"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[West Coast S]

Tom, i'm afraid that I have, moments ago emptied my box and all contained therein, could you resubmit? I kinda go numb searching all one hundred and forty messages.

Well, can't linger too long , something about a honey do list, but I wanted to stop by to partake in the interaction you, me and others strive to maintain in a constructive, educational, humerous and yes, even thought provoking manner.

Ok set em' up barkeep, the S man has the tab until closing tonight....to all who frequent today, your'e monies no good here on WP Tuesday.. Enjoy..

I'll be back tomorrow in the afternoon

Dave

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

E- Mail recieved and replied to Tom.

Another great Theme Day
TOM,The The Western Pacific had a big following I was surprised when I read the Fallen Flag that the Line had only 1,137 route miles and owned 174 locos in 1950.
I can see how the California Zepher gave the line so much popularity, thanks for the trains details CM3 and the great photo of the Silver Cresent car LARS.
It must have been a mavellous sight when hauled by those FP 7s in the red and silver livery. Loved the line in the ad " Feminine as a boudoir in the women's lounge". A classic Train for sure.
DAVE I 'll gladly have a drink with you for WP day. That post as certainly brought the
Railroad to life for me I can almost see the main Express of the day stopping in the canyon to pick up or set down fishermen and others and apart from the one bad accident the WP had a good safety record. Thanks for the info on the preserved steam locos as well.

It was mentioned about the Union Pacific have painted some new locos in Heritage Liveries. I was wondering in what areas the work as I have not seen any through here.

TED I hope we can meet up in the KC area sometime this year.

MIKE Thanks for the link to the Southern # 4501 and the old photos. I think that the Southern paint scheme for steam locos is one of the best.

BK Good to see you in, there has been some great posts lately.

ROB Thanks for Part 2 of the HEP conversions. I would like to add on the subject a bit later if I may.

I'll try and call in a bit later to have another of Dave's drinks. PETE.

[wanswheel]

Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house.

Good old Dad took me to Los Angeles in 1960, on the Erie-Lackawanna and the UP.
Return trip was up the coast to San Francisco and on to the California Zephyr as far as Omaha.
A fine Western Pacific train with lots of chrome and lots of dome.
And the scenery wasn't bad at all.

Freight Train
http://www.cvrma.org/pictures/MISC/dfrr5_191_wp_western_pacific_the_feather_river_route.jpg

Feather River Express
http://www.cvrma.org/pictures/MISC/dfrr5_195_wp_feather_river_express_sacramento_1940.jpg

Exposition Flyer
http://www.cvrma.org/pictures/MISC/dfrr5_196_wp_exposition_flyer_winnemucca_nv_1940s.jpg

Zephyrette
http://www.cvrma.org/pictures/MISC/dfrr5_197_wp_budd_co_zephyrettes_merlin_ca.jpg

Diesel at Salt Lake City
http://www.cvrma.org/pictures/MISC/dfrr5_198_wp_california_zephyr_salt_lake_city_ut_1969.jpg

California Zephyr climbing 4000 feet in 50 miles to cross the Continental Divide
http://calzephyr.railfan.net/pcplainview1.jpg

CZ entering 6.2-mile-long Moffat Tunnel, four thousand feet under James Peak (13,260 feet).
http://calzephyr.railfan.net/pcmoffat.jpg

Amtrak sees daylight again
http://www.trainnet.org/Libraries/Lib003/CZ818.GIF

A page from the Burlington Route's California Zephyr brochure
http://www.qstation.org/CZ_Brochure/jpeg/California_Zephyr_04.jpg
http://www.qstation.org/CZ_Brochure/ (Entire brochure if you ever need to read it)

The Longest Interurban
http://www.cvrma.org/pictures/MISC/dfrr5_200_wp_interurban_subsidiaries.jpg

On a different subject, I love the chaos in this old picture of downtown Chicago
http://www.lib.uchicago.edu/photofiles/images/apf2/apf2-01602r.jpg

[Anonymous]

Good evening Tom and gents!. I’ll have my usual bottomless draught, and buy two rounds for not making it in yesterday. Between getting this place ready to sell (cleaning and boxing, getting ready for the realtor open-house today and picture taking for the virtual tour), doing my usual thing as a board member for the association (we had our monthly meeting last night), working on the farmhouse property (moving stuff from here, and prepping walls for painting) and attending today’s 1at article meeting (making of construction selections) for the home we’re building, I’ve been busy. Oh yeah, I went to work too!

Now, to catch-up on the doings here ….. Tom’s Encores included the Lehigh Valley, British Railway, UP and SR ads. By the way, I really like the different pictures you use on your info and summary of posts! Then there were the pix of the movie posters for the shows at the Emporium, and Nick’s pix, then a nice assortment of CPR pix. Loved the Canadian article! It really looked great! Today’s Western Pacific posting was another winner, sir, with a terrific post on the California Zephyr as well. You have been a busy, busy man indeed.

Dave wrote a nice article on the Baldwin 4501 and today’s information on the WP.

Peter had some nice station pix, and a nifty ship at the Mystic Nautical Museum, then some snazzy steam pix of the West Somerset Railway

Purty dome car pix from Lars, and the Silver Crescent picture today. Mike provided train pix and nifty URLs for today

Nick, I can’t take any credit for my Sunday pix being black-and-white. That’s how I got them from the Winter IRM newsletter (I just got it a few days ago!) Thanks for the explanations on the pix submitted to Tom.

Cm3PO …limbs instead of legs for chairs? OK…. Guess I learned something today. Enjoyed your supplementary information on the Canadian and the WP today.

Rob, fine pix again. I really need to get to your museum and see some of these cars! Thanks for another diesel locomotive conversion article too. Good stuff!

Thanks to all you guys for all the work you do to share your information. As for me, well …I do have a Pike submission prepared for tomorrow, but nothing today ..except for:

[:I] A priest, a Pentecostal preacher and a Rabbi all served as chaplains to the students of the University of Minnesota, Duluth. They would get together two or three times a week for coffee and talk shop.
One day, someone made the comment that preaching to people isn't really all that hard. A real challenge would be to preach to a bear. One thing led to another and they decided to do an experiment They would all go out into the woods, find a bear, preach to it, and attempt to convert it.
Seven days later, they're all together to discuss the experience. Father Flannery, who has his arm in a sling, is on crutches, and has various bandages, goes first. "Well," he says, "I went into the woods to find me a bear. And when I found him I began to read to him from the Catechism. Well, that bear wanted nothing to do with me and began to slap me around. So I quickly grabbed my holy water, sprinkled him and, Holy Mary Mother of God, he became as gentle a lamb. The bishop is coming out next week to give him First Communion and Confirmation."
Reverend Billy Bob spoke next. He was in a wheelchair, with an arm and both leg in casts, and an IV drip. In his best fire and brimstone oratory he claimed, " WELL brothers, you KNOW that we don't sprinkle! I went out and I FOUND me a bear. And then I began to read to my bear from God's HOLY WORD! But that bear wanted nothing to do with me. So I took HOLD of him and we began to wrestle. We wrestled down one hill, UP another and DOWN another until we came to a creek. So I quick DUNKED him and BAPTIZED his hairy soul. And just like you said, he became as gentle as a lamb. We spent the rest of the time praising Jesus."
They both looked down at the rabbi, who was lying in a hospital bed. He was in a body cast and traction with IV's and monitors running in and out of him. He was in bad shape. The rabbi looks up and says, "Looking back on it, circumcision may not have been the best way to start things out with my bear" [:I]

[trolleyboy]

Good early evening folks. Tom I think I could use a pitcher of blue [swg] gotta get in practice eh ? [swg]

What can I say a fab job as usual on the theme of the day. I don't think we need any of Chris's stuff everything seems quite well covered. [tup]I have recieved you emails and all proper responses have been sent on their way as well.

Dave Wow all one ever wanted to know about the WP and was afraid to ask. That's the way [tup] good to have the left coast back in the saddle as it were. I'm certainly not a affriciando of any of the western roads but man I have to say I've learned something today.

Pete Go ahead and expand away upon the HEP talk the more info the merrier.

Lars An early vote of luck for you tomorrow. I'm on afternoons ( go into work at two ) so i will pop by early on to give you a hand. All should go well however. Glad you enjoyed the HEP info, I tried not to make it so technical that it would put a sloth to sleep. You are right though I was a luckey SOB over that almost lightening strike,not a feeling I would want to experiance full force I have to say. [:O]

BK Welcome back sir. thanks for the email response, I haven't re-responded yet, most likely I will later tonight or tomorrow.Don't listen to "Herr Kapitain" marriage is acompromise, what she wants you compromise too [swg][:D]

Ted I have to say that it's good to have you back most mornings, the bar was missing that certain something, and I know that Boris has been better behaved again ( and it's spring to boot ! )I have to say that my layout is at the Pompeii after the eruption state a flat clean top surface [:O]It will get there just not sure when [sigh]

Mike Some nice photo's there sir ! Sounds like your trip was a keeper as they say, great stuff.

Rob

[nickinwestwales]

Well DAVE -I can`t turn down an offer like that-[4:-)][oX)]TOM-stand by to repel freeloaders-I was here first ..!
Good evening gentlemen all,an interesting days exchanges-where to start:-

[4:-)][oX)]TOM naturally,-Enjoyed the olive-drab komedy korner today-works equally well with a Sandhurst Upper -class twit accent-a universal message perhaps...[^]
Whilst on that theme,wouldn`t dream of standing on the rusting bear-trap of knocking any marine rescue service ( the 4th emergency service in these parts)-the C.G.I reference was Computer Generated Imaging-In reference to that set of `Canadian` pix -fair play,they look detail perfect-someone has made a real labour of love of those[tup].
Nice contrast with todays featured road-opposite ends of the continent to yesterday but both still ringing with echoes of past glories--Yet again the trains look wonderful with `F` units on the point..but then again the road switchers look good too..One of those paint schemes that just naturally `works` in all its variants I guess.
You can reassure Vito that he has no immediate need to take a vacation-A neighbour of ours has had a long-running house-extension project going on.
As he has buildings on both sides and a road (literally) right outside his front door his only option has been backwards-straight into the side of the valley-so far we have dug out and wheel-barrowed out ( the only access is a metre wide path) approx 290 cubic metres of bedrock and replaced it with 200% increase in house size plus various patios,decks, conservatory etc.
Happily,the end is in sight-down to paving slabs and mosaic pathways now.

MIKE-Thanks for VoR pix-[tup]-The best detail I can give you on them is :-
the Sepia one-The white patch in the background is`The Rheidol Stag`-a local landmark ,a clearing in the woods that,from a distance ( I.E. the train on the other side of the valley ) looks like a running stag-in fact the spoil heaps from one of the lead mines that provided the traffic.
This one dates from post 1923 ( cream upper panels on coaches ) and whilst it could be as late as 1938 (original coaches scrapped) the look of the foliage and the short train without `tourist` cars suggests an `off season` working which would fix it as pre-1926,when the G.W.R cut out everything except the tourist trains.
The colour one looks to be taken from the platform of one of the radio masts on the north side of the valley-you can just see a flash of white from the`Stag` on the right,below is the new reservoir-the valley has filled up since this pic-the line of the railway can be easily followed through the trees opposite--nice pix[tup]-share em with the boys

PETE-What Ho-glad you enjoyed the V.o.R `taster`-the master of ceremonies may grant us a glimpse of an engine next week..[swg]...Sorry to say I can`t advise R.E. MoW stock-it just doesn`t appear here anymore..[%-)]
Managed to miss a visit from a `King` this weekend-"Edward 1" (I think) running to Fishguard and back-not a thing anywhere in the local media-talk about a wasted oppurtunity...spitting mad-finally got a decent camera "£$%^&*(-----WAAAH .!
enough-

ROB-A fellow `blue`-[tup][^][tup]-For my money it works especially well on the engines-the black upper panel makes them look like they`re wearing shades.
trust cement-based worries assuaged-looking forward to pix of FA2`s-even in plywood country............

DAVE-A splendid extra piece on the road of the day-[tup]-

TED,BK,LARS,CM3,AL-Your health gentlemen-Tis time I was gone again,sleep well one and all,speak soon,nick [C=:-)]

[passengerfan]

Good Evening Tom and the rest of the gang sorry for my absence but will be back in a few days mean as ever. Guess I better have a milk and buy a round for the house. Yes I said milk am on a non drinking binge for the next month. Yeck!

Can't resist WP today.

WESTERN
PACIFIC
Streamlined Dome Observations
by Al

Western Pacific owned two lightweight streamlined Vista-Dome Sleeper Lounge Observations. Both of these Budd built cars were constructed for CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR service between December 1948 and January 1949. The CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR was a joint operation of the CB&Q - D&RGW and WP. The order for CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR observations was for six of the Vista Dome Sleeper Lounge Observations with three CB&Q owned two WP owned and a single car D&RGW owned. Later the CB&Q would order another example that was delivered by Budd in December 1952.
The two WP owned cars were 881 SILVER CRESCENT and 882 SILVER PLANET. The two WP cars had showers fitted in the Drawing Room Annex in 1950. The WP was the first of the three operating partners of the CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR to discontinue service. The two WP owned Vista Dome Sleeper Lounge Observations are in the hands of private owners today.

24 SEAT VISTA DOME 3 DOUBLE BEDROOM 1 DRAWING ROOM 12 SEAT LOUNGE BUFFET 14 SEAT LOUNGE OBSERVATIONS Budd Company December 1948 - January 1949 Plan: 9511 Lot: 9660 (Built for and assigned to CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR)

WP

881 SILVER CRESCENT

882 SILVER PLANET

CB&Q

375 SILVER HORIZON

375 SILVER PENTHOUSE

376 SILVER SOLARIUM

D&RGW

1145 SILVER SKY

TTFN Al

[trolleyboy]

CLASSIC JUICE # 27 WP's ELECTRIC LINES

Well good day again gents another round of Blue I think Tom please. I haven't much info on the WP, however after such info packed pieces as dave and yourself put forth I'll just add this little bit on WP's electric lines. I know that these are in no way complete. Perhaps our local West Coast connections can fill in the more interesting meat that i leave out as I know there will be much.

in the days of steam most Railroads viewed the electric interurbans as interlopers that competed for customner traffic and were to be beaten down at all costs. the WP thought differently and purchased two local lines and continued to operate them as electric lines years after many such railways had faded into history. Indeed the Sacarmento Northern and the Tidewater Southern fed needed traffic to their WP parent, and were a help as opposed to a hinderence.

When the Wp's last steam power was being phased out the SN steeple cabs still fed freight to it's parent from the electric lines industrial spurs.

Built primarily as a passenger line the SN ran interurban cars for three decades between the communities of its region. Indeed in 1941 when the SN ran it's last interurban passenger cars it bosted then the longest interurban run in the country an approx 200 mile round trip. Boarding one of the SN's cars at the Trans Bay Terminal in San Francisco, a passenger would cross the Bay Bridge into Oakland and then out into the dry Oakland Hills Region and down into the San Ramon valley. At Pittsburg Ca,the car ferry Ramon carried the cars across the Sacramento River. Beyond there the interurban cars sped across the delta lands on trestles and levees toward it's namesake city of Sacramento then continued north through the Sacremento valley to it's termi nus in Chico. The SN began scrapping it's steeple cabs in the mid 50's and aquired it's own roster of diesel locomotive replacements, painted in WP company colours but still lettered for the SN. Gradulaly several segments of trackage were retired and the SN became a collection of spurs reached via trackage rights over other railways. The section between Marysville and Yuba City remained electrified until 1965.

The other WP electric line was the Tidewater Southern. it evolved into the diesel world more completly than it's sister the SN and remained intact.WP bought the 46 mile line in 1917 gaining it's conection at Stockton via Modesto and Turlock. This small lines days of electrification fell victim to the depression in 1932 when the passenger service and electric service ended. The WP kept the line open for it's wine and fruit trade however, revenue the line still subsides on today.

Enjoy Rob

[siberianmo]

Good Evening Gents!


This really seems like “old times” with the flow of customers throughout the day. Nice going, guys! [tup]


We may not have a “Guest Barkeep” in the AM – Lars is “touch ‘n go” and we’ll kinda know by the morning whether he can make it or not. At any rate, he’s definitely going to have to be away for the afternoon. Appreciate Rob stepping up for part of the PM “shift.” I’ll put the time to good use, Gents! [swg]


Many thanx to all who have acknowledged my “special Email of this morning and of course, following through …. That response of yours, Mike brought misty eyes in my house. Perhaps a story worth sharing here at a time and occasion of your choosing. Well done, guys! [tup][tup][tup]


Dave “repeat” on the way . . . . . so, you ‘delete’ without looking at the subject line[?] Hmmmmm <grin> Anyway, the important thing is you have read my request – could this be a return to “normalcy” for our left coast guy man of mystery![?]


Appreciate the well done Posts from Pete – Doug ‘n Rob! Always inclusive and always “right on!”[tup] Particularly impressed with Doug taking the time to ensure that all of us get mentioned – and at a time in his life when there are certainly more irons in the fire than the fire can handle! [tup][tup][tup]

Rob I think we need to install one of those “hot line” phones between your house and mine! [swg] Things have been hot ‘n heavy lately, eh[?]

Pete We need to “work” toward getting Ted] to this part of the state either B4 or after KCity – that way he can visit two points of interest: The Can-Am Trainroom – and – the St. Louis Museum of Transportation![swg]


Thanx to the URLMeister for the “theme” support. They surely topped off an all around good day with the Western Pacific! Nice going, Mike. [tup][tup][tup]


Good to see Nick with his “nite cap” of great “stuff” as only he can provide! Well done, Sir and thanx for explaining that C.G.I – makes much more sense now! [swg]

I took a gamble with those CP Pix as “they” never responded to my requests – sent weeks in advance of the date. Hope the bath tub still has sufficient funds to pay the Barristers! <grin>

Never thought of it the way you put it – but we did span quite a bit of passenger railroading in just two short days. The responses were terrific as well and as mentioned a bit earlier – seems like “old times” ‘round the bar!

Glad to learn that your cement work has nothing to do with earning your keep. For that’s hardly a labo(u)r of love, eh[?]


Just caught your Post Al and surprised – but very pleased to see you made it in. Milk we have – Boris just rounded up a couple of stray cows (at least I think they were strays) and has his 3-legged stool all set to go! [swg]

Nice supplemental info for our “theme” – thought you’d like it! [tup] Hope you take the time to check out the pages since your last visit – you’ll get a kick out of much of them! [tup]


For all who provided rounds, our accountants thank you! <grin>

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


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


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

[siberianmo]

Hey Rob!

Following my own advice - I stuck around after my Post and there you were! [swg]

Appreciate the "theme" support! Good choice - something a little different (like Monty Python, eh[?][swg]) Anway, looks like this is one of our more successful "theme" days and everyone is pitching in quite well.

Ring the bell Boris - I know Dave's buying - but this one is on me! Ding-a-ling one and all! [swg]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[Anonymous]

"Nobody doesn't like W.P." Tom I'll take Dave up on his offer of a Labatss Pilsner please, thanks. Just incredible input for the "Darling" of western roads and its' signature varni***he "California Zephyr." Many thanks to Cm3, Dave, Tom, Lars, Mike for bringing that marvelous era of "extra fares" Limiteds back to our own little virtual reality at "Our" Place. There just aren't words that adequately capture the wonderful oppulence of "first class" travel by rail. It was as much an aura as any combinations of the luxurious amenities offered. I believe today's posts on the California Zephyr came as close to capturing that "aura" as anything posted to date.[^] How soon it was all lost to history and not in deserving regal manner but a pitiable crush of reckless abandonment. Sometimes I ponder the notion that many of us might still be in a state of denial and an objective observer would probably agree. Well, I can only hope that the dispassionate "observer" will fogive our wallowing in former reveries when they come to realize "they no not of what we speak." Again, thanks to all who have posted these descriptive narratives and relevant data yesterday and today especially.

I've run out of time and had no material to begin with, so I must bid all of you a good night. Tom, Rob, Lars, and BK you have mail in reply to your own thoughtful messages. Happy rails to all.

[trolleyboy]

What Ho folks, still looks to be a busy evening I see that da Boss Tom and Al are still in the house Leon some Choc shakes for the three of us sir [:D][swg]

Tom I only want to install a hot line phone if it's red,lights up and has just one button on it like Adam West's Batphone. LOL Gotta have the cave well equiped dontchaknow. [swg]I will definatly help out Lars or not Lars tomorrow, two times tomorrow one daylight and one moonlight for me.

Al Nice to see you drop by with the Zepher post, nice way to keep the ole exchange of WP info flowing. Have any info on the SN or TS [?]

Doug Nice to see you pop through. You arecalways welcome at our museum,espeacially if you bring at track crew up with you. [swg] Glad to hear that the selling and moving stuff is moving on at a decent pace for you. Hopefully the JO's in your basement are not home for the open house.

Nick Come sit and have a round.I know what you mean about the frustration's of train s and cameras and the not having them at the right time. last week when I was finalizing the rendezvous VIA tickest a CN frieght went by with a Sante Fe Blue and Yellow Warbonnet in all it's glory [:(!] Good to hear that the local constabulary won't need to investigate the strange goings on imn your neighbours backyard.

Rob

[trolleyboy]

Well look at that two more post snuck in while I was still sitting here [tup]

Tom I think I can safly say that this has been bar none the most successfull of the theme days, the info flying hot and heavy out there today. Good job everyone. Reminds me of the heady days ( daze) of last june and july ! Boris ring the ding for a round for the boyz on me if you please. Leon doesn't look overworked enough yet [swg]

Ted Good to see you still up and at it this evening, climatizing yourself for Toronto[?] remeber wear the sandwich board with your name on it so I can find you termninal [swg]. I agree wholeheartedly with you on the quality of today's prose though.[tup] for eberyone today again.

Rob

[siberianmo]

from: www.viarail.ca

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


WEDNESDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS

Wednesday and mid-week! Join us for breakfast – select a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from the Menu Board. Some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery, and of course a large mug of steaming hot, freshly ground and brewed coffee![tup]


Daily Wisdom

If you see a coward with a gun, its time to get scared or scarce.


Info for the Day:


Railroads from Yesteryear –
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CBQ) arrives next Tuesday!


* Weekly Calendar:


TODAY: Pike Perspective’s Day!
Thursday: Fish ‘n Chips Nite!
Friday: Pizza Nite! & Steak Nite!
Saturday: Steak ‘n Trimmin’s Nite! – and –
ENCORE! Saturday


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



Comedy Corner

Nearly Always True

"Five second fuses only last three seconds."
- Inf! antry Journal

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid."
- David Hackworth

------------------------------------------------------------------------
"If your attack is going too well, your walking into an ambush."
- Infantry Journal

------------------------------------------------------------------------
"No combat-ready unit has ever passed inspection."
- Joe Gay

------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Any ship can be a minesweeper...
once."
- Anonymous

------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Never tell the Platoon Sergeant you have nothing to do."
- Unknown Marine Recruit

------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Don't draw fire; it irritates the people around you."

- Your Buddies

------------------------------------------------------------------------
"If you see a bomb technician running, follow him."
- USAF Ammo Troop

------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Though I Fly Through the Valley of Death ... I Shall Fear No Evil.
For I am at 80,000 Feet and Climbing."

At the entrance to the old SR-71 operating base
Kadena,Okanawa

------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You've never been lost
until you've been lost at Mach 3."
- Paul F. Crickmore (test pilot)

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


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



The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre

NOW SHOWING:

Double Features and Three Stooges Short Subject!

. . . Sunday, April 23rd thru Apr 29th: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) starring: Paul Newman, Robert Redford & Kathy Ross –and- The Sting (1973) starring: Paul Newman, Robert Redford & Robert Shaw. SHORT: Men In Black (1934).



SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 05:21:07 (313) Tuesday’s Info & Summary

(2) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 06:02:04 (313) ”Quickie!”

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 07:58:53 (313) RRs from Yesteryear #16 – Western Pacific

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 08:02:33 (314) Theme for the Day – Fallen Flag: WP

(5) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 08:02:55 (314) Bear Talk!

(6) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 09:00:30 (314) Lars Report & Pix

(7) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 09:06:00 (314) Theme stuff, etc.

(8) BudKarr BK Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 11:12:27 (314) BK Report!

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 13:38:56 (314) Theme: Nostalgia #62 – California Zephyr

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 15:31:00 (314) Acknowledgments, etc.

(11) West Coast S Dave Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 15:31:16 (314) Dave’s Plethora of WP info![tup]

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 15:36:11 (314) reply to Dave

(13) West Coast S Dave Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 16:10:55 (314) etc.

(14) pwolfe Pete Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 18:09:06 (314) Inclusive Post, etc.

(15) wanswheel Mike Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 19:09:51 (314) Outstanding “theme” URLs

(16) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 19:25:52 (314) Inclusive Post, Barn yard style & joke

(17) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 19:59:38 (314) Nick at Nite at his best![tup]

(18) passengerfan Al Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 20:04:50 (314) Theme WP: Streamlined obs domes

(19) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 20:16:33 (314) Acknowledgments, etc.

(20) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 20:16:33 (314) Classic Juice #27 – WP Electric Lines

(21) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 20:23:25 (314) reply to Rob

(22) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 20:33:42 (314) Inclusive Post from da Bear!

(23) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 20:35:46 (315) Inclusive, one more time!

(24) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 20:46:50 {315) etc.




That’s it! [tup][;)]


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

[Anonymous]

Good morning Tom and all. I'll just have one lite breakfast today. I see Al gave us another streamliner, and Rob put up another classic post of the WP since I was last here. Good stuff gentelmen! Here's my humble offering for today:

Setting the “Standard” for American Toy Trains Allan W. Miller
Photos by Peter H. Riddle Vintage Rails No. 17 1999

Standard Gauge in all its glory, as seen on Richard and Linda Kughn’s Carail Museum Standard Gauge layout. Richard Hughn is the former owner of Lionel Trains, Inc. – one of several corporate entities to have held custody to the trademark in its near century-old tenure. Kughn also inspired Lionel’s reintroduction of Standard Gauge trains in the late 1980s.


Joshua Lionel Cowen, the ever-inspired, often-inspiring, and rarely modest founder of the Lionel Corporation, never was one to settle for second best when it came to advancing his ideas, inventions, and product line. In 1906, a scant six years after he had first ventured into the manufacture of “miniature electric cars” for use as merchant display window attractions, Cowen’s growing assortment of electric toy trains – by that time being actively marketed to the general public, as well – were proclaimed as “Standard of the World.” And what was the source of this official proclamation? None other than Joshua Lionel Cowen himself! As for the basis for this accolade: Well, Joshua Cowen just said that it was so; therefore it was!

Indeed, when it came to the conduct of his business affairs, Joshua Cowen took a back seat to no one in shamelessly tooting his own horn (or whistle, as the case may be) in promoting his product line. More-over, throughout his long career at the helm of Lionel, Cowen often resorted to similarly ingenious (some would even call them devious or unfair) tactics to thwart his competition, and this example marks just one of any such instances. In any event, the ploy worked well enough, and Lionel’s Standard of the World line of toy trains evolved not so much on the basis of widespread consumer or industry acceptance, but rather from Joshua Lionel Cowen’s self-serving intent to create a “standard” size of electric train or, more precisely, a standardized track system for electric trains, which he hoped would stifle competition from any other toy train makers, both at home and abroad.

Cowen rather quickly settled on a track system that measured a distinctive 2 1/8 inches between the running rails, assuring that similarly sized locomotives and cars offered by competitors would not be compatible unless they were reworked to conform to Lionel’s self-proclaimed standard. The track system itself, and the trains that operated upon this track, were thereafter designated as “Standard Gauge,” a term that has endured to the present day; and from 1907 until shortly before World War II, Lionel’s Standard Gauge trains were the accepted Standard of the World in their class.

The American public bought into Lionel’s “Standard of the World” slogan, and, more importantly, they bought Lionel Standard Gauge trains in ever increasing numbers. Even Lionel’s foremost domestic competitors of the time – most notably American Flyer and Ives – deferred to Lionel’s standard in fact if not in name and began manufacturing what they referred to as “Wide Gauge” trains, designed to operate on Lionel’s unique three-rail Standard Gauge track system. But despite Cowen’s somewhat devious intent, it’s also important to bear in mind that Lionel trains became the de facto standard, not just because Joshua Cowen said that they were, but because his somewhat pompous claims were largely validated by a line of toy trains that were superbly crafted, durable, attractive, and highly regarded by consumers.

Originally produced in a time when many homes were spacious enough to accommodate large model trains operating on the living room floor or elsewhere, Standard Gauge electric trains were truly designed to be admired as well as played with. Although they almost never faithfully duplicated the precise appearance of full detail of actual locomotives and cars seen on the nation’s railways, they more than made up for this in other ways. They were constructed of heavy, tinplated metal, adorned with gleaming enamel paint and outfitted with bright nickel or brass trim. Furthermore, they were powered by rugged and reliable motors that were easy to service and repair. Everything about these toys exemplified quality on a grand scale. In the world of toy electric trains, just about nothing else can compare to viewing an eight-foot-long Standard Gauge train streaking toward its imaginary destination amidst equally massive and colorful tinplate buildings, structures, and signals. It’s an awe-inspiring sigh t to behold, and one that, bridging generation gaps, continues to appeal to youngsters old oldsters alike.

Supported by Lionel’s visually stimulating and always persuasive advertising efforts, Standard Gauge effectively dominated the electric toy train landscape in America through World War I and into the years beyond the Great Depression. However, in the period leading up to U.S. involvement in the Second World War, it increasingly lost ground to smaller and more affordable O gauge electric trains, which Lionel had actually been making as early as 1915. By war’s end, Standard Gauge had virtually disappeared, not only from Lionel’s renowned consumer catalogs, but also from the inventory stocked by most hobby shops and department stores. Standard Gauge was all but gone – destined to be relegated to the ranks of museum artifacts, save for products offered by a few small but persistently to keep the tradition alive.

Gone, perhaps the closing years of the 20th century have witnessed a rekindling of interest in Standard Gauge electric trains. In large part, this relates to sentimental attachments to, and nostalgia for, the treasured artifacts of our nation’s heritage, especially among members of the so-called Baby Boomer generation and their immediate predecessors. And Standard Gauge trains were indeed treasured – lovingly preserved in many instances – and passed along from generation to generation, not unlike Great Grandmother’s fine silver or the family photo album. Whatever the reasons that may have sparked this resurgence of interest, the real flames were ignited in 1988 when Lionel Trains, Inc., then-current owners of the trademark, reintroduced models of several of the most desirable Standard Gauge trains and accessories first released in the 1920s and 1930s. Appropriately labeled as “Lionel Classics,” these striking and somewhat costly reproductions quickly nudged their way into train collectors’ hearts.

Although Lionel set the “standard” in Standard Gauge electric trains, erstwhile competitors such as Ives and American Flyer also produced models very similar to Lionel’s. Ives’ rendition of a St. Paul electric locomotive occupies the turntable in this photograph, while American Flyer’s version of the same locomotive awaits its turn at right


Today, these colorful, rugged, and boisterous toys are no longer being produced by Lionel, but they are still being offered by a firm that, by most accounts, ranks as Lionel’s most formidable competitor in the contemporary toy train marketplace: MTH Electric Trains, of Columbia, Maryland. Mike Wolf, the energetic young founder of MTH, has openly professed a personal fondness for Standard Gauge, even though he was not even born until long after original Standard Gauge items had become highly sought after commodities for museum display cases.

Wolf’s attachment to Standard Gauge is both profound and engaging. In the foreword to a recently published book detailing the development or Standard Gauge model railroading (America’s Standard Gauge Electric Trains, written by Dr. Peter H. Riddle and published under the Antique Trader Books imprint), Wolf noted that “the combination of colors, shapes, and sounds of tinplate toy trains creates something of an artistic impression for their owners. While some may prefer more traditional art forms – paintings that can be hung on walls, or statues that are placed on pedestals, for example – my preferred art form can actually be played with as well as admired. Tinplate toy trains – and especially Standard Gauge toys trains – truly are works of art as well as treasured artifacts.”

The wisdom of Wolf’s words is amply evidenced in the photographs accompanying this article, most of which were selected from the previously described book. If the old adage that “a picture is worth a thousand words” really has merit, perhaps these colorful images may help convey the irresistible, almost magnetic, attraction of these charming classic toys. So sit back, relax, and savor a bit of nostalgia born in a bygone era and perpetuated to the present day by a dedicated group of toy train collectors and operators who devote their leisure hours to bringing history to life.

Contemporary reproductions of Standard Gauge trains, such as those seen here on Kughn’s Carail Museum layout, are often adorned in attractive color schemes not offered on models produced between the World Wars.


[:I]
1. Only in America......can a pizza get to your house faster than an ambulance.
2. Only in America......are there handicap parking places in front of a skating rink.
3. Only in America......do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.
4. Only in America......do people order double cheese burgers, large fries, and a diet Coke.
5. Only in America......do banks leave both doors to the vault open and then chain the pens to the counters.
6. Only in America......do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.
7. Only in America......do we use answering machines to screen calls and then have call waiting so we won't miss a call from someone we didn't want to talk to in the first place.
8. Only in America......do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight.
9. Only in America......do we use the word 'politics' to describe the process so well: Poli' in Latin meaning 'many' and 'tics' meaning 'bloodsucking creatures'.
10. Only in America......do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.
[:I]

[LoveDomes]

Good Morning Proprietor Tom and fellow traveles at the bar!

Yes - I made it! "The Lars Man" now has the bar! Boris ring the bell - round up Tex and get the OJ flowing to one and all! [tup]

Did I count correctly[?] Ten individuals visited the bar yesterday, with several making multiple posts! Outstanding - and it appears that the "Tuesday theme" idea has won wide enthusiasm. Great idea!

Also a fine start to this day with the always informative SUMMARY followed by Doug's eye-opener for "Pike Perspective Days!" The joke, however . . . . [swg]

I will be here for the morning, but must skeedaddle for pressing matters requiring my attention this afternoon. Family stuff . . . .

How about some breakfast[?]

Lars

[Anonymous]

And a jolly good Pikes Perspective Day to one and all.This joint was "jumpin" yesterday and the only catalyst I am aware of is the W.P. and related Theme. Al, by gadfrey, it is good to see y'all nice and pastuerized or is that homoginized? Tom or Lars (whomsoever), I should follow Al's good example with a Bovine bracer but not now, maybe after "Big T"... "maybe"... that is.[swg] Sorry about these ungodly early posts but its "either or" in my case; the "or" being nada! Rob looks like we are in similar dire straits with our respective Pikes. No sooner did my "well intentioned" roadbed changes get underway than (as you know) "all hell broke loose." Already upper 80's deg. F. with suffocating humidity is upon us hereabouts.[tdn] Oh well, the work isn't going any where, right? BTW, your mention of the Sacramento Northern and Tidewater "connection" (to W.P.) would make a superb Theme for another day. Then, if one could "tie in " with the San Fran ancient Key System, what a tour-de-force that would make.


Nick old chap, "computer generated images" or C.G I. caused quite a stir among the "rank and file." Your descriptive words on the geography of the land in question should definitely cast all doubts aside. Doug, "keep a stiff upper lip," while all these activities crash around you. At least that way you will have a firm "lip lock" on your favorite quaff...the only answer under such duress.[(-D] Pete, I won't know the "lay of the land" for months on a Mo Jo joy ride. The pitiful reality is that going via Amtrak; a stinking bus ride from Memphis to St. Louis is part of the (or)deal.[V] Not for me! If I can pull it off, it would be a flight direct to Kcity and car rental for "run outs." It's still on the back burner of the Barbie outside. Gadzooks look at the time! I should be on U.S. route 60 crossing the Courtney Campbell causeway by now. Hit the bell Boris, and Tom or Lars, please an "open bar" on me until this Jackson runs out, okay? Happy rails

[siberianmo]

Mornin' Gents!

Three morning visitors - Doug - Lars 'n Ted - and it's just a tad after 7 AM (Central) - not a bad start! [tup]

Thanx for taking the bar for the AM "shift," Lars - it seems a bit odd being on this side of it! [swg] I'll just have to make an adjustment or two to my "custom permanent stool" (a gift from Count Robulla & the H&H gals) - latch 'er down and I'll be all set.

Number #3 from the Menu Board should be fine, thanx - I've alread sampled the turnovers in The Mentor Village Bakery case . . . [swg] Ummmmmmmm, coffee's good on a chilly morning . . . [tupp]

I'm going to retract my "threat" about Posting some Pix from my "Commemorative Run" of "The Canadian" on the Can-Am right of way. Those shots will show up for Sunday Photo Posting Day! Not that long of a wait for anyone filled with anticipation! [swg]

Must admit that your "Top Ten" really hit it off for me this day, Doug! [swg] Good job. [tup] Also I'll enjoy reading the article on toy trains - from what I've gathered thus far, it is a "good-un!" [tup]

Good to see ya stop by, Ted - I was here, perhaps you just didn't see my over in the corner, in the back, where it's dark! No, no - that's NOT Cindy back there . . . [}:)][:-,]


Catch y'all later - on 'n off - and many THANX, Lars for the respite . . . [tup][tup][tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]


REMINDER! Use the "Reload/Refresh" feature when first logging in and frequently thereafter IF you wi***o view the MOST CURRENT Posts!!!

[LoveDomes]

Morning Gents!

Nice to see ya this fine day, Kapitan Tom - you look fine on that side of the bar and perhaps we can do this more often! [tup]

I think we need to get Ted's "specs" prescription renewed - how could he have missed me behind the bar - it's not that I'm a little fella <grin>!! And you were right over there - as Flip Wilson used to say on his TV show - "in the back, in the corner where it's dark!" - leave it to you, Tom to come up with that! [swg][tup]

Catalyst around here is hands down our Proprietor. Next are the guys who keep the ball rolling with the timely, informative and well done posts throughout any given week. So, that makes it a synergestic event, huh[?] [yeah] Makes sense to me - none of this would work at all with all of the parts in synch . . . [tup]

I see that Wednesday is "beer barrel delviery day" - or B2D2 for the formula oriented amongst you! [swg] Anyway, I hope Boris' back can handle it! Do we REALLY go through THAT MANY barrels in a week[?] Good Gawd Gertie (an expression "lifted" from Tom) someone around here must be overdoing it . . . [swg]

Tom I was thinking out loud about a trip to the mid west and it appears to me that there is a possibility that it could work out. I'd love to see your Can-Am "museum, operating model railroad and Biergärten!" More via e-mail as developments unfold. Perhaps Pete could also find his way to your place and we could haved a "mini-rendezvous" take place!

Sports report: The Cardinals and Mets now have identical records for this early stage of the season. Cream always rises to the top, they say! Also see the White Sox right back where they seem to thrive - 1st place. Well, it is a loooooooong season, and we'll see what it all looks like in a couple of months. Still excited about my team's chances - but the reality sets in rather quickly when one takes the time to check out the other guy's team and talents. <groan>

Ok - 'nuf from the rambling "Guest Barkeep!" So, who's ready for a refill[?

Lars

[siberianmo]

G’day!

It’s Pike Perspective’s Day! at ”Our” Place! Here’s a little something to perhaps rekindle some interest in the “Classic Toy Trains” that many of us recall from those childhood days of long ago. If you were like any of the guys I knew back then, these are the things dreams were made of:


1950 American Flyer catalog




1952 American Flyer catalog




1953 American Flyer catalog




1955 American Flyer catalog





1956 American Flyer catalog



I'll be gone for the day . . .

Enjoy![tup]


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[LoveDomes]

Lars has the Bar!

Nice catalogs, Tom! Never get tired looking at those remembrances from my youth! Although, as the 50s gathered momentum, my toy train days were falling back . . .

American Flyer had some great stuff out there and as with your comments on earlier pages, it was a great toy train manufacturer - A.C. Gilbert of New Haven, Connecticut! Chees to all who made such an impression for and with the youth of the day (and today!) [tup][tup][tup]

One day I'll get the "bug" and assemble all of those trains I've spoken of. Just has to be 'right' if you know what I mean. My idea of a hobby is something to act as a diversion from everyday life. Well, retirement is my diversion right now! [swg] Man oh man am I ever diverted! <grin/groan>

I've got just about 2 hours left on my "shift" then hopefully we'll see a "relief" stroll in . . . Cindy IS here and said she'd "watch the store" as long as necessary! Well, that's fine - we'll be watching her as she's watching us! <grin>

C'mon guys, the food's ready and the conversation doesn't cost a thing, other than your time!

Lars

[BudKarr]

Good Morning “Guest Barkeep” Lars and all assembled!


Something different today – ah, my “bookend” has managed to get himself installed BEHIND the bar. Heretofore a privilege reserved for the holders of the “Permanent Stools,” or so I thought! [swg] A new day and new ways – this idea of “Guest Bartender’ is something that I hope takes hold. Good approach! [tup][tup]


As has been my practice, I’m a bit “light” on the substantive material for most “special days,” this being no exception. I do enjoy the browsing and reading though and appreciate the work others have put forth to keep this idea of “Pike Perspectives” moving forward. Nice work, Gentlemen! [tup]

Lars Man I will have a Southern Comfort on the rocks – no, no – you don’t shake those nor do you stir them! Watching far too many “James Bond” movies I believe! [swg] And, a round for the house if you please.

News from the mountaintop is we are NOT going anywhere this weekend. At least thus far I have not been so apprised! [swg] So, it is my hope that I will be able to maintain a posture at the bar (as in upright on the stool!) throughout the coming days! <laugh>

We will be heading “down the mountain” for a mid-week “vitals” trip, perhaps a stop at our favorite Inn for lunch and then back home. Ah, life is grand when one does not have to be concerned about the things I used to be concerned about! Now that is a mouthful, indeed.

If you happen to catch these words, Captain Tom I want to say again how much I enjoyed the Canadian Pacific spread and all the efforts put into them. Good show! Also, the “theme” for yesterday seemed to have attracted quite a few others with all of the additional information provided. Well done, again! [tup][tup]

One more if you please, barkeep!


Enjoy the day, Gentlemen!


BK in beautiful Alberta, Canada’s high mountain country!

[coalminer3]

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

Cold front rolled through here last evening just on the way home from work. I love horizontal rain accompanied by strike after strike of lightning - who needs headlights!? Anyway it's a lot cooler here today than yesterday. Gas is $2.99/gal. this a.m. Same price everywhere, and there's "no collusion according to highly-placed sources."

"What a day!" as Curly once said. I am, of course, referring to WP material yesterday.

Lars- Silver Crescent shot was a keeepr.

Tom - Zephyr ads. Who else out there remembers i column-wide ads that WP used to run for the Zephyr in the National Geographic? Black and white with line drawings with red used as a spot color - simple design, yet very effective.

Dave - Thanks for sharing the collection of material on the WP.

Then we had Wanswheel's URL highlights - thanks!

I see where Nick can't escape from mining (I know it goes with that part of the word). At least he can dig on your property. Right under the grass at our palatial dwelling is a several foot thick layer of red dog (obviously used to level the land) with sandstone right under that. Ebquiring minds want to know how he shot all that rock w/o disturbing the neighbors.

Rob had some interesting material on Sac No. and TS. For some reason, Tidewater Southern boxcars were fairly regular visitors on the L&N when I lived in Nashville; most oif the time, they came in from the west on the old NC&StL. (Tom, there's a theme possibility for you).

Now today is Pike Perspectives and we begin with Barndad's post on (OMG!) Standard Gauge. My! my! I guess that's why I always liked NYC's S motors.

Then our 'steamed proprietor provided some vintage AF material.

A story on the news brought Marx (Toys, not Karl, Boris!) to mind. My first trian - ever - was a Marx product. There is a Marx Musuem in Glen Dale, WV which I will have to go visit sometime soon. Their URL is posted below - you can click on the images and enlarge them. It ain't just trains here, but a lot of other icons of our youth (misspent or otherwise!)

Here are a couple of URLs on Marx material which should really get the nostalgia going.

http://www.marxtoymuseum.com

This is more rail-oreinted and has some interesting background on Marx trains.

htp://www.thortrains.net/marstart.html

work safe

[LoveDomes]

Gentlemen!

Belly up to the bar and have a round on me! [tup]

Time’s approaching when I’ll have to make way for duties above and beyond the scope of the bar. The wife beckons . . . [swg]

Good to see my “bookend” this morning and always enjoy the thoughts from “the mountaintop!” [tup] Sticking around the property, eh[?] Not a bad idea, I’m sure “she” will find all sorts of things that require YOUR attention! [swg]

Coalminer3 has visited with one of his typical great morning posts. But, I’m a bit “slighted” – no mention of my being here, tending to the needs of one and all! Hmmmmm, must be chagrined at me for the “coal-what’s-his-face” stuff! Enjoyed your URLs and the rest, in spite of it all!

The “bar” thanks your for the quarters and round. Boris loves to play with those quarter rolls – and Tex scampers across the floor until he catches up with the rolling roll, then commences to tear it to shreds. Quarters, quarters everywhere, and not a one to “clink!” <boo, hiss>

Okay guys, it’s been “real!”

CINDY has the bar (and anything else she wants!!)[swg]



Until the next time!

Lars

[trolleyboy]

Good morning Lars and everyone else[:)]. Seems like everyone is misbehaving well this morning,nice to see Cindy sort of[;)][:I]. I think a number 3 off the menu for me this morning should do just about right along with a karaf of coffee,and a mentor apple turnover.No Boris I don't want the sleeze bean dip with that,it's a bit heavy as a breakfast food[xx(]

Nice to see so many faces in already this morning seeing as how bright and sunny it is ( at least here )Oh lars watch out behind you bwooong gwooong. Ooh sorry bout that I see Boris has now iniated you officially as a guest bartender. Ole 99 over the head and a couple of gongs. Not to worry the vertigo will pass along with the ringing in your ears[;)][:o)]

Doug fine pikes post this morning sir, nice shots of the old and the bold there in the article. And hey on this forum yiou can mention MTH and not get the usual crap that the name envokes out on the main forums[:(!] Quite the character Mr Wolfe, I wonder if he is a rencarnation of Mr Cowen,the personaalities are similar at any rate.

Tom Nice nostalgic posters,are copies going up in the bars Water Closets ? I'm glad to see that your stool's obviously built for two ( nice feature eh )[:I][:D]

Ted Howdy do there Sir Ted, yes my pike is in a veritable holding pattern as well It will marcjh forward however. I like the uidea of doing a wider SN and TS disscussion, I will however need some support, what I put up yesterday is the sum total I know,please feel free to jump in and perhpas if the gods of the west coast are favouring us Dave can chip in as well.I'm with you, I have no taste for busses of any variety epeacially on any sort of long run. Wheels aand Rails baby is where it's at.

Well if rambled enough, back later. Lars here's a twenty to perpetuate a round or so with once the heavier stuff starts flowing. Oh and don't let Boris and Tex give you any lip about the keg un loading,its their job.

Rob

[trolleyboy]

Well Lars looks like a pretty successful first foray behind da bar other than the slight headache[swg] I see that Mr Coalminer has poped by as well as your bookend, good to see both of you gents in this morning as well.

BK You will notice that all reserved abd permanent stools had seat belts installed. Mostly due to the highly polished sheen Boris is want to give them, that and for decorum. The reserved and permenant stools must be upright at all times while at the bar ( it's written on the back of the coasters in red crayon ) Most likley a tweetable offence otherwise.

CM3 Wonderfull urls sir, very much appropriate to today's diongs and shakings ! Gas is still hovering at the $1.07 a litre here but no there's no collusion around these parts either.Even inspecter Clueless won't touch that one for all the money in Texas [swg] Interesting that the TS's boxcars would travel so often to the absolute opposite part of the country. I do however rember seeing many a SN boxcar in Ontario when I was a kid growing up so alls fair in pooled rail equipment eh ?

Pete I see that you are in hows about sharing a pot of tea unless it's too much " WORK " [swg] BTW got your email figured you and your wife would have enjoyed that.

Gotta run work becons [sigh] Cindy seems wild and reved to go for some reason however. [;)]

Rob

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom And All.

It seems I have just missed LARS busy turn as barkeep. I'm glad you enjoyed it. and you done a great job [^[bow].

I see the barrel of Bathams has arrived[^]. The Steam railway magazine has a section called the Glorious Years which features photos of steam in BR days. A few years back they gave a supplement away with the mag called the Glorious Beers which told of the real ales which could be found near preserved lines in it it told of the amount of Bathams that is sold in the Railwayman's Arms on Bridgnorth station on the Severn Valley Railway, Lars comment on how much beer we get through brought this to mind. It seems beer and railways go together.
Having said that I had better have a coffee this morning.

A great fini***o WP day yesterday with ALs Streamlined details and MIKEs great links, loved the night photos and the great scenery the California Zephyr travelled through. The link on the WP electric lines showed a photo of a diesel on one of the lines which tied in with ROBs great post on the WP electric lines[tup] I am still looking for some info on Brit HEP Rob.

NICK Great info on the Vof R[tup]. Sorry you missed KE1 on the special. I have found this link which I hope you will find of some use.
http://www.uksteam.info/tours/trs06.htm

DOUG Many thanks for the very detailed post with photos on the Lionel Standard especially with all the work you have going on [tup][bow][yeah]. Loved yesterdays joke[:D].

CM3 I will have to study the links they look great[tup].

TED I very much hope you can make it to MO this year and LARS idea of a mini rendezvous would be magical. To see the Can-Am in person really is a treat and the museum at Kirkwood is well worth a visit.

BK I think we will have to get Lars back behind the bar so he can practise the Sothern Comfort serving. I bet he will do a great job of serving the Bathams[tup].

Tom Its good to see you this side of the bar and putting the stool to good use. Great American Flyer catalog covers and interesting comparison to the Lionel ones you posted. Like the new Comedy Corner[tup].

I hope to be back later with a model layout story later .MY this coffee is good today Is BORIS's sock really the secret ingrediant[?] PETE.

[pwolfe]

Hi ROB
Just caught your posts, allright Cindy it as gone 12 so I'll try a Bathams.

I see the chap in Doug's post didn't have an 'e' in the Wolf but I have noticed how common the name Wolfe is round here, far more than where I come from, most seem to be quite well off I am hoping they may be some distant relatives[:-^].

The Bride as gone away for a couple of days with work and the dog as eaten the Honey-Do list at least it did when I put some dog food on it [:)][:-,] PETE.

[coalminer3]

Good Afternoon Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.

I surely did not mean to slight Lars as guest bartender. But, I thought Cindy was there. Probably a case of being "overlooked" rather than "looked over." Sorry - couldn't resist.

Have a good evening

work safe

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

A pint of Bathams please Cindy

In England If someone said to the kids we are going to ALTON TOWERS their eyes would light up as mine did over 40 years ago.
Then Alton Towers was famous for its splendid gardens laid out in different styles like Swiss and Chinese which no doubt attracted my parents but for me the excitement ,as we boarded the Midland "Red' motor coach, was what was advertised as "the largest model railway of its type in the world".The gardens also had a Miniture Railway running which was a wonderful distraction from the flora and pagodas I was supposed to look at.
I was hoping to post some pics but there a couple of URLs to see the trains
http://www.towerstimes.co.uk/history/oldrides/modelrailway.htm
http://www.towerstimes.co.uk/history/articles/endofline.htm

Sadly both attractions are no longer,. both victims of a changing way of life. Today's youngsters are attracted there as it is one of the worlds leading Theme parks(their words) with some of the biggest amusement rides.It would take as much, if not more, effort to get me in there now as it took to get me away from the model railway did then.
PETE.