"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[trolleyboy]

Hi back again already onother CR i think Tom. Gunn checked out your latest triumphs on the museum thread good job [tup] Ted On a happier note hopefully the N'orlins transit will be able to rebuild. The Pertly's are tough old birds once dried out and repainted they should be back up and running.Decent public transit would be a nessecaty for them in the comming months I should think. Bye again Rob

[trolleyboy]

Good afternoon finally Two days of midnights and a modem that [censored][banghead] flunked out. I had a spare but no idea how tofix it myself so a 45 min long distance phone call to Colorado springs and my computer tech B-I-L and I'm back. Tom a round of the houses's best for you and yours and everyome else.First off I'm glad to hear our membership in the southern tier there is safe and obvious condolances and red cross donations to the Big easy which is of coarse far from that at the moment. caught the news story of the mayor mentioning the 20 foot depth of the flood waters in parts, one wonders what's left. Mercifully most of the population is safe! Tpm I beleave your odd three toed prints are in fact [alien] Boris's.( his toes are webbed ) He and leon tend to run amok in the backyard after you go home for the night. ( More reason's to limit their Sunday excursions, it's given them some strange ideas as to what a nature hike means.[:O] Nick That conferderation train I thought was much more awfull than the original "Go" paintjob.BTW Thank's for posting the photo url for the Confederation train too Tom.On an interesting historical footnote Our museum's original GM Robert John's worked in equipment procurment for GO transit. It was Him that got the ball rolling on the now ubiquitous Bi Level Hawker Siddely ( now Bombardier ) transit coaches. Though he did not design them persee, his recomendations and work with the designers came up with the original prototypes. Now 30 years further on these cars are everywhere. Also Bob did the design work on the now familiar Green and White of Go Transit. The museum members Heather's Dad in particular praise this man . He was a strong beleaver in training. When he was alive and GM at the museum he made sure that the crews not only knew how to run the cars but he drilled them on and showed them the main mechanical and electrical features of each car in hopes that should an emergency arrise everyone could do the quick fix. Dave congrats on the silver throttle It's well desierved. I enjoyed yours and Al's and Dougs back and forth on the Mckean cars. A similar critter was being looked at by streetcar builder Preston car and Coach as a possible production vehicle. Unfortunatly a motor / electrical fire in the imported prototype burnt 90 % of PC&C's plant down in 1917. taking 30 fifnished and unfinished streetcars with it and three or four open cars of NS&T ownership which were in for rebuilding. The lawsuits and insurance issues effectivley finised PC&C. Brill bought the plant in 1919 so they could build cars for Canadian street railways ( import laws ment that if it was built in Canada no tarrifs etc ) Brill built the first 50 Peter whitt's for TTC and some early trolley busses and then went belly up in 1922. You can see bits of the factory still in Preston ( Cambridge Ontario ) It's weed grown and has had a couple more "fires" CP was usuing it as a maintenace shop for their electric lines Grand River Railway and Lake Erie and Northern. Funny how theses "fires" happened in 1959/60 when the electric lines were being considered for diesilization. Which happened in '62. Tom another round for the house for my absenteeism and ranting.[tup] Perhaps another award the " Bronze Patoot for the best on topic rants. whatdaya think. Bye for now. Rob

[siberianmo]

Top o' the mornin' to ya, Ted

Hey - I'm listening! It isn't as if you aren't get any responses - so that'll be enough of this talk about keeping your questions to yourself! Geesh .... [swg]

Remember way back when during the bashing you took from some guys because you dared to pen an opinion regarding another thread on yet another forum [?] We communicated back then about the way things are on the Forums and many threads. The idea behind "Our" Place was and remains to avoid the hit 'n run Posts and to maintain a semblance of continuity through making our conversations as inclusive as possible. It hasn't always been successful, as there just will be those who either refuse to or cannot bring themselves to get it.

It's been quite a ride 'round here and there's no telling how much longer we've got. I'd like to think that everyone who has made this idea a part of their cyber routine would feel a bit stronger about continuing on than we've witnessed as of late. Just think of the Birthday Bashes we've thrown and the participation given freely to make someone else's day a bit better. Where ARE several of these guys lately [?] Enough ........ [tdn]

To the model railroad discussion: My pike was begun to provide me with some up close and personal reminders of rail travels taken in Canada. A buddy of mine was going to be my landscaper. That latter didn't pan out - I wound up doing it and having fun all the while. My bride helped with the lakes and waterfall, and we both can take a bit of satisfaction in looking at our scenes all the while thinking, "We did this."

I got into the structure assembly simply because there was no alternative. I have arthritic hands - awful in the thumbs and index fingers, so I had some serious reservations about doing anything that intricate. You know what [?] The construction of those kits (Walthers - Bachmann Spectrum - American Precision Model Builders and others) really was like therapy. Just took it a bit slow and somehow, it wasn't as awful as I thought. Assemblilng a few bizillion trees, however, was a royal pain in the Patoot! [swg] As an aside, I'm looking at that chore once again with the S-gauge ....... ugh.

Anyway, kit bashing is a challenge and if you take a look at my Union Station passenger platforms (27 of 'em), you'll see evidence of this effort. Bottom line - it's a nice way to pass the time and I get a great deal of enjoyment out of it. Guess that's why it's referred to as a hobby, eh [?]

Regarding Katrina - we got a bit of rain from her during our evening walk with Juneau ... huge drops, but that was it. Veered off to the northeast. As with most of the natural disasters I've known of, it always could have been worse. There was plenty of warning and it appears that the precautions taken were all that could have been. Don't know what else could have been done to protect the folks who couldn't be evacuated. Grim situation in the deep South.

Take care and perhaps we'll talk again later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

"G'mornin Mr. and Mrs. America and all the ships at sea." (Walter Winchell, radio commentator 1940's). Tom, know what you mean 'bout "feast or famine." Did you ever get the feeling you've been talking to yourself.?[:-^] Oh well, I'll grab a couple of Bavarians, a cuppa Joe and pretend yesterday never happened.[^] As bad as Katrina was, things could have been far worse. Had the people of N.O., La. not evacuated when they did...we don't even want to think about it![:(] I'll drop some things off at the Salvation Army today and a few scheckles for the Red Cross. Had the apartment building not failed (Biloxi), casualties would have been 25 not 55. Remarkable for the enormity of the storm. Let's hope the folks in Appalachia fare better.

Yes Tom, the HO structures on my layout include: some DPM kit bashing, Cornerstone kits, scratch builts, "fronts," and "flats." The latter being detailed poster board cut outs glued to a solid back drop of Masonite (painted a winter gray). Some favorite bldgs. in K.C., Mo. from "scratch" are: Union Station [main bldg. no els], U.S. Post Office, the Letterman Cadillac agency, a Swope Park memorial, the Muelbach Hotel, appartments and small shops around the Plaza area. Secenary spots include: "Cliff Drive," a Hobo camp and New England style "meeting house" w/parking. A photo mural back drop on one end is a cityscape (unkown prototype). In the yards there is a "Yard Master's" tower, loading docks, commissarry/freight bldg. and freight offices. I'll add a coaling and water tower soon. Pix will be coming this Fall or a.s.a.p.

Okay, I must make this a wrap for now. Maybe some inquiries I made earlier will find responses today? If not, oh well; I'll know to keep my silly questions to myself in future. Got'sta "hit it," so long for now. Boris, you may retire your cleaning implements to the broom closet and, like combustibles, never touch another can of floor wax again![alien]

[siberianmo]

TUESDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

Good Morning Gang!

Let’s kick off this day with one of our special light breakfasts, some hot Joe and a pastry or two from {i]The Mentor Village Bakery[/i] case …….. [yeah]

News of the Day:

Monday, during daylight, was the slowest we’ve ever experienced since opening on April 12th. Feast or famine strikes again!

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 29 Aug 2005, 05:47:06 (89) Monday’s News & Summary

(2) Theodorebear Ted 29 Aug 2005: 29 Aug 2005, 07:05:18(89)

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 29 Aug 2005, 08:04:58 (89) reply to Theodorebear

(4) Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 29 Aug 2005, 20:59:41 (89)

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 29 Aug 2005, 21:19:39 (89) reply to Trainnut484

=======================================
That’s it! [tup][;)]
Tom (Siberianmo) [4:-)] [oX)]
Proprietor of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!

[siberianmo]

<yawn> Hi there, Russell

Help yourself to the brew .... don't mind me if I don't get up, been that kinda day and nite 'round here. Haven't a clue as to why - can't handle too many more like this!

Seen more than one of our Regulars logged in and even Posting elsewhere. No problems with any of that - but I don't quite get it when they can't take the time to make a stop here .... [%-)][%-)][%-)]

Catch ya in tomorrow - I hope. [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)][zzz]

[Trainnut484]

Evening Tom and everyone. Just thought I'd run in for a...wha? [:0] Where did the cobwebs come from? Sheesh doesn't look like anyone's been in here all day except for Boris and Leon and who knows what they've been doing all day. I'll have my usual.

I second the motion to keep Boris from working in the restrooms.

My best wishes go out to the people in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. The catastrophe hurricane Katrina left behind is unbelievable.

Thanks for the beer. Gotta go

Russell

[siberianmo]

Mornin' Ted

A Bloody Mary or perhaps a Mentor Village Sunshine might perk ya up this fine day! [swg]

From what I've been following regarding Katrina - it ain't good. When one is referring to 140-160 mph winds with storm surges that could easily top those 13 ft levees - man oh man, grim is the word.

Sure would love to see what you are working on - sounds terrific. Are you using kits or is everything from scratch with your project [?] Those S-gauge structure photo's that I posted on my site several pages ago were all from laser kits (made by an outfit right here in the St. Louis area - American Precision Model Builders). They put out some fine stuff - including the signature building for "Our" Place, which is in HO on the Can-Am layout.

As a reminder - "Our" Place is a tavern that is a replica of a real structure still in use as a bar 'n grill here in the St. Louis area. It is currently called the Trainwreck Saloon and is about 12 miles from where I live. It had several names over the years, but originally was called the Nine Mile House which referred to being nine miles from the city-county line. Interesting and fun place to visit. Had I pushed for our Rendezvous to be in my area - we surely would be setting up a session or two over there! [swg] Who knows - if things don't work out OR if some of you want to venture a trip out my way - we can do that very thing. Also have the Museum of Transport - MetroLink - Amtrak and very active freight ops.

[yeah] We've had some fine Posts as of late. Hope it continues. I'd like to see a bit more acitvity from those who have been staying away. Time for me to rethink just who is a Regular and who isn't. As I've indicated several times - a small, interactive group is far better and more fun than simply racking up numbers ........

Oh - this is for you, Manager, Ted: Under no circumstances is Boris to work in the rest rooms. He's strictly kitchen help and odd-job guy 'round here. I suspect he very well may have waxed those seats, therein lies the rationale to keep him outta there! [swg]

Catch ya later! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Mornin' all, let's have a early "eye opener" for everyone, customer's choice please Tom. We may have something to celebrate after all. Don't want to "count chickens before they hatch," but Katrina may spare "the Big Easy" the worst of the high winds and water. One thing for sure, look for the highest fuel prices in our history. The off shore (La.) rigs will shut down indefinatly.[xx(] Nick, thanks for your concern. We are in good shape, probably only 8 ft. swells. The sufers will love it.[8D] Rob, keep your eye out for great deals on Pearly Thomas Cars: "too good to be true."

Started constructing on the Commissary/Freight building (HO) and will be adding covered passenger platform sheds at Union Station as well. The long double track, curved viaduct will get a veneeer of natural stone over the poster board formers a.s.a.p. All in all, I'm doing what I can to get a "jump start" for when our fall weather begins (October). By that time, I hope to get some decent pix of the progress. Outside G gauge? Well, the 14 ft. passing siding is complete but I haven't changed out all the plastic wheel sets for steel yet. That's a must to keep residue on the rails at a minimum.

Okay, there surely have been some great Postings, pix, and URL's of late.[tup] Hopefully, this trend will continue along with the usual dose of fun and games.[:D] Boris, how many times have you been told not to wax the seats in the restrooms?[:(!] Someone is bound to come sliding out the doors and we'll have a law suit on our hands.[banghead] Happy rails everyone.

[siberianmo]

MONDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

G’day all! Not much to offer this morning other than to say, hope the start of a new week is productive for all ……..

Grab a cuppa Joe – some bakery goods and a light breakfast to help with the start-up! [swg]

News of the Day:

Hope for the best for all in the path of Hurricane Katrina.

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) barndad Doug Posted: 28 Aug 2005, 07:17:42 (89) McKeen pix

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 28 Aug 2005, 07:17:50 (89) Sunday’s News & Summary

(3) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 28 Aug 2005, 07:56:54 (89)

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 28 Aug 2005, 08:33:10 (89) reply to Theodorebear

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 28 Aug 2005, 14:59:17 (89) reply to barndad

(6) Gunns Kevin Posted: 28 Aug 2005, 16:33:59 (89)

(7) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 28 Aug 2005, 19:15:06 (89)

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 28 Aug 2005, 19:27:07 (89) reply to Gunns & Theodorebear

(9) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 28 Aug 2005, 20:03:53 (89)

(10) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 28 Aug 2005, 20:20:53 (89)

(11) siberianmo Tom Posted: 29 Aug 2005, 05:41:53 (89) reply to nickinwestwales

=======================================
That’s it! [tup][;)]
Tom (Siberianmo) [4:-)] [oX)]
Proprietor of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!

[siberianmo]

Hel,lo Nick

Sorry - we're Closed on Sunday's - just Posts thru the mail slots ... [swg]

So, you are aware of Mick 'n the Boyz and their apparent affinity towards St. Louis, eh [?] Last report was that the top ticket reached $350 at the box office sale. That's over the top ........ next tour perhaps should at a seniors facility! [swg]

Bad scene in the N'rlns area for sure. Hoping for the best and trying to find adequatre shelter is all that's left .........

Catch ya later .....

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

On a more serious note,the BBC have only picked up on your hurricane tonight,it sounds like the bayuou country is going to get a hammering tonight,lets hope everybodys out safe when it hits,TED-hope you still have somewhere to live,speak tomorrow,regards to all,nick [C=:-)]

[nickinwestwales]

Well hey everybody,[4:-)]TOM-would you be so good as to organise a round of drinks for this bunch of ne`r`do`wells-good man,here take it out of that, and use the change for the jukebox--thats the ticket-ruby tuesday for me,the rest are up to you-TOM-whilst on the subject of Sir Mick & the boyzs,the kick-off gig you mentioned is apparently a talismanic "First show of the tour" tradition that Keith likes....and as a rule ,what Keith likes is what happens....what it must be like to be rich and famous eh ? gonna go and catch up now , back in a bit,nick[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Guys ......... just dropped off the Boyz from their day in the forest .... it's get's more challenging each week. Phew! [swg]

Gunns Kevin How in the world did your note make it to the fi***ank [?] There's no way you could do that again! [swg] Once again, that URL was really worth checking out. [tup]

Ted No sweat regarding Juneu - just testing the waters! [swg] Insofar as cruises go, I'm simply not into them, nor is my bride. For me, I spent all the time I'll ever spend on ships - and feel pretty much the same about these cruises as I do regarding excursion passenger trains like the Rocky Mountaineer. If it can't be the real thing - or close to it - then I'll pass, thanx.

Grim situaiton in N'rlns and perhaps collective positive thinking can make a difference. These storms have had unexpected changes in course ......... nonetheless, some folks in the path are really in for it.

See in the 'morrow!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Barndad, really enjoyed the pix of the McKeen "motorcar." Looks like something out of a Flash Gordon weekly serial. The power plant is even more challanging to the imagination. The later "gas electric" variations on this theme had the louvered air intake vents on the bulkhead and that curious arched panel faring blending into the roof line. What was the function of this 'above the cab' ducting? I can only guess that it has something to do with either the cooling system for the engine or heating the rest of the car??? The later dieselized versions had windshields where the louvers where before. I suppose you could loosely call these hybrids "Classic" in that they are "one of a kind."

Tom, as much as I love dogs, I must r.s.v.p. the offer. Can't say I blame you for axing the cruise option. I worked cruise ships out of Miami (Carnival) and gained 18 lbs. in just 3 weeks. From then on, I would accept only "sub" positions of not more than 2 weeks at a time. Sorry to say that Carribean ports were less than thrilling. Also, the claustrophobic cabins didn't make cruises any more attractive either. I'll bet my "bottom dollar" that you guys will have a great rail experience as planned.

Folks, the situation in New Oreleans is looking more dire by the hour. For those of you so inclined, it would certainly not be inappropriate to remember these people in your petitions to a "higher authority." The French Quarter can always be restored but 28% of that City's population is at or below the poverty level. They literally have no place to go. The aftermath, no doubt, will be a worse ordeal than the initial storm damage itself. Anything we can individually do, no matter how meager, can only help the victims. I hate to say "so long" on such a sobering note but it isn't anything you probably haven't already been thinking about. So long.

[Gunns]

Trying out new "hover note" tech, No NO not the fi***ank!

Well thanks all for the comment, I found the link while dogpiling for New Mexico Shotr lines...
latest work session is up in the museum thread.
Gunns

[siberianmo]

Hey barndad Doug

Just caught your Post hiding right before the SUMMARY .....

That's a rather futuristic looking McKeen for the times, wouldn't you agree [?] Now, with regard to Ted and his Balderdash remark - I can understand it! [swg]

Thanx! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Mornin' Ted

[yeah] It's that time to clean up 'round here and get everything ready for a new work week beginning in the 'morrow. A bit later on, I'll be taking the Boyz, Boris 'n Leon up to the cabin for their weekly romp through the wildnerness. Heaven help the critters of the forest! [swg]

A test [?] Had me wondering for sure. Well, I've had moments such as those - just said whatever came to mind - then later on reflected, and .......... [%-)][%-)][%-)]

Man oh man, things are looking grim for the folks in the path of Katrina - last report I heard was that the sustained winds are now at 160 mph. Nothing at all to fool with and I'm in hopes that N'rlns will somehow be spared from the wrath of this monster. Nevertheless, when she does come ashore - Katy bar the door. [tdn]

We are going to make that journey to Alaska for our wedding anniversary trip. A bit early for our 15th - but, that's the time of year when my bride will be in between semesters. As you may recall, I was in Alaska during 1959-60 on a tour of duty aboard a buoy tender in Kodiak. Got to see just about all of the coastal ports and then some. The Aleutians - Bering Sea - the passage to Seattle - just a wonderful experience. Traveled up to Fairbanks on leave aboard a train operated by the U.S. Army ........ flew with a guy who owned a seaplane (tree top level) then on to Anchorage and back. Did lots of things in those days and also worked as a part-time bartender in a place no longer in existence, thanx to the earthquake and tsunami of 1963. Memories.

Haven't firmed up the itinerary - but we know that a cruise is out. This will be all about trains - and we'll fly directly to Anchorage to start the holiday. Wanna come up to Missouri and dog-sit Juneau [?] [swg]

Good choice - sand in lieu of what you refer to as pebbles. We can use it 'round here to fill in the divots out back from whatever the creature is leaving those 3-toed prints in the hard clay. Wonder what it could be [?]

Enjoy this fine day ....... and perhaps a bit of prayer is in order for our troops and all of us who support 'em! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

"The previous announcement (Aug. 27, 19:31 hrs) was a test...only a test! Had this been a real emergency, you would have been advised to tune your radio dial to 640- -940 Conalrad for further instructions." Dave, you are a good sport as well as a prolific scholar. Great research on the Gas Electrics! Thanks Russell and passengerfan Al for the information on the old Katy Line, it is much appreciated.[tup] Today's businessmen could profit from the "service with a smile" agenda, as M.K.T. did in their day.[^]

Know whatcha you mean Tom 'bout going off on a wild tamgent with modeling. At one point I wanted to go logging, repleat with helix at both ends of the layout, Shay locos timbered mtns., saw mill, the whole Enchilada. The only thing standing in the way was tearing out one wall of the garage, relocating water pipes and adding a car port.[8] Say, the proposed Alaska trek sounds ideal for maximum r.r.ing in a given time frame. Prices are high, as you know, but the wilderness experience on two ribbons of steel is second to none. My encounter with the 49th was less romantic in that we flew everywhere on "Boxcars" and Globe Masters that had seen their best days 20 years prior.[:O] Oh yes, there weren't many vehicular bridges in some areas which brought a new deminsion to "maritime" shuttle service.

Nick[C=:-)], the poor reception isn't due to Katrina. No, its my old Stromberg Carlson short wave which has many years on me.[oops] You have your "work cut-out for you with the lyrics to Dave's ballad. However, the "Blues" framework is certainly appopriate.[^] I hope there is ample work (gigs) in the area. Hereabouts, it is either "feast or famine" with more of the latter than the former. I quit taking "club dates" (dances, teas, casuals, etc.) when I noticed some younger "honkers" using their Union cards for patches on their shoe soles.[:O]

Okay, enough of my "small talk," I need to pop a r.r. tape in the VCR for inspiration. This Sunday, I'll opt for sand instead of pebbles in the envelope. Boris complained about the rocks being difficult to wax over.[alien] Happy rails one and all.

[siberianmo]

SUNDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

”Our” Place” is CLOSED on SUNDAY’s. We open tomorrow at 6 AM (all time zones – don’t even ask how we do that! [swg] Want to leave a Post [?] Just drop it in the mail slot located in either set of front doors and it will get to us.

Enjoy this day for what it was meant to be – a day of rest. [tup]

News of the Day:

Commentary Been away for awhile [?] Check out the Posts and SUMMARIES for the time you’ve been away. You won’t be disappointed as we’ve had some great stuff to talk about this past week ………. [tup]

Silver Throttle Award First receipient: West Coast S Dave Congratulations! [wow][yeah][swg][tup][tup][tup]

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 27 Aug 2005, 07:02:41 (88) Saturday’s News & Summary

(2) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 27 Aug 2005, 08:36:25 (88)

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 27 Aug 2005, 09:44:08 (88) reply to Theodorebear & First Silver Throttle Award

(4) Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 27 Aug 2005, 11:20:31 (88)

(5) Christian Huether Posted: 27 Aug 2005, 11:38:29 (88) [?]

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 27 Aug 2005, 14:11:17 (88) response to Christian

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 27 Aug 2005, 14:27:42 (88) reply to Trainnut484 & Theordorebear

(8) West Coast S Dave Posted: 27 Aug 2005, 18:57:00 (88)

(9) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 27 Aug 2005, 19:31:49 (88)

(10) passengerfan Al Posted: 27 Aug 2005, 19:32:55 (88)

(11) passengerfan Al Posted: 27 Aug 2005, 20:07:11 (88)

(12) Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 27 Aug 2005, 21:13:58 (88)

(13) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 27 Aug 2005, 21:56:35 (88)

(14) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 27 Aug 2005, 22:04:33 (89)

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 27 Aug 2005, 22:07:55 (89) reply to West Coast S – Theodorebear – passengerfan & Trainnut484

(16) siberianmo Tom Posted: 27 Aug 2005, 22:14:11 (89) reply to nickinwestwales

=======================================
That’s it! [tup][;)]
Tom (Siberianmo) [4:-)] [oX)]
Proprietor of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!

[Anonymous]

Here's a pic for West Coast S and the mail slot

This one is on its way to the Nevada State Railway Museum. More pics are on their site at http://www.nsrm-friends.org/nsrm44-1.html
Here's the motorcar you were describing. We don't have any at IRM, but we do have a McKeen design steel box car built in 1906.

[siberianmo]

Nick

Just caught your Post before logging out ..... once again, you're up rather late (or early, depending on how you look at it!) Nights in your life are far different from mine ever were! [swg] I know that those days (daze) are long gone for me ..........

I see you are getting there with catching up on the Posts - takes time, eh [?] [tup]

Dave's classic Post turned into a blues tune [?] In the words spoken by our esteemed Manager, Ted - Balderdash! [swg]

Catch ya later! [zzz]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Guys!

Just stopped by to check out things .... looks like the guys are having some interesting and in depth conversations. Nice response, Ted Balderdash! How introspective .... better give him a double, Cindy [swg]

From Silver Throttle Award to Balderdash all in the same day! [wow] This place is too much ........ [%-)]

Dave On the serious side for a second - I found your Post regarding the McKeon pre-Doodlebug - interesting, with no reason to doubt what was said. Thanx. [tup]

Oh [yeah] Tweeeeeeeet Tweeeeeeet, Rule Violation - Rule Violation - Rule #2, not ordering a drink! [tdn] Boris ring the bell and put it on Dave's tab! [yeah]

Al As always, appreciate the rounds [yeah] and propensity to keep the conversations rollin' along! [tup][tup]

Russell It's a good Saturday nite 'round here and having you join in makes it even moreso. Those railroads are just heralds to me, for in the day so of their hey-day operations, I lived elsewhere. Today, they are well represented on my S-gauge layout! [yeah]

Catch y'all tomorrow ......... Leon the Night Man has the bar. Thanx, Cindy!! [tup][swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

P.S.--WestCoast--with a few nips and tucks I could make a hell of a blues tune outta that-lets talk copyright...!!!..take care now,nick[C=:-)]

[nickinwestwales]

Well good evening all,[4:-)] TOM,one of your fine Czech beers if you please,try one yourself-they`re suprisingly moreish.....,Well,an unexpected extra shift behind the bar in the village pub has left me wide awake at a time when any sensible person is deep in the arms of morpheus----So,to post-ROB-surely the confederation train cant have looked more gari***han the original GO Train purple,green & white or whatever it was.........TED: ...................................HOW ARE THINGS WITH YOU.......TED,COME IN,IM LOSING YOUR SIGNAL,TED-your Celtic heritage shows through very strongly in your world-view---but mostly in your sense of humour-both of which are valuable assets given the staff under your control..................Now,several of you were kind enough to pass comment on thursdays menu,all the products suggested are Pembrokeshire local produce,unless otherwise noted,and not necessarily available elseware-a small detail I neglected to consider--if anybody requires any specifics about any dish,-just ask.............fading fast,night all nick[C=:-)]

[Trainnut484]

Hello Tom and everyone [:)]. Cindy, I'll have a Miller Lite.

Hello again Ted. As Al pointed out above, the Katy went above the call of duty for their customers/passengers. EMD fans primarily like the MKT because their diesel fleet was almost all EMD. They had some Alco's, Baldwins, and a few GE 70 tonners in the first diesel generation years, but near the end it was all EMD with the exception of three U23Bs. The GEs were prone to mechanical problems and mainly kept near Parsons, KS till their trade-in to EMD in 1984. UP aquired the Katy in August of 1988.

Another Miller Lite please.

Russell

[passengerfan]

Well Tom back again. Time for a double CR and round for the house.
TED The MKT and FRISCO Jointly operated the TEXAS SPECIAL between St. Louis and San Antonio. When the Frisco withdrew their TEXAS SPECIAL consist the MKT still operated theirs but it became a Kansas City - San Antonio train. The MKT was probably so well remembered by the people they came in contact with. The Katy realized early on they were surroiunded by larger RRs and made every effort to please shippers large or small. The effort carried over into their passenger trains and was probably why the railroad is remnebered so affectionatly by those who lived in Katy country. The Frisco operated the FIREFLY a streamlined steam powered three car train between Tulsa and San Francisco. The three car trains were streamlined in the roads own Springfield shops from old heavyweight cars. The METEOR trains received new streamlined equipment from Pullman Standard by June 1948 and were operated between St. Louis and Oklahoma City overnight. The TEXAS SPECIAL cars owned by the Frisco for the most part found assignmnet in the Kansas City Florida Special after they no longer were part of the TEXAS SPECIAL operation. Many of the lightweight streamlined sleeping cars of the Frisco were sold to Canadian National for further service. Many of the former MKT and Frisco Coaches were purchased by the GN and SP&S for further service.

[passengerfan]

Good Evening Tom, Guess I'll have a CR and a round for the house.
DAVE. Probably the best use of Mckeen cars was the three converted into a semi streamlined train by the CGW at their Oelwein, Iowa shops. They removed the power plants from three Mckeen Cars and converted two to trailers. The lead unit was rebuilt with a Flat front end and an EMC power plant replaced the Mckeen power. The windows were sqaured off with rounded tops and the trains was named the BLUE BIRD painted Dark Navy Blue with gold lettering. The lead unit number 1000 had a besides the engine and control cab a baggage Compartment and Railway Post Office. The second car 1001 featured all coach seating and the third car features three compartments the first contained seating that the airlines would today call business class followed by some Pullman Upper and lower berth sections and in the rounded Observation end was Parlor seating for the first class. The sole reason for a day train having the Pullman sections was the route of the Blue Bird. It was operated between Minneapolis and Rochester where the famed Mayo Clinic was located and patients were accommodated to and from the clinic in the Pullman Sections. Unfortunately the Great Depression was just months away after the trains introduction and it was sidelined never to operate again.

[Anonymous]

Dave, Balderdash!

[West Coast S]

Afternoon Tom and the gang..

Speaking of Doodlebugs, time for a history lesson on the most unremarked of them all:

The most unique in my humble opinion, were manfactured by the Mckeen Motorcar Company of Omaha Nebraska, predates the EMC entry by a decade. Mr. Mckeen was a pioneering advocate of internal combustion engines and a prolific inventor with visions of a economical to operate railcar. In 1909 he appproached Union Pacific offering the first model to them if they could provide him with shop space.

UP was intrigued and agreed to lease a portion of the Omaha backshop. Construction progressed rapidly, despite numerous fits with the unfamiliar and the orginal gasoline engine, drive line that required a redesign, a protoype, wooden bodied 40 footer was ready by years end. All involved were shocked by the unusual appearance, prow like a ship, bob tail end and porthole windows, ugly was how most would describe it. Once in trials UP found that it was capable of replacing steam in branchline passenger service to a point. Lack of a reliable starting system and a poorly designed clutch caused engineers to curse themselfs blue.

UP weighed in on the initial results with the opinion that, overall it was a sound design but all production models should offer increased passenger RPO/baggage capacity as well. Encourage by the sucessful test, It was back to the drawing boards, Ranson Olds assisted with a improved clutch design, Delco/Remy was contracted for a spark plug starting system. A new 50 foot steel body with RPO/baggage was manfactured, with the same unique knife edge front and porthole windows . These were more to UPs liking and proved reliable and economical to operate. As a plus to the ugainly nose design,UP found the knife edge fronts useful in light snow removal.

Once in service and gaining a reputation, SP came calling and offered to host trials on a revised 50 foot model. SP was very pleased with the operating cost and overall reliability and ordered fourteen for itself to be divided among its various holdings.

UP, meanwhile re-motored all earlier cars with a new 325HP V12 gasoline engine with improved carburators and fuel delivery system that eliminated spitting and potential explosions, for the first time a reverse mechanism that bypassed the clutch was offered.

Due to being traction impared, only the front axles being powered, McKeen designed various configurations of lightweight 20-30 foot trailers as a option , these proved popular as well.

Due to unfortunate events, Mckeen would not survive to reap the benefits of it's pioneering efforts. A Federal probe into the companies business practices led UP to withdrawl it's support and evict Mckeen from the Omaha Shops, EMC, Pullman and Winton became involved in the internal combustion rail car business and by 1925, after having manfactured 42 Motor cars and a failed attempt at building industrial locomotives, the Mckeen Motor Car Company filed for bankruptcy.

The Mckeen Motor Cars had a service life far beyond that of it's ill fated manfacturer. The last SP Mckeen was retired in 1939, SP was unique in continually upgrading the power plant to take advantage of the latest technology. SP was the first to stray from Mckeen's design by rebuilding most of the fleet to 73 feet.

UP performed the most radical changes over the years, flat fronts, repowering by EMC and application of streamliner paint and a lone example rebuilt to 86 feet in length were but a few of the modifications undertaken before retirement in 1943. Final assignments were on Nebraska branchlines, where it all began, so many years before, rather apt in retrospect.

The last Mckeen in operation was the lone unit, purchased new, by the Virginia & Truckee, retired in 1951. After retirement, it was shorn of all mechanicals to become a roadside diner. Recently, this only surviving example, once again escaped the torch and has been perserved with a eye towards furture restoration, providing the unique mechanicals can be reproduced.

Dave [tup]