"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[siberianmo]

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


Some Pix from our recently concluded Alaska Rail Adventure!
See Page 351 (near the top) for a few others.


(1) AAR HQ at Anchorage
Relocated from Seward in 1917. Short walk to downtown Anchorage.




(2) AAR Depot at Anchorage
Completed in 1942; expanded for additional office space in 1952. Short walk to downtown Anchorage.




(3) AAR Coastal Classic at Anchorage
Runs from Anchorage to Girdwood to Seward, daily from May 13th to Sep 18th, 2006




(4) AAR Coastal Classic at Anchorage




(5) AAR Coastal Classic at Anchorage




(6) AAR Glacier Discovery at Anchorage
Runs from Anchorage to Girdwood to Portage to Whittier, daily from May 20th to Sep 17th, 2006




(7) AAR Glacier Discovery at Anchorage




(8) AAR Denali Star at Anchorage
Runs from Anchorage to Wasilla to Talkeetna to Denali to Fairbanks, daily from May 18th to Sep 17th, 2006




(9) AAR Denali Star at Anchorage




(10) AAR Denali Star Gold Star Service car at Anchorage




(11) AAR Denali Star at Anchorage




(12) AAR Denali Star at Anchorage




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


Enjoy![tup]


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]



REMINDER! Read the SUMMARY!

[passengerfan]

Enjoyed the first photos from your trip Tom.

Mike you find all of these photos that I only wish I had the time to find they are really excellent old photos.

Doug enjoyed the Illinois Railroad Museum photos. It has been on my list of things to do for far to lang maybe I will get around to it one of these days.

Rob liked the article on the CF7s their is a very ggod book out on just the CF7s and where the survivors are today.

Lars I see you like Tom and I are a believer in Alaska. If I was young that is ceratinly where I would be. Drove truck between the lower 48 and Anchorage, Fairbanks and even in the winter never could find much to complain about. Actually I probably complained more about the tourists slowing things down in the summer months. Idon't think one could drive the Alcan for twenty years and never become bored. Seems like every trip their was always something new to see.

TTFN Al

[siberianmo]

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

Here are some more Pix from our Alaska Rail Adventure!
Click to enlarge!


(13) ARR Anchorage Depot




(14) upper level interior of car #651 en route Denali




(15) ARR lower level dining area of car #651 en route Denali




(16) ARR Denali Star en route Denali
Consist of train: 2 loco’s – 1 baggage – 1 double-deck full length dome for Gold Star Service (1st class) – 1 conventional diner – 1 coach - 2 conventional domes – 1 coach – 5 Holland-America cruise line double-deck cars - 5 Princess cruise lines double-deck cars




(17)ARR Denali Star en route Denali




(18) ARR Denali Star at Talkeetna




(19) ARR Denali Star – reflections at Talkeetna




(20) ARR Denali Star at Talkeetna




(21) North to Alaska! at Talkeetna




(22) ARR Denali Star in the Alaska Range en route Denali




(23) ARR Denali Star in the Alaska Range en route Denali




(24) ARR Denali Star in the Alaska Range en route Denali



That’s IT for this fine day . . . . more next Sunday Photo Posting Day!


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


Enjoy![tup]


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]



REMINDER!
Sunday Photo Posting Day! is a “sunrise to sunset” event!

[Anonymous]

Wow Tom! Thanks for the incredible pictures from your trip, and Lars, what a beautiful compilation of "welcome back" pix from you! On a much more subdued note, I made it to the IRM, and just look what they were doing to my BN 5383!





Also, here are some pix of our Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee 801-802
Builder: St. Louis Car Company
Year Built: 1941
Seats: 136
Length: 145ft 4in
Width: 9ft 2in
Height: 12ft 7in
Weight: 214000 lbs
Brakes: HSC
Motors: 8 WH 1443B
Control: XMA1
Compressor: 3 DH-25
Trucks: Commonwealth Steel Company
Description: Double End / Five Trucks / Arch Roof / Articulated Streamliner









[:I] A man was walking through a forest pondering life. He walked, pondered, walked, and pondered. He felt very close to nature and even close to God. He felt so close to God that he felt if he spoke God would listen. So he asked, "God, are you listening?"
And God replied, "Yes my son, I am here."
The man stopped and pondered some more.
He looked towards the sky and said, "God, what is a million years to you?"
God replied, "Well my son, a second to me is like a million years to you."
So the man continued to walk and to ponder... walk and ponder... Then he looked to the sky again and said, "God, what is a million dollars to you?"
And God replied, "My son, my son...a penny to me is like a million dollars to you. It means almost nothing to me. It does not even have a value it is so little."
The man looked down, pondered a bit and then looked up to the sky and said, "God, can I have a million dollars?"
And God replied, "In a second." [:I]

[siberianmo]

”Our” Place is CLOSED on SUNDAY’s

Evenin' Gents!

Just a word or three from the barkeep . . . .

A nice Sunday Photo Posting Day! thanx in large measure to the Posts from trolleyboy Rob - barndad Doug 'n LoveDomes Lars! Can't forget the contributions from our resident URLMeisterMonster wanswheel Mike! [tup] [tup] [tup]

Nice work, Rob with the Rendezvous Pix!! Although I must question that return train Pix taken by your friend at the hobby shop. If I recall, it was rather gloomy and drizzling when we got back . . . . hmmmmm. BUT - I truly appreciate your efforts and will "burn" copies of them for my Rendezvous Album! [tup] [tup] [tup]

That Niagara Falls air show sounds like a sure-fire winnAH - hope your Pix turn out! Can't imagine what that Lancaster looks like in the air - must have been an impressive and memorable sight. Glad you and Heather had the opportunity to see it. [tup]

Doug That's quite a bit of activity at the IRM and I'm glad you shared those Pix, descriptions and <ah-hem> jokes, with us! Also appreciate the contact by Email - Thanx. [swg] [tup] [tup] [tup]

As we begin to develop plans for our 2007 Rendezvous in St. Louis we're going to have to figure out a way to spend a day at the IRM.

What can I say about our friend from Staten Island [?] Thanx for the "tribute" in the form of the Alaska Pix & poster spread! Great idea and always good to see! [tup] [tup] [tup]

Mike Many thanx for the Emails and URLs both here and there! Appreciate your taking the time to entertain and educate us once again! [tup] [tup] [tup]

Finally, thanx for stopping in passengerfan Al to share your thoughts with us. I can only imagine what it must have been like for you to travel those vast distances back in your truck driving days. I've only been up to Fairbanks twice, once in 1959-60 (honestly cannot recall which year!) and last week! From what I could see from the train this time, the highway looks as if it is in great shape. A few people up in Fairbanks said that driving down to Denali only takes 2 1/2 hours (4 by train) and going all the way to Anchorage can be done in about 7 1/2 (12 by train).

We're already talking about a return trip . . . it's addictive! [swg] If I wasn't so blasted old, I'd really consider packing up and heading north - way north! [yeah]

Okay boyz, time to check out and I'll see y'all in the AM! [zzz]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[EricX2000]

Good evening gentlemen! Hmm, this place seems kind of deserted. Glad I brought a thermos with strong coffee. This is the bad part of not being a morning person (I am allergic to mornings). Anyway, I am glad to be back and I brought some pictures since it is (still) Sunday. At least in Arizona.

Before showing the pictures I just want to say I have been looking at a bunch of nice pictures here late last night, or maybe it was early this morning. And I had a second look a little while ago. I can only comment some tonight. I’ll be back in a few days with more.

Tom - I find your trip very interesting and since I am planning a trip to Alaska myself in a couple of years am I really enjoying your pictures. I was kind of surprised when I saw the pictures from Anchorage. It does not look like I thought it would. The station building looks like it has been moved from somewhere in eastern Europe. Strange looking. I am looking forward to see more of your pictures. Did you ever get to see the midnight sun? I guess you never got that far north.

Lars - Nice pictures of those dome cars from many years ago. I never had a chance to ride any of them. The closest to a dome car I have been riding is double deck cars, but that is not it. And you also have some pictures from Alaska.

Rob - Pictures from Toronto. I obviously missed a lot of things when I was in Toronto in 1993. We never had a chance to leave the train. But there are many reasons to go back there after my retirement by the end of next year.

Doug - Same about you! Your pictures have already made me put IRM on the map for my next trip to Midwest next year. I visited IRM 1984. Seems like a lot has happened since. Very interesting. Wish we had a museum like that here in Arizona.


Sunday, picture time. I thought I should show some pictures from the old country, Sweden, that I took in May of 2004. It’s about a living Railway Museum in Mariefred, about an hour and half west of Stockholm. They are running old, narrow gauge (600 mm = almost 2 ft) trains. Everything is well kept and the season starts in May and ends in September.



The Castle of Gripsholm is next to the railway. This castle, built in the 1370s, has played an important role in the Swedish history.



One of many passenger cars. Not exactly a dome car.



The yellow station building is barely visible to the right.



The yard.



A train is arriving.



The locomotive pulling the train is "Dylta", 0-4-2, built 1919.



A trespasser crossing the tracks.



The last train of the day is leaving for the trip back to Mariefred.



Behind my back the regular train to Stockholm is passing across the bridge, pulled by an electric Class Rc6.



The same train also has a pushing engine in the rear. Same class (Rc6). The yellow line above the car windows indicates 1st Class.


See you in a few days!

Eric

[siberianmo]

MONDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS


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


The 14th Month Anniversary of ”Our” Place and the start of a new week! C’mon in – enjoy a cup of freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee – a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from the Menu Board and of course one or two goodies from The Mentor Village Bakery!


Daily Wisdom


Stay alert! You can observe a lot by watching.
ENCORE! Yogi-ism



Info for the Day:


Railroads from Yesteryear –
Maine Central (MEC)
Arrives Tuesday!


* Weekly Calendar:


Wednesday: Toy & Model Trains Day!
Thursday: Fish ‘n Chips Nite!
Friday: Pizza Nite! & Steak Nite!
Saturday: Steak ‘n Trimmin’s Nite! – and –
ENCORE! Saturday


MVP Award Winners

April 2006 . . . LoveDome Lars
May – June . . To be announced


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



Comedy Corner


[:I] A man follows a woman with a parrot out of a movie theater. He stops her and says, "I'm sorry to bother you, but I couldn't help but notice that your bird seemed to understand the movie. He cried at the right spots, he was fidgeting in his seat during the boring parts and he laughed at jokes. Don't you find that unusual?"
"I do indeed," she answered. "He hated the book." [:I]


[:I] A carrot crosses the road and is hit by a car. He is rushed to the hospital, where he goes through hours of surgery.
After surgery the doctor comes into the carrot’s room and says “Well, I’ve got good news and bad news.”
The carrot says, “Give me the good news first, doc.”
The doctor says, “The good news is you’re gonna live.”
“And the bad news?” asks the carrot.
“The bad news is your gonna be a vegetable for the rest of your life.“ [:I]


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



The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre

Double Features and Three Stooges Short Subject!

NOW SHOWING:

. . . Sunday, June 11th thru June 17th: Major League II (1994) starring: Tom Berenger & Charlie Sheen –and- Mr. Baseball (1992) starring: Tom Selleck, K. Taukura & A. Takanashi. SHORT: Hoi Poloi (1935).

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

. . . Sunday, June 18th thru June 24th: League of Their Own (1992) starring: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis & Madonna – and – Memphis Belle (1990) starring: Matthew Modine, Eric Stoltz, Tate Donovan. SHORT: Three Little Bears (1935).



SUMMARY

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

(1) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 11 Jun 2006, 00:03:20 (351) 4 Rdvu Pix!

(2) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 11 Jun 2006, 00:22:17 (351) 6 Rdvu Pix!

(3) barndad Doug Posted: 11 Jun 2006, 06:15:09 (351) 7 IRM Pix ‘n Joke!

(4) barndad Doug Posted: 11 Jun 2006, 06:29:33 (351) 7 more IRM Pix ‘n Joke!

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Jun 2006, 09:23:08 (351) Sunday’s Info & 10-Post Summary

(6) wanswheel Mike Posted: 11 Jun 2006, 10:19:03 (351) Comments ‘n URLs

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Jun 2006, 11:00:00 (351) NOW PLAYING at the Emporium!

(8) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 11 Jun 2006, 12:23:08 (351) Alaska Pix/poster spread!

(9) wanswheel Mike Posted: 11 Jun 2006, 13:21:53 (351) Coments ‘n URLs

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Jun 2006, 14:11:35 (351) 12 Alaska Pix!

(11) passengerfan Al Posted: 11 Jun 2006, 17:30:20 (352) Comments

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Jun 2006, 17:43:52 (352) 12 more Alaska Pix!

(13) barndad Doug Posted: 11 Jun 2006, 19:32:16 (352) 5 more IRM Pix ‘n Joke!

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 June 2006, 22:19:47 (352) Acknowledgments ‘n Comments!

(15) EricX2000 Eric Posted: 11 Jun 2006, 23:56:53 (352) Comments ‘n 10 Pix from Sweden!




That’s it! [tup][;)]


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

[Anonymous]

And a very good morning to the start of a new productive work week. Tom, I'll grab a couple of Bavarians and a cuppa Joe to start my day, thanks. Photo Posting Sunday's just continually get better and better, don't they? Doug, your last 2 excerpts from the IRM tell a tale of great progress and improvement over the course of 6 months or so.[tup] Anyone can see that your members are serious "heavy weights" in preservation and restoring R.R. history. That is "knuckle breaking," bull work and the results speak for themselves. A 21 gun salute for the membership's hard earned rewards. The pix of the Electro Liner are indeed "classic" traction. In 1962, I was taking shots of Her myself from the N.S.L station and the Shroeder Hotel across the square. Tom's mention of a "hot shot" possibility to Chi Town for a peek at IRM on "Our" Place Rendezvous 2007, sounds compelling; something we need to keep in the "memory" file. Eric, it is good to see you and the fine photos of steam and electric along the narow guage museum's ROW. My old friend Gunnar (near Stockholm) shared some slides of electric passenger operations from Sweden...very impressive. Mike, I hope my "jumping the gun" was more prophetic than "non copus mentus." I'm so impressed with the relevence and timely URL references that I got "carried away."[:I] Lars spread on the Alaska R.R. surely brought some measure of de Ja vu to Sunday's viewing. The vintage prints and post cards "tell it like it is" for the 1930's thru mid 1950's. Al, those "keep on truckin" days must have been an adventure as much as a job, no? Maybe you cold share with us a few snipettes from those "wild and wooly" days in the future?[^] My "connection" was totally mundane compared to yours, although I could mention some pretty hairy flights "through" the mtns. on the first trek.[:O] Hey Rob, I would've have given a (formerly) vital part of my anatomy to have been with you and Heather at the Air Show. Not only my favorite Allied war birds but a BF Messerschmidt 109E would have sent me straight to virtual Valhala.[^] We have 2 fine annual shows here at McDill A.F.B. and Lakekand, FL but they are short on Allied, let alone, Axis specimen.

My "stars and garters" Tom, you and the "Little lady" really did Alaska R.R. up "brown," I must say. The Gold Star Service #651 has to be the last
"hold out" for premium luxury travel by scheduled rail....5 diamonds, fer sure! Just one glance at the interior of the private dinning area brought me to salivate.[^] Hopefully, some mention of the menu and service will be forthcoming in future segments. Gentlemen, it is time for that "sinking feeling" that I've omitted someone but my time has run out. "Alberto" slowly is making his presence known and I must do some last minute adjustments. Boris, be kind enough to hand me the Poncho and rubbers, please. Well, he got one out of two right.[:(!] Happy rails 'til....

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom. I see Ted is up early this AM as well. Time for a coffee and a crumpet from the Mentor Village Bakery.

Can't say enough about the pix of the ARR you shared with us. Those new cars you rode I believe just entered service last year and are different than any built for any other railroad to date in that they have the Open Platform on the upper level while all others built to this point have the Open Platform on the lower level. The Alaska Rilroad is the largest operator of the Ultra-Domes owning not only two themselves built new but several single level Ultra-domes that wewre built for the Florida Fun Train and acquired used when that rode went under. In addition at least three Cruise ship operators own Ultra Domes that operate on the rear of the ARR trains. Their was a total of eleven on the train you rode I see.
I have decided to include all of the Ultra-domes in my book on the dome cars. The numbers of Ultra-domes keep growing year by year.

TTFN Al

[siberianmo]

Today is the 14th Month Anniversary of ”Our” Place

THANX to all who have made this milestone possible!! [tup] [tup] [tup]

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


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

[coalminer3]

Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please, round for the house and $ for the jukebox.

I figured that Tom was back when I opened the door this a.m. and was assaulted by a pack of beasts – let’s see; one dog, a parrot, a demented armadillo, and a bartender in boondockers – had to be Boris!

14 months - zoiks!

Glad to see you made it back in one piece; have been enjoying the pictures, comments, and reminiscences. Also, rec’d your e-mail. I know how you feel abt. relocating. A recent issue of Yankee magazine had an ad for a parcel of land in the Northeast Kingdom; sure sounded tempting, but retirement is a ways out for me anyway.

Mike – Congratulations on your selection and welcome!

Dave – There’s a prototype for everything (locomotive consists); if you don’t see something, wait a minute! I enjoyed your comments on the photo line enforcer. One of those !@#$ cost me what would have been a nice picture of MILW 261 back when it made its trip from Buffalo via the old BR&P – ‘nuff said!

Rob, Ted and Lars – As always insightful observations and comments.

The Picture of B&M 1513 at Ayer brought back some memories. I may have been on that trip, but I’d have to go back and find my notes. The picture at White River was a good one as well; made from the high ground on the west side of the terminal.

Eric – Thanks for your postings – is that meter gauge track or something a little smaller? I really couldn’t tell.

I see we have some good movies this week as well – I’m ready.

Work safe

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

Nice beginning to the new work-week (for most) with comfortable temps and partly cloudy sky. We had a rather stormy Saturday evening and early Sunday morning with the boomers and lightning bolts putting an edge on things. With the passing of that system came some welcomed relief from the heat, just the way Juneau and I like it! [yeah]

A few comments are in order this AM:

I see EricX2000 popped in late Sunday night with a “deposit” of 10 interesting Pix from Sweden. Many thanx for those and your comments, Eric!! [tup] [tup] [tup]

Midnight sun in Alaska you ask [?] Why of course! Anchorage is at latitude 61° 10' N and Fairbanks at 64° 49' N. The days were long indeed, about 22 hours worth of daylight!

Coming to the mid-west next year, you say [?] Perhaps with a bit of coordination, you may be able to attend our 2007 Rendezvous in St. Louis! Exact dates and details have not been worked out – but April-May looks pretty good. Drop me an Email if you wi***o discuss this further . . .


For Ted Good to see ya this AM! I note that your part of the “Sunshine State” is to receive some long needed rain. Keep your powder dry . . . [tup]

Glad you enjoyed the Alaska Pix . . . there are plenty more, but it takes much time to sort through ‘em and make ‘em ready for Posting. I took nearly 500 shots, compared to the 250 by my bride. Obviously many will not be shared here – but take heart, more are on the way for the next Sunday Photo Posting Day!

It was indeed a trip done brown and one we’re contemplating doing again. Not precisely the same – for there’s so much to see ‘n do in the 49th State. Next time I want to “show off” southeastern Alaska – Juneau & Ketchikan comes to mind. Undoubtedly much has changed since I last saw either – but something to plan for. Then I think we’d fly directly to Fairbanks and take the southbound to Denali for a couple of days, then resume the journey to Anchorage for our flight home. Ambitious [?] You bet! [swg]

Menu aboard the ARR [?] Check out this URL:
http://www.backcountrysafaris.com/pdf/PAS_MENU_2005_Denali_Star.pdf



For Al - Regarding those fine double-deck cars you refer to as Ultra Domes – check out my Pix on Page 351 (Saturday) and you will see the builders/manufacturer’s plate indicating a build year of 2005. Curiously, nothing whatsoever in the ARR literature refers to their cars as Ultra Domes. Wonder why [?] Guess since they own ‘em, they can call ‘em what they wish, eh [?] [swg]

Anyway, on the northbound to Denali there were 10 cruise ship Ultra Domes cars along with the ARR one we rode in for the eleven you mentioned (Also indicated in my narrative with yesterday’s Pix.) From Denali to Fairbanks and then Fairbanks to Anchorage the cruise ship Ultra Domes dropped from 10 to 8, however the number of ARR cars remained constant at 7.

I wondered about those single level domes that were on the consist for the ARR Glacier Discovery train shown in yesterday’s Pix. Nice looking cars and probably would make a fine addition to the Denali Star as replacements for the traditional 85 ft coaches.

Appreciate the insight! [tup]


Finally, good to see you this AM, CM3 and appreciate your morning “pick us up!” [yeah] Time flies when one is having fun, eh [?] 14 Months! [wow]

That wasn’t an “assault,” it was simply a “greeting!” After all, the crew and attendant beasts pets hadn’t seen you in a few days! [swg]


Okay, Gents – time for me to set about getting some things taken care of. I’ll be behind the bar for the day! Just make your presence known . . . [tup]


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[LoveDomes]

Good Morning Cap'n Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!


That Bloody Mary I had the other day tasted like "another" - so "hit me" again! [swg]
Here's a ten spot for a round whenever you decide to ring the bell . . .

Nice pix posting for Sunday huh [?] Capped off quite well by Eric and his pix from Sweden! [tup] [tup]

As has become your custom around here, you've done it again - exceeded all expectations with those fine pix from your Alaska trip. What can I offer other than a 5-[tup] Salute to you Sir! [?] [tup] [tup] [tup] [tup] [tup]

Really, really loved those scenic shots and you can keep providing them all week as far as I'm concerned! A truly majestic place and those pix bring back some great mental images as well. Thanx!

Happy 14th Month Anniversary to "Our" Place best cyber watering hole in the Ether! [yeah] I see Coalminer3 "I'm not Shane" - what's his face - CM3 picked up on the date . . . nice going! Looks like he reads the Summaries!! [swg]

Speaking of the 2007 Rendezvous in St. Louis - and yes, I'll be providing my thoughts via e-mail to you - a trip to the IRC would really be a good idea - IMHO. [swg] Now, barndad Doug excactly where is the place in relation to Chicago [?]

I too believe in planning ahead - and recalling everything I read regarding the Toronto Rendezvous you had things well in hand many, many months B4 fruition. That's my way of doing things as well - leave little to chance so that the JOs don't get to ya! [swg]

Rob Nice Rendezvous shots from your 35mm! I'm NOT a camera user - or let's just say, I infrequently remember to bring one! [swg] Anyway, always enjoy looking at other people's efforts and those of yours are well done! [tup]

Doug Always good stuff coming out of that place you devote so much time to - the IRC. I'd like to see it and my guess is Tom will crank it in to the sked for the spring. Of course this means YOU are "nominated" to host the tour! [swg] Jumping the track [?] Hardly - now's the time to seriously look into these things, wouldn't you agree [?]

Anyway, enjoyed your work and the return of the Jokes! <groan>

Eric Now those trains are some contrast to what we're used to seeing 'round this joint. Of course Tom does provide us with the international flavor from time to time and we've seen quite a bit of Sweden's trains along the way. Always good to have the first hand stuff along with the explanations - helps!

Surely hope you will be able to find the time to frequent our hang out on a regular basis, for I know the guys appreciate your efforts! [tup]

Hey Rob that air show must've been quite a treat. I've never quite gotten "into" planes - trains and ships "do it" for me! [swg] Anyway, from the pix that Tom provided us in that 70-pix posting Sunday a few weeks ago, it is easy to see how one can become fascinated with those "birds." Looking forward to perhaps seeing some of your pix in the near future. [tup]

Shouldn't our friend (and my "bookend") BK be showing up soon [?] We're getting to that mid-point of the month. Of course they are both as free as birds and can come and go as they danged well please. Wouldn't surprise me to learn that they headed "down under" from Hawaii. If I recall, he has property down thataway . . . . hope whoever is watching over it has done a better job than what we've experienced upstate! <double groan>

Speaking of which - I'm heading back up there either the end of this week or the beginning of next. Have a few things to attend to along with an appearance at the County Seat, with my attorney. We've got to get this matter behind us once and for all. Fortunately, insurance will cover the damages. After the fiasco we encountered with our basement wall and related flooding, my confidence level in insurance companies has bottomed out. But, this time things are looking better.

My guess is two of our number are rather ecstatic over the success of the Mets - me 'n Mike the UrlMeisterMonster! [yeah] They really are distancing themselves from the rest of the pack in their division and as long as HOTlanta remains far behind, that will suffice for me! [swg] Time for their "string" to be broken, huh [?]

Here's to the return to full health for passengerfan Al and to the well being of our friend, Theodorebear Ted in not-so-sunny Florida. [tup] [tup]

One more time Mr. Barkeep, then I gotta move on down the line . . . .


Until the next time!


Lars

[siberianmo]

[bow][tup][bow][tup][bow][tup][bow][tup][bow][tup][bow][tup][bow][tup][bow][tup][bow][tup][bow][tup]


The Top 10 Active Contributors to ”Our” Place through Page 350:
(figures in brackets denote number at Page 300. “plus number” represents number of Posts since Page 300.)

1st trolleyboy Rob 754 was [593] +161

2nd passengerfan Al 468 was [393] +75

3rd Theodorebear Ted 467 was [416] +51

4th nickinwestwales Nick 359 was [339] +20

5th barndad Doug 321 was [265] +56

6th pwolfe Pete 259 was [192] +67 – resides in

7th coalminer3 CM3 223 was [173] +50

8th West Coast S Dave 213 was [171] +42

9th LoveDomes Lars 170 was [117] +53

10th wanswheel Mike 131 was [76] +55



Proprietor: 2733 was [2413] +320


Note: These calculations have no connection with the numbers appearing beneath your cyber name. Those figures represent total Posts on all of the Forums since membership date.


Thanx to all for making this the place to be for Classic Trains information, conversation and good times! [tup][tup][tup]


Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


[bow][tup][bow][tup][bow][tup][bow][tup][bow][tup][bow][tup][bow][tup][bow][tup][bow][tup][bow][tup]

[LoveDomes]

G'day Cap'n Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!

Hmmmm, I see it's been a rather quiet late morning, early afternoon 'round the joint.

I'll take a frosty cold bottle of Ballentine XXX Ale if you please and slide those snack bowls down my way, wudja [?] Still have my ten spot from earlier, huh [?] No sweat - someone will come along . . . [tup]

Nice work with the Contributors compilation and equally nice touch with the waving flags! [tup] [tup] Getting better all of the time. I appreciate seeing the stats and appears to me that the "standings" have remained pretty stable over the past several months - just a few swaps of places, but nothing dramatic.

Been looking in on "your other thread" and things are equally slow over there as well. Blue Monday perhaps. <grin>

Looking forward to your RR from Yesteryear for tomorrow - Maine Central I see. This should appeal to Shane 'n Rob would be my guess . . . . I'm trying to come up with a "hook" of my own so that I can do more than make comments from the gallery. My preference is to be a contributor of "stuff" - but the drawback for me is always the same thing - time to devote to the reference and preparation stages.

I made mention earlier regarding my not being a photographer. I should clarify that a bit. You see, I've taken just about all the pix I'm going to in this lifetime, as the boxes and boxes of them in our refurbished and dry basement can attest. I have more 35 mm slides than Carters has pills; more negatives and "glossies" than a herd of gnats and a lifetime of sorting - if I wi***o engage in that sort of activity - which I don't! [tdn] So, I'm just at that point in life where I've considered "Chucking" it all - but the Mrs. wouldn't permit it. [swg] Just boxes of "stuff" with very little practical use around here. My guess is we're not alone in that regard.

I admire those of you who not only take the pix, but actually put them to good use. You, Tom are an inspiration - but unfortunately not enough to get me into the digital world much less back to 35 mm. When we made the trip to the left coast, I didn't even have a camera with me! The Mrs. had hers and I doubt that she snapped off any more than a dozen for the entire time we were away.

Ok - 'nuf babble outta me. I'll take another brew and then I'm headin' back home.

Good to have you back, and hope to see the other guys pick up the slack as we enter into the 1st week of our 14th Month on the forums! [yeah]

Until the next time!


Lars

[siberianmo]

[bday] 2006 BIRTHDAY WATCH LIST [bday]
(rev. Jun 12th)


March 5th (Nick – 46)
March 13th (Doug – 50)
March 31st (Lars – 66)
April 18th (Al - 63)
May 18th (Tom - 68)
May 27th (Dave - 47)
June 3rd (John) – 47)
[tup] August 11th (Pete – 55) NEXT UP!
August 16th (Ted – 68)
September 8th (Rob - 35)
October 18th (BK – 66)
December 29th (CM3 – 60)


Not on the list [?] Send me an Email with your birth date (month-day-year). Corrections too!


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

[Anonymous]

Good evening Tom and gents! I'll have a long-overdure bottomless draught please. I'm afraid I packed-away my Michigan Quarters somewhere, but I'll be locating them soon. I lost a lot of jokes too, but I know where I can find more! And remember, the louder you groan, the worse the jokes will get!

I haven't quite caught-up on all the reading I missed the past few weeks, but, WOW ... did you guys ever do a great job of keeping the place filled with lively banter and lots and lots of incredible train information! Well done, hardly covers it. Y'all were amazing. Special congratulations to Mike for a well-earned stool the bar! You definitely deserved it, as our resident king of URLS and pertinent daily information.

Glad to read so many of you are interested in visiting the IRM. I was hoping that Chicago would be a rendevous site in the future, and would be most pleased to entertain. I'm sure you all know that Chicago has a lot of train sites to visit, not just the IRM in Union, which, by the way, you can almost get to by train. Woodstock (where I now live)station on the northwest line is about 5 miles from the museum. Speaking of which, I've got some surprize pix from the IRM coming your way this Sunday. Many of you also know I belong to the 20th Century Railroad Club, which meets in Chicago. They are having their 35th anniversary meeting this Wednesday, so hopefully there will be something extra special that evening to share with ya'll.

Yesterdays' photos were great as usual, and I sure did enjoy seeing the pix from our newest contributor Eric. Posted like a pro, and top quality stuff sir.

This old man needs to "hit the hay", so I'll say good night andleave you with the 1st part of a new series:

Down The Tubes – Vol. 17 Rail Classics – John Uckley

The Detroit River Tunnel has swallowed many trains since it was dedicated in 1910. Puff smoke accompanies SD45, emerging at Windsor in 1977. The date on it reads a hopeful 1909, but the tunnel was not completed until 1910.


To the casual visitor lingering on a grassy hillside in Windsor, Ontario, it begins as a barely discernable noise seemingly from nowhere and yet surrounding you with its all-encompassing presence. This noise soon transforms into a low rumble which gathers ever more strength and gradually swells into the brutal magnificence of approaching thunder. Peering down at the twin concrete portals, you can see a restless glow dancing on one set of glistening tube rails within the murky enclosure. Then a headlight stabs through the curtain of gloom and a pair of fuming diesels spill out of the tunnel dragging a swaying, serpentine string of freight cars into the morning sunlight. The charisma of the Detroit River railroad tunnel is almost overwhelming. But there is more …

In 1867, the Michigan Central Railway and the Great Western Railway of Canada (a CNR predecessor) began interchanging rolling stock via a Detroit-Windsor carferry service. The two companies commenced excavations for a new underwater tunnel during 1872, but soon abandoned the project when sulfur gas deposits were unearthed and several workmen died on the job. The year 1876 found the MCR acquiring control of the Canada Southern main line extending across Southern Ontario between the Niagra Frontier and Gordon (later Amherstburg). In 1883, the Essex cut-off was completed from Essex to Windsor and a section of the original route (Essex to Amherstburg) was downgraded to branch line status. Throughout these years and into the first few years of the new century, Michigan Central carferry service across the Detroit River was plagued by severe winter conditions, heavy ice floes, and limited carferry capacity, resulting in severe monetary losses and the rerouting of much freight traffic over other lines.

The long dormant tunnel project took on a new vitality in 1904. One of the principal drawbacks to a tunnel was inadequate ventilation. If steam locomotives had to be used to haul trains through an underwater passage, the public and railroad employees faced the constant threat of asphyxiation from poisonous gases created by coal smoke and a lack of oxygen. Grand Trunk Western had built a single-track bore under the St. Clair River between Port Huron and Sarina in 1890 and began operations with steam power. Various fatalities occurred as a result of smoke inhalation. (GTW later electrified the bore). Although an electrified tunnel would involve a huge outlay of capital, proponents of such a system (including W.S. Kinnear, Chief Engineer of the MCR) pointed to the successful application of electrified tunnel operation at New York City in conjunction with the building of the new Grand Central.

In early 1905, an MC subsidiary, the Detroit River Tunnel Company, was organized to oversee construction of the twin tubes. Preliminary property surveys were started in February, 1905. The locations where the subaqueous tubes would line up with the dry land tunnel approaches would be situated at the MC ferry slips in Detroit and the MC’s waterfront depot in Windsor.

The business of preparing a set of workable blueprints had started in August, 1905, and the completed drawings were placed in the hands of the contractor a year later. The contract was awarded to the Butler Brothers, Hoff and Company of New York on August 1, 1906, with all work to be concluded (hopefully) by June, 1909. A construction crew of some nine hundred men and a dependable contingent of tough-as-nails underwater divers and tugboat operators was poised for action. Actual excavations began October 1, 1906. Tunnel work was divided into three areas: A 3,669 foot long western approach at Detroit, which included a 1,150 foot long open cut with a two percent gradient; a 2,668 foot long underwater section; and the 6,449 foot long eastern approach at Windsor, which included a 2,900 foot long open cut with a 1 ½ percent gradient. The total length of the underground/underwater tunnel came to 8,376 feet.

The underwater section of the tunnel was excavated according to the open trench concept of digging. An open trench was dug in the river bottom, deep enough to allow the top of the tunnel to be slightly below the river bed in most areas. This V-shaped channel was 25 feet wide at its base. The depth of the dredged trench was from 60 to 80 feet below the top surface of the river itself.

The contract for dredging was awarded to the Dunbar and Sullivan Company of Buffalo and most of the underwater excavation was completed by using steam shovels placed on barges. These shovels were equipped with 60-foot booms, steel cables, and clamshell buckets with a three cubic yard capacity. Tugboats towed them into position in the river.

In the middle of the river divers discovered a 45-foot-deep cavity in the river bed. Tunnel engineers turned this depression into a cache basin which would hold surface water and any seepage which might find its way through weak points in the tunnel.

The all important twin tubes were fabricated at the Great Lakes Engineering Works in St. Clair, Michigan; 60 miles north of Detroit. Eleven steel sections were built. Ten of the sections were each 262.5 feet in length, with overall inside diameters of 23 ft. 4 inches. The eleventh section was a shorter closing piece. At a distance of every 11 feet, sloping steel diaphragms were installed so as to conform to the shape of the riverbed trench. A timber plug was inserted in the ends of each tube section. Tugboats floated the whole strange flotilla down the St. Clair River and then the Detroit River to the construction site.

The tunnel is composed of steel tubes encased in concrete. Elevated walkways are on both sides of the tracks. Conduits for telegraph, telephone and electricity are built in the walls. Ditch between the rails leads drain water to the five sumps. Every fifth rail is five feet long to support the electrified third rail which was removed in 1953. Early postcard view from the collection of John Uckley.


[:I] A man takes his Rottweiler to the vet and says, "My dog's cross- eyed, is there anything you can do for him?"
"Well," says the vet, "let's have a look at him."
So he picks the dog up and examines his eyes, then checks his teeth. Finally, he says "I'm going to have to put him down."
"What? Just because he's cross-eyed?"
"No, because he's really heavy." [:I]

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Leon a cr to wind the day day if you will sir. Nice to see things settling back into it's norms around here. A quite busy and colourfull picture day on sunday
5x[tup] for all the contributors. [:D]

tom Loved the spread of shots covering your trip,looks to be a place that I need to visit somehow someday. It would make and interesting of not exotic rendezvous in itsself [:-^][:-^]. I remember some peaks of sun on our return trip, but he very well could have slipped me the wrong shot, I'll have to investigate further, that or I keyed in the wrong railimages ID # also not beyond the realms of possibility.I'll have to do some digging for tomorrows rairoad of the day, I'm sure that I can find something.The airshow was fabulous,we have seen the Lanc fly many times but seeing it in air is a treat to be sure,I'll get the film roll in tomorrow, so here's hopping that it turns out well.
That was some menu on board train, makes the Canadian's fare look plain.[:O]





Two shots of Warplanes lanc in flight about three years ago. Our friend Dave took the shots, he has a better lens for capturing things in flight than I do.

Doug Great spread of shots from the IRM,my complimenst to the paint chipper, your locomotive should look top notch once iot gets it's green and black back again.

Lars loved seeing the "pre-shots" of Tom's Aklaska trip posted once again. truly is some beautifull and rugged country. ( The train ain't bad looking either ) LOL [swg]It's good to hear that your upstate problems sound as though they will be solved quickly and satisfacteraly. It shouldn't have had to come to that though.[:(]

Eric Thanks for the great spread of shots from Sweden. That castle looks like something out of one of Grimm's fairly tales. Wonderfull castkles like that one are the thing that's missing from the North American scene. loved the shots of the electric service as well. [;)] <go figure>

Ted You would have given your eye teeth for the planes at that air show. Heck even if nothing was flying it was worth seeing them all. The BF109 is apparently just as rare as the lancaster it's also one of only two flying ( there aren't many in static display either ) The WW1 planes ( all replicas ) which wree doing their thing there as well were something to see as well. An SE5a, a Sopwith Camel, a Nieuport Scout and Two Fokker triplanes. They are an "air combat group " that flies out of Brampton Ontario, puit on an entertaining show as well.

Well folks I'll bid you all adieu for tonight. [zzz]

Rob

[Anonymous]

Come on in Gents, the water is fine.[:O] Seriously folks, we have so far, gained far more than any losses with Alberto's visit. The rain is decperately needed and any wind event has been minimal.[:D] Tom, just a quicky #3 if you please. The compilation of figures on past posts before and after p. 300 took some time and calculations. It kinda reminded me of the "efficiency reports" we would dread doing in the days of Khaki Tan.[swg] The ongoing pictoral report from the 49th has convinced me that for awesome scenery and "top shelf" passenger trains; Alaska "is where it's at!"[^] At some later date, I will have the gaul to ask what sort of tariff such a dream trip might involve. However, my blood pressure is running a little high and I can't risk lapsing into a coma just now.[V] From the fantastic menu alone, the old adadge: "If Ya gotta ask; Ya can't afford it" probably applies. But then, so does the saying: "People know the price of everything and the value of nothing!" You and "the better half" definetly know the "value" of things.[tup] Hey Bandad Doug, the Detroit River tubes article is a keeper. I don't know why a "run out" to Chicago from St. Louis couldn't be a logistical possibility. However, it is worth bearing in mind that to do justice to both, perhaps they should be 2 seperate Rendesvous sites, just a thought.[banghead] Lars, glad to see things are coming together into easier focus on the domestic front, good luck to you. Yes Rob, although the "eye teeth" were not the "vital" part of the anatomy I had in mind, certainly I would have thrown them in as well. The closest I have come to any of the Axis war birds was at Davis Motham (Sp.?) near Dayton, OH. Then there is the JU 87 "Stuka" in Chicago and JU 88 at the Confederate Air Force Museum in Texas. Oh BTW, the D-Day Museum in New Orelans was undamaged, phew!

I wish I could stay longer but as Leon once said: "You don't have to leave but you can't stay here!"[:O] I'll check in whenever possible, so Boris just hand me the Mae West and oars please. No, you may not give the Mae West to Ruthy, she doesn't need it anyhow.[swg] I'm casting off until next time...Happy rails.

[siberianmo]

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


TUESDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS



Daily Wisdom


90% of the game is half mental.
ENCORE! Yogi-ism



Info for the Day:


Railroads from Yesteryear –
Maine Central (MEC)
Arrives TODAY!


* Weekly Calendar:

Wednesday: Toy & Model Trains Day!
Thursday: Fish ‘n Chips Nite!
Friday: Pizza Nite! & Steak Nite!
Saturday: Steak ‘n Trimmin’s Nite! – and –
ENCORE! Saturday



MVP Award Winners

April 2006 . . . LoveDome Lars
May – June . . To be announced


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


Comedy Corner

Yarns from the Barn
(from barndad Doug’s Posts)


[:I] A very successful lawyer parked his brand new Lexus in front of the office, ready to show it off to his colleagues. As he got out, a truck came along, too close to the curb, and completely tore off the driver's door of the Lexus.
The counselor immediately grabbed his cell phone, dialed 911, and it wasn't more than 5 minutes before a policeman pulled up. Before the cop had a chance to ask any questions, the lawyer started screaming hysterically.
His Lexus, which he had just picked up the day before, was now completely ruined and would never be the same, no matter how the body shop tried to make it new again.
After the lawyer finally wound down from his rant, the cop shook his head in disgust and disbelief. "I can't believe how materialistic you lawyers are," he said. "You are so focused on your possessions that you neglect the most important things in life."
"How can you say such a thing?" asked the lawyer.
The cop replied, "My God, don't you even realize that your left arm is missing? It got ripped off when the truck hit you!!!"
"Oh My God!" screamed the lawyer. "My Rolex!!!!!" [:I]


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



The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre


NOW SHOWING:
Double Features and Three Stooges Short Subject!

. . . Sunday, June 11th thru June 17th: Major League II (1994) starring: Tom Berenger & Charlie Sheen –and- Mr. Baseball (1992) starring: Tom Selleck, K. Taukura & A. Takanashi. SHORT: Hoi Poloi (1935).

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

. . . Sunday, June 18th thru June 24th: League of Their Own (1992) starring: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis & Madonna – and – Memphis Belle (1990) starring: Matthew Modine, Eric Stoltz, Tate Donovan. SHORT: Three Little Bears (1935).


SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 00:38:18 (352) Monday’s Info & 15-Post Summary

(2) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 06:52:37 (352) Inclusive Gulf Coast report!

(3) passengerfan Al Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 07:13:58 (352) Ultra domes info, etc.

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 07:29:01 (352) 12th Month Anniversary!

(5) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 08:26:38 (352) Inclusive WVA report!

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 08:42:44 (352) Acknowledgments ‘n Comments

(7) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 10:42:44 (352) Incluisve Larsman report!

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 13:20:19 (352) Top 10 Contributors

(9) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 15:18:53 (352) Larsman report, part deux!

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 16:33:13l (352) B’day Watch List!

(11) barndad Doug Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 21:59:53 (352) Barnyard chat, Down the Tubes ‘n Joke!



That’s it![tup][;)]


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

[siberianmo]

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


Railroads from Yesteryear –

Maine Central (MEC) –

Arrives on track #1 at 10 AM today –


WATCH FOR IT!


Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


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

[coalminer3]

Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house, and $ for the jukebox.

Doug - Thanks for the Detroit tunnel article

Rob - Lancaster pictures were excellent

Theodorebear - Keep paddling!

Maine Central is our theme for the day. There is so much to relate about that operation, that I’ll just touch on some of the things I recall about MEC.

The MEC and the B&M were close partners when I was growing up. I used to see MEC passenger power frequently at North Station in Boston. These engines had a maroon and gold scheme similar to the B&M’s maroon and gold paint.

The MEC had a mix of EMD and Alco power as I remember. They acquired some GE power (U18Bs) later on, but their road power was pretty much EMD F units and later geeps. Their Alco units were switchers, and some RS types. Their RS11s probably have attracted the moist attention over the years. MEC power had a bewildering series of color schemes. Through the years I recall seeing and photographing the following liveries on B&M engines: black/white/red, maroon and gold; green and gold; green and yellow, yellow and green and green and yellow. This is why MEC is a challenge to modelers because you need to do a fair amount of research to accurately depict the time period in question.

The MEC covered a lot of territory in southern Maine, and did get as far north as Vanceboro.

Their line in New Hampshire was probably the one that interested me the most (not just because I lived there) because it had some very tough mountain country. The Mountain Subdivision, as it was called, ran west out of Portland and then crossed into New Hampshire near North Conway. Then up and over the White Mountains through Bartlett and Fabyans via the Frankenstein Trestle (this was/is the structure’s name – not a nickname). The trestle reminded me of bridges in Colorado and places like that as it was sort of tied into the side of the mountain. The Conway Scenic operate trains on this line today – fall foliage trips are a highlight of the season

Quebec Junction was next. Whitefield was a bit further west and the MEC crossed the Boston and Maine there at a plant governed by, so help me, ball signals! Then through Gilman and on to St. Johnsbury, VT where it connected with the Canadian Pacific and the St. Johnsbury and Lamoille County (aka the St. Jesus and Late Coming). St. Johnsbury was a most interesting spot as it was full of all sorts of CP power and equipment (mostly MLW). The CP would, in sugaring season, run a “Maple Sugar Special” down from Montreal behind their two E8s. One of my all-time favorite shots was made of the Es with the Maple Sugar train. The snow was waist deep, but my that red was pretty against the landscape.

A branch broke off at Quebec Jct. and ran north through Waumbek Jct. (connection with CN), Lancaster, Groveton, No. Stratford (another CN connection), Columbia Bridge, Colebrook, and on to Beecher Falls. I had a good friend from Colebrook when I was at UNH. He took a job in Buffalo after graduation because he wanted to move to a “warmer climate with less snow.”

The MEC’s shops were at Waterville. This was always an interesting place to visit as I had a lady friend who was from there. Trips to Waterville also meant a home-cooked meal (My kind of people - all entrees where shot by her father. Her mom knew about 3 zillion recipes for cooking moose, deer, rabbit, squirrel, etc.)

My dad tells stories about the MEC back in the day. He used to travel to Maine (usually in the winter) as part of his work. Departure would be from North Station via sleeper and the next a.m. he would awaken often with the snow even with the phone lines along the ROW. As I said at the beginning, there is just too much to cover here; if you have any questions, I’ll be happy to try and answer them for you.

There are many good websites on the MEC. Here are a few with links to other reading material.

MEC steam

http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/steamtown/shs2k.htm

General MEC history

http://www.btinternet.com/~ucrs/ucrs/rl/rl471.html

MEC prototype and modeling information with many pictures.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/mikemcnh/flatcar/mec.html

work safe

[siberianmo]

Now arriving on track #1 …..
Railroads from Yesteryear! Number Twenty


Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources.

Maine Central Railroad



Reporting marks: MEC

Locale: central Maine with lines to New Brunswick, New Hampshire, Vermont and Quebec

Dates of operation: 1862 – 1981 (subsumed by GRS, continues as subsidiary in name only)

Track gauge: 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) (standard gauge), converted from 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) in 1871

Headquarters: Waterville, Maine


1923 map

The Maine Central Railroad was a railroad in central Maine. It was chartered in 1856 and began operations in 1862. It operated between Portland east to the Canada-U.S. border with New Brunswick, west to Vermont and north to Quebec.


Charter and creation

The Maine Central RR was created initially through the merger of the Androscoggin and Kennebec Railroad and the Penobscot and Kennebec Railroad, resulting in a line from Danville (northeast of Portland) to Bangor. The line connected with the Grand Trunk Railway on its Portland-Chicago mainline at Danville and with the Bangor and Piscataquis Railroad in Bangor. As a result of its connection with the Grand Trunk, the Maine Central was initially running with a track gauge of 5 ft 6 in (1676 mm).

Expansion

The Maine Central purchased the Portland and Kennebec Railroad, which ran from Portland to Danville and was built to standard track gauge, since it connected with the Boston and Maine Railroad at Portland. By 1871, the Maine Central completed its conversion to standard gauge to facilitate interchange of cars.

In 1882, the Maine Central leased the European and North American Railway (E&NA) between Bangor and Vanceboro.

In 1888, the Maine Central purchased the Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad, which ran from Portland, through the White Mountains via Crawford Notch, New Hampshire, and into St. Johnsbury, Vermont, where it connected with the Southeastern Railway (owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway). The railroad also purchased several narrow-gauge branch lines used for the logging industry, such as the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad in 1911 and the Bridgeton and Saco River in 1912.

In 1889, the Canadian Pacific Railway purchased trackage rights from Maine Central on the portion of the former E&NA from Mattawamkeag to Vanceboro. This Maine Central trackage formed part of the CPR's Montreal-Saint John mainline, upon completion of the International Railway of Maine. This line was an important rail route for Canadian war materiel heading to the port of Saint John for shipment overseas to Europe. In the months before the United States entered the war, a German saboteur attempted to blow up the railway bridge which crossed the St. Croix River at the international boundary.

The Maine Central also built a line southeast from Bangor along the coast through Machias to Calais, with branches to Bar Harbor and Eastport.

The Maine Central was at its height by 1917 when it became nationalized during World War One, having trackage which extended over 1358 miles. It ran from Vanceboro, Calais and Eastport in the east, to Portland in the south, St. Johnsbury in the west, and to Lime Ridge, Quebec in the north. It also operated resorts and coastal steamships and ferries.

Retraction

Following World War One, Maine Central began retracting. It sold or abandoned lines such as the narrow gauge logging systems, as well as its ferries and steamships. In the 1930s it began to change its locomotives from steam powered to diesel powered. Beginning in 1933, the Maine Central entered into a "joint management" agreement with the Boston and Maine Railroad, with which it shared the Portland Terminal Railroad (a switching railroad in Portland).

In 1955, Maine Central completed a purchase of the E&NA line from Bangor to Vanceboro which it had leased in 1882. The deal consisted of $125 per share or $3,114,500 payable in cash or bonds at the election of the E&NA shareholders.

Faced with increased competition from cars, trucks and buses, Maine Central Railroad operated its last passenger train on September 5, 1960 and continued to reduce its freight business to reflect changing traffic. On December 17, 1974 Maine Central sold its trackage between Mattawamkeag and Vanceboro to Canadian Pacific for $5.4 million while retaining trackage rights from CPR over the section of line.

Guilford

In 1980, the railroad was purchased by U.S. Filter Corporation and was then sold in 1981 to Guilford Transportation Industries, which also purchased the Boston and Maine Railroad. Initially Guilford operated the system intact, although the system now permitted run-through traffic between central Maine and Boston. By the mid-1980s, Guilford began to rationalize its system and fully one-third of Maine Central's trackage was eliminated, including: the "Mountain Division" from Portland to St. Johnsbury, Vermont; the "Rockland Branch" from Brunswick to Rockland, the "Calais Branch" from Bangor to Calais, and the "Lower Road" from Augusta to Brunswick. Guilford also forced many management and salary changes, resulting in a major strike against the company in 1986.

One of the instigating factors which led to the labour strife at Guilford relates to a corporate reorganization at one of the company's former Maine Central properties. After the Calais Branch was abandoned, a small portion of trackage between Calais and Woodland remained in service to a pulp mill. It was joined to the rest of the North American rail network through a connection with the Canadian Pacific Railway at St. Stephen, New Brunswick and operated through New Brunswick territory for several miles between Calais and Woodland. Guilford renamed this operation "Springfield Terminal" and reorganized it to avoid union agreements that the rest of the rail system was forced to follow. Eventually, the corporate reorganization under Springfield Terminal would extend to the full extent of Guilford operations.

The former Maine Central locomotive shops in Waterville continue as Guilford's main repair shops. Other traditions of Maine Central have continued into the 1990s and 2000s, although Guilford and its subsidiary Springfield Terminal now dominate in the painting of locomotives.

On November 1, 2003 the Morristown & Erie Railway took over the former Maine Central "Lower Road" (main line) and Rockland branch routes (aided by significant public funding from the state government). Other groups are seeking to have the Calais Branch and Mountain Division routes reactivated for use by short line or tourist rail operations.

Mainline

The Guilford Rail System's Boston and Maine Railroad comes into the state of Maine in South Berwick, through the town's southwest corner, continuing northeast through North Berwick, Wells, the Kennebunks, Arundel, Biddeford, Saco, and Scarborough, before coming to Rigby Yard in South Portland. Rigby is the historic junction point for the end-to-end MEC and B&M systems.

The MEC main line's western terminus is at Rigby and runs northeast through Portland, Falmouth, Cumberland, and Royal Junction (in Yarmouth). The "Back Road" main line continues northeast through North Yarmouth, New Gloucester, Auburn, Danville Jct., Lewiston, Leeds Jct., Readfield, Belgrade, Waterville, Pittsfield, Hermon, Northern Maine Jct., Bangor, Orono, Old Town, and ends at its eastern terminus at Mattawamkeag.

GRS's Maine Central main line interchanges with the Eastern Maine Railway at Mattawamkeag, the Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway at Northern Maine Jct., and the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad at Danville Jct.

Branch lines

Maine Central under GRS has several branch lines still under Guilford ownership.

Brunswick

The Brunswick branch splits off the mainline at Royal Junction and continues through the center of Yarmouth, before meeting the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad (ex-Canadian National Railway, nee-Grand Trunk Railway) at Yarmouth Junction. The tracks meet at a 90 degree angle, and then the branch line continues through Freeport, where the line crosses under U.S. Route 1. After going through the center of Freeport, the line ends in Brunswick, where the eastern part of the line is now owned by the Maine Coast Railroad.

Rumford

The Rumford branch splits off the mainline at Leeds Junction and continues northwest up the Androscoggin River valley, passing through Livermore Falls, terminating at Rumford.

Bucksport

The Bucksport branch splits off the mainline at Bangor and continues south down the Penobscot River valley, passing through Brewer and terminating at Bucksport.

Calais

The Calais branch is a short, isolated section of former MEC trackage at the far eastern edge of Maine, running from a pulp mill in Woodlands to the city of Calais. Once part of a much longer line that ran from Bangor to Calais, it has been cut back to the present trackage and for part of the way it runs through the neighbouring province of New Brunswick, Canada where it interchanges with the New Brunswick Southern Railway.


Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources.

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Photo Gallery from other sources


Maine Central (MEC) F3A #672 - Bangor, Maine (foto: Larry Goss)




Maine Central (MEC) GP7 #580 - Bangor, Maine (foto: Larry Goss)




Maine Central (MEC) E7 #708 mail train - Bangor, Maine (foto: Larry Goss)




Maine Central (MEC) GP7 #573 - Bangor, Maine (foto: Larry Goss)




Maine Central (MEC) S4 #571 - Mattawamkeag in 1979 (foto: W. Calloway)




Maine Central (MEC) RS-11 #801 – Bangor, Maine (foto: Larry Goss


***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****


Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]



Did you miss any of the previous nineteen[?] Click the URL:

#1: Baltimore & Ohio (B&O
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=233&TOPIC_ID=35270
#2: Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=234&TOPIC_ID=35270
#3: Pennsylvania (PRR)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=237&TOPIC_ID=35270
#4: New York Central (NYC)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=240&TOPIC_ID=35270
#5: New Haven (NYNH&H)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=242&TOPIC_ID=35270
#6: Santa Fe (ATSF) (Two Parts)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=246&TOPIC_ID=35270
#7: Southern Pacific (SP)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=253&TOPIC_ID=35270
#8: Northern Pacific (NP)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=259&TOPIC_ID=35270
#9: Coastline/Seaboard (ACL – SCL – SAL) (Two Parts)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=267&TOPIC_ID=35270
#10: Southern Railway (SOU)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=276&TOPIC_ID=35270
#11: Denver and Rio Grande Western (D&RG)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=282&TOPIC_ID=35270
#12: Great Northern Railway (GN)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=287&TOPIC_ID=35270
#13: Missouri Pacific (MP)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=293&TOPIC_ID=35270
#14: Illinois Central (IC)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=299&TOPIC_ID=35270
#15: Boston & Maine (B&M)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=307&TOPIC_ID=35270
#16: Western Pacific (WP)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=313&TOPIC_ID=35270
#17: Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=320&TOPIC_ID=35270
#18: Burlington Zephyrs (Two Parts)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=326&TOPIC_ID=35270
#19: Delaware & Hudson (D&H)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=332&TOPIC_ID=35270

[trolleyboy]

Good morning fellow varflies. Tom I think a Lars speacial sandwich for me today and a BK coffee with the extra speacial something [swg].Oh and heres a sack of quarters for Herr Wurlitzer as well ( I even separated the CDN ones from the US one so that they can be fed into the right slots [tup][:D]

Ted I'm glad that you survived your little blow, with just some slightly wet feet.I know exactly which vital organ that you were refering to i was just keeping everything PG donchaknow [:O][;)]. I have seen some of the fliable equipment the Confederate airforce operates at Toronto Air Shows over the years another spot for me to visit at some point for sure. Oh an interesting site for you to maybe concider is the RCAF Musuem at Trenton Ontario, they have restored the only whole Halifax VII Bomber in the world. It is not flyable nor will it be, it was recovered from a fjord in Norway almost ten years ago where it had been shot down on a mission.It has now been beautifully restored ( was dedicated last september )The original pilot was on hand and he got his thermos of tomato soup back that was found in the cockpit once the plane was brouhgt up from the bottom of the lake. He was told not to drink the contents however [xx(] I don't think that campbells soup has a 60 years self life, even if it was stored at the bottom of a northern fjord ! I'm glad to hear that the Dday musuem survived the storms in 'Norlan's that can't be said of too many things unfortunatly.

Doug Loved the tunnel article, it's good to have our contrubuting article edditor back with us once again. [tup]

CM3 Wonderfull reminicances of the MEC sir. [tup] I've always had a soft spot for the NE railways.I would have given my vital body parts to have seen those wonderfull Alco's and Geeps in live service in the northwoods all resplendant in what were some of the nicest railroad paint schemes. Live CPR E8's would have done it for me as well, espeacially since they were wading through deep snow.Thos were interesting urls as well CM3, they will require some extra perusing.

Tom This should prove to be a good railway tuesday, there is an absolute ton of good MEC info out there. I can't wait to see what Mike does with it. Good choice as per always sir, thank you 5x[tup] .

Back in a bit I have to hit my research material.

Rob

[trolleyboy]

Okay back with some passenger train facts for the MEC. The MEC ended it's mainline passenger train service in late 1963. They did however still run a couple major trains during the last three years of passenger operations. September of 1960 to the fall of 1963.

They ran even at this late date two pairs of mail / merchandice trains, #1 and # 8 between Portland and Vanceboro and #2 and #9 bewteen Bangor and Portland. These trains ran on express scheduales and handled storage mail, Railway express and milk. They were powered by the 4 E7's that the MEC retained specifiacally for this service. A year after 1964, milk traffic was no longer and all these former high speed mercahndice / passenger speacials were discontinued. Milk and potatoes and other produce were long mainstays of the MEC and it's NE counterparts, that and of coarse the forest products which still feed what's left of the B&M and the MEC now that Guilfod has it's claws into them,sad shadows of what were once grand railways cutting through some of the most beautifull and at times difficult areas of the eastern seaboard.

Rob

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

A bit of activity today, just enough to keep me awake! <grin>

Rob As always, good late nite contributions! [tup] Nice to way to cap the day . . . .

When living in New England (Connecticut for 3 years - Boston for 5) seeing those "different" roadnames on the loco's and cabooses always got my attention. Most of the passenger cars still held to the PRR and New Haven, and of course Boston & Maine RDCs - but the other "stuff" surely turned my head. Used to see the MEC a lot during my frequent forays "down east." I wasn't a railfan in the sense of the term, nor did I go out of my way to follow or wait for the trains. But when the opportunity arose, I'd take the time to take in the sights. Great looking stuff in an era where it was all coming to an unglorious end insofar as passenger travel was concerned.

Nice shots of the Lancaster! Kudos to your friend from siberianmo in Missouri! [tup]

Ted certainly glad to learn that all's well with you. As expected, the TV networks and cable outlets surely overplayed this "event" as if the world would surely end for all in the path of the storm. I supposed the "FEMA syndrome" willl now take its place alongside the 'round the clock "alert" brought on with the OJ case. To my recollection, that's where all this crap began - the continuous nonsense running across the bottom of the screen, et al. Used to be that only the Headline News used that feature until OJ came along. Oh joy! <frown> Anyway, good to know the "powder is dry," never know when you'll need it!

Drop me an Email and I'll provide you with the amplifying info you are interested in . . . also, a web check of the Alaska RR site at www.alaskarailroad.com will get you headed in the right direction too. It truly is the only remaining full service railroad in America - although there is an area open to dispute: no overnight trips, therefore no bedroom cars. But it is a state owned and operated railroad, profitably I should add, and they surely give a Rat's Patoot in ensuring that the passengers come first.

CM3 Your "kick off" of the Theme for the Day! hit the spot. Nice work! And thanx for the round and quarterrs not only for today, but for the past couple of weeks. [tup]

Doug Enjoyed the Detroit River Tunnel feature and it never ceases to amaze me just how much work has gone into our rail infrastructure over the years. At times, I get the impression that many of our younger set pretty much have convinced themselves that innovative design and engineering marvels are restricted just to those that took place (or are taking place) in modern times. When one travels this old world of ours, there's so very much to marvel at. The Egyptian Pyramids come to mind . . .

The talk of our 2007 Rendezvous in St. Louis shows me that the interest is there - which all spells out the word: SUCCESS! [tup]

I'll be putting together the first in many Emails regarding this subject and those of you who have expressed interest in the next get together will of course be on the "list." Anyone else out there wanting "in" - just let me know.

Right now the "distribution list" for the 2007 Rendezvous in St. Louis includes: Rob - Ted - Doug & Pete.

The policy is and will continue to be: keep the planning discussion off the net. We proved it worked better that way for our 1st Rendezvous.

Now, having said all of that - we could certainly crank in an "extra day" for the IRM as we did up in Toronto for the visits to the Trolley and Air museums. A drive from here (Chesterfield) to the Chicagoland area takes about 6 hours. Going by Amtrak is longer when one adds the preboarding time and getting from the station to the ultimate destination.

I'm willing to head up that way as an "extra" trip any time. In fact, Pete and I have seriously discussed this a few times, but want to arrange it for cooler months - leaving the summer for remaining comfortable - indoors! [swg] Anyone out there who doesn't understand mid-west summers, just check the weather forecasts during July-August for the oven we live in! [swg]

Lars I received your Email and not to worry, Mate - do what must be done. We'll be here when you return! [tup] Appreciate the resumption of your Posts and contributions to our discussions - rounds too! [swg] [tup] ][tup] [tup]

I think I've said this once or thrice on these Pages . . . we have three types of contributors at this bar of ours: (1) those who provide substantive material (2) those who provide substantive material AND discussion and (3) those who discuss. All are welcome and all are essential to the make up of our group. [tup] [tup] [tup]

Speaking of BK - mentioned by Lars yesterday - I haven't heard from him since the B'day card from Hawaii. Last word I got is the same as everyone else, returning in mid-June. My crystal ball hasn't been that accurate, but I do concur with you Lars if they did indeed extend their time away. From what I know of them - why not [?]

Back to Rob Good stuff on the MEC and many thanx for the quarters! In case you may not have picked up on it, Herr Wurltizer has been "modified" - no NOT that way! They DON'T reproduce! <geesh> - I had an additional coin slot installed for Canadian quarters - just with you in mind! [swg]

Hope everyone has taken the time to check out the Posts - I'll be getting things back to "normal" as we progress through this and next week. Original matrerial all over the place and it would be a pity if some of our number doesn't pick up on it.

Enjoy the day! [tup]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[West Coast S]

Good Tuesday, had to take a siesta thse past couple of days, that old Dodge of mine was screaming for some attention, judging from what I had to repair I suspect Boris and that blasted armadillo have a midnight auto repair someplace.

Good to be among you Tom, Rob, CM3, Lars, AL Round of the Moca Sensi cadeva???

Reading of the Main Central and railroading in the Northeast in general, brings to mind a tale I once heard for a retired SP traffic department employee. Seems as the railroads in the Northeast were faltering in the sixties and early seventies, so did operable freight equiptment, Shippers were concearned about recieving the correct cars of the correct type when needed. when to cars arrived,shippers then complained about the rundown and deplorable condition of the cars that were given to them.

To improve customer service and reduce delays and the cost associated with bad ordering and other roads refusing interchange, it occured that perhaps there was a way to have your cake and eat it too. A trade publication of the time featured a article featuring the massive rebuilding the Southern Pacifc boxcar fleet was undergoing, if they could get shippers on the west coast to route east, they could retain these boxcars for their own use, the eastern roads involved in the scheme would use deception and out right lies if the SP traffic department inquired as to the location of the cars and by what date they could be expected back on home rails. They got away with this for several years, eventually the Santa Fe set the SP to the truth, as they too were the victim of a failed attempt to highjack rolling stock.

SP investigators pounded the pavementand and discovered that indeed the involved roads were playing fast and furious with the truth as to use and movement of SP property. In the end the roads involved denied any such knowledge to defraud the SP, the ICC and the federal courts became involved awarding SP millions of dollars for revenue lost and mileage not paid and dammages to the equiptment. To add to the ordeal, the once prestine boxcars regained home rails in less then prestine condition, the effected cars showed lack of eve minimal maintaince and several had evidence of having been put on the ground, it was found necessary to reshop a vast majority of the fleet at the time of year when SP carded vast amounts of lumber and other goods suitable for boxcar loading.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Odd ball power combos continued;

Two Rio Grande Tunnel Motors and three Amtrak F40's on the Kaiser unit train, train orginated on RG rails, ran daily to deliver coal for the massive Kaiser blast furnances, restricted to 125 cars, UP set of SD40-2 rear helpers over Cajon. And, Santa Fe GP30's normally assigned to the Oro Grande Turn and local road/helper service, pitch hitting for MIA Amtrak power on the Southwest chief on one vist to Cajon Pass, For HEP capability, a Santa Fe power baggage car was in the consits.


What in tarnation is that blasted critter hiding under the juke??

Dave

[LoveDomes]

G’day Cap’n Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!


I’m still about the decks, haven’t shoved off yet . . . looks like I’ll either head out Thursday or Monday; still pondering . . .

Time for a Lars Special and a frosty mug of Kokanee Light if you please! [tup] Here’s a ten spot for the next round . . . [tup]

Nice input from the guys today and the Theme idea is perking along. Another great idea from our leader, I should mention. [tup]

I read your comments, Tom and think there is a 4th category of ‘contributor’ around here: the one who “wings it” – just pretends to have read what’s going on, but it doesn’t show in attendant comments. Of course that isn’t really a contributor, is it [?]

Enjoyed that “Detroit River Tunnel” story that Doug dropped on us. You are so correct, Tom in your assessment of the opinions held by the younger set. No sense of history or accomplishment – for the most part. Every now and then a surprise pops up and gives you hope! [swg]

Dry and well in FLA, sounds good to me Ted. Rode out my share of storms in more than a few of the world’s oceans, seas and gulfs. Ain’t no where to hide – but I’d rather take my chances aboard ship than on the beach anytime. Good to know all’s well . . .

Jokes [?] What jokes [?] Less said, the better the chance to rid the place of ‘em! [swg]

An impressive war machine Rob – that Lancaster looks great! Wondered what the *** thought when they spotted them and all the other allied bombers dropping their loads on the “fatherland” [?] I think we know the answer to that one! [tup]

Rendezvous in St. Louis in 2007 sounds fine to me. Maybe the Mets will be in town to clobber the Cardinals! <yuck yuck> Anyway, a side trip up to the IRM would be a fine option for those wishing to partake. Please add me to your list of email rendezvous people! [tup]

West Coast S Dave is “in” – good to see ya! [tup] Have you taken the time to check out the pix from Sunday [?] If not, you are surely missing out! They begin on page 351 . . . [tup]

I read your post and can only say that perhaps the best way to get away with anything is to be obvious about it. <groan> Not a good deal – and my thinking is that the MEC wasn’t involved with the scheme. Not based on anything other than the ethic of the area and so forth.

Ok – my turn to steal a page from the UrlMeisterMonster – check out these URLs for today’s Theme:

http://www.kenanderson.net/aroostook/mcnr.html

http://www.trainweb.org/trains/mec.html

http://home.sprynet.com/~jwhite07/mec/mec.htm


Until the next time!


Lars

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a quick CR and a round for the house. Back at work and slipped away for a few minutes so thought I would drop by for a minute or two. Love the continuing coverage of the ARR from our leader.

I will get bacfk in the swing in the next day or to but for now I have a City Council meeting I will be speaking at tonight and still have work to do on my speech.

Will have more time beginning tomorrow.

TTFN Al

[siberianmo]

Theme for the Day ! - Theme for the Day!

Here’s another Fallen Flag for the gang from Classic American Railroads: first Posted on Page 141

Maine Central (MEC)



Headquarters: Portland, ME

Mileage 1950: 981

Locomotives in 1950:

Steam: 74 - Diesel: 57

Rolling stock in 1963:

Freight cars: 4,593 – Passenger cars: 42

Principal routes in 1950 (all within Maine, other than noted):

South Portland-Bangor
Bangor-Vanceboro
Bangor-Bucksport
Bangor-Calais & Eastport
Brunswick-Rockland
Portland-St. Johnsbury, VT
Quebec Jct., NH-Beecher Falls, VT
Lees Jct.-Farmington & Rumford
Newport Jct.-Dover-Foxcroft

Passenger trains of note:

Bar Harbor Express (Washington, DC-Ellsworth, ME)
Down Easter (New York-Waterville & Rockland, ME)
Flying Yankee (Boston-Bangor)
Gull (Boston-Halifax, NS)
Katahdin (Boston-Bngor)
Kennnebec (Boston-Bangor
Mountaineer (Boston-Littleton, NH)
Penobscot (Boston-Bangor)
Pine Tree (Boston-Bangor)
Skipper (Boston-Bangor)

Note: B&M handled trains west of Portland to Boston. CN handled trains east of Calais, ME to Halifax,NS. The Mountaineer was a B&M train handled by MEC between Intervale & Whitefield, NH.


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]