"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[wanswheel]

Tom my post seemed to be in the way so I deleted it.
Reason for the editing was to correct typing mistakes.

As long as Al is in the neighborhood...found these color photos from 1943

The Chief at Cajon Pass
http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/fsac/1a34000/1a34700/1a34758r.jpg

Super Chief at Albuquerque
http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/fsac/1a34000/1a34700/1a34736r.jpg

Happy Fathers Day

[siberianmo]

ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #4
first Posted on page 129


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

Did you know that the Canadian National Railways also owned and operated hotels in major cities along their main lines [?] Check these out:



CANADIAN NATIONAL HOTELS, LTD.

City...…………....…Name..…..……………Rooms..…..Open

Ottawa, ON.………. Chateau Laurier……… 550……… All year
Winnipeg, MN.…… The Fort Garry.………. 265...….... All year
Edmonton, AB.…… The MacDonald……... 480……… All year
Saskatoon, SK...… The Bessborough……. 260……… All year
Vancouver, BC.…... Hotel Vancouver.……. 560...…… All year
Halifax, NS.….…… The Nova Scotian…… 150.……… All year
Charlottetown, PE.. The Charlottetown…... 110……… All year
St. John’s, NL.…… Newfoundland Hotel… 140……… All year
Montreal, QC.……. Queen Elizabeth……... ----……… Under construction

Note: Hotel Vancouver operated jointly by CNR and CPR.


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]


ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday

[siberianmo]

G'day!

An ENCORE! that is something to dream about . . .

Courtesy: www.viarail.ca


REMINDER:
Leon the Night Man takes the bar at 9 PM (Central)!

Happy Father's Day!


Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good morning everyone, and happy Father’s Day! I thought I would start your day with some of the various signs you will find around the Illinois Railway Museum.













[:I] A guy walks into a bar and orders a drink. After a few more he needs to go to the can. He doesn't want anyone to steal his drink so he puts a sign on it saying, "I spat in this beer, do not drink!". After a few minutes he returns and there is another sign next to his beer saying, "So did I!" [:I]

[Anonymous]

Here are some more signs at IRM!













[:I] A doctor vacationing on the Riviera met an old lawyer friend and asked him what he was doing there. The lawyer replied, "Remember that lousy real estate I bought? Well, it caught fire, so here I am with the fire insurance proceeds. What are you doing here?" The doctor replied, "Remember that lousy real estate I had in Mississippi? Well, the river overflowed, and here I am with the flood insurance proceeds." The lawyer looked puzzled. "Gee," he asked, "how did you start the flood?" [:I]

[Anonymous]

The new addition to the steam barn at IRM has a guest. It’s our Shay #5, which actually arrived at the museum under its own steam about a dozen years ago. It’s now being renovated in the steam barn, and no longer on display to the public. But fortunately for ya’ll … I have keys!

J. Neils Lumber Company 5
Builder: Lima
Year Built: 1929
Wheel Arrangement: 3 Truck Shay
Length: 46ft 9in
Width: 9ft 10in
Height: 14ft 10in
Weight: 140500 lbs
Brakes: 6ET
Tractive Effort: 25830 lbs
Cylinders: Three 11x12
Boiler Pressure: 160 psi
Drivers: 21in
Description: 3 Truck Shay














The view from inside the cab. You can see the Frisco1630 tender, also under restoration


[:I] A guy walks into a bar with a dog under his arm, puts the dog on the bar and announces that the dog can talk and that he has $100 he's willing to bet anyone who says he can't. The bartender quickly takes the bet and the owner looks at the dog and asks, "What's the thing on top of this building which keeps the rain from coming inside?" The dog answers "ROOF." The bartender says, "Who are you kidding? I'm not paying." The dogs owner says, "How about double or nothing and I'll ask him something else". The bartender agrees and the owner turns to the dog and asks, "Who was the greatest ballplayer of all time". The dog answers with a muffled "RUTH." With that the bartender picks them both up and throws them out the door. As they bounce on the sidewalk the dog looks at his owner and says "DiMaggio?" [:I]

[siberianmo]

SUNDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS


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


We are CLOSED on SUNDAYs but do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day![tup][tup][tup]


Daily Wisdom


The future ain’t what it used to be.
ENCORE! Yogi-ism


Info for the Day:


Railroads from Yesteryear –
New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad – Nickel Plate Road (NKP)
Arrives Tuesday – watch for it!


* Weekly Calendar:


Tuesday: RR Theme for the Day!
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


Father’s Day Humor

Facts About Fathers

Humor About Dads for Father's Day
by Sheila Moss

Never forget, if it weren't for your father, you wouldn't be here.
~
No matter how old you are, you are still a snotty-nose kid to your dad.
~
Fathers don't get paid for a job well done - unless you count satisfaction.
~
When a father says "no," he really means, "ask your mother."
~
What father says is law. But that's because kids are not old enough to vote yet.
~
If at first you don't succeed, ask your father for a second chance.
~
There may be several opinions, but dad's is the only one that counts.
~
When your father gets quiet, he is planning - if he is snoring, the plan worked.
~
Always agree with your father. Then he cannot say "I told you so!"
~
If you can't remember when you hugged your dad, maybe he can't either.
~
Never tell father he is wrong, it will only irritate him.
~
Never criticize your father's driving unless you prefer walking.
~
If you have your father's complete approval, he is probably making a big mistake.
~
You may fool mother but you can't fool dad - he pulled the same stunts when he was a kid.
~
You can't keep anything from your father. If you can hide it, he can find it.
~
Never argue with your dad. And if you do, never think you will win.
~
There is no such thing as a father without radar - it's standard equipment.
~
There are always exceptions to dad's rules, but he is the one that decides what they are.
~
Experience is something your father will always have more of, and you can't get enough of.
~
Your father will forgive your mistakes, but that doesn't mean you should repeat them.
~
Fathers are the only judges that can convict without evidence.
~
If you have outgrown your need for fatherly advice, be sure not to mention it to him.
~
No matter what is broken, dad has a tool that can fix it or render it unfixable.
~
If dad does not have an answer, he will pretend not hear the question.
~
Father's memory is always better than yours, especially when you borrow money.
~
Father is the person that you can always call on - just be sure to call during halftime.
~
Dad owns the remote control, but you are welcome to use the lawnmower.
~
A father's gratitude is priceless, but a big screen TV is not.
~
Copyright 2004 Sheila Moss
http://www.humorcolumnist.com


[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 18th thru June 24th: A 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).

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

. . . Sunday, June 25th thru July 1st: Blazing Saddles (1974) starring: Gene Wilder, Cleavon Little & Slim Pickins – and – Fierce Creatures (1997) starring: John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline & Michael Palin. [teal] Ants in the Pantry (1936).



SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 17 Jun 2006, 07:28:00 (355) Saturday’s Info & 11-Post Summary

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 17 Jun 2006, 07:41:32 (355) ENCORE! CNR Super Continental

(3) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 17 Jun 2006, 09:08:01 (356) Bearman’s Gulf Coast Report ‘n insights!

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 17 Jun 2006, 10:30:14 (356) ENCORE! Nostalgia #1 - Passenger RR start-ups

(5) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 17 Jun 2006, 11:30:47 (356) The Larsman Report ‘n then some!

(6) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 17 Jun 2006, 11:33: (356) ENCORE! Budd Rail Diesel Car

(7) wanswheel Mike Posted: 17 Jun 2006, 13:05:19 (356) Family letter – deleted

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 17 Jun 2006, 14:33:16 (356) ENCORE! Nostalgia #3 - CP Hotels & Lodges

(9) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 17 Jun 2006, 15:43:17 (356) ENCORE! Budd Company ‘n comments!

(10) passengerfan Al Posted: 17 Jun 2006, 16:11:43 (356) He made it!

(11) siberianmo Tom Posted: 17 Jun 2006, 16:23:05 (356) Commentary

(12) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 17 Jun 2006, 16:31:43 (356) Comments

(13) wanswheel Mike Posted: 17 Jun 2006, 16:49:52 (356) 2 URLs

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 17 Jun 2006, 18:38:44 (356) ENCORE! Nostalgia #4 – CN Hotels

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: Today, 20:44:56 (356) ENCORE! Pix




That’s it! [tup][;)]


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

[siberianmo]

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


NOW PLAYING at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!


. . . Sunday, June 18th thru June 24th: A 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).


A League of Their Own (1992)

QUOTE: PLOT SUMMARY: In the farm of Oregon Dottie Henson and Kit Keller are working on the farm. Sisters that do love each other, except when it comes to baseball. Kit wants to play in the league but is upset to hear that it is Dottie who is chosen to play for the AAPGL. (All American Pro Girls League) Dottie refuses to play unless Kit can come along. AAPGL was only made because of the World War II and all of the man were in the war. Along the way to the stadium they meet Marla Hooch who is a great hitter, but to most people not the prettiest girl. When they are going to try out they meet Doris and Mae because Doris threw a baseball at Dottie who caught it impressing Doris. They girls find out their new manager is Jimmy Dugan. Jimmy Dugan drinks a lot and is the worst manager until Dottie get through to him and he becomes a better person. Miss Cuthbert makes sure the rules are followed, no boys, no drinking or smoking until Mae poisons her meal. The girls go to party and Marla who had been overlooked a lot is noticed by a guy named Nelson. Dottie's husband Bob is in the army and when news comes that a man in the army has been killed it turns out to be Betty Spaghetti. After awhile, Kit feels that once again like at home she is behind Dottie's shadow. Dottie notices it to and asks to be transferred to another team. Of course Mr. Lovitz doesn't want the best player to be transferred so he has Kit transferred to Racine. Kit feels that Dottie did this on purpose. Kit plays for the Racine while Dottie plays for Rockford. In the final scene Dottie is crashed into by Kit and she drops the ball, letting Racine win, making Kit have her own stardom instead of being in Dottie's shadow. The girls have a reunion and they remember the fun they had together.

from: www.imdb.com



Memphis Belle (1990)

QUOTE: PLOT SUMMARY: It's May 17, 1943; the day before the Memphis Belle's, a B-17 bomber, 25th and final mission. After their final mission, they crew of ten men get to go home. Since they would be the first crew to finish all 25 missions in the 8th Airforce, there were already plans to make the 10-man crew big stars back home for the war effort. But the mission hadn't been flown yet. With the target being Bremen (not Dresden), which was a target heavy in surface-to-air artillery, the flak wouldn't be easy to get through. With weather, nerves, and dreams all playing a part in the finishing of the mission, the crew has to become the lead plane in the squadron and get the job done of bombing a Nazi supply factory, if they get it wrong, many innocent people could be killed.

from: www.imdb.com



Three Stooges Short Subject: Three Little Bears (1935)

QUOTE: PLOT SUMMARY: Featuring Moe, Larry and Curly
The Panther Brewing Company is having trouble making deliveries on time, so they hire three new delivery men (the Stooges). When they make a delivery to the local golf course, the boys decide to take some time out to practice for the company golf tournament, and then proceed to demoli***he course.

from: www.threestooges.net



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]

Hey all you "Sugar Daddys" out there. Just wanted to dop my best wishes for a Happy Father's Day through the letter slot in the door. It is still early but Photo Posting Sunday is already off to a good start. Once again, have a great Father's Day weekend and hope to see Y'all safe and sound Monday.

[Anonymous]

Good morning again on this rainy Father's Day. My plans were to go to the IRM, but maybe not now [xx(]

Ted and Rob], thanks for you comments the other day. Thanks Mike for the Detroit Tunnel URLs. Any more, I don't know what a "normal" day is for me, and I am still an irregular visitor here. Yesterday, I took my grandmother to breakfast, attended the final "article II" meeting for the home we're building (we have streets and curbs now!), went to Hooters ([:p])picked-up more stuff from the condo, dropped one kid off at the roller rink, took the other to the Mall for "must-have" clothing, came home and died for an hour, returned to roller rink to get a kid back, and then came home to die again ... and that was my yesterday.

Nice RDC ENCORE piece yesterday Lars. I'd help fill-in your spot in your absence, but I can't even fill mine, most of the time.

Fearless Leader Tom certainly made many an excellent contribution yesterday, with CP and CN ENCORES, and the RR Company startup years. As for this weeks movies, did ya'll know that "A League of Their Own" had a scence filmed at the Illinois Railway Museum? Along those lines, terrific GG1 article Tom, and what a horrible picture of the GG1 at the IRM! If I manage to get to the museum today, I'm going to hunt that sucker down, and see how she looks now. Same for the Budd 1949 RDC we have hiding somewhere around the place.

And speaking of the museum ................

Remember the drop table fixture I was working on last Spring? It’s getting closer to it’s final installation, so we can drop the wheels off the Frisco 1630 locomotive for necessary work.

The drop table behind the steam barn, with part of the pit roofing resting on top


The track leading to the pit


The view down inside the pit. The drop table will be mounted on an electric elevator that shifts on rails


The tracks on the other side of the pit.


[:I] A guy phones a law firm and says, "I want to speak to my lawyer." The receptionist says, "I'm sorry, but your lawyer died last week." The next day the same guy phones the law firm and says, "I want to speak to my lawyer." Once again the receptionist replies, "I'm sorry, but your lawyer died last week."

The next day the guy makes his regular call to the law firm and say, "I want to speak to my lawyer." "Excuse me sir," the receptionist says, "but this is third time I've had to tell you that your lawyer died last week. Why do you keep calling?" The guy replies, "Because I love hearing it!" [:I]

[Anonymous]

Enjoyed he Fathers' Day humor, Tom. Nice touch!

Here are the two passenger cars we use on our “simulated railroad”, and some of the ads you will find inside.

















[:I] Three men, a doctor, an accountant and a lawyer are dead and they appear in front of St Peter. St Peter tells them that they have to answer one question in order to get to Heaven. He looks at the doctor and asks, "There was a movie that was made about a ship that sank after hitting an iceberg, what was its name?" The doctor answers, "The Titanic" and he is sent through. He then looks at the accountant and say, "How many people died in that ship?" Fortunately the doctor had just watched the movie and he answers, "1,500!" St Peter sends him through and then finally turns to the lawyer and commands, in a very heavy voice, "Name them!" [:I]

[siberianmo]

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


Continuing on from last Sunday with two more sets of Pix from our recently concluded Alaska Rail Adventure!
See Page 351-352 for others.


Click to enlarge


(1) First sighting of Mt. McKinley (Denali) – from the northbound train
Tallest mountain in North America at 20,320 ft (6,194 m). Native Americans and Alaskans refer to the mountain as “Denali” which means “the great one.”




(2) Mt. McKinley (Denali) in the clouds – center, right – from the northbound train




(3) Bridge at Hurricane Gulch – from the northbound train
Built in 1921, is the longest bridge on the railroad – just over 914 ft (279 m) and is poised 296 ft (90 m) above Hurricane Creek.




(4) AAR passing Denali Star trains!




(5) Princess cruise lines car on the southbound Denali Star
Check out the lower right corner of the car – probably pay extra for that service! [swg]




(6) AAR Denali Star northbound in the Alaska Range




(7) AAR Denali Star northbound in the Alaska Range
Yes, that’s ice in the river!




(8) AAR Denali Star northbound in the Alaska Range




(9) AAR Denali Star passing a southbound coal train
That guy must be traveling 1st class – freight!




(10) AAR Denali Star passing a southbound coal train
One of the “issues” we read about was the enormous amount of coal being shipped to Asia from Alaskan mines.




(11) A room with a view at Denali!
This place is called Denali Bluffs and is situated within a short drive from the main entrance to Denali National Park.




(12) In the wilderness at Denali National Park
The park is larger than the state of Massachusetts and has only 90 miles of paved road, and much of that is restricted access – no RVs, campers, snow mobiles, etc.




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!

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom and the rest of the early risers. Time for a quick cup of coffee and then it will be time to go. We have an Annual Crawdad festival about twenty miles from here about the only place in the state you can get them.
Since it takes the better half longer to get ready I have a few minutes. Temp was 99 yesterday only supposed to get up to 91 today.
The tracks are finally open and Amtrak is running the San Joaquins once again instead of substituting buses. This was all from the Head on collision between two BNSF trains the other day. Both trains were carrying hazardous materials so cleanup has taken longer than it should of. Can't be to careful when handling those kinds of materials.

Doug Enjoyed the illinois museum photos. That place is definitly on my list of places to see. After all they have a CB&Q Zephyr.. That is enough for me. I noticed many passenger cars in the background of the drop pit pictures are any of those active? or just static display.

Time to run

TTFN Al

[LoveDomes]

Happy Fathers's Day!

Just a couple of minutes between family gatherings and I just HAD to check to see if Cap'n Tom's installment of Alaska pix had been made. [yeah] YES! Great shots, all and I'll definitely be back either later this afternoon or tonight for the rest! Wonderful pix and extremely generous of you to take the time to prepare them for our viewing.

As I ALWAYS try to mention - I hope the guys appreciate the time and effort it takes to put these photo spreads together. For you - Doug and Rob (wherever he's disappeared to!) - many thanks for all the visuals you've provided us on these Photo Posting Sundays! A five-[tup] Salute indeed! [tup] [tup] [tup] [tup] [tup] [bow]

What a great way to begin the day with Doug's IRM pix . . . so much to see and as with Tom lotsa work put into 'em. Sure makes for an interesting "journey" and I'd definitely like to swing by your place to see these historic vehicles up close 'n personal. Perhaps one day . . . .

Really got a kick out of the Comedy Corner and the lead photo in today's SUMMARY - nice job! [tup]

Okay - the "boys" will be arriving within minutes and the Mrs. is bellowing beckoning - so I'll leave you with this as my contribution for this fine day . . .



Thought the Alaska map would make a nice compliment to Cap'n Tom's pix.


Until the next time! [tup]

Lars

[Anonymous]

Success! I got to the IRM, and found my GG1 and Tom’s RDC. Sorry for the pictures being so dark, but the barn lights were not on, and we’re getting rained on out here, but these pix still look a lot better than the Wikipedia shots!

Really enjoying your rail pix Tom! Absolutely fantastic. Al, the cars in the background you were referring were re-done somewhat, and were taken off the property for the Clint Eastwood/Steven Spielberg film “Flags of our Fathers”. Each car was actually run on a separate railroad, but we’ll straighten out the ownership in due time. You can walk through all 4 cars, and I just happened to get some pix today, which I’ll share in another post. Thanks for your comments Lars, and the Alaska map.









Here’s where the RDC was hiding!

[Anonymous]

Here ya go Rob … pix of the innards of the cars you asked about. As you probably all know, it’s really difficult to get pictures inside a train car, because the quarters are so tight! I have the opposite problem when taking pictures of cars in the barns, as I can’t get far enough away!





Something tells me that the galley needs a little more renovation








Remember the good ol’ days?

[Anonymous]

The hallways in the sitting and sleeping cars are about as wide as my shoulders, and I’m not a big guy.


Tight quarters for sleeping, in this cabin for four

[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 Denali Star northbound arrival at Denali Depot
EMD SD70MACs #4317 & 4323




(14) ARR Denali Star northbound arrival at Denali Depot




(15) ARR 75th Anniversary logo




(16) Lodging outside Denali & the Nenana River – from the northbound Denali Star




(17) Nenana River canyon – from the northbound Denali Star




(18) Nenana River canyon & Windy River bridge – from the northbound Denali Star
Windy Bridge is the highest highway bridge in Alaska at 215 ft (66 m)




(19) Nenana River canyon, Windy River bridge, tunnel entrance & rafters – from the northbound Denali Star




(20) Nenana River rafters – from the northbound Denali Star




(21) Nenana River rafters – from the northbound Denali Star




(22) ARR Denali Star en route Fairbanks




(23) Nenana River canyon – from the northbound Denali Star




(24) Nenana River canyon – from the northbound Denali Star



That’s IT for this fine day . . . . a total of 48 Pix over the past two Sundays . . . 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!

[LoveDomes]

Hiya Cap'n Tom and fellow travelers waiting for the bar to open! [swg]

Made it back in tme to enjoy your 2nd installment of those great Alaska pix! [tup] Don't mean to sound like a broken record - but well done, mate! [yeah] And there's more for next week!! [wow]

Looks like the day can be called BARNDAD DAY! What a display of pix, and great effort to keep things going 'round here. Without a doubt, these Photo Day's seem to be "owned" by you! [tup] [tup] [tup] I wonder how many "babes" that guy "attracted" in your pix [?] <ugh>

As I mentioned a few times on other posts - we're leaving for upstate tomorrow,. I expect to be back at the bar by Thursday, for sure by Friday. So, still looking for some HELP on "my time" during the afternoons between 4 and 5 PM (Eastern) . . . how about it guys [?] Anything WE can do to give Tom a break from keeping things going will surely be appreciated. [tup]

BTW, I stopped over at "your other thread" and made a "deposit!" [swg]

Mets win! Mets win!

Until the next time! [tup]

Lars

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a double CR and round for the house soon as "Our Place opens in the AM.

Crawdad festival great. Probably overate but what the heck. At my age if I can't overindulge once in a while life wouldn't be worth living.

Doug You have really arroused my curiosity with that dining car picture. Obviously the car is a Pullman Standard type yet it is lettered Burlington who never owned such a beast. The name Birmingham on the car side would lead me to believe it might possibly have originally been a ACL car built in March - April, 1950 as a 36 seat dining car for Champion and Florida Special assignment. Any way of confirming this Doug.

Tom the pictures of the ARR are magnificent. The Alaska Railroad really comes to life in the summer months, winter service very sparse. Must be a costly undertaking to winterise the cars and store them for the winter. All liquids would have to be drained and water lined would have to be blown out , Any exposed electrical wiring would have to be wrapped to protect the plastic covering from becoming brittle from the extremely cold temperatures and i'm sure there are many things in addition I haven't even thought of. As I recall the shops in Anchorage don't have a lot of indoor space so the cars would all be stored outside. Those rubber diaphragms would also need protection when sitting idle through the cold winter months. At least they must be greased or something.

Enough of my rambling .

TTFN Al

[siberianmo]

”Our” Place is CLOSED on SUNDAY’s

G'day Gents!

Just a few comments before checking out for the nite . . . .

A HUGE THANX to barndad Doug for what certainly must be a "record" for his Photo Posting Sunday activities. While you've only missed a few of our Pix days - and have always provided many interesting contributions - you've exceeded all of your past activites this time! [tup] [tup] [tup]

I can understand the absence of our Ontario Connection - Rob - my guess is he's been engaged in Father's Day activities this fine day. Although, we did miss him on Saturday! Hmmmmmmm. [%-)]

So, I concur with Lars - today indeed was BARNDAD DOUG DAY! [yeah]

Thanx to Doug - Lars 'n Al for the nice words regarding my Alaska Pix! I'll be putting together another couple of sets for next week . . .

Lars Hope you and the Mrs. have a safe and rewarding trip upstate. We'll surely miss your presence at the bar . . . .

Al I did notice a few rather new looking long structures in one of the yards that ARR uses in Anchorage. They surely look large enough to store several consists of passenger equipment for the winter. You can bet that if any RR in North America knows about winterizing, it surely would be them! [tup]

Appreciate the support from Lars 'n Al for stopping by "my other Thread" today! [tup]

Another THANX to all for the Father's Day best wishes! [tup]

Catch ya in the AM! [zzz]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[EricX2000]

Good evening gentlemen. Sunday evening, photo evening. Quite a few of them today. Alaska and Illinois Railway Museum.

Tom - Interesting reading about the GG1. The GG1 crash happened 2 or 3 days before the inauguration of president Eisenhower, that took place at Union Station. There was no time to get the wreck out of the building before the big event so they built a temporary floor on top of it. I was told this story by Amtrak people because X2000 was always sitting on track 16 when not in service. I think it is too bad there is no GG1 in operating condition any more.
About Sunday movies, I have Memphis Belle on tape. Its a good movie but I haven’t played it for a long time. Never time or whatever it might be. I am saving all my movies until I have retired.

I have never tried Blå Gul (Blue Yellow), the Swedish Light Lager. Not even heard about it. But I know Pripps and Spendrups. “Fem komma tvåan” and “Sju komma tvåan” (The Five point two and The Seven point two) are also unknown. But that doesn’t mean anything, some of them are probably made for export only.

I guess you are right that the extra service announced at the lower right corner of the dome car is not included in the fare. Very nice pictures from Alaska, Tom. It is very beautiful up there. Did you go to Denali National Park?

Mike - I checked all the linked pictures using the URLs you provided. I like those older pictures . I don’t know if it is because I am getting older myself or what. It is hard to explain. Thank you!

Lars - Thanks for the article about the Budd Rail Diesel Car. I had heard about the run with the jet powered RDC but did not know any details about where and when. I guess it would be more correct to call it a Budd Rail Jet Car (RJC). It must have been something else to run that thing at a speed of 184 mph. The fastest I have been travelling on a railroad is 155 mph.

barndad Doug - All your pictures and information about IRM makes a visit more and more important to me. Hopefully I will have time to go next year. I especially liked the pictures of the dining car. I am involved with a Swedish forum and their theme this weekend is dining cars.


Since it is Sunday and Photo time I thought I should show some pictures from the old country (again). Most of the pictures are from the 60's showing some locomotives no longer in service.



Swedish State Railways Class F, built 1942-49. No longer in service. Photo: Gustaf Wadsten.




Swedish State Railways Class Ra, built 1955-61 No longer in regular service. Photo: Gustaf Wadsten.




Swedish State Railways Class Rc2, built 1969-75. Still in service. Very similar to Amtrak's AEM-7. Photo: Gustaf Wadsten.




Former Swedish State Railways Class Dm3, built 1953-70. Still in service. Now owned and operated by LKAB, a mining company.




Swedish State Railways Class T44, built 1968-87. Still in service. EMD 12-645E engine.




Michelin Motor Car with rubber tires from the 1930's. Photo: my Grandpa.


Eric

[siberianmo]

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


MONDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS


Monday has rolled around again! C’mon in – enjoy a cuppa freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee – a <light or <traditional breakfast from the Menu Board and one or two pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery!



Daily Wisdom


We have a good time together, even when we’re not together.
ENCORE! Yogi-ism



Info for the Day:


Railroads from Yesteryear –
New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad – Nickel Plate Road (NKP)
Arrives Tuesday – watch for it!


* Weekly Calendar:


Tuesday: RR Theme for the Day!
Wednesday: Toy ‘n 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 Catholic man was struck by a bus on a busy street. He is near death lying on the sidewalk a
s a crowd gathers.
"A priest. Somebody get me a priest!" the man gasps. Minutes drag on and no one steps out of the crowd. A policeman checks the crowd and finally yells,
"A PRIEST, PLEASE! Isn't there a priest in this crowd to give this man his last rites?"
Finally, out of the crowd stepped a little old Jewish man of at least 80 years of age. "Mr. Policeman," says the man, "I'm not a priest, I'm not even a Christian but for 50 years now I'm living behind the Catholic Church on First Avenue, and every night I'm overhearing their services. I can recall a lot of it, and maybe I can be of some comfort to this poor man."
The policeman agreed, and cleared the crowd so the man can get through to where the injured man lay. The old Jewish man knelt down, leaned over the man and said in a solemn voice: "B-4 I-19 N-38 G-54 O-72" [: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 18th thru June 24th: A 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).

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

. . . Sunday, June 25th thru July 1st: Blazing Saddles (1974) starring: Gene Wilder, Cleavon Little & Slim Pickins – and – Fierce Creatures (1997) starring: John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline & Michael Palin. [teal] Ants in the Pantry (1936).



SUMMARY

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

(1) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 05:00:58 (356) 6 IRM sign Pix ‘n Joke!

(2) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 05:02:37 (356) 6 more IRM sign Pix ‘n Joke!

(3) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 06:34:14 (356) 7 IRM Pix ‘n Joke!

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 07:08:35 (356) Sunday’s Info & 15-Post Summary

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 08:08:13 (356) Now Playing at the Emporium!

(6) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 08:13:33 (356) Happy Father’s Day!

(7) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 08:25:57 (356) Barnyard Report, 4 IRM Pix ‘n Joke!

(8) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 08:32:50 (356) 6 IRM Pix ‘n Joke!

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 10:18:26 (357) 12 Alaska Pix!

(10) passengerfan Al Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 10:38:45 (357) AM Comments

(11) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 12:42:16 (357) Larsman’s Comments ‘n Alaska map!

(12) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 13:46:04 (357) 8more IRM Pix (GG1 ‘n RDC too) plus one!

(13) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 14:12:14 (357) 6 more IRM Pix plus one!

(14) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 14:22:48 (357) 4 more IRM Pix plus one!

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 16:43:11 (357) 12 more Alaska Pix!

(16) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 18:40:42 (357) Larsman Comments

(17) passengerfan Al Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 19:21:34 (357) PM Comments

(18) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 21:20:21 (357) Nite Cap!

(19) EricX2000 Eric Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 23:32:11 (357) Arizona Report ‘n 6 Pix from Sweden!



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]


SOMETHING SPECIAL arrives on Track #1

THIS morning![tup]

Watch for it BEFORE NOON!


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]

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a coffee and a crumpet from the Mentor Village Bakery.

I see the photos of Swedish rail from Eric gives us a real International flavor. Maybe someday we will have more electrifiction then just the NE corridor. Certainly will cut fuel consumption.

Tom I have a question about photo #10 you posted yesterday. The two car roofs directly behind your car are Budd cars the one obviously a Budd Dome from either GN, SP&S or NP. The closest car appears to be a dining car or dining lounge my guess based on the exhaust stack through the roof. Did you venture into any of the other ARR cars in your train.

TTFN Al

[Anonymous]

And a healthy, hearty good Monday morning to one and all. Tom, I now have no appetite for anything heavier than a cuppa Joe. Your "heaping helping" of the Alaska Railroad's gorgous scenery, rolling stock and vital stats heve sated my apetite indefinetly. And, to think there is more on the way.[^] Hey, I still haven't fully recovered from the fantastic G.C.T. pix 'n' hits back on page p. 354. Seriously, I have seen "professional" magazine releases that don't measure up to that remarkable quality...just outstanding.[tup] X a google!!! I'm surprised the Topic hasn't brought more acclaim from more viewers like me. Lars, "on target" comments and a neat map for frame of reference. Best of luck with the Summer real estate issues. Barndad Doug, I.R.M. is now a landmark for all of us, if there was any doubt before. What a "Lucky Strike Extra" that "run out" would make for the St. Louis Rendesvous 2007.[^] The G.G.-1 and R.D.C. take on a "before and after" profile. That was a nasty "ding" above the pilot on the electric Godzilla, wasn't it? Somebody did a great face lift for her. You didn't contract the R.D.C. out to Maaco, did you? Looks like they ran out of masking tape before the final coat.[:O] If [C=:-)] Nick saw the Galley of that Pullman Dining Car, he would have kittens on the spot.[(-D] Boris' shed is "standing tall" compared. Maybe one of the house wives could "touch it up" a bit? My bedroom on the F. de Mexico (ex B. & O. smooth side Pullman) seemed like a Antebellum mansion in conttrast to the former A.C.L. 4 birth sleepers. One "social indescretion" in that size compartment would guarantee the perpetrator a "single" for the night, I dare say.[:O] Somehow, I knew Al could not let the ambiguous origins of these cars go by undetected.[tup] That and the C.B.Q. Zephyr will probably find him at the I.R.M. with a Sherlock Holmes eye glass, "dusting" the fixtures for any traces of previous owners. Al hang on until Spring and maybe I could "stand-in" for Dr. Watson.[:D] Eric those Swedish electric Beasties are a feast for the eye indeed. Snow is obviously a consideration with the units sporting those sexy plow/pilots? Before I "cash in," I intend to "do" Northern European rails when things are more settled, if you know what I mean.[V] I'll probably pass on the Michein rail bus. I'm a steel-on-steel chauvinist pig. Hey Rob, can't wait for a "juice fix" when time and tide permit.[tup]

Okay, enough for one days ramblings, Boris, get ready...get set...BROOONG...Okay, who swapped the Mentor Village Cathedral bell for "Old 99?" Happy rails all.

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

A beautiful, but rather warm (90s F predicted) day here in mid-continent USA with continuing clear skies. Had some rain over the weekend, but hardly sufficient to give the things that grow the drinks they need! Last look at the petrol prices up at “Collusion Corner” has ‘em holding at $2.68 (rounded) per gallon.


Hope all the Dad’s out there enjoyed “their day!” I did. [tup]


We had quite a Photo Posting Sunday but not quite what we’ve seen in the past. With a total of 19 Posts – 8 of ‘em were from barndad Doug alone! [tup] Also, just he and I posted series of Pix, with Lars providing an Alaskan map. So, the totals were way “up,” as were the numbers of Pix, but the people contributing seems to have dropped off over the last couple of months. Nothing ominous here, just an observation.


Of all the Pix provided by Doug yesterday, I was most heartened to note that the GG1s restoration sure beats the daylights out of the photo I found! Hate to see any of ‘em in such sorry states of deterioration – same for the RDCs! [tdn] Nice work! [tup] Just gotta get up there to see “your” museum – and I don’t want to wait a year to do it! [yeah]

I see that Eric swung by in the late nite hour with his comments and Pix! [tup] Good to see ya and enjoyed your photos from the old country. Also, those brews I provided are NOT the export variety – at least according to the web site they came from. [swg] And yes – we stayed at Denali – there are a couple of Pix in the spread from yesterday. It’s a place we’re definitely going to visit again – this time for at least 3 days. So much to see . . .

That Swedish Class Ra electric sure has a “face’ like an F7 diesel or similar model from the U.S. Any connection [?]

One of these days I’m going to compile a submission regarding that wreck at WashDCs Union Station. One of the more notorious rail disasters in America.


Happy to know my Pix from our Alaska trip pleased those who made comments. There are some others on the way for our next Sunday Photo Posting Day! Keeping out the “personal,” and focusing on the trains and scenery.

I’ve provided page numbers for anyone interested in reviewing ‘em all – the trips from Anchorage to Denali – Denali – and Denali to Fairbanks.

I see Al has stopped by this AM – regarding your comments: Yes, we did walk through all of the cars. Of the three trains we traveled, all of the Alaska RR consists were the same in terms of makeup: baggage – ARR double deck dome – streamlined diner – coach (from Korea?) – two streamlined domes – streamlined coach. At some point down the track I’ll probably provide some interior and exterior Pix . . . . Thanx for the round ordered up yesterday! [tup]

And Ted has arrived to begin the day with his Gulf Coast Report! All’s well with the world! [swg] Good to see ya . . . highly recommend the Alaskan rail adventure. Something to plan for – what a great Rendezvous that would be – but oh so costly!

Always appreciate your commentary and look forward to the wit, wisdom and wily ways of our Wascaly Wizard in FLA! [wow]


APB: Where’s ROB!! [?] [?]


That’s it for now. I’ll be behind the bar for the day! So, whatillyahave [?]


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[coalminer3]

Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. !@#$% I love Word! I think I got the problem solved, so to begin.

Let’s start off with something from the poetry corner. The title of the poem is “Baseball’s Sad Lexicon,” a wonderful piece of doggerel from a more innocent time.
These are the saddest of possible words:
"Tinker to Evers to Chance."
Trio of bear cubs, and fleeter than birds,
Tinker and Evers and Chance.
Ruthlessly ***ing our gonfalon bubble,
Making a Giant hit into a double-
Words that are heavy with nothing but trouble:
"Tinker to Evers to Chance."
I am sure there are a few of us at the bar who remember when the Giants were in New York. Sorry Tom, I know you went to the other borough.
Now for some comments.
First – the GG1 material was excellent. I only wi***hat 4800 was under warps instead of outside. Now, I’ll have to do a piece on the G motors as I remember them. I was fortunate enough to be around electrification on the NH, NYC and the PRR. The interesting thing abt the Gs is that, after Amtrak, they ran as far north as New Haven. It was something to see them in the old “motor park” which just west of the New Haven station.
Tom – Lovely Alaska pictures. You’d be surprised how many Alaska RR modelers are out there.
Barndad the Pullman interior shots brought back more than a few memories. The basic 10/6 was head and shoulders above the Viewliner, IMHO.
IRM material was fascinating as well. The Shay will be a nice addition to the collection.

Also enjoyed the drop table material pictures.

Eric – Thanks for the pictures.

Movies look good: League of Their Own is outstanding, not just for the “No crying in baseball” scene.

Memphis Belle is not bad either.

I see that we are doing NKP tomorrow. I’m about ready for that.

work safe

[siberianmo]

Significant events in Canadian RR History during the month of June.


Caveat: Much of the information appearing was gathered from internet sources, with credit to “Colin Churcher’s Railway Pages” at http://www.railways.incanada.net/


* June 3rd, 1856: Opening of Windsor Branch Railway from Windsor to Windsor Jc., N.S. by Nova Scotia government. This was the oldest constituent of the Dominion Atlantic Railway.


* June 29th, 1864: 1864, June 29 - A railway accident on the Grand Trunk Railway at Beloeil, Quebec, takes ninety-nine lives when a special passenger train carrying German immigrants went through an open drawbridge. This was Canada's worst railway disaster.


* June 29th, 1864: - Ceremony of turning the first sod on the Canadian Pacific Railway on the left bank of the Kamistiquia River in the townsite of Fort William about four miles from the river's mouth.


* June 1886: - Contracts are let for the construction of the Chignecto Marine Transport Railway, a 17 mile railway to carry ships across the Chignecto Isthmus between Tidnish on Northumberland Strait and Fort Lawrence on the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia. Work on this double track, standard gauge railway, conceived by New Brunswick engineer Henry George Cloppers Ketchum, commenced in 1887 but was abandoned, three quarters completed, when the funds ran out in the summer of 1891.

* June 11th, 1888: - Canadian Pacific opens the "Sault Branch" from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie where connection was made not only with the American railway system but also with the CP steam ships.


* June 3rd, 1889: - The first CP train arrives in Saint John, NB from Montréal marking the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway as a coast to coast railway.


* June 29th, 1898: – First through passenger train across Newfoundland leaves St. Johns at 19:20 and arrives Port aux Basques at 22:45, June 30.


* June 18th, 1899: – The CP line from Lethbridge through the Crows Nest Pass to Kootenay Landing is opened for traffic. This was built with subsidies afforded by the Crows Nest Pass Agreement of 1897 which also set fixed rates on grain traffic.


* June 22nd, 1909: - Canadian Pacific completes the viaduct on the Crows Nest Pass Line at Lethbridge, 5,327 feet long and with a maximum height of 314 feet above Oldman River. This is the highest railway bridge in Canada. The bridge was opened to traffic on 3 November 1909 although it had been used by construction trains before this.


* June 2nd, 1913: - first train runs across the Canadian Pacific high level bridge between Edmonton and South Edmonton.


* June 1st, 1915: - The National Transcontinental Railway is completed between Moncton and Winnipeg via Edmundston, Quebec and Senneterre. Because of the high cost, the Grand Trunk refused to lease the line which was operated from May 1, 1915 as a component of the Canadian Government Railways until the formation of the Canadian National System.


* June 6th, 1919: – Canadian National Railway Company is incorporated.


* June 26th, 1929: – The following railways are jointly acquired by Canadian National and Canadian Pacific and operated under a newly incorporated company, the Northern Alberta Railways:
Edmonton, Dunvegan & British Columbia Railway (447 miles)
Alberta & Great Waterways Railway (286 miles)
Central Canada Railway (98 miles)
Pembina Valley Railway (26 miles)
A total of 857 miles.


* June 19th, 1930: – Canadian Pacific Hudson (4-6-4) No. 2808 makes a record continuous run from Fort William to Calgary, 1,251 miles and return with the Toronto to Vancouver train. It left at 08:20 on June 19, arrived in Calgary at 07:00 June 21. It returned from Calgary at 14:50 on June 22 and arrived Fort William at 05:35 June 24.


* June 1st, 1931: – Coincident with the first docking of the Empress of Britain,CP opens a line through a tunnel under the Plains of Abraham to the Wolfe's Cove Harbour Terminal in Quebec City. The first shot was fired on 5 April 1930, the break through was made on 16 February 1931, and the first train, locomtive and 13 cars carrying railway officials, ran through on 26 May 1931.


* June 30th, 1941: – as part of the war effort, the M-3 (Modified) Cruiser tank is produced at the Montreal Locomotive Works.


* June 1st, 1951: – Canadian Pacific discontinues rail service to Place Viger station, Montreal.


* June 11th, 1956: – The Pacific Great Eastern Railway opens between North Vancouver and Prince George, BC. A formal opening ceremony took place on August 27.


* June 24th, 1957: – Last steam run on the Ontario Northland Railway, no. 701 leaves Timmins and arrives at North bay the following day.


* June 4th, 1961: – Canadian National Turcot Yard closes. The 56 stall roundhouse was closed the following year.


* June 16th, 1964: – Canadian Pacific opens a new automated hump marshalling yard at Agincourt, Toronto, ON.


* June 1965: – Canadian National officially opens its Macmillan marshalling yard, Toronto.

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


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


Did you miss the previous five “Significant events in Canadian RR History”[?]
Click the URL:

(1) January, page 215:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=215&TOPIC_ID=35270
(2) February, page 243:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=243&TOPIC_ID=35270
(3) March, page 271:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=271&TOPIC_ID=35270
(4) April, page 298:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=298&TOPIC_ID=35270
(5) May, page 331
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=331&TOPIC_ID=35270




waving flags credit to:www.3DFlags.com

[BudKarr]

Good Morning Captain Tom and all assembled!


Yes, the mountain man returneth! It’s been awhile, but we are back in our mountain retreat and settling in to the domestic side of life. Rather than bore all of you to tears with the personal accounts of where we were, what we did and the like – suffice it to say that we covered a lot of ground, sea and air during our travels and my guess is that the our bank in Canada, along with one or two in the states, experienced a sudden drain on “their” resources! [swg] Well what’s savings for other than to spend it on something – or someone – else [?] Surely cannot take it with you!


Surely missed the banter at the bar and all of the fine postings. I have availed myself of the opportunity to reacquaint myself with much of what I missed. We returned last week and since then have been attending to all sorts of things requiring same. I finally got to the web on late last week and have spent far too many hours locked in to the enormous amount of reading material and photos presented by the assembled gathering. Fantastic! [tup]


Ah, I see that it is time for me to order something – still morning up here, so I will have a number three from the menu board and Lydia has her eye on the Mentor Village Bakery case! [swg] A mug of coffee for me and a “spot of tea” for my lady!


I notice that Boris has been giving me the “eye” – that Cyclops look of his does take some getting used to. Do you suppose he somehow actually remembers me [?] No matter – go ahead and ring that gong of yours, I am overdue to spring for a round! [tup]


The Hawaiian Islands are indeed a magical, mystical and marvelous place for one to put aside the cares of life in order to settle in to the splendors all around. What a magnificent paradise – cannot do justice to my feelings using my limited lexicon. We managed to spend considerable time at Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the “Big Island” of Hawaii, Molokai and Lanai. Rather than entangle ourselves with any organized tours, we avoided them as best we could and orchestrated our time accordingly. Somewhat similar to what I read you did in Alaska, Tom. We prefer it that way as well. Certainly a most memorable and great way to experience a new life with a new wife and of course, retirement! [swg]


There will not be a chronology of comments from me as a result of my protracted absence, but I would simply like to offer a WELL DONE to those of you who have kept the place afloat – you have earned the respect of many and it is well deserved! [tup]


Captain Tom those photos of the Rendezvous in Toronto are splendid and tell quite a story! You three surely made the most of a long weekend and it is apparent that the idea of an annual get together is off and running. I would love to make plans for the St. Louis gathering, however it is a bit premature for me to lock in to anything other than reacquainting myself to the whereabouts of the domestic water closet! [swg]


Also enjoyed the photo album of your Alaska adventure, Captain Tom! We would relish experiencing such a trip and just may orchestrate a similar getaway. Although, Lydia wants to sail from Vancouver up to Anchorage. Thanks to your sharing your vacation, we too are “hooked.” [tup] Wonderful photos and certainly looking forward to more. [tup]


Another WELL DONE directed to those who kept the bar running in absence of the Proprietor! A hardened nucleus of rail enthusiasts and masters of the bar banter did an exemplary job indeed! [tup]


Belated best wishes to those who had Birthday Bash parties! [bday] to Tom – Dave and John! Also sorry to learn of your health issue, Al, but most pleased to see that you have recovered and are back to full form! [tup] Also, congratulations to the man with the URLs – wanswheel Mike and your selection as our newest member of the “Order of the Stools!” Welcome aboard! [tup]


According to the “notes” I took while checking the back pages, it appears that the “new nucleus” of this wonderful cyber tavern now centers about Tom – Lars – Doug – Rob – Al – Ted – Mike and CM3 Once Pete returns from Great Britain, that will increase the number, which makes it nine. I will do my best to help out, however, nothing has changed with regard to my knowledge and experience with railroading. I will simply have to remain on the sidelines for a bit, until the training wheels can be removed (again!). [swg]


I see that my friend and “bookend,” Lars cannot seem to shake loose those irksome pratfalls of life. This latest episode surely sounds as absurd as the first (basement flooding, etc.). I may have to rethink my invitation to you and your lady to visit us here in Alberta! Lord only knows what kind of a black cloud will descend upon us! <grin> All the best for a successful and final conclusion to the matter you are attending to with your cottage. [tup] I will try to help out during “your time slot,” but may be off an hour or so.


Finally, Tom, we really got a kick out of that photo you posted yesterday with the “message” on the outside of that passenger car. A classic and a most fortuitous “snap” of the shutter. Surely no one could have planned for such a shot from trains moving in opposite directions. Great timing! [tup] (I noted that our new friend from Sweden, Eric, picked up on it . . . .


A refill on the coffee and then we must take our leave.



BK in beautiful Alberta, Canada’s high mountain country!