"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[trolleyboy]

Good evening again gents. I must say a decent turnout for the ole sunday photo day[tup] By in large a day of Doug to be sure[tup]

Doug That is an absolutly stunning model railroad.it's sad to hear that he is shutting down his private viewings but with his age and I'm sure pther personakl reason's it's for the best. Hopefully steps have been taken to save it for posterity,unlike many other famouse model RR's.

Tom Sooo Vito has expanded North,I wonder if his flight plan is on the Mentor Zepplin routing [?] LOL Wonderfull shots again sir, truly a stunning state,I can see why you loved it upe so much .

Eric Hi glad that you made it back in. Thanks for reading along with and enjoying my trolley / streetcar system ramblings. The sad ending to well over 90% of North American streetcar systems is a sad historical fact. At one time in the teens to the 30's over 1000 cities and towns had a streetcar line or two now only a mere handfull do. Progress is not always a good thing. Nice to hear that we have a retired streetrailway man in our midst however. Should you ever make it upto Ontario, email me and we will get you into the musuem p[tup]Those were some wonderfull shots of that Big Boy BTW as well. Certainly the most properly named locomotive that I can think off.

Mike Hey glad you made it to the photo party sir [tup]

Rob

[trolleyboy]

Okay folks, and early for Monday bit snuck through the mail slots so that the breakfast crowd have some reading material. So Tom I will leave a 20 to cover some of the early coffee and muffins crowds eye openers. [tup]

CLASSIC STEAM # 29THE BAY OF QUINTE RAILWAY

The Bay of Quinte RY (BQ) despite it's importance to the area it served, and by the numurous relics and buildings left behind has had little info written about it.Or it's legendary builder.

It's a route that you can still trace today, sometimes drive over, and in the process you will pass old stations ( many converted to homes ) , bridges and even turntables and engine houses. Many of these relics have survived the lifting of the rails over 50 yeas ago> Many of the mills in the towns it once served and the country landscapes it passed through have by and large escaped the wild destruction and modernization that has occured to rail properties in the more developed parts of the province.

It all began with Edward Rathburn. One of those ambitious entrepeneurs that came from the 19th century, Rathburn founded what would become one of the largest and most diversified industrial empires created in Canada during the 19th century.From his large mills in Deseronto on the NE shores of lake Ontario, the Rathburn company expanded in all directions.It's flets carried lumber and other cargo to Oswego, it's sister port on the New York side of Lake Ontario, while it's trains moved cargo east and west along the grand trunk. To the North lay the vast Rathburn timber limits and the Bay of Quinte Railway.

Like much of the Rathburn empire, the railway began as a mishmash of unused charters. After building his own link from Deseronto a short distance to the Grand Trunk's main line west of Napanee,Rathburn then purchased the Napanee Tamworth and Quebec line, a railway that led northward from Napanee.He then extended the line northwest to Tweed and later on to Bannockbun,as well as Northeast to Sydenham.This gave the company the all important access to it's timber limits.By 1903 the network of railway tracks had become known as the Bay of Quinte Railway.

The railway gained it's revenue from more than just Rathburns timber limits.A marble quarry at Actinolite,a cement plant at Marlbank, and a pyrite mine at Queensborough all contributed to the BQ's proffits.In 1910 the expanding Canadian Northern RY added the BQ to it's national inventory of undervalued lines. The CnoR, however, was less interested in the timber, mines and quarries, thaan it was in completeing it's main line from Toronto to Ottawa. The BQ was a valuble link in that route.

Thus negleted by the new owners who's dream was a third transcontinental line, the various mills, quarries and plants slowley closed down.By 1930 only one train operated north of Tweed each week !To no-one's supprise the secction between Tweed and Bannockburn was abandoned in 1935, from Tweed to yarker in 1941. The CNR continued train service along the section from Nappanee to yarker and beyond to Smith's Falls unitl 1986.The line up the shoreline to Belleville and Kingston, including bits of Rathburn's Thousand Island RY at Gannanoque are still in use though somewhat rerouted as past of the TO-Montreal corridor.

Sadly for all Rathburn's wealth and drive, his is a forgotten legacy, even in his adopted home of Deseronto. Nor formal museum's exist to him as they do to his more famous, industrialist rival, JRR Booth of the Ottawa Arnprior and Parry Sound fame.

Rob

[EricX2000]

Ooops - passed midnight already. Just a short 2nd visit before bedtime.

Al - Thanks for the answers to my questions! I have seen a little bit of Glacier National Park from the train. It was late and getting dark though. Shot some video. Beautiful! I will find those pictures of the rebuilt NPK cars. I have not checked that website yet, but I will.

Tom - Thanks for the nice words! I have been enjoying your Alaska pictures again. You really had a nice view from your seats!

Doug - I am looking forward to see AT&SF 2903 at IRM, but Big Boy is bigger. Big Boy is 132 ft 10" long, 2903 is 120 ft 10" long. Total weight: Big Boy 1,189,500 lbs, 2903 961,000 lbs. But 2903 is also a very impressive engine, by all means.

Rob - I can only agree with what you write. I think more and more cities will bring the streetcars back. But now they call them light rail. I'll certainly try to make it back to Toronto soon. Thank you for the offer!

That is it for now. Good night gentlemen!

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 – another week to excel for the boss! 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!

YOU GOTTA CHECK THIS OUT!
http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2006/06/24/goat-sat.html



Daily Wisdom


This is very poorly unorganized.

ENCORE! Yogi-ism



Info for the Day:


Railroads from Yesteryear –
Arrives TODAY – 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] Two elderly gentlemen from a retirement center were sitting on a bench under
a tree when one turns to the other and says: "Slim, I'm 83 years old now and
I'm just full of aches and pains. I know you're about my age. How do you feel?"
Slim says, "I feel just like a newborn baby."
"Really!? Like a newborn baby!?"
"Yep. No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants." [: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 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. SHORT: Ants in the Pantry (1936).

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

. . . Sunday, July 2nd thru 8th: 1776 (1972): starring: William Daniels & Howard Da Silva – and – The Patriot (2000) starring: Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger & Joely Richardson. SHORT: Movie Maniacs (1936).



SUMMARY

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

(1) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 04:46:26 (362) 7 Model RR Pix!

(2) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 04:48:41 (362) 9 Model RR Pix!

(3) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 04:52:24 (363) 7 Model RR Pix!

(4) passengerfan Al Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 07:19:52 (363) Comments

(5) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 07:30:31 (363) 6 Model RR Pix!

(6) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 07:34:57 (363) 8 Model RR Pix!

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 08:10:09 (363) Sunday’s Info & 24-Post Summary

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 08:43:35 (363) Now Playing at the Emporium!

(9) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 08:45:51 (363) Comments

(10) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 09:03:32 (363) 9 Model RR Pix!

(11) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 09:17:14 (363) 8 Model RR Pix!

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 11:53:42 (363) 12 Alaska Pix!

(13) passengerfan Al Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 14:52:55 (363) Comments

(14) EricX2000 Eric Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 14:54:47 (363) Extra special Inclusive Post ‘n 7 “Big Boy” Pix

(15) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 16:20:34 (363) 7 Model RR Pix!

(16) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 16:26:04 (363) 7 Model RR Pix!

(17) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 17:06:00 (363) 12 more Alaska Pix!

(18) passengerfan Al Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 17:42:14 (363) for Eric

(19) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 18:17:34 (363) 5 out of 9 air show Pix!

(20) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 18:40:25 (363) 2006 Sunday Photo Posting Day! INDEX – Jan thru Jun

(21) wanswheel Mike Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 18:43:07 (363) URLMeisterMonsterMike returns with URLs, what else [?]

(22) passengerfan Al Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 19:03:07 (363) Comments

(23) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 23:06:33 (364) Count Robulla’s Nite Cap!




That’s it! [tup][;)]


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

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

Petrol dropped to $2.75 (rounded) up at “Collusion Corner,” and haven’t figured out a reason – what’s new! [?] Rather comfortable this past weekend, no oppressive humidity and temps in the low to mid-80s (F) – good for outside work, which we did! Supposed to continue on for the rest of the week. [tup]


And the beat goes on – Cardinals are in trouble as they dropped their 6th in a row – all to American League competition. I cannot recall a more dismal road trip for the team in recent times . . . <ugh> Oh yes, sports news ‘round here is the #1 draft pick for the Blues – whoopdeedo – that goes the last place team in the NHL (most times)! Things aren’t looking good at the moment here in River City. <groan> “Hot” rumor going ‘round is that Chris Pronger has asked to be released from Edmonton (traded) – his wife is from this area and supposedly wants to come back. Wonder if the new owner of the Blues will depart with the money it will take to bring him back – IF the Oilers let him go that is . . .


ENCORE! Saturday was quite a pleasant surprise, as the guys who contribute most of the reading material did so in fine fashion! Good job, guys and maybe we’ve turned a page with the reluctance we’ve seen to get on board with the “program” ‘round here. For anyone who watches these things – we had a 24-Post day (9 were mine), and 5 customers. Of those, all but one provided multiple submissions. Not bad – not bad at all! [tup] [tup]


As previously noted, an Email regarding our initial planning for the 2007 Annual ”Our” Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis went out the the “distribution list” yesterday. Anyone interesting in participating only needs to let me know and I’ll add your address.


We had a banner day yesterday with 23 Posts on Sunday – a day when the bar is CLOSED! Between the Pix, URLs and “notes,” those mail slots got a workout! <grin>


To the acknowledgments, picked up after my final Saturday Post:

barndad Doug
Posted: 24 Jun 2006, 20:58:32

A successful ENCORE! Saturday of interesting “stuff” capped off with your Four-part series . . . lots of reading, but chock full of good info! [tup] [tup]


trolleyboy Rob
Posted: 24 Jun 2006, 21:11:14 & 21:19:00 & 21:29:45 & 21:50:24

Quite a Saturday nite time flourish – big finish as they say! [tup] ENCORES!, your Index and an Inclusive Post! Nice job! [tup] [tup]

By the by, there was absolutely no collusion between 20 Fingers and I regarding the “playing” back ‘n forth with the ENCORE! material – we seem to do that quite well here and over on “my other Thread.” [swg]


And now . . .


Sunday Photo Posting Day! Pix contributors: barndad Dad – 78 photos! [wow] [tup] [tup] [tup] – then, EricX2000 Eric – 7 “Big Boy” Pix! – and – Extra special Inclusive Post! [tup] [tup] [tup] and trolleyboy Rob with his air show Pix! (4 didn’t come thru . . . but 5 did!) [tup] [tup] [tup]

. . . That’s one hulluva model RR, Doug and dontchajustwish it was your own [?] <grin>

. . . Nice spread of Pix of the “Big Boy,” Eric! We’ll get to see Union Pacific’s “Big Boy” # 4006 up close ‘n personal at the St. Louis Museum of Transport when we gather for our 2007 Rendezvous in St. Louis!

. . . Good to see ya Rob – looks like PhotoBucket strikes again! <frown> Surprised you didn’t notice . . . And, why wouldn’t Vito the Hit! have “interests” in Alaska [?] There’s gold in dose hills! [swg] We had a fine dinner in that place – as with most things in Fairbanks “proper” all within walking distance from the sites we wanted to check out . . .

. . . And, the return of the URLMeisterMonster Mike with URLs – what else [?] [swg] [tup] [tup] [tup]

. . . Pix day observers: Ted ‘n Al (several times) – good to see ya and appreciate your comments! [tup] [tup]


Thanx for the nice comments regarding my continuing “series” of Alaska Pix! [tup]

Al - If you think Anchorage ‘n Fairbanks look a bit different now than when you last saw it – imagine when I first saw them back in 1959-60. What stays the same [?]



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


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[passengerfan]

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

Great photo day enjoyed all of the contributions.

ERIE
Streamlined Sleeping Cars
By Al

The Erie owned a total of thirteen lightweight streamlined sleeping cars all built by Pullman Standard. There were three different types of sleeping cars purchased by the Erie. First to arrive on the Erie were four AMERICAN series 6 Section 6 Roomette 4 Double Bedroom Sleeping cars from Pullman Standard. These were part of a large order for these cars that went to Union Pacific, Chicago & North Western, Southern Pacific, Santa Fe, Rock Island, Missouri Pacific and Illinois Central. The four cars received in June 1942 were assigned to the ERIE LIMITED between New York and Chicago.

6 SECTION 6 ROOMETTE 4 DOUBLE BEDROOM SLEEPING CARS Pullman Standard June 1942 Plan: 4099 Lot: 6669 (Built for and assigned to ERIE LIMITED & LAKE CITIES)

AMERICAN LIBERTY

AMERICAN LIFE

AMERICAN UNITY

AMERICAN WAY

It would be 1949 before additional lightweight streamlined sleeping cars would join the Erie. In May-June 1949 Pullman Standard delivered seven 10-6 sleeping cars named for persons who had influenced the Erie. These cars were assigned to the ERIE LIMITED, LAKE CITIES and ATLANTIC EXPRESS.

10 ROOMETTE 6 DOUBLE BEDROOM SLEEPING CARS Pullman Standard May - June 1949 Plan: 4129A Lot: 6797 (Built for and assigned to ERIE LIMITED, LAKE CITIES and ATLANTIC EXPRESS)

BENJAMIN LODER

CHARLES MINOT

DANIEL CRAIG McCALLUM

ELEAZAR LORD

JAMES GORE KING

MARVIN KENT

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

After the delivery of the 10-6 sleeping cars the sleeping car assignments on the Erie were as follows.

ERIE LIMITED #1

New York - Chicago
10-6

Salamanca - Chicago
6-6-4

Akron - Chicago
10-6

ERIE LIMITED #2

Chicago - New York
10-6

Chicago - Salamanca
6-6-4

LAKE CITIES #5

New York - Chicago
10-6

New York - Cleveland 6-6-4

LAKE CITIES # 6

Chicago - New York
10-6

Cleveland - New York
6-6-4

ATLANTIC EXPRESS #8

Chicago - Akron
10-6

The Erie purchased two 10-5 Sleeping cars from Pullman Standard that were delivered in June 1954 that were nearly identical to the 10-5 sleeping cars purchased by the Canadian National about the same time. The two Erie 10-5 Sleeping cars were assigned to service between Chicago and Youngstown overnight in each direction. The eastbound car traveled in the ATLANTIC EXPRESS and the westbound car traveled in the ERIE LIMITED.

10 ROOMETTE 6 DOUBLE BEDROOM SLEEPING CARS Pullman Standard June 1954 Plan: 4186B Lot: 6946 (Built for and assigned to Chicago - Youngstown service in ERIE LIMITED and ATLANTIC EXPRESS)

PRIDE OF YOUNGSTOWN

SPIRIT OF YOUNGSTOWN

The Erie merged with the Delaware Lackawanna and Western in October 1960 creating the Erie - Lackawanna.

ERIE
LACKAWANNA
Streamlined Sleeping Cars
by Al

The merger of the Erie and Delaware Lackawanna and Western gave the combined Erie - Lackawanna a total of 22 lightweight streamlined sleeping cars.
The one major change to take place after the merger was all trains west of Buffalo operated over the former Erie.
The Erie - Lackawanna resurrected the PHOEBE SNOW and instead of being a daytime New York - Buffalo train it became a New York - Chicago train operating west of Buffalo over the former ERIE LIMITED route. The merged railroads had more cars then was necessary to operate the remaining passenger services and sold five of the former ERIE 10-6 Sleeping cars to the Canadian National.

TTFN Al

[Anonymous]

A great Monday mornin' to all. Tom, I need a bowl of Wheaties (breakfast of champions) to begin the day, thanks. The 24th and 25th met with industrial volumes of posts, Pix, URL's, and commentary. There is far too much for me to acknowledge at this time but hope to "bring up the rear" in future posts. I was wondering if breaking up submissions over a longer period might take the "curse" away? Never ungreatful, let me just thank each and every one for this avalanche of material which, if book marked, will nearly over load my storage limits.[(-D]

All points bulletin gents, please take a closer scan of the absolutely perfect weathering and detail of Mr. Ted Voss' track work. Barndad, I can only think Ted must've applied this rustic treatment before laying each section. If there is a short cut for gaining this effect after the rail is fastened down; I would happily donate an organ to learn the method. Rob, if Al is "20 fingers," you and Doug surely must come in at 30 fingers collectively.[:D] Eric I'm surprised you haven't mentioned beig a street car conductor before now. Your pix were surely timely and greatly appeciated from this side of the bar.[tup] Hey Rob, I smell future input from the "wired bunch" hereabouts, no?[swg] Juice #24 and #20 brought back good "vibes" and I will get "into" #29 a.s.a.p. Right Mike, great to see those meanigful and "on target" URL's back. They dovetail so appropriately with all the going's on hereabouts.[^] I can't make this a proper, inclusive post due to scheduling today but will make a return effort very soon. Tom thanks againd fro running some traction pix from your other thread, the choices are very disciminating (if I may use the term accurately).[:O] Okay, it's the Kamakazi run to the cliffs of Tampa now, so Boris don't do anything...it is a lot safer that way![alien] Happy rails all.

[siberianmo]

G'day!

I want to make mention of a comment from Ted regarding "breaking up submissions over a longer period . . . ." This is something I have "harped" on for months and months, especially with the seemingly never ending looooooooooong narratives.

It IS time to start thinking about the impact these lengthy submissions have on the other guy's capability to receive them. "Loading" times are different for us all and depending on the type service one is using (dial-up, high speed, etc.) it can provide a bit of frustration that can and should be eliminated.

Same for the "batch Postings" - shotgun method, if you will - of "stuff." For example, why in the world do that when it is rather doubtful that anyone will pick up on the info right then and there (especially if provided during the wee hours or late at night or Saturday or Sunday). At least put some time between the Posts - perhaps separate them by an hour or two.

Finally, why Post a zillion Pix in one session, when they could be spread over a few hours, or even better, a few Sunday's [?] By doing this a bit more judiciously, the "loading" times will be sped up (for some) and the "inundation effect" will have been eliminated.

Gentlemen, it IS time to be a bit considerate of the other guy.

Thanx for your understanding! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Good morning Tom and the bunch. No Boris I don't want a banana. [sigh] I think a BK coffee and a #3 sir Tom if you don't mind.

Tom I had noticed that the "bucket" ate those pictures, but I figured why go back and edit and attempt the fix, as that does through off the page loading on the thread.Besides as far as I can figure the addresses for the pictures were typed out correctly. [tdn] to the "bucket" again [sigh]I'll retry the missed ones next week, who knows it may let them come through.So Vito thinks that there's gold in them thar hills does he [?] Who's going to run the family bank, the family,laundrmat,the family mortuary business, the family loan payment councelling service ( WE be Knuckles ). And so on and so forth, even he doesn't have that many cousins does he,perhaps he's been cloned, a job for our worthy mentor :Private sluth I would think.

Eric I forgot to thank you for looking into finding the bikini team photo's [;)][tup] I'm sure that the track gangs will appreciate that effort. You are most liely correct, lite rail of one sort or the othetr will start seeping back into the larger city centre's I would think. I don't think we wll ever see the whole sale cities of all sizes mass electric transit that we saw last century though. The infrastructure is getting way too expensive for the smaller urban area's. Unless of coarse the governments wis up and start giving the rail industry the same kind of breaks roads and airports get ( I know a big big if )

Ted His track weathering and general weathering and detail is absolutly supurb on that layout.Coarse model railroads left to their own devices can sometimes take on that "aged" and weathered look all by themselves. [:O] They just don't run well when that happens,nothing 24v can't fix though. [:P][:-^]

Everyone go look at that website url Tom put up, it's a different. [tup] The CBC does seem to have gotten to the ah bottom of that story. LOL

Al A fine streamliner on the Erie to be sure sir [tup]Is this a forshadowing of tuesdays railroad of the day [?]
Rob

[BudKarr]

Good Day Captain Tom and all assembled (wherever that may be!),

Hope one and all had an enjoyable and relaxing weekend - we did. We are still adjusting to living in a home as opposed to a resort hotel - a bit of a return to reality, cannot call for room service! <grin>

It has been quite a weekend of activity, so I see. Our computer has experienced a bit of a set back with the loading process - alluded to by Tom in this day's comments. We have had a devil of a time trying to load pages 362 and 363 - seemingly takes forever. For what it is worth we are high speed, however, the interface leaves a lot to be desired as we discovered some months ago. Cannot accurately assess where the hang up is, but my resident "geek" seems to think it has to do with too much data being stored for those pages. Most times they simply "come up" with no problems. Not this time.

The talk in these parts about Chris Pronger has set the air waves on fire insofar as the sports wonks are concerned. No details have been let out - at least none that I have heard to convince me that any of this is contrived or factual. Perhaps something to deflect the sting of the 7th game loss. If indeed the man has made the request on behalf of his lady, that is commendable. HOWEVER, in the things we do to earn our living, one must go where the job requirements are - OR - get another job. I can well imagine that you Tom were assigned to places where no one was ecstatic about the move or the area. No sympathy from me.

Lydia and I have been seriously discussing a rail journey and while Alaska looks terrific, we are more inclined to look for something where sleeping cars are part of the makeup. We have traveled to Vancouver from these parts for an overnight in each direction and enjoyed it. She looked into the Rocky Mountaineer and in fact knows someone "in" the organization. We have so many brochures, maps and the like, that it our dining room looks like a travel agency! [swg] Our conclusion is that the experience would be marvelous, but far too "plastic" in the sense that we would prefer an operating railroad as opposed to a tour train, plus they too lodge you in hotels and not onboard the train. Extremely costly for the packages we have looked at.

Actually, we just may wind up in Australia - where we have interests other than touring. They operate a cross continental train and it just may be something to pursue. No firm time frame, but it is something to explore further.

Then we have an outstanding offer to return to Sweden (listeing Eric [?]) but it would be moreso a work-pleasure situation, which I believe has been touched upon on these pages. Not interested in resuming my career. However, we will return to "the continent" and spend a few months visiting the places that I have become familiar with over a large part of my working life. The one thing that has not changed for me is the desire to travel.

Please permit a comment from me regarding what Ted and Tom touched upon this day. There should be an economy cranked in to what is being so marvelously done on these pages. The enormous volumes of material could easily be sandwiched between hard covers and sold as books. There is just that much in quality and quantity to draw from. The pictures are outstanding as well.

I wonder aloud what the rush is on the part of a few to 'dump' everything they may have at one or two sessions [?] Why not spread out those volumes over days or weeks as suggested [?] Save up some for the periods of inactivity, which of course provides somewhat of a relief valve for those of us who would like to devour the information posted, but simply do not have the time - right then and there - to do it. Once put off on the back burner, we all know that getting back to it perhaps simply does not happen. Such a waste of material.

Url's also provide an excellent vehicle to explore material - however, they too are time consuming and many times lead to diveregent paths - some so far off the subject that one simply gets overloaded.

Gentlemen, it is indeed a fine place to enjoy one another and the material provided. Let us not saturate the pages with those long winded "data dumps" or postings for the sake of postings.

I will now order one of those Lars foot long sandwiches - a "Kokanee Light" and my lady will have the strawberry scones and tea. A round for the next crew that arrives!

We may be a bit sparse this week, as we have some activities 'down the mountain," but nothing that should take us away for too very long.

Finally - July 1st is Canada Day and an event that is a mixed bag for some. Being of dual citzenship, I enjoy the absolute best of both "worlds" so to speak. Had nothing to do with my efforts, just my parents being in the right place at the right time for me! [swg] Anyway, we are going to be attending a celebratory event in Calgary over the next weekend. Lydia wants to drive - I am pushing to go by air. She is still not totally comfortable with "that little plane!" <grin>

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

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

Amazin' change from the weekend insofar as business is concerned - well, the guys have to earn livings, eh [?] [swg]

Nice to see ya BK and that's quite an ambitious travel list you have! Why not just set aside the rest of the year and "go for it!" <grin>

A few years ago I researched the Australian rail scene and found it to be quite interesting. Lots and lots of info available on the web and as always, pictures too! [tup] We had entertained thoughts of spending 4 months "down thataway" - with stays in each of the major cities so that we could get a "feel" for the way things are done there. The objective was to take the train from place to place to place until we achieved the cross continental trip. Then fly over to New Zealand - and home. Never did it, as this was a MOST ambitious thought and would have required a leave of absence for my bride, etc. Now with Juneau the Wonder Husky on scene - we can fahgedaboudit! [swg]

Rob About PhotoBucket - I have had similar experiences and found that you need only to reload those balky Pix - not delete them - just recopy the URLs from the Pix that are on your album and put 'em back in. They will come up again in another place - but will work and will NOT skew the others. I've done it. Don't have a clue why PhotoBucket is soooooooooo strange about this nor do I know why they NEVER answer Emails - and I have a paid account at that. Go figure.

I'm kinda letting things go 'round here today - giving the guys a chance to play catch up - far too much stuff has been on these pages that occupy lotsa memory. Heard from Lars by Email and he can't even get to the Thread! Something is up. I haven't had problems with the volume of stuff - although loading those pages where Dougs Pix reside took longer than usual - but my high speed is doing well (knock wood!).

BK Thanx for the reminder about Saturday and Canada Day - which we do recognize 'round this joint. Did last year and will again this . . . [tup] HOWEVER, nationalistic BS must be checked at the door in order to partake in the spirit of the bar - that goes for July 4th as well. One thing to be proud, quite another to be a JO about it.

Thought you fully understood VIto the Hit! and the way he operates. He's a hands on kinda guy - you don't do what he wants, and you'll find hands on you! <grin> His boyz take care of business while he explores new ventures. Has to keep the green fluid and in the system, if you nowutImean! <chuckle> Yep, a hand's on kinda guy, fer sure, fer sure.

Eric Received your Email and responded - thanx! [tup]

I think BK may have not seen your question because of difficulty in loading those pages he mentioned - hand in there - the guys are pretty good about responding, for the most part that is. [tup]

A few years ago while getting off the train in Vancouver, we were on oppostite sides of the platform from the Rocky Mountaineer excursion train. It was a great looking line of modern Ultra Domes - loco's were rather "freight looking" though. Anyway, the line of passengers awaiting to board was impressive. There were 2 "kids" positioned at each car door to "greet" those boarding. Just seemed to me to be about as plastic as the cards used to pay for the experience.

Now of course, we had just arrived after 3 days and 3 nights aboard VIA Rail's finest - the Canadian and in the triple bedroom of the Park car at that. So, there's no way the day trips of the Mountaineer could rival what we experienced. Of course, it all has to do with what one expects for their money, doesn't it [?]

More activity on "my other Thread" than here. What have I created!! [?] [swg]

Catch y'all later . . . .

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a CR and a round for the house.

Read your comments on the proposed trip to Down Under. Sorry you missed it. Having ridden the INDIAN-PACIFIC from coast to coast I came away throughly impressed even though they don't know what a dome is. Now they have a new trip I would like to take going from North - to - South. Recently saw a travel Channel report on this train and it too was well worth the trip. Visited Darwin in the Navy and remember the people were extremely friendly and truly enjoyed their beer. Believe I read somewhere a few years ago Darwin went through a Typhoon and the first thing they requested of rescuers was beer. Sounds like my kind of place.

Did not get a chance to sample the RRs of New Zealand when I visited their but have also seen travel logs on some of their trains and was quite impressed by what I saw.

Enjoyed the Sunday Pics from everyone and believe it to be one of the best sunday photo days ever.

Enough of my ramblings for one day

TTFN Al

[siberianmo]

G'day!

Been a good day for relaxing - and some fine conversation 'round the old bar 'n grill. [tup]

While it has been a few years since I did my serious research on the railways "down under," I do recall reading in more than one place that New Zealand was NOT recommended for passenger rail travel due to poor condition of equipment and questionable maintenance practices on rights-of-way. Perhaps this has changed - for the better.

Met a couple of Aussies aboard the Denali Star who were quite convinced that their rail system will one day go the way of ours here in North America. Unless, of course, petrol prices truly go off the scale. Otherwise, it's a world wide love affair with the gasoline powered cars. More money being spent on highways than on other modes of transport - sound familiar [?]

Would really be nice to get an Aussie or three to check in with us. Great people and from presonal experience, quite the beer drinkers! [tup] [swg

Here's a nite cap for the traction crowd . . . .

IT #101 (courtesy: donsdepot.donrossgroup.net -
foto credit: Don Ross)

QUOTE: 101 was built by American Car in 1917 as AG&StL 61. In 1926 the car became StL&ARy 61 and in 1930 it became IT 101. On March 9, 1956, it was sold to the Illinois Electric Railway Museum and is now at Union, IL.

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

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good evening Leon, I'll take a frosty brewsky, and kindly set-up a round for my friends. Finally got an opportunity to get online. Woke up late (5am), biked to and from work today for a change. Ted, I too noticed the weathering on many of Ted Voss' models, and neglected to ask him how he did that. I think I'll make another trip and ask how he did it, as well (and I already thought about this Tom) find a way to persuade him to open for a private showing for the 2007 Rendevous. Thanks for te Erie streamlined car post sir Al, and also to Rob for his Quinte Railway post. You just never know what you'll find when you drop by "Our Place."

Ya know, I was thinking it was best to use my RailImages site rather than photobucket. I still have another 50 or so model RR shots ya'll haven't seen! I'll get them moved soon enough. Grrrrrrrrrrr. And Tom, I pay them too ... just like you ... and they do this? And now here's ..............

One Way of Protecting Trains in Wartime Railroad Stories Aug. 1935

An old document, just come to light, indicates one of the problems of railroading in the South during the Civil War, and how it was solved. This proclamation was issued by a commanding officer of the Union forces:

Headquarters District, West Tennessee, Memphis, July 6, 1864.
WHEREAS, Railroad trains from Memphis to Saulsbury have been fired into frequently by Confederate soldiers and guerrillas within the last few days; and
WHEREAS, There are many persons along the line of the railroad and at Memphis who approve and encourage such murderous proceedings;
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, That forty of the most prominent and better class of Secessionists in and between Memphis and LaGrange be arrested, and that twenty of them each day be placed upon cars, in most conspicuous positions, one being placed on each side of the engines; and no train will be allowed to leave Memphis without a “secesh guard” until this murderous practice is desisted from.
IT IS KNOWN, That several citizens of Memphis have publicly applauded this firing upon trains. They will be given prominent position on cars, and quarters will be fitted up for them at White Station, where they will be tenderly cared for while not on duty on trains. Brigadier-General Hatch, commanding the cavalry division, is entrusted with the execution of this order. By order: MAJ. GEN. C.C. WASHBURNE.


And now skipping ahead a few hundred years ..........

[:I] Get a glimpse into life far into the future, in the year 2056...

Ozone created by electric cars now killing millions in the seventh largest country in the world, Mexifornia, formally known as California.

Couple petitions court to reinstate heterosexual marriage.

Last remaining Fundamentalist Muslim dies in the American Territory of the Middle East (formerly known as Iran, Afghanistan, Syria and Lebanon).

Iran still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels.

George Z. Bush says he will run for President in 2058.

Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesdays only.

85-year, $75.8 billion study: Diet and Exercise are the keys to weight loss.

Average weight of Americans drops to 250 lbs.

Japanese scientists have created a camera with such a fast shutter speed, they now can photograph a woman with her mouth shut.

Massachusetts executes last remaining conservative.

Supreme Court rules punishment of criminals violates their civil rights.

Average height of NBA players now nine feet, seven inches.

New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly swatters and rolled-up newspapers must be registered by January 2057.

Congress authorizes direct deposit of formerly illegal political contributions to campaign accounts.

IRS sets lowest tax rate at 75 percent.

Spotted Owl plague threatens northwestern United States crops and livestock.

Baby conceived naturally . . . scientists stumped!

Florida voters still don't know how to use a voting machine [:I]

[Anonymous]

Good morning Tom and friends. I'll have a light breakfast please. I just have a few minutes, so I'll upload my little contribution and then be off to work. If the pictures don't load, I will fix that later. Have a terrific day!

Van Horne of the C.P.R. by Charles F. Carter, Railroad Stories Aug. 1935

William Cornelius Van Horne, Railroad Builder


Van Horne says he is going to build five hundred miles of the Canadian Pacific this year. That’s a lot of railroad, what? “Ridiculous! The braggart knows it can’t be done.”

That was the way a great many Canadians talked about the plans of William Cornelius Van Horne, who had arrived in Winnipeg in January, 1882. He was under contract as general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway, at the biggest salary ever paid a western railroad man up there to that time, to build the transcontinental line the Dominion Government had promised British Columbia to complete in ten years if the province would join the Eastern Federation.

While the transcontinental railroad had been talked about for nearly half a century; while nearly four million dollars had been spent in surveys; and while three attempts by a private corporation and by the government had been made to get work under way, no substantial progress had been made.

The famous James J. Hill, then a stock-holder, recommended Van Horne as the best man to put the scheme through.

Dominion pride was somewhat mortified by the importation of an “alien” to boss the great national undertaking Antagonism to the “alien” was keenest within the organization. But Van Horne had had experience with office politicians and that did not worry him. Any man who knew his job and attended to it could get along fine with him.

Then the task of assembling material and supplies for the short summer season went faster. Steel was ordered in Europe and sent around by way of New Orleans and forwarded by solid trainload. Contract for 900 miles west from Winnipeg was let to the firm of Langdon & Sheppard, of St. Paul. The day after the contract was signed the firm advertised for 3,000 men and 4,000 horses. Sub-contracts were let for the grading. All season long graders trod on the heels of locating engineers, tracklayers crowded graders off the dump. When bridge building lagged behind, night crews were put on.

Even at that, it became evident as the weeks wore on that the stint of 500 mile would not finish before the cold weather stopped work. Van Horne called a conference of engineers and contractors. “Impossible to hurry any faster,” protested the contractors. “If that’s the way you feel about it I’ll cancel the contract and get somebody who can work up to the schedule,” replied Van Horne. On second thought, the contractors conceded that it might be possible to speed up a bit. They were working on open prairie which offered no exceptional difficulties.

Before that season with the general manager, 5,000 men had been employed. The force was doubled. All night and all day trains of wagons rumbled from rail head to graders’ camps. Sub-contractors on finishing their jobs moved by night to the next one, sometimes passing engineers’ camps before location had been completed.

Van Horne was all over the map all of the time. He would step from his shabby office car to a buckboard and drive from camp to camp. Nothing escaped his eye, particularly food for the men. It had to be ample and good. Poor food, poor work, he argued.

At Winnipeg he saw that materials and supplies moved to the front as fast as they could be used. Each supply train carried material for one mile of track – ties, rails, fastenings, telegraph poles, wire, bridge material. No track-laying machines were used. Everything was done by hand. Soon the Canadian Pacific was creeping across the prairie at the rate of two or three miles a day.

When freezing ground ended construction for the season the “braggart’s” score stood: miles of railroad built, 508; miles of telegraph line finished, 897; miles of line located, 620; station building erected, 32.

After snow slices had carried away in succession seven wooden bridges like this, the C.P.R. got mad and spanned this rocky mountain gulch with a steel arch. There has never been a snow slide in that place since!


Railroading in the Canadian Rockies. The middle of a 4500-ton Canadian Pacific freight train crossing Stoney Creek Bridge in the Selkirk Range. The train was headed by multi-pressure engine No. 8000 (2-10-4 type), largest locomotive in the British Empire, centered with two of the 5900 series (shown in the photo – also 2-10-4 types), and pushed by one of the 5300 series (2-8-2) type)

[siberianmo]

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


TUESDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS


Tuesday is here! C’mon in – enjoy a cup of freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee – a <light or <traditional breakfast from the Menu Board and of course one or two goodies from The Mentor Village Bakery!



Daily Wisdom


The similarities between my father and me are different.
ENCORE! Yogi-ism



Info for the Day:


Railroads from Yesteryear –
Arrives TODAY! – watch for it!


* Weekly Calendar:


TODAY: 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

Reasons “things” happen!


Law of Mechanical Repair: As soon as your hands are coated with grease your nose will begin to itch or you'll have to pee.


Law of the Workshop: Any tool, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.


Law of probability: The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.


Law of the Telephone: When you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal.


Law of the Alibi: If you tell your boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire.


[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 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. SHORT: Ants in the Pantry (1936).

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

. . . Sunday, July 2nd thru 8th: 1776 (1972): starring: William Daniels & Howard Da Silva – and – The Patriot (2000) starring: Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger & Joely Richardson. SHORT: Movie Maniacs (1936).



SUMMARY

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

(1) trolleyboy
Posted: 26 Jun 2006, 00:03:13 (364) Classic Steam #29 – The Bay of Quinte Railway

(2) EricX2000 Eric Posted: 26 Jun2006, 00:15:10 (364) Comments

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Jun 2006, 00:16:05 (364) Monday’s Info & 23-Post Summary

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Jun 2006, 06:41:14 (364) Acknowledgments & Comments

(5) passengerfan Al Posted: 26 Jun 2006, 07:49:11 (364) Erie & Erie Lackawana streamlined sleeping cars

(6) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 26 Jun 2006, 08:03:26 (364) Gulf Coast Report!

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Jun 2006, 09:17:38 (364) Comments

(8) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 26 Jun 2006, 11:13:53 (364) Inclusive Post!

(9) BudKarr BK Posted: 26 Jun 2006, 12:57:20 (364) Mountain Comments!

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Jun 2006, 15:15:17 (364) Acknowledgments ‘n Comments

(11) passengerfan Al Posted: 26 Jun 2006, 16:52:04 (364) Comments

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Jun 2006, 20:32:19 (364) Comments ‘n Traction Pix!

(13) barndad Doug Posted: 26 Jun 2006, 21:18:04 (364) Inclusive Post! - Protecting Trains in War Time 'n Joke!


That’s it![tup][;)]


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

[siberianmo]

ENCORE! ENCORE! ENCORE! ENCORE!

Now arriving on track #1 …..
Railroads from Yesteryear! Number Three
first Posted: 03 Feb 2006, page 237

Pennsylvania Railroad




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


Locale: Chicago and St. Louis to New York City and Washington, DC

Reporting marks: PRR

Dates of operation: 1846 – 1968

Track gauge: 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) (standard gauge)

Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania


The Pennsylvania Railroad (AAR reporting mark PRR) was an American railroad existing 1846–1968, after which it merged into Penn Central Transportation. Commonly referred to as the Pennsy, the company was headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company's symbol was a keystone (Pennsylvania's symbol) with the letters PRR intertwined inside it. When colored, it was bright red with silver-grey edges and lettering (although it also appears in metal leaf outline on a wooden background on station benches).

The PRR was the largest railroad by traffic and revenue in the US throughout its 20th century existence and for a long while was the largest publicly traded corporation in the world. The corporation still holds the record for the longest continual dividend history, over 100 years of never missing an annual shareholder payment.

Like the Reading Railroad, the PRR served Atlantic City, New Jersey; one of the four railroad squares in the board game Monopoly is called Pennsylvania Railroad.

Standard Railroad of the World

The Pennsylvania Railroad, as the "standard railroad of the world", also strove for an air of permanence, decorating its railroad stations with symbols of itself. For a long time the PRR called itself the Standard Railroad of the World, meaning that it was the standard to which all other railroads aspired, the "gold standard". For a long time that was literally true; the railroad had an impressive lists of firsts, greatests, biggests and longests. The PRR was the first railroad to rid itself of wooden-bodied passenger cars in favor of the much safer steel-bodied cars. It led the way in many safety and efficiency improvements over the years. This advantage lessened as the years progressed, and the PRR eventually abandoned the use of the phrase.

The Pennsylvania Railroad was standard in another way, too - it was an early proponent of standardization. While other railroads used whatever was to hand or available, the Pennsylvania tested and experimented with solutions until they could decide on one, and then made it standard across the whole company. Other railroads bought locomotives and railroad cars in small lots, taking whatever was available from manufacturers at the time. The PRR produced huge numbers of standardised designs. This gave the railroad a feel of uniformity and greatly reduced costs. The PRR was also an early adopter of standard liveries and color schemes.

History

The eastern part of the PRR's main line was built by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as part of the Main Line of Public Works, a railroad and canal corridor across the state. The system opened in 1834, consisting of the Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad from Philadelphia west to Columbia on the Susquehanna River, a canal from Columbia to Hollidaysburg, the Allegheny Portage Railroad from Hollidaysburg to Johnstown, and another canal from Johnstown to the terminus in Pittsburgh. The Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad had one inclined plane at each end; the Allegheny Portage Railroad had ten.

The Pennsylvania Railroad Company was chartered by the Pennsylvania legislature on April 13, 1846. Construction began in 1847 and the first section opened from Harrisburg west to Lewistown on September 1, 1849 (including the original Rockville Bridge across the Susquehanna River). Further extensions opened to McVeytown on December 24, Mount Union on April 1, 1850, Huntingdon on June 10, and Duncansville (west of Hollidaysburg) on September 16, 1850, taking it to a connection with the Allegheny Portage Railroad on the east side of the Allegheny Ridge. On the other side of the ridge, the main line opened from Conemaugh (on the Portage Railroad east of Johnstown) west to Lockport on August 25, 1851. On December 10, 1851, sections opened from Lockport west to Beatty (west of Latrobe) and from Pittsburgh east to Brinton, with a temporary stagecoach transfer between via the Southern Turnpike and a short turnpike branch built to Beatty. Part of that gap was filled on July 15, 1852, from Brinton east to Radebaugh, and on November 29 the full line was completed, forming the first all-rail route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Plane Number 1 of the Portage Railroad was bypassed on April 1, 1852. Other planes began to be bypassed by the New Portage Railroad, completed in 1856, but on February 15, 1854 the PRR's new line opened, leaving the old one on the east side of the ridge in Altoona and running west via the Horseshoe Curve and Gallitzin Tunnel, only using a short portion of the old Portage Railroad near South Fork and a longer adjacent section of New Portage Railroad. A reciprocal trackage rights agreement made March 18, 1854allowed the PRR to use that section for free.

On March 21, 1849 the PRR contracted with Eagle Line, primarily a steamboat company, for through service over the Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad. The PRR obtained trackage rights over the Portsmouth, Mount Joy and Lancaster Railroad, opened in 1838, on April 21, providing a route from Harrisburg to the Philadelphia and Columbia at Dillerville, just west of Lancaster. On September 1 the first section of the PRR opened, with all arrangements in place for service from Philadelphia to Lewistown. On December 20, 1860 the PRR formally leased the line west of Dillerville, renamed the Harrisburg, Portsmouth, Mount Joy and Lancaster Railroad in 1855.

In 1853 the PRR surveyed the Lancaster, Lebanon and Pine Grove Railroad from Philadelphia west via Phoenixville to Salunga on the Portsmouth, Mount Joy and Lancaster Railroad. This was done in order to show the state that the PRR was willing to build its own alignment around the Philadelphia and Columbia. On July 31, 1857, the PRR bought the whole Main Line of Public Works. The Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad was integrated into its system. Most of the New Portage Railroad, just completed the previous year at a cost of $2.14 million, was abandoned, while short sections became local branches. The canals were abandoned, and short sections were filled and covered by rails. In 1904 the New Portage Railroad east of the Gallitzin Tunnels (through the "Muleshoe Curve") was reopened as a freight bypass line.

Access to New York, Baltimore and Washington

In the early 1860s the PRR gained control of the Northern Central Railway, giving it access to Baltimore along the Susquehanna River (via connections at Columbia or Harrisburg). [1]

On December 1, 1871 [2] the PRR leased the United New Jersey Railroad and Canal Companies, which included the original Camden and Amboy Railroad from Camden, across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, to South Amboy, across Raritan Bay from New York City, as well as a newer line from Philadelphia to Jersey City, much closer to New York, via Trenton. Track connection in Philadelphia was made via the United Companies' Connecting Railway and the jointly-owned Junction Railroad.

The PRR's Baltimore and Potomac Rail Road opened on July 2, 1872 between Baltimore and Washington, but with a required transfer via horse car in Baltimore to the other lines heading north from the city. On June 29, 1873, the Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel through Baltimore was completed, and the PRR initiated the misleadingly-named Pennsylvania Air Line service via the Northern Central Railway and Columbia. This service was 54.5 miles (87.5 km) longer than the old route via the Washington Branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad, but avoided a transfer in Baltimore. The Union Railroad opened on July 24, 1873, eliminating the transfer, and the PRR contracted with the Union Railroad and the PW&B. New York-Washington trains began using that route the next day, ending Pennsylvania Air Line service. The PRR acquired a majority of PW&B stock in the early 1880s, forcing the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to build the Baltimore and Philadelphia Railroad to keep its Philadelphia access.

Low-grade lines

Around 1900, the PRR built several low-grade lines for freight to bypass areas of steep grades. These included the following:

• 1892 - Trenton Branch and Trenton Cut-Off Railroad from Glen Loch east to Morrisville (not only a low-grade line but a long-distance bypass of Philadelphia)

• 1892 - Waverly and Passaic Railroad (finished by the New York Bay Railroad) from Waverly, New Jersey to Kearny


• 1904 - reopening of the New Portage Railroad from the Gallitzin Tunnels east to New Portage Junction, then continuing north over the Hollidaysburg Branch to Altoona

• 1906 - Philadelphia and Thorndale Branch from Thorndale east to Glen Loch

• 1906 - Atglen and Susquehanna Branch from Harrisburg via the Northern Central Railway south to Wago Junction, then east to Parkesburg

The Pennsylvania and Newark Railroad was incorporated in 1905 to build a low-grade line from Morrisville, Pennsylvania to Colonia, New Jersey. It was never completed, but some work was done in the Trenton area, including bridge piers in the Delaware River. North of Colonia, the alignment was going to be separate, but instead two extra tracks were added to the existing line. Work was suspended in 1916.

Penn Central merger

On February 1, 1968 the PRR merged with arch-rival New York Central to form the Penn Central. The ICC required that ailing New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad be added in 1969. Penn Central declared bankruptcy in June, 1970.

Successors

Penn Central rail lines were split between Amtrak (Northeast Corridor and Keystone Corridor) and Conrail in the 1970s. After the breakup of Conrail in 1999, the portion which had formerly been PRR territory largely became part of the Norfolk Southern Railway.

Timeline

• 1916 PRR adopts new motto, "Standard Railroad of the World".

• 1916 First I1s 2-10-0 "Decapod" locomotive completed.

• 1916 A5s 0-4-0 and B6sb switching locomotives introduced.

• 1918 PRR stock bottoms at $40¼ due largely to Federal railroad control, lowest since 1877.

• 1918 Emergency freight routed through New York Penn Station and the Hudson tunnels at night by the USRA to relieve congestion.

• 1918 N1s 2-10-2 locomotives introduced for Lines West.

• 1968-02-01 Pennsylvania Railroad absorbs New York Central to form the Penn Central.

• August 26, 1999: The United States Postal Service issues 33-cent All Aboard! 20th Century American Trains commemorative stamps featuring five celebrated American passenger trains from the 1930s and 1940s. One of the five stamps features an image of a GG-1 locomotive pulling the Congressional along Pennsy's route between New York and Washington, D.C., and whose slogan was "Every Mile Electrified!"

PRR equipment, and colors & painting

PRR colors and paint schemes were very standardised. Locomotives were painted in a shade of green so dark as to be almost black, called DGLE (Dark Green Locomotive Enamel) but often called Brunswick Green. Underparts were painted true black. Passenger cars were painted Tuscan red, a brick-red shade. Lettering and lining was originally real gold leaf on passenger locomotives and cars, but in the post World War II period became Buff, a light yellow shade of paint. Some electric locomotives and most passenger-hauling diesel locomotives were painted in Tuscan also. Freight cars were painted Freight Car Color, an iron-oxide red.

Trackside, the PRR was virtually alone in its exclusive use of position-light signals.

Steam locomotives

For most of its existence, the PRR pursued a motive power policy of conservatism and standardisation. Almost uniquely among American railroads, the Pennsylvania designed most of its steam locomotive classes itself and built a fair proportion of them in its own Altoona Works - in fact, the PRR is believed to have been the 4th greatest builder of steam locomotives in the United States, after the three largest commercial builders.

Outside builders were, of course, used - the sheer numbers of locomotives the PRR ordered were far greater than its own works could produce. Unlike most roads who left the majority of the decision-making and design to the locomotive builder, giving only a broad specification, the PRR generally used a commercial builder as a subcontractor, building exact replicas of an existing PRR design.

When it needed to use a commercial locomotive builder, the Pennsy favored Philadelphia's Baldwin Locomotive Works over all others. Baldwin was a big PRR customer, for one thing -- its raw materials were delivered by the PRR, and its finished products were shipped over PRR metals also. That the two companies were headquartered in the same city certainly had a bearing - PRR and Baldwin management and engineers knew each other well. The second preference, when both the PRR and Baldwin shops were at capacity, was the Lima Locomotive Works in Lima, Ohio. Only at a last resort, it seems, would the PRR use Alco, the American Locomotive Company, based in Schenectady, New York - serviced by and favorite locomotive supplier to the Pennsy's arch rival, the New York Central Railroad.

The PRR had a definite style that it favored in its locomotives. The square-shouldered Belpaire firebox was a PRR trademark that otherwise found little favor in the United States; almost every PRR locomotive had it. It traded more difficult construction for a greater heating surface and simpler firebox staying. The PRR used track pans extensively to pick up water on the move, so the tenders of their locomotives had a comparatively large proportion of coal (which could not be taken on board while running) compared to water capacity. The PRR was wary of gadgets and its locomotives were not generally festooned with devices; the PRR also favored a neat mounting of such devices when necessary, leaving the lines of the locomotive comparatively clean. Smokebox fronts bore a round locomotive numberboard (freight) or keystone numberboard (passenger) and were otherwise uncluttered except for a headlamp mounted at the top, with a steam-driven turbo-generator behind it. In later years the positions of the two were reversed, since the generator needs more maintenance than the lamp.

The PRR, until its final years, preferred a philosophy of smaller locomotives rather than buying the biggest.

Each class of steam locomotive was assigned a class designation. Early on, this was simply an alphabetical letter, but when these began to run out, the scheme was changed so that each wheel arrangement had its own letter, and different types of the same arrangement were defined by a subsequent number. Subtypes were in turn indicated by a lower-case letter; superheating was designated by a "s" until the mid 1920s, by which time all new locomotives were superheated. Thus, for example, a 'K4sa' class was a 4-6-2 "Pacific" type (K) and of the fourth class of Pacifics ordered by the PRR. It was superheated (s) and was of the first variant type (a) after the original (unlettered). See PRR locomotive classification for details.

Major passenger stations

The PRR built several grand railroad passenger stations in major cities, either alone or in conjunction with other railroads. These architectural marvels served as the hubs for the PRR's extensive passenger service. Many of these stations are still in use today, served by Amtrak as well as regional passenger carriers. See also Pennsylvania Station, the name given to many of them.

Union Station, Washington, DC

Union Station served as a hub for PRR passenger services in the nation's capital, with connections to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and Southern Railway. The Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad provided a link to Richmond, Virginia, about 100 miles to the south, where major north-south lines of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and Seaboard Air Line Railroad provided service to the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida.

Penn Station, New York, NY

Penn Station was designed to be a replica of the Baths of Caracalla; it was notable for its enormous railshed and infamous demolition in the railroad's waning years. The station was built in 1910 to provide direct access to Manhattan from New Jersey without having to use a ferry, and was served by the PRR's own trains as well as those of the PRR's subsidiary the Long Island Rail Road. The demolition did not extend to the platforms, or the tracks, or even some of the staircases, however.

Penn Station, Newark, NJ

This Art Deco station was built in the 1930s as part of the Pennsy's Northeast Corridor infrastructure. It still stands, unlike the enormous trainshed of the New York station.

30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA

In classical grandeur, the 30th Street Station displays its majestic - and traditional - architectural style with its enormous waiting room and its vestibules. The station, in spite of its apparent architectural classicism, was constructed in the early 1930s, when moderne and art deco styles were more popular.

Union Station, Chicago, IL

The Pennsylvania Railroad, along with the Milwaukee Road and the Burlington Route, built Chicago's Union Station, the only of Chicago's old stations to still exist as a train station (the rest of Chicago's operating passenger stations have been substantially remodelled). It was designed by Graham, Anderson, Probst & White in the Beaux Arts style.

Company officers

Presidents of the Pennsylvania Railroad:

• Samuel V. Merrick (1847–1849)
• William C. Patterson (1849–1852)
• J. Edgar Thomson (1852–1874)
• Thomas A. Scott (1874–1880)
• George B. Roberts (1880–1896)
• Frank Thomson (1897–1899)
• Alexander J. Cassatt (1899–1906)
• James McCrea (1907–1912)
• Samuel Rea (1913–1925)
• William W. Atterbury (1925–1935)
• Martin W. Clement (1935–1948)
• Walter S. Franklin (1948–1954)
• James M. Symes (1954–1960)
• Allen J. Greenough (1960–1968)

Chief Executive Officers of the Pennsylvania Railroad:

• James M. Symes (1960–1963)
• Stuart T. Saunders (1963–1968)

References:

Pennsylvania Railroad Technical and Historical Society

PRR Chronology - in depth

PRR Corporate History

Railroad History Database

PennsyRR.com - comprehensive PRR facts and history site, comprising multiple individual websites.

prr.railfan.net - contains a lot of Pennsy information, including equipment diagrams, freight car info.

Keystone Crossing: Hobo's Guide to the Pennsy

Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum (2000), General Atterbury. Retrieved February 21, 2005.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2005), RPI: Alumni hall of fame: Alexander J. Cassatt. Retrieved February 22, 2005.

President and Fellows of Harvard College (2004), 20th century great American business leaders - Martin W. Clement. Retrieved February 23, 2005.

White, John H., Jr. (Spring 1986), America's most noteworthy railroaders, Railroad History, Railway and Locomotive Historical Society, 154, p. 9-15.

Pennsylvania Railroad Company Inspection of Physical Property, Board of Directors November 10-11-12, 1948


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

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

Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


ENCORE! ENCORE! ENCORE! ENCORE!

[passengerfan]

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

In keeping with the PRR theme for the day.

Pennsylvania
(PRR)
Streamlined Dome Cars
By Al

The PRR began operating a streamlined train between Chicago and Miami every third day beginning December 19, 1940. This train was named the SOUTH WIND a seven car coach streamliner like its counterparts IC and FEC introduced at the same time between Chicago and Miami.
Between the FEC DIXIE FLAGLER and IC CITY OF MIAMI along with the PRR owned SOUTH WIND daily coach streamliner service was instituted between Terminal Cities Chicago and Miami. Only the FEC tracks between Jacksonville and Miami hosted all three trains.
The SOUTH WIND was a seven car Coach streamliner built new for the service by Budd and painted in the PRR Tuscan Red defeating the purpose of buying a stainless steel train. The original seven car train consist follows:

6700 Baggage 16-Crew Dormitory 18-Seat Coach

4022 60-Revenue Seat Coach

4023 60-Revenue Seat Coach

4518 48-Seat Dining Car

4020 60-Revenue Seat Coach

4021 60-Revenue Seat Coach

1126 Kitchen 16-Seat Dining 35-Seat Lounge Observation

Following WW II the PRR added a second consist of the SOUTH WIND and added streamlined sleeping cars to both.
When it was learned that IC rival CITY OF MIAMI was going to lease Dome sleeper for the winter of 1959 the PRR decided to do the same to the SOUTH WIND consists.
The story for the Pennsylvania was similar to the IC except the PRR operated the leased NP Vista-Dome Sleeping cars in full NP colors, they never repainted any of the leased cars into PRR Tuscan red, they were assigned to the SOUTH WIND operating every other day between Chicago and Miami.
The first winter the PRR leased a pair of the Vista-Dome sleeping cars SP&S 306 and NP 309 was 1959.
After that winter the NP was unable to lease out dome sleepers due to traffic demands on the NORTH COAST LIMITED. It would be four years before dome sleepers returned to the SOUTH WIND consists in 1963 they leased SP&S 306 and NP 307, the same two cars returned for the winter of 1964. In 1965 it was CB&Q 304 and NP 307. In 1966 SP&S 306 returned along with NP 307. For the final year of leasing Vista-Domes for the winter 1967 SP&S 306 and NP 310 were the selected pair.
These became the only Domes to operate on the PRR.

TTFN Al

[Anonymous]

A good Tuesday mornin' one and all. I'm still recovering from the Blitz of June 24 and 25, and from the look of it...26th. Tom and BK, I certainly enjoy being in the company of those who suggest moderation in the length of "single" posts.[^] While I do have Verizon DSL high speed service, accessing the thread and material is NOT the problem. My "problem" is that I never took a course in "speed reading" and with limited time for leisure at the P.C.; falling into the abyss of cyber "over kill" is inevitable.[V] If it is "sink or swim" time hereabouts, I can be found with a Spider Net near the bottom.

Tom, just a quick Prune Dani***o go please, thanks. Say Eric, when time permits, some street car Conductor lore would be appreciated.[tup] Doug, anything you may learn of Mr. Voss' technique would be appreciated by more folks than me, I'm sure. I'm wondering about Ted's choices of track (Atlas, Peco, et al.) and turnouts, X-overs, db. slips, etc. as well. Yes, it is true, I am an encouragible "brain picker" with all the chutzpah that title implies.[:O]

Rob, yes indeed the 24 v. constant power supply to the rails (DCC) does forgive a lack of laborious track maintenance indeed. Every Fall, I did the obligatory rounds of Scotch-Brite pads and palm sander on the G gauge ROW. Then one lazy morning, I ignored this ritual and voila, the train ran perfectly.[^] As to the international status of Vito "the Hit," I'm afraid P.I. Doyle is previously engaged in locating the whereabouts of one Nick in West Wales. Perhaps Sergeant Preston of the Yukon Territory (C.R.M.P.) has connections in Fairbanks? Poisonally, I wouldn't go there in a Centurion battle tank, if ya knows'whad'I'mean? Hmmm, excursion trains? The brochures I've perused for the "Oriental, American, Rocky Mountain, Napa Valley" et al. are out of my league, unless I sold the Ranch. The Ghan of Austrailia spans the Continent at over 1,000 miles and from the austere landscape I viewed on the Travel Channel, boooring! There are merits to rail traveling among passengers actually going somewhere as opposed to the glitzy country club crowd going nowhere.[tdn] Rob and Doug I haven't yet caught up with the Steam # 29 or the Van Horne posts, something to look forward to, however. Okay, my time is up, so Boris give her a bang for a parting round. Gadfrey, why is he chasing Awk?[:(!] See ya's soon.

[siberianmo]

G'day!

Can't "talk" Pennsy without one of these . . . .

Pennsy GG-1 (courtesy: www.trainweb.org)
Copyright © Corel Corp.


Later! [tup]


Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

THEME for the DAY! – THEME for the DAY!

The single S2, #6200, in a PRR promotional image. (Public Domain)



PRR S2 #6200 (foto credit: unknown)

QUOTE: The Pennsylvania Railroad used the largest direct-drive steam turbine locomotive in the world. Built by Baldwin Locomotive Works, the S2 Turbine, c/n 70900, was delivered to Pennsylvania Railroad in September of 1944. It was originally designed as a 4-8-4, but due to shortages of lightweight materials during World War II, the S2 became the only locomotive ever built with a 6-8-6 wheel arrangement. PRR #6200, the S2 turbine, had a maximum power output of 6,900 HP (5.1 MW) and was capable of speeds over 100mph. With the tender, the unit was approximately 123 feet long. While the gearing system was simpler than a generator, it had a fatal flaw: the turbine was inefficient at slow speeds. Below about 40 mph (64 km/h) the turbine used enormous amounts of steam and fuel. At high speeds, however, the S2 could propel heavy trains almost effortlessly and efficiently. The smooth turbine drive put far less stress on the track than a normal piston-driven locomotive. However, poor efficiency at slow speeds doomed this turbine, and with diesel-electrics being introduced, no more S2s were built. This magnificent machine was retired in 1949 and scrapped in May, 1953.

courtesy: www.wikipedia.com


Enjoy! [tup]


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[BudKarr]

Good Afternoon (morning here!) Captain Tom and the not-so-all assembled! [swg]

My compliments with regard to a fine selection as the "Theme for the Day!" ENCORE production notwithstanding, there may be no railroad in North America to rival the impact of the revered "Pennsy." [tup]


A round of cheer for those on hand and we will partake in a bit of brunch this fine day - two #7s please along with a mug of steaming java for me and a cuppa tea for my lady - thank you! [tup]

Finally was able to load those pages containing the photos from Sunday's gala. We are still rather puzzled at the "problem" encountered, however, that is now history - as they say - and I pass along my kudos to those of you who made the day such a resounding success! [tup] I would say that Sir Doug outdid himself with those model photos, but they certainly held my interest and the details are amazing. I know that my abilities lie elsewhere after having seen the fine work of people such as our Proprietor and this fellow from Illinois who put together such efforts.

We are enjoying your Alaska spread Sir Tom and cannot avoid thinking of making that trip - sleeping cars notwithstanding! [swg] Lydia has come up with enormous amounts of material for Denali - I am not certain whether there will be an examination on it! - but the place does look inviting to say the least. I am far too along in years for that kind of back packing and mountain climbing, but there are helicopters! [swg] [tup]

Again - very nice work, and also enjoyed the input from Eric - the "Big Boy" is indeed an impressive piece of machinery. Even I - the novice of the bunch - can recognize that! <grin>

Hope my comments regarding the "efficiency" of the postings did not irritate anyone - the intent was, and is, to provide another point of view to it all. Volumes and volumes of material does have a way of winding up in that cyber trash heap - which is indeed a pity, considering the time and effort put into those postings.

I noted the comment regarding my "bookend" not being able to log on. Hope his cyber situation improves, as his daily postings have become something to look forward to for me. [tup] Also, I thought Sir Pete had returned [?] Seems to have gone again! Perhaps that "list' of things to do while he was in the "mother country" has given him cause to hide! <grin>

Eric Those Nickel Plate timetable covers that I posted a few days back were downloads. I have no collections of any kind - unless weaponry is being discussed! <grin> My background is not one that lends itself easily to railroading, whether it be real or model. However, I have found myself attracted to this establishment of Captain Tom's and simply try to contribute where I may.

Lydia wants us to purchase "season tickets" to the Emporium Theatre! She is enthralled with your weekly selections of films. May I ask, are these all part of your personal library [?] You seem to come up with so many that "fit" quite well into whatever may be coming up for the crew. [tup]

Just delved through the pile of newspapers from Edmonton that have accumulated and the Pronger story has indeed inflamed those folks. Appears to be a legitimate request on the part of the player, however, as stated yesterday - certain things go with the job. Apparently he does not see it that way - or most certainly his wife does not.

Speaking for myself, I could not live with myself if I had to tailor whatever it was my careeer responsibilities happened to be around the demands of family. That is not within my make up. I recognize others do it all of the time - "Honey, may I?" sort of thing. No thank you. If the bread comes from my labors, and those are the labors I am fortunate enough to do well and enjoy - then my choice would be easy to make.

We shall be heading down the mountain a bit later on, with tomorrow a bit questionable for my presence as well.

Ring the bell Boris - another round, for tomorrow! [tup]

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

[LoveDomes]

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

Boris you horrid looking beast - ring the bell and let's have a round for the house! <grin>

A miserable day on the "Island" as the rains seem to have decided to roost right over us - more predicted for tomorrow, etc. <ugh>

Been rather busy with this 'n that, not to mention a problem with the access to the forums. I think that may have been more weather related than not - but then again, not certain. Sure took 4ever to load some pages - and I mean 4ever. [tdn] Reminded me of the old dial-up days . . .

Ah, the Pennsy and all that those memories conjure up. Biased as I am, just love - or revere (I saw that word earlier and it "fits") all of 'em that used Penn Station or Grand Central as their terminus. Those indeed were the good old days! [tup]

Honestly haven't had the time to spend checking on this or that, much less have anything prepared for this "Theme Day" - in fact, had no idea what it was going to be! Have you changed something, Tom [?] My guess is you are trying to reduce the "flow" or something. Not a bad idea, really, if that's it.

Won't get into baseball - as I see there's "trouble in River City - and that's spelled with a capital T . . . " [swg] Hey! It's still a long way until the playoffs and anything can and will happen.

I did pick up on the exchange regarding those excursion trains versus the real McCoy. Ted and you share my thoughts precisely - if they ain't scheduled, with real people going to and from real places, I'll pass, thank you very much. Reminds me a bit of the cruise line craze - as if these people really know and understand what going to sea is really all about. BS - that ain't going to sea, even if they are at sea! What did I say [?] Am I turning into a "Yogi" up close 'n personal [?] [swg]

The Mrs. and I have truly enjoyed your Alaska pix, Tom and we thank you for sharing them with us all. 5-[tup] Salute to you Sir! [tup] [tup] [tup] [tup] [tup] Also admire the way you handle your submissions - keeping the more personal and private ones out of the Ether. Way to go! [tup] We're both now seriously talking about taking such a journey - and we too would fly up to Anchorage. If they put me aboard one of those cruise ships, I'd have to head directly below decks to kick some butt and get things squared away - but then of course, I'd wake up only to realize that it's all proabably so technically advanced, that you'd never find the shovel to stoke those boilers! <grin>

I've seen that terriotory from the sea side and it is fantastic. A trip up through the Inland Passage would indeed be a treat. I'd opt for a smaller, less crowded vessel though. Anyway, see what YOU have started!! [?] [swg]

Hey BK, good to see that you made it in and have "missed" me! [swg] Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Sweden, and the "continent" - what in the world is going on [?] Thought you retired to put the anchor down [?] <grin> Sounds like you and your lady are planning some fantastic getaways . . . .

Enjoyed your thoughts regading the "Honey, May I?" approach to manhood! [tdn] I could tell many a story about guys like that. Used to have to put up with a few from time to time - but managed to square away some, and "can" some others. Also have no use for these kinds of people as friends or acquaintenances either. I used to go to ball games with a guy - hockey too - until his Mrs. got in the way of it. She couldn't understand why she wasn't invivted! Can you believe that [?] I mean this was simply a couple or three guys going to a danged ball game for some dogs and brew. It hardly was a nite out in that sensse . . . Really yanked my chain over that one until I finally told the guy to make a choice - because I sure in heck wasn't goingn to get involved with that crap. Haven't seen him since - and that was several years back. Your comments brought it back to mind. [tdn]

Back to the Pennsy - here's one I couldn't resist dropping off - then I gotta skeedaddle!

PRR Broadway Limited (1961)(from: www.trainweb.com)



Until the next time!

Lars

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a CR and a round for the house.

Now my Missus has seen your Alaska pix and now I'm getting why don't we take a cruise and ride the trains as well. Just so happens a Alaska Cruise Brochure arrived in yesterdays mail and started the ball rolling. Like you and Lars I don't want anything to do with the cruise but would lave to take the trains of the ARR. Also like the rest that seem to read this forum I am not interested in those cruise trains.
I also received a brochure yesterday on a trip to Branson, Missouri that utilizes Amtrak from the Central Valley south to Los Angeles and the Southwest Chief from LA to KC then private coach to Branson for 4 days then return to KC where you board an Amtrak Bus for Omaha where yo board the California Zephyr for the return to Sacramento. I don't care much for organized tours but this would be more to my liking.

I don't know whether they still operate but many years ago more than I care to remember took a small coastal steamship that belonged to CN from Northern Newfoundland to all of the small ports along the coast of Labrador. My Doctor in Toronto at the time put me on to this trip as he had worked as a Doctor for eight years on these little ships. Actually he did not have much doctoring to do on the ship itself but for many of these remote ports he was the only doc they saw. Certainly wasn't a cruise ship by any stretch of the imagination but the small cabin was spotlessly clean and the food simple. Probably one of the best weeks vacation I ever enjoyed. And the best part was how cheap it was.

Enough of my rattling.

TTFN Al

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

An interesteing day, eh [?] A little of this 'n a little of that. [tup]

It WAS a deliberate act on my part to avoid mentioning the ID of the "Theme for the Day" - just to see how things panned out. Decided upon an ENCORE! since we really aren't back to full speed 'round the joint yet. With CM3 away and Pete a mystery - plus the sporadic visits during the mid-mornings and afternoons - makes little sense to "waste": an oriignal submission.

Appreciate all the contributions this fine day, whether they be "on point" or not. Just because we have a "Theme" doesn't require one and all to fall into lock step. Nope - that isn't and hasn't been the intent. Just an opportunity to participate - if one wishes to.

Interesting dialogue going on between BK 'n Lars regarding those "Honey, may I?" guys. I could chime in with a bunch of stories - but won't. Just log me in the column where men are men thrive. [swg] Where did all this begin, anyway [?] [swg]

So, my Alaska Pix have created a degree of "interest" out there amongst the fair ladies, eh[?} Sorry 'bout that, Mates! [swg] Hey, it could be worse - they might be trying to drag your butts to some place like a botanical gardens or a craft show. <grin>

Al If your plans should take you to Branson, MO - let me know in advance. Perhaps we can hook up for lunch or dinner. It's about a 5 hour drive from where we are . . . .

The news in this town is focused on the "demise" of the Cardinals which is really distressing. Not the "demise," as much as those who are so shallow. I remember living and dying with the old Bums of Brooklyn - the Dodgers. In "my day" they would sqaure off with the hated Yankees more times than not in the World Series - but lose, year after year - until the "magic year" of 1955, that is! [yeah] As "Yogi" would tell us, "It ain't over, 'til it's over!" <grin>

Once again, appreciate the contributions from ALL - and it is good to know that "great minds think alike!" Doug Go for it! [tup]

One more THEME Pix . . . .

PRR E7A #5840 (foto credit: J. Hunt)



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


Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[wanswheel]

Good evening Tom and everyone, a round for the house.

Lars won't get into baseball but I will, and so will CM3. The Mets are at Fenway!
3-1 Boston in the top of the 4th at the moment, 2 Mets on base, 1st and 3rd, one out......yikes here comes David Wright...he walked, bases loaded

Tom, thanks for the reply to my email. Your ride through the Panama Canal at the age of 9 has to be one of the greatest experiences of your life, even today.

Thanks also to Dave for a compliment, I enjoy your posts too, though the technical goes over my head.

Doug, the model railroad depicted Sunday is a work of art, thanks for the bucket. Sorry to hear that you have to part with ca***o get those pictures here. You too Tom.

Rob, so little is known about the importance of the trolley systems that came and went before I was born. Thanks for the enlightenment.

Eric, somehow I knew you had been a streetcar conductor. Probably from the Swedi***o Engli***ranslation of your excellent website. I am in awe of people who can master a second language. I failed Latin and gave up.

Al, the beer at the airport in Darwin was a dark, potent brew, served warm, and it was good. I was there to clear customs for R&R in Sydney. The Aussies are great. One of my brothers was in the Navy, incidentally, and he raved about the "Bullet Train" in Japan.

Ted, you know Baltimore, the movie "Avalon" was filmed there and they used The PRR GG1 4890 as a prop. It looked to be pulling a train but it was pushed.

4890 in 1965
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/prr/prr4890.jpg

4890 in Green Bay 2002
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/prr/prr4890afh.jpg

The Congressional
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/prr/prr4868.jpg

The Congressional as a postage stamp
http://www.railfan.net/railpix/gg1stamp.jpg

New York World's Fair 1940
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN10459.jpg

Phoebe Snow in Hoboken 1959
http://el-list.elhts.org/archives/snow.jpg
Mike

[West Coast S]

Afternoon all, a fine muggy day here is LaLa land!!!

A fine theme, the mighty Pennsy, The heady times were before my time, only can recall the PC era, what other road used E units in coal service around Horseshoe Curve.

I've been trying all day to get to my stool, too many distractions....

Doug..harking back several days to a amusing observation you proffered regarding my generosity with the libations reguarding my tollerance level, I have never been under the table, been hit by a few in my younger days, not the stuff to pass on to the grandchildern. Great job with the history lesson...Oh, no not anouther Ho layout..just jesting, some good modeling for being such a tiny scale.


Al...Interesting sea story, we don't do water, wife has reoccuring visions of the Titanic diaster!! My last adventure pales in the comfort factor,I once got a grand tour via a Coast Guard Skip of the Channel Islands area, we had to be doing 30 knots in a 20 footer on open ocean, what a ride, took a week to get food to stay down!!!!

Tom, the mighty Pennsy, the standard of the world once upon a time, then came Penn central and the handwriting was on the wall. I did have one encounter with the Pennsy in the final days that i'll never forget, begrimed E units lugging coal around Horseshoe Curve. The ill fated S2 brings to mind similar vain attempts over at the Union Pacific, on two occasions they tried to master the technology, twice they failed....

Rob, the resident interurban resident is up to his usual best, there is a special PE unvailing this weekend at Port's o' Call our local tourist clip joint, however they bring in restored equiptment for operation during the summer months, wonder if the boss would give me Saturday off???

BK, Lovedome, AH, springtime and a young man's fancy turns to baseball, personally i'm off the sorry Dodgers and the moniker Anaheim Angels of Los Angeles in akin to a oxymoron. What is one to do...

Mike, technical?, I'll trade some my megar knowledge for your mastery of URL's, hey, were here with a common bond and purpose, skill level does not apply....

Well, i'm out of whit for the day, time to retreat until tomorrow...

Dave

[Anonymous]

Good evening Tom and gents! I'll have a bottomless draught and buy a round for the house. Pretty sneaky springing the RR theme at the last minute, but I managed to come up with something. Enjoyed the Wikipedia and other PRR submissions from you, and you are right ...great minds ...same gutter.

Thanks for the Streamline Domes post brother Al, the Broadway Limited from Lars and the usual terrific URLs from Mike. Yes Ted, we need to know all there is to know about Ted Voss' choice of model RR constuction materials, and I will find out! Great to see Dave in the house tonight!

Here's my humble submission for today:


The Pennsylvania Railroad had an extensive fleet of locomotives running under catenary. Electric No. 4787 is an example of a 2-C-2 (or 4-6-4) type that was built between 1931 and 1935. No. 4787, Class P-5a, was in the last group, Nos. 4781-4790, and was constructed at Altoona in 1935. Some of the locomotives in this class were also outshopped by Westinghouse or General Electric, though all parts were interchangeable.

The first two (box cab) locomotives were experimental, and classified P-5. With their success, the railroad ordered more. Subsequent units, though, had larger traction motors, thus the P-5a classification. To reduce exposure to enginemen in the event of collision, engines built after May 1, 1934 had steeple cabs incorporated into a streamlined body style similar to the joint Altoona-Raymond Loewy styling of the newly developed GG-1.

Although overshadowed by the famed GG-1, the P-5a’s established a very creditable record in their initial use on the lines east of Harrisburg and north of Potomac Yard. They were successful in both freight and passenger service. Regearing from 90 to 70 mph maximum speed simply adapted them to heavier work. Their 3,750 continuous horsepower rating was produced by three twin-motored axles.

Along low-grade lines and other electrified freight routes, the P-5a became a way of life and a tradition with the PRR men. They handled the bulk of fast symbol trains, heavy tonnage drags and locals, on the Philadelphia, New York, and Maryland Divisions. They flourished around Enola, Pa., where an average of 125 P-5a units were serviced every 24 hours. In 1942 Enola dispatched engines for a daily average of 73 trains eastbound, and 64 trains westbound. There could be one, two or three units per train. Though 52 of the original 92 engines were still active in mid-1962, they were replaced shortly after by new E-44 class rectifiers. Photo taken at Sunnyside Yard, N.Y., Nov. 16, 1938

[:I] "Mr. Clark, I have reviewed this case very carefully," the divorce court judge said, "And I've decided to give your wife $775 a week." "That's very fair, your honor." the husband said "And every now and then I'll try to send her a few bucks myself!". [:I]

[trolleyboy]

Good evening gents. Leon a small cr and a round for the assembles masses[?][swg]

Tom I think a fine choice was made of the Pennsey as the road for the day,it's gotten a bit on converstaion and some marvelous posts and pictures to boot. I'm not overly conversant on the PRR, but I do enjoy reading about and looking at the info on their "wired" subdivisions and the beasts that travelled those rails. [tup]As you knwo I'm heading towards the north country for the holiday weekend, we'll likely leave thursday night to avoid any unforseen traffic. So ill bid everyone a happy Canada day and a happy Independance day this evening so as my not seeming to rude as to not have wished everyone a wonderfull holiday weekend. I would guess that this upcomming weekend will be sparce.

al Always on side with the ole streamliners[tup] Amazing how Tom's wonderfull photography has gotten all the womenfolk riled up about going to Alaska.LOL Heather even said that the scenery was pretty, but she's adament that we see both coasts of this country first ( she wants to see her rootes in NFLD )and she wants to meet the rest of my family that live on the West coast ( I only see them infrequently and she's never met them )Still all in all the lure of travelling by rail in Alaska is a tempting one.

Dave if your boss does perchance allow you to head to that PE expose, I do hope that you will expose some film [;)]

Doug Wonderfull post on Van Horne, he was quite the charactor and quite the railroad builder. Likley one of the few railway barrons that you could say thought a great deal about the welfare of his employee's. it's truly a testiment to the man and his team as to how much they were able to accomplich with so little in reguards to modern construction apliyances ( even for their time )

Great pennsey wire article today as well.[tup] You gotta lobve those GG1's !

BK sounds like it is a very ambitious travell itinerayr that you folks are contemplating. that outta eat up the rest of your frequent flyer miles [swg]Actually my mom and dad always said that it's better to travel when you are able to enjoy it and can physically handle it. they've kicked themselves for not taking up a friend of theirs offer to go to the continent about ten years ago. The fixed incomes and health of two 70+ year olds won't allow it now [sigh]

Mike Those streetcar systems in both our countries are, all long and forgotten. What most people don;t realize is the positive city and comunity building impact that they had. They were quite the social thing to do in the early part of the last century.
All we can do is talk abut them and keep the flame alive as it were.Your urls were right ion again today as usual [tup]

Ted No ru***o read #29 it's one of the shorter ones I've put forth for purusal. Unfortunatly you will need to read it Doug's van Horn and all Tom and everyone elses fine Pennsey posts as well. At least the weekend should be a bit quiet and you will get upto the plateform with the rest of us [tup]
I don't think that Sgt Preston has jurisdiction in this case Inspector Doyle may have to suffice. I think that his lost prey is truly lost to us, which is a pitty.[sigh]


Leon you gave me the glass with the holes in it again. I think a refill and another round is in need.

Rob

[EricX2000]

Good morning Gentlemen! Leon, I would like a Gul and Blå, please. That will be something else.
A lot of interesting reading tonight (as usual).

Tom - You wrote that gas dropped to $2.75, last night I saw one gas station here that instead raised it from $2.87 to $2.91. Hope that isn’t start of a new trend. I think I read something last winter about New Zealand and improved passenger service. Very interesting to read the history of PRR. I think that Union Station, Washington, DC is the biggest in the world in one way or the other. I don’t remember right now. I did not know that Union Station in Chicago used to be PRR. I am always learning something! Thanks! Nice picture of GG1 4877! PRR S2 #6200 is a very interesting turbine locomotive. Too bad it was scrapped. I think most railroads that tried turbine locomotives did that only for a shorter period of time. One of few railroads that actually used turbines for several years was a Swedish railroad, TGOJ. They operated three turbine locomotives from 1930-31 to 1953, hauling ore trains.

Al - 13 streamlined sleeping cars (22 after the merger). How many sleeping cars did they run in an average night train? 2-3? How about PRR? Considering how many trains they were running it seems like they did not have many streamliners.

Ted - My career as a street car conductor was pretty short, just two years, until I was drafted to the Air Force for a year. But it was a lot of fun. I am looking for a picture that was taken the day when I and some other people had finished our training. I am not sure where it is hiding, but I will find it.

Rob - I looked for pictures of the Swedish Bikini Team tonight and they actually have an official website,
http://www.swedishbikiniteam.com/
But watch out, one is from Norway (maybe Lars knows her?) and one was born in England (by Swedish parents). The first SBT was a fake, all American! Phoenix is planning a pretty extensive system of light rail, the first segment will be about 20 miles long. I don’t remember the exact number. The city could actually restore much of the old street car system, most of the rails are still in place under a few layers of black top. It was too expensive to tear them up. They were resurfacing some streets downtown Phoenix in the late 90’s and found tracks but decided to leave them as they were.

BK - Now you are making me curious, work-pleasure situation in Sweden? Did you work there? Downloaded timetable covers, that is also a kind of collection!?

Doug - That certainly was a drastic (but effective?) way to protect the trains. Do you know if it worked? I am glad I won’t be around 2056. The future doesn’t look that bright if all those predictions become true. But they made me laugh! Feel sorry for the Florida voters though. Interesting story about William Cornelius Van Horne. He was obviously the man to get it done! 508 miles of handlaid track in one season (6-8 months?). Wow! P-5a was indeed overshadowed by GG1. I guess one reason was that looked very much the same.

Mike - My second language is English, but I am working to make it my first lkanguage and Swedish my second and after almost 14 years in Phoenix I am at least thinking in English! I also learned German in school, but most is forgotten.

Eric