"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[wanswheel]

Happy Holidays to Tom and to all who visit Our Place. Probably could use some protein, is there a hard-boiled egg in the house? If not, I'll drink it raw
with a chaser of cream and sugar and let it all settle as a nog.

I am absolutely mystified as to why Happy Holidays is considered political.
(Today, New Years Eve, obviously is not a regular day, it's a holiday in it's own right, all but officially, and tomorrow of course is the other holiday in my greeting above.) The HH phrase has been around all of my life. Good Christian grandmothers have sent out cards saying "Happy Holidays" and Perry Como sang the song "Happy Holidays" on TV as well as his impecable rendition of the "Ave Maria." So IMHO the greeting Happy Holidays is totally Christmas, there's nothing un-Christmas about it. Anyone making an issue of it needs to ask him or herself, "Does it really serve Jesus to be picking fights over trifles?"

Alright I've gone this far, I better get to some train stuff. That Silk Train story is fantastic. Thanks Dave for posting it and thanks Tom for arranging the ENCORE. Ditto CM3 on MTA. I was in Boston only once in my life, for about 4 hours. I made sure to sample their subway. It was fun to ride, that's for sure!
What an amazing co-incidence those folks from Missouri on your train Tom.

P if you're on a run tonight do you blow the whistle at midnight? In answer to your question, I only know about Baker Street Station because you posted about Mike tower and all that. What I was asking you about was the model
of the station that you said you had plans for, in your post Dec. 8. The actual building itself is quite impressive as architecture, judging from pictures. It's good that they preserved it as a restaurant or whatever, but it is a shame to strip it of proper historical context by destroying platforms and tracks, etc.
It might help to know that for the fifty years or so that I've known how to read, my eyeballs automatically zero in on the word mike, for some reason, so that's how I came to take an interest in Mike Tower. Quite a scene back when I bet, with 4 sets of PRR tracks and 2 sets of NS? tracks at Ft. Wayne.

Rob I missed that post about the PCC cars the first time, so thanks for the ENCORE. Very interesting. (I wouldn't lie about that, I'm not on staff). Just kidding. We have a fine staff and you are a credit to Canada and to the human race, as you know. My entry into this forum was to offer a reply to In Flanders Fields and I couldn't have done that without you Rob, so thanks very much.

Ted I think a day or two ago you used the phrase "credit where credit is due."
I still don't know exactly what Boris is all about, and probably never will, but from the transcript it is you who Christened him "Boris."

Nick it's more fun when you're around, hurry back.
Happy New Year everybody.

[wanswheel]

ENCORE and Go Irish! in Fiesta Bowl

WE BROUGHT THE NYC TO ITS KNEES
How Notre Dame students beat a railroad at its own game
By Joseph MacDonald

During the years 1932-36, I played in the Notre Dame University band, using a trombone I had bought with my earnings as a messenger in the offices of the Central Vermont Railway. The band made two trips to away football games each year; these were medium-length trips, to Cleveland or Pittsburgh or Chicago. We wanted badly to go to New York for the Army game in Yankee Stadium, and in fall 1935 we finally accumulated enough money to go, provided we could get a low enough train fare. It was my senior year, and my last chance
I was vice president of the band, and was delegated to negotiate for a reduced fare with the railroads serving South Bend, Ind. My first stop was the ticket window of the New York Central, where I asked to see a passenger agent. A haughty man came to the window: "What can I do for you, son?"
"I'd like to inquire about a special low fare for the Notre Dame band to go to New York City weekend after next."
"We have no special fares," he replied.
"But it's for the Notre Dame band," I said.
"I don't care who you are." "But there are 100 of us."
"I don't care how many of you there are," he said. "We have no special fares. The fare is twice the one-way fare less 10 percent, $64 round trip, coach. And if you want to go, you'd better tell us which train you want to go on, so we put a couple of extra coaches on for you."
"But why don't you have special fares?"
"Why should we?" he said. "We have the only railroad here."
"You do not have the only railroad here," I reminded him.
"Well, if you want to take the Pennsy's branch train down to Plymouth, and stand on the platform for a couple of hours, and crowd into their train, you're welcome to do so. And if you want to take the Grand Trunk Western here, and take a couple of days to get there, you're welcome to do that. But we have 17 trains a day to New York, and so far as we're concerned, we have the only service here."
I stepped next door to the GTW ticket window, and asked for a passenger agent. I told this man I wanted to inquire about a special low fare for the Notre Dame band to New York. He said, "Come on in."
Inside the office, he asked, "Now, what's this all about?" I told him, including what the New York Central had said about the GTW.
"Oh they did, did they?" he said. "We've always had trouble with the New York Central. We paid half the cost of the track elevation and of this station in South Bend. The name of the station is Union Station, but they persist in calling it New York Central Station. We've tried for years to offer group rates for students, but they've blocked us every time. Now you're looking for a special fare to New York; how would a cent a mile suit you, say, $18 round trip?"
We didn't have $6400 for the NYC, but we did have $1800. So I said, "That's just what we're looking for."
"Well," the GTW agent said, "that's what we would like to offer you. As far as the Grand Trunk Western is concerned, that's what we would be willing to take you to New York and back for. But I don't want to get your hopes up. In order to give an $18 fare, we would have to file a special tariff with the Interstate Commerce Commission. If nobody objects, it will go through. But, if anyone objects, like the New York Central, then the ICC will have a hearing sometime next spring. But to show you that we want to do it, we'll file and see what happens."
The next day, he called me and said that he had told the Pennsy and the NYC about the plan to file a special tariff. The Pennsy had said they didn't care one way or the other. The NYC said they would object. But the GTW went ahead and filed anyway, to show good intentions. But, he said, with the NYC objecting there was no hope of the rate going through.
Well, we in the band were mighty unhappy over the NYC's attitude. If they didn't want to carry us at a reduced rate, that was their business; but we resented having our New York trip prevented by the NYC interfering with the Grand Trunk's special rate.
So we went to the school's authorities, and obtained permission to put some pressure on the New York Central.
In those days, Notre Dame did not allow its students to go away on weekends without parental permission. But each year, one official trip was sponsored to an away football game, on which all students could go without needing special permission. This year, 1935, the trip was to Columbus, Ohio, for the Ohio State game.
For this official student trip to Columbus, a special train had been arranged with the NYC, to load at the campus's powerhouse siding, running past St. Mary's College down to South Bend, then on to Columbus. At Columbus, NYC had trackage rights over Chesapeake & Ohio past the Ohio State stadium, so the Central could deliver us right to the stadium. One thousand students had signed up for the trip; New York Central's regular fare of about $10 was being charged.
I went down to the Pennsylvania Railroad ticket office in South Bend (the railroad had branchline service from South Bend to Plymouth and Logansport, on the old Vandalia route). I asked the agent how he would like to have 1000 passengers for his Saturday morning train to Logansport, to change there to the Pennsy's Chicago-Columbus train.
"Well, we would sure like to have 1000 passengers," he said, "But we would also like to have some notice, since we have only two coaches on that branch train."
I told him to make the arrangements, and that we would confirm the matter to him officially. We then notified the NYC that we were canceling the special train.
Now, the PRR didn't have tracks up to the Notre Dame campus. So we arranged for 20 streetcars to be at the campus at 6 a.m. Saturday. We piled on, and the streetcars went elephant-parade-style down to a point about a block from the PRR station. There, the Pennsy had a special train waiting for us, which they ran straight through to Columbus. Since the PRR didn't have trackage rights past the stadium at Columbus, we paraded 2 miles to the stadium.

A stirring game, and a Central change of heart

That was the year of the "Big Game." Our team was completely baffled by Ohio State's "razzle-dazzle" offense, which resembled a basketball game on the field; Notre Dame tackled everyone but the player with the ball, and Ohio State was ahead 13-0 in a few minutes.
In the second half, Notre Dame came back, scoring a touchdown in the last minutes of the third quarter, but missing the extra point to keep it at 13-6. We got another touchdown with three minutes to play in the fourth quarter, but again missed the extra point--13-12. Then, with 30 seconds left to play, Bill Shakespeare threw a 45-yard pass to Wayne Miller in the end zone to make it 18-13. Ohio State's fans were stunned; not a person moved in the stands for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, we collected the iron-pipe goal posts and paraded victoriously the 2 miles back to the station. En route, we stopped at a service station and had the goal posts cut into smaller pieces, and we put the pieces on the tender of the Pennsy's engines to transport them back to South Bend.
Monday, I got a call from the Grand Trunk Western passenger agent. He had just had a visit from the New York Central passenger agent, who had wanted to know if the GTW was still interested in the $18 tariff to New York. The NYC was going to join the tariff. "Now," the GTW man said to me, "we realize that if the NYC also gives you an $18 rate, you will likely go New York Central. But the Grand Trunk wants you to know that we want to take you."
Monday afternoon, at band practice, the same high-and-mighty NYC passenger agent visited us. "Boys," he said, "we didn't realize that you took this so seriously. We're sorry, and we want to make amends. We're going to give you a special $18 round-trip rate to New York City for next weekend. If you tell us which train you want to go on, we'll have a couple of extra cars for you." We thanked him, and said we would let him know.
Then we had a meeting. We decided that since the Grand Trunk was good enough to give us the special rate in the first place, we'd go via the Grand Trunk.
I went to see the GTW agent, and told him of our decision.
"That's what we've been waiting for," he said. "We're going to show you boys that the New York Central isn't the only railroad in South Bend. We're not going to put two coaches on the Maple Leaf for you; we're going to run a special train, and limit you to 20 passengers per coach, so you'll all have a four-seater. And the train crews will show you how to take the backs and cushions off, so you can make bunks out of them. We'll put a Pullman on, at regular fares, for anyone who wants to travel Pullman. We'll have specially low-priced meals in the diner, so you can stay within your budget: 25 cents for breakfast, 35 cents for lunch, and 50 cents for dinner, with special printed commemorative menus. We'll have a passenger agent go all the way with you, and he will meet you after the game to decide what time you wi***o return.
"And," he added, "to show you that we can do anything the New York Central can, we'll match the running time of any New York Central train you wish, from the 20th Century Limited on down, even though we'll have to go 50 miles farther to get there."
We selected a 1 p.m. departure on Friday; on the next track, the NYC's Fifth Avenue Special was loading for its 12:50 p.m. departure to New York City. Some students not in the band were taking the Fifth Avenue. They laughed at us. "You'll get lost in Canada somewhere. We'll tell you how the game came out."
We beat them to New York City by 2 hours.
We left South Bend behind a Pacific type locomotive with a sealed baggage car containing our instruments, five or six coaches for the 100-member band, a diner, and a Pullman. Aboard the train were a passenger agent and the district trainmaster. Helping the engineer (a favorite way of putting it among engineers in those days) were the traveling engineer and the traveling fireman. During one 5-mile stretch, we timed the train by the mileposts and the brakeman's watch: 200 seconds for the 5 miles, or 90 mph. We made the 234 miles from South Bend to Port Huron, Mich., in 233 minutes, despite changing engines at Battle Creek, Mich., and taking water twice. We passed the Maple Leaf in a siding somewhere in Michigan.
GTW parent Canadian National took us across Ontario to Suspension Bridge, N.Y. CN didn't set any speed records, apparently not having expected us so soon. But at Suspension Bridge, a real rhubarb arose. The GTW diner had been taken off, I suppose at Port Huron. Now a Lehigh Valley diner was to be put on the rear of our train; Lehigh Valley was CN's connection for New York-area through service. The LV diner was over in the United States, while the rear of our train was still on the Canadian side of the bridge. Railroads paid a fee each time they used this bridge. Whose switcher was going to incur the wheel charge in order to put the diner on our train? Not the Lehigh's; and, just as positively, not the CN's.
Men from the two roads stood there arguing, and perhaps would be still be holding the train, except that the GTW passenger agent announced, "It's our train. We'll do the switching, and I'll take the responsibility." So the CN switcher ran over to the New York side, got the diner, brought it back, and tacked it onto the rear, and away we went.
We made the run from Suspension Bridge to Penn Station (LV's New York terminal, shared with PRR) in 8 hours flat. When we stopped on a curve in Mauch Chunk (now Jim Thorpe), Pa., the track was so superelevated that the dishes started to slide off the tables in the diner. Some years later, I told a Lehigh Valley conductor that we had made the run in 8 hours, and he flatly refused to believe me. But I was there.
Unfortunately, the football game was a tie.
Saturday afternoon, as promised, the GTW man met with us, and we decided on a 3 p.m. Sunday departure from Penn Station. As our train started climbing the hills of New York State, it got very cold. The first three cars were warm, but the rest of the train had no heat. The conductor repeatedly signaled the engineer for more steam in the heating line. At every stop there were acrimonious exchanges between the conductor and the engineer. The engineer insisted that he was sending back so much steam that any more would burst the fittings. Yet the train, after the third car, was so cold that the water in the Pullman was beginning to freeze.
When we stopped at London, Ontario, the car-knockers found what was wrong. The GTW coaches had an unusual arrangement for the steam line shutoff valves: the handles were located in the vestibules of the cars. One of the band members had wondered what those handles were for, and he'd turned one of them, on the leading platform of the fourth car. The LV crew was not familiar with the GTW valve arrangement, and they never thought to check the position of the handles.
Some more excitement during the evening came with the emergency stop out in the middle of nowhere. The conductor went forward to ask the engineer the reason for the stop. The engineer asked why he had been flagged down with a red lantern from the rear end. Again, it was a band member, who had picked up the flagman's red lantern on the rear platform, and waved the lantern from the side door to see what would happen.
Finally, early in the morning, we stopped at either Sarnia or Port Huron, where a lady from the depot's restaurant came out onto the platform ringing a hand bell, calling all train passengers to breakfast inside.
One of the boys picked up the hand bell, put it under his coat, and took it back to South Bend. Two days later, a half-hour before the 6 a.m. gong that woke all of us in Sorin Hall each morning, this wretched band member ran through the corridors, ringing that hand bell. That afternoon, Father Farley, the rector, summoned all the residents of the dormitory to a meeting. Father Farley told us--in the straightforward manner for which he was noted--that he would leave his office for 15 minutes. If that bell was not on his desk when he returned, no resident of Sorin Hall would be allowed to leave the campus until he graduated--if he graduated.
The bell was there when he returned, and the school returned it to the restaurant, with apologies.
From 1935 until 1942, when World War II ended such trips, the Notre Dame band went each year to New York City for the Army game, via the Grand Trunk Western and Lehigh Valley, for $18 round trip, each.
In 1956, when I returned to Notre Dame for my 20th reunion, I was talking with GTW's passenger agent in South Bend. He asked, "Do you know what you boys did with that trip? You broke the monopoly of the New York Central here. Ever since that trip, we have been able to give group rates to students, and they've gone along with us."
And that's the story of how a few college boys brought the mighty New York Central to its knees.

Grand Trunk Western reveals its reasoning

A few years after graduation, I was in Chicago, and visited the GTW-CN office on Michigan Avenue. I asked how, since the regular fare was $64 round trip, could the GTW afford to give us the $18 fare. I was told that the $18 covered only the wages and fuel. "We didn't charge anything for maintenance or other charges; but we figured we neither made nor lost anything on the train. And we figured it was a good opportunity to show 100 Notre Dame boys that we had a first-class railroad. We figured that perhaps at some time in the future, one of you might have a car of freight to route, and you might send it our way."
As it happens, I was employed for several years at Continental Can Company's New York office, and I had to route many shipments of machinery from suppliers in the East to our plants in the Midwest and West. Whenever it was feasible, I short-hauled the poor Erie at Buffalo, and routed the shipment via CN-GTW to Chicago or (by GTW carferry) to Milwaukee. For a while, I kept a list of the cars that I sent via GTW, it was up to 85 cars when I stopped keeping track. I don't know whether any other Notre Dame band members were ever in a position to route a car, but I think I paid GTW back for the 1935 train!

[From TRAINS December 2000. Again thanks to Kalmbach for permission - Mike]

[Anonymous]

I caught a short break from the "doings" at the Legion just a bit ago. Tom, I can't have anything stronger than a soft drink the P.M. [tdn] As "designated driver" for those who find themselves "3 sheets to the wind," I'm sure you understand. I won't have time to catch all the Encores today but they will make for excellent reading tomorrow.[tup] Just want to say hi back to all those who have posted earlier today. Please everyone, be moderate and live to "post" another day.[^] Tom, Rob, Nick and Russell you have mail. Now, I'm really in a ru***o put in a longer night than I want to ponder over. In the bonds, Theodorebear.

[siberianmo]

Evenin’ Gents!

Just a few words before turning the bar over to Leon the Night Man who will take care of things for the remainder of this year and into the next! [swg]

I was beginning to wonder if anyone, other than me, would be Posting today (during daylight) and am happy to see a couple of others.

wanswheel Mike
Posted: 31 Dec 2005, 15:59:41 and 16:22:59

Another fine inclusive Post which is much appreciated! [tup]

Boris is a creation of Nick – he named him and is solely responsible for much of what has followed. I suppose the cloven footed references and other physical descriptions can be attributed to moi. [bow] One day, I’ll try to provide the page numbers for Nick’s descriptions – they are priceless.

I stand corrected: From Mike -

QUOTE: For the record, and according to the record, regardless that Nick invented Boris it was Ted, as I credited him in my post, who "christened" Boris, you who indorsed the name Boris, and Nick who agreed to the name Boris. It's all on page 14.

Thanx, Mike!


Speaking of Nick – nice try! I think we all know what he typed – but the “censor” on these Forums blocked it out. Strangely enough, I have no idea why or what brought it on. [%-)][%-)]

I concur wholeheartedly with what you have to say regarding “Happy Holidays.” However, it has taken on new meaning in this new age we find ourselves in. Sort of like the word, “gay” has an entire new connotation. “Don we now our gay apparel …..” quite probably would be interpreted as someone in “drag” these days! [swg]

Nice way to close out the ENCORE! Posts with your father’s article! [tup][tup][tup] I was wondering which one to select for the finale – but you’ve taken care of that for me.

Happy New Year to you! [tup]

Theodorebear Ted
Posted: 31 Dec 2005, 16:55:04

You will need the entire day tomorrow to go through all that I Posted this day! [swg]

Hope your New Year’s Eve is a safe one and assuming the duties of “Designated Driver” is a tribute to your character! [tup]


Okay Gents, that’s it for me in 2005! I’ll be back to “work” on Monday, trying to maintain a semblance of order in this cyber bar ‘n grill called, ”Our” Place!

Ring the bell one more time in 2005, Boris the drinks are on me! [tup]

Stay safe one and all.

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone. Tom, I'll take a very large Margarita on the rocks and some peanuts, please. Been playing catchup and wanted to check in. Our city has a big NYE bash but the wife and I hate crowds so a boring evening at home is on tap.
Been having withdrawals from being on a train. I'm signed up for conductor for the Easter train so that may be my next "fix". Have to have a Safety Committee meeting before then.
Hope everyone has a better 2006 than this past year and also that Our Place rolls merrily along with our regulars dispensing the vast knowledge of railroading of all kinds with the strange wit that seems to permeate the bar.
Be safe and enjoy yourself and check in after the New Year.
Dan

[Fergmiester]

Hey Tom just thought I'd venture in and Wish you and Yours a Very Merry New Year!!!! And if I'd known that there would be this much of a M.E.S.S. I would have brought a shovel. Looks like the patrons had quite a blowout last night or was that Trolley Boy's doing? I've heard he does quite the "Dance Routine" lamp shade and all!

Anyway I've got my own M.E.S.S. to clean up

Later Gents

Fergie

[siberianmo]

NEW YEAR’s DAY INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS

We are CLOSED today and there will be NO SUNDAY PHOTO POSTING! until January 8th. Posts will be accepted through the mail slots in either set of front doors! However, replies will be far ‘n few between on this New Year’s Day!

We open at 6 AM all time zones on Monday, January 2nd. (Don’t ask how we do that!) [swg]


Daily Wisdom

If I didn’t’ wake up, I’d still be sleeping. (Yogi-ism)


Info for the Day:

(1) Free 2006 HOOTERS calendar:
click here - http://right-mind.us/blogs/blog_0/archive/2005/12/22/39853.aspx

(2) Friday, January 6th is the Birthday Bash! for CM3. Stop by during the morning or early afternoon to wish our friend and permanent member of the Order of the Stools a belated [bday] for his 59th!


SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 31 Dec 2005, 07:11:40 (207) Saturday Info & Summary

(2) passengerfan Al Posted: 31 Dec 2005, 07:55:08 (207) Best Wishes!

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 31 Dec 2005, 10:03: (207) ENCORE! Nostalgia – CN

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 31 Dec 2005, 10:37:45 (207) Acknowledgments, etc.

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 31 Dec 2005, 11:38:02 (207) ENCORE! from West Coast S

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 31 Dec 2005, 13:09:55 (207) ENCORE! from coalminer3

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 31 Dec 2005, 13:24:56 (207) ENCORE! Canadian Rail Journey, Part I

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 31 Dec 2005, 13:36:57 (207) ENCORE! Canadian Rail Journey, Part II

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 31 Dec 2005, 14:42:25 (207) ENCORE! Canadian Rail Journey, Part III

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 31 Dec 2005, 15:22:37 (207) ENCORE! Canadian Rail Journey, Part IV

(11) wanswheel Mike Posted: 31 Dec 2005, 15:59:41 (207) Inclusive Post, etc.

(12) wanswheel Mike Posted: 31 Dec 2005, 16:22:59 (208) ENCORE! We Brought the NYC to its knees

(13) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 31 Dec 2005, 16:55:04 (208) etc.

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 31 Dec 2005, 18:27:33 (208) Acknowledgments & 2005 finale!

(15) earlydiesels Dan Posted: 31 Dec 2005, 19:00:02 (208) Best Wishes! etc.

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

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

[siberianmo]

We are CLOSED today and there will be NO SUNDAY PHOTO POSTING! until January 8th. Posts will be accepted through the mail slots in either set of front doors! However, replies will be far ‘n few between on this New Year’s Day!

We open at 6 AM all time zones on Monday, January 2nd. (Don’t ask how we do that!) [swg]


See y’all on Monday! [tup][;)]

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

[siberianmo]

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

Vol. II, Number 1 . . . . . . . . Monday, January 2nd, 2006 . . . . . . . . . Free



WATCH FOR IT TOMORROW MORNING!



Be sure you are getting the most current information when you log in! Start the New Year smart! [tup]


See y’all in the morning!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

MONDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS

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


Good Morning! A holiday Monday for most as we continue our celebration during this legal observance of New Year’s Day. What better way to kick it off than spending some time at ”Our” Place[?] Try our pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery with a cup of our freshly brewed coffee. You may have noticed that we are now serving <traditional> and <light> breakfasts, check ‘em out on our Menu Board! [tup]


Daily Wisdom

Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded. (Yogi-ism)


Info for the Day:

(1) repeat Free 2006 HOOTERS calendar:
click here - http://right-mind.us/blogs/blog_0/archive/2005/12/22/39853.aspx

(2) repeat Friday, January 6th is the Birthday Bash! for CM3. Stop by during the morning or early afternoon to wish our friend and permanent member of the Order of the Stools a belated [bday] for his 59th!


SUMMARY

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

(1) Fergmiester Fergie Posted: 01 Jan 2006, 07:38:53 (208) First Post of 2006!

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 01 Jan 2006, 08:16:13 (208) New Year’s Day Info & Summary

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 01 Jan 2006, 11:40:00 (208) Reminder!

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 01 Jan 2006, 17:38:22 (208) Ad – Mentor Village Gazette

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

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

[siberianmo]

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


Vol. II, Number 1 . . . . . . . . Monday, January 2nd, 2006 . . . . . . . . . Free


Mentor Village Bank Under Investigation

Jan 2nd, Mentor Village
By: Ima Crook

The former First National Bank of Mentor Village recently placed under new management as a result of a hostile takeover has been placed under the scrutiny of the Can-Am County Office of the Special Prosecutor (CACOSP) for alleged violations of the Truth in Lending Statutes.

Known today as the Second National Bank of Mentor Village a spokesman offered this, “You ain’t got nuttin’ on us, rat fink, Village idiots!” The bank’s President, CEO and HMWIC (head man what’s in charge), Vitorrio Grammarian was unavailable for comment. The law firm of Seeno, Hearno and Speakno, held a brief news conference at which their spokesman proffered, “Vito the Hit! has embarked upon a respectable business pursuit which has no bearing on unfortunate and largely regrettable past encounters with the law. It is patently unfair, immoral and just not nice to castigate this upcoming pillar of our community. Should it come to the attention of the boss that any of youse are responsible for making slanderous and otherwise derogatory comments about his endeavors, well for shame on youse all.”

Specifics regarding any actual charges have been withheld pending the formation and findings of the CACOSP Grand Jury.


Mentor Village Emporium slated for Grand Re-opening

Jan 2nd, Mentor Village
By: Pop N. Corn

A Mentor Village historic landmark and former community gathering place is scheduled for re-opening on January 9th. A gala celebration is being planned for the once majestic theatre, home to vaudeville acts and silent movies. Closed since 1985, the Emporium has undergone a massive rehabilitation and modernization effort which will bring the theatre into the 21st century.

Known amongst the older residents of Mentor Village as “the balcony where I learned to use one hand,” an overflow crowd is expected on opening night. Mentor Village and Can-Am County “Who’s Who” are expected to attend with formal attire the anticipated mode of dress. Balcony seating will be restricted to those attendees who have received their post card notifications as a result of last month’s drawing for opening night seats. The answers to the five drawing questions are: 14 – Yes – D – No & 33.

While details for the first showing are expected to be released shortly, at press time we have been informed that double feature movies will be presented on opening night and on Sundays until further notice. In addition, a live stage show will be included in between the films for the opening night gala.

Theatre Manager, Drew D. Kurtain, announced that there will be a series of Friday night promotions, to include wall plate commemoratives in the NASCAR, Motorcycle Rodeo, and Female Mud Wrestling themes. They will be limited to the first 500 patrons each night.

Mentor Village Mayor, I. M. Running, signed a Proclamation making January 9th, movie night in Mentor Village. Residents showing a paid real estate or personal property tax receipt at the box office, will be entitled to a small soft drink and popcorn upon purchase of a ticket.

General Weakness, of the Home Guard, has indicated that a color guard will be present for the opening ceremonies, replete with colors from Canada, Great Britain and the U.S. The military band will be under the direction of Major Misty Beat for the playing of the three national anthems.


Mentor Village Shopping Mall plans on hold

Jan 2nd, Mentor Village
By: Hilda Climb (with a contribution from Bob Farkus – pronounced, Bobfarkus)

The law firm of Fetchum, Feinem, Gouger and Bleeders has been engaged for a consultation on the legalities involved regarding the tract of land planned for development of the Mentor Village Shopping Mall. Environmental concerns were brought forth upon the discovery of plans to destroy the only known habitat for the endangered and extremely rare black turnip and sleaze bean patch.

As reported in this newspaper on November 17th, a consortium of respected business owners have spearheaded the effort to develop the Smoggy, Foggy Bottom Bottoms located between the bar known as ”Our” Place and a local coffee shop called the, Coffee Shop. When it became apparent that the Second National Bank of Mentor Village was tied to the financing arrangement, a demand for public inquiry was lodged with the Office of the Constabulary. A local villager offered, “We just cannot have this in our comfortable little town. Why what would Texas Chili Day be around here without black turnip and sleaze bean dip? We have traditions to uphold, you know! Said another, “Just who is this “Vito the Hit!” anyway? We don’t even have a baseball team!

And, late breaking news just in:

From a reliable source, Eddie, Wrong Side of the Tracks, Vito's #1 stool pigeon. It seems that the debate about whether or not to build the shopping mall has taken another strange twist.

Hilda and Helga, those two Teutonic wonders, have applied for a license to open a Catering and Massage Parlour where the mall is supposed to be constructed. They purchased three old trailers, rehabilitated them with the financial backing of the Second National Bank of Mentor Village, and plan to open within the month. Terms of the contract were unknown but it's said that Vito and his "Executives" always get the red carpet treatment.

The Ladies of Perpetual Motion and Knitting Circle are said to be very displeased with this turn of events, feeling that such sleaze should not be allowed in our village. In order to gain public support and funding for their cause the LPM&KC are said to be canvassing door to door, and selling in house demonstrations of their wares.

Meanwhile, H&H have been keeping a low profile, donating time and food to the various service clubs in the village. Stay tuned as the Thlot, Pickens! (late breaking news provided by on scene reporter, T. B. Ontario, pronounced, Trolleyboy.)


Who Bound the Rug Smuggler Sleuths?

Jan 2nd, Mentor Village
By: Nota Chance

In yet another budding scandal, investigators assigned to the inquiry involving allegations of rug smuggling into the area by airship were found bound, blathering and befuddled in a field adjacent to the area earmarked for shopping center development.

The names and descriptions of the officers were withheld. A spokesman for the Office of the Constabulary offered, “Blokes bound, blathering and befuddled are blatant acts that will meet with countermeasures heretofore unseen in Mentor Village.” Further elaboration was not provided.

The ongoing investigations are being overseen by Inspector Clueless of the Local Constabulary and Mr. Doyle, Private Investigator and their respective teams of sleuths.

It has been reported by an anonymous source that one victim was reported to have said, “He didn’t even tell me his name!” The local chapter of Our Ladies of Perpetual Motion and Knitting Circle have offered their services for the recovery and rehabilitation of the victims.


EDITORIAL

We have trouble, big trouble spelled with a capital T right here in Mentor Village! Suddenly, as if stealing through the night, we have been descended upon by an ilk unfamiliar and unwelcome in our community.

First it was the Pizza Night at the bar known as ”Our” Place then came the arrival of an Airship terminal (the old Quonset hut down by the turkey shoot range) – followed by public events such as Oktoberfest with dancing and music along with other displays of personal contact. Now we have scandals abounding! Our very own black turnip and sleaze patch destined for destruction – reports of abhorrent acts upon our investigators and a bank with the leadership portfolio the equal of Ivan the Terrible.

What’s next for us fellow Villagers? We must stand as one, stand up to this onslaught and demand a return to our ways of tranquility before it’s too late. Yes, we have trouble, big trouble, spelled with a capital T!

Is it time to shine the searchlight into the clouds with the big F for Captain Fudd, defender of the meek, weak and otherwise inept of humankind?


CLASSIFIED Section

Auto Repair Service. Free pick-up and delivery. Try us once, you'll never go anywhere again. Call: 813-5622

See ladies blouses. Fifty percent off! Call: 852-9312

Holcross pullets. Starting to lay Betty Clayton, Granite 5-6204 (UK).

Wanted—preparer of food. Must be dependable, like the food business, and be willing to get hands dirty. Call: 866-7533

Illiterate? Write today for free help. P.O. Box 1711, Mentor Village

Girl wanted to assist magician in cutting-off-head illusion. Blue Cross and salary. Resume to: P.O. Box 2789, Mentor Village


SPORTS History


Baseball: In the 1932 World Series, Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees “called his shot” as he hit a home run against the Chicago Cubs. The Yanks won the game and series in 4 straight. After the game, the Babe told reports, “Well, I looked out a center field and I pointed. I said, ‘I’m going to hit the next pitched ball right past the flagpole!’ Well, the Good Lord must have been with me.”


Football: Perhaps the “Greatest Game Ever Played” Colts vs. Giants, Dec 28, 1958. With the score tied at 17, in sudden death overtime in the 1958 NFL Championship (before any Super Bowls existed), Baltimore Colts fullback Alan Ameche dove through a hole in the Giants’ defensive line to score in sudden-death overtime to win the Championship. A few players of note in the finale for the Giants: Frank Gifford, Pat Summerall and Charlie Conerly. For the Colts: Johnny Unitas, Steve Myhra and Alan Ameche. Both teams had veritable all-star caliber players.


Hockey New York Rangers Win Stanley Cup: May 25, 1994

The New York Rangers won hockey’s top prize, the Stanley Cup, in 1940. But during the next half-century, the team came up empty-handed year after year.

During the 1993-94 regular season, the Rangers finished with the best record in the NHL, 52-24-8 and went on to beat the New York Islanders in 4 games, the Washington Capitals 4 games to 1, the New Jersey Devils in 4 games and the Vancouver Canucks 4 games to 1 for the Cup. Mike Keenan was the winning coach and Mark Messier the Rangers Captain.

Soccer France Wins World Cup on Home Soil: July 12, 1998

The World Cup, invented by a Frenchman named Jules Rimet in 1930, was first won by the French in 1930 and then again in 1998. Playing in front of a capacity crowd against Team Brazil, the French team won in a stunning 3-0 victory resulting in over one million people pouring into the streets of Paris to celebrate. Notables for Brazil: Rivaldo, Denilson, Carlos, Taffarel and Ronaldo. For the French: Peit, Barthez, Desailly, Thuram and Zidane.


COMIX

From the Bumper:

The proctologist called
. . . they found your head. . .

Everyone has a photographic memory
. . . some just don’t have any film.

Save your breath . . .
You’ll need it to blow up your date.


ADULT LEARNING

WINTER CLASSES FOR MEN at the Mentor Village ADULT LEARNING CENTER
REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED BY Monday, January 8th, 2006

NOTE: DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY AND DIFFICULTY LEVEL
OF THEIR CONTENTS, CLASS SIZES WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUM.


Class 1
How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays --- Step by Step, with Slide Presentation.
Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.

Class 2
The Toilet Paper Roll --- Does It Change Itself?
Round Table Discussion.
Meets 2 weeks, Saturday 12:00 for 2 hours.

Class 3
Is It Possible To Urinate Using The Technique Of Lifting The Seat and
Avoiding The Floor, Walls and Nearby Bathtub? --- Group Practice.
Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 4
Fundamental Differences Between The Laundry Hamper and The Floor ---
Pictures and Explanatory Graphics.
Meets Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks.

Class 5
After Dinner Dishes --- Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Kitchen Sink?
Examples on Video.
Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning
at 7:00 PM

Class 6
Loss Of Identity --- Losing The Remote To Your Significant Other.
Help Line Support and Support Groups.
Meets 4 Weeks, Friday and Sunday 7:00 PM

Class 7
Learning How To Find Things --- Starting With Looking In The Right Places
and Not Turning The House Upside Down While Screaming.
Open Forum.
Monday at 8:00 PM, 2 hours.

Upon completion of any of the above courses,
Diplomas will be issued to the survivors.

THEATRE

Mentor Village Emporium (check local listings for showtimes)

. . . GRAND RE-OPENING - Monday, January 9th: DOUBLE FEATURE: Von Ryan’s Express (1965) starring Frank Sinatra & Trevor Howard - and - The Great Locomotive Chase (1956) starring Jeffrey Hunter, Fess Parker & Slim Pickens.

. . . January 10th thru 14th: Silver Streak (1976) starring Gene Wilder & Richard Pryor.

. . . Sunday, January 15th DOUBLE FEATURE The Iron Horse (1924) SILENT MOVIE starring George O’Brien & Fred Kohler - and - The General(1927) SILENT MOVIE starring Buster Keaton.

. . . January 16th thru 21st: Disaster on the Coastliner (1979-TV) starring Lloyd Bridges, Raymond Burr & Robert Fuller.

. . . Sunday, January 22nd: DOUBLE FEATURE Danger Lights (1930) starring Louis Wolheim, Robert Armstrong & Jean Arthur. - and – Runaway Train (1985) starring Jon Voight, Eric Roberts & Rebecca De Mor Nay.

. . . January 23rd thru 28th: Denver and Rio Grande (1952) starring Edmond O’Brien, Sterling Hayden & Dean Jagger

. . . Sunday, January 29th: DOUBLE FEATURE Narrow Margin (1990) starring Gene Hackman & Anne Archer – and – North by Northwest (1959) starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint & James Mason.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[jlampke]

Mornin' Tom. I'll slip this in through the slot in the door for now...... If I had remembered that Our Place was to be closed Sunday, I would've waited, but having typed it, I don't want to lose it. (With the joint closed, how does one go about ordering drinks?)
Don; Interesting info on the F's. Lots to memorize. Just a matter of exposure and familiarity over time, I suppose.
I went to post last night, but hit the wrong key when editing and lost it all. Called it a night in disgust with my mistake. [oops] [banghead] [sigh] My comments tend to be shorter when typing something for the second time. Such is the case tonight.
BK; Good post; the info on the BESA steamers. Thanks. [tup] Like you (per your comment, page 200), I'm picking up a lot here. Railroads I didn't even know existed, types of engines and passenger cars, etc. How about "Railroads and Their Equipment for Dummies"? Al, Nick, Rob, Tom & Pete could make it a joint venture.
Tom; Items on Western US railroads tend more to catch my eye, being from the West. Looking at the Fallen Flags item, UP (passenger ops) you posted on page 202, I was surprised to see they still rostered 29 steam locomotives as late as '63. I see also that principal lines added as of '96 lists Salt Lake City - Oakland via Sacramento. I assume that is the Donner Pass line. I have also heard that the tracks were removed from that line in the late '90's. [:(] Is that true? [?]
I'll have to agree with BK's observation that the USCG misses you, given your M.O. as demonstrated by the effort put into Our Place.
The Birthday Watch List is a good idea. [tup]
I too, don't post ship's pictures, awards, etc., at home. I've always joked that if any type of mariner ever came around to see any of my daughters what he'd see is the business end of one of my guns.....
Russell; On your recommendation, I'll look for Danger Lights next time I'm looking for movies on-line. Sounds good. Thanks.
I thought some of the scenes in "Under Siege 2" were pretty cool. Haven't seen "Tough Guys" yet.
The Eugene area, Lane County, is home. Pretty Liberal though... I hear you. I wonder how that came to pass? Some of my friends from Portland call it "The Peoples Republic of Eugene".
Ted; As cities go, Portland is a nice place. They like the Navy there, so to speak, and it is still, 40 years after the visit you described, a popular liberty port. If I had to live in a city, Portland would do. I asked Doyle M. one day to what degree the city involved themselves with the operation of 4449 & 700. He said it's kind of "You don't bother us and we won't bother you". The city holds title to all three of the steamers at the roundhouse, but that's the extent of their involvement.
Tom; Interesting story about your dad's WW2 experiences. I sure envy those guys. I said that to an older guy about 20 years ago and he said to forget it kid, you're living in the best of times now. Heartening, but I want the excitement. Good or bad, I go for the adrenalin rush every time. I was in the Philippines at Subic Bay Naval Base in 6-91 when Mt. Pinatubo erupted. A lot of people, most, were pretty freaked out. I was stoked. In my view, this was history being made, and I was there. I was actually disappointed by the lack of excitement at sea in the Persian Gulf during the first Gulf War earlier that year.
Rob; WW2 Naval History is one of my favorite topics. Pacific Theater especially.
The USS Mississinewa was sunk by a Japanese sub in '44 in Ulithi. It had fuel oil for other ships of the fleet in it's cargo tanks when it went down. The Navy left it as it was. 50 or so years later, the oil started coming up as the cargo tanks rusted away. A few years ago the Navy recovered the oil from the sunken ship. We went there to drop off supplies for that operation. The rusted and collapsed remains of some of the WW2 built piers are still there. I didn't have a lot of time to look around, but it was still an interesting trip.
RR; Welcome aboard!! [#welcome] Quite a task, reading every page since the beginning. I get 10 pages behind and it's overwhelming.
Well, I was pleased to see the volume of posts slow down these last few days. I might actually catch up here. I took off a little early today and went to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. [wow] VERY impressive. [tup] Those guys have spent many years putting that layout together. [8D] There are several different layouts there, but it's mostly N, HO and O (2- & 3-rail).
I took some pictures using a borrowed digital camera. Was going to post them, but they are blurry. [banghead] I'm going to give it another try in a couple weeks with a different digital camera.

Well boyz, Happy New Year to all of you.

John [zzz] [zzz]

[West Coast S]

Happy New Years Tom and the gang.. Lift a glass (or two) of your chosen spirits to 2006 and continued good fourtune to "Our Place"

Kadoo's on the Encore and the 2005 retrospective, a tear welted thinking back to the early days Tom.

Keeping to a New Years theme, one upon a time one could arrive at the Rose Parade via rail, in this day of freeways and live televised coverage we tend to loose sight of how important rail was for civic events.

All the major carriers in Southern California provided special "Rose" trains. The Santa Fe had the most direct routing via the second subdivision which discharged passengers a mere one block from the parade route, typically all available chair cars would be placed into service with the equiptment laying over at Lamanda Park awaiting the return trip. Any type of power could be found from Mikes to Northerns to diesel power commandeered from the freight pool.

Union Pacific served Pasadena via a branch line,typically they assigned diesel power, usueually switchers assigned to LAUPT , thus SW, Baldwin, Alco could be spotted in unusual assignments, while 0-6-0's would be maintained a Union Station as a boiler source when the train was stored. Heavy weight equiptment was prominate on these specials, Pullmans and diners were retained for overnight accomditions for VIP's also a LAUP, often the three roads would combine these varied consits for routing out of Los Angeles.

The prime provider was the Pacific Electric, who's line ran down Colorado Blvd. PE was taxed to provided equiptment as the start of racing season severly impacted car availibility. With Colorado closed, PE specials ran via the Oak Knoll Line to South Pasadena. This was the service in which exotic equiptment such as wooden tens and eight fifities, long placed into storage and only brought out during crunch times could be observed until the late forties when they were purged.

Equiptment from the catalina Steamships specials ventured in parade service, where their baggage capacity was much appreciated and their load capacity more then made up for the difficulities in operating them on the Northern District.

Box motors moved trains of heavy weight equiptment for parent SP to the parade, this was also the season in which horse cars were also transiting making for a busy division when normal traffic is also considered. The double main along Huntington Drive would be restricted to single track opertation with the outbound main restricted to car storage unitl the end of the festivities.
In the early days PE WAS the float, prior to WWI PE would bedeck a trolley in flowers and other adornments for the pleasure of the crowd.and gain some good PR, all without spooking the horses in the parade ( SP attempted a similar parade appearence, but with steam, much to the dismay of city fathers and parade orgiziners).
The final parade trains occured on the Santa Fe in 1986, shortly thereafter the line was abandoned and sold to the county for light rail. SP also contributed some equiptment to the event. A prestine set of FP45's and the business car fleet with some private equiptment performed the honors for the last time.
PE exited the Pasadena area in September and October 1951 when the Oak Knoll and Pasadena line were abandoned, the tracks on Colorado were removed and the era of by trolley to the parade passed into a fond memory,
UP tore out the Pasadena Branch in 1964, by then all had forgotten of the days when one could travel to the parade by rail, a little known history of Southern California.

Dave

[Anonymous]

%#*$%!, Everything just went "hay wire." I'll be back after I've composed my wits and a hour or so in the Rat's Patoot Room. Hope this isn't a bad omen for 2006. See you a.s.a.p. Theodorebear.[:(!]

[Anonymous]

Good morning everyone. Tom, I'll try one of those light breakfasts. I am partial to biscuits and gravy with orange juice and a bottomless cup of coffee. Hope everyone had a great beginning to 2006. We sat around and watched videos--mostly about the 3 foot guage Rio Grande lines. I'm wanting to go out there so bad I could taste it. My regular fireman, who I am teaching to run, brought some more books about those lines for me to read over the winter. Included are 2 more of John Norwood's books. I highly recommend his works for anyone interested in the Rio Grande NG.
As I was reading page 208 to catch up, the wife came into the den to see what I was laughing at. She read some of the latest village gazette over my shoulder and both of us were hysterical. Who would have thought that Mentor Village was such a happening place?
Theodorebear, sent you an email with info for the book. Waiting on your response.
Noticed on Christmas, BNSF did'nt run any trains. Yesterday, they made up for it. They were running trains closer than a block and the crossing just below the house was always busy. 4 coal loads followed each other with vehicle trains intermixed from both directions. We live a block from the crossing before the junction where the Thayer sub turns south and the Cuba sub goes east. Most traffic is on the Thayer North sub.
Well, I'll dive into the b&g and wait to see who comes in so I'm thru babbling now for while. Have to get the notebook out to try to get tickets for the exciting lineup of movies coming to town, too.

[red p]

Theodorebear me too! @# $%&
A thunderstorm went through here last night and knocked out my computer. The modem doesnt respond at all. Im having to use someone elses computer to get on line. [:(!]
P

[siberianmo]

G’day Gents!

At the get-go, I want to thank those of you who stuck with me through the holidays. It was a bit of a chore keeping things “up on the Forum” and at times I know that all I accomplished was talking to myself. However, having frequent Posts from a couple of guys each day, helped keep ME going. That’s what it takes ‘round here, Gents – an effort. My comments are only being addressed to those of you who have maintained the precepts of ”Our” Place:

(1) Greet the barkeep upon entering.
(2) Order a drink and/or food.
(3) Acknowledge the Posts of others.
(4) Be inclusive in your remarks.

Hit ‘n run Posts and Posters are unwelcome and really need to take it elsewhere. [tdn]

From the looks of things ‘round here, there’s no point in going through it all again regarding getting the most current information when logging on. Some things never change – even though time marches on! <grin>

Oh, before I forget: wanswheel Mike your Email was received and my Post was appropriately corrected, near the top of page 208! Thanx. [tup] Are you willing to take on a ‘staff’ job ‘round here[?] I’m in need of some help and greatly appreciate your attention to detail. That goes a long way with me.

Some acknowledgments:

jlampke John
Posted: 02 Jan 2006, 01:22:22

Good to read your Post, John and appreciate your inclusive response and informative “stuff.” [tup]

I think it better to defer to perhaps West Coast S Dave regarding that question you have regarding the Donner Pass line. Perhaps passengerfan Al will chime in as well on this. These two guys are our California Aficionados!

Mt. Pinatubo brings back some memories. The Philippines and their people have always occupied a special place for me. Served with many a good shipmate and sailor who called those islands home. I’m wondering how many in this day and age even remember the disaster wrought by that volcano[?] Was the beginning of the end of U.S. military presence over there, politics notwithstanding. Terrible loss for all.

Thanx very much for the endorsement of our Birthday Watch List! It has worked quite well since establishing it many, many pages ago (watching this Mike [?] [swg]) Anyway, the one drawback is ginning up the motivation amongst the guys to organize and hold a Bash! I’ve seen guys who have had great celebrations at our bar, completely blow off others. [yeah] The centric few have a way of ruining even the best of intentions. I for one wi***hey would take it somewhere else. Who needs that crap[?] Ah, the anxt continues into the New Year!

So the Eugene area is home, eh [?] Lucky you! One highlight of my time there was dining at The Oregon Electric Station at 5th & Willamette. Still there[?] Of course I always opted to dine in the renovated antique dining cars rather than the “traditional” dining room. All that was missing was the motion! [swg] Love that place – politics aside of course.

When in San Diego I always take the time to visit Balboa Park and the museums located within it. A highlight for me is the N-scale model railroad at the MRR museum. Amazing piece of work fer sure, fer sure. My guess is that they have the largest N-scale layout in the world in that place. Well worth the time. [tup]

I see you missed viewing The Mentor Village Gazette this morning. If you require some help with getting to view the most current “stuff” when logging in, let me know. It’s really a shame to start off a Posting without having benefit of the latest info.

West Coast S Dave
Posted: 02 Jan 2006, 01:27:22

So the “mystery man” has returneth, eh[?] Appreciate your offer – but your round didn’t “work,” as we were CLOSED on SUNDAY and right up til 6 AM today. Of course, you really knew that, eh[?] [swg]

I see you are picking up right where you left off several weeks – perhaps months ago – with a great narrative regarding those Rose trains! Didn’t know any of it and appreciate the effort. [tup][tup]

You too missed The Mentor Village Gazette eh[?] Pity. There just has to be a better way.

earlydiesels Dan
Posted: 02 Jan 2006, 09:24:00

Finally! Someone read The Mentor Village Gazette! Glad you and your bride enjoyed it! [tup] Sure, we do have a good time ‘round here, that is if one is willing to engage in the banter. Life is far too short to be tied up in knots over things one cannot control. A great lesson I wi***hat I could master! [swg]

Hope we see a bit more of you ‘round here, Dan for you are a valued customer! [tup] See ya at the movies! <grin>


Later!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[Anonymous]

Hi Tom, I think I can safely imbibe in a Crown and soda w/twist this fine day, thanks. I was in before but ran into snag which still has me scratching my head.[banghead] I trust the recent mining accident is well away from our esteemed CM3? Dan, the banks hereabouts are closed today (Monday Jan. 2, 06). First thing tomorrow, I'll be knocking down the door to get snail mail moving.[tup] I can't "get over" how busy that section of the BNSF mainline is around Springfield. "Never a dull moment," eh?

There is a new dimension added for 2006 at "Our" Place thanks to some very innovative ideas on the part of Tom and his editorial staff. The Mentor Village Gazette and the "reopening" of the Village "movie house," Emporium on January 9th, should add a much wider "brush" with which to paint future posts.[^] The scandalous "cover up" involving the Second National Bank and Vito "the hit," plus Inspector Clueless's canvasing of carpet culprits cavorting in contraban contiguous to Can-Am consignments can only conculde in court STOP, STOP IT ALREADY! Oh, [v]sorry gang.

West Coast S Dave, I'll wager that I speak for Rob as well as for myself in thanks for including the Pacific Electric along with the "Rose Trains" information.[tup] I watched the T.V. coverage a good hour earlier today. And, no matter the weather, this is still a premier event each year.[:D] I see the railroad tradition is still honored with the Ontario, CA Float emulating a 1800s steam loco with citrus from the "Golden State." That was a nice "touch" indeed.[^] Hey John, yes the San diego area bristles with points of interest for military and model RRing alike.[tup] I had hoped to retire there but the "cost of living" is out of my league. Concur with Tom's assessment of Balboa Park, truly a "must see" when in the "***" area.

"Ah, the anxt carries into the New Year!" Perhaps a New Year's "resolution" for 2006 would put this to rest?[(-D] There are those among our members who simply are not able to pursue an avocation with the limited leisure time shared with family and "outside" friends and other interests. Then, there are those that don't care one Iota, but one should be spared the wrath for the other, don'tcha think? Well, CM3, everything is shaping up very well for your [bday] bash on the 6th of January. If some of the decorations appear similar to the New Year's Eve stuff, it is no coincidence. The "Tub" cache is running below the "ring" lately and some "cuts" had to be made. Okay, that's it from mich (German) this day BROONG, thanks Boris, "I needed that."[:(!] Happy rails all and G'day.

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom. Time for a CR and a round for the house.

I really enjoyed the Mentor Village Gazette this AM and can really appreciate the work that went into it.

Sorry I have just been poking my head in briefly the last few days but gearing up for tax season in an office that does over 3000 returns out of the Stockton office and a like number out of the Merced office takes much preparation.

Did see the question raised about Donner Pass this AM and would like to report it is alive and well and the majority of traffic uses this line as well as the Feather River Canyon route. The latter bypasses Reno while the Donner Pass line is the one that was just rerouted through the new Reno Trench that eliminated the grade crossings through the heart of the city. Both routes into Salt Lake City are also heavily utilized as well with the old Western Pacific line the choice of Amtrak as is the Donner Pass line. Between Wells and Winnemucca the UP uses the former SP and WP lines as before the merger as a double track mainline. Most of the trains routed via Ogden are through trains to the east while those routed to Salt Lake City can also be through trains that add cars in Salt Lake City. Most through traffic to Denver takes the faster Overland route although traffic on the former D&RGW is heavy between Salt Lake City and Denver.

I personally would not be surprised to see the former Royal Gorge route reopen if traffic on the UP continues to grow. Cheaper than adding a third track across Wyoming.

I believe it is this year that the BNSF will complete its double tracking of ita mainline between California and Chicago and this will increase traffic between the Golden State and the windy City.

TTFN Al

[jlampke]

Afternoon Tom. A short visit during the lunch hour here.... I'll take an Absolute & grapefruit juice, and a round for the boyz, please. How about a smoked turkey & Swiss sub for lunch? [dinner] (No onions for me, please.)
I am still not 100% caught up here...... Which is why I haven't responded to the MVG yet.
To answer a couple questions though, the Electric Station is in fact the best place to eat in Eugene. Some interesting railroad history there, too. I always opt for the passenger cars. It just adds to the experience. In fact, if any of the boyz from Our Place ever pass through Eugene, look me up and we'll meet at the Electric Station. Good place for lunch or dinner. [dinner]
Two of my daughters were born in the Philippines. Diana (16 in July) is still there. I see her once or twice a year, usually. She came to Oregon last two summers to stay with us, then back to the P.I. for school.
Al; Thanks for the answer to my Donner Pass question. I'm sure I saw something a few years ago about the tracks over the summit and through the summit tunnel being removed. I sure hope you're right, and that wasn't true. It would be sad to see something that took so much effort and lives to build and is such a huge piece of Western Railroading history, tossed aside and abandoned by the UP.
I'd like to go to the re-enactment of the driving of the Golden Spike some day. Has anyone here ever attended that? [?]

Well, back to work. More later.

John

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

How good is it to see Ted 'n Al stoppin' by[?] Real good! [tup][tup]

Glad you both enjoyed The Mentor Village Gazette - that's what the intent is and has been. [yeah] I'll have to "archive" your incessant use of C's, Sir Ted, perhaps for the next edition! [swg]

Al I knew we could count on you for a response to John's inquiry regarding the Donner Pass line! We have ways to "flush" you out of hiding! [swg]

Ted You can be kind, you can be tolerant and tame. You can be Ted, but you just cannot be Tom. And Tom has no patience today or all the tomorrows to come for those who continue to ignore our Precepts. I spend a considerable amount of my time trying to make this work for one and all who reciprocate in kind. For those who haven't got the time, why in the world stop in at all[?] Can't have it both ways.

When "bestowed" with the Order of the Stools - both levels a certain responsibility went along with it - to uphold the manner in which we conduct our business here. Reciprocity - inclusiveness - acknoweldgments - all of that. We have lost a few along the way, largely due to an inability to go along with what works 'round here. I expect to lose some others, but guess what[?] That's life. We all have choices. I'm sticking with mine.

Al That talk of double tracking the BNSF from the Golden State to the Land of Lincoln conjures up all kinds of "what ifs." Alas, never to be again. Those beautiful and frequent streamliners of yesteryear are but a memory to but a few. And the repopening of the Royal Gorge route - wouldn't that be terrific for passenger travedl[?] Fortunately we have "Our" Place to bring 'em to life! [tup]

Okay, Gents - appreciate your responsiveness and getting on board with the banter at the bar.

Thanx for the round, Al - Boris put Tex down - ring the bell, and get him outside for his "duty call." <phew>

Later! [swg]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

G'day John

Glad I stuck around for a couple of minutes after my last - caught your Post. [tup]

I will most definitely take you up on a meeting one day at the Electric Station in Eugene. We seem to have quite a bit in common ..... [tup][tup]

Still haven't made it to The Mentor Village Gazette eh[?] Savor the Posts! [swg] You are a fine example of one who not only reads what has been put forth, but makes mention of them as well. Precisely my point these days (daze!).

Thanx for the round - Boris ring it! [tup]

Later!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

Okay, it's time to continue on with what this place is all about - Classic Trains

Here's a NOSTALGIA piece I hope you will enjoy:

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #51

Here’s something to enjoy regarding the Canadian Pacific (CP) from a 1963 advertisement in my personal collection.

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

Sail away
to Europe in a Canadian Pacific White Empress. Come aboard at Montreal, and discover a 1000 miles of beauty as you sail up the St. Lawrence, past Québec’s historic Château Frontenac and on to Greenock and Liverpool.

Ride away
to the Canadian Rockies aboard Canada’s only scenic doomed streamliner, “The Canadian.” Discover 2,881 miles of spectacular scenery along the Banff-Lake Louise route as you cross Canada in streamlined comfort.

Hide away
at Banff Springs Hotel a mile high in the Canadian Rockies. You’ll enjoy gourmet food, gracious service. And you’ll find golf, tennis, swimming, fishing – every resort facility. Open May 31 to September 14.

Holiday all the way with Canadian Pacific
Trains/Trucks/Ships/Planes/Hotels/Telecommunications. WORLD’S MOST COMPLETE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM


Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)][oX)]

[West Coast S]

Eveing Tom...My offer is good at all times, you knew that.. And yes I agree there has got to be a better way.

John and Al, I suspect the Donner Pass confusion stems from the fact that SPdid remove apx. seven miles of the orginal 1869 number one line in 1994, from Norton to Summit. There has been some talk among UP of relaying this missing link, Steep grades and a darth of traffic, plus cost of snow removal caused SP to expend all megar resources to maintain the newer, less steep number two track. Towards the last days, eastbound freight movements over the number one line were so infrequent as to bring out the local railfans and magazine coverage when a movement occured. There are also rumors, just rumors that if UP restores the Donner Pass line to full capacity they might be inclined to abandon the Feather River route.. Time will of course tell the tale. If UP has learned anything from the past they will seriously study any abndonment proposals prior to acting .

Off Subject, but the blatent attempt by the recording industry to promote their latest garbage as a attraction to the parade, just sickened me, some traditional events should not be a test lab to further the advance of social engineering. ... Well i'm off to the Rat's Patoot room to vent, Tom your responsible for posting a proper penality for my diversion from topic.. I feel better already...

Tom, 40 lashes for not commenting fantastic effort known as the Mentor Village Gazett. Great idea and a worthwhile addition to "Our Place".

Dave

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Gents!

Just a word or two before turning the bar over to Leon the Night Man!

Been a strange return to normal 'round here. Nice turnout and some interesting thoughts and information posited for one and all. Given that today is a holiday, observed in most parts of the "western world," I would've expected to see Rob - Nick & coalminer3! Maybe tomorrow.

Dave Don't be too hard on yourself - 40 lashes is a bit steep. How about penance in the form of another round for the bar[?] [tup][tup]

Good to see the continuing info flowing regarding hte Donner Pass. While I freely admit to much ignorance regarding the far western roads - other than knowing the more basic "stuff," I too aprpeciate the input. Good job! [tup]

Not sure that I follow you regarding the "recording industry," et al. Huh[?]

Glad you enjoyed the Gazette - it isn't so much that I'm looking for accolades as reaction to what was contained therein..

Okay - that's it fof me 'til the 'morrow! Boris ring the bell - a round on me! [tup]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Leon. I'll have a CR and perhaps a round for those still sitting upright in their barstools.

Tom Wonderfull, encores from yesterday,all on topic and all were the best from the best,always good to see them again.

I'm still chuckling over the latest, issue of the MVG, glad I was able to help out in a small way. Nice to see us up and running again in '06, I'm looking forward to Our Place's continued success and fine exchange of information.

John Thanks for the info on the Islands. I do find all things old ( as in the historical stuff ) extremely interesting. If you ever find yourself in Ontario e-mail me and I'll try to give you le gande tour d'area.

I'm glad that you were able to check out the 2860 restoration. They been along time at it. She hasn't run since the early 90's. Steam's the hardest and most costliest beast to restore and operate, but the end result is always a fan favourite.

Mike Glad that you liked the PCC story,I do enjoy sharing such tidbits with everyone. Thanks for re-running your Dad's article as well,out a nice capper on Encore week. [tup]

Dave Welcome back my friend,wonderfull bit on the PE and the rose bowl parades as well. As Tom said info that I did nnot know. Also good info on the Donner pass from you and Al as well. I too had thought the entire line had been pulled. Nice to hear that it's still in use. Hopefully the Feather River route does not disapear though. It too is a historical and sceneic rotue with the Keadie Wye etc etc. If UP does decode to shut it down,perhaps some local tourist co may be able to preserve it. Would make for a wonderfull ( sorry Tom ) train excursion route.Bunch of dome cars and Budd coaches hmmm. Any takers ?

Ted Glad to see you survived you Ted's taxi service stint on New years eve.I have not yet seen the email you sent. Mind you my computer sometimes sends stuff to the junk folder it should not so I'll recheck that in a few minutes. If I find it I will of coarse respond in kind.

It was nice to see Fergie drop by but I don't remember dancing with a lampshade on my head. May have though but I don't think so. I certainly have neither rthyam or music.[swg]

Keep well everyone.

Rob

[jlampke]

Barkeep', the usual please, and $$ for Herr Wurlitzer. Did we ever get King of the Road (Roger Miller) added to the extensive listing already carried? [:(]

I see Rob is here. Evenin' Rob. What're you drinking tonight?

Dave, Al, thanks for the feedback. I looked it up on Google. See the URL below;

http://cprr.org/Museum/Sierra_Grade_8-2003/Donner_Pass-Summit_Tunnel/index.html

Give the images a minute to load. I would definitely like to get up there myself one day. It would be nice if the UP did in fact restore the rails to that section of the line, adding another chapter to the history of Donner Pass. I had also heard in the past that most of the original CPRR line through Utah had been abandoned by the SP in later years.
That would be a trip I could really get interested in; A trip by four wheel drive through the entire length of the original transcontinental railroad. [tup]

Rob, I've never been to Ontario. I will definitely keep your offer in mind and look you up if I ever make it up to your neck of the woods. Thanks for the offer. [tup]

Evenin' Tom. You're out & about late. It must be about midnight in MO right now.

Back in May 2000, I was taking the train from London to Gatwick. Along the way, I saw a steam locomotive painted red steaming along an adjacent track. I was surprised and pleased to see that the Brits were running such a thing. About a year and a half later I took two of my daughters to see the first Harry Potter movie. In the movie, they had an identical looking steam locomotive. I told the girls that I had seen that same locomotive when I was in England (They were skeptical). Does anyone know anything about that?
The nostalgia item at the top of page 206 reminded me of that.

Mike; I've been to Times Square a couple times, myself. They can have it. I did make it to the top of the World Trade Center though, which was impressive, I thought. I look at a big city like New York, or any of them, and wonder what the country looked like 200 (or so) years ago, before "we" arrived. Given any wish, I would opt for time travel, were it possible.
The pictures of Horseshoe Curve were great. That must've been an incredible place to watch trains from back in the days of steam. The sound clip was cool too. [tup] Thanks.

Tom; I never knew the SP&S ran to Eugene. (page 206) I know the route the Oregon Electric used. Later used by BN, and now BNSF. The final mile or so that used to run to the Electric Station down the center of 5th street was paved over around 25 years ago, if I remember correctly.

Kind of sad, the item from Dave originally posted August 26th, Farewell to a way of life.

Mike; I don't consider "Happy Holidays" to be political, in itself. It's the big stores that make a point of removing the phrase "Merry Christmas" from all their decorations for fear of offending some atheist. That's what gets me. This time of year has always been called the Holiday Season, in my life. As it is and should be. Just don't be afraid to use the word Christmas, either, I say.

John

[trolleyboy]

I'm back briefly with the first classic trains talk of the year from me. this is an add CN put into National Geographic to promote awarness of it's size and scope to the United States. the ad was run in 1929.

A railway system that spans a continent.
and links two great nations

New York and Montreal; Chicago and Toronto ; Duluth and Winnipeg lie south and north of the International Line. But they are not foreign ground to the citizens of either The United States or Canada. Language , race, and customs and the luxurious trains of Canadian National Railways link them together and make them neighbours.


Wherever you wi***o go in Canada - whether to the playgrounds of the Maritime Provinces, Historic Quebec, the lake and forest regions of Ontario, the great prairie provinces, the mighty Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast and Alaska- Canadian National will take you, speedily, comfortably , and over a route replete with magnificent scenery.

But Canadian National is more than a railroad.It operates year 'round hotels and summer resorts. It provides frieght,express and telegraph service with conections to all aprts of the world. Canadian National Steamships carry Canada's ensign over the seven seas. Eleven Candian National radio stations broadcast from coast to coast.

For information on Canada's natural resorces and business opportunities, for tickets and accomodations, call at , write or telephone the nearest Canadian National office.

CANADIAN NATIONAL
The Largest Railway System in America

operating Railways . Steamships . Hotels . Telegraph and Express Service . Radio



Intresting ad to be sure. I'll see if I can't get it to scan so you all can see it.

Rob

[trolleyboy]

Hey John just caught your post, nice URL BTW. I'm with you hope that the track does go back in. Well folks it's time to head off into the sunset. Leon wring up another round for John and any other stragglers. I'm off for now.

Rob [zzz]

[siberianmo]

<yawn> Thought I heard a trolley passing by in the night. Hmmmmm, that can't be, there aren't any street cars in Mentor Village. Oh, what's this - 3 Posts from Rob and 1 from John! It's okay, Leon - you can keep the bar open 'til the last man has had his fill! [swg]

So the New Year has finally sprung loose our permanent stool member! Was beginning to think that you found a 2nd job to keep you occupied! <grin>

That is one fantastic URL that you found for us, John - really tells quite a story. What a great addition to the discussion of Donner Pass. [tup][tup][tup]

CNR's advertisement from back in 1929 speaks volumes when one thinks about it. Radio was IT in so many ways. People round the world spent time sitting and listening to this rather new and wonderful way to communicate. Stories being told, music being played, news being reported, etc.

To my way of thinking, nothing binds a people more than a common language and radio did so much to help in that regard. Wonder why that concept is so difficult to understand in these "modern" times [?] A thought for another day.

No apology needed regarding that reference to excursion trains. In the priorities of things for me - regularly scheduled passenger trains will always take precedence. Given a choice of nothing or an excursion train, of course the latter will prevail. [tup]

John Roger Miller's King of the Road has been a fixture 'round this place since Moby *** was a Minnow! [swg]

Thanx for the rounds and quarters for Herr Wurlitzer, der Juke! Just drop 'em off in the Coal Scuttle right over there. [tup][tup]

Okay - I'm heading back to the sack. [zzz]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]