"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[West Coast S]

Afternoon Tom and the gang, a warm howdy to our new visitors.

PWolf, a shay you say? Lima had a prolific export trade, given the geographic location, is indeed a bit odd, I would reason something to do with WWII, sounds like you have a mystery on your hand.

Tom: Not a problem, you'll enjoy the film, i'm aware on no other film footage on the Mt. Lowe. Its addictive, next you'll have to invest in the Pacifc Electric trilogies Vol. I, II, III from Cantanery Videos, par excelence

As for the future of these forums what will be, will be, only MR knows the future, it is futile to spectulate at this point.

Ok Boris i'll permit you to ask Hilda out. Bong..bong..bong. Round of the usual, I believe mention of a certain brand of Scotch several days ago.
Dave[:D]

[railroadyoshi]

[#ditto] to Scott
Tom, thanks!

[railroadyoshi]

Oh no! Terry, please dont!
Sure, there are some jerks out there, but without these forums i'd be nowhere in this hobby, and a lot of other people would be nowhere too. Please keep the forums, even if that means you have to be more vigilant and delete more threads!

[TrainFreak409]

QUOTE: Originally posted by siberianmo

Now should we launch some sort of a "campaign" to "save" us [?] I say no - let's not do that. Not unless and until we've been warned. We all know of the absolute tra***hat is being submitted all over the forums - the people running up their numbers count, and it's not just the juveniles - adults seem to be impressed with how many stars they can accumulate. Anyway, let's continue on and we've been put on guard. Nothing wrong with that as long as we stick to the theme of "Our" Place - Classic Trains.

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

Woah, I should have read that more closely. It seems to me that everyone usually blames inappropriate posts on teens. It's good to see that someone is defending us, and pointing out that adults to it as well. Thanks for sticking up for us Tom![:D][tup]

Heh heh, I'm page leader. What do I win?[:p] Or do I have to buy a round of drinks for everyone here, like in the MR Coffee Shop?[8D]

[railroadyoshi]

I think all of us who like to hang at MR have lost a home. but, we do have ClassicTrains!

[TrainFreak409]

Howdy y'all. Since the MR forum is down, I'm not sure what exactly I am going to do. I really hope that they do not decide to delete it. That has been a great place for me to talk with fellow model railroading enthusiasts, since no one of my age in whatever area I am in seems to be, with the exception of Cheese3.

I feel like I've lost a home.[:(]

[siberianmo]

Hello to you displaced model railroad fans!

Ken You surely haven't been 'round here since shortly after we opened up .... perhaps things at Kalmbach have gotten to the point where some of the "issues" you and I discussed back then are getting some attention. I know we didn't view them the same way - but quite frankly, the abuses on the Forums seems to be getting really out of hand. I just entered a couple of threads on MRR and had no problems ......

uspscsx I won't go thru my standard welcoming stuff, in that it appears you may not be back! Anyway, suggest you check us out from page 1 - then look at the Summary pages to get an idea of what this adult cyber bar 'n grill is all about. We discuss Classic Trains here and have some fun while doing it. You are most certainly welcome to return .... although you may find us a bit more structured than the other threads ........ [swg]

TomProprietor of "Our" Place, an adult eating 'n drinking establishment!

[Anonymous]

I hope y'all mind me dropping by for a bit...

I never frequent the Classic Trains forum, but with the MR forum locked, I have nothing else to do.

Well, that's all for now I suppose..

[Anonymous]

Hello Tom and the rest of the Classic Trains gang,

I just noticed that all of the Model Railroader forums have been LOCKED![:O]

I hope this is only a temporary thing, while they figure out what to do next...

-ken

[siberianmo]

G'day Dave & Pete

Glad you've decided to "roost" a bit, can't think of a finer place to do it at! [swg]

My thoughts on this business that Russell brought to our attention is that it really isn't anything new. I'm hardly an "old timer," but I do read, and I've read many an account of the "history" of these Forums and of the abuses and how they were handled - or not handled. There are many threads that are running on the various forums containing all kinds of "open topics." We're not really the exception so much and I'll tell ya why. We are structured and seemingly find our way back to the idea of the forum - Classic Trains. I hope that Kalmbach recognizes just how disciplined those of us who participate in this thread really are and of course how much fun we have while sharing some great stories, information and photo's of our love for railroading (real or model). If we were to be arbitrarily shut down - it would truly be surprising.

Now should we launch some sort of a "campaign" to "save" us [?] I say no - let's not do that. Not unless and until we've been warned. We all know of the absolute tra***hat is being submitted all over the forums - the people running up their numbers count, and it's not just the juveniles - adults seem to be impressed with how many stars they can accumulate. Anyway, let's continue on and we've been put on guard. Nothing wrong with that as long as we stick to the theme of "Our" Place - Classic Trains.

Finally, let's not jump the gun with this - okay [?]

Dave That's terrific news about the existence of film for the Alpine Tavern & Inn up on Mt. Lowe. I'll begin my search ... .Thanx! [tup]

Thanx for the round! [tup] Boris ring the bell! [yeah]

Pete I kinda figured you'd be in "contact" with Hilda and her goings-on out your way. So, she's taken a liking to the Jeff City taverns, eh [?]. That should go over like a lead balloon with your bride, don't ya think [?] [swg] Perhaps we should get Boris to take her out on a date! [yeah] Let's work toward that ..... [:O]

It's nice to see the continuing dialogue going on with the Fallen Flags and the other inputs. The hotels 'n resorts info that I Posted yesterday are getting some great mileage and yours is appreciated as well. While many railroads throughout the world probably were involved in that sort of thing, I seriously doubt that any - not a one - could come close to the "empire" that Canadian Pacific Railways put together. Just a fantastic approach to it all. [tup][tup][tup]

Catch ya later! Gotta get back to those pix ... time consuming for sure.

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

G'afternoon all, maybe a lollipop and a glass of decaf ice tea this time Tom. I hope all is well with our (maybe) "too much fun gang of Li'l Rascals." I don't wi***o be unduly paranoid given the quasi adomishments for "Garden Railways, Classic Toy Trains and Model Railroader Forums." I'm sure any of us who have visited some of these Forums realize that some really bitter rancor does appear from time to time. There have even been (rare) cases of personal threats made between individuals who participate.[tdn] Personally, I'm quite willing to leave the "all in fun" anecdotes to personal e-mail between "Our" Place members. Its not a "big deal." Poor old Boris will just need to find temporary housing from one "addy" to the next, I suppose.[:(]

In today's climate of gratuitous libel and character assassination for the most trivial of humo(u)r, one realizes how "mole hills can become mountains." It is regrettable that a few Iconoclasts and tortured Egotists have come to have such a strangle hold on, heretofore, well intentioned satirical humo(u)r and self parody. Folks, that is the way things are in our modern literal, mundane society.[V]

There needs to be more input here, don't you think? I, for one, would like to hear some other thoughts on this "wrinkle" (real or imagined). In any case, thanks Russell for "a word to the wise."[tup] See all of ya that can make it tomorrow under the big Maple near the Diet Pepsi Tap.[V] Happy rails everyone.[:D]

[pwolfe]

Hi tom and all.

I have just read RUSSELL s post. It would be a great shame if we were to lose this wonderful forum.I know from being a railfan from across the pond I have learnt a great deal about N.American Classic trains from some very knowledgeable and kind folks. If the worse sould sould happen please lets keep in touch. PETE

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

A pint of the usual and a ham sub please.

Thanks for another great flag TOM.

Great info on the railroad owned hotels TED WESTCOASTSDAVE AND TROLLEYBOY ROB. We often used to stay at the Midland Hotel in KEIGHLEY West Yorkshire which was railway owned many years ago although well past its prime it still has the ornate ceiling moldings and with some imagination it is possible to think of it in its hayday.It costs about only 38 Dollars a night last time I stayed there.

My home town Rugby must be one of the very few British railway stations where it is not possible to see atleast a bar from the depot entrance.There used to be an ex L.M.S canteen on a hill opposite the depot mainly for the train crews they used to sell a massive steamed dessert for 6 old pence( about 4 cents). It has gone now and like a lot of old railway property is now a car-park[V].

Latest HILDA news . She was assisting the local pick-up crew by pushing the boxcars after the loco failed. it was O.K. until she demanded payment in beer. It was quite a sight to see her in the middle of the bar while the locals were huddled in a corner, her drinking straight from a pitcher. Unfortunatly she became irate when the two bar-men could not keep up with demand. It took 10 officers and 2 dogs to take her away. [:-,]
They have had to release her this morning as she was bending the bars of her cell for morning work-out so we may see her tomorrow[swg]. A match for BORIS[?] PETE.

[West Coast S]

Tom, A&R Productions, Mt. Lowe, the railway in the clouds is the video you seek. I believe A&R to be out of business, but the tape has been reissued by several sources who's names i'm unable to recall. A google search should prove positive. The footage was filmed during the heyday of the operation, film time is around 30 or so minutes.

Indeed sad that a few flamers and trolls would jepordize the forums, there was one indvidule in particular that posted several times on the same subject in the TRAINS forum that was scathing and ranting in his opinion of railfans and railroads, these types we do not need, nor do we have use for the
anti-Bush, anti- war poltical debate, what does that contribute to the forums? I sincerely hope MR can find a sucessfull process to eliminate or restrict those responsible while not penalizing those who do not abuse the priviledge.

Round for the house, you're call

Dave[:D]

[siberianmo]

G'day Dave

The accounts of the Alpine Tavern & Inn should be put to film - I'd love to see the construction phase, and of course what it looked like during its better days. Just amazing stuff, eh [?] Thanx! [tup]

Hope you had a chance to read what Russell had to say .... this isn't new to the Forums, and there are many valid points with regard to "policing" the threads - but we all know what a difficult line that is to walk! Especially in this day and age of virtually "anything goes." Hope we haven't transgressed over the edge .....

That senior agent being sent to Iraq as some sort of a remedy surely was a "p/poor" way of handling it. Thought that kinda stuff went out with the draft. Don't get me wrong, sometimes these "actions" are very much necessary - but given what's going on with us in that part of the world, the media, etc., man oh man - a bit on the "wild side" I'd say.

Okay - catch ya later. I'm working on my photo's for the Sunday Photo Posting and just found out I've exceeded my "limit" with PhotoBucket for a free account. Soooooo, I sprung for the $25 to keep it going with more "memory" provided. Ahhh, the things I do for my "customers!"

Catch ya later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Hello Russell

Appreciate the information and head's up! I've read of these concerns before and hope that we are "in bounds." However, I've also read of the many disgruntled users out there who for whatever the reason feel that THEY and only THEY have the inside track (appropriate, eh?) with regard to the use of the Forums.

Okay - here's the idea for us: As always - we MUST maintain that connection between what we like to do (fun) and what we love to do (talk of Classic Trains) - so it shouldn't be all that difficult for us to remain in bounds.

For All: This is important if you want to stay in touch - PLEASE send me your Email address - should we be shut down, perhaps we may have to find another place in order to maintain our communications. So, PLEASE do it now!

Thanx!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[West Coast S]

Morning Tom and the gang... We had a senior agent who took her staff car for vacation...and totaled it...all without written authorization to travel as well as being AWOL...We do have our equivelent of the Court Martial.

She was reduced in grade and transfered to Iraq pending a final decision, at the conclusion of her sixteen month tour, she returned to PDS, debriefed and presented with her walking papers.. God help anyone who plays fast and loose with cash assets.

Spot of the Juan Valdez if you please.

Enough shop talk,, morning gang, I see drink night was rousing sucess.

Regarding Railroad Hotels, SP operated a few in the early part of the 20th century. The grandest was the Monterey, constructed in 1888 by interest who sought to promote the area. The business potential was so great SP purchased the South Pacifc Coast narrow guage lines to Monterey to deprive any potential suiters of developing the area. Traffic was sufficient to justify a daily delux train to the hotel. Fire would level the structure in the 20s, with SP electing not to rebuild.

At one time the Cliff House in San Francisico was controlled by SP interest. The main hotel complex was destroyed in the ensuing fires caused by the 1906 quake. The remaining portion continued into the 90s as a restaurant before being razed. consummed many a meal there in my time...

The grandest was the Alpine Tavern & Inn, located atop Mt. Lowe, a jewel in the Pacific Electric crown. PE would disembark passengers at Ruby Canyon, above Pasadena for transfer to the 7.5 mile incline railway which was famous the world over for the trestle work and other engineering feats needed to traverse the rugged terrain. In the late 20s Thadius Lowe, owner and builder of the Inn & Tavern and driving force in the incline railway being completed, was forced to surrender his ownership to PE or face personal ruin caused by the effects of the depression. PE suffered through washouts and landsides on the incline caused by severe winter rains of 1931, the entire line was closed for over a year. PE regrouped and rebuilt, but already patronage had fallen off. Eventually fire would destroy a set of trestles near the summit, the Tavern & Inn was also destroyed around the same time in a second fire, known as the Pilot Peak blaze.

PE salavaged the rails and machinary , pulled the line to Ruby canyon and exited the canyon for good. In the ensuing decades fire and the effects of man man would
reduce all vestiges. The US Forest service, dynamited the power house and all surviving strucures in 1962, items too large to move, were simply bulldozed over the mountain side, the rails that PE was unable to salvage, were uncovered and also tossed over the side.

Despite the carnage done, A sucessfull legal effort by dedicated persons has garnered National Historic Preservation status for the entire former route. Considerable restoration of the line has been in progress by volunteers, The Forest Service and several counties for ther last several years, one can now hike to the Tavern & Inn location which is being reconstructed as funds permit on the orginal foundations that somehow avoided the dynamite. Will the Incline Railway be restored next? Portions of the grade have been cleared of brush and numerous landslides to date, beyond that, no one's talking.


Dave [8D]

[Trainnut484]

Hello Tom and everyone. Miller Lite for me. Thanks for posting the NYC info Tom [tup]This post below from Terry Thompson, MR editor, has appeared on the MR and Garden Railways forums, but I think the outcome will effect us here on the Classic Trains Forum:

**NOTE** I think the forum administrators removed the topic below. I don't see it anywhere on the MR forum.

QUOTE: Dear forum participants,

We’ve had some threads and actions in the forums lately that we at Kalmbach Publishing Co. believe to be out of place, including off-color posts, off-topic posts, flame wars, and unsubstantiated claims about various companies both inside and outside our hobby. Because of these actions, the forums are requiring more and more of our time to maintain. The forums are also straying farther and farther from our original goals for them, which were to provide a place for model railroaders to exchange helpful information about the hobby and to provide a place for newcomers to get advice about our hobby.

First of all, we'd like to apologize to our loyal users who haven't taken part in these threads. We're sorry that you had to put up with this behavior, and we thank you for using the forums appropriately.

Our company’s investment in these forums, in both time and money, is substantial. As long as we believe that this time pays off for our customers, the hobby, and our firm, we will continue to devote resources to these forums. Recent events have led us to have serious doubts about the value of this commitment, however.

The options open to us include deleting topics much more frequently than we have, closing the forums to new registrants, limiting the forums to subscribers, deleting selected forums to conserve our time, and closing the forums temporarily or permanently. None of these options are very attractive to us, but it’s even less attractive to have inappropriate forums out there representing our magazines and our hobby.

We haven’t made our decision yet. But if the next time you try to visit the forums you find that they’re more limited than they are now or closed entirely, you’ll know why.

Thanks for your time, and thanks especially for reading Garden Railways, Classic Toy Trains, and Model Railroader.

Sincerely,
Terry Thompson
Publisher

I've already put in my [2c] on the MR forum. I hope everyone here does the same [:)]

Take care,

Russell

[Anonymous]

"Du, du liegt mir im Hertzen..." Jawohl, ein guttest trinken lied in 3/4/ zeit. That's about all the "fractured" Deutch you will hear from mir.[:O] Sounds like we are ready and eager to meet the "Our" Place October Festival with all proper decorum and traditional German protocol, in other words: "let it all hang out."[tup] [C=:-)] glad you discretely chose a menu of "lighter" fare than the traditional Hog Jowls, Red Cabbage, Hot Bacon Dressing and "throw in the Oink for good measure" dishes. The last German cuisine I devoured was at the Lorelei Restaurant in Yorkville (82nd Ave and Amsterdam, N.Y.C.) where, after the third course (potato dumplings drizzled with burnt butter), I was removed by ambulance for resuscitation.[V]

Tom, its still too early for anything more than a light pastry and a cuupa non-leaded Java. Really impressed with the R.R. Hotels of yore to the present. There were also R.R. hotels here in the States very near the stations, mostly catering to train crews. Definitely not for the "Hoi Polloi!" Most of these were in older towns and cities in the East. I guess you could call these "flea bags" forerunners of truck stops, "greasy spoons" and all. No offence to any of you Drovers, I had some great meals at those Diners. They weren't the Super Cheif, of course, but for the buck; lots'a chow.[^]

I see a Amtrak Acela met a car "in harms way." When will they ever eliminate grade crossings on high speed routes? Probably wouldn't matter in any case. We had a middle aged woman hit on a trestle near Tampa the other day. She was jogging to lose weight. Can you imagine?[:O] Okay, looking forward to tomorrow's gala of gluttony, gorging and gemutlich heit. If I missed anyone, I'll try again on the morrow between copius drafts of Bohemian Pilsner (Czech) and Wurtzburger Lagers.[:D] In the meantime, let's see what Sunday photo ops have to offer.[tup]

[siberianmo]

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

New York Central System (NYC)

Headquarters: New York City

Locomotives in 1963:

Diesel: 1,965 Electric: 65

Rolling stock in 1963:

Freight cars: 94,115 Passenger cars: 2,905

Principal routes in 1950:

New York-Buffalo, NY-Cleveland, OH-Chicago, IL
Buffalo-Detroit, MI-Porter, IN (Chicago)
Boston, MA-Albany, NY
Cleveland-Columbus-Cincinnati, OH
Gallion, OH-St. Louis, MO
Chicago-Indianapolis, IN-Cincinnati
Indianapolis-Peoria, IL
Cleveland-Pittsburgh, PA
Detroit-Toledo, OH-Springfield, OH
Toledo-Columbus, OH-Charleston, WVA
Utica, NY-Montreal, QC

Passenger trains of note:

Chicagoan (New York-Cleveland-Chicago)
Chicago Mercury (Chicago-Detroit)
Cincinnati Mercury (Cleveland-Cincinnati)
Cleveland Mercury (Detroit-Cleveland)
Cleveland Limited (New York-Cleveland)
Commodore Vanderbilt (New York-Chicago)
Detroiter (New York-Detroit)
Detroit Mercury (Cleveland-Detroit)
Empire State Express (New York-Buffalo)
James Whitcomb Riley (Chicago-Cincinnati)
Knickerbocker (New York-St. Louis)
Lake Shore Limited (New York-Cleveland-Chicago)
The Michigan (Chicago-Detroit)
Motor City Special (Chicago-Detroit)
New England States (Chicago-Cleveland-Boston)
Ohio State Limited (New York-Cleveland-Cincinnati)
Pacemaker (New York-Cleveland-Chicago)
Southwestern Limited (New York-St. Louis)
20th Century Limited (New York Chicago)
Twilight Limited (Chicago-Detroit)
Wolverine (Chicago-Detroit-New York)


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

FRIDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

Good Morning Guys! The end of the week is upon us and why not kick it off with a trip over the pastry case and select a few from The Mentor Village Bakery. Also, the coffee is fresh and hot. It will make a fitting companion to your lightbreakfast selection! [tup] So, let’s get on with it …… [yeah]

News of the Day:

(1) Tonight is Pizza Nite along with our other Friday “staple” – sirloin steak ‘n fries! Perhaps Nick will add something to his Nick’s Picks Menu Board. Come hungry – dinner begins at 5 PM!

(2) OKTOBERFEST at ”Our” Place begins tomorrow, October 1st at Noon!

We will feature GERMAN brew all month!

GERMAN sausages will be added to the menu for the month, with all the trimmings!

On Saturday’s in October The Mentor Village Teutonic Society will sponsor Oompah Music live at the “Our” Place picnic grounds Pavillion and Dance Emporium! Performers include the Sauerkraut Band, Electric Lederhosen and Burst the Wurst Trio

Lederhosen and Alpine hats will be worn by "Our Place"! staff throughout the month!

Full scale LGB trains will be running on the main lines for free round trips to Can-Am Gorge on weekends – 10 AM to 4 PM. First northbound departs the ”Our” Place platform at 10 AM sharp, undt ve mean, sharp![swg]

PLAN TO SHARE THIS FALL CELEBRATION WITH US!

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

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 29 Sep 2005, 07:11:10 (121) Thursday’s News & Summary

(2) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 29 Sep 2005, 07:34:15 (121)

(3) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 29 Sep 2005, 08:11:18 (121)

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 29 Sep 2005, 08:47:59 (121) catch up

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 29 Sep 2005, 12:00:57 (121) Passenger Train Nostalgia #3

(9) pwolfe Pete Posted: 29 Sep 2005, 16:29:05 (121)

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 29 Sep 2005, 16:53:13 (121) reply to pwolfe

(11) West Coast S Dave Posted: 29 Sep 2005, 18:13:58 (121)

(12) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 29 Sep 2005, 18:54:35 (121)

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 29 Sep 2005, 19:05:28 (121) reply to West Coast S

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 29 Sep 2005, 19:22:51 (121) reply to nickinwestwales

(15) West Coast S Dave Posted: 29 Sep 2005, 19:35:46 (121)

(16) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 29 Sep 2005, 19:58:0 (121)

(17) passengerfan Al Posted: 29 Sep 2005, 20:01:33 (121)

(18) siberianmo Tom Posted: 29 Sep 2005, 20:36:17 (121) reply to West Coast S – nickinwestwales – passengerfan

(19) pwolfe Pete Posted: 29 Sep 2005, 22:02:35 (122)

(20) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 29 Sep 2005, 22:34:09 (122)

(21) siberianmo Tom Posted: 30 Sep 2005, 07:54:43 (122) reply to pwolfe & trolleyboy

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

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

[siberianmo]

Hi Pete & Rob

Thought I'd catch up on the Posts, then attack the SUMMARY in order to get things back to normal 'round here.

We've had quite a run OPM 'round here as of late (other people's money!) and the bar bell has been getting quite the work out. Sure glad we were able to retireve the old clapper. Still don't know what we're gonna do with the gold plated replacement; aka: Son of WCS (West Coast S)!. Boooooooooooong, Gwoooooooooooooong - just for old time's sake! [swg]

Guess I let the cat out of the bag regarding Hilda, eh [?] Well, you are free to divulge my transgressions should you wish. After all, WHO could possibly get us in trouble here in cyber land [?] [:O]

Happy to know the retransmission of Nick's attachments worked ... never know - degradation and all that.

The Trumpet, now that sounds like a place I'd like to visit! Is it the kinda place where mellow sounds turn to bellowing as the night progresses [?] Trumpet - [yeah] I can dig it ....

Rob Okay - consider yourself on the payroll as of this date. So, hurry on over to Frau Greta's Continental Tailor Shop & Chili Parlo(u)r for your Lederhosen fitting. Insofar as your Kilts are concerned, I suppose you could somehow use your imagination with 'em. Then again, I seriously doubt there's a connection between the wearin' of the traditional Scottish garb and short pants 'n suspenders! [swg]

Duties [?] Ah, yes - for now, consider yourself as the Chandler of the Bar which essentially means that YOU are responsible for ensuring our provisions of food 'n drink never become exhausted - which includes the reefer and two box cars over on the CP sidings. The reefer of course contains our refrigerated supplies, one box car for the Chief Chef's [C=:-)] Kitchen and the other for special events equipment, such as required for tomorrow's kickoff of Oktoberfest. Your salary may be drawn from the cash located in the tub upstairs - in my private quarters. [tup]

[#welcome] Aboard! [}:)][:-,] You have joined some fine company: Nick, Chief Chef [C=:-)] - Ted - Manager and Part-time Deserado du jour - and the Cast of Characters headed by Boris ...... 'nuf said! [swg]

Polar Bear Express, without moi, are you kidding [?]! [%-)]

I can only imagine what it must have been like back in the "hey day" of railroad travel to have had the opportunity to stay the night at one or more of those great CPR hotels and lodges. About a year or so ago, we watched a great documentary on the building of one of them in the Canadian Rockies (Alberta) and man oh man was it ever a beautiful sight. It's still functioning and super expensive - something that perhaps now that you are on the payroll 'round here, you may want to consider taking Heather to! [swg]

Catch y'all later ... SUMMARY time approaches!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Herr Tom and the gang. You actually want me on the payroll[?] I'm willing to where the lederhosen one question though. Having conciderable Scott's herritage does one where lederhosen regimentally as one would where one's kilt[?][;)][:0] BTW hopefully once Sat. polka fest starts Boris doesn't get his suspenders caught in the ceiling fans again[:0][B)] Sounds like you had a good trip, no pictures of Hilda I hope[;)] this is a pg rated forum after all.[:I] Nick If you are buying the round in Cochrane when am I booking the trip on the Polar Bear express for us[?] Tom Though I've never spent a night in any of the CP hotels I have had lunch at the Fort gary and Bamff, I've been in the lobby of the Royal York long enough to browse the CPR retail store there. About all I could afford was to look but hey it is a nice old building and is still immaculatly cared for.[^] One of my mrr friends had a two nights stay in the Bombardier corporate suite. ( His wedding presant from his best man who works for bombardier in their aerospace feild ) Mike liked the view of the CN yards not sure Bridget appreciated it though. Well folks i'm off fer now have a pleasant rest of your evening. Rob

[pwolfe]

Hi tom and all.

Did I hear another expense account[?]. Thanks WESTCOASTS DAVE I'll have a Bathams if I may. Glad you will still be able to come to the Octoberfest [tup].TOM promised he wouldn't let on about HILDA at least TOM saved my blushes by not telling that when Hilda arm wrestled four of the U.P. guys at once, and beat them, that I hid out in the rest-room[*^_^*].

Thanks Tom for Nicks e-mail and attatchments great info much apprciated[tup].It still makes me wonder how that single SHAY ended up in the West Midlands of England.Bilston is now a stop on the West Midland light -rail Metro running between Birmingham and Wolverhampton. The main street has been re-developed but they kept a traditional small Holden's pub The TRUMPET.

Well Tom another pint of Bathams please and I' ll tuck into the feast [C=:-)] NICK has prepared PETE.

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Gents!

Amazing just how effective the mere mention of an "investigation" the super sleuths of "Our" Place will loosen even the tightest of lips! [swg] Sooooooo, vee haf our vays, Herr Dave! Okay - you're off the hook, somewhat. "Drink, drink, drink, m'boys, let every glass clink, m'boys, drink, drink, drink for Dave's buyin'! " [swg]

In "my day," actually toward the end of those days (daze), we were "issued" Diner's Cards. This was supposed to eliminate cash advances and ease the process for the administrative support staff with the processing of travel clailm. While I never had difficulties, some horror stories ensued. I know of a guy who supposedly went absolutely wild with the card - court martial took care of that, and his career ended wtih a trip to Kansas. Sad - but oh so true.

Boris would have met is match with Hilda the Masked Marvel who was the "headliner" for the all female Weight lifting and Knitting Circle. She actually had "eyes" for Pete, even though it was a bit difficult seeing them behind the mask. Well, once the arm wresting tournament began, and she promptly put down the UP relief team headed for Jefferson City, we knew the night was going to be rather "active." And ..... oh well, perhaps I should not continue with this ... after all, the more "delicate" details should remain - private. [swg]

Hope you do have an opportunity to check in with us for Oktoberfest, it should be a fine kick off for the Fall Festival indeed. You vill enjoy zee bier! [tup]

Nick, back so soon [?] Good grief, man - what time IS it where you are [?] Let's see, add six to Central and you get - oh dark thirty. WHEN do you sleep [?] [swg] I'll handle those incoming pix in the AM, Mate!

Al Thanx for the round! Boris ring the chimes!

We've been to the Royal York and I never knew the "inside story" that you presented. Really neat stuff - had no clue regarding the elevator, tractor trailer, et al. Quite innovative and expensive to engineer I'd say. Some more great insights from our premiere "factition."

Be sure to check out the photo's on our Sunday Photo Posting Day!, you may find some of the Kansas City shots of interest .......

Enjoy the evening! Oh yeah - Dave's tab is still runnin', so Boris ring it AGAIN! Ka-ching, Ka-ching [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[passengerfan]

Good Evening Tom Guess I'll have my usual CR and a round for the house.
Enjoyed your listing of the CP hotels. Just thought I would expand on it a little. The Royal York in Toronto was the largest Hotel in the Commonwealth for many years. It featured fifteen hundred rooms and they didn't take any shortcuts. Having spent 28 years in the trucking business and interesting fact about the hotel was that on the east side was an elevator that was capable of taking a loaded tractor trailer up to the exhibit floor where it could be driven off and onto a huge wooden turntable built to match the rest of the exhibit floor where they turned the tractor trailere and you backed as close as possible to the area where your exhibit was going then you drove back on the elevator for the ride to street level and exit the building. I was always impressed with the ROYAL YORK and dined and enjoyed entertainment their many times. The Chefs for the other great CP summer hotels such as the Banff were trained at the Royal York.

[nickinwestwales]

What ho [4:-)]TOM & Gentlemen,trust you all noticed deliberate dead-pan expression used earlier...........no intention to give offense,........if calculations correct,should be able to stop in for a little livener to start the Oktoberfest,then in and out as available--P.S-[4:-)]TOM,if you hear a loud dull thud,it will be an E-Mail with all the details for the photo file landing in your in-tray,feel free to trim as required,all the best chaps,[C=:-]

[West Coast S]

Tom... Strictly on the up and up, see, I have TDY orders to Nellis AFB, departing tomorrow eveing, returning Tuesday. Under TDY, they assign a temporary expense account should the need for additional cash assets arise ( I do have a VISA account that could cover the purchase of Holland), ta Duh, Vegas Strip and other moral decadence , here I come in my confiscated Escalade!

I just might find time to to get some actual, earn a paycheck type work accomplished.

For the record, actually we cover our own TDY expenses from revenue generated from the fines and levys paid under the Federal Recovery Act. One more aspect of my job, assuring the funds are used in the proper manner and always, maintain the accounting, or else!.


In hindsight, I would retract my "all the details" query in light of your insightful referance regarding female weight lifiting and knitting circles. What Amtrak won't do to increase revenue! Whats next? Bedtime stories with Boris in the Sleeping car?

Under no circumstances will I be missing the Octoberfest activities, why, Boris has saved the first Polka for me.
Ain't I lucky? Heck, reading Nick's menu over the last several days has left my mouth salavating.

On the upside

Dave [8D]

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Nick

Another menu fit for this fine bunch at "Our" Place. Okay guys, chow time - Boris round up the track gang and tell him the "feed bag" is on! Our Chief Chef [C=:-)] has prepared a [dinner] meal like no other! [wow][yeah][tup]

Two bands, husband, father, career (what is it?) and of course, Chief Chef [C=:-)] here. You are a busy boy for sure! How I wi***hat I could fill in for your bass player, but geographical separation aside, there's a talent issue as well. Ahhhhh, but to dream ...... [swg]

Kapitan Tom has a rather harsh ring to it - I'll stick with Herr Proprietor! [;)] Never really took any of this Teutonic stuff seriously - guess that's something my grandfathers instilled in me. They were immigrants to the "new land" back in 1910 and refused - absolutely refused - to speak their native tongue whenever I was present. They had a firm belief that to be in the "new land" requried use of the "new tongue." Oh how I wi***hat credo somehow would spread across the landscape as we become more and more bi-lingual thanx to an over zealous business marketing effort. Arghhhhhhh.

Hope to see you pop in for the Oktoberfest kick off on Saturday (noon). Should be a great time - just seeing this crew, including YOU, in Lederhosen and Alpine Hats will be worth the price of a Stein of German brew! [swg]

By the by, your Email was forwarded to Pete. And, Czech beer is close enough .......[swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Now waaaaaaaaaaaait a minute! A "fed" with an expense account [?] I recall some "feds" driving rather luxurious seized vehicles - however, expense accounts - nope. Hmmmmmmm. This IS something to ponder regarding whether we should embrace the services of our super sleuths, Inspector Clueless of the Local Constabulary and his earstwhile friend and companion, Mr. Doyle, Private Investigator!

Anyway - we'll drink 'n drink until we find you GUILTY! [swg]

Funny thing about "B Units," for I cannot accept their existence in more modern terms because I associate them with F's - E-8's and PA/B's. I'm just "stuck" in a warp of time and anything that doesn't compliment my historical frame of reference just doesn't "compute."

[yeah] I'd be a bit cautious with Boris and perhaps not fall to the trap of believing he's (1) human and (2) controllable. What "works" for most of us, doesn't for him ...... [:O]

So, you want us to reveal every aspect of the Kansas City round trip, eh [?] Ain't gonna happen .... some of the more delicate encounters with the all female Weight lifting and Knitting Circle that we me in the cafe car are best left to one's imagination! [}:)][:-,]

Thanx for the round ... catch ya later! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]