"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Leon when you see Tom tomorrow let him know that a new shipment of "Brats" awaits his inspection they are the chedder filled variety [dinner] Tom Thanks again for the continued posting of the Fallen flags.As I had sadi yesterday, NYC was the one US road i almost modelled. You are right there was just something truly railroady about their paint schemes and heralds. Not showy just right somehow.[tup] I suppose I was most interested in them beacause of where I grew up. We were just a short hop skip and jump from the CASO subdivision ( Canada Southern ) The canada southern was of coarse the Canadian branch of the New york Central ( owned through NYC's Michigan Central railroad ) The other drawing card for me was the. Toronto Hamilton and Buffalo Railway which was jointly owned by the New york Central, Michigan Central and the Canadian Pacific. TH&B passenger trains conected the NYC to Toronto via their Buffalo to Toronto cross escarpment line. Once the NYC went bankrupt CP assumed all the outsatnding shares of the TH&B. So the TH&B became a fallen flag in 1983 when CP formally absorbed their Hamilton and welland subdivisions. A good hundred year run for them as a semi-independant railroad. One nice remainder of the TH&B is their corporate office on Hunter street in Hamilton Ontario. It's a beautifull Art Deco station with an 8 story office tower above the passenger shelters. GO transit uses the hunter street station for their GO train and bus service to the city. They also still use some of the office space as well. The TH&B was a well loved and respected corporation in the city of Hamilton and the citizens still love " their railway " even 20+ years since it's passing. The deisels on the lines may now be red but the old bridge abutments and wig wags showing the initials TH&B R.Y. still tell a different story. Well gents I'm taking my Carlsburg and brat and heading to the pool room for now. Boris set em up and ring the round bell for the house for me. Rob

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

I' ll try a Doppelboch and a round please for getting in late.

Thanks for the U.P. flag. I did not realise that they operated so many passenger trains.I guess that I have not seen many photos of U.P. passenger trains .

On our travels today the bride decided to take the dog a walk along the KATY trail at Hartsberg Mo they seem to have kept the original bridges, one, a pony- truss steel, still has the builders plate dated 1899. There is a small depot building but I do not know if this is original. It is sad it is not a living railroad but at least you can still see where named expresses once ran.

Thinking about the SHAY in England I seem to recall that about 1900 when the Shay was imported there was a locomotive shortage in the U.K..I believe that the MIDLAND Railway of England had some Baldwins possibly 2-6-0s of very American apperance perhaps NICK can find more details. I have a vague recollection of seeing a photo of one hauling a frieght.

Looking forward to seeing the photos tomorrow TOM I will get you a couple of beers when we meet up soon [tup]

[wow]The bands are really getting into their stride now so I'll have another beer and enjoy the assorted sausages. Hilda will not be honoring us with her presence as she has gone to the south of the State for a Tug of War contest [;)]. PETE.

[siberianmo]

Good Evening Gents!

A couple of comments before I check out for the night .....

OKTOBERFEST has wound down and by all appearances and reports, those who participated had a grand time! I'll have to rethink my whether we'll continue it through the month on Saturdays ....... the regulars abandoned ship on us. Not good. [tdn]

I see some familiar cyber names from other places here tonight .... Cape Jim You've returned for your 2nd visit since we began on Apr 12th .... what took you so long, eh [?] [swg] Well, no matter what the situation with the "lock out," you are always welcome 'round here! [tup] We try to maintain a semblance of continuity by keeping to our theme - Classic Trains real or model.

We've got quite an extensive wine cellar and a simple menu - so pull up a stool and enjoy your time with us! [tup]

barndad Doug Returned from the Legion of the Lost! Thought you had checked out on us .... obviously I was incorrect. Glad you like the Fallen Flags. Take another look at the Union Pacific Post and you'll note the words, "passenger ops." Fallen only in that regard! Gotta get those eyes checked every now 'n then! [swg]

Don't know if congratulations are in order, but good luck to you at the IRM in your new venture! [tup]

Thanx for the URL's - and don't forget - 'round here, we post pix on Sunday Photo Posting Day!

Nick Appreciate your taking the time to drop by - the time zone difference of 6 hours surely is a hurdle that most wouldn't even venture to overcome. You always come through for us! [tup]

It's been a rather long day, so I'm turning over the bar to Leon the Night Man who looks rather "spiffy" in his Lederhosen, Alpine hat and glossy "Jump Boots!" [wow]

See y'all on Monday - the bar is CLOSED on SUNDAY's - but we do have our weekly Sunday Photo Posting to look forward to! [tup]

Nite! [zzz]

Tom [4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

Well good evening gentlemen,CAPE JIM & MATT-welcome to the sleazy end of the strip-pull up your stools and have a drink with us-we`re currently celebrating the ancient teutonic rite of Oktoberfest,with appropriate self indulgance--[4:-)]TOM-if you can tear yourself away from the sight of Cindy`s perfectly formed buttocks rotating gently in their lederhosen,perhaps I might trouble you for some drinks-indeed,as we have guests amongst us ,a round for the house-steins of Dortmunderbrau all round.--I hear a rumour that MANAGER TED will be taking to the stage with the band for their last set-inject a little "swing" to the Om-Pah.......(sorry-musician joke)....by-the-by,have forwarded another 5 pix for tomorrow,hope useable-drinks on me for sure[tup]...apologies BK-havn`t had time to check out pix of A.P.T&T.G.V,busy week-promise for next week,TED likewise Sir Theodore. Right,I`m off to the party field to catch TED`S set with the band,enjoy your weekend boys & girls,Leon has the bar , Boris has the kitchen & AWK is watching the till-all in all,a worrying prospect..........ordinarily,I would be worried but as luck would have it ,my shift finishes.................now!-have fun,be good,enjoy pictures--nick[C=:-)]

[Anonymous]

Hi Tom and everyone! I'll have a Don Adams pumpkin-spiced beer, and what the heck .. more of the same for the house! "Legion of the Lost?" Sounds like a good title for a scary movie. I am not lost ... just confused.
Tom, I have really been enjoying the fallen flag threads. I was especially impressed with the stats on the PRR. I'm a bit confused as to why the UP would be considered a fallen flag though.
As y'all know, I've jumped ship, as it were, at the Illinois Railway Museum. I no longer haunt the steam shop. I'm now in the diesel barn, currently chipping and sanding our Burlington Northern U30C in preparation for painting. Does a 1974 diesel qualify as "Classic"?I suppose not, but here's the link: http://www.irm.org/cgi-bin/rsearch.cgi?diesel=Burlington+Northern=5383
I KNOW my Doodlebug qualifies as classic. Ours was built in 1927, and though my lovely bride does not know this yet, we contributed $101 to its restoration today! Won't she be pleased? Here's the museum link: http://www.irm.org/cgi-bin/rsearch.cgi?iccars=Union+Pacific+Railroad=M35
Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to get the green paint off my aging bod. When I was younger, it used to take a day or two for my muscles to ache ... not anymore!

[JimRCGMO]

Good evening, Siberainmo/Tom and all! I'll have a nice grilled steak and fries, please. If you have a house wine, that'd be good. I'm not really much on beer myself.

For those who don't know me, I model in HO scale and am working on two 2'X4' modules, to be added to an around the room layout later (once I get a place with more space - the apartment's not that big right now). I am modeling a short line set in the Four Corners area (SE Utah, NE Arizona, NW New Mexico, SW Colorado) in about the 1950's (mid to late). Transition, with mostly EMD diesels and assorted steamers that the line's CEO bought second (or third, or fourth, or...) hand from other lines.

[%-)]If there's anyone in here from the Coffee Shop over on the MRR forums, does anyone know why it is (and apparently all the MRR forums are) showing up as 'locked'? I have no clue what happened, and would love to find out (or at least when it might re-open). If Elliott comes in here, ask him to e-mail me (particularly as to when the Coffee Shop might be open again).

Well, that steak was great - my compliments to the chef! The wine was a very good house wine, one of (if not maybe even) the best I've tasted. [tup]

Time to head out for now. I'll start looking for/scanning through the summary posts here. Hope everyone is having a great weekend of MRR'ing.

Blessings,

Jim in Cape Girardeau

[rtraincollector]

Okay just read post on page 122 first I've seen anything like that seeing I've not been around long and 2 I mainly delt with coffee shop in MR and thats all I had it as a favorite so skipped front pages. didn't realize any flaming going on for that matter but sure it was

RT

[siberianmo]

This is a rundown of what ”Our” Place is all about. It is Posted simply to create a central URL for reference purposes later on as new customers enter our cyber bar ‘n grill. (We don’t’ use the term “Newbies” ‘round here!)

I recognize that this is a LONG list to read – but if you want to know about us without having to research all of the previous pages, this is a good compilation to go by. [tup]


1. This is a cyber bar ‘n grill for adults who appreciate Classic Trains – real and model – and enjoy a bit of humor while discussing them.

2. This thread was started as an alternative to those where hit ‘n run postings are the norm. Here, we strive to be inclusive with all who participate as regulars. There will be those who stop by to check us out and they will receive an appropriate [#welcome] from the Proprietor along with encouragement to join us. Keep in mind, this is not the typical thread seen elsewhere. One has to earn a regular place at this bar.

3. To be a regular all one needs to remember is to participate and contribute to the topic on a regular basis.

4. We have a Birthday Watch List for all regulars. To sign up, just provide your birth date (month-date-year). We’ll schedule a cyber Birthday Bash for you on the day of your choice.

5. We have an Order of the Stools Club whereby regular customers of the bar receive recognition as either permanent or reserved holders of ”Our” Place bar stools.

6. We feature SUMMARIES of postings by our customers. They are provided to help with catching up on periods of absence. They also contain relevant information at the beginning for all customers along with a News segment.

7. The bar is CLOSED on Sunday and Christmas Day. However, submissions may be dropped off in the mail slots on either set of front doors.

8. Posting of pictures is reserved for Sunday Photo Posting Day!. Posting on other days is discouraged and viewed as counter productive to what we are trying to maintain.

9. We discourage the Posting of “signatures” that are longer than the Posts! Additionally, repetitive Postings on a given topic should NOT include the “signature” photo or graphic. Keep in mid that this is what slows down the process of bringing up the screens, not to mention the “memory” requirements for the host – Kalmbach. Let’s be considerate!

10. We have two basic rules that must be followed: (1) Greet the bartender when arriving – and – (2) Order a drink! Of course, adherence to tolerance for the other guy’s point of view and avoidance of hot button issues like politics and religion are paramount.

11. The Proprietor of “Our” Place only asks that you enjoy yourself while here, but requests that before posting information, take the time to catch up with what you may have missed. To do otherwise turns this thread into what we’ve been trying to avoid.


The Cast of Characters from ”Our” Place

siberianmo Tom is the Proprietor and head bartender.

Theordorebear Ted is the Manager.

nickinwestwales Nick is Chief Chef.

Rob is the Chandler for the Bar.

Boris is - well, he’s Boris who works in the kitchen and anywhere else needed. He was hired by Nick, Chief Chef and is assistant cook. He’s not too hard to spot, as Boris is not of this world. Kinda difficult to maintain eye contact with him. He’s playful and unaware of his strength. We do not permit him to tend bar – however, he loves to ring the bell when a round is purchased.

Leon the Night Man is Tom’s relief behind the bar around 9 PM or so, Central Time. He closes up. He’s easily recognized by his rather large size, enormous hands, and shiny brand new Jump Boots. Leon also serves as Doorman and Bouncer for special events and may be seen in a tuxedo – with Jump Boots of course.

Inspector Clueless of the Local Constabulary and his earstwhile friend and companion Mr. Doyle, Private Investigator make up the security force ‘round here.


The Gals of “Our Place” are:

Ruth the redhead – Ann the blonde – Lucy the brunette and Jemima the raven haired beauty. These gals were found and hired by Tom and named by Nick. They work evenings, pretty much anywhere in the place, Thursday thru Saturday, and special events.

Then there’s Cindy with the auburn hair. She’s a faculty member from the Mentor Village all female University – right up the road. She’s not paid, but loves to volunteer her services either behind the bar – for me – or in the kitchen, with Nick. She’s also active in the local Victoria’s Secret lingerie shows …….

Then of course, there are all of YOU!


The Hours and Food Service at "Our" Place

We open at 6 AM - Monday thru Saturday - close when the last man standing has departed (or fallen!).

CLOSED on SUNDAY's and CHRISTMAS Day

The Food Service at ”Our” Place –

…Monday thru Saturday: Light breakfasts – bakery goods from The Mentor Village Bakery and sandwiches all day long made from the freshest lunchmeats in the county along with freshly baked bread for the grinders/hoagies/heros/subs……
....NO evening meals Monday thru Wednesday.
…Thursday: Fish ‘n Chips nite and Nick’s Picks or whatever our Chief Chef [C=:-)] conjures up!.
…Friday: Pizza nite – steak ‘n fries and…….
…Saturday: Steak ‘n fries and ……..


THE CUSTOMERS of ”Our” Place as of October 1st, 2005

Al – passengerfan, first visit: 12 April 2005 – 2nd CHARTER MEMBER!

Chris – CFournier, first visit: 12 April 2005 – 1st CHARTER MEMBER! and Member of the Legion of the Lost

----------------- coalminer3, first visit: 14 April 2005

Dan – earlydiesels, first visit: 16 April 2005

Dave – West Coast S, first visit: 14 April 2005

*** – wrwatkins, first visit: 2 May 2005

Doug – barndad, first visit: 12 July 2005 Member of the Legion of the Lost

Jeff – Lordhawke, first visit: 12 Aug 2005 Member of the Legion of the Lost

Kevin – Gunns, first visit: 28 June 2005

Nick – nickinwestwales, first visit: 27 April 2005

Pete – pwolfe, first visit: 8 Aug 2005

Rob – trolleyboy, first visit: 12 April 2005 – CHARTER MEMBER!

Russell – Trainnut 484, first visit: 27 June 2005

Ted – Theodorebear (and then some!), first visit: 2 May 2005

That’s the list of folks we see ‘round here.


”Our Place ORDER OF THE STOOLS

Permanent Stool Chris First customer, [^] Barrister and Quebec connection.

Permanent Stool Ted Manager of “Our” Place and customer with unparalleled good cheer [swg] and determination. Florida connection.

Permanent Stool Nick Chief Chef [C=:-)] of “Our” Place and customer supreme from West Wales. British Isles connection.

Permanent Stool Trolleyboy Rob If it concerns street cars, talk to me! – and Ontario connection.

Permanent Stool Passengerfan Al Walking, talking “Classic Train” Aficionado [2c] and author. California connection.

Permanent Stool *** Watkins Rail aficionado [2c], enthusiast, world traveler – and Texas [C):-)] connection.

Reserved Stool earlydiesels Dan Restorations are us! … And train lover at large [2c]. Southwest Missouri connection.

Reserved Stool West Coast S Dave California man of mystery [8D], real and model rail enthusiast, and West Coast connection. Recipient Silver Throttle Award

Reserved Stool coalminer 3 Northeast rail Aficionado [2c] and West Virginia connection. Recipient Silver Throttle Award

Reserved Stool Gunns Kevin Machinist, loco restorationist supreme [2c] and New Mexico connection.

Reserved Stool Trainnut484 Russell AT&SF and rail enthusiast, model railroader [:D] and Kansas connection.

Reserved Stool pwolfe Pete British Rail Aficiondo [2c], good guy and mid-Missouri connection.

A customer may be considered for membership in either category through their participation in the discussions at "Our" Place. The quantity of posts does not mean as much as quality of them.

Further, willingness to participate in the banter goes a long way toward convincing the Selection Committee of one's eligibility. A rule of thumb: (1) Greet the barkeep and (2) Order a drink! It's that simple to get off to a good start with your posts! [swg]

Being a regular customer simply means that you've taken the time to drop in, have something to offer, respond to others, and enjoy the atmosphere of "Our" Place! Inclusiveness is what we're trying to achieve - repetitive one-on-one stuff should be relegated to Email.


So, there you have it - if this is the kind of place you're interested in - great. If not, no problems - enjoy your love of trains and we'll be seeing ya!

Tom, Proprietor of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!

[siberianmo]

G'day Railroading_Brit Matt Glad to have you back - and if I didn't mention it earlier, the first drink 'round here is on the house! Whaillyahave [?] [swg]

This thread is rather useless to those who do not take the time to find out what we're all about. Beginning at page 1 is a good idea! However, there are just so many pages now, and no real "down 'n dirty" way to catch up. I've put together SUMMARIES which were once rather comprehensive and now have been refined to more of an outline. Check 'em out.

Suggest you scroll back through the pages and in particular, locate the Posts by pwolfe Pete and nickinwestwales Nick for some great Classic Train input from Great Britain. These guys are regulars at our bar 'n grill and I'm sure you'll have no difficulty picking up on what they've had to say. Of course, we do have lots of fun while doing so - we're just a bit different from what you may be accustomed to. But then again, that's the strength of our group. We kinda like it that way - a small nucleus of guys who have liked minded interests. No time 'round here for the "hit 'n run" Posts, as you may have already determined.

We're not that busy, as a rule over the weekends, and are CLOSED on SUNDAY's. On of these days I'm going to put together a bunch of page numbers so that one can "plug" them into the URL (above) to immediately get to the 'stuff' one needs to know about us. [yeah] one of these days (daze)! [swg]

Catch ya later. I've got to get outside to the picnic grounds to check on our OKTOBERFEST. All kinds of planned activity on Saturdays this month.

Looks like our Regulars are taking in the festivities going on outside today! That's the idea of these Saturday festivities at "Our" Place during Octoberfest! [tup] [swg]
See ya! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the welcome guys, I'll probably be lurking and reading mostly as my knowledge of classic trains on that side of the pond is a little basic. Closest I've yet got to modelling a prototype formation would be my model of the British Railways "Talisman" express - a 9-car passenger service that ran from London to Scotland. There were morning and afternoon versions of the train with different consists, I'm modelling the morning version (following an article in a magazine over here) using Bachmann RTR coaches (with some modifications - planning to fit coaches that don't already have them with close couplers and renumber a couple to match the rest). The snag is at 9 cars long it's a bit too big for my existing layout, so at the moment I'm just collecting stock in the hope of having somewhere to run it in the future!

[wctransfer]

Hello, im another displaced member. Although this is classic trains, i spose i can say something. I usually talk about the WC or SOO, but since this is classic, not sure if i fit in. But the WC did have an Ex NYC SW1 for switching the Fon Du Lac shops.

Alec

[siberianmo]

Okay Boyz - the countdown begins to OKTOBERFEST at "Our" Place 10-9--8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 Sound the horns and beat the drums, it's time to begin! [wow][yeah]

What better way than with a Fallen Flag. Today's installment from American Classic Trains is:

Union Pacific (UP) – (passenger ops)

Headquarters: Omaha, NE

Mileage:

1950: 9,9720
1996: 22,785 (trackage rights included)

Locomotives as of 1963:

Steam: 29
Diesel: 1,347
Gas-turbine: 49

Rolling stock in 1963: Freight cars - 54,959 Passenger cars – 851

Principal lines in 1950:

Omaha-Ogden, UT via Cheyenne, WY
Ogden-Los Angeles via Las Vegas, NV
Julesburg-La Salle, CO
Granger, WY-Seattle, WA via Montpelier, ID & Portland, OR
Pocatello, ID-Butte, MT
Hinkle, OR-Spokane, WA
Ogden-McCammon (Pocatello)
Cheyenne & Borie-Kansas City via Denver
Topeka, KS-Gibbon, NE
Marysville, KS-Valley (Fremont) NE

Principal lines added as of 1996:

Salt Lake City, UT-Oakland, CA via Sacramento, CA
Freemont & Omaha-Chicago
Nelson, IL-St. Louis
Chicago-Green Bay via Kenosha and Oshkosh, WI
Chicago-Milwaukee via Bain, WI
Milwaukee-Minneapolis
Minneapolis-Kansas City via Des Moines, IA
Minneapolis-Omaha via Sioux City, IA
Chicago-Madison, WI

Plus the MoPac/ subsidiary lines:

Omaha-St. Louis via Kansas City
Chicago-Houston via Pana, Dupo (St. Louis) and Thebes, IL, Little Rock, AR and Palestine, TX
Houston-Brownsville, TXPalestine-Laredo, TX via Austin
Houston-New Orleans via Baton Rouge, LA
Kansas City-Little Rock, AR via Coffeyville, KS
El Paso, TX-New Orleans via Fort Worth and Shreveport, LA
Kansas City-Pueblo, CO

Passenger trains of note:

Butte Special (Salt Lake City, UT-Butte, MT)
Challenger (Chicago-Los Angeles)
City of Las Vegas (Los Angeles-Las Vegas)
City of Denver (Chicago-Denver)
City of Los Angeles (Chicago-Los Angeles via Cheyenne, WY)
City of Portland (Chicago-Portland, OR via Cheyenne [via Denver 1959-68])
City of Salina (Kansas City-Topeka-Salina, KS)
City of St. Louis (St. Louis-Los Angeles & San Francisco & Portland via Kansas City & Denver)
City of San Francisco (Chicago-Oakville, CA via Cheyenne)
Columbine (Omaha-Denver)
Forty Niner (Chicago-Oakland)
Gold Coast (Chicago-Oakland & Los Angeles)
Idahoan (Cheyenne-Portland via Pocatello)
Los Angeles Limited (Chicago-Los Angeles)
Pony Express (Kansas City-Los Angeles)
Portland Rose (Denver-Portland)
San Francisco Overland (Chicago-Oakland; after 1955 St. Louis-Oakland)
The Spokane (Spokane, WA-Portland)
Utahn (Cheyenne-Los Angeles)
Yellowstone Special (Pocatello, ID-West Yellowstone, MT)

Of note: UP trains serving Chicago operated Omaha-Chicago via C&NW until Oct 1955, then via Milwaukee Road 1955-71. All UP trains serving St. Louis operated via Wabash between St. Louis & Kansas City.


Enjoy the memories and of course this celebration of October harvest! [tup]

Man oh man, how did Frau Greta ever manage to get Boris into the Lederhosen [?] Leon is looking rather "spiffy" with his newly shined Jump Boots, Alpine hat and Lederhosen! [swg] Then of course Ted rather "conveniently" ducked out so that we couldn't "admire" his attire! No party, no pay Mr. Manager! [swg]

Check with y'all later on ......... [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[Anonymous]

Hey Tom, great story with a "bitter sweet" ending. Thanks again for the mail and the N.Y.C. is definitely a "keeper." BTW, it is nearly Noon hereabouts so I want to unofficially give the "high ball" for the oompah band to set up for a early crowd teaser. Unfortunately, this weekend I did receive a call where my assisstance is required.[V] Hope everyone has a happy October Fest and enjoys each other's company.[tup] I will return later to "pick up the pieces," after my duties are dispatched. Have a happy.

[siberianmo]

Good Morning Guys!

Here's a Post from "my" past with another thread that may be of interest here. Definitely a tale of Classic Trains! [tup]

I don't know why, but as of late, I've been thinking about an RDC (Rail Diesel Car) trip I took with my wife and a couple of friends back in 1999.

We were visiting Vancouver, BC and on what was supposed to be an "off day" - (they do what they want, we do what we want), I looked into booking a trip aboard BC Rail's "Cariboo Prospector" (that IS the way they spelled it) from North Vancouver to Lillooet, BC. The round trip was to take the entire next day with a 7 AM departure and return at 9 PM.

When the other couple found out what I had in mind, they too wanted to come along. So, I booked the four tickets and off we went.

The consist awaiting us that chilly March morning was four RDC's - from my pictures, it appears that we had two RDC3's and two RDC1's. The livery was the blue/white striped with blue red heralds.

For those who may not know, an RDC3 was designed as a combined passenger, baggage-express, and mail car. Over the years, BC Rail (formerly Pacific Great Eastern Railway) had these cars "rehabed" to provide a food preparation area in the baggage area. The coach portions were outfitted to include swing down tray tables (similar but larger that what the airlines use) along with much more comfortable seating than I recall when commuting aboard the Boston & Maine's RDC's back in the 1960's.

The RDC1 was initially designed to seat 89 passengers. BC Rail's version appeared to be about the same, but with the upgraded seating.

Our seats were in the RDC3 for both legs of the journey.

That morning was a gloomy, low overhanging cloudy start to the day. As we wound our way out of North Vancouver and followed the route to Squamish, I was a bit saddened that my wife would not get the beautiful view of the inlets off of Howe Sound. Really a picturesque place to see ......

From the train at Squamish we could see the industry of the area along with a couple of steam loco's (and I'm sure many of you will provide commentary on those!!). As I recall, only a relative handful boarded and off we continued to Whistler, gaining elevation as we got into the mountains.

What scenery! This was becoming a great day - as the sky cleared up almost as soon as we got into higher elevations. Waterfalls, gorges, cascading mountains - all of it at about 8 mph - as the engineer slowed the train to permit picture taking. Really something to see and keep etched in the memory banks (and of course, photo albums!).

We had about a 10 minute stop at Whistler - so I got off the train with my friend's wife (who was in dire need of a cigarette) whereas I wanted to snap some photo's of the RDC's (what else!). Surprise, surprise! There was about 4 feet of snow awaiting us - of course the platform was cleared - but the snow was all around us. Absolutely wonderful to see and experience - and the temperatures were more than tolerable. I wanted to stick around a bit, but the RDC's sounded the horn and we climbed back on board.

Now, I could go on and on and on about everything we saw along the way to Lillooet, but let me just say that the descriptions would somehow all sound alike - breathtaking, beautiful, stunning, great, fantastic, etc. ......

About 45 minutes south of Lillooet, we passed by two large glacial lakes - Anderson and Seton lakes. With sheer cliffs dropping nearly straight down to the water, we all marveled at just how those mountain goats managed to get where they were (much less back to where they came from)!! Unbelievable. Each lake has a story connected with it - perhaps for another session (unless someone wants to "jump" in to expound on them a bit ......[:)])

Lillooet sits in a valley and the town is within reasonable walking distance from the train station, which by the way is a great place to see. We had about 2 hours before the return trip, so we headed into town to see the sites.

We learned that Lillooet's history really goes back to the "gold rush" days when this was the staging area for the hordes of people heading north to stake their claims. We also met some very friendly and forthcoming folks who were more than willing to answer the questions so many had. My wife and I decided to hike up one of the hills - all developed - just to get some photo's looking down on the town. Glad we did, for those pictures really are now keepsakes. One of the people we met came out of her house and asked if we had "see the bear?" Hmmmmmm - apparently there had been a bear meandering around, but had not been seen for about an hour or so. That was comforting[:0]

The return trip was also something to remember, but alas, much of it was in dusk then darkness. The meal served on board and at our seats was fantastic. We had a choice of entrees and the food was plentiful, hot, and tasty. Forgot to say the same about our breakfast .......

Well, BC Rail no longer runs those RDC's or anything else. The trains all the way to Prince George (Lillooet is about half way) no longer run. Sad times for many along the route. I know, from friends we have in BC, that it was a heated debate right up until CN took over ...... The RDC's? Well, they've been "dispersed," another way of saying "sold" and from the best of what I've been able to ascertain - have all seen much better times. A couple have been relegated to tourism trains in the U.S., others as spare parts, and one or two either have or are supposed to wind up in a RR museum. There had been a rumor that VIA Rail wanted to purchase them, for the "Malahat," but apparently that fell through - budgets being what they always are - "insufficient"![:(]

So, that's it! Another chapter in riding Canadian Passenger Railroads comes to a close. But - wait, not so fast. My model railroad - Can-Am layout - has a mountain line. It is a point-to-point run, with LifeLike Proto 1000's RDC's in the BC Rail livery, making the run whenever I want them to! Even have mini-versions of Anderson and Seton Lakes! Check 'em out on my photo site - http://www.railimages.com/gallery/thomasweber

See ya'll later![tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

SATURDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

ooompah – Oooompah – ba-BOOM – ba BOOM – Bwaaaaaa – Bwaaaaaa!

What in the world [?] Oh [yeah], tuning up for the kick off of OKTOBERFEST today noon! [tup]

News of the Day:

Trouble in the wind: It appears that there may be some cause for concern – not panic – regarding the need to ensure that our thread doesn’t fall to the same level as those being taken off the line by Kalmbach (which of course is their right). Our business gets conducted as always – PLEASE LET’S NOT ENCOURAGE ANY DIALOGUE WITH THOSE WHO MAY BE HERE TO DISRUPT. The serious minded will show through with the content and context of their Posts. Remember, I started this bar ‘n grill for the purpose of discussing Classic Trains set in an adult environment where having some fun adds to the enjoyment. Let’s keep it that way. THANX! [tup]

INDEX

Index pages for Fallen Flags , Heralds of the Fallen Flags and Passenger Train Nostalgia

Generic URL: Just insert the index page in place of “106,” copy ‘n paste ‘n “go,”

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=106&TOPIC_ID=35270

-or- insert the index page in the address portion of this page (at the top).

106 – SP
106 – MoPac
108 – WP
109 – Frisco
112 - CNR
112 – CNR Super Continental Time Table
112 – Heralds of the Fallen Flags
113 - Passenger Train Nostalgia #1 “Start ups” in the 1800’s and early 1900’s
114 – ACL
115 – SCL
116 - D&RGW
117 – Passenger Train Nostalgia #2 California Zephyr’s Budd Co. Vista-Dome sleeper observation-lounge
118 – RI
119 – D&H
120 - PRR
121 – Passenger Train Nostalgia #3 Canadian Pacific Hotels & Lodges
122 – NYC

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 08:00:11 (122) Friday’s News & Summary

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 08:15:57 (122) Fallen Flag – NYC

(3) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 09:51:47 (122)

(4) Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 12:53:02 (122)

(5) West Coast S Dave Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 12:53:32 (122)

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 13:45:43 (122) reply to Trainnut484

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 13:55:46 (122) reply to West Coast S

(8) West Coast S Dave Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 14:14:49 (122)

(9) pwolfe Pete Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 14:21:56 (122)

(10) pwolfe Pete Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 14:48:38 (122)

(11) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 15:14:58 (122)

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 15:25:10 (122) reply to West Coast S & pwolfe

(13) KenLarsen Ken Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 15:51:41(122)

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 16:12:49 (122) reply to KenLarsen

(15) West Coast S Dave Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 17:52:29 (123)

(16) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 18:50:56 (123) reply to West Coast S & regulars

(17) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 20:05:50 (123) reply to Theodorebear & [i[regulars[/i]

(18) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 21:32:44 (123)

(19) DavidJ611 Dave Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 21:43:28 (123) First visit

(20) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 21:44:30 (123) reply to nickinwestwales

(21) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 21:57:07 (123) reply to DavidJ611

(22) Paul W. Beverung Paul Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 22:15:33 (123) first visit

(23) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 22:22:39 (123) reply to “all” & Welcome to Paul W. Beverung

(24) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 23:34:49 (123)

(25) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 01 Oct 2005, 00:18:16 (123)

(26)Railroading_Brit Matt Posted: 01 Oct 2005, 03:11:29 (123) First visit

(27) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 01 Oct 2005, 08:27:57 (123)

siberianmo
Posted: 01 Oct 2005, 08:31:24 (123) reply to trolleyboy & Theodorebear Welcome to Railroading_Brit

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

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

[siberianmo]

G'mornin' Gang!

Just a few quick responses before the SUMMARY and a comment or two:

Rob Received your Email and appreciate your thoughts. Thanx for the cooperation. It was never a problem with the guys we KNOW, it's the interlopers .....

Yes, the NYC Fallen Flag brings to mind some great passenger railroading nostalgia. Great equipment - great livery - and great herald(s). Always enjoyed watching those lightning bolts .... [yeah]

Also, appreciate the reassurance that you won't foget little old me sitting here in mid-continent USA when it comes to that planned Polar Bear Express run. That would be a great experience and even moreso should we be able to pry Nick loose from West Wales, UK! [swg]

Railroading_Brit Matt [#welcome] To "Our" Place! I've read your profile and appreciate the up front information! So many do not reveal anything other than their cyber names - for the most part, we ignore 'em here. There is an exception now 'n then.

Since you are no stranger to these Forums, but new to our thread, perhaps you may want to check us out by looking at page 1, then locate our Summary pages in order to get a "handle" on what we're all about. Up front, this is a cyber bar 'n grill for adults, designed to talk about Classic Trains - real or model - while having some doing it. We are INTERACTIVE and INCLUSIVE here - no hit 'n run Postings ... so, if this is something you may find of interest - c'mon back.

By the by, nickinwestwales Nick is a regular and our Chief Chef [C=:-)], so perhaps you've "met" elsewhere - but he's a "fixture" here. [swg]

Ted Good seeing you this AM, as always. Your Emails have been received and appreciated! Thanx ... [tup] We are all on the same page with this, so let's just do our "business as usual." I'll continue best I can with the recognition, when warranted, and the rest will have to "roost" elsewhere. [swg]

The chill is in the air here in mid-continent USA, ain't fall just a splendid time of year [?]. I think so! [tup]

Well - gotta get crackin' on the Summary, but first .....

COMMENTARY
The OKTOBERFEST will begin today at Noon as planned. However, I urge all of our regulars to ensure that we maintain our connection with Classic Trains - let's not fall victim to those who have caused this latest dilemma on the Forums to adversely impact us. Just use some good judgment when it comes to osting and we'll be okay! [tup] Thanx!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

G'Day all, I've never seen this volume of traffic in the Bar before. Happy Oktober Fest to all, the festivities begin 'round noon today. Tom, make mine a wee dram of the Baily's, please (just a "eye opener", don't cha know?) Rob, great stats. on the NS&T and I echo your "take" on the N.Y.C. R.R. being "something there for everyone." I would drive from Monticello, N.Y. to the Harmon Beacon Ferry across the Hudson to catch the first train to Grand Central on my days off. Always made for a great get-away and a shot of adrenalin at the City's tempo.[^]

Nick, thanks for the mail, good "common sense" which isn't so "common" anymore. After the Fest, I'll be more "in touch" but you and Tom have your hands full preparing pix for Sunday.[tup] I don't wi***o interupt the work as I'm looking forward to this feast for the eyes also.

Looks as if there will be much to sort through for finding pertinent contributions that are relevant to "Classic Trains", for awhile anyway. As it happens too often; let us hope the predators from one thread don't follow their prey to "Our" Place.[:-^] Without a "live" host, parasites will generally seek another.[xx(] This has been a very healthy, positive environment for the past 6 months. Hopefully, all who participate will have their vaccinations up-to-date and "share the wealth and the health."[tup]

Okay, there is still much to do before the "down beat." I'll be checking back in for putting out any last minute fires. Right Boris, ring Old 99's bell for a "nip" all 'round, if you will. Ding-ding-ding-ding-ding. Gadfrey Daniel, who brought that 2005 pneumatic "ding dong" in here? CLANG, ahh, that's better. Aufwiedersehen bis spaeter. [(-D]

[Anonymous]

Hi all

MR forum is still locked (hope they reopen without altering anything - I feel it works pretty well on the whole and charging or restricting it to subscribers will lose a lot of contributors) so I'm now over here. In the event of that happening I'll probably be over at G Scale Mad - it's a UK-based forum devoted to large scale, though we also talk about the prototype and pretty much anything else "clean". Hopefully the powers that be will decide to put things back the way they were, as they have a great resource in these forums.

Bye for now

[trolleyboy]

Hello again. Tom Thamks for your latest fallen flag post. The NYC was the olny US railroad I seriously concidered modelling. The double grey ligthening strip scheme was the cats butt[;)][:D] I was partial to the black cigar band scheme as wel/ only on some locomotives though. Cliners,FM switchers,GP20's and GP30's No where else could you see such an eclectic all encompassing locomotive fleet. truly something for everybody[:p] And they had electrics too [^][tup][tup]. I remember driving through Buffalo oh 15 years ago anyway adn the one Conrail yard (blech[V][xx(] ) had several strings of D&H I love NY painted boxcars remember the blure and white ones? and several old slooowly rusting away Pace maker service boxcars. You could barely make out the lettering on them and the nice red and grey livery. I never got close enough to check but do any of you know did those Pacemaker High speed service cars have express trucks on them or just regular freight trucks[?] Have a great evening. Rob

[trolleyboy]

hello Tom and the gang. Thanks for adding me to the payroll. [tup][^]Fittingly we have a wonderfull Butcher / meat processor in town that makes their own cuts etc from their own stock,and they just happen to be german by decent as well. Expect a riegth motor at the cabam yard dragging a couple reefers of food and brew for the weekend.[:D][:)] Tom i'd never not invite you along on the polar bear express it wouldn't be fun with out you. Nick The Northlander is fun too but the Polar Bear is the nice looog ride to the tip of James Bay. Our other just have t5o do trip is the tour of the line on Algoma Sentral S.S. Marie to Hawke JCT.[^][tup]Dave Seeing as how a larrge fan of the PE you are have you seen or picked up the morning sun books on the Topic.To my mind the PE was the true interurban system closest thing to it in canada would have been the NS&T. Speaking of which it shall be my next installment on Classic Juice S the NS&T or Niagara St Catharines and Toronto Railway. Served The Niagara Peninsula Interurban lines ran freom Port Colbourne on Lake Erie down through Welland and thorold Ontario to St Catharines ending off at Lakeside Park in Port Dalhousie on lake Ontario. From there one borded steamships to Toronto. There was plans to rail connect TO and the Niagara peninsula but the depression stopped those plans as so many interurbans were starting to fail. In edition to the interurban routes the NS&T ran the city street railways in St Catharines and Niagara falls ontario. One could transfer at the Niagara falls station on bridge street to the Niagara gorge electric railway that ran on the us side of the falls. The NS&T also operated the frieght switching in Thorold st Catharines Port Colbourne and fonthill. Their original charter was 1886 as a horse car line in St catharines . In 1893 Mackenzie and Mann of Canadaian Northern fame bought them and started to expand the system electrifing it in 1893. When the Canadain Northern failed in the 1920's the NS&T came to be owned by the new Candain National railway. The city lines in ST Kitts and the falls stopped operating in 1953 the interurbans and frieght lines soldiered on. The last PT Colbourne to ST Catharines( PT Dalhousie interurba) ran in late 1956. Charters continued for another 6 months.Electric frieght operations ended in 1960 when CN dieselized ( still run today on the old 90lbs girder rail in most places) The NS&T had a varied car and locomotive fleet most bought used some home built. At one point they operated somewhere in the nieghbourhood of 300 pcs of rolling stock. Severak pictures of which you can see in my rail images account. This is a simple history two good books have been written about the NS&T One by Andy Panko the other by John Mills one of our museum's founders. Morning sun books Great lakes trolley's Published last year also has some great pictures on the NS&T the little railway that could ! Have a good evening gentlemen. Rob

[siberianmo]

Okay Guys! I'm checking out for the night .... Leon the Night Man is here and has the bar 'til closing.

For all who have no clue what this is all about, perhaps a bit of time researching our thread will help a bit. Otherwise you really are wasting your time here ... sorry.

Once the dust settles, and it will, I will welcome those of you who really want to participate in our thread. It will be evident who you are should you return with some meaningful stuff meant for all of us to enjoy concerning the topic of Classic Trains!

Hey Paul Didn't catch your Post "hiding" up there! [#welcome] To "Our" Place and in deference to the hour and my inability to stay awake, I'll defer you to the commentaries made this evening regarding how this place "works." Nice having you stop in and hope you'll return. That's quite a Fallen Flag story! Suggest you check out the Summary pages ..... and my Fallen Flags.

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

[Paul W. Beverung]

Well I'm another refugee from the coffee shop. I guess I'll hang around and see what's going on. It is a shame that we have to suffer for the few jerks that seem to crawl out of the wood work.

I'll submit a fallen flag for your amusment. The Iron Range and Huron Bay. I don't think that they were around long enough to get a flag. They only ran one train. It turned over about 20 minutes out of Huron Bay and the railroad was scrapped.

See you alll later.

[siberianmo]

Hi DavidJ611 Dave

Appreciate your Post and [#welcome] to "Our" Place! I hope you've taken the time to check out what we're all about. I normally Post all kinds of "stuff" to help the new guys along, but tonight has been rather hectic - in the real world and cyber space too.

Nice pix too. You will find that we have a Sunday Photo Posting 'round here. That's simply to maintain focus and keep some structure to this thread.

Essentially, this is a thread I began for adults to discuss Classic Trains and have some fun while doing it. I say adults only because the theme here is a bar 'n grill, not a soda shop or something like that. Sorry if that offends anyone - but that's the way I designed it.

Suggest you check out page 1 of this thread and then find the Summary pages later on .... that will get you up to speed.

In time you'll get the hang of it all and fit in quite nicely. By the by, I used to live in Chesapeake, VA. One day we should compare notes - best by Email though.

You'll also note that I'm not responding to anyone who has failed to provide some insight through the Profile mechanism of the Forums. My profile is "out there," and it should be reciprocal insofar as that kind of info is concerned.

First drink in this place is on the house! Enjoy ....

Tom, Proprietor of "Our" Place

[siberianmo]

Hi Nick

Having read that Post of Russell's again (with the Kalmbach info) I can fully understand where they are coming from. One of the primary reasons this place is here is because of what was going on elsewhere. Not the fun part - but the rudeness, the completely off the wall crap and blatently obvious thirst for "stars." Really turned me off. The only reason I joined this thing was to have some intelligent interaction with fellow hobbyists. I quickly found out how this "social order" works. So, I exited from the "open topic" place I used to Post at and formed this one. I also gave up on my Post on Railroads Forum too - because some guys just couldn't stay away from the political and the U.S. bashing. Really was out of hand then, and apparently those few are still at it.

We've had a good run, and I concur with you - we'll find a place to gather once again should we get the axe. I've got the Email addresses of those who make this place successful, so unless and until we're cut off - let's keep on keepin' on!

I received two pix today from you - is that it [?] Somehow, I was expecting more. Really, only two. You may want to recheck that Email. Absolutely will not hear of it when it comes to money for the PhotoBucket upgrade. When we meet in Toronto (some day!) or West Wales (some other day!) the drinks are on YOU! [swg] Back to PhotoBucket - I apparently overloaded my "quota" for freebie pix - no sweat. If I didn't give it to them, I'd more than likely give it to RailImages. PhotoBucket is just easier to navigate and I like the feature of being able to create sub-albums. So again, ain't no way I want your Crown Sterling (or whatever currency is "in" over there!). [swg] Thanx for the offer, though. [tup]

See ya in the 'morrow!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[icmr]

Good evening all. This is my first CTT post. I like so many others have been evicted from my home( MR ). I guess I will be here and on TRAINS. Thanks for keeping Terry's post on here.



ICMR

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[DavidJ611]

Hello Tom and gang,

I--like a few other familiar faces I see here this evening--found myself hungry and lonely after I discovered Bergie's chained the doors over at Zoe & Chloe's "Coffee Shop" and everywhere else on their block (the whole MR Forum). [:(] Hopefully that will only be a temporary situation, and hopefully the same won't happen here. (It's a shame how it only takes a few bad apples to ruin things. [V] --Just my [2c])

Mmmm... That pizza sure smells good! [:p] I'll take a large with pepperoni and a cold draft of the house brew, please. [dinner]

The discussion on the RR hotels is interesting. I'm an N&W fan, and their crown jewel was the Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, VA, the home the N&W's headquarters. After a number of years of it sitting idle after the N&W closed it's doors [I'm not exactly sure when.], NS Corp. donated it to Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, (a.k.a. =Virginia Tech= http://www.vt.edu). Under the ownership of the Virginia Tech Foundation, the hotel http://www.hotelroanoke.com/ was restored and reopened circa 1992 as the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center under the management of Doubletree Hotels. It's a beautiful, grand old hotel, and it's location is a railfan's dream. [8D]

I'm way too young to have stayed there in it's former glory days under N&W ownership, but I am happy to say that I had the pleasure of staying there 7 years ago with my wife. We had a room with an awesome panoramic view of downtown Roanoke, including to the east--the N&W East End Shops (birthplace of my namesake all-time favorite locomotive J611), to the south--the adjacent N&W passenger station and, in the distance, Mill Mountain which since 1949 has been adorned with an 88' tall neon star overlooking the city (where I proposed to my wife [:D]) and to the west--N&W's Roanoke Yard. [8D] ...Oh yeah, did I mention we were staying there on our wedding night??? [;)][;)][:p][^][tup][tup]

For your viewing enjoyment, here is a picture of J611in Roanoke in October 1994. The Hotel Roanoke is the stately Tudor-style structure up the hill to the left, and the East End Shops are visible in the far background. [Follow the train back and look for the two tall smokestacks in the distance.] The station is obcured by the train.


Thanks for the eats and the company, guys. (Tom, please let me know how/with whom to settle up.) I hope you enjoy my picture and ramblings, and I look forward to returning.

-Dave

[nickinwestwales]

Good evening gentlemen all,and a warm wecome to all our visitors-havn`t the faintest idea what`s got everybody stirred up,and to be honest,I`m not sufficiently concerned to go and look-this place works,if Kalmbach are not prepared to host it,someone else will,or we set up on our own----no problems here.....O.K-Lets sort out the post-[4:-)]TOM-I do sleep,usually 3-8<get up,take daughter to school,go home,back to bed>9-12,unless day work available---Can I contribute to the fund for photobucket,as you are hosting my pix I feel it is the least I can do............AL-love the idea of that elevator-now that is thinking big...! ROB-I`ll settle for the `Northlander` return trip,-by-the-by,welcome to the payroll of the most dissolute "Adult Beveridge" premises this side of the border [^]...MANAGER TED..how about that 3/4 with a Jamaican twist-hang the drums upside-down,bass on the back of the beat, guitar with loads of echo/repeat..........DAVE-thanks for covering bar weds. P.M,had intended to cover shift but machine had other plans...N.B-Bilston Shay pre first war-1900-12--now I realise that the blue pills are doing Boris a world of good,but do you really think he is ready for dating just yet-quite aside from anything else,we must consider the prospect of him accidently breeding-an ugly thought...O.K chaps,get your submissions ready for sunday slide show,sleep well,nick[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

Hi Ted and Regulars,

Didn't see your Post back on #122 - anyway, don't fret. Our Oktoberfest goes off as planned. [tup][swg] I do not envision us having to change the way we interact - we're not part of the problem, at least thus far.

Some Emails have gone to the Permanent Stools and to the Inner Circle. Business as usual is the bottom line.

Sorry for the long delays between respones - I'm up to my ears trying to upload my photo's from the KCity trip with Pete. Interruptions on the net and here at home ain't helpin' much! [swg]

Enjoy this Friday night and let's keep "Our" Place hummin' as it was designed to be - Classic Trains and some good times while we're at it.

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[espeefoamer]

Guten abend everyone( I think that's how it's spelled).I'm all ready for Oktoberfest tomorrow[8D]. I'll have plenty of root bier( I don't drink alcohol).mit bratwurst!
I must have missed something, as I missed whatever post made the schize hit the fan!

[siberianmo]

Hi Dave and regulars!

Another Friday night here at the BAR 'N GRILL - Pizza Nite - so let's get crackin' guys! The beer is cold and the mugs are frosty ....... [yeah]

To reiterate, let's keep conducting the conversations on our thread as we have been since this all began back on April 12th. The talk is about Classic Trains and we encourage lots of dialogue AMONGST all who contribute, plus have a bit of fun while doing so. This isn't a "coffee shop" nor is it a place to run up numbers counts, and it surely isn't for those who cannot take the time to figure out what we're all about!

So, Dave I appreciate your taking the time to stop by - buy a round - BUT - when it comes to Boris - well HE belongs to Nick.

Oh yes, thanx to those who commented on today's Fallen Flag - NYC. When looked at in the era of greatness, one can only wonder in bewilderment how these giants simply vanished from the rails. I'm happy that I had the opportunity to at least travel on some of them and have my memories to bring 'em back! [tup]

Catch ya later! [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]