboard and monitor. [yeah] Another dose of Christmas spirit with my bride! Anyway, if those of you who Post, would plan to do so in the AFTERNOON, it surely would help us stay "on top." That's it - just Post in the AFTERNOON. Cindy will be here to watch the store, so to speak!


SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 01:03:27 (199) Thursday’s Info & Summary

(2) barndad Doug Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 06:03:48 (199) etc.

(3) passengerfan Al Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 07:49:33 (199) Streamliner #33 – Hi-level El Capitan

(4) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 08:12:26 (199) Vermont train travel, etc.

(5) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 09:05:33 (199) Inclusive Post, etc.

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 09:33:26 (199) Acknowledgments, etc.

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 09:48:27 (199) Juke Jar

(8) BudKarr BK Posted: 22 Dec 2005 , 10:59:08 (200) He’s baaaaaack! Good stuff! 200th page!

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 11:14:27 (200) 200th Page Contest Winner!

(10) jdonald Don Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 11:27:40 (200) More Fs, etc.)

(11) passengerfan Al Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 12:31:14 (200) reply to moi!

(12) BudKarr BK Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 12:58:20 (200) BESA class of India loco, etc.

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 14:52:09 (200) Acknowledgments, etc.

(14) BudKarr BK Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 15:13:46 (200) etc.

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 15:45:05 (200) NOSTALGIA #49 - Ad – UP (1949)

(16) ftwNSengineer P Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 15:48:52 (200) etc.

(17) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 18:20:23 (200) reply to: ftwNSengineer

(18) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 20:23:51 (200) VIA Rail strike notice

(19) pwolfe Pete Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 21:54:44 (200) Inclusive Post, etc.

(20) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 22:38:23 (200) reply to pwolfe

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

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



From siberianmo’s home: (click to enlarge)

[passengerfan]

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

PASSENGERFAN AL'S STREAMLINER CORNER 34

AuRoRa Alaska Railroad October 18, 1947 Anchorage - Fairtbanks tri-Weekly 356 miles each way 12 hours.

The Alaska Railroad began streamlined train service October 18, 1947 between the territories two largest cities Anchorage and Fairbanks with a new train named the AuRoRa. The train was named for the famed Northern Light phenomen Aurora Borealis and also incorporated the initials of the ARR.
But the new AuRoRa was differnt then any other postwar streamliner to enter service.

The new trains was painted in a striking yellow and Prussian Blue scheme. The diesels that powered the AuRoRa were were originally constructed for the U.S. Army for shipment overseas to to the Trans Iranian Railway and were of Road Switcher design producing 1,000 hp each.

The cars were were ex U.S, Army Hospital cars built originally to move wounded from the west coast ports to inland hospitals closer to the GIs home towns if an invasion of Japan had become necessary. As well as these surplus hospital cars the ARR used several former Bureau of Mine Safety cars similar to the American Car & Foundry built hospital cars to to streamline the AuRoRa as well. The Hospital car were from the same lot that the Monon purchased and streamlined its postwar trains from.

The rebuilding and streamlining of these cars and the streamlined shrouding that was applied to the road switcher diesels that pulled the new AuRoRa was fabricated and installed by Puget Sound Bridge & Dredging Company of Seattle, Washington. As the cars and diesels were completed they were barged north to their new home in Alaska.

The new AuRoRa was an interesting streamliner as all cars wrode on madern six wheel trucks. Each AuRoRa operated with a baggage car and 94 seat coach for the short trippers as the AuRoRa would stop anywhere in the brush company to let passengers off or to board. And the train also served these wilderness types with the supplies they needed to sustain life. Many were trappers harvesting some of the worlds finest pelts. In addition for meals and lounging the train operated with a dining lounge car that featured a juke box in the lounge area. As rough as the roadbed was at the time I wonder if if it played without skipping when the train was moving,

CONSIST AURoRa

1050 Shrouded RS-1 1,000 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

1050A Shrouded RS-1 1,000 HP Diesel Passenger Booster Unit

57 Baggage 30' Railway Post Office Car

71 Baggage Car

89 Baggage 48-Revenue Seat Coach

43 94- Revenue Seat Coach

35 60-Revenue Seat Coach

37 60-Revenue Seat Coach

9 32-Seat Dining 22-Seat Lounge Car

31 60-Revenue Seat Coach

33 60-Revenue Seat Coach

TTFN AL

[jdonald]

Good mornin Tom & all present-black coffee and a bagel toasted for me please.

Sorry I can't help with the posts today Tom-we will be away from our home 20 -leaving shortly, back tomorrow probably after closing time.

Al The Alaska R.R. AuRoRa! Wow this has really piqued my curosity. Know where I could find a picture[?]

Saga of the F Units continues

EMD LENGTHENED FREIGHT-TYPE CABS: 1500 AND 1750 HP, B-B

FP7 1500 HP Produced 6/49-12/53 U.S. 297 Canada 57 Mexico 18
FP9 1750 HP Produced 1954-1959 U.S. 4 Canada 54 Mexico 25

Features: The FP7 and FP9 are 4-foot-longer versions of the F7A and F9A. The increased length was used for water tanks to supply the steam generator. The extra lenght of the FP7 us visible in the extra space between the first porthole and the first louvered filter opening. On the FP9 the first porthole is farther back, so the extra roof hatch and the space behind the front truck are more reliable spotting features. The FP7 and FP9 were built only as cab units; there were no FP boosters.

Variations Chicago & North Western 4051A-4054A, the only FP9s built for service in the U.S., were rebuilt from Fts and were rated at 1500HP.

There will be a part 4 on the FL9 which will have to wait until after ho-ho day.

TO ALL THE CUSTOMERS & STAFF OF "OUR PLACE" HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR


Bye for now-keep it on the rails

Don

[jdonald]

P.S.-Forgot to mention-VIA rail has settled their labour dispute and will be running. They haven't had a contract since Dec 2000!!

See you

Don

[coalminer3]

Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.

Aluminum cue sticks will solve your replacement problem.

I will be offline for most of the next week. Merry Christmas to all.

work safe

[siberianmo]

Mornin' Gents!

From CBC news:

QUOTE: Labour Minister urges 'common decency' to avoid Via Rail strike
Last Updated Fri, 23 Dec 2005 07:16:31 EST
CBC News
The federal labour minister wants the parties negotiating a new contract at Via Rail to show "common sense and common decency" and not disrupt service during Christmas.

Thousands of Canadians are travelling, and the possibility of a strike or lockout would interfere with holiday plans, Labour Minister Joe Fontana told reporters on a conference call on Thursday.

"I don't want to see Canadians used as pawns in a work stoppage," he said. "They have to take the public interest in mind."

Fontana said his plea applied to both Via management and the 350 engineers represented by Teamsters Canada.

The union set a strike deadline of Christmas Eve. Management has not yet threatened a lockout, he said.

Fontana's advice for Via travellers was "hang in." The parties are talking with help from federal officials, and he characterized the issues in dispute as snags, not brick walls.

The engineers have been without a contract for five years, although part of the delay arose because the Teamsters took over as bargaining agent from another union about two years ago.

On Tuesday, the union issued a press release saying they had a "very strong mandate" but that there was hope a deal could be reached.

"The negotiation committee remains optimistic that an agreement can be reached without work stoppage," Gilles Halle, the president of the VIA Rail and Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, said in a statement.

Via said it is negotiating to reach a settlement.

If the strike does occur, Via will ensure passengers in transit at the time get to their destinations, the railway said.

If the strike happens, there is not much the government can do, Fontana said. Parliament can legislate strikers back to work, but it's not sitting at the moment because of the election.

He said the same advice he gave to Via and its union applies to the baggage handlers at Vancouver airport, where there is also a Dec. 24 strike deadline.

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

Mornin’ Gents!

To repeat: As Christmas draws ever closer, I expect we’ll see fewer ‘n fewer Posts. The bar ‘n grill will remain open throughout this Christmas and holiday season, but take note of the following:

Christmas Eve – CLOSE at 6 PM (all time zones!)

Christmas Day (Sunday) – CLOSED – even the mail slots will be “blocked.”

New Year’s Day (Sunday) – CLOSED – mail slots “open,” but NO PIX!


To the acknowledgments:

passengerfan Al Posted: 23 Dec 2005, 07:58:12

This is one of your “Streamliners” that really brings forth some memories. Not so much of the exact train, but of an Alaskan rail trip in 1959. Traveled from Anchorage to Fairbanks aboard what was a U.S. Army run train. Can’t tell you much about the consist, other than they were heavyweights and we traveled in coach. The Army ran virtually everything in many places in Alaska back then, including the trains as I recall.

The trip was one of those impromptu things that came about while spending a few days in Anchorage on leave with a buddy. Back then, gals and drinking were the more important aspects of having fun! [swg] The train was simply a means to and end – “Wonder what Fairbanks is like?” or something like that.

By the by, I strongly suggest that you, barndad Doug & trolleyboy Rob hold off on your very informative and well thought out Posts in the “series” you all run. Why waste ‘em next week [?] There won’t be very many around ‘til at least January 2nd. So, go with the reruns – ENCORE! pieces.

jdonald Don Posted: 23 Dec 2005, 08:36:03 and 08:39:47

I appreciate your taking the time to acknowledge my request – means a lot! [tup]

Continuing “good stuff” on the F’s – same advice to you regarding next week’s Postings. Perhaps some “reruns’ would be better than having your fine work go unnoticed.

I’ve received my “official” Email from VIA Rail telling me that it’s okay for me to continue on with my plans for travel! [swg] There’s simply no excuse for any of this – no contract whatsoever for that length of time says a lot, eh [?] Shame on ‘em all.

Enjoy the time away …..

coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 23 Dec 2005, 08:53:10

Aluminum is only good for beer and soda cans! Not in my pool room, thank you very much.

Appreciate the quarters, as always – along with the round! Boris Ring it – the “coal man” is buying!

Enjoy your time “off” and hope to see you soon!

Later, but not too much!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #50

Here’s something to enjoy regarding the Southern Railway (SR) from a 1949 advertisement in my personal collection.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . THE SOUTH . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Suits to a “T” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WHY has an average of one new factory a day located along the lines of the Southern Railway System during the past three years?

Because industries are discovering that the South served by the Southern is a “gold mine of opportunity”! With a wealth of natural resources and advantages, expanding consumer markets, skilled and willing workers . . . and a bright future . . . the South suits all industries – to a “T”.

Look Ahead – Look South!” Earnest E. Norris, President.

. . . . . . . . . . SOUTHERN RAILWAY SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Southern Serves the South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)][oX)]

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

[wanswheel]

Hi Tom and everyone. In theory a soldier in Iraq who is into classic trains is online 6 months from family at Christmas. Be of good cheer this too shall pass. A round of eggnog please and a toast to all who serve.

I keep thinking about the combined El Capitan-Super Chief passengers locked out of the adjoining "seperate" train. You can say that these cars here are the El Capitan and those cars back there are the Super Chief, but to me it's all one train, and I would feel confined and claustrophobic, even in first class, if I couldn't walk the length of the whole train.

Don there's photos of just about everything at Google.com, just click for images.
http://www.photosbystevenjbrown.com/arr/aurora/arr.html

Tom here's links to Train of Remembrance related photos, couldn't find anything showing 33 cars
http://www.sackville.com/news/2005/11/veterans.html
http://www.herald.ns.ca/20051111/stories/story_1.html
http://www.herald.ns.ca/20051111/stories/story_3.html
http://www.herald.ns.ca/20051111/stories/story_7.html
http://www.webshots.com/search?query=train+of+remembrance&start=0

"Lay of the Lost Traveller" by Edward J. Phelps is said to have been inspired when Mr. Phelps left Burlington by the so-called "shuttle" train for Boston via Essex Junction. He got off the train and stepped inside of the station to await the arrival of the Main Line train. The usual shifting of trains took place and Mr. Phelps, without inquiring, got aboard a train which he anticipates will take him to Boston. But it is the same train that he had left a few minutes previously and he finds himself enroute back to Burlington. Where, on his arrival, the poem was supposedly written. He was president of the American Bar Association, Grover Cleveland's ambassador to London, and a professor at Yale. Born and raised in Middlebury, Vermont. (Source: Essex Community Historical Society)

I'll have to see that winter issue of Classic Trains, but I'm still in sticker shock. $7 for a magazine nowadays. Whatever happened to the Saturday Evening Post for 15 cents?
http://www.curtispublishing.com/images/NonRockwell/9561215.jpg

http://www.themediadrome.com/content/articles/food_articles/fruitcake.htm
http://www.carsandtrains.com/ironroad/cpr/cp8642_christmas.jpg
http://www.trainscan.com/news/scan/s0301/img_ovr.jpg
http://www.absolutad.com/gallery/tradition.jpg
http://www.watercressline.co.uk/santa.htm
http://www.bambootrading.com/xmas/x202.jpg
http://npcanteen.tripod.com/canteen/ca03010.html

[Anonymous]

Hi everybody, Tom, I trust you won't be shuffling through the "last minute" throngs at places such as Wal-Mart, et al.[V] Right Cindy, let me try a slice of fruit cake and "spiked" egg nog BK so generously provided yesterday, thanks. BTW, it would seem that something at "Our" Place has taken root with our nomadic friend BK. Phew Tom, Glad to hear your travel plans weren't torn asunder by the threatened VIA strike. Glory be, I can't imagine any labo(u)r union running 5 years without a contract. Thankfully, they didn't "walk out" before Christmas as did the N.Y. City cartel.[tdn]. Pardon me for being a "wet blamket," but that next to last paragraph seems to put things in "limbo."

Congratulations Doug on your prize for the contest. That was as close a run thing as I've seen hereabouts. I quite understand the interest shown in your India series. After all, it is nearly the last bastions of steam on this earth.[tup] China, last I heard, still runs steam in some isolated areas. That will change very soon with their recent emrgence as a major player in the World's markets.

CM3, I am tardy showing appreciation for the Vermont Central odes of "thesis- -antithesis." Rail travel, all through the years, has been something of an adventure, for sure. I wouldn't cover a 100 to 1 odds that anyone would depart or arrive as scheduled to any destinatiion, be it 25 or 2500 miles. Don, more enlightenment on the "FTs, F7s, FP7s and FP9's."[tup] The differences are subtle enough to challenge even a dedicated train Buff. I often wondered why A.T.S.F. prefered the FPs on their top "varnish" rather than the "Es." I suppose they are more effecient in multiples of 4 (or more) across the desert South West? I'm thinking the Es would be prefered in more mountainous terrain. Yes Pete, I'm sure it would take weeks to do any justice for riding the London rails. Recently, some ambitious New York kids rode the entire subway system without "surfacing" even for a breath of air. I'm not certain but I think it took the better part of 3 days, could be wrong though. Well its just after 2 p.m. and I'll post this now and, hopefylly, again later. Boris, listen to Cindy. What she says goes 'til the Proprietor returns later, get it? Gadfrey, he brought my Mackinaw.[alien] Happy Rails.[:D]

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

A pint of Bathams and as it is near Christmas a Bathams XXX as well. Whats that Cindy you can only find the pint classes[?] Oh well can you bring two ordinary Bathams to go with the one XXX please [:)]

AL thanks for the Alaska train and thanks Mike for the link to the Alaska photos.

WANSWHEELMIKE Wonderful links to the Veterans train it makes me feel very humble
and all credit to the people who organised the train. May I join you in the toast to the servicemen and women who are away from their loved ones this Christmas.

TED I read recently that China has nearly done away with steam on the National railway, with only industrial mines and steelworks still using steam. Some of the locos must be nearly brand new. I suppose a few will be kept for fan-trips. But it looks as though Steam's reign as a source of normal power for railroads is over after 200 years [:(][:(].

TOM Thanks for the Southern Railway nostalgia[tup]. I thought I had given you my birthday. I will send it.
Hopefully I shall be able to call in tomorrow off to Columbia now I will call in later if not too late. PETE.

[Anonymous]

Hey, its getting kinda lonesome here at "Our" Place. Cindy, I'll have a Ham and Swiss on Pumpernikle w/deli mustard and a ice cold P.B.R., please. Well, I just dropped by to catch the latest posts. Love the old Southern Rwy. promo. ad. Guess Tom and his bride are catching the "Trans Siberian" Orchestra or maybe some shopping in town. Mike, I would hazaard a guess the Mr. Phelps is a classic example of "the absent minded Professor."[swg] I don't know how many sections the El Cap and Super Cheif were running. I've seen as many as 24 cars in one section and believe you me, when you detrain on one of the last cars, it is one hullava hike to the station. I usually hired a "Red Cap" to help with my luggage and gear. I never check bags through because of theft and probablility of it being lost. It happened to me once and, ironically, it was on the El Cap. They managed to get them back on the following day, believe it or not. Certainly enjoyed your links on the post, thanks.

There isn't a whole lot to expound upon just now, so Ill return a.s.a.p. for a reconoiter when there is more action.[^] Its heartening to know those beautiful Budd High Level Cars are still intact on the West Coast Daylight. They literally are like riding on a cloud. We had these same coaches on the Auto Train from Largo, VA to Sanford, FL back in 1973. The food was a disapointment ( "steam table" buffet style) but everything else was beyond my expectations. My wife and I had a lot of running around to do, seeing the In-Laws etc., so having my own "wheels" was great. I would hate to be stranded depending on my Father-in-Law for transportation.[:O] Little did I suspect I would be returning to FL for retirement some 14 years later. I will admit leaving MD at about +20 deg. F. and arriving in +78 deg. F., Florida weather did catch my attention. Most of you know that I had planned a Amtrak rail trip from Orlando to New Orleans, LA this past Fall. Well, guess what? Right, Katrina beat me to it. Just "shows-to-go-Ya" how the "fickle finger of fate" can can mess up the "best made plans of mice and men." I hope, in the future, to make plans for a rail sojourn "up North" to rekindle some memories with old Army friends who retired there. I believe I can make that trip from Tampa rather than Orlando. For years most train routes in the States were East to West. Now (in the East) there are more North to South runs. Okay, take care everybody and don't let the let the "spirits" of X-mas over ride your common sense. Already, I've seen the most "bone headed" examples of Kamikazi driving (?) this State has on offer. "Not a pretty sight!"[:O] See you and Boris later Cindy Try not to doze off before the Track Gang gets here with their various jousting sticks and stuff. Happy rails.

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Guys!

I'm back - Cindy you are wonderful! Thanx so much for keeping this place operating in my absence! [tup]

The late afrternoon concert was, in a word LOUD! I can barely hear myself think! <geesh> For anyone who may not be familiar with the Trans Siberian Orchestra - they are a contemporary group of musicians who have made their mark as something akin to a combination of Mannheim Steamroller and the Electric Light Orchestra; definitely different and LOUD! [swg]

Nice Posts this afternoon and I thank Manager Ted for maintaining some continuity during the day.

Mike I appreciate those URLs, thanx for providing them! [tup] I've seen the newspaper artiicles before, but that site with the picture spread is a first. Still cannot get any pix of the train. Wonder what's up with that [?]

By the by, that Sackville station is really quite a building to see. I make a solo round trip to Saciville, New Brunswick to visit with a friend. usually once a year. I'm surprised that he didn't provide those pictures! I'll have to jump his case on that one! [swg]

Pete Thanx for stopping by this afternoon! Nope - never got the birthday info from you, but when it gets here - the "list" will be updated!

Ted No shopping for us - we're long finished with that aspect of Christmas. There is a favorite "watering hole" of mine downtown, across the street from Union Station, that we like to frequent on trips to the city. It's an Irish Pub knda place and serves some great food -called "Maggie O'Briens." Should we get a group of guys willing to come to St. Louis for a Rendezvous that's definitely a place we'll have to visit! Anyway, had lunch there today, then off to the concert. What's that [?] Sorry, can't HEAR you! [swg]

Mike 'n Ted longest passenger train consist I can recall was with ViA Rail on a cross-Canada round tirp - 22 cars. We had our bedroom in the Park Car observation dome and looking foward over all those cars was a real treat. Walking the length was good exercise as well! I believe we had 7 sleepers to walk through to get to the first dining car.

Pete The countdown to England begins in earnest, eh [?] Before you know it, you and your bride will be in "Merry Olde," where your mates will await the stories from America. Don't forget to tell 'em about "Our" Place - maybe we can get one or two of your friends to check in with us! ]tup]

Pete I see that Ted's talking about an Amtrak trip. Perhaps YOU should work on him ... I'd say a threesome would be fun! What say you [?]

Okay - I'm gonna turn this over to Leon the Night Man! Ring the bell, Boris - a round on me.

Nite! [zzz]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Hello again Cindy, I keep pumping but I'm afraid this is definitely a "dry hole."[:O] It was nice of the few who showed up to share some good information with us. I suppose I could launch into a lengthy post on some element of our primary interests. Now, is probably not the time for that as most of our numbers are understandibly ensconced in Family, hearth and home. Pete, I bid you a safe trip to Columbia and return. It looks as though the weather is in your favo(u)r and that's a blessing. I imagine you are growing more enthusiastic by the day for the return to England. Naturally, all of us wish you and your wife a pleasant and meaningful Holiday.[tup] It would be neat if you could "knock up" our Cheif Chef Nick but I guess he is "out and about" as well. This weekend is, no doubt, best served with attending to the demands made by our customary traditions. Normally, I would have been performing throughout the holiday season. Since I retired, the holiday season is for visiting and celebrating "...good will toward Man..." which is preferable to catering to a bunch of Drunks in a smoke filled dance hall. However, I do miss the brass quartets and quintets that I participated in at holiday concerts. Like the "Classic Trains" we mourn for; classical music in the traditional holiday sense is another casualty.[V] Even the annual local Symphony concerts of Christmas Music are largely relegated to the "dust bin of history." There are just a whole lot of things in the States that have been tampered with and corrupted by the hand of man recently. Like a mechanical Grand Father Clock, when there is a tiny "glitch" in the mechanism, the pendulum swings wildly out of synch. That's the best analogy I can think of at the moment. I'm sure there are better mental images for this malady out there somewhere. Any rate, let's all have a restful convalescence from the usual stress and strain of the work a day grist mill. May all of your thoughts be pleasant ones and the memories you make during these Holidays be cherished always. I think I heard Leon's unmistakable thundering entrance, so I'll turn the bar over to him and Cindy for "last rights." So long for now.

[siberianmo]

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

SATURDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

This is ENCORE! Saturday.

A “Christmas Eve way” to continue this countdown to Christmas is to spend a bit of time with us by ordering a <light> breakfast from the menu board – have a cup of freshly brewed coffee and try some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery! [tup]

Daily Wisdom:

A cow chip is paradise for a fly.


Info for the Day:

(1) CONTEST OVER!:
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
WINNER! barndad Doug . . Dec 22nd . . . . . . . . . none
nickinwestwales Nick . . . .Dec 27th . . . . . . . . . .trolleyboy Rob
ftwNSengineer P . . . . . . . Dec 23rd . . . . . . . . . .trolleyboy Rob
jlampke John . . . . . . . . . Dec 24th (noon) . . . . . siberianmo Tom

(2) repeat Birthday Bash for CM3 set for Friday, January 6th!

(3) I suspect next week will be rather light insofar as patrons are concerned, so many of my Posts will be ENCORE! pieces. Enjoy! For barndad Doug – passengerfan Al and trolleyboy Rob recommend you go with ENCORE! pieces and “save” your newer work until January 2nd.

(4) We CLOSE at 6 PM today and remain CLOSED until 6 AM, Monday! The next Sunday Photo Posting Day! is January 8th. Next SUMMARY will be on Monday.


SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 23 Dec 2005, 01:07:52 (200) Friday’s Info & Summary

(2) passengerfan Al Posted: 23 Dec 2005, 07:58:12 (200) Streamliner #34 – AuRoRa

(3) jdonald Don Posted: 23 Dec 2005, 08:36:03 (200) F-units, etc.

(4) jdonald Don Posted: 23 Dec 2005, 08:39:47 (200) P.S.

(5) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 23 Dec 2005, 08:53:10 (200) etc.

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 23 Dec 2005, 09:02:14 (200) VIA Rail strike

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 23 Dec 2005, 11:20:27 (200) Acknowledgments, etc.

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 23 Dec 2005, 12:13:32 (201) NOSTALGIA #50 Ad – Southern (1949)

(9) wanswheel Mike Posted: 23 Dec 2005, 12:52:17 (201) Informative Post!

(10) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 23 Dec 2005, 13:12:44 (201) Inclusive Post, etc.

(11) pwolfe Pete Posted: 23 Dec 2005, 15:59:58 (201) Inclusive Post, etc.

(12) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 23 Dec 2005, 16:14:06 (201) Continuity Post

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 23 Dec 2005, 20:54:25 (201) Acknowledgments, etc.

(14) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 23 Dec 2005, 21:41:06 (201) Nite Cap!

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

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



From siberianmo’s home: (click to enlarge)

[siberianmo]

A Happy Christmas Eve to one and All on this ENCORE! Saturday! [tup][tup][tup]

With a light drizzle, gloomy looking skies and temps rather unseasonably warm, it doesn't look the way it should, but if feels like it! [swg] The weather folks are predicting dropping temps into the night with some light snow into Christmas morn! [yeah] I hope it starts while we're in Church - nothing puts me in the "mood" better than departing from a service into the night with snow fallin' all 'round. [tup]

Okay - I see that only Manager Ted Posted since I checked out - and once again, Thanx for the attentiveness! Looks like those Forum Gremlins may have been at work, for the time of your Post was about an hour after mine, but appaerntly your sign in didn't detect it. Crazy way to run a Forum, eh [?] [swg] But we ARE all THANKFUL for what the Kalmbach folks have done for us all - providing this wonderful medium for our exchanges of thoughts, experiences and banter. [tup][tup][tup]

This upcoming week will be a bit different in that I plan on continuing with the NOSTALGIA Posts and hope those of you who contribute the "lengthy epistles" do the same. What's the point in Posting those well crafted pieces only to have them missed by so many [?]

Oh, before I forget - I noticed Mike's "edit" of his last Post. Some additional great URLS fer sure, fer sure! Mike perhaps you would do better not editing with such a gap in time - an easy way for us to miss your efforts! I only caught it while scrolling back looking for something in particular. A new Post would have had a better guarantee of being seen.

[wow] I feel like the Forum's school teacher this AM - not at all what I planned to do! <grin> HO HO HO!

Remember, boyz, we close up at 6 PM this fine day and resume our activities on Monday!

Enjoy the day!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Good Morning!

. . . . . . . . . . ENCORE! ENCORE! . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #1 of 8 . . . . . . . . . .

Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1937 advertisement in my private collection:

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

Enjoy the Christmas Holidays at SUN VALLEY

Opening of the New Challenger Inn

Combining economy with all the Winter Sports of Sun Valley. Modest rates for rooms – popular prices for meals – accommodations for 400 – all in a “mountain village.” Warm water swimming pool – motion picture theatre – two restaurants including unique night club – shops for all your needs.

Sun Valley Lodge

Living at its best! Continental service and comforts. A matchless cuisine. Rooms for single or double occupancy, and suites. Accommodations for 250 guests. American plan.

Nothing like it anywhere else – long, timber free ski runs, deep “powder” snow, brilliant summer sun – skiing stripped to the waist – sleighing in bright moonlight, skating, swimming in warm water open-air pools – the perfect Christmas holidays.

. . . . . . . . . . INTERCOLLEGIATE SKI MEET . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . Dartmouth College – University of Washington . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . SUN VALLEY, DECEMBER 29 to JANUARY 1 . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . ONLY UNION PACIFIC SERVES SUN VALLEY . . . . .

For information and Union Pacific representatives in principal cities or write or wire
. . . . . . . . . . K.M. SINGER . . . . . . . . . . W.S. BASINGER . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . Gen’l Mgr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.T.M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . Sun Valley, . . . . . . . . . . . Union Pacific R.R. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . Idaho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Omaha, Nebr. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THE PROGRESSIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . UNION PACIFIC . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SERVES ALL THE WEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


Enjoy (again)!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good morning Tom. I'll take a bottomless cuppa Joe and some plain donuts from the bakery. Been catching up on the latest posts and see we are over 200 pages now. A great thing just keeps rolling along. Like the tree and the trainset installed here in the bar. Nice touch--but then again all of us regulars like just about anything on flanged wheels!
Tom, does Juneau chase the LGB train?
Normally, I write notes to myself about subjects mentioned at OUR PLACE but this morning I neglected to while reading the latest posts so some that stick out I will offer responses. ATSF preferred Funits for their long distance pass trains because all wheels on them are driven. Eunits have the center axle in each truck is an unpowered idler. This, along with governor settings and maybe a couple other reasons, makes them slippery and better for flatland running. Our Enits sometimes will not move until notch 3.
I have glanced at Roadrailers at it seems to me that the main difference in them and a regular road only trailer is a heavier, more complete frame and the normal air/coupler requirements.
Everyone have a Merry Christmas and be safe in whatever you do. Only drink and drive if you're drinking at OUR PLACE. To P and anyone else who works on the holiday, perhaps you can get home soon and enjoy your loved ones then.

[siberianmo]

Good Morning!

. . . . . . . . . ENCORE! ENCORE! . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #2 of 8 . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOLIDAY HOMECOMING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

There’s nothing quite so pleasant as coming home again . . . Especially when it’s “home for Christmas” . . . and when you take the train!

This is the happy season when Pennsylvania Railroad’s great fleets of trains between East and West, North and South, assume a particularly festive air.

By Pullman, by coach, joyous families are going to visit the folks at home – carefree, or comfortable, relaxed as they speed on their way.

For your holiday travels Pennsylvania Railroad offers a wide choice of daily trains . . . . conveniently scheduled to fit your plans.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pennsylvania Railroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

G'day!

For those following the VIA Rail situation, here's the latest Email received from them:

QUOTE: VIA reaches tentative deal with locomotive engineers - Possible strike averted


MONTREAL - VIA Rail Canada is pleased to announce that it has concluded a tentative agreement with the Teamster Canada Rail Conference, representing over 350 locomotive engineers at the national passenger rail service, thus avoiding the possibility of a strike that could have begun on December 24.

Further details of the agreement will be provided following a vote by the members of the union, expected to be held in the coming days.

VIA Rail Canada operates passenger rail services across the country on behalf of the Government of Canada. Serving more than 450 communities coast-to-coast, VIA's goal is to provide Canadians with a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible passenger service. For more details on VIA Rail Canada's products, services and fares contact VIA Rail Canada at 1-888-VIA-Rail (842-7245) or visit www.viarail.ca.

Benoit Laporte
Marketing
VIA Rail Canada

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Good Morning!

. . . . . . . . . . ENCORE! ENCORE! . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #3 of 8 . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . Christmas Cargo . . . . . . . . .

They’ll be home for Christmas! There are miles of snow and mountains ahead. But this family will spend their night before Christmas snug and secure in their Pullman compartment. They bring gifts for her folks back home. But his greatest gift to that proud Grandfather and Grandmother will be the sight of their first grandchild.

He’ll be home for Christmas! He’s a hard working trouble-shooter for his company, and business almost kept him away for Christmas. But there’ll be no disappointments in this father’s house tomorrow morning. Traveling Pullman, he and his presents will arrive safe and sound right in the heart of town, just a stones’ throw from Christmas at home.

She’ll be home for Christmas! “Dear Mother and Dad,” she wrote. “I’ll be home for Christmas with a straight “A” for the quarter. Don’t you think that deserves going Pullman?” It does and it did. But more important, her mother and father will sleep as soundly tonight as she will, knowing she’s traveling the safest, most comfortable way to be home for Christmas.

. . . . . To be sure you’ll be home for Christmas . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Go Pullman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

THE SAFEST, MOST COMFORTABLE WAY TO GET THERE!


Enjoy (again)!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

Good Afternoon!

. . . . . . . . . ENCORE! ENCORE! . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #4 of 8 . . . . . . . . . .

Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1949 advertisement in my private collection:

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

. . . . . . . . . . Give your family the . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . for Christmas . . . . . . . . . .

Go Santa Fe to Phoenix, Wickenburg, Palm Springs and Southern California

You’ve promised yourself to take the family on a winter vacation sometime.
This is the year! Why not make it your Christmas present to them?
The resorts and ranches in sunny Arizona and Southern California are
beckoning and Santa Fe’s famous fleet of fine trains to those “sun spots”
offers schedules and accommodations to suit you to a “T.”


Enjoy (again)!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good afternoon Tom and friends! I'll have a light pilsnor, and my freebie steak for winning the contest! Please set-up a round for the rest of the gang. We just got back from a small family reunion in Chicago. I thought of you guys often, as noticed a few things here and there. I’ll have some pix to share with ya’ll come January 8th from the trip, including the “G” scale layouts in the John Hancock and some ceiling layouts at Butch’s. Got a Chicago trolley parked in front of the Water Tower for Rob too. Great nostalgic adds on the U.P. and Southern Railroad Tom. I guess the Canadian Engineer union settled? Don’t worry about your typing … I use two-elbows over here! By the way, great job keeping “our Place” running so well during these busy times, and somehow keeping your marriage intact while doing so!

Ted, thanks for the reminder that there was actually some incredible railway travel in the Sultan cars of the British East India Trade Company.

Mike, thanks for the great Budd links and information on CM3’s Traveler poem. I especially liked your other links on fruitcake, Santa Express and decorated trains. Really great stuff Mike … but are you actually implying that there was some sort of behind-the-scenes “contest fixing” going on? (I told you guys we might get caught!)

Rob, great Streetcar/Trolley/Radial info! Even I now understand why the cars might be referred to as “Radials”. Took me long enough to get it!

Al, thanks for the El Capitan and AuRoRa Streamliners. Very informative!

CM3, I enjoyed your New Haven FL9 and diesel/electric posts, and most definitely the Lost Traveler poem.

Pete, I like your “trotter coffer” name for the better than the ones I suggested.

BK, congratulations on being the 1st poster on page 200! Hope you’re enjoying your Christmas in the mountains, and thanks for the very interesting post on the BESA Class 4-6-0 in India, and the wonderful pix!

Don, I’m really enjoying, and trying to understand your continuing "F Saga" series. Breaking the information into features, variations and nomenclature really helps!

Here’s the 5th part of my India series. There will be just one more!

Steam Delights of India – photos and article by Ron Johnson – Rail Classics 1/82

A 1940s vintage War Department 2-8-0 Baldwin switches past high-level platform


Further west one encounters a most unique meter gauge railroad under the jurisdiction of the Southern Railway, fondly known as the “Ooty Line.” It is easiest reached by taking the broad gauge diesel hauled “Nilagiri Express” departing Madras at 9:00 p.m. The traveler arrives at Coimbatore Jct. the next morning, situated in a hot dry plain, but the cool enticing Nilagiri (Blue) Mountains loom in the distance. This is the primary location where Baldwin built AWC class 2-8-0s may be observed in shunting service. At this station a WP takes over the chores to Mettuppalaiyam where one transfers across the platform to the blue and white coaches of the Ooty Line.

To escape the burning heat of the summer months in the south, the British officials decided to build a 28 ¾ mile line rising from the 1,071 foot level at Mettuppalaiyam to 7,228 feet at Ootacamund, which is the terminus. The line is still used today as a means to flee the hot, humid lowlands. The unique feature of this railroad is that part of it is traversed by adhesion and the other half by rack. Motive power is 100 percent steam in the form of 11 class X 0-8-2Ts built in Switzerland from 1914 through 1952. They are a four cylinder compound with all four cylinders outside. When working the adhesion section, the engine works as a simple two-cylinder, driving the regular wheels. On the rack sections, working is changed over to compound and the low-pressure cylinders drive the rack pinion. The rich blue livery of the locomotives matches the coaches which they push up the grade. The locomotives are fitted with special braking and safety devices. The first 17.36 miles are rack worked with sections inclined at 1 in 12 ½ and contains some breath-taking scenery with many trestles, sharp curves and mountains up to the main depot at Coonor. Gentle rolling hills punctuate the final 11.16 mile adhesion worked portion of the line to Ootacamund with grades averaging 1 in 25 which is steep enough. An ammunition factory located along this section of track provides the bulk of the freight traffic. The locomotives are fascinating to watch in motion because the rack gear whirls in opposite motion to the main driving wheel rods, providing a flurry of dizzy action.

India is just beginning to industrialize so there few industrial railroads in this country, but one worth mentioning is about 100 miles north of Ootacamund at Bhadravati on the Southern Railway’s meter gauge branch running northwest from Birur. The Visvesvaraya Iron & Steel Co. (formerly Mysore Iron & Steel) operates some intriguing examples of 19th century steam power as well as some huge two-foot gauge Bagnell-built 2-8-2s operating on their mineral lines.

Another railway built by the Briti***o escape the summer heat for its soldiers as well as for its strategic importance due to location and altitude, is the spectacular Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Construction of the 54-mile two-foot gauge steam rail line was started in 1879. A path for the narrow ribbons of rail was hacked out of the jungles filled with elephants, tigers and leopards. By 1881 the little trains were puffing into the mountain resort of Darjeeling. Even if this line were not steam worked, it would be an incredible tourist attraction. The railway climbs to a height of 7,400 feet at Ghoom, the highest altitude of any Indian railway, before dropping to 6,700 feet at Darjeeling. Coming under the North-East Frontier Railway’s domain, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s terminus is at New Jalpaiguri where a connection with a north-south broad gauge line is made, the area in which the railroad operated is in a restricted location and special permits have to be gained ahead of time from the Indian High Commission.

Incredible though it may seem, the steam locomotives used to handle traffic on this highway date back to 1899. A total of 34 0-4-OST engines were built up to 1927, including several from Baldwin, of which 29 remain in this class today. A broight blue paint scheme compliments the engines with many of them being named.

It is quite shocking to transfer from the spacious roominess of the broad gauge train early in the morning to the quaint tucked up wooden seats of the Darjeeling train. The rooftop of the coaches can provide an exciting ride, providing one doesn’t mind combing cinders out of the hair later.

Relatively flat jungle terrain is characteristic of the scenery as far as Siliguri where the diminutive train may split into several four-car sections for the uphill tortuous climb. A north-south meter gauge connection is made here, which parallels the broad gauge routs at New Jalpaiguri. After crossing the seven span bridge over the Mahanuddy River, grades begin to be felt with long stretches of 1 to 25, with some sections as steep as 1 in 20. This works out to be an average grade of 4.3 percent. The unique feature of this line is that unlike other mountain-climbing railways, there is no rack section. In order to gain height, the engineers made use of four horseshoe loops and five figure-eight reversing curves in addition to the several switchbacks. The train seems to lean from one curve into another, but no tunnels mar the view. Because of the severe grades, the maximum speed is 12 mph uphill and 9 mph downhill. The diminutive puffers might stop for water frequently, which allows for photography. One favorite trick of local children is to jump off the train at certain locations, run along side for awhile and then jump back on board.

Two men ride on the buffer plate to spread sand on the rails and check for slipping and objects on the track. In addition to a fireman and an engineer, a coal breaker, who sits on top of the coal bunker, has the unenviable job of breaking up the log-size chunks of coal with a hammer into smaller firebox-size pieces. As the little blue choo choo climbs higher, jungle covered mountains emerge with tea plantations scattered everywhere. One gets a close-up look at the numerous mountain towns as the train snakes through the narrow streets. The railroad’s shops are located at Tindharia at about the half-way point on the line. Above Tindharia the train quite often gets bathed in the cool mists of higher altitudes, which makes the smoke hang heavy over the consist. Traffic is mostly passenger oriented with freight carried on an irregular basis. The engines are very sure footed and rarely slip as they wind up and around the mountainsides.

Upon reaching Darjeeling, tea capital of the world, in mid to late afternoon, one may shoose to make further arrangements with guides to climb into the Himalayas. A less strenuous choice might be walking around the narrow streets sampling local color and shopping for bargains on oriental rugs, brass pots, and silks. Then one may curl up in a hotel room perched on a terraced plot of land high on the mountain hillside. There is no substitute for sipping rich, warm tea in front of a crackling fire dancing around in a stone fireplace. Hot water bottles are handed out to keep beds toasty warm as temperatures dip down below the freezing mark at times in this climate.

With a lot of wheel-slipping, a meter gauge YG 2-8-2 gets long freight under way.


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

Just saw your encore posts Tom..... very nice inded!

[siberianmo]

Good Afternoon!

. . . . . . . . . . ENCORE! ENCORE! . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #5 of 8 . . . . . . . . . .

Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1950 advertisement in my private collection:

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

. . . . . . . . . . Merry Christmas from all . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . on your New York Central overnighter . . . . . . .

WHEN GOING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS,
Delay you can’t afford.
So take the train. For, storm or rain,
I’ll still say, “ALL ABOARD!”

Your N.Y.C. Conductor

. . . . . SEASONS GREETINGS!” Come in and dine.
. . . . . No other travel has meals as fine.
. . . . . The varied, fresh-cooked food’s a treat,
. . . . . And you can sight-see while you eat!

. . . . . Your N.Y.C. Diner Crew

MY GIFT TO YOU is perfect rest.
Your big, soft bed’s the very best.
So sleep, and wake up fresh next day.
You’re traveling world’s safest way!

Your N.Y.C. Pullman Porter

. . . . . THE BEST OF HOLIDAY GOOD CHEER
. . . . . And sociability are here.
. . . . . Enjoy refreshments, relaxation
. . . . . Aboard your Central observation.

. . . . . Your N.Y.C. Club Car Steward

WHITE CHRISTMAS in a song is swell.
But when you plan to travel – well,
If you’d be certain to arrive,
Best go by train, and let me drive!

Your N.Y.C. Engineer

PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY HOME-COMING ON NEW YORK CENTRAL’S GREAT FLEET OF DIESELINERS

. . . . . . . . . . GIFT IDEA! A TRIP HOME . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . Ask your New York Central . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . ticket agent about arranging . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . tickets and reservations as . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . your gift to a parent or youngster, . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . brother or sister away from home. . . . . . . . . . .


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

The Water Level-Route – You Can Sleep


Enjoy (again)!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[BudKarr]

Good Day Captain Tom and Gentlemen at the Bar!

My apologies for not checking in yesterday afternoon. The best of intentions, is all that I can offer. Events here in the mountains precluded sitting at the terminal. I could easily get accustomed to this lifestyle ..... <grin> (My words are being observed by my over-the-shoulder companion!)

Just a note to those who have commented on my recent input - thank you! Also, I recognize that this is not the day for long-winded postings nor do I expect a reply. Captain Tom surely deserves a break and mine is not to burden him with chit chat that can easily occur next week.

Therefore, let me wish one and all the Merriest of Christmases and best wishes for all that follows!

I will attempt to check back before our trip.

BK in Alberta, Canada

[siberianmo]

Good Afternoon!

. . . . . . . . . . ENCORE! ENCORE! . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #6 of 8 . . . . . . . . . .

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

Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday retyped taken from a 1950 advertisement in my private collection:

. . . . . 3 questions to ask when you plan your Christmas trip . . . . .

1. “How safe?” – The weather is something you do
not worry about – when you go Pullman over the
Christmas holidays. Throughout your trip your
peace of mind is as weather-proof as your Pullman
Accommodations. You know you’re even safer in a
Pullman crossing the country than you are in your
Own home.

. . . . . 2. “How comfortable?” Your mind is as carefree as
. . . . . a child’s as you sleep deep and undisturbed on your
. . . . . Pullman bed. And in the morning you freshen up
. . . . . and dress at your leisure. You have complete toilet
. . . . . facilities, hot and cold running water, everything
. . . . . you need to prepare for a welcome Santa himself
. . . . . would envy.

3. “How dependable?” You get where you want to
be when you want to be there . . . when you go
Pullman. and you’re the very spirit of Christmas
as you arrive in the center of town – rested, relaxed,
Rady for fun. (Christmas season or any season,)
Go Pullman – the safe, comfortable, dependable
Answer to all your travel questions.)

. . . . . It won’t be Christmas without you. So plan
. . . . . now to go home for the holidays. And for railroad
. . . . . travel at its best, plan to go Pullman. To be sure
. . . . . of getting the reservations you want, see your
. . . . . ticket agent early.

. . . . . . . . . . . . Go Pullman . . . . . . . . . . . . .

COMFORTABLE, DEPENDABLE, AND-ABOVE ALL – SAFE!


Enjoy(again)!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]