"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[trolleyboy]

Good afternoon everyone. Tom I'll grab some of BK's spiked nog and fruit cake. I never turn down a good fruit cake.

Tom Wonderfull xmas series that you are posting today,I'm also glad that VIA was able to square away their difficulties.


CM3 Wonderfull bit o poetry my friend , love the classic old railway tales fer sure.

Ted I'll comment after xmas on your PCC inquirey as it
's a busy day today and I haven't the time at the moment to respond coherently.

Don Excellent continuing 'F' info. Like Ted I would love more of the nitty and gritty as to the differences,I know that in most cases ( as with E units ) it was minor powerplant changes and window and louver sublties.

BK Yhanks for popping back in. Wonderfull pics of lioving steam as well. Do enjoy yourself at lake Louise. I've never stayed over night there but we did have lunch there on my only trip west with my family many moons ago ( I was 11. So it's a long over do for repeating )


Finally I hope everyone has the Happiest holiday's possible. Enjoy the times with your friends and families, I will see everyone again on the 26th.


Rob & Heather

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

Just a few short words before winding down and getting ready for the "doings" on Christmas Eve night!

I see we've had a few respondents to today, which of course is a good deal for the bar 'n grill - KaChing, KaChing! [swg]

Thanx to all who sent me Email Christmas greetings! Much appreciated and I am happy that you enjoyed mine. [tup]

Today, I'm trying to ensure that there's a little something here for all - that's why the continuous nature of the Postings. Really didn't expect any dialogue. In case anyone is wondering - yes, I really do have a life away from this keyboard! [swg] It's just the three of us 'round here and we're all finished insofar as anything of importance is concerned with the preparation for the "big day!" Those days and times are really long gone for the both of us, and Juneau isn't hard to please! <grin>

Thanx, BK for your kind words here and over at the "other" thread. I more than likely will indeed pull the plug on it at the end of this year. It has been much like talking to myself. <grin> No sweat - nothing ventured, nothing gained. And guess what [?] We did indeed wind up with some new faces over here because of it. So, for that, I'd say we came out ahead! [tup][tup][tup]

Rob Enjoy this Christmas as never before in your adult life - you've earned the break, mon ami! [tup]

Dan Good to see you again, was beginning to wonder whether your days with us as a regular had wound down. Hey, we all understand work and play and how the mixture sometimes conflicts! [swg] Enjoy your Christmas! and we're all happy to know you are back in good health! [yeah]

Doug Glad to know your trip to the big city was a successful one. Hope the kids liked the tran ride, after all that surely had to be the REASON for it all! [swg]


Okay, Gents - I think that just about catches me up for this wonderful day. I'm outta here shortly, with Leon the Night Man handling things until 6 PM.

I have two more ENCORE! pieces, then I'm G-O-N-E! [swg]

Catch y'all on Monday morning!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

MERRY CHRISTMAS! to one and all!

[siberianmo]

Good Afternoon!

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

. . . . . . . . . . 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]

Merry Christmas y'all. Tom, et al, it has been a while since I last posted and I do apologize for this. The fall quarter at work is by far our busyist time of the year with me working 10 hours per day. This is in addition to the 1 1/2 hour commute I have at the beginning and end of the day. Get home about 7:30 PM, have a light meal and a martini (not necessarly in tha order) then hit the hay. The day starts at 4:30 AM. Fortunately i retire in 2313 hours and 25 minutes. Really looking forward to getting away from the grind. Another reason for my absence is that the computer gremlins have denied me access to about 2/3 of the web including Trains. Cannot figure this out. I can pull up the Yahoo home page, but any of the links (maps, finance, news, etc) will come up with access denied. Do any of the computer gurus out there in the vase ether of the inernet have any suggestions.? For the holidays we are at our daughter's in Austin and she does not have the problem that I have at home. With some luck i will get the computer fixed and be able to communicate again.

Anyway a very merry holiday (correction: Christmas) and a Happy New Year. (I am not politically correct) Hope to be more communicative in the future.

***

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom And all.
A very quick Bathams I'm afraid.

I have been out this morning and we are going again soon and will not be back till after 6 o' clock. I will definatly catch up on the recent posts. But I wanted to wish all the Regulars ,friends and of course our esteemed bar owner.

A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR
.
And on a Classic Train note in the wordsof a character of an author whose name graced a turn of the century L.& N. W. R. 4-4-0 and later a B.R. Standard Britannia class 4-6-2 loco#70033 CHARLES DICKENS ( a Manchester(Longsight) shedded engine and a regular through Rugby). God Bless Us One And All. PETE.

[siberianmo]

Good Afternoon!

Well, it has finally come down to the final Post of the day for me <phew!> and a nice way to wind up the day is to acknoweldge the return (albeit temporary I would guess) of wrwatkins *** and of course our earstwhile regular, pwofle Pete!

Without further delay, here is #8 and final!

. . . . . . . . . . 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!

Leon the Night Man has the bar until CLOSING at 6 PM. See y'all on Monday ......


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

MERRY CHRISTMAS! to one and all!

[passengerfan]

JUst want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Years .
Plan on spending a few days with friends and family

TTFN AL

[siberianmo]

MONDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

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

Good Morning on this day after Christmas – Boxing Day in Canada and Great Britain. Join us in a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and our specially prepared <light> breakfasts! [tup] [swg]

ENCORE! Daily Wisdom:

Love your enemies, but keep your gun oiled!


Info for the Day:

(1) repeatBirthday Bash for CM3 set for Friday, January 6th!

(2) I suspect this 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.

(3) The next Sunday Photo Posting Day! is January 8th.

SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 08:27:48 (201) Saturday Info & Summary

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 08:45:27 (201) Acknowledgments, etc.

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 08:58:19 (201) ENCORE! Christmas Travel #1

(4) earlydiesels Dan Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 09:37:41 (201) Season’s Greetings!, etc.

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 09:47:59 (201) ENCORE! Christmas Travel #2

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 10:14:11 (201) VIA Rail strike

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 11:31:49 (201) ENCORE! Christmas Travel #3

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 12:08:43 (201) ENCORE! Christmas Travel #4

(9) barndad Doug Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 12:20:55 (201) Inclusive Post & Steam Delights of India, Part V

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 13:14:26 (201) ENCORE! Christmas Travel #5

(11) BudKarr BK Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 13:34:19 (201) Season’s Greetings!, etc.

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 13:43:15 (201) ENCORE! Christmas Travel #6

(13) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 14:09:51 (201) Inclusive Post! Season’s Greetings!

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 14:31:33 (202) Acknowledgments, etc.

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 14:37:37 (202) ENCORE! Christmas Travel #7

(16) wrwatkins *** Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 14:41:12 (202) He’s baaaaaaack, I think!

(17) pwolfe Pete Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 15:07:02 (202) Season’s Greetings!

(18) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 15:49:36 (202) Acknowledgments Christmas Travel #8

(19) passengerfan Al Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 17:31:04 (202) Season’s Greetings!

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

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



From siberianmo’s home: (click to enlarge)

[siberianmo]

All of our regulars know about the Birthday Watch List .... however, it needs to be posted repeatedly, just as a reminder regarding who is coming up next for the Birthday Bash ......

2005 BIRTHDAY WATCH LIST (rev. Dec 25th):

February 2nd (Kevin – 49)
March 5th (Nick – 45)
April 18 (Al - 63)
May 18th (Tom - 67)
May 27th (Dave - 46)
June 3rd (John) – 46 Just added!
June 24th (Dan - 43)
July 15th (*** – 65)
July 25th (Chris - 51)
July 30th (Russell – 34)
August 16th (Ted - 67)
September 8th (Rob - 34)
December 29th (CM3) – 59 Next up! Friday, January 6th!!

Not on the list [?] Send me an Email with your birth date (month-day-year).
Corrections too!

Names of those in The Legion of the Lost will be dropped in 2006.

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



NOTE for all: Check the SUMMARIES

[Anonymous]

Good Morning all of you holiday survivors. Tom, I'll indulge in some of yesterday's Christmas cookies, pastries and a cuppa Java. I trust everyone had a happy Yuletide and looking forward to a better 2006. This year was rough but exactly one year ago the worst cataclysm in modern times hit Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India claiming over 200,000 lives. Let's hope for their recovery and remember with humility how really frail we are in the face of natural forces. Yesterday, was much like the Christmas tune "Silent Night" hereabouts. With just a few friends and lots of fond memories, I languished in the serenity of the season rather than the helter skelter gift swaping too often repeated in the past. I highly recommend this approach as it it is so much more purposful than the other alternatives. As you know "Our" Place is closed on New Years Day which is probably a good thing. Again, this special Day of renewal may be celebrated with wild reckless abandon, as is the custom, or a thoughtful inventory of the past year's fortunes along with the folly. Resolutions? A nice custom but merely a passing thought for most of us. For me, jotting down unfulfilled goals and wishes for the future will bring sharper focus on how "short life really is." Maybe something as simple as taking that postponed trip we have always dreamed about or setting our sights a little higher than before can bring some urgency to our attention. We surely can't stop the clock which is exactly what we wish for by taking no action toward fulfilling our hopes and wishes. Okay, enough of the [#offtopic] [soapbox] ramblings from me. Boris, you can take the mistletoe off your Elve's cap now. If it didn't work for Christmas, it won't work for New Year's Eve either.[alien] Happy rails to all.

[Anonymous]

Good morning, Tom. I will take a bottomless cuppa Joe and some plain donuts from the bakery. I sure hope everyone had a great Christmas. The wife and I went to her folks and that's it. Sat around the house. We didn't even get each other a gift this year. Since the health scare I've had twice this year, we decided we just want each other. Christmas is indeed a time for reflection. I thought of my departed parents,long lost friends, and bygone times. I am thankful for what I have and high on that list, are my friends. Included are the regulars of OUR PLACE. Although I've only met Russell in person, I feel everyone else is a bunch of good guys!
Watched "White Christmas" with Bing Crosby Christmas eve. Never seen it before and found it a delightful movie. Had some train sequences in it and were wondering about the realities of them. One inaccuracy I noticed was a Santa Fe passenger train racing by the camera when the storyline was the main characters were heading to New York from Florida. That should have been ACL or SAL perhaps. How about the onboard sequences??? Were the drawing rooms, diner, and vestibule scenes accurate??? I enjoyed the conductor's uniform. How about some specifics about the station shots and the heavyweight equipment shown??? Gentlemen, I must rely on your knowledge and experiences for these answers. I hate inaccuracies in films.
Speaking of films. I hope everyone has seen "Polar Express". We got a DVD copy recently after seeing the film twice at the theater last year. Just a few inaccuracies in it as far as the railroad sequences (defying gravity excepted!).

[wanswheel]

Hi Tom and all, nothing does it like 7-Up and Christmas cookies, if there's any left, and here's a toast to all who celebrate the day after:

"By the age of 16 Dempsey was a hobo, riding railroad freight cars from town to town across the Midwest, taking fights wherever he could. He would often fight men who were older, stronger and more experienced than himself. Fighting under the alias Kid Blackie at the time, often his only compensation was a free meal at the saloon where he fought. It is unclear how many fights Dempsey took before his first official pro fight in 1914, but it was likely near 100 fights. Boxing is very different today. In Dempsey's day there were no sanctioning bodies. Fights were often unfair matchups, fixed outcomes or downright bizarre contests. In 1922, Dempsey was slated to fight three fighters on the same night before receiving a telegram just before getting into the ring from the New York Boxing Commission stating that he would only be permitted to fight one person that night and that the bout was required to go to a decision. Its obvious boxing was quite different in those days. In addition to the bizarre contests and absent or strange regulations, there was no three knock down rule and no neutral corner rule. You could literally hover over your opponent and punch him as he attempted to get up from the canvas. For those who think boxing today is barbaric, take a look at boxing during Dempsey's era!" (RingsideReport.com)

http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/photos/celebrities/120.shtml Happy Boxing Day
http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/photos/celebrities/980.shtml Polar Express
http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/photos/celebrities/bingc.shtml Dreaming of a White Christmas
http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/photos/celebrities/1375-d.shtml Thanks for the memories
http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/photos/celebrities/982-f.shtml Christmas stockings filled
http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/photos/celebrities/38.shtml 5-Star service on the Union Pacific
http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/photos/celebrities/270.shtml "Well...."

[siberianmo]

Good Morning!

And the commercialism of the season continues on as the ru***o the stores to get those "bargains" continues. Ah, the joy of it all! [tdn]

We had a marvelous Christmas at our house, and in spite of the miles separating us from loved ones, the telephone somehow manages to bring us together, even if only in voice. [tup]

Yes, earlydiesels Dan we have seen the Polar Express and also have the DVD. In my contributions to this thread, there are many references to it being a "top shelf" flick, destined to become one of the Classics for Christmases to come. [tup][tup][tup] And I'm sure you've seen my Polar Express Lionel O-gauge shelf railroad pix.

Given that this is an animated movie, with a totallly wonderful fictitious story line, WHO CARES ABOUT "inaccuracies!" [?] <geesh> What in the world can be "inaccurate" when it comes to the mind's eye of the creator of that story [?] Nonetheless, we have viewed it several times as well and have to say that the "extra" DVD with our set really contains some "good stuff" as well.

Hollywood and movies have taken license with virtually every thing they produce, or so it seems. Just think about the last production of the bombing of Pearl Harbor - that surely was a revisionists effort - hardly placed the blame where it belonged, etc., etc. How many in our society, and perhaps throughout the world, view movies and come away with believing that what was portrayed is precisely how it happened. Sad. So, your Santa Fe train comments should be of no suprise at all. Just part of what THEY consider to be entertainment, I suppose. Another one that comes to mind is "Mississippi Burning," totally off track insofar as the facts are concerned - but, once again, THEY decided to tinker with reality in order to produce what they believe to be "entertainment." <ugh>

I noticed that no one Posted here yesterday, which is a first for us. I am thankful that our regulars at least all held the line on something. Perhaps there IS hope! [swg]

I'm about talked out this AM, so it's back to what we were doing 'round here and I'll get a couple or more ENCORE! pieces out throughout the day.

Good to "hear" from you this day, Ted and hope all's well down your way. Also, Doug you can always apply for a 2nd mortgate at the Second National Bank of Mentor Village should the well indeed run dry! [swg]

wanswheel Mike Surely you know that "Boxing Day" has nothing to do with fisticuffs and the so-called 'sport' of boxing!

Somewhere in the archives of far ago family tint types is a pix of me sitting on the lap of Jack Dempsey. Long story, but bottom line is my father knew him - he also boxed and his claim to fame was being on the card with Jack for one of his title fights. Anyway, quite a guy, different times and never to be relived again.

Interesting URLs as always. Appreciate your efforts.[tup][tup]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Good Morning!

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

Here’s another Fallen Flag for the gang from Classic American Railroads: (first appeared on page 119)

Delaware & Hudson (D&H)

Headquarters: Albany, NY

Route mileage in 1950: 765 – 2000: 1,381

Locomotives in 1963: Diesels – 153

Rolling stock in 1963: Freight cars – 9,394 Passenger cars – 55

Principal lines in 1950:

Albany-Troy-Mechanicville, NY – Montreal, QC (Napierville Junction Railway trackage Rouses Point, NY-Montreal)
Binghamton-Oswego, NY (Erie trackage)
Nineveh, NY-Wilkes Barre, PA
Hudson-Buttonwood Yard, PA
Delanson-Mechanicville, NY
Schenectady-Balston Spa, NY
Saratoga Springs-Tahawus, NY (U.S. Government trackage North Creek-Tahawus)
Troy-Castleton, VT (B&M trackage Troy-Eagle Bridge, NY)
Whitehall, NY-Rutland, VT
Plattsburg-Lyon Mountain, NY
Plattsburg-Ausable Forks, NY
Fort Ticonderoga-Ticonderoga, NY
Oneonta-Cooperstown, NY
Cobleskill-Cherry Valley, NY

Using CONRAIL trackage in 1976:

Oswego-Buffalo & Niagara Falls, NY
Wilkes Barre-Harrisburg,PA-Washington, DC
Scranton-Allentown, PA-Newark, NJ
Allentown-Philadelphia

Passenger trains of note:

Laurentian (New York-Albany-Montreal)
Montreal Limited (New York-Albany-Montreal)

Of note:
All cars south of Albany handled by NYC.

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

Are YOU getting the most CURRENT information when you log in [?] If not, why not [?]

[siberianmo]

Good Afternoon!

I almost totally forgot - we had a WHITE CHRISTMAS! [yeah] It rained well into the night, but when we awoke to take Juneau for his very early AM walk, the snow was falling. Big, heavy flakes - sticking to everything but the streets, which isn't all that bad. Guess we had about an inch or a bit over. Made for a great start to a wonderful day. It's all gone now - but, who cares [?] A WHITE CHRISTMAS is a rarity in these parts, in these times.

Okay - on with the ENCORE!

Here’s another Fallen Flag for the gang from Classic American Railroads: (previously Posted on page 124)

Union Pacific (UP) – (passenger ops)

Headquarters: Omaha, NE

Mileage:

1950: 9,9720
1996: 22,785 (trackage rights included)

Locomotives as of 1963:

Steam: 29
Diesel: 1,347
Gas-turbine: 49

Rolling stock in 1963: Freight cars - 54,959 Passenger cars – 851

Principal lines in 1950:

Omaha-Ogden, UT via Cheyenne, WY
Ogden-Los Angeles via Las Vegas, NV
Julesburg-La Salle, CO
Granger, WY-Seattle, WA via Montpelier, ID & Portland, OR
Pocatello, ID-Butte, MT
Hinkle, OR-Spokane, WA
Ogden-McCammon (Pocatello)
Cheyenne & Borie-Kansas City via Denver
Topeka, KS-Gibbon, NE
Marysville, KS-Valley (Fremont) NE

Principal lines added as of 1996:

Salt Lake City, UT-Oakland, CA via Sacramento, CA
Freemont & Omaha-Chicago
Nelson, IL-St. Louis
Chicago-Green Bay via Kenosha and Oshkosh, WI
Chicago-Milwaukee via Bain, WI
Milwaukee-Minneapolis
Minneapolis-Kansas City via Des Moines, IA
Minneapolis-Omaha via Sioux City, IA
Chicago-Madison, WI

Plus the MoPac/ subsidiary lines:

Omaha-St. Louis via Kansas City
Chicago-Houston via Pana, Dupo (St. Louis) and Thebes, IL, Little Rock, AR and Palestine, TX
Houston-Brownsville, TXPalestine-Laredo, TX via Austin
Houston-New Orleans via Baton Rouge, LA
Kansas City-Little Rock, AR via Coffeyville, KS
El Paso, TX-New Orleans via Fort Worth and Shreveport, LA
Kansas City-Pueblo, CO

Passenger trains of note:

Butte Special (Salt Lake City, UT-Butte, MT)
Challenger (Chicago-Los Angeles)
City of Las Vegas (Los Angeles-Las Vegas)
City of Denver (Chicago-Denver)
City of Los Angeles (Chicago-Los Angeles via Cheyenne, WY)
City of Portland (Chicago-Portland, OR via Cheyenne [via Denver 1959-68])
City of Salina (Kansas City-Topeka-Salina, KS)
City of St. Louis (St. Louis-Los Angeles & San Francisco & Portland via Kansas City & Denver)
City of San Francisco (Chicago-Oakville, CA via Cheyenne)
Columbine (Omaha-Denver)
Forty Niner (Chicago-Oakland)
Gold Coast (Chicago-Oakland & Los Angeles)
Idahoan (Cheyenne-Portland via Pocatello)
Los Angeles Limited (Chicago-Los Angeles)
Pony Express (Kansas City-Los Angeles)
Portland Rose (Denver-Portland)
San Francisco Overland (Chicago-Oakland; after 1955 St. Louis-Oakland)
The Spokane (Spokane, WA-Portland)
Utahn (Cheyenne-Los Angeles)
Yellowstone Special (Pocatello, ID-West Yellowstone, MT)

Of note: UP trains serving Chicago operated Omaha-Chicago via C&NW until Oct 1955, then via Milwaukee Road 1955-71. All UP trains serving St. Louis operated via Wabash between St. Louis & Kansas City.


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

Are YOU getting the most CURRENT information when you log in [?] If not, why not [?]

[Anonymous]

Wow, Deleware Hudson and Union Pacific on one page. Hi Tom, I'll have a Crown and soda if you please. Mike, lots of nostalgia on "name" trains and personaities of the 30s thru 50s. The Dempsey piece certainly falls into line with "Boxing Day" in the U.K. and Canada. There was a time (as a kid) I never missed "Saturday Night at the Fights" on N.B.C. radio "live." The "fight game" fell into other "mob" enterprises and I lost all interest. Speaking of personalities, I do recall riding the same train as Ella Firzgerald once out of Chicago. She never left her compartment with her several Toy Poodles before I detrained in Kansas City. Really, you never knew who you might run into at major train stations even in the 1950s. I met Robert Mitchem and Jerry Lewis at B/W/I on different ocassions too. Well, thanks for sharing that with us. Dan, glad you had a nice, if uneventful, Christmas. I'm convinced those quiet moments are just as touching as any others can be. Oh, on the movie sets, there is little attention payed to accuracy except by a handful of Directors. That seems to be changing for the better lately but there is a long way to go. Doug, so old Chi Town "broke the bank," eh? I always booked my trips through Chicago rather than St Louis because I really love that City. More than once I arrived home "a day late and a dollar short."[:O] Right now, I'm viewing the Travel Channel's "Globe Trekker." The Hostess is traveling a lot by trains and this confirms the validity of much that has been written on their System. From China to Siberia, there is a gauge change and they literally hoist the cars up and change the trucks (boggies) from underneath. [#oops]I just got a call and my driving assistance is needed. Hopefully, I will be back on-line early tomorrow. Happy rails.

[siberianmo]

Good Evening!

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

More on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (B&O) of the Fallen Flags from The Official Guide of the Railways - Aug 1956 (previously Posted on 127)


Thrilled travelers tell us “There’s nothing like the view from B&O’s STRATA-DOME” ….. Route your passengers via B&O and they’ll sing your praises too

Passengers traveling in a B&O Strata-Dome marvel at the thrilling panorama and natural beauty of the ever-changing scenery.

FLOODLIGHTS AT NIGHT

Powerful floodlight beams provide a novel view of the landscape after dark.

This exclusive B&O service between Washington and Chicago is offered at no charge!

Strata-Dome Dieseliners between

CHICAGO – AKRON – PITTSBURGH – WASHINGTON

The Capitol Limited (All Pullman) – The Columbia (Deluxe-Coach) – The Shenandoah* (Pullman and Coach)

THROUGH SERVICE TO AND FROM BALTIMORE, WILMINGTON, PHILADELPHIA AND NEW YORK.

*On the Shenandoah, Strata-Dome is operated on alternate dates. Available only to Pullman passengers on the Shenandoah.

BALTIMORE & OHIO RAILROAD

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

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[nickinwestwales]

Happy Christmas one and all (Tiny Tim,if memory serves)-Well I do hope Santa had a little something for each and every one of us-whilst I too abhor the comercial aspects of the festive season there is something very pleasing about the choosing,giving & receiving of gifts amongst one`s loved ones.
Am happy to report that small daughter has spent the last week 2 inches off the ground and slightly blurry at the edges with excitement-Her other granny & grandpa plus 6 out of 8 aunties & uncles for the week then collect auntie Sarah from the airport on the way home-Oh to be 5 years old again......[^]
Right,[4:-)]TOM-Assuming the bar is open again,lets start the staff party now-that should give us all time to recover before new years eve rears it`s ugly head.
O.K-If you could put a crate of Staropramen within easy reach and dig out that bottle of 150 % proof Jamaican rum from behind the till we can get started-I`ll go and give the Wurlitzer a tickle,got a bit of a 60`s head on tonight having just played to a roomfull of demented rugby players & the like up in Dodge city (Cardigan) so how about-Satisfaction,Get off my cloud,Paint it black,She loves you,Hard days night,My generation,Stay with me,See Emily play,Jumpin` Jack Flash,Gimme shelter--
-think I`d better go and sit outside for a while,things seem to be moving around a bit ..back later,nick[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

Evenin! Gents!

Well, Ted visited twice this day and apparently Nick has returned from his get-away, so all' well with the world! [tup]

Of course the bar is OPEN, why in the world do you think I'm HERE [?] Better let me have a bit of that stuff you're drinkin' so that I can share your wave length, Sir Nick! [swg]

Staff Party! whenever you'd like - perhaps we should wait for the return of Chandler Rob, just to make it complete. [tup]. But we can give it a head start, just keep 'er goin' until our Chandler makes it back. [yeah]

The bar belongs to Leon the Night Man, so ring the bell, Boris, this round is on me!

Expect more of the same through the week, Gents, as the ENCORE! pieces continue. So don't be shy those of you who have Posted some extra-good stuff in the past - dig it up and Post it once more time.

Happy to know that Christmas has been jujst what you have hoped for, one and all. For each of us this time of year can be the most stressful or blissful. It can be a time for reflection and a time for giving. As I grow older I have learned that it is far better to receive than to give! [swg] Whatever works! <grin>

Later! [zzz]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

A pint of Bathams please.

Hope every one had a good Christmas. Good Christmas thoughts thanks TED, DAN and TOM ours was pretty quiet but we didnt see any of the snow Tom saw.

WANSWHEELMIKE Thanks for the Jack Dempsey info and the great links [tup]. I read recently that Boxing Day got it name when Royalty gave out gifts on that day. Although in the U.K. it became and still is one of main sporting days of the year.

EARLYDIESELS DAN You are so right about railways in movies. I remember an early James Bond film in which he leaves Eastern Europe en-route to Paris by train On the way his train is shown being hauled by British Railways Jubilee and Royal Scot 4-6-0 class locos and this was before the Channel Tunnel was built [%-)]. On other films which involve train travel, when they show the locomotive, it is very often a different one each time, sometimes a loco which would be very rare for the line the film is showing. I think film makers do a bit better nowadays though.

Hi NICK just seen your post. Glad to see you back and what a great set of songs [tup]

TOM Thanks for the Christmas RR travel and the Encores, I can hardly believe it was nearly 80 pages ago that I first read about the floodlights on the B&O train [wow].
That must be a wonderful photo to have with you and Jack Dempsey. A great boxer. Many years ago when B.B.C. radio used to stop transmitting at night. they used to have special broadcasts for the Championship fights in the 50s and 60s often at 2 or 3 in the morning in the U.K. which many people would stay up to listen to them. A different age indeed.
By the way TOM what is the exchange rate at the Second National Bank Of Mentor Village[?][:)]. PETE>

[siberianmo]

TUESDAY’S INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

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

Good Morning! Join us in a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and our specially prepared <light> breakfasts! [tup] [swg]

ENCORE! Daily Wisdom:

Marry a woman with brains enough for two and you’ll come out even.


Info for the Day:

(1) repeatBirthday Bash for CM3 set for Friday, January 6th!

(2) repeatI suspect this 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.

(3) The next Sunday Photo Posting Day! is January 8th.

SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Dec 2005, 00:17:17 (202) Monday’s Info & Summary

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Dec 2005, 00:32:17 (202) Birthday Watch List!

(3) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 26 Dec 2005, 07:32:30 (202) Reflective Post

(4) earlydiesels Dan Posted: 26 Dec 2005, 09:29:25 (202) Movie comments, etc.

(5) wanswheel Mike Posted: 26 Dec 2005, 10:56:38 (202) Boxing, URLs, etc.

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Dec 2005, 11:11:24 (202) Acknowledgments, etc.

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Dec 2005, 11:19:18 (202) ENCORE! – Fallen Flag – D&H

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Dec 2005, 14:55:51 (202) ENCORE! – Fallen FLAG – UP)

(9) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 26 Dec 2005, 18:35:11 (202) Inclusive Post, etc.

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Dec 2005, 19:27:13 (202) ENCORE! – Nostalgia – B&O Strata Dome

(11) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 26 Dec 2005, 20:57:30 (202) He’s baaaaaaack!

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Dec 2005, 21:56:33 (202) Acknowledgments, etc.

(13) pwolfe Pete Posted: 26 Dec 2005, 22:28:31 (202) Inclusive Post, etc.

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

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



From siberianmo’s home: (click to enlarge)

[siberianmo]

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

. . . . . . Mentor Village Gazette . . . . . .

Vol. I, Number 1 . . . . . . . . Wednesday, November 17, 2005 . . . . . . . . . Free


coalminer3 CM3 Inducted into the PERMANENT ORDER OF THE STOOLS

Nov 17th, Mentor Village
By: Verbal Funderburk

Coalminer3 CM3 was inducted into the Permanent Order of the Stools on Nov 2nd . A society of esteemed customers of the Village’s bar and grill, known as ”Our” Place located near the junction of CP’s freight yard, they have no redeeming qualities other than their affection (affliction) for Classic Trains.

Following an announcement made by the Selection Committee, the induction ceremony was held in the Pool Room of the bar and was attended by the “usual lineup” of Mentor Village’s finest citizens. Mayor I. M. Running along with Chief of the Constabulary Book M. Dano were overheard commenting, “Who is this guy?” as they lined up at the bar for the complimentary drinks.

Coalminer3 CM3 was unavailable for comment, although his press representative did authorized the following statement: “This is a day, that will!”

A fight soon erupted between the track gangs of the CN, CP and Can-Am railroads, quickly broken up by the Constabulary, under the supervision of Inspector Clueless. Order was quickly restored and the room was turned over to the not-so-regular meeting of the Ladies of Perpetual Motion and Knitting Circle. (More on page 14.)


Shopping mall proposed for Mentor Village

By: Taura Loura Goldfarb

A shopping mall has been proposed for Mentor Village in the undeveloped area located between ”Our” Place and The Coffee Shop. Backed by Cheatham & Steele, Bankers and Malefactor’s Arus, the development is expected to win approval by the Village Board of Aldermen when they next convene. The date has not been established.

Several of the Village’s business owners are in favor of the plan and expect to occupy the prime locations. These include: Ulfoncle Gilot’s Tobacco Shop - Boogaloo Payne’s Music Emporium - Daury Freese, The Ice Cream Parlour - Ginger Snap’s Cookie Place - Harmut Broghammer’s Pharmacy - John Outhouse, The Bath Store - Love Lovelace’s Female Fashions - Plato Papps Men’s Wear and Somchit Inthisack’s Fine Furniture.

EDITORIAL

Mentor Village commemorated Veterans/Remembrance Day through a series of activities, most notably those undertaken over at the local distillery bar and grill, known as ”Our” Place. Friends and fans of the railroads gathered to listen to tales from the war years. Perhaps the highlight was the presentation of 9 WWII rail related advertisements provided by the Proprietor, Siberianmo.

We endorse activities of this nature in our village and commend the participants from taking a day of from their debauchery, madness, and civil disobedience. The local Constabulary is pleased as well.

CLASSIFIED Section

Wanted!

COMIX

From the Bumper:

4 Out of 3 People
Have Trouble With Fractions

Impotence . .
Nature’s way of saying “No hard feelings!”

Hang up
and drive!


Enjoy (again)!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

And the Winnah is:

Here are the recommendations for “names” for the Pickled Pigs Feet jar of quarters for “Herr Wurlitzer, der Juke!”

The idea is to provide a name for the jar that reflects its primary donor, which has been “hands down” coalminer CM3.

Rob - Coal Scuttle

Doug - Pete or PJ
Ted - CM3's Pig in a Poke, or CM3's Ham Hock
Pete - Trotter Coffer

Thanx for participating! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[Anonymous]

G'mornin' all you Santa's Helpers. Tom, a "regular" Prune Danish and cuppa Twinning's Earl Grey, please. Entirely too much rich foods lately and I need to trim down to "staff party" weight. CM3 congratulations on the ocassion of your acceptance into "The Permanent Order of the Stools." No doubt you are aware of the gravity this position entails. Yes, Members must engage their seat belts ("buckle up") so as to avoid setting a bad example for guests and tourists while engaging in social libations.[:O] Nick [C=:-)] old Chum, glad you survived the Yule gigs unscathed. Quite right, there is nothing so contagious as a Toddler's euphoria awaiting the arrival of Jolly Saint Nickolas.[^] Pete, on Boxing Day, who received the gifts from the Royal Family? Were they chosen by random chance? That seems to be a fine tradition but in curious context with "Boxing Day." Doug, I neglected to mention the Travelogue "Globe Trekker" was centered on China.[:I] That will teach me to watch T.V. and type, 'til next time.[swg]

Ah, the venerable B & O, just can't get enpugh of that "classic" livery of blues, gray, gold and black. The real color of "Classic" passenger trains was on the standard and smooth sides variety. Stainless, fluted sides cars were rather barren of color but nonetheless sported a beauty of their own. Good to see rrwatkins *** peek around the corner after a conspicuous absence.[tup] I hope all is well in "Big D" and the R.D.C.s are "up and at 'em." Retirement at first seems intimidating and uncertain but finally, when the concept of "manana" sinks in, all will be well and peace restored.[^] Okay Boris, there are things I must do today and none of these include wet nursing [alien] Staff. G'day to all and happy rails.

[Anonymous]

Aha, and you thought I missed the new nomenclature of the "Pickled Pig's Feet Jar." Certainly not and "Coal Scuttle" is duly noted and entered into the official archives hence forth. Also, the rumor of a shopping mall now seems to be raising its' ugly head again. The local "fish wrap" seems to confirm what we all have feared, alas, these many weeks.[V] Well, before the ground is broken, perhaps a word from the "other side" should be heard. I have engaged the law offices of Fetchum, Feinem, Gouger and Bleeders for a consultation on the legalities involved regarding this tract of land. There are environmental considerations that have not been addressed to date. Boris' black turnip and sleeze bean patch being not the least of these.[:(!] Again, happy rails until further developments.

[Anonymous]

Oh by the way, consider all of the above an ENCORE. LOL

[siberianmo]

Good Morning!

A morning chuckle - happens every time that newspaper gets reprinted it gets taken for current news.

Perhaps there is a saying out there somewhere that goes like this, Old news is better than no news, or is it [?]

That Mentor Village Gazette Post was an ENCORE! presentation - as in a repeat! Check the date to ascertain whether this is indeed "news" of the day. [%-)][%-)][%-)]

I see that Ted has perhaps broken his "consecutive Post" record with three in a row. Thanx for the support and effort to keep us "up" on the Forum page! [tup]

Still a bit early to sort them all out - but it appears that there's a nucleus for a follow-up in the next edition of the Gazette regarding the proposed shopping mall. You are most welcome to ship me off an Email text of whatever "article" you'd like me to put together. However, I don't expect we will be seeing the next edition until mid-2006.

A new list of "regulars" is right around the corner, and there will be several dropped from it for the start of 2006. In response to an Email inquiry, I have no intention of rescinding any "awards," such as entry in the Order of the Stools. Once "in," always in. However, becoming a member of the Legion of the Lost equates to losing the status as "regular."

One has to earn the way back to a place at the bar 'round here. [tup] And as always, those who engage in "one way" Postings will not - repeat - not be acknowledged by moi. What's the point [?] They Post - we read - some respond - they don't. BS! [tdn]

I will continue on with the Posting of ENCORE! pieces until Monday, January 2nd. Of course, we are CLOSED on New Year's Day - and - there will be NO Sunday Photo Posting! until January 8th.

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[BudKarr]

Good Morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen at the bar!

Time for something hot, with just a dash of something spirited would be nice on this winter’s day. No, you may hold the whipped cream. Ah, let me wander over to the pastry case and make a few selections. My, my, they all look so inviting.

We depart for our trip to Lake Louise tomorrow. The packing is quite the scene to witness. Perhaps we would be better off to ship it all there by air and leave the automobile for just the two of us. <grin>

I have caught up on the review of all postings and commend those of you for sticking with it over the busy days of this holiday season. Captain Tom, you are a task master indeed, but from my vantage point and experiences in life, I prefer your way of doing business. The advantage is we all know what to expect and appreciate having a place at the bar, even for the likes of me. I find this place somewhat compelling and an enjoyable respite from the world away from the ether.

In my browsing I took a look at your other thread and note that no one from here has visited. There just does not seem to be that degree of support I had hoped you would achieve. The numbers are there in terms of those viewing, however, the postings are essentially all yours. It does appear that the successful threads pull in about 10-15% of those viewing as contributors. However, you are correct in your assessment that because of this effort, John, Mike, Don and P have come to the bar. That speaks volumes.

I do not know where you get your perseverance from. If you are interested, I am aware of several organizations who would dearly love to harness your energy and skills. Retirement is a state of mind, as you once mentioned to me in an email, and you appear to be one who is not quite ready to hang it up. The effort you put forth with everything here in the ether and with your model railroads tells quite a story. I would say that the U.S. Coast Guard must still miss you if this is the evidence of your modus operandi from career years. A respite from retirement, now is that not a twist?

Speaking of respites, my organization has contacted me and it seems they are requiring my services for some lengthy international sojourns. I have not made up my mind regarding whether I will return at all. This should prove interesting, as my contract is rather open ended, since I was retired in the first place upon being lured back into the fold.

Having had these weeks away from what I do and with someone who appreciates my company as I do hers, there has been much time to digress about today and tomorrow. We cannot do anything about yesterday, however, I am in control of tomorrow insofar as my comings and goings are concerned. Right now, I am in favor of no more goings. We shall see what develops.

In reviewing the postings of yesterday, I see that some were removed from viewing. Change of heart, or so it appears? For what it is worth, Captain Tom, you have my support. For the individual concerned, your efforts have been very much appreciated, but perhaps you may want to keep in mind that a ship can have only one Master and we all know who that is. In reviewing your birthday watch list, there are many who have some years behind them. Those years represent life’s experiences. Several are military veterans, people who understand structure and the need for it. I think you made a wise move in retracting your postings and I look forward to reading future efforts from you, once we emerge from this period of absence and relative quiet.

Speaking of birthday watch list – please add my name and birth date of October 18, 1940.

Captain Tom, I have sent off some photographs by email and request that you use any or all as you see fit. Sorry, but personal imagery will not be part of my repertoire here in the ether. Also feel free to post again anything of mine that you feel will keep the bar up and running. Thank you.

I look forward to be back amongst you after the New Year begins and wish one and all the best in 2006.

BK

[siberianmo]

All of our regulars know about the Birthday Watch List .... however, it needs to be posted repeatedly, just as a reminder regarding who is coming up next for the Birthday Bash ......

2005 BIRTHDAY WATCH LIST (rev. Dec 27th):

February 2nd (Kevin – 49)***
March 5th (Nick – 45)
April 18 (Al - 63)
May 18th (Tom - 67)
May 27th (Dave - 46)
June 3rd (John) – 46
June 24th (Dan - 43)
July 15th (*** – 65)***
July 25th (Chris - 51)***
July 30th (Russell – 34)***
August 16th (Ted - 67)
September 8th (Rob - 34)
October 18th (BK – 65) Just added!
December 29th (CM3 – 59) Next up! Friday, January 6th!!

Not on the list [?] Send me an Email with your birth date (month-day-year).
Corrections too!

***Names of those in The Legion of the Lost will be dropped in 2006.

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



NOTE for all: Check the SUMMARIES

[siberianmo]

Good Afternoon!

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

Here’s another Fallen Flag for the gang from Classic American Railroads: (first Posted on page 125)

Santa Fe (AT&SF)

Headquarters: Chicago, Il

Mileage:

1950: 13,074 including subsidiaries
1995: (prior to merger with Burlington Northern): 9,126

Locomotives in 1963: Diesel: 1,855

Rolling stock in 1963: Freight cars: 84,439 Passenger cars: 1,235

Principal routes in 1950:

Chicago-Los Angeles via Kansas City, MO. and La Junta, CO
Emporia, KS-Galveston, TX via Oklahoma City, OK & Ft. Worth & Houston, TX
Emporia, KS-Dalies, NM
Barstow-Richmond, CA
Temple-Farwell, TX
Denver-LaJunta, CO
Albuquerque, NM-El Paso, TX
Dallas-Presidio, TX
Kansas City-Tulsa

Passenger trains of note:

Super Chief I(Chicago-Los Angeles)
El Capitan (Chicago-Los Angeles)
The Chief (Chicago-Los Angeles
Grand Canyon (Chicago-Los Angeles
The Scout (Chicago-Los Angeles)
San Francisco Chief (Chicago-San Francisco, CA)
Texas Chief (Chicago-Houston)
San Diegan (Los Angeles-San Diego
Tulsan (Kansas City-Tulsa)
Chicagoan (Dallas-Kansas City-Chicago)
Golden Gate (Los Angeles-San Francisco)


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

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