"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[nickinwestwales]

Well good evening one and all,first up,a sombre moment of reflection for those boys who didn`t make it back up & perhaps an extra moment for the lad that did,and who will have to live with that for the rest of his days (why me ? )...............................
Well O.K-before we all get too metaphysical,it occurs to me that it is thursday evening,which is by agreed convention Fish & Chips night,therefore it is the house`s pleasure to offer:- Cod,Plaice,Haddock in beer batter,Sole in herbed flour,grilled red snapper,Trout stuffed with mushrooms,Seal Flipper pie & Dublin Bay prawns all with french fried potatoes,cole slaw & a salad bowl...(o.k-it`s a cop-out menu but `i`ve been sort of busy just lately-gotta use up whats in the fridges) right ,gonna check out whats gone before,back in a bit,nick,[C=:-)]

[wanswheel]

Hi Tom and everyone. A glass of mineral water will be fine.

I'm caught up in this story out of Sago, West Virginia. It's all just too real.
Impossible to get into the fun & games aspect of this thread at the moment.
We have 24-hour TV news and the Internet. When I was a kid there was 15 minutes of local news and 15 minutes of Huntley-Brinkley. That was about it. Always the newspapers of course. I read the light stuff, the sports, the funnies, TV listings, whatever. My brothers and I had paper routes when we hit 12, so every day we saw the front page before anybody. One day there was a big headline, "Dulles Has Cancer" (Eisenhower's secretary of state). I asked my mother, what's that about, what's cancer? She said it means he's going to die. She knew, she was a registered nurse. Oh, that's too bad, I thought. Slowly I got hooked on newsprint. By the time I was 15, in my mind I was pronouncing the word Vietnam to rhyme with Sam (and still do) because that's the way it looked in print, as it wasn't yet so often pronounced on TV to rhyme with psalm. Bottom line, current events do affect me. I cannot not pay attention.

I wish I could think of something on topic. How about Coal and Railroads? Are there two fields with closer historical links since the Industrial Revolution?

Now let me try to work some "inclusivity" into this dismal post.
Tom, I really liked that wintery picture Carol gave you for the wall, of the train at Morant's Curve, IIRC, and I agree 100% that Rob and Ted are the best.
CM3,everybody is entitled to at least 2 birthdays per year, so have another good one.
Doug, that was a real bright idea on Edison.
John, it's early but let me be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas.
Nick, please post, we can't have Fish & Chips without you.
Mr. Watkins, if you read this, the thing about the Wurlizter Organ for the theater reminded me of you, though we are not acquainted, I've read of your travels far from West Virginia.

[siberianmo]

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #54

Here’s something to enjoy regarding the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (B&O) from a 1946 advertisement in my personal collection.

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

Your Holiday begins with ”all aboard”

* When your Diesel-Electric Baltimore & Ohio luxury train glides smoothly from the station, you’ll know your holiday has really started. Mile after mile, you’ll enjoy the thrill of modern rail travel . . . the extra measure of pleasure for which B&O is so well-known.

* Outstanding with “holidayers” is the friendly courtesy of B&O people. In big and little services, alike, you’ll constantly enjoy this warm hospitality . . . for courtesy is traditional on the B&O.

* And, when you visit B&O diners, you’re in for a real “holiday treat.” For, B&O is famous for its good food . . . prepared just the way you like it . . . at prices that are reasonable.

* Then, there’s B&O’s record for “on-time” dependability. Not only does B&O strive to make your travel time thoroughly enjoyable but it also makes a special point of seeing that you arrive at your destination on schedule!

* Yes, when you start your holiday with Baltimore & Ohio, the extra measure of pleasure given by such features as friendly courtesy, good food and “on-time” dependability will be proof why more and more travelers say:

NOW . . . AS ALWAYS – The B&O is the Way to Go!

. . . . . . . . . . BALTIMORE & OHIO RAILROAD . . . . . . . . .


Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)][oX)]



REMINDER! Tomorrow (morning and early afternoon) is the Belated Birthday Bash for CM3 Let's not forget our friend on "his day!"

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom, Time for a quick CR and a round for the house have to go bacxk to the office in a few minutes.

Tom this is my list of RDC names.

BEELINER -NYC-B&M
SHORELINER - NYNH&H
SPEEDLINER - B&O
CHESSIELINER - C&O
ZEPHYRETTE - WP
DAYLINERS - CPR - PG&E - BCR
HIGHLINERS - B&M
RAILINERS - CNR
ROCKETTES - CRI&P
New Havens special 6-car RDC train set was named the ROGER WILLIAMS

Santa Fe operated there two RDC-1 oriignally as a SAN DIEGAN schedule and finally as the EL PASOAN.

The majority of the roads simply referred to them as the Rail Doesel Cars.

The Northwestern Pacific when they leased the SP RDC operated it as the REDWOOD.

Hope this helps.

TTFN AL

[siberianmo]

G'day CM3!!

Happened again, as I stuck around for a couple of minutes and there was your Post! Otherwise, would have had to wait 'til later on to respond. All one needs to do is hit that "refresh/reload" feature and "wa-la" up they pop! Oh, pity for the technophobes! [swg]

Good stuff in your Post, as always. Yes, yes - The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre is fully equipped with the vesitages of old, including a very handsome and mighty Wurlitzer organ. Also has a dual piano set-up for our silent flicks and of course a full orchestra pit. This is a first class operation rivaling the best of theatres past. As someone far more famous than I once said, "Don't miss it if you can!" [swg][?]

Appreciate the listing of those RDC train "names," however, my memory banks indicate a far longer list. Perhaps it was passengerfan Al who put that together. Nonetheless, thanx - and I'l have to do an advanced search to satisfy my curiosity.

The more I learn regarding the WVA mining disaster, the sadder it gets. The media is having it's typical and expected "field day" with this story, so much so that I'd like to ..... well, time for a visit to The Rat's Patoot Room!

Later!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


Those who acknowledge the other guy, get acknowledged!

[siberianmo]

Good Morning (again)!

A rousing start by Ted down in sunny [?] and warm FLA. Here 'tis a bit on the gloomy side with temps in the mid-30s (F). No precip forecast, just more of the same 'til a warm front moves in making things more like fall than winter. <ugh>

Appreciate the "booking" for the Elders of Jazzz and their Dixieland enternmaint 'tween flicks on Monday nite at the Emporium! We expect a sell out crowd, and as previously mentioned, the balcony seats are all taken. Many of those folks are undergoing therapy right now in order to get those balky fingers working their "magic" (arthritis dontchano) -one more time down mammory memory lane. [swg]

Thanx for the AM wake up call! [tup]


Oh, before I totally forget: I will be here for tomorrow's kick-off Belated Birthday Bash for CM3 - who just "may" - repeat - "may" reveal his name to us. Anyway, I may then be away until mid-afternoon. I expect there will be sufficient numbers of you guyz to keep things movin' forward in honor of our [bday] celebrant! [tup]



Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


Those who acknowledge the other guy, get acknowledged!

[coalminer3]

Good Morning Barkeep and All Present: coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Cool and cloudy here this a.m. with maybe some snow later on.

Thanks for the thoughts and kind words re the situation at Tallmansville.

Man, there's a lot of material posted since yesterday.

RDC names (to get us started)

Beeliner - Boston and Albany
Shoreliner - New Haven
Speedliner - B&O
Chessieliner - C&O

A friend's son (back when we lived in Boston) couldn't pronounce Budd Car - and believe me that's pretty much what ran on the B&M when he was a little kid - he called them "Bunners."

I enjoyed reading the material on the Zephyrs - they don't name cars like they used to. I have a question. Was the auxiliary power baggage car used for train lighting? I am guessing that the heating and cooling duties were handled by the locomotive.

Those car names are about as good as some of the ones on the New Haven, Erie, DL&W, and Santa Fe.

Also another fascinating installment on the Indian Railways.

Re the Toronto Suburban Ry. I knew that the omnibuses had wiped out that line; however, is there any trace left of it at all? Or did it go the way of a lot of other operations.

Also enjoyed the post about TAE - He never stopped working. Edison went into the mining business as well - iron mining in New Jersey - an interesting story that is admirably covered in the book Iron Mine Railroads of Northern New Jersey - worth trying to find.

Banjos and a singing saw? Life is full, indeed.

BTW is there a Mighty Wurlitzer at the Emporium Theatre? It would go great to accompany a silent epic such as the "Great Train Robbery." I can see it now, rising out of the orchestra pit with Boris at the keyboard - sort of like the monster's song and dance act in Young Frankenstein.

One interesting modeling note - I see where Athearn is coming out with a 4-6-6-4 in N scale, with sound, yet. So save your loonies, shinplasters, and greenbacks if you want one.

Well, I must get ready for my upcoming birthday - if I can just find the keys to the Maxwell.

work safe

[Anonymous]

ALL RIGHT! Hey, some very welcomed "interaction" as of this morning.[tup] Tom, I'll get myself around a Prune Danish and a cuppa Juan Valdez this beautiful Thursday mornin'. Thanks for the response to e-amils, appreciated very much.[^] I love those "Red Birds" after spending a goodly amount of time swaying from the straps but can offer no rationale for them on my "land locked" midwestern Cityscape.[V] I was thinking a viable source of "live" entertainment at the MV Emporium "Gala" would be the "Preservation Hall" traditional Dixieland Band replete with the 5 string Banjo and Tuba would be appropriate for the respective "era" (of the Theatre) and needed employment for these "classic" Elders of Jazz. BTW, booking for CM3's Birthday Bash on the morrow finds the reknown duo of Banjo artist Roy Clark and "Master of the Singing Saw," H. Arthur Kinardley to the "Our" Place orange crate stage.[tup] Enjoy! The Coal Scuttle will be passed around for your generous donations.[:D]

Passengerfan Al, thanks for waking me from my temporary amnesia. I "plumb forgot" about the Appolo and Venus aux. power cars being the transition to the "articulated" section.[:I] Barndad Doug, speaking of the Zephyrs, I surely hope the funds for repairs can be met to get those beauties "up and rolling" again. Ron Johnson (Author) is, no doubt, an artist with prose as Leonardo was with pigments.[^] I would give part of my anatomy to make a such a tour as his. The Stabovitz Poem? Yes, a good attitude if you really like what you see coming "head on."[:-^] I'll stay with "hindsight is always 20-20." [(-D] Rob, great stuff on the woes of the early electric raidals around the area. It would seem the private enterprise venture was doomed from the start. Funny how government "red tape" can paralyze even a viable "Carrier" solution, then come along and "pick up the pieces" for next to nothing, isn't it?[V] Happens all the time and we haven't far to look for it, even today.[2c] Couldn't agree more on the "overhead power feed." "Life is too short" without begging for more "shorts."[xx(] Nick [C=:-)] old Chap, lots'a doings hereabouts that require your many inate "gifts." What are you waiting for, the Scots Guard to "pipe you in?" Gadfey, Boris is despondent and has turned to Hilda and Helga for his ration of massochistic tendencies. "Not a pretty sight!"[:O] Cm3, your wisdom belies your age of 59 years. You aren't, by chance, related to the late Jack Benny are you (39 years)? Okay, that's enough for this installment. Please folks, let's have a rousing Matinee celebration tomorrow for our resident Bard CM3, no matter what age he may claim.[:-^] Right, a round for the early Sots crowd and Boris BRANGGG, see what I mean Nick? [:(!]

[siberianmo]

Good Morning!

A couple of lengthy Posts - one somewhat inclusive, the other not at all. Way too early for me to digest serious reading - but I will! [tup]

Doug Looks like I missed your Poem Post in the Summary - it has been added. Must have been the lateness of the hour. [%-)] Anyway, nice job!

Later!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


Those who acknowledge the other guy, get acknowledged!

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for Coffee and a Crumpet from the Mentor Bakery.

PASSENGERFAN AL'S STREAMLINER CORNER #37

KANSAS CITY CHIEF AT&SF Trains 9-10 April 12, 1950 Chicago - Kansas City overnight daily 451 miles 9 hours 30 minutes

The Santa Fe introduced the an overnight streamlined pair of trains between Chicago and Kansas City naming the pair the KANSAS CITY CHIEFS. The new KANSAS CITY CHIEFS began service April 2, 1950. The new trains were not assigned any particular diesel passenger units but simply whatever units were available.

Initially each of the consists operated with a single heavyweight Centennial Club Car. These cars were rebuilt by Topeka shops for the Kansas Centennnial and assigned one each per KANSAS CITY CHIEF consist. The interior of these cars as rebuilt contained Crew Dormitory Space with a small kitchen and Club Lounge area decorated in an 1850's decor. The two Centennial Club cars were soon replaced by lightweight stainless steel lounge cars.
The consists of the KANSAS CITY CHIEFS varied from night to night but it is known that 44-revenue seat leg rest were assigned for those passengers travelling coach. For those passengers traveling first class in the sleeping cars the KANSAS CITY CHIEFS operated initially with prewar lightweight 17-Roomette Sleeping car that was handed doen from the CHIEF. A lightweight streamlined prewar 10 roomette 5 double bedroom "CASCADE" sleeping car was assigned to each consist the only two cars of this type owned by the Santa Fe. A postwar 24 Duplex Roomette Sleeping car of the "INDIAN" series was next in each train. This was followed by a pair of lightweight streamlined "VALLEY" series sleeping cars with 6-Sections 6-Roomettes and 4-Double Bedrooms. One of the latter cars was a through Tulsa - Chicago car in each direction.

CONSIST ONE

3411 Baggage Car

1522 Heavyweight 8-Crew Dormitory Bar 22-Seatr Centennial Lounge Car

2862 44-Revenue Seat Leg-Rest Coach

2866 44-Revenue Seat Leg-Rest Coach

2910 44-Revenue Seat Coach

SURPRISE VALLEY 6-Section 6-Roomette 4-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car

CASCADE MILLS 10-Roomette 5-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car

INDIAN PONY 24-Duplex Roomette Sleeping Car

CHINLE 17-Roomette Sleeping Car

KAW VALLEY 6-Section 6-Roomette 4-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car (Chicago - Tulsa)

CONSIST TWO

3419 Baggage Car

1523 Heavyweight 8-Crew Dormitory Bar 22- Seat Centennial Lounge Car

2871 44-Revenue Seat Leg Rest Coach

2879 44-Revenue Seat Leg Rest Coach

2877 44-Revenue Seat Leg Rest Coach

PECOS VALLEY 6-Section 6-Roomette 4-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car

CASCADE SHOALS 10-Roomette 5-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car

INDIAN FALLS 24-Duplex Roomette Sleeping Car

TONTO 17-Roomette Sleeping Car

RED ROCK VALLEY 6-Section 6-Roomette 4-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car (Tulsa - Chicago)

Eastbound KANSAS CITY CHIEF combined with CHIEF beginning Septemebr 1958. Westbound continued to operate as separate train.

In September 1968 the KANSAS CITY CHIEF was discontinued.

TTFN AL

[Anonymous]

Good morning Tom and whoever else gets up this early. I'll have 2 light breakfasts please. I'm sorta on a diet again. Great CNR stuff by the way ... but reviewing yesterdays posts, I believe my little poem got missed.

Rob, really enjoyed your post on the Toronto subway system. I've only been to Toronto once, but I sure liked the town and people. I did manage to duck underground for awhile, and was amazed to find a city under the city, loaded with shops and just as clean as the streets above me. Very impressive. As to your question on repairing our damaged Zephyr cars, fund raising efforts are underway, but I have not heard a definitive number as to what the costs will be. A few of our museum workers have been penalized because of the incident, but I don't know what those penalties entailed.

Here's part I of another article I thought might be of interest:

Genius at the Junction of Thomas Edison and the early days of his life with the railroad – by John Uckley …. Rail Classics March 1980

Thomas Alva Edison at the age of fifteen while still working on passenger trains as a candy butcher for the Grand Trunk. Courtesy of Stratford Historical Society.

One mile northeast of the town of St. Mary’s, Ontario, there stands a cut-limestone depot of Gothic design which was built during the year 1859. The depot, which has been abandoned for some time, huddles close to the Canadian National Railway’s single track line extending between London, St. Mary’s, Stratford, Guelph, Brampton and Toronto. This area is known as St. Mary’s Junction. A branch line, originating in the junction, runs southwest through such towns as Lucan, Ailsa Craig, Forest and Camlachie to the St. Clair River terminus of Sarnia.

Many years ago this depot and its associated railroad facilities was known as Stratford Junction on the Grand Trunk Railway. In the early days a six-stall cut-limestone roundhouse of Gothic architecture, with an Armstrong turntable, was situated in the junction. This roundhouse was utilized as a storage facility for the overflow of steam locomotives from the extensive GT repair shops at Stratford, about eleven miles up the line. The roundhouse was demolished by the CNR in 1930. There were also maintenance sheds, cattle pens, a large wooden water tank, and many crudely built houses for Irish construction workers.

All of the above-mentioned information is quaint and illuminating. However, there are many depots and geographical location that could surpass St. May’s Junction and its topography. The great equalizer comes in the form of one name that falls like a cascade of summer lightning over St. Mary’s Junction, giving it an aura of endearing humanity and unique history. The magic words are Thomas Edison.

Yes, the name of a herculean genius, Thomas Edison, is written in the back pages of the history of St. Mary’s Junction. But in this story we will not be speaking of the awesome mental prowess of the mature Edison who invented the electric lighting system, the phonograph, the motion picture camera, the modern storage battery, the carbon microphones for use in telephones, the first practical electric railway and so many other gifts to humanity. What we will see is a brief synopsis of Thomas Alva Edison’s early years and a detailed account of his first important job, that of telegraph operator at Stratford Junction (later St. Mary’s Junction) Ontario.

Thomas Alva Edison was born at Milan Ohio, on February 11, 1847. When he was 11 years old his family moved to Port Huron, Michigan. Young Tom received formal education for three months but left school when his impatient teacher labeled him an unruly dunce. When the Chicago, Detroit & Canada Grand Trunk Junction Railroad was completed and leased by the Grand Trunk system in March, 1858 between Detroit and Port Huron, Tom Edison got a job as a newsboy and candy butcher on GT passenger trains.

Edison set up a printing press in the baggage car of the passenger train and published a newspaper called The Weekly Herald. This was the world’s first newspaper printed on a moving train. It contained local tidbits of news and gossip related to travel accommodations available at various stations, farm market news and advertisements.

Meanwhile, Tom Edison sat up a modern laboratory in the basement of the family home and carried on experiments with various chemical formulas. Edison even established a small laboratory in the baggage car so that he could experiment in his free moments while riding the GT trains between Detroit and Port Huron.

One day the lurching of the train caused a bottle of volatile phosphorous to fall on the floor and shatter, causing a hearty fire in the baggage car. The angry train conductor cuffed young Tom severely about the head, causing some minor ear damage which was further aggravated later on by another such incident. This lead to partial deafness. Later, Tom talked the seething conductor into allowing him to continue working as a news and candy butcher on the train, minus his portable laboratory and chemicals.

One lazy summer day during the year 1862, Edison was at the depot in Mount Clemens, Michigan, waiting for the Grand Trunk mixed train to finish switching boxcars ona siding near the depot. He noticed the three-year-old son of the station agent playing in the gravel on the main line right in the path of the boxcar that was being moved off the siding. Tom ran out on the main line and snatched the young boy out of the way of the oncoming freight car.

The agent, J.U. MacKenzie was very grateful and offered as a reward to teach Edison the fine art of telegraphy. Edison moved in with the MacKenzie family and paid board while he studied to become a first-class telegraph operator. The young man studied hard for five months and assisted the station agent at his office. He even put together his own version of a telegraph key.

Thomas Edison worked for a short time in 1863 at a jewelry and book store in Port Huron. Operating a modest telegraph office and experimenting with electricity in his spare time. His first important employment was obtained when he was seventeen years old in May, 1864. He was given the “night wire” as a telegraph operator at Stratford Junction, Ontario. The hours were 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., and the rate of pay was set at twenty-five dollars a month.

During the daylight hours, when he was supposed to be sleeping, Edison worked on various electrical apparatus such as a storage battery, as well as other experiment. At night, his duties required he await telegraph messages and signal trains and stations according to the prevalent Grand Trunk schedule. Freight and passenger traffic on the main line between Toronto, Guelph, Stratford, and Sarnia was comparatively light during the hours of darkness. The trackage from Stratford Junction to London are considered the main line.

This paucity of night trains gave Tom Edison plenty of chance to read, experiment or catch up on much-needed sleep. However, the problem was that all Grand Trunk operators had to signal the main office of the central dispatcher at Toronto on the hour, beginning at 9:00 p.m. every night to ensure that they were awake and on duty. Edison had to send the number “6” over the key once every hour between 9:00 p.m. and dawn. The budding young inventor worked out a method of getting around this cumbersome task.

Tom Edison took the station clock and attached a small wheel, with finely cut notches fashioned into the rim. The wheel revolved with great deliberation on the clock. This device, running in complete synchronization and accuracy with the clock, was also attached via wires to the telegraph key. Whenever the clock chimed off the full hour and the wheel had finished a full revolution, the wheel and its wires threw open the key and sent the number “6” over the telegraph line.

This was a foolproof way for Edison to get some sleep and still appear to be wide awake. The difficulty arose when the chief dispatcher in Toronto or the operator in Stratford would try and reach Tom Edison on the telegraph line a few minutes later. There was no response. This was indeed strange.

The district Grand Trunk superintendent went down to the depot at Stratford Junction one evening to investigate this paradoxical situation. Looking into the lighted depot window the official saw the young man sound asleep at his desk with the clock and its associate mechanism sitting near the telegraph key.

The superintendent walked into the waiting room of the depot and then slowly opened the door of the operator’s office and crept in. He eyed the telegraph key that was attached via wires to the notched wheel on the clock. The official assumed it was an alarm that would wake the young man out of his dreams on the hour.

The older man waited and watched nervously as the mechanism swung into operation while the clock chimed off the correct hour. The signal “6” was sent over the telegraph key and Tom Edison continued to sleep serenely. The superintendent grabbed the sleeping Edison and roused him from his tranquil rest. Tom Edison was given a severe tongue lashing on the spot. He was informed that any more infractions of existing company rules would result in his immediate dismissal.

Depot at St. Mary’s Junction


[:I] part II to follow later today [:I]

[siberianmo]

THURSDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS

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


Good Morning! What better way to start the day than to try some of our pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery with a cup of our freshly brewed coffee. Oh yes, we are now serving <traditional> and <light> breakfasts, check ‘em out on our Menu Board![tup]

See page 208 for the current issue of The Mentor Village
Gazette


Daily Wisdom

What time is it? You mean now?. (Yogi-ism)


Info for the Day:

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

(2) repeat Sunday Photo Posting Day! returns on January 8th. Let’s make this a successful event through active participation by more than one or two! [tup]


SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 04 Jan 2006, 00:33:14 (210) Wednesday’s Info & Summary

(2) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 04 Jan 2006, 08:27:12 (210) Daily post

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 04 Jan 2006, 09:39:25 (210) reply to coalminer3

(4) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 04 Jan 2006, 09:45:24 (210) Inclusive Post, etc.

(5) passengerfan Al Posted: 04 Jan 2006, 09:58:15 (210) Streamliner #36

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 04 Jan 2006, 10:13:03 (210) reply to Theodorebear, etc.

(7) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 04 Jan 2006, 10:22:34 (210) Inclusive daylight Post!

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 04 Jan 2006, 11:53:57 (210) reply to trolleyboy

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 04 Jan 2006, 13:34:13 (210) Commentary

(10) rgroeling Chris Posted: 04 Jan 2006, 14:29:26 (210) Nice

(11) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 04 Jan 2006, 14:41:23 (210) Inclusive PM Post!

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 04 Jan 2006, 16:33:08 (210) Acknowledgments, etc.

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 04 Jan 2006, 18:03:33 (210) NOSTALGIA #35 – Ad – CNR (1949)

(14) barndad Doug Posted: 04 Jan 2006, 18:32:52 (210) He’s baaaaaaaack! Steam Delights of India, Final

(15) passengerfan Al Posted: 04 Jan 200, 18:59:29 (210) etc.

(16) barndad Doug Posted: 04 Jan 2006, 21:29:33 (210) Poem! etc.

(17) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 04 Jan 2006, 22:27:58 (210) Inclusive Post, etc.

(18) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 04 Jan 2006, 23:35:19 (211) Classic Juice #14

(19) siberianmo Tom Posted: 05 Jan 2006, 01:03:37 (211) reply to trolleyboy, etc.

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

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

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Gents!

Rob back to "night owl" schedule, eh[?] The things we do for money! [swg]

Good stuff with your latest Classic Juice - just hope the guyz appreciate your efforts and that some acknowledgments come forth. [tup][tup]

Appreciate the Loonies and I'll send Boris over to The Second National Bank of Mentor Village tin the morning to exchange them for U.S. quarters for Herr Wurltizer der Juke via Coal Scuttle![swg][tup] Any favories you'd like to have played[?] Vito's goons tellers get a bit uncomfortable at the sight of him coming up to the window with a sack of money in his paws hands.[:O]

Most of my pix are of other than railroads and the like. Plus the overwhelming majority from years past are on 35mm color slides and I have no way available to copy them. Additionally, I'm really coming to the end of the line with my personal collection of pix for the Can-Am trainroom, layouts and VIA Rail and Amtrak trips of the past decade. The ones I have Posted over these many Sunday Photo Posting Days! are it. Doesn't look promising unless we get some rejuvenated participation. I've made some direct requests to a couple of guys here at the bar, and also by Email, but haven't met with any success.

Speaking of that - not responding - it is becoming more and more the "norm," which is a dead giveaway for not reading the Posts. Not hard to pick out when reading through what the guys have to say. Someone Posts a question or makes commentary deserving of a response and it goes unanswered. This is what comes of someone Posting - checking out right away - and then not checking what has been Posted when signing in later on. Bugs me.

Appreciate, as ever, the support you give this bar 'n grill. I've checked back through the pages - many, many, many pages - and for but a relative brief absence or two, you and Ted are our most frequent and interactive customers. So when it comes to the term regular 'round here, it really comes down to just the two of you. Seriously - just two over all the time we've been on the Forum. The rest come 'n go, with one or two Posting, but hardly ever recognizing the efforts of others. Bugs me. Kudos to you and Ted once again! [tup][tup][tup]

Okay - enough of my rant - not a good way to prepare to hit the sack, eh[?] I have trouble enough sleeping in this stage of my life without adding to it! <geesh> You'd think I'd learn ......

Okay, Boris RIng the bell for last call - drinks on the house as Leon prepares to close up.

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Okay so now that I've been refreshed by that Keith's Leon was so good to give me I will endevour to get back on track so to speak. For the first time in a while...a new

CLASSIC JUICE #14 THE TORONTO SUBURBAN RAILWAY


This is the little known Toronto electric line. It had a peculiar and not altogether happy history. For most of it's years of operation it was onlt a suburban streetcar line. When construction of the major intercity line comenced, it proceeded at a snails pace. As a consequence, the extention to it's as planned radial line ruined the company financially.

It was incorporated in 1894 as the Toronto Suburban Street Railway Company and built in the mid-nineties from Keele and Dundas streets in Toronto via Dundas Road to Lambton Mills, and to Weston via Keele and Weston Road. In addition a street car line was built from Bathurst Street and Davenport Road via Davenport and Weston Roads to Keele.Around 1901 the line developed great ambitions of building to Hamilton, but the project never got beyond the survey stage,and the company continued for a decade as a small suburban carrier, with about ten miles of line and a moderate rate of return on investment.

In 1911 the line was aquired by MacKenzie ( of Candian Northern Fame ), and plans for extention were revived, this time in the direction of Guelph. First however, the Weston line was extended in a crooked winding route into Woodbridge,following the road for a distance and then the Humber River. The track reached Woodbridge in 1913, but a dispute with the town over location prevented introduction of regular service until oct 10 of 1914. The mainline to Guelph was surveyed in 1911, and construction commenced in 1912. Much of the grading was finished in 1913 except for heavy work near Lambton. Work continued in 1914, during which year miost of the rail was laid. The war slowed down construction,and not until april 14, 1917, was service inaugerated on the 49 mile line from Lambton to Guelph.

The road was built to relativly high standards,with substancial grading and filling and several extensive bridges and tressels,including a 711 foot steel bridge over the Humber and a 315 foot wooden tressel accross the west branch of the Credit river. The track was nearly all on a private right of way, following Dundas street to summerville and then cutting cross country via Medowvale, Huttonville,Norval,Georgetown,Acton, and Edon Mills, south of the Grand trunk's old mainline. The Line climbed 755 feet from lambton to a point west of Acton.( This is nowadays Milton, our Museum ROW is the old TSR line through to Guelph ) The operation was 1500 volt DC , with catenary overhead, and the track unlike the old line of the company was standard guage. In 1916 the company sought permission to change a portion of it's Toronto trackage to standard guage to allow through operation of their cars. Although the city was opposed on the grounds that operation of interurban cars on city streets was unsafe, the permission was granted and the changes made. The interurban cars then terminated at Keele and Dundas, still a long distance from downtown.

The delays that plagued construction were not over, even as introduction of regular service approached; several of the cars completed for the company by the Preston Car and Coach Company were destroyed when a fire swept the car building plants,so TSR was forced to restrict its operations to a limited scale for several months. The 59 foot sixty-two passenger cars were of the centre door type ( only), unique in Candian interurba operation. Two 61 foot 9 inch cars were built for tthe line by the Niagara St Catharines and Toronto Railway in 1924.

The line was scarcley finished before the roads parent company, the Canadian Northern, was aquired by the Dominion govt to become a portion of Candian National Railways. The attitude of the latter towards the TSR shifted several times over the next decade. At first CNR was willing to let the road go to become part of the Hydro radial system, but when plans for the latter fell through Sir Henery Thornton( CNR's first President ) became enthusiastic for a time about a system of electric lines in the Toronto area under CNR owbership.He merged the TSR with the unfinished Toronto Eastern, comenced to complete the line and latter refused an offer by the city to purchase the line in 1922 ( would have become part of the TTC ) The line was operated, after 1923 as Candian National Railways, Toronto Suburban District. In 1924 and 1925 a new entrance into the city was built from west of Lambton to St Clair and Keele via a private ROW with an underpass under the CPR.Plans were developed to bring cars downtown to the Union Station over the main CNR tracks. The old Lambton line was sold to the township and operated by the TTC till it's abandonement in 1928.Meanville in 1923 the expiration of the city lines occured and the former city routes of the TSR and incorporated into the new TTC. The Weston line was sold to Weston and York township but was operated as a TTC line until 1948 when it was abandoned due to bus competition.

Opertating deficits appeared in 1921 and continued to build,revenues fell while the exopenses kept edging higher. The operating ratio was 145 by 1925. Thus the TSR was the most unproffitable electric line in Canada. If it had been a private company the plug would have been pulled in 1926 but pressure from Guelph and the other towns on the interurban line kept it going. By 1931 only 300 assengers a day were being carried by the line, all operations were discontinued in that august. All the physical plant was sold off at 25 cents on a dollar so $500,000 was recouped by the creditors. All the cars were given to the NS&T which was also a CNR electric line. Interestingly car 107 made the last run on the TSR and as NS&T's #83 it made the last passenger run on the NS&T in 1959.


Rob

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Leon. I'll take a keith's and leave this bag of loonies for the "coal scuttle"

Tom Don't know what to tell you about the pictures. I tend to use one's I've taken or family members have taken ( in the case of alot of the traction Heather or her Dad ). It's almost impossible to get permission from some people, which I can understand.In some cases some of the old traction shots I have are shots from members at the museum so me posting them generally isn't a problem. I'm sure that you have lots of good shots of your own in the archieves. Urls do work and for the most part the guys here will go to the web sites and enjoy.

I must have missed something. Why is Nick "uncomfortable" [?]

I have to say that I'm almost at the bottom of ad's to post so I'll have to dig deep for some more pertainent similar info ( no fear I have more Classic Juices and steam bits to come as well )

Doug Good to "see" you. Liked the final steam in India post. I figured that we would get a shot with people hanging onto the side of a train. We weren't dissapointed. Really a good article as have been the others. It's too bad that that magazine went under. Interesting poem as well, I don't think that anyone had posted it before either.

Have you folks been able to fix the Zepher yet ?

Al I thought I was on mount Olympus their for a while LOL. Nice info on the Zepher's, I would say it was all Greek to me but Tom would Tweet me for bad puns.[swg][:O]

Ted Sooo we hav vays of making you talk. Actually I agree with you cleaning under the wires is a bit of a pain in the undercarriage,need to have a bit of real looking overhead though to make the scene look real. In my case the electrification will span a couple of the removable gaps for doors so people will have to pretend that there is overhead in those portions this is also why I'm not running powered overhead. That and the fact that I don't want to perform surgery on my trolly's to make them run of pole pwer either.

Well folks that raps up this visit. I'll pop back soon.

Rob

[siberianmo]

Good Evening Gents!

I see the return of barndad Doug along with another Post from [b[passengerfan Al, which makes for a fine ending to an interesting day at "Our" Place!

Hope you guyz have purchased tickets in advance of the Grand Re-opening of The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre this coming Monday evening. Should be a great time, especially with the double feature and stage show in between.

Which brings me to Ted - I was hoping you would provide some information regarding who would be performing the "live" portion of that event. Nevertheless, I will have that information available no later than this weekend.

Doug Adding a few photo's to your efforts really fills in the blanks. Selectively inputting such things is most appropriate and a good idea! [tup]

Still awaiting the return of Nick and a bit more frequency from Russell, Dan and Dave - c'mon guys, the holidays have ended! <geesh>

Okay, ring the bell Boris - drinks on me and Leon the Night Man has the bar!

Later!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


Those who acknowledge the other guy, get acknowledged!

[Anonymous]

Evening again Tom and friends. I've time for a bottemless draught if you please. The latest Mentor Village Gazette is always a good read, and this one was really excellent. Obviously, lots of time went into it. Well done

Here's a poem (not my usual thing) which I hope hasn't been posted here before:

Train of Life

Some folks ride the train of life,
Looking out the rear,
Watching miles of life roll by,
And marking every year.

They sit in sad remembrance
Of wasted days gone by,
And curse their life for what it was,
And hang their head and cry.

But I don’t concern myself with that,
I take a different vent,
I look forward to what life holds,
And not what has been spent.

So strap me to the engine,
As securely as I can be,
I want to be on the front,
To see what I can see.

I want to feel the winds of change,
blowing in my face,
I want to see what life unfolds,
As I move from place to place.

I want to see what’s coming up,
Not looking at the past,
Life’s too short for yesterdays,
It moves along too fast.

So if the ride gets bumpy
While you are looking back,
Go up front, and you may find
Your life has jumped the track.

It’s all right to remember
That’s part of history,
But up front’s where it’s happening,
There’s so much mystery!

The enjoyment of living
Is not where we have been,
It’s looking ever forward
To another year and ten.

It’s searching all the byways,
Never should you refrain,
For if you want to live your life,
You gotta drive the train!

[:)] Peter Stabovitz, Charleston, SC (from the Gondola Gazette, newsletter of the Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society of Huntington, WV) [:)]

[passengerfan]

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

Ted asked about the Nebraska Zephyr baggage cars. Actually the two NEBRASKA ZEPHYR (Originally TWIN ZEPHYRS) trains were the first CB&Q Zephyrs in which the consists were not articulated to the power, The original shovelnose diesels were simply coupled to the first car so when the baggage cars were added it was a simple matter of coupling to the power and to the trailing articulated consist. This was also true of the first DENVER ZEPHYRS. Hope this answers your question.

TTFN AL

[Anonymous]

Good evening Tom and gents! Make mine a quick shot of Daniels, as I have steaks on the grill that I'm supposed to be watching! Please accept a round for the house, and 2 Michigan quarters for the jukebox.

I can't even begin to do proper justice to the fine posts y'all have been putting up in the brief time I have. Al sure caught my attention with the info on the Nebraska Zephyr. For whatever it's worth, the consist at IRM is now down to the SIlver Pilot, Venus, Vesta, Minerva, Ceres and Juno. The other cars were damaged in accidents, and scrapped.

Please forgive this hasty post. I promise to "get with the program" soon. As a peace offering, here's the final part of my most recent series:

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

Passengers and engine crew hang out of doorways as passenger train departs for Viramgam Junction.


The next morning it was well worth the effort to arise at the break of day when one has the best chance of viewing the 20,000 foot Himalayas to the north bathed in eternal snow. The visitor’s breath is taken away as the rising sun causes the peaks to slowly turn from pink to brilliant white. Jeeps and taxis may be hired to pace the rail line which stays next to the roadway for most of the routs. It is highly advisable to position oneself at the Ghoom Loop, a couple miles out of Darjeeling to photograph the 6:15 a.m. train out of Darjeeling casting its silhouette across the face of 28,168 foot Mount Kangchenjunga.

There are many fascinating lines tucked away out in the “bush,” one of which is the Eastern Railway’s two-foot, six inch line running from Junction to Nabadwipghat. It lies about 80 miles from Calcutta to the east of the Ganges River. Four miniature Yorkshire built 2-4-0Ts provide the motive power and are quite a sight pulling a string of coaches towering above them. The little 24 ½” wheels operate twice a day over the 17.5-mile line. Second class fare is about 15 cents, but if one wants to travel in relative uncrowded comfort in the first class section, the fare is ten times as much. Shantipur may be reached directly from Sealdah station in Calcutta. Views from the train give the visitor a chance to glimpse rural Indian life as it really is.

One of the best places to watch broad gauge steam doing what it was designed to do is at Patna Jct. located on the south bank of the Ganges River in the Eastern Railway zone. All trains are steam powered in non-electrified territory. If one gets tired of the constant parade of WP and WG powered trains, there are steam-powered stern wheel and side paddle boats plying the waters of the Ganges.

The visiting railfan has to be prepared to attract crowds of curious onlookers be staying in the photo location too long. Photography can be rather difficult especially when one looks through the viewfinder and sees the smiling faces of local Indian children. Once the throng understands what the railfan is doing by careful gesturing one can usually form quite a cooperative photo line.

Moving farther west, the railfan’s next logical step is the beautiful city of Agra where both railroad and tourist type activities may take up several days. The premier steam powered “Taj Express” terminates in this city. One of the six immaculate WPs, specially assigned to this train, makes a grand entrance with its 10 to 15 car consist each morning in Agra station at 10:15 a.m. from New Delhi, 124 miles away. It is primarily a tourist-oriented train coupled with a highly recommended tour of the city organized by the railway. One may purchase tickets on the platform for $5.00 per person for an all day air-conditioned bus excursion, which features the Taj Mahal, Agre Fort, and the Deserted City plus a lunch stop at a nice restaurant. The tour is timed to view the magnificent Taj Mahal in the afternoon when the white marble gleams at its splendid best and then slowly turns to pink in the setting sun with mists from the Ganges River rising up to gradually envelope the majestic dome.

South of Agra, about 25 miles and 75 miles respectively, are a couple two-foot lines branching off a broad gauge main out of Agra at Dholpur and Gwalior. It is possible to photograph a massive broad gauge engine sitting beside a tiny 2-8-4T Hunslet at Dholpur or a 2-8-2 Baldwin at Gwalior, making an incredible study in comparisons.

After touring the wonders of Agra and the narrow gauge, one may board the “Taj Express,” which leaves Agra at 7:00 p.m. for a three hour trip to New Delhi. The consist includes AC accommodations and a dining car. Darkness has fallen and out of the blackness a shadowy hulk appears piercing the night with a brilliant backup light. Wreathes of steam envelope the wheezing giant. The station lights strike the gleaming machine as it backs under the canopy from the gloom of the yard. A sleek bullet nose glides into view. Trainmen scurry about waving lanterns signaling the engineer that first 20, 10, then 5 feet remain to make the hitch with the first car. The coupling is made with perfect precision as no noticeable movement of the baggage car was observed. Before boarding the express, the passenger has a quick chance to look into the cab interior of the trim WP where the brass on the appliances shines like that of a ship’s pilothouse. Over the firebox dorr, a brilliant brass silhouette of the Taj Mahal graces the wall.

At precisely 7:00 p.m. the “Taj Express” seems to glide out of the station with no startup jolt. Because the WP does not have to tussle with grades of any consequence, it maintains a respectable average speed of 41 mph wth little or no effort. Once in a while the speed tops 50 mph as sounds of the exhaust seem to mesh into one long roar. The “Taj Express” makes just two stops on its three hour journey, one at Marth Jct., 13 ½ miles out of Agra and at Hazart Nizamuddin, about 11 miles south of New Delhi. In the meantime a reasonable chicken dinner with mixed vegetables is served on railway china with tea or sift drinks. With strict punctuality the “Taj Express” arrives at its destination on time at 10:10 p.m., something of which the average passenger train cannot boast in spite of heavily padded schedules.

The next morning the railfan may hire a taxi and position oneself several miles outside the city to photograph the “Taj Express” at speed. Electrification on this double track main extends from Delhi, a little over two miles north or New Delhi, to 13 miles south at Tuglabad, although eventual plans for extension of wires to Agra. It is a stirring sight to watch this grand steam train emerge out of the early morning mist and slam by the viewer, leaving permanent tracks in the memory.

Spending a day at Delhi Jct., just west of Delhi station out from under the wires, can experience a full day of practically nonstop meter and broad gauge steam action with WP, WL, CWD, and YP engines featured as headliners.

There is a museum of preserved Indian steam power in immaculate condition at Delhi which was opened in January 1977. One may see a tremendous variety of steam traction ranging from two-foot gauge Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway engine to monster broad gauge Garrett from the Bengal-Nagpur Railway. All the exhibits are laid out with thought to plenty of room for photography. The museum is situated near the Moti Bagh railroad bridge on Shantipath next to the Bhutan Embassy. It is closed on Mondays.

Meter gauge lines dominate the Western Railway. In this relatively dry portion of the country, camels are seen in great evidence serving as beasts of burden instead of the usual cattle hauling carts and plowing fields. Ajmer is home to a meter gauge workshop where many home-built engines were constructed and continue to be repaired.

It is worth spending a morning at Mahesana Jct. where meter gauge branch lines fan out. To the north of the station is a high bluff of land where one may photograph the passing parade of steam locals and main line expresses. The locomotives restored at the shed are kept in highly-polished condition and are a joy to photograph at the head end of passenger consists.

A 2-fott, 6-inch narrow gauge network definitely worth mentioning is located in the Western Railway’s territory. A little over 300 miles north of Bombay on the broad gauge is the town of Vadodara, a good place to locate a reasonable hotel. About 20 miles southeast of this city is Dabhoi Jct., a center of narrow gauge lines fanning out in all directions. One can count on about 20 steam powered arrivals and departures during the course of a morning. The fan is kept busy hot footing from one end of the station platform to the other. The steam locals are all in the hands of ZB class 2-6-2s built from 1928-53.

It is the policy of the Indian Railway that home-built steam locomotives have a life span of 40 years. At the end of that time the engine is inspected to evaluate whether it should be scrapped or repaired. Many engines are less than 10 years old, so it is not at all unreasonable to expect that the steam enthusiast should still be able to photograph steam activity into the 21st century providing that political situations and natural disasters don’t spoil opportunities.

Tips Concerning Railfan Visits to India – Although one usually encounters no opposition in taking pictures of rail facilities, it is best to obtain a railway photography permit issued by the Railway Board in Delhi. One must have a great deal of patience when traveling in this country as many procedures, such as customs and hotel check-ins may be long and drawn out due to volumes of paperwork.

One will need a valid passport plus the “Special Permit” to visit Darjeeling, as mentioned previously. It is also a good idea to be vaccinated against smallpox and have some form of anti-malaria protection. To avoid stomach upset, one should carry sterilizing tablets if planning on drinking the water. Keep valuables close at hand. A good 35-mm single-lens-reflex camera is worth three or four years worth of labor for the average poor worker.

North of Calcutta, a two-foot Yorkshire 2-4-0T is prepared for service on a local passenger train.


Don’t carry heavy bags. Railway porters (called “sherpas”), who can be identified by the red turbans which they wear, can be hired to tote bags on top of their heads for about 12 cents a bag. A convenient place to stow luggage while making side trips is to leave it at the “Left Luggage Office,” found at most stations. It is required that all bags be locked before a receipt is given. Then the baggage can be left for all day in a locked room for just pennies.

While the best way to tour around India is via rail, taxis can be hired at reasonable fees for side trips, but there are no rental cars available. Gas is extremely difficult to find especially in the smaller towns. For this reason the author recommends that the potential railfan visitor make use of an organized tour group, which is able to charter buses for excursions into the “bush” to flush out the rare steam “beasties.” Rail Study Tours International, 164 Maple Avenue East, Vienna, Virginia 22180 offer trips each year to this steam mecca. A British group which offers expertise in conducting tours out of London is Railway Travel & Photography, 23 Danta Way, Stafford, England ST17 OBA.

Make sure to take a full supply of film along as it is hard to get in India and when available it is usually out of date.

Handsome WD 2-8-2 in meter gauge switches while diesel departs with a passenger train


[:I] See y'all later! [:I]

[siberianmo]

G'day!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #53

Here’s something to enjoy regarding the Canadian National Railways (CNR) from a 1949 advertisement in my personal collection.

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

one of Canada’s 10 most popular VACATIONS

ENJOY the best that Canada offers. Play in the mountain-and-sea setting of the glorious West Coast (Vancouver harbor) or see the sights of her Eastern Cities: Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec, Halifax . . . You go in comfort by Canadian National, the railway to everywhere in Canada.

”East or West, we’ll show you
. . . . . . . . . . CANADA’s BEST!” . . . . . . . .

EXPLORE the snug harbors, the historic towns, the “picture places” of Canada’s Maritime Provinces (Lunenburg, Nova Scotia). The Ocean Limited, the International Limited and other Canadian National “name trains give easy access to all Eastern Canada.

BE THE GUEST of the largest railway system in North America . . . traveling happy-go-lazy to choice vacation areas . . . stopping at Canadian National resorts and big city hotels of distinction. To California and anywhere West, to New York and anywhere East, go Canadian National. “We’ll tell you where and take you there!”

. . . . . CANADIAN NATIONAL . . . . .

. . . . . THE RAILWAY TO EVERYWHERE IN CANADA . . . . .


Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)][oX)]


Those who acknowledge the other guy, get acknowledged!

[siberianmo]

G'day!

Received your Email Ted - response on the way. Thanx! [tup]

Figured I'd wait a bit until resuming our "full slate" of weekly acitvities. Still have a few of our regulars out, especially one Chief Chef [C=:-)] Nick.

However, yes - it is "Pike Perspectives Day," and I must admit to huge neglect in not moving along with my subway construction. Just a matter of motivation, I guess. Nice thing about the hobby is that it is there when one wants it. Kinda like a faithful pet. [swg]

Chris nice of you to stop in and we appreciate your endorsement! We should be so fortunate to still be up 'n running by the time you turn 21, given that your profile indicates you are a high school freshman. 'm not sure that I have that kind of endurance! [swg] You may find my thread on Classic Passenger Trains" of interest in your "learning process." [tup]

Ted I almost purchased a couple of those Doodlebugs a few years ago when Bachman had them in production (I think). But changed my mind in that what goes on my pike is most times only the cars that I have traveled in. Freight of course is the exception to the rule. When it comes to passenger model railroading, I like to be able to "relate" when I engage in operating my pike. They are indeed interesting rail cars and as mentioned, have earned a place in railroading history and lore.

Some time back I provided you with some info on those R17 HO subway cars you were inquiring about. I see where LifeLike Proto 1000 has come out with another set of Red Birds - these are close-coupled and otherwise have the same features as the sets I have. Check 'em out at www.walthers.com - but comparison shop, for you can get 'em cheaper elsewhere.

One of my all time favorite flicks was the original black & white Stalag 13 (1953)s[i] wtih William Holden, Peter Graves, Otto Preminger, etc. Great movie! The scenes with "Animal" and his fascination for [i]Betty Grable are priceless. Never got into the TV version, a bit too much nonsense for my tastes. Hated to see the Germans portrayed as complete idiots. Nasty SOB's - yes, but idiots, nope.

Later!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

Those who acknowledge the other guy, get acknowledged!

[Anonymous]

Its me again just dropping in to check the action, so to speak. Tom, it is late enough to try another Crown on for size (oooh!)[V] BTW, you have mail. Passengerfan Al has "done it again." I much appreciate another Burlington Zephyr streamliner of yore with the consist details.[tup] I was wondering how the 2 truck baggage cars "married" up with the articulated coaches? I suppose one or more of the baggage cars had one end with a "span bolster" and the other end standard truck coupling? Yes Tom, I agree the "Doodlebugs" are of a lower "order" to the varnish we so enjoy remebering here. I came to admire their "so ugly, they are cute" appearance and found them ideal for a limited space layout rather than "Shorty" Pullmans, coaches, etc. That "hybrid" model solution seemed too inaccurate a compromise for moi. Traction too serves many a Modeler's yearning for passenger operations with curves held to a minimum. And yes, the overhead wire is a time consuming installation. It isn't much fun to clean "under" either.[V] Most of my Trolley action is "in street girder rail" with the usual "pitfalls" after a derailing.[:-^] For years I have been partial to The North Shore Line (Chicago to Milwaukee) and am inclined to make those early cars the "Roster" for the proposed "El" on my Pike. This still is Wednesday isn't it (Pike Perspectives Day)?

I will be looking forward to more TO travel tips from Tom and Rob as Spring draws closer. Besides, I just like to "talk about it" from time to time.[^] I wish I could offer advise on the "photo" protocal delima. As Sergeant Schultz of Stalag 13 fame would say: "I know nussink!" Okay Boris! Thought you would get off easy today, eh? "Hit it Buddy!" BARRONG, Ahh that's music to me ears.[^] Now go play with Tex and don't paw around with Awk on the way out.[alien]. Happy rails.

[Anonymous]

Hello, minor here. I am just sticking my head in the door to tell you guys what a fine place you have... [tup] I have read your posts and learned a lot about Classic Trains You guys have a nice, orderly, down to earth place, and I admire that.

Keep up this great place, and maybe I will check back when I am 21 [swg] so I can engage in your great conversation...

Regards,

[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]

G'day Rob and whoever else may pop in!

Posting in the daylight - how novel! <grin>

Received an Email from Sir Nick - seems he is feeling a bit "uncomfortable" and will re-emerge rather soon. All's well and he's still within the IC. [tup]

They say imitation is a sincere form of flattery, so I will encourage you to continue on with the advertisements. They add quite a bit to the theme of this bar 'n grill - Classic Trains - good effort! [tup]

I have been searching 'round trying to come up with images that aren't copyrighted or so blasted difficult to use without infringements, etc. As you may already know, I respect the rights of those who initially put forth the stuff in many of my Posts - that's why I "credit" where possible. Photos on the other hand are really difficult to track down - for one may never really be sure regarding just who snapped the image. Any ideas[?]

I plan to continue on with the NOSTALGIA pieces for a bit longer - but am thinking seriously of embarking upon another course. That's where the images come in. Posting URLs are fine - however, nothing like having that image smack you between they eyes, eh[?] [swg]

Speaking of that - let's not forget about the resumption of Sunday Photo Posting Day! coming up! Sure hope we get more than "lip service," as much time has elapsed to permit our contributors to contribute! And, by the by, no one has sent me anything by Email for Posting. Doesn't look promising from that aspect ......

Later!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Morning Tom just a quick run( no trifecta ) through before I head off to work this AM. So a coffee and crumpet for me as well. [:D]

CM3 I have to mirror Tom and Ted condolences for all those effected.


I actually have read that article several times and have to say that that is some of the nicest overhead work ( modelwise that I have seen ) For myself i'll just be putting up the single and double arm supports (where required), the wire that will be strung will be "dumb" in that it's for looks not power. Much simpler for myself to wire for regular through the rail type power pick ups.

Ted The shipping programs are fairly migrane inducing. Mind you the one that the club ended up using allowed for us to make up our own waybills. So while one was reading the switch list some of the cargoe's were shall I say moderatly humourous.

Tom Good tip on TO weather in may. Normally warm 50-60's during the day can drop to parkalike conditions at night. So certainly sweaters are recomended. Now having said that, this past may was warmer than **ll. so definatly keep yer eyes on the wether channels.

I wonder if Boris could grow his sleeze beans ydroponically in the shed. Hmm, on second thought perhaps that's not a good idea, he may have the power company and the local authorities accusing him of other things.


Latter folks. Rob

[siberianmo]

G'day!

Glad I stuck around after Posting, otherwise I would have missed the morning visit by
Theodorebear Ted!

Another well composed and on-point Post to help kick off this mid-week day here at "Our" Place! [tup]

You just KNOW that Al will be bringing along his "fold out" business cards listing all of his "credentials." Question is, will the authorities permit him to ply his trade(s) in the former Dominion? Hmmmmmmm. Stay tuned as the stomach turns! [swg]

Before we know it, May will soon be upon us. Having spent more than a few spring days and nights in Toronto, my recommendation is to keep checking the weather forecasts available on the web. Many sites to choose from and several have easy conversions from Centigrade to Fahrenheit. A simple rule of thumb to make the conversion is: take the (C) temp - double it - and add 30 - that will give you "close enough" for (F). As we get closer, more "travel tips from Tom" will be available! [swg]

Later!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


Those who acknowledge the other guy, get acknowledged!

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for coffee and a crumpet.

PASSENGERFAN AL'S STREAMLINER CORNER #36

NEBRASKA ZEPHYR CB&Q Trains 11-12 inaugurated November 16, 1947 Chicago - Lincoln daily each direction 551 miles 9 hours 20 minutes.

The Burlington inaugurated the NEBRASAKA ZEPHYR on November 16, 1947 using the TRAIN OF THE GODS and TRAIN OF THE GODDESES train sets formerly assigned to TWIN ZEPHYR service. The new TWIN ZEPHYR replacements were not completed in time to replace the TRAIN OF THE GODS and TRAIN OF THE GODDESSES forcing the CB&Q to temporarily use prewar streamlined coaches, Dining cars and hevavyweight Parlor cars on the TWIN ZEPHYR route. The temporary equipment was replaced by the new VISTA DOME TWIN ZEPHYRS inaugurated December 19, 1947.
The NEBRASKA ZEPHYR consists were articulated except for new streamlined Baggage Cars built for the trains. and added in February 1948.
Power was initially a single E5A or E7A to power the NEBRASKA ZEPHYRS.

CONSIST ONE After February 1948
TRAIN OF THE GODS

9911A SILVER PILOT EMD E5A 2,000 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

907 OLYMPUS Baggage Car

961 APOLLO Articulated Auxiliary Power Baggage Bar 34-Seat Cocktail Lounge Car
4629 NEPTUNE Articulated 60-Revenue Seat Coach
4630 MARS Articulated 60-Revenue Seat Coach
4851 CUPID Articulated 56-Revenue Seat Coach 16-Seat Dinette
151 VULCAN Articulated 32-Seat Dining Car
4628 MERCURY Articulated 42-Revenue Seat Coach 5-Revenue Seat Parlor Drawing Room Car
226 JUPITER Articulated 24-Revenue Seat Parlor 10-Seat Lounge Observation

CONSIST TWO
TRAIN OF THE GODDESSES

9914A SILVER ARROW EMD E5A 2,000 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

906 ARGO Baggage Car

960 VENUS Articulated Auxiliary Power Baggage Bar 34-Seat Cocktail Lounge Car
4626 VESTA Articulated 60-Revenue Seat Coach
4627 MINERVA Articulated 60-Revenue Seat Coach
4850 PSYCHE Articulated 56-Revenue Seat Coach 16-Seat Dinette Car
150 CERES Articulated 32-Seat Dining Car
4625 DIANA Articulated 42-revenue Seat Coach 5-Revenue Seat Parlor Drawing Room
225 JUNO Articulated 24-Revenue Seat Parlor 10-Seat Lounge Observation

TTFN AL

F

[Anonymous]

Good morning everyone. I know we should be very greatful for the "one miracle" and not dwell on the tragic loss of the remaining twelve at the WV coal mine site. "The road to hell is paved with good intentions," might best describe the miscommunication and tragic misgivings of the first reports. Tom, make mine a double Crown "straight up," and a round for the bar in a toast to those couragous rescue people who "risked it all." CM3, all of us send our heart felt condolences for what has happened. How prophetic your usual sign off now seems: "work safe."

Say, Electro-Motive Division (Gen. Motors) seems to have captured the most posts lately.[tup] Not long ago, we had a splendid "break down" of the EMD 'Fs' and 'Es' followed by Rob and Tom's enlightening pieces on vintage Diesel and Gas Electrics from the E.M.D. shops. Oh yes, the two URLs in my last post were really just "ticklers" for those interested in the "soft ware" side of their modeling efforts. However, from the description I read, there may be posibilites of Cyber planning without driving a single spike to ballast. I'm in Rob's camp as to "shipping and routing."[V] It seems to me like an expensive method for engaging a migrane headache.[:O] OT Rendesvous, is that a "DYNOMITE" itenerary or what?[^] I can hardly wait to get passengerfan Al's autograph to put into his "first edition" when published.[^] Gosh, I hope real estate and or income tax data will be excluded.[(-D] Earlydiesels Dan, "cheks in the mail."[swg] Thanks for the weather "update," Nick [C=:-)] Glad your neighborhood was spared the brunt of those storms to the East.[tup]

I expect to see substantial coverage in the Mentor Village Gazette on unraveling the alleged subterfuge between The MV Second National Bank (Vito "the hit') and the MV Board of Transportation inre: Subway (Underground) ways and means prospectus. Is the proposed "Mall" still in Limbo pending Environmentalist's concerns of rending the "Black Turnip and Sleaze Bean" tract of land asunder? Phew! Can't wait for the MV Emporium Theatre to open on the Ninth.[tup] The list of Coming Attractions is awesome.[^] Gents, I would advise avoiding the "single handed" seats in the Balcony at all costs.[V] It could mean losing your deposit on that rental Tuxedo from Moish Rifkowitz' Haberdashery and Chili Parlo(u)r.[:O] Okay, it is time for yours truly to see what I've missed while composing this drivel. Happy rails all.

[siberianmo]

Good Morning!

A strange phenomenon indeed as it seems we had more activity at the bar during the holiday period than has been evident thus far. Amazing, given so many had announced they would be away until after Jan 1st. Go figure!

CM3 - Yes, the news does say it all regarding the awful set of events in WVA. No point in repeating it herein other than to simply offer condolences to those impacted by the tragic loss of life.

Astute observation of yours regarding what Wednesday's had been 'round here - we used to call it "Pike Perspectives Day," but as with so many of our endeavors, I've let it run the course of natural flow. Appreciate your input though, and I recall that article in my MRR mag - I'll have to dig it out to read it again. [tup]

Inquiring minds wlll have to wait until the next edition of The Mentor Village Gazette. However, you are on the right track - no pun intended! [swg] Appreciate the "feeder."

Many pages ago, either you or passengerfan Al provided us with a listing of those "names" applied to RDCs by the RRs operating them. Time for an ENCORE! [tup]

Thanx for the continuing contribution to our Coal Scuttle and the round! [tup]
*******************************

Okay - where are the following guys[?][%-)]

. . . barndad Doug
. . . jdonald Don
. . . Trainnut484 Russell
. . . nickinwestwales Nick

We know pwolfe Pete is in Great Britain and we know BudKarr BK is in BC/Alberta, Canada, but the rest[?] C'mon guyz, it ain't the same without ya.

Just when I get ready to complie a new listing of "who's who" at the bar, you guyz drop outta sight! I'll never get this done. [swg][%-)]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]