Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house.
If it's slow here's some old pictures to look at.
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/fsa/8d13000/8d13100/8d13159r.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/cph/3c30000/3c30000/3c30600/3c30645v.jpg
Gene H. Lawson Milwaukee Road pictures
http://www.eburg.com/~ghlawson/070301-01MilwHelperE-40-InSnow-1952CaptionLogo.JPG
http://www.eburg.com/~ghlawson/070101-02MilwE-22-InMissou-1954CaptionLogo.JPG
http://www.eburg.com/~ghlawson/061501-02MilwOlyHiWestoutSeaToTac1950CaptionLogo.JPG
http://www.eburg.com/~ghlawson/061301-01MilwE5BipolarKittitas-1957WkTrnCaptionLogo.JPG
Hiawatha observation car 1964
http://algomacentral.railfan.net/images/Oldies/milw_obs.jpg
Early Amtrak
http://www.umcycling.com/amabesbchigmo100a772.jpg
http://www.umcycling.com/sfff315yelfunittxchief473w.jpg
http://www.umcycling.com/bn9968closup972w.jpg
http://www.umcycling.com/amtriley372icstationlast.jpg
Rock Island
http://www.umcycling.com/ri643prock654comm12th872w.jpg
Southern Pacific
http://www.umcycling.com/spreno1martz471.jpg
Pennsylvania steam (black & white)
http://www.catskillarchive.com/rrextra/pullmans.jpg
Mike
Greetings Cap'n Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!
A bit late for me, but I found a 'window of opportunity' and seized it! Leon, I'm ready for a JD on the rocks - make it a double if you please! Also, I'll take a 16 oz. T-bone, medium rare with all the trimmings. And of course, a round on me!
Must recognize Doug for the great URLs - that Lego song is terrific - still laughing! Also enjoyed the cab ride on the Brit steamer. Liked your Encore - and I too see it as a prelude to our Theme for the Day coming up.
BK - Always like reading your trip report of that memorable train trip to Vancouver! Now that's a story to be retold - I can just conjure up all kinds of great images.
Cap'n Tom - terrific Encores! and anytime the "Ice Train" shows up, I'm ready to read! I recall that train on tour in the U.S. and the same for Sweden's X2000. Both really great trains and still amazed we didn't pick up on either. Shows just what the commitment was back then and remains to this day - nil.
Another Salute to Doug for taking on the B'day Watch List! This idea that was the creation of our Proprietor had some memorable moments - many before I became a cusotmer I would guess. Let's hope this iteration brings forth the type of participation to make it all worthwhile. Thanx, Doug!
Here's an update to the way things are done 'round here . . . just to bring everyone up to snuf, as they say!
Weekly Schedule of EventsSunday - Bar is CLOSED - Food service is available for breakfast, brunch 'n lunch ‘til 2 PM FEATURE EVENT: Pix Posting Day. Monday thru Sunday: Breakfast - brunch - lunch.Tuesday - Classic Trains "theme day" - next up - RPOs!!Wednesday - Toy 'n Model trains day (optional)Thursday - Fish 'n Chips nite – begins at 5 PMFriday - Pizza 'n Beer nite AND Steak 'n Fries nite – begins at 5 PM Saturday - Steak nite – begins at 5 PM. Encore Saturday (optional)"Our" Place Staff
Bossman, Proprietor and Mentor: Siberianmo TomBar Manager - LoveDomes Lars
Bar Chandler - Trolleyboy RobChief Chef - nickinwestwales Nick
Assistant Chief Chef – DL - UK
Chief Cyclops - BorisChief Bartender (nites - begins at 5 PM) - LeonChief Bartender (days - begins at 9 AM) - Ruth
Substitute Bartender - Cindy (Tom's Gal!)
Gals of "Our" Place - Ruth (redhead) - Ann (blonde) - Lucy (brunette) - Jemima (raven)Mascots of "Our" Place - Juneau the Siberian Husky - Awk the Parrot - Tex the Armadillo and Frostbite the PenguinSecurity Force - Inspector Clueless of the Local Constabulary and Mr. Doyle, Private Eye Birthday Watch List and special celebrationsMaintained by Tom and overseen by Doug. Has been reinstituted!
Protocol
Greet the barkeep upon visiting the bar - each time.Order a drink or food. (Coffee and soft drinks are free with food orders, otherwise 5 bucks per cup)Acknowledge the other guys and be inclusive with comments.Order of the Stools (reserved and permanent)
Maintained by Tom and continuance to be determined.Most Valuable Patron - MVP
Maintained by Tom and continuance to be determined.Daily Summary and Mentor Village Gazette
Suspended and resumption to be determined by Tom.=====================================================
Until the next time!
Manager Lars
ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday
G'day Gents!
Here's one more from the archives - this time from Page 167 . . .
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 page 1502] . . . . . . . . . . The Pocket List of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Railroad Officials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Containing the Names of Officials in Charge of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Railroads in the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . United States, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico & Dominican Republic Showing the Gauge of each road, Number of Miles Operated and Rolling Stock in Service of Each Company . . . . . . . . . . Also List of Private Car Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PUBLISHED QUARTERLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Distributed approximately the last week in the months of . . . . . . . . . . . JANUARY, APRIL, JULY and OCTOBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SUBSCRIPTION PRICE (Postages Prepaid.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UNITED STATES and Possessions - - $8.00 Per Annum . . . . . . . . . . FOREIGN, including Canada - - - - - - $8.50 Per Annum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Single Copies - $3.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . For Advertising Rates Address . . . . . . . . . . The Railway Equipment and Publication Co. – 424 West 33rd St. (11th Floor), New York 1, N.Y. John A. Patee, Advertising Manger 424 West 33rd Street, New York 1, N.Y. James M. Fawcett, Western Representative 1428 Lyton Building, Chicago 4, Illinois Enjoy! Tom
G-day Captain Tom and all present.
Ruth-Could you kindly set me up with a sandwich and a coke, please.
Tom- I see now. Only coffee, but it does make sence. Not a coffee shop, I do understand.
Nick- The rail is indeed sitting on top of cork. This stuff is pretty nice. It forms to any curve you wish to have and can be cut. The cork comes in 3 foot sections.
I am also glad you liked the videos. I thought they were cool myself.
Eric- The room the layout sits in is about 15 by 20 or so. The layout I have is 10 by 20. So its a good size layout for what I need.
Pete- Glad you liked the locos I have. I know they look pretty good without the scenery but wait untill the scenery is finished with trees and a new switch tower. It will be so cool. BTW: interesting that british adopted the Wisconsin Central colors. I know there are some railroads (shortlines) that have the colors. So it's interesting to here they also have the colors. They seem to get around more than one thinks.
CM3- Glad you liked the layout photos. I'm glad I can post them everyweek.
Rob- Some more good info on the Bl2. Very interesting and much appreciated. Thanks.
I missed a couple days here. First, on Thursday, I had an appreciation party to go to that was held for the volunteers at the North Shore Scenic railroad. Over the whole year I put in about 160 hours. A pretty good amount. On Friday.. Well I wwas so tired. I just sat around the house and injoyed the rest of the day. Didn't really think about posting.
I will probably post some more tonight.
Happy railroading.
James
Good Morning Captain Tom and fellow sophisticates!
It is about minus 5 (C) here in the mountains with a light dusting of snow at the moment. Expect it to remain pretty much this way throughout the weekend, although one can never depend on the forecasts.
A rare Saturday visit from me and I thought it would be a good time to reissue my X2000 submission from back in October. In response to a question from Sir Eric, I do not recall the exact year of the trip - it was mid 1990s though. My travels were so very extensive in those times that the months and years run together on things such as these. However, one day when I open my trunk of business related materials, I will be sure to look for the precise dates. I have not opened the trunk since retiring and who knows when that will occur.
Congratulations to Sir Doug for being willing to take on a responsibility here at the bar with the Watch List for the Natal Days. I think it is a grand idea and one that will provide those of us with a continuing bit of good natured interaction, while relieving our Proprietor of the oversight. Nicely done, Sir! Anything that can be done from the comfort of a chair, sounds rather accommodating to me.
Nicely done to you Sir Tom with the Encore of the ICE train of Germany! One must see that machine in action in order to appreciate it. Brought back some memories, not necessarily of travel, but of being in places where it "woooshed" by.
Ruth please, I would like a large mug of steaming hot coffee with just a "splash" to make it interesting along with a few of those crullers from the Mentor Village Bakery case. Keep the change my dear! <grin>
Back to Sir Doug, EXCELLENT Url with the singing beer drinkers. That is hilarious and perhaps is the best seen at this bar during the time I have been a regular. Well done, Sir - well done indeed! Also enjoyed the inside look at being a locomotive engineer in the UK. Another well done! You have come back to us with reckless abandon, or so it seems.
Now to my humble offering on this Encore Saturday! at the Saloon by the Siding:
This is from page 249 and was posted on October 25th of the past year:
My story involves a trip between Göteborg and Stockholm, Sweden back in the mid-90s aboard the "tilt train" referred to as the X2000. My memory is not quite as vivid as many of you out there who thrive on these kinds of recollections. I prefer rail travel, but am not what one may consider to be a rail fan nor am I a hobbyist. Mine is to use that mode for travel when it best fits into the time I have available. X2000 provides all types of innovative approaches to passenger rail travel, many of which have since been incorporated elsewhere. For example: Automatic Train Control which can stop the train should a signal "back" not be received; Parking brakes and anti-slip devices that are electronic in operation; magnetic emergency braking that can stop a speeding train at 125 mph in about 3/4 of a mile; asynchronous traction motors used to power the car's four axles; and of course the "tilt" mechanism that kicks in when rounding curves. The consist we had that particular run featured the locomotive and I believe 5 or 6 cars, each with specific interior designs and purposes. I traveled in First Class in the 2nd car back from the locomotive - I think. I recall the cars being "done" rather fashionably, although a bit on the "plastic" side - sterile might be a better word. Some passengers appeared to be a bit uncomfortable with the motion of the car, causing a feeling of "sea sickness." Fortunately, no one found a reason to experience projectile vomiting in the car I traveled in! My recollection is that I had no difficulty navigating the passageways heading to and from other cars, as I visited the bar car a few times to sample the Swedish brew and other delights. I could have waited for the on board Hostess, but wanted to stretch my legs during that just a bit under 4 hour journey. I do not wish to make comparisons with other trains, such as the French TGV or German ICE, etc. The X2000 is a distinctive engineering accomplishment and stands alone in my mind as worth the expense of time and money. The Swedish countryside seemed to zip by and as I had read from someone's Post elsewhere - looking from the window was as is a slide show was taking place. They advertised the speeds in excess of 100 mph, perhaps even 125. All I can report is that we were moving and moving quite well. The ride was fine and stops minimal. Today, as I understand it, the X2000 runs link most of Sweden's major cities. I travel to that part of the world rather frequently, but have not availed myself of a repeat train trip. Next time, I plan to.
Enjoy the weekend, gentlemen and I plan to rejoin you on Monday.
BK in Alberta, Canada's beautiful high mountain country!
Some unpredicted light rain is falling this AM, thereby keeping the yard work from getting done BUT permitting me to engage a bit here at the bar! So, Ruth - take a break and I'll get a thing or two done 'round here.
What's on tap for this day Aside from it being our ENCORE! Saturday, which is an OPTIONAL "thing" - we have Steak Nite w/all the trimmings tonite! at 5 PM!
Ah, the Birthday Watch List is to be resurrected and overseen by barndad Doug - okay - here's the latest info from my archives including a few Legion of the Lost guys:
2006 BIRTHDAY WATCH LIST
(rev. Jun 12th)
March 5th (Nick – 46)
March 13th (Doug – 50)
March 31st (Lars – 66)
April 18th (Al - 63) - Legion of the Lost
May 18th (Tom - 68)
May 27th (Dave - 47) - Legion of the Lost
June 3rd (John) – 47) - Legion of the Lost
August 11th (Pete – 55)
August 16th (Ted – 68) - Legion of the Lost
September 8th (Rob - 35)
October 18th (BK – 66)
December 29th (CM3 – 60)
Not on the list Send me an Email with your birth date (month-day-year) Corrections too! I'll ensure that Doug gets the "word" . . . .
Catch y'all later . . .
Tom (
RAILWAYS of EUROPE #4 - ICE (Germany)
first Posted on Page 270
Deutsche Bahn (DB) Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources. InterCity Express ICE train (Wikipedia) The InterCity Express or ICE is a type of high-speed train operated by DB Fernverkehr in Germany and neighboring countries, for example to Zürich, Switzerland or Vienna, Austria. ICE-trains also run at lower speeds to Amsterdam, Netherlands and to Liège and Brussels, Belgium on the Belgian highspeed way. The Spanish railway operator RENFE also employs these trains, and the Russian state ordered 60 for new high-speed routes between Saint Petersburg and Moscow. The new management of the Russian railways is reviewing the order and apparently plans to reduce it to six trains. Another 60 trains were ordered for the Chinese Beijing-Tianjin high-speed rail line. Equipment and specifications 3rd Generation ICE "Frankfurt am Main" (GNU Free Documentation) ICE equipment is manufactured by an industrial consortium led by Siemens AG. ICE trains require special high-speed tracks to run at high speeds, but can run on normal tracks at normal speeds. The first generations were derived from the then-new class 120 electric locomotives. The powerheads of those units are in fact upgraded 120s with a more aerodynamic lining. Passenger cars can be coupled and uncoupled for maintenance, enabling the operator to run trains of different lengths. First-generation trains are currently undergoing a major redesign, including a standardization of train lengths. The third generation ICE has a completely different concept: The entire traction equipment is fitted underfloor, with a larger number of less powerful motors. An ICE 3 unit consists of eight cars, four of which are powered, while the others carry other electrical equipment, including the pantographs. This design allow seats in all parts of the train, including "lounge" seats at both ends separated from the driver by a glass wall only. The ICE 3M (class 406) is a multisystem variant of the ICE 3 that currently serves routes into the Netherland and Belgium. Licensing for French LGVs started in 2001 and has been described by engineers as a "clash of cultures". Problems included flying gravel and trackside equipment ripped loose by the ICE's magnetic brakes. Admission of the ICE 3M for regular service into France is expected late 2005 or early 2006. ICE-T ICE-TD train (Wikimedia Commons) Simultaneously to the development of the ICE 3, DB demanded new tilting trainsets to be able to serve conventional tracks that couldn't be upgraded to higher speeds. Originally these trains were to be called IC-T (InterCity-Triebzug), but just prior to their introduction, DB decided to charge ICE fares for these trains and renamed them ICE-T. These trains are constructed to a concept of distributed traction similar to the ICE 3. Three different types were ordered: • electric train with 7 cars (class 411) • electric train with 5 cars (class 415) • diesel train with 4 cars (class 605) Units of either of these types can be coupled with one or more unit of the same or any other type within a few minutes. The electric units, equipped with tilting technology of the ETR 460 bought from FIAT, entered service in 1998. A second order for additional series 411 ICE-Ts. These units, known as ICE-T2, were delivered in 2004. The main difference to the original ICE-Ts are several cost-cutting measures, giving those trains a "cheaper" look and feel. For the diesel units, called ICE-TD, Siemens developed their own tilting technology, based on the aiming system of the Leopard 2 main gun. These trainsets became something of an embarrassment. They were to be delivered in 2000, but braking problems caused delays, so they entered service in spring 2001. Their first year in operation was overshadowed by software failures and problems with the tilting technology. One of the 20 trains fell off a maintenance platform and had to be written off. When those problems were fixed and the train finally ran without apparent problems in December 2002, a train derailed because of a broken axle. The trains were temporarily pulled out of service by the federal rail authority. When Siemens had fixed the problem, DB refused to take the trains back, claiming they weren't meeting specifications. It is speculated that besides technical difficulties, these trains were an economical burden as well. Source claim that even when filled to capacity, income from fares would be below the operating cost. Network ICE network in Germany Red: 300 km/h Orange: 250 km/h Blue: 200 km/h Grey: Conventional lines Unlike the French TGV network, which is centered around Paris, the ICE network has multiple nodes. The ICE network is not a replacement of the InterCity network, but an upgrade. ICE and IC trains usually share the same tracks. The main difference being the higher speed: While the ICE trains travel at the maximum line speed, IC trains are limited to 200 km/h. The only line that is not shared with other traffic is the 300 km/h Köln-Frankfurt line due to its steep grades. In fact, it is limited to ICE3 trainsets, even the older ICE types have to take the longer route through the Rhine valley. The second 300 km/h line between Nuremberg and Ingolstadt, due to be opened on 28th May 2006, will not have these restrictions. The line will also feature Germany's fastest commuter line at 200 km/h. Since the early 1970s, hundreds of kilometers of existing tracks have been upgraded to 200 km/h. As a result, ICE trains are able to use most conventional lines without losing too much time in the process. This allowed a rapid growth of the ICE network without the need to build several thousand kilometers to new high-speed lines. Actually, even two of the high-speed lines (Köln-Aachen at 250 km/h and Hamburg-Berlin at 230 km/h) are in fact upgraded conventional lines. North to South The network includes three main north-to-south corridors that start in Hamburg: • via Bremen, Dortmund, Köln, Frankfurt and Stuttgart to Munich (branch Frankfurt - Karlsruhe - Basel) • via Hanover, Kassel and Nuremberg to Munich • via Berlin, Leipzig and Nuremberg to Munich West to East Three main west-to-east routes exist in the network: • Bonn - Köln - Hamm - Hanover - Berlin • Köln - Dortmund - Kassel - Lepzig - Dresden • Saarbrücken - Frankfurt - Leipzi
A gloomy start to the day here in mid-continent USA with threatening skies - however the forecast calls for temps in the 60s (F) and no rain 'til late tomorrow or early Monday. Petrol up at "Collusion Corner" was pegged at $1.98 (rounded) - a good sign as we head into the holiday travel season for many.
On to the acknowledgments:
Eric at 10:51 PM yesterday: Thanx for the insights regarding calling Phoenix "home." Considering the description you provided of your home in Sweden - there's no doubt where I'd want to be! Bring on the SNOW and just love the forests too!
Was a time my travels took me to Arizona on a frequent basis from where my "center" was located - Long Beach, CA. Tucson was one of the main stops - much interaction back then with the Border Patrol and so forth. But that's a story for 'nother time 'n place - perhaps at the 2nd Annual Rendezvous in St. Louis, eh
Doubt that either of us will ever change our hearts when it comes to the way we feel about our best friend. The Husky we had previously to Juneau lived 16 years and 2 months and was fortunate to have a "dog-house sitter" each time we traveled. And travel we did. Once those young ladies grew up and assumed lives of their own, so to speak, it became very difficult if not impossible to find someone else. Once Juneau came along, we decided to use the kennel - and it is "good" one - but still a far cry from the surroundings he is familiar with. Oh well - such is the way of life with dog lovers. Nope - at nearing 69, I've seen many continents and scores of countries. Sure, there's always more to do 'n see - but not at the expense of one we really care about. One never knows, though - perhaps we'll find someone and then it's "off we go!"
Doug at 6:02 AM and 6:49 AM today: Okay - you're "it" for the Birthday Watch List "Whip"! I'll provide the most current data today on the Thread and will maintain the "master" list - just to avoid any confusion. So guys here's the way it works: For those who wish to participate - send ME your birth date by Forum's Email. I'll make sure Doug gets it. From that point on it's up to y'all insofar as a Bash is concerned. Good show, Doug!
Don't know if you missed the announcement - but the Grudge Match Bragging Rights DARTS CHALLENGE! (GMBRDC) is in fact going to be an annual event - scheduled for October. Next matches will kick off at "Our" Place. Who Darted
A FANTASTIC VIDEO WITH THE LEGO SINGERS! A MUST SEE FOR ALL "OUR" PLACE CUSTOMERS! 10- Salute!
Fine ENCORE! - good way to prepare us for this coming Tuesday's Theme for the Day! Railway Post Offices!
Also thoroughly enjoyed the "instructional" video on the Brit steam loco. Sure bet to attract our guys from the UK!
Enjoy the day one and all and keep in mind that this is our ENCORE! Saturday - a day set aside for reruns based on traditonally sparse attendance . . . .
Boris, serve ‘em all of the “spiked” OJ they can handle!
Tom
Hey guys! While I was sitting here working on my third light breakfast, I happened to find an intstruction video shows how to opperate a steam engine.
http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-1458135495334767676
There are also handy links to other interesting videos! Have fun!
Good morning Tom and friends. Is it too early for a light breakfast? I'm getting too much rest these days and wake up way too early. Thanks to all who have expressed get-fixed wishes. I suppose I should clarify that I did not hurt my back. It's the muscles near the bottom of the left side of my rib cage that got strained. At the time, I wasn't sure if it was my heart, or what. They gave me an EKG to rule out cardiac troubles. I'm already feeling fine, but am not going to do anything stupid to set me back so close to our move. Thanks for the compliments on the new home. Citizens of Mentor are welcome anytime.
A fine exchange in these posts concerning travel on Brittish rails these days, with lots of geat links to follow. Great idea to have an online diary! Was that Eric or DL who provided it? My father used to keep a ratings book which outlined key family events of the year which he ranked -5 to 5. It was tradition to read the last years events on New Years Eve and hear the final tally number for the year. Sure wish I'd maintained a book like that myself!
I'm still not well enough organized here to give proper credits concerning the many fine posts here, but must make mention of Nicks superb history of the myth/legend that is Boris. Major kudos go to CM3 for his coverage of the dart tournament. I have put a dart board on my Christmas list so that I can be better prepaired for a re-match, which I am sure we'll be hearing about.
And now .... I need to get everyone in the proper fram of mind for a special announcement. Please watch the following before you read the rest of this post
http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=7105387249986717107
I VOLUNTEER to maintain the Birthday Watch List. I feel it's important to the overall comradery of this bar that we not lose sight of this particular milestone. Whether or not we actually throw birthday bashes will be up to ya'll, but I'll at least keep a watch on the dates so that we don't miss 'em. Anyone got a copy of the most current list? And Lars ... I think you did just fine in bringing this subject up.
And now ..... here's part I of an ENCORE from me:
Sorting on the Road by Don Rohrer – Rail Classics Jan. 1984 The last mail car has departed and the Railway Mail Service remains only in memory, as a bright and unique chapter of our railroad history. The Post Office Department, perhaps purposely, failed to publicly recognize the mobile organization. To the vast majority of Americans the RMS was an unknown quantity. The average observer was inclined to fix the express messenger, baggageman and railway mail clerk into the same category. Nevertheless, for a full century the RMS, with an interlocking system of trains and distribution expertise, provided the main trunk in delivering the mails before the advent of the zip code and the electronic sorting machine. In spite of lack of recognition, the road clerks were a proud and productive group. Team work was essential to successful operation, and clerks responded with an amazing esprit de corps. To best interpret RMS action, we wi***o take you for a ride with an R.P.O. crew on a fairly typical trip in 1966. With the RMS on its last wheels, we will occasionally refer back to more vital days in RMS annals. St. Paul, Minnesota in the winter can serve up a first-class blizzard and biting, cold wind was sweeping through the Milwaukee Road yards one 5 a.m. As I walked out to the Chicago and Minneapolis mail car, part of the consist of the Twin City Hiawatha which was on track No. 11. The Hiawathas were still superb trains in 1966, sleek and streamlined flyers, bearing the Milwaukee Road’s traditional orange and maroon colors. The locomotives were powerful 3600 hp diesels. Inaugurated in the early ‘thirties, the original Hiawathas were quite spectacular, with locomotives patterned after Britain’s Flying Scotsman, sporting shrouded boilers and skirted wheels and consists of a dozen shining coaches, with distinctive beaver-tailed observation cars bringing up the rear. With my sheepskin coat pulled up around my ears, I banged on the mail car door until Basil Loney flung it open. I was grateful to be able to climb into the welcome warmth of the “Minnie.” I exchanged greetings and observed the crew as I set my road-grip on the counter in front of my Illinois letter case and changed into my working clothes. Five subs (substitutes) in a crew of fifteen. Not too encouraging. It was reassuring, however to see Old Wall Erickson at the pouch case, the core of our operation. A good performance there was essential to a successful trip. Incidentally, our organization included another capable Wallace Erickson, dubbed Young Wall. The pouch and paper racks had already been set up and labeled, and headers and slips run in the letter cases, by the time the mail handlers arrived with the first load of pouches and sacks. A freezing blast of cold air and snow swept through the car when Norm Podratz, the paper case man, opened the door. Old Wall helped him take in the mail, while I checked off the pouches as they were called. The rest of the crew formed a chain gang and relayed the pouches and sacks up or down the aisle to their assigned stalls. The #1 and #2 mails close by for first attention, and the #3 – for distant states – farther down the 90-foot car, to be worked later. Our immediate task was to “get the jump on it” in the yards. To “clean up” the mails, to avoid “going stuck,” was the primary goal of the railway mail crews. If there were unworked mail at the end of the trip, the boss would be forced to come up with a reason. One of the few acceptable excuses was “sub in crew.” These poor subs really earned their stripes! There existed within the ranks an esprit de corps of the kind needed for swift, sustained and cooperative action. The clerks were required also to devote much time between trips to the study of schemes and schedules. An example of the knowledge needed, Platteville, Wisconsin, alone had eight different supplies, depending on our location on the line. I put substitute *** Kelly dumping pouches. He was a new hand, and knew very little about distribution. Basil Loney picked up the first bundles of letters to hit the table and returned quickly to his “hot” local letter case. Other clerks continued to assist at the pouch and paper tables, tossing directs, and mail for connecting RPO lines, into their respective pouches and sacks, until their own stated working packages arrived. Harry Anderson, the registery clerk, had caught up on his mixed letters, and as no “reds” had arrived as yet, prepared coffee. Mail lock coffee it was called; when it was think enough to float a mail lock it was considered satisfactory. The Great Northern and the Northern Pacific trains, due from the west coast with our heaviest deliveries, had been delayed by the storm and had not yet arrived. However, we had taken on extra loads from earlier trains that had missed their regular connections. Shortly after 8 a.m. our “drop” load arrived – and we were ready to take off. Our train was hardly ever held back, for we were geared to important connections in Chicago. At 8:15 a.m. we felt our big road engines hook on, directly ahead, but we failed to hear the rattle of closing couplings and suspected that something was awry. We tried to peer out the windows, but they were completely frosted over. We were a world unto ourselves, in the ce
G’day Gents!
It is Pizza ‘n Beer Nite along with Steak ‘n Fries Nite at the Saloon by the Siding! began at 5 PM and from the looks of the now-restored Pool Room, the Track Gangs are enjoying the bill o’ fare!
A rather sparse turnout today, but good to see those who passed through our portals nonetheless! Some acknowledgments:
DL at 9:35 AM today: Twice in one morning makes for twice as much interesting dialogue! The URL has more information within it than time permits . . . unbelievable just how much “stuff” there is in the Ether, just there for the taking. Anyway, I’m enjoying the confabs between you ‘n Pete; picking up on this ‘n that adds to my modest understanding of what was and what is railroading in your land.
Thanx for participating in our NOVEMBER CONTEST!
BK at 1:52 PM today: You THINK the Penthouse Suite could be put to good use !! Hmmmm, and THAT from a newly wed!
Thanx for participating in our NOVEMBER CONTEST – BUT, you’ve already done so! Therefore, your first selection – Nov 17th is what we’ll go with. <grin> And they say the SECOND THING TO GO is the memory!
Lars at 4:01 PM today: Was beginning to wonder whether we’d see you before the weekend – glad you were able to swing on in. Been a long time since anyone has ordered the pig’s feet – audibly that is!
So you rang the bell on your “bookend” eh But, you are correct – he blew it!
Don’t be concerned about the Birthday Watch List give ‘n take – it’s healthy. Again, you are correct – the offerings to pick this up have been rather sparse – actually the word is: NONE.
We’ve probably done a bit of overkill regarding the “ratings system” on the Forums – however, the way I look at it is the more of us who COMMUNICATE our thoughts to the Forum Manager the better the chance we have to effect change. Isn’t that the way of the world Should be.
Also, the Quebec “thing” is far more involved than I’m prepared to address here. Actually, my “roots’ – so to speak – have a Montreal connection, somewhat removed that is. My Godfather was a Montreal native and perhaps one of the warmest most wonderful man to impact my young life. He passed on way too soon . . . Anyway, it wasn’t until I began traveling to Montreal for my VIA Rail connections to Halifax that I began to pick up on the “things” going on. The more English and French speaking Canadians I met, the more I realized the “thing” that separates English and French Canada. A shame. When it came to railroading, however, there was NO “thing”! Now that speaks volumes, eh
Pete at 7:32 PM today: Finally got the Email squared away and looks like you’ve been given access once again! Yes, it was good speaking with you and we look forward to another fine lunch up at the Winery next weekend.
So the big question shall be, “Will Nick ‘n DL permit Tom to leave England ” Perhaps if my trip was a solo, that COULD enter the picture, however, having my bride along, no chance!
I never heard of a brake van – tell us MORE! Maybe even find a Pix or three.
Entries thus far in the NOVEMBER CONTEST to name the DATE when we reach 8,500 Posts:
Rob . . . Nov 20th
BK . . . . Nov 17th
Pete . . Nov 15th
James . Nov 19th
CM3 . . Nov 24th
Nick . . Nov 22nd
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of the Holden's Golden Glow and if there is any of NICK's menu left from last night please LEON.
NICK Yes it would be great to get Tom on one of the Great Little Trains of Wales, a trip up the Ffestiniog in the spring would be wonderful. Looking forward to the loco model pics next week..
ERIC Many thanks for the link to the preserved Big Boys a great site. Reading it there is a faint hope that one could be restored. I did not know the last few were built on a follow up order.
What is this,the Bikini teams Mums are heading for Our Place , can we cope.
MIKE Good pic of the Flying Scotsman in New Jersey, I think the only pics I have seen of the Scotsman before, when she was in the U.S, was in San Francisco.
It is a real pity one of those CV locos could not have been saved, I have just seen a pic of the first of Gresleys A4 locos, Silver Link being cut up which saddened me.
Thanks for the link to the story of Jumbo.
DOUG Hope the back heals up real soon and the moving in goes smoothly. Thanks for the pics of the new house it looks a great place to live.
The ornate decorations on the Admiral are amazing.Enjoyed the joke and hope it is not too long before we get more of them.
DL Great intinarary and info for Tom. I think a break on the way south from Inverness at Perth would allow a side trip up to Dundee and let Tom travel over the Tay and Forth bridges on the way to Edinburgh.
What a fantastic link to the trainspotter stories, I spent a happy hour or two reading some and will return to it.It is a pity there isn't a pic of the author as I would probably reconise him from being on the steam tours he logged.
I never got to Tamworth although he mentions Rugby where he went where the ex LNER line crossed over the ex LMS to the south of Rugby station at the Girder bridge also known as the Birdcage, this was a very popular site.
Another popular site was at the north end of Rugby LMS station. There was an old railway building with a large water tank on top and a row of railwaymens cottages, there is a tall wall which many a spotter used to sit on until a passing policeman moved them off. The highlight there was when one of the Pacifics, that had called at the station and re started its heavy train, often with a spectacular and noisy wheel slip.The down goods line was only inches from the fence as well,ah I can almost smell the steam and the hot oil now..
It was also a good place to be in the mid 60s when for a short while Rugby was the changeover place for diesel and electric traction as the West Coast electrification moved southwards.
The worst brake van ever must have been the one on the first Frieghtliner trains. it was a a box that fitted on the end of the last flat car. they did not last long, I believe I have seen one preserved but I cannot remember where, it may be at the NRM at York. The LNER also had brakevans constructed of concrete, they must have been hellish cold in winter.
BK I also think the is something special about Inverness, it seems a very calming city. I do hope it is possible for you to come to the Rendezvous.
LARS Very good words on the Poppy Day. I very much enjoy the wise words that BK and you put in your posts.
TOM It was great to talk with you today. If you do go to England do you think DL and Nick will let you back home.
I was going to put in a piece about the Bluebell trip but I cant seem to get the photos off the disc, so I' ll try again, I had better post this before I lose it.
So a round for the house please Leon.
Pete.
Greetings Cap'n Tom 'n fellow travelers at the bar!
'Tis I, the Larsman with a powerful thirst for the finest of lager and available of women! Pardon me, didn't realize I was being watched! <grin> Ruth my deAH, set 'em up and I'll have a cold, frosty mug of Schaefer. Also, slide the snacks and a couple of those pickled pig's feet down my way, wudja Of course a round on me for the house! And oh yes, give Boris a plateful of pickles if you please!
Haven't a clue why I'm so &%#$ cheerful this day, but I am! Why question it, huh Weekend is upon us - but then again, who can tell a Monday from a Saturday once retired - right, Cap'n Tom
Good to see the return of my "bookend" to the group! My advice is, keep Lydia at arm's length from that silver tongued devil in Wales! His way to a woman's heart may very well be through the menu's he presents! <oooooooooh> Sailors KNOW these things!!
Really regret having tweaked you with my comments on the B'day Watch List. Just thought it to be a good time to bring it back - and judging by the underwhelming response - I was wrong. No takers! You are sooooooooo right - takes a lot of time 'n effort to keep these things on the front burner and if they go to no avail, why do 'em Maybe another time - once my personal tribulations settle down to riot stage, then I can help a bit more.
Some really great input coming in from DL in the UK regarding your planned rail adventure. You bettAH make the trip - after all, you've got more than a couple of Brits rooting you on!
Nice response to your idea for the November Contest, by the way! I see we've lined up pretty much the entire active crew, which says a lot about "Our" Place! I'll take November 23rd!! Didjanotice that my "bookend" picked TWO dates!! <ooooooooh>
Like the idea for a Veteran's Day - Remembrance Day - Armistice Day recognition. Here in the U.S. we are celebrating our "legal observance" on Friday the 10th - so the way I figger it, we'll have TWO days to honor those who made the things so many take for granted, possible! Let's really do it up right and provide some thoughtful posts for classic train related travel for the military who served the countries who successfully put down the threats of their day. If there was a way to do it, I'd spring for the Poppies for each and every regular at our bar!
Interesting stuff regarding the "attitude" about the ratings system from the Forums Manager. Really wudda thought that Kalmbach would be more interested in positive stuff rather than support the negative. Surprised, really suprised. To "feed" the animals just makes them content to go on with their disruptive ways. I don't subscribe to Kalmbach - but from time to time I purchase their magazines from local sources. In what's left of my basement (that wasn't destroyed by our flood of some months ago) there are boxes of Kalmbach magazines from a time when I'll bet the attitude was more in line with the times than they are today. Pity.
Got a laff out of the Quebec "stuff" and have to admit, I'm not as educated into the situation up there as I probably should be. Wasn't all that long ago, was it? when Quebec darned near ruined the federation we call Canada. Is that so So I must ask, what is the problem Then again - we are a Classic Trains site - so the answer MUST be couched in railroadiana terminology! (easier to understand that whatever tongue is spoken up in Quebec would be my guess!)
The laff of the week has to go to the pix posted by Mike - that elephant and the steam loco just is "too much!"
For DL in the UK: You have come on like Gangbusters (an old radio and TV program) and we really appreciate your interest and participation in this bar of ours. You are as "regular" as it gets and I for one am most pleased to have you aboard!
Well, enough of my prattle - time for one more, then I gotta skedaddle!
Lars
Good afternoon Tom, I’ll put an order for Pizza in when they are ready, meanwhile I’ll have a bitter.
Anyway, yes that is enough to be going on with basic advice wise – as and when the questions arise opinion and answers can be forthcoming as needed.
Turning to other matters –
Pete – I’ve just spent a bit of time looking at that loco performance site I listed before. It is more impressive than I thought – nice clear design, well put together, large quantity of interesting data. What I also like though is the link to his page of recollections – did you see that – it is at
http://www.trainspottingtales.org.uk/
Some darn good yarns for the bar here – I only read a couple but enjoyed them – esp the one about the Tamworth Field – I was hoping you might know about that field Pete? A good friend of mine who lived in the midlands in the 50s and 60s told me about it a while ago. For those of you not familiar – Tamworth is not a major junction, but 2 very busy main lines cross here (at two levels) – apparently during these years the station got so busy with people coming to watch trains that British Rail actually leased a nearby field off a farmer so people could go and watch the trains from there – well so my pal reckoned anyway – maybe the field use was just trespassing?
Yep, Class 37s should have switched to the Spanish built class 67 on Fort William sleeper – bought for the post office contract but now plenty of spare work – the story on that can wait till RPO day.
Hastings line thumpers were the best of the bunch comfort wise (despite the narrower body) – essentially because they were built using the long distance body design, whereas the other ones all had the suburban body design without the large picture windows. Luckily there is a Hastings Thumper unit restored and passed for main line running, although I’ve not been on it.
Rob – heating up the Budd – my attempt to goad Tom – he just does not rise to it – like any really good tavern boss I guess – knows how to keep the premises fully under control.
Mike – I’m clear on my view – at least one night on the sleeper is a treat not to be missed – other nights can be ashore as required. I’m clear in my opinion and on this and I’ll stick to it – but each to his own!!!
Eric – I did the Uppsala – Narvik via Kiruna run back in about 1993, but keen to do the indlandsbahn and an X2000 ride sometime. In fact I often think about buying a EuroDomino ticket for the Scandinavian countries (bank manager permitting).
You asked about traditional UK Guard’s vans. As well into the 1960s much UK freight was without continuous braking the van would be at the end to keep the loose coupled wagons taught and stop the couplings from snatching and thus breaking. As continuous braking got introduced Guards vans could end up marshalled behind the loco sometimes (or maybe even mid train but I’d suggest that was unusual). Later on they were abandoned altogether and freight guards took to riding in Loco cabs.
Yep, we had -2 degrees C here in the English midlands last night – cold clear and fresh – makes s real nice change to the autumn damp – and I can start to test out some of the cool weather gear I picked up in Canada recently
Nick – hope you can find those Swansea TPO pics for the RPO day.
Tom, my call is Nov 16th for that posting date
DL
It is Pizza ‘n Beer Nite along with Steak ‘n Fries Nite at the Saloon by the Siding! at 5 PM!
Let’s get right to the acknowledgments, shall we
Nick at 8:15 PM and 8:27 PM yesterday: Always “up” for a quote from a guy I never heard of - But then again, Peter Cook never heard of me either! Anyway, it is amusing and also intriguing just how many opinions there are outside of the U.S. about the U.S. If the Democrats are conservative, then I’m Little Red Riding Hood! <grin> ‘Nuf of this – as we all have agreed to at one point or another, politics, religion and other “hot button” issues are best left checked at the door, eh You betchaboots!
When the time comes to put our UK itinerary into a workable format, I’ll surely put that idea of yours up front. Sounds good to me – thanx!
I suppose if your train shed is inappropriate for display cases AND the house is off-limits, then consider an ADDITION! That’ll surely “do it”!!
Now THAT was quite a menu – Nicks Picks from days gone by. Well done!
Mike at 11:46 PM yesterday: Appears as if we are thinking quite similarly regarding train trips – what’s the point of sleeping during a trip that may never be repeated I’m leaning more ‘n more to the idea of all daylight rail and sleeping arrangements “ashore.” Ain’t no way I’d sit up all night on anything moving – those days (daze) are long gone.
Nice shot of the Scottsman – and RIP Jumbo!
Eric at 11:55 PM yesterday: Back in the “swing” of things again, eh Good deal – always appreciate your contributions and regular attendance at the bar.
Given the constraints of time, I doubt that Sweden will be on this itinerary. However, if and when that should occur, I’ll be sure to seek your advice regarding rail sojourns. Thanx! If we were to “luck out” and find someone to watch Juneau here at home – then we could plan on a longer getaway. We are most definitely “hooked” on our love for our four-legged buddy. Just one of those things . . . can’t imagine a life without having a Siberian Husky in the house.
Doug at 5:34 AM today: When it rains it pours, eh Sorry to learn of this set back and hope you experience a speedy and full recovery. Couldn’t have happened at a more inappropriate time - - not that anytime is appropriate! Anyway, back injuries can be lingering – so of course, do as the doctor instructs! I spent nearly a month (July) in varying degrees of discomfort with a lower back muscle spasm problem that was compounded by advanced arthritis in the spine. Anyway, a couple of “nerve blocker” shots into the spine did the trick for me. Sounds worse than it was - but at least now I can move and breathe without doubling over in pain.
So the good news is we may see MORE of you these days (daze), eh Hope so – but then again, with that ultra-leading-edge technology you have in your house, who knows how long it will take your kids to teach you how to use it!
That’s quite a photo spread you have for the new digs. Have you considered having PhotoBucket send you a CD of them I surely would – be a shame to lose ‘em.
DL at
Hi Tom
I'll munch on alight brekfast whilst I give you my thoughts on UK travel - all for the folder of course.
So few thoughts
The go-as you please nature of the Brit Rail pass is very appealing.
1) Class of Travel
1st or 2nd class. Like you I’d go for first but some extra info which might help on this
1st class IS better than standard / 2nd, but not massively so. Many local trains (eg commuter runs and smaller trains serving rural back water lines and some regional cross country routes (but not all) do not actually have first class accommodation. So don’t feel cheated if you have a 1st class ticket and get on a train without 1st class seats! They say this is factored intot he price of a 1st class pass.
However ALL 'intercity' (long distance fast trains, mostly but not all, on the to / from London routes will have 1st class seats). The advantages with these are 33% better space (you usually get 3 seats across the width of the car, whereas you get 4 in 2nd . 1st class seating is also better in its alignment with windows etc, and there are more table seats so the whole thing feels more spacious, seats will have some modest reclining function. In fact the layout is much like the open dining car layout on the Renaissance cars on The Ocean.
PLUS - It would be very unusual to find a first class seating area full (peak time trains on a Friday rush hour or Monday morning would probably be the only time this would happen) – so essentially you can turn up on spec for a train with no real need to reserve, Of course you can reserve seats on Inter City trains and longer distance journeys (not on local trains), but with a first class ticket there is no real need, which helps if you make a last minute change of plan. Seat reservations are free in the UK.
1st class also tends to come with the ‘nice touches’ of things like at seat service of complimentary drinks, and it guarantees access to dining cars where they are available (standard class passengers either have no access or are only allowed space permitting depending on the operating compnay policy). Some of these facilities are not provided on Saturdays and Sundays however.
An important thing about 1st class on the sleeper is that you get the same type of room as 2nd class – just the upper bunk is folded up, and if there are 2 of you they can open the interconnecting door to the nextdoor room – so you get a whole lot more space, but the sleeper supplement for 1st class (£39 per berth) (which you pay on top of your Brit Rail pass which counts as your journey ticket) is a bit higher than the 2nd class supplement ( at £34 per berth). If you want upper and lower bunks in the same room you just book a 2nd class compartment and pay two times the £34 supplement. I'll direct you to pics of interior UK sleeper compartments if you need them.
Maps of the network
It might be helpful for you to peruse a map of the UK network – you can down load one here
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/tocs_maps/maps/network_rail_maps.htm
The Passenger operator map by Barry Doe on this page is the most useful as it shows a true geographical map. You need the schematic maps lower down to see all stations
In the urban areas. There are some decent ‘railfan’ published map books (some showing abandoned lines too) and if you are doing a lot of travel I’d recommend one
I use one called ‘Sectional Maps of Britain’s Railways 2002’ Published by Ian Allan –Costs £14.99 – but if you do a lot of window gazing you may consider it worthwhile see:
http://www.ianallanpublishing.com/catalog/
I can photocopy an official UK rail map and mark on it the scenic highlights and post it over if your plans get more serious – that’s easy enough to do.
Scenery vs Sleeper
I too wrestle with this every time – even though I’ve done the routes many times. However, that is why I recommend the sleeper one way option (after all it saves on a hotel bill too!). In fact that time of year extended daylight helps too. I’d strongly recommend sleeper every time because you just get a more classy service (and Mike – who says you are sleeping – just because you have a bed you are still pressed to that window!!)
Picking up on Pete’s point about steam on the Fort William to Mallaig section for example, you can leave London 20.30 hours and spend some time in the sleeper bar car until darkness falls heading north from London, then turn in as you see fit. That time of year it would be daylight by the time you reach Helensburgh Upper just north of Glasgow at 06.27 next morning where it starts to get really scenic again for the whole run though to Fort William arrive 09.43 – you can take some breakfast in the bar car admiring that west highland scenery.
The sleeper arrival is supposed to connect in fairly conveniently with the steam service departure from Fort William to Mallaig which departs at 10.20 (and I think sleeper passengers may get a discount on the steam fare).
Pete - This year steam service started late may bank holiday 28th may: See
http://www.steamtrain.info/index.htm
And also this site giving all UK steam mainline tours is worth a look – 2007 pages pretty free at the moment but you can look at 2006 to see what gets listed.
http://www.uksteam.info/tours/trs07.htm
Then you can, if you so wish return in the day time and head for Glasgow (on one of the rather cramped DMU – RDC type trains). Then go south on a tilting Pendolino train from Glasgow through the scenic Scottish lowlands to Carlisle – change there for the very scenic run through the northern English Pennines and Yorkshire Dales National Park to Leeds via Settle (the Settle – Carlisle Line) – see http://www.settle-carlisle.org/
Then at Leeds change into one of the smart GNER dining car express services to London – or head across the short distance to York, break the journey there and take in the National Railway Museum – then head south on a similar GNER express from York.
Alternatively from Mallaig one could do the ‘Highland Circle’ to Kyle of Lochlash via the Isle of Skye then across to Inverness – break journey in the Highland Capital – then head south on a day or night train from Inverness (probably a day train – maybe GNER’s Highland Chieftain (Inverness, Perth, Edinburgh, York, London) which would allow a break at York as above.
You’d be into London in plenty of time to get the Nigh Riviera sleeper to Penzance – a few days there (with a trip on the magical St Ives Branch line) and then back from there on a day time Virgin Cross country service towards Birmingham taking in the scenic delights of the Cornish and Devon mainline. From Birmingham you can head into mid Wales on the Excellent suggestion Nick makes – head out past Portmerion and across to the north coast using narrow gauge steam then back into England via Crewe. Am I getting carried away here?
Anyway – whack this info in your folder and even if you don’t make the journey it may be of use to someone else. Any other questions about UK services (however obvious they may seem), post ‘em up and I’ll do my best to answer – after all that is fair exchange for the generous and helpful advice you gave me for my VIA run!
Back to other matters in due course
Good morning Tom and friends! Please put me down for a light breakfast, which I’ll just stuff in my pockets for later. Looks like the bar has been doing just fine without me. Truly incredible stuff gentlemen! It’s going to take hours to give these postings the time that will be required to absorb the material of just the last few days. By the way ... this most excellent thread is GARANTEED to hit 8,500 posts by the 12th, if not sooner.
Here’s my situation. We’re into full-time move mode, but a muscle strain has set me back a bit. I went to the immediate care about noon on Wednesday, and was given a brace, drugs and an admonition to take it easy and not operate machinery. Terrific. So it looks like job#2 is over, and I’ll be taking the day off from job#1 today. Yesterday we had our walk-through at the new house, which took 3 ½ hours. I spent the rest of the day making phone calls to all the various utility companies and setting-up a mover. We’re all set for our closing next Thursday, and hopefully we can be pretty much be moved by the end of next Saturday. Got the satellite, telephone and DSL installation scheduled during the 10th, so the kids won’t have anything to do but help with the move! Do you know that when you move into a fiber optic area, that you chose from 3 different baud rates? As you can imagine, the faster it is, the more it costs. I’m opting for the slow speed until I see exactly how slow it is. You get penalties for downgrading, but not for upgrading. As for this farm house, showings start today for a new tenant. If you want to see some of our recent pictures, follow this photobucket link: http://s30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/Barndad/stuff/
The red dots you see in the pictures are areas that we marked as problems for the builders to fix. We used about 150 of the suckers, but most things were minor. There should be a lot of activity at the place today!
Well, I can’t very well leave without making a contribution, so here it is:
The Louisville, New Albany & Chicago was the predecessor road of the Monon. The locomotive “Admiral: (above) was probably a Norris locomotive of 1851-53 vintage, originally built for the New Albany & Salem Railroad as the “Ranger.” When it came to the LNA&C in 1859, it was given No. 9 and its new name, “Admiral.” The locomotive was rebuilt in the New Albany (Ind) Shops in 1868 with new 13X24” cylinders, 56” drivers, and a weight of 63,000 pounds, and shows the ornate appliances and trim characteristic of the period. The rebuilding may be the occasion for this photograph.
Two patrons of the Second Class Saloon went deer hunting. After a few hours out, they finally bag a deer. They went to drag it back to the truck, but pulling it by the hind legs, the antlers kept getting stuck in the brush. The first one looked at the other and said, "Well, maybe if we pull it by the antlers this won't be so hard."Thinking about it for a second, the other complies and the two carry on with their new plan. About ten minutes later the first one says to the other "now isn't this much easier?" The other one says "Yeah, but aren't we getting further and further from the truck?"
I don't think people are supposed to sleep on trains. I think people are supposed to keep their eyes glued to the window all night long. There's always something to see out there, even in the dark. Unless you travel by train routinely and have already seen everything twice. No way would I sleep through a train ride from London to Scotland.
Flying Scotsman in New Jersey in 1971
http://saulnadler.railfan.net/LNERFlyingScotsmanHarrisonNJ.jpg
Thanks for the interest and compliments on the CV locomotive and model. My grandfather drove those big old machines so I kind of feel a connection to them. Wish they had spared one for a museum or something.
Rob, the good news is that Jumbo was not in St. Albans in 1930.
The bad news is that Jumbo was in St. Thomas, Ontario in 1885.
Jumbo stuffed went to Tufts, via the Boston & Lowell Railroad.
http://www.tufts.edu/alumni/magazine/spring2002/jumbo.html
Whoops-looks like a few snuck in behind me :-
DRAFTERDUDE-Hi there,nice to meet you -grab a beer,hope you can stick around--this place is a wee bit different to most of the other forum threads-you`ll either love it or hate it ...............
PETE-hows tricks mate !-yes it is a bit chilly in Merrie Olde this night-gone from mild autumn to proper pre-winter in about 3 days--out with the long-johns for me Got some more model pix for next week-the loco`s this time
take care now,back to the stove,nick
Well good evening gentlemen and a happy thursday to one and all
Leon,a round for the house,one for yourself,one for Boris (as he is now `of age` ) and stick a few bottles in the ice-box for me please--looks like it could be a busy night in the galley.............
Glad you all enjoyed the fireside tale (chapter 1 ) -further instalments will follow as soon as I have translated the original calfskin clan diaries.
MIKE-Interesting general info and neat pix -those things must be a good 12 feet tall,absolute monsters --bet that Division Point model wouldn`t leave much change out of a weeks housekeeping--nice one !
JAMES-Nice layout pix there-are you using cork for the roadbed ? if so,how does it work out ?... Nice sounds as well,tempted to copy them across onto my recording desk and do a bit of cutting and pasting see if I can get a loop or two I can use on the layout
ERIC-Will your troubles never end ?-lost the link for about 6 weeks last year -climbing the wall (which is odd considering I had survived perfectly happily without a computer for 44 years and only agreed to have one to keep Missisnick happy-I now use it 10 times more than she does...........) Any man who will take a turn at the sink is welcome in this company btw
DL-Glad the mk1`s were of use-I have some pix of last generation mail trains around Swansea somewhere-not sure of the quality,but will look them out-also the old Tri-Ang tpo van,will take some pix
TOM-After careful consideration of the form,I will plump for 22nd Nov as the big day,not least `cos it`s Hannah`s b/day Quite agree that Juneau`s interests should be at the top of the list that notwithstanding,might I suggest the Portmadoc area for the itinery -You can ride in and back by train,across the whole breadth of Wales,you have the Festiniog and Welsh Highland lines on the doorstep,a load more within a half days trip plus Portmeirion,which I imagine Carol and yourself would both enjoy also on the doorstep. I could easily trip up to join you there since my neck of the woods has little railway interest
R.E display cases,sadly my train shed is not secure enough to allow me to store my models there long-term and a suggestion that I might display them in the house was firmly rebuffed ( and I mean Firmly...) As to politics,I can do no better than to quote the late Peter Cook,who described U.S politics thus :- It is a two party system,there are the Republicans,who are the equivalent of the British Conservative party And there are the Democrats,who are also the equivalent of the British Conservative party...............vive la difference says I
CM3-The Transylvanian Horse Artillery is a proud and noble regiment,who list many glorious defeats on their role of honour .......................
ROB-A worrying thought,which dolls are they-the ones he scrounged from the orphanage or the ones he got from the mail-order catalogue which should be locked in the shed....................................
Right:- to the galley with me,
Tonight we have:-
Starters, Smoked Mackerel pate
Deep-fried Whitebait
Grilled Atlantic Sardines all served with wholemeal roll, lemon wedges and salad garnish
Vegetable spring rolls with sweet chilli dip
Cumberland sausage half-ring with reform sauce
Vegetable Samosa`s with mint raita all served with salad garnish
French onion soup served with garlic bread
Mains, Pan-fried butterfly Chicken *** in lime & chilli butter sauce
Pan fried noisettes of Lamb in cranberry & redcurrent jus
Filet Mignon,cooked to taste with blue cheese sauce
Steak & Oyster pie with puff pastry crust
Kidneys & Bacon braised in sherry
Grilled Red Snapper
Cleddau Bass baked with rum,lime & ginger
Moules mariniere
Brocolli , Celeriac & Red Onion gratinee
Mixed Vegetable canneloni with 4-cheese sauce
5 Bean tacos with Texas Ranger special sauce
All the above served with Fries,Baked potato or Pommes de Jour ,basket of mixed breads
Vegetable platter or salad bowl
O.K-that should do you,I`m outta here-onions to chop and staff to shout at,bon appetite
nick
P.S-this censor function is just a little bit silly......................................................... &nb
It is Fish ‘n Chips Nite at the Bar by the Ballast and Chief Chief Nick may – just may – treat us to one of his special bill o’ fare – watch for it!
Spent the majority of this afternoon at the Doc’s office then had to navigate through the evening rush hour to get home before sunset, which is earlier now that daylight savings has ended. Finally got ‘round to checking my Email and of course the bar. Some comments and acknowledgments:
Received a couple of Emails from the Forum Manager (Bergie) regarding the “rating system.” Seems that he has no problem with rating a Thread “zero” and sees it as a “right” extended to all who frequent these Forums. Mine was and remains opposition to the “rating system.” Why let people trash a Thread, especially if they’ve never participated in it The Kalmbach folks did away with the ‘stars’ for individuals, so why have ‘em for Threads (said I) Well, at least I received a response and we’ve agreed to disagree.
CM3 at 8:51 AM today: I knew of Buffalo getting off to a fine start in the NHL; also am aware of the “big game” in collegiate football(although I’m not a follower). Used to LOVE college round ball when I lived in Virginia – followed the ACC back in those days (1973-77) and North Carolina was (and is) my favorite. Alas, now only when it comes to the NCAA tournament.
Good input regarding the Cvs - BLs and Amtrak route!
Thanx for participating in the November Contest!
Hope we get to see ya before the weekend arrives, but if not – enjoy!
DL at 11:32 AM today: Many thanx for the input regarding Brit Rail and attendant issues. I’ll surely put it all to good use should I get to that point where the trip is a “go”! One thing about the overnight rail trip is missing out on the scenery. Given that this will be one of those trips not to be repeated, I’ve really got to think this through – of course we want to take in as much of the UK as possible through the windows of the train. I’m now putting together a fold of pertinent “stuff’ and yours has been copied!
And we’d be traveling 1st class – no point in scrimping when this is “it” for us.
Rob at 11:54 AM today: Believe me, the JOs don’t get to me nearly as much as they used to. It’s that blasted “ratings system” that bugs me. Oh well – ‘nuf said on it above. Ignoramusaurus rex's!! Now that’s one I’ll have to steal.
Good continuing dialogue regarding the BLs . . .
Drafterdude at 6:09 PM today: Nice of you to drop off your thoughts and I’m sure they will be appreciated by the guys following this discussion. If you are interested in participating with us further, recommend you check out the first couple of pages and the last few. Read ‘em through – that should give you an idea of the way things “work” on this Thread. I’ll let you in on a “secret” – we are an interactive site – we greet and acknowledge the other guy and we have some protocol here at the bar. As I said – check out the pages and you’re most welcome to join in. Should you return – there’s a drink on the house awaiting along with your "official welcome"! And oh yes – we are an adult eating ‘n drinking establishment where the discussion focuses on Classic Trains with some fun stuff thrown in. One MUST be of legal drinking age to be served at this bar!
Pete at 6:18 PM today: Nope – Email hasn’t arrived (yet) and it’s now a bit after 7 PM. I’ll check before – thanx!
As mentioned above, I’m putting all of the pertinent “stuff” into a folder for our UK trip and anything you can add will be most appreciated!
Pete . . . Nov 15th
James . .Nov 19th
CM3 . . . Nov 24th
Leon – set ‘em up on me and Boris ring the bell!
RUTH a pint of the usual and can you put me down for some of NICK's Fish 'N' Chips for a bit later..
Just heard on the English radio, via the computer, the temp back in my hometown is going to be the same as here in Mid-Mo tonight at 24F BRRRR.
Great evening of the model day. JAMES those diesels look great even without the scenery by the loco depot . Thanks to the video links, the locos are working hard, in the second link the back SW 1500 looks in a bit of trouble with the black smoke. The Wisconsin Central colors were adopted by the British EWS in the 90s when Ed Burkhart formed the company after privatization of the British railways.At that time EWS and Frieghtliner were the two main frieght companies on British rails .
NICK What a great collection of British rolling stock models, many thanks for sharing them with us and adding the details.Looking forward to Chapter 2 of the BORIS story from the Carpathian Mountains to the Mentor Inn.
DL Glad you like the bit on the water troughs. I did not get to ride behind that many Thumpers, I think I only managed to travel the Hastings line in one once, but before the East Grinstead line was electrified a trip to the Bluebell involved the bonus of a ride with one. I must admit it I did regret it when the loco hauled trains gave way to Multiple units in the Highlands of Scotland, although it is still possible on the sleeper to have loco haulage on the West Highland line, I have heard though that the Class 37s are to be replaced on this service after many years.
MIKE thanks for the MONON info and I have found Bedford on the map. The more I see of the Central Vermont 600 and 700 locos the more I am impressed by them .
CM3 Thanks for the info on the BL2 it is good to know one is still in working order. I had a look at the Kentucky Railroad Museum web-site, it was very interesting. There is some video clips of L&N # 152 in action.
ROB I must agree with you it seems as though Our Place is more and more an oasis on the forums. They were some great trolley models BK posted.
ERIC Hope to see you in the bar soon.
TOM I see DL has posted some great ideas for a trip on the British rails. I will have to find out when the steam special on the Fort William to Mallaig starts up. I have read that is has been a good year for the service, with an extra day a week layed on. I am told some of this is due to the Harry Potter films using this stretch of line for scenes in the films. It is a very scenic line and with some steep grades a perfect place to run steam.
I recieved the Email and have replied hope it arrives.
Well it was RUTH when I started but now it is LEON so another pint please and I am about ready for .
Pete
Good morning Ruth , my usual thermos of coffee and the number three , today the eggs can be well and loudly scrambled. Quite a nice outpouring of info yesterday folks which is in the 5x catagory for me.
Tom-I've decided that it's best to ignore the JO's and other such ignoramusaurus rex's out there, after all what can we expect from a free forum.At least we do have this plce the rest out there is unfortunatly alot of fluff and white noise , and ego's. Well that's my supportive rant for what it's worth.Interesting tidbit on the holiday preferances with my provincial neighbours to the right of me,petty stuff but nothing supprises me. At least i can take solice in that some of my direct decendants were part of the Lincoln and York militia that set those would be revolutionaries in thier place
Isn't that NO streetcar model wonderfull. I've seen one operate up close and personal. It litterally has all the bells and whistles, motor noises and the models motors are under the floor so it has a full interior down to the advertisement signs along the interior ceiling. $795.95 CDN on sale was deffinaytly too rich for my blood though
So now that you are armed with a new line.....
BK-As mnetioned above loved the LGB shots from yesterday,the streetcar series are a sight to behold and hear in real life.
DL-We do try to keep the old traditions alive over here. for me it's of great importance. both my wife and myself have had many generations of Military men and women including some currently serving.To me it's just proper etiquette to keep the torch burning as it were. Looks like that between Nick and yourself Tom's itinerary in Merry old should be busy and interesting.Word to the wise don't heat up the Budd it could cause a cataclysmic blast of unknow proportions
James-Fine spate of layout pictures, good show. Onepoint of clarity though the BL2's weren't built from F3's they had the same frame and motors, they were a completly separate built new locomotive. Much like GP9's and 7's the two lines shared some components.
Nick-Wow quite the part one epistal on how Boris well became Boris. One question though, now that he's an "adult " should I worry when I see him meandering through town pushing a wheelbarrow full of his dolls and saying "Here Ducky Ducky " great looking collection of tthe more traditional Brit rail equipment as well sir
Pete-The tours tomorrow, though judging from the work that's been done at the store we should pass with more than flying colours,then we can get back to what we are supposed to be doing , selling things.
CM3-Great news that one of the Monon's Bl2's is still capable of doing it's thing.I hasd thought that the one BAR unit was still around, the Spirit of The Railfan I believe they had called it, if not it's good that one was saved for posterity.
Mike-Great steam shots sir, the elephant worries me somewhat. Is that a shot of Jumbo
Rob
Good afternoon Tom
I'll have a beer whilst I mull over the options.
Yes, can well appreciate the needs of the canine friend are of significant importance. Airline travel is no laughing matter – I’m with you on that. Last time I went to Chicago we flew American Airlines and I must say the seating was not as cramped as some are. In fact we chose them because they flew into our Regional Airport in Birmingham – and flying to a UK regional airport like Birmingham, Manchester or even Glasgow can be better than London as the London airports are always overcrowded and thus not a very clam environment. However, obviously you get a lot more flights and it can be cheaper into and out of London.
Agree with you about keeping the finer points of ones planning off the ether – but I’ll get my e-mail fixed some time soon – just need to hassle my ISP and you have to ring them on a high cost charge tel number which sticks in my throat – they know how to rip you off here!
I’m a big fan of the now little known UK sleeper service so just to give you a bit of food for thought there are 3 main trains serving 6 ultimate destinations (and drop off points en route to those destinations of course), they leave London Stations 6 nights per week (not Saturday Nights). All services run in both directions.
There is the Night Riviera which runs London Paddington station – Penzance (so you could overnight it there and back, or travel in the day time one way for great views of Devon and Cornwall.)
Then there are 2 trains to Scotland – Branded up as the ‘Caledonian Sleepers’, both of which divide en route to serve different destinations. One train leaves later evening with portions for Edinburgh and Glasgow (the Lowland Sleeper).
The other Scottish Service, The Highland Sleeper divides into three portions with some cars going to Aberdeen on the North East Coast, some cars to Inverness (capital of the Highlands) and some cars to Fort William in the West Highlands. The Fort William run is the most scenic, Inverness slightly less so.
All these run to / from Euston Station in London.
Again you can take the day time train one way if desired – either the East Coast route to/from Edinburgh, the West Coast route to/from Glasgow, or with a change of train or two, the highly scenic Settle – Carlisle route down the middle.
I’ve stayed in some reasonable price small scale accommodation not too far from Penzance station when I’ve used the Night Riviera, and there are some good pubs with a few pirate links down there. There’s a good quality old railway hotel that is part of the Inverness Station complex (Royal Station Hotel), and traditional Railway Hotels at Glasgow and Edinburgh of course. The main problem in Britain is that I think you will find accommodation costs steep by US standards – but a web search will no doubt let you know what you are letting yourself in for.
I suppose you need to think about whether you want to go for a 1st or 2nd class Brit Rail pass, or to buy individual tickets for the journeys you wish to do. We can’t buy Brit Rail passes here but when I look at the costs of them they always seem great value to me – esp if you want to make a home on the steel wheel!
No, you’re right – I doubt Dubya can have much influence with the OPEC boys – but always interesting to note that govt speeding seems to kind of get freed up in advance of voting day for some project or another!
Loved that Quebec Calendar quote!
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Our warm weather disappeared for awhile – going to be in the 20’s for a couple of days and then it is scheduled to bounce back up again. Anyway, the K9 Korps was out early checking the perimeter for invaders – all was secure as the ‘possums were frightened away.
Pete – I checked; the Monon BL2 is at the Kentucky RR Museum and is operable.
James – Thanks for the layout pictures.
Nick – Thanks for sharing equipment pictures and providing the “uptown lowdown” (a musical reference for you), re Boris. The Transylvanian Horse Artillery – excellent!
Mike Thank you for the CV material. All kidding aside, the picture with the elephant will give folks an idea as to how big the CV 600s were. They were the biggest steam engines to operate in New England. Both the New Haven and the B&M had 2-10-2s, but they were not as big as the CV power pictured. I know, Boris, the D&H had 4-6-6-4s, but they ran on the west side of Lake Champlain. Little known fact for the day is that the B&M named their 2-10-2s “mudsuckers.” Ralph Fisher’s book, Headlights and Markers has some good stories about them and their peculiarities.
B4 I forget, you can see much of the remains of the Monon by riding Amtrak 51. Even in the dead of winter, 51 traverses the MON in daylight. 50 travels that section at night - no matter the time of year.
Tom - Buffalo has started off well in the NHL and Boston is staggering. West Virginia plays Louisville night; a big game for both sides. I will say November 24 for the contest.
RPOs next – sound good.
I will try and visit tomorrow, but it may be late (or not at all) as we get to play in the dirt (for a change).
Work safe
Another delightful start to the day here in mid-continent USA with blue skies and temps a tad below freezing (32 F), hardly any breeze at all and just an all ‘round good way to begin things! Juneau the Wonder Husky simply delights in days like these . . . .
Been kinda nice NOT glued to the tube lately, now that baseball has been put to rest. Still haven’t gotten fired up for hockey, but have noted that our NHL entry – the Blues – are doing terribly. Somewhat of a continuation from last season . . . And our NFL football team – the Lambs, errrrrrr make that Rams – are stumbling along and surely will wind up somewhere near the bottom of the heap once they square off against the elites of the league. Yeah, nice to be away from it all . . .
I see Boris has returned to the fold after his brief respite from his B'day Bash! Noticed that he even wound up back in his shed with his inflatibles - so all's right with his world!
So, let’s see what we have since my last Post:
James at 6:04 PM and 10:16 PM yesterday: Hope you enjoyed that cuppa Joe (sailor’s coffee) and found that with a “splash” of vanilla extract, one can make almost anything taste “different.” No cappuccino in this joint – as I’ve mentioned previously, we’re a tavern – a bar - a saloon, not a coffee shop, ice cream parlour or Seattle based trendy meeting place.
Thanx for participating in our November Contest!
Some fine shots of your layout and for those who appreciate our OPTIONAL Toy ‘n Model Trains Day! – good show! Also enjoyed the ‘sounds’ – you are so correct, really something special – nicely done.
Nick at 7:29 PM and 8:47 PM yesterday: Wonder WHO the guy with the hat was USC you say C’mon my dear and let me show you my parrot – hmmmmm, now THAT’s a new line, eh Will have to keep an eye out for him . . . don’t want THAT kinda reputation in our fine establishment!
Regarding my thinking for our trip to the UK: Seriously thinking means early planning – got a few things to iron out, most important of which is how to care for Juneau in our absence. As this trip will involve much more time than our normal getaways, putting him in the kennel doesn’t really appeal to either of us. Right now our options are very limited, but there’s time . . . . Thanx for the offer, and yes – I’ll keep you apprised of the planning progress as it occurs. It will just be the two of us (couldn’t talk her into letting me “do” a solo! – something about trust and all of that!! <grin>) And about the only MANDATORY item on my very rough itinerary is an overnighter aboard the train from London to Scotland and return. Also want to swing down to Penzance – if for no other reason than to say we’ve been there – big G&S fans here and love the Pirates! If all of this falls into place, undoubtedly we’ll hook up for a night somewhere close to where you are.
Excellent work with those passenger car and others from your model railroad inventory! As with me, I have more inventory than space available to run ‘em – that’s why the display cases in the Can-Am Trainroom have been added. Hate to have ‘em boxed away – just enjoy looking at the displays . . . .
The Boris Chronicles – we shall have to bookmark these submissions and run ‘em annually. Well done, Mate – well done! If the SEARCH feature on these Forums hadn’t been screwed with, we’d be able to easily retrieve your past accounts of our cloven-footed-Cyclops – but alas, Kalmbach has made that such an unfriendly experience – and time consuming – that I’m simply not up for it. Again – well done and am looking forward to part deux!
Mike at 9:36 PM yesterday: Is that elephant in a mating ritual with the steam loco Hmmmmm – well, whatever “works”! <grin> Nice narratives, tid bits of facts and Pix. And that 2-10-4 is magnificent!
Eric at 12:41 AM today: Don’t ask, don’t tell – or something like that! Been THAT kinda day, eh Well, we’ll be here when you’re ready
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