"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[siberianmo]

[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]


[bday]Doug[bday]Doug[bday]Doug[bday]Doug[bday]Doug[bday]Doug][bday]

FIFTY – 50 – FIVE-Oh!

TOP TEN One Liners FOR 50 Year Olds!

(10) 50! I demand a recount.

(9) Oh no, say it isn't so. Not the big 5-0!

(8) Fifty happens!

(7) After fifty everything that doesn't hurt doesn't work!

(6) I'm not 50, I'm 18 with 32 years experience!

(5) I can't believe you're 50; 49 maybe, but never 50!

(4) 50 year old; one owner; needs parts; make offer.

(3) Love your 50's, because you know what comes next? Your 60's!

(2) Nifty Fifty!

And the number ONE is: <drum rolll> Fifty is the ultimate "F" word.


BorisRing the bell a few times – it’s party time![swg]


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[bday]Doug[bday]Doug[bday]Doug[bday]Doug[bday]Doug[bday]Doug][bday]


[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]

[siberianmo]

[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]


[bday]Lars[bday]Lars[bday]Lars[bday]Lars[bday]Lars[bday]Lars][bday]

TOP TEN One Liners for 66 Year Olds!

(10) I'm not old, I'm youthfully challenged.

(9) Charter member, "Old farts hall of fame."

(8) Once over the hill, you pick up speed.

(7) My own mortality will be the death of me yet.

(6) In dog years I'm dead.

(5) I'm in no shape to exercise.

(4) Don't interrupt me while I'm talking to myself.

(3) Darn right, I'm good in bed. I can sleep for days!

(2) I get everything I set my mind to. Now where'd I set my mind?

And the number ONE is: <drum roll> Naps & farts, that's all I'm really good for these days.


Boris Ring the bell a few times – Let the good times rolll![swg]


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


[bday]Lars[bday]Lars[bday]Lars[bday]Lars[bday]Lars[bday]Lars][bday]

[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]

[LoveDomes]

Hey Tom

My Captain. my Captain! Thank you very much for the great Bash! Time is approaching where I must sign off. Once again you have led the way by example and I know how much effort it takes to not only stick it out, but to amass all of the posts and innovative stuff you do. A five-[tup] salute to you, Sir! [tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]

Loved that Top Ten! The shoe "fits," so I'm stuck with it.[swg]

My "final four!" Why I call myself LOVEDOMES .....

Wabash #200 (1956) (from: www.trainweb.org)


Amtrak #9560, former Wabash #200 (from: www.trainweb.org)


Amtrak #9561 former Wabash #201 (from: www.trainweb.org)


N&W #1611, former Wabash #201 (from: www.trainweb.org)


One more JD on the Rocks, Cindy - then I gotta scam outta here! [bday]Doug!!![bday]

Just wanted to THANK all of the guys who took the time today to express their [blue]B'day[/blue wishes to Doug 'n me Many, many THANKS BK - CM3 & PETE Also, I realize Rob has a tough day and appreciate his weekend greeting .....

Until the next time!

Lars

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Gents!

With the departure of Lars and an absent Doug I trhink it's time to call this a "wrap!" Let's close it on a high note with:

Some more New York humor:

NEW YORK—With a week to go before pitchers and catchers report for spring training, the New York Yankees shored up their pitching, hitting, and defense Monday by signing every player in professional baseball.

"We'd like to welcome the entire roster of Major League Baseball into the Yankees family," said team owner George Steinbrenner, watching as the franchise's 928 newest additions held up their pinstripes at a Yankee Stadium press conference. "With these acquisitions, we are in position to finally nab that elusive 27th World Series title."

Sports reporters were not surprised by the move.

"This is not entirely unexpected," New York Times baseball writer Murray Chass said. "When the Yankees followed up their signing of Japanese slugger Hideki 'Godzilla' Matsui by annexing Cuba for use as a Triple-A farm club, it was clear that Steinbrenner was willing to do whatever it takes to win."

By noon, Yankees GM Brian Cashman had signed the entire National League and most of the American League to multi-year contracts. Some 10 hours later, the final opposing player, Texas Rangers shortstop Alex Rodriguez, had been acquired by the Yankees, who bought out the remainder of his $252 million contract for $300 million.

"It's an honor to be part of this team," said catcher Benito Santiago, picked up from the San Francisco Giants as insurance in case catchers Jorge Posada, Ivan Rodriguez, and Mike Piazza all go down with injuries. "It's a surprise, certainly, but I'd be crazy to turn down the opportunity to play on what is, by default, the greatest team in baseball."

Yankees manager Joe Torre, whose pitching rotation, prior to the mass signing, lacked a clear seventh ace, now has the luxury of starting each of his hurlers twice a season.

"As they say, you can never have enough pitching in this league," Torre said. "Especially come playoff time. Now, if we make it to the World Series, we'll be able to start Pedro Martinez in Game 1 and still have him fresh and ready to go for a Game 287, should it be necessary."

With so many egos to juggle and so many personnel decisions to make, Torre said his job will actually be harder this season, the lack of opposing players notwithstanding.

"Hey, I don't care who you've got on your team; winning in this league is tough—Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, and Randy Johnson or no Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, and Randy Johnson," Torre said. "And it's even tougher in New York. This is a baseball town, and some of these fans think the Yankees are the only team in baseball. Now that we truly are, the pressure to win will be that much greater."

The mass signing, extravagant even by Yankees standards, caused the Bronx Bombers' payroll to skyrocket from a former league high of $149 million to $5.6 billion. Cashman noted that much of that figure is tied up in bonuses to be paid out to pitcher Tom Glavine, who at 37 will almost certainly not play out the entirety of his 15-year contract.

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig approved the signing, noting that the other 29 major-league teams received ample financial compensation.

"I see no reason why a small-market team like the Twins or Expos can't continue to remain competitive, just because it lacks players," Selig said. "The league was due for contraction, anyway."
From: www.yankeesnewswire.com/

Some more Illinois humor!

State Motto

State Joke

State Flag/Statue

State Mineral

State Historical Marker

State Tree

State Animal – The Barrier Horse

Our Tax Dollars at Work

More Tax Dollars at Work

from: www.illinoissmokersrights.com/welcome_to_illinois.html

Hope you two guys enjoyed your day - I did!![bday]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Evening again Tom and friends! I'll have more of whatever used to be in my bucket. Nice count-down material. I think Lars stuff was more funny (because it thankfully wasn't about me). The traffic construction signs were all true, unfortunately. It wouldn't be surprising to find the entire state closed one day for remodeling and repairs.Pretty good stuff on your end Pete, I really got a kick out of it. I have to say that ya'll did a bang-up job today, and it's surely appreciated, and for the record, I have no independent memory of anything I may have been accused of today, and that's the story I'm sticking to!

I see many a dome pic has been posted in my absense. I want one.

I see that Boris has lowered the house lights in the bar a little too fast tonight. I want to thank the track and signal guys for setting up barricades to warn of the broken glass. Here's another joke to read in the candlelight:

[:I] A man goes into a supermarket and buys a tube of toothpaste, a bottle of Pepsi, a bag of tortilla chips, and a frozen pizza. The cute girl at the register looks at him and says, "Single, huh?"
Sarcastically the guy sneers, "How’d you guess?"
She replies, "Because you’re so *** ugly." [:I]

[passengerfan]

Good Evening Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a 7-up and a round for the house.

Good News for Birthday boy Lars. They have just released a DVD on domes. I placed my order a week ago and am anxiously waiting for the delivery.

Tom I had a pretty extensive photo collection at one time and even 35 mm slides but those boxes mysteriously got lost in one of my moves some years ago. I don't have the time or money to replace them now.

I do have a very extensive book collection and more recently have collected Videos and now DVDs. Since my computer has a DVD burner I am thinking of transferring all of the older videos to this format. My insurance man has just increased my rider on the RR collectibles I have. It never ceases to amaze me how the insurance companies want an extra rider on anything of value. I only wish I would have had insurance on my photo and slide collections.

Was absolutely amazed to see how much tax work has piled up while I was sick and Corporate is due by midnight wednesday.

I know I'm rambling again so guess I better buy another round.

Happy birthday to Lars and Doug once again. I remember fifty but only vaguely.

TTFN Al

[Anonymous]

Evening brother Al, and thanks for the birthday wishes. At the risk of being tweeted for premature posting, this article seems appropriate for tonight:

The Liquor Train Wreck Dec. 1936 Railroad Stories

No. 316, which figured in the incident related here was built at Richmond in 1901


Back in the days of the open saloon, the Southern Railroad handled a rushing beverage traffic. One morning in 1904, regular southbound freight No. 65, with a string of liquor cars, was speeding from Birmingham to Mobile. On the steep down-grade between Dogwood and Aldrich, the engine, No. 316, plunged off the high embankment.

Liquor cars piled up on one side of the track and burst open. Beer and whiskey poured into the ditch, along the right-of-way. Bottles, kegs, etc., were scattered far and wide. It wasn’t very long before all the miners and farmers in the community were there. They brought buckets and churns, which they filled from the pools of “red-eye.” People from miles around carted away barrels of the stuff.

The wreck became a great scene of merry-making. Operators of Dogwood, Aldrich, and Straven coal mines were forced to shut down for a week while miners celebrated. The countryside was littered with drunks and empty bottles.

I visited the scene of the wreck several times. Not long ago a relative of mine unearthed in a nearby field a number of beer bottles with the caps rusted off. I found an old link-and-pin coupling by the track. Engine No. 316 is still in service. At present she is pulling the Southern’s Akron run, “The Bullet” – Earl F. Kennamer, Selma, Ala.

[:I] I got tested for drugs the other day, but luckily the test came back negative. That's good, but now my dealer has some explaining to do. [:I]

[trolleyboy]

Good evening fellow barflies[;)] Quite the party today,I see that Boris is burried under a ton of paper plates and plastic beer glasses.[:O]

I will apologize for the rather unfortunate choice of girls in the cakes[:D] It seems that only Hilda and Helga were brave enough and strong enough to survive in two cakes with that many candles on them.[:O][:0][;)][:p][}:)] The other upside is that we did not have to use much electricity when the candles were lit.[:D][;)]

Seriously a good time was had by all and the only fire that the volenteer's had to put out was the groanameter whuch caught fire somewhere around 3:30 pm[:0][xx(][:o)][:-^]

Tom and Pete I'm glad that the storms missed you, good news to be sure[tup][^]

Wonderfull photo day yesterday gents, I wasn't able to see all of the one's on pg 273 duw to computer locking but what I saw was well done. [tup][tup]

A final [bday] To Doug and [bday] To Lars [tup] good show and good sportsmanship with all the jokes thrown around,shows the proof is in the pudding where the bar and it's core members are concerned [tup][tup][tup]

See evreyone tomorrow.

Rob

[comechtech]

Morning all! I say that cause it is morning now (01:20). Sorry we missed the party, I see the festivities broke off by 21:58,so I am going to have to try to change our hours to more clearly match yours. Happy birthday to the kids, I can say that since I'm already 66, but I do agree with your list of 10, they fit. As to the jokes,[sigh][sigh], wait till the Mrs. inserts one of hers!! Well, since we missed the fun, will depart for now, will try to match your hours next trip. Greetings to all, and remember, Murphy was an optimist!!

[siberianmo]

(courtesy: www.trainweb.org)

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


TUESDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS


Tuesday is here! Time to start up with a cuppa Joe, some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and of course a selection from our Menu Board for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast![tup]


Daily Wisdom

Asked by Cardinal Spellman of New York City what his Holiness had said to him and what did Yogi say in response, Yogi said, “He said, ‘Hello, Yogi,” and I said, ‘Hello, Pope.’ “[swg]
(yogi-ism)


Info for the Day:

Railroads from Yesteryear: Southern Railway (SOU) arrives TODAY! This will be the THEME for the DAY!

Canadian Railways of the past – Hudson Bay Railways (HBRY) arrives Thursday – watch for it!

* Weekly Calendar:

Wednesday: Pike Perspective’s Day!
Thursday: Fish ‘n Chips Nite!
Friday: St. Patrick’s Day – Special Menu!
Saturday: Steak ‘n Trimmin’s Nite! – and –
ENCORE! Saturday
TODAY: Steak ‘n Trimmin’s Nite! – and –
ENCORE! Saturday


SUMMARY

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

(1) comechtech
Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 01:36:03 (273) Back again!

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 05:21:21 (273) Monday’s Info & Summary

(3) passengerfan Al Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 06:41:32 (273) Streamliner #73 – Larks

(4) barndad Doug Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 07:13:13 (273) AM comments, Phantom Switching & Joke!

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 07:34:39 (273) Acknowledgments, etc.

(6) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 08:09:35 (273) AM report!

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 10:11:00 (274) NOSTALGIA #73 – Ad: CP (1952)

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 11:48:18 (274) Acknowledgment, etc.

(10) barndad Doug Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 12:05:24 (274) PM Chat & Joke!

(11) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 14:00:01 (274) Start of B’day Bash!

(12) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 14:06:12 (274) Bash!

(13) barndad Doug Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 14:13:10 (274) Bash!

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 14:23:11 (274) Bash!

(15)LoveDomes Lars Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 14:26:46 (274) Bash!

(16) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 14:30:37 (274) Bash!

(17) barndad Doug Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 14:32:43 (274) Bash!

(18) barndad Doug Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 14:36:04 (274) Bash!

(19) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 14:45:43 (274) Bash!

(20) BudKarr BK Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 14:49:17 (274) Bash!

(21) barndad Doug Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 14:51:49 (274) Bash!

(22) BudKarr BK Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 15:01:47 (274) Bash!

(23) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 15:07:16 (274) Bash!

(24) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 15:09:51 (274) Bash!

(25) barndad Doug Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 15:12:03 (274) Bash!

(26) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 15:17:53 (274) Bash!

(27) barndad Doug Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 15:24:42 (275) Bash!

(28) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 15:37:23 (275) Bash!

(29) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 15:38:47 (275) Bash!

(30) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 15:46:54 (275) Bash!

(31) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 15:50:35 (275) Bash!

(32) pwolfe Pete Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 15:52:47 (275) Bash!

(33) barndad Doug Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 17:20:31 (275) Bash!

(34) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 17:32:47 (275) 4 Dome Pix!

(35) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 18:12:36 (275) 4 Dome Pix!

(36) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 18:23:48 (275) Bash! for Doug

(37) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 18:29:09 (275) Bash! for Lars

(38) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 18:52:24 (275) 4 Dome Pix & G’nite!

(39) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 19:11:45 (275) My Final Bash Post!

(40) barndad Doug Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 19:42:33 (275) Post Bash!

(41) passengerfan Al Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 20:02:59 (275) Post Bash!

(42) barndad Doug Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 20:07:33 (275) Post Bash!

(43) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 13 Mar 2006, 21:58:17 (275) Post Bash!



NOW SHOWING:

The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre
Double Features! Now with The Three Stooges Short Subject!

. . . Sunday, March 12th thru 18th: Mystery Alaska (1999) starring: Russell Crowe, Hank Azaria & Mary McCormack –and- Slap Shot (1977) starring: Paul Newman – Strother Martin & Michael Ontkean. SHORT: Beer and Pretzels (1933).


That’s it! [tup][;)]

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

[Anonymous]

Good morning Tom and friends! I'll have a light breakfast, but I think I'll probably just sit here and stare at it. I spent the night inside one of the cakes apparantly. I can hear snoring coming out of the other one, so I assume that's Lars. Oh well ...time to get back to the "normal" routine here. Here's some SR stuff:

From Sept. 1937 Railroad Magazine

If the railroads want to get more passenger business, they’d better start giving decent customer service. I refer especially to the Southern. Traveling all night in a dilapidated coach en route to New Orleans the other day filled my eyes, ears, nose and throat with cinders and grime. There was no washing facilities in the men’s room – which itself was filthy! – so I stepped into a Pullman washroom for a minute to clean up, but was ordered out.

The washroom is one of the few conveniences which makes passengers willing to pay more for railroad travel than for bus travel. If there are no such facilities aboard a train, a fellow might just as soon take the bus for less money – M.A. Nelson, 6602 S. Richmond St., Chicago

From June 1946 Railroad Magazine

Icebound, “While I was in Asheville, N.C., one day last winter gathering material for Railroad Magazine,” writes Herbert G. Monroe, Southern ex-brakeman, 2343 Venetian Drive, S.W., Atlanta, Ga., “an ice storm completely isolated (no pun intended) the city from east and south. All wires were down and the suddenness of it caught many trains on the east side of the Blue Ridge Mts. Without running orders.

“It was interesting to observe the way dispatchers got trains moving on the two divisions where signals and wires were useless. In one instance, where a passenger train had reached the top of Saluda Mt. – as far as it could go without orders received – a signal maintainer, walking from Spartanburg to Saluda, found a wire intact west of Saluda. The dispatcher called an order to him. He, in turn, called it out to the operator standing on the ground below. Number 9 left Saluda a few minutes later.

From Oct. 1943 Railroad Magazine

Old-timers remember the popularity of the famous Congress gaitor shoes. They had elastic sides so you could easily slip ‘em on and off. Black in the link-and-pin days many accidents occurred because men’s footwear became wedged in frogs and switches. In fact, such accidents were so frequent that Congress passed a bill demanding the manufacture of the gaitor shoe and recommending it be worn by railroaders. Hence the name, Congress shoe.

If more men had heeded this advise, as Frank Connor did on the old Cincinnati Southern, there wouldn’t have been quite so many peglegs and widows. “Hoggy,” as Frank was called, was mixed up in several bad wrecks. Before he left the railroad his anatomy had been patched here and there. He might have gone to the Great Hereafter before his time if he hadn’t worn Congress gaitors. These shoes, he declared, saved his life in a wreck. It was a freak wreck. Although 310 passengers were aboard train No. 3 that night of December 3rd, 1902, in ten wooden coaches, not one of them was hurt.

The trainmaster, W.E. Wheellock, and the road foreman of engines, William T. Edwards, were waiting at Somerset, Ky., to take No. 3 into Chattanooga, Tenn. “Bill,” said the T.M., “these fellows are falling down on the schedule. Let’s ride the engines tonight and find out what’s the trouble.” As usual, No. 3 was doubleheading. Two Baldwins under steam were standing at the Sommerset station to relieve the Cincinnati power. Hoggy’s regular engine, the 562, was in the shops; so he and Fireman Owen Curd were taking the lead that night on the 546. They had finished their work and were lolling around the 9-wheeler.

In those days, as now, fast Florida trains scorched the rails. Engineer Alex Jeffrey rolled them each winter; and his racer, the 10-wheeled 563, had just come out of the shops after a face-lifting before pulling what is now the Florida Sunbeam. At Sommerset station, where T.M. and the road foreman were waiting, John “Drawbar” Fowler and his tallowpot, Frank Elliot, were limbering up the old girl on tracks 3 and 4. Wheellock said: “Let’s put off the engine ride tonight ,Bill. I’m too tired to take it.” So the two officials pitched their grips into the baggage car and climbed into the first day coach. They walked through the entire length of train before finding an empty seat. Then they discovered the two long seats in the smoker of the last Pullman were vacant. They stretched out on these and almost immediately went to sleep.

While they were slumbering, another train was battling Greenwood Hill in a race to get to Oakdale, Tenn., ahead of No. 3. This train was in charge of Condr. Ely Shipp and Engr. John Thomas. Before they reached Sunbright, in the dip at the bottom of Pilot Mountain, they were short on time for the varnish. “Better go in for ‘em’at Sunbright, John,” the big ox advised. “We’ll pull by and back in,” the brains figured out; and thereby hangs a story. The sidetrack was located on the east side of the main. Near the middle of the cut of cars was an old flat car loaded with a heavy cottonseed oil press. When John backed in, he hit the string a pretty hard lick. “Reckon we did any damage back there?” he asked Shipp, as No. 3 whistled up the track. “Don’t think so,” the skipper answered. He did not know that death, in the shape of a massive cottonseed oil press, lurked in the fog and darkness between the siding and main stem.

Meanwhile, Hoggy Connor was well underway, with a clear block. He was going places dwon the hill into Sunbright for a run at Pilot Mountain, little dreaming that the huge press had shifted on the car and that the impact of John’s engine had caused it to slide off, fouling the east rail of the left hand curve. Hoggy couldn’t possibly see it; but the obstacle slid two feet further, to straddle the west rail, a red eye would have flashed in his face.

The curving track was in a long cut shaped like half a moon, and the deadly press lay in the deepest part. Without the least warning to the speeding huggers, the 546 hit this obstruction, running as fast as her 598-inch drivers would turn. And what a wallop! The engine leaped into the air like a frightened colt, turning a somersault before her boiler landed 100 yards down the track. She was completely stripped and almost demolished. The 60-ton Baldwin lifted the 546’s tank on top of the cut of cars, several of which were being loaded with bulk wheat; then she rode over her running gear. The two brass hats, enjoying shut-eye, were suddenly pitched onto the floor of the Pullman. “They’ve sideswiped something in the Oakdale yards,” the trainmaster told the road foreman.

Both hurried out to investigate, not realizing then the fate they had missed through Weellock changing his mind about riding the engine. However, as soon as they passed the three Pullmans that remained on the track, Edwards cried: “Great God, what a mess!””And to think we would have been under those engines!” the other said. Well, the coaches were rammed crazily into the banks and the cars on the siding. Pintsch gaslights, still burning, cast eerie shadows as the two officials made their way along the top of the bank. By the time they reached the engines, those lights had set the mail car on fire. I was told later that the mail clerk, Walter Helms, shot himself rather than be burned to death.

By the light of the flames, Weellock and Edwards saw Fireman Curd trying to pull Hoggy Connor from under his ashpan, using only one hand – the other arm was broken. Hoggy’s foot was caught. The two officials dragged him out, leaving in the wreckage a Congress gaiter shoe that was eaten up by flames a few minutes later. Yes, Hoggy recovered from his injuries. Those shoes had saved his life. The freight engine pulled her train and some other cars out of danger; the three Pullmans also were rescued from the flames fed by bulk wheat. But Fireman Elliott was never found.

“The last time I saw Frank,” Drawbar Fowler said later, in answer to a question, “he was putting in a fire.” As for the 546, she was not rebuilt. Her boiler was used for many years afterward to make steam for a stationary engine in Sommerset – Hert G. Monroe (ex-brakeman, Southern Ry.) Smyrna, Ga.

[:I] A husband and wife were golfing when suddenly the woman asked, "Honey, if I died would you get married again?"
The man said, "No dear."
The women said, "I'm sure you would."
So the man said, "Okay, I would"
Then the women asked, "Would you let her sleep in our bed?"
And the man replied, "Ya, I guess so."
Then the women asked, "Would you let her use my golf clubs?"
And the man replied, "No, she's left handed." [:I]

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom and the rest of the gang, Time for a cup of Coffee and a Crumpet.

PASSENGERFAN AL'S STREAMLINER CORNER # 74

L&N/A&WP/WofA/
SOU/PRR
CRESCENT LIMITED
(December 17, 1949) By Al

The pride of the SOUTHERN was the all Pullman CRESCENT LIMITED and when its lightweight streamlined replacement entered service it was just in time for the Christmas rush of 1949. The new streamlined CRES-CENT LIMITED was an all Pullman train initially only between New York City and Atlanta, beyond Atlanta to New Orleans the CRESCENT LIMITED operated with Coaches added. The CRESCENT LIMITED was one of only three postwar streamlined trains to carry the most deluxe sleeping car space the Master Room; the other two postwar trains with this space were both PRR trains the BROADWAY LIMITED and the LIBERTY LIMITED. The general makeup of the CRESCENT LIMITED was initially a pair of EMD E7A units south of Washington, They were trailed by a Baggage 60’ Railway Post Office Car, a Baggage 21 Crew Dormitory Car, five sleeping cars, a dining Car and five more sleeping cars one being a Sleeper Lounge located next to the Dining Car. As was the case with the NEW ROYAL PALM the streamlined 5 Double Bedroom Buffet 25 seat High Windowed Lounge Observations were not ready for the train’s debut as a streamliner. The L&N, A&WP, W of A, Southern, and PRR all contributed cars to the lightweight streamlined CRESCENT LIMITED.

TTFN Al

[siberianmo]

[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]


Railroads from Yesteryear – Southern Railway (SOU)
arrives on track #1 at 10 AM today - WATCH FOR IT!


Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]

[siberianmo]

Good Morning!

A new day has dawned with some blue skies, a chill in the air and temps just a bit below freezing. Quite a change from the 81 (F) of just two days ago!

What’s to say about yesterday[?] I’d say what needed to be said – was. For those who took the time and made the effort to participate, it was a great time and I hope the two recipients enjoyed it all.[swg]

However, there is a bit of something that must be mentioned. There was a comment about our “core” group with reference to the Bash! So I ask this – where were they[?] Take a look at the SUMMARY and you tell me where they were. The Bash! began at 2 PM (Central) and “ended” around 7 PM (Central) – so there was ample time for that “core” to show up. Many didn’t and once again a profound disappointment was felt by me. I see this place “limping” into our 12th month of existence and have serious doubts about the 13th.

A few acknowledgments:

comechtech Dennis
Posted: 14 Mar 2006, 02:32:06

Yes, you’ll have to figure a way to visit us during “normal” hours. ‘fraid you’re speaking to yourself when it comes to Posting at 1 or 2 in the AM. Remember the “precepts” of this place, otherwise the wrath of the Tweeter may befall you![swg]


barndad Doug
Posted: 14 Mar 2006, 05:25:02

Good to see you up ‘n functioning this AM! Right back the “routine,” eh[?] Well, your efforts are appreciated.[tup]


passengerfan Al
Posted: 14 Mar 2006, 06:38:46

That has to be the shortest Streamliner EVER! [wow] But, it is in keeping with the “theme,” so thanx![tup]


Okay, boyz, I’ll be here for the day!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


Stick around a few minutes AFTER POSTING - The information you MISS may be for YOU!

Those who acknowledge the other guy, get acknowledged!

[coalminer3]

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

Enjoyed all of the bash postings yesterday, dome pictures, etc.

I see that today's theme is the Southern.

We'll get things started with another summary of passenger service from right before Amtrak. This summary includes service on the CofG as well because they really were part of the family when it came to passenger service. You will note that there are a couple of trains numbered 3 and 4. This is not an error, but the way they were listed in the TT. You may need a piece of paper to figure out Pullman lines, etc. as some lines ran in two trains, others went south on one train and returned part way on another before being switched en route.

In regard to reading material, there are a few books out there. Probably the most encyclopedic is Prince's book on Southern Steam Locomotives. There are also a couple of others that are more recent that kind of fall into the general "picture book" category which seems to be so popular these days.

Thomas Wolfe had some excellent depictions of the Southern around Asheville and also in Virginia in several of his novels.

Southern Railway System – 1969

“Crescent” between New York, Washington, Atlanta

SOU 37/38 Northbound operated via L&N between New Orleans and Montgomery, A&WP between Montgomery and Atlanta and SOU from Atlanta to Washington

Sleeping cars
11dbr: Washington to Atlanta
10 rtte/6db: Atlanta to New York; Atlanta to Washington
Dining Car: Washington-Atlanta
Diner lounge: New Orleans-Montgomery
Coaches: Washington-Atlanta, New Orleans-Atlanta

“Southerner” between New York, Washington, Atlanta, Birmingham, New Orleans

SOU 47/48 (NOTE: Ran with SOU 37 between New York and Atlanta) Dep. Atlanta 9:40 a.m. (ET), arr. New Orleans 8:40 p.m. (CT)

Sleeping cars:
11 dbr: Atlanta to Washington
10 rtte/6db: Washington-Birmingham-New Orleans
10 rtte/6 db: New York-Atlanta
DR, MR, buffet lounge: Washington-Atlanta
Dining Car: Washington-New Orleans
Tavern lounge car: Washington-Atlanta
Reclining seat coaches: Washington-New Orleans, New York-New Orleans (2 cars), Atlanta to Washington
Coaches: Washington-Atlanta

“Peach Queen” between New York, Washington, Greensboro; New York, Asheville
Southbound Charlotte, Atlanta, Montgomery, Mobile, New Orleans

PC 175-155-137/SOU 29

Sleeping cars – Northbound sleepers operated in SOU 38
10 rtte/6 db: New York-Atlanta, Washington-Atlanta
10 rtte/6 db: New York-Asheville (in SOU 15 from Greensboro) Northbound in
SOU 16-38
Dining Car: Greensboro-Atlanta, Mobile-New Orleans
Reclining Seat Coach: New York to Atlanta
Reclining Seat Coaches: Washington-Atlanta, Greensboro-Asheville, Atlanta-New Orleans

“Asheville Special” between New York, Washington, Asheville

PC 175-155-137/SOU 29-15
PC 140-4/SOU 16-38

This train dep. Greensboro 7:00 a.m., arr. Asheville at 12:13 p.m.; dep. Asheville 1:35 p.m. arrive Greensboro at 705 p.m.

Sleeping car 10 rtte/6db: New York-Asheville
Dining Car: Greensboro-Washington
Reclining Seat Coach; New York-Greensboro (Atlanta)
Reclining Seat Coaches: : Washington-Greensboro, Greensboro-Asheville

“Birmingham Special” between Washington, Chattanooga, Birmingham

PC 137/107/SOU 17
PC 154/SOU 18

Operated via SOU between Washington and Lynchburg, N&W between Lynchburg and Bristol, SOU between Bristol and Birmingham

Dining Car: Washington-Monroe
Reclining Seat Coaches: Washington-Birmingham

Between Washington-Bristol-Roanoke and Bluefield

Operated via SOU between Washington and Lynchburg and N&W between Lynchburg and Bristol

SOU 41
SOU 42

Reclining Seat Coaches: Washington-Bristol

Between Cincinnati and Somerset (pending discontinuance) – Numbers were the same in TT

SOU 3/4

Coaches

Between Atlanta and Dalton (pending discontinuance) – Numbers were the same in TT

SOU 3/4

Coaches

Central of Georgia Railway – 1969

“Nancy Hanks II” between Atlanta, Macon, Savannah

C of G 108/107

Reclining seat coaches
Grill lounge serving all meals and beverages

“Man O’War” between Columbus and Atlanta

C of G 19/20

Reclining seat coaches: Columbus-Atlanta

“City of Miami” between Birmingham, Columbus, Americus, and Albany

C of G 52/53

Sleeping cars
11 db: Chicago-Miami (2 cars)
10 rtte/6 db: Chicago-Miami (2 cars)
10 rtte/6 db: Chicago-St. Petersburg
Dining service: Chicago-Miami
Grill car: Jacksonville-St. Petersburg
Tavern-lounge-observation: Chicago-Miami
Reclining seat coaches: Chicago-Miami (2 cars), Chicago-St. Petersburg
Dome coaches: Chicago-Miami, Birmingham-Albany

“City of Miami” operated via IC between Chicago and Birmingham, C of G between Birmingham and Albany, and SCL between Albany, Jacksonville, Miami, and St. Petersburg

I posted this awhile back but thought we could redo it as it gives a taste of what SOU service was like in the days of the heavyweights.

Here’s some information about the Crescent as it was about 1930.

This was an L&N/A&WP/SOU/PRR operation

Northbound

Lv. New Orleans 9:00 p.m. – L&N
Lv. Mobile 1:15 a.m. – L&N
Arr. Montgomery 6:25 a.m. – L&N
Arr. Atlanta 11:40 a.m. – A&WP
Arr. Spartanburg 5:30 p.m. – SOU
Arr. Charlotte 7:25 p.m. – SOU
Arr. Lynchburg 12:40 a.m. - SOU
Arr. Washington 5:20 a.m. – SOU
Arr. Baltimore 6:35 a.m. – PRR
Arr. W. Phila. 8:43 a.m. – PRR
Arr. No. Phila. 8:55 a.m. – PRR
Arr. New York 10:45 a.m. – PRR

Southbound

Lv. New York 8:40 p.m. – PRR
Lv. No. Phila 10:34 p.m. – PRR
Lv. W. Phila. 10:49 p.m. – PRR
Lv. Baltimore 12:57 a.m. – PRR
Lv. Washington 2:10 a.m. – SOU
Lv. Lynchburg 6:52 a.m. – SOU
Lv. Charlotte 12:01 p.m. – SOU
Lv. Spartanburg 1:50 p.m. – SOU
Lv Atlanta 6:05 p.m. – A&WP
Lv. Montgomery 11:30 p.m. – L&N
Lv. Mobile 4:22 a.m. – L&N
Arr. New Orleans 8:30 a.m. – L&N

Flag stops were at Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Gulfport, Edgewater Park, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and Pascagoula “to take on passengers to or from Atlanta and points east.”

“The Crescent Limited will carry northbound from Mobile, and southbound to Mobile, only passengers to and from destinations beyond Alabama; south of Montgomery will carry Montgomery passengers only from or to New Orleans and points west.”

EQUIPMENT

Club Car: New Orleans – New York (Valet service, movable chairs, two sofas, four double seats, buffet, magazines, writing desk and accessories, shower bath.)
Dining Cars – All meals en route
10 sect/2 compt/1 dr. room sleeper: New Orleans – New York
10 sect/2 dr. room sleeper: New Orleans – New York (2 cars)
14 section sleeper: New Orleans – New York (at least one car)
10 sect/2 dr. room sleeper: New Orleans – Washington
2 dr. room/3 compartment/observation car: New Orleans – New York (women’s lounge room, shower bath, maid and manicure service, sofa, movable chairs in the observation end, magazine, writing desk and accessories.)

No coaches.

The Southern had its own personality. I dug a couple of items I jotted down yrs. ago out of the notebooks.

To Live and Die in Dixie

Southern people like trains; they always have. The train touches their psyche in a way that an airplane can't. I'll bet you can't name more than five country songs that have been written about airplanes. There are a lot more songs about trucks, but the list of train songs is almost endless. The train, like The Cause, has been and always will be there.

It also rains a lot in the south, all the time, even throughout the winter, except for the occasional rogue snowstorm that surprises everyone, but generally it rains. There are many different kinds of rain in the south. There are the tumultuous, drenching rains that happen in the Appalachians; sometimes sweeping all before them in a welter of red mud, rocks, garbage, and coal mine refuse. There are the nasty penetrating rains of Virginia in December that seem to paint everything in shades of gray. There are the horrendous almost Biblical rains of deep South August nighttime thunderstorms that shake houses to their foundations. Then, sometimes, there are gentle, sweet rains falling slowly like a lover's caressing hand from the warm southern sky. Along the railroad it smells of wet ballast, creosote, and the musky odor of vegetation. The rain streaks down the sides of the freight cars in small rivulets at first and then coalesces into a reflective sheen that picks up light and enhances shadows.


Charlottesville, Virginia was a good place for trains in the evening because it was the crossing of the main lines of the Chesapeake and Ohio and of the Southern. Of the two, the Southern was the busier in the evening as it rolled freight train after freight train southward from the congested tracks of the Potomac Yard outside Washington, DC. Just a glance at these trains told the viewer that the Southern was a mighty property that linked the industrial north with deepest Dixie. Trains from the north heading out of town, and trains of cars from the south heading north. Lot's of boxcars and covered hoppers.

The Southern's main line is full of curves and twists and it has a rolling profile as it heads from Virginia toward North Carolina, South Carolina, and points beyond. The trackage around Charlottesville is an example of how the railroad's engineers had to deal with the quirks of terrain. Southbound trains had to pull an uphill grade to get to Charlottesville which sits on a ridge line. The track drops into a sag just south of the station which gives the engineer a chance to make a run at the next uphill grade which begins almost immediately. In short, an engine crew has to know how to handle a train.

The high point of the evening was the Crescent's station stop at Charlottesville. Railfans talk about first generation EMD units "chanting," but the E8s did not. Starting out, their sound was at first a low growl that grew to a roar that drowned out everything around them (pairs of V12 engines will do that). The impression I got while watching a set of four Es get underway with the Crescent was effortless strength and an eagerness to get out of town and over the road to the next station. The E's seemed to hunker down as they accelerated and the last car would be moving pretty quickly by the time it passed me at the end of the platform. It was impossible to keep up with them if I saw a train rolling along. I tried to find a place before the train got there, wait for it there and enjoy the show.

Have a good one

work safe

[siberianmo]

Good Morning CM3

That Post of yours ranks right up there with one of the best, by far, that we've been treated to on this Thread. Thanx![tup][tup][tup] Undoubtedly if we still were "into" things like "awards," you'd win 'em all for that. But that was then and this is now.

Your efforts are quite like a needed shot of adrenalin for me, something to "kick start" the desire to keep this place operating. It's really guys like you who make it easy for guys like me to do the things necessary to provide a "place" for your talents. And, Sir, they are on display.[tup]

Back in 1950, I traveled from Mobile to NYC aboard a Southern train. Don't know what the "name" was, don't recall much other than it was a great experience. My mother and I had flown to Mobile to spend about 3 weeks with my father who was shipping out for Korea and the Inchon landing. Anyway, we took the train back and it was a blast for a 12 year old, fer sure, fer sure. The schedule you provided, even though much before our trip, reminded me of those times. I do recall boarding the train in the early afternoon and getting into Penn Station around mid-morning. So, perhaps that scheule was pretty much the same in 1950 too. Maybe the train was indeed the Crescent.[wow]

With three weeks in Mobile, I do recall those rains you described very accurately. Your way with words really brought home many, many recollections and I appreciate them very much.

We should be buying YOU the rounds and giving YOU the quarters![swg]

Thanx![tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Now arriving on track #1 …..
Railroads from Yesteryear! Number Ten

Southern Railway (SOU)



Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources.

Locale: U.S. Southern states

Reporting marks: SOU

Dates of operation: 1894 – 1982

Track gauge: 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) (standard gauge)

Headquarters: Washington, D.C.

The Southern Railway (AAR reporting mark SOU) was the product of nearly 150 predecessor lines that were combined, reorganized and recombined beginning in the 1830s, formally becoming the Southern Railway in 1894. It was combined with the Norfolk and Western Railway to form the Norfolk Southern Railway in 1982.

History


1921 map

The nine-mile South Carolina Canal and Rail Road, Southern's earliest predecessor line and one of the first railroads in the United States, was chartered in December 1827 and ran the nation's first regularly scheduled steam powered passenger train – the wood-burning Best Friend of Charleston – out of Charleston, South Carolina, on December 25, 1830. (The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad ran regular passenger service earlier that year.) By 1833, its 136-mile line to Hamburg, SC, was the longest in the world.

As railroad fever struck other Southern states, networks gradually spread across the South and even across the Allegheny Mountains. Charleston, South Carolina and Memphis, TN, were linked by 1857, although rail expansion halted with the start of the Civil War. The York River Railroad, which operated from the Pamunkey River at West Point, Virginia to Richmond, Virginia, was a major focus of George McClellan's 1862 Peninsular Campaign, which culminated in the Seven Days Battles and devastated the tiny rail link. The Richmond and Danville Railroad was the Confederacy's last link to Richmond, and transported Jefferson Davis and his cabinet to Danville, Virginia just before the fall of Richmond in April 1865.

Known as the "first railroad war," the Civil War left the South's railroads and economy devastated. Most of the railroads, however, were repaired, reorganized and operated again. In the area along the Ohio River and Mississippi River, construction of new railroads continued throughout Reconstruction.

Southern Railway, as it came into existence in 1894, was a combination of the Richmond and Danville system and the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railroad. The company owned two-thirds of the 4,400 miles of line it operated, and the rest was held through leases, operating agreements and stock ownership. Southern also controlled the Alabama Great Southern and the Georgia Southern and Florida, which operated separately, and it had an interest in the Central of Georgia.

Southern's first president, Samuel Spencer, drew more lines into Southern's core system. During his 12-year term, the railway built new shops at Knoxville, TN, and Atlanta, GA and purchased more equipment. He moved the company's service away from an agricultural dependence on tobacco and cotton and centered its efforts on diversifying traffic and industrial development. Sadly, Spencer was killed in train wreck in 1906.

By the time the line from Meridian, Mississippi, to New Orleans, LA was acquired in 1916 under Southern's president Fairfax Harrison, the railroad had attained the 8,000-mile, 13-state system that marked its territorial limits for almost half a century.

The Central of Georgia became part of the system in 1963, and the former Norfolk Southern Railway was acquired in 1974.

Notable features


1895 map

Southern and its predecessors were responsible for many firsts in the industry. Its predecessor, the South Carolina Canal and Rail Road, was the first to carry passengers, U.S. troops and mail on steam-powered trains, and it was the first to operate at night. In 1953, Southern Railway became the first major railroad in the United States to convert totally to diesel-powered locomotives, ending its rich history in the golden age of steam.

Every diesel locomotive Southern owned had to be ordered with a high hood and pointed long hood forward, this was meant for crew safety in case of accidents with vehicles and from the first GP7 to the last GP50, they came with this option until the tradition stopped with the SD50.

From dieselization and shop and yard modernization, to computers and the development of special cars and the unit coal train, Southern often was on the cutting edge of change, earning the company its catch phrase, "The Railway System that Gives a Green Light to Innovations".

Merger into Norfolk Southern

In response to the creation of CSX in 1980, the Southern Railway merged with Norfolk and Western Railway to form the Norfolk Southern Railway, further consolidating railroads in the eastern half of the United States.

Roads owned by the Southern Railway

• Alabama Great Southern Railroad (AGS)
• Central of Georgia Railway (CofG)
• Cincinnati New Orleans and Texas Pacific Railway (CNO&TP)
• Georgia and Florida Railway (G&F)
• Georgia Northern Railway (GANO) — acquired in 1967
• Georgia Southern and Florida Railway (GS&F)
• Knoxville and Charleston Railroad
• Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia Railway (TA&G)

Major Railroad Yards on the Southern Railway

• Chattanooga, Tennessee – DeButts Yard (formerly Citico Yard)
• Atlanta, Georgia – Inman Yard
• Linwood, North Carolina – Spencer Yard
• Birmingham, Alabama – Norris Yard
• Knoxville, Tennessee – Sevier Yard
• Macon, Georgia – Brosnan Yard
• Sheffield, Alabama – Sheffield Yard

Company officers

Presidents of the Southern Railway:

• Samuel Spencer (1894–1906)
• William Finley (1906–1913)
• Fairfax Harrison (1913–1937)
• Earnest E. Norris (1937–1951)
• Harry A. DeButts (1951–1962)
• D. William Brosnan (1962–1967)
• W. Graham Claytor Jr. (1967–1977)
• L. Stanley Crane (1977–1980)
• Harold H. Hall (1980–1982)

References

• Norfolk Southern Railway. Retrieved February 22, 2005.


Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

Did you miss any of the previous nine[?] Click the URL:

#1: Baltimore & Ohio (B&O
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=233&TOPIC_ID=35270
#2: Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=234&TOPIC_ID=35270
#3: Pennsylvania (PRR)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=237&TOPIC_ID=35270
#4: New York Central (NYC)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=240&TOPIC_ID=35270
#5: New Haven (NYNH&H)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=242&TOPIC_ID=35270
#6: Santa Fe (ATSF) (Two Parts)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=246&TOPIC_ID=35270
#7: Southern Pacific (SP)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=253&TOPIC_ID=35270
#8: Northern Pacific (NP)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=259&TOPIC_ID=35270
#9: Coastline/Seaboard (ACL – SCL – SAL) (Two Parts)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=267&TOPIC_ID=35270

[siberianmo]

Theme for the Day! - Theme for the Day!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #74

Here’s something to enjoy regarding the Southern Railway (SOU) in a 1956 advertisement from my private collection:



WANT TO PUT IT DOWN IN A SMALL TOWN?

MORE AND MORE industries do – because many small towns offer big opportunities for efficient operations and profitable growth. We believe this is particularly true in the South today - - where modern, mechanized farming has made available in many areas a supply of intelligent, high caliber, native-born men and women who can be quickly and economically trained to the skills of industry.

Living and working in one of the Southland’s friendly and uncongested semi-rural areas offers many other advantages, too. We know – because hundreds of the communities that we serve have a population of 5,000 or less.

Our Industrial Development Department now has a detailed, up-to-date catalogue of all the resources of every incorporated community along the Southern. One of our small towns may be just the spot for your factory. Let us tell you more!

Look Ahead – Look South!”

Harry A. DeButts
President

SOUTHERN RAILWAY SYSTEM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Washington, D.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . The Southern Serves the South . . . . .


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)][oX)]

Theme for the Day! - Theme for the Day!

[BudKarr]

Greetings Captain Tom and all assembled!

Your daily summary indicates that there was quite a flurry of activity between 2 and 7 PM (Central)! Must have been quite a BASH! The recipients of the outpouring surely should feel good about the day! Nice work, Sir, your extra efforts make these things border on the stupendous![tup]

I read with a bit of alarm something in your “tone” that is a bit bothersome to me and I have communicated further by email. Publicly I wi***o state that no matter how hard you try, nor how much you wish it to be, there will always be those who have other agendas, other things on their plates (so to speak) and just do not view the activities on these pages as anything more than a diversion – nothing more, nothing less. There IS a nucleus, or a core, it just seems to be rather amorphous lately. Once it was well defined, now a bit cloudy.


The “theme” is a great one. Lots of railroading history jammed into that particular southeast U.S. road. How do I know? I am reading about them – the RRs of the U.S. in Mike Schaefer’s “Classic American Railroads,” volumes I, II & III.[swg] Very nice work with your initial offering and the “Nostalgia” piece too.

Sir Coalminer3 that is quite a submission you put forth and I echo Captain Tom’s accolades. Great work![tup] Whatever it is you do for a living, perhaps you should take up writing. You seem to ‘come by it naturally.’[tup]


Today is SOUTHERN RAILWAY day, so I will jump right in with some photos from the past:


Southern 2-8-8-2 #4057 (1938) (from: www.yesteryeardepot.com)



Southern 4-8-2 #495 (1950) (from: www.yesteryeardepot.com)



Southern Railway 2-8-8-2 #4053 (1946) (from: www.yesteryeardepot.com)



Sir Doug Your early visit began the day with a return to “normalcy,” something I wondered about given the festivities of last evening.[swg] Interesting selections.[tup]

Sir Rob You have been more than noticed by your absence. In counting the “core” from past times, my guess is you are the only one left. Et tu, Rob[?] Hope not![swg]


How about a large, hot coffee with a “splash,’ just to make it interesting![swg] And of course, a round for the boys![tup]


BK in beautiful Alberta, Canada’s high country!

[siberianmo]

Theme for the Day! - Theme for the Day!

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #75

Here’s something to enjoy regarding the Southern Railway (SOU) in a 1956 advertisement from my private collection:



Gone with the wind!

WHEN A FREIGHT CAR rolls down the “hump” at our new $14 million Citico Yard at Chattanooga, Tennessee, even its wind resistance is automatically measured.

While the car is rolling, a radar device instantly picks up and evaluates all the factors that affect its rollability – weight, speed, size, wind, weather and others., Then the magic brain of an electronic computer regulates the retarder brake in the track under the moving car so that it will couple safely and gently to another car standing far down in the yard below.

This is a new kind of railroading. You’ll see itr at work in countless ways on the Southern today – at Citico, and in our other multi-million dollar push-button yards at Knoxville, Tenn. and Birmingham, Ala. And still another ultra-modern electronic yard to cost $15 million is now under construction at Atlanta, Ga.

Yesteryear railroading is “gone with the wind” on the Southern. Today’s modern railroading means dependable, ever improving transportation for the fast-growing area we serve.

Look Ahead – Look South!”

Harry A. DeButts
President

SOUTHERN RAILWAY SYSTEM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Washington, D.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . The Southern Serves the South . . . . .


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)][oX)]

Theme for the Day! - Theme for the Day!

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a 7-up andf a round for the house.

Sorry to disappoint you on the Southern Crescent offering this AM but it is still a work in progress.

I'll try this.

SOUTHERN
Streamlined Sleeping Cars
by Al

The Southern put together some of the finest streamlined trains to operate in the Southeastern United States. There first streamlined train was an all coach streamliner running between New York and New Orleans by way of Birmingham named the SOUTHERNER beginning March 31, 1941. This was followed by another mostly streamlined train the TENNESSEAN began service May 18, 1941 between Washington, D. C. and Memphis, Tennessee. The TENNESSEAN operated with heavyweight sleeping cars bringing up the markers of the otherwise all streamlined consist. Streamlining of the Premier All Pullman CRESCENT LIMITED would take place following WW II.
The Southern would streamline most of their trains following the war.
A lightweight streamlined NEW ROYAL PALM would operate between Cincinnati and Miami with cars originating in Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland and Buffalo. But for some reason this train would never gain the popularity of the other Southern trains.
The Southerner would receive new cars following WW II, as would the TENNESSEAN. In fact following WW II the TENNESSEAN would become a fully streamlined train when the Southern received 14 Roomette 4 Double Bedroom Sleeping cars in October - November 1949 from Pullman Standard. These eleven cars were assigned to the TENESSEAN with two to each consist. One car was a New York - Memphis car, another a Washington - Memphis car. The extra 14-4 cars were assigned to the NEW ROYAL PALM between Buffalo and Miami. The 14-4 cars were assigned 2200 series numbers and given VALLEY suffix names.

14 ROOMETTE 4 DOUBLE BEDROOM SLEEPING CARS Pullman Standard October - November 1949 Plan: 4153C Lot: 6814 (Built for and assigned to TENNESSEAN)

2200 CASHIER'S VALLEY

2201 HIWASSEE VALLEY

2202 JAMES RIVER VALLEY

2203 MISSISSIPPI VALLEY

2204 PAINT ROCK VALLEY

2205 PIEDMONT VALLEY

2206 ROANOKE VALLEY

2207 SHENANDOAH VALLEY

2208 SPRING VALLEY

2209 TENNESSEE VALLEY

2210 WAUHATCHIE VALLEY


The Southern equipped the new streamlined CRESCENT with three types of lightweight sleeping cars 10 Roomette 6 Double Bedroom cars were predominate in the consists with a single 1 Master Room 2 Drawing Room Buffet 21 seat Lounge car assigned to each train set. The third type lightweight streamlined sleeping car assigned to the CRESCENT was a 5 Double Bedroom Buffet 8 seat Cocktail Lounge 14 Seat Lounge Observation with high windows and raised observation lounge. The postwar Southern CRESCENT would operate as an all-Pullman train between New York and Atlanta and between Atlanta and New Orleans coaches were operated as well. The CRESCENT required four sets of equipment for daily operation. The CRESCENT was the only train in the south operating with a Master Room. It joined one other prestigious postwar train the BROADWAY LIMITED as being only one of two trains left in the United States by 1950 still operating with a Master Room. Sleeping cars operated in the CRESCENT were owned by not only the Southern but by other roads such as the L&N, PRR, WofA and A&WP and are identified as to ownership.

10 ROOMETTE 6 DOUBLE BEDROOM SLEEPING CARS Pullman Standard September - October 1949 Plan: 4140 Lot: 6814 (Built for and assigned to CRESCENT)

SOUTHERN

2002 DAN RIVER

2003 CATAWBA RIVER

2004 ENOREE RIVER

2007 OTTER RIVER

2008 PACOLET RIVER

2009 POTOMAC RIVER

2010 RAPIDAN RIVER

2011 RIVANNA RIVER

2012 SALUDA RIVER

2013 SENECA RIVER

2014 SHENANDOAH RIVER

2017 TIGER RIVER

2019 TUGALO RIVER

2020 TYE RIVER

2021 YADKIN RIVER

2022 YORK RIVER

PRR

8351 BIRCH RIVER

8352 BUSH RIVER

8353 DELAWARE RIVER

8354 MIDDLE RIVER

8355 PATAPSCO RIVER

8356 RARITAN RIVER

8357 SCHUYLKILL RIVER

8358 SUSQUEHANNA RIVER

A&WP

CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER

L&N

3400 MOBILE RIVER

3401 PEARL RIVER

W of A

ALABAMA RIVER

1 MASTER ROOM 2 DRAWING ROOM BUFFET 21 SEAT LOUNGE CARS Pullman Standard December 1949 Plan: 4160 Lot: 6814 (Built for and assigned to CRESCENT)

2350 CRESCENT CITY

2351 CRESCENT HARBOR

2352 CRESCENT MOON

2353 CRESCENT SHORES

5 DOUBLE BEDROOM BUFFET 8 SEAT COCKTAIL LOUNGE 14 SEAT RAISED LOUNGE OBSERVATIONS Pullman Standard February - March 1950 Plan: 4162 Lot: 6814 (Built for and assigned to CRESCENT)

SOUTHERN

2300 ROYAL ARCH

L&N

3300 ROYAL CANAL

3301 ROYAL STREET

W of A

ROYAL PALACE

The remaining 10-6 sleeping cars delivered to the Southern, CNOT&P and FEC were for the NEW ROYAL PALM. The other sleeping cars for the NEW ROYAL PALM were four 5 Double Bedroom Buffet 8 Seat Cocktail Lounge 14 Seat Lounge Observations. These were owned one each by the Southern, CNOT&P, NYC and FEC. The other sleeping cars assigned to the seasonal NEW ROYAL PALM were prewar 13 Double Bedroom COUNTY series sleeping cars belonging to the NYC and IMPERIAL series 4 Compartment 4 Double Bedroom 2 Drawing Room Sleeping cars also NYC. The 10-6 sleeping cars assigned to the NEW ROYAL PALM follow:

10 ROOMETTE 6 DOUBLE BEDROOM SLEEPING CARS Pullman Standard September - October 1949 Plan: 4140 Lot: 6814 (Built for and assigned to NEW ROYAL PALM)

Southern

2000 ALAPAHA RIVER

2001 ALTAMAHA RIVER

2005 FLINT RIVER

2006 OCMULGEE RIVER

2015 RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER

2016 ST. JOHNS RIVER

2018 TOMBIGBEE RIVER

2023 WARRIOR RIVER

CNOT&P

3400 EMORY RIVER

3401 FRENCH BROAD RIVER

3402 COOSA RIVER

3403 HOLSTON RIVER

3404 ETOWAH RIVER

FEC

ARGENTINA

BRAZIL

CHILE

GUATEMALA

VENEZUELA

The four Sleeper Lounge Observations built for the NEW ROYAL PALM were as follows:

5 DOUBLE BEDROOM BUFFET 8 SEAT COCKTAIL LOUNGE 14 SEAT RAISED LOUNGE OBSERVATIONS Pullman Standard February - March 1950 Plan: 4162 Lot: 6814 (Built for and assigned to NEW ROYAL PALM)

Southern

2301 ROYAL COURT

CNOT&P

3499 ROYAL PALM

NYC

ROYAL CREST

FEC

AZALEA

In November 1950 the Southern renamed 2300 ROYAL ARCH to 2300 LUTHER CALVIN NORRIS.
In September 1958 Pullman rebuilt 2300 LUTHER CALVIN NORRIS and 2301 ROYAL COURT into straight eleven Double Bedroom Sleeping cars for assignment to the CRESCENT between New York and Atlanta. Pullman rebuilt A third car belonging to Southern subsidiary CNOT&P 3499 ROYAL PALM in October 1958 to an eleven double bedroom sleeping car. This car was then assigned to run with the other two in CRESCENT service.
Although other Southern trains were assigned 10-6 Sleeping cars few of these trains became fully streamlined. One of the exceptions was the streamlined all coach SOUTHERNER that was assigned a 10-6 operating between New York and Birmingham in both directions.
Another 10-6 operated in the heavyweight BIRMINGHAM SPECIAL between New York and Birmingham.
The PEACH QUEEN carried one 10-6 between New York and Winston/Salem another between New York and Raleigh/Durham.
The AIKEN-AUGUSTA SPECIAL and ASHEVILLE SPECIAL forwarded a 10-6 Sleeping car between New York and Asheville.

TTFN Al

[LoveDomes]

Hi Tom and Gents at the bar!


Great stuff on the Southern!. Really enjoy reading about that road. Fine looking livery in its day. Figured I’d keep it going with my humble input:


Southern 4-6-2 Pacific #1401 at the Smithsonian, Washington, D. C.



Southern #1401 4-6-2 Pacific at the Smithsonian, Washington, D. C.

QUOTE: Southern Railway No. 1401 Date Made: 1926 Dates Used: 1926 - 1952 Locations: Alabama, Dist of Columbia, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia Manufacturer: American Locomotive Company, Richmond Works Place of Manufacture: Richmond, Virginia (1926) Passenger steam locomotive: Class 4-6-2 'Pacific' (also Class 'Ps-4' on Southern Railway). Complete locomotive includes engine and its - very necessary - tender, which carries the locomotive's fuel for the firebox and water to feed the boiler, to make steam for propulsion. Dimensions: 91ýýý 11-7/8ýýý L x 14ýýý 11ýýý H x 10ýýý 2ýýý W. Weight: Total, engine and tender in 'working order' with coal in firebox and tender and water in boiler and tender is 561,600 lbs. or 281 tons. Includes 92 tons of fuel and water in engine and tender. Total weight of engine + tender as displayed is 189 tons. Color: Green set off with gold striping, aluminum-painted running board edges and tires, and chrome-plated steel rods and valve gear (the chrome plating - never applied to any locomotive's rods because chrome-plating weakens steel - simulates the brightly polished steel rods and valve gear typical of Ps-4 locomotives in service, 1926-1953). Firebox Grate Area: 75 square feet. Cylinders (2, with one on each side, at front; these propel the locomotive): 27 x 28. Driving Wheels: 73" dia. Steam Pressure: 210 lb/sq. in. Fuel: Coal (16 tons coal, plus 14,000 gallons of water, in tender) You can see this locomotive in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History in Washington. The 1401 is so large it was put into position prior to the completion of the American History building and the museum was finished around it.

from: http://smithsonianimages.si.edu

Yeah, I left that “yyy” in there – didn’t want to guess at feet and inches – go figger![swg]

Southern on the move, Harrisonburg, VA (1947)



Tom Looks like BK and I must be on the same wave length, for I too sent you and email. Great work yesterday – and all days. You surely know how to organize and run a party at the bar. Again, my profound THANKS to those of you who took the time to join in the Bash! and for the rest who passed along well wishes![tup]

CM3 Nice work – very nice work![tup][tup][tup]

BK Great pix – I was just about to visit that site, but you got there first![swg]

Doug You must have had that post previously prepared. No way do I believe you got that bugger done this morning![swg]


I’m hungry! How about one of those great looking hero sandwiches – yeah, same-o, same-o – the usual, ham – swiss – mustard – butter – two large pickles from the barell, and a keg of brew![swg] Ok, so you don’t sell the kegs, then just a frosty cold bottle with a equally frosty mug will do. Keiths Ale please!

A round for the boyz, whenever they show up that is![tup]


Until the next time!

Lars

[LoveDomes]

Hello Again Tom

Just thought that in absence of any "Fallen Flag" info from you or anyone else, I'd throw in these:

Name trains of the Southern Railway (SOU):

QUOTE: Aiken-Augusta Special
Asheville Special
Birmingham Special
Carolina Special
Crescent
Florida Special
Peach Queen
Pelican
Piedmont Limited
Ponce de Leon
Royal Palm
Southerner
Sunnyland
Tennessean

My standard caveat applies: I do not take credit nor blame for the accuracy of this list. I do not know what era it represents, nor do I give a Rat's Patoot! It has been provided for our mutual enjoyment![swg]

Set 'em up, barkeep and this time I gotta scram outta here![swg]

Until the next time![tup]

Lars

[siberianmo]

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #76

Here’s something to enjoy regarding the Southern Railway (SOU) in a 1955 advertisement from my private collection:



PERFECT PLANT SITE

. . . . . (for someone else) . . . . .

PLANT SITE SPECIFICATIONS ARE highly individualized. That’s why it does not disturb our Industrial Development people in the least to have you turn thumbs down on a “picture-book” site such as this one.

They recognize that many factors enter into plant location studies. And they know, too, that chances are they do have just what you are looking for. As one of the largest, and most experienced industrial development agencies in the South, the Southern’s Industrial Development Department has complete and detailed information on hundreds of available sites of every size, kind and description.

This comprehensive “one-source” service for so many industry location possibilities throughout the Southland is set up to serve you – competently, completely and of course in strict confidence. Let us hear from you so we can help you.

Look Ahead – Look South!”

Harry A. DeButts
President

SOUTHERN RAILWAY SYSTEM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Washington, D.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . The Southern Serves the South . . . . .


That's it for me for the "Theme" - Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Gents!

Just a word of THANX to passengerfan Al - coalminer3 CM3 - BudKarr BK 'n LoveDomes Lars for contributing to the Theme for the Day! Southern. It surely makes a huge difference when there are more people rowing the boat than one or two![tup]

Really liked those Pix from BK 'n Lars! Nicely done on both counts.[tup] I saw that Southern 4-6-2 some years back while in WashDC and it is candy for the eyes! As you know, my model railroad preferences are for diesels, but there was a time I contemplated buying some of the Classic steam locos to represent the "best" of the various types. Back then, when these things were far more affordable, I recall passing up a chance to get a replica of that 4-6-2 w/tender and in a lucite case, for under $100! Can you imagine that in today's world of HO[?] That's another story . . . .

Emails received from Lars 'n BK - one sent to Rob. Also heard from Pete - he's having continuing 'puter difficulties that are preventing him from getting the most current page loaded. Says things are deteriorating. Upgrade to broadband on the way and will be installed on Friday. So, we may or may not be seeing our friend Wolfman . . . .

Okay, Gents, time to fill your glasses - whadilyahave[?]

REMINDER: Leon the Night Man takes the bar at 9 PM (Central)

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for another 7-up and a round for the house and its back to taxes.

Continuing the Southern Theme for the day.

SOUTHERN
Streamlined Observations
by Al

The Southern owned a total of nine lightweight stream-lined Observations all constructed by Pullman Standard, six were swallow-tailed and three were blunt ended fitted with a diaphragm at the observation end.
The first three lightweight streamlined Observations were numbered and named 1100 LOUISIANA, 1101 LOUISIANA and 1102 LOUISIANA. Obviously they were tracked by their numbers and not their names to avoid confusion. Each of the three observation interiors featured a 36-seat Tavern lounge Bar Train Hostess Room 18 seat Lounge Observation. Each of the three observations was assigned to bring up the markers of all new seven-car coach streamliners named the SOUTHERNER operating daily in both directions between New York and New Orleans via Birmingham and were inaugurated March 31, 1941.

36 SEAT TAVERN BAR TRAIN HOSTESS ROOM 18 SEAT LOUNGE OBSERVATIONS (Swallow-Tailed) Pullman Standard March 1941 (Built for and assigned to SOUTHERNER)

1100 LOUISIANA

1101 LOUISIANA

1102 LOUISIANA

The second trio of Observations arrived from Pullman Standard in early May 1941and these three 1150 WASHINGTON, 1151 KNOXVILLE, and 1152 MEMPHIS were Blunt ended Observations fitted with a diaphragm at each end. They featured interiors identical to the three SOUTHERNER Observations. These were built to bring up the rear of new nine car lightweight streamlined streamliners named the TENNESSEAN. Trailing the observations were heavyweight sleeping cars for part of the journey one and at other times two. The TENNESSEAN was a daily in each direction Washington - Memphis train. The TENNESSEAN was inaugurated May 18, 1941.

36 SEAT TAVERN LOUNGE BAR TRAIN HOSTESS ROOM 18 SEAT LOUNGE OBSERVATIONS (Blunt ended) Pullman Standard May 1941 (Built for and assigned to TENNESSEAN)

1150 WASHINGTON

1151 KNOXVILLE

1152 MEMPHIS

The last three observation delivered to the Southern in February - March 1950 were part of an eight-car order to equip the CRESCENT and ROYAL PALM. These Observations all featured the large picture windows around the Observation Lounge end and contained 5 Double Bedrooms and a Bar as well.
The four built for the CRESCENT were 2300 ROYAL ARCH Southern owned, 3300 ROYAL CANAL, 3301 ROYAL STREET both owned by the L&N and ROYAL PALACE owned by the WofA. The four built for assignment to the ROYAL PALM were 2301 ROYAL COURT Southern owned, 3499 ROYAL PALM owned by Southern subsidiary CNOT&P, ROYAL CREST owned by the NYC and AZALEA owned by the FEC.

5 DOUBLE BEDROOM BUFFET 24 SEAT PICTURE WINDOWED LOUNGE OBSERVATIONS (Swallow-Tailed) Pullman Standard February - March 1950 Plan: 4162 Lot: 6814 (Built for and assigned to the CRESCENT and ROYAL PALM)

CRESCENT

SOU

2300 ROYAL ARCH

L&N

3300 ROYAL CANAL

3301 ROYAL STREET

WofA

ROYAL PALACE

ROYAL PALM

SOU

2301 ROYAL COURT

CNOT&P

3499 ROYAL PALM

NYC

ROYAL CREST

FEC

AZALEA

In November 1950 Southern renamed the 2300 ROYAL ARCH to 2300 LUTHER CALVIN NORRIS it remained in CRESCENT service after renaming.
In September 1958 Pullman rebuilt Southern owned 2300 LUTHER CALVIN NORRIS and 2301 ROYAL COURT into 11 Double Bedroom Sleeping cars with no change of numbers or names. The following month October 1958 the Southern CNOT&P car 3499 ROYAL PALM underwent the same rebuilding to a 11 Double Bedroom Sleeping car retaining its original number and name. The three 11 Double Bedroom Sleeping cars were assigned to the CRESCENT between New York and Atlanta.
It was one of the above observations that was built for the CRESCENT that was destroyed while operating on the rear of the CITY OF LOS ANGELES in the worst accident evber suffered by a CITY streamliner. The CITY OF LOS ANGELES was rear ended by the CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO and not only was the observation destroyed but two new sleeping cars as well. This accident happened at Wyuta, Wyoming in 1951.

TTFN Al

[Anonymous]

Good evening Tom and gents! I'll have my usual bottomless draught, here's quarters for tunes, and cash for a round! All I can say about the posts I have seen today from Tom , Al , CM3 , Lars , and BK is WOW !! There simply is no where else you can go to get so much information related to a specific railroad on a specific day. Absolutely amazing ... gentlemen ... and just one of the terrific ideas that our proprietor Tom has created for this very special place. Thanks Tom and gents, for all your hard work!

I want to also thank ya'll for making the birthday bash yesterday a most memorable experience. Again, the obvious hours of effort were in evidence, and was greatly appreciated by myself, and Lars. Thanks again guys .... well done!

Here's another humble submission from myself concerning todays theme ... and yes, BK, I had the earlier submission today all prepped to go. I've got my Pikes' piece ready for tomorrow too! And now ........

From Jan. 1937 Railroad Stories

The Hill-Billy Boy

My brother-in-law, R.L. Gilmer, of Atlanta, was in Southern Railway train service for forty years; he died about two years ago. In 1926, as a conductor running between Atlanta and Charlotte, N.C., he hauled “the most amusing yet pathetic” passenger he ever met, a five-year-old hill-billy boy. The little fellow was being taken to Atlanta to have a galvanized saucepan cut off his head. It seems that in playing he had gotten wedged into the pan so tightly that he could not be freed, but he was more concerned over Santa Claus being unable to find him than he was about getting the pan off.

When the lad returned shortly afterward, none the worse for the experience, he again traveled on the train of Conductor Gilmer. Mr. Gilmer saw to it that old Santa found the right address, and in a much bigger way than if the child had stayed at his poverty-ridden shack in the mountains – Mrs. Kate C. Shearer, Atlanta, Ga.

Santa Stops a Train

On December 24th, 1930, I happened to be aboard the Southern’s Memphis Special. The hour was late. Poker hands lost interest; the game petered out and gave way to general conversation. Eleven fifty-five. We left Huntsville on time. Scarcely had we started, though, when the brakes set. Someone guessed it was a breakdown and began to worry about connections at Memphis. I went to the vestibule. Opening the trap, I looked out. Conductor, brakeman and train porter trotted toward the head end. The hogger slid down the hand rail and walked back. When a pair of Pullman porters in overcoats passed, I dropped down and joined the parade.

By this time the baggage car door was open. Baggage smasher and express messenger began pushing out packages, grinning and chattering like school boys. They were loaded with bundles. Even the news butcher was helping. Then in happy procession they marched down the bank to a little cottage on the edge of town. Six minutes, as close as I could figure, were dropped near Huntsville, Ala., the Christmas Eve – minutes precious to a railraod’s schedule but minutes that added happiness to a young life.

The skipper explained, when we were under way again, that a crippled lad named O.T. Corder lived in that little house by the tracks. Unable to run and play like others, his recreation hours were spent in a wheel chair highballing everything that passed. Men from all over the division – from Bristol, Knoxville, Lexington and Birmingham – sent presents to him every year. It’s an old Southern custom. The dispatcher gave the train plenty of leeway to allow for that unscheduled stop. One year, General Superintendent Keister headed a collection list and ordered a special crew on Christmas Day so young Corder wouldn’t be missed. – James W. Fraser

[:I] I have a bumper sticker that says "Honk if your rich." If anyone behind me honks, I slam on the breaks. [:I]

[comechtech]

Hello, all ! I finally got here within your normal hours.[:D] I'd like a cup of tea, please, I can't drink as it gives me an instant headache ![}:)] Drinks for the house, and how about some Johnny Cash? I've very much enjoyed the Southern information even though I model the Denver, South Park, and Pacific circa 1880. However, the wife is very into the name trains, especially the U.P. Columbine and her sister ship, the Portland Rose. I may not be of major help on some of your topics, but will help if I can!![:)] We may be able to help in the future if needed as we have the Colorado Railroad Museum here in town (Denver) and they have a great library, also the Denver Public Library. If we can help, let us know. Well, I've run off at the mouth enough, another round for all, I'll sit back here in the back for a while.[?]

[comechtech]

Tom and all, appears to be a quiet night although there is some snoring from the area of the pool table. Guess I'll boogie for now, try to drop back in later. As my English next door neighbor used to say, "Ta Ta fo now!"[}:)] Dennis.

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Leon ! I'll have a Keith's and leave some cash for a morning round[tup]

Tom I would say that another good theme day has reared it's ugly head[;)]. Great innfo from you sir as per usual. Recieved your email sir and a reply has been dispatched back to you. Interesting choice the Southern, as I figured it might it flicked many a switch, made it look kinda like old times today [tup]

BK Great picture's seems that you have found another good train picture site,man o man you have been bitten by the bug,which is a good thing [tup] Alway's good to have another solid contributor to Tom's fine establishment. No need to worry about myself, work hours have regulated me to the late night shift again, which allows for fewer daylight appearances here at least for the time being. So Count robula it will be again for a while I'm afraid ( unless I can teaach the cat to type ) Mr Shaefer's books are agood choice of Railroad reading materials,I posses a copy of volume 2 myself.

CM3 A truly wonderfull post sir, a gem in the fine tradition of this bar "n" grill. I can sence another silver throttle award comming in your direction, that or it's just the MTA's headlights in the tunnel[:0][:D]

Al Great Southern streamliner segmants [tup] short to the point and on theme good show [tup][tup]

Lars Heck l'm glad that you are taking up some of the daylight slack for us as well, and your contributions are always with thought and on topic, no need for any rat's Patooting as far as I'm concerned [tup] There are days that I wish I could put more up on the thread,but I know that you and doug and lately BK have me covered. It'ss appreciated [tup]

Rob