"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[trolleyboy]

Good morning Tom I'll grab a quick sandwich and coffee as i cruise through on the way to work. No rest for the wicked. I've already got $10 saved up for that trip on the Canadian only $3995 or so to go. [tup][swg] I'm guessing that your third trip on it will deffinatly be before my first perhaps your 5th with conicide with our first. [(-D][:-,]


Nick Okay I'm just as confused and dazed as Tom about your game. ( thats two boxes of sweat sox stinking up the place [:O][xx(] ) Must be an exclusive westwales game. Nice to see that you have been able to make use of the kitchen's biological switcher. I knew Tom bought him for a reason.


Doug Wow alot of reading first thing but quite good. I can feel the heat and smell the smells of that cab.Looking forward to part 3. [tup]


al Another fine streamliner to the collection. always thought those articulated zephers were kind of a neat idea. I didn't realize that the consists could be changed and made shorter or longer though. I figured that they were a set consist.


CM3
Ah the NYC in winter. One would think that the NYC was ressesion proof with all the inclement weather the "upstate" area recieves. Those interstates through Buffalo to Erie and Albany can just be an absolute terror in winter.Trains are the way to go or were[sigh]

Well folks I've not much to report on the pike end. I did manage to run a couple of cars over the revised street trackage,still ahve some tweeking of the trackage to do ( bit close to pedestrians and buildings in places, I wouldn't want to scrape any paint off the streetcars [swg] )


Well gents I'm away for now.

Rob

[nickinwestwales]

Red face department here-PETE,for reasons entirely beyond me,I have seemingly tried to move an entire railway several miles east-nothing to do with Bala Lake,we are in fact looking at Llyn Padarn,apologies for confusion [#oops]
[4:-)]TOM-shall I just go through it again.....[swg].......
later,nick[C=:-)]

[coalminer3]

Good Morning All; coffee, please, round for the house and more $ for the jukebox.

Here's a Christmastime full page ad from the NYC (probably early 50s) that is in my collection. Picture is of Santa opening a sack full of streamlined passenger trains. Each train has a label. From left to right (this'll make you weep): Cleveland Limited, Ohio State Limited, Pacemaker, Detroiter, Southwestern Limited, New England States, James Whitcomb Riley, Twilight Limited, Empire State Express, Commodire Vanderbilt, Merchury, and 20th Century Limited.

Header says: Take Your Pick of the Pack!

World's greatest fleet of newly-equipped trains is ready now to speed you home for the holidays!

Enjoy the New in New York Central: Glide homeward in new luxury coaches or private-room sleeping cars, behind smooth Diesel-electric locomotives. Feast in new diners. Join in the holiday fun aboard new lounge cars. From end to end of New York Central, you'll find world's largest orders for new streamlined equipment are filled at last!

Leave weather out of Your Plans! Let storms sweep the skyways. Let sleet snarl holiday traffic on the highways. Aboard your New York Central daylight streamliner or overnight Dreamliner, you can settle back witha free mind and enjoy every minute. For you're traveling the world's safest way. And you know you'll get there as planned - weather or no!

This Year, make a Holiday Homecoming your Gift! There's no present like the presence of loved ones around the family Christmas tree. So send tickets for a trip home as your gift. Ask your New York Central ticket agent how to send tickets and reservations. Ask, too, about money-saving round-trip fares.

New - New York Central - The Water Level Route - You Can Sleep.

I don't know about you, but I'm on my way to South Station right now!

work safe

[siberianmo]

Mornin’ Guyz!

It’s “Pike Perspectives Day!” ‘round here, so let’s hear some updates regarding those model railroads – still lookin’ for some track plans. Perhaps this day should be renamed, given that everyone does not engage themselves in model railroading. Some guys like watching trains as a hobby, others ride ‘em, and still others enjoy readin’ about ‘em. Whatever your activity, today’s the day to talk about it! [tup][tup]


Gripes ‘n complaint department: Once again, it appears that we are slipping back into some bad habits ‘round here. This had been commonplace about 2 months ago, but seemed to have abated.

The daily SUMMARY and Monday Index contain pertinent info about our thread. Surely those who are obviously skimming or ignoring them can find the time to check out what’s going on. Yours is simply to log in and check out what’s happening, whereas yours truly is engaged in putting out the “word.” There is a difference.


To the acknowledgments:

trolleyboy Rob Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 22:58:20

Nice Inclusive Post from one of our “Charter Members” at the bar! [tup][tup] What’s to say, other than hopefully you’ll get some semblance of a normal life once the holiday season passes by. Can only imagine the stress and strain – but then again, there’s the positive side: you are gainfully employed! [swg]

Good idea to start saving up for that cross-Canada rail trip, for it is indeed an expensive way to go, given that you are going to do it “right” and get the drawing room suite in the Park Car. Only way to experience that round trip is to occupy that room. We’ve even begun to “talk” about doing it again – which would be our 3rd. Our 15th Anniversary is next year – so we’re “looking” for something special. However, airline fares can (and will) da***he best of plans …….

passengerfan Al Posted: 30 Nov 2005, 02:42:37

Insomnia out there on the left coast [?] Don’t see much of you during daylight any more. What’s up [?] Nice Streamliner on the Zephyrs …. Watch for today’s NOSTALGIA piece.

nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 30 Nov 2005, 05:27:39

I’m either dumb as a box of rocks, or it’s just too early in the AM to comprehend your game. I’ll have to reread this again. [swg] I think it would be a great idea to have the participation limited to Wednesday’s .. would add a little something to our “Pike Perspectives Day!” or whatever new name we come up with. [tup]

barndad Doug Posted: 30 Nov 2005, 06:04:25 and 06:06:26

[wow] Two long “reading exercises” so early in the AM! These too will be put on the back burner for perusal a bit later on. Gotta wake up fully in order to digest it all ….

Hope you plan to take some pix during your rail adventure – and of course post them for a Sunday Photo Posting Day!. We’re hurtin’ for participants and while I have no plans on curtailing the idea, my offerings are just about bottomed out.

Don’t recall if I mentioned it, but your Email was received regarding the Rendezvous info. Thanx!


Okay, Gents, that’s it for now ….. I’ll be at the bar all day, but will try to space out my Posts just to keep us “up” on the Forums.

Later!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[Anonymous]

Here's Part II

Recollections of a Locomotive Fireman by Don Olsen, Vintage Rails Nov/Dec 1998


SP’s Cab-Forward Locomotives – The use of oil as fuel was the key to developing the unique cab ahead engine design. The 195 Cab-Forward 4-8-8-2 articulated locomotives, class AC-4 and AC-10 to 12, enabled the railroad to tame its mountain grades, and the “malleys” became the workhorses of the system. In later years, as diesels gained ascendancy, Cab-Forwards served all over the western lines. They, along with other steam locomotive types, survived longer where good water was available – in the Bay Area, Central Valley, and north to Portland.

Although conceived to conquer grades and minimize crew discomfort from exhaust gasas in tunnels and snow sheds, the ACs’ unorthodox design proved a problem on inclines over 2.5 percent. In a conventional locomotive ascending a grade, boiler water level rises at the rear, over the firebox crownsheet. When the engine runs downhill, water moves to the forward part of the boiler, but since the engine isn’t working hard, does not tend to be drawn into the steam supply.

When climbing steep grade with a “backwards” AC boiler, the water flows away from the crownsheet toward the front fluesheet. There it reduces the steam area and is more easily drawn into the steam line. This saturates the steam in the working engine, and much water will be expelled in the exhaust. If an engine has been standing for some time, the steam cyclinders will condense and can cause severe damage when the engine moves: Non-compressible water can blow off cylinder hears. The purpose of cylinder cocks is to bleed off and water and prevent this damage.

My first run on the Mudoc Line, firing a 4100 from Alturas to Klamouth Falls, was quite an eye-opener. Fortunately, my engineer was patient with his hardly dry-behind-the-ears fireman and monitored operations very closely. As we worked up the 2,2 percent Canby grade, I nervously watched the water in the glass recede to the bottom. However, the hoghead admonished me not to add water. With growing apprehension, I watched him start using the try-cocks below the water glass. (These are three small cocks on the backhead. The bottom **** is three inches above the crownsheet.) The top one first squirted water, then steam – and only when the second **** ran dry did he allow me to “hit the gun” (injector).

My mind’s eye envisioned a nearly dry crownsheet getting ready to let go, but, obviously, this did not happen. The hogger related a story of another fireman who insisted on keeping water in the glass, and so much of it worked out the stack that they had to stop for more as an “emergency only” tank. The conductor later caustically commented that back in the caboose, it seemed like a submarine – half under water!

So, what’s it like to ride in the cab of one of SP’s ACs at speed? Insome ways, I’m reminded of the problem of describing an elephant to a blind man. The Cab-Forwards are an awful lot of machine to encompass verbally. No mere diesel can adequately compare with the feeling of a Cab-Forward’s surging power – the roaring, firebreathing 325 tons of brute force harnessed in its unorthodox design. The dynamics of tons of flailing rods and counterweights precluded any possibility of a smooth ride. In today’s vernacular, it was awesome!

Working as a fireman – Customary work for new firemen was duty on switch engines. However, on Dunsmuir’s extra board, these turns were held down by “whiskers,” enginemen with considerable seniority. They liked the regular hours and being able to live at home. Many of the less senior runs were on helpers, which suited me just fine: I loved blasting out of town and up the long climb to Grass Lake. The usual power was “Decks,” local parlance for the bug 2-10-2s numbered in 36- and 3700 series.

I was never able to determine exactly how this term originated, but some enginemen said it was because the cabs had larger decks, which were roomier than the “Mikes” (2-8-2s) or “hogs” (2-8-0 Consolidations). Others thought it referred to the wheel arrangement, which they called “Decapods.” That is, of course, erroneous, since in the Whyte classification Decpods are 2-10-0s, and 2-10-2s were commonly called “Sante Fe” types (an understandably unacceptable designation in SP country).

The 10 driving wheels of SPs class 2-10-2s created a long rigid wheelbase, at 22’10” the longest of any steam engines assigned to the Shasta Division. Although there was lateral play in the bearing boxes, the Siskiyou Line’s sharp curves took their toll, wearing down lead driver flanges in as little as six weeks.

Decks were the largest locomotives allowed on the old line from Black Butte to Grants Pass, whose 3.3 percent grades required as many as five engines per train to hoist tonnage over the summit. North from Hornbrook, the top of the grade was located in 3,108-foot Tunnel 13, just south of Siskiyou station. With all locomotives working wide open, freights could barely maintain 10 mph, so it took several minutes to pass through tunnels.

On helpers, back in the train, each locomotive added its exhaust to the increasing accumulation of hot smoke and gasses in the bore. Attempting to avoid these noxious fumes, enginemen would lie down on the cab floor, where the air was a little cooler and cleaner, and breathe trainline air through a funnel – a kid of crude respirator. Oxygen in the tunnel atmosphere was so depleted by the hardworking engines that the oil markers on cabooses went out.

Condensation and dripping ground water often made tunnels wet inside, and the rails could be slippery and treacherous. Even sanding didn’t always prevent drivers slipping, and if this occurred, train speed was immediately reduced until the helper engine found its feet again. This further prolonged the stay in the tunnel and forced the crew to get up off the floor and tend to the locomotive. Occasionally, the train stalled completely, and crews stuck in the tunnels were sometimes forced to shut their engine down and flee for their lives to avoid suffocation.

[:I] More to come, as soon as I can get to it [:I]

[Anonymous]

Good morning all! I see that I'm not the first to be here this A.M.

Great to see you back BK and welcome aboard P. This is an exceptionally busy week for me, and the long and excellent posts being posted here are more deserving of acknowlegment than this quick mention, but I'll have to make it up to everyone later. I won't be around probably until Wednesday of next week. My train trip to Springfield with the 20th Century Railroad Club starts this Friday!

Before leaving though, please accept another "Roundhouse" offering:

Recollections of a Locomotive Fireman by Don Olsen, Vintage Rails Nov/Dec 1998

In 1947-1948, I deferred finishing high school to fulfill a boyhood dream of working as a steam locomotive fireman. Those days spent firing Southern Pacific’s steam engines out of Dunsmuir on the Shasta Division proved to be the most exciting and rewarding days of my life. Following are some recollections of my experiences.

Oil Firing – Aside from the obvious differences in firing locomotives using coal or oil, there were many not so apparent to the casual observer. SP’s grade of fuel oil was just a few levels above tar, but contained more hydrocarbons. It was too thick to flow easily and had to be heated in the tender and burner supply line. For the best results, an optimum temperature of about 160 degrees F was used. If the oil was too cold, the burner would starve, and if it was too hot, the oil didn’t atomize properly and would run out onto the firebox floor. The fireman regulated the temperature with a gauge and small steam valve.

To force oil up to the burner, the oil bunker in Cab-Forward tenders was pressurized at about 5 psi. This pressure had to be bled off before adding oil or checking its level – a bit like opening the cap on an automobile radiator. Failure to do so could result in being sprayed with hot oil.

When engine crews were called, they signed the register in the dispatcher’s office, and went “on the clock” with an assigned run and a locomotive. Usually a hostler had the power on the ready track – oil, water, and sand topped off. However, it was still the fireman’s responsibility to check these items and safety equipment; and woe unto the tallowpot whose inattention to these details allowed an engine to die on the road for lack of fuel or water!

He also had to check the locomotive indicator boxes and put up the proper numbers for the run (or leave blank if the engine was an in-train helper). This was a simple job on Cab-Forwards, whose indicator boxes were accessed from the cab; but on other locomotives, it required clambering out on the running boards along the boiler, which could be treacherous in the dark or bad weather.

In addition to the oil temperature, the fireman controlled the atomizer (a jet of steam which vaporized the oil into a combustible spray) and the blower, which augmented the natural draft from the firebox through the flues to the exhaust. It was normally used only when the locomotive was standing or moving very slowly.

The main control was the firing valve – roughly equivalent to the stoker in a coal-fired engine. In operation, efficient firing required very close teamwork between the engineer and his fireman. A good, thoughtful engineer always called out to the fireman to advise him of his demands on the engine. A call of “opening her up” or “easing off” alerted the fireman of the imminent need to reset the firing valve.

Among the good fortunes in my firing career, I worked only one trick on a switch engine – a former Minarets 2-8-2 used in the Dansmuir Yard on a 1 percent grade. On the road, once things were in balance, one could fine tune the locomotive’s operation and just keep a wary eye on progress. In the yard (where the pay scale was significantly lower), the engineer was continually opening and closing the throttle, and each move had to be followed by the fireman’s valve. Eight hours of this would get awfully monotonous.

Dry sand was fed to the sander nozzles from the dome(s) atop the boiler, and some was also kept in a box in or near the engine cab. From there it could be sprinkled on the deck if it became slippery, but mainly it was used by the fireman to “sand out” the flues.

Another major difference between the two types of fuel is that particulates in coal exhaust tend to scour out the flues. However, solids in oil effluent are mostly soot, which builds up on any surface it contacts. This lining of the flues reduces heat conductivity and boiler efficiency. Thus the fireman periodically used a couple of scoops of sand to clean the flues. How to get the sand into the flues? No problem: A hardworking engine creates a tremendous draft in the firebox, and simply opening the peephole in the firebox door and holding the scoop up to it sucks the sand into the firebox and through the flues. This results in puffs of black smoke caused by the soot exiting through the exhaust.

Southern Pacific designed its own oil burner nozzle, and in my experience, its locomotives, if in a reasonable state of repair, steamed easily and did not need to be “smoked” to maintain steam. A light haze of exhaust smoke was normally adequate. Thus I find it very disconcerting to see oil-fired, steam-powered fan trips with the locomotives belching clouds of liquid oil. This is strictly atypical, and in the age of steam, a fireman who allowed such clouds would soon be out of work!

On steam engines, piston valves control admission of steam to the cylinders. The valve settings are adjusted by the reversing lever, or “Johnson bar”: One quadrant is for forward motion; the other is for reverse, with a “neutral” center position. The longer the stroke, the more steam admitted. The full stroke is used when starting the locomotive, for maximum power. Once the engine is moving, the engineer can “notch up” the Johnson bar and shorten the stroke, using less steam. The nature of the exhaust sound changes noticeably, becoming sharper and more staccato. In fact, it is this characteristic which gives rise to the old saying “running an engine by ear.”

The sharp, blasting exhaust of a working locomotive at a fair speed is one of the moist fondly remembered and thrilling aspects of steam engines. It is also another area where oil- and coal-fired locomotives differ significantly. Use of oil as a fuel permits a much finer response to engine demands. The fireman can instantly go from a spot fire to an enormous one – producing an explosive exhaust. A draft this strong in a coal-fired engine would literally suck the fire right off the grate.

[:I] End of Part I [:I]

[siberianmo]

WEDNESDAY’S INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

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

Mid-week already! Time flies ‘round these parts, eh [?] Moreso as one ages … Okay, you know the “drill” ‘round here – coffee time – pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and a <light> breakfast from our menu board should just about “do it.” [tup]


For some men it was too late to get wise the day they were born.


Info for the Day:

(1) Today is “Pike Perspectives Day.”
(2) Thursday is Fish ‘n Chips Nite and maybe something from Nick’s Picks!
(3) Friday is Pizza Nite along with Steak ‘n Fries Nite!
(4) Saturday is ENCORE! Day
(5) Sunday is Sunday Photo Posting Day! and yes, we are CLOSED!

SUMMARY

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

(1) wanswheel P Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 01:29:54 (177)

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 06:09:16 (177) Tuesday’s Info & Summary

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 06:13:24 (177) ENCORE! Note to all

(4) ftwNSengineer P Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 07:22:47 (177)

(5) passengerfan Al Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 07:26:29 (177) Streamliner #17 – Gopher & Badger

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 07:27:11 (177) reply to wanswheel

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 07:30:48 (177) reply to passengerfan

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 07:34:44 (177) reply to ftwNSengineer

(9) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 08:51:24 (177) Inclusive Post, etc.

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 11:59:23 (177) NOSTALGIA #33 – Ad – Winnipegger (1956)

(11) BudKarr BK Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 12:37:19 (177) from Alberta

(12) wanswheel Mike Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 13:51:27 (177)

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 14:05:2 (177) Acknowledgments, etc.


(14) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 14:15:51 (177)

(15) pwolfe Pete Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 14:53:26 (177)

(16) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 15:02:43 (177)

(17)West Coast S Dave Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 16:18:22 (178) SP trivia, etc.

(18) West Coast S Dave Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 17:11:37 (178)

(19) passengerfan Al Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 17:48:04 (178)

(20) siberianmo Tom Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 19:31:51 (178) Acknowledgments, etc.

(21) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 22:58:20 (178) Inclusive Post, etc.

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

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

[nickinwestwales]

Well lordy mama,it`s like the first day back at school round here-all sorts of familiar faces back in their accustomed places,[#welcome] back,one and all !
Well it`s another `rain off` day here in the land of mist & mystery,hence the early call in-very early by your clocks I see.
Good to see the `night crew` hard at work cleaning and polishing-Boris is scrubbing down the galley walls,Leon is polishing the brasswork,Tex appears to be `switching` rows of empty beer cases from the bar to the back door and the approaching grumble of the Can-Am overnight express freight is setting the light fittings to gently swaying-all is well[^]
Right,a couple of quick pick-ups before I embrace the day-PETE,awright mate !-the funicular is at the `coast` end of the yards,not far from the shed where the `Fire Queen` was bricked up and appeared to have served the first level galleries.
Huge amount of restoration work going on around the whole site with new track being laid into the museum complex,monster car-park development,extension of the main line into Llanberis village etc,so funicular could have been restored since your visit
[4:-)]TOM & SIR THEODORE-game much simpler than it sounds-assume 4 players,pl. 1 is the `traveller`,other 3 players each nominate a town or city,lets say Montreal,Denver & Oakland as random examples...with me so far ?[swg]
Since our traveller is dep.fr & ret. to Can-Am Union,a destination that even AL would be hard pressed to find in a timetable,the first and last legs of the journey are givens-we can assume New York,Chicago,Toronto & Vancouver as likely destinations for Can-Am services....still here ?
Therefore the object of the exercise is to figure out which trains will take you from Union-(I.E) Grand Central
Grand Central-Montreal
Montreal-Denver
Denver-Oakland
Oakland-Grand Central,and so back to Union.
Added degree`s of difficulty can be incorporated ( night travel only,streamliner only,must include a ferry crossing,no crossing states beginning with `M` etc.
Most of the info needed should be somewhere within these walls,mostly thanks to AL
Could give a more competative edge by setting 2 players against each other,but given that we all have different time commitments,perhaps better as an intellectual exercise.
Anyhow,just an idle whim....
Best be about things for now,will call back this evening for a "proper chat" as my dear old gran used to say-take care guys,have a good one,nick[C=:-)]

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom and the rest of the gang Have a rather busy day ahead so thought I would just drop this through the mail slot before retiring.

PASSENGERFAN AL'S STREAMLINER CORNER #18

ADVANCE DENVER ZEPHYRS Chicago Burlington & Quincy inaugurated May 311936 Discontinued November 6, 1936 Chicago - Denver overnight each direction 1,034 miles each way in 16 hours.

With the impending arrival of rival Union Pacific's streamlined Diesel Powered CITY OF DENVER trains the CB&Q thought it wise to steal some of that roads thunder until the new DENVER ZEPHYRS would be completed and placed in Chicago - Denver service in the late fall of 1936. The other reason for the ADVANCE DENVER ZEPHYRS was to protect a Chicago - Denver U. S. Mail contract.

With that in mind the Burlington ADVANCE DENVER ZEPHYRS entered service on a fast sixteen hour overnight schedule between the shores of Lake Michigan and the foot of the Rocky Mountains.

For operation of the ADVANCE DENVER ZEPHYRS the CB&Q assigned the 9900 PIONEER ZEPHYR and 9903 MARK TWAIN ZEPHYR with both articulated train sets reduced to three cars for this fast overnight schedule.

The reliability of the two diesel train sets really proved themselves without question in this service for during the period between May 31, 1936 and Novemebr 6,1936 there was never a recorded diesel failure. Both trains operated over 1.000 miles nightly at high speeds.

In those 160 days of service the two articulated train sets operated 162,560 miles each in revenue service and averaged 64.62 miles per hour while operating those miles.

Without a doubt this made other railroads look long and hard at the diesel proving it had more than just a high initial investment cost going for it .

When the two new DENVER ZEPHYRS entered service the two ADVANCE DENVER ZEPHYRS were returned to their previous duties.

CONSIST ONE PIONEER ZEPHYR IN ADVANCE DENVER ZEPHYR SERVICE

9900 Articulated Shovelnose 600 HP Diesel Power Unit with 30' Railway Post Office Compartment and Bagge Room
505 Articulated Baggage Buffet 20-Revenue Seat Coach
570 Articulated 40-Revenue Seat Coach 16-Revenue Seat Parlor Lounge Observation

CONSIST TWO MARK TWAIN ZEPHYR In ADVANCE DENVER ZEPHYR SERVICE

9903 TOM SAWYER Articulated Shovelnose 600 HP Diesel Power Unit with 30' Railway Post Office Compartment and Baggage Room
551 HUCKLEBERRY FINN Articulated Kitchen 15-Seat Dinette 20-Revenue Seat Coach
572 TOM SAWYER Articulated 40-Revenue Seat Coach 16-Revenue Seat parlor Lounge Observation

TTFN AL

[trolleyboy]

Good evening gentlemen. Tom I'll nab a Keith's wilst I collect my "thots" for the evening.

Ted I have not forgotten about the discs. And I don't think that any belly laughs will be brought on by them anyway. I wasn't able to get them to cooperate with railimages so I will now attempt a go with photobucket. If not for this weekend next. My hind quarters has been dragging with the odd cornicopia of shifts I,ve been logging as of late.[xx(]


Mike Thouroghly enjoyed the speed charts,what can you say,trains in the day were much much more convienient. Like Tom I'd love to see an exerpt or two of your Dad's articles[tup] Having a railroadung pioneer of sorts in the family tree is never a bad thing.

BK glad you are enjoying your visit NOB. One heck of a nice xmas presant I'd say as well. A trip that both my wife and I wi***o take at some point. Maybe for our tenth aniversary ( gives me sven years to save up ) Enjoy the rest of your sojourne !

Dave I have no guess on your trivia question, I must heave to to those on the know aka Tom or Al. Not sure that I fancy first prize anyway [:O][swg]

Tom Loved the winnipegger article. My one cousin lived in Winterpeg for many a year. I visited him out there on two occations. We had lunch at the Fort Gary and wondered over to the Union Station. This was oh 1997 or 8. They still had a few reproduction posters and some old timetables in wall mounted shadow boxes,advertising and showing the schedule for those very trains.

My grandmother liked to feed us cod liver oil as well I understand yours and Al's revulsion.[:(][xx(] Also I have never taken any sort of liking to spam either,I think that you should have made that guy walk home . Or at the very least keelhauled him [B)][oX)][:-,]


Pete & CM3 Good to see the two of you folks back amd refreshed as well. Pete it was Doug that put up those gritty work stories, though I do agree with you they were excellent bits chalk full of realworld railroading. I can't tell you if their job waas the same or not but many NA railroads employed car knockers. They checked cars for visual defects hobo's etc as well as made sure that everything was in order door seals etc. They may have one other jobs as well, hopfully P or someone ekse can shed more light on that for you.

P No need to slpain further I fully inderstand. I have a freind who worked out of Buffalo for NS. He waas not a closet buff but rather in the open. Needless to say he now works for CSX out of Conneaught.

Rob

[siberianmo]

Evenin’ All,

For the second night in a row, what was that comment I made yesterday about the “Feast or Famine Bar ‘n Grill” [?] Just look at the number of afternoon Postings – most welcome indeed! [tup][tup]

To the acknowledgments!

coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 14:15:51 and 15:02:43

[#welcome] Back! That “sack ‘o quarters”arrived just in time – the guyz have been enjoyin’ Herr Wurlitzer! Read about the snow in Buffalo and figured you’d wind up experiencing winter way before the rest of us. [swg]

Appreciate your taking the time to scroll through the pages of “stuff” since your last appearance. By the by – there’s still a “pending” answer to a question asked awhile ago: what date and time would you prefer YOUR Birthday Bash to take place [?]

Recommend you check out the Monday Index for the page numbers of some really “good stuff’ that was Posted during your absence. [yeah]

Always liked that ‘story’ about the trains in “that guy’s basement.” Gets a yuck, yuck every time. [swg]

It will be a slow go with the subway construction and I’m surely in no rush. The 4x8 ft 2 in. foam insulation board has been purchased. An order for the materials needed to build the subway station and girders for the tunnel will go out tomorrow. I figure this project will take a few months to complete – a bit here and a bit there. The cars are very good looking and it is indeed a shame to “hide” them away, but that after all is what subways are all about!

An interesting bit of history you brought up regarding the St. Albans, VT bank raid. For those who may not know about it, check out this URL: http://www.virtualvermont.com/history/staraid.html

pwolfe Pete Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 14:53:26

[#welcome] Back! Saw you lurkin’ in the shadows and figured you were playin’ catch up. Logging in always gives you away though! [swg]

If you have some photo’s for Sunday Photo Posting Day! please get ‘em to me ASAP and I’ll add them to your album for Posting. [tup]

Your Email response has been received … all is set for the 14th and KCity, Part Deux! [tup]

Recommend you check out the Monday Index for the page numbers of some really “good stuff” that was Posted during your absence. [yeah]

West Coast S Dave Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 16:18:22 and 17:11:37

Two days in a row! [wow] Just like old times at the bar.

Recommend you check out the Monday Index for the page numbers of some really “good stuff” that was Posted during your absence. [yeah]

Sorry, but I think I’ve “cheated” by doing a web search regarding your quiz. Much too much info out there, fer sure, fer sure. I’ll have to continue the reading in the AM … a bit tired tonight. I do my best “thinking” in the mornings! [swg] I’d say passengerfan Al should “nail” the answer! [tup]

I don’t think anyone took you up on your lunch offer yesterday … can you imagine [?] And the saying goes, “There ain’t no free lunch!” Well, there WAS, yesterday! [swg] Thanx for the round this fine day – Boris Ring the bell – no, no, no – don’t use Tex the Armadillo for a clapper. <geesh> Is it any wonder why that “pet” of yours wants to eat you [?]

passengerfan Al Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 17:48:04

Just the mention of Cod liver oil makes me want to “retch.” We must have had similar upbringing – poor soul! [swg]

During WWII, SPAM was “in,” however it sure tasted awful to me. SPAM and eggs – SPAM between two slices of bread and SPAM as the evening meal’s meat. Oh [yeah] – simply awful. I remember that some idiot ordered several cases of the stuff for one of our deployments (5 weeks) and the guy darn near became a “man overboard!”

Thanx for the round – we’ll enjoy it as you and Dave dialogue on the SP …. [tup]


Okay, that’s it for now ….

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[passengerfan]

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

Dave Remember the SP never planned to use the Trainmasters in Passenger service in their early careers it was only much later. The SP never painted any of the EMD FP7s in Daylight colors either so it is rather doubtful that under the best of circumstances they would have painted any Trainmasters in Daylight colors. In fact I can't recall any of the peninsula commute equipment ever being painted in Daylight colors. Now if the Trainmasters had been St. Louis Southwestern owned who knows as they painted a GP7 and an EMD FP7 in Daylight colors besides two PA1s. About the only time commute equipment was seen operating with equipment in Daylight colors was on the DEL MONTE operating between San Francisco and Monterey. If was quite common in its later years of operation for this train to operate with a couple of Bi-Level commuter cars on the rear between San Francisco and San Jose. Once in San Jose the Commute cars were dropped and the three or four cars of the DEL MONTE continued to the Monterey Peninsula.The same was true for the northbound run they picked up a couple of Bi-Level commute cars in San Jose and forwarded them to San Francisco.

Nick So you like Spam your mother must have given you Cod Liver Oil as a child as well. Don't tell me you liked the taste of that too. My Mother being of English (Canadian)decent fed me the stuff for everytrhing that ails you and I didn't like it either.

TTFN AL

[West Coast S]

Once again Tom...Harking back to my post of yesterday. This question came to mind: If the Trainmasters would have proved feisible and were assigned to revenue SP passenger trains, would they have been delivered or repainted into Daylight colors?.. I guess we'll never know what SP would have chosen, as history had other events in store for the modest FM fleet. Neverless a Daylight H-24-66 would have been a eye opener.



Inquiring minds what to know such trivial items, thoughts on the subject are welcomed.

Dave

[West Coast S]

Afternoon Tom and the gang....Round of the best ale at the bar.. Glad all appreciated the SP info, I do indeed miss being a "regular". Howdy to all of you...Ok Boris, with the sudden increase in activity, you have your'e work cut out...please behave...

Ok, some SP trivia, first correct answer wins a rare oppertunity to have Boris prepare their Christmas dinner and entertain any guest ...

When the SP constructed the Bayshore Cutoff, two improvements were incorporated into it's construction, SP never had a need to later implement These accomidations.

What where they?

Ok, won't throw you a bone, without some of the chicken.. Construction begain under the auspices of Bayshore Railway to reduce congestion around San Bruno Mountain, near South San Francisco.. It's construction cost exceeded eleven million dollars in 1903 and only the great trestle across the Salt Lake was more expensive and daunting to complete.

SP assumed complete ownership and abandoned the orginal line via Harrison and Daily City, it also elimanated grades of near 3% and street running, the line was prone to flooding to the point that in one memorable case, the turntable at Harrison floated away and down city streets, causing extensive property dammage and inflating the ire of the local government, who until this incident were opposed to a line relocation ! SP recovered the errant table and henceforth found it prudent to weigh it down with a loco or ballast hopper to prevent a repeat until all facilities could be abandoned.

A three mile remment of the line survive today, out of service.

I will return with the trivia answer, you now have all the clues...Good luck

Set um' up for the crew.

Dave

[coalminer3]

Good Afternoon Again; More coffee, another round, and more quarters.

Lots of interesting posts over the past 10 days or so. They have beeen most informative and enjoyable.

The new Kalmbach publication, Diesel Victory, has a story of EMC/EMD's Cleveland plant. Some very interesting material in there, including some early C&O geeps and some NC&StL power as well. Check it out!

IIRC, some of the postwar Southern Belle equipment did survive into Amtrak. Again, IIRC, one trip I made on the Zephyr had an ex-KCS diner.

The Ken Frazer story brought back some memories of Vintage Rail. Another pub. I miss is Passenger Train Journal; they had some wonderful surveys of passenger service

I bet the subway cars threw some of "Our Place's" patrons off a bit. Reminds me of the ancient story about the two drunks waling along the street in Boston. One of them fell into a subway entrance and the other just kept on walking. A little bit later the first man emerged from the subway exit, and his buddy asked him, "Where have you been?" The drunk answered, "I'm not sure, but you should see the train set that guy has in his basement!"

Aerotrain - another GM one hit wonder.

Finally, I didn't know we had CW buffs around. The mention of the Vermont Central brought to mind the St. Albans bank raid; supposed to be the furthest north incursion of Confederate operatives.

Now as for the Ryman, my, my what a place of memory. Summers in Nashville are brewed in the cellars of hell and the Ryman was not air conditioned...'nuff said. Now, let's roll back the scene a little more. Tootsie's, I assume, is still there, along with Ernest Tubb's Record Shop. I remember going to the Opry and then repairing to ET's establishment which had a radio show that began at midnight. All that, and the Tennessee Central right at the end of Broadway near the river.

BTW, anybody out there remember "Skull's Rainbow Room" in Printer's Alley, and a German restuarant called the Gerst House? Many people didn't remember much of anything after visiting Skull's; the crowd there being a mix of military, locals, etc. made for some interesting interactions, especially as the evening wore on.

Well, enough of that.

work safe.

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all

A pint of Bathams and a round for all the great posts and photos while I've been away.
I have not posted as I wanted to read all the posts.They have been excellent thanks ALL [tup][tup][tup].

Thanks RUSSELL for answering MIKE's query on Stephenson. It is amazing that a descendant of Richard Trevithick lives close to NICK. I believe the Trevithick's Pen-y-Darren loco of 1804 was his third engine. The one before was called Catch-Who Catch-Can which ran on a circular piece of track near the site of the now Euston station in London it ran behind a tall wooden fence and the public paid to see it. There is a replica of the Pen-y-Darren loco, it was working at York at the Steam 200th exhibition in 2004.There is much banging and clanking when it is in motion what it must have seemed like to the people at the time who had seen nothing like it I cant imagine.

ROB Thanks for the Fallen Mags articles. The men who did the hard and sometimes dangerous work on the tracks and structures on the railways are not always given the credit they deserved. The Motor cars are known as Wickham cars in the U.K. after the company who built most of them.

Reading the posts reminded me of another thing that as disappeared from the rail scene. That is the WHEELTAPPER I can recall that in the late 50s travelling by train, while stopped in Crewe station, the wheeltapper checking the cars tires with his long-handled hammer knowing by the sound of the wheel if there was a problem.Did they have wheeltappers over here [?].

Hi NICK Good photos[tup] Where is the Funicular for the slate wagons[?] I have been in that area and must have missed it.[:I]

Thanks again for the posts ,photos and nostalgia and Tom is it just me or is there something special about railroads real or model when there is a dusting of snow on them [tup][yeah] PETE.

[coalminer3]

Good Afternoon: Coffee, please; round for the house and a sack of quarters for the jukebox.

We have returned from NYC-land. Lots of snow and wind, depending on where you were. I'm going to take some time and read up on what's been going on.

work safe

[siberianmo]

G'day!

What appears to be a pattern 'round here is slow starts, big finishes at the "Feast or Famine Bar 'n Grill!" [swg] The idea, if we can ever get this solidified, is to space out the Posts so that we always have something "up" on the Forum page. Especially during those times when yours truly isn't around to "watch the store."

Theodorebear Ted Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 08:51:24

There's a mighty chill in the air, flurries flyin' and it seems a bit like winter's not far off. Juneau loves it and so do I. [tup]

Good luck, and I mean that, with your Sears fridge. We had to replace our replacement, just this year - 3 year old unit - and what a nightmare that turned out to be. Took them nearly 4 weeks to finally decide to replace the unit, all the while we were "living" with a mini-fridge that we had purchased the last time the blasted thing failed us. The extended warranty covered the replacement, but I'm still waiting for reimbursement on the spoiled food (happened in August!).

I would chalk it up to an isolated incident, however, we've also had terrible luck with other appliances - upright freezer, dishwasher and washing machine - all carrying the blessed Kenmore name (but we KNOW they are really "Whirlpool," wink, wink, nudge, nudge!) [yeah] Right! Anyway, no more for us. I've been purchasing their appiances since Moby *** was a Minnow, but no more (first was in 1961). The adage is true - they just don't make 'em like they used to; or better yet - they aren't made to last.

[yeah] Boris [#offtopic] ring it and give 'em what they want! <geesh>

BudKarr Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 12:37:19

Was hoping we'd get a "blurb" from you. That's two "wishes" in a row - yesterday it was West Coast S Dave and now BK! Awwwwright!

Saw your Post over on the "other" thread and appreciate your taking the time to stop by. [yeah} It's pretty much a one-way "thing," just like so many of the threads. However, it does give those who may not enjoy the bar 'n grill atmosphere, to talk Classic Passenger Trains.

You mentioned on the "other" thread that you think the F40PH's detract from the asthetics of the streamliner, "Canadian." I concur. As you stated, they are fine power units, but that's where it ends, they just don't have the "look." You, Sir, have had the opportunity of traveling aboard "The Canadian" when CP Rail operated it. While the cars were the same, the routing and most probably the amenties and service were indeed 'different.'

Vancouver is a great place, and there's little doubt that we could enjoy ourselves there for the long run. The next trip we take we are going to rent a car and spend time up north. We've pretty much "been there, done that" as far as downtown is concerned - three visits of three nights each pretty much covered it. First time was by air from Toronto - the other two by rail from the same place. I had visited there back in the 80's in connection with the "business" I was in while running things down in the LA/Long Beach area. More by Email ..........

Hope you are able to connect with us again and that your time away continues to be relaxing, rewarding and fun.

wanswheel Mike Posted: 29 Nov 2005, 13:51:27

Good to see you again, Mate! [yeah] I remember the Church pews! Funny, the music we used to call "Country 'n Western" sure has had quite a change from those times. Not to mention the somewhat ridiculous outfits worn by the performers. Where in the world did those oversize hats ever get their start [?] The gals look like Playboy Bunnies and the guys hardly resemble the Willie Nelson's that I grew up with! [swg]

Bob Hope, Johnny Bench and a host of others were truly giving people when it came to the support for our troops. The list is mind boggling, as were some of those gals Mr. Hope brought along on his tours! [}:)][:-,]

Have a suggestion - why not reprint the article your father wrote for us [?] I'm sure we'd all find it every bit as interesting as you've made it sound.


Okay - aside from seeing pwolfe Pete peeking in and out - don't see anyone else 'round lately - oh yes, I did see passengerfan Al doing his "Phantom Browse" too! [swg]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[wanswheel]

Afternoon Tom and guys

Just reading BK and I'm so jealous, sounds like great scenery up there.
I too have reservations about personal stuff on the Internet so my "profile" is vacant for now (there's not that much to me anyway). But I hope to exchange e-mails with Al to ask a question about a specific. There's no space to type much in the initial e-mail so whatever I put is a brief goof to get a reply so as to avail the big white page of aol e-mail. It's not urgent in any way.

Tom the Ryman Auditoreum with the church pews is what I saw. Growing up on Long Island I didn't get to hear that grits-kicking twang of steel guitar etc on the local radio so it was all new to me when I heard it on the juke box at Ft. Gorden soon after I got drafted for Vietnam war. And over there, the occasional USO show at the club at Camp McDermott would often be country-western. The rock'n'roll artists didn't visit much but the Nashville types did. And Mr. Bob Hope of course. Dec. 28, 1967 at Cam Ranh Bay. I'll never forget the truly spiritual experience of being in a choir of thousands singing "Silent Night."
Johnny Bench was there that day, incidentally.

The older I get the better able I am to identify with my father, who was about my age now in the early years of Amtrak. If any of you guys have the December 2000 issue of Trains, please check out his writing on page 58. That's probably why I'm here anyway. My electro motive is to blow some steam for my Dad, who ended up on the board of Amtrak as a "consumer representative". 4 years of that took a toll on his health. I like to think he died in service to his country.

[BudKarr]

Good Day Captain Tom and Gentlemen at the bar!

It has been a glorious late November for me. Alberta at this time of year is a wonderful experience and from what I have been reading, this would definitely be your kind of place, Captain Tom. We are situated in an area where there are mountain peaks all around, a rather fast running river, a town of moderate size and a double track main line of railroad track nearby. The old depot is long gone as an operational structure and was moved long ago to another location by the preservationists.

I must offer that much of what I have to say is may appear to be shrouded in mystery. This being cyber space, or the Ether as some refer to it, I prefer to keep some things private and away from those who have no business knowing all. I would hope no offense will be taken by that comment.

We managed to travel into Vancouver from Jasper aboard the train Via Rail calls the “Canadian.” I believe it was a 12 car train, one baggage, 2 coaches, skyline dome, diner, 6 bedrooms and the park car dome at the rear. Two F40 units powered it. Same arrangement, more or less, on the return.

As with you, Captain Tom, we spent our time up in the rear dome, taking in the sights and enjoying the amenities. The dining car menu was splendid as were the surroundings. I prefer privacy and would have liked a table for two, not so of course, as the tables accommodate four. I did note that the majority of the people were not courteous with regard to the manner in which they were seated at the tables. Once upon a time, if I recollect properly, a couple would share the same side of the table rather than sitting across from one another thereby allowing the other twosome a seat at the window. I expected the dining car attendants to take care of that, they did not. Just an observation from one who really is not an accomplished rail traveler, but I have done my share I suppose.

As a rather large person, the double bedroom arrangements were a bit cramped but more than adequate for the one night each way. There was only one drawing room suite, located in the park car, and it was booked both ways. Our attendant told us that for the cross Canada voyage, those units book almost a year out. I think Captain Tom has mentioned that in these pages and pages of on point information.

Being aboard Via Rail again was a nice experience. I found the crew to be friendly, professional and courteous. Brought back some memories of the Canadian Pacific and my trip from Winnipeg to Vancouver some decades back. No matter, the Canadian Rockies and the trip to the sea is a wonderful way to pass the time. Highly recommended. The return to Jasper was quite nice as well, and we were fortunate to have good visibility for the morning run past Mount Robson, highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. I did recall Captain Tom’s advice regarding when to be in the dome, so we took full advantage of the allotted time and managed to find seats for the panorama unfolding before us. Once into Jasper, well it is all downhill from there (my funny for the day).

Vancouver is one of my favorite cities and a treat to explore. Our time there was fleeting and before we realized it, we were back at the Pacific Central Station, waiting to board our gleaming streamliner. I should add that the rail trip took me by surprise, did not expect it at all and I was informed it was an early Christmas gift. Nice.

Sorry Gentlemen, we did not think to take a camera with us. Once again illustrating my point about not being an accomplished rail traveler!

My time with you is somewhat restricted as there does not always seem to be a connection available. I apologize for not being up to speed with all that has transpired since my last visit. From the looks of things, it has been rather busy with all kinds of new faces and things to read.

There is an email en route, Captain Tom and I thank you for yours.

Until the next time.

BK

[siberianmo]

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #33

Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains. Check this out (from The Official Guide of the Railways – 1956)

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

. . . . . . . . . . Roomettes Now Available On . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . The “WINNIPEGGER”

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BETWEEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ST. PAUL – MINNEAPOLIS – and WINNIPEG

For the Best Meals on Wheels and Complete Beverage Service

. . . . . . . . . . In the Soo Line Dining-Club Lounge Car . . . . . . . . . .

Roomettes, Bedrooms, Bedroom Suites and Open Sections.

. . . . . . . . . . Clean Comfortable Coaches . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restful Individual Reclining Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All Equipment Air-conditioned. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NORTHBOUND. . . . .(Daily – Central Standard Time). . . . .SOUTHBOUND

Lve. ST. PAUL . . . . . . . . . . 7 45 PM . . . . . . . Lve. WINNIPEG . . . . . . . . . . 7 10 PM
Lve. MINNEAPOLIS . . . . . . 8 40 PM . . . . . . . Lve. THIEF RIVER FALLS . . 11 25 PM
Arr. THIEF RIVER FALLS . . 3 55 AM . . . . . . . Arr. MINNEAPOLIS . . . . . . . . 7 15 AM
Arr. WINNIPEG . . . . . . . . . . 8 15 AM . . . . . . . Arr. ST. PAUL . . . . . . . . . . . 8 00 AM

The Milwaukee Rd. Hiawatha leaving Chicago 100 p.m., arriving St. Paul 7 15 p.m, Minneapolis 7 45 p.m., and C.B.&Q. No. 25 leaving Chicago 11 30 a.m., arriving St. Paul 6 15 p.m., connect with the Soo Line Winnipeger for Winnipeg and Western Canada.

Southbound “Winnipeger” makes convenient connections with morning “Hiawatha” and “Zephyr” and other important early morning trains from St. Paul to points East and South.


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

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

[Anonymous]

P, message understood and complied with henceforth. I can understand how vexing "Buffs" can be to professionals. Kinda like a college kid telling a brain surgeon how easy it really is.[(-D] Tom, I was going to have a "light" breakfast but since my refrigerator/freezer "took the count;" make it a Bloody Shame" please. Oh, did I mention the Verizon power glitch that knocked me off-line this A.M.?[8] On the bright side, a cold front is moving through and the weather is rotten.[xx(] Actually, I found a good buy on a new unit from Sears, of all places.[^] I'm in a bit of a rush, the cleaning lady is due at 10:30 this morning and I need to do some "picking up" so she can at least Hoover the place.

Al, do have you any tentative arrangemnets for a publishing date? I can't be the only one "chomping-at-the-bit" for your Tome on passenger "varnish." Rob, I don't wi***o seem impatient or let my "N.Y." show to excess but have you had any luck with those C.D.s lately? As lack luster as they are, they still might get a few belly laughs from our peers, don'tcha think? Nick, no matter how greulling the day, your posts, like your menus, "save the day."[tup] Westcoast S DAve, really great to have you back "in the swim." Fine stuff on the EMD E-8s problem with "thin air." Yes, the turbo Alco P's were awesome power for the moutain divisions. They really looked and sounded like "the real thing."[^] Doug, still no luck on finding the Road associated with the photo of the Observ. car on this end...any ideas? Russell, me uncle verifies the crummy weather in K.C. recently. As a kid, I remember freezing me tush on those bitter cold St, Louis street cars that the doors leaked like a sieve...Brrrr! The heaters never came up to snuff and we were greatful to have a "SRO" crowd going to school. Hi again Mike, looks like IC and Burlington dominated the speed market. Hey, when the the terrain is flater than p--s-on-a-plate, you might expect high indexes, right?[:D]

I don't want to go but I can't stay here.[V] There is too much hazaardous waste to dispose of from the premisis.[xx(] I'll get back atcha a.s.a.p.! Boris, as Count Basie would say: "One more Time." Gadfrey, he put CM3's quarters in the Wurlitzer![alien] [:(!] See you soon.

[siberianmo]

And yet another "case in point" - now it's our friend, ftwNSengineer red P who has arrived!

Mornin' to ya! [tup] Really was no need to elaborate, my man, we all have our own preferences and respect the other guys for theirs.

So, now it's just P - in lieu of red P. Okay, we can "do" that! [swg]

Lookin' for some RR "stuff" from all ... let's keep 'er on track and talk some Classic Trains!

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Case in point - rather than checking out immediately after Posting - sticking around permitted me to "catch" passengerfan Al's latest Post!

Mornin' Al! You're up a bit early out there on the left coast, eh [?] Another Streamliner for us to enjoy! Thanx .... [tup][tup] The Great Northern will always be remembered, whether one traveled aboard those great looking trains or not. Fantastic livery - and of course, "Rocky the Goat" emblazoned on the freight cars has a place in RR lore fer sure, fer sure! [swg]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Mornin' wanswheel Mike

I see you were at the bar just as Leon 'n Boris were closin' up the place. Hope they treated you well ...... [swg]

Ah, trains from the 1950s - and those speeds all above 80 mph. Not bad, eh [?] Of course the speeds of today, thanx to the myriads of rerstrictions, including a "ton" of additional grade crossings has really messed things up.

Don't sweat the small stuff - you are as "inclusive" as most and it is very much appreciated! [tup] This CAN become rather an obsessive way to spend the time - just a word of "caution!" [swg]

While I didn't know of the anniversary date for the Opry I can say that I have attended peformances at the old and new locations. As with you, time and money well spent for sure. The last one was in 1987 (I think) and it was a "special" show put on for the attendees of a conference that I attended at Opryland It was a non-stop, nearly 3 hours of wonderful enterainment. Can'[t begin to list 'em all, but the "headliners" of the day were all there. [tup][tup Check out our Juke - Herr Wurltizer you'll find all sorts of great tunes that will bring back some fine memories! [tup]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[passengerfan]

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

PASSENGERFAN AL'S STREAMLINER CORNER # 17

GOPHER GN Trains 19-20 BADGER GN Trains 23-24 April 26, 1952 St. Paul/Minneapolis to Duluth/Superior daily each direction 160 miles each way 3 hours 30 minutes each way.

The Great Northern introduced two six car semi streamlined trains to the above route on April 26, 1952. The consists carried the names of both trains BADGER and GOPHER on the rear of the Observation Cars.

The BADGER was the morning train operating as an all stops local in 3 hours 35 minutes each way over the 160 mile route.

The GOPHER was the late Afternoon -early Evening Trains operated over the same route with fewer stops in 3 Hours 30 minutes.

The BADGER and GOPHER operated with a Baggage 30' Railway Post Office Car. Each consist of the GOPHER operated with a Baggage Express Car. this car did not operate in the BADGER.

The trains utilized six of the prewar EMPIRE BUILDER 58-Seat Luxury coaches with four remaining as built and two were converted to 44-seat coaches with a galley for train service attendant to serve passengers at their seats.

The last car in each consist was a Cafe Parlor Observation rebuilt by GN shops from heavyweight Coaches originally built as Parlor Cars and sold to the GN at the beginning of WW II for conversion to coaches.

The trains weree painted in the Omaha Orange, Pullman Green scheme better known as the EMPIRE BUILDER scheme.

The power was interseting as one train was powered by by a single EMD E7a and the other was powered by an A-B set of EMD F7s initially.

CONSIST ONE

267A EMD F7A 1,500 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

267B EMD F7B 1,500 HP Diesel Passenger Booster Unit

81 Heavyweight 30'Railway Post Office Baggage Car

271 Baggage Express Car

945 Galley 44-Revenue Seat Coach

948 58-Revenue Seat Coach

949 58-Revenue Seat Coach

1083 TWIN CITIES Buffet 10-Seat Dinette 26-Revenue Seat Parlor Observation (Square)

CONSIST TWO

508 EMD E7A 2,000 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

87 30'Railway Post Office Baggage Car

276 Baggage Express Car

944 Galley 44-Revenue Seat Coach

946 58-Revenue Seat Coach

947 58-Revenue Seat Coach

1084 TWIN PORTS Buffet 10-Seat Dinette 26-Revenue Seat Parlor Observation (Square)

TTFN AL

[red p]

Well guys there is a reason I dont actaully sign my name to these post. I explained it to Tom.
Its because I do this for a living (and my ID identifies what terminal I work out of). I was told by a couple of old heads when I first hired out,if this is your hobby ,dont tell anyone about it, keep it to yourself. For some reason most railroaders hate train buffs (and there are some guys that search the internet for stuff like this to post all over the yard office, I have seen it). And it is said that the NS is the worst and thats who I work for.
I have seen how these guys treat buffs as thay call it. we have had some young guys come that have quit because of it. I know the whole thing is stupid but thats the way it is.
And I prefer not to subject myself to that. Im what they call a closet Buff,and there are quite a few of us around.
P

[siberianmo]

. . . . . ENCORE! A NOTE for all who Post here! . . . . .

Some of this may be repetitious, however, we have some new guys who may appreciate this info:

When you log in to this Forum (Classic Trains) and see the listings for the topics, you are NOT getting the most CURRENT Posts if you simply click on what you see.

Click on "Active Topics." Use the “Active Topics Since” option (near the top, at the middle) and click on “last 12 hours –or- last 6 hours” etc., and you will then get “refreshed” info.

Another way to ensure that you are reading the MOST CURRENT info, is once you have called up the last page shown for “Our” Place and BEFORE you decide to respond, use the “REFRESH” or “RELOAD” option (usually located at the top bar of your screen). This will call up the MOST CURRENT info.

I cannot explain why the Forums operate this way, but they do. Since I am here more time than most, I see it happen several times a day where someone Posts, but does not respond to information that has been “out there” for an hour or more. Reason [?] Who knows! But one way to circumvent it is to use either of my “procedures” explained above.

For the guys who seemingly have repetitious problems with losing information before it gets Posted – use a word processor program to prepare your material. Cut ‘n paste it to the “message block” on the Thread. Should it get “lost” you always can retrieve it from your WP program. Simple enough, eh [?]

Finally, try to stick around for a couple of minutes AFTER you have Posted – then use the “REFRESH” or “RELOAD” option, just to see if someone has Posted during the time you were preparing yours.


None of this is difficult but will surely keep you “on target” if you are interested in such things. [tup]


Later!

Tom [4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

TUESDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

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

Tuesday it is! Belly up to the bar, bozy! Grap a cuppa, have some fresh pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and of course, order a <light> breakfast (or three, if you are like barndad Doug! [swg]


Many a thing a man does is judged right or wrong according to the time and the place.


Info for the Day:

(1) Wednesday is “Pike Perspectives Day.”
(2) Thursday is Fish ‘n Chips Nite and maybe something from Nick’s Picks!
(3) Friday is Pizza Nite along with Steak ‘n Fries Nite!
(4) Saturday is ENCORE! Day
(5) Sunday is Sunday Photo Posting Day! and yes, we are CLOSED!

SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 01:47:58 (175) Monday’s Info & Summary

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 01:50:59 (175) Weekly Index

(3) daveklepper Dave Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 04:32:19 (175)

(4) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 06:39:58 (175) Inclusive Post!

(5) passengerfan Al Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 06:44:30 (175) Streamliner #16 – Senators

(6) passengerfan Al Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 06:47:00 (176)

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 08:04:41 (176) Acknowledgments, etc.

(8) ftwNSengineer NSE Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 08:43:22 (176)

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 08:49:48 (176) Forum’s tips

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 12:17:21 (176) NOSTALGIA #32 – Ad – Pullman

(11) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 13:23:11 (176) Inclusive Post!

(12) ftwNSengineer NSE Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 14:10:32 (176)

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 14:21:41 (176) Acknowledgments, etc.

(14) ftwNSengineer NSE Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 14:52:03 (176) PCentral letter

(15) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 15:36:58 (176)

(16) siberianmo Tom Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 15:59:48 (176) Acknowledgements, etc.

(17) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 16:17:54 (176) CNR Classic Steam – The Roustabout

(18) West Coast S Dave Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 16:24:42 (176) SP Diesel Power, etc.

(19) Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 16:37:04 (176)

(20) ftwNSengineer NSE Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 16:53:28 (176)

(21) West Coast S Dave Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 17:05:47 (176)

(22) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 18:51:20 (176)

(23) passengerfan Al Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 19:22:29 (176)

(24) siberianmo Tom Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 19:46:31 (176) Acknowledgments, etc.

(25) ftwNSengineer red P Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 19:54:38 (177)

(26) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 20:20:26 (177) Inclusive Post, etc.

(27) siberianmo Tom Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 21:47:47 (177) Acknowledgments, etc.

(28) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 28 Nov 2005, 22:43:57 (177) Inclusive Post!

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

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

[wanswheel]

Hi Tom, cool logo red P

Ted, Al, Nick, Rob: You don't type a post that I don't read. Most of it goes over my head of course. But that's okay I don't need to know everything. What's important is that I can see you're good people. Thanks for letting me hang out here.
Also don't forget CM3, Doug, Russell, Dave, Dan, Pete and oh gosh, who else? That's the danger of trying to be comprehensive. Incomprehensible. Does this thing come with spell-check, grammar check, etc? I know it's got paste & post but forget that because I killed too many brain cells getting too think once.

Did you know that Nov. 28 was the 80th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry?
I went there once. April 12, 1970. I still have the ticket stub somewhere. Also saw Johnny Cash & June Carter at Carnegie Hall in 1996. Best $40 I ever spent.

Is there a topic here? Oh yeah, trains. Um...I like trains actually, especially fast ones.
1956 Timetables (Source 1957 World Almanac)

Burlington - Twin Zephers (2) -Prairie du Chein to La Cross 57.7 miles - 41 minutes - 84.4 mph
Burlington - Twin Zephers (2) - La Cross - Prairie du Chein - 57.7 - 42 - 82.4
Burlington - Empire Builder - Prairie du Chein - La Cross - 57.7 - 42 - 82.4
Illinois Central - City of Miami - Centralia - Effingham - 53.2 - 39 - 81.8
Illinois Central - City of New Orleans - Effingham - Centralia - 53.2 - 39 - 81.8
Santa Fe - Golden Gates (2) - Corcoran - Wasco - 37.9 - 28 - 81.2
Illinois Central - Panama Limited - Champaign - Matoon - 44.6 - 33 - 81.2
Milwaukee - Afternoon Hiawatha - New Lisbon - Portage - 43.1 - 32 - 80.8
Union Pacific - Challenger - Grand Island - North Platte - 137.2 - 102 - 80.7
Burlington - North Coast Limited - Prairie du Chein - La Cross 57.7 - 43 - 80.5