"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[passengerfan]

Good Evening Tom Guess I'll have my usual CR and a round for the house.
Welcome to the Permanent Order of Stools ***, I.m sure you will enjoy all that entails. Have to keep it rather short as I am just going out the door to one of the outlaws (inlaws) for the evening and probably need a couple of double CR before I go should get me through the evening.
Bye for now.

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Nick

Thanx for stopping by and of course welcoming *** to the group. Sleazy, you say[?] Well, perhaps - but for some reason, the Gals of "Our" Place seem to buzz around those stools ....... [}:)][:-,]

[yeah] That was Duke in the cyber flesh a bit ago .... nice of him to stop in. I haven't frequented his hangout in weeks and weeks - just can't handle this 'n that. Far too much for me and I'm honest enough to admit that once I'm committed to something - well that's just the way it is. I'm anal that way ...... One cyber place is more than sufficient for me. [tup]

Appreciate your order in Imperial measures - that's the way to do it! [tup] Many years ago - when Moby *** was a minnow - we used to buy our allowance of liquor in ports of call such as St. John's, Nfld - Halifax, NS - Guantanamo, Cuba - St. George's, Bermuda and Kingston, Jamaica. They were always in 40 oz. bottles and if I told you what the prices were (circa mid 1950's-60's), you'd be green with envy! Believe it or not - I STILL have some of those purchases sitting in the basement .... really do. [yeah] We were allowed a gallon per man per trip. So over the years of my service, they added up. Wasn't a big liquor drinker in those days - exception, gin in the summer and perhaps some VO now 'n then.

First time I ever came across Thunderbird Wine was in Seattle back in 1959. There was a bar in the sailor's part of town that actually gave it away! That's not all one could get in those bars on the old Pine & Pike Streets! [swg]

No, no Boris don't ring the bell. This is a bar and we can talk about booze 'n beer without being [#offtopic]. Geesh!

We'll be looking forward to another of your British Isles railroading narratives .... [tup]

Catch ya later ......

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

Well good evening [4:-)][oX] TOM--and gentleman all-*** :-Welcome to the sleazy end of the bar-now,if memory serves that will be an extra-large Plymouth gin,although the accompaniment escapes me for the moment,and a round for the rest of the renegades,now,TOM-the full Brains beer order should be with you in a day or two-depending on head winds,--added two `11`s of mild when I heard about Gunns Grandma-bound to be loads of ex-pats in Can-Am country who would walk over hot coals for a good pint of dark-especially on a sunday lunch-time,with a couple of bags of crackling to sharpen the appetite for the big roast dinner later.....Also stuck in a half dozen cases of the green label bitter in imp pint bottles...by the bye--was that Duke`s Honda Goldwing I tripped over on my way in...? .anyway,a warning note,-treat these Welsh beers with respect-You will find them thicker,darker,richer & much,much stronger than anything short of Thunderbird Wine ( that old `hard times`favourite) and inclined to catch up with you when you least expect it. .........Well,since it`s some weeks since I made any rail-related submission,the guilt has finally become to much to bear,I will attempt a thumbnail sketch of one of the great little trains of Wales-the Tal-Y-Llyn,same time tomorrow,night all,nick[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

G'day Duke!

Been quite awhile, hasn't it[?] You were one of the early customers for sure - and this is your 4th post (who's counting[?] [swg])

Thanx for the kind words, we seem to have developed a good nucleus with which to keep this place of ours hummin'. Sorry I haven't been 'round The Coffee Shop but it's really too much to keep on top of for me - this is filling my plate for sure. [tup]

If you would - give my regards to the crew over there - meaning the ones from my days in the spring ....... especially the guys from Nova Scotia. I've browsed through a few times and simply can't tell the players without a score card! [swg]

Catch ya later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

G'day Guys!

I'm back behind the bar - thanx Cindy for the respite ......... [swg]

Now, here's a dilemma for ya -we've just inducted one of our own (***) into the Order of the Permanent Stools and what does he do[?] Comes in here telling us all about his LUNCH somewhere else!!! [tdn][tdn][tdn] Ring the bell, Boris this guy owes, big time .......... [yeah]

Nice primer on transit and what you've done down in Dallas to come up with the winner of a system that it truly is! Timing - I just rattled off a rather long letter to our local bird cage liner (aka: newspaper) about what's wrong with the transporation planning mechanism here in the greater St. Louis area. When you have a city unto itself (not part of the surrounding county) and 92 independent muncipalities comprising St. Louis County - and of course the Illinois side of the river - things become rather convoluted and most difficult to manage. Not impossible - but difficult. I've got over a decade of my life invested in this stuff and can see the forest for the trees - too bad those paid to do the job cannot. Okay - 'nuf of that. Ring the bell again, Boris my turn! [swg]

Be seein' ya later and by the by - your Email was received.

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[bjdukert]

Afternoon to all here in Our Place and you too Siberanmo

I just came from across the tracks from the Coffee Shop and I haven’t been in since the doors to Our Place opened and I see you have a very good thing going. Siberanmo let me say Congarts on the start and on the way it is growing.

Well everyone take care over here and you are in good hands and BTW I like your Order of the Stools[tup][tup] Time to mosey back across the tracks

Duke

[Anonymous]

Ah-A good lunch. Went across the street to Whole Foods and got a container of tomato and feta cheese salid and some hot salami to eat. Not essentially dietetic but GOOD!.

For Theorodorebeer- The Melbourne car we have came from down under, not from New Orleans. In its anchient history it may have been in New Orleans, but as far as we know it came from down under.

It never ceases to amaze me how Dallasites (and Fort Worthers) have taken to transit. There is an old saying that I will get out of my pickup when you pry my dead fingers off the steering wheel. In the beginning we had many nay sayers who said that mass transit will not pay its way. Some of these people had vested interests such as being in the concrete business. They are true as NO public transit system can pay its way through the farebox. DART has a farebox recovery of direct operating expense of about 19% which is about average for this country. The highest recovery ratio is New York which is about 60%. A few more people are transit dependant in NYC. Airlines are in dire straights. They would all be out of business if they had to build their airports, pay for the air traffic control system, and the security screeners. Same for shipping on our rivers. Who built the dams and locks which they traverse free? Truckers do not pay for the highways that they clog and destroy. Only the railroads pay 100% of their way plus property tax on the ROW. I better get off my high hourse before I fall.

Back to DART which I have an indepth knowledge. We underestimated the degree of ridership that we have. This is a good problem. Even during non peak travel times our light rail trains are often standing room only. The Feds, who fund a lot of the capital for transit likes this also. They use a ratio of dollars per rider per year for the capital invested. True Dallas does not have the lowest ratio. This falls to the transit dependant cities such as NYC, Chicago, and Boston where people have been riding mass transit for years. We have observed that there are many people who will never go near a bus, but will ride a train anytime. I will not comment on this phenoma.

Some of our lessons learned are:
Spend a few extra dollars on art, etc. If customers see that you are spending a little extra they will take care of it.
Keep the system safe and clean. Remove any grafitti as soon as possible. Do not give the taggers a chance to look at their work.
Run a frequent schedule. During rush hour run 5 minute headways. If a customer has to wait he will not use the system.
Make a smooth interface between different modes or other transit systems. We work closely with Fort Worth's The-T (their transit agency) with tickets being good on both systems. Ticket vending machines are identical on both systems.
Keep fares low to make travel by mass transit financially attractive. The middle east is doing this for us now.
Go the extra mile. On Valentines day we give a rose to all female riders on the TRE.
Remember that your transit police mainly contact customers who are asking questions and not for enforcement. The officers need to be public relations personnel above all in addition to their police duties.
When an underutilized rail corridor comes available BUY IT even if it is not in your current transit plan. Who knows, maybe next month it might be. You will not get any cheaper corridor. Just think of the cost of buying a 100 foot wide swath through any built up area.
Hire a knowledgable former railroader. In dealing with the Class 1s they will have a million reasons why you cannot run commuter trains on their tracks. This former railroader will tell you when the Class 1 story is a crock of fecal matter. This is the best employee you can have.
Hire qualified professionals for all positions. Do not become an employment sink for every political person who wants to reward a supporter.
Keep open lines with your stake holders (cities within your system area, etc) If they are on board getting approvals from the Feds will be far easier. Meet with your stake holders atleast once a month.
Above all keep your nose clean. Do not tolerate any conflict of interest or corruption in your organization. Nothing can loose public support faster than this.

I have pontificated enough for not and better get back to work. Think I will get a cup of Joe for the road and stop in later.

Cheers,
***

[siberianmo]

G'day All!

I see *** has made his appearance this fine day AND has found the way to what is now HIS Permanent Stool! Thanx for the round ....... I heard the dratted bell ringing while I was out back ....... CIndy has the bar today. [tup]

Good info regarding the streetcars - and for those who may have missed it (I don't know how or why!!) check out the photo's on page 79 and at http://www.railimages.com/gallery/thomasweber - go to pages 7 & 8.
===================================

Good to see ya, Chris and that's great news regarding your return to the sweat shop! [swg] No doubt you've missed being engaged in the things you do in order to pay the bills and maintain your interest in railroading (real & model)! [yeah]

Nice try, but NO cigar! That so-called whiskey you asked for is a fictitious bit of nonsense from John Steinbach's Cannery Row - referred to as a "cheap whiskey" that can be found at Lee Chong's Grocery across the street from Dora's borthel.
Try again, mate! [swg]

Oh [yeah], perhaps the part of your anatomy that you are referring to with reference to that pain you've experienced is the patoot! [;)]

Be seein' ya!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[CFournier]

Hello Tom and the boys!
"Old Tennis shoes" for me please.
"Félicitations" *** for your promotion to the Order of the Permanent stool [8D].
Now remember what Spiderman said: " With great power comes great responsibilities"
or something like that...
For those of you who miss me[:D] I'll be back working in my office the 29th of August.
In the mean time my internet connection is still a pain in the lower part of my back...[:(!]
The office connection is lightyears ahead of mine. I will be more active on the forums once I return to work. Right now I am trying to solve a track configuration problem on my layout[banghead] so see you later.
CHRIS
BTW, "Old tennis shoe" is from "Cannery Row"...(Old Tennessee whiskey)

[Anonymous]

Good morning Y'all

Thank you for inducting me into the Exhalted Order of the Permanant Purple Stools. I will try to live up to the honor just bequested upon me. A round of your favorite is on me!

Trolleyboy--Enjoy reading your very knowledgable comments regarding the trolleys. You must be a charter member of the Juice Freaks. MATA has 10 street cars in their livery. Not all are in running condition. We have the four vintage cars mentioned in our web page, Matilda, Rosie, Green Dragon, and Petunia. We also have our only air conditioned car, Winnie in service. The other cars will be air conditioned as funds come available. We will also be installing rubber spacers on the wheels to cut down on noise. Winnie was recently purchased from the Tandy Corp when they shut down their trolley in Fort Worth. Winnie was originally a PCC car that Tandy "boxed" in to make it appear more modern. Lots of the original PCC is under the shell, but not enough to restore to a true PCC. We removed most of the "modern" additions to make it more typical. We named it Winnie because it looks like a Winnebago motor home. Car 754 is being restored by Edwards Car Co in Florida and is about 60% complete. As we obtain some extra cash we authorize Edwards to do another phase of the restoration. (Donations are welcome!) Cars 183 ans 189 are almost basket cases as they are currently stored outdoors. We hope to get them restored as funds come available (Anyone want to underwrite the restoration?) We also have two PCC from Toronto. These are in working order and have been regauged. They need a little cosmetic work to get them working. We are not pushing these until we complete our West End loop that will permit reversing of the cars. As we all know a PCC does not run too well in reverse for long distances. Our final "car" is Miss Daisy, a Fairmont speeder that we use for repairs as needed. Currently we are straining ourselves to meet daily sendout as during the rush hour we can have all 5 workable cars in service. These cars that are approaching 100 years old do need tender loving care and parts are not available at the local hardware store.

We are fortunate that when Dallas parted with trolley service after WWII they just paved over the tracks. Our initial section was made operational by removal of the asphalt on the track and replacing rail where it was cut for a water line. Our metal detector comes in real handy to locate rails in other streets. We have cannibalized switches from the street in areas where we do not plan to operate for our system. This way the cost of a switch becomes real cheap. Power is from one rectifier in the car barn. I think we will need a second rectifier when we get our estension to the West End in operation. The voltage drop then will be more than we can tolerate.

Most of our staff and operators are volunteers. Up to recently we only had two paid employees. After contracting with DART to provide the transit service on McKinney Avenue we did employ a few paid motormen. Most of them just tear up their pay check as they enjoy running a trolley.

It is lunch time and I better go out with the boys for lunch. More later.

***

[siberianmo]

Howdy Rob

Didn't see your post hiding right in front of me! Good to see ya this fine day!

You are the first to acknowledge ***'s entry into the Order of the Permanent Stools and therefore are entitled ........ to what[?] Just consider yourself - entitled! [swg] By the way, that's crushed velvet purple velour for those stool cushions! Brought in by the Can-Am a few months back - got 'em from a raided house of ill repute somewhere on the other side of the mountain ....... [swg] Inspector Clueless of the Local Constabulary has connections, ya know. Figured they'd fit in right fine 'round here!

Never realized there was a difference in track gauge with the trolleys .... man, will this educaiton ever end[?] Hope not! [tup]

See ya!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Mornin' GunnsKevin

When stuck for something to say 'round here, just reveiw the Posts since your last visit and of course the SUMMARY along with those Special Posts I put out .... it'll come to ya ....... [tup] That's what is supposed to separate the regulars 'round here from the rest .......

From what you've indicated about your heritage, I'll bet there's gotta be some railroadin' in there somewhere.

Catch ya later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Good morning again everyone. Boris you look rather refreshed this morning did ted an Nick give you a bath or something[?] Perhaps he's just been into the bakeries wares as he has a glazed look inhis eyes [:O] <i know to early in the morning for that type of humour>Tom I would like to have the ultra light breakfast today ( almost didin't see my toes this morning) If you want a try at the controls I'm sure we can arrange it. We'll stay a little after hours that way we won't scar away the rest of the public at largeted Not to worry as I said the angle that picture was taken from it is quite easy to think that the plow was attached. Mind you I don't think we would be able to move the hand car if it were attached as that plows close to a ton of weight!!![XX(] As too TTC broad guage it was a one and only in the Dominion. Most of the strret rail and interurban systems ran on standard guage. 90% of the manufacturers that TTC bought from made the truck s for them ( I'm sure not without cost ) TTC's Hillcrest shops have a quite extensive machine shop so any equipment purchased second hand they just pulled the wheels from the axles and reguaged. In most cases there is enough axle that it wasn't a big deal moving them out the extra inch and 3 quarters or so. All the cars at the museum are TTC reguaged as well we usually send them either to TTC or national steel car in Hamilton as our wheel puller is pretty old and an antique in it's own right. Besides it's a bit of a pain in the patoot,so if we can outshop we will.So inessance it was an essentially cart before the horse activity at least with used equipment from US citiies that the TTC purchased.Cars would be brought in on rail or truck floats and refurbed and reguaged by the TTC shop guys before entering service.*** congrates[bow][yeah][tup] welcome to the stool's. You will notice that your usual stool now has the crushed velvet cushion on it which Boris will sweep the crumbs off for you before you sit down. well gentlemen got to run works a calling. Rob

[Gunns]

Morning Tom,
NYa'll

Coffee and pastery, <G>

Nick,
That sounds like breakfast at my Grandmothers! <I miss that>, She lived in a little town in SE Idaho, where most of the Welsh immagrents ended up in the 1800s. I'm up for it.

Still tring to come up with sumpin meaning full for the classic discussion, give me a couple of hrs and I'll Be Back.....
Gunns

[siberianmo]

Results from August’s meeting of the Selection Committee of the Order of the Stools: (Advice was provided to the Committee from those who hold Permanent Stools.)

<bonk, bonk, bonk> – what’s the matter with this gavel[?] [censored][banghead])
<Oye, Oye, Oye – all RISE in respect to the arrival of the Selection Committee The Honorable Inspector Clueless of the Local Constabulary presiding.>

<Be seated>

It has been decreed that the Order of the Stools be revised to reflect the following:

Permanent Stool Cfournier CHRIS First customer, [^] Barrister and Quebec connection.

Permanent Stool Theodorebear TED Manager of “Our” Place and customer with unparalleled good cheer [swg] and determination. Florida connection.


Permanent Stool nickinwestwales NICK Chief Chef [C=:-)] of “Our” Place and customer supreme from West Wales. British Isles connection.

Permanent Stool trolleyboy ROB If it concerns street cars, talk to me! – and Ontario connection.

Permanent Stool passengerfan AL Walking, talking “Classic Train” aficionado [2c] and author. California connection.

NEW Permanent Stool wrwatkins *** Rail aficionado [2c], enthusiast, world traveler – and Texas [C):-)] connection.

Reserved Stool earlydiesels DAN Restorations are us! … And train lover at large [2c]. Southwest Missouri connection.

Reserved Stool West Coast S DAVE California man of mystery [8D], real and model rail enthusiast, and West Coast connection.

Reserved Stool coalminer 3 Northeast rail aficionado [2c] and West Virginia connection.

Reserved Stool Gunns KEVIN Machinist, loco restorationist supreme [2c] and New Mexico connection.

Reserved Stool Trainnut484 RUSSELL AT&SF and rail enthusiast, model railroader [:D] and Kansas connection.


<bonk, bonk, bonk – [censored][banghead] @*#&$%-Thing!>
<All rise as the Committee adjourns.>

Congrats [bow][wow][yeah] to *** Watkins for the Permanent Stool award! Have a couple on me![tup][swg]

For the benefit of those who are new or who have forgotten, the The Order of the Stools is ”Our” Place’s way of recognizing those customers who have demonstrated their willingness to participate and contribute to the success of this cyber bar ‘n grill in an inclusive and continuing manner.

The next meeting of the Selection Committee will be in September.

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

[siberianmo]

G'mornin' Ted

Another fine inclusive post from you - something that just pleases me to no end 'round here. That's what puts the "Our" in "Our" Place! [tup][tup][tup]

Here's some amplifying info regarding that fine brew from Wales, called Brains - they make:

Brains Bitter - Brains Bread of Heaven - Brains Dark Mild Ale and Brains S.A

I hope Nick included them all in his order - we're all about inclusiveness 'round here! [swg]

When it comes to preservation, I'll support - best I can - those organizations who do such things. For me, I preserve memories. That's done through my rather modest hard cover RR book library - my decades of MRR magazines - my 3 wall mounted display cases of HO stuff - aka: retired and of course, the three layouts - HO Can-Am, O-gauge Lionel Polar Express and my new venture, the ceiling suspended S-gauge MoPac/IC layout. Preservation in the sense that the rolling stock and loco's have meaning - they bring back vivid recollections each 'n every time I look at or operate 'em. That's my contribution. May the memories never fade! [tup][tup][tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

G'Marnin' everybody, Nick [C=:-)], its great to have your sage humor humour back where it is truly appreciated,[tup] that is not to mention your culinary expertise.[^] First allow me to pick-up your Staropramen and I'll join ye in a Labatts Blue Label, thanks Tom and please grab something for yer'self. Gunns will be pleased to hear of the "Traditional Welch breakfast" and Peter is anticipating the Brain's Ale. If you don't mind, I would just like to watch from a safe distance.[:O]

Rob, at 4'-10 7/8 " gauge, how did TTC manage the conversions needed, or is this a popular gauge in The Dominion? Baltimore cars were 5' gauge (so I'm told) and Brill among others had them "on-the-shelf." The Balto. PCC's had a eerie "squat" appearance compared to other city's cars. Thanks for clearing-up my dillusion on the hand car photo image.[banghead] Now, I realize that I need a new glasses RX! Lot's of good info. on car operating systems and greatly appeciated.[tup] I don't wi***o be demeaning in any way but must inquire about purchasing rolling stock that wouldn't have proper clearance on the T.T.C. R-O-W?[#oops] Surely, this wasn't a "cart before the horse" scenario? Can't wait for Sep. 10th now we know Nick will be at the "Golden Royal Spatula" [w/Bay Leaf Clusters].[:D]

Tom, no apologies necessary on getting a late start for identifying rolling stock. You and I, as kids, assumed these "palaces on steel" would be around forever. Thanks to Gunns, Barndad, Rob and others, some of them will be.[bow] That goes for coalminer, earlydiesels, Dave, Russell, Jeff, Peter, Nick, all the others and, of course passengerfan Al with his momentous tome on "streamliners." All of us, in our own way [supportive or otherwise], have preservation as in mind.[tup]

Right Nick, in Boris' own words: "It isn't Easy being Green."[alien] But through the efforts of Tom, the girls and me humble self, "hope springs eternal."[:D] Happy rails to one and all, Ted.

[siberianmo]

MONDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

G’day All! Another kick off to the work week and it’s time again to give 5 days of excellence to your place of employment. [yeah][wow] Right! [swg]

Let’s get to it, shall we[?]

News of the Day:

(1) The Selection Committee for The Order of the Stools and Order of the Permanent Stools will be releasing the results of their meeting TODAY - Watch for it

(2) repeat Next Birthday Bash is for trolleyboy Rob on Saturday, September 10th at 10 PM (Eastern)

(3)repeat FIRST ANNUAL “OUR” PLACE CLASSIC TRAINS RENDEZVOUS scheduled for Friday, May 12th, 2006 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada! We’re planning on a full day of activities that will undoubtedly spill over into Saturday. We’re planning on arriving Thursday. So, why not give this some serious thought and join those of us who have committed to going[?] More details available by sending me an Email.

(4) repeat Dallas pix and report may be viewed on pages 79 & 80.

SUMMARY:
Name - Date/Time - (Page#) - Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 21 Aug 2005, 08:50:00 (82) Sunday’s News & Summary

(2) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 21 Aug 2005, 09:26:40 (82)

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 21 Aug 2005, 10:14:02 (82) reply to Theodorebear

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 21 Aug 2005, 14:21:33 (82) 2005 Birthday Watch List

(5) Gunns Posted: 21 Aug 2005, 15:27:27 (82)

(6) barndad Doug Posted: 21 Aug 2005, 15:41:49 (82)

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 21 Aug 2005, 15:50:17 (83) reply to Gunns & barndad

(8) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 21 Aug 2005, 16:57:52 (83)

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 21 Aug 2005, 18:51:49 (83) reply to Theodorebear, etc.

(10) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 21 Aug 2005, 19:56:50 (83)

(11) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 00:35:28 (83)

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 06:17:03 (83) reply to nickinwestwales & trolleyboy

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

[siberianmo]

Good Morning Y'all!

A couple of posts to catch up on before the SUMMARY:

Nick

May I share in your happiness regarding your sister's recovery[?] [yeah][tup] That's great and undoubtedly lifted the worry from her and all the family. [tup] Had to smile when reading your thoughts regarding family - yes - pretty much the same everywhere, I suspect! [;)] However, permit me to say - be appreciative of what you have and for those who care for and about you. We're all not so blessed ........

Your words really are more lie you and what we've been missing for sooooooo long 'round here. [#welcome] Back! [tup]

I'll be watching for that Skull Attack shipment to arrive and get it stowed post haste aboard our reefer car sitting in the CP yards right 'round the bend. [swg]

The S-gauge only requires landscaping in order for it to be finished. I've constructed a small lake/pond and will be fitting it in this week. Nothng really innovative, just a piece of plexiglass cut into a larger piece of foam insulation board, caulked 'round the edges, then glued to the base board (also foam insulation board) using caulking. The plexiglass has been given a coat or two of paints so that when I apply Realistic Water from Woodland Scenics the effect of depth, etc. should show up nicely. Same technique that I used on the Can-Am layout. Pix to follow, of course. This entire venture is really nothing more than an aging man and his fancy coming to fruition. Once done - on to the next challenge! [swg]

Not to worry about Boris as between Ted and I, he's being watched after. Leon seems to have taken a liking to him and I've been getting them off to the woods up near Can-Am Gorge on Sunday afternoons. The forest creatures will never be the same .......

Take care!
==================================
Rob

Always good to start the day with your posts to read. [yeah] Sorry 'bout those rocks - we've got to get Ted to put his toys away when he's through with 'em! [;)]

It's an oddity, but ever since my experience down in Dallas with the McKinney Street Trolley and the Barn, reading about streetcars has taken on new meaning! Not that my interest was nill prior to the trip, but let's just say I've become much more interested since. [tup] I've changed my thoughts a bit and now, with your supervision, would surely like to take a turn operating one of your trolleys when we visit in May. [yeah] Slow's the watchword, however! [swg]

Thanx for the Birthday selection for time and date! Once established - the rest is in OUR hands - all you need to do is SHOW UP!

Enjoy the day!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Good morning ouch what the heck who left all these rocks at the front door [sigh] that's gonna leave a mark. Tom thanks for the tip on the photo programs.I'm not in too big a hurry to find one as i'm still shopping for the right digital camera for myself,coupled to the lack of power and storage on the ol'PC, it's not a top priority. On a happy MR note I managed to win a bowser brill trolley on h**lbay so [yeah][tup] a new toy for me. Ted Okay that phot is not an optical illusion. I was confused by your question about the hand cars ersatz snowplow. It's the angle the shot was taken from. I was standing in the man door at the side of the barn an shot inside accross the three closest tracks. On that day the hand car was parked in front of TP-11 the heavy duty snowplow is infact TP-11's nose plow it just looks attached but it's not.As to your Whitt query the bells on the Canadian built ones ( Toronto, Kitchener's,and Regina's ) the bells are a standard "stomp bell" in that there is a button at the motorman's feet which you step on ( forcefully ) with your heal or toe. This button is the striker which is mounted on a spring that impacts the top of the bell mounted behind the anticlimber. The PCC's were all electric bells and yes have two distinct tones, one ringas just inside the car the other is external. The outside one is a much lower tone and louder. When th TTC first bought their whitt's in 1921 they had been ment to run on all surface routes. Unfortunatly they were much larger ( longer and wider )than the TR cars they were to replace. initially they only ran on Younge street.As two cars could not pass each other on any of the other double tracked routes. TTC had to widen all the old Toronto Civic and toronto railway Company routes devil strips to allow the Whitts to pass. They had a couple nasty scrapes the first years. by 1930 the whitt's were the car the original red rockets and were used system wide. The large Whitt's haouled the ttrailers on Bloor , dundas amnd Younge street lines and the small Whitt ran rush hour and short turn service accross the system.With the Birney's and remaining TR cars running the lesser volume routes. When you are at the museum I'll show you our TR car and you can guage the width difference ti the Whitt's on the property. the electric track pedals worked like a magnetic reed switch if I'm understanding them correctly. This allowed the motorman to stay in the car and not have to venture out into traffic with a switch iron to change direction. Hopefully one of our mechanical boys are at the museum the day we visit and they can give youi the complete shakedown on the NR switch function. well folks I'm off and running stayed longer today than I originally planned. I'll pop by tomorrow err later today. Rob

[nickinwestwales]

Well good evening Tom & Gentlemen all,please excuse the paucity of input lately,busy times in these parts. Sister is finally fully recovered and booked to fly back out to Toronto in about twelve hours,thus the clan descended to wish her well,renew old grudges with each other,attempt to strike up new ones with strangers,eat and drink almost constantly,bicker incessantly and,all the while,carefully avoid those topics they really ought to be discussing with religious fervour-much like families everywhere I suspect. Mother elected to take a passive role on the fairly reasonable grounds that " Why on earth should I cook when I`ve got a son who`s a chef"-So that,fitted around all the other stuff I had to do,was my week-how about you guys...? Right,before we proceed,a round of drinks for `the stools`,something sparkling and expensive for Cindy,in the most elegant glass we have please,a large measure of your preferred `start the week` tipple for your own hand and a Staropramen for me please-right,all set..!......WOLFMAN-HI ! request noted,two`9`s of "Skull Attack" dispatched via Can-Am/Cymru Zeppelin service-given forecasts for prevailing winds 1st keg should be best 10 days from now,2nd keg 7 days after-leave to settle for min. 24 hours.........enjoy..!!!!! GUNNS-HI ! -Traditional Welsh breakfast eh..? Well now,in the last rest. I worked in which was prepared to serve it it was presented as : 2 rounds wholemeal toast,cut on the diagonal & arranged in a square,bed of Lava Bread spread in a circle ,lattice of streaky bacon rashers,handfull of Cockles-flash grill under Salamander for 20 secs. with waitress standing by and serve immediately....before I confirm your order,perhaps I should point out that Lava Bread is a combination of boiled seaweed & oatmeal,streaky bacon is the tail end of the rasher-dust with flour and slow-grill `til the fat gets nice and crispy and golden,Cockles are small( knuckle size ) shell fish-noted for gritty texture and included in mixed seafood dishes for novelty rather than flavour.........still interested-...?.....if you want the full Celtic experience you`ll have to wait for Wolfmans consignment of Brains ale to wash it down with,Bon appetite [C=:-)] TOM,-new stock for the `S` capade looks good-think you`ve made the right decision R.E additions--this is a `return to roots ` kinda thing where new stock appeared only as Xmas & birthday presents from slightly dotty aunts and well meaning but clueless uncles---How nice to then receive an occaisional new boxcar or signal as a present from a devoted grandchild for the layout that is a direct descendant of that first circle of track.......O.K,moonlight mile for me,apologies to everybody I`ve missed,there are one or two conversations I particulaly want to catch up on,not enough hours in the day,thank you who-ever has been looking after Boris (Mr manager Ted would be my guess)He and Leon (the gruesome twosome) seem to have developed a worrying level of communication-they may soon discover that there is more to life than "Flexible Friends"-Clueless & Doyle should be informed,the general public warned etc,enough of this madness,speak soon,nick[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

<clank> <swoosh> <clunk> What was THAT[?] Boris 'n Leon go downstairs to the bar 'n find out what that noise was![%-)]

<Oh, just a post from Ted ..... using those rocks as weights in the envelope again!>

Evenin' Ted

Still playing catch up, eh[?] Well, the new SUMAMRY format should be of assistance ....... [tup] Glad you stopped by ...... even if your arrival alarmed the boyz a bit!! [swg]

We've got quite a bit of time before Rob's BIrthday Bash so let's see how it shakes out for Nick. After all, there is a considerable time difference (GMT) between where he is and our right coast. Keep the faith! [tup]

My memories of the trains of the 40's and 50's aren't at all as detailed as others have. Mine are more centered on the traveling experience rather than the details of the equipment in use. I couldn't really tell you what the names of the trains were that I traveled aboard , rather frequently, between NYC and Baltimore, WashDC and ttwice to Albany, NY. (PRR - B&O - NYC) Then there was a trip from LA to NYC via Chicago (AT&SF & PRR) when I was 9 - and the trip from Mobile, AL to NYC in 1951 (Southern). Wonderful experiences and great memories. A cross country round trip in 1953 with the Boy Scouts from NYC to Santa Ana, CA for a Jamboree was a blast in B&O cars where the seats folded flat for our sleeping bags. For equipment, I remember the Pennsy's GG-1's as if they were running yesterday - the tuscan color stands out. I recall the NYC's lilghtning stripes and the B&O emblem and livery. Of course, the green of the Southern and the War Bonnet of the Chief are etched in the old grey matter. [yeah] But that's about it ....... During my early service years there was 6 months of weekends riding the NH between New London, CT and NYC . Those southbounds were much more fun than the return on Sunday evenigns. Usually wound up in a streamliner heading to NYC - but always had the heavweights for the return. My more detailed accounts came once serioius travel began and for me, that started about 15 years ago in Canada. Go on, make my day - ask me about VIA Rail and BC Rail!! [swg]

Gotta get back to doing nothing .......

See ya!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

G'afternoon all, b[]Tom, this being Sunday I'll forgo a libation in favor of some sorely needed catching up. Let's start with a disclaimer right away. Gents, if I miss anyone's previous Post, I aplogize in advance. Today, I need to hit the "hot buttons" first. Then I can thread my way through those I miss now and pick 'em up later, okay? Al, as usual, your erudition on pass. trains has cleared the foggy mystery of the past and brought facts to the "light of day."[tup] The "shadow" stripe ATSF paint scheme is now laid to rest. But more importantly (to me) is the ATSF "off" green I remember is more likely a weathered shade of the grey used during the War years. I only saw the "aluminum" smooth sides once in K.C., Mo and with that block black lettering, thought it to be the most hideous livery in Christendom. Next, that is, to the "passionate" purple of ACL [:O] Great info. on the California Zephyr as well. The one time I saw this magificent train was in my youth on vacation with my parents in Colorado, 1950. Possibly the skiriting over the trucks had been removed on a couple of cars. Or, additional non-Zephyr fluted sides cars were in the consist by then. Just not sure![:(!] Oh Tom, glad you got a "mind jolt" out of Al's scholarship too, hope it helped some others.

Rob, lookin' forward to your B'Day Bash: Sep. 10th, 10 PM E.S.T., should be a good'n![:D] Hey, I'm still staring at the hand car with the snow blade in disbelief. C'mon Rob, tell the truth: its an elaborate "conversation piece," right?[(-D] Its good to know the Toronto track work is in good shape. I noticed the Motroman giving a "goose" to the car before entering a "grand union" for example. Then with a certain panache, he would quicky return the controller to zero so as to coast through the points. After the trailing truck cleared the "points," he then resumed feeding power. Maybe you could bring us "up to snuff" on how the switch key activates the trunout motors? The Whitt had a continuous pulsed electric bell as I recall, while the PCC's had two bells (high and lower pitched) at both front and rear. The rear "over hang" (sounds nasty doesn't it?) on the Whitt could and was deadly at times. Some of the old, narrow, brick streets in K.C., Mo barely cleared a trolley's width with parked cars. There were "fender benders" and pedestrian accidents by the score.[V] That's for another time.

Pwolfe Pete, glad you dropped in. Skittles, eh? Maybe we could get Tom to set us up with the game at "Our" Place. BTW, is that language a form of Galic, Celtic, Welch or a little of each? While in Dublin I met a father and son duo from Wales in my local hotel Pub. They were lapsing in and out of their native tongue which sounded germanic to me. But then, I guess it would, wouldn't it?[(-D] Maybe a short e-mail from you to Nick would bring our Chief [C=:-)] out of his letahargy and back to the galley?[:-^] If he misses Rob's B'Day Bash it will be a real dissapointment![V]

Greetings sammythebull, I'm General Manager (and nuisance) for "Our" Place.[:D] I hope you find time to scope out some passed Summaries to see what you're getting into here. They are sort of a T.V. guide for the progamming you can expect hereabouts.[tup] "Kick the tires and check the brakes" to see if "Our" Place is your kind of Wheels. Okay, I'll get to the other Posts a little later and HEY keep that DEET repellent handy.[:O] Stay well, see ya's in a while.

[siberianmo]

G'day Guys!

Just returned from a brief trip up to the cabin at Can-Am Gorge with Boris 'n Leon. They love the woods .... the bears and wolves take off when they're 'round. [swg]

Gunns Kevin Well,now I'm educated .... didn't know. Sounds more like a vending machine order than something we'd have in our kitchen! No fast foods 'round here - sorry! [swg]

barndad Doug Man oh man, I bet the kids just love that train! [yeah] Thanx for posting it! [tup] Really a good idea to have something like this for the little ones - surely helps in creating and maintaining interest in trains.

See ya in the 'morrow!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Here's i pic of the all mighty Thomas at the IRM today

He's got 4 passenger cars and a diesl locomotive behind him.

[Gunns]

Working on the remote controll gliding note paper here... No dont land in the...
well attempt #2,
Hi Tom,
Ahh a culterual misunderstanding here <g> A breakfast burritto is a 1.99 special that you can get allmost any place, they are premade <gota guess right for the morning> and ya grab one on the way to work most days... Now one of thiese days I want to talk Nick in to a Welsh country breakfast!! Latest restoration notes are up in Trollyboys museum thread.
Am thinking about running up to Santa Fe today to look at 5030, I want to see if the MWP plate is still in the cab.
Later all,
Gunns

[siberianmo]

All of our regulars know about the Birthday Watch List .... however, it needs to be posted repeatedly, just as a reminder regarding who is coming up next for the Birthday Bash ......

2005 BIRTHDAY WATCH LIST (rev. Aug 21st):

February 2nd (Kevin – 49)
March 5th (Nick – 45)
April 18 (Al - 63)
May 18th (Tom - 67)
May 27th (Dave - 46)
June 24th (Dan - 43)
July 15th (*** – 65)
July 25th (Chris - 51)
July 30th (Russell – 34)
August 16th (Ted - 67)
September 8th (Rob - 34) NEXT UP! Sep 10th at 10 PM (Eastern)

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

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



NOTE for all: Check the SUMMARIES

[siberianmo]

Mornin' Ted

I heard your note come crashin' thru the mail slot - no need to put rocks in the envelope! They'll make it thru without 'em! [swg]

Take your time - that's what Sunday's are supposedly for - just chillin' out, so to speak. Me[?] Well, it's the housekeeping chores that only the Proprietor can handle 'round here. Seems my staff makes itself rather scarce these days - but - not to worry, between Boris and Leon (is the inflatible doll! - couldn't resist that!!), we've got it covered ......... [tup]

Some good train talk in those posts and makes for good readin'. I received a bundle of Emails as well - seems one of our mutual friends has a thing for readdressing the circulating kinds. Have to admit, a few have been rather entertaining.

Okay - 'nuf of this ... gotta get movin' ...... Catch you later! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Hi gang, I had a lot of e-mail this a.m. and a late start. After seeing how far behind I am on catching-up[swg]; I realize that a return trip to "Our" Place will be a necessity. SOOoo, for now, let me just say have a nice weekend and stay out of the Sun if you can. I'll come back after I've ingested the gist of these garagantuan gems of geniality.[^] "I shall return" barring any unforseen domestic disasters, e.g. power outages, et al.[:O] Later, Ted

[siberianmo]

SUNDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

Yes, we’re CLOSED on SUNDAY’s – but don’t let that stop you from posting your thoughts. Just drop ‘em in the mail slots in either set of front doors and I’ll do what I can to get a reply to ya.

News of the Day:

(1) Next Birthday Bash is for trolleyboy Rob on Saturday, September 10th at 10 PM (Eastern)

(2)repeat FIRST ANNUAL “OUR” PLACE CLASSIC TRAINS RENDEZVOUS scheduled for Friday, May 12th, 2006 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada! We’re planning on a full day of activities that will undoubtedly spill over into Saturday. So, why not give this some serious thought and join those of us who have committed to going[?] More details available by sending me an Email.

(3) repeat Dallas pix and report may be viewed on pages 79 & 80.

(4) repeat The Selection Committee for The Order of the Stools and Order of the Permanent Stools will be releasing the results of their meeting on Monday. Watch for it

SUMMARY:
Name - Date/Time - (Page#) - Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 20 Aug 2005, 08:50:34 (82) Saturday’s News & Summary

(2) Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 20 Aug 2005, 11:05:52 (82)

(3) wrwatkins *** Posted: 20 Aug 2005, 11:46:45 (82)

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 20 Aug 2005, 13:04:55 (82) reply to Trainnut484 – wrwatkins – Trolleyboy

(5) West Coast S Dave Posted: 20 Aug 2005, 14:03:25 (82)

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 20 Aug 2005, 14:18:01 (82) reply to West Coast S Dave

(7) Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 20 Aug 2005, 18:12:58 (82)

(8) sammythebull Posted: 20 Aug 2005, 19:21:44 (82) first visit to “Our” Place

(9) pwolfe Pete Posted: 20 Aug 2005, 20:05:15 (82)

(10) Tom Posted: 20 Aug 2005, 22:13:19 (82) reply to Trainnut484 – sammythebull – pwolfe

(11) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 21 Aug 2005, 00:07:23 (82)

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 21 Aug 2005, 08:45:21 (82) reply to trolleyboy

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