"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[nickinwestwales]

Hi kids,ya ready to rock`n`roll now..?...O.K...sorry-just back from band practice,takes a moment or two to adjust--few problems in that area tonight,as most of you know,I play in 3 bands-2 of these I play bass on an instrument-for-hire basis,the third is `my` band-I play guitar,missisnick sings,all is generally wonderful. Tonight received phone call from bass-player Ritchie (father of small goblin Robin) to say that through pressure of work,college & parenthood he is going to have to step down,thus evening spent frantically re-arranging songs to make sure we have 2 hours of water-tight material for sat. night with me playing the bass and Simon covering the guitar parts single handed ( Normally,I start all the songs & he chips in when ready.......could be an interesting evening,wish us luck-----Right,[4:-)]TOM-or should that be Kapitan TOM-despite the veiled references to steel striking steel and Teutonic heritage,thinly concealed as Octoberfest,I shall continue to order Czech beer right up to the point where Herr Leutnant Kramer agrees to help me into a taxi . Enough of this merry banter,I have a menu to present---tonight,by a happy co-incidence,the Can-Am Zeppelin arrived after an unscheduled stop off the Maritimes,bringing fresh supplies----therefore,it is the House`s pleasure to present----------for starters-----------a dozen Whitstable Oysters on the half-shell,cold green-lip Mussells with garlic & coriander,smoked Mackerel pate with gooseberry sauce,fresh Crab gratinee tartlets------as a main dish--------Hen Lobster with beurre blanc sauce,Sea Bass poached in rum,lime & ginger,Sewin in sorrell cream sauce,fillet of grey Mullet with fennel & tomato Also available-8,12,16 &20 oz Sirloins with mushrooms,tomatoes and onion rings--double fried egg on request,full range of pizza`s,strange Carpathian dishes with too many legs,Vegetarian dishes available at [C=:-)]discretion...............well,enjoy gentlemen !!!---have a gig tomorrow as well,so looking forward to sunday picture show as oasis of quiet time [^]-enjoy your weekends folks,any postings between now and then may be of questionable quality,please ignore,all the best nick[C=:-)]

[West Coast S]

Afternoon Tom and the gang..Round for Tom, his choice and drinks for all, courtsey of my expense account until midnight tonight. Boris you know what to do...Bong..bong...bong...bong

He's baaack! Good to have you and Pwolf home, All in all a good day around "Our Place" during your absence, some Boris issues, but you knew that was a given! Male enhancement elixer[?] hmm...something to consider in the future.

Thanks to all who frequented with your insight, opinions and history and a helping hand with Boris. I see I struck a common thread with my now vrs. then observations, great minds think alike . Tom enjoyed reading of your KC experience..More..more, you too Pwolf, caugh up the details.

I do have some remorse over subjects I ignored.. I considered, at the time the geep B units employed by the UP to be a abomonation, hence I rarely devoted them to film, ditto for the DD35 A/B and DD40. The SP trainmasters were in their last days of commute service and a common everyday sight , i've got photos of the commute geeps,SDP45s, GP40Ps and Harriman coaches , as for the TM's, you guessed it.

At some point I became aware of the change occuring trackside , the UP double diesels and B units were running off their last years in Utah, I was able to see them for the wonder that they were, alas I still lament not devoting those FM's to film. I'm sure we have a tale of the one that got away.

Enjoy the drinks
I going to sit back and enjoy the ambience and do some catchup . Boris, your'e going to anyway..who am I to stop you. Clang...clang..clang.. What now? Oh no...Inspector Clueless is going to be upset with you banging on his badge with a spoon.

Dave [8D]

[siberianmo]

Well, finally a customer! Was beginning to wonder if today was Sunday!

Nice to see you Pete ... so that "glimpse" we caught of the heavyweight observation car turned out to be a private car, thereby confirming our suspicions! Perhaps I should sign you up to become Special Investigative Assistant to Inspector Cluless of the Local Constabulary, normally assisted by his earstwhile friend and companion, Mr. Doyle, Private Investigator. Phew - that's a mouthful! [swg]

I forwarded an Email to you from Nick with attachments ....

Those CP hotels were indeed "grand" and still are - but of course by today's standards, things have changed. Nonetheless, when "elegance" in living, lifestyles and creature comforts was "in," those hotels fit the bill quite nicely. Just born too late ......... and not wealthy enough! [swg]

Catch ya later and c'mon back for the Fish 'n Chips and a brew or two ........

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.
A pint of the usual please.
As TOM said it was an excellent day yesterday. What better way to spend a day than riding the rails in good company [?][tup]. On the return to Jefferson city I was talking to a gentleman at the depot who said that the Classic car which we noted on the morning East bound service was METIS which he said was going to work Chiago-St. Louis- Washington D.C. Has anyone any info on the car.

How I must agree with the posts saying that railroads have lost most of their varity. In my home town in England when I next visit the expresses will all be in the hands of Pendalinos the locals one type of E.M.U. and what freight we have will be hauled by 2 or 3 classes.

Great posts by ALL on early memories of railroads we were indeed fortuneate to live in a time when we could enjoy our hobby and our parents didn't have to worry unduly. The world( curtainly England) was a safer place then.

Did the railroads own HOTELS as in Canada.In the U.K. some of the best and grandest were owned by the railways.I believe that the magnificent Grade 1 listed St Pancras hotel in London is being restored to its original use .

Looks like being a great start to OCTOBERFEST this Saturday .I will have to have a few steins of beer before BORIS in his Lederhosen dances to the Johnny Willfahrt's band. It sounds a great menu TED and NICK have devised.
[wow][yeah].

Thanks for the E-MAIL NICK.

Well Tom I'll have one for the road and can you put me down for Fish and Chips later please [tup]. PETE.

[siberianmo]

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #3

Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains. Check this out (from The Official Guide of the Railways – 1956):

Perhaps no railroad anywhere rivaled the Canadian Pacific in terms of world wide excellence in serving the traveling public, whether by air, rail or sea. How many of you are aware of the CP’s great hotel and lodge network [?] These proprieties were built by and for CP according to their requirements and were situated at the key rail stops and vacation sites along their main lines



CANADIAN PACIFIC HOTELS AND LODGES

City…………....…Name…..………………..Open

Kentville, NS…….Cornwallis, Inn………….All year
McAdam, NS…...McAdam Hotel………….All year
Quebec, QC…....Chateau Frontenac….....All year
Toronto, ON……..Royal York Hotel…….…All year
Winnipeg, MN…..Royal Alexandra Hotel…All year
Regina, SK………Hotel Saskatchewan…..All year
Calgary, AB……..Hotel Palliser……………All year
Victoria, BC….….Empress Hotel………….All year
Kenora, ON….….Devil’s Gap Lodge………June to September
Digby, NS…….…The Digby Pines………...June to September
Yarmouth, NS…..Lakeside Inn………….…June to September
St. Andrews, NB..The Algonquin Hotel……June to September
Banff, AB……..….Banff Springs Hotel..…..June to September
Lake Louise, AB..Chateau Lake Louise…..June to September
Reached from Lake Louise:
…………………..Moraine Lake Lodge…….June to September
Hector, BC……...Lake O’Hara Lodge.…….June to September
Hector, BC……..Lake Wapta Lodge………June to September
Field, BC……….Yoho Valley Lodge……...June to September
Vancouver, BC…Hotel Vancouver….……..All year

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

And the last shall be first ..........

G'day Nick I see you've given it another go and succeeded. These Post preparations can (and do) drive one nuts ..... speaking of which, are you sure it's Awk spitting out the shells [?] Parrots spit [?] Hmmmm. Seems more like a Boris thing - but I'll check into it! [swg]

Perhaps we should arrange for the Can-Am/Cymru Zeppelin to make Saturday flyovers during Oktoberfest. We could fill the gondola with all kinds of "wursts" and have them deposited all over the picnic grounds! Protected by "bubble wrap" of course ....... [swg] And, you say Johnny Willfahrt and his band will perform this Saturday night, eh [?] Well, let's arrange the platform to ensure they are downwind of the dancers! [swg]

Good Morning Guys! As you can see - I'm baaaaaaaaack!

The Amtrak trip to Kansas City was as close to a perfect round trip as I've experienced over the near 16 years that this has become part of my ritual (5 or 6 times a year). The highlight was meeting pwolfe Pete as we pulled into Missouri's capital city - Jefferson City - and he found his way to the cafe car where we instantly recognized one another. A grand time was had and the train arrived in KCity at precisely 1:30 PM - the scheduled arrival time! Now, that doesn't always occur. [swg] KC's Unio n Station had a huge N-scale display - and I mean huge. Took some pix and will post 'em on Sunday Photo Posting Day!. Out in the yard were several passengers cars and a loco - all available for public "oogling," which we did. Again - pix on Sunday.

As with my trip to Dallas last month to meet up wtih wrwatkins ***, and of course, ride the RDC's, yesterday's Amtrak journey goes down in my aging head as a day to remember! [yeah]

Sorry guys, if I don't catch all of yesterday's commentary - but here's a few replies:

Ted Good thing you and I aren't geographic neighbors, for we'd have matching pitch forks and torches as we marched on City Hall! I feel very strongly about taxation - and even moreso when it comes to property tax. We Americans have the right to own property - our Constitution grants us that. However, ONLY if we tithe to the government, otherwise they take it away!

You're hitting on another set of cylinders when you speak of furthering your education. That's a great idea and believe me, it's very rewarding, no matter what your pursuit. In my own situation, I immediately enrolled in undergraduate studies upon retirement. Did 4 years in college - just like a kid would do (although today, I think it's more like 5 or 6 for many of 'em). Anyway, I made it clear to my "advisors" that in no way did I want to have any waivers or special consideration given me for past experiences and other college work amassed over my 32 year career. So, it was a grand time indeed. Those 4 years flew by - in fact that's where I met my bride. Never intended to "do" anything with the ed-u-mah-kay-shun, other than simply to say, "I did it!" If I were "Czar," I'd insist on two things for all Americans: no kid goes to college immediately after high school - they'd go into a national service program OR the military. Second - all retired adults would be required to go to school at the community college or higher level prior to be able to receive social security. Why the latter? Simply to exercise the grey matter and keep pace with this rapidly changing world. Oh well - don't sweat it - I'm not about to become "Czar," or "Dictator for LIfe (Da-Da [?]), so rest easy, Gentlemen! [swg]

Dave A comment of yours,

QUOTE: It occures to me that I would not desire to be an up and coming railfan these days, Railroading is now so sterile,bland and inpersonal . Perhaps that's why we yearn for the old daysand a desire to share common memories and experiences .

brings to mind an observation from yesterday in KCity.

While taking in the sights at Union Station's yard, several passing trains - BNSF - were in evidence. They were long consists of containerized freight, broken up by strings of "generic" covered hoppers and "leased" box cars. Where were all of the "heralds" that made train watching so much fun years ago, I wondered [?] The livery of BNSF turns me off too - yuck. And of course, not a caboose in sight. How sterile, how impersonal, how very "plastic." I agree with your assessment!

QUOTE: Whatsamatta You Wilderbeast Wonder Tranquilizer

Last time this was used, so I heard, Boris reacted as if he'd just received a liquid dose of male enhancement Elixir. Good grief man, do you really want to know him THAT well [?] [swg]

Rob Looks like Boris will have to go back for a refit - but only once the Elixer wears off! Wouldn't want Frau Greta over at the Continental Tailor Shop and Chili Parlo(u)r getting overly stressed! She's still having a bit of difficulty navigating after the first session. Oh [yeah], her shop is right 'round the corner from The Bell & Borsht Shop, in case you'd like a set of Lederhosen for yourself! [swg] It's been mentioned - and I won't reveal by whom - that you should become a paid member of the staff. Of course, should this occur, you'll have no choice but to wear the "uniform" prescribed! [:D]

Finally, I want to say "Thanx" to all who pitched in during my absence to keep things rollin' at "Our" Place and a special note to West Coast S Dave for "above & beyond service to the bar!" [tup][tup][tup] to all concerned! Received your Email and responded to same - thanx! [tup ][;)]

Just heard the "news" about Amtrak's southbound "Texas Eagle" derailing about 30 miles south of St. Louis last night. Apparently caused by a rock slide, with no reports of fatalities or serious injuries .... However, there's a loco on it's side and Superliners off the track ... they can't win for losing and with no money in the budget to replace equipment, one has to wonder where this all leads to. I think we know.
Here's the URL:
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/jeffersoncounty/story/4EF87118AF6555D68625708B002384BD?OpenDocument

Oh yes - thanx to all who made mention of the Pennsy in the Fallen Flags segment of yesterday. Got that off right before I departed for the station ... glad you enjoyed it! [tup]

Ted Just caught your Post of this morning .... Thanx for getting into the "swing of things" in your Managerial capacity for our Oktoberfest. Undoubtedly, this will be a raging [?] success!! [swg]

While I hadn't planned a detailed "trip report" as such, suffice it to say that once Pete - aka: Wolfman and I met - and it honestly seemed as if we've known one another for a long time - we wound up in discussion upon discussion, and before we realized it, Kanasa City was upon us. We did take some time out to review the scenery and compare notes regarding this ' that as the train glided through the comfortable and attractive rolling hills of Missouri. Fortunately, any rain that we encountered occurred while we were on board - while taking in the sights (mainly outside) of Union Station, the temps were comfortable and there was no rain to worry about. A grand day, indeed. Our car was just a bit different from many I've experienced over the decades for Cafe Cars. The Business Class section had single seating on the right side and double on the other. Very new and very spacious - only 15 could be accommodated compared to the 24 in other seating arrangements. Anyway, it was well done and something that Amtrak should be applauded for. Pete "coerced" me into having a brew or three in the cafe car on the return leg, so we spent the time at one of the tables, continuing to chat - get to know one another - and before we realized it - Jefferson City was announced. Again, a most pleasant trip and a great way to spend the day. I arrived back at the Kirkwood station just about 30 minutes beyond the scheduled time - which for me worked out just fine. I can handle up to an hour late, given the situation with UP's traffic on that very busy main line between St. Louis and Kansas City. Yesterday, the Rail Gods were with us and it will go down as one of my more memorable experiences on rail here in the Show Me State. [tup]

Catch ya later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Mornin' everyone, by Gadfrey its early. Good to hear from those who could make it by and share thoughts and memories of "...those thrilling days of yesteryear..." (Lone Ranger radio circa 1940's). Tom and Pete, we are awaiting a full "after action" report on your Amtrak sojourn to Kcity and return with bated breath. Hope you could get some more shots of the static diplays outside. The displays inside the old station should be interesting as well. Worse case scenario, I suppose, is such a late arrival that you couldn't detrain at all.[:O] Still, its R.R.ing no matter the inconvenience.[^]

I've been gradually testing the stamina factor with our still very hot and humid days here in "Paradise." So far, I'm up to 1 hour in the garage and about half that in the Sun, Hoop-Ti-Doo!.[(-D] Another case of West Nile Virus yesterday in my County bringing the total to 13 for the season, so far. Dusk and dawn are the most risky times for mosquitoes and, of course, the coolest times for working...can't win![:(!]

It looks as though the general consensus is that railroading has been emasculated down to a conveyor belt like status and just sbout as interesting.[V] For me, its been one hard lesson in "never take anything for granted." The two weeks of riding the rails in Mexico and Ireland were probably my "last stand" for recapturing some of the ambience that goes with over-night train travel. Even those services have "taken a hit" for convenience and creature comforts. When the only option left in the U.S. is an excursion train costing into the thousands of dollars, it all over for me. So if it ain't 1:87, or 1:29 or cyber, its' all pretty much history.

Great gaggles of giant galloping Giraffes! How did I get into such dismal doldrums? Hey, we have the "Our" Place Oktober Fest just around the corner. For those of you not accustomed to the anatomically bazaar, be warned. Boris, in Lederhosen is something akin to King Kong in a Bikini; not for the feint of heart.[alien] Nick has made travel arrangements via the Graf Zepplin and trans Atlantic tunnel Briney Express for Munich's finest Pilsners and Lagers. Hot Pretzels, horseradish mustard, black bread, Blut, Weiss, Brats, Bavarian Wursts; all will be on offer. So, whether you may have "roots" in *** Wagner's Land of the Valkyries or not, bring your thirst and apetite Saturday around noon.[tup] Oh yes, the gals will be sporting Lederhosen sans the frilly white blouses.[:D] Also, you can "polka 'till pooped" on our refinished hardwood oak dance floor. As you know, "Johnny Willfahrt and his band will play." See ya there Komaraden.

[nickinwestwales]

Right,a good nights sleep and the world is a better place again-lets take it from the top again-CM3-you really should consider writing-your combination of technical detail with a hugely readable style would be a sure-fire winner IMHO-keep it up !! [4:-)]TOM-glad the `S`capades have called you back-can`t force it,if you want to live with the results P.S-I have no objection to AWK stealing my peanuts but can you stop him spitting the shells into my glass............DAVE-glad you`re enjoying the cuisine [^] -didn`t realise Caprotti gear tried out `over there`-seem to have it in mind that it was a high-maintenance system so likely not suited to rigours of N.American usage P.S-thanks for tip R.E Boris & blue pills-local vet becoming uneasy about repeat ketamine prescriptions GUNNS-A great way to fly-but watch out for the Can-Am/Cymru Zeppelin service ....!!!!! WOLFMAN PETE--thanks for the heads-up R.E black 5`s-the loco nameplate should have been a clue [banghead] will E-Mail details of Bilston Shay inc pic,as soon as I`ve finished this. Martello towers were signal towers built along the low-lying Kent coast during Napoleonic wars as invasion warning RUSSELL-sunday picture show should be quite something--we still have a few semaphore signals nearby-The junction at Whitland nr Carmarthen still has them controlling the main running lines and a number of smaller stns. have them as distant,home & starters. ROB-You buy the first round in North Bay and I`ll get them in in Cochrane [swg] MANAGER TED-will try and find pic of your namesake--Glyn Valley Tramway 0-4-2t "Sir Theodore" quite an interesting little line BK--nice one-dont sweat the pix-should be able to do A.P.T & T.G.V for sunday pix and will look out pendolino if poss DAN-best wishes to your lady( and yourself) hope you both get the legs back under you soon TED-have negotiated months rent on Zeppelin sheds at Friedrichshaven (sp?) as this is where they were built I have great hopes of picking up some spares and even getting the old bird serviced,as to catering I will naturally do my best with the wurst............enough!!! off to town to get tonights fishies,have a good day folks,see ya tonight,nick[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

THURSDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

Good Mornin’ Gang! A special thanx to West Coast S Dave for being willing to maintain the continuity of Posts yesterday during my absence. Thanx! Just one example why you’re a member of the Order of the Permanent Stools! [tup][tup][tup] Thanx also to those of you who pitched in when you recognized “things were different.” [swg]

News of the Day:

(1) Tonight is Fish ‘n Chips Nite along with our other Thursday “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) repeat OKTOBERFEST at ”Our” Place begins this Saturday, 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 Tutonic 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

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 28 Sep 2005, 00:58:56 (120) Wednesday’s News & Summary

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 28 Sep 2005, 05:49:33 (120) Fallen Flag – PRR

(3) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 28 Sep 2005, 09:34:27 (120)

(4) West Coast S Dave Posted: 28 Sep 2005, 12:27:51 (120)

(5) West Coast S Dave Posted: 28 Sep 2005, 14:11:52 (120)

(6) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 28 Sep 2005, 16:11:09 (120)

(7) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 28 Sep 2005, 16:44:31 (120)

(8) West Coast S Dave Posted: 28 Sep 2005, 17:33:16 (120)

(9) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 28 Sep 2005, 18:59:59 (121)

(10) West Coast S Dave Posted: 28 Sep 2005, 20:05:13 (121)

(11) earlydiesels Dan Posted: 28 Sep 2005, 20:24:51 (121)

(12) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 28 Sep 2005, 20:28:36 (121)

(13) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 28 Sep 2005, 23:21:11 (121)

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

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

[trolleyboy]

Good evening everybody it's good to see so many pop by and raise a tankard or two[tup][:D] Boris no down boy [sigh] Tom I think the lederhosen are too tight they seem to have made a bit friskier than normal[:(!][xx(] Ted you are going to have to purchas a new dolly[xx(] I'm glad that you are enjoying the humour if at any time you need me to cease and desist just let me know. Dave Sounds like your youthfull railfanning trips yeilded some interesting tails and I hope photo's for our suinday night photofests[tup][^] I have some similar memoroes from my teen days. After school we would head down to the Merritomn station. All the local St Catharines and Thorold switching was dispatched from this old GT station. ( sadly it had a mysterious fire in 1996 before the historic stations act was passed [:(][:(!][V] ) Anyway the station operator was a good guy and a model railroader so with the usual pep talk and paper work he let us roam around inside the yard. It was a double ended 12 track yard. Originally the NS&T electrics would have stopped behind the station, CNR used the mainline side and electric freights used the yard trackage ( all before I was born ) I do remeber getting to ride along with the local switcher once or twice. Two SW1200RS units would generally pull 30 or 40 boxcars and gons for the paper plants and s crap dealers in St catharines and thorold. The heavy transformer jobs and GM parts plants cars were switched out of this yard as well but for safety rreasons we were never allowed to ride along with those trains. Generally two crews worked the industries from this yard a good twelve or fourteen hours a day. We always had (even today) a point ste charles caboose at the end of the train. ( St Catharines bylaw a caboose with a crew member preasant must be employed for all backwards moves accross city streets ) I remeber seeing a couple of close calls between train and impatient drivers on Hartzel road. One of the engineers had a stamp made up of a car with a line through it. For a time he actually stamped the side of the cab of the locomotive every time he hit or nicked some fool driver that would run a foul of his locomotive ( CN made him paint over his "kill" marks ) Any way Tom hope you and pete had a good day on the train [tup][:D] I know that you probably did. Loved the PRR bit,I had the LHS owber try to talk me into modelling pensy once. His rationell was that since PRR and NYC loved to dabble with all the manufactureers I could use just about any diesel locomotive I wanted and paint it for pensy and be right. Hmmm he was just trying to increase his sales quota I think. Well folks I'm off and running I'll catch up with you all tomorrow. Rob[:D]

[nickinwestwales]

O.K.-just lost a page and a half of detailed replies to everybody,havn`t the heart to start again,sorry...long weekend of In-laws visiting,early(ish) night called for,speak soon,be lucky,nick[C=:-)]

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone. I'll take something nonalcoholic since I still have the crap in my chest. I hope our illustrious leader's latest Amtrak expedition has went allright.
Back in the 70s when I was school age, I'd finish supper and head off to the tracks. Frisco's former passenger main was still doubletracked and reverse block signaled just a short distance from the house. MK Jct was where the Ozark branch turned south and later was stubbed at the power plant. I had made friends with the switch crew that worked the evening mill job and spent many a evening with them. Learned a lot about railroading and a lot about people. I don't recall riding the engine much as most of my time was spent with the ground men. This crew would work all the industries downtown and then head back to the north yard up the hill on the east belt. Back then, Frisco was Springfield's largest employer and at least 4 or 5 switchers worked the north yard 24/7. Several industry jobs like my friends worked the town and locals went all four ways out of Spfld.
Now there is a RCL on both ends of the north yard and 1 local each way. A few industrial jobs work but most are extra jobs. Employment is way down from Frisco days but the 30/60 retirement law meant that railroads are occasionally hiring now. The number of trains thru here every day is between 55 and 65, which is considerably increased from Frisco days.
Even with the increase in traffic, it's not the same. Crews are nowhere near as friendly and generally won't even wave. Always in a hurry and since ATSF took over BN, a fan can't even park in a public area without being harassed.
I suppose part of getting older is looking back thru rose colored glasses and and wanting to recapture a simpler time. The innocence of youth when all the world was an adventure and before the jadedness of middle age sets in. I suppose that is what draws us to OUR PLACE is to try to relive part of that and recall a happier time. Until Tom installs a time machine, our memories and some pix will have to do. Thanks for sharing all your recollections--they are appreciated by someone who agrees that today's railroading is bland and devoid of life.

[West Coast S]

Ted, Octoberfest vundavah, lots of of floclicking and merryment and not much cyber sobriety, not to sure on the Polka, either case, I am looking forward to the event. Nick will arise to the occasion with his usual flair and grace. Dang, Boris has awaken, how many bells does he have? Bong...bong..bong.

Until tomorrow

Dave [8D]

[Anonymous]

Dave, good points all around, speaking of which, I'll join ya in a cold one. Sure, survival in the post war years was not easy for the major Roads. Eisenhower's Interstate Highway System assured the death knell for short distance passenger trains but it was inevitable. The "System" was as much for civil defense as anything else. With that scenario, increased truck payloads also took a share of freight revenues as well. The R.R.'s were still paying enormous taxes on every inch of ROW and their buildings while air terminals were going up "on the cuff." In the same way R.R.'s equipment and rolling stock were exhausted after W.W. I, the same was true in 1945. Company's had to replace worn out steam and electrics with expensive diesels while their huge investments in coal minning holdings were all but idle. Federal subsidies on mail contracts allowed the Government to determine what, where and when trains would run and too often at a ludicrous profit loss in operations. The final "nail in the coffin" were labor strikes for unreasonable wage increases at all levels of the labor ladder. General Motors was the real winner from 1950 to the present.

I just wanted to check in to see how things were moving. Everything is lookin' good (especially Cindy) so I'll make some orders for the upcoming "October Fest" on the first. Need to see Nick on confirming the Zepplin schedule from Deutchland. Alas, "so many biers, so little time." I wonder what culinary morsels he has in mind for the Beer Fest? [C=:-)] Plenty of Wursts, Schnitzle, *** and Saurbraten, I'll wager. Its almost enough to make one wi***o polka, isn't it? BTW, "Johnny Willfahrt and his band will play" for the evening's entertainment. Also, Leon has strict orders to dispatch any guest at the first sign of "goose stepping."[:O] Guess that's it for this evening. Happy rails to all.[swg]

[West Coast S]

Afternoon Ted and Nick, appreciate the company, kinda lonely around here today, no shortage of excitement mind you, but otherwise quiet .. Nick serve it up, your choice.

Boris willl recover just fine, just administered a mild dose of non habit forming Whatsamatta You Wilderbeast Wonder Tranquilizer, Leon might require treatment for PTSD however, don't know what exactly he witnessed, Boris going buff perhaps? So we'll have to step up to bell duty until he sleeps it off in a couple of hours. Right generous of you Nick to relieve Cindy, I won't draw conclusions, ideas and lurid thoughts maybe, but never conlusions.

Ted, It's a shame the current and coming generations will be deprived of knowing railroading up close and personal the way we did . Somehow, little Johnny telling dad, "lets go to the Intermodal Terminal and count containers" doesn't compare to some of our past experiences.

Railroad Model Craftsman ran an article, decades ago on that Rock Island Set, Rock Island was the only owner of the TA, from the attached article photos the quailty looked good for the period, an optional kit was available to power it, although I don't recall the specific guage, I do recall it was expensive in those days dollars.

Ok Nick, round of the best ale and cider you have behind the bar.. I'l do the honors in Boris's absence , Bong,bong,bong[tup][^]


Dave [:-^]

[nickinwestwales]

Well I thought I`d pop in and relieve Cindy for a couple of hours....( grow up you lot ) and what do I find but a deluge of post so will sit quietly at the end of the counter,scroll back and reply in fits and starts,give us a shout if you need a beer,I`ll most likely join you-It`s been a long,long weekend [C=:-)]

[Anonymous]

G'afternoon folks, all the talk of German Beer has raised my thirst for a Dortmunder Union in a heavy Stein, please Tom. Ah yes, in my foolish years (day before yesterday) many a German brew passed through the the old digestive tract. I'll bet *** is hoisting a few tankards of choice Celtic draughts in our memory even as we speak.[tup] Oh, I need to make a retraction! The model I mentioned was made by Strombecker as I recall, not Stromberg.[#oops] C.R.S. is no joke even when you're having fun.

Westcoast S, those are nice recollections from a far more pleasant era. As a rule, I found railroad personnel to be friendly to youngsters, more so than not. Conductors, Engineers, Firemen and especially Pullman Porters seemed to run from positive to good humored folks. I knew a Conductor on the Pennsy (Northeastern Corridor) and an Engineer on the B. & O. (retired) while living in MD and both had many a tale to tell. We who are not directly involved in the operations of the "real" thing sometimes forget how dangerous that work can be. A ticket master at K.C., MO Union Station lived kittycorner to our home on Holly Street. Even he had some "encounters of the third kind" with various Kooks "out there."[:O]

There have been so many good postings lately, maybe I can be forgiven if I just "lay back" and enjoy them. Rob, you've outdone yourslef with good humored mail, thanks. The Pennsy Fallen Flag is a keepr Tom. WOW, is that ever a "mind bender!" And, I agree with Dave that part of our infatuation with rail travel is predicated on a "kinder, gent'ler" America that we will never see again. My family wasn't wealthy but still we were able to have great times together and rail travel played a inseperable role in the mix. Dad had a 1939 Pontiac that had to last through the W.W. II years and it had already seen better days. By 1947, my Dad managed to buy a new Plymouth but not without paying a "Lug." That was the name given to an "under-the-table" charge on the Black Market. There was no choice: no "Lug," no Plymouth![:(!] Still, even during those years of deprivation, rationing and graft we managed to hold together, always mindful of the "living hell" that our Allies were going through and our boys sacrifice in the service. From the maniacal looks on the faces of protesters the other day; its obvious we are living in a shadow of what once was.

Okay Boris apparantely is now in "La La Land" so I'll ring the bell myself. Where is it? I'd best give Inspector Clueless a call. We don't want old 99's ding dong to fall into the wrong hands. Cheerio for now.

[West Coast S]

Morning again, located Leon wondering in the woods out back in a advanced state of catatonic fright. Ok, were back in business.

It occures to me that I would not desire to be an up and coming railfan these days, Railroading is now so sterile,bland and inpersonal . Perhaps that's why we yearn for the old daysand a desire to share common memories and experiences . As the years pass and shadows grow longer, I recall the small town which constituted my own small part of the universe..

We were a three station town, two fully staffed 24/7, Santa Fe, Western Pacific, Southern Pacific all graced us with there presence . I recall long summers spent helping the station agent hooping up orders for the ten or so SP freights that worked the line everyday or just observing the activity, I recall riding the caboose platform on the daily turn as it went about it's appointed rounds. First generation power was the rule. The ocassional appearance of large, modern road power was a event to be savored.

The Santa Fe had no patience with young railfans, dismissing all advances in a curt manner, that we ought to be doing something constructive. Eventually, this person retired and a more open forum was assumed by his replacement. Now, as long as we reported to the station before our adventures and swearing that we had informed our parents of our planned activities and a safety lecture, we were off to new adventures. Santa Fe maintained a small interchage yard with the SP. SP worked one side of town, SF the other. Many hours were spent observing the delicate dance required to sucessfully transfer cars between industry and yard and assure correct train makeup.

The Western Pacific operated only three days a week, using former Sacramento Northern and Santa Fe trackage to deliver steel coils to the mill located east of town. The former SN depot had sat unused for decades, a Greyhound Bus loading platform occupying the former track platform area. The WP always provided a fantastic show, as geeps hustled heavy coils around curves laid with light rail, designed for interurban operations, grades were equally interurbanrish and sometimes these coil movements would require a shove from the Baldwin S12 mill switcher to avoid a stall. Somehow, they got the job done.

The Mill road was a vertiable museum, utilizing Baldwin switcher power, being off limits, my occasion views were when it ventured to the small mill yard shared with Santa Fe and Western Pacific. On a school field trip I had the oppertunity to study one up close and tour the cab. Where are those Baldwins today?

Now, virtually nothing remains. The SP and SN depot were razed, the Badwins and first generation power and cabooses, so numerous in my days, sold off or sent to scrap. UP has embargoed the line and the rusting rails serve only for car storage.
The BNSF is the midst of a double track project and the depot is still manned.
Lacking a time machine, memories will have to suffice for time never to be again.

Dave [tup]

[West Coast S]

What the? Boris, Boris!... Why are you asleep atop the bar only atired in Lederhosen and Coffee Filter pasties? Your'e making me look bad to Tom and the gang. What did you do with Leon? Up,up, yes you! Bong, bong,bong, do I dare inquire where you hid the bell, I don't think so.
Thats a good Boris, look, pretty blue pills, that' right, just swallow a few , I believe the situation will improve now, Boris off to the shed!

Morning our wayward travelers and the rest of the gang:

Once I undo Boris's night antics and a bit of barkeep, the Coffee pot will be humming with the freshest Arabaca and Kona bean blend , provided there are any filters left! Stop on by, were open for business with delectible offerings from the Mentor's Bakery and always stimulating conversation.

Dave

[Anonymous]

Tom, I'll just "...sit a spell..." and try to collect some worthy input from the wholesale voulme of the latest positings. While I let the Juan Valdez cool a tad and the Breakstone sweet butter settle into the "nooks and crannys" of the Thomas' Muffin, let me just say that using tax dollars for any enterprise in the amusement sector is (for me) a "no, no!" Public Parks and recreation is the only exception that comes to mind. My Community just built a replica of the St. Peterburg R.R. station for the Chamber of Commerce and my property taxes went through the roof.[xx(] Yes, some of this is due to the "real estate balloon" but still, this was an unecessary boondoggle project. I understand that Reno, NV is building a similar edifice with only one train @ day which may be discontinued at any time...ridiculous! If government goes into a project knowing it will be a useless "gee gah," it will ultimately fail any purpose for the public. I would like to think our tax dollars could be better spent on somthing more than a curio shop. Not to worry, its only my [2c]

The Rock Island Rocket from Minneapolis to Knasas City via Chicago was a superb steramliner. I saw some remnanats of that proud varnish lying in a forlorn state near that City's station around 1965. BTW, the "Rocket" was my first endeavor at HO model railroad building. The Stromberg Mfg. Co. company had a wooden and posterboard model available during W.W. II (no metal toys were available). It really wasn't too bad as the colors on the EMD T-1 (?) diesel were accurate and fluted, wooden sides detail were faithful to the protype. Right, it was a pu***oy, not motorized.

You are right Tom, the "rush" days should be over for me. However, some things just "die hard" after retirement.[:O] The "couch potato" thing just isn't appealing to moi. I may be enrolling in some VoTech courses soon at St. Pete Jr. College. Nothing too lofty, maybe just some basic classes in electronics which would be helpful in model R.R.ing. My Bachelors of Music Education degree didn't include many "real world" studies save monitoring young street urchins from murdering one another away from home.[V] "Let's don't go there!"

Now that Katrina and Rita's furry has lapsed into "pin the tail on the Donkey," maybe the plight of the survivors will be addressed in a sane and efficient manner. "Hope springs eternal." Just another example of bureacratic hysteria gone mad.[tdn] Thank God for the Coast Guard, Natn'l Guard, Airborne and Army Corps of Engineers! Left to their own devices, the local and state authorities in LA. would have floated into the Gulf by now. If you thought looting in N.O. was bad before, wait 'till we see what happens with FEMA monies.[:O] Okay Boris, you know what to do. DONKA DONKA DONKA What the Sam Hill is that cow bell doing hanging from your neck? Oh, Leon thought it would go well with the Lederhosen.[alien] So long for now. SLAM!

[siberianmo]

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

Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR)
Headquarters: Philadelphia, PA

Mileage:

1950: 10,000
1962: 9,756

Locomotives in 1963:

Diesel: 2,402
Electric: 254

Rolling stock in 1963:

Freight cars: 139,356 Passenger cars: 3,546

Principal routes in 1950:

Philadelphia-Harrisburg-Pittsburgh, PA
New York-Washington, DC
Pittsburgh-Fort Wayne, IN-Chicago, IL
Pittsburgh-Indianapolis,IN-St. Louis, MO
Pittsburgh-Cleveland, OH
Baltimore, MD-Buffalo, NY
Wilmington, DE-Norfolk, VA
Chicago-Columbus, OH
Logansport, IN-Louisville, KY
Logansport-Cincinnati
Fort Wayne, IN-Mackinaw City, MI
Columbus-Toledo, OH-Detroit, MI

Passenger trains of note:

Broadway Limited (New York-Chicago)
Clevelander (New York-Cleveland)
Cincinnati Limited (New York-Cincinnati)
Colonial (Boston-Washington, joint with New Haven)
Congressional (New York-Washington)
Duquesne (New York-Pittsburgh)
Edison (New York-Washington)
The General (New York-Chicago)
Golden Triangle (Chicago-Pittsburgh)
Jeffersonian (New York-St. Louis)
Kentuckian (Chicago-Louisville)
Liberty Limited (Washington-Chicago)
Manhattan Limited (New York & Washington-Chicago)
Pennsylvania Limited (New York & Washington-Chicago)
Penn Texas (New York-Washington-St. Louis)
Pittsburgher (New York-Pittsburgh)
Red Arrow (New York-Detroit)
St. Louis (New York-Washington-St. Louis)
Senator (Boston-Washington, joint with New Haven)
“Spirit of St. Louis” (New York-St. Louis)
South Wind (Chicago-Miami, joint with L&N, ACL and Florida East Coast)
Trail Blazer (New York-Chicago)
Union (Chicago-Columbus, OH)

Of note: In the New York-Florida market, the PRR was a forwarder for many connecting passenger trains from other roads.

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

WEDNESDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

G’day All! Grab a bite ‘n let’s get to it …. Gotta catch a train! [swg]

News of the Day:

(1) HELP WANTED! I’ll be riding Amtrak today, so we’ll need a few guys to help out ‘round here. Cindy will take care of the bar …. But you’lll need to help with the conversation! [swg] Thanx in advance! [tup]

(2) OKTOBERFEST at ”Our” Place begins this Saturday, 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 Tutonic 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

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 27 Sep 2005, 00:20:19 (119) Tuesday’s News & Summary

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 27 Sep 2005, 07:21:19 (119) Fallen Flag – D&H

(3) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 27 Sep 2005, 09:06:35 (119)

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 27 Sep 2005, 10:08:45 (119) Oktoberfest!

(5) BudKarr BK Posted: 27 Sep 2005, 11:18:20 (119) Euro trains

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 27 Sep 2005, 12:31:21 (120) reply to trolleyboy – Theodorebear – BudKarr

(7) pwolfe Pete Posted: 27 Sep 2005, 14:33:35 (120)

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 27 Sep 2005, 14:56:31 (120) reply to pwolfe

(9) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 27 Sep 2005, 15:06:19 (120)

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 27 Sep 2005, 15:14:43 (120) reply to coalminer3

(11) pwolfe Pete Posted: 27 Sep 2005, 16:38:37 (120)

(12) West Coast S Dave Posted: 27 Sep 2005, 18:50:31 (120)

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 27 Sep 2005, 19:11:45 (120) reply to West Coast S

(14) earlydiesels Dan Posted: 27 Sep 2005, 19:43:03 (120)

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 27 Sep 2005, 20:42:14 (120) reply to earlydiesels

(16) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 27 Sep 2005, 22:53:53 (120)

(17) siberianmo Tom Posted: 28 Sep 2005, 00:43:01 (120) reply to trolleyboy

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

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

[siberianmo]

Hey Rob - jumpin' the gun a bit, eh [?] No German chow until Saturday - that's the start of Oktoberfest 'round here. The brew we have! [tup]

Interesting how on point your comments are regarding the plans for the start-up of the tourist Trolley. Good logic and makes sense! [tup] However, the use of public funds for a private venture really bothers me - always has and always will.

I recall the Rock and Blue! [yeah] Hadn't made that connection in years .........

Boris waxed and shaved [?] Are you serious [?] He's going over to Miss Greta's Continental Tailor Shop and Chili Parlo(u)r for a Lederhosen fitting later this AM. He's all excited about the suspenders ......... Lord only knows what he'll do with those! The Alpine Hat is equally in peril .......

The thing about the Euro's and passenger rail is that a way of life has evolved from their use. A rather population intense environment with better rail rights of way than highways surely lends itself to its use. They did it right and are continuing to do so, not to mention that the price of fuel has been considerably higher for them than for us in NA. Nevertheless, we should learn from them - but won't. Just take a look at the Euro's preference for automobiles - much smaller and more efficient. Gasoline will have to get to the $5 per gallon mark in the U.S., methinks, before any significant alterations in preferences really occurs. That's the simple ever luvin' blue eyed truth of it all.....

Well, I gotta get the SUMMARY out and then a few hours sleep before train time!

Nite! [zzz]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Evening folks. Tom a snitzle or two please and a ***er of your best pilsner on tap please.One question though, Boris in lederhousin[?][:0] you will be getting him shaved, waxed and sedated for the month I hope[:D][;)] Here's my [2c] on reactivating your trolley lines. Yes it will likley be down initially for tourists. But if they have them meet your regular light rail at stations and run a decent timetable it may accidentally become the transit of choice by default.We are proud of our little hotel on wheels at the museum. Luckily for us the car was never stripped so all the "pallets" are still in place and useable[tup] I must say that I never tired of seeing the blue and grey lightning stripe scheme on D&H alcos being the alcofile that I am[:p] BK I love the smell of ozone in the morning, Loved your post some really good info there. I've said it before. We in NA need to learn from the continent. A well run,maintained passenger network is a must going forward weather it's electric or diesel is really imaterial. We need to get the cars and busses off tthe highways and star subsidizing a real rail net work not just continue building roads and airports ad nausium. [oops][soapbox] Boris clang the bell I'm buying a round of saussage and pilsner for the house. West Coast and Tom nice recolections on the Rock as well guys. I seem to remember in all the restructuring and finacail woes of the 70's and 80's that most people ( at least in canada ) refered to their last Blue with the big "R" scheme, As the bankrupsie blue scheme.[8)] Well folks I'moff and a running see you all later. [tup][:)] Rob

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Dan

Glad to learn that you're feeling a bit better .... sorry that the other half is hurtin' ... no fun.

Hey! It's our privilege to have you as part of our group! You've been a valued "customer" from early on and we always appreciate your input. [yeah]

I agree with you about the Posts we've had lately - many thanx to to guys like coalminer3 CM3 - and - West Coast S Dave - and - passengerfan Al - and trolleyboy Rob - and nickinwestwales Nick - and pwolfe Pete - and Trainnut484 Russell - and Theodorebear Ted - and wrwatkins *** - and Gunns Kevin - and ......... whoa! I've just about "run" the table! [swg]

Hope you're up and about real soon and don't forget to stop by and check us out this Saturday - Oktoberfest "Our" Place Style! [;)]

Best to "the wife!"

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone. Tom, I'm on medicine so alcohol's out but I'll take anything else cold and wet. I appreciated the fallen flag article on the CRIP. I have memories of this rr including the Eldon depot, new named GP38-2s, and running E8 652 at the Midland. Somewhere around here is Johnny Cash railroad songs with his version of the Rock Island Line.
Russ, those RDCs owned by Watco are used frequently on excursions and the on board staff is made up of volunteers from Heart of the Heartlands, based in Carona, Ks. They all have uniforms and the host rr furnishes power and a engineer for these runs. A pumpkin run is around Halloween.
Feeling a little better. Now the better half has it and she missed work today. Appreciate the get well wishes, guys. There has been some awful good posts recently and I feel priviliged to be part of this group.

[siberianmo]

G'day Dave

Appreciate the elaboration on the Rock Island Line and the Delaware & Hudson. I recall reading that the ROCK had been in bankruptcy twice before the final encouter. I didn't know the subtle nature of the SP - UP - et al in forumating the last chapter. Sad.

D&H was an Alco savior, of sorts and that livery was really great looking. Only caught a glimpse of one of those passenger trains in New York State - and what a beautfiul sight she was.

Appreciate you stopping by and thanx for the offer to look out after Boris - this may be a bit more than you bargained for! [:O]

See ya on Thursday - pix on Sunday!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[West Coast S]

Afternoon Tom and the gang. Round of your best German brew.
Without further ado:

Ride the Rock Island its, a mighty fine line..

Once considered a merger partner with Southern Pacific, legal challenges by Union Pacific and Kansas City Southern opposing any such alliance delayed the process until the Rock Island was in such terminal condition the Southern Pacific abandoned the merger plans.

It would have been a perfect marriage, Southern Pacific & Rock island shared interchange yards, shared trackage rights and operated run through movements utlilizing each others equiptment, Rock Island E-8s were common in Los Angeles during the mid to late 60s, having run through on the GOLDEN STATE. As the Rock's fortunes faded in the 70s , run through power became rare, Southern Pacific placed restrictions on equiptment operating on the Rock, due to the poor infastructure, all the while the Rock continued to bleed red.

Poor Rock, left at the alter by the Southern pacific, which had foresaken them to deal with their own looming crisis, went begging to it's former arch rival, Union Pacific to underwrite the purchase of new equiptment and loans for badly need trackwork, they being unable to secure these loans without a well to do benafactor . With the resources of Uncle Pete, Rock Island was able to stave off the inevetible a few more years.



Have to admire the D&H, who else had 2-8-0s that could outperform challengers?

Without the D&H there would no surviving Alco PA's or Baldwin sharknoses and numerous generations of Alco Road Engines. They were not for Sunday Go only amusement, but contributed to the bottom line doing what they were designed to do long after others had banished them as obsolete.

Yesterday I releated the history of Caprotti valve gear on the UP, though you might appreciate some insight into 7006, the test engine itself. UP 7006 was a Mountain type, delivered by Baldwin in 1921. It was known throughout the system as the
"Widow Maker" due to having three crews killed at various times in various tragic, unexplainable wrecks.
Any legend of the engine being haunted were laid to rest upon her scrapping in 1953.

Tom/PWolf have a great journey, stay safe, lots of photos and notes please, we'll keep Boris confined or otherwise impared until your return.

Catch you on the upside

Dave [8D][8D]

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

A pint please and thanks for the info on the Rock Island Line in Missouri[tup][tup][tup]PETE

[siberianmo]

Hey CM3

The view may be different, but it's the same old place ... thanx for the round! [tup]

Loved those PA's in the D&H livery - really striking color scheme.

Regarding those pix of yours - with today's technology, one only can guess what kinda "magic" can be done with the digital process in order to restore or enhance a picture. Of course you are talking obliteration here ... [swg] All's not lost though, as you indicated, you came out batting .500, which is never all that bad!

You'll have to make sure that you check out the staff during Oktoberfest, especiallly Boris in lederhosen! [:O]

Thanx for stopping by! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]