"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Leon, your looking a bit more bluery eyed than normal, must have been the split shift you worked today[|)] I'll have a CR and a round of the mighty crown for those still standing.

Tom I was happy to help out this morning,I do like seeing the light once in a while[;)][:D]. I have indeed been keeping track of the various speacialty posts I've been making, I will update and repost the index later on this week. Likely saturday. I would say that you are correct, of those companies GE and Westinghouse are the only ones left. GE is still heavily into locomotive building and traction motor and brake system building. I was under the impression that westinghouse was still making brake components as well, through their Wabco affiliates. Ther is a Wabco plant ( Westinghouse air brake company ) here in Ontario in Stoney Creek just outside of Hamilton.

Yes Nick has indeed seemingly joined the legion of the lost. Looks as though Boris and Ted will have to pick up the slack in the kitchen.[:D][:0][xx(]

Lars a hearty "Our Place" [#welcome] To you sir. seems as though the boss has a kindred spirit in the NYC comections as well as your feeling s on rudness of all stripes. something that goes without saying for myself as well. Let me grab your next round as well. [tup][:D] I'm looking forward to yours and Al's dome car interactions as well, always good to add some new perspectives.


Dave Thanks for the Jewett socal style info. A question for you . Were those cars open cars or were they clerestry roofed full passenger cars. I know that when Jewett first started building cars they were the tried and true heavy weight wood over steel Clerestery roofed cars. Jewett was known to make some one offs though. And if they were 30 footers I'm envisioning a single trucked open bench type car.I'm looking so forward to your further PE et al stories.

Sounds like really good news on the SoCal rail passenger front as well,now if only the rest of our two countries would learn from this. Oh well I do hope it all works out for them.

Al If this is a sampling of the book , I can hardley wait for it. As you may or may not know, I have taken on partial control of the museum gift shops managing and buying duties. Two of our main things that we sell are rail biiks and videos ( don't have to be traction related either ) so I guess we will talk.[:)]

Well gents that catches me up fer now. I may pop back in later.

Rob

[siberianmo]

Good Evening Gents!

Set 'em up, Leon a round on me before I check out. Boris ring the bell!

Hello there Dave good to see ya. Isn't the world of computers and computing just wunnerful[?] <grin> They surely can tie one in knots, if ya let 'em ....

Somewhere on these pages is a reference to my 1953 round trip by rail from NYC to Santa Ana, CA. Don't particulary feel like digging it up right now - but here's a brief:

The Boy Scouts held their Jamboree in Santa Ana (Irvine Ranch) in the summer of 1953. I was 15 at time and involved in the Explorer Scout program in NYC.

The NYC contingent traveled in B&O coaches to WashDC - St. Louis, MO - KCity, MO - Colorodo Springs - Santa Fe, NM - the Grand Canyon - to Santa Ana. The Jamboree last about a week, if I remember. The return trip was from Santa Ana to San Francisco - Salt Lake City - Yellowstone Park - Chicago to NYC. There were stops at each of those locations, some overnight. We slept aboard the train as the seats all folded flat to accommodate our sleeping bags. It was a blast fer sure, fer sure.[tup]

Saw a Southern Pacific loco this afternoon pulling a freight along the UP's mainline just west of downtown. Sorry, but I was driving on a very busy Interstate and didn't have the time or inclination to gawk for too long to catch the nomenclature in 5 lanes of traffic! Anyway, another one of those UP/SP paint jobs that so many get their knickers in a knot over. Not me - I think they look "cool."

Glad you enjoy(ed) the pix from Sunday Photo Posting Day! - perhaps we'll be seeing some contributions coming from SoCal, eh[?]

Okay, Boyz - Leon the Night Man has the bar!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[passengerfan]

Good Evening Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a double CR and a round for the house.
Sorry for my absence this AM but today was a family funeral. Sad!

I am not going to do a STREAMLINER CORNER today instead I am going to type out a excerpt from the Dome Book I have been working on this is to welcome Domelover Lars to Our Place.

The lightweioght Streamlined Dome car was a new type car that entered the North American rail scene following WW II.

The modern Dome car made its first appearance in June, 1945. The railroad that built the first modern dome car CB&Q was also the railroad that introduced the first streamlined diesel powewred train the Pioneer Zephyrin 1934. Later they would introduce the Gallery car to Chicago - Aurora commuters, and the Slumbercoach first appeared in the CB&Q 1956 version of the Vista Dome Denver Zephyr.

The idea for the modern dome car originated with General Motors Vice President and Electro-Motive Division General Manager Mr. Cyrus R. Osborn.
On a trip aboard an A-B-B-A set of the companies new EMD FT diesels units leading a freight through Glenwood Canyon on the D&RGW, while sitting in the fireman's seat he was awe struck by the spectacular view from the sloping windows of the lead diesel unit and the idea for the dome was born. When he returned east Mr. Osborn discussed a dome car with leaders of other railroads. The one railroad leader Mr. Osborn inspired with the idea of a dome car was Mr. Ralph Budd President of the Chicago Burlington & Quincy. The two men close friends for many years discussed the feasibility of a yet to be named dome car. It was from this meeting that CB&Q 4714 SILVER DOME became reality. Along with Burlington's Chief Mechanical Officer Mr. H.H. Ulrich, and Budd Companies Colonel E. J. Ragsdale SILVER DOME became the world's first modern Vista-Dome Car.

The first Dome was reconstructed from the flat top stainless steel 52-revenue seat Budd built coach 4714 SILVER ALCHEMY. This modern lightweight streamlined coach was built new in June, 1940 and would emerge from the CB&Q Aurora, Illinois shops in June 1945 as the first Vista Dome Car. The number 4714 would remain but the name was changed to SILVER DOME.

Both the CB&Q and Budd Companies referred to the converted car as a Vista Dome.

The conversion of the car was accomplished with the help Budd engineers; the car underwent the transformation from an ordinary streamlined coach in less than two weeks to the most talked about coach in postwar history.

How was the 4714 SILVER ALCHEMY selected for conversion? Believe it or not it was by chance the 4714 SILVER ALCHEMY was in the shop undergoing routine maintenance and inspection, it was simply being in the right place at the right time.

Atop the center of the car after shopping was greenhouse looking affair called the dome. This part raised above the roofline of the car featured windows on the sides, top, front and rear. The standard height of this car before shoppingg was the standard streamlined car height of 13' 6" above the rails. Height after reconstruction to the top of the dome area was 16' 1-1/2" above the rails. This would be the highest short dome car built along with a twin outshopped by the same Aurora shop in 1949 4709 SILVER CASTLE to the same plan as the earlier 4714 SILVER DOME. Those short dome built by the the three major car builders Pullman Standard, Budd and American Car & foundry would never 15' 10-1/2" in height above the rails.

Here was the passenger car feature that could not only provide passenger's a nearly unobstructed view to the sides but also ahead over the top of the cars leading, or one could turn to the rear and see over the roofs of the trailing cars. Not to mention the view skyward especially wothwhile in mountainous country or while speeding along the banks of the Mississippi with the Bluffs rising alongside the tracks, or across the river.
The dome of the 4714 SILVER DOME seated 24 passengers arranged in two rows of paired seats facing forward twelve on either side of the center aisle. Above the aisle of the dome was a panel with heating and air conditioning vents with lights down the center for night use at stations. At other times in the night these lights were extinguished leaving only the small aisle lights lining the floor similar to tjose in darkened theaters, these lights did not interfere with night visibility but were visible enough to see ones way to a seat in the dome. From this dome seat at night one could see the locomotives headlight cutting a swath through the countryside ahead of the speeding train. Those night of the full moon the dome seats provided an almost eerie view of the passing countryside.

All future standard or short dome cars from Budd, Pullman Standard or American Car & Foundry would be constructed with a depressed center section below the dome and an aisle running along one side of the car beneath the dome.

To be continued.

TTFN AL.

[West Coast S]

Eveing Tom and the gang...Round of Johnny Walker Black, easy on the ice... Been quiet due to that fact that my two old week computer will not allow me to sign onto the forums or the net, so much for nine hundred bucks! Anyhow, plan B is in effect until my HP is built.

Tom wanted to comment on how great photo Sunday is becoming, those Canadian roads sure were a class act and continue to be. Rob, barndad, Love Domes, Passeneger Fan.. keep the good information coming. Tom were are the details of that 1953 trip you mentioned on Saturday?
By the way the lastest TRAINS states that the Santa Fe Southern (Discussed in the recent past with
attached photos at "Our Place") will be a major player on a new regional passenger network that also purchased the BNSF line over Raton Pass. Soon this former SF branch will recieve the upgrades necessary for high speed passenger service. I wi***hem the best of luck in this exciting endevor.

Other news...Vintage SP report, a fellow railfan in Chicago informed me of two Southern Pacific SD7's entrained southbound on the IC this past Tuesday, though marked out, true ownership remains a mystery and why the need to travel.
OL' SDs never die, particulary those of SP vintage, upgrades performed over there service lives added performance and reliability to rival anything built new.

Ok Rob,, have you heard of a California Jewett? Nicknamed "Jiggers" by the PE and beloved by all for there throwback styling to ther era of open air wooden interurbans. I've discovered some facts on these unusual little critters, built in 1903 by Laconia for the San Gabrial and Pasadena Ry, aquired during the great merger of 1906, just shy of thirty feet in length, they were quickly transfered to the Venice, Redondo, Newport beach lines were they could be exploited for the tourist traffic and were a easy fit on the extensive street trackage and complex trackwork. True build numbers are lost to the midst of time, but the final "Jigger", assigned to the Torrance Shops, was not retired untilthe closure in 1953, quite a service history, outlasting the eight, nine hundereds, some of which moved to new owners in South America, others were barged out into the pacific and disposed of in a most cruel manner. I'll post more info on this issue as I uncover the facts.

Will gotta run, catch you all later

Dave

[siberianmo]

Hello Lars,

This is almost like "Instant Messenger" with the two of us logged on ....

You gotta be kidding me, right[?] A Staten Islander[?] A transplant or for real[?] Still there[?] I'm eagerly awaiting your Email. [tup]

There were some fine movie houses in Manhattan in "my day" and to bring back those names really is a nostalgia kick for me.[wow]

It appears that your arrival at our bar 'n grill came at the right time. An infusion of new blood and new thoughts is not only welcome, it is healthy.[tup]

Enjoy that JD, there's more where that came from! [swg]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[LoveDomes]

Thank you Mr. Barkeep and I'll take another hit of that black label Tennessee sipping whiskey if you please. [:D]

When I am in someone else's house, I respect the rules of that domain. This is your bar and you are the man! No need to be concerned from my corner. I am not sure whether my contributions will be along the lines of what many here practice - but I do practice what I preach. You acknowledge me, I acknowledge you. You buy me a drink, I buy you a drink. Works in all the bars I have ever frequented and it appears it will here as well.

I may be just a tad ahead of the curve when it comes to researching some of the posts made by the customers here. I have read passengerfan's chronicles over the years and he is quite the information machine.

Some time back you created a thread on the Staten Island Rapid Transit (SIRT) on another forum. http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=-1&TOPIC_ID=31514&REPLY_ID=317278#317278

That was quite an interesting exchange and one that held my attention. You see, we have something in common, we both know Staten Island. I will send you an email and provide a bit more information about me and my connection with the "Island." Surprised? Don't be, for it is indeed a small world. [:O]

That opening night gala you formulated included some pictures that brought back some great memories. The old Roxy Theater in NYC was the "show case" in my youth, while the rest of the country thought only of Radio City Music Hall. The Roxy was the largest in the nation and essentially the "mold" for the palaces to follow. Ah yes, the good old days. A nice trip down memory lane and I salute you , Sir, for keeping these memories alive.[tup]

I see that my mouth is beginning to run away with itself, so it is time to sit and listen. I'll have another, please.

Lars

[siberianmo]

[#welcome] Aboard, Lars!

It appears that I will not have to go into my "song and dance routine" regarding the facets of "Our" Place that are necessary to introduce this bar 'n grill to newcomers. You have the requisite understanding and background to hit the ground running, so to speak. That makes it easy, indeed!

As you know, the first drink at "Our" Place is on me - ENJOY! [tup] By the by, thanx for the round - Boris stop staring at him like that and ring the bell! <geesh>

Once passengerfan Al resurfaces from his tax preparation involvements, it wouldn't surprise me that he will drop a few Posts 'round here on domes. He is without a doubt an oracle when it comes to passenger trains and in particular, dome cars. If you haven't done so, I'd recommend an "advanced search" on his cyber name - check out any and all of his Posts where "dome" appears and you'll get an eye-full! [swg]

I too have an ongoing appreciation for those cars, and as Posted throughout this thread, my travels have been with VIA Rail aboard those great Budd stainless steel beauties. I think you hit upon a common theme with me when it comes to what heaven must be like! [swg]

I do offer this bit of advice: Let me handle the situations where it appears that interlopers, the ignorant and rude may wander in. It is far better to keep this under some sort of central control rather than deteriorate into what some other threads have experienced. Every now and then even the best of us get "snookered" into thinking someone is sincere, when in reality they are rather "centric" and have no concept of "us," just "me."

I have no other "words of wisdom" to impart and simply offer you the hospitality that goes along with being a customer at this adult cyber bar 'n grill.

Again, [#welcome] Aboard! [tup]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[LoveDomes]

Greetings fellow classic train lovers!

I bring to you some new blood at this establishment created for all who enjoy the love of Classic Trains and appreciate the interaction amongst those who have similar interests.

First, let me give you some brief background: I am not a novice when it comes to the Kalmbach Forums. I have participated in the past and had several of those stars. I gave it all up awhile ago for an assortment of reasons. My return is under a new cyber handle and I am essentially starting over.

You may check me out in my profile, but it is rather brief. I am John Larson and preferred to be called, Lars. As you can tell by my handle, I love domes! Just loved those pix provided by siberianmo Tom and the inputs by passengerfan Al. [tup] Heaven just cannot be as good as sitting in a dome car!

I have checked out this thread from pretty much the onsest of its birth and have followed each of you through the months of its existence. I also visit the thread called, "If you like Classic PASSENGER trains, visit here!" although I have not "surfaced" there, yet.

Why am I here and why have I come back to the forums? I miss the interaction and quite simply would like to know that there are some people still around who enjoy mature, adult conversation, without the absolutely nonsense appearing in so many other places.

I give you fair warning, Gentlemen, I detest rude people and fall very heavily into the camp of BudKarr & Tom when it comes to tolerance for the ignorant and inconsiderate. Those who exploit the good intentions of others belong at the bottom of the sea.

So, Mr. Barkeep - or Captain Tom - or Proprietor, or whatever else you may prefer to be called - hit me with a Jack Daniels, black label, on the rocks and I'll plunk down a twenty for a round on me!

Let's roll, Gentlemen!

Lars

[siberianmo]

G’day Gents!

Home again, home again, jigety jog! [swg] Thanx very much to Ted ‘n Rob for answering the call with regard to Posts between 10 AM and 3 PM. [tup][tup]

Now to those acknowledgments that I had to skip earlier today, along with the most recent:

barndad Doug
Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 19:59:48

At the get-go I must comment on that letter regarding the “Order of Railway Conductors,” excellent! [tup][tup] Really a thought provoking series of thoughts – there but for the Grace of God go I, kinds of thoughts.

I would say that whenever anyone feels as if the world is crashing down upon them, or they find their works schedules a bit to much, or the future looks grim – read this letter! How bad can it get? Consider the plight of someone having to work until death, with no hope whatsoever in sight for a pension, for a chance to enjoy the so-called “golden years,” for all the things many of us take for granted in today’s society. A very, very poignant and eye opening essay. Wonder what happened to the gentleman who wrote that letter[?] And now it becomes a bit more clear why the “grumps” of old who worked the trains got that way! Perhaps not all, but it does shed some light.

Glad you enjoyed the Canadian history Posts. I plan to continue them throughout the year – month by month.

Again, thanx for the words regarding my friend, Jessie.

See ya on Thursday – enjoy your day![tup]

Theodorebear Ted
Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 20:30:39

The most difficult experiences in my life have been to witness the passing of a loved one. Saw my son have the “tubes” removed – took more than one loved pet to the “final reward,” and watched my Grandpa depart my life forever. All, very, very difficult and all remain etched in my mind’s eye forevermore.

I’ve seen death in many other aspects well, some rather impersonal as when ships sink and seamen find themselves tossed around in the swells until they are seen no more. I’ve seen remnants of what humans once were from the debris left in the seas by airliners that have crashed, so forth and so on. It is never easy nor anything one wants to dwell upon. But there it is – an inevitibility for all that is alive today. A plant, a bird, a turtle, a dog, a horse, a person, a cat, a gold fish – they all have a life span and then it ends. We don’t know when, but we know it will happen. My friend Jessie enriched my life and I hope that it was reciprocal.

I think BK’s comments regarding my “other thread” had to do with the fact that hardly anyone from this bar ‘n grill has visited. Nothing more. I appreciate his support, as I do yours – they just are package differently! [swg]

wanswheel Mike
Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 22:09:16

As always, great URL selections – enjoyed ‘em all from this time and a few before. (I’ve had a bit of difficult downloading one or two, but ultimately they come through) You, Sir, are quite an innovative “wit” and much appreciated. Now, how come YOUR Natal Day isn’t listed[?] on our Birthday Watch List![?]

Your are so correct regarding our pet friends who really haven’t departed – for I firmly believe in the continuing existence of the spirit, and I just know my “friends” are still with me. [tup]

trolleyboy Rob
Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 22:33:53 and 22:45:03

So you noticed that Helga ‘n Hilda were kept off the main stage of the Emporium, eh[?] Wise move, I’d say! Unleashing those two on our sophisticated crowd would be like dressing up Boris in a tuxedo and passing him off as Mater Dei at Mentor Village’s finest restaurant. Come to think of it – he WAS wearing a tux! <yikes!>

Didn’t know how “close” we may have come to actually having two “standards” for track gauge in North America. In today’s rather contentious relations between yours and mine, why not[?][swg]
Fortunately, back then, common sense ruled – here and there! Glad you enjoyed the “series.”

Appreciate the words regarding Jessie.

Regarding our Chief Chef’s birthday – if he doesn’t show himself soon, I’m afraid he’s next to be scratched from the Regulars category. I’m all for a “bash of bashes,” and given the time we have, this shouldn’t be all that difficult to arrange. However, first we need a Nick!

coalminer3 CM3
Posted: 11 Jan 2006, 08:16:35

Another most interesting read in your Coal mining in southern WVA treatise. An overworked word, “interesting,” but indeed is what you have provided one and all. One can never fully appreciate what we have today, unless one has an understanding of what transpired before. This is a great place to learn and thanx to guys like you, we have quite a bit to help us along the way. [tup][tup]

Yes, dog friends RULE! So much has been said and written about them and their devotion to us. Best friends I have ever had came with four feet! [swg]

Theodorebear Ted
Posted: 11 Jan 2006, 10:09:39


Hope your journey to meet with your buddies is an enjoyable and safe one! Thanx for the mid-morning Post!

I’d guess you “missed” my morning Posts – so perhaps next time around you’ll catch my “Pike Perspective’s Day” submission. Gotta use that “refresh/repost” feature along with ensuring that you are getting the most current stuff when logging in. [swg]

Glad you appreciate the Summaries – that’s precisely why I Post ‘em – to serve as an aid, or helper service, for our customers. [tup]

Better hope that the Black Turnip and Sleaze Bean patch remains in tact. Those developers are movin’ in. [tdn] What would a celebration be without the BTSP dip[?][swg]

trolleyboy Rob
Posted: 11 Jan 2006, 10:12:03, 10:27:13 and 11:10:14

You’ve been “busy” today! Three in a row, plus the two from last night – a dynamo, fer sure, fer sure! [swg]

Glad you caught the “poster” of those model railroad logo’s – thought it was an appropriate thing for today. [tup]

Lining up some “activity” for us on Rendezvous Saturday[?] Not a bad idea! We’re getting closer! [swg]

Nothing surprises me regarding the weather, either here or where you are. When we crossed Canada in 2002/2003 the snow cover simply wasn’t. We had a decent amount passing over the “Shield” but the Canadian Rockies really were quite bare. At that time “they” were saying that Alberta and BC were into their 5th year of below average snow fall. So, fast forward to today. It is indeed a changing world, not only culturally, politically, religiously, but weather wise too! Our friend Fergie sent me some great stuff while up in the Arctic on his last two trips – and the alarming absence of thick ice is a story that needs to be told. I’ve seen the satellite shots of what the Arctic looks like, insofar as ice cover is concerned, and it has shrunken considerably. Perhaps the “Canadian Snow Birds” will find reason to “vacation” in Ontario one of these days! [swg

Another fine addition to your Classic Juice! Hope you are keeping track of ‘em, for I gave it up once it became apparent that the three of you couldn’t and wouldn’t cut me some slack. [swg] My guess is that only GE and Westinghouse remain as companies in today’s world and only GE has a connection with railroading. Perhaps someone can enlighten us on that.
*********************************************************************************************

Again - As always, appreciate the Posts, the rounds and quarters for Coal Scuttle!. [tup] I will make specific comments later today – gotta get rollin’. [swg]


Later!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


Those who acknowledge the other guy, get acknowledged!

[trolleyboy]

Well I'm back again on this bright sunny spring winter morning. Tom you will be unhappy to know that Environment Canada is now predicting ( likely over spilled entrails ) a warmer than usual winter rain as oposed to snow. We have hit the 50 degree mark here today and it hit 50+ for 7 days in december as well. We have even had a couple of thunder storms [?] The upside is that the spike in heating costs won't be as bad as no ones using their heat. The downside is that they are saying that it may be a cool wet summer this year. Might be helpfull if we all by wet suits for may [swg]

As promissed this is the info post for the day then I'm off to do some laundery before I head into work ( that no shirt no shoes no service bit applies to staff as well [swg] )

CLASSIC JUICE # 16 MAJOR AMERICAN SUPPLIERS OF STREETCAR'S & LOCOMOTIVES TO CANADA.


BALDWIN LOCOMOTIVE WORKS

Philidelphia and Eddystone PA- Great steam locomotive builder, producing their frist in 1831-32. Began building electrics in 1895. Formed an alliance with Westinghouse for electrical components but employed Eddison storage batteries for most of it's mine and industrial locomotives. Produced St Clair Tunnel Locomotives ( 1908 ), steeplecabs for BC Electric,(1911-13),and Galt, Preston & Hespler/ Grand River Railway 1904-1930. Baldwin trucks were used for a wide range of candain and US built streetcars and interurbans as well.


J. G. BRILL COMPANY

Philadelphia PA - One of the largerst manufacturers of electric railway equipment. Formed in 1868 ( horse car era ). Developed a full line of trolley's and trolley car components,which were sold throughout the world. Brill bogies (trucks )were used by many Candian car builders. Bought out several competitors,American,Kuhlman,Wason,Danville,John Stephenson, and the Preston Car and Coach companies amd closed most of them. Brill itself closed in 1956.

GENERAL ELECTRIC

Chicago Il -A gigantic orginization,formed in 1892 from a merger of EDison GE and Thomson-Houston Company. A major supplier ofair brake and electrical components to US and Candain streetcar builders. They built box cab electric in Canda and the US and of Coarse now build deisel locomotives as well.


JEWETT CAR COMPANY

Newark Oh -In business from 1894-1918. Famous for it's big classic wood and steel interurbans.Such as those built for the London and Port stanley RY 1915-1917. Our museum's L&PS 8 is one of these beasts.


McGUIRE-CUMMINGS MFG

Chicago Il - Known mostly for it's sweepers in Canada. Began in 1888 as a car and truck builder.( street car bodies and bogies not road vehicles ) Last car built in 1930.The Toronto Civic railway was one of the few candain street railways to own their passenger cars.


NILES CAR CO

Niles Oh- began in 1901. Built mostly large , very heavy wooden cars. Toronto Civic was amongst it's Canadain customers ( # 107 - 112 from 1913 ) Plant closed in 1917.

PRESSED STEEL CAR CO

Pittsburg Pa - Organized in 1896. Only built frieght cars until 1906. produced the first steel streetcar in NA for Montreal in 1907. Closed in 1954

ST.LOUIS CAR CO

St Louis Mo - World's largest and main builder of the PCC type car. Produced earlier type streetcars for Edmonton and other's. Lasted 1887-1975.

JOHN STEPHANSON CO

Elizabeth NJ - A pioneer railway car builder,starting business in 1831, in New york. supplied Vancouvers first four trolley's in june of 1890. No steel cars were produced by them. Bought out by Brill in 1904,closed in 1917.

WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC & MFG CO.

Pittsburg Pa -Produced motors and controllers for electric railways in vast quantities. And became one of the leading air brake suppliers in the world as well. Co-produced a famous steeple cab series with Baldwin as well.

Enjoy Rob

[trolleyboy]

Hey Ted Just caught your post. I thought that we had been cleared for the black tunip and sleeze bean eating tourney [?] Questions must be posed and answered now. Perhaps a trip to the second national is in order. ( well maybe not [XX(] )

Awfull to hear about tragedy's such as those you mentioned. Certainly for some of the smaller cities such news and storuies were the death nell for overhead traction. The worst similar story I know of from the TTC was in 1924. A Yonge street Witt train ( motor car and trailer ) struck a gasoline tanker with predictable results. The truck driver was at fault for the accident but the resulting fire killed twenty people as they were trapped in the motorcar ( Window rails installed to keep people from falling out also keep people in in dire situations ) As a result all the window guards ( bars ) were removed from all TTC equipment and most of the remaining equipment in the rest of the cities in the country .

You will thouroughly enjoy riding in the Queen L&PS #8.( she weighs in at close to 55 tons ) She rides like a heavyweight passenger coach and the plush crimson seats don't hurt either. CTA 48 should be up and running by may as well so long as there are no unpleasant suprises when the shop boys get into her control gear. PCC electrical equipment can sometimes be finicky espeacially if they have sat unused for a couple of years. There will be Witt's and open cars apleanty though so it will be a good day at any rate. Hopefully they have a set of trama paddles that the cashier is trained to use at the Toyota dealer [;)], amazing how little repairs end up costing almost as much as a car. [:O]


Rob

[trolleyboy]

Good morning everyone. Leon I'll have a large coffee and several of the light breakfasts. Doug's comming in this am so I don't want the eggs and bacon to go off.

Tom Just missed you, the cloud of exhaust and mud from your car had yhet to settle oh well. Happy trails in your endevours today

Nice poster of the main guys and gizmo's in the mrring world,gives a nice send off to PP day. [tup]

CM3 A fine post again this morning, glad that it was not "carpool tunnel" causing. [;)] Interesting info on the kerosene refining and coal extraction in WVA.[tup] One gets an interesting perspective on how truly unsafe and likley cutthroat those industries were before wage and safety regulations ( and unions ) came in. Just imagine people slowley cooking the coal in open vats to make coal oil and kerosene. wouldn't happen today. As I said interesting stuff.


So onto wed stuff. I have managed to finish painting the two experimental paint scheme brills. Photo's will be taken eventually. They came out well, and make aa nice contrast to the usual cars. To back up a second, my usuakl paint scheme for the streetcars and interurbans is a Pullman green body with TH&B creame ( more yellow than white creame) for the windows sashes and doors. On the two experimentals they have insignia red bodies with the creame doors and windows. It's not a bright fire truck red so it works quite well. They do compliment each other. I spent a good deal of time planning out "downtown" I want a double tracked streetcar line but that may not be possible. I'll likely need to delete a couple of buildings and then it may work. As alway's it's a work in progress.

I'll pop back in with another info post. Till later

Rob

[Anonymous]

Well, good mornin' to all of you who have arisen to face the rigors of the day. Tom, I'll grab a quick Cruller and Java for "cooling my heels" until it's "shoot out time" at the Auto Way Toyota Corral. Don't know what we would do without the Summaries for quick reference.[tup] Earlydiesels Dan, received Book and I'm getting "into it" now, many thanks.[^] Mike, "In the Mood" is probably the most played Standard of the "big band era." And yes, "familiarity does breed contempt" regarding some of the old Chestnuts, no matter what genre of music it may be. The URLs on Costello's baseball team, Traction and South Pass are as enjoyable as they are timely. I added the "History" page to my Favorites for later perusal.[^] Doug, in spite of the world's longest "run on" sentences, W.B. Henderson's plea before the Railway Conductor's meeting "billboards" the grave situation during "The Great Depression" (Circa 1929-1940). As late as the Mid-Forties, I can remember Seniors being relegated to the TLC of their immediate Family's care.[:(] Hearing "the Death Rattle" sounding from households unable to afford proper medical care for their Elders was not uncommon.[V] Very "touching" indeed were those words of a 74 year old retiring Senior facing almost certain financial oblivion.

Rob and Mike, referring to the potential threat of eletrocution of Motormen working the street cars of yore was a definite risk. One of the worst tragedies happened in Chicago during the early 1950s. An ungrounded gasoline tanker truck was illegaly driving on city streets and came in direct contact with a P.C.C. The resulting explosion killed dozens and gutted buildings in a square block area. Life magazine published the hideous photos which gave all cities "pause for thought" about over head electrification. Another tragedy befell a woman passenger in Kcity, MO when the rear folding door closed on her apparel dragging her for several blocks to her death. There are too many such incidents to list, even if I wanted to do so. We must bear in mind that not even Space Shuttle technology has "trumped" risk in travel. "Eat, drink and make Mary be merry...!"

Rob, if either the ex-C.R.T. # 48 or H.C.R. M. #8 are operating come May, it will be a "Lucky Strike Extra" for yours truly.[tup] Yes, although Nick's [bday] is weeks away, certainly we should consider details for a proper wetting down sequence of events. "Pin the Tail on the [alien]" is definately scratched for the future, as is the Black Turnip and Sleeze Bean Gormand Eating Competition![xx(] "Our" Place liability insurance simply will not cover the risks involved.[:O] Okay, I must prepare for hyperventilating at the Toyota Dealer's cashier booth now. Happy rails everyone.

[siberianmo]

Good Morning Gents!

A better start to the day as the partly cloudy skies are giving way to some blue, temps expected to reach 50 (F) giving things a chance to dry out before the rains return on Friday. <geesh> This is winter and all the precip is supposed to be white! <groan>

After two consecutive slow days, last night’s flurry at the bar was most unexpected, but certainly appreciated <ka-ching, ka-ching!> [swg] I had checked out after my ENCORE! piece, but no one noticed! [swg]

Thanx to all who did take note of my Jessie tribute. One of God’s greatest gifts is the canine and he was indeed a special friend. Appreciate the kind sentiments! [tup][tup][tup]

I’m rather pressed for time this morning, so my comments will respect brevity. To the acknowledgments:

barndad Doug
Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 19:59:48


Theodorebear Ted
Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 20:30:39


wanswheel Mike
Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 22:09:16


trolleyboy Rob
Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 22:33:53 and 22:45:03


coalminer3 CM3
Posted: 11 Jan 2006, 08:16:35

As always, appreciate the Posts, the rounds and quarters for Coal Scuttle!. [tup] I will make specific comments later today – gotta get rollin’. [swg]


Later!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


Those who acknowledge the other guy, get acknowledged!

[siberianmo]

Gentlemen!

Something special for Pike Perspectives Day!



For a larger version, click on this URL:

http://photobucket.com/albums/b222/siberianmo/Novelties/?action=view¤t=f80efa87.jpg

Enjoy![tup][tup]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[coalminer3]

Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Lovely day today - heavy rain and bottomless mud - let's play Lou Ann Barton's version of "It's Raining."

Thanks for the kind words on the mining list. Ain't no "carpool tunnel," as a buddy opf mine calls it, involved as I keep the list in a separate file - copy and drop it in. Our Canadian material continues - maybe we need to add dates for swallowing of D&H, and CN's expansion to the south.

The letter from the Railway Conductor journal was very revealing. If you can, try and find some old issues of the UMWA Journal - there's some fascinating reading in there as well. You are, I think, on target when you said that the letter gives us a great deal to think about. Now, I'll stop on that before the 'steamed proprietor orders me to the Rat Room.

I appreciated the post abt. "Jessie." Our K9 Korps requires a great deal of work and attention, and although they do have their moments, they give back a whole lot. Thanks for sharing.

In line with our thread on coal and reailroads, here's some material from the notebooks on the history of coal mining in sotuhern WV and the railroads. It'll give you an outline anyway at least through the late 19th century.

Coal Mining in Southern West Virginia

The first known reference to coal in what later became West Virginia was made by John Peter Salley, a native of Augusta County, Virginia, in his diary. While traveling in what is now Boone County, West Virginia, he noted outcrops of coal along Coal River.

West Virginia eventually had 16 coal-producing areas including g the Kanawha, Fairmont, Elkins, New River, Flat Top/Pocahontas, Winding Gulf, Logan, Williamson, and Northern Panhandle coalfields.

The Kanawha Field stretched across seven West Virginia counties but salt manufacturing was the first major industry in the Kanawha valley. By 1808 flatboats carried Kanawha salt from Malden to Ohio River cities such as Cincinnati, Wheeling, and Pittsburgh. Met packers along the Ohio used most of this salt. Supporting industries such as coopers, boatyards, ands sawmills grew along with the salt trade.

Steamboats appeared on the Kanawha in about 1820. Towboats went to work on the river about a decade later and barge tows quickly replaced flatboats.

Steamboats and salt furnaces used wood for fuel, but wood quickly became expensive and demand increased and supplies decreased. This meant that there was a need for a new fuel for valley industries. Kanawha Valley residents had used coal from area outcrops in forges, but they gave little thought to more extensive mining operations. This changed, however, as the price of wood increased.

In 1817, John Turner, a New Yorker, opened a coal mine on the north side of the river some seven miles east of Charleston. Turner at first sold coal to salt works, but it was only a short time before the salt makers opened their own mines. By 1827, these “captive” mines produced nearly 69 thousand tons of coal a year. Outside money poured in from New York and other cities to help finance new Kanawha Valley mining ventures.

The fledgling coal operators looked to expand their markets. They knew that businesses in Cincinnati wanted to but their coal, but they could only ship their product when the Kanawha’s water level was high enough to float barges. The problem was that coal needed to be shipped in the late summer and fall – just when the river’s level was at its lowest.

The coal operators began to agitate for locks on the Kanawha to make it navigable all year. The operator’s need for better transportation led to the organization of the James River and Kanawha Company in 1832; a privately owned canal company but sponsored by the Virginia General Assembly. They spent a lot of money improving the James River for coal traffic but did comparatively little in the western part of the state. Many along the river, in fact, believed the company’s network of sluices along the Kanawha to be more a hindrance than an aid to navigation. Canal tolls also aggravated the salt makers. During periods of high water, salt producers and coal operators alike avoided paying the tolls by floating their barges over the company’s dams instead of using their locks.

In the 1840s Scottish inventors were investigating a process to extract kerosene from cannel coal (a coal with much volatile matter that burned very brightly). Colonel Aaron Stockton, a tavern keeper from Kanawha Falls, in 1848 found seven foot thick seams of cannel coal near Smithers Creek. His discovery caused an immediate boom in cannel coal, and investors financed by capital from New York, London, and Philadelphia bought up “can’t miss” properties throughout the Kanawha Valley.

Stockton by 1850 had started to make oil from cannel coal by cooking the coal in large iron kettles, similar to the “try pots” used on whale ships. The process evolved from these crude beginnings, and by the 1850s Kanawha County coal oil was being shipped to Cincinnati and to Maysville, Kentucky.

Local coal operators kept prodding the canal company to improve navigation on the river. By 1857 navigation aids such as dams and locks had been constructed along the Coal River from St. Albans to the Forks of Coal. The Paint Creek Company built a 3-½ mile long railroad from its mines to Kanawha River and the Winifrede Mining Company constructed three miles of tracks from its mines to the river.

The coal industry continued to grow until political upheavals and the Panic of 1857 combined to seriously depress coal mining in Kanawha County. The development of the Pennsylvania petroleum industry meant the end of the coal oil industry in the Kanawha valley.

The Civil War halted industrial development in western Virginia. Raids and skirmishes brought mining to a standstill and a series floods in 1861 destroyed the dams and locks on Coal River. The Confederacy could not hold the Kanawha valley and withdrew its forces to the west and south after which coal operators in the new state of West Virginia began reopening their mines and looking for new markets.

Conditions improved as the 1860s ended and the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad (C&O) built closer to Charleston. The C&O was built by Collis P. Huntington as part of a larger planned transcontinental line that was to run from San Francisco to Newport News, Virginia. Huntington set to work running a line west from Clifton Forge, Virginia, to the Ohio River as soon as he acquired control of the C&O. Completion of the C&O main line in 1873 meant that coal could be shipped east and west from the Kanawha valley without having to depend on canals. The new railroad benefited the mines on the south side of the river, but those on the north side still had to ship by water unless they lightered their coal across the river and loaded it onto C&O trains. Construction of the C&O stimulated mining and by 1885 river navigation had also improved as the Federal government constructed locks and dams at Paint Creek, Coalburgh, and Marmet which allowed slack water navigation. Better transportation and access to western markets accelerated mining investment and development. The mines on the north side of the Kanawha got rail access to Ohio and the Great Lakes following completion of the Kanawha and Michigan Railroad in 1884.

work safe

[siberianmo]

WEDNESDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS

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


Good Morning! Time to check out the pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery, our <light> and <traditional> breakfasts, along with our freshly brewed coffee (regular and unleaded!) [swg]


Daily Wisdom

We have a good time together, even when we’re not together. (Yogi-ism)


Info for the Day:

(1) Wondering if anyone will pick up on a “special date” coming up this week at ”Our” Place[?][?]

(2) Have you taken the time to read about ”Our” Place’s RR Book Relay[?] If not, check page 215.

(3) Back to our weekly routine (check page 213 for bar hours & food service):

. . . Today is “Pike Perspectives Day” at the bar. Time for all model railroad hobbyists to discuss and display a couple of pix. [tup]

. . . Thursday is Fish ‘n Chips Nite! and maybe something from Chief Chef [C=:-)] Nick [dinner] Dinner at 5 PM.

. . . Friday is Pizza Nite! - and - Steak ‘n Fries Nite! [dinner] Dinner at 5 PM.

. . . Saturday is Steak & Trimmin’s Nite! [dinner] Dinner at 5 PM.

. . . Sunday is Sunday Photo Posting Day! and the bar is CLOSED!


(4) HELP WANTED! A couple of good men needed tomorrow – Wednesday – between 10 AM and 3 PM. What for[?] Provide some Posts during this timeframe in order to keep the bar ‘n grill.” That’s it! No need for anything else, as Leon the Night Man will have the bar in my absence.


SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 01:07:28 (216) Tuesday’s Info & Summary

(2) barndad Doug Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 05:45:33 (216) Inclusive Post, Index, etc.

(3) passengerfan Al Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 06:23:50 (216) Streamliner #40, but not inclusive!

(4) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 08:20:44 (216) Inclusive Post, Mining “Primary/Secondary Sources” index, etc.

(5) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 08:27:16 (216) Inclusive Post, etc.

(6) ftwNSengineer P Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 08:52:25 (216) Somewhat Inclusive Post! [wow]

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 11:24:15 (216) Acknowledgments, etc.

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 11:39:00 (216) Drop a dime

(9) BudKarr BK Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 12:33:15 (216) Until later, etc.

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 14:53:23 (216) Significant events in Canadian RR history, Part II of II

(11) pwolfe Pete Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 15:27:10 (216) Checking in!

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 16:44:54 (216) Acknowledgments, etc.

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 19:55:43 (216) ENCORE! Fallen Flag – B&M

(14) barndad Doug Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 19:59:48 (216) Inclusive Post & Order of Railway Conductors

(15) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 20:30:39 (216) Inclusive Post, etc.

(16) wanswheel Mike Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 22:09:16 (216) Inclusive Post, etc.

(17) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 22:33:53 (216) Inclusive Post, etc.

(18) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 22:45:03 (216) Inclusive Post, etc.

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

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

[trolleyboy]

Mike I'm glad that the info was usefull. Thanks for the excerpt from " Don't talk to the Motorman ". You likely couldn't use that term in todaysb stomache churningly politically correct times. ( Wow can you tell how I feel about that ? ) [swg]

We to as a matter of coarse at the museum pull the poles in inclement weather. We do this as a preservative to the equipment. Our tack is properly grounded, but our budget isn't such to replace the substaion should a major lighteneing strike occur to it while it is energized. It is true though that until the first world war alot of the smaller trolly companiesdidn't have their track work and poles protected against electrical storms, so some of those early fears were well "grounded"[:O][XX(]


Tom Something I noticed yesterday as well. Since the chief chef is the next birthday party, it may behoove us to start the preperations. I'm thinking it will be a no holds barred exciting affair. Rivelling that of H&H's sponsored mud and sleeze bean patch wrestling tournaments. Methinks thatTed and the girls and myself need to satrt the preperations sooner as opposed to later.

Pete Good to see you pop by as well. Hopefully the next time you are in we can have a proper chat. I'll pick up,t he first round when you come back.

Remeber that now Boris.

Rob

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Tom and the gang. I had lost a rather long post from yesterday, similar incident to what BK said he experianced so I won't bother to repost it now I'll go for a shorter economy version.

Tom The two parts of Candain railway history are quite well done. A nice cross section of the who and the what from our railway past. A couple minor comments of note. The great Western railway was built to continental metre guage when it's first tracks went down. Later of coarse it was converted to North American standard guage when the GT took them over.

An absolutly heart warming story about Jesse. Not to many dry eyes here I can say.

The shorts of the Emporium were quite wonderfull. Some how I am glad that H&H's live version of a Teutonic Streetcar named Desire was cut out of the between movie live entertainment section. My feeling is that such a psuedo-burlesque performance such as that would have had grave consequences amongst the population of the mentor villiage.


CM3 A wondrefull piece yesterday on coal mining, and today's follow up listing of books and articles truly boggles the mind. Hopefully typing that wonderfull tome does not cause a bout of carple tunnel. I have to say reading your post yesterday really shows what thoses poor soles ( minors of the last century and early this ) were forced to endure. As Ted stated the song 16 tons was so, so true.


Doug I've thouroughly enjoyed your last two posts.[tup] on the index as well we can now pull some of this back up on those slow encore type days.I had thought yesterday that from reading the accident payouts, you could really tell which ones involved crew and which one's likley involved the general public.

BK As always your thoughts are on target, and valid. I do hope your latest business trips are short lived so that yiou can enjoyd the retired life. You may find yourself busier than when you were working. I know that both my Dad and my wifes father seem to be more busy now than when they worked. Are propriter here seems to have fallen into that same category as well. safe trip, and I do hope that we hear from you again soon.

Ted I'm glad that I was able to help you decifer those old Chicago transit cars. Hopefully that come May when we are at the museum 48 will indeed be fully up and running. It's undergoing prep work this winter for it to take the place of the 94 year old MS&C 107 which needs some extensive electrical system and truck and vestibule maintenance ( $ budget pending ) 107 was (over)used the last two seasons as it was the only interurban regularly available, with &8 down for some roof work and a pantagraph rebuild. Which is now complete so she should be back into reg service this year as well.

Well folks I'm most go back to the hockey game. I'm on afternoon's tomorrow so i should be able to pop by in daylight tomorrow.

Rob

[wanswheel]

Hi Tom and everyone, a round of Bud to celebrate great minds.

Al, in The Canadian consist:
ABBOTT MANOR 4-Roomette 5-Double Bedroom 1-Compartment 4-Section

CM3, in the Mining references:
Abbott, Carl. Colorado: A History of the Centennial State. Boulder: Colorado Associated University Press, 1976.

www.baseball-almanac.com/humor4.shtml

Doug, I'll read your latest post soon. Thanks for clicking on "Let's All Go To The Lobby" from Tuxedo Junction (www. tuxjunction.net) Jukebox of Big Band tunes, all well known to Ted, when he's in the mood to slide. www.tuxjunction.net/media/inthemoodext.mp3

BK, if you like Groucho, Jack Benny and Jimmy Durante you can't be all bad. And neither is anyone else. Try to forgive those who assault the established order by posting wrongly or wrongly posting. Tom's got it covered in any case.

Tom, sorry about Jessie. He won't depart his human friends. I remember my dog 50 years ago.

Pete, always good to see you.

Rob, thanks for the info the other day. Here's an excerpt from "Don't Talk To The Motorman"
"There was a noticeable air of bravado among the first trolley riders. Men would hand their pocket watches to their stay-behind womenfolk be cause the powerful electric currents flowing invisibly about a car might magnetize them. Some riders joked about how in 1888 New York State had decided to electrocute murderers. Riders believed it prudent to debark hastily if a thunderstorm sprang up. On some lines it was a regular practice to stop and pull-down trolley poles whenever thunder rumbled nearby."
www.bobbrooke.com/trolleys.htm

[Anonymous]

Good evening one and all, where ever you are. Tom, just a Blackberry Brandy with a water "back," if you please. That should take the chill out of the air. I certainly am getting some mileage out of the extensive background on the various Canadian Roads. This is quite an education in and of itself.[tup] The relative pristine vistas of the Canadian Rockies along with the meticulous attention by the CPR to passenger comforts have made that Line "the favorite" of mine above the 49th.[^] I've never had the pleasure of enjoying those magnificent trains and the prospects of it happening are nearly null and void by now.[V] BTW, the searchlight scene was "top shelf."[tup]

Barndad Doug, I didn't realize the Summary of your articles was so prolific until I saw it this A.M.[tup] That is what happens when the material just "flies by" like the wind, excellent reading all. BK, keen observations but in all deference to the supplemental Thread, it is "Our" Place that is nourished from "feeders" not the other way around. In spite of the dreary assessment concerning the health of this Thread, to date, I've been unable to locate any other as diverse and positvely motivated as in our own "back yard." Indeed, some are so cluttered as to be nebulous or painfully provencial due to a lacking "central core." I think this is the reason for the quality of the partisipation.[2c]

CM3, Gadfrey, what no appendices? I could be a candidate for a PHD by the time I read all these references. BTW, where can the "hard bound" version be found?[:D] What a resounding tour de force and the time it took alone must be admired as scholarly, many thanks. The Disney mining train ride is as close as I've come for braving the clostraphobic constrictions of this unenviable trade. It is great to hear Pete is taking in all his Native Land may offer in rekindled frienships and Family.[tup] I'll wager the Batham's in "Merry Olde" goes down a tad smoother than the imported variety, what say you? I just wanted to stop in to say howdy to those here assembled. Tom, I can impathize with the story of Jessie. Perhaps the longest trip I ever made was the day I had to take my friend "Lil' Caesar" to our Vet for his last car ride after 14 years. From Maryland to Oklahoma to Florida, I went through it all with him at my side. Finally, his suffering from kidney failure became too much to bear. Oh, that "last car ride" to the Vet was 4 blocks from my house.

Okay Boris, let's get some cheer back into this Joint. Hit that sucker and and let the corks fly from the case of Champagne I "requisitioned" from the Emporium basement. BWONG,G,G, good Lad [alien] Boris. Happy rails.

[Anonymous]

Good evening Tom and gents! Please make mine cold...and bottlemless, and set-up a round for my friends if you would. Sorry to hear about your friend Jessie. The animals in our lives sure have a way of endearing themselves to us, and it's no fun to lose them. As for your caution on gettting material from copywrited sources, point taken. Besides, I don't need to steal from books when I can get so much terrific information right here! Well done on Part II of your Canadian RR history.

CM3, must be the winner of the cramped fingers award for today. I can't believe how many references you typed-up! Ido enjoy information on coal mining, and will be printing your list to seek out some of this material. Thanks!

Al, you're one of the reasons I don't have to go far for quality train related info. Thanks for another great Streamliner series on the Canadian.

BK, always great to see you here. Same for Pete and Ted

I'm not going to be around tomorrow, as it's time for my monthly meeting of the 20TH Century Railroad Club in Chicago, so I'm going to post another article tonight from "The Railway Conductor" May 1931. This is a letter written from a member of the Order.

I have been a member of the Order of Railway Conductors since 1887. I have always been very active and loyal in the movements of the Order, paying my dues and assessments promptly as they came due, and I have labored faithfully to induce others to become members of the Order, sometimes detrimental to my own personal interests with the managements of the railways upon which I have labored. I still have the interests of the Order at heart, and will never fail to retain that interest so long as there will be an organization called the Order of Railway Conductors. I also have a very great interest in my brother conductors, from every standpoint, willing to extend my help and sympathy to any conductor who has been less fortunate than myself in the movement of the transportation system, through the fact that in recent years I have seen many of my brothers unfortunate enough to lose their positions on account of increased power which has taken the place of the smaller engines and caused our trains to become larger, thereby reducing the number of trains moved upon the railroads of this country, lessening the demand for conductors so that many of them have been cut off; and not having any seniority as brakemen, they have no place to go, and for this reason they are without a chance to work because they have been shut out by men who hold greater seniority.

Our present economic situation, with thousands of unemployed, and its attendant misery, must not only be food for thought for all good citizens, but must stir our conscience to a realization of our duty to mankind, whether we occupy a position of power to command, or a position in the lowly rank and file of railway employees. I realize that a period of depression comes and goes like the pendulum of a clock, but present unemployment in American railroads has reached a chronic stage caused by a system as well as by an evolution in transportation, and unless we are big enough to meet this intelligently, courageously, and fairly, there is no telling what the outcome will be. Whether we like to admit it or not, the whole railroad fraternity has been pitifully lagging along the march of progress. Safety appliances as well as the treatment of the public and employees were often only achieved by compulsory measures. The various labor organizations have often been plagued by selfish ambitions to gratify personal selfishness of individuals. This has not been my reason for entering into the movement, for I am satisfied that whatever the goal might be in reference to taking care of the unemployed will not affect me to a very great extent to better my condition in the evening of my life.

I am working today for a smaller compensation for my services than at the close of the war. My salary is $7.44 per day and it has been so since 1916. If putting into operation a six-day week and a six-hour day would reduce my salary beyond my present limitation, I would have to work hard to met the obligations which come to me daily, and I do not believe, with the conditions existing among the railway workers of today, that we would be able to put into effect a six-day week and a six-hour day and still maintain our present pay, and am led to believe that the only solution which will take care of the unemployed railway worker of today will be to put into operations, a pension system that will retire the old man who is in the evening of his life, upon a reasonable pension, and thereby make way for those who are holding seniority sufficiently strong to come up to the best positions upon the railways, and as they move up they will open the way down at the beginning to put into service the unemployed railway worker.

The writer has been a member of the Order of Railway Conductors for forty-three years and has never been delinquent but six months during that time, nor do I ever expect to become delinquent until the curtain falls upon my life, unless I am involuntarily set aside. Moreover, I have been loyal and active in inducing my fellow railroad men when they come to the place where they became eligible to become members of the Order. However, it does not follow that I am a mental slave with no right to think and no right to offer an honest criticism. I believe we have permitted a situation to arise upon the American railroads that is indefensible in the light of modern thought. Many of our members in passenger service are required to work seven days a week, thirty days a month, in order to earn a month’s salary, that is generally conceded to be inadequate for the class of service performed. The seven-day week is as obsolete as the wooden wheel wagon. Moreover, although we have the basic eight-hour day, thousands of our members insist upon and are permitted to work sixteen hours each day, and instead of basing a living and cultural wage on an eight-hour day it is based upon overtime measured by the yard stick of human endurance, which leads to premature broken health, and at this time when thousands walk the streets for want of shelter.

I have been told that we should be able to save money out of our present salaries. I have also been told that railway workers spend too much money foolishly and fail to supply themselves with sufficient means to take care of them in the declining years of their life. This may be true in a very few cases, but the greater part of railway workers are making every effort to save something for the rainy day, and I have been working along this line, but, like many others, I have found in my lifetime too many rainy days, and am now standing at the close of my life, just like thousands of others, unprepared to meet conditions when the railway company will say to me “You are too old, we cannot use you any longer,” and turn me loose, stopping my pay check without any future that holds out to me an opportunity to obtain the necessities of life.

I told you in the beginning of this article, that I am still working. I am seventy-four years old and there is no future in confronting me other than my own personal resources which has not one spark of cheer in it, and I know that no one has worked any harder to fix a future bright enough to dispel all the darkness and gloom that might confront an individual who has nothing to depend upon save his daily wages. I have also investigated very carefully and find that there are not more than five per cent of the railway workers of today who have any brighter future than I. The present agitation for an adequate pension can no more be abated than the flow of the tide can be stopped. Instead of holding a gun at the heads of those who are courageously and intelligently promoting it, the various officers should give encouragement, because the rank and file over this broad land believe the plan of the National Pension Association, as approved at the Chicago meeting of December 15, 1930, contains no sinister provision to be condemned, but has much to offer for the relief of human suffering. They further believe that its adaptation would go a long way toward restoring the morale of our members, which, unfortunately, is today at a very low ebb.

I have been agitating the adoption of a pension plan for the railway workers for the simple reason that I believe they are as much entitled to consideration in their declining years as any other class or workers in this fair land of ours, and I am still laboring as faithfully for the adoption of the pension plan that will be sufficient to place a man in a position to maintain a standard of living somewhat near that which he has been used to while he was working. The agitation for an adequate pension for railway workers has for many years been met with the declaration that the matter is under advisement, but the fact remains that nothing has been done to relieve an unbearable situation. Moreover, a pension plan which provides merely for certain classes represented and does not embrace every employee in the industry is, to my mind, unsound. A principle as fundamental as an industrial retirement fund which is not applied to all employees alike will never be sustained by public opinion. Moreover, a retirement fund that is subject to the whims of either party can be disturbed by the thirty-day notice which governs schedule matters is built upon sand and the instability and frequent changes which would naturally follow would not spell happiness for those whose daily bread and comforts were dependent thereupon, and that is why the plan of the National Pension Association for the federal law is regarded by the vast majority of railway employees as the most satisfactory solution.

I have not been foolish enough to believe that a matter of this kind could be put into operation as a law without passing through a very rigid examination of wiser minds than such as my own, but I do believe that there never will be a pension suitable to meet the satisfaction of the railway workers only through the efforts made by the workers themselves urging the official staff of organized labor to co-operate upon this question and make every effort by the co-operative forces upon the part of the membership of organized labor with the official staff to bring it to a final solution.

Brother Curtis said to me one time that we should let the machinery of the organization do this work. I understood him thoroughly and am satisfied that every well-thinking member of the organization in connection with the railways of our land is perfectly willing to let the machinery of the organized railway crafts take the lead in putting this pension plan into operation, and in my personal investigation, as I have conversed with many railway workers in various crafts throughout the United States, they feel as I fel, that we have waited long enough; that the time is now here and we should commence to do that which will brighten the future of the railway worker who is passing down the incline of life; for there is nothing else for him, and as the statement is made in the little pamphlet which has been circulated through the United States, that the greater part of the railway workers will be subject to the charitable inclinations of relatives, friends or the public unless something of this kind is adopted.

Now I believe, after many years of supporting the Order of Railway Conductors financially and morally, I should be entitled to a little consideration on the part of The Railway Conductor by their feeling disposed to permit this letter to be published in the columns of the Conductor. I am perfectly willing to subject myself to all reasonable criticism that might be advanced from any brother conductor.

W.B. Henderson – Division 409

[:I] Lots to think about here ... I think. Have a great evening! [:I]

[siberianmo]

Well Gents, it doesn't appear as if we'll have much going on tonight, so perhaps an ENCORE! is in order on this cold and rainy night in mid-continent USA:

ENCORE! ENCORE! ENCORE!

Here’s another Fallen Flag for the gang from Classic American Railroads:

Boston & Maine (B&M) – (passenger ops)

Headquarters: Boston, MA

Mileage:

1950: 1,700 1995: 1,350

Locomotives in 1963: Diesel: 235

Rolling stock in 1963: Freight cars – 5,490 Passenger – 155

Principal routes in 1950:

Boston-Dover, MA-Portland, ME
Boston-White River Junction, VT
Boston, MA-Troy, NY
Boston-Portsmouth, NH-Portland, ME
Springfield, MA-Berlin, NH
Worcester-Lowell Junction, MA
Worcester-Gardner, MA
South Ashburnham, MA-Bellows Falls, VT
Dover, NH-Intervale, NH

Passenger trains of note:

Alouette (Boston-Montreal, QC)
Ambassador (New York & Boston-Montreal)
Cheshire (Boston-White River Junction)
Day White Mountains (New York-Berlin, NH)
Flying Yankee (Boston-Bangor, ME
Green Mountain Flyer (Boston-Montreal
The Gull (Boston-Halifax, NS)
Kennebec (Boston-Portland-Bangor)
Minute Man (Boston-Troy, NY)
Montrealer & Washingtonian (Washington-Montreal)
Mountaineer (Boston-Littleton & Bethlehem, NH)
Pine Tree (Boston-Portland-Bangor)
Red Wing (Boston-Montreal)
State of Maine (New York-Portland)

ENCORE! ENCORE! ENCORE!

Leon the Night Man has the bar!

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

G'day!

Two friends have paid a call this gloomy afternoon, but otherwise cheerful inside this hideaway from reality! [tup]

Pete How good to hear from you! [tup] I received your Email and was preparing a Post to let the guys know of your whereabouts, when - there you were, right here at the bar! [swg] I'd say that compared to what you and your bride are experiencing, the start to the New Year for me has been rather dismal, abysmal and rather dull. But, there's always hope for an upswing, eh[?]

We'll be sure to serve up a round on you, however, some customers would be nice to see! [swg]

BK Always good hearing from you too! I wish you and your lady the best of health and togetherness in 2006! [tup][tup]

We did indeed have a grand time last night and I appreciate your mentioning it along with the on stage entertainment at the Emporium! When the word got 'round in the theatrical world, it's simply amazing how many lined up for our opening night. Glad you and your lady enjoyed the evening! [tup]

On a serious note, I do appreciate your comments and know they come from a guy who is a staight shooter. Of course, shooting straight also tends to tick off those who can't, won't and don't. I've come pretty much to tne end of the line with the "Molly coddling" stuff and there won't be any more of the reminders. Guys who participate and do it within the framework of what I have created will be well received. Others can take it somewhere else. Pretty straight, wouldn't you agree[?]

Pete had mentioned in his Email that any pix from England will have to wait until his return. That isn't all so bad, given that we surely need to plan for the future of our Sunday Photo Posting Day! The more we have to look forward to, the better the chance of survivial. [tup] Also, no mention of communicating with Nick so we'll have to wait 'n see whether they hook up by phone. Doubt if they will actually meet - according to what Pete's plans are. Good hearing from him though and hope he gets the chance to communicate at least once more before his return on the 22nd.[tup]

BK Have a safe journey, my friend and I hope you will be able to find a way to communicate with us from Europe.[tup][tup] Oh yes, I did receive your latest Email and will communicate with your intended as time draws closer to your "big day!"[swg]
********************************************************************************

Well, it appears this day is a near carbon copy of yesterday. Nothing much after the morning "flurry." Remember my "call" for some "orchestrated" Postings some time back[?] You know, pick a slot - and stick to it. We seem to be bunched, like shorts three sizes too small![swg]

Later!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all,

I'll have a pint of your Bathams to compare to the 1, 2, ...several...I've tried over here.

I'm afraid I only have time for one....got to be quick as I'm using a friend's computer. Hope all are having a great New Year, and I'll catch up with all of you when I return to my adopted land!

Cheers! The next round is on me! PETE

[siberianmo]

Signficiant events in Canadian RR History during the month of January. Part II of II – 1900’s to present times:


* January 3rd, 1912: The Canadian Pacific Railway leases the Dominion Atlantic Railway Company of Nova Scotia.


* January 1st, 1914: Twelve miles of what was to become the Pacific Great Eastern Railway opens between North Vancouver and Horseshoe Bay, British Columbia.


* January 19th, 1923: , January 19 - The Grand Trunk Railway is amalgamated into the Canadian National System by governmental order. The system took in the Canadian Government Railways (including the Intercolonial, the Prince Edward Island and the National Transcontinental Railways); the Hudson Bay Railway; the Canadian Northern and subsidiaries; the Grand Trunk Pacific; and the Grand Trunk (including the Grand Trunk Western and the Grand Trunk New England routes).

* January 31st, 1930: This day commemorates the first use of the new elevated tracks through the new station platform at Toronto’s Union Station.


* January 13th, 1955: The Terrace to Kitimat, BC line was opened for traffic on this date by Canadian National Railways, although the official “last spike” ceremony took place on July 8 with the driving of an aluminum sp-ike produced at Kitmat.


* January 20th, 1960: Canada’s northernmost railroad (at the time) began operations by the Quebec Cartier Mining Company between Port Cartier to Gagnon, QC.


* January 31, 1964: The Canadian National Railways extended its Optic and Chisel Lake line to Stall Lake, MB.


* January 7th, 1969: Technical problems forces the suspension of Turbo Train service between Montreal and Toronto.


* January 12th, 1977: Inter-city passenger rail service is officially granted to Via Rail Canada.


* January 3, 1986: Vancouver’s Skytrain begins operation between downtown Vancouver, Waterfront and New Westminster, BC.


* January 15, 1990: Half of the VIA Rail Canada passenger network gets the budget axe. As a result of this action, a decision is made to run just one transcontinental train between Toronto and Vancouver via CN through Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton and Jasper, thereby discontinuing the use of CP trackage.


* January 16th, 1990: The Minister of Transport approves the Canadian Rail Operating Rules.


* January of 1993: The Rivard Commission the report of the National Transportation Act Review Commission is published.


* January 7th, 1995: The New Brunswick Southern Railway begins operation over former CP tracks from McAdam to Saint John, N.B. with a line between McAdam and St. Stephen.


* January 7th, 1995: The Wisconsin Central Railway acquires the Algoma Central Railway.


* January 1st, 1998: The Guelph Junction Railway (formerly the Goderich subdivision), is acquired by the Ontario Southland Railway. This line had been leased by CP from the City of Guelph since 1888. The Ontario Southland also took over the 3.1 mile segment of the CP owned Guelph and Goderich Railway.


* January 19th, 1998: The CN tracks between Mont-Joli, QC and Moncton, NB is acquired by the Quebec Railway Corporation through its owned subsidiaries:

(1) New Brunswick East Coast Railway between Pacific Junction, near Montcton,
and Campbellton, NB.

(2) Matapedia Railway between Campbellton, NB and Mont-Joli, QC.


* January 15, 1999: Formal ceremonies of the handing over of the former CP line between Sicamous and Kelowna, BC (including operating rights over the CN tracks between Vernon and Kelowna) takes place under the operation of the Okanagan Valley Railway.


* January 8th, 1999: CP relinquishes operation of the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway which is assumed by RailAmerica, Inc.


* January of 2000: The acquisition of 21.9 kilometers of track between Prince Albert and Birch Hills, SK is announced by OmniTRAX.


* January 5th, 2002: Vancouver’s Skytrain opens the Millennium Line section from Columbus to Braid.


* January 9th, 2003: The Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Canada Company begins operations through the acquisition of the Bangor & Aroostook Railroad and its subsidiaries, the Canadian American Railroad, the Northern Vermont Railroad, the Quebec Southern Railway and the Van Buren Bridge Company.


Information contained in this compilation was obtained from internet public domain sources and materials from my private RR library collection. The use of this information is strictly for pleasure without intent of monetary reward or profit of any kind.


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


Those who acknowledge the other guy, get acknowledged!

[BudKarr]

Good Morning Captain Tom and whoever else is at the bar!

At the onset I must say, the events at the Mentor Village Emporium last night were splendid. We had a most enjoyable time of it and found the live entertainment to be just what the doctor ordered. Where in the world did you find those people who sounded and acted just like the characters from days gone by? It was amazing just listening to them, took me back to the days of radio and gathering around the green tuning eye in our parlour, many, many years in the past. Groucho Marx, Jack Benny, Jimmy Durante and the rest were all wonderful reminders of what vaudeville must have been like. Kudos also to the orchestra, did you mention that the Mentor Village Philharmonic performed marvelously? Who was the Conductor? He looked rather familiar and at first I wondered whether Boris really does come from a cultured lot, but quickly dashed that hallucination. <grin> It was a grand night indeed. The photo spread was equally splendid!

A drink of your VO on the rocks if you please and perhaps one of those fine looking monsters you refer to as sandwiches. Half of one will do it for me, thank you!

That posting of mine from yesterday afternoon did indeed disappear into the ether. You are correct, I was editing it when for whatever the reason, the screen went blue and that was that. I never was able to retrieve it. It is on my word processor, as you have repeatedly recommended. However, much of what I had to offer really is dated and inappropriate as an after the fact narrative. I will include whatever is meaningful within this diatribe of mine. <grin>

May I, once again, express my gratitude for this thread? What a wonderful place to visit and what amazing pieces of information is shared amongst you all. Of course there are those who are more the takers than the givers, that is life. However, in looking over your recently published list of those in the Order of the Stools, especially the ones who have maintained the recognition of being regulars, I would say this place is supported by a strong nucleus. Good show! A thought, somewhere back on these pages is a listing of your customers, perhaps time for an update, given everyone is not a member of the Order. Just a thought.

I have to agree with your assessment that yesterday was a rather sorry day for participation, after the morning flurry that is. Seemed that you were indeed by yourself for most of the daylight. However, once again you made the most of it and provided us with some entertaining photos and a great Part I to what I hope will be a continuing effort regarding the historical events of Canadian railroading. Excellent work!

Mr. Coalminer3, you have outdone yourself, Sir, with that exhaustive listing. And, Mr. Barndad, you have treated us very well with your contributions as well. While I have no place right now to store any of your information (index material) it is a good idea, one that our Proprietor started and you are following through with.

I have some advice for the very few who appear to be ignoring the efforts of our leader to get you on board with the spirit of this bar. Join in or find somewhere else to go. What is the point of posting here if you have no intent on becoming part of the group? In my case, one where I had absolutely minimal interest in real or model railroads, it did not take very long to understand that this is a special thread with very creative minds who have something in common that binds. I enjoy being included, perhaps the first time I have ever felt that way about something as nebulous as the ether. I like the way Tom puts it, take it somewhere else. When I saw a response made to an absolute ignoramus, but no mention of the fine work others have submitted, it really bothered me to where I feel compelled to spout off. Sorry, Captain, just had to get that off my chest before logging off! <grin>

I have visited your “other thread,” as you refer to it, but do not see any of the guys from here. Why not? What in the world is the hang up? Support comes in all forms, and what you are trying to do is build a dynamics for the future of this bar. Creating that “other thread” is a fine effort, but so poorly attended. Pity.

Tomorrow is my departure day, flying to Toronto from Calgary then on to Europe for a series of destinations that will have me out of touch for some time. Perhaps I will be able to log in from my hotel rooms, as the new laptop has all the bells and whistles the “company” can afford. You already know my feelings about using “company” equipment for personal business, however, I can somehow work around that when it is on my time. We shall see.

The future? I expect to resume my retirement before the spring and settle in at this mountain retreat in Alberta. It is time and we both are ready. After that, well it is rather open ended. I know that the wander lust is coming to an end, and my solo trips are winding down. It really is time.

Tom, that piece about your canine friend brought a gusher from the eyes of my soon-to-be. She wants you to know that you must really be a special person to have experienced the love and friendship of such fine creatures. In what I have done and am still engaged in takes me far from the personal, and more into the calculated, there was a time when a story such as yours would have meant absolutely nothing. Today, you tweaked me as well. What is it you say about that word, change? Can an old dog really learn new tricks? These past several weeks have done wonders as has my connection with you and this bar called “Our” Place.

Best to all and be kind to our Proprietor! Where else can you go for such profound information and good times rolled into one?

BK

[siberianmo]

Gentlemen at the bar!

For those who consider yourselves regulars at this watering hole, I offer once again an opporunity to make "Our" Place perhaps a better place. Why not invite others to join us while you are Posting elsewhere on the Forums[?] Many times over the past several months I have seen several familiar cyber names, some belonging to our Permanent Stools Members, sharing information in other topic areas. Why not "drop a dime" for us[?] It surely cannot hurt, especially when one considers that as people leave our bar 'n grill, replacements surely must come from somewhere.

Try it - you may be successful!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


Those who acknowledge the other guy, get acknowledged!

[siberianmo]

Good Morning Gents!

A rather dismal morning here in mid-continent USA, rainy, windy and gloomy Tuesday. Raining too hard for Juneau’s morning walk, and that ain’t good! [tdn] Petrol up at “Collusion Corner” is at $2.29 (rounded) and expected to keep rising. Home heating has hit the $400 mark for natural gas, according to reports of the December bills for some! <good grief>

The Gala Grand Re-opening of the Emporium was quite the success. The local Constabulary did not have any reports of “incidents” nor any reason to be concerned as the citizens of Mentor Village were in a most festive mood.

Here at the bar, Monday was rather quiet and in fact somewhat disappointing in terms of visits to the bar. Gets lonely ‘round here during the late morning and afternoons. Speaking of which, tomorrow I’m looking for some HELP! The idea is to get some Posts between 10 AM and 3 PM in order to keep us “up” on the Forum. That’s it! NO NEED TO BABY SIT, just plan to make your contributions during those times. Thanx! [tup]

For: Trainnut484 Russell Cheers, Mate, hope the mending process is working in your favor! [tup]

To the acknowledgments:

barndad Doug
Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 05:45:33

You hit it on the head – the 12th is the 9th month anniversary of ”Our” Place! Shows you are following what’s going on ‘round here and it is very much appreciated! [tup][tup][tup]

From the “For what it’s worth department:” The Posting of material from sources where it is clearly copyrighted is a risk one takes. There are ways to circumvent it and the best is to get permission. Another way is to use the source for research and background, essentially write your own version, but give credit where credit is due (similar to writing an academic paper). Then there are “things” in the so-called “public domain.” Sometimes we wind up making copies of copies without ever having knowledge of the original source. That’s kind of where some of my “stuff” comes from, unless otherwise annotated. For example, my Fallen Flags and NOSTALGIA pieces come from other sources, but they are not exact copies and have been “credited” accordingly, where possible. I have a “ton” of magazine pictures, some without further identification (dates, publication name, etc.) which makes it pretty close to impossible to give “credit.” Bottom line: Use caution, the same as when approaching a RR crossing! [swg]

Glad you Posted your Index and I hope the guys have “bookmarked” it. Good stuff along the way! [tup]

passengerfan Al
Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 06:23:50

I wasn’t going to comment, but given that you hit upon my Achilles heel with “The Canadian,” I must say: Good job! Now if we could get you to be Inclusive with the recognition of the other guys efforts AND provide some pix, photos, pictures, even URLs to supplement your “Streamliners,” why we’d all be better for it! [tup][tup][tup]

I have traveled in many of those cars you listed – some merely walking through en route the Diner or back to the Park Car observation dome. Fantastic equipment and a wonderful set of memories from all of the VIA Rail trips we have made over the last 16 years aboard the “Canadian” (note the subtle difference – “the” was dropped when VIA took over) and the “Ocean.” Love those Budd stainless steel beauties as my most recent Sunday photo spread attests along with my 4 part series of my May 2005 eastern Canada rail adventures, re-Posted as ENCORES!

By the by: They still have crew changes at Winnipeg – that practice still continues with VIA Rail.

We value your participation and contributions ‘round here! That’s why you have been made a Permanent Member of the Order of the Stools! [tup]

coalminer3 CM3
Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 08:20:44

What are you trying to do to us, turn this bar ‘n grill into an annex of the WVA Industrial Library[?] [swg] What a listing and what an effort! [tup][tup]

Appreciate your attention to detail regarding the Emporium, the St. Louis Fox Theatre. The architecture of the theatre’s interior has been described as Siamese Byzantine. It is a truly amazing piece of architecture, and we have attended many a performance in this fine venue since it was renovated back in 1982. The theatre seats over 4,200, down from its original capacity of 5,060 when opened in 1929.

Something Ted might pick up on:

QUOTE: The Saint Louis Louis Fox Theatre Organ is one of five essentially identical instruments. Having 4 manuals, 36 ranks and 348 stops the “Crawford Special” has become almost a legend in the theatre organ world. Today this Wurlitzer Organ is one of only two surviving in their original homes. The other being the Detroit Fox Theatre, twin of the Saint Louis Fox.

from: http://www.sltos.org/fox436a.htm

Quarters appreciated as is the round – thanx! [tup] Oh yes, Email sent …..

Theodorebear Ted
Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 08:27:16

It was quite a night over at the Emporium, eh[?] [swg] The searchlights did the “trick,” glad you mentioned them. Took me awhile to find what I wanted and the pix really looks “close” to being at the actual site, wouldn’t you agree[?]

Appreciate the offer for tomorrow – BUT – there really is no need to “baby sit” at all. Maybe just make a Post between 10 AM and 3 PM, that’s it. Thanx! [tup]

Right on with the 12th being our 9th Month Anniversary! [tup][tup]

Yes, there are times when the labors ‘round here do mount up, but never quite thought of them as akin to “labor pains!” [swg] My plumbing doesn’t quite work that way! <grin>

Enjoy your day with friends and return safely! [tup]

ftwNSengineer P
Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 08:52:25

Good to see you and again and especially in a more inclusive mode! [tup] You have lots to catch up on, though, if you really want to keep that red stool of yours! ‘Puter problems ain’t no fun, fer sure, fer sure. Can’t live with ‘em and surely can’t without ‘em – reminds me of the opposite sex! [swg]

Perhaps you can find some pix to help with our Sunday Photo Posting Day! I would think you have a far better vantage point than many of us will ever have for some real RR shots. Just send them to me via Email attachments (4 to a “set”) and I’ll see they get Posted, unless of course you want to establish your own photo account on the web. Would really like to have you join us.

You may or may not have noticed that several of us have taken a rather firm stance on NOT responding to those who cannot or will not “play the game” on this thread. Case in point is that person you responded to. Not welcome here. Your choice, but people like that can take it elsewhere as far as many of us are concerned. I will never understand what goes through the mind of the mindless newcomer when they make a Post about a subject not even close to the topic of this Forum and thread and then expect a response! <good grief> Not here.

On a more positive note, I hope you are able to visit us more frequently and participate in what this thread was intended to be. That’s why you were invited in the first place! [tup]
**************************************************************************************


Just got some rather sad news from a friend and neighbor, the kind that brings a tear to the eye. Over the years we have been visited by a great Siberian Husky (tan & white w/blue eyes), named Jessie. We’ve known him since he was a pup and he’s always found a way to our house for a “cookie,” some lovin’ and gentle play until his “people” come to retrieve him. While waiting, he would love to play with our Siberian, Fred a long haired, grey & white, with blue eyes, who lived to be 16 years and 2 months. They played quite well together.

It seemed that whenever Jessie got out, he would come directly to our house, push his nose through one of our screen doors on our patio porch and then simply lay in wait for recognition. One day, a few summers ago, I had left a good sized Angus sirloin out on the patio table to thaw. Jessie managed to find a way out of his house and ambled over, across his street and through some woods to our back yard. He found his way into the patio and guess what[?] The steak was history! Probably the best “meal deal” that dog ever had! We’ve had lots of laughs over that one, being not just dog lovers, but of the breed – Siberian Husky.

This past weekend, Jessie suffering the ravages of hips that didn’t function along with arthritis, he managed to visit us once again. This time he stood outside a little fence I had erected around our patio room – kind of a “Jessie Proof” arrangement. When he saw me, he began whining and howling at the same time. I could tell by the look in his eyes and his trouble with standing and walking, that Jessie was in his last days. With Juneau our over active pup safely out in the patio room, Jessie came into our house to say “goodbye.” He died last evening at the age of 11, far too soon. [:(]



Later!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


Those who acknowledge the other guy, get acknowledged!

[red p]

Tom,
good morning. Coffee and a bagel please. By the way great pictures. I really enjoyed them. I still dont have my modem fixed yet, but I did save my old Computer its a good thing too.

Modelrailroadernut That show sure brings back memories. I think if you want to model that line though you would have to freelance it. [2c]

trainnut 484 Hope you get get feeling better.

cm3 Thanks for the info on coalmining. Boy what a life !
P