"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[passengerfan]

Good Evening Tom, How about a CR and a round for the house. Congrats to West Coast S Dave and Pwolfe.
Just thought I would relate waht I thought was one of the greatest short train rides in their ever was.
I am talking about the GN INTERNATIONALS between Seattle and Vancouver. They first entered service June 18, 1950. Within days of their entry into service my parents brother and I were aboard for a weekend trip from Seattle to Vancouver to vist Grandparents. We had ridden the heavyweight predecessor but it never sttod out in a young boys mind like the bright shiny new streamliner. The INTERNATIONALS operated three round trips daily using two five car sets of equipment. One set was initally assigned a pair of EMD F3A F3B for power the other a single EMD E7A unit. From memory I believe the trip was 154 miles by rail and was scheduled for four hours.

Departure from Seattle's King Street Station was to the north through the tunnel under the city to the waterfront. As the train passed along the waterfront ahead one could see Magnolia Bluffs and the two large Navy Piers 90 and 91. as the train changed direction one could see the Interbay GN yard and the Interbay engine house complete with turntable that is still active today. After passing through a cut one was crossing the Bridge over the Lake Washington Ship canal where ships could pass from the salt water of Puget sound to the fresh water of Lake Union and Lake Washington. Many Alaska Steamships spent the winter in the lake before the start of another busy summer season. For the next thirty miles the two track mainline of the GN passed alongside Puget Sound and looking out the windows passengers could see the Olympic Mountains on the Olympic Peninsula across Puget sound and watch the ferries and other traffic on the sound. The train stopped on the lower level of the Everett Station and if the wind was from the north when the doors were opened for boarding passengers you got the first whiff of the pulp Mills located on the north side of Everett. That is one smell no one can ever forget. As the train traveled north of Everett across the tidal flats it crossed several bridges before arriving in Marysville a short flag stop I believe. The land was forested along this stretch of track and before one knew it the train was in the fertile fields of the Skagit Valley. The trains next stop was at Mount Vernon where the customs agents boarded the train northbound and conducted their inspections of passenger documents and luggage. In the Parlor Observation cars PORT OF VANCOUVER and PORT OF SEATTLE was located a customs office. By boarding at Mount Vernon it gave the customs agents time to put aside any one that would be denied passage to Canada and they would be removed from the train northbound at Blaine and southbound at White Rock. One of the most scenic parts of this route was after departure from Mount Vernon as the route returned to Puget Sound and traveled along a route the highway high above called the Chuckanut Drive really spectacular with mountains dropping right into Puget sound. The railroad tunneled filled and built trestle work to navigate this stretch. Arriival in Bellingham meant for our family time to return from the diner and relax before arrival at the border at Blaine where one could see the Peace Arch as the train crossed the border and entered Canada. The rest of the friday night trip was in darkness through White Rock and onto New Westminister where the huge bridge over the Frazer River was crossed and the station was located right at the end of the brigde so part of the train was still on the bridge for this station. Then it was a fast rund behind the industries to Vancouver and arrival at GN Station. My dad hated the drive so we were lucky to take the train and most times we made the trip at least one weekend a month to vist the grandparents. I remember most trips were made in the parlor car as my dad was a firm believer in if you must travel "Travel First Class". We always retuirned on the Noon International on Sunday. As we got older my dad sent my brother alone on the train for a month with the Grandparents and I followed the next month. We always returned with our parents who would come up the last weekend of our month at the grandparents. For the life of me I have been trying to find the names of the Parlor car attendants we most often traveled with and when you need them you can't find them. When we made the trip alone my dad always went out on the platform and gave the parlor car attendant a rolled up bill to look after us or maybe it was to lose us. I know we travelled ofetn enough on the Internationals the crews knew us by name.
The five car streamliners consisted of a 30'RPO baggage Car two 60 seat coaches, a 28 seat Coach 24 seat Dining car and the parlor observation with 17 regular parlor seats and 17 seats in the observation end. There was also a parlor Bedroom for day use the customs office and a room for the Parlor car attendant to fix adult beverages for my dad.
Well enough of my rambling. I understand Amtrak operates along this route today.

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Gents!

Nick Appreciate your taking the time to check out that URL on the TRE that I posted. Quite enlightening indeed. []tup] At least someone took the time to READ! <chagrin>

Dave Now look, mate - I was (and still am,. albeit retired) a senior officer. So watch it! Suggest that painting with too wide a brush will always get one in more difficulty than not.

Russell Nice pix! Nope, I'm not going to be in KCity this weekend and hadn't planned to. Anyway, Pete and I will be heading out on Amtrak next week for a full day of train travel - out and back same day.

Nick Appreciate the insight regarding those ONR cars .. .had no clue, thanx! [tup] You have a keen eye for detail ..... Have to admit that I've never developed that degree of fine tuning when it comes to freight cars and really don't know why not. Passenger cars are it for me. I'll have to do better with my inventory .... I read up on what I buy, then promptly forget what the literature revealed. Kind of a mental block ....

We'll be looking for your Sunday Picture Posting and don't be concerned about any absences. After all, you've more than paid your share of the dues 'round here! [swg]

Appreciate the drinks ... Boris Do it .... Goooooooooong, Bwooooooooong!

Dave [yeah] That new clapper has totally changed the ring of our bell. Gooooooooong, Gwoooooooooong! Sounds like the end is near - or something like that. Any more brilliant ideas [?] [swg]

HEY! Are you reading these Posts [?] [yeah] YOU! Hmmmmmmmmmm - Permanent Stool members are attentive - thrifty - brave - clean and ..... <huh> [?]

Thanx for the round ... okay, I'll regret this, but Boris Ring the GONG! Goooooooong, Bwoooooooooong! Arggggggghhhhh. I'm getting that old clapper back tomorrow. This is ridiculous!

Catch ya all later .. and a word to all: READ THE BLINKETY BLANK POSTS WILL YA [?]

Also a tip: USE THE REFRESH button BEFORE YOU CHECK OUT just to see if any NEW POSTS have been made. Sure helps when trying to maintain some continuity with these discussions ......<phew>

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

PETE-quick P.S-are we looking at Bilston,nr Wolverhampton or Bilston GLEN in Scotland-both seemed to have similar industrial Coal/Iron base ? N.

[nickinwestwales]

Right ,I`ll come back in and start again--[4:-)]TOM,as it`s friday and I`m looking down the barrel of a long hot night in the Galley with the Carpathian castaway we had best get straight in with the good stuff-A Staropramen for me,an Alexander for yourself,large brandies for our new alumnii (right word?) along with warm congratulations, and naturally a little something for the rest of the stools as and when present.congrats also to gov. Kerry & T.R.E for thinking outside the box and not worrying about potential flak from "upstairs"--not often I say this,but sounds like my kind of politician. A little history on the new `stores` van,90xxx series boxes built with 6`6" doors later 91xxx larger doors & 92xxx larger again ( need to cross reference here and cant without losing this,so will get back to you) mostly used in newsprint service including ,during steam days a regular block working to the New York Times printers via O.N,C.N,T.H.B&N.Y.C metals,all behind O.N.R power. would likely had yellow painted doors for N.P traffic. "Progressive" livery introduced mid 60`s to replace "development rd" and lasted until late 70`s introduction of "chevron" blue. A number of these cars still in M.O.W service,mostly based out of North Bay although I believe more scattered around system as static stores,as envisioned here-will provide pix for sunday slide-show. WOLFMAN PETE-thought I`d got a hook on that Shay-hit the link & it brought me to yesterday`s `still havn`t found it` remark on this very thread-slightly scary. As to your weekend away,I can`t ever recall either using or even hearing,the words Walnut,Fun & Festival used in the same sentence before-I shall be intrigued to read your next post....MANAGER TED-Irony-isn`t that like coppery or brassy but more prone to rust......?-glad you`re still enjoying the cuisine-should you (or any of you) fancy trying any of these dishes,just drop me a line and will gladly send recipe`s ROB-glad we got that yard thing sorted-nice one !!-R.E L&P.S-sure I`ve seen something on a link from the `Northland` site-seem to remember mention of coal hauls by multiple lash-ups of pass. motors-could be completely off target here,indeed I may well be quoting one of your earlier posts back at you........CM3-what can I say?..Another little beauty,evokes memories of the run into (London) Victoria from Clapham Jn,also Edinburgh Waverly fom Fife,via the Forth bridge. Right Steaks and Pizza seem to be the order of the day,luckily enough we`re not short of meat currently-although much of it in such condition as to render it suitable only for curries for the track-gangs weekly pool,shuffle board & checkers triathlon. Tonight therefore [C=:-)] `s recommendation is-drink heavily before ordering................May be a little erratic in posting for next few days -In-laws coming to stay,so room with computer suddenly becomes bedroom with computer-on the plus side,Himself should be bringing his collection of 1940`s Swiss & Austrian trains down for a run-again will get pix for S/S/Show,O.K-finally waffled to a halt -back to the galley,see you all later nick[C=:-)]

[West Coast S]

Afternoon Tom and the gang, round of JWB.

Someone, put me out of my misery if I have to attend any future multi -agency briefings . Free me from idiots and senior officers! Rant, rant.rant, you get the point.

Round of the usual and is it my ears ringing or did Boris complete the clapper Installation? I hope it's Boris for my sanity.

Regarding steam programs, I suspect UP will someday consider a drawdown, perhaps retiring 844/3985 in leiu of diesels. This was the course NS was considering when the decision was made to competely terminate the excursion program. Under the proposed plan, 611 and 1218 would have been returned to Roanoke to be stuffed and mounted with diesels assuming the power assignments.

SP had no desire to be burdened with a steam excursion program, it was standard procedure to send power of less then ten years of age or recently overhauled to the scrap dock the moment diesels became available. SP was not alone in this practice, it was a symbol of the times.

Other then several excursions, one occuring in 1957 the second in 1958, the first being the final run of a Cab Forward over Donner the latter the fairwell to steam excursion behind GS-6 4460. The final standard guage steam operations occured on the SP De Mexico lines in October 1959.

I have some 4449 news, earlier this week I was contacted regarding where SP scrapped its steam power. A complex question unto itself , this indvidule is either directly or indirectly involved with the operation of the 4449. The request was for a source of her orginal chime whistle, seems SP removed and replaced prior to donating the locomotive to Portland
I'm curious if he has had any luck.


Dave [tup]

[Trainnut484]

Good evening Tom and all [:D]. I'll have a Miller Lite please.

CONGRATULATIONS to West Coast S Dave for the promotion to Permanent Stool member and to Pwolfe Pete for being the next chosen one for Reserved Stool status [tup][yeah][bow][bow]

West Coast S Dave, thanks for sharing a memory of 611 and 1218. That plaque says it all.

Just came back from visiting Milwaukee Road 4-8-4 261 here at Union Station, and boy was it a blast [:D][^]. Actually, I was there also earlier this afternoon, but the rain kept me to taking pictures of it from the parking garage. The smell of coal-burnt steam is something that should be taken in with great pleasure[^]. Only so many can remember those magnificent coal burners in their glory years. I first saw the 261 at a Topeka, KS RR Days festival about 6 or 7 years ago, and I was hooked.

Sorry to you, Tom, and everyone else who is coming to the KC Rails Expo this weekend. I'm going to be out of town doing a little modeling research and driving my mother to her school reunion (she doesn't like driving so much anymore), and won't be back till late Sunday night. So in that aspect, I'm jumping the Sunday Photo Fun gun by posting a few pix a little earlier.

ENJOY [8D]



WHOOAA now it's getting hot !!


Outside cab shot engineer's side (best view from any train [;)])


Milwaukee RD 261 with KCS Southern Belle in background.


I'll have another Miller Lite while I sit here in soak in the steam ambiance [^]

Russell

[siberianmo]

Hi Nick

You didn't spoil anything for anyone nor did you fail to express yourself clearly.

Just one of those things. Happens to me quite often! Open mouth, insert foot ..... oh well. [swg]

I'll buy the round whenever we hear from Bud, but for now - you 'n I can surely toast to the good health of "Our" Place! Cheers, mate, arggggggggh!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

Howdy folks,A quick clearing of the air first-My `letter` to BUDD was not meant as any sort of `dig` or rant,more of an apology (something we Brits are Jolly good at,dontcherknow ) I derive a great deal of pleasure from this thread and the thought that I might have spoiled it for someone else was rather galling to me,since BUDD had been honest enough to `lay it on the line` I felt he was entitled to a full and frank response-the fact that I had seemingly rather missed the point ,compounded with a failure to express myself clearly obviously hasn`t helped--BUDD-Lets lift a few cold ones and take it from the top ....nick

[siberianmo]

G'day (again) Sir Rob

All's well with the world - now that you've discovered the Posts! Funny thing about those things, they seem to hide themselves so well, kinda blend in with the scenery 'round here! [swg]

Like your idea with the Classic Juice [tup][tup][tup] A suggestion - -perhaps a bit easier on the old orbs (eyes) if they could be formatted a bit more friendlier - as in paragraphs with some spacing. Whatyathink [?] [swg]

I understand the feeling of loss of a loved one - it just never is something that any of us are prepared for when that time comes. Be strong for your bride, my friend! [tup] Many thanx to you for the Posts of today. Always can count on you for support. [yeah]

That new clapper for our bell has turned this thing into a monster, of sorts. Goooooooooooooong, bwooooooooooong! Geesh! Great idea, West Coast S Dave - any other brilliant suggestions [?] [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Tom I ment no snub. Your continued series of the fallen flags is greatly enjoyed. I know form the research I had done on the above posting that that kind of thing is time consuming to say the least.[tup][tup] Hope you like my new twist on Classic Juice of the past. BTW Heather has said to pass along her thanks on yours and ted's and everyone elses condolences. friends are where it's at in times like these. Boris ring your ding dong i'm picking up the next round for transgressions real and imagined. [swg]Happy rails. Rob

[trolleyboy]

Good afternoon again everyone. First off Tom I would like a tall long island ice tea and some beer nuts whilst I gather my thoughts.

Thot#1 Congrats to West coast and Pwolfe for their elevations to higher status a job well done both of you[tup] Thot #2 Dave Thanks for the NS steam rememberances, hopefully a second reactivation an still be had. Sad bit poinant that placque truer words probebly can't be said.

Thot #3 My first attempt at a new segmant. classic Juice. First up The London and Port Stanley Railway or L&PS The L&PS was originally chartered by the Great Western Railway in 1853. It's purpose to run freight ie coal to the cities of London, St Thomas, Elgin & Middlesex ( all in southwestern ontario )Originally built to the great western's 51/2 foot guage. Fears of the Great Westerns practice of monopoply pricing the cities purchased the road and leased it back to the Great western to operate for 20 years thus limiting price increases.


In 1872 this steam road's lease was up and also the great western as well ( swallowed by the greed of it's owners ) A second 20 year lease was granted to theLake Erie and Detroit river Line( this became the Pere marquette) They ran as a mostly coal hauling road with summer passenger trains to the beaches. As the second Lease was comming to an end the Ontario government was activly pursueing a Scheme to build a province wide electric interurban net work under the ospices of one Sir Adam Beck ( London on MPP and father of the hydro electric commission.Indeed the hydro plants in Niagara falls are still Adam Beck 1 and 2 )


In 1913 when the second lease was up the L&PS was electrified new 80lbs rail and a 1500vDC system and catenery was strung. Five steel motor cars with monitor roof were ordered from Jewett in Ohio. 59 feet long 92,900 lbs cars with 4 125hp GE traction motors. cars 2,4,6,8 &10.Three wooden trailers non powered but with mu controls for train operation were ordered from Preston car and coach in Preston on. cars # 1,3,5. The L&PS interchanged with CN and CP in London and with the Michigan central in St Thomas.


Later in 1915 three electric boxcabs electrified the frieght operations these were built by Preston and numbered L1,2 and L3. Each was capable of moveing 50 loaded coal cars or other general merchandice ferried from conneat ohio. in 1917 two more steel motors were purchased 72 feet long #12 and 14. For forty years the L&PS ran electric service only loosing money twice. Once in 1933 the next time in 1953. Hourly service was run on the 40 mile round trip road with three to 6 car passenger trains common. All cars were geared and capable of 70 miles an hour and mostly ran at those speeds as the L&PS was 90% private ROW with a few under/overpasses for hwy 3 etc.


In 1956 Ontario Hydro was begining to change the power system in the area from25 to 60 cyclesand the city of London which still owned the ROW couldn't afford the rectifier upgrades as passenger numbers were decreasing. As a result in Feb 1957passenger service north and south of St Thomas was ended.frieght operations were dieselized in 1960 although up till 1963 electric service still ran on in the express service London to St Thomas.


In 65 the city discontinued ownership and all power was shut off. Todays port stanley terminal operates whats left of this line in their excursion service. Several cars are still with us. Our Museum has #8 and trailer # 3. We also have locomotive L 2. The Delson Museum in Quebec has # 10 & # 12. And the Elgin county museum in St Thomas has # 14 and freight engine L 1. Photo's of these can be found in our Museums website my rail images account and in several hard bound books. Hope everyone enjoyed. Rob

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

Nice gathering the bar this afternoon. [tup]

Rob Given that you addressed your comments to everyone other than ME - nice you stopped by! Grrrrrrrrrrrr. [swg] What's to comment on you might say [?] Check back and I'm sure there's something there! [;)] Don't feel picked on - just picked at! [swg]

Dave DMI - the Committee made a good choice - Congratulations! [yeah][wow][tup] The onus is now on you to maintain that degree of support expected from members of The Order of Permanent Stools.

Interesting contribution, although I'm no help with your question regarding steam loco's. I'll leave that to the Aficionado's 'round here. Also, thanx for the round - Boris ring the bell. What [?] Okay - you're installing the new clapper. Fine - ring it when it's ready, Dave's green is good 'til then! [swg]

Pete Ditto with the DMI - you have quickly become "one of us," whatever that means! [swg] Congratulations and glad to have you aboard! [yeah][wow][tup] By the by - now that you're a real regular at our cyber bar 'n grill - you've got to know the players 'round here. Boris does NOT tend bar - he's not permitted to serve drinks. That's my job, or in my absence - Cindy and Leon the Night Man. Geesh!

Received your Email and glad that it's a GO for our Amtrak trip! [yeah][tup]

Thanx for the round! Boris ring the GONG - twice! Good Gawd Gertie, sounds like Notre Dame Cathedral at Christmas! That new clapper has surely changed the sound of our bell! [wow]

Okay - gotta get back to business.

Anyone see the Fallen Flag for today [?]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

Gongratulations to WEST COAST S DAVE and THANK YOU ALL for the honour of THE ORDER OF THE RESERVED STOOLS it is a pleasent surprise and indeed a honour to be in the company of such knowledgeable and kind GENTLEMEN.

ROUND FOR ALL PLEASE BORIS[tup].

I am afraid this is a short visit as my better half tells me we are off to stay with her friend in Stocton M.O. for the Walnut festival " Dont worry it will be fun".

Hope fully I will be able to talk to my pal in England and find about The Great Marquess.

Anyway thanks again for the honor PETE.

[West Coast S]

Morning Tom, Nick, CM3, trolleyboy and all the others. "Our Place" has indeed come of age. Order Of the stools I am humbled, such a occasion requires a round for the house.

Some much to digest, where does one begin?

Ok who remembers the NKP 2-8-4 759 being restored for use on the Golden Spike Centenial?, Raise your hands, cause your'e dating yourself. I witnessed it working Horseshoe Curve, Helmsetter on the Western Maryland and shaking up the hollows of West Virginia as it returned to Steamtown in 1970.

Regarding the A class, three survived in stationary boiler service for Dow Chemicals in Charleston West Virginia. All were purchased in 1960, plant management had the foresight not to scrap the tenders, although severe mutilation of steam piping was necessary to convert them to their new lease in life.

By 1964 they were no longer needed, 1218, being the most complete of the group, was purchased by Steamtown, the remaining two were stripped for parts and scrapped on site. Steamtown never accepted dilivery, conveying the title to the VTM. Now in a interesting twist of fate a Z class 2-6-6-2 was purchased by a foundry around the same time frame, it's fate remains unknown and many believe it to still exist.

Though I never had the pleasure to witness the 611 or 1218 in excursion service , I do remember them from static display at the VTR. I was aboard a 4501 excursion in 1973 from Roanoke to Bluefield and a 1977 excursion behind 4501 & T&P 2-10-4 #610.

From what I understand the 1218 is a gutted hulk, it was in the Birmingham shops disassembled for boiler and firebox repairs when the program was terminated, Steve Lee, of the UP steam program was instrumental in the 1218 not being sold off piecemeal as was being considered. With the demise of the steam program the excursion fleet was auctioned off along with spare parts and all machine tools.

NS ordered the 1218 and long stored 2-8-4 2716 vacated from the Birmigham shops so it could be razed, she was hastly reassembled and moved to the NorrisTown shops, where she languished, forgotten until returned to Roanoke.

The 611 was permitted to power what would have been otherwise a diesel powered final excursion in December of 1994. Hence she returned to Roanoke in operating condition, working her way to her second retirement. It would be tough without the required supporting infastructure or a willing management to restore the NS steam program.


A Plaque applied to her cab summed up the somber occasion:

I am the throughbred of steam
Born to run, born to be free
Forgive them Lord, for they know not what they do



A sad day for all. A round for the house in remberance.

Off to my briefing, catch you all on the upside

Dave [tup]

[trolleyboy]

Good afternoon Tom and the gang. I think that i'll partake in a cr and perhaps some of the leftovers form Nick's wonderfull menu from last night. First of thanks again for all the condollances, means alot to Heather amd myself. Nick The yard you haave discribed is indeed the CPR Agincourt yard. The Oshawa/ Whitby Go lines would be the gop facillity you are or were seeing on the map. Pwolfe I'm glad you liked the url on the west coast museum. A gentlemean from that museum made a post or two on my museum thread. They are bound and determined to get 2860 back into the realm of the alive and kicking and pulling passengers again in BC. Also mention of the passing of one of the forefathers of the NS/NW steam excursions is sad. My understanding is however that both 611 and 1218 are still capable of operating under steam hopefully a UP style steam program may ensue once again. I was actaually talking with one of our museum's older members. He had just recently returned from a trip to Fort Edmonton ( a family visit but there is a quite good trolley / steam museum out there as well ) apparently there is a CPR Selkirk on display out there (2-10-4 I beleave) any way these locos were built in the late 40's and were used for less than 15 yearsin real service. According to the Ft Edmonton people the CPR is interested in reactivating this unit and run it along with their Hudson 2816 in Royal canadian Pacific steam excursions. Hopefully this isn't just a dream. Imagine the two of them pulling the CPR heavyweights cross country ! [tup] ted I'm glad that the snail mail arrived intact,I'm glad also that you enjoyed it. Our museums movings and shakings newsletter is available sans the pictures on the museum website. It gives a two month snapshot of happenings at the HCRY. CM3 Another tour de force posting my friend keep them comming, I don't think that Ralph would be " sending you to the moon" with that info it was really well done. I will add a few interesting " seasonal shots " to sunday's picture fest. Everyone keep well and I'll pop back in later. Rob

[siberianmo]

<bonk> <boink> <bonk> (What kinda gavel is this [?])

Oye, Oye – All Rise for the Order of the Stools Selection Committee

We are rized ….

Quiet!

Who let that parrot in here [?]



Right!

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

You may be seated!

The Selection Committee of the Order of the Stools announces the findings of their September meeting.

Be it known from this day forth that the following customers of ”Our” Place have been distinguished by frequent and on-point Posts along with their willing participation in the banter at the bar:

West Coast S Dave as a member of the Order of the Permanent Stools – and –

pwolfe Pete as a member of the Order of the Reserved Stools.

Both categories of honor carry with them certain responsibilities to the continued success of ”Our” Place. A willingness to pick up the slack when long term absences occur along with participation in the special events, such as Birthday Bash celebrations and the like.

Congratulations to both!

Be it further known that the Committee has formed an Inner Circle to be comprised of members from the Order of the Permanent Stools. Appointment to this level of appreciation for service to ”Our”Place will be made only with the concurrence of the nominee. Members elevated this status will be expected to ensure the continued viability of our cyber bar ‘n grill through participation and suggestions for improvement; ergo the name, Inner Circle. Appointments will be subject to approval by the Committee, upon nomination by the Proprietor.

The next meeting of the Committee will be announced at a later date.

This session is now concluded.

<bonk> <bornk <bonk> (We gotta do better than this!)

All Rise as the Selection Committee departs.

We are still rized …

Confound it!

Awk, Awk, Awk

Quiet!

Drinks on the house! Boris ring the bell, twice! [tup][tup][tup]

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

[siberianmo]

Good Morning Gang!

Nice crowd this Friday and it looks like The Mentor Village Bakery pastry case has been invaded by locusts. It was full when I opened up the place! [%-)][%-)] Well, try one of our light breakfasts ...... [swg]

Ted Oh, the bacon sarnie ... [yeah] got confused! [%-)]

That Farkus chap is one who very well might have been a tale in his own right over in Can-Am city. The local PD booted him out of there for numerous incidents of disturbing the peace, inciting to riot, resisting arrest and public intoxication, along with a few lesser included charges. Bad apple, this Farkus. We should be vigilant, for Mentor Village simply isn't staffed to handle the likes of him. [tdn]

There's some enlightening information on this URL regarding the Trinity Rail Express and Hurricane Rita - check it out [tup]
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=45726

I'm sure wrwatkins *** will delight in the story once he returns from Merry Old.

Hope that when you make your way to the mid-west it will be under more pleasant circumstances than you anticipate. The offer still stands .... we can "do" the Midland as well. It could turn out to be quite a get together, given the numbers of us who reside in these parts .......... [tup]

Thanx for the round ... and by the by, we should have our new clapper this weekend, thanx to those of you who have contributed to the fund. Somehow, I think West Coast S Dave hornswaggled me on this one ......... [%-)][%-)] Boris will be going over to The Mentor Village Bell and Borsht Shop as soon as they open up .... [swg]

coalminer3 CM3 Well, there you go again - you went and flicked my nostalgia switch, causing me to drift back in time to the days (daze) when I traveled between New London, CT and Grand Central Terminal in NYC over a 6-month period in 1957. Ahhh, the New Haven in that great livery of the McGinnis era (although I believe he had been ousted by then in '56 and was with the B&M) - loved it then and love it now. My HO display cases have quite a representation ..... [swg]

My northbound trips were all at night, but those Friday arrivals in NYC were generally into Grand Central with all of the scenes you so aptly described still etched in my mind. Of course, I must admit there were more than a few journeys where looking out the window was secondary to checking out the scenery - inside the car! After all, I was a 19 year old sailor at the time. [:-,][:-,]

Didn't know of Jim Bistline - however, I have a friend and neighbor with that family name and will have to ask ..... I know he's originally from Utah. Anyway, as time passes by, so do those who helped create the memories many of us cherish. Such is life.

Back to the NH, even Ralph Cramden would have appreciated the sights you described as the train wound its way into Grand Central. Those surely were great times for me and I thank you for bringing them back. [tup][tup][tup]

Appreciate the round and roll of quarters - after our melee last weekend with the track gangs and the pool tournament, the jar of quarters wound up in pieces with the quarters going the way they always seem to do when on the floor. So, we'll start anew with the cleaned out pig's feet jar, right over there by the Juke. Thanx! [swg]

The Selection Committee for the "Order of the Stools" will have an announcement to make this afternoon. Stay tuned!

Oh yes, I'll let my comments echo those put forth by Ted regarding BudKarr BK.

Catch ya later and enjoy the day one and all!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[coalminer3]

Good Morning All:

Round for the house, quarters for the jukebox, and coffee for me, please. Let's also turn our thoughts to our friends in Texas and Louisiana.

Comments re the Seaboard Air Line on recent posts reminded me of my grandmother who used to travel to Flkorida in the winter; she always said it was for warmth and sunshine, but then got really enthusiastic abt. her times at the dog tracks down there; I may have mentioned this before, but she would bet on anything that moved. She always gave the SAL high marks, especially the dining cars. Orange Blossom Special seems to be the song that all bluegrass wannabees around here have to try and play. Finally - TONGS? Egad sir, just reach into the barrel; nothing can live in that brine anyway!

I saw recently where Jim Bistline passed away. As you probably recall, he ran N&Ws steam program for more than a few years. I was on the first 611 trip that operated between Bluefield and Iaeger on a beautiful fall morning back in the last century. I had a ticket for a seat in the observation car and spent most of my time on that trip talking with Jim. I saw him many times after that and he was unfailingly courteous and a gentleman in the best sense.

Today we'll take a ride from New Haven to Grand Central Station. Again much of what's in this piece is gone, paved over, or changed beyond recognition.

South of New Haven (west by timetable), the New Haven operated a bewilderingly complex commuter service to and from New York. A four track main line ran under the wires in most places, except where buildings were too close to the tracks. The commuter trains usually operated on the outside two tracks and the through passenger trains on the inner two tracks.

Add in the through and local freight traffic that operated then, too, and you'll get some idea of the activity that existed on the NYNH&H. It was not uncommon to see four or more trains at one time; all running. Many of the NH's suburban stations were wooden structures, painted red or buff with white trim.

Some of the larger towns, such as Stamford, Connecticut had more elaborate stations. The commuter trains were mostly mu cars that resembled subway cars. There were some stainless steel mu "washboard" cars too, but I remember these as the exception rather than the rule. Arrival at New York was either at Grand Central Station or at Pennsylvania Station.

Going to Grand Central we would swing up and over the New York Central on a magnificent flying junction at Woodlawn. Then we'd drop down on the west side and tie in with the NYC. Here was a stretch of big time railroading for certain as our train shared space not only with other New Haven trains, but with the trains of the mighty Central.

Heading into New York, we'd pass by the Central's Mott Haven yard which was on the right hand side of our train. Mott Haven was a delight as it was always filled with not only with New Haven cars of all types, but also stainless steel New York Central cars, two-tone gray New York Central cars, and visiting sleepers and other equipment from foreign lines such as the Santa Fe and the Union Pacific. Here's where the time spent studying the timetables my father brought home paid off, as I was able to recognize the different kinds of cars when I saw them, and sometimes could even figure out what trains they were from or for. Over there is part of the "Ohio State Limited," those cars are for the "20th Century," and there's a Los Angeles-New York sleeper off the Santa Fe!

The New York Central's Hudson line joined us from the right just south of Mott Haven and from there the procession into New York was on a high elevated track through Harlem. Many times, we stopped at 125th Street, and I was often lucky to see a New York Central run pulled by one of their electric locomotives. The buildings here were different than those in Boston. I could see apartment houses with factories nearby, often on the same block. Many of these building had wooden water towers on their roofs, again something that was not that common in Boston. One other place that had water towers on building roofs was Chicago.

We had TV by then, and I'd watch Jackie Gleason's show, "Live from New York!" He had a series of sketches on the show called the "Honeymooners" which was set in Brooklyn. The buildings I could see heading into New York looked like the ones in the "Honeymooners." Different borough, but same buildings.

We're getting close now and here we go into the Park Avenue tunnel. If I stretched just right I could look up through the openings in the tunnel and see the tall buildings that marked the passage toward Grand Central. The entrance to Grand Central was always thrilling as we crept through the darkness of the tunnel toward our assigned track.

We're going very slowly now, past the underground tower with the lighted boards that controlled train movements in and out of the station. One last shudder and we stop. Now's the time to make sure we have everything we brought along with us - the car attendant has our bags out on the high level platform. Sometimes I carried my bags, but most of the time we used the services of a Red Cap, especially if the family was traveling together.

work safe

[Anonymous]

Just another day in Paradise! A splash of decaf and a couple of glazed this morning I think Tom. (Farkus? Farkus, isn't that a character from "A Tale of Two Cities"?)[}:)] I hope you, Pwolfe and any other denizens of KCity have a good "looksee" at the Union Station display, plus a tall "cool one" remembering the rest of us. Great irony Nick[C=:-)], and your last menu is now archived in the "Manna from Heaven" file. BudKarr, ah yes! Syntax is everything, no matter wherever you happen to be. So good of you to drop in again.[:D] Hope you will be gracing us with another post such as your poignant "Pullman Porter" piece.[tup]

[#offtopic] Fair warning to "all ashore who'er going ashore!"[:O] At the risk of lapsing into mountainous waves thoughts of self-pity; the Gulf (Mexico) citizens are reeling from four cat. 4 hurricanes in three years. The worst may be yet to come (Rita). Perhaps this is a good time to consider any monetary boost we U.S. types can render? While these natural tragedies may be a source of sardonic humo(u)r for the "Beeb", al Mond, et al.; its really time to put our compassion where their contempt is. Think of it as a little something for the Indonesians for example.[tup]

Barndad, we haven't heard much more on the D&RGW consortium meeting. Maybe some late info. or review would be timely? I salivate just thinking of the possibilities.[^] Even if I can't attend, "I can dream can't I?" (popular tune of the 1940's)

Rob, I want to thank you again for the Museum Newsletter via snail mail.[tup] Everyone interested in traction should take a peek at the great things happening by visiting their Web Page (see details on Trolleyboys Profile). I want to get to the Midland (outside of Kcity) on my next trip. Family ties in the area may necessitate a "bitter sweet" trip at almost any time.

Oh Tom, Pete was probably referring to my inquiry whether a Bagel breakfast was anything similar to a "bacon sarni."[:-^] It appears that Amtrak is once again "out of the loop" for helping evacuees from dangerous areas. It played no part in the Katrina debacle and it seems ditto for Rita. Have government "pin heads" totally forgotten the massive numbers of people and goods railroads are capable of moving? Seems to me even freight cars could be employed in a "life and death" scenario. Amtrak and private Road "leaders" had a golden opportunity to gain more positive P.R. than the 7th Cavalry "coming to the rescue." "Dumd-de-dumb-dumb" (Dragnet theme, circa 1950's). Seriously, the fallicy of our "freeway" style of living has now come crashing down upon us. When these lessons are ignored, its time for e-mails to our Reps. demanding rail evacuations be included in any national emergency.

Alright Boris, we are going to try this one more time. I say pull and you ring da bell, okay? OUCH! Why did you hit the "ring" on my finger?[alien]

[siberianmo]

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

Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW) [img]

Headquarters: Denver, CO

Mileage:

1950: 2,413
1995: 2,238 including trackage rights routes

Rolling stock as of 1963: Freight cars – 12,610 Passenger cars – 96

Principal lines in 1950:

Denver-Bond, CO-Salt Lake City, UT
Denver-Pueblo-Dotsero, CO
Pueblo-Trinidad, CO
Walsenburg-Alamosa, CO
Alamosa-Durango, CO
Salida-Gunnison, CO
Mears Junction-Alamosa
Alamosa-Creede, CO
Bond-Craig, CO
Grand Junction-Ouray, CO
Thistle-Marysvale, UT
Salt Lake City-Ogen, UT

Passenger trains of note:

California Zephyr (Chicago-Oakland, joint w/Burlington & Western Pacific)
Colorado Eagle (St. Louis-Pueblo-Denver, joint w/MoPac)
Exposition Flyer (Chicago-Oakland, joint w/Burlington & WP, replaced by California Zephyr in 1949)
Mountaineeer (Denver-Montrose, CO, via Moffat Tunnel)
Panoramic (Denver-Ogden)
Prospector (Denver-Salt Lake City)
Rio Grande Zephyr (Denver-Ogden [later cut back to Salt Lake City], replaced California Zephyr 1970-83)
Royal Gorge (Denver-Pueblo-Ogden)
San Juan (Alamosa-Durango, CO)
The Silverton (Durango-Silverton, CO)
The Yampa Valley (Denver-Craig)

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[BudKarr]

REPLY to nickinwestwales' OPEN LETTER to me:

No offense, partner. My commentary - or rant - had absolutely nothing to do with you, your postings, your heritage, or your sense of humor. Trust me on that.

I am not one given to nonsense in the form freely strewn about on many of the forums visited. This particular topic that your barkeep has begun is an exception in that there is truly an effort being made to converse about the subject - which if I recall is classic trains. He has come up with a hook that enables humor to be injected which all adds up to good times.

Very apologetic if the way I am upsets any of you. Not my intention.

BK

[siberianmo]

FRIDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

G’day All! Today is the first full day of Fall! [yeah][wow][tup] ‘Round these parts, not too many are sorry to see Summer go. [tdn] Okay – time to pony up and help with the expenses ‘round here – coffee, bakery goods and light breakfasts! Whatillyahave [?] [swg]

News of the Day:

(1) Tonight is Pizza Nite along with our Steak ‘n fries standard menu option. Check it out – [dinner] Dinner begins at 5 PM (all time zones – don’t ask how we do that! [swg]

(2) Index pages for Fallen Flags Posts:

106 - SP
108 - MoPac
109 - WP
110 - Frisco
112 - CNR (fallen only as a passenger carrier)
114 - ACL
115 - SCL

Additionally: Heralds of the Fallen Flags are on page 112 and Passenger Train Nostalgia #1 on page 113.

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 07:27:38 (115) Thursday’s News & Summary

(2) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 08:00:04 (115)

(3) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 10:22:27 (115)

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 11:34:27 (115) reply to coalminer3 & Theodorebear

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 12:24:07 (115) Fallen Flag – SAL

(6) West Coast S Dave Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 13:02:11 (115)

(7) passengerfan Al Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 14:02:30 (115)

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 14:26:08 (115) rely to West Coast S & passengerfan

(9) West Coast S Dave Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 15:05:13 (115)

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 15:34:38 (115) reply to West Coast S

(11) West Coast S Dave Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 15:56:04 (115)

(12) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 17:27:39 (115)

(13) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 18:40:22 (115)

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 18:49:55 (115) reply to West Coast S & Theodorebear

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 19:06:04 (115) reply to [b[nickinwestwales

(16) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 19:52:04 (115)

(17) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 20:14:32 (115) reply to nickinwestwales

(18) pwolfe Pete Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 20:19:38 (115)

(19) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 20:27:56 (115)

(20) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 20:54:07 (116) reply to: pwolfe

(21) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 21:08:00 (116) reply to pwolfe & nickinwestwales


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

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

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Guys!

First - Nick you are the 2nd regular who has interpreted BudKarr's last Post as offensive or objectionable in his apparent chagrin over some of the stuff on the Forums.

Without putting myself into the position as defender - let me just add that I've read and reread what he had to say. There may be a bit of confusion with his reference to Forums and Thread. I believe he wasn't directing his annoyance at us - and certainly not you - but moreso to the stuff taking place on the Forums and other threads. Our thread does bother him, but only to the degree that we do have some guys who seemingly cannot answer questions or acknowledge someone's efforts in providing us with interesting and enlightening Posts. That's the way I view it.

Haven't the foggiest if we'll ever have him visit us again - but should we do, perhaps we should simply let it go - we've all vented from time to time - especially yours truly! [swg] I prefer to think of BK as the guy who Posted that bit on his friend the Pullman Porter.

Geesh, I'm upset that you're upset! [tdn] Don't be! [tup]

Perhaps you should try to send him an Email via the Forums - just click on his cyber name over in the left margin ......

pwolfe Pete Picked up my tickets today! I'm good to go - are you [?]

The Orange Blossom Special was the #3 hit on the Country charts in 1965 - Johnny Cash sang it. Of course the referenced railroad was the Seaboard Coast Line.

Check out this URL for the Severn Valley Railways .....
http://www.freefoto.com/browse.jsp?id=24-24-0

Good info and thanx! [swg]

Pete I'm the one who asked about the sarnie! Now we know ... [swg] I'll have to add it to the list: hoagie/grinder/sub/hero/sarnie ...... that'll work! [tup]

Oh, I see Leon the Night Man has ambled in .... time for me to head on out.

Nite! [zzz]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

PETE-Caley 812---built 1899,weight (loco) 45tons 14cwt,boiler pressure 180P.S.I,cyls(2)-18.5"x26",driving whls-60", tractive effort 22,690 lbs 35 still in service circa 1962 R.E Jacobean I`m sure they were using what I remember as being a mogul,Darlington green,named "The Great Marquess"-am I confusing this with a V2, I cant seem to find any K4`s with or without names-still looking for the Bilston shay,have another Bathams whilst you think-P.S-Zeppelin service happy to deliver L-C-L lots of H.P sauce,Branston pickle,Radio Times,Vimto,black pudding and all other necessities of civilised lifestyle. right,last can empty,moonlight mile for me speak soon nick[C=:-)]

[nickinwestwales]

Open letter to BUDD KARR,if still viewing this thread,I am working on the assumption here that it was my flights of deranged whimsy that caused offense,I would be the first to agree with you that the bulk of my contributions bear little or no relation to trains,classic or otherwise-this is because I`ve come here to aquire knowledge-what I know is mostly food,beer and music-however since the premise behind this message-board is of a bar and grill,I felt I might be able to add some depth and colour to that aspect, TOM and others have been gracious enough to encourage me in this pursuit and between us all we manage to maintain a suspension of disbelief--the same denial of reality that allows us to believe that a small plastic train hauling 2 or 3 cars around an oval of track in front of the fireplace on Christmas morning is really the Chief/Flying Scot/Blue Train/Toytown flier .................So,if you dont like my posts-easy-scroll forward to the next one-you wont hurt my feelings-think of them as the commercial breaks between the real programs-there`s a lot of good stuff going on around here-please dont miss out on my account (or anyone else`s come to that)----have a beer on me as a gesture of good faith nick

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

A pint of Bathams and can you put me down for fish chips for later please [tup],

By the way TED a sarnie is Liverpool slang for a sandwich.

Thanks ROB for the web site on the Hudson. When it was running it made the cover on the British railway mags an impressive loco.

Great Fallen Flags TOM and GUNNS the D&RG was where I saw the first U.S. loco in steam. My wife to be had organised a trip from Durango we woke that morning to the first snow of the season the train only ran to Cascade Canyon a wonderful trip.

Am I right the Orange Blossom Special is the name of a song[?].

May I echo TEDs thoughts on the train riding tales of WEST COST DAVE , PASSENGER -FAN CMS and all [tup].More please.

This weekend is the SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAYS 40th anniversary gala. They are running from Friday morning to Sunday evening CONTINUOUSLY with 12 locos in steam. The S.V R. started in a market town called Bridgnorth in Shropshire and over the years expanded to reach Kidderminster in Worcestershire. Fortuneatly the original stations servived apart from Kidderminster where they have built a replica G.W.R. terminus.
The line runs through rural farm land keeping close to the river.The first time they ran all night trains I was able to go after work on the friday A friend and I visited a small bar at one of the wayside stations, as we left we headed back to the station it was very dark being in the country with the only light coming from the oil lights on the station, it could have been a 100 years ago. As we reached the station they were running a steam hauled freight, the light rain that was falling just seemed to add to the magic [yeah][wow].

NICK it was the Caley 812. I will find out which locos are doing the Jacobian this year and let you know. My mate is going up there.

Time for [dinner] and another pint or two of Bathams( they serve it at both ends of the Severn Valley[^]. PETE

[siberianmo]

Hey Nick You've outdone yourself once again with the Nick's Picks Menu Board selections ... [tup][tup][tup][C=:-)]

90075 is the number for that 40 ft ONR box car .... Now, those chunks of meat you referenced are the doings of Boris. This guy is YOUR responsibility - YOURS. I'm going to pack him up and ship him one way to West Wales! I think he'd fit in quite well with the boyz you hang with. [swg] Anyway, the reefer will be purged of the remnants of the buffalo, elk, cow, sheepdog, moose, brakeman and vagrant retired sailor found along the Can-Am's right of way.

Farkus is back in town [?] Well, lock up the gals and batten down the hatches, for should he stop by "Our" Place it will take the entire Mentor Village Constabulary along with the track gangs to keep him in check. Farkus indeed is persona non grata at this bar 'n grill.

Sorry, mate - but there simply ain't any room on the pike for that siding, as interesting as it sounds. I'm just the type of anal modeler who envisions a pike - builds it to the max, and that's it! [swg] As it is, we have the use of two nearby sidings belonging to CPR - just across the parking lot to the port side (left, for you who know no better!) of the front of the place. [swg]

Thanx for keeping us entertained, Nick and one of these days, I'm going to have to try and convince you to part with some of those Crown Sterling pieces you've horded away in order to get you to Toronto this coming May. [;)]

See ya!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

Well,I`ve just had a look through the fridges,stumped across to the M.E.S.S reefer in the C.N yard and even tried the new dry-stores van (nice one boss [tup] )- O.N.90,91 or 92000 series ? ),but all I can find is huge great chunks of various meat,all with various grades of shot deeply embedded-the downside of a weekend away in the high country with the gruesome twosome I guess. However after some hurried negotiations with the Mountain Dew fishing club,those members of the Can-Am Park Rangers not hospitalised by Boris`s fowling piece and a peculier little chap named Farkus,whom I met in the alley behind Keef`s Drugstore in town we are delighted to offer-King Prawns in tempura batter with rice noodles,Crispy Duck with hoi-sin sauce,spring onions & pancakes,Whitebait with lemon wedges and fresh-baked wholemeal roll,traditional York ham with parsley sauce,baby news & green beans,oven-baked baby troutlings with herb & lemon stuffing or for the purists-mushroom, pepper and courgette fuselli with 3-cheese sauce...................ENJOY[C=:-)]......................on a food related note,I was horrified to discover that our pub-of-choice last sat. were offering cockles,bacon & lavabread as their " classic Welsh" pizza topping...repent ye sinners,the end of days is at hand............[4:-)]TOM another of those beers if you would be so kind-E-Mail received by the way [tup]to all suggestions,now here`s a little weekend project for you-just to help shake off autumn lethargy and get you back in harness with the `S`capades-how about a long disconnected spur,saplings growing through the ties etc,running off of the Can-Am `high iron` down to near `Our Place` with the M.E.S.S reefer & the O.N box down at the stop-blocks--cables,hoses etc, running from the reefer to the bar building (poss. with washing hanging on) a tarpaper, plywood & packing-case lean to on the end marked `Boris` in Cyrillic..........................................................................[:-,] back in a bit [C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

Hey Nick! Just saw you sneak one in right before my last! Happens .....

You've covered a lot of ground and I'm not sure that I'll be able to to justice to everything you've hit upon ......

Yes - we Colonialists are somewhat behind the curve when it comes to the customs of the Mother Country. Then again, we're all not connected to that mother of a country! [swg] I'm 1/4 Irish - 3/4 German. Forgive me [?]

Pictures are for our Sunday Photo Day! Let's try to keep 'em saved up for then! Puleeeze, otherwise we water down the effect intended. [tup]

CN's Zebra livery never did much for me - I really liked the older schemes - green & black especially. They had some great passenger consists for sure - the black & white smoothsides looked really nice with the CN noodle. North American streamliners really occupy a special place in passenger railroad lore ... perhaps will never be rivaled. That's not to say there aren't any great trains of distiniction in the world - for there surely are. Just that the "era" long gone, was one that had a captive audience, so to speak, if you follow my drift. [swg]

Wolfman and I will be enjoying an Amtrak trip next week to KCity. Wish you could join us! The consist has a cafe car, complete with a bar (of sorts!) For me the trip will be at least 10 hours on the rails, round trip. For Pete it will be six. We'll rendezvous as the train stops in Jefferson City, Missouri's capital city, then the westward voyage continues.

Time to take Juneau for his evening trek through the subdivsion - about 1 mile of walking - sniffing - etc. He needs it, and so do we - the walking that is! [swg]

Catch ya later!

Tom

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

And it continues - okay, Dave check the bet - let's add 'em up. Hmmmmm. I'd say we've got sufficient funds for that gold-plated clapper, plus some left over for new Boondockers for Boris and new jump boots for Leon and some gilded bird cage liner for Awk!

[swg] I'll send Boris right over to the Bell 'n Borscht shop first thing in the AM!

Hey Dave drop me an Email ... 3rd request (over a couple of months).

Ted That poker game was my first and only foray into on board train gambling. Most times I restricted that to shipboard amongst those I knew .... this time was a bit different in several aspects. Again, better elaborated upon elsewhere .... [swg]

The one and only time I took a ski train anywhere was to Bear Mt. in New York State. A couple of guys convinced me that this was the "way" to catch up with the gals. So off we went. Not really a long trip - but sufficient for one to get a "glow" started. The skiing [?] I spent the time in the Lodge, by the fireplace, after nearly tearing my knee cap off on the first downhill .... haven't been on 'em since! [swg] Girls [?] I'll tell ya about it at the May Rendezvous in Toronto!.

Now let me see, the wrath of Dionysia, God(ess) of theatre and wine. Given that we don't have any goats to offer up, and Juneau our mascot, along with Awk and whatever other creatures Boris may have in his shed, I'd say we're safe.

Never took the Auto Train, although there were several occasions where I looked into it. By the time it appeared that I could afford it, the kids were adults and gone! Ain't that the way [?] [swg] Good planning on my part, I'd say! [tup] I'm not much on crowds and Orlando spells it out, loud 'n clear. Although, now if my bride and I were to take the train, it would be just for the hulluvit. Sorry to say, Florida isn't her favorite place to visit - and that's from a Canadian! Odd, eh [?] We visited with her mother (mum) in Destin, where the snowbirds were nesting, and had a great time. But that was then and this is now - luster has worn thin and she's not interested in traveling any further south than south St. Louis county.

Natural gas prices [?] We've been told to expect at least a 40 percent increase. Given our winters are a hulluva lot colder than what you experience, it's going to be a budget buster for many. [tdn]

Thanx for the round, as usual and I'll call in the chips now! Ring it, Boris!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]