"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[Anonymous]

Good day one and all. Tom, one of those "Diamond Jim Brady's" T-bones has my name written all over it. Medium well, if you please. Coffee only this evening as one of these RX's causes involutary collpase of deportment if taken with spirits.[:O] I can't believe this is Saturday with so many fine posts being made from every quarter, its GRRREAT![^] As always, the Encores from previous Fallen Flags and Nostalgia hit the mark for "timeless" enjoyment and reflection.[tup] Mike, Don and John you chaps have added a new dimension to "Our" Place just as Pete, CM3 and barndad Doug did some months back. I certainly have learned from the URL referrals and down right enjoyed the clever sonnets and poems. I guess most of us have our own particular "niche" and zone of comfort pertaining to "Classic Trains." But, the willingness of our members to "dig in" and let the flood gates of new areas of expertise flow in, ahhh, that is the sign of a very healthy thread indeed.[^] Speaking as a recent involuntary absentee, I can relate to feeling "overwhelmed" at times for recognizing so many folks deserving credit for their excellent posts.[V] However, if one can just "hang in there" before you know it, you can finally get all the way to the Club Car.[:D]

As to the [#offtopic] item of the cell phone cunundrum, I can merely praphrase pretty much that which has already been submitted. Agreed, any technology is there to be used or abused in the same way as the C.B. (civilian band) came to be a haven for the depraved and mindless. I do not own a cell phone, however, on a long highway trip (alone), I would be tempted to buy one for emergencies, that's all. Pete, the "dry" wit and stinging reprimand you mentioned on the train for an errant "user" was a delight to hear. I believe Tom capsulized the situation very well.

I know we are all looking forward to Sunday Photo Posting Day tomorrow. We have had a grand preview already with several fine URL and Links today. Then there is Monday when we can interact with many a tale of holiday rail adventures from our recent or distant past. Isn't that a part of what this thread is all about, reminiscing? There are so few opportunities anymore for practical rail travel but we still have indelible memories that no amount of bureaucratic bungling can steal.

Need to do some catching up on domestic issues that have been neglected, alas, these past few days. Okay Boris, hit the "Old 99" bell and I'll BOINK...Gadfey Daniel, not the soup ladle again![:(!] Happy rails all.

[jdonald]

EveningTom-just a quick Alexander Keith and one for yourself.

Will take u up on the offer of posting pics. Meantime how do I send the pics as an attachment on the Trains.com E-Mail[banghead][?]

Been a busy afternoon-3 grandkids in hockey locally. Cold arena, no place for brass monkeys if you get my drift.

Good stuff on the CNR. Love that old logo

For pwolfe Pete Hogger is a term for the engineer(driver) , mostly used in the steam age.

[b]Tom[b/] Let me know about the E-mail either by E-mail or this site[:I]
Thanx also for the kind words.

Bye for now-Keep it on the rails

Don

[nickinwestwales]

Well happy saturday one and all,just stopped off to grab a couple of bottles on my way to the galley-veg to peel,chips to fry,steaks ( and cloven-footed commis chef ) to `tenderise` ready for all you hungry punters.
So,whats cooking tonight-
Well,top of the board we have fillet of Welsh Black stuffed with white Stilton and dressed with warm Reform sauce
Close behind we have the `American Classic`-16oz T-bone with mushrooms,onion rings & grilled tomato (N.B-for technical reasons,this dish will include a quantity of `rare` meat,regardless of degree of cooking)
Next up,12oz Sirloin with Diane or [C=:-)]`s special Cajun sauce
For big eaters we have the notorious `Mentor Mixed Grill`-6oz Rump,6oz Gammon,Lamb chops,devilled split kidneys,Cumberland ring sausage,Black Pudding slices,double fried eggs,onion rings,mushrooms,tomato ( plus a free taxi home [swg] )
To ring the changes,we also have-`Butterfly` Pork loin chops with [C=:-)]`s special Sauce Normande ( Loads of Calvados in this one,not for designated drivers )
Chicken Maryland Platter with all the trimmings (feeds two-usually...)
Paneed Duck *** with Cointreau,satsuma & sweet chilli sauce
Skate wing with Beurre Noisette sauce ( well,not everybody eats meat..)
Which reminds me,full Vegetarian menu available on request.

O.K-for those of you Barflys to lazy or drunk to crawl to a booth,tonights bar snacks are:-
Soup of the day-French Onion Gratinee with croutons ( this is REALLY difficult to do without cracking the bowl )
Mentor Pizza Sub-long bread split and used as a pizza base with full range of toppings,[C=:-)] recommends -salami,mixed peppers,olives & cornichons on a 4-cheese base.
Hot nibbles platter-Calamari,Tiger Prawns,mini Crocque Messieurs,Devils-on-horseback,onion rings,button mushrooms stuffed with Pate Maison plus a tray of dips
Cold nibbles platter-German,Italian & Danish salami,Feta cheese cubes,black & green olives,cornichons,silverskin onions,cherry tomatoes & garlic croutons, also with dip tray

Well that looks like a menu to me,so I`ll be about my business and be back to chat in a couple of hours.
P.S-for those of you who take an interest in such matters,I believe We have now acheived our 9,000th post-drinks for all,lets keep it rolling [^][^][^]
P.P.S [4:-)]TOM-R.E-daily wisdom,to quote one of your founding Fathers-"We hold these truths to be self evident"....[tup][swg].
O.K. guys,later,nick [C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

Gday Gents!

Two more visitors on what normally is a slow day - well, it's good to see ya. Pull up a stool!

John Send me whatever pix you want to Post by Email attachments. Please don't send any more than 4 at a time. I will help you through the steps regarding setting up an account, etc. for future pix Posting. Let's keep it between us by Email - no point in going through that here. Again - send 'em to me for now. Click on my cyber name - and then you'll see how to get in touch with me.

Your "entry" has been corrrected - thanx for the heads up. Just testing ya to see if you're readin' the SUMMARIES! [swg]

Pete There's an Email waitin' for ya ....

Good point on the da***o the phone booth - I never observed that either in any place I've ever lived or worked. It's nothing more than a "habit" than now has jumped to the "compulsive" stage. Something like, I bought it - I must use it. Is that logic [?] Beats me. This I do know - I can't change 'em, but I sure in heck can ignore 'em and if they get in my face, they'll know about it. (That's why VITO the hit follows me wherever I go!) [swg]

Are you implying that "Our" Place ISN'T "grand" [?][?] Claify m' boy, clarify! [V] Clever picture idea from Doug - short on words, but long on meaning, that's our newest member of the Order of the Stools! [swg]

Back to you, John - Yes we DO mind regarding being seen but not heard. Just a simple hello - greeting to the barkeep - an order or two - and perhaps even a comment surely wouldn't hurt now would it [?] Think of it this way - I started this place for people just like YOU - it never was intended to be a hang out for rivet counters, boring oracles and know-it-alls. Nope - just a bar 'n grill where the talk is primarily of Classic Trains. If you've browsed the nearly 200 pages, you've seen all kinds of "stuff," so ships are "in" too. Just be prepared to buy a round when someone finds that you are [#offtopic] - part of the bar banter, that's all. So, please don't be a stranger - we enjoy your company!

Pete and John Thanx for the rounds! Boris Ring it twice! [tup][tup]

Later guyz!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[pwolfe]

Hi tom and all.

A pint of Bathams please.

WANSWHEEL MIKE Great post and thanks for the links [tup]. The photos are excellent with some of British Railways, although he seems to have had bad luck with the trains breaking down etc. I shall go back to them again. The first photo on page 27 fits in well with well with CM3 ad for the Flying Scotsman from the 20s as it shows the L.&N.E.R.'s London terminus at King's Cross as it is today. The two locos on the left are the Class 91electrics which will work trains to Edinburgh/Glasgow or Leeds. The train on the right is one of GNER's diesel H.S.T.s which is probably working beyond the electrified line to either Aberdeen or Inverness.I think NICK will enjoy the photos too Thanks again for a great link.[tup].

JDONALD DON Great poem well worth typing Excuse my Ingnorance but what is a HOGGER[?]

BARNDAD DOUG Good photo I glad that building is not Our place is looks to grand to ever let me in[:)]. Looking forward to the photos tomorrow[tup]

TOM Thanks for the C.N.R. Encores I see that they had gotten rid of the steam locos by 1963 but stiil sounds a great line to travel.
Agree with ROB and you on the phones. I was thinking about this. In London not too long back when it seemed that most had a phone to their ear, that before they were invented you never saw people dashing from one phone booth to the next [%-)][:)]
After that I had better get a round in. Ring the bell BORIS PETE>

[jlampke]

Afternoon Tom. A round for the boyz and the usual for me, please. Sorry if I smell like
DFM (diesel fuel, marine). We're overhauling a fuel pump today, and I had to give a little OJT to some of the younger hands here. (?!#?*?#!! [censored] Don't force it, get a bigger [censored] hammer!!)

I had the same question as Don, IRT posting pictures. [%-)] I have a couple pictures of me visiting 4449 [tup] last summer at the Brooklyn Roundhouse and a couple from when they steamed her to Sherwood June 11th [tup] that I had considered showing off. As a rule, the government frowns on us sending pictures through their computer system, so I keep it to a minimum, usually.

And....... the same goes for me here as what Don said above;

"No-I haven't disappeared into the "great white north" just suffering from a lack of anything worthwhile to contribute. Have been looking in every day tho-the posts have been great Always have been a better listener than a talker!!

Well, in my case it's not the "great white north". Maybe "Davy Jones Locker" would be more applicable. In any event, there are people contributing to this site who have an amazing amount of knowledge and experience, and I envy them greatly, but this ain't Ships.com, and I don't want to lie to anyone, so I'll be mostly seen with ears (& eyes) open and mouth shut, if you don't mind.

BTW; my entry was for Dec 24th, not the 20th.

Well, back to work.........

[siberianmo]

G'day!

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

More on the Canadian National Railways of the Fallen Flags from The Official Guide of the Railways - Aug 1956 first appeared on page 112.

Canadian National Railways

Canadian National

Super Continental - Dieselized all the way

Faster daily service between

MONTREAL - OTTAWA - TORONTO - WINNIPEG - SASKATOON - EDMONTON - JASPER - VANCOUVER

No Extra Fare

Westward - Read down ..................................................Eastward - Read up
Example..........Daily ......................................................... Daily .........Example

Sunday............4 00 P.M. ..... Lv. Montreal ... E.T. .. Ar. ...5 05 P.M. .... Wednesday
Sunday............6 00 P.M. .... Ar. Ottawa........E.T....Lv......3 05 P.M. .....Wednesday
Sunday............6 10 P.M. .... Lv Ottawa.........E.T. ..Ar. ....2 50 P.M. .... Wednesday

Sunday............6 00 P.M. .... Lv. Toronto.......E.T. ..Ar. .....2 15 P.M. ... Wednesday

Monday..........10 25 P.M. ....Ar. Winnipeg.....C.T. ..Lv. .....8 20 A.M. ... Tuesday
Monday..........10 50 P.M. ... Lv. Winnipeg.....C.T. ..Ar. ....7:55 A.M. .... Tuesday
Tuesday......... 8 00 A.M. ... Ar. Saskatoon....M.T. ..Lv. ....8 50 P.M. ... Monday
Tuesday..........8 10 A.M. ....Lv. Saskatoon....M.T. ..Ar. ....8 40 P.M. ... Monday
Tuesday..........3 10 P.M. ...Ar. Edmonton......M.T. ..Lv. ...1 50 P.M. .... Monday
Tuesday..........3 25 P.M. ...Lv. Edmonton......M.T. ..Ar. ...1 35 P.M. .... Monday
Tuesday..........8:55 P.M. ...Ar. Jasper............P.T. ..Lv. ...8 15 A.M. .....Monday
Tuesday..........8 05 P.M. ...Lv. Jasper............P.T. ..Ar. .. 7 05 A.M. .....Monday
Wednesday....1 05 P.M. ....Ar. Vancouver .... P.T. ..Lv. .. 2 45 P.M. .... Sunday

Through deluxe coaches with reclining seats between Montreal and Toronto and Vancouver.
Parlor Car between Montreal and Ottawa only.
Dining Room Refreshment Lounge Car between Toronto and Winnipeg.
Coffee Shop Car between Toronto-Capreol.
............................... between Montreal-Vancouver (until May 31).
............................... between Winnipeg-Vancouver (first trip June 2).
Dining Car between Winnipeg and Vancouver.
Tourist Sleeping Cars between Montreal-Toronto and Vancouver.
Drawing room, compartment, double bedrooms, duplex roomette, lower and upper berth accommodation available in latest type standard sleepers between Montreal-Toronto and Vancouver.
Attractive lounge accommodation for standard sleeping car passengers.

NOTE: Perhaps our Canadian friends can elaborate on what appears to be discrepancies with the time zones. In current times, Saskatoon is on Central Time and Jasper is Mountain Time. Don't know why in 1956 the time zones were listed this way ... Perhaps the zone maps were different back then. Anyone know [?]

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

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

[siberianmo]

G'day again!

barndad Doug haven't seen or heard from you in a bit - hopefully you'll stick around longer when you return. Lots of stuff has been goin' on 'round here since your last visit.

For those who haven't done so, click on the pix that Doug has provided in his last Post. Who IS that guy standing in the doorway [?] [%-)][%-)] Welllllllllllll, it could be, it might be, it is - ME! [wow] And to think there once was a time when we could TRUST photographs! Recall the above comments about the "unintended consequences of technology" [?] Applies here as well. Nothing wrong with a bit of fun - of course even more rewarding when it's directed at the Proprietor!

By the by, thanx for acknowledging receipt of the "State of the Bar" Email sent to all members of the Order of the Stools.

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good afternoon one and all! I'll just help myself to a quick brew, as our propietor Tom seems to be busy exploring new buildings to expand his layout.


(Don't worry, I have my photos all set to post for tomorrow, I just couldn't wait on this one)

I'll be back to properly acknowlege all your fine posts later today!

[siberianmo]

G'day!

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

Here’s another Fallen Flag for the gang from Classic American Railroads: (first appeared on page 112)

Canadian National Railways (passenger operations)

Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec

Mileage as of 1955: 24,220

Locomotives as of 1963:

Steam: 0
Diesel: 2,125
Electric: 27

Rolling stock in 1963: Freight cars– 105,177 Passenger cars: 2,808

Principal routes in 1955:

Halifax, NS-Montreal, QC (two routes)
Halifax-Sydney, NS
St. John’s-Port aux Basques, NL (42” gauge)
Montreal-Portland, ME (via subsidiary Grand Trunk Railway in U.S.)
Montreal-New London, CT (via subsidiary Central Vermont in U.S.)
Quebec City-Montreal-Toronto-Windsor & Sarnia, ON-Detroit, MI & Chicago (via subsidiary GTW in U.S.)
Toronto-North Bay, ON
Toronto-Niagara Falls, ON
Quebec City-Winnipeg, MB
Montreal-Winnipeg
Winnipeg-Churchill, MB
Winnipeg-Duluth, MN (via subsidiary Duluth, Winnipeg & Pacific in U.S.)
Winnipeg-Vancouver, BC
Winnipeg-Regina, SK
Saskatoon, SK-Calgary, AB
Calgary-Edmonton, AB
Jasper, AB-Prince Rupert, BC

Passenger trains of note in 1955:

Super Continental (Montreal & Toronto-Vancouver)
Continental Limited (Montreal & Toronto-Vancouver)
Ocean Limited (Montreal-Halifax)
Scotian (Montreal-Halifax)
Caribou (St. John’s-Port aux Basques)
International Limited (Montreal-Toronto-Chicago)
Inter-City Limited (Montreal-Toronto-Detroit & Chicago)
Northland (Toronto-North Bay & Timmins & Kapuskasing, ON)
Maple Leaf (Toronto-Philadelphia & New York City)
Montrealer & Washingtonian (Montreal-New York City-Washington, DC)
Ambassador (Montreal-Boston)
Gull (Boston-Portland, ME-Saint John, NB-Halifax)

Of note:
Montreal & Toronto-Chicago route with GTW Detroit & Port Huron-Chicago.
Toronto-Philadelphia & New York route with Lehigh Valley, Niagara Falls, NY-New York City.
Montreal-New York City & Boston & Washington route with CV, B&M, NH and PRR.
Halifax-Boston route with CP, Maine Central and B&M.
Toronto-Timmins & Kapuskasing route with Ontario Northland Railway.

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

Mornin’ Gents!

Straight to the acknowledgments before this morning totally slips away:

trolleyboy Rob
Posted: 10 Dec 2005, 01:20:00

Thanx in advance for your offer of help on Tuesday. I’ll be back in mid to late afternoon – but of course you’ll know when you see my Post! [tup][tup][tup] Now to find someone for Wednesday – which will be an all day affair into the evening hours.

Really no need to apologize to me regarding those “bits” of humor that have been included in the daily SUMMARY for quite awhile without notice. I appreciate knowing that someone is getting a kick out of ‘em. Just is a huge disappointment to put together anything on these Forums, not just this thread, that takes time and effort, only to have it langui***hrough inattention. Makes me wonder about people – but then again, I think I know enough about the species to cast my lot with the Siberian Huskies of the world! Sorry – present company excluded. Hooooooowwwwwwwwl! [swg]

Responded to your latestEmail – nicely done and thanx! [tup]

Some people ascribe to the realities of unintended consequences of technology.” From the typewriter to the automobile to email to cell phones. It goes on and on. Someone brighter than most comes up with a terrific idea – an invention if you will – and it gets widely accepted. Then, the march of the idiots takes place, whereby the actual intention of the use gets proliferated beyond belief. Just try and have a “civil” discussion with an idiot who thinks it is their divine right to be “connected” by phone at all times – restaurants, Church, funerals and aboard trains. [yeah] I’m the jerk who cannot and will not tolerate rudeness in any shape or form. But then again, those of you who “know” me from this cyber site already know that! [swg] Okay, Boris you can stop “grooming” Tex the Armadillo for a second and ring the bell for my being [#offtopic] [swg]

wanswheel Mike
Posted: 10 Dec 2005, 08:20:06

Really appreciate the inside scoop on the Vemonter – have to admit it is much more plausible than the anecdotal stuff I’ve heard over the years. Those Customs fees and delays at the border has really killed off the cross border rail travel. I’m surprised that the Seattle-Vancouver run hasn’t bitten the dust because of it. And people insist on blaming Amtrak. Never before has a transportation entity been so widely disparaged by the public, many of whom can’t even spell the name right much less speak with factual information! And of course we all know that Amtrak doesn’t “stand” for a thing – but then again, we ALL don’t know that, do we [?] [swg]

Anyway, your insights and knowledge of many subjects broached here at the bar is amazing. Keep it up, Mate – you’re doin’ just fine! [tup][tup][tup]

Enjoyed the photo spread URL, aside from the “slant” the author put on ‘em that is. Happens. Some guys didn’t have very many toys when they were kids and use these Forums and others somewhat in that manner. Hey – I could be accused of that! I HAD toys – many, believe me! Lionel O-27 freight and passenger trains from the 40’s. I’m sane – sane I tell you! [swg]

Funny how Phoebe Snow popped into my mind when reading CM3’s always interesting Post. Trains named for the ladies … great stuff! Where are you Nick – you could enlighten these new guys a bit with regard to the origin of the names for our gals at ”Our” Place sans Cindy that is! She’s mine, mine, mine – mine I tell ya – mine! Ooooooops, I gotta take my meds. [swg]

jdonald Don
Posted: 10 Dec 2005, 08:54:54

As Posted earlier – very happy to have you back with us. A bit of advice from the barkeep, owner and overseer for life of ”Our” Place – Never, ever, but never, ever think that you can or should only Post when you have something “interesting” to say. Some of our most enjoyable, humorous and otherwise entertaining Posts have come “straight from the lip,” so forget that notion, Mate! [swg]

That extremely well done poem you offered up for ftwNSengineer P is “right on.” As a matter of fact, get your typing fingers ready to go for some more, as that’s the kind of stuff our Monday 8th Month Anniversary Christmas holiday RR travel Posts should be about. <phew> Good stuff, indeed.


Finally, to those of you who have bought rounds for the house without receiving an acknowledgment – my apologies and a profound THANX to all! Boris Ring the bell and buy those most generous and thoughtful of group a round! [tup][tup][tup]


Later!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]



ANNOYING REMINDERS, especially for those who Post only once per day or on occasion:

(1) Check to see if you are getting the MOST CURRENT info before Posting.
(2) Check to see if anyone has Posted during the time yours was being prepared.
(3) Stick around a few minutes after Posting, just to ensure that someone may want to “talk” to you or has Posted.
(4) It’s a long wait until your next visit and perhaps by then some pertinent info directed your way will be missed.

[siberianmo]

Good Mornin" Gang!

I see that there are some Posts to respond to, however, in the interest of expediency - this Post is directed to jdonald Don - [#welcome] Back! Seems to always happen 'round here - talk about a member of the Legion of the Lost and they return! (well not all of the time ...) Anyway, great having you back and speaking for the gang, we hope you stick around longer this time.

Now, regarding those pix Posting instructions: I sent you an Email and will be happy to accommodate your request for help. Best to keep that stuff off the thread - gets involved and the responses sometimes take longer than perhaps one wishes.

Okay - check your incoming!

I'll get to the acknowledgments in a bit .......

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[jdonald]

Mornin Tom and all. How about a coffee black and toasted bagel. Something for yourself too if you so desire.

No-I haven't disappeared into the "great white north" just suffering from a lack of anything worthwhile to contribute. [V] Have been looking in every day tho-the posts have been great[:)] Always have been a better listener than a talker!!
Thanx for your concern.

aaaaanyway(thats something like whateeeeeever) since the Christmas season is upon us here is a little poem well maybe not so little that I found
(will probably take the rest of the day to type it)


RED

Twas Christmas eve in the Winderemere,
Forty below --bright and clear,
The night he left our head-end shack,
Without a hat or coat to his back.

I,ll tell the story if I can,
'Bout this tall red-headed man,
Who walked from Parson to Harrogate,
The night the train was four hours late.

Twas bitterly cold as I said before,
Forty below, and then some more,
But we galloped along with half a train,
Forty-five empties going back for grain.

Twas Lacey who thought of the boys up ahead,
And with a generous look he turned to Red,
"There's a shot of rum in the locker there,
Take it up to the Engineer".

So Red climbed down without hat or coat,
(Twas a cold winters night, this fact you must note)
And ran up ahead to the water tank
Plunging through many a snowy bank.

"Merry Christmas up there, old timer Mack,
Pat that old Hog over the back,
This shot of rum will do the Deed,
'Twill put neew life in your old iron steed."

"Hello down there, is that you, Red?
Merry Christmas yourself," The Hogger said.
"I'll never forget you in my dreams."
(And proceeded to forget right then it seems).

She coughed and spluttered, then held her feet,
And rushed those cars by Red so neat,
Right then it happened--"Twas one fell blow
When we left Red standing knee-deep in the snow.

A storm came up, as the miles flew by,
And colder it got, not a star in the sky,
But we galloped along through the frost night--
Not a thought of Red and his pitiful plight.

Soon, perchance, we had switching to do,
Some cars on ahead for a tie-making crew;
"Where's Red?" says Lacey--"Dam'f I know,
When I saw him last he was wading in snow."

The thought flashed quickly--the mistake we'd made
We had opened her up, as if making a grade,
And pulled that train by Red so quick,
(We had admit to a very mean trick).

The boys got busy and hung up the phone,
The dispatcher had answered in a very hard tone,
"Go back with your engine as quick as you can,
And keep on going till you pick up your man!"

So we backed her up that Christmas morn,
We were all half frozen, and very forlorn
And wondered what the "Super" would say,
And if we'd all get fired next day.

"My God," says Lacey, "There's a brakemans's light,
ease up on her,
Mack, its Red alright".
He'd walked eleven miles to Harrogate,
That's why the train was four hours late.

F.W. Mackenrot
(1876-1938)
Hogger, C.P.R.

[zzz]Whew!

BTW - can anybody take a couple of hours to explain to me how to post picktures on the Sunday posting[?]

Bye for now. Keep it on the rails.
Don

,

[wanswheel]

Good morning Tom and everyone, a <light> Break.... fast

Saturday is encore day right? So I can repeat myself. You can say that again.
Yup, bootlegger it was. Montreal was the big city of Canada in Prohibition days.
Probably 1933 didn't seem that long ago to the old-timers riding the train in the 1950s.
It was the B&M that petitioned to be relieved of passenger service in 1966, which killed the original Montrealer, and B&M seems to be the culprit again in 1987, when Amtrak condemned the tracks as unsafe. The Montrealer went out of commission for 2 years, until it was re-routed to New London in 1989. Meanwhile there was a suit about Amtrak's eminant domain to seize B&M tracks and hand them over to CV for proper maintenance. It went to the Supreme Court. The Soliticer General representing the government then is current Chief Justice John Roberts.
http://www.bna.com/webwatch/sg900109.htm
http://www.trainnet.org/libraries/lib003/mtr_trip.txt <---travelogue on Montrealer just before discontinuence in 1995. Amtrak blamed the $1million annual expense of customs inspections and crew changes at the border, too high fees for use of Central Station, and the old heritage sleepers with no holding tanks for the sewage may have had something to do with it according to: http://trains.com/content/dynamic/articles/000/000/001/286qkipy.asp Amtrak kept the rival Adirondack train, on the NYC and D&H tracks, on the grounds that having fewer passengers than the Montrealer made that train more economical to run.
Here's a great url that I would give 3 thumbs up to if I had more than 2 thumbs.
Lots of color pictures of classic trains on 28 fast pages (it opens to page 26 for the shot of the Montrealer at Palmer): http://www.trainweb.org/crocon/goodenow/photos26.html <---[tup][tdn][?]
http://www.trainweb.org/crocon/goodenow/index.html <---index of Ron Goodenow's excellent pix
Another train named for a lady:
http://www.crisny.org/not-for-profit/railroad/cr_hist.htm#phoebe

[siberianmo]

SATURDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

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

Good Morning!

Today is ENCORE! Day. Posts from the past are welcome.


Daily Wisdom:

The saloon keeper loves a drunk, but not as his son-in-law.


Info for the Day:

(1) CONTEST:
What date (time optional) will ”Our” Place reach the next plateau – page 200 [?] BONUS question: WHO will be the one to “turn the page” [?]

Participants . . . . . . Date chosen . . . . (Bonus) Who will put us over the top [?]
(in order of participation)
pwolfe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 20th . . . . . . . . . .siberianmo Tom
trolleyboy Rob . . . . . . . . . Dec 18th (12:05 PM) . siberianmo Tom
coalminer3 CM3 . . . . . . . .Dec 18th. . . . . . . . . . siberianmo Tom
barndad Doug . . . . . . . . . Dec 22nd . . . . . . . . . none
nickinwestwales Nick . . . .Dec 27th . . . . . . . . . .trolleyboy Rob
ftwNSengineer P . . . . . . . Dec 23rd . . . . . . . . . .trolleyboy Rob
jlampke John . . . . . . . . . Dec 24th (noon) . . . . . siberianmo Tom

CONTEST CLOSED!

(2) MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

This coming Monday, December 12th represents the 8th Month Anniversary of ”Our” Place! An appropriate way to celebrate our “founding day” is to Post information relating to travel by rail during the Christmas holiday season!

(3) Monday Index to be suspended after Monday, Dec 12th, due to time constraints on yours truly and questionable utility for our customers.

(4) An idea regarding the maintenance of telephone numbers for our members was Posted yesterday by the Proprietor. See my 08 Dec 2005, 11:55:10 Post. Anyone wishing to participate may communicate with me by Email.


SUMMARY

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

(1) jlampke John Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 00:13:32 (186) He’s baaaaaaack!

(2) wanswheel Mike Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 00:29:32 (186)

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 05:47:29 (186) Friday’s Info & Summary

(4) ftwNSengineer P Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 06:22:36 (186)

(5) passengerfan Al Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 07:49:58 (186)

(6) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 08:45:06 (186)

(7) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 09:05:50 (186) He’s baaaaaaaaack!

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 11:01:05 (186) Acknowledgments, etc.

(9) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 12:06:37 (186) Inclusive Post, etc.

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 12:45:15 (I86) NOSTALGIA #41 – Ad – Glacier Nati’l Park

(11) siberianmo Tom Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 13:24:15 (186) reply to trolleyboy, etc.

(12) pwolfe Pete Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 17:56:20 (186) Inclusive Post, etc.

(13) passengerfan Al Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 19:15:56 (186)

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 19:37:41 (186) Acknowledgments, etc.

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

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

[trolleyboy]

Evening Leon. You're looking more dapper than usual. Must be the festive green and red suspenders. I'll ring up a tab for those remaining a round of what they wish sir.

Tom Your welcome for the E unit info, but don't take my word as strictly gosple on it , I'm sure that some of the others will be able to add to it

I should be able to help you out on Tuesday at the moment it's a day off, I do have to take an ailing car in for a bit of work that day but I'm sure that I can come up with a few bon mots for tuesday. Wed I'm working a crazy shift so it will be my usual graveyard shift post.

I'm sorry that I failed to mention your " thot's " of the day,if it helps I've giggled as I have read most of them,[:I]


Pete isn'[t it funny as to how rude cell phone people seem to lurk everywhere nowadays. I'm one of those mutant people that does not own one. I figure if I'm not home, that's what the answering machine is for,nothings that earth shaking that one can't do without a phone for a few hours.I've noticed ads in some travel agensies around here advertising trips in which the use of cell phones are not allowed, you have one they won't book you on that tour group, A small oasis for those of us who can't stand rude people.[tup][tup]


John Nice to see you a couple times a day. [tup] It's funny, you wanted to be a train crewman but ended up in the navy. I wanted to join the RCN but became a store manager and volenteer at a rail museum as a crewman. An extreme lack of ships and the fact that I don't swim real well nesessitated my not following the career of choice. I do have freinds in our navy so I live my dream through them. Ones a LCMDR on shore at the moment, as his ship was retired he is awaiting a new posting. My other friend is the leading ping wizard on HMCS Halifax .


Well folks I'm away for now.

Rob

[siberianmo]

Boris Ring it loud - drinks on me before I check out for the nite!

I see John made it back to the bar - hope this is the start of somethin' good! [tup] Let me try and address your comments and questions -

Good song selections in this and your last Post ....

Click on my cyber name (left margin) then go to my photo site with RailImages - take some time with the pix and you'll find the Can-Am layout, Polar Express shelf system and S-Capades, along with all kinds of other RR related pix.

On page one of this thead we had our contest to select the "official" site for "Our" Place - then it was suggested to make the signature photo one that depicts the era of "Classic Trains," so the bar was shot again, but with "period" auto's and loco's in the background. So, yes - there are several assortments of cars parked out front and loco's in the rear. The official pix is the one appearing at the bottom of the daily Summary.

I spent 14 years as a radio operator and in my day we were trained as techs as well. Anyway, you aree absolutely correct - right thing at the right time for me as well.

Served aboard a vessel with high powered steam and always thought the BT's were a crazy bunch indeed. Good shipmates, but - well, just on the "different" side. [swg] Then again, I can imagine what they thought of the ditty-dum-dum-ditty guys up in the radio shack. [swg]

Cindy is mine, mine, mine - mine I tell you - mine. But alas, she has a "thing" for Nick must be the Chief Chef [C=:-)] uniform! [swg] Sharing [?] Not on your life!

Back to the layouts - my primary layout is HO and is situated in my trainroom. I call the layout Can-Am for reasons that will be obivous when you view it. The Lionel Polar Express is an 0-gauge run fashioned after the movie. Was a lot of fun constructing it. The S-Capades is S-gauge and was made on a foam board base constructed to raise up into the rafters of my basement storage room. Again, the pix will walk you through it all. Enjoy!

Okay boyz - Leon the Night Man has the bar!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[jlampke]

Afternoon Tom. A round for yourself & the gang and I'll take the usual, please, and for Herr Wurlitzer how about Sailing (Christopher Cross) Brandy (Looking Glass) My Maria (B.W.Stevenson) & Durham Town (Roger Whittaker)?

BTW,P; going back, I wouldn't have minded spending Thanksgiving Day watching those two silver rails. Not one bit. [tup] I guess it's always going to look a little more interesting from the other side though...... When I was a kid, you are what I wanted to be. [^] Really. But, I joined the Navy and the rest is history. [banghead]

Tom; My last minute submission to the contest is that you will hit 200 at noon on the 24th.

Our Place. Is that a part of your layout? [?] What's the scale? Also, if I'm not mistaken, it seems like I've seen a couple different pictures of it with the vehicles and people out front changed around. (Customers comin' and goin') Is that correct? Or are they ex-Amtrak exect's looking for a new line of work?

Well, when I joined in the '70's, we had regular old mail and on occasion we were allowed to make calls via the ship's radio to a HAM operator ashore. Had to say "over" after each sentence, and all that. As you pointed out, no phones and e-mail. Now it's taken for granted out here. And you're right; There aren't as many Radiomen out here anymore. Well, I know the feeling. I began my career as a Boiler Technician. [xx(] Any room left in those pits? [?] Almost 50 years? [?] Well, it's a different animal these days. Some changes have been good, and some, political correctness for example, are infuriating. Like you, I have no doubt it was the right thing at the right time, for me.

I'm not sure I understood you correctly...... You and Nick are sharing the car or the girl? [?] [}:)] [:O] Reminds me of the dayz when Subic was still in operation! [:-,] [tup]

Mike; Interesting item on the life of H. Thorton. What a life. Makes mine seem so boring by comparison. [zzz]

Ted; Glad to see that you're up and about. As they say: That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Well boyz, thanks for making me feel welcome. [:)] [:)] [:)]

John

[siberianmo]

G'day!

Just a comment or two for pwolfe Pete and anyone who happens to be peering in tonight.

I can always count on you to catch something that I had thought would have attracted some attention. Those little "one liners" that have appeared in the daily SUMMARY since Nov 25th apparently have escaped comment until you recognized them. Now called Daily Wisdom the intent was to start the day with a smile. After awhile mine turned to a grimmace when I realized no one - absolutely no one made any comment at all. Thanx to you, the smile has returned! [swg] [tup]

If it wasn't for one thing, we could surely arrange for a great time at your place, as "Our" Place descends upon Rugby! The one thing [?] Money! Always an annoying obstacle, eh [?] The way things are going these days with the airlines, one may have to take out a 2nd mortgage just to fund a long distance flight! <good grief>

Good link - makes me want to book a trip straight away! [tup]

Very interesting comments that you've made regarding the Posts of others. You, Sir, should run this idea of Inclusive Posts for you surely have the knack! [tup][tup][tup]

Had to grin regarding that story about the cell phone user. Just a difference in England's English and that of the U.S. Pehaps we both need one of those translation books you mentioned in a recent Email! Speaking of which, I'll have one for you before our KCity trip. Watch for it over the weekend, or definitely on Monday.

Steaks are all set to go - just tell any one of our gals what you'd like (from the kitchen!) and they'll take care of you!

Hey Al good to see you this evening! I've never been to Glacier National Park and from what I've been reading, before too very long, there won't be any glaciers left. And we have those who contend that the planet isn't warming! If not, what in blazes is happening to the ice [?] But, the idea is to envision how wonderful a trip through that area on board a GN train must have been. Ahhhhhhhhhh. [swg]

Good scoop on those steam generators and as always, I'm learning so much at this bar, that I just may become a rail aficioinado myself! [swg]

Okay, I'm gonna stick around for awhile ... so whatillyahave [?]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[passengerfan]

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

Tom Great Northern and Glacier National Park what more could one want.

Tom when I was writting about the steam generators this AM i remembered something else about a different use for one on the Santa Fe so spent some time looking it up.
Sure enough the Santa Fe converted at least one baggage car into a steam generator equipped car but instead of using it to supply passenger cars with steam heat the Santa Fe had downward facing jets of steam for cleaning the ballast. Apparently it worked quite well. I should also mention that those Union Pacific Baggage Car equipped with steam generators were4 easy to spot as the end the steam gebnerator was installed in was also fitted with a six wheel truck while the other end with the baggage compartment retained its four wheel truck.. I have the informationj somewhere on these oddities as to car numbers and numbers of cars converted will have to spend some time looking.
It might also be noted that the NP equipped their passenger B units with large steam generators and thus the first baggage car behingd the power was a water baggage with 6,000 gallon water tanks for the steam generators located in the power units.

TTFN AL

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all

A pint of Bathams and is the Plaice and Chips I left last night still out the back. [?]
Great night at the bar Good food Fine ale great music and a busy time .

[#welcome] back TED and JOHN.

Thanks ROB CM3 and AL for answering the steam heat question. I cannot recall ever reading about its introduction in the U.K. The Midland Railway had some American cars about the time it was introduced over here so they may have been the first over there.
In the days before steam heat, I have seen a very old photo of a station where, on the platform, was a barrow with some footwarmers on. These were made of metal and contained a chemical which gave off heat. When they grew cold a good shake produced a bit more heat. These could be changed at stations for a new one, no doubt for a fee.

NICK the Irish diesel loco in the photo looks like a 071 class I think of GM origin. These took over from the smaller classes and worked the principle passenger trains until the 200 River class were introduced. They still may be used for the Rosslare trains today but I am not sure about that. By the way is the Bathams XXX ready this year yet [^]

JOHN thanks for the info on Kennett and the Submerged tunnel.

WANSWHEEL MIKE Great posts on Charles M Hayes and Sir Henry Thornton. It is Quite possible that Sir Henry when with the Great Eastern that he wasresponsible for the introduction of what became known as the JAZZ trains into and out from London's Liverpool St. station for the commuters into the City. It got the Nickname for the Bright colors on the cars used to donate class etc. At the time it was known as the most intense STEAM worked system in the world during the rush-hours. By the time the passengers had boarded or got off, the loco which had brought the train in had been un- coupled and the outbound loco coupled and ready to go. The locos were tank engines of the 0-6-2 wheel arrangement. One of the N7 type still exists and as been recently overhauled and can be seen in steam on the North Norfolk Railway not too far from Norwich U.K.

CM3 Its amazing how certain locos are elusive.Your post brought to mind in the 60s I was one a visit to some of the loco sheds in the Liverpool area. One of the older lads just wanted one of Stanier's Class 5 locos to have seen them all. There were 842 locos
in the class and they could be found from the the North of Scotland to the South coast of England with the locos not usually straying too far from their home shed. Any way the lad said he was not going on the trip as the loco he wanted was not allocated near any of the sheds we were visiting. But sure enough there the loco was, miles from home, his great rival, who was with us.( who also wanted one of the class) was so delighted at his friend misfortune that at the next shop, our tour got to, he bought us all an ice-cream.
Happy Days.

Great ad on the L&NER from the 30s although the LNER would not I would have thought to be the first choice of getting to Stratford upon Avon although there were throgh coaches that went via the Great Central route.

TOM Thanks for the Nostalgia It would be good to have a gathering over the pond [yeah][wow]. I think the neighbourhood could survive it . Pehaps one year the bar could go on one of the Railway Preservaton Society of Ireland's three-day steam tours which usually takes place in May of each year. Perhaps this link may be useful
http://www.rpsi-online.org/
Really enjoying the Daily Wisdoms[tup]

On mobile phones On one railtour we were on, one guy was either ringing up or being called it seemed like every half hour or so. All his conversation(in a loud voice) seemed to be where the train was. After quite a few calls it rang again and as he answered it, half our car yelled out PASSING CREWE at which, with a face like thunder, he went in to the vestible but at least we got some peace after that.
Another pint please and can you put me down for a steak for later PETE>

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents,

Only because I'm still on line and only because I'm trying to keep a leg up on the Posts is the reason for this acknoweldgment ....

Sir Rob! Nice to see ya during daylight and I hope your return to some normalcy with regard to work, play and sleep is not too far off. [tup]

Thanx for the scoop on the EMD's. As you already are aware, I'm a fan of the E8's, but now that you've clarified the difference between them and the 7's, heck I can "dig" ' em too! [swg]
---------------------------------------------------------

I see jlampke peeking in again. Must have let him topside for some fresh sea air! [swg] You just don't know how much I miss that.

I digress - I earnestly "petitioned" a Canadian friend for a chance to travel up north into the ice aboard his ship. In the USCG (and I don't know if this is still done) on occasion we'd take retired guys along on our patrols. In "my day" the trips were well over a month in duration and could be longer depending on SAR (search & rescue) calls. They were all rather routine in terms of excitement.

Sitting out on Ocean Station in a make believe grid system off the coast of Labrador - Greenland -the Grand Banks or south of Bermuda wasn't always the most exciting thing to do. Anyway, the retirees ate it up. Why [?] Because they missed their sea going days. I surely thought they had a screw loose - but now, I fully understand where they were coming from.

Anyway, apparently the CCG doesn't have the same policy - of course it's not a military organization and therefore gets all tied up in knots over things like the POTENTIAL for law suits should someone get hurt, etc., etc. Sure would love to take a month or so and revisit the Arctic. Oh well ........ can always buy a DVD! [swg]
---------------------------------------------------------------

Ah yes, something for all who help keep this place functioning:

I will need some HELP on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Tuesday I'll be gone for most of the daylight hours. Wednesday, all day into the evening. So, what I'd like to see are some guys who will keep the place movin' forward - spread out the Posts and keep us up on the page. Any takers [?] Please don't volunteer unless you mean it - not a good thing to depend on someone who doesn't follow through.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also I sent an Email to all members of our Order of the Stools on Monday of this week on "The State of the Bar." Following that, I requested an acknowledgment here on the thread on three separate occasions. Only four have done so. Not reading [?] Seems like it. C'mon guys, how hard is it to simply let me know that you received my message [?]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, what's going on with West Coast S Dave, Trainnut484 Russell and earlydiesels Dan [?] No responses to direct questions and haven't seen hide nor hair for awhille. Hope you three can participate on Monday's Posts for our 8th Month Anniversary. Of course, if you haven't been reading the SUMMARIES .... oh well. <exasperated> That's me! Kinda like trying to get all of the Lions into the center ring when you discover they are all male, and the females are hanging around somewhere else! [swg]

See y'all later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #41

Here’s something to enjoy regarding the GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY in a 1949 advertisement from my private collection:

. . . . . Glacier National Park . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IN THE MONTANA ROCKIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

HIKE on high trails.

RIDE to ancient glaciers.

SEE snowclad mountains.

FISH in great trout waters.

TOUR in open top motor coaches.

EAT and sleep in fine hotels.

ON THE MAIN LINE OF THE GREAT NORTHERN

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


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)][oX)]

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

[trolleyboy]

Afternoon Tom I'll grab a sandwich platter and a thermous of coffee to go as I'm soon away to work ( have the 2-11 this weekend )On the upside only two more weeks of insanity,then i can give the rat's patoot room a break[:D]

John Glad to have you back,guess i'll out my lunch on your tab from last night since I was in the not eating or drinking mode at that point.

Wonderfull info and recollections from cali. Reading the stories of how Kennet became an Atlantislike town after the daming brings another similar tale to memory.

When the St lawrence seaway was built in the 50's many small Quebec towns were closed down and flooded for the channels and spillways of the canal. This was also the main reason for the Montreal and Southern Counties interurban to bow out in 1956 . The victoria bridge was removed for the canal construction and a good third of their ROW and a couple of the samll towns they served were in the flood zone.


CM3 I'm glad I'm not the only anti cell phomne person out there. Try trying to help someone in the store and have them interupted repaetedly by the &%78#@ things. Height of rudness eh Tom? Great info on the Flying scotsman as well[tup]


Mike What can i say another fine fine post chock full o railroady goodness. I'm guessing that the letter you posted at the end was directed to your dad ?

Ted You old sea dog you glad that you've made it some of the way back. I was almost at my "Witt's end" LOL with trying to keep Boris and tex on the strait anfd narrow wilst you were away. You have several daze worth of sloppy Boris and tex kisses owed to you and they are more than willing to give them to you[:X][:0][:D]


Al Thanks for the coroberation on the steam generators. Yeah for me I do pay attention to your teachings and retain them. amazing for on of my advanced age[;)]

Tom Though not directed at me I'll make astab at your E unit question. Main differences I can rcollect E7's square windows E 8's had portholes. Both IIRC had the same dimensions and powerplants.


Have a good afternoon folks.

Rob

[siberianmo]

Mornin’ Gents!

This appears to have the makin’s of the good ole days (daze) when the Posts came fast ‘n furious and I provided them all with the SUMMARY. Glad that’s been changed! However, simply to acknowledge ‘em all takes considerable time – but then those of you who regularly submit Inclusive Posts already know that! [tup]

First order of business is a [#welcome] Back to our Manager Theodorebear Ted! Perhaps not up to 100%, but here with us nonetheless. You were missed and there’s plenty of time for catch up – the important thing is to know you are up ‘n about and ‘functioning.’ [swg]

Second is to recognize the return of jlampke John to the bar! [#welcome] Back to you too! Just when we were getting used to seein’ ya ‘round here, you disappeared on us. Well, we respect your right to come ‘n go as you please – but we are pleased that you chose to return. [tup]

Third is to mention the disappointment many of us have regarding the apparent “loss” of jdonald Don as a contributing customer. Again, the reasons are his, but we also enjoyed his presence amongst us. We won’t be “bugging” you further, but we do hope you’ll return.

Fourth, a couple of you have picked up on the telephone list idea that I mentioned yesterday. Again, those numbers will remain with me and will not be released unless you authorize it. The purpose is simply to have another means to communicate with those who fall into the long-term absences, such as the ones experienced with our friend in Montreal some months back.

Fifth, the CONTEST closes today! So, there is still time to participate – just keep in mind that duplicate choices means you are conceding to the guy who picked that date first.

Last, time to acknowledge you guys (guyz) who have Posted!

trolleyboy Rob
Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 22:35:28

I can always count on you and Pete to make comment on my NOSTALGIA pieces on a regular basis. Sometimes it is almost like my other thread on this Forum, where I post ‘em and that’s that ….. depressing. So, thanx for the thanx! [tup][tup]

Received your Email and responded this AM – appreciate it! [tup]

jlampke John
Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 00:13:32

Again, [#welcome] Back! Given that you are at sea, isn’t it just amazing how the technology has changed over the years [?] In “my day” things like Email – computers – clear as crystal voice comms – and instant messaging were unheard of. The radio shacks were equipped to handle continuous wave (CW) communications (dots & dashes for those who have no clue) and voice. That’s it. Later came the radio teletype, and then the rapid emergence of technology that forced so many of my compatriots into the tar pits. Anyway, good to have you back and we’re happy that you’ve taken the time to catch up.

You want to feel really like a kid [?] Your talk of 30 years since you enlisted brings to mind that it has been over 49 years since I did! Best thing that ever happened to me, for nothing else in my adult life could have happened without that first sensible choice made back in 1956. A bit of personal revelation: E-1 thru E-7; W-1 & W-2; O-1 thru O-5 – all in a mere 32 years! “Rate grabber, I.” [swg]

Thanx for the drinks and don’t worry about the “tab,” we’ve arranged for an allotment to be deposited in our account with the 2nd National Bank of Mentor Village. You don’t want to know what happened to the 1st … [swg]

The Corvette belongs to “my gal” Cindy – sometimes reluctantly “shared” with Nick – but that’s ‘nother story! Anyway, she leaves it parked there as a bit of of “class” for the passers by. My oh my, aren’t they fooled once they amble in [?]! [swg]

Never have figured you ‘snipes’ out with your love of the engineroom – but then again, I’m sure you all have your questions regarding the ‘deck apes’ and the like, dontcha [?]

wanswheel Mike
Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 00:29:32

What a great URL – a bit of a wait for the ‘finishing touch,’ but well worth it. Good job! [tup][tup][tup]

You, Sir, have quickly become one of our more dependable and very much appreciated of customers. Great sense of humor with all kinds of relevance to the purpose of our thread – the discussion of Classic Trains. Very pleased that you took me up on the offer to ‘stop by.’ Addictive, isn’t it [?] [swg] Gotcha!

Good stuff on the Central Vermont Most educational reading, fer sure, fer sure. Thanx! [tup][tup]

For all the times I’ve been in Montreal’s Central Station waiting to board the “Ocean” to Halifax, I always wonder about the Amtrak’s “Vermonter” having it’s last stop in St. Albans, VT on the way from WashDC.

I’ve heard a couple of reasons why, but the one heard most is that the right-of-way between St. Albans and Montreal was sold off, thereby curtailing the direct service. Is that true [?] It’s a common occurrence with railroads, especially those accommodating passenger carriers. The train once called the “Atlantic” that ran between Montreal and Halifax was discontinued for a couple of reasons, but the major one had to do with the selling off of track in Maine, the route followed by that particular VIA Rail train. Fortunately, the “Ocean” remains a viable alternative – a train with over a 100 year continuing history in Canadian railroading.

ftwNSengineer P
Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 06:22:36

Let’s see, a thermos full of “free” coffee will cost ya five bucks! And if you can get Leon the Night Man to wake from his slumber to do it, “You’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din!” (Rudyard Kipling) [swg] Boris will help you with that. [swg]

Ah, the working man departeth! You don’t know this – yet – but one day when retired and wondering what day of the week it is – you may find yourself longing for those work days (daze) once again. Hard to imagine right now, but it happens!

We’ll keep your RED stool safe ‘n sound for ya, until you get back. Only thing is, one of our gals seems to have taken a likin’ to it. She’s the red head – know who I’m referring to [?] [swg]

Thanx for the track plans – interesting stuff, especially that last one. [tup]

By the by – didn’t catch that “greeting” for the barkeep this AM. We’re going to have to figure out a way – perhaps it IS time for VITO THE HIT to pay you a call.

passengerfan Al
Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 07:49:58

Good to see ya this fine day; missed yesterday, eh [?] No problem, we still rang up a round on your tab! [swg] Old habits are hard to break!

Good stuff on those steam generators and of course your continuing Streamliner info …..

So, tell me – what’s the most significant detail difference between an EMD E7A and and E8A [?]

coalminer3 CM3
Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 08:45:06

There’s absolutely nothing quite like a trip to the Rat’s Patoot Room to cure what ails ya – especially given the situation you described. ‘Round here road rage is the “norm” for so many, really a problem. I recall pulling some jerk over as he was flailing his arms about and giving the one finger salute to the cars on either side of him, all the while exceeding the speed limit by at least 15 mph in AM rush hour traffic – he was so busy with that, he didn’t see the flashing lights or hear the siren behind him. Takes all kinds ……

Glad you are with us this fine day and hope that whatever it was you had planned, if in your best interests can be rescheduled. Otherwise, the “halibut!” [swg]

As always, a fine Post chock full of something for everyone! Appreciate the time and effort you put into these submissions. Sometimes it’s rather easy simply to gloss over long Posts – but not for me. If I can’t get ‘em right away, I surely do later on. After all, it IS someone else’s effort just for US, isn’t it [?]

Departing from my “norm,” I’m going to take you up on that drink, along with the round for the house. Just feel like a bit of Southern Comfort on the rocks – just a touch, of course! Oh [yeah] quarters are much appreciated too. [tup][tup]

I can say that I was in Havana, Cuba in 1957. Was a poor sailor, pocket change and hardly any prospects for anything more. From what I recall, that city wasn’t for the “likes of me,” the “good stuff” required big bucks and plenty of ‘em. Sea cruises [?] Not for me – I’ll take the cross-Canada VIA Rail instead! [swg]

Theodorebear Ted
Posted: 09 Dec 2005, 09:05:50

And now – to our esteemed member of the Order of the Permanent Stools – [#welcome] Back (again)! [swg]

Take your time with the catch up – and perhaps some browsing of the Summaries will help, especially when trying to figure out who has been here and how often. On and off again for a few, but the “mainstays” have kept it together.

Prune Danish it is <gulp> and a cuppa ……. No charge!

Oh [yeah] you can still participate in our CONTEST – entries accepted all day! Just try to avoid picking the same date as someone else, for the first one with the correct answer wins.

We’re looking forward to a productive day on Monday for our 8th Month Anniversary and the Posting of the Christmas and holiday RR travels. [tup]


Later <phew>!


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]



REMINDERS, especially for those who Post only once per day or on occasion:

(1) Check to see if you are getting the MOST CURRENT info before Posting.
(2) Check to see if anyone has Posted during the time yours was being prepared.
(3) Stick around a few minutes after Posting, just to ensure that someone may want to “talk” to you or has Posted.
(4) It’s a long wait until your next visit and perhaps by then some pertinent info directed your way will be missed.

[Anonymous]

"The reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated." (Mark Twain) Mornin Tom, I think I can hold down a cuppa Joe and a Prune Danish now. First, thank all of you so much for the good wishes for coming back still breathing.[^] Don't want to "bring you down" dweling on the prognosis, symptoms or the rest of that mundane history. I'm trying to foget it myslef.[V] My Gosh, the amount and quality of input since my forced absence has been incredible.[tup] There have been so many positive and enlightening Posts, that it will take several replies to reach equilibrium. Mike, yes the old Glenn Miller tune was Pennsylvania 65 oh oh oh. Wish I had a buck for every time I played that old chestnut.[:D] Rob, superb job of "holding down the fort" while I was goofing around with anti biotics, et al. Many thanks for the Pix made available of my primative efforts in HO.[:(] Some day, I'm going to "get it right." Barndad, surely enjoy the "real life" takes on those who made the Roads what they were.[tup] Pete, Nick and now P, things truely are different in the U.K. and the "difference" is compelling. Great descriptive analysis and fine pix (courtesy our Proprietor, Capt Tom.)[tup][tup][tup]

CM3, passengerfan Al and now jlampke John, you three contribute so much to this gang of "rail rascals," it is hard to imagine "Our" Place without your invaluable input, thanks so much.[tup] Mike, it is a distinguishing honor to have the legacy of such an illustrious railroad family in our group.[^] I could listen to the "trials and tribulations" of those competitive struggles during the "golden age" all day long.[^] Dave, the "snowshed" piece made this old Displaced Person yearn for the "high country" and the pristine vistas of mountains, frozen lakes and snow drifts.[tup] I just don't want to shovel the stuff anymore.[-D]

I know I have missed some well deserved accolades and I'll make every effort to correct that in following posts. Still not quite "up-to-snuff" but making steady measured progress. Tom, thanks very much for the thoughtful mail. Sorry I blew the Contest but I'll put my "side bet" with Pete on the "QT." Right now, I'm dredging up some thoughts on "Christmas Past" for December 12th. Every rail trip home, while in the service, brings back special memories, more so than the other line-of-duty type. Christmas and long train journies are simply inseperable for me. Okay Boris, any more rumors of your shinanigans and it will be you who goes to the Vet, not Tex or Awk, okay?[alien] HIT IT!.....CRASH, tinkle, tinkle! Gadfrey, he missed and hit the Pigs Feet Jar.[:(!] Happy rails all.

[coalminer3]

Good Morning Barkeep, coffee (with a litle xtra in the botom of the cup from the dust covered round bottle behind the bar (it's that cold here this a.m), round for the house and $ for the Jukebox.

Schedule changed a little due to bad weather so I am able to visit. Excuse me for a minute while I adjourn to the "Rat Room" to vent my wrath over people who yack on
!@#$% cellphones while driving on ice-covered roads.

Much better now, thank you.

My , my there's a lot of material posted today.

There's is an excellent book (still in print I believe) on the GT of New England. The title is New England's Titanic Railroad. Fascinating material and as the the post suggested, there's a lot of "artifacts" in the area if you know where to look. Yrs ago, my paternal grandfather worked in Palmer, and my dad tells stories of seeing a lot of the cuts and fills in that part of the country.

Palmer is still an active rail center today as the main lines of the CV and B&A cross at grade (I know I'm one of those who will never adapt to "new" road names). The B&A station survives and after many incarnations has been turned into a restaurant.

Seeing the names "Montrealer/Washingtonian" brought something to mind. Back in the day, the overnight train on that route had the nickname the "Bootlegger" for obvious reasons. IIRC, that name lasted up into the ATK days. wanwheel can probably verify this, but I do recall CV folks talking about the "Boot."

BTW, the southern end of the CV, that is the track betwen Palmer and New London was known as the "Banana Belt." This did not refer to the climate, but again IIRC, some of the refrigerator car traffic that was carried yrs ago.

In answer another post, yes, I did photograph extensively on the B&M. Awhile back I posted some material on a B&M GP18 handling a local freight on the Lexington Branch. B&M 1753 (a GP18) was the diesel that I had the most trouble finding. I had photographed virtually every locomotive they had (dead or alive) at the time, but could never find 1753. It was sort of like Capt. Ahab and the whale.

One morning I was out shooting on the New Haven line which crossed Rte 2 just above the prison at Concord, MA. I heard something on the B&M, and knowing that the NH would be quiet I went after this train. There was 1753 on point. Mission accomplished! I never saw it again on the point.

I knew our gurus would fill in the blanks on the GG1 steam generators. Somewhere I have shots of them in cold weather in Washington with plumes of steam from the s/gs. Neat stuff. I used to like going to Ivy City because you could see all kinds of power (diesel and electric) mingled together.

Man O' War - excellent! Leave us not forget the Nancy Hanks - one of the few trains named for women. Others I can think of include the Kate Shelley 400 (there's a bridge named for her, too), the Anne Rutledge, and for the PRR folks out there, the Nellie Bly.

Now, I just couldn't resist the following 1930 era ad from my "pile of paper."

See England and Scotland
By
London and North East Railway

The Track of the "Flying Scotsman:

The line for historic places such as Ely, Cambridge, Norwich, Lincoln, York, Durham, Edinburgh, Shakespeare's Birthplace, Ancestral Home of the Washingtons, etc.

The route by which you can visit seaside resourts, inland spas, golf centres, mountains, dales, moors, lochs, cathedrals, abbeys.

Special round tours saving time and money

Scotland from London (King's Cross)

Shortest and Quickest Route
So much of interest to be seen from the train
Restaurant and Sleeping Cars

The Continent via Harwich
Flushing-Daily
Hook-of-Holland - Nightly
Antwerp - Nightly (except Sunday)
Zeebruge - Summer season

Luxurious Steamships

The idea of a luxurious steamship sounds pretty good right now - maybe the Mauretania to Havana.

work safe

[passengerfan]

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

Was just on here trying to answer some of the questions on steam heat and steam generators guee I will try again.
Steam Heated passenger cars came into being in the late 1880's early 1890's and kind of developed at the same time as the Pullman Palace cars came into use.

When the GG-1's cut off at Harrisburg and the switch was made to steam or later diesel power they simply turned off a valve on the baggage car to keep the cars from momentarily using heat. Some railroads did not turn the valves off and let the steam exhaust. The change from one type of power to the other generally took no more than five minutes. As soon as the new power was coupled and the valve reopened steam was once again coursing through the train. In order to try and prevent freeze ups the last car always had its valve partially open and steam could always be seen exhausting from it. Thats when everything worked perfectly.

The UP and CN both used steam generator cars in the case of the UP they were converted baggage cars and were used on the rear of the CITY OF EVERYWHERE in winter months to provide steam to the entire train. The diesel provided steam at the head end and the steam generator car coupled to the rear provided the steam heat across Wyoming.

The CN used their Steam Generators for the same purpose on long winter SUPER CONTINENTALS but also used their to supply steam heat to trains pulled by freight diesels that were not equipped with steam heat. They provided the Newfie Bullet with steam heat as the diesels lacked steam generators.

PASSENGERFAN AL'S STREAMLINER PASSENGER CORNER #24

MAN O' WAR inaugurated June 24, 1947 between Atlanta and Columbus twice daily round trips. Distance was 117 miles each way and the train covered the distance in 2 hours 30 minutes each way including stops. Owned by the Central of Georgia Railway the four car Budd built train was powered by a single E7A unit from EMD.

The stainless steel cars carried a Red letterboard and the train was named for famed triple crown winner MAN O' WAR with each individual car named for an Army Fort located along the railroad. The four car trains seating capacity was 152, In the latter half of the 1950's the CofG added numbers to the cars as well.

CONSIST

808 EMD E7A 2,000 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

FORT MITCHELL Baggage 44-Revenue Seat Coach

FORT OGLETHORPE 54-Revenue Seat Coach

FORT McPHERSON 54-Revenue Seat Coach

FORT BENNING 40-Seat Tavern Lounge Bar 20-Seat Lounge Observation

TTFN AL

[red p]

Hey Leon could fill my thermos for me its time to go to work again.

Nick well 130 cars would be about 6500 ft. not really that big of a train. Usally sidings run about 7000-8000 ft. and some run even bigger. Now if you have a train that doesnt fit anywhere, then you have to run him all the way and put everybody in the hole for him regardless of priority.

As far as the track diagrams go follow these links, they should answer your questions.

http://www.trainweb.org/fwarailfan/images/prrschem-broadway.jpg
http://www.trainweb.org/fwarailfan/images/prrschem-station.jpg
http://www.trainweb.org/fwarailfan/images/prrschem-mike.jpg
P

[siberianmo]

FRIDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

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

Good Morning!

Steak ‘n Fries Nite! In the meantime, why not draw a cuppa freshly brewed coffee, some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and a <light> breakfast from our menu board [?]


Daily Wisdom:

If it takes liquor to build your courage, you may have to prove it.


Info for the Day:

(1) CONTEST – CONTEST – CONTEST

What date (time optional) will ”Our” Place reach the next plateau – page 200 [?] BONUS question: WHO will be the one to “turn the page” [?]

Participants . . . . . . Date chosen . . . . . . (Bonus) Who will put us over the top [?]
(in order of participation)
pwolfe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 20th . . . . . . . . . .siberianmo Tom
trolleyboy Rob . . . . . . . . . Dec 18th (12:05 PM) . siberianmo Tom
coalminer3 CM3 . . . . . . . .Dec 18th. . . . . . . . . . siberianmo Tom
barndad Doug . . . . . . . . . Dec 22nd . . . . . . . . . none
nickinwestwales Nick . . . .Dec 27th . . . . . . . . . .trolleyboy Rob
ftwNSengineer P . . . . . . . Dec 23rd . . . . . . . . . .trolleyboy Rob

CONTEST CLOSES TODAY!

(2) MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

This coming Monday, December 12th represents the 8th Month Anniversary of ”Our” Place! An appropriate way to celebrate our “founding day” is to Post information relating to travel by rail during the Christmas holiday season!

(3) Monday Index to be suspended after Monday, Dec 12th, due to time constraints on yours truly and questionable utility for our customers.

(4) An idea regarding the maintenance of telephone numbers for our members was Posted yesterday by the Proprietor. See my 08 Dec 2005, 11:55:10 Post. Anyone wishing to participate may communicate with me by Email.


SUMMARY

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

(1) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 00:16:24 (185) Inclusive Post, etc.

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 05:55:45 (185) Thursday’s Info & Summary

(3) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 08:20:21 (185) Inclusive Post, etc.

(4) ftwNSengineer P Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 10:09:58 (185) Track plan, etc.

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 11:55:10 (185) Acknowledgments, etc.

(6) ftwNSengineer P Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 12:48:50 (185)

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 15:04:35 (185) NOSTALGIA #40 – Ad – British Railways

(8) pwolfe Pete Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 16:53:41 (185) Inclusive Post, etc.

(9) wanswheel Mike Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 18:05:46 (185) Inclusive Post, etc.

(10) EDon6400 Ed Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 18:47:55 (185) 1st Post and Visit

(11) siberianmo Tom Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 19:34:28 (185) response to: EDon6400

(12) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 19:37:54 (185) Inclusive Post, etc.

(13) ftwNSengineer P Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 19:49:21 (185)

(14) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 20:11:48 (185)

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 20:13:08 (185) [redTweeeeeet![/red]

(16) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 20:23:07 (185)

(17) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 20:25:35 (185)

(18) siberianmo Tom Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 20:32:43 (185)

(19) siberianmo Tom Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 20:33:45 (185) Acknowledgments, etc.

(20) siberianmo Tom Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 20:42:53 (185) for: jlampke

(21) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 20:57:58 (186)

(22) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 08 Dec 2005, 22:35:28 (186) Incluisive Post, etc.

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

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