"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[siberianmo]

Even though ”Our” Place is CLOSED on SUNDAY’s –
We do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day!


Our man, Nick “Has come to save the day!” once more with some “mighty” fine Pix that began last Sunday and ends next week. . . . Nick will provide the explanations at a later time . . . [tup][tup][tup]


(1)




(2)




(3)




(4)




(5)



Thanx, Nick! We look forward to your descriptions . . . . [tup][tup][tup]


If you are browsing, how about letting the guys know that you’ve enjoyed their efforts!


Enjoy![tup]


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


REMINDER! Read the SUMMARY!

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang.

Just tuned in a couple of times to enjoy all of the photos.

Tom enjoyed the layout photos and can say that I have ridden the Canadian in all three paint schemes and even rode the Canadian behind one of the E-8s when assigned to it east of Calgary . It was mixed with a GP-9 and FP-9 on that occasion. Also rode behind the CP E -8s many times on the Atlantic Limited. This was the major assignment for the two remaining E-8 units for many years. They were built for service to Boston from Montreal and when that service ended they ended up operating to St. John by that time their were only two surviving of the original three. Not sure how the third was destroyed.

The english locos I know nothing about except i enjoy the pictures. Liked how colorful the english locos were.

Lars enjoyed the Turbo photos. The Yellow Via Scheme earned the nickname Bic for the Bic Pens available at the time in yellow. Only Via equipment to carry that particular paint scheme. Even though the Turbos did not operate that many years those operated in Canada carried two paint schemes the CN with Red Noses overall white with Black CN lettering and if memory serves me correct the rooofs of the domes were also black.

TTFN Al

[BudKarr]

Good Afternoon Captain Tom and all looking in!


Very enjoyable spate of photos from you, Pete & Nick for this Sunday Pix Posting Day! Kudos to all for your efforts! [tup]


Here are a few from a railroad being “featured’ on Tom’s “other thread” today . . .


AT&SF Doodlebug M.160 (photo credit: Ben Kroger)




AT&SF F7A #49 (unknown photo credit)




AT&SF FP45 #5942 (photo credit: Bob Finan)




]AT&SF GP60M # 90 (photo credit: Ted Ellis)



Enjoy this fine day! [tup]


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

[siberianmo]

Even though ”Our” Place is CLOSED on SUNDAY’s –
We do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day!


G’day!

Continuing with the next installment of 6 photos of 24 commemorating this past Monday’s 51st Anniversary of – “The Canadian” of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Enjoy! [tup]


(7) Three popular trains




(8) CP Rail’s The Canadian




(9) The Canadian southbound on the west slope




(10 Passing Canadians




(11) The Canadians meet at Our Place




(12) CP Rail’s The Canadian at Mentor Junction




Stay tuned, the final 12 will arrive next Sunday!



If you are browsing, how about letting the guys know that you’ve enjoyed their efforts!


Enjoy![tup]


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]



REMINDER!
Sunday Photo Posting Day! ends at SUNSET.
Save up those Pix for NEXT WEEK - PLEASE!!

[siberianmo]

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REMINDER:

Sunday Photo Posting Day!

Is a “Sunrise to Sunset” event!

PLEASE try to stay within those times.

Thanx!


Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


[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]

[Anonymous]

Wow … it doesn’t take long to fall behind here. I’m still working my way through the ENCORES. Tom posts the , and Al follows it up with a streamliner (and a Seaboard Coast Line post later). Very well done! Lots of cross-posting too … Rob posting for Tom … Lars posting for BK, CM3 and Tom, a British Rail post of Tom’s posted by Peter ... and it all works! Good to see Ted and Dave, and Mike’s URLs as usual.

Great movie poster pix once again, Tom. I haven’t seen Cobb … looking forward to it. Beautiful steam and station pix Peter. Love your layout pix, both installments, Tom (I am so jealous), and pix from Nick. Then Lars posted absolutely terrific turbo train pix. Loved the pix (especially the Doodlebug) from BK.

Canadian Pacific postcard shows the transcontinental Canadian heading into the Rockies. John Kelly collection


Santa Fe GP7 2695 leads 10 sisters around the curve at Summit, California, on March 6, 1966, on the way down the hill for more pusher assignments. J.W. Swanberg


Rock Island 407 was one of 10 EMD FP7s on the roster. Here it passes Blue Island Yard with an inbound commuter run to Chicago’s LaSalle Street Station on the main line in August 1951. S-57 class 0-8-0 308 working the yard has three more years to live.


Rock Island class R-67b Northern 5041 enters the freight lead at the west end of the Blue Island interlocking in November 1951 with an eastbound from the big classification yard at Silvis. RI acquired 65 of the handsome 69” drivered R-67bs in 1929 and 1930; with 20 higher-drivered sisters acquired during WW II, they made up the country’s largest fleet of 4-8-4s, handling the bulk of the railroad’s fast freight business until diesels came.


Incorporated as the Davenport & Rock Island Railway & Bridge Company in 1884, and later renamed to the Davenport, Rock Island & North Western in 1938, the DRI Line was a 48-mile switching road owned jointly by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy and the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific. The DRI Line’s independence continued util descendants of its original owners (Burlington Northern and Canadian Pacific) absorbed the company in 1995.

[LoveDomes]

Hello Tom

Hey - it's still daylight where I am! Is it OK for me to post some pix! [swg]

Just kidding - I'm kinda out of gas. Just wanted to see what's been submitted since my last visit. Good stuff guys!

Really great idea to have that "commemorative" day for "The Canadian(s)" on your Can-Am layout. How many guys do something like that, I wonder[?] Our "steamed Proprietor" does!! [tup][tup][tup]

As previously stated - great shots from Pete & his mate in England! [tup][tup][tup]

Nice Santa Fe from my "bookend" up there in Alberta! Man oh man - you're getting the hang of this stuff, eh[?] (that's Canadian for "huh") [swg]

Guess we'll have to wait 'til next Sunday for Count Robulla & the Barnman to "do their thing!" [swg]

Looks like only one "browser" stopped in - nice to see ya, 20 Fingers! [swg]

Hey - just caught the post from barndad Doug - great shots, nice quality! Always funy cartoon too! [swg] Good to see ya! [tup]


See ya tomorrow at the bar! [tup]

Lars

[nickinwestwales]

Well What Ho chaps-village vagrant back again-few unexpected curve balls recently but couldn`t miss picture posting- My (2nd) favourite sunday passtime-and what a treat.[^]

PETE-Nice ones from both your man and yourself-Before I forget,thanks for the steam excursions link-gold-dust mate[tup].
Fair chance that both diesels in first shot are Hymeks-when I visited they had one in `Dutch` grey/yellow and one in `Tri-Ang/Hornby` 2-tone green with all the trimmings-have got pix somewhere,will try to find.
Green Knight looking very elegant up there on the moors-for my money,that green suits the `standards`rather well.
Talking of looking well,that Lambton 0-6-2 rather suits the N.E.R colours-I have one of their early stockbooks which has a pic of this loco still in very scruffy N.C.B livery.
Aren`t those window frames on the Metro-Cammell Pullmans a dead giveaway.

[4:-)][oX)]TOM----------[tup][^][tup]---------A magnificent spread my friend-I can only imagine the amount of time this must have taken to organise--So-which is your favourite `Park` car -& why..?
Nice `bird`s eye` view of the Can-Am loco yard ( although I have reservations about the wisdom of strapping a camera to Awk like that ) -I never realised there was a nissan hut next to the carriage washer..!
What is the livery on that caboose working the head-end car siding over on the right..?
---I could easily ramble on for pages here-in summary-have enjoyed unusual views of the Can-Am and some wonderful shots of stages in the evolution of one of the definative `Classic Trains`--Nice one mate[tup]--thank you (as you know,a trip up the line is always a treat..)

LARS-Nice Turbo-Train pix,a really sleek looking machine-think the original finish looked better-that VIA yellow looked like something from `Thunderbirds` and the Amtrak didn`t sit right ( besides looking in need of TLC)-an ignominious end.

AL-nice to see you-glad you are enjoying the Brit steamers-they have a charm all their own

B.K-Hi up there in big sky country-enjoyed the S.F pix-good choice[^]

DOUG-Yet again a delightful cross-section, as a dweller in a slow-paced ultra rural community,I can identify with the cartoon
Right,post this and then attempt pix captions....[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

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Gentlemen,

Ever wonder about those fine pix that have been Posted during past Sunday Photo Posting Days! [?] The guys who took the time and made the effort to provide one and all with some enjoyable pix deserve to have their work preserved. So, here’s something you may want to “bookmark” for future use:

UNFORTUNATELY some of the Pix have disappeared, especially those stored with PhotoBucket.


INDEX:
January – April 2006 Sunday Photo Posting Days!

Begins on: . . . . . click on the URL

(1) Page 214, 08 Jan 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=214&TOPIC_ID=35270

(2) Page 220, 15 Jan 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=220&TOPIC_ID=35270

(3) Page 227, 22 Jan 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=227&TOPIC_ID=35270

(4) Page 232, 29 Jan 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=232&TOPIC_ID=35270

(5) Page 238, 05 Feb 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=238&TOPIC_ID=35270

(6) Page 244, 12 Feb 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=244&TOPIC_ID=35270

(7) Page 251, 19 Feb 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=251&TOPIC_ID=35270

(8) Page 257, 26 Feb 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=257&TOPIC_ID=35270

(9) Page 264, 05 Mar 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=264&TOPIC_ID=35270

(10) Page 273, 12 Mar 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=273&TOPIC_ID=35270

(11) Page 280, 19 Mar 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=280&TOPIC_ID=35270

(12) Page 285, 26 Mar 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=285&TOPIC_ID=35270

(13) Page 291, 02 Apr 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=291&TOPIC_ID=35270

(14) Page 297, 09 Apr 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=297&TOPIC_ID=35270

(15) Page 306, 16 Apr 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=306&TOPIC_ID=35270

(16) Page 312, 23 Apr 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=312&TOPIC_ID=35270

(17) Page 318, 30 Apr 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=318&TOPIC_ID=35270


With my compliments![tup]


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


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[trolleyboy]

Well good evening gents,been a weekend that's for sure. figured that I would sneak this through the mail slots as it were.What can i say folks, I have to say thank-you to everyone for encoring till you could encore no more on Saturday,an absolutly great day. 5x[tup] For all of you ! Tom. doug , Al .Lars and Pete and BK, see it isn't all that hard, a saturday to remember for sure,hopefully the first of many to come. This does prove why this is such a speacial thread, everyone take a [bow] for keepinng this thread remarkably JO free [tup]

Dave I look forward to the day of the Nor cal transit posts.Email me when yiou are planning on doing it, I'll see if I can come up with any more info, I'll also let Ted know should be a wonderfull info fest.

Pete Loved Alan's shots, he has a real eye for photo's [tup]

Tom What can I say, I heard the bilingual train anouncements with those shots LOL, truly wonderfull work there my friend [tup]

Lars Loved the turbos, wonderfull shots, just as wonderfull the second time around.

BK great photo choices from you today as well. Thank lydia for us for getting you slowley but surley more forum litterate. To bad Russ wasn't more common around here he would have loved those shots of the ATSF

Doug As always a couple great choices from you as well,thanks for taking a couple minutes out to hang with us here at the bar [tup]

[b] Nick hey nice to see you breeze through as well, always a pleasure to see your shots in the mix as well.

Rob

[trolleyboy]

Sorry folks, I know my submissions are late. I'll pop for the morning breakfast speacials to attone, but I couldn't let a third Sunday slip by without myself helping out a tad. This is the second set of shots mnet to have been posted last week, but did not. All are from the HCRY's photo collection all shots taken by founding member #2 J.D. Knowles, a good friend of Heatrher and myself. All thes shots are from the 50's of the Sudbury and Copper Cliffs Railway.



Shot of the main carbarn





Both these shots are of the SCC's comno workcar. It served as line car snowplow and snowsweeper a true jack of all trades !



SCC rotary snowplow, non self powered this car was pushed by you guessed it the combo car when the drifts were bad enough.

This final shot comes from another founding member Omar Lavalee, his name may be familiar as an author of many steam era books. This is moving day in 1955. The museum's first two cars heading down hwy 6 to the museum.




enjoy Rob

[siberianmo]

courtesy: www.trainweb.org

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


MONDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS

It’s May 1st! A new month begins along with a new work week (for many). - 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

Nerve succeeds.


Info for the Day:


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


* Weekly Calendar:


Wednesday: Model & Toy Trains 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]



Comedy Corner

Nearly Always True

"The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire."

------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Blue water Navy truism: There are more planes in the ocean than
submarines in the sky."
--From an old carrier sailor

------------------------------------------------------------------------
"If the wings are traveling faster than the fuselage, it's probably a
helicopter -- and therefore, unsafe."

------------------------------------------------------------------------
"When one engine fails on a twin-engine airplane you always have enough
power left to get you to the scene of the crash."

------------------------------------------------------------------------
"What is the similarity between air traffic controllers and pilots?
If a pilot screws up, the pilot dies; If ATC screws up ... the pilot dies."

------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Never trade luck for skill."

------------------------------------------------------------------------
The three most common expressions (or famous last words) in aviation
are: "Why is it doing that?", "Where are we?" and "Oh S--t!"

------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Weather forecasts are horoscopes with numbers."

------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Progress in airline flying: now a flight attendant can get a pilot pregnant."

------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Mankind has a perfect record in aviation; we never left one up there!"

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


[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 30th thru May 6th: Cobb (1994) starring: Tommy Lee Jones & Robert Wuhl –and- Hoosiers (1986) starring: Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey & Dennis Hopper. SHORT: Three Little Pigskins (1934).



SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 06:53:13 (318) Sunday’s Info & Summary

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 06:54:25 (318) Now Playing at the Emporium!

(3) pwolfe Pete Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 07:14:30 (318) Pete’s “mate” sent 4 Pix!

(4) pwolfe Pete Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 08:43:58 (318) 3 Pix!

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 09:48:05 (318) 6 Can-Am Pix!

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 10:07:26 (318) Comments

(7) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 10:34:00 (318) Lars Report & 5 Pix!

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 12:28:22 (318) 5 Nick’s Pix!

(9) passengerfan Al Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 14:11:44 (319) Pix comments!

(10) BudKarr BK Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 14:27:10 (319) 4 Pix!

(11) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 15:56:47 (319) 6 Can-Am Pix!

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 17:03:31 (319) Reminder!

(13) barndad Doug Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 17:20:21 (319) 5 Pix & cartoon!

(14) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 17:24:01 (319) Pix comments

(15) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 20:18:11 (319) Pix comments!

(16) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 23:11:34 (319) Pix Index – Jan-Apr 2006




That’s it! [tup][;)]


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

[siberianmo]

Good Mornin’ Gents!

May 1st – the 5th month of the year already! Wonder how many kids “dance around the May pole” any more[?] Wonder how many kids even know what that is (was)! Wonder when May Day became other than a call from a ship or aircraft in distress or a political statement[?] Wonder of wonders, eh[?]


I’d say the last Sunday of April turned out to be a successful Pix Posting event. The quality certainly was there and the quantity wasn’t bad either. Many THANX to Pete – Lars – BK – Nick ‘n Doug for the contributions! Multiple visits from Wolfman ‘n Larsman were most appreciated! [tup][tup][tup]

We seem to be a bit shy on the “browsers” lately – at least those who take the time to drop a note through the mail slots on either set of front doors . . . . THANX to Al for stopping by . . . [tup]

A couple of comments regarding the late Sunday Posts:

Nick Many thanx for the accolades! The commemorative run of “The Canadian” on the Can-Am right-of-way was enjoyable to orchestrate. [tup] Celebrating the 51st anniversary of one of the best known of North America’s streamliners, and perhaps Canada’s finest, surely wouldn’t have gone without mention on my layout! [swg]

That caboose you spotted is in the livery of Amtrak! Yes, they had some (perhaps still do). Mine is a replica of a 32 ft, 2 window, steel sided, with center cupola. It is sitting on a siding with a SW7 switcher and 3 Amtrak material handling/express box cars, which up until recently were used for mail and “small” freight.

Regarding my favorite Park car, it is the Revelstoke Park in VIA Rail livery. Why[?] Because I have traveled in that car more times than I can remember with and without my bride. As you most probably have noted, that replica is on the layout. Thanx for asking! [tup]


Good to see Doug made it in with those superb offerings! The cartoon was entertaining and certainly got a laugh ‘round this house! [swg] [tup][tup] Thanx for your kind words! Jealous[?] Why[?] After all, you’ve got sheep! [swg]


Now, on to this morning’s Posts:

Count Robulla! It was after 2 AM, your time – good grief, man! That makes it Monday – sorry no cigar! BUT, you get the “band” for a great effort! [swg] Amazing you anyone could function at that hour with not only a fine inclusive Post – but with Pix to follow! [tup][tup][tup] Three Sunday’s in a row, eh[?] I’d say that’s a Tweetable offense!! Tweeeeeeeeeeet! Tweeeeeeeeeeet! Rules violation! Rules violation! – Rule #17 – failure to Post Pix on Sunday when one is a Sunday Pix Poster! (How’s that????] Drinks on the Count!! – ring the bell Boris! OJ with “just a touch” for all at the bar . . . . [swg]


I expect to be here for the remainder of the day . . . . so, don’t be shy – let’s get some orders in for breakfast, B4 you head out into that cruel, cruel world! [swg]


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


BE SMARTER, use the “Reload/Refresh” as soon as you get to ”Our” Place It’s the only way to get the most current Posts!

[passengerfan]

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

Enjoyed all of the sunday photo posts and sorry i have no photos to contribute.

This is going to be a short post this AM as I am going back to bed. Just got up long enough to eat and its back to bed this AM.

TTFN Al

[coalminer3]

Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, olease; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.

Lots of stuff to talk about this morning,

The Seaboard lives! We start out with BKs picture of the E unit and then Lars’ thoughts for the day and a shot of the SAL GP9 – enlarge that picture if your ‘puter will let you, and you’ll find a set of FTs in the middle of the consist.

Rob provided a nice summary of SAL freight service.

Barndad – Excellent dog cartoon! I’ll have a little more about Galesburg in tomorrow’s CB&Q material.

Tom: Dogs and an E4 in one post – what else is there?

Then we had Tom and AL with SLSF postings.

The URLs from wanswheel had some fine publicity pictures. Check out the shot of the Metroliner if you haven’t seen it yet – has a PRR Keystone on the front – not something you saw every day.

Lars – Thanks for rerunning the RDC post.

Pete – I’m ready to take advantage of the reduced fare and see the home folks.

Al had a most useful collection of SCL sleeper data. The former C&O cars were all 11 db cars named for online resorts. For the life of me, I can’t recall whether they spelled the car name “Greenbriar” or “Greenbrier.” The latter spelling is the correct one, but then the C&O ran Alleghenies to Alleghany so go figure. We won’t even get into spelling and pronunciation of “Kanawha.” The 11 db cars and the dome cars you mentioned along with many of the other 10/6 cars appeared in Nashville at various times as I remember photographing them. The “bird” cars (Slumbercoaches) ran for a time on Amtrak 448 and 449, back when the Boston section of the Lake Shore had a sleeper. I believe I photographed many of them as well as rode on most of them. I won’t get into my rant abt. Slumbercoaches, lest Tex drag me out of the building.

Petes posts – UK material and a fine looking Wabash station. I have a metal print of an EMD builders card in my sty (office) at work which features an A-B-A set of Wabash F units.

What can I say abt. our steamed proprietors coach yard. I looked carefully; 17 bar cars, a dome lounge, and a rider coach on one train – wonder if he runs charters? The idea of Boris in a white coat with a bar towel on his arm presenting the bottle to the passenger... Seriously, a fine collection of models and some interesting photography as well.

Back to Lars again. Cobb was anything but politically correct – in life and in the movie – the mountain driving scene in the movie is an example – he was consistently mean. You should see the movie if you haven’t. Turbo train material brought back some memories and I made many trips on that beast. Noisy, smelled like a refinery, but the seat behind the engineer in the forward “dome” was the place to be.

Then we had Nick pix.

BK shared some ATSF material – excellent motorcar shot.

Barndad with the Rock Island and Rob with the Sudbury and Copper Cliffs rounded out a most busy and (my big word for the day) eclectic group of posts.

The new issue of the C&O Historical Magazine arrived Saturday. It has en fine piece by Gene Huddleston on C&O Baldwin diesels – check it out.

CB&Q tomorrow – looking forward to it.

Work safe

[siberianmo]

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Tom’s INDEX, thru Apr 2006
recommended for "bookmarking"


Fallen Flags (passenger ops):

106/150/253 SP … 106/150/293 MP .…108/155/170/314 WP … 109/182/318 Frisco
112/187 CNR . . . . .112/182 Heralds . . 114/195 ACL …......….. 115/195 SAL
116/195 D&RGW .. 118/181 RI . . . . . . 119/202 D&H …......….. 120/144 PRR
122/144 NYC .…… 124/202 UP ..…..…125/203 AT&SF .......…. 127/203/234 B&O
128/204 CM&StP . 129/205 CB&Q ......130/205 Soo Line .....…. 133/205 C&NW
134/206 SP&S ….. 136/213 GN …..…. 139/216/307 B&M ...….. 140/218 NH
141/219 MEC …… 142/221 BAR .……. 145/226 NP .…....…….. 146/231 L&N
147/237 WRR …... 148/234 C&O .…….148/243 KCS ….....…… 151/250 N&W
152/256 Erie …….. 152/263/299 IC ……154/271 NPR ….....…… 155/280 SOU
156/284 CGW …... 157/290 RDG .…... 158/290 MON …......….. 159/305 IT
162/311 LV ..…….. 163 GM&O ...……..164 Extra


Personal rail trips

12/207 …… Canada Rail Journey, Part I
13/207 …… Canada Rail Journey, Part II
15/207 …… Canada Rail Journey, Part III
16/207 …… Canada Rail Journey, Part IV (final)
80 ………... Dallas Trip
99/206 .…... A trip to remember (personal account of cross-Canada rail trip)
124/243 ….. A tale of Classic Trains BC Rail RDC trip
134/206 ….. Personal RR journey CPR’s “The Canadian”
199 ………. A Trip to Remember (Remembrance Day Train 2005)


Passenger Train Nostalgia:

110/181 .…. MKT Combined Fallen Flag and Ads
112/187 ….. CNR Ad - Super Continental Time Table
113/144 .…. #1 ”Start ups” 1800s & early 1900s
117/144 .…. #2 Ad - Vista-Dome sleeper obs-lounge
121/174 .…. #3 Ad - CP Hotels & Lodges
127/202/234 .B&O Ad - Strata-Dome
127/219/234 .B&O Ad – Diesel Electric Trains
129/174 .…. #4 Ad - CN Hotels, Ltd.
130/206 .…. Great Britain #1 Poster - East Coast Route
133/221 .…. #5 Poster - CP 1886
133/211 ….. #6 Poster - CP 1950s
134/244 ….. #7 Poster - Washington & Old Dominion Railway
135/226 ….. Great Britain #2 London & Northwestern & Caledonian Railways
137/231 ….. Great Britain #3 London & Northwestern & Caledonian Railways
137/231 ….. #8 Ad – GN (1956)
139/237 ….. #9 Ads – GN (1956)
140/237 ….. #10 Ad – UP
141/250 ……Nostalgia 1956 Hotel Ads
142/257 ……Nostalgia Fairbanks-Morse motive power Ad
143/257 ….. #11 Ad - PRR – The Jeffersonian
145/259 ….. #12 Ad – NP
146/263 ….. #13 Ad – L&N
146/257 ….. Great Britain #4 Poster (1870s)
147/237 ..... #14 Ad – Budd & Wabash – New Blue Bird
148/234 ..... #15 Ad – C&O
149/264 ….. HERTZ Ad - 1956
151/271 ….. #16 Ad – Budd RDC (1950)
153/271 ….. #17 Ad – Budd RDC (1950)
153/247 ……North American Steam Loco Wheel Arrangements
154/272 ….. #18 Ad – Budd RDC (1953)
155/272 ….. #19 Ad – Budd RDC (1954)
156/250/253.#20 Ad – SP, Golden State (1951)
157/253 ……#21 Ad – SP, Sunset limited (1951
158/254 .......#22 Ad – SP, City of San Francisco (1951)
159/246 ……#23 Ad – AT&SF (1950)
161 …….…. 9 WWII Ads ENCORE! of Vets/Remembrance Day Commemoration
162/246 ……#24 Ad – AT&SF (1951)
163/247 ……#25 Ad – AT&SF (1952)
164/279 ….. #26 Ad – Olympian Hiawatha
166/264 ….. AVIS Ad – 1956
167/280 ….. Pocket List of RR Officials Ad – 1956
169/240 ...... #27 Ad – NYC Aerotrain (1956)
170/240 ...... #28 Ad – NYC Xplorer (1956)
171/284 ….. #29 Ad – CP (1950)
172/285 ….. #30 Ad – CP (1950)
173/285 ….. #31 Ad – Pullman (1950)
176/285 ….. #32 Ad – Pullman (1950)
177/291 ….. #33 Ad – Soo Line – Winnipegger (1956)
178/291 ….. #34 Ad – Burlington Route (1949)
180/291 ….. #35 Ad – Soo Line – Mountaineer (1956)
181/291 ….. #36 Ad – Soo Line – The Laker (1956)
182/291 ….. #37 Ad – MoPac – Eagle Dome Coaches (1956)
183/240 ….. #38 Ad – NYC – New 20th Century Ltd (1948)
184/297 ….. #39 Ad – PRR – Broadway Ltd (1949)
186/297 ….. #40 Ad – British Railways (1948)
186/305 ….. #41 Ad – Glacier National Park (1949)
188-189 ...... #1-8 Ad Christmas RR travel #1
190/240 ….. #42 Ad] – NYC – Dieseliner (1950)
191/247 …...#43 Ad – AT&SF – El Capitan (1949)
193/254 ..... #44 Ad – SP – Golden State (1949)
194/250 …...#45 Ad – Rock Island – Golden State (1949)
196/305 ….. #46 Ad – CP (1949)
197/260 ……#47 Ad – NP – Yellowstone (1949)
199/311 ….. #48 Ad – British Railways (1949)
200/311 ….. #49 Ad – UP – Bryce Canyon (1949)
200/311 ….. #50 Ad – SOU (1949)
209 …….…. #51 Ad – CP (1963)
209 ……….. #52 Ad – EMD (1948)
210 ……….. #53 Ad – CNR (1949)
211/234 ..... #54 Ad – B&O (1946)
212 …….…. #55 Ad – Pullman (1946)
218 …….…. #56 Ad – CP (1965)
219 …….…. #57 Ad – SP (1946)
222/260 …...#58 Ad – NP (1947)
222/240 ….. #59 Ad – NYC (1954)
224 ……….. #60 Ad – Great Britain: LMS – LNER (1933)
225 …….…. #61 Ad – UP (1933)
228/314 ….. #62 Ad – California Zephyr (1949)
228 ……….. #63 Ad – Budd Company (1949)
229 ……….. #64 Ad – Pullman Company (1949)
230 …….…. #65 Ad – Milwaukee Road (1933)
231 …….…. #66 Ad – Swiss Federal Railways (1933)
239 …….…. #67 Ad – SP (1948)
249 ……….. #68 Ad – NYC (1954)
254 ……….. #69 Ad – Railways of France (1933)
256 ……….. #70 Ad – CNR (1933)
258 ……….. #71 Ad – Great Britain: L M S and L N E R (1933)
271 ……….. #72 Ad – NP (1933)
274 ……….. #73 Ad: - CP (1952)
276 ……….. #74 Ad: - SOU (1956)
276 ……….. #75 Ad: - SOU (1956)
276 ……….. #76 Ad: - SOU (1955)
281 ……….. #77 Ad: - CP (1969)
284 ……….. #78 The Pullman Company
290 ……….. #79 Ad: - Pullman (1942)
292 ……….. #80 Ad: - SAL (1916)
293 ……….. #81 Ad: - MP (1953)
293 ……….. #82 Ad: - MP (1953)
304 ……….. #83 Ad: - ACL (1940
306 ……….. #84 Ad: - NYC (1953
310 ……….. #85 Ad: - PRR (1952)


Canadian RR events, history & Railways of the Past

215 …….…. Significant events in Canadian RR History (Jan): Part I of II, 1800s to 1900
216 …….…. Significant events in Canadian RR History (Jan): Part II of II, 1900s to present
241 ……….. This day in Canadian RR History (Feb 8th): Hinton train collision
243 ……….. Significant events in Canadian RR History (Feb)
246 ……….. Canadian Railways of the Past #1 – CNoR
249 ……….. Canadian Railways of the Past #2 – NAR
261/262 …... Canadian Railways of the Past #3 – BCR
271 ……….. Significant events in Canadian RR History (Mar)
278 ……….. Canadian Railways of the Past #4 – HBRY
298 ……….. Significant events in Canadian RR History (Apr)
313 ……….. Canadian Railways of the Past #5 – CP’s “The Canadian”


Railroads from Yesteryear

233 ……….. #1 – Baltimore & Ohio (B&O)
234 ……….. #2 – Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O)
237 ……….. #3 – Pennsylvania (PRR)
240 ……….. #4 – New York Central (NYC)
242 ……….. #5 – New Haven (NH)
246 ……….. #6 – Santa Fe (ATSF)
253 ……….. #7 – Southern Pacific (SP)
259 ……….. #8 – Northern Pacific (NP)
267/268 ……#9 – Coastline/Seaboard (ACL – SCL – SAL)
276 ……….. #10 – Southern (SOU)
282 ……….. #11 – Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RG)
287 ……….. #12 – Great Northern Railway (GN)
293 ……….. #13 – Missouri Pacific (MP)
299 ……….. #14 – Illinois Central (IC)
307 ……….. #15 – Boston & Maine (B&M)
313 ……….. #16 – Western Pacific (WP)


Railways of Europe

247 ……….. #1 – British Rail
248 ……….. #2 – Eurostar (London-Paris-Brussels)
255 ……….. #3 – TGV of France
270 ………. #4 – ICE of Germany
279 ………. #5 Irish Rail


Little Known Operating Railroads

283 ………. White Pass & Yukon Route (WPY)


Model & Toy Trains

288 ………. OO Gauge & British Model Trains


The Mentor Village Gazette

165 ……….. Vol I, Number 1 – November 17th, 2005
188 ……….. Vol I, Number 2 – December 12th, 2005
208 ……….. Vol II, Number 1 – January 2nd, 2006
236 ……….. Vol II, Number 2 – February 2nd, 2006
278 ……….. Vol II, Number 3 – March 17th, 2006 – 2 Parts
300 ……….. Vol II, Number 4 – April 12th, 2006



NOTE:

trolleyboy Rob’s Barn - passengerfan Al’s Streamliner Corner & barndad Doug’s Roundhouse have individual Indexes


Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


[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]

[LoveDomes]

G'day Kapitan Tom and fellow travelers wherever you are!

Is it still Sunday [?] Sure seems like it - not a soul in the joint other than the three of us - Tom - Boris 'n me! Kinda strange for the start of a new month and new week.

I'll take one of my super hero sandwiches - a pitcher of Schaefer and enjoy the ambiance of my favorite watering hole! [yeah]

Ok - I checked out all that was posted since my last visit and see that Count Robulla was zipping 'round rather late at night. His "sonar" must be in good repair! [swg] Nice work with both posts and pix! [tup]

While the majority of us were zonked - there you are, tickety tapping away at the keyboard - only thing is - THERE WAS NO ONE READING IT! [swg] C'mon Rob you KNOW who's up 'n about at that hour - and HE doesn't need to be the 1st one to enjoy YOUR hard work! Just my [2c]

And - the boss is right - you missed it! Sorry - as they say in baseball, "Yerrrrrrrrrr out!" [swg]

I nominate Coalminer3 (I'm not Shane) coal-what's-his-face for "understudy" to Tom for the daily SUMMARIES! Those compilations are right on the money and surely go a long way in helping anyone who may have missed the "fun stuff" of the past few days, catch up. [tup][tup][tup]

I'm a bit confused [%-)] (which really isn't anything new!) regarding that Cobb reference as tied to "political correctness." Man oh man, I know the guy was so far from that - a real creep as a personality for sure. The movie IS a keeper and in fact we own it as part of our video library. Tommy Lee Jones does a great job and it IS worth the while to see.

[wow] Tom - and I mean [wow]. That's some impressive Index you've put together. And the thing is - there are so many, many other fine posts that aren't "counted" in your running tally. If anyone "out there" has any doubts regarding who is holding this joint together - check out the Captain's Index! A five-[tup] Saltute to you, Sir! [tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]

Received an e-mail from my "bookend" and he asked me to share some of it with you all. As you know, the man is getting hitched this month and will be away from the bar from about the 10th thru the middle of June. Today, they are meeting with the caterer and others who will be handling the reception, etc. For all the married out there - you remember "all that fun," huh[?] So, if he's a bit hit 'n miss these next several days - he asks for your understanding. (Tom was also included in the address of the message.)

I'm looking forward to that "Burlington Route" extravaganza coming down the tracks for tomorrow! Should be a winnAH! [swg]

Noted in the SUMMARY that you jumped right on my suggestion regarding the proposed name change for "Pike Perspective's Day!" [tup] Honored that my opinion counts! [swg]

A note for our friend, Doug - some of us are wonderin' whether that JO downstairs from you has "enjoyed" the comings 'n goings of those looking at your Condo![?] Make as much noise and ruckus as you can - he's got it coming! [yeah]

Hey gents! I sent an e-mail out to a bunch of you the other day and have only heard from BK - what's the deal[?] You want that I should have to axe Vito the hit to intercede][?] [swg]


Hope you all have a great evening![tup]


Until the next time!

Lars

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

A pint of Bathams and a round please for my absence yesterday afternoon.we went to a concert in Marshall Mo in which some of Laura's colledge friends were in . A great time and then to a hostelry in Columbia in which they a new brew that was stronger than I thought or I am getting a lightweight. [sigh].

I glad you enjoyed my pics thanks ALL for the comments and I will pass on the comments to Alan.There was some great photos yesterday which I had a look at last night and another good look just now[tup][tup][tup].

TOM A fitting tribute to the Candian on the Can-Am great pics [bow][tup][tup][tup]Having had the fortune to be able to see the Can-Am in person, if you can get to see it LARS be prepared to arrange a lot of time to take it all in. Loved the pics of the Canadians meeting at the back of Our Place( how well the two tone Canadian Pacific livery suited those diesels) and the two CP locos getting ready to take the box-cars and reefers from the sidings, no doubt loaded with empty beer kegs. as CM3 said what price a Charter on the Can-AM[^][yeah].

Good to see The Canadian brought travelling memories for AL.

LARS Great phots of The Turbo Train the pic with the youngster in shows the sheer size of them, as Nick says they did not deserve that Amtrak livery.

CM3 Any chance of a description of a ride in the Turbo Train in your unique style[?].

BK Thanks for the Santa- fe pics. The warbonnet livery is I think the best ever applied to a loco, athough it would have to be a bad livery to spoil the looks of the F & E type locos, even the new locos look great in it. I have not seen any for a time but the ones I did see were in a clean condition.
The Doodle-Bug in Santa FE colors[^][wow].

DOUG Great selection of pics from the time of the transition from steam to diesel. A time I remember so well in the UK[tup] Great Rock Island pic.

Thanks Tom for posting NICK's 2nd set on the V of R I think the red colour on #9 suits her well. The Air-Pump is a new addition since I was last there.
Those houses in the background are so tpical of a North Wales seaside town.
It will be good to see your pic of the Hymeks, the Metro Cammell Pullmans must of had a very short life on normal BR services. for a time they were used on steam specials in the early 80s with the no drop-lights in the doors and the table lamp stopping one looking out they were not very popular with some railfans, coupled with an Ethel( something I am trying to look in to for Rob) not too many were sad to see them go off the main line.

ROB Great to see the trolley pics back.Cn you thank J. D. Knowles for the photos what a great loco the Combo workcar is. An historic pic of the first cars to the museum in 1955.

TOM Liked the aviation corner and[wow] a great list of the posts we are as Rob says very lucky with the quality at Our Place[tup].
Hope to call in later and I'll do some E-Mails now
PETE.

[Anonymous]

Good evening Tom and friends! I'll have a bottomless draught on this fine May 1st, and buy a round for the house. I see we have another impressive index from the proprietor, and if I haven't mentioned it before, I'm getting quite a kick out the the "comedy corner". As for our moving efforts, there have only been two showings of our condo since the realtor open house, but we're having real open house this Saturday, which I will not be present for. And actually, we hope that the proverbial JO neighbors aren't around at all when people come to see our place, lest they scare-off prospective buyers, so we'll still be needing help from both Lars and Tom's connections to keep them away!

Here's another little series I thought ya'll might be interested in seeing:

Growing Up Around Steam Locomotives by Robert A. Janz and Darwin Cooper
Vintage Rails No. 17, 1999


The Des Plaines, Illinois, coach yard was used to store and service suburban locomotives and equipment laying over between morning and evening rush hours and on weekends. Northbound evening trains from Chicago made the Des Plaines depot their last stop and then were routed into the yard by the Deval interlocking tower located about half a mile further west. During layover, the engines were fueled, watered, turned, and placed on the opposite end of the equipment, ready for morning departure. The locomotives shown are all 4-6-2 Pacific types. Photo by A.W. Johnson on September 30, 1930.


People of all ages have been fascinated with steam power: witness the excitement and enthusiasm of crowds that gather to see restored steam locomotives pass by. My friend Darwin Cooper and I became fascinated by steam locomotives in general and particularly those of the Chicago & North Western at an early age. When railroad men learned how deeply interested we were, unique opportunities became available to us. As a result we were able to begin to satisfy much of our curiosity about steam locomotives when we were both about 12 years old. Although we grew up miles apart, our interests were the same, and we shared similar experiences.

My awareness of railroads and steam locomotives began soon after I could walk to a ground-level branch of the Milwaukee Road. It was there near our home on the north side of Chicago where I saw my first steam locomotive. The line was known as “Strawberry” because of the wild fruit that once grew along the right-of-way. One of my grandmother’s friends would take me with him on walks, and he’s let me watch while class I-5 0-6-0s worked on the line. One of my recollections was of three meat packing plants located on the line at Lincoln Avenue and George Street.

Early in the morning an engine spotted three stubby, wooden Armour, Swift, and Wilson meat reefers on sidings at each plant. Standing on the main track would be three additional cars for each plant. The engine would wait until the first sets were unloaded and then spot the remaining cars. The engine then departed with the first group of empties, leaving the second set to be pulled by the local switch crew. Those refrigerators laid the foundation for a life-long interest in private owner cars, but it was the steam engines working the line that captured my attention.

The line was busy, thanks to a brewery, factories, and several coal yards. An engine making a transfer run to the then Chicago Rapid Transfer interchange passed by northbound almost every day with cars of coal, lumber, and gasoline. A few hours later the engine returned with empties. For many years afterwards I would return to those same tracks to watch the activity.

In 1909, while I was in the first grade, my family moved to a location just a block from the busy C&NW line to Milwaukee. Here my interest developed rapidly. Afternoons were spent watching the suburban rush hours. The suburban engines were Class E, E-1, and E-S Pacifics, which hauled long, heavy consists. An occasional class R-1 Ten-Wheeler and a lone class D Atlantic running with a light train of three cars at the onset of the rush hour also appeared. The long-haul commuters ran express on a center track, while locals ran on an outside track. Four of the trains made stops at the nearby Belmont Avenue Station, and they provided the real excitement of the day.

The style of each engineer and his handling of the locomotive became a special interest as my appreciation of their skills grew. From my vantage point on the east side of the right-of-way, I was able to watch the techniques used by various enginemen as they started their trains. Many seemed nonchalant, at ease, and confident, while others fidgeted with something, looked at their watches constantly, and appeared anxious to get under way. During the wait, however, all the men moved a lever forward, resulting in a loud hiss. I later learned this was a reverse lever powered by air pressure. This was done rather casually, but as soon as the signal to proceed was given, the engineers came to life, reaching up and pulling back on a lever, which, after a brief hesitation, was pushed back halfway. The engines responded in various ways. Some meekly moved forward with a soft chuff, and others increased in velocity until they cracked out of the stack like shotgun blasts. Still others spun their drivers and blasted smoke skyward until the engineer shoved the lever back in and tried again.

Another vantage point was a signal bridge just south of the platform, which seemed to be the spot where engineers began to shut off steam while pulling into the station. The brakes were already applied, but the engineer continued to work steam lightly right up to the actual stop. This, I later learned, was to control the slack action in the consist, which was rather loose and spongy, making it difficult to manage. Pungent blue smoke reeking of hot, greasy metal trailed from the trucks while brake shoes chattered against wheels.

I wandered far and wide to satisfy the desire to see what lay around the next curve, venturing further as I grew bolder. Eventually I found the Chicago Avenue roundhouse and made numerous excursions through the awesome building, visiting the engines, most of which were suburban power on layover between rush hours. There were Pacifics, Atlantics, Ten-Wheelers, and class M-2 and M-3 six-wheel switchers. The sounds made by the engines as they sat simmering were pleasant, reminding me of a hot tea kettle. The fires had been dumped before the engines had been brought into the building, and when they were moved by the hostlers, the exhausts were just soggy woofs.

None of the workers seemed to be concerned about a stranger; in fact, some were kind enough to talk to me about the work they were doing when they learned I was interested in locomotives. I got to watch a pair of machinists set up a valve gear while they explained what they were doing. Outside were more suburban engines on the ready tracks and one class J-S 2-8-2, used in transfer service during the night.

[siberianmo]

Good Evenin’ Gents!


Nice to see visits from Lars – Pete ‘n Doug on this 1st day of a new month and week! [tup]

In reverse order:

barndad Doug
Posted: 01 May 2006, 17:14:36

Nice beginning to a new series! I can well imagine a couple of 12 year olds growing up in the shadow of those “monster” steam locos! Never had the pleasure where I lived. Although, when we could get away with it – a few of us would venture to an area called “the tracks” and climb aboard the box cars in the sidings – and of course returning home with grime that only “Fels Naptha” could remove! [swg] Enjoyed it! [tup]

The cartoon must’ve been written at a time B4 “pocket protectors,” eh[?] [swg]

Appreciate your taking the time to provide a Post for us, especially with the hectic schedule you are following! Says a lot about your commitment to the bar and the guys! [tup][tup][tup]


pwolfe Pete
Posted: 01 May 2006, 15:31:23

Seems like déjà vu – first time I read your Post it was rather ‘slim’ – second time, lotsa substance! Been there B4, but somehow it was “different!” [swg] Editing will do it every time, eh[?]

Maybe I should consider putting you in charge of the CanAm Promotion Dept. – for you surely weave a nice image of what the model RR is all about! The pay ain’t so great – but the beer is ALWAYS cold and in the train room fridge! [yeah] [swg]

You have an Email from me in your “stack!”


LoveDomes Lars
Posted: 01 May 2006, 14:34:27

We’ll give “Model & Toy Trains Day!” a try . . . what’s the harm[?] Makes sense, as mentioned by a couple of people – not too many guys actually get “into” their pikes, but those who are contributing on Wednesday’s seem to be more along the lines of model & toy trains. Good idea – and of course YOUR opinion means something! [tup][tup]

I received the Email from BK and it made me think about this month and the next. We’re going to be a “different” place once all the planned absences kick in. Lots of guys have plans for May-June. Something to prepare for if we’re going to maintain our position on the 1st Page of the Forum.

Repeating myself from several requests in the past – all it takes to keep this place going is for the guys to recognize that a Post in the AM – Noon and evening is all it takes. Just one guy for each slot and we’re “healthy.” If everyone “bunches” the Posts within an hour or so of one another – then the 6 hour drought kicks in – we’re “hurting.” Simple as that.

That’s why guys like CM3 ‘n Lars are so special ‘round here – they pretty much stick to a time slot and it really helps! [tup][tup][tup]

Lars I answered your Email, unless you are referring to another . . . . only received one and that was on Saturday.


coalminer3 CM3
Posted: 01 May 2006, 08:45:10

Really enjoy reading your summarizations of the preceding day’s events . . . almost as if I was learning of it for the first time! [tup] Nicely done . . . .

Was wonderin’ if anyone would “catch” the makeup of that “commemorative train consist!” Eagle-eye Shane does it again! (hmmmmmm, a rhyme!!) [swg]

About the only image of Boris in a ‘white coat’ that comes to mind brings me back to the early days of the bar.

Seems our cloven-footed mental midget got into a flap with the owner of a vehicle parked out front. It was a hardtop “convertible” when he parked it, and a “real” convertible when he left. Boris figured the roof came off – and so it did! I don’t know how they managed to do it, but the boyz from the “soft shoe ward” over at the Mentor Village Hospital and Drive-thru Bone & Joint Center managed to get him into a straight jacket. Ahhhhhh, just a typical day at the bar back then . . . .


passengerfan Al
Posted: 01 May 2006, 07:48:22

Rest is a good idea – can’t hurt! [tup] Noticed you Posted quite a bit over at “my other Thread” yesterday ‘n today. You like that Santa Fe “theme” over there, eh[?]


Thanx for the kind words, round and quarters from all who visited today! [tup]

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


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


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

[Anonymous]

Hi again Tom and guys. Line me up another cold-one if you please. I just popped by to leave you with part II of:

Growing Up Around Steam Locomotives by Robert A. Janz and Darwin Cooper
Vintage Rails No. 17, 1999

At one point I found the North Western depot, where I was invited up to the cab of the very Atlantic that heralded the afternoon rush. What a thrill that was, actually being up in that lofty perch. The heat of the fire, the throbbing of the air compressors, and the smell of hot oil and steam made me determined to gain access to more locomotive cabs. The engineer sat me in his seat and explained the countless details and pointed to the reverse lever, a manual version known as a “Johnson bar” that stood about three feet off the deck, and he asked if I knew what it was. I had been reading about locomotives and was able to respond correctly, to which he responded “That’s right,” but added in a joking manner, “It is also the dividing line between my side of the engine and the fireman’s side.” That old Atlantic, once the pride of the line when it was new, was over 40 years old then but still turning in a good day’s work.

Close to our home I had found a freight yard in which I spent many afternoons in 1946 watching a class M-3 0-6-0 switching various industries. Eventually I was invited up on the engine and allowed to stay on board during switching operations. I soon became a regular rider. Somewhere I read that the first ride on a steam locomotive was like being aboard an elephant, with its lumbering, swaying gait – and that’s exactly what it felt like.

As time went by I was taught how to fire using the five scoop method: one up each side toward the front, on in each back corner, and then one down the middle, but hitting the bottom of the fire door to scatter the coal. I was taught how to build up the fire in a horseshoe shape and to operate the injector and make myself otherwise useful. This led to rides on a class J-S 2-8-2 Mikado, where I spent many enjoyable days in 1948 riding around the city as the crew performed its duties in transfer service.

During a summer break in 1949, I spent a few weeks in Des Plaines, Illinois. While there I wandered up and down C&NW’s Proviso to Milwaukee freight line and found a coach yard, where I made friends with the hostler. Six sets of suburban equipment with class E engines laid over nightly and on weekends. The engines required water on Sundays, and I would travel out there from home in Chicago just to be around for that event. I was put to work building up the fires that had been banked. When steam came up to about 85 pounds, the supreme moment came when the hostler said, “Take her down for water.”

I had watched the operation many times on other engines and knew how to throttle, reverse lever, independent, and automatic air brake valves operated. As I had seen so often, I pulled the throttle halfway out and then shoved it back part-way after a brief hesitation. Steam blew out of the cylinder cocks and built up in the cylinders, and slowly the engine began to move. Because of the low boiler pressure, the exhausts were just soggy woofs; but what a thrill it was!

Once in motion the engine and tender sloshed from side to side, leaned first to one side then the other, rose and fell on the rail joints, and produced countless other motions that seemed impossible while remaining on the rail. I was a little frightened now that I was at the throttle, but I soon got over that and enjoyed every minute. Like engineers I’d watched, I sat on the armrest facing to the rear while backing through the yard.

Every Sunday that entire summer was spent out at Des Plaines with those engines, building up steam, operating the injectors, and running them back and forth from their trains to the water tank. My mother was often horrified by the soot-covered son who came to dinner those days.

At the time I thought I was the only kid lucky enough to have such experiences with steam locomotives. Then some years ago I met Darwin Cooper, who shared the same fascination with trains and steam locomotives. During the late 1930s and early 1940s he developed a friendship that allowed him to gain some wonderful opportunities. Eventually I learned that his experiences paralleled mine. He has authored the following account of how he grew up around steam locomotives.

Railroading Adventures of My Youth

My childhood years were spent in Belvidere, Illinois, 70-some miles northwest of Chicago. Belvidere had been a very important junction and terminal on the C&NW, with extensive facilities on both sides of the Kishwaukee River. The yards and facilities along the West Chicago-Freeport line on the south side of the river stretched for a little over a half mile from the depot to the junction with the Caledonia-Spring Valley line. Then on the north side of the river, alongside the line to Caledonia, lay North Yard, with 10 miles of tracks in its one-mile length. The facility included a 660-foot-long freight transfer house, a car repair area, and a 16-stall roundhouse.

During the summers of 1939 and 1940, I spent countless hours nearly every day watching the railroad activity in Belvidere. Since the closing of the North Yard in 1931, the considerably reduced activity consisted of a morning and an evening passenger train, a way-freight which tied up in Belvidere three nights a week, and fairly busy switching operations that serviced local industry and made up groups of cars for the way-freight and the two time freights that passed through Belvidere. I with my bicycle could often be seen at any point in this large area watching every train movement with intense interest.

Early in summer 1940, I began an unbelievable railroad adventure, which a skeptic would say couldn’t happen to a 12-year-old boy. A little more background information is needed here to better understand the events. Two locomotives were stationed at Belvidere and serviced each day at the North Yard engine terminal area at the north end of the yard,. One was a diminutive class M-1 0-6-0 type switch engine, and the other was a class R-1 4-6-0 Ten-Wheeler used on the way-freight which arrived from Proviso every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and returned to Proviso via the Northern Illinois Line through Herbert and Sycamore to DeKalb every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

It didn’t take me long to figure out that every night about 5:50, after the evening passenger train had left Belvidere fro Chicago, the crew on the switch engine parked the engine at the south end of the North Yard by East Madison Street. The crew members then climbed down off the engine with their satchels and lunch buckets and departed for their homes. At the same time, or shortly thereafter, a short man about 50 or 60 years of age came walking up Madison Street and hoisted himself up into the cab and ran the engine up to the roundhouse area at the north end of North Yard.. I also discovered that every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoon the same procedure occurred with the engine used on the way-freight. The other half of the picture includes the mornings when this man ran the switch engine and the way-freight engine from the roundhouse area to Madison Street, where the crews then boarded their engines and commenced their assigned duties. This always occurred about 10:30 a.m. so the switch engine would have time to run over to the Belvidere depot to be ready to uncouple an empty milk car or two from the rear of the westbound passenger train, which pulled into town about 11 a.m. After the passenger train blasted out of town, the way-freight crew took the milk cars and a sizable cut of empties and loads down the line to DeKalb on its way to Proviso. The way-freight dropped off the milk cars at Bowman Dairy at Herbert.

This man who appeared from nowhere to run the engines out to the roundhouse was Albert Nielson, hostler and engine watchman. When North Yard was running “full blast” in the 1920s, Nielson had been one of the roundhouse foremen, handling over 20 engines a day. One morning Al saw me hanging around gawking at the engine at Madison Street, and he invited me up into the cab. Talk about excitement! Here I was, a mere boy who was allowed into the inner sanctum, the holiest of holies. It was too good to be true. He asked me if I wanted to come back that night when he picked up the engine and go out to the roundhouse with him and see what he did with the engines. I, of course, said I would and promised to tell my parents what I was up to. My parents allowed it, since trying to stop me would have been like trying to stop a 10-foot wall of rushing water.

[:I] For weeks Joe had been feeling rundown and tired. He finally decided to visit his doctor for a checkup. After a complete checkup and blood test, his doctor asked him to return the following week to review the results. Joe returned, as asked, and the doctor told him he had some bad news. The doctor said he was suffering from HAGS.
" HAGS" asked Joe "What the hell is HAGS ?" "That's Herpes, Aids, Gonorrhea, and Syphlis" replied the doctor. "What's the treatment?" asked Joe. "We're going to put you in a private hospital room on a pancake and tortilla diet." "Is that going to cure me." asked Joe. " No" said the doctor "That's the only thing that will fit under the door!" [:I]

[passengerfan]

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

It was kind of nice to rest today and I hope I am not getting to used to this.

And you are absolutely right about my liking Santa Fe. What's not to like.

After all what other railroad streamlined most of their major trains prior to WW II. Owned the first fully streamlined coach from Budd and also the first from St. Louis Car. These were not articulated like other roads but full size fully streamlined coaches.

Operated a pair of Boxcab diesels pulling a heavyweight Super Chief between Chicago and Los Angeles in 39 hours 45 minutes. Replaced it with a fully streamlined consist from Budd that was to be the only all Budd built sleeping car train in America.

Introduced the El Capitan all coach streamliners between Chicago and Los Angeles in the same 39 hours 45 minutes.

Continued to buy new passenger power almost to Amtraks start up.

Introduced the Budd built Hi-Level El Capitan in 1956 the only trains of their type prior to Amtrak introducing their Superliners. Long distance coach travel at its finest.

Introduced the last new long distance train in the United States prior to Amtrak the San Francisco Chief at a time when many railroads were discontinuing trains and cutting back service.

And Santa Fe was undecided about joining Amtrak as late as three months before Amtrak start up.

Stood there ground with Amtrak and would not let them use the Super Chief name when service standards were cut.

Yes, I liked Santa Fe.

Good Evening All Al

[passengerfan]

P.S Can hardly hold my enthusiasm for tomorrows CB&Q another of my favorites.

[nickinwestwales]

Ah-finally made it back,please excuse abrupt departure yesterday-went to refresh glass,returned to find site locked out-could get anything else but not here-then had to re-enter details earlier-has anyone else noticed a `glitch`..?
Anyway,since the bar is open tonight,I`ll have a big green bottle please [4:-)][oX)]TOM,one for yourself and a round for the company.
Thanks for extra detail on pix-looking forward to the next batch. Nice comedy corner today-if you don`t mind I`d like to print it out for my dad ( a former R.A.F man) who will appreciate the finer points.......

ROB-Fine set of pix-just loaded with atmosphere-graceful machines and a window on the past-what more could you want....[tup]

AL & CM3-Hello to you both,nice to see you,if only in passing

PETE-Glad you enjoyed the pix-the `Indian` red livery is growing on me-I`m more used to seeing `Owain Glyndwr` in Swindon green on my last few visits but the red works...even with the choc & cream coaches ( the first time I visited,everything was in `Corporate` blue with full-size double-arrows everywhere-ghastly beyond belief)-see below for more detail

DOUG-A splendid piece-and a groovy `toon-the `faces` do it for me..keep `em coming

Right,finally-pix captions:-

1-Same position as last weeks pix but opposite direction-on left Cambrian coast line to Shrewsbury and the borders-note water crane,suggestive of steam special working.
In centre is the old engine shed,now the V.o.R`s principal running shed (looks good to accomodate three 6 car trains plus engines)-they also have a works facility at Capel Bangor,the next stop.
To the right of that is the site of the former coaling stage and approach ramp-some previous pix were taken from that spot.
The platforms on the right were built for the Carmarthen branch and only fell into the V.o.R`s lap fairly recently.
The train is #9 returning with the 10.00 O`Clock departure
2-Here is the Prince at rest-through a quirk of the lighting the nameplate looks much brighter than `in the metal`-by another quirk of fate,the original terminus was behind the block of 3-story houses in the left of the shot,noted by PETE and ran due south until meeting up with the long-gone harbour branch,swinging under the Carmarthen branch and onto it`s present alignment
3 & 4-Here`s how big an eight-foot wide 25 ton engine can look when you are lying on the platform trying to get an `atmospheric`shot-the guard (conductor) did warn me-PETE-suspect new pump may have been added at Brecon Mountain Rly works-according to builders plate major rebuild there-although also claims Swindon 1924 build-known to be wrong so your guess is as good as mine...
5-And so to #5- the `Prince` posing for photo`s at Devil`s bridge-this shot shows the engine in the beautful condition in which she is kept-a credit to the staff-in fact,the only jarring note to this otherwise timeless view is the presence of that unpleasant looking Japanese car behind the bench seat.....
O.K-A round for all assembled please Boss,apparently,I have the pleasure of my small daughters company all day tomorrow so its the early out for me,moonght mile and all that,take care chaps,speak soon,nick,[C=:-)]

[wanswheel]

Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house.

It's about impossible to keep up with the flow here. In my next life I'm going to arrange to have broadband and a printer. But thanks to all for the deep, not-to-say dense text, and the pretty pictures that get posted here daily and twice on Sunday.

Mayday was a New England thing long before its association with communism, or nautical crisis. I've read a letter written in 1889 by a young Sister Mary Stanislaus (my great-Aunt Grace) to her little brother (my grandfather) joking about something called the Maypole. They were Massachusetts people, from Ware, which is near Palmer if you're coming by train from Davenport. Get your ticket at the staion on the Rock Island Line.
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/il/il0500/il0536/photos/063962pv.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/il/il0500/il0536/photos/063959pv.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/fsa/8a13000/8a13000/8a13060r.jpg
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=200014
http://www.airphotona.com/database/stock/images/06853.jpg
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=84798
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/pictures/3196/100_2846.JPG

Tom, sorry you missed the SN pix, thanks for trying. That seems to be a website that crashes when too many people show up at once. If you have the time and patience to try again, not necessarily now, this is to
a newspaper article (thanks to Ted) about the Western Pacific electric subsidiary Sacramento Northern, and all the pix are available from there.
http://www.bayarearailfan.org/gallery/v/sn/snrrmontclarion_001.jpg.html
http://www.cvrma.org/pictures/MISC/dfrr4025_contracosta_ferry_so_pacific_rr_suisun_bay_ca_1927.jpg
http://jpg1.lapl.org/pics35/00037201.jpg Y Bridge WYE NOT, it's a WP pic

For the 75th birthday of the Empire State Building
http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/fa267/20th/nyc_from_rca.jpg
http://www.cvrma.org/pictures/MISC/dfrr4050_long_island_rr_barges_icy_east_river_nyc_1945.jpg
http://www.artland.co.uk/Bonestell_New_York_Central_Building_FB881.jpg

Just for Doug
http://www.cvrma.org/pictures/MISC/dfrr4056_rio_grande_1930s_loading_sheep_.jpg

For Al, an ancient streamlined loco
http://www.cvrma.org/pictures/MISC/dfrr4023_santa_fe_chief_1938.jpg

For CM3, an ancient map of Providence
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/pan/6a09000/6a09500/6a09565r.jpg

For everybody else, if you've had a long day
http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/fsac/1a34000/1a34700/1a34782r.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/fsac/1a34000/1a34700/1a34791r.jpg
Mike

[siberianmo]

Good Evening!

I'll have a Keith's Ale Leon and I thank Nick [C=:-)] for the round! [tup]

Doug I'll save up that Part Deux for the 'morrow - a bit late for "heavy reading" for Moi! Old age, donchano! [swg]

Back to jokes, eh[?] <ugh>

Al That impromptu "tribute" to Santa Fe is probably the finest Post you've made here at the bar! That's the WAY to do it, Mate - good job! [tup][tup][tup] Round appreciated too . . .

If you're "excited" about tomorrow's Burlington Route your gonna love what's coming the following Tuesday!! Keep track on the SUMMARIES!

Nick I'll ship you an Email with all of those "zoomie" comments - I'm sure your Dad will love 'em! My brides father was a 30-year RCAF pilot . . . We sailors refer to "bird men" as "zoomies" where I come from! [swg]

Thanx for the descriptions of your Pix . . . one more set to go. Also, two more sets of 6 for my "commemorative run!" Glad you enjoyed the first batch . . . thanx! [tup]

Hey Mike! Just caught your Post . . . I'll saves up those URLs for the mornin' . . . . Take heart, the "flow' 'round the bar will be tapering off to a trickle as the guys take their leave this month and into the next. I doubt we'll see the pages fly by as they seemingly have as of late! [tup]


One more, Leon, then I'm gonna "hit it!" [zzz]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

courtesy: www.trainweb.org

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


TUESDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS


We are CLOSED on SUNDAYs but do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day![tup][tup[tup]


Daily Wisdom

Stealin’ for charity is stealin’.


Info for the Day:


Railways of Europe #6 –
X2000 of Sweden
arrives Thursday!


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


* Weekly Calendar:


Wednesday: Model & Toy Trains 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]


Comedy Corner

Brain Cramps


"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
--Dan Quayle


"We've got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?"
--Lee Iacocca


"The word "genius" isn't applicable in football. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein."
--Joe Theisman, NFL football quarterback & sports analyst.


[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 30th thru May 6th: Cobb (1994) starring: Tommy Lee Jones & Robert Wuhl –and- Hoosiers (1986) starring: Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey & Dennis Hopper. SHORT: Three Little Pigskins (1934).



SUMMARY

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

(1) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 01 May 2006, 01:07:30 (319) Very early morning Incluisve Post!

(2) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 01 May 2006, 01:26:06 (319) 5 very early morning Pix!

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 01 May 2006, 05:30:12 (319) Monday’s Info & Summary

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 01 May 2006, 07:34:34 (319) Acknowledgments & Comments

(5) passengerfan Al Posted: 01 May 2006, 07:48:22 (319) Back to bed! [zzz]

(6) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 01 May 2006, 08:45:10 (319) WVA Report ‘n then some!

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 01 May 2006, 11:24:42 (319) [navy]Tom’s Index

(8) LoveDomes Posted: 01 May 2006, 14:34:27 (319) Lars Report and then some! [swg]

(9) pwolfe Pete Posted: 01 May 2006, 15:31:23 (319) Wolfman’s reflections!

(10) barndad Doug Posted: 01 May 2006, 17:14:36 (319) Barnyard musings, Growing up Around Steam Locos & Cartoon!

(11) siberianmo Tom Posted: 01 May 2006, 19:15:45 (319) Acknowledgments & Comments

(12) barndad Doug Posted: 01 May 2006, 20:15:56 (319) Growing up Around Steam Locos, pt II & joke!

(13) passengerfan Al Posted: 01 May 2006, 20:30:49 (320) Tribute to Santa Fe!

(14) passengerfan Al Posted: 01 May 2006, 20:33:54 (320) Anticipation!

(15) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 01 May 2006, 20:38:37 (320) Nick at Nite! & Sunday Pix descriptions

(16) wanswheel Mike Posted: 01 May 2006, 21:25:42 (320) Return of the URLMeister!

(17) siberianmo Tom Posted: 01 May 2006, 21:42:50 (320) Acknowledgments, etc.




That’s it! [tup][;)]


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

[siberianmo]

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


Railroads from Yesteryear –

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q) –

The Burlington Route arrives on track #1 at 9 AM today –

WATCH FOR IT!


Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


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

[siberianmo]

THEME for the DAY! - THEME for the DAY!

first Posted on page 129

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

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q) Burlington Route



Headquarters: Chicago, IL

Mileage:

1950: 11,000 (includes subsidiaries, Fort Worth & Denver and Colorado & Southern)

Locomotives in 1963:

Steam: 10 Diesel: 691

Rolling stock in 1963:

Freight cars: 41,099 Passenger cars: 925

Principal lines in 1950:

Aurora, IL-Minneapolis, MN via Rochelle, IL
Chicago-Omaha-Denver via Lincoln, NE
Galesburg, IL-Kansas City & St. Joseph, MO via Quincy, IL
Savanna & Rock Island, IL-Paducah, KY
Burlington, IA-St. Louis via Quincy
Omaha-Kansas City via St. Joseph
Napier, MO (St. Joseph)-Oxford,NE
Table Rock, NE-Billings, MT via Lincoln
Billings-Galveston, TX via Thermopolis & Cheyenne, WY & Denver
Ashland, NE-Sioux City, IA
Galesburg-Peoria, IL
Kansas City-St. Louis (trackage rights on GM&) Kansas City-Mexico, MO)

Passenger trains of note:

Afternoon Zephyr (Chicago-Twin Cities)
Ak-Sar-Ben Zephyr (Chicago-Lincoln)
American Royal Zephyr (Chicago-Kansas City)
Black Hawk (Chicago-Twin Cities
California Zephyr (Chicago-Oakland, CA; jointly operated with D&RGW and WP)
Denver Zephyr (Chicago-Denver-Colorado Springs
Empire Builder (Chicago-Seattle & Portland, jointly operated with GN and SP&S)
Exposition Flyer (Chicago-Oakland; jointly operated with DR&GW and WP; replaced by California Zephyr in 1949)
Kansas City Zephyr (Chicago-Kansas City)
Mainstreeter (Chicago-Seattle & Portland, operated jointly with NP and SP&S)
Morning Zephyr (Chicago-Kansas City
Nebraska Zephyr (Chicago-Lincoln)
North Coast Limited (Chicago-Seattle & Portland, jointly operated with NP and SP&S)
Pioneer Zephyr (West Quincy-Hannibal, MO)
Sam Houston Zephyr (Dallas-Houston)
Texas Zephyr (Denver-Dallas)
Western Star (Chicago-Seattle & Portland, jointly operated with GN and SP&S)
Zephyr Rocket (Minneapolis-St. Louis; jointly operated with RI


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


THEME for the DAY! - THEME for the DAY!

[Anonymous]

Good Tuesday mornin' to each and all. Tom, I'll grab a couple of the Crullers and a splash of green tea, thanks. To say I'm behind the "curve" would be wishful thinking. The weekend is still a blurr for me, what with house guests straining an already "thin as a dime" schedule. After returning to my last post and then scrolling to the top of this page, I realized the hoplessness of posting a thoroughly inclusive synopsis. For now, I'll just say that my meager efforts are little needed for either volume or substance considerations.

Going back to the Frisco, SAL, Seaboard, ACL coverage, then the addition of Santa Fe, not to mention the fnatastic photos Sunday, plus URL's, Tom's Index and a myriad of diverse commentary on anything from U.K steam to N. California traction- -"throwing in the towel" is my only option at this point. I dare say, to do the Thread any justice, it would require "avocation" status on my end.[:O] At the minimum, all I can offer now is profound gratitude to all who have made "Our" Place such a lush oasis in a, otherwise arid, featureless landscape.[^] Tom and Rob, eight days and counting until "Big T" Redesvous.[tup] It will be therapy for yours truly. Which reminds me, I have another V.A. Hospital appointment later this morning. Still in "follow up" status from previous surgery and "so far, so good." Okay Boris, the next 2 hours are open bar on me so how about 2 reports from old "99?" Ding, ding, ding, ding...Hold it you Ninny!!! I've only got a Grant here. Happy rails all.