"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[Anonymous]

Hi everybody, just have time for a quick Piels please Tom. Looks like we have a "day of grace" where Wilma is concerned. Still, I did my last "tank top off," bank roll, and strom staples "run out" this A.M., PHEW. I apologize that I must "nip" and run but there is always time for one of my dumb questions. At one time, was the B.A.R. known as the Bangor Aroostock and Rutland R.R.? Don't know why that moniker sticks in me "knob," just does.[zzz] The nearly keystone shaped logo is mindful of some other Line. Can't quite put my finger on it?[swg] "But on the other hand", a Road with the letters BAR has got to be erstwhile by any measure, right?[:D]

The "Can-Am County Attorney General" is likely to be hearing from Federal authorities in the eminent future. Seems there is some deliberation on the question of bestiality that has come into focus (i.e. cloven hoofs).[:O] Wouldn't you know the Editor of our local newspaper (scandal sheet) got into the act and "blew the whistle?" There has been a lot of that going on, hasn't there?[tdn] Hey CM3, Hank Jr. is on "out-a-sight" jazz guitarist, don't cha know? I heard him at a jazz "session" in O.K. City and he "held his own" with the Profession's best. He's also no fool. He defintely knows where the money is and it ain't Jazz.[V] Gotta skoot, I'm late now. See ya's all whenever possible.

[trolleyboy]

Tom Well how bout that the spacing worked today ! I haven't changed anything so who knows [alien]'s in my keyboard or something [?]


Nice itemized account on the old layout, I attempted to do the same a few years back ( bought on of thoses itemize you layout software packages ) Worked about as well as a cat in a dog show. [:O][XX(] I also scared myself as I did some "number" crunching. I will see what i can do as far as a layout account next wednesday. Seeing as I'm in a reconstruction phase it's mostly theoretical at the moment. The woods there the tracks there I just haven't made much progress lately. More later Rob

[trolleyboy]

Good morning everyone. Tom I'll take a big black coffee, I'd love to have something in it but I have to work this afternoon. It's going to be an expensive day infortunatly cause my wife's infernal combustion machine has decided that it needs a new radiator.[:(!][banghead]

To the more important stuff trains [tup][;)][yeah].


Ted I have not forgotten about the express cars. Seems that we were both right ( Don't you love it when that happens [?] ) Apparently some of the cars were built with express trucks, this was expensive and a maintenance headache so from what I can determine they were replaced by standard trucks at their first re-buildings. Some of the later orders were built as standard cars.

I vaguley remember the hotboxes's ( no this wasn't a night club or band [:D][}:)] ) CN used normal bearings on their cabeese, I can remember several smoking it up. Also both CN and CP had some stock cars and grain boxcars is captive home service only ( not interchanged because solid bearings were not permitted for interchange ) So I have seen and smelt a few hot bearings over the years. More recently I helped as we moved a long unused Witt car from one barn at the museum to another it's bearings were well seized [xx(]( nothing a good glob of bearing oil couldn't fix though[^] )


Also as to the " wedding " Seems mommy Helga is none to happy as the beast[alien] Boris will not give up his dolly's. This is tantamount to treason as far as Mom is concerned so i think Tom that the local authorities need not interceed. as to the other it seems that Chrissey did coerce Boris ( not sure how yet and not sure I want to know ) In ordering the food for yesterdays shindig. She said that she will pay for it so as far as I'm concerned all is forgiven.[;)]



Tom Today's fallen flag is agian a good one. One bit of confusion however. Is not the BAR still operating independantly ? Perhaps CM3 our local cub reporter could find out[:)] You may or may not know but the BAR on several occations leased GP's to the BCR when they had some power shortages. I have several pictures in a book of a solid set of 6 or 7 BAR geeps pulling a general merchandice train up the Checkamus canyon in BC. Also was not the BAR the joint owner operator of a passenger train with CP through brownsville jct. Both railroads if I'm correct purchased equipment to operate this train, this is why CPR purchased their three orfan E8's.



CM3 Again so very interesting info on Virginian territroy. But the

QUOTE: plug in trainmaster ?

I think that there is a story there that needs to be told , maybe a new "story by the fireplace" series is warrented



*** I'm glad that you have got to your kids and grandkids. I too have seen to many close calls over the years. We have had about 10 fatalities in Brantford in rail related (all avoidable ) accidents in the last 15 years or so. To my mind one is too many. All of them were patience and the yes I'm invinsible type attitude caused. Enough of that sobering thought however.

Boris you thing from another world you please ring up round for everyone! And one for Hank Williams too. catch everyone on the "otherside" Rob

[siberianmo]

G'day again!

Now that's a bit more like it - some inclusiveness showing thru!! [swg][tup]

CM3 Always appreciate the mornin' pick-us-up that you provide. Great story about Oak Hill - gotta love it for sure! [tup] I'm one of those who prefres Hank Jr. to Hank Sr. Perhaps the quality (or lack thereof) of the early recordings. But Jr. knocks the socks off the C&W (if we still refer to it that way) charts for me. Amazin' to what extent some will go to honor their "heros." One only needs to visit Graceland (well, not really - a drive-by would do!) to see the continued "reverence" to the "King." <yuck>

Never thought I'd see you use the term "cabeese" [tdn], suprised at ya! Nevertheless, the BAR must have been quite the "down east" railroad and my only "connection" with it was to view an occasional passing freight car.

I traveled in Maine quite a bit, along the coast from Eastport south to New Hampshire many times. Even did a VHF-FM survey cruising out about 20 miles from the beach from Provincetown, Cape Cod up to Eastport aboard a 65 footer. Now that's a story - better saved for our Rendezvous in Toronto!. [yeah] I know Maine - one just can't get there from he-ah! [swg]

I think you "owe" us a comment or two about those HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES in the BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS in connection with the Post on the Washington & Old Dominion Railway (page 134). [swg]

As always, thanx for the round and quarters .... okay Boris Ring it ...... [tup]

Al To your credit you are trying, some simply don't and won't get it! As we used to say, see ya when the wind shifts! [swg]

*** There has been an awful lot of good stuff Posted in the past several weeks, before, during and since your European adventure. I've done as much as possible to make it easy for our regulars to catch up through the development of the Summaries, especially the Index.

Always glad to have you 'round, and hope that you can get up to speed with all of us so that your place at the bar stays permanent.

Okay guys ... gotta get to some other business.

Enjoy!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Nick this responds to your inquiry regarding some of the buildings located on the Can-Am. Recommend you call up my photo album at http://www.railimages.com/gallery/thomasweber

Structures in the Mountain Village: (pix #11-13)

Second Class Saloon by Grandt Line.
Hardware Store by Con-Cor.
General Store by LifeLike.
ESSO station by Heljan.
Diner by City Classics.
“Juniata” freight station by Plasticville
Passenger station w/platforms by Atlas.
Alpine House w/balcony by Heljan.
Hotel Chalet by Heljan.

Structures in the Mountain Depot: (pix #14)

“Arlee” freight/passenger depot by Pola.
Platforms by Atlas.
Quonset hut by RIX.
Blue utility building home made.

Structures in the City: (pix #35-38, 54)

Union Station w/platforms by Walthers Cornerstone
Bus Station by Bachmann Spectrum
Ambassador Hotel by Bachmann Spectrum
Headquarters Building by Walthers Cornerstone
Bob’s Hot Dog stand by Model Power

Thanx for asking – enjoy!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom, Time for Coffee and a quick pastry.
Don't mean to be a a phantom but next week is the finals for my tax course and license so have to do a bit of cramming. Seems as I get older I suffer more and more from CRS. It takes me longer to study to get through these courses and get decent grades as well.
Iknow I know Boris ring the bell I.m off topic and will have to get ready for work soon so will check back in later.
Sorry Tom.

[Anonymous]

Good morning Y'all. And good morning Tom. I see that you are on at this early hour. Glad it is fish and chips day. I will be in at lunch for a big plate and a draft of Guiness. Now I will just have a strong black coffee. Sorry to hear that the marriage is put on hold. Hopefully they can work out their problems and end up in a life of perpetual agony.

Nick I am glad I helped you with the WPT story. I forgot to mention that the stone piers for the bridge are still in the river. There was talk at one time of building a highway bridge using the piers, however, there is a skyscraper on the eastern end and the turn required in the road to miss the building would be a killer. That plan has been dropped. My father used to have several snap shots of some wrecks on the P&WV. If I can find his shoe box of old photos I will try to post some of them on Sunday posting day.

Theodorebear I like you cannot understand why people play with death by running around crossing gates. While at DART we had a saying based on the old paper-rock-scissors game. It went Bicycles beat pedesterians, cars beat pedestrians, and trains beat cars. There is no closure to this ring where pedestrians beat trains. No body likes to be held up at a train crossing, but this is no excuse to be stupid and play with your life. I think of the Amtrak hitting the steel hauling truck in Bourbonnis Il a couple of years ago. I assume the truck driver saw the train way down the track and thought it was a freight going 10 MPH and he could make it over the track. Surprise! It was Amtrak going 80 MPH and was on the crossing before he cleared it. It all went downhill from there. Some people just insist on improving the gene pool.

Better get back to work.

Cheers,
***

[coalminer3]

Good Morning: Coffee, a round, and more quarters. Hank, Jr? I guess...

The town of Oak Hill, WV is located not too far up the road from here. It is the site where Hank Williams, Sr. passed away as he was being driven to a concert date. At least that is the story because nobody is too sure whether or not he was dead before of after he reached Oak Hill. Anyway, the legislature (when they don't have any thing better to do), periodically goes into a frenzy abt. renaming part of the road to Oak Hill the "Hank Williams Memorial Highway." Hank's demise happened in the parking lot of an old Pure Oil gas station. The station still stands and there is some talk of turning into a museum. I'll leave it at that. I had a border collie mix who liked Hank so well, he ate three Hank cassettes - gotta love it! He was a great dog with an attitude - I think he took after my wife's side of the family (LOL)

Oak Hill is also known for being on the Virginian. The old VGN freight house still stands and has been resotreed. Oak Hill also was the site of the plug in Trainmaster (the locomotive, not the railroad employee). So much for the local history lesson for the day.

wrwatkins: Interesting material about Gould and his transcontinental scheme. I recall reading abt the great Wabash plan in the book about the P&WV titled High and Dry. Maury Klein did a good biography of Gould and there seems to be some "revisionism" going on abt him right now as there's another new book.

Now we got BAR? A fascinating operation with some good people working for it. I made more than a few visits up there over the years. BL2s and F3s and converted troop cars used as cabeese. I'll have to go find my notes on that one as well as there are some stories from there, too. They had a fine looking Bicentennial locomotive and I recall going up there and photographing it on the turntable at No. Maine Jct.

work safe

[siberianmo]

G'day!

Here’s another Fallen Flag for the gang from Classic American Railroads:

Bangor & Aroostock (BAR)

Headquarters: Bangor, ME

Mileage:

1950: 616
2000: 433

Locomotives in 1963:

Diesels: 46

Rolling stock in 1963:

Freight cars: 4,646 – Passenger cars: 2

Principal lines in 1950 (all in Maine):

Searsport-Derby-Fort Kent
Brownville-Brownville Jct.
Northern Maine Jct.-Bangor
Derby-Greenville
Old Town-South Lagrange
South Lagrange-West Seboois
Oakfield-Phair-Presque Isle-Van Buren
Van Buren-St. Francis
Squa Pan-Stockholm
Mapleton-Presque Isle
Caribou-Limestone
Phair-Fort Fairfield

Passenger Trains of note:

Aroostock Flyer (Bangor-Van Buren via Houlton and Presque Isle, with through cars from Boston via Northern Maine Jct.)
Potatoland Special (Bangor-Van Buren via Houlton and Presque Isle, with through cars from Boston via Northern Maine Jct.)


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

Good Morning Guys,

Just a couple of comments before getting to today's Fallen Flag.

Ted I see you have "declared" the wedding between our cloven footed friend, Boris and the fair maiden from Ooooooopah Land to be "off." How so [?] Well, be that as it may, the ruling from the Can-Am County Attorney General regarding the legality of such a "union" is pending. Legal or not, this joining of mosts unlikely beings should never occur. Not quite sure who began this - I think it was Rob! As stated several times, I'm "not involved" with this, only from the standpoint of being the Proprietor of this place and the "keeper," so to speak, of the characters frequenting it.

Your reply Email has been received. Thanx. [tup]

"Hot box" has been discussed herein - somewhere back on the early pages methinks. And yes, I certainly recall the phrase. Used to watch the inspections of the journal boxes when at stations where those kinds of things were taking place. Long live TImken! [tup]

Batten down the hatches and keep 'er headin' into the seas.

Wonderin' when we'll see Posts from CFournier Chris - earlydiesels Dan - West Coast S Dave - Trainnut484 Russell [?]

I noted for the 2nd day that passengerfan Al was doing his Phantom Browse routine! [%-)][%-)]

Okay boyz, time to get movin' along ..... and be sure to check out the SUMMARIES to find out what's going on 'round here!'

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

POLICY: No response or acknowledgment from me to those who consistently refuse to participate in the inclusiveness of their Posts.

[Gunns]

Morning All,
Coffee and something Spiffy for breakfast.
Thanks all on the comments on the Mine Shaft, A lot of New Mexican towns exist only due to the Railraods need for water, or maintence sites. Other towns (Such as Albuqurque) changed markedely (in ABQ it moved the town center 5 miles and provided up to 5000 jobs) And in the Classic trains era the mobility given by thr RRs changed the way pepole lived and played.
Later
Gunns

[Anonymous]

Howdy Tom and to all of our "Breakfast Clubbers" (Radio show, circa 1940's, host Don McNeil). Java and a "lead sinker" (Bagle) this A.M. I think. Some nice postings for a Wednesday (yesterday). Wow, 2005 will go down as "an ill wind that never blew well." December will mark the anniversary of the Tsunami in Indonesia; can you believe it? Any "takers" on what 2006 will bring? My neighbor is starting work in his back yard on what looks for all the world like an Ark.[:O] All people speak of, hereabouts, is insurance and evacuation routes.[V] We have better things to talk about.[tup]

[C=:-)] Nick, I really have my "chops up" for the Fish and Chips today. So does "Minnie the Moocher." Those pix of the Can-Am are quite something , aren't they? I keep looking for the traditional "What's it(?") piece of rolling stock or loco.[^] So far, I've missed the boat, but I'll bet "It" is lurking about on some remote siding, somewhere in the Gorg area.[swg] I opted for the subtle approach by adding fluted sides to a heavy weight standard (w/monitor roof). Amazingly, few have noticed it [not in my pix]. Some modelers "go the distance" by substituting Walscheart valve gear for Baker or Caprotti, et al. I wonder if anyone of our group of modelers have let their imaginations run to the bazaar? The proverbial "Egg Liner" doesn't count in my ledger, too easy!

Well, I'm down to the rails in some places on my Pike. There is much to do and if the weather will allow me, perhaps some progress can be made over the weekend.[bow] Rob, did you ever find an answer on the "express trucks" for the N.Y.C. reefers (blue and white livery)? That brings up a related inquiry. How many of you can recall the (not infrequent) incidence of your train being delayed due to a "Hot Box?" Usually a freight car would be running a axle hub in a dry journal and the metal-to-metal contact would cause a lot of blue smoke and possibly a fire if left unchecked. I can recall 2 such incidents on the Frisco enroute. In the days before sealed roller bearings, this was a nagging problem. Warning: you will be telling your age if you respond to this inquiry![(-D]

Okay, the sun is coming up and I need to make a final check on the hardware, etc.![:(!] Boris, just "get used to it." The Wedding is off for good and all! Besides, I have it on good authority that German women Weight Lifters eat their dead.[xx(] Happy rails all.[:D]

[siberianmo]

THURSDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

Good Morning Gang! One more day to go before we can call it “week’s end!” “Til then however, why not do some chillin’ with us and settle in for a relaxing start to your day be reviewing what you may have missed since your last visit!

A hearty THANX to those who continue to make our information exchange vibrant, refreshing and interactive! [tup][tup][tup]

Info for the Day:

(1) Today is Fish ‘n Chips Nite plus Nick’s Picks.

(2) Tomorrow is Pizza Nite plus Steak ‘n fries.

(3) A reminder of POLICY(repeated) Those who disregard the efforts of others on a routine basis are not welcome at ”Our” Place. One-way Posts will not be acknowledged and are not appreciated ‘round here. [tdn]

INDEX Monday’s only!

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) Gunns Kevin Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 00:48:08 (141)

(2) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 05:35:21 (141)

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 05:41:05 (141) Wednesday’s Info & Summary

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 05:46:29 (141) Fallen Flag MEC

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 07:32:56 (141) reply to Gunns & nickinwestwales, etc.

(6) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 08:11:03 (141) NH

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 08:27:26 (141) Can-Am vehicle inventory

(8) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 10:15:53 (141) Inclusive Post!

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 12:15:05 (141) reply to coalminer3 & Theodorebear

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 12:21:18 (141) Nostalgia 1956 Hotel Ad

(11) wrwatkins *** Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 13:08:39 (141)

(12) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 14:00:34 (141) Inclusive Post!

(13) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 14:17:27 (141)

(14) wrwatkins *** Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 16:02:18 (141)

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 16:14:23 (141) reply to trolleyboy

(16) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 16:21:37 (141) Inclusive Post!

(17) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 18:59:04 (141) reply to Theodorebear, etc.

(18) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 20:02:07 (141) Inclusive Post!

(19) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 22:22:17 (142) reply to nickinwestwales, ec.

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

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

[siberianmo]

Evenin’ once again,

Well gotta hand it to the Astros they proved to be the better team in the playoffs and are headin’ to Chicago and the White Sox. Should be a good World Series with two excellent teams. Edge to Chicago.

The perplexing part of all this is that for two consecutive years, the Cardinals had the best record in the Major Leagues – two years runnin’! Now that’s great, eh [?] Doesn’t mean a thing should you not win it all. Reminds me of the year that the Blues won the President’s Cup for the most games won in the regular NHL season. They got blown away in the first round of the playoffs! Go figure ……. It always hurts when your team implodes, regardless of the sport.

Okay, Boris just give ‘em all a drink on the house and if you ring that bell, I’ll wring your ……. Well, on second thought …. [swg]

Sir Nick Looks like you’ve got a case of the Smilies my man! [swg] They’re everywhere, they’re everywhere! <grin>

You’ve done quite a job of applying some scrutiny to my Can-Am photo’s and you’re dead on! The pix really are not of the quality I would like, as I was still getting accustomed to the digital oddities. I’ll be redoing them one of these days (daze)!

One nice feature about the Rail Images album is that you can really enlarge the photo’s much more than with Photo Bucket. I wonder how many of the viewers take the time to check out the features by trying this or that. Obviously you did!

Anyway, you asked about the structures and I’ll put together a listing for you, but not tonight. Kinda runnin’ out of steam and unlike some guys ‘round here, I hit it early. Bride gets up at 5:10 AM, Monday thru Friday, so it’s an early Reveille for us. Juneau and I head out for our one mile walk at 6:30 AM, while Carol drives off for her morning class of torture for the university students. [swg] I will provide the details for you …… thanx for asking.

You’ll have to explain what you mean about claiming “license” regarding the “familiar” structure. Yes, I know it’s the General Store, but <huh> [?]

Okay boyz, it’s time for me to check out and let’s hope we have ‘nother great day in the ‘morrow with the Posts. Approaching 20 again today, but much more importantly is the content – the content! Some excellent stuff indeed. Thanx to all who made it so.

Watch for the Fallen Flag and Nostalgia Posts!

Tom[4:-)][oX)][zzz]

[nickinwestwales]

What Ho Gentlemen,Who`s for a drink then ..?....Ah,[4:-)][C=:-)][oX)][}:)]TOM....[swg]..a bottle for me and whatever you`ll all have please,I`ll just catch up whilst you`re pouring them ( Oh yes.....I DO enjoy my nights off around here [:-,] )

CM3 ---That was a treat,-I could even see it in that lovely warm "sunset yellow"bias early Kodak film used to give.....[tup][^][tup]..nice one.

***-Welcome back-I think you`ve given me enough hit-points to find that on sattelite mapping programme-I`m straight over there from here,follow the route.....[tup][^][tup]...nice one also !!..

MANAGER TED--,two points of particular interest. in no particular order---Tilting trains:-will come back to this but Richard Branson`s Virgin Railway`s are currently awaiting track upgrades to West -Coast route to use Pendolino stock to full advantage-and in doing so ,extend Trans-Europe high-speed rail link beyond London...........now ,what was the other thing,oh yes--give serious consideration to loading Minnie The Moocher,your horn,records,photo`s etc into the wagon and coming up North to `Our Place` for the weekend--early Met. Office reports over here suggest that Wilma might just lift your hat off-----keep safe my friend [tup]

Ah-[4:-)][C=:-)][oX)][}:)]TOM--back again--sounds like a fair crowd starting to gather in the pool room--Please tell me it`s not lizard racing night again-surely there was enough unpleasantness last time--I still hear scurrying noises late at night----Thank You--Layout sampler opened up whole new dimension,just revisited with new perspective...[tup][tup][^][tup][tup]. Now then,that familiar store-given the added co-incidence of the date of the pic,I claim license to append "Branches in North York & Arlee" to the storefront......The buildings behind Arlee depot have a hint of Heljan about them...anywhere close? pic 16 particulaly took my eye-looking at it again as part of a discrete scene I noticed the back-scene top line for the first time. Covering the screen down to that level with a magazine,the scene jumps into perspective and the falls behind the R.D.C`s leap out at you-had previously missed them completely-also the quiet presence of the Blue Train in the bottom left of the shot,the dome car in the focal point,rolling onto the bridge deck.............[^].......Well,I`m beginning to think I should quit whilst I`m ahead-ROB-hold the fort dear boy, Boris is due for a scrape down and bleach-turn up the juke whilst you`re there,it`ll cover the noise...................................................................Night all,nick[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Guys!

Before the Cards game thought I'd check to see what's up. Just one to respond to ....

Ted First - HOLD UP ON THE SILVER THROTTLE "thing" until you check your Email please.

I hoped someone would have picked up on that hotel Post of mine from the point of view of having stayed at one of the locations. FOUR of 'em! [wow] Only one I can recall is the Benjamin Franklin in Philly. There's so much interesting "stuff" in those directories of the railroads.

The inventory of vehicles for my Can-Am layout did suprise me in terms of numbers. I have inventoried the entire thing - everything; track, landscaping materials; trees; rolling stock, loco's, etc. Then added it all up <choke>, but what the "H," it's what I like to do and last time I checked, we can spend our time and money the way we wish in this country (that is if we have any money left over after taxes and fuel expenses!). [swg]

I was having a great day until I got completely turned off by one of "our own" today. Still bothers me. Hope I can shake it loose, for quite frankly, that kinda stuff should be left where in belongs - in the Ether! [tdn]

Speaking for the patrons of this fine establishment, we hope Wilma takes a turn away from any threat to you or your neihbors in Florida. Been one hulluva season. [tdn]

If I don't check back in tonight, remember, Leon the Night Man comes in at 9 PM and the "standard" greeting and order still applies. Otherwise a RULES VIOLATION will occur! [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

I have all my boards and hardware ready to go for tomorrow, so I'll take a break until "further warnings." Tom, that is an incredible inventory of vehicles on the Can-Am. You are right, I never would've guessed from the cyber tour. Excellent use of view blocks for seperating urban from open country scenes.[tup] Basements or attics are the best locations. A garage is too great a compromise for both functions (layout/auto).[tdn] Think I'll try a Miss Pauly's on for size, thanks Tom.

Coincidentally, I have stayed in 4 of the hotels listed. OK City, San Antonio, Philadelphia and Chicago. The prices were one heck of a lot higher of course. *** and Rob, I'll never understand the terrible carnage that plagues so many mid-western towns along the U.P. and G.N. ROW. A colleague of mine lives in DeKalb, IL (Northern Illinois Univ.) and I was apalled to learn that 4 to 6 people a year are regularly killed at grade crossings. I was eye witness to a "hairs breath" incident where a car pulled around a closed crossing gate to clear one train only to barely miss getting hit by another from the opposite direction. I guess we have all noticed that it is terribly hard to judge the speed of an approaching train as well. Let's play it safe, okay?[tup]

Rob and Tom yes, you are "spot on" with the aggravation these summer storms cause people. At best, they are still unpredictable as to final course and severity. Still, I've muddled through 2 serious blizzards, minor tremors and several near misses on Tornadoes through the years. I'm a good distance from the Bay and the Gulf so storm surge (the real "killer") isn't a threat. You, at least, know what is coming with a Hurricane while in the other cases, you really don't. Flooding is everyone's problem from time to time.

Enough of this depressing palaver. Just wanted to drop by to check on CM3's "Second Cluster" to be added to his "Silver Throttle Award." A more opportune time must be scheduled for the presentation of this auspicious accomplishment. Perhaps Saturday would be more convenient. If I'm indisposed due to the wiles of Wilma, I would ask Tom or Nick to do the presentation, if you would please? Okay, since everything I've covered so far has been [#offtopic], give the laniard a pull Boris...Boris? Gadfrey Daniel, he must've over heard my concerns regarding his betrothal to Hilda.[:O] Oh well, its in their own best interests. See ya later.

[siberianmo]

Good Afternoon Gents!

I see we've had a bit of activity, but my response goes only to those who acknowledge the efforts of others, including my own. That's the policy, has been and will continue to be.

Rob My guess is that you have a "settings" issue somewhere that for some reason is restricting your use of the "Enter" key for single spacing (line feeds). Check the forum settings, which is where the problem may reside.

Interesting taht Chrissy is involved with this too! The group is one that Cindy belongs to. Hmmmmmm. Well, let me know and we just may have to call upon our super sleuths to figure it all out - Inspector Clueless of the Local Constabulary and his earstwhille friend and companion, Mr. Doyle, Private Investigator!

Nope, no relative of mine in the hotel business anywhere. That fellow in San Francisco is more than likely long gone, in more than one respect, since the info came out of a 1956 edition! One day perhaps, we'll have a west coast Rendezvous, but I'd vote for Vancouver! [swg]

Glad you appreciated all of the Posts today, at least someone is reading! You may want to remember that Wednesday is our "model railroad" info day - according to Sir Nick, so perhaps next week someone else (IYOU!) will lhave something to submit! [swg]

If Ted recommends an award of what should be a "cluster" for the Silver Throttle Award it stands a good chance of going through! I have the inside track (so to speak) with the guy who makes the ultimate decision! [swg]

Catch ya later on this evening.

Oh where oh where are you West Coast S Dave sure miss your Posts at this time of day! Been far too long .......

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Trolleyboy I did my walking in a time when lots of steel workers were using the bridge with the knowledge and concurrance of the railroad. I did this in 1956 when I was 16 and thought myself to be bullet proof. Since then I realize that I can no longer outrun a speeding bullet and am little more careful. That also was in the days before lawyers were sueing at the drop of a hat. I fully understand why the railroads will prosecute for trespassing and fully support them in this cause. I have told my children (2) and grandchildren (7) about this little act and I think I have convinced them to never try it.

***

[trolleyboy]

Hello *** allow me to entice you to partake in a dramof whatever you like.I'd like to see a piece like your bridge walking story published far and wide to discourage the young or young at heart from taking such horrendous chances.I've seen it around here too many times,our CN yard is at the steps of the VIA station and the mainline in and out of town are a grade separation over major streets,I've witnessed too many close calls with kids and adults alike cutting through the yard with close to disaterous consequences. CM3 Again a wonderfull tour de -force on your New Haven bit. Like Ted I can see hear and smell the sites and sounds that you have described[tup]Nothing beats that unmistakable sound and smell of large electrics doing their thing. Absolute poetry in motion.I would think anither silver throttle may be in the making. What say you Oh manager of the house ( M.O.T.H. ) Hmmm M.o.t.h. that could be interesting comming into this creepy season. But I digress, happy rails everyone. Rob

[trolleyboy]

Good afternoon Tom. I have a drink and pastery order for the "ladies" they said to charge it to tthe bath tub fund. do you know anything about this?Chrissey said that you did unfortunatly the signature looks alot like Boris so I shall have to investigate further so as the right person [alien] or persons gets the bill.A question for you,how did you do that ( vertical spacing ) When I went back to edit the post the spacing Ihad was there just when it gets posted the spacing has filled back in [banghead] Now to today's stuff. Ted You are of coarse right any service for the carpathian monster and his earstwhile lust for the fair Hilda perhaps just a party and we shall employ Leon to keep them appart. As to his age I don't know how to read cirrilic co your guess is as good as mine. Again no problem with the pictures let me know when your photobucket is up and running[tup] Oh and BTW keep as dry as possible. I suppose just be thankfull that there is no Fred following Wilma into your neck of the woods. Are you sure that you don't want me to find a new domicile for you down the street from me. Think of the benefits me as a neighbour and easy access to streetcars real and imaginary. Model and full the fun that we could have.Just think on it. Tom another tour de force on the great New england rail scene and for the hotel piece ! [tup] I for one like to remeber the fgreat New england railways as they were as opposed to the monster's that came out of the Guilford buy outs. I know that in some quarters the meare mention of Mr Mellon and Guilford transprotation is tantamount to a declaration of war ,not unlike comparing the Canadian to a cruise ship [:O][swg][xx(] BTW is the gentleman who was the Manager of the san fransisco hotel a relative of yours? If so you may have some conections should we all decide to desend upon west coast dave at some point in the future. I have driven past tthe Buffalo ediface on several occations, closest that I've come to any of the mentioned Hotels, I must say that the prices listed were probably heady ones in the time frame that theb list was put together in. Nice preamble of the CanAm as well. I encourage all who have not done so to take the virtual tour, it's a well done piece honouring it's creator and owner.[tup] May my efforts eventually approach this level of satisfaction and completeness. Well gentlemen that's it for this hour. I will check back on everyone sometime later. TTFN Rob

[Anonymous]

Good morning Y'all. Been a few days since I was last in. I will spring for a round for everyone as penance for my absence.

Gunns I enjoyed your discussion of Madrid. It is on the back road between Santa Fe and Alburqu oh well however you spell it. We stopped there and browsed the antique and art shops. The mine there is open for tours, although we did not partake. Since I worked in the coal mines in mt former life I really did not want to reexperience that pleasure. I found it disturbing that many of the used books dealt with growing marajuana. One can only wonder what goes on behing the hills of Madrid.

As for the fallen flags I will fly the Wabash Pittsburg Terminal. (Yes Pittsburg without the "H") This railroad was Jay Goulds attempt to penetrate the Pittsburgh market which around 1900 had more shipping than Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York City combined. Would have love to have lived in those times. Since all of the good ROW into Pittsburgh were taken Gould built a very expensive railroad for the day costing about 1 million per mile. He built an engineering marvel in a straight line railroad that did not detour for hills and rivers. Land was bought sufficient to lay a four track main line, it was graded for two tracks, and one was laid. Gould fought the PRR and Pittsburgh politicians for 10 years before entering the town. Pittsburgh even paid some thugs to tead down several miles of WPT's telegraph lines. Ah, the good old days of politics. Gould was never able to acquire a significant share of the Pittsburgh traffic and after four years went into recievership. In 1917 the Pittsburgh and West Virginia Railway bought the line out of bankruptcy court and operated it ever since. In the late 50's it was leased to Norfolk and Western for 99 years at an annual rate of approximately $950,000 without any escallation clause. NS subsequently spun the railroad off along with some other Ohio lines and it now is part of the Wheeling and Lake Erie railroad. WPT had their probles building into Pittsburgh. A 3,500 foot tunnel was required to breech the hill along side the Monongahela river then a bridge over the river to the Point where they built a station. While hoisting the last section of steel to the center of the span a crane came loose and 10 people lost their lives. An almost identical bridge was built over the Ohio river south of my home town of Follansbee WV to Mingo Junction Ohio. The Ohio river bridge was a little shorter than the one in Pittsburgh, however, they looked identical. Passenger service was discontinued about 1931. The Pittsburgh terminal burned about 1945 and service stopped into the Point after the fire. The bridge was torn down in 1947, however the tunnel remains to this day. Many schemes have been proposed for the tunnel: Sky train, supplimental tunnel to the Liberty tubes, bus storage, light rail, and even the worlds longest bowling alley. The tunnel was finally put to use in 2004 as a reversable lane high occupancy lane. The tunnel being only 21 feet wide was considered a little narrow for two lanes of opposing traffic, so it is single lane directional flow during rush hours. My Mother's family lived out Cross Creek, east of the Ohio River along the WPT track. She told me of taking the street car from Wellsburg WV to the WPT bridge, climbing the steps, and catching a train out to the family farm. Them were the good days. For many years there was a set of wooden steps from the river road to the bridge as many steel workers would walk the bridge to the mills in Mingo Junction. I always wanted to walk this bridge, however, my father wisely said NO. When I got my drivers license -you guessed it- I walked the bridge. The bridge initially had two tracks with one terminating at the WV end of the bridge. A wooden walkway was between the tracks. All of this could be seen from the highway below. When I got there one track had been removed and the other relocated to the center to improve clearances. A walkway was along the north side of the track. I started walking and when about 100 from the Ohio end saw this white spot in the tunnel coming towards me. I did not make it to the end of the bridge and was leaning against the guard rail as the train sped by a mere 2 feet away. Needless to say this cured me of walking railroad bridges. Today the steps are gone and you probable would be arrested for trespassing. Again the good old days.

Well lunbch break is over and I had better get back to work.

Cheers,
***

[siberianmo]

G’day All!


Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains. Check these hotel ads (from The Official Guide of the Railways – 1956) [located on the inside, back cover]

OKLAHOMA BILTMORE

in the heart of Oklahoma City

600 Outside Rooms with Bath
600 Free Radios

MARTIN J. REINHART, President
H.P “Johnnie” JOHNSON, Mgr.

”Where courtesy creates its own welcome”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Where Downtown SAN ANTONIO meets the River

The PLAZA HOTEL
. . . . . . . . . . . Air-Conditioned . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SAN ANTONIO
. . . . . . . . . . . The Venice of Texas . . . . . . . . .

500 Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . TOM L. POWELL, Mgr.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

IN SAN FRANCISCO . . .

KARL C. WEBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 Rooms
President and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . from $5.00 – Single
General Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . from $7.00 – Double

HOTEL WHITCOMB
Market Street at Eighth

AT THE CIVIC CENTER

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

HOTEL LAFAYETTE

LAFAYETTE SQUARE BUFFALO, N.Y.

Buffalo’s Most Centrally Located Hotel

400 ROOMS WITH PRIVATE BATH
. . . . . . . . . . From $2.75 Single . . . . . . . . . .

Delicious Meals at Moderate Cost

KENNETH A. KELLY, President and Manager

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

IN ATLANTIC CITY IT’S . . .

HOTEL DENNIS

Boardwalk at Michigan Avenue
AMERICAN and EUROPEAN PLANS

Walter J. Buzby, Inc.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

PHILADELPHIA’S VERY BEST!
1200 Rooms – 1200 Baths
The finest of food and entertainment

The BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

A GREAT NAME . . . . . A GREAT HOTEL

JOSEPH F. CONLAN, General Manager. . . . . . . . . WAlnut 2-8600

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

THE CONRAD HILTON

C H I C A G O

World;’s Largest and Friendliest Hotel

3000 ROOMS COMPLETELY REFURBISHED

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

MARK TWAIN HOTEL
. . . . . . . . . . ELMIRA, NEW YORK . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . Elmira’s Finest Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . .

250 OUTSIDE ROOMS WITH BATH
Television and Air Conditioning – Four Restaurants
W. C. EMERSON, President and Managing Director

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

IN NEW ORLEANS

The ST. CHARLES
. . . . . . . . A DINKLER HOTEL . . . . . . . .
Completely Air-Conditioned
J. J. (“Mike”) O’Leary, V.P. & Mgr.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

HOTEL ROBERT TREAT
. . . . . . . . . . ”A KNOTT HOTEL . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . NEWARK 1, N.J.

SINGLE - $5.25 Up . . . . . . . . . . DOUBLE - $8.50 Up
STANLEY J. AKUS, Mgr. . . . .ALBERT W. STENDER, Pres.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

One of the world’s distinguished hotels

The WINDSOR

. . . . . . . . MONTREAL, CANADA . . . . . . . .

MAXIME RAYMOND Q. C.
President & Managing Director

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

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

[siberianmo]

G’day!

Mid day has arrived and looks like we’ve got a bit of business going on in the back room. The local Chapter of Our Ladies of Perpetual Motion Social Club and Bird Waters Association is having their quarterly bash meeting. <Kinda hold it down a bit Gals, you’re drownin’ out Hank Jr. on the Juke!>

coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 08:11:03
Nice to see ya made it in and we thank you for that terrific New Haven. You surely have a marvelous way of threading a storyline all the while getting the reader to magically wind up in the scene! Now, Sir, THAT is indeed talent. [tup][tup][tup]

[yeah] Looks like New England week thus far with the Fallen Flags. Didn’t really intend for it to go that way, but what the heck ….. [swg] Once BK requested the NH, well that made TWO in succession– so why not go for it [?]

Appreciate the round and quarters – as you can tell, we’re “into” some Hank Jr. this fine day, so the quarter jar needs to be topped off!

Theodorebear Ted Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 10:15:53

G’day to ya Sir Ted! I think I’d just leave the house boarded up from the beginning to the end of hurricane season if my location happened to be where you are! <Good Grief> will it ever end [?] Certainly hope that this latest storms tracks well away from your area, but that appears to be wishful thinking, eh [?]

Your commentary regarding the proposed “wedding” between our cloven footed friend, Boris and the “fair maiden” from Ooooompah Land, may very well parallel the findings of the Can-Am County Attorney General. Mankind cannot condone such unions, much less stomach the thought of ‘em! <ugh> Who in the world came up with this idea anyway [?] Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, [yeah] – shudda known it was ROB!. Always trying to throw something a bit different into the game (a polite way of putting it!) [swg] To be determined ……..

Any Birthday Bash for Boris (including a <gasp> wedding goes to Nick ‘n Rob to orchestrate! These two are fast becoming “book ends” with this stuff! [swg]

Glad that you are enjoying the Posts from this end. The effort goes with the territory, as you well know. These submissions of ours may have a small viewing audience, but for those who are taking advantage of ‘em, they are worth the time. It’s only when something gets Posted and absolutely no one picks up on it that I begin to wonder.

Okay, I’m behind the bar all day. Comin’ up next is a Nostaligia piece, then I’m “silent” until late in the afternoon.

So, whatillyahave [?]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good heavens, I'll never be able to cover all that has transpired since yesterday's post. I will catch-up but must spread responses over several insallments. At the moment, Wilma has us all guessing where landfall will be. It takes the better part of a day to place plywood over all my wiondows. I hope you'll understand my sparse contributions over the next couple of days. Tom please, just a bottle of Piels for now and "top off" everyone's favorite. CM3, thanks for your offer for help. I was able to find some good sites on the Net, so all is covered. Another superb narrative of your "rail encounters." I could smell the odors, feel the cold and hear the clutter in the background. Noone could ask for more.[tup] Tom, looks like you are wrapping New England up in one beautiful package. All of the roads, except the Maine Central are fmiliar to me. And, all of them definately rekindle many good recollections. Thanks so much for going to the considerable time and effort.[tup]

Nick, I believe the original inquiry into the X-2000 was from BK. However, my scance input was based on a travelogue for the B.B.C. by (I believe) Michael Palin of "...Python" fame. Indeed yes. Pete Waterman is the curator of the many protoype locos, rolling stock et al. A point was made that the "leaning" train was a victim of terrible "press" as much as anything else. The concept really didn't get a fair trial before entering into service. The humiliation of the train "leaning" when it shouldn't have was over played by the media and met with instant public ridicule. The Company retired the trains and never wanted to see them again. It's a sad story really because the train operated unfailingly later in private ownership.[:(]

Gunns, really enjoyed the Mine Shaft site and it looks like lots of fun. Wish I had known of it when I was in the area. Doesn't look like the Cowboy bars I knew in OK. They were more provencial to say the least.[:O] Hey Rob, many thanks again for the time and trouble. Please feel free to delete them from your railimages account after they have been posted. I'm making some drastic changes in the future so they will be obsolete in short order anyway. By that time I'll have my own account probably with "Photobucket." Thanks again.[^]

Boris? Married? We aren't really sure he was born yet.[alien] Carpathians laid no claim to him when Doyle did a "background." Hilda and Boris? Married? Surely, a match made from the very bowels of Satan's domain. Has anyone given thought to the hideous consequences of such a union?[V] Mary Shelley, in her worse dreams, wouldn't tread on such catastrophic speculation. Nay, I say gentlemen. It is quite out of the question for the sake of humanity if for no other reason.[tdn] BTW, how old will he be on Oct. 31? Must begin preperations again. So long for now.

[siberianmo]

G’day!

A while back, Nick suggested that we use Wednesdays to provide some information regarding our model railroads, perhaps track plans, descriptions, etc. (Pix reserved for Sunday Photo Posting Day!) We haven’t really gotten into the swing of this, so I’ll offer up something from the Can-Am HO layout.

First, an explanation of what you are about to see:

The Can-Am is a rather large layout and I designed it to contain several specific scenes, all independent from one another, but in the synergy of it, connected. If one were to stand at either end of the layout, all of the scenes could not be taken in. Standing directly before the tavern called ”Our” Place for example, will provide the viewer with only the lumber yard and truck terminal to the left, the twin spans over the Can-Am gorge to the right and the cliffs directly behind the bar. Above those cliffs, one may view the RDC’s making their way between the “Land Between the Lakes” on the point-to-point mountain run.

Each of these specific scenes contain vehicles, and I have inventoried them to reflect their locations on the layout. In other words, beginning at a set place, the vehicles listed are in order of their placement within those scenes.

Unfortunately, the formatting of the Forums is quite restrictive, so that my columns are rather run together.

So, without further comment – here it is:

ACTUAL LOCATION of VEHICLES (150)

CITY (41)

Vehicle Description Made by

(01) U.S. Tow truck, dbl axle red Wiking
(02) Pontiac Grand Prix, 2 dr cpe blue Herpa
(03) Ford Crown Victoria, 4 dr sdn, 1997 green Busch
(04) International garbage truck, 2001 orange Boley
(05) Chevy Caprice , 4 dr sdn, 1995 white Busch
(06) VW Bug, 1951 black Busch
(07) International box van, 2001 brown Boley
(08) Ford E350 delivery van red/silver Busch
(09) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997, red/tan Atlas
(10) Ford Expedition, SUV, 1998 green Walthers
(11) Mercedes C-class, 4 dr sdn maroon Busch
(12) Mercedes W123 station wagon metallic blue/chrome Busch
(13) Ford Crown Victoria taxi white/checkered Busch
(14) Volvo station wagon sandstone metallic Wiking
(15) International ambulance, 2001 red Boley
(16) VW Bug green Herpa
(17) Ford Crown Victoria, police AMTRAK, white/blue Walthers
(18) North American tour bus “Wild” Herpa
(19) Ford Expedition, SUV, 1998 red Walthers
(20) UPS Delivery van dark green Walthers
(21) Mercedes C-class, 4 dr sdn blue, sun roof Busch
(22) Ford Taurus, 4 dr sdn, 1996 black Atlas
(23) International, refrig. van, 3-axle, 2001 blue/white Boley
(24) Ford Crown Victoria, police AMTRAK, white/blue Walthers
(25) Ford Crown Victoria, 4 dr sdn, 1998 bronze Walthers
(26) Ford Crown Victoria, taxi white/checkered Busch
(27) North American tour bus “Wild” Herpa
(28) Plymouth Voyager mini-van white/wood trim Busch
(29) Ford “C” van yellow, Coca-Cola, Delicious Athearn
(30) Pontiac Grand Prix, 2 dr cpe blue Herpa
(31) Ford Crown Victoria, 4 dr sdn, 1998 silver Walthers
(32) Dodge Ram, mini van, 1990 red Busch
(33) Ford Escort, 4 dr sdn blue Busch
(34) International box van yellow Boley
(35) 1950’s transit bus green American Precision
(36) 1950’s transit bus red American Precision
(37) Chevy Caprice, taxi Beverly Hills/blue Busch
(38) Plymouth Voyager taxi cream Busch
(39) Ford Crown Victoria, taxi white/checkered Busch
(40) Chevy S-10 Blazer, 1997 black Busch
(41) Audi, A4 dr sdn red Busch


ARLEE – Mountain Depot (08)

Vehicle Description Made by

(01) Ford Expedition SUV, 1998 white Walthers
(02) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 green Atlas
(03) Chevy Caprice, 4 dr sdn, 1995 black Busch
(04) Chevy van, taxi yellow/checker Busch
(05) Ford “C” van white, Coca-Cola, Bears Athearn
(06) Mercedes M-class, ML320, SUV maroon Busch
(07) Chevy Caprice taxi Beverly Hills/blue Busch
(08) Chevy Caprice, 4 dr sdn, 1995 white Busch

FREIGHT & TRUCK DEPOT (19)

Vehicle Description Made by

(01) International stakebed, 2001 orange Boley
(02) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 black Atlas
(03) GMC pickup, step red Trident
(04) Tractor, truck, 3-axle green Walthers
(05) Trailer CP Rail Athearn
(06) Tractor, truck, 3-axle Kohne-Nagel/blue Smart Toys
(07) Trailer Kohne-Nagel/blue Smart Toys
(08) Tractor, truck, 3-axle red Walthers
(09) Trailer CP Rail Intermodal Con-Cor
(10) Trailer CP Rail Athearn
(11) Trailer Lyndon Transport Con-Cor
(12) Tractor, truck, 3-axle silver Smart Toys
(13) Tractor, truck, 3-axle Maersk/gray Smart Toys
(14) Trailer Maersk Smart Toys
(15) Kenworth tractor, truck yellow Boley
(16) Trailer CP Rail Athearn
(17) Trailer CP Rail Intermodal Con-Cor
(18) Tractor, truck, 3-axle silver Smart Toys
(19) Trailer CN Piggyback Accurail

LUMBER YARD & TAVERN (09)

Vehicle Description Made by

(01) International flatbed, 3-axle red Boley
(02) International stakebed red Boley
(03) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 green Atlas
(04) International stakebed, 2001 red Boley
(05) Chevy Suburban black Trident
(06) International box van red/white Boley
(07) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 red Atlas
(08) Ford Crown Victoria, 4 dr sdn, 1997 bronze Walthers
(09) Chevy S-10 Blazer SUV, 1997 black Busch


MOUNTAIN VILLAGE (32)

Vehicle Description Made by

(01) Ford Taurus, 4 dr sdn, 1996 saddle Atlas
(02) Ford mini van blue Herpa
(03) VW Bug cream Praline
(04) Mini Cooper black, w/German flag roof Herpa
(05) Ford E350, delivery van red/silver Busch
(06) Ford Escort, 4 dr sdn, 1997 red Busch
(07) Ford Crown Victoria taxi, 1997 white/checkered Busch
(08) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 black/silver Atlas
(09) Motorcycle w/riders black Galco
(10) Motorcycle w/rider blue Galco
(11) Pontiac Grand Prix, 2 dr cpe blue Herpa
(12) Ford Crown Victoria, 4 dr sdn, 1997 silver Walthers
(13) Chevy S-10 Blazer, 1998 black Busch
(14) Chevy pickup, long bed white Trident
(15) Trailer Lyndon Transport Con-Cor
(16) Tractor, truck, 3-axle white Walthers
(17) Ford Crown Victoria, 4 dr sdn, 1997 green Busch
(18) Ford Taurus, 4 dr sdn, 1996 maroon Atlas
(19) Plymouth Voyager mini-van white w/wood trim Busch
(20) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 red/tan Atlas
(21) International, box van orange/white Boley
(22) International dump truck, 2001 purple/silver Boley
(23) International stakebed, 2001 red Boley
(24) North American tour bus “Wild” Herpa
(25) VW Bug orange Wiking
(26) Chevy Caprice, Sheriff white Boley
(27) Wrecker white Trident
(28) Volvo station wagon sandstone metallic Wiking
(29) VW camper/mobile home white Wiking
(30) International snow removal blue Boley
(31) Cadillac, 4 dr sdn, vintage blue (inside Esso garage) Praline
(32) Buick, 4 dr sdn, vintage maroon (inside Esso garage) Praline

FREIGHT STATIONS (07)

Vehicle Description Made by

(01) Kenworth tractor, truck, 3-axle blue Boley
(02) Trailer CP Rail Athearn
(03) International, box van orange/white Boley
(04) Trailer CN Piggyback Accurail
(05) Chevy pickup white Trident
(06) International stakebed, 2001 orange Boley
(07) Chevy pickup, step black Trident


LOCOMOTIVE SHOPS (14)

Vehicle Description Made by

(01) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 green/tan Atlas
(02) International dump, 3-axle, 2001 orange/silver Boley
(03) Ford Expedition, SUV, 1998 red Walthers
(04) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 black/silver Atlas
(05) International box van green/silver Boley
(06) Chevy Suburban maroon Trident
(07) International flatbed, 3-axle black/silver Boley
(08) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 blue Atlas
(09) Chevy pickup white Trident
(10) Chevy Suburban red Trident
(11) International stakebed black/silver Boley
(12) International flatbed, 3-axle yellow/silver Boley
(13) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 tan Atlas
(14) Chevy pickup red Trident

You may take a "tour" of the layout by checking in at:
http://www.railimages.com/gallery/thomasweber

Enjoy!

Tom Owner/Operator "Can-Am" Railroad

[coalminer3]

Good Morning All: Coffee, round and qurters as usual. Now we got MEC? Holy Cow!

Since we are doing New Haven, today let's go to New Haven. This is excerpted from a longer piece in one of my notebooks. Apologies if we have run it before. Again, lots of what's mentioned in here is either gone or changed beyond recognition.

Then on to New Haven. The train would approach the city on a fill that crossed over miles of swamps. This was leavened a little by a pair of short tunnels. We could see the mammoth Cedar Hill yard in the distance, dominated by its huge concrete coal dock. Here, truly, was the center of the New Haven. The double track main line passed close to the Cedar Hill departure yard which was filled with all kinds of freight cars. The line from Hartford joined us and swept toward the New Haven station beneath a series of overpasses. We were under the wires now, which meant we were on the electrified portion of the New Haven. It was not uncommon to see three or more passenger trains moving at once, along with a freight train, and sometimes a switcher with a cut of cars.

The postal facility just north and east of the station was always filled with mail cars, green cars from Railway Express and Railway Post Office cars; something I didn't see all that much in Boston, despite my encounters with the mail trains. We were getting closer now and the train was slowing.

The New Haven station was a busy place as it handled lots of through trains and hordes of commuters. As I mentioned, we were now on the electrified part of the New Haven.

Generally we changed from diesel to electric power at New Haven. Sometimes, though, we kept the same engines if we had FL9s for power and were going to Grand Central. The FL9s were hybrids what were diesels, but were also fitted to run off the third rail that was closer to New York.

I have always liked electric locomotives. The New Haven, as befitted its history as the country's first major electrification, had a wonderful collection of electric engines that included everything from ancient so-called "Flatbottoms," to the gorgeous EP5 "Jets."

A typical power change at New Haven went something like this.

It's midmorning at New Haven on a cold day. The wind blows in from the harbor, and makes it seem even colder than it already is. A passenger train, from Boston, is about to arrive - we can see its headlight under the wires off to the north. The big Alco diesels slide by us and brake to a stop in a combination of sound of hissing air, ringing bells, and engine noise. It's going to get busy now, so we'd better stay out of the way.

Men wheel carts of baggage and mail up the open doors of the head end cars. They're hurrying as the train won't be here for very long. Farther back passengers are getting off the train and others are boarding. Car men are busily inspecting each car and the diner is getting refilled with water.

Ahead, two filthy car knockers are down between the second diesel and the head of the first car. Their job is to cut off steam lines and brake lines and uncouple the diesels from the head of the train. This is done through hand signals that are passed ahead to the engineer who leans back out of the cab window. He backs the diesels just a little to give the men enough slack to uncouple.

It's cold today and things are stiff - a shot with the hammer right there will do it. A quick flip of a go ahead hand signal and the diesels snarl and move away. They'll be refueled, sanded, recrewed, and on their way back to Boston soon. A "ba-dump-ah!" sound of switch points moving and escaping compressed air, and in the distance we see an orange, black, and white EP-5 class electric engine threading its way toward us. The engineer gently backs toward the train and stops about 1/2 a car length short. The car men are on either side now and again with casual hand signals tell the engineer to back up slowly, don't jostle the passengers. "Ca-lang!" Now check to make sure she's really coupled by pulling ahead just a little. Everything's O.K.

Now, reconnect the brake lines, electric, and steam lines and check to make sure that everything's working. We'd better hurry back and get on the train, as the head end work is done, and the engines have been changed and we'll be leaving before long. Anyway, it'll be time to get something to eat before too much longer.

The NYNH&H over the years had some interesting interline Pullman routes, including service between Boston and Florida via the Atlantic Coast Line and the Seaboard Air Line. Following is from January, 1930.

The ACL side departed Boston at 4:30 p.m. with the following consist.

Club Car: Boston-Jax
Sleepers: Boston-Sarasots; Boston-St. Pete; Boston-West Palm Beach; Boston-Miaimi. They picked up a Springfield-Miami sleeper at New Haven. These sleepers ran via ACL or FEC out of Jacksonville, depending on their destination
Diner
No coaches
The NB side arrived in Boston at 1235 p.m.

The SAL service departed Boston at 8:00 p.m.

This train had an array of sleepers as well including Boston-Washington; Boston-Miami; and Springfiled-St. Pete
Diner
Coaches: Boston-Washington
This train operated via SAL below Richmond.

An ad in the January, 1930 Official Guide proclaimed "Daily Service Between Boston and New England Points and Florida...Via Hell Gate Bridge Route."

Here's some more verbiage from the ORG re the "Empire Builder."

Consist: Distinctive solarium-observation car between Chicago and Seattle-Tacoma. Sun room, observation room, lounge, buffet with soda fountain, women's dressing room with shower bath, barber shop with men's shower bath ladies maid, valet service, and radio reception." As I said before: style, style, styles

Well, I've gone on long enough for now.

work safe

[siberianmo]

G’day Guys!

A fine morning has dawned here in mid-continent USA, a wee bit warm, but very nice nonetheless. Ah, fall is in the air! [tup] Paid $2.60 (rounded off) for petrol yesterday at our “collusion corner,” where all the gasoline stations always have the same prices! Can't and won't complain given the prices 'round the world. Costs for the day-to-day are rising and rising fast. Our property tax bill would gag a healthy maggot! (I should "coin" that phrase; another "siberianmoism." [swg]) I see where the utility companies are now predicting a 70% increase for home heating costs this winter (nice) and the prices for veggies and fruits have gone into orbit. Ya know, it's far better to be able to pay and complain, than not be able to pay at all ....... The "Sage" speaks! [swg]

Nothing particular to pass this AM, for that’s what the SUMMARY is supposed to take care of, so I’ll get right to the responses since I checked out last evening.

Oh [yeah], regarding our CLOSING TIME, we still abide by the “last man standing” policy, however, if there’s no one in the place at midnight, we close up.

trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 23:43:24 and 18 Oct 2005, 23:47:33

QUOTE: I thought that I would add a small nostalgia bit myself once in a while. I'll call it classic streetcar manufacturers.The first up will be a very little known one called the Tillsonberg Electric Car Company.

They started up in april of 1913 in the town of Tillsonberg Ontario right in the middle of oxford county, which is prime tobacco country still today. For those who know southwestern ontario Tillsonberg is 40 km east of St Thomas.The plant was constructed inside of two quonset huts.

There first cars were built in November of 1913 the laast cars were built in 1917.A short life but the advent of WW1 caused streetcar orders to dry up as most of the wood and steel and copper were earmarked for war production. This coupled to the fact that they had set themselves up to build "traditional" streetcars in that they were all wood bodied and framed. it's felt that they didn't have enough money to restart in the 1920's with an all new steel fabrication business.The plant is still in existance today in that the original quonset huts are still there now incorporprated into a larger auto parts plant.

Production of streetcars is as follows. In 1913 they built s cars for the Windsor Essex and lake Shore Rapid Railway cars 312 and 313 which were all wood DT De interurban coaches. their second order in 1914 was for two cars for the Dominion Power & Transmission Company cars 173 and 174 which were DT DE all wood express baggage cars. Their final order was for 12 ST city cars for the Saint John Railway Company ( NB ) cars 106-128 ( even numbers only ) One car of this classe's body still exists as part of the Delson railway museum.

Here's an exerpt of one of Tillsonberg's newspaper ads run to drum up business for the company. i will directly quote it's text. The Tillsonberg Electric Car Company , Limited. Builders of all kinds of Electric Street Cars,Sweepers , Sprinklers,also all kinds of rolling stock for steam railways. Beg to announce we are now ready for operation and would appreciate the opportunity of submitting drawings and specifications,together with prices on any of yourrequirements for the above lines. Factory is equipped with the most modern and up-to-date machinery. We solicit your enquiries where early delivery is a requisite. This was run in august of 1913 just as the plant was openning for business.

There – now with the VERTICAL spacing, it’s easier to follow! [swg]

Gunns Kevin Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 00:48:08

Appreciate the URL, now that looks like a place I could enjoy! [tup] The Mine Shaft I recall was called “Baby Doe’s,” if I recollect. Oh well – no harm, no foul. Was just a good watering hole ……

nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 05:35:21

Now you see it, now you don’t! Step right up Ladies and Gents and watch the disappearing Smilie. Watch it come ‘n go, watch it drive the [C=:-)] Chief Chef [C=:-)] bonkers! Just get your ticket for one thin dime and follow the lines into the tent. Be sure to stop by our Ginsu knife display and buy the little lady a lifetime of carefree cutting. These knives ………..

Sorry, Nick but I just don’t KNOW what you are talkin’ ‘bout! [swg]

Enjoy the day and of course today’s Fallen Flag MEC!


Tom[4:-)][oX)][:-,]

[siberianmo]

Good Mornin' Gents!

Here’s another Fallen Flag for the gang from Classic American Railroads:

Maine Central (MEC)

Headquarters: Portland, ME

Mileage 1950: 981

Locomotives in 1950:

Steam: 74 - Diesel: 57

Rolling stock in 1963:

Freight cars: 4,593 – Passenger cars: 42

Principal routes in 1950 (all within Maine, other than noted):

South Portland-Bangor
Bangor-Vanceboro
Bangor-Bucksport
Bangor-Calais & Eastport
Brunswick-Rockland
Portland-St. Johnsbury, VT
Quebec Jct., NH-Beecher Falls, VT
Lees Jct.-Farmington & Rumford
Newport Jct.-Dover-Foxcroft

Passenger trains of note:

Bar Harbor Express (Washington, DC-Ellsworth, ME)
Down Easter (New York-Waterville & Rockland, ME)
Flying Yankee (Boston-Bangor)
Gull (Boston-Halifax, NS)
Katahdin (Boston-Bngor)
Kennnebec (Boston-Bangor
Mountaineer (Boston-Littleton, NH)
Penobscot (Boston-Bangor)
Pine Tree (Boston-Bangor)
Skipper (Boston-Bangor)

Note: B&M handled trains west of Portland to Boston. CN handled trains east of Calais, ME to Halifax,NS. The Mountaineer was a B&M train handled by MEC between Intervale & Whitefield, NH.


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

WEDNESDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

Good Morning! Mid week at the bar ‘n grill and what better time to draw a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a pastry or two from The Mentor Village Bakery and perhaps a <light> breakfast from the menu board. Great way to begin the day! [tup]

Info for the Day:

(1) Thursday is Fish ‘n Chips Nite plus Nick’s Picks.

(2) Friday is Pizza Nite plus Steak ‘n fries.

INDEX Monday’s only!

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 05:44:33 (140)

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 07:06:49 (140) reply to Gunns & Theodorebear

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 07:21:05 (140) Tuesday’s Info & Summary

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 07:22:52 (140) Fallen Flag – NYNH&H; NH

(5) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 08:05:31 (140) NH, etc.

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 11:57:39 (140) reply to coalminer3

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 11:59:06 (140) Nostalgia #10 –UP ad

(8) passengerfan Al Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 13:21:46 (140) UP City of Denver info

(9) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 13:48:05 (140) Inclusive Post!

(10) BudKarr BK Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 14:01:14 (140) NH info!

(11) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 14:13:52 (140)

(12) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 14:52:53 (140) Nipissing Central

(13) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 15:39:10 (140)

(14) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 16:02:52 (140)

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 16:34:49 (140) reply to passengerfan – trolleyboy – BudKarr – coalminer3

(16) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 16:48:04 (140) reply to trolleyboy

(17) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 16:54:00 (140)

(18) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 16:59:39 (140)

(19) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 18:57:35 (140)

(20) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 21:08:54 (140) reply to trolleyboy & nickinwestwales, etc.

(21) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 23:43:24 (140)

(22) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 23:47:33 (140)

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

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