"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[Anonymous]

Good morning Tom and friends. I'll have spam, spam, spam, eggs, spam and spam ... please.

I've been through a dozen Vintage Rails magazines now, and can find no more "gritty" ( my personal standard) type articles to share. So while I'm searching, I'll just have to do other things. Liked your 1950 Pullman add Tom. Let's see if this one comes through:


Thanks for another Streamliner Corner Al. Posting more than one a day outa keep our bartender busy!

I have to confess to actually stopping inside a Circuit City yesterday, but I was way too late to even see the $200 PC notebook that was advertized. So my bride and I did something even worse .... looked at new homes and townhouses. I am still in sticker shock!

I assume everyone read about the multiple-car/train wreck out here a few days ago. It's incredible how many people pull out onto train tracks at signal crossings. Really really dumb. I believe that Illinois is 2nd only to Pennsylvania in at-grade crossings.

Have a terrific day everyone. I've got some snow to move.

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Leon I'll grab a CR and help you clean up and close down for the night.

Tom Thanks for the thumbs up on yesterday's feed ,glad that H&H and company were able to help out and give all the regulars a desreved night off.

Loved the passenger nost #30 good stuff

Glad to hear that BK is enjoying his visit to Alberta,colds not effecting him much obviously [:-^]

Mike thanks for the extra CV info, I'm gla dthat Al was able to clear up your questions about those numbers. CNR tended to use alot of large driving wheels on their passenger power during the days of steam. The H5 Hudsons on the CNR carries 81" driving wheels and were able to hit 100mph! The bigger the wheel generally the faster the locomotive coarse they were also lighter so tended to slip easily. The GT amd CV steam power was usually repeats of CN specs,built in US factories. In fact alot of the CV /GTW steam spent the last coouple years of their lives in Canada as CN desilized their US roads first.


Doug Wonderfull artical. I agree with Ted it's nice to see the gritty side of railroading explained on occasion. Likly a good thing that you didn't join the shopping feeding frenzy this morning. Something wrong in my eyes when you see people being trampled at Walmart at 5am.


Nick Glad you enjyed your night off ,I was amazed at the skill and efficiancy of H&H. BTW they booked passage back to the old country with you on the Zeplin ( the only payment they demanded ) Seems cousin Ursala was trying to teach Boris how to juggle chainsaws. Likely where the unique haircut came from[:O]

Al Wow nelly what an absolute array of streamliner info. [bow] At this rate none of us will need to buy your book.[;)][8D] Enjoyed the eelctroliner story BTW thanks. I don't no much of that service but it begs the question. Why was it discontinued? As Ted Said 90 miles in 90 minutes absolutly can't be done today via the interstate. I've driven Mil to Chicago a couple of times and know that to be true[V][xx(]


Well folks it's late I'm away for now catch you all later today,

Rob

[siberianmo]

SATURDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

We open at 6 AM (all time zones, don’t ask how we do that!)

Here we are, the 3rd Saturday of the week – seems like that to me! [swg] Okay, Gents, the coffee is freshly brewed, <light> breakfasts ready for orderin’ and the pastry is fresh from The Mentor Village Bakery. Whaddyawaitinfer [?]

Did you know [?] An optimist is man who, when she says, “I’m tellin’ you know for the last time,” he says, “I knew you’d weaken in time.” [swg]

Info for the Day:

(1) Saturday is “ENCORE! Day,” where we repeat some memorable Posts.
(2) Sunday we are CLOSED and it’s Sunday Photo Posting Day!

SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 00:02:44 (172) Friday’s Info & Summary’

(2) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 07:49:43 (173) Inclusive Post, etc.

(3) passengerfan Al Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 08:01:11 (173) Streamliner #12 – Electroliners

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 08:34:54 (173) Acknowledgments, etc.

(5) passengerfan Al Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 11:32:00 (173) Streamliner #12 – Streamliner

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 13:04:24 (173) NOSTALGIA #31 – Ad – Pullman (1950)

(7) wanswheel Mike Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 13:26:32 (173)

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 13:35:57 (173) Acknowledgments, etc.

(9) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 14:01:20 (173) Inclusive Post, etc.

(10) wanswheel Mike Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 14:56:35 (173) Inclusive Post, etc.

(11) Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 15:33:52 (173) Inclusive Post, etc.

[12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 15:37:07 (173) reply to: Theodorebear & wanswheel

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 15:56:00 (173) reply to Trainnut484, etc.

(14) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 15:56:17 (173)

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 16:07:46 (173) reply to nickinwestwales

(16) ftwNSengineer
Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 17:51:05 (173)

(17) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 18:33:22 (173)

(18) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 18:57:31 (173) reply to ftwNSengineer & nickinwestwales

(19) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 18:57:37 (173)

(20) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 19:53:02 (173) Inclusive Post, etc.

(21) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 20:23:06 (173)

(22) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Nov 2005, 22:33:00 (174) Acknowledgments

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

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

[siberianmo]

Good Evening Gents!

Just a couple of words to the guyz at the bar:

Ted Manageable, depends on which side of this effort one is on! For the creation of the Summaries, Monday Index and the multiple responses, it can be a daunting challenge. However, the idea was to attract "new blood," and that was achieved. A secondary impact has been the resurgence of input from our heretofore dormant regulars. Good show! [tup][tup]

Nick Your Emails have been received and I'll get those pix of yours Posted, the good Lord willing and the creek "don't" rise! [swg]

I'm tired ..... time to check out! [zzz]

Leon the Night Man has the Bar! Boris Ring the bell, a round on the house! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

SIR THEODORE-a delight to see you,sit awhile and try another one-I certainly intend to[^]-thanks for gifs by the way-will explore and no doubt over-use a,s,a,p-loved the other site-[tup]-have taken their advice and wrapped my head in tin-foil & guess what-no more voices !!!-hurrah for free speech....
Have tried to muster a varied selection for sun posting,we have 3 A4 size Canadian passenger trains ( including one which I think defines the page one charter description) plus half a dozen 4 & 2-to-a-page `whirlwind tour of Welsh ( mostly) narrow gauge` selections.-will provide full annotations on sunday,to reduce scrolling back.
right,it seems to have got late early again at this end of the counter,so will wish you all a pleasant evening ,a comfortable night & a peacefull weekend,nick[C=:-)]

[Anonymous]

Good evening to all of you survivors of conspicuous consumption. Yes Tom, "moderation in all things," including "moderation."[swg] I finally "brought up the rear" on past posts. I think, judging by the diversity of our contributors, that "Our" Place has now achieved an ideal balance of raw data tempered with wit and technical prowess burnished with nostalgia. The numbers of contributions are still manageable and the quality is unsurpassed. Tom, I'll drink to that. A CR and soda for me and a round for those still able to stand please.[^]

Doug, those had to be "rough and ready" chaps in a equally rustic environment. I can't help thinking that had my approach to railroading entailed anything like the Author's; I could never look a number board in the face again. The realities of keeping the lines running in every adverse condition should be appreciated as well as the lilting rhythm of a first class overnight train to, who cares where?[tup]

Al, your Passenger Corner certainly is a winner among this astute membership.[tup] If you can please this audience, you have really done something. ftwNSengineer, yes the Buster Keaton movie was "The General" (if memory serves) and had some element of historical fact to it. During the U.S. Civil War a group of Union agents behind Confederate lines stole a Confederate locomotive and were employing acts of sabotage along their desperate trek toward the Union army lines. They cut telegraph lines, set trestles afire, and tried to blow up a few tunnels while chuffing along their escape route. Finally, they simply ran out of fuel (wood) even after canabalizing the wooden cars for tinder that were in tow. I believe all of the members of the party were apprehended and hung as spies. Of course, the "Flick" version was all Hollywood but an enormous success for Keaton's career.

Nick, anxiously awaiting Suday's Photo Posting Day. Hopefully, your pix will be joined by others who are able to send them along.[^] It seems that "Jolly Olde" is to become even more 'jolly,' though I can't help thinking this may be the U.S. "Noble Experiment" (1920's prohibition) in reverse.[:O] Glad to hear that your "gigs" probably won't turn into all night soirees of drunken dabauchery. From your descriptions, there is quite enough of that with 11:00 P.M. closings.[xx(]

Wanswheel Mike, isn't the story of egocentric bickering and "crack pot" ideas typical during the days of the R.R. Barons? This is what happens when powerful people in finance allow their money to over-load their brains. Say, an interesting coincidence regarding New London," Conn. My first trombone instructor was a U.S. Coast Guard Band member for 12 years. He was stationed at New London the entire time and claimed the Winter weather finally brought him to warmer climes.

Trainnut Russell, I trust your decorating chores will include some sort of train embellishmnets? BTW, my childhood nomenclature for a favorite aunt was "Aunt Choo Choo." When she visited us, it was always via trains, thus the connection.[:D] Okay Boris what about this missing Barber? Inspector Clueless may be slow but he isn't stupid. He has gone so far as to bring in P.I. Doyle all the way from London on the case. The Gazette may be a self serving, politically motivated rag but they can't be that far from reporting the facts this time. To be continued....? Happy Rails all.

[nickinwestwales]

Hey guys,just found a must-look site:-poke your heads out the door and drop back to Gen. Disc. and then go & have a look at `Romanian stuff`-just scanned so far but looks intriguing-[tup]nick[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Gents!

Hey ftwNSengineer! Nice seein' ya again ....... by now you've got the "routine" figured out - so (1) Greet the barkeep -and- (2) order drink or food or both! (Gotta pay the bills donchaknow!) Otherwise you risk being "Tweeted." [swg]

My guess is you'll enjoy the Polar Express flick. By the by, thanx for the Email comms - enjoyed the chats! [tup]

Sir Nick Appreciate the drink(s). Snow, eh [?] Wish we had some. When I first moved to this part of the continent (1977) the winters were - well winter. Wasn't at all unusual to have snow in late fall. Now, our winters are llke fall and fall is rather blah. I'm a winter person - love it, revel in it and prefer it ten fold over the summer. [yeah] I know, I'm in need of therapy! [swg]

My take on the weather phenomenon of this old world is it is just that.. Cyclical patterns have been occurring since records have been kept. Man has only been aboard this planet for a fraction of its life. So one only can guess or take the scientific theories to heart, that ice ages, continental drift, etc. all happened and just may occur once again. Does that take us "off the hook" insofar as contributing to the air quality (lack thereof) and perhaps the acceloration of what used to be natural happenings [?} Nope. But man alone is not the reason for everything we are experiencing. More than one scientist is predicting an ice age for Europe before the end of this century - I repeat - this century.

I'm going to have to re-read your thoughts on gaming for "Our" Plade - have to get the concept imbedded before making comment.

My digital also can provide those moving shots with sound at that. I've never tried it, but am willing to figure it out. Not this Sunday, however, as there's too much else goin' on 'round here (personal life, that is) for that. But if we can get some "takers," why not for a future Sunday Photo Posting Day! [?] Bon ide, Mate! [tup]

Where else can one go where the juke still plays 5 tunes for a quarter [?] It was worth the cost to convert our Herr Wurltizer over to digital CD selections. Great sound comes out of that box - in spite of the abuse given it by the track gangs. <geesh> Better hurry back, coalminer3 CM3 the quarter supply is dwindling down ...... [swg]

Sorry to have to break the news - but Cindy isn't workin' tongiht! Take another look and I think you'll see one of YOUR gals behind the bar helpin' me out. That's Lucy with the brown hair, Mate! [swg]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

Hey [4:-)]TOM-here I am back already,as luck would have it ,Australia are the opposition for Wales tomorrow ,as a non Welshman(and thus a legitimate target should the home team lose ) I shall be putting up the shutters and tippling from the fridge until the all clear sounds.
Right,I`ll try a Staropramen please & one for yourself,aaah lovely [^]
Well,its been an eventful day at this end of the counter-the first snow of the season
Whilst this sounds like small beer,it should be pointed out that normally we have snow about once every five to eight years,usually in Feb.
For the last three years its been annual and earlier every time.............Last month we had a half years rainfall in two 3-day bursts............can anyone else see a wider pattern emerging here ( n.b-yes ,appreciate gulf-stream effects,hurricane spin-off etc but still---)
Enough of gloom,discovered a new bit bit of fun "techie" stuff yesterday-digital camera will take 30 sec.video clips ( Yeah yeah,I know " ancient Brit discovers wheel" )
Suddenly occurred to me-a special `Our Place` birthday sunday pic post-moving pictures!!!- layout runbys-your favoured rail or trolley line-Metro,whatever--I know I`ve seen these sort of files posted over on M.R. forum so its `do-able`.
Our camera is `Free-with-cereal` price bracket so I would imagine most others will have this facility-any takers ?-any budding John Fords amongst us ?
Sesame street`s other big idea for the day--a game for the long winter evenings,a variant on `Mornington Crescent`,a game based on the London Underground ,of which some of you may have heard.the game ,that is....
In the original,one team nominates a station and the other has to find the most direct route from it to Mornington Crescent ( a station which,if I have it right,was built and fully equipped,but never opened )

For our version,I thought something like this:- the nominated player "The Traveller" will begin & end his journey at Can-Am Union.
From here he may elect to travel to either New York or Chicago by Amtrak or VIA to Toronto or Vancouver.
Once he has made his choice,the other players then reveal their city of choice,The Traveller then has 24 hours to assemble a route that will take him to each destination,in order,using only the information on this thread.
The final leg back to Can-Am country can be either open or nominated ,according to whim,marks to be awarded for style,content,ingenuity,attempting to spell partners name in inter-twined routes.....
*****N.B,at risk of sounding heavy-handed,certain potential participants ( AL ) should carry a handicap,given encyclopaedic knowledge --say 15 minutes instead of 24 hours.*****
Right,time to feed the Wurlitzer-feel like something a lttle slinky and easy on the senses tonight,but as Cindys busy behind the bar I guess I`ll have to settle for some tunes instead (oh stop it ) right,how about,Steely Dan`s first album,then some John Lee Hooker,a slice of Muddy Waters with Willie Dixon & Little Walter and a chunk of Keef`s birthday concert for Chuck Berry to round it out. ( that juke box is truly a thing of wonder-it`s never let me down yet [^]
right,see you in a bit nick[C=:-)]

[red p]

QUOTE: Originally posted by siberianmo

The Polar Express flick is outstanding - 4.0! It is destined to become a Christmas Classic movie fer sure, fer sure! [tup][tup][tup] I recall that when we first saw it last year that we were so engaged in the story that we completely "forgot" the animation. It is that well done! [yeah] Of course it was the inspiration for my shelf railroad system, the Lionel O-gauge Polar Express set. Simply put - a great movie - a must for kids of all ages. [swg] Our DVD (2 disc widescreen version) is en route from amazon.com).

thanks for the info on polar express, I have been wondering about that movie. Guess Ill have to go out and get a copy

[siberianmo]

I knew it! Just when ya think it's safe to go back into the water ....... [swg]

Nick has Posted! Okay, Mate - so the media got it "wrong" - what's new [?] Roll with it - these A-holes create the news, surely you've known that all along!

I can well imagine - and it's only imagination - what a Rugy Club bar must be like! I hooked up with some Aussies in LA back in the late 80s and one of their Ruby teams was in SoCal. What a bunch - I mean, what a bunch! [swg] If it hadn't have been for the fact that I was armed and dangerous ........ [swg]

Nick I will take care of your pix for our Sunday Photo Posting Day! and thank you in advance for those nude photos of the West Wales Ladies of Perpetual Motion and Knitting Circle. Somehow, I don't get the "connection" with Classic Trains! [swg]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

Evening gents,just a quick note to [4:-)]TOM-E-mails in transit for sunday posting-nice url-(`cept they got the date wrong [^] ) -media over here have been rank with it for most of the week.
Unlikely to affect us here on the margins,no pub within 40 odd miles has applied for the special license and the local rugby club has kept it`s own hours since time immemorial.
That said,I anticipate that by about 4am most large towns & cities will resemble something by H.Bosch in his more experimental phase.........not pleasant.
Well,to contradict that rather austere opinion,I`m just off out to pick up my wages and try a couple,being as how I`ve a friday night off-set everybody up please [4:-)]TOM and I`ll be back in a couple of hours[tup] nick[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

G'day Russell

Snuck that one in on me, didja [?] [swg] Happens - the secret of course is to stay online, thereby being able to determine who else is "aboard." So many guys just Post 'n Split. Bad form. [tdn]

The Polar Express flick is outstanding - 4.0! It is destined to become a Christmas Classic movie fer sure, fer sure! [tup][tup][tup] I recall that when we first saw it last year that we were so engaged in the story that we completely "forgot" the animation. It is that well done! [yeah] Of course it was the inspiration for my shelf railroad system, the Lionel O-gauge Polar Express set. Simply put - a great movie - a must for kids of all ages. [swg] Our DVD (2 disc widescreen version) is en route from amazon.com).

One of these days (daze) we'll have to hook up for a Chiefs game. I recall that we tried, several times to get tickets, but were unsucccessful. Perhaps with an "insider" we'd have better luck. I'm not a patronizing kinda guy and really have always been an "AFL" fan of the Chiefs (formerly Dallas Texans). Hank was a magnificant leader of men and perhaps the last of his kind. One would have to look long and hard to find his equal. He wasn't bad in the "booth" either. [tup][tup][tup]

Hand cars [?] Well, just to show my ignorance - anything that small, just has to be called something; why not a hand car [?] [swg]

I saw Nick peeking in - so perhaps we'll get a word or three from our West Wales Connection before the daylight ends. [yeah]

Oh [yeah] I received an interesting and rather introspective Email today from our friend, BK. It appears - and this is just my take on it - that he's smitten with an Alberta kitten! (My choice of words ...... [swg]) So, he's kinda given "notice" that he may be "away" for some time. An interesting character fer sure, fer sure. Hope to see him again at the bar. Maybe the "kitten" is a train lover! [yeah] Ain't love grand [?]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

G'day Gentlemen!

Slow, but steady - nothin' wrong with that pace, eh [?] [swg]

Be careful, Ted swalling basketballs can be hazardous to one's health! [swg] The past couple of years we've been into "moderation" at the table and it really works wonders. Since it's just the two of us, we just prepare that which we KNOW we'll devour, limiting the intake so to speak. Following the feast is the one mile trek with the beast (aka: Juneau the Siberian Huskey). That too helps a great deal .....

Mike that beer can collection you referred to is a story unto itself. Somewhere on these pages I've detailed it somewhat - perhaps for Nick. There used to be 3,000 cans - yes, 3,000. But many of those were quadruples, octuples (?) etc. of the cans. So, I trimmed 'er down to the manageable - probably by 2/3rds.

Back in the mid 70s I was at a resident LE school in WashDC for entry level criminal investigators. A couple of guys took me to a bar called the "Rathskeller" near the "Embassy Row" area. Anway, unknown to me, when they served up the beer it was in cans and they were all opened from the bottom. Prior to the serving, one got to order from a multi-page menu of brews from all over the world. It was upon leaving that the barkeep had bundled up all of my cans in a paper sack and furnished it to me. That's when it dawned on me that this place was for collectors. Brilliant, eh [?] Semi-trained investigator that I was at that point! [swg]

So, over the years, everywhere I traveled I picked up a 6-pack of this or that and the collection grew. There are cans from all the continents, including those brewed especially for Operation Deep Freeze, formely the U.S. Navy's Antarctic resupply of our scientific bases, but now a continuing effort by the U.S. Coast Guard. That's pretty much the gist of the collection. Many of those beers were suitable only for unclogging sink drains and the like! [swg]

I've never engaged in trading, sellilng or buying the cans (other than when they were full!). You can place your order, but I don't guarantee fulfillng it! [swg] By the by, the collection now "sits" in what used to be my trainroom. If you've browsed my picture sites, you've seen that the Can-Am layout has pretty much overtaken what used to be an unfinished basement.

Boris did look a bit different today - haircut! By golly, who had the nerve to do such a thing [?] Amongst the missing, I would think so! <burp> I'd guess there will be a feature story in the next edition of the "bird cage liner" - "fish wrap" - aka: Gazette! [swg]

Oh yes - thanx for the round, Al and yours from yesterday, Mike! [tup][tup]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Trainnut484]

Hi Tom and all [:)]. I'll have a Miller Lite. Just taking a break from decorating the tree. My wife and I rented "The Polar Express" on DVD. That was a good movie, even though it was animated. Tom Hanks did a great job [tup]. We'll go out and buy the DVD to add to our Christmas traditions.

Nick, glad you liked my little piece on "The Stephensons." I'm sure Trevithick's Great-Great grandaughter has a lot of stories to tell.

Doug, nice pic of the track car. When I was a kid, I called the motorized cars "Put-Puts", because of the sound they made put-put-put-put-put-put-put. Even today I refer to them as "Put-Puts." Some may laugh at that, but I'm sure everyone has their own weird or funny name for train-related stuff. I liked your story of a track-gang member. I too would cringe at a fast freight rumbling just four feet away at 50+ mph.

[:0] Boris, you got a haircut? Now, you'll never win that Cousin IT look-alike contest [V]. AH I see you're getting out the Xmas decorations. Don't get yourself tangled up. Oh, you have a mistletoe out for the ladies. I'm sure they'll run away line up.

Geez, the hankerchiefs still-r-acomin' I'll never catch up with the mustard.

Gotta get back to decorating the tree.

Russell

[wanswheel]

Hi again Tom, think I'll pass on the turkey sandwich, good day for coffee actually.

Ted, handcars, that's what I thought they were called too. Maybe because I saw Buster Keaton cranking up and down on a handcar in the movies.
Al, I'm late on this: thanks for the cylinder, boiler pressure(?) explanation.
The driving wheel diameter of 6'1" is impressive. I have a photo, undigitized glossy, of my great-uncle (my grandfather's brother, also a CV engineer) standing next to a driving wheel, poking the curved tip of a long-spout oil can through the spokes.
He was a tall man and the wheel appears to be close to his height, allowing for shoes and cap and the fact that the rail is recessessed into the floor of the shed, so that it is more of a groove into which the flange (?) is recessed a couple inches below the floor. I have that oil can, or one similar, in the basement. Speaking of basement, Tom, in reviewing this thread from time to time, clicking pages at random, I came across a link to an astounding collection of beer cans. If I ever need to could I get an order in for a couple cases of "Cost Cutter"?
Almost wish you hadn't mentioned growing up in this area (I'm on Long Island) because now I'm forced to press you on baseball allegience. If you're a Yankee fan I'm outta here (Let's Go Mets!) My older brother got to see a game at Ebbets Field, Long Island Rail Road (yes, 4 words) to Brooklyn. I was in New London once, not by train but by hydrofoil ferry. Saw a submarine across the way. New London is the southern terminus of the old CV, as I'm sure you know. The CV was concieved as a railroad from Boston to the Great Lakes, of course it never happened. The 19th century Boston magnates who wanted a rail route to the west were blocked by the Berkshires, so the idea of going through Vermont made some sense. But the CV was determined that St. Albans, in the northwest corner of the state, would be the hub of everything. Running tracks diagonally up to St. Albans was not ideal because of the Green Mountains. But they did it anyway.

From the CV history "A Study in Human Effort"...

"In after years, there was to be much critism of the location of this line. In order to bring it squarely through the village of St. Albans, it ascended steep grades north of Essex Junction, and having attained St. Albans Hill, it ran just as sharply down again. It used to be said among railroaders that if you let a car get away from you in St. Albans yard, it would go sliding all the way down into Canada without stopping itself. Unquestionably a great deal of money could have been saved, both in construction and operation through the years, if the road had been placed closer to the Lake [Champlain]. But then it would not have passed through St. Albans village and the Smiths had willed that it should pass through St. Albans village and they would make the town the headquarters of the railroad. And when the Smiths of St. Albans once willed a thing, it was hard to will it otherwise. So up into the heart of St. Albans the new railroad ascended and let the other fellow pay the coal bills for climbing up the hill through the years."

Mike

[Anonymous]

Good afternoon Tom and fellow members. "I can't believe I ate the whole thing!" (Alka Seltzer T.V. "spot" in the 80's). Maybe just a B. & B. for now Tom, thanks. Rob, your culinaty talents match your teutonic bent for thoroughness and continuity in your posts.[tup] Barndad and Al, I must admit that I haven't caught up yet on your last posts. The pic of the motor car says volumes Doug. I can imagine that missle flying down the "high iron" smack into town, grade X-ings and all.[:O] For years, I've been in error calling these vehicles "hand cars." Anyhoo, I'll get to the your posts and respond when the basket ball I swallowed yesterday abates. Earlydiesels Dan, thanks for the tip on the B. & O. and its role during the U.S. Civil War. I'll look for the book anon. For Pavlov's dog, it was a bell that caused it to salivate while for me it is anything on Pullman cars. Thanks for the C.P. and Pullman pieces Tom and Al, the mention of the C.N.S. & M. "Electroliner" is greatly appeciated. After the North Shore discontinued service, those great looking "Liners" went to the Red Arrow in Philadelphia and had a "new lease on life." They had to be altered for high platform boarding but the reshop gave them a "face lift" of their new "Liberty Bell" livery. It was so much nicer than the former dull red with yellow stripes of the North Shore. BTW, I rode the N.S. standards cars from Milwaukee to Racine and return in 1962. Its amazing how smooth and quiet they were. At one time the C.N.S. & M. advertised "Chicago to Milwaukee- -90 miles- -90 minutes." That was no empty boast. They regularly made that schedule and I'm willing to bet commuters miss them today. Now they drive the I-State and "no way" are they going to get to the "loop" from downtown Milwaukee in 90 minutes.[V]

Again, I appologize for coming "empty handed" for this visit. I'll get caught up with past postings as time permits. Okay Boris, OH! I see you got a haircut. Who did your "quaff," Conn Edison? I heard Inspector Cluless reported a missing local Barber to the Mentor (fish wrap) Gazette...Hmmm.[:O][alien]

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents,

Just a quick acknowledgment to Al for his SECOND Streamliner Post of the day! [swg] That's not a very innovative name for a train - "Streamliner." But very appropriate, eh [?]

Mike I really enjoyed that URL with the Hell Gate. That's "my part of the world" - grew up in NYC. Traveled the New Haven many, many times between Grand Central and New London, CT back in the mid-50s. I've traveled north to Boston on occasion and from New England south to WashDC, all back in the mid-50s. Passenger railroading was "it" for me - too poor to own a car as I recall my service pay was well under $100 per month. [swg] The furlough rate sure helped. Ah, the "good" old days (daze) [?] All a matter of one's perspective I'd say ....

Light lunch, hmmmmmm. We serve the freshest lunchmeats in the county and always have equally fresh breads. Just order a half sandwich and you'll be fine - we make 'em to order. [tup] Have a special on turkey sandwiches! [swg]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[wanswheel]

Hi Tom and gang and no doubt multitudes of railfans. Just a <light> lunch for me please (way overdid it on consumption yesterday).

So that's a motor car. I'd jump out of the way of that, cool pic Doug. Did you see the Hell Gate Bridge? Crucial link to New England. Coming from the North (there is no other direction to come from) Grand Central Terminal is essentially a dead end. But Penn Station isn't. You could go from Boston, or even Montreal, to Miami without changing trains or back-tracking or even without getting out of bed, in theory. I like the Hell Gate, it's about the sturdiest bridge on earth, can support the weight of 50 locomotives (something like that).
Also you can talk about it in front of children. My mother's kids were not allowed to use words like "hell" casually. Our ears perked up when Dad mentioned the Hell Gate Bridge.

Mike

[siberianmo]

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #31

Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains. Check out this advertisement regarding the Pullman Company from 1950:

The carefree distance between two points

Travel by Pullman is more than just a trip! It is a carefree vacation . . . relaxing overnight travel that leaves you rested and refreshed when you arrive! No highway worries . . . no driving tensions. Just sit back and enjoy Pullman’s many travel extras – the immaculate, king-size beds . . . the privacy . . .. the freshly-cooked meals . . . the refreshments and pleasant conversation in the friendly club car. Next trip, travel the carefree way . . . by Pullman! You’ll be as safe as you are in your own home!

Complete privacy! Every Pullman room accommodation has its own toilet facilities. Individually controlled heat and air-conditioning let you choose your own travel “climate” . . . and the many courteous extra services of Pullman are yours at the touch of a button.

Your local Ticket Agent will help:
1. Provide information on routes and fares.
2. Plan your stopovers.
3. Furnish your railroad Pullman tickets.
4. Reserve a “rent-a-car” at your destination.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pullman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . means comfort, safety, privacy and sleep . . . . .


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

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

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom. Time for a CR no make that a double and a round for the house.

PASSENGERFAN AL'S STREAMLINER CORNER #13

STREAMLINER Spokane Portland and Seattle trains 1-2 Portland and Spokane round trip daily became fully streamlined on June 24, 1950. Operated 379.5 miles in each direction in a time of 7 hours 24 minutes each way.

This was the connecting train to and from the Great Northerns EMPIRE BUILDER in Spokane. In fact a 48-seat Coach and PASS series car were the through Chicago- Portland cars forwarded to and from the EMPIRE BUILDER in Spokane.

Connections with and through cars to and from Chicago from the NP NORTH COAST LIMITED were added to the Streamliner in 1952 these cars were a coach and sleeper as well. The NP transfer of cars for Portland took place at Pasco Washington both eastbound and westbound.

Before the addition of the NP cars the STREWAMLINER cars were all painted in EMPIRE BUILDER colors to match the through cars of the GN EMPIRE BUILDER.

The SP&S Sleeper Lounge Car operated as a sleeping car westbound only and the space in the car was sold at Parlor car rates eastbound.

At Portland Union Station when passengers were called to baord they called for STREAMLINER passengers and EMPIRE BUILDER passengers both and later in 1952 added the NORTH COAST LIMITED as well.

CONSIST OF SP&S STREAMLINER

750 EMD E7A 2,000 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

75 Baggage 12-Crew Dormitory Car

301 64-Revenue Seat Coach

303 64-Revenue Seat Coach

1120 (GN) 48-Revenue Seat Leg Rest Coach
(Chicago - Portland)

405 18-Seat Dining 16-Revenue Seat Parlor Car

1160 GUNSIGHT PASS 4-Section 8-Duplex Roomette 4-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car ((Chicago - Portland)

600 MOUNT HOOD 6-Roomette 3-Double Bedroom Buffet 20-Seat Lounge Car

TTFN AL

[siberianmo]

Mornin' Gents!

The "morning aftter," has arrived. For those who have the long weekend off, nice time to lay back, perhaps get some of those personal things taken care of, or just get a leg up on "Saturday's" things to do! [swg]

barndad Doug No need to apologize, my friend. Most of what I have been throwin' at you and Al is simply fun ... However, as the person who has to keep track of all these Posts - [yeah] limiting the long winded ones to once per day would really help. (Readin' this Al[?])

Good stuff has been provided to all - and it IS appreciated! [tup]

Al Feelin'; a bit sluggi***his AM [?] That was a rather short Post from you! <geesh> Not at all like the ones you have been providing us. Oh, I get it - a short consist deserves a short story! [swg]

For Nick - Check out this URL - this has to be GREAT news! [swg]
http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2005/11/24/pubs-hours051124.html

Okay Gents, I'll be behind the bar for the day! Whaddilyahave [?]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[passengerfan]

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

PASSENGERFAN AL'S STREAMLINER CORNER #12

ELECTROLINER"S operated by the Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee four round trips daily 85 miles 1hour 58 minutes each way.

On February 9, 1941 the CNS&M inaugurated a pair of articulated lightweight streamlined double ended streamliners between Chicago's downtown loop and downtown Milwaukee. The time of 1 hour 58 minutes takes into account street running in Milwaukee and numerous stops in route.

The two tone green speedsters were built by St. Louis Car Company and were designed to operate on electric power supplied by overhead wire with trolley poles used for power pick up between Milwaukee and the outskirts of Chicago. From that point the poles were lowered and the trains received their power from third rail with an overiding shoe for the remainder of the trip to the Chicago Loop.

The new four car articulated trains operated with numbers on the Cab Units only. I have taken liberties with the numbering.

CONSIST ONE

801A Articulated MU Cab 40-Revenue Seat Coach
801B Articulated MU Grill Bar 26-Seat Lounge Car
801C Articulated MU 40-Revenue Seat Coach
802A Articulated MU Cab 40-Revenue Seat Coach

CONSIST TWO

803A Articulated MU Cab 40-Revenue Seat Coach
803B Articulated MU GRILL BAR 26-Seat Lounge Car
803C Articulated MU 40-Revenue Seat Coach
804A Articulated MU Cab 40-Revenue Seat Coach

Tossed this in for Trolleyboy Rob thought he might like it.

TTFN AL

[Anonymous]

Good morning Tom and my fellow railfans. I'll have four light breakfasts and a space heater. My bride and I almost joined the morning shopping mayhem at 5am to grab a few PC notebooks, but fortunately, logic prevailed!

Dan, I lost that E-Bay auction for the CW rail book, but I'm in for another one. Sure do like anything CW related!

Tom, sorry about the long-windedness of some of my recent posts, but I'm hoping the majority of your patrons are entertained. Nice CP Nostalgia #30, by the way.

Al, nifty Streamliner Corner #11. There are so many interesting aspects to our hobby!

Mike, Really enjoyed your link to the NY Connecting Railroad. Glad you like the story I just typed. Here's what the runaway motorcar looked like!


Take care, my friends

[siberianmo]

FRIDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

We open at 6 AM (all time zones, don’t ask how we do that!

It’s Friday and it seems like …… well two Saturdays in a row! Always “does that” at Thanksgiving time. Okay guys, try some freshly brewed coffee, just delivered pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and our <light> breakfasts, featuring Turkey Omelets! <ugh> Just kiddin’ [swg]

One guy said that our coffee tasted like dirt. Well it should, it was ground right before it was brewed! [swg]

Info for the Day:

(1) Today is “Steak ‘n Fries Nite!”
(2) Saturday is “ENCORE! Day,” where we repeat some memorable Posts.
(3) Sunday we are CLOSED and it’s Sunday Photo Posting Day!

SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 00:34:55 (172) Thursday’s Info & Summary

(2) ftwNSengineer
Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 04:10:34 (172) Greetings!

(3) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 08:09:39 (172) Greetings!, etc.

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 08:53:15 (172) Greetings!, etc.

(5) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 09:21:41 (172) Greetings!, etc.

(6) passengerfan Al Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 09:24:07 (172) Streamliner #10, City of Miami, etc.

(7) barndad Doug Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 10:20:22 (172) Through Thick & Thin, Part IV, etc.

(8) earlydiesels Dan Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 11:53:21 (172) Congrats, etc.

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 13:23:58 (172) NOSTALGIA #30 – Ad – CP (1950)

(10) passengerfan Al Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 15:08:38 (172) Streamliner #11 – South Wind

(11) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 17:18:43 (172)

(12) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 17:39:39 (172)

(13) wanswheel Mike Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 18:16:38 (172)

(14) passengerfan Al Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 20:07:58 (172)

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 20:53:58 (172) Acknowledgments, etc.

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

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

[siberianmo]

Evenin’ Gents!

First and foremost a huge THANX! to Rob and his Teutonic Traveling Road Show for putting on such a feast for those who had their Thanskgiving [dinner] Dinner at ”Our” Place. Good show and it is much appreciated by one and all, especially those who would have normally had to work this holiday. [tup][tup][tup] Cindy you are ever the sweetheart and without you this place of ours would most certainly be the worse for the loss. For those who don’t know, Cindy is NOT staff ‘round here – she volunteers here time by filling in for me behind the bar. She’s also “kitchen help,” but ONLY when our Chief Chef, Nick [C=:-)] is on scene! [swg]

Quite a flurry of activity today and in spite of my pleas to “gimme a break,” it wasn’t to be – as the “long winded” Posts continue! [swg]

Some acknowledgments are in order:

nickinwestwales Nick
Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 09:21:41 and 17:39:39

passengerfan Al
Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 09:24:07 and 15:08:38 and 20:07:58

barndad Doug
Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 10:20:22

earlydiesels Dan
Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 11:53:21

trolleyboy Rob
Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 17:18:43

wanswheel Mike
Posted: 24 Nov 2005, 18:16:38

Consider yourselves ACKNOWLEDGED! [swg] [tup][tup] Appreciate, as always, your patronage and contributions to making this place “the place to be” on the Forums! [yeah]

Nick [C=:-)] Always a pleasure havin’ you “pop” in on us, and twice in the same day is a double treat! [yeah] I figured that it was time to let Rob have a whirl with the kitchen duty, and I’d say he “done good!” [tup][tup]

Mike Thanx for those URLs, especially enjoyed the pix on the 2nd one .. outstanding, indeed. And that’s quite a Government car, eh[?] Never saw anything like that! [tup]

Al What can I say [?] You are definitely NOT a man of a few words! [swg] I’ll have sufficient reading stacked up to keep me busy for at least the next week. Three Posts in one day - when DID you find the time to eat [?] <grin>

Doug So, you are trying to become passengerfan Jr. [?] [swg] What is it you two don’t understand about “moderation” [?] <grin>

Rob Wonderful job – well done! [tup][tup][tup]

Dan Good to see ya again – and hope this means you are definitely “out of the woods.” A word of caution, my friend, don’t rush it. Just think about how you might have gotten yourself into a state where you were vulnerable to whatever “got ya.” Always good havin’ your [2c] at the bar! [swg]

Thanx to all who bought rounds! [tup]\[tup]

Okay, Gents – a final HAPPY THANKSGIVING and I’ll catch y’all in the ‘morrow.

Leon the Night Man has the bar! Boris Ring it – drinks on me!


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[passengerfan]

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

To Wanswheel the numbers you asked about are the 26x28 is the cylinders 73" is the size of the driving wheels and the 200 represents the boiler pressure hope this helps.

Like many people today I am feeling stuffed and those around me keep asking if I had enough. Probably had enough for a week.

TTFN AL

[wanswheel]

Hi Tom and everyone, Happy Thanksgiving, have a nightcap on me

Guys thanks for helping me honor my grandfather by checking out the url to the CV 601. It was a 4-8-2. There were 4 of them, the 600, 601, 602, 603 built 1927 at Schenectady by American Locomotive Company. I don't know what these numbers represent: 26x28" and 73" and 200. But now I don't know. Ted you say it's a 4-8-4, the fallenflags.www said it was a 4-8-4, and Classic Trains magazine evidently has a winter issue article about the Montrealer-Washingtonian that refers to a CN 4-8-4, which is logical because CN owned CV. Rob I doubt if my grandfather would've had the opportunity to meet Churchill. The train would've been stopped at White River Jct. just long enough for the CV to take over for the B&M, who took over for NYNH&H at Springfield, I imagine, if it was similar procedure to the Montrealer. Anything's possible but any incident of my grandfather actually meeting Churchill is not in the family folklore here. I'm sure it would be if it had occurred, thanks for asking.

Doug great selections. Last week dodging trains in a blizzard and now a runaway whatcha-call-it. Cool!

Pantograph: http://www.old-dalby.com/images/BW%20pantograph%20at%20Pueblo.jpg
Caternary: http://www.nycrs.org/along-the-row-2004.html

[nickinwestwales]

Well good evening fellow diners,looks like I`m in good time for the second sitting so an aperetif or two may be in order-Staropramen please Cindy and a round for the house.
Looks like feeding the Track Gangs at the first sitting has paid off,they all seem to be snoozing happily in the pool room and H&H seem to have the situation well under control in the galley- Boris is speed-washing dishes with a look on his face somewhere between hero-worship and mindless terror and Leon is giving the whole area a wide berth.
Well I`ve no idea what order,if any,these dishes are consumed in but I`ll have one of everything please with a double spoon of that maple leaf stuffing,looks like the tables have been relaid so I`ll go and grab a pew and prepare myself for an extravagent evening of epicurean excess ,see you in a bit,nick[C=:-)]

[trolleyboy]

Good evening everyone. seems like the gang are enjoying the fare as prepared by the teutonic legions. Even Boris is behaving himself. On a worisome note the girls cousin Ursala seems to have taken a shine to Boris that will need to be kept an eye on.


Hope everyone had agood thanksgiving


Rob