"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Gents!

A quick acknowledgment to:

Nick I think Carol summed it up quite well. "Rug smugglers," indeed! Outstanding wit and just the kinda humo(u)r that only lacks a REAL drink. I just made one - had to have a "little something" after that - Southern Comfort on the rocks, seemed rather appropriate.

Glad you liked the "Gazette" and anytime you want to submit an article - send me an Email for inclusion. Well done, Mate! [tup][tup][tup]

A fine menu from the Nick's Picks Menu Board! [tup][tup][tup] If I ate even one quarter of what you have suggested, my "boyish" figure would go quickly down the tubes - and I'm not talking about subways! [swg]

Mike Nice to see ya again and hope that you continue on. I'm sure Al will be most pleased with your comments. Any time someone offers a positive response to the works submitted on the Thread makes for good vibes indeed. [tup]

I didn't "Tweeeeeeet" you for a rules violation - Rule #2, failure to order a drink or something or food. This is your "period" of Grace - but it will soon run out! Remember, we have to put some bucks in the 'till. [swg]

Pete Glad you mentioned the "Gazette," for a while there, I was wonderin' whether anyone would pick up on it. Funny, sometimes these things take a "delayed reaction" for commentary. Anyway - just as the "Classified Section" said, "Wanted" - of course. Submit 'em to me by Email and they will go into the next edition. [tup]

You, Sir, are the ONLY customer to even mention our "Fish 'n Chips Nite" and have been regularly. Thanx! At least someone remembers! That's all part of the fun 'round here - participation is the word! [tup][tup][tup]

Time for me to turn the bar over to Leon the Night Man. Ring the bell Boris a night cap on me ........ Nite [zzz]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

SPECIAL FOR NICK

Okay, what have you done to my husband [?] He is sitting on the recliner, laptop in his lap (where else [?]) and he is laughing so hard he is crying! So, what in the world have you doen to him [?]

Oh, he finally explained, through fits of laughter, what his "Mentor Village Gazette" is all about along with those fictitious beings - Inspector Clueless, et al. Anyway, when he put it all together and read your "story,' it got me into a fit of laughter as well.

Tom just cannot say "rug smugglers" without doubling up into fits of laughter .....

Nice that you can all feed off of one another so well. Sounds like quite a place. Hope you all behave yourselves in Toronto, especially since the gals are "not allowed!"

Carol (wife of Siberianmo)

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all .

A pint of Bathams and some Fish and Chips if I may.

Great posts again today[tup]thanks ROB WANSWHEEL CM3 AL DON TED and TOM.

Jdonald DON
I am not too sure about the set up at the Great Central. I think that the two lines north and south of the gap are run separately although they have close ties to each other.
The hope is that one day a bridge can join the two lines as you say it will be very expensive. The bridge will cross the Midland Main Line. Near where the bridge will be there is some unused land which the railway is hoping to re-erect an old locomotive shed which has been dismantled and moved from the North West of England.
On the line between Loughbourgh and Rothley this is now double track and two steam trains can pass each other the only preserved line in the U.K. where this is possible.
The Great Central line passed through my home town of Rugby it closed as a through route in 1966 although the part between Rugby and Nottingham lasted another couple of years.
It was a pity the Railwaymans Arms on the S.V.R was closed on your visit is is a great little pub with railway signs on the wall and of course they sell Bathams [tup].

NICK It is indeed very sad when the main provider of work closes especially in the close knit communities of the Valleys. I shall always remember the kindness shown to me when I was photographing the Colliery steam locos in the early 70s. With one visit it was cold and very wet the men there would take us in to their mess-hut and make us a cup of tea while we warmed by the fire.
Just caught your post NICK Bangers and Mash it is.[tup]
TOM really liked the Gazette[^][tup]. Is it open for Classiefied Ads[:-^] PETE>

[nickinwestwales]

Well,here we are again,just in time for a fish`n`chip type fiesta-[4:-)]TOM,best line up a few of those fine green Czech bottles,I have the taste for it this night ( Just back from band practice after a weeks break and Fat Steve,our monstrous drummer, is back from a fortnight working over in Ireland,so something of a sweat was worked up tonight [^]
Have just spent a few minutes browsing through the Mentor Village Gazette and an inner-page article caught my eye--"Local Constabulary Caught Out By Typo"-Mentor`s finest,Clueless & Doyle are expected to be called in to head office to explain themselves after mobilising the Counties Armed Response Unit to meet the incoming weekly Can-Am / Cymru Zeppelin service on the grounds that in addition to the usual cargo of beer & deli goods, the Airship was being used as a front for narcotic trafficking.
A measure of confusion ensued before it was realised that the delivery in question was nothing more dangerous than a batch of hand-woven carpeting for local tavern `Our Place`.
When asked for a quote, a representative from the staff told our reporter " Yes,We are international rug smugglers,now either buy a drink or s*d off,we`re busy tonight."

O.K.-to posts,DON-as noted by the Guvnor,you do have a feel for this place-you could end up on the staff roster if you are not careful ( I only stopped in to ask for directions....) by the way-POOTS-love it,has just the right `ring` about it [^]
As to O.N.R sites,my favourite is the (un)official railfan site,not least because of Mike Robin`s truly wonderful photo gallery. If I could work out how to get his `pic of the day` displayed on this site I would have no hesitation in doing it-these are pix to be shared and enjoyed.
R.E. the Great Central,this has got up and running since I`ve been living down here on the western edge of the country and I have very little to offer,I suspect that WOLFMAN PETE who is a native of those parts may be of more use to you here.
Please feel free to keep asking R.E `big 4` etc,If I`ve got it I`ll share it,if not I`ll look it up[tup]
SIR THEODORE-like yourself,I see no point in responding unless I can make a valid contribution,life is short enough without wasting time-By the bye,how goes it with the wiring ( if this is not an indelicate question )-your pain is our pain and all that..............
[4:-)]TOM-if you are not prepared to consider the escalators,I might as well scrap any plans for the candy machines & phone booths.....[:-,][:-^]

Right then chaps,Looks like the fryers are hot so what do we have on the menu tonight...?
As the weather is definately drawing in,I think it`s about time to dig out the soup kettle from Boris`s shed so to get the ball rolling we have freshly made Tomato & Basil with croutons and grated cheese topping.
Crepes stuffed with prawns,mussels,scallops & cockles in provencal sauce
Smoked mackerel pate with gooseberry sauce and warm wholemeal breads
Whole grilled wild rainbow trout with almond & mushroom stuffing
Grilled red snapper with crispy salad bowl with chefs dressing & hot mixed breads
Tuna Steak,pan fried with French mustard & butter sauce

For those who,like myself,dont care for fish,we also have:-
Noisettes of Welsh lamb,pan fried in port and black cherry sauce,
Classic `bangers & mash` with black pudding & onion gravy ( One for PETE here)
Chicken *** in asparagus sauce
Pork loin chops baked with shallots,garlic and white wine


All the above served with either salad or vegetable platter,and Jacket,french fried or duchesse potatoes

O.K.-that looks like a menu to me,[4:-)]TOM will take your orders and one of our lovely ladies will deliver it to your table--TOM,could you turn up the juke-box,I need to discuss one or two points of kitchen hygiene with Boris and I don`t want to discourage customers due to screams,howls moans etc.
Right guys,thats me off to earn my keep,be good,have fun & as CM3 would say work safe ,see ya,nick[C=:-)]

[wanswheel]

Good evening Tom and Our Place gang, I just stopped in to marvel at the Rocky Mountain Rocket history post. My long division is hazy but about 1070 divided by about 17.5 seems to show the Rocket averaged about 60mph?
I like those car names "Garden of the Gods" and "Phantom Valley." Thanks Al.

Mike

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Gents,

Ted Glad you made it back from this AM. What a difference a day makes, eh [?]

I'm extremely pleased with the quality of Posts these days and hope it continues. Quantity only enters the picture when one considers the need to keep our Thread up 'n running on the page. That requires participation, not just from a handful, but from as many as possible. I'd like to get paid for the hours I spend trying to make this idea work, believe me! (Hold the accolades, please - it wasn't meant quite that way! [swg])

From the gist of your Post, it appears that you too will be gone until Monday or perhaps later. Okay - have a pleasant weekend, Mate! (I say that because you wished us well for the weekend.)

Al Thanx for the clarification on the abbreviation. I am familiar with the Provincial stores, but didn't pick up on the "LCBO." Hope Rob considers our "needs" for the Rendezvous in Toronto! [:D]

Thanx for the round! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

SPECIAL NOTE:

No, no, no - CM3 wasn't "just" inducted into The Order of the Permanent Stools. That occurred back on Nov 2nd and we ALL congratulated him then! He acknowledged it as well! And then did so again TODAY! Ommmmmigosh, what is goin' on [?] Check out page 153, it's all there.

The "article" in the Mentor Village Gazette was simply "reporting" the event.

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a CR and a roujnd for the house..
Tom saw your inquiry about LCBO that stands for Liquor Control Board of Ontario. All spirits must be purchased from these Provincial outlets in Ontario and Beer comes from the Beer Stores run by the breweries and Province jointly. Even Bars and restaurants purchase theirs from the smae outlets. They sure don't allow any private hands in the Liquor business. Never any bargains either.

TTFN Al

[Anonymous]

Good evening all and a special congratulations to CM3 for your promotion to the "Permanent Member of the Order of Stools."[tup][tup][tup] Certainly this was a well deserved and hard earned position. Please Skipper, a round for the house on this occasion.[^]

Gadfrey Tom, is Mentor Village about to expand into another suburban Shopping Center scenario? If so, perhaps there will be need of a an extention for a subway stop. Or, will "light" rail be an option? Any rate, Rob may have a feasible suggestion with surface rail after all, right Rob?[(-D] The volume of Posts has been incredible and a daunting task for staying "on top" of it all. It begs the question: "Should one be careful what one wishes for?[:O] Still, it is a preferable alternative to some of the more spare periods in the past.[^] Nick, Pete, Dave Klepper, and John round out the international set which is always a welcome addition.

After a period of review, it finally occured to me that I'm really not able to respond to many posts in that some are unfamiliar territory. On the other hand, at least that may be a break for easing the burden on an already "full plate" for those in attendance. Al, is never at a loss for his focus on trains and the "Rocky Mountain Rocket" is no exception.[tup] With this flurry of activity, I have been thouroughly content with ingesting a treasure trove of railroading operations and little known traces of mergers, ownerships and closures both in N. America and the U.K.[bow]

With correct portocal observed and accolades for all participants, it may be a good time for me to scroll back and "pick up the pieces" that I missed along the way.[:O] For now, I bid everyone a safe up coming weekend and trust you will find that "perfect bird" for next Thursday. Okay Boris, you did a good job "walking" your four footed Sherman Tank along the Can-Am ROW. There have been reports of startled passengers but it was ascertained that their shock had nothing to do with "Tex."[:-^] Happy rails to all.

[siberianmo]

G'day jdonald Don!

It appears that only you and I are at the bar. Oh, [yeah] Cindy has departed for the day! <groan> I could watch that gal walk all the day through ........ But I'm beginning to wonder why I feel that way! [swg] What's that THEY say about "the 2nd thing to go" [?] [swg] [:-,]

You seem to be quite comfortable 'round here and your Post appears as if you've been "with us" from the get-go. [tup] Didn't take you long at all.

I think your priorities are just a bit skewed - the beer store should be 1st. [swg] By the by, what's an "LCBO" [?] [%-)]

Just the mention of Tim Horton's makes me "home sick." We travel to Halifax to visit with family and friends at least once a year. Always have been going by Via Rail from Montreal (a bit over 15 years of that, which is 'nother story). Anyway, when staying in Bedford (on the basin) I ALWAYS walk up to the local Tim's joint for a cuppa Joe and a rendezvous with a friend or two. Great way to begin the day and as I said, this is ALWAYS part of my routine.

Regarding my manner - there simply are things in life that I will not tolerate: (1) warm beer, (2) wet toilet paper and (3) rude people. If people take issue with that, screw 'em all but six, and save those for Pall Bearers! (didja catch THAT one trolleyboy Rob [?] [swg])

Thanx for the round - Boris Ring it! I see the track gang has arrived and have overtaken the pool room (again) [:O]

Catch ya later!

Tom [4:-)][oX)]

[jdonald]

Afternoon Tom & all.

Kind of cool here today so maybe a hot toddy is in order. (1 deg.C[yeah][yeah]for the metrically challenged thats 34F--Cx1.8+32=F) Any way one for the bartender and a round for the house.

Tom - about your alledged abrupt manner - I hadn't really noticed[;)]was that a snicker from cyber space?

Rob - Thanks for the info on the Sarnia-London route. Those Toronto-Chicago trains had some interesting operations. The change from steam to electric and back to steam at Sarnia-Port Huron was one-there was also an interesting operation at Hamilton. Eastbound trains stopped at Bayview Jct. and reversed back around the bay into the Hamilton Sta. They then continued back eastbound to Bayview and on to Toronto. Westbounds ran forward into Hamilton then backed to Bayview in order to continue on to Brantford, London etc. Would like to check out your area for a railfan trip-but this is my first winter in retirement and I think we will just huddle in the igloo for the duration of winter[:(](except for the odd trip to Tim Horton, The Beer Store and the LCBO and maybe the grocery store if necessary!) Maybe the spring time will bring renewed vigor.

CM3 - congrats on your induction into POOTS(I think) and thanks for the info on the C&O. It answered a lot of questions that I had been wondering about.

Nick - re the ONR - a search on Google.com showed a couple of websites that have a lot of pics & info from the 80's to present. They are onrgallery.com and ontrains.com. I was looking at a site one time that had pics of the ONR in the steam era, but can't find it now. Will keep looking.
re-the Big 4 and the early British Rail era-this looks like a real interesting time-would like to know more about it.

Pete - A question for you or maybe Nick regarding the Great Central Railway. There are 2 parts to it-are they affiliated in any way? I was talking to a man in the Rothley signalbox and I believe he said that they would join the 2 sections if they could build a bridge to cross over I think it was the ECML. No doubt to expensive a project for them to handle.

Guess I have rattled on enough for now.

Bye for now. Keep it on the rails.

[siberianmo]

G’day!

Okay Cindy take a break for lunch …. Oh, Leon already spelled you for a bit … well, take another break. You’ve earned it. Leon ‘n Boris are out back [?] Oh, they are trying to “potty train” Tex the Armadillo, eh [?] That certainly should be an interesting sight! I think I’ll pass …… [swg]

What a difference a day makes – so the song goes – no comparison with yesterday whatsoever. I saw several of our customer’s cyber names popping up – but NO Posts. A couple of Permanent Stools included – and that was a loooooooong time past. Hmmmmm. I don’t get it, and never will. Okay, on to something else ……

A couple of acknowledgments this afternoon:

coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 17 Nov 2005, 11:24:08

Nice Post, indeed! I didn’t have a clue regarding the C&O connections with CN ‘n CP. All kinds of things that I don’t know, and perhaps one positive aspect of that for me is that I freely admit it! [tup]

Another long break for ya, eh [?] We’ll miss seein’ ya at the bar, but one good thing is that you’ve provided us with plenty of quarters for Herr Wurtlitzer, the Juke to keep ‘er goin’ ‘till your return, which I presume will be the Monday after Thanksgiving. [wow] That IS a long hiatus. Didn’t we tell you that part of the requirements as a member of The Order of the Permanent Stools is to be in contact ‘round the clock [?] <Geesh> Did we err [?] [swg]

Thanx for the round and of course, the quarters! [tup]

Happy Thanksgiving to you CM3!

passengerfan Al Posted: 17 Nov 2005, 12:58:06

Your Post is well within the framework of what this cyber bar ‘n grill is based on – the Posting and discussions involving Classic Trains – while of course havin’ a bit of fun doin’ it. You “aced” the first part! [tup][tup]

I wonder how many guys recognized your use of the abbreviation EMC for the motive power [?] It was shortly after I got “hooked” on reading about trains that I “discovered’ the origin of EMC.

Born in Cleveland, OH in 1922 as the Electro-Motive Engineering Corporation (EMC). The company marketed gas electric motorcars to the railroads beginning in 1924, which were very economical for branch line traffic, compared to steam locos. By 1929, they built 7 distillate electric locos for the CRIP (Rock Island) and one year later were purchased by General Motors, to ultimately become the Electro-Mechanical Division (EMD), perhaps better known these days.

The Rock Island is a significant road to me, but moreso in today’s world than way back “when.”

The SP, who acquired the right-of-way through the bankruptcy of the “RI,” hauled coal along those tracks to a power plant in central Missouri. The UP who wound up with the SP continued on. No problems with the roadbed, tracks and other equipment when our group entered the mix.

As I have chronicled on these pages, there is a 25 mile stretch of right-of-way running from where I live, east to downtown that used to be all part of the “old RI Line,” as it is still referred to in these parts. A group that I co-founded was determined to get commuter rail on those track for service between West St. Louis County and the nearest connection to our light-rail system, known as MetroLink (as opposed to LA’s Metrolink).

Anyway, situational freight is operated along those tracks today by a local hauler. The portion of the track of interest was sold to a corporate “giant” who initially appeared very interested in our idea.

As I used to say now ‘n then, “Close is good enough only in hand grenades, horse shoes, atomic bombs and flatulence.” (didja catch that one, trolleyboy Rob [?] [swg]) Our group of approximately 400 citizens came “close,” but those in power prevailed. No commuter rail was to be for our community. Largely because THEY didn’t think of the idea.

So, that’s the connection I have with the “old Rock Island Line.” CRIP in these parts has entirely other definitions! [swg]


Cindy has the bar. Catch y’all later!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


My nagging reminder to all! – When Posting, try not to check out immediately thereafter. Review your Post (wait for it to “come up” on the screen) and you just may find that there is another right before or after yours. Then hit the “Refresh” button. This works and prevents one from missing someone else’s timely input. You can always “edit” your submission to include commentary for the more recent “stuff.”

[siberianmo]

G’day All!

Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains. Check this ad out (from The Official Guide of the Railways – 1956) [located on the inside of the front cover]

TICKET AGENTS! Ask one question and increase your income

For every “yes” answer, you earn a generous commission. And you’ll find many rail passengers want rental cars. Men on bujsiness trips. Folks going on vacations or to towns without rail connections.

A clean, new car from Avis will greet them at the station. Rates are low and include gas, oil and insurance. Only Avis offers them the convenient “Rent it here – leave it there” service, and they’ll get the courtesy and treatment that has made Avis the fastest growing car rental organization in the word . . . with more than 850 offices.

Make friends for your line and commissions for yourself with Avis reservations. For particulars write Avis Rent-a-Car System, Inc., Hotel Statler Bldg., Boston 16, Mass., or call your Avis rental station.

. . . . . Avis
. . . . . RENT-a-CAR

Away or at home . . . a car of your own


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

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

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for Coffee and a couple of those diet pastries from the Mentor Bakery.

Thought I would throw in a train history from time to time and see if it will create any interest.

I will start with the ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROCKET of the CRI&P.
They operated as Rock Island trains 7 & 8 operating overnight between Chicago and Denver/Colorado Springs 1072.8 miles in 17 hours 25 minutes.

Running west from Chicago on November 12, 1939 the same date that the new NYC MERCURY departed Chicago eastbound the Rock Island inaugurated new diesel powered streamliners the ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROCKETS.
Actually the new trains required two sets of equipment with one one operating eastbound each night and the other westbound each night. The new ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROCKET was a double destination train at its western end serving both Denever and Colorado springs from Chicago. The train split at Limon , Colorado westbound in the mornings and was reasembled at the same point each afternoon for the eastbound trip to Chicago.

Both Budd and Pullman Standard manufactured new cars for the seven car ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROCKETS in stainless steel finish. Budd constructed the new ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROCKETS Baggage, Railway Post Office 44-Seat Coach Combinations, 52-Revenue Seat Coaches and the 32-Seat dining 16-Seat Lounge Cars.
Pullman Standard constructed the four sleeping cars and two Sleeping Lounge Observations.
Initial power for the new ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROCKET streamliners was single EMC E3A developing 2,000 hp between Chicago and Denver. The Rock Island operated a steam locomotive for the Limon-Colorado Springs section of the new trains.
Two cars the 30'Railway Post Office 44-Revenue Seat Coach Combination and the 8-Section 2-Compartment 2-Double Bedroom Sleeping car were through Chicago - Colorado Springs cars.
Later as the number of cars increased the Rock Island would order custom built B units with a cab and baggage compartment from EMD to power the Colorado Springs section of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROCKETS. These became the powere for the Limon - Colorado Springs sections of the trains. The units operated through from Chicago to Limon as the trailing unit and from that point to Colorado springs they led that section of the train. These EMD AB units as they were designated entered serviuce in June 1940. This was at the same time a Kansas City-Denver section of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROCKET was added and deleted at Belleville, Kansas.
The cars for the new Kansas City - Denver Section were 308 DREAM LAKE a 52-Seat Coach and Pullman pool 10-Roomette 5-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car CASCADE MILLS in one Diorectiuon while the other two cars operaing eastbound on alternating night were 311 JAMES PEAK a 52-seat Coach and Pullman Pool 10-Roomette 5-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car CASCADE SHOALS.
The two CASCADE Pullman Pool Sleeping cars were soon replaced by Rock Island owned 8-Section 5-Double Bedroom Sleeping cars FOREST CANYON and THOMPSON CANYON delivered by P/S in November 1940.
The Kansas City cars were joined the westbound ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROCKET at at Belleville, Kansas having operated as a separate train from Kansas City. Eastbound the ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROCKY set out the two Kansas City bound cars at Belleville to be forwarded as a separate train from that point to Kansas City. The eastbound Kansas City Sleeping car space was sold as Parlor car space as the ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROCKET operated as a daytime schedule to that point. The nightly westbound sleeper space was sold as sleeping car space. The Rock Island never able to compete with the Union Pacific on the Kansas City - Denver run dropped the Kansas City section of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROCKET in September 1943.

CONSIST ONE
625 EMC E3A 2,000 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

850 Baggage Car

375 MESA VERDE 30'Railway Post Office 44-Revenue Seat Coach

309 BEAR LAKE 52-Revenue Seat Coach

420 MOUNT EVANS 32-Seat Dining 12-Seat Lounge Car

650 ODESSA LAKE 10-Section 4-Roomette Sleeping Car

610 GARDEN OF THE GODS 8-Section 2-Compartment 2-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car

476 PHANTOM VALLEY 5-Double Bedroom Buffet 9-Seat Cocktail Lounge 17-Seat Lounge Observation

CONSIST TWO

626 EMC E3A 2,000 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

851 Baggage Car

376 PIKES PEAK 30'Railway Post Office 44-Revenue Seat Coach

310 LONGS PEAK 52-Revenue Seat Coach

421 CENTENNIAL 32-Seat dining 12-Seat Lounge Car

651 LAWN LAKE 10-Section 4-Roomette Sleeping Car

611 GRAND MESA 8-Section 2-Compartment 2-Double Bedroom Sleeping Car

477 THUNDER MOUNTAIN 5-Double Bedroom Buffet 9-Seat Cocktail Lounge 17-Seat Lounge Observation

In April 1947 two new 68 revenue seat coaches were added to the ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROCKET pool 333 DENVER and 334 COLORADO SPRINGS.

In December 1954 four new sleeping cars with 8-Roomettes and 6-Double Bedrooms were added to the ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROCKET pool of cars they were 630 AIR FORCE ACADEMY, 631 THE BROADMOOR, 632 RAMPART RANGE and 633 TURQUOISE SKY.

In 1963 the westbound ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROCKET and GOLDEN STATE were combined between Chicago and Rock Island.

In 1966 the ROCKY MOUNTAIn ROCKET was discontinued no longer able to compete with the VISTA DOME DENVER ZEPHYRS or CITY OF DENVER trains.

If the guys like the write up will try an add one or two weekly new trains once school is finished in the next couple of weeks.

TTFN Al

[coalminer3]

Good Afternoon: Coffee, please; round for the house, and $ for the music machine. We'll play Flatt and Scruggs' "Boys From Tennessee." Lovely day here, 18 degrees this a.m., snow, clouds, and clear - sometimes all at once.

I can relate to what our esteemed proprietor says abt. dog wrangling. I have 2 beasts that I deal with; they do keep things hopping.

I have been enjoying the posts on Canada and all points.

The C&O, as some may already know connected with both the CN and the CP.

CN connections were at
Chatham, ON
Detroit (via GTW)
St. Thomas, ON via (L&PS)
Sarnia, ON
Walkerville, ON

Canadian Pacific connections were at
Chatham, ON
Detroit
St. Thomas, IN (via L&PS and MC)
Sarnia, ON
Walkerville, ON

C&O stations on the Sarnia-Erieau Line included
Sarna
Corunna
Courtright
MCRR Jct.
Sombra
Port Lambton
Wallaceburg
Tupperville
Dresden
Ennett
Eberts
Darrell
Chatham
Richardson
Fargo
Blenheim Jct.
Onion Spur
Erieau
Total mileage was 70.9

Following stations were in the 1.6 mile long Walkerville Jct. - Windsor Sub
Walkerville Jct.
Windsor

Here is the Walkerville - St. Thomas Line; total mileage 126.6

Walkerville
Walkerville Jct.
Pelton
Oldcastle
Paquette
McGregor
New Canaan
HArrow
Arner
Kingsville
Ruthven
Viney
Leamington
Wheatley
Renwick
Coatwirth
Stevenson
Glenwood
Merlin
Cedar Springs
Blenheim
Risgetown
Highgate
Muirkirk
Rodney
W. Lorne
Dutton
Iona
Shedden
Middlemarch
Talbot Yd.
St. Thomas

Last is the St. Thomas - Suspension Bridge Line (via NYC)

St. Thomas
Yarmouth Cross
Aylmer
Sprigfield
Brownsville
Tilsenberg
Hawtrey
LASalette
Windham
Waterford Pit
Waterford
Villa Nova
Hagersville
Edward
Canfield
E&O Crossing
Perry
Welland
Montrose
Montrose Jct.
Niagara Falls (last station in ON)
Suspension Bridge (East End)
NYC Yards

Source for this is a 1957-era C&O station book I found in the vault.

As for the induction ceremnoy - thanks to everyone - the poolroom was certainly appropriate.

I'll be offline for a few days; road trip and visit to the WNY train show in Buffalo, weather permitting.

Have a good Thanksgiving.

work safe

[siberianmo]

. . . . . . . Mentor Village Gazette . . . . . .

Vol. I, Number 1 . . . . . . . . Wednesday, November 17, 2005 . . . . . . . . . Free

coalminer3 CM3 Inducted into the PERMANENT ORDER OF THE STOOLS

Nov 17th, Mentor Village
By: Verbal Funderburk

Coalminer3 CM3 was inducted into the Permanent Order of the Stools on Nov 2nd . A society of esteemed customers of the Village’s bar and grill, known as ”Our” Place located near the junction of CP’s freight yard, they have no redeeming qualities other than their affection (affliction) for Classic Trains.

Following an announcement made by the Selection Committee, the induction ceremony was held in the Pool Room of the bar and was attended by the “usual lineup” of Mentor Village’s finest citizens. Mayor I. M. Running along with Chief of the Constabulary Book M. Dano were overheard commenting, “Who is this guy?” as they lined up at the bar for the complimentary drinks.

Coalminer3 CM3 was unavailable for comment, although his press representative did authorized the following statement: “This is a day, that will!”

A fight soon erupted between the track gangs of the CN, CP and Can-Am railroads, quickly broken up by the Constabulary, under the supervision of Inspector Clueless. Order was quickly restored and the room was turned over to the not-so-regular meeting of the Ladies of Perpetual Motion and Knitting Circle. (More on page 14.)


Shopping mall proposed for Mentor Village

By: Taura Loura Goldfarb

A shopping mall has been proposed for Mentor Village in the undeveloped area located between ”Our” Place and The Coffee Shop. Backed by Cheatham & Steele, Bankers and Malefactor’s Arus, the development is expected to win approval by the Village Board of Aldermen when they next convene. The date has not been established.

Several of the Village’s business owners are in favor of the plan and expect to occupy the prime locations. These include: Ulfoncle Gilot’s Tobacco Shop - Boogaloo Payne’s Music Emporium - Daury Freese, The Ice Cream Parlour - Ginger Snap’s Cookie Place - Harmut Broghammer’s Pharmacy - John Outhouse, The Bath Store - Love Lovelace’s Female Fashions - Plato Papps Men’s Wear and Somchit Inthisack’s Fine Furniture.

EDITORIAL

Mentor Village commemorated Veterans/Remembrance Day through a series of activities, most notably those undertaken over at the local distillery bar and grill, known as ”Our” Place. Friends and fans of the railroads gathered to listen to tales from the war years. Perhaps the highlight was the presentation of 9 WWII rail related advertisements provided by the Proprietor, Siberianmo.

We endorse activities of this nature in our village and commend the participants from taking a day off from their debauchery, madness, and civil disobedience. The local Constabulary is pleased as well.

CLASSIFIED Section

Wanted!

COMIX

From the Bumper:

4 Out of 3 People
Have Trouble With Fractions

Impotence . .
Nature’s way of saying “No hard feelings!”

Hang up
and drive!


Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

P.S. Cindy has the bar! [tup]

[Anonymous]

Good mornin' to all. By "all," I mean the gargantuan number of posts since my last "clock in."[^] Gadfrey, I've been at this for well over 2 hours and still remain nine (count 'em) posts in arears. Tom, I can only stay for a quick Prune Danish and a splash of Joe for now. It just isn't Kosher to begin a fresh Post without having covered the efforts of those who took the time and trouble to contribute.[tdn] Simply put, allow me to welcome Don, Dave, Mike, and John to "Our" Place and demure from further commentary until such time as I can sort out this latest avalanche of input.[bow]

For now, please excuse the brevity of this memo for the present.[:I] Again, welcome to our new friends and it is wonderful to see so many "Regulars" back "in the bonds."[^] BTW, it appears to me that quality has not been compromised for quantity by any measure.[tup] Be back a.s.a.p. so, please Tom, keep the Stolichanya on ice for me? I'll bring my own marinated cocktail onions upon returning, thanks.[swg]

[siberianmo]

Good Mornin’ Gents!

Another glorious day in mid-continent USA – blue skies, slight breeze and frigid – temps were hoverin’ at 17 (F) when I walked the “beast” at 6:30 AM – Juneau the Siberian Husky loves it, and so do I. Believe it or not, I absolutely love the cold weather – I’ll take it anytime, but not anywhere. Spent some time in the Arctic, and I really appreciate what it has to offer, but I surely wouldn’t want to live there! [swg]

Yesterday really kept me hoppin’ with the Posts, which is what we’re all about. Thanx to all for helpin’ to make our Wednesday such a huge success ‘round here. The Inclusiveness of the responses is beginning to become a “standard,” and that too is appreciated. The more Inclusive you guys (guyz) are, the less I have to be! [tup][tup]

I will be resuming a more “sane” schedule for myself, with my responses limited to early-mid morning – noonish – evening and perhaps, late night (no guarantee on the last one! [swg]). I have relied upon what I refer to as our “Inner Circle” to help keep this place rollin’ on – sometimes it works, sometimes not. We went through quite a drought for a couple of weeks, now we’re resurfacing. Perhaps it is due to the extra efforts some of us have undertaken to get some ‘new blood’ in this place – my site on this Forum for the discussion of Classic PASSENGER trains is an example. Whatever the reason for the improvement, it’s surely a positive thing!

Cindy will be behind the bar in my absence, so be sure to provide the “protocol” of a greeting, and don’t forget to order a drink, and better yet – something from our menu (she’s NOT on it!). [swg] I will let you know when she’s “on” duty ……. [tup]

A couple of acknowledgments this fine day:

trolleyboy Rob Posted: 17 Nov 2005, 00:01:37

Nice work, Bar Chandler! I’m sure the steam fans out there will appreciate your efforts. These are kinds of Posts that make our Thread unique and a place to enjoy frequenting. Thanx!

wanswheel Mike Posted: 17 Nov 2005, 05:47:27

Very interesting URL, I didn’t know of that story and perhaps I should have. Let me digress – I spent a considerable amount of time in my USCG career (32 years) in the mid-west (9 years).

There was a time that the “District” in St. Louis was charged with overseeing the 12,000 miles of inland waterways of the U.S. Those rivers are further defined as interstate waterways able to sustain commerce – a “poor mans” definition, but adequate. Anyway, my involvements had nothing to do with bridges over the rivers, but there was an element here who did oversee the regulation of them. We “inherited’ that job from the Army Corps of Engineers – why, I’ll never know, but it became ours nonetheless.

The barge companies and the railroads were forever at war with one another. The railroads disliked them, and they had utter disdain for the train folks. (Kinda like the music from “Oklahoma” – if you recall the “battles” between the ranchers (cowboys) and the farmers.) So on a few occasions I would have to get our special agents involved with investigations into people “screwing” with the bridge mechanisms or those of the railroads, just to either keep ‘em open or closed, depending on which side one happened to be on. Violations of federal law, which came under my purview as the Chief of the LE effort in the 22 states assigned to us. Interesting URL that brings back some memories of the 1970s and 80s. Thanx! [tup]

I’m glad to know that the “list” jogged your memory. The idea of it (the “list”) was to enjoy it and perhaps get into some dialogue over it. Not to tear it asunder …... Thanx, again! [tup][tup]


Catch y’all later!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


My nagging reminder to all! – When Posting, try not to check out immediately thereafter. Review your Post (wait for it to “come up” on the screen) and you just may find that there is another right before or after yours. Then hit the “Refresh” button. This works and prevents one from missing someone else’s timely input. You can always “edit” your submission to include commentary for the more recent “stuff.”

[wanswheel]

Morning Tom and everybody, time for coffee I guess. About that list again, The Rocky Mountain Rocket is special to me even though I never rode it. When I was a little kid in Davenport it was famous locally. I had no idea what a mountain was, or a rocket for that matter, but I knew the words "rocky mountain rocket" had a ring to it. I think the "Rocket" was the name of the wood-burning engine that got the Rock Island rolling in the 1850s. And speaking of Davenport, IA (home of WOC radio where Ronald Reagan got his first job out of college, yikes, off topic!), Abe Lincoln (on topic) got involved in a legal dispute about the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi built there in 1856. I know it's digressive clutter but it's a quick read: http//www.iltrails.org/rockisland/abe.html

Mike

[siberianmo]

THURSDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

G’day! C’mon in and join us for some freshly brewed coffee, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and a <light> breakfast from our Menu Board. [tup]

Info for the Day:

Nothing special – “routine” for the week:

Today is “Fish ‘n Chips Nite,” perhaps somethin’ special from Nick’s Picks! [C=:-)]
Friday is “Pizza Nite” and “Steak ‘n Fries Nite.”
Saturday is “ENCORE!” day.

INDEX Mondays only!

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 00:45:33 (164) Inclusive Post!

(2) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 00:52:19 (164)

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 05:41:48 (164) Wednesday’s Info & Summary

(4) jlampke John Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 05:45:38 (164) Inclusive Post!

(5) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 06:57:17 (164) Inclusive Post!

(6) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 07:08:33 (164)

(7) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 07:53:45 (164)

(8) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 07:53:52 (164)

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 08:16:23 (164) Fallen Flags Extra!

(10) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 08:31:52 (164)

(11) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 08:50:25 (164)

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 09:34:08 (164) Acknowledgments, etc.

(13) wanswheel Mike Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 12:36:45 (164)

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 12:36:58 (164) NOSTALGIA #26 – Ad – Olympian Hiawatha

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 12:54:58 (164) reply to wanswheel

(16) siberianmo Tom Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 13:17:37 (165) ”Our” Place Cast of Characters

(17)jdonald Don Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 13:32:15 (165) 1st Post & Visit

(18) siberianmo Tom Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 14:38:36 (165) reply to jdonald

(19) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 16:22:46 (165) Inclusive Post!

(20) passengerfan Al Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 17:07:25 (165) Olympian Hiawatha

(21) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 17:41:37 (165)

(22) pwolfe Pete Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 17:42:10 (165) Inclusive Post!

(23) siberianmo Tom Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 19:13:36 (165) Acknowledgments, etc.

(24) jdonald Don Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 19:50:45 (165) Inclusive Post!

(25) passengerfan Al Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 20:11:33 (165)

(26) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 20:43:05 (165)

(27) siberianmo Tom Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 21:18:51 (165) Acknowledgments, etc.

(28) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 23:31:07 (165)

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

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

[trolleyboy]

Hi again thought I'd pop in another bit of CNR steam stuff

CNR Steam #3 passenger and freight trains on the Strathroy Subdivision

This is a little snippit from Steam Through London For Don. This is just a brief bit on the passenger trains that cruised between London and Sarnia on the Strathroy Sub.The stretch of staions served by most of these trains would be as follows
London
Hyde Park
Komoka
Strathroy
Kerwood
Watford
Wanstead
Wyoming
Petrolia Jct
Mandauman
Sarnia Jct
Sarnia
Alot of the trains on this line were run as mixed trains , but a few of the name trains would ply this subdivision some US bound others would stop at Sarnia proper.The night trains usually had names or nicknames.Short haul passengers 504 and counterpart 507 we called the Owl they would make connection with the Stratford bound dog, but would leave most of their express tonnage in London.These trains would usually have 6100 class Northerns for power.train number 15 the International Limited was usually powered by a 6060 class bullet nosed Mountain would stop it's Chicago bound sleeper train at Sarnia's old Great Western Station where the power would be changed to the Sarnia tunnel electric box motors for the trip through the tunnel to and from Port Huron. The scheduled arrival for this westbound was 1:54 am if on schedule. Steam would take over at Port Huron usually a GTW mountain or Northern for the rest of the trip to Chicago. Train number 14 was the eastbound international limited it would arrive at Sarnia from the US approx 4:00am in the morning if on schedule.

Sarnia was also the major freight change point through the tunnel or by ferry for Niagara frontier bound freight traffic as well.Ther was two dedicated trains 483 amd 487 which ran freight from the tunnel or barge to Niagara Falls and Fort Erie respectivly. These were regularly scheduled fast freights powered by heavy 6300 class Northerns.

Just a wee taste of the London book really good stuff.

Well i'm away for now

TTFN Rob

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Tom and all the rest of you. I'll grab a keiths while I attempt to sort this lot out. Holy tarnation but you guys typed up a mini novel this evening [tup][swg]

Tom Your FA1 has been road tested and it purrs like a kitten. Think you will like the zebra stripes [tup]I'll take your word and not eat any of that grey grual we serve Boris and Tex as long as they are happy we are happy. I do tend to be a bit more prolifoc on my "daze" of, it's actually relaxing in a way, consider it my stress relief speacially this time of year.

Seems that between yourself and Nick you have your tube system all ready to rock and roll. Now thta you have the two subway sets I'll slowley work you into a Bowser brill [:-^] It's double ended so you don't need to add a loop you could set up an automatic back in forth on main street. I may even have an extra one if you wish one.


Don [#welcome] To the insanity that is our place. Other than Boris we are harmless,so's he as long as you pay your tab. Glad you have enjoyed the Ian Wilson tidbits. His writing style is wonderfull, not only is there great attention to detail,but he lets you know and feel exactly like you are part of the crews on the various frieght an Passenger runs. Stratford and London are both excellant and with you being in sarnia they should feel like home. If you can try to pick up the book from last year the Niagara fronteir. It delves into the cross boarder runs with the NYC and wabash as well as the daily interactions with the canal and the NS&T and the TH&B in Welland and Port Colbourne.

It's nice to have another ontario boy around here to,any info you can dig up on the ONR I know Nick will greatly appreciate as well.Thanks for the round(s) BTW [tup] I'm semi close to you at least as the crow flies I'm currently based out of Brantford so Ian's London book has alot of meaning for me. Of coarse I was born in St Catharines so his Niagara book is also home. Let me know f you are in my neck of the woods, always some good railfanning in and around me.

Pete And I thought that sink holes like that only occured in Ted's neck of the woods. Thankfully it was his backyard that gave way and not the foundation of the house ! I Imagine that similar incidents have happened in west Virginia and in Cape Breton as well.



Well gents I think I'm mostly caught up
Rob

[siberianmo]

Hey Guys!

What a loooooong day this has been - productive, profitable, prolific, but looooooooong!
I'm glad to see Leon the Night Man! [yeah]

jdonald Don Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 19:50:45

Thanx for the round! Boris Ring it! [tup]

Looks like you have found a "home" away from home. Glad to have you with us and we look forward to some interesting exchanges. Be sure not to let my 'direct' manner bother you - I'm just a bit on the 'abrupt' side! [swg]

Sorry, but I'm not help with regard to the precise data you may be lookin' for. As you may have noted, passengerfan Al is more inclined to get into that aspect of the conversations. [swg]


passengerfan Al Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 20:11:33

[wow] You sure have a way with words tonight - "otherwise a great effort." Hmmmmm, you did notice the word "Some" in the Post, eh [?] This was never meant to be all inclusive as a "list," however it got some conversation going, so it wasn't all lost. Oh, yes, I also indicated that the "list" was largely an effort of a source noted (with their permission). The only data entered which I can take "credit or blame" for was so noted.

The whole idea of this Post was to ENJOY the names of the trains - nothing more, nothing less. Oh well, can't please 'em all .......

I think you hurt my non-feelings! [swg] BUT, we'll still accept your round! Boris Do it again!

nickinwestwales Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 20:43:05

I'm about to check out myself - those [zzz] are gettin' to me. Working escalator! [?] You've got to be kiddin' me! [swg] This is going to be a simple design - the KISS principle applies. [tup]

I expect to have more than a few aches ' pains once I get into the construction phase of this grand design of mine. I should be all healed by the time the Rendezvous in Toronto rolls 'round! [swg]

Catch y'all in the AM - we open at 6. Leon has the bar! Boris Ring it again and give 'em all one on the house! [tup][tup]

Nite! [zzz]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

Hey bossman-looks like our thinking is running on the same lines here R.E. construction-working off from a timber base should make life a lot easier all round.....now how are we going to wangle a working escalator system up to main platform level.....[:-,]
You might wi***o consider one of those padded wheelie trolley things beloved of car mechanics to get under for the installation-alternatively,bribe one of the neighbourhood youths to do it for you. I forsee lower lumbar discomfort in your immediate future otherwise-still.no pain,no gain ( what manner of fool thought that one up ).anyhow,glad to be of some small assistance,if only to bounce ideas around.
PETE-wotcha mate !-Pint of Bathams on me,wholly agree R.E. the closed mines,but what is even more depressing are the `ghost town` communities left behind-truly soul destroying to wander down the main street and find that the chippy,the video rental & the 7-11/off license are the only stores still trading and even the pubs have boarded up the doors-I think you got out at the right time mate,all power to yer arm!
on a (slightly ) less depressing note,the last time I visited the Welshpool & Llanfair,I took a wander around the yard at Llanfair Caereinion and got chatting to some of the loco crew who were more than happy to point out the wormholes in the latest batch of alleged `coal`-Polish lignite again, which was of such poor quality that they were having to run with the firebox door open all the time to increase the draught and make two extra stops in each direction to raise steam and try to rake out the clinker from the firebox (there are a couple of pix on the site of the ex German military 0-8-0 tank & zillertal coaches at castle Caereinion -more available on request ).
AL-sorry mate,I didnt see you there-[4:-)]Tom, a large Crown Royale for yer man there,on my account.
Right,thats me done for the night,I have a couple of guitar and keyboard overdubs to put down on our latest demo offering then up in about 4 hours to get small demon Hannah dressed,fed & ready for school-my word,it`s fun being a grown-up !!!!
See you all tomorrow for fish & chip night,sleep well,be happy,nick[C=:-)]

[passengerfan]

Good Evening Tom and the rest of the gang. How about a CR and a round for the house.
Tom I did not miss your list of 1948 named passenger trains but did not have time to go through it thoroughly.
After checking I have a couple of questions and maybe a couple of additions.
Under the C&IL you can add HOOSIER.
Under CB&Q delete MAINSTREETER and WESTERN STAR as neither train entered service until the 1950's.
Under the CMSTP&P add the COLUMBIAN this was the secondary Chicago- Seattle/Tacoma train.
Under GN add BADGER and PUGET SOUNDER. Delete RED RIVER and WESTERN STAR as both entered service after 1950.
Under NP delete MAINSTREETER as it too did not enter service until after 1950.
Under SP&S delete WESTERN STAR and MAINSTREETER.
But otherwise a great effort.
Thanks really appreciate the list.

TTFN AL

[jdonald]

Evening Tom & all. Thanks for your warm welcome & advice. Since I'm not driving tonight I'll have another A.K. have one for yourself and since I'm the new guy-a round for the house also.

Nick Thanks for your welcome also. With an Irish wife and in-laws in England I've had to become adept at translating Briti***erms to N. American and vice-versa. (tire/tyre hood/bonnet etc.etc). Not familiar with the O.S. & H. but have an interest in the ONR also. I believe the have a s.i.g webite with some photos. I'll see if I can find it again.

PeteThanks for your welcome also. I rode on the Great Central and the North York Moors Rlwy and visited the Severn Valley Railway engine shed at Bridgnorth. Unfortunately the Railwaymans Arms pub wasn't open at the time but it sure looked inviting.

Tom Ive been trying to match up the CNR train names to the train #s as I remember them. #6,14&20 were eastbounds and 5,15&17 were westbounds.
It would follow that 5&6 would have the same name and 14&15 but it seems to me that there was some non logic in there somewhere.

In the CPR names "Royal York" rings a bell. Was riding on #17 and was being paced by a CPR train on parallel track around Komoka. One of us had to slow down for the diamond where the CN Strathroy sub crossed the CP but I don't recall which one. The CP train was the Royal York I believe and it was being pulled by one of the Royal Hudsons.

Bye for now, keep it on the rails.

Don

[siberianmo]

Good Evenin’ Gents!

[wow] Where have all these Posts come from [?] Feast or famine ‘round here! This is great stuff, keep ‘er goin’ guys. [tup]

Time for the acknowledgments:

nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 16:22:46

That’s an interesting account of the coal mining and residential homes in your area. I would hope to shout that a new house would have been provided. I’ve heard of more than one situation where a person has gone into the basement only to find a huge hole where the floor once had been. That first step is a long one for sure! [swg[

You have obviously been getting through all of the previous Posts – fun, eh [?] This place has so much great stuff that it is a bit sad to think that much of it will simply dissipate into the Ether – maybe read once or twice, then gone ……. There are times when I go back 30 or 40 pages, just to refresh myself on what’s been passed. Amazin’ – simply amazin’! [tup]

Thanx for the round, as always – and yes, Keiths will do every time! Hope they have it at whatever place we gather in for our evenin’ Rendezvous in Toronto! Go on, Boris ring the bell – drinks on Nick!

passengerfan Al Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 17:07:25

Say it isn’t so, Al – say it isn’t so! Don’t tell me that the “only reason” for you dropping in was to elaborate on the “Olympian Hiawatha!” Surely, it was to tell me that you have enjoyed the listing of those Classic name passenger railroads, and all of the Posts we’ve had along the way – and our new customers! Say it isn’t so, Al – say it isn’t so! [swg]

One thing doesn ‘t change though and that’s your generosity – appreciate the round and so do the rest of the guys (guyz)! [tup][tup] Boris Ring it!

nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 17:41:37

Well, we’ve had this “problem” in getting Tex the Armadillo trained – so to speak. Boris is most times a day late and a dollar short when it comes to pooper scooping. There are some things we just have to adapt to: (1) Turn on the lights in each room before entering. (2) Always look down when walking. (3) Don’t pick up anything that resembles Goobers Peanuts or Raisins from the floor! [swg] Sorry, Mate!

Now let me get to the subway beneath the Can-Am, since it is “Pike Perspectives Day”. I will be using a sheet of that pink foam insulation, 2 inch thick. This is the very same stuff used with the Can-Am for the mountains and for the S Capades base. It is strong – it is light weight – it is easy to work with and it works!

The Can-Am layout has a black “curtain” around it from board level to the floor. Nothing is visible beneath the board, except a few pounds of Juneau’s hair – which goes well with the black “curtain!” [swg]

I will be using L brackets (probably 3 x 3 inch) that will be affixed to the underside of the Can-Am board (which is wood). Then I will fasten metal “strapping” to the loose end of the L that will extend down about 10 inches. At the end of that will be another L bracket that the foam board will rest upon. These brackets will be spaced appropriately so that there is no slack or movement. I will also have “cross bracing” beneath the pink foam board where needed to add additional support.

The 2 inch foam board will be cut into strips to accommodate the track. So the entire board will not be suspended from the underside of the Can-Am board – just strips, wide enough to accommodate a 2 track run. There will also be a “lip” on either side of the strips to prevent the cars from crashing to the floor. It won’t be visible as any areas viewed through the “portals” will be constructed to keep this out of sight.

Lighting may very well be nothing more than white Christmas bulbs – I have a few zillion of those strings from my former life. [swg] However, I’m leaning more toward white rope lighting for the areas that I want to illuminate at the “portals” or “shadowbox window” arrangements.

The subway system will have one station, beneath the existing Union Station that will be visible through a “portal.” Two other “portals” will be made to view the subway tunnel at other locations.

The track will be wired rather simply – since this is nothing more than one oval inside of another. A dual power pack will provide the juice for each consist of 4 cars running in opposite directions.

I have my eye on a module or two that will stop the train at the station – keep it there for a given period – then start it again.

I also may construct a non-working 3rd rail using the brass rail stock from my left over brass track from former layouts. This would only be used in those areas viewed through the “portals.”

The stock for the station walls and floor is available through an on line source, as are the other detailed items. Girders are also available for the subway tunnel. I should add that the tunnel will only be in existence at the “portals.” I see no reason to construct a detailed tunnel for areas not in view.

By the by – the second set of 4 cars arrived today. (These were the ones ordered first!) Anyway, they are more of a brownish/maroon color with silver roofs. They are exactly the same in detail as the “Red Birds.” I’ll try to get some pix out on them for Sunday Photo Posting Day!

So in summary, the subway system will run in an area no larger than 3 ½ x 7 or 8 ft. Two trains will be running and/or stopping at the station. The views of the system will be restricted to those areas where the “portals” are.

I appreciate the effort you put into your recommendations and will study what you’ve had to say. Since my plan isn’t really cast in stone, and I’m not too proud to change my mind, some of what you’ve offered may very well wind up incorporated into the Can-Am underground! [yeah]

Thanx Sir Nick! [tup][tup]

pwolfe Pete Posted: 16 Nov 2005, 17:42:10

Good to see ya, Mate! Given that we east, west and southern coasts in the contiguous states, I’d think the name “Gull” fits. Just my [2c] worth ….

I had similar thoughts too when I looked at the list of those Classic name passenger trains. Impressive to say the least!

By the by, I wouldn’t give up your “day job” to go into humo(u)r! [swg]


Catch y’all later!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


My nagging reminder to all! – When Posting, try not to check out immediately thereafter. Review your Post (wait for it to “come up” on the screen) and you just may find that there is another right before or after yours. Then hit the “Refresh” button. This works and prevents one from missing someone else’s timely input. You can always “edit” your submission to include commentary for the more recent “stuff.”

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all

A pint of the usual please.

TOM Many thanks for the Passenger Train Names until you see them listed together it is hard to think how many there were in the railroads hayday. The name GULL seems an odd name for a train although I see that at least two carried the name.The list made me think of the men who thought the names up. It would be an interesting story how they arrived at some of them.

JDONALD DON HI. As one of the English lot which lines over there did you travel on[?]

NICK When you said about the tanks on the River Class locos it reminded of their nickname which I believe was the Rolling Rivers they should have listened to the footplate crews.

Thanks for the info on the Tower mine. I was lucky enough to travel on some of the Monmouth Railway Society tours in the early 80swhich toured some of the South Wales frieght-only branches which served the coal mines there. They were operated by D.M.U.s which struggled on some of the climbs. It is really hard to get my head round that all these pits have gone.[V][:(].

Talking of Imported Coal reminded me of something I read. When a Preserved Railway in the U.K. had a problem when they had to use it. the conversation went like this.

COAL REP."Whats the matter with the imported coal?"
RAILWAY "It wont burn".
REP "Is that a problem then?".
Oh well[banghead] PETE.

[nickinwestwales]

O.K.-Thats the galley sorted ( that beaver-in-chainmail thing has GOT to go-It`ll take days to get that stuff out of my boot treads and as for Boris`s apron-I know Ive been on `French leave` for a week or two but surely someone could have dealt with it-it looks like a map of the Phillipines )
O.K-Set `em up again [4:-)]TOM and lets get down to it.
First off,what kind of board does the main Can-Am system sit on ?-You guys seem to have a fondness for that weird pink foam stuff, If that,can it be used to hang brackets from ?-If so I would recommend `U` shaped hangers but squared off ( if that makes any sense ) secured to the main board with plasterboard ( drywall ? ) fixings to spread the load. Make the connecting sections permanent fixtures with the viewing scenes as drop outs. screen the outer edges with hardboard which will bend neatly round the curves but leave the inner face open to allow for track cleaning,derailments (faulty wheelsets,nothing to do with tracklaying [swg] ) for electrical connections between sections I would recommend stereo audio jack plugs & sockets (available from any guitar shop ) < 1-inner track 2- outer track 3- common return >to allow for easy removal for maintenance or extra detail.
Will devote some thought to methods of securing drop outs for easy single handed removal.
As to lighting,how about plain white Xmas tree bulb strings-fed through 5mm copper tube ( available over here as `micro-bore` central heating pipe ) for platform lights ( will also act as heat sink,although hardly necessary at that voltage,still,better safe than sorry). There are some good adjustable `station stop` modules on the market which will also trigger signals( very effective in a low-light environment )
Now,before you finalise plans,as a natural born stirrer-how about an end-to-end link from Metro to surface ( again,auto reverse modules available)-perhaps using the Can-Am/Cymru tunnel entrance mooted some months ago--simple 1 turn spiral to bring it up with a siding at each end to allow 3-train operation............ [:-,][:-^][}:)]
O.K-thats my [2c] worth,since it appears that the magic Wurlitzer has a copy of " A Bigger Bang",the Stones latest outing ( how DO they do that...) I think I will sit back, sup a while and enjoy "Rough Justice" "Dangerous Beauty" & "Sweet Neocom" and a handful from the Trojan Dub box set of top flight Jamaican sounds [{(-_-)}] --aah perhaps a glass or two of that sweet Jamaica rum to wash it down with.
Right,whose next ?...
see you in a bit,nick [C=:-)]

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang. Just time for a quick CR and a round for the house.
The reason for my short post is regarding the OLYMPIAN HIAWATHA add re the women and childrens car. This car lasted less than a year in OLYMPIAN HIAWATHA service.
The six cars had coach seating for 36 and eight Touralux sections as well. They were named and numbered as follows:
5770 SIOUX FALLS
5771 CHIPPEWA FALLS
5772 GRANITE FALLS
5773 CRYSTAL FALLS
5774 METALINE FALLS
5775 CANNON FALLS
Although removed from the OLYMPIAN HIAWATHA in 1948 They seeemed to linger in Milwaukee for a long period of time before it was decided what to do with them. Between May and August 1951 5770, 5771, and 5773 were rebuilt to full Touralux cars and renumbered and renamed 5752 MT. CHITTENDEN, 5753 MT. JUPITER and 5754 MT. TACOMA respectively
The other three 5772,5774 and 5775 were rebuilt to 48 seat coaches and renumbered 552,553 and 554 respectively between November 1951 and January 1952.

TTFN AL