"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[Anonymous]

Hi Tom, just recieved mail and answered same post haste, thanks. Looks like a pretty relaxed Friday so far. Ordered the silly hats, kazoos, rattles, et al., for up coming Bash for Rob Perhaps [C=:-)] Nick would like to schedule the Tex Mex border "dispute" on the same date thus celebrating a single large event?[tup] In view of last Tuesday's devastation and subsequent "rehab," one "larger" may indeed be better than two "smaller."[swg] Hey, lots of good Posts recently showing how diverse this group really is. So, I'll imbibe a Beefeater Gin & Tonic w/twist and name yours. Then I'll settle in for that ribeye.[dinner] See all ya's later, Ted

[siberianmo]

THE CUSTOMERS of ”Our” Place as of August 19th, 2005

Al – passengerfan, first visit: 12 April 2005 – 2nd CHARTER MEMBER!

Chris – CFournier, first visit: 12 April 2005 – 1st CHARTER MEMBER!

----------------- coalminer3, first visit: 14 April 2005

Dan – earlydiesels, first visit: 16 April 2005

Dave – West Coast S, first visit: 14 April 2005

*** – wrwatkins, first visit: 2 May 2005

Doug – barndad, first visit: 12 July 2005

Jeff – Lordhawke, first visit: 12 Aug 2005

Kevin – Gunns, first visit: 28 June 2005

Nick – nickinwestwales, first visit: 27 April 2005

Pete – pwolfe, first visit: 8 Aug 2005

Rob – trolleyboy, first visit: 12 April 2005 – CHARTER MEMBER!

Russell – Trainnut 484, first visit: 27 June 2005

Ted – Theodorebear (and then some!), first visit: 2 May 2005

That’s the list of folks we see ‘round here.

ORDER OF THE STOOLS

Permanent Stool Chris First customer, [^] Barrister and Quebec connection.
Permanent Stool Ted Manager of “Our” Place and customer with unparalleled good cheer [swg] and determination. Florida connection.
Permanent Stool 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.
Reserved Stool *** Watkins 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.


A customer may be considered for membership in either category through their participation in the discussions at "Our" Place. The quantity of posts does not mean as much as quality of them.

Further, willingness to participate in the banter goes a long way toward convincing the Selection Committee of one's eligibility. A rule of thumb: (1) Greet the barkeep and (2) Order a drink! It's that simple to get off to a good start with your posts! [swg]

Being a regular customer simply means that you've taken the time to drop in, have something to offer, respond to others, and enjoy the atmosphere of "Our" Place! Inclusiveness is what we're trying to achieve - repetitive one-on-one stuff should be relegated to Email.

Tom, Proprietor of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!

[Gunns]

Morning Tom
Coffee and Pastery for the run home,
Just off of work.

Ya'll thanks for the comments on "Classic Freight"
oops gotta run,
Gunns

[siberianmo]

FRIDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

Good Morning! Today is not only the end of the work week, but it’s Pizza Nite along with our traditional Steak ‘n Fries from 5 PM ‘til closing! [yeah]

Completely blew off Fish ‘n Chips nite yesterday ….. so we’ll make up for it by offering that as well. So come hungry, guys! [tup]

News of the Day:

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: 18 Aug 2005, 09:12:32 (79) Thursday’s News & Summary

(2) trolleyboy Tom Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 09:17:11 (79)

(3) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 09:21:56 (79)

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 09:44:42 (79) reply to Theordorebear

(5) wrwatkins *** Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 09:48:02 (79)

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 12:24:46 (79) reply to wrwatkins

(7) passengerfan Al Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 12:29:24 (79)

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 12:44:53 (79) Dallas Trip pix

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 12:49:38 (79) reply to passengerfan

(10) West Coast S Dave Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 14:03:02 (79)

(11) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 14:11:35 (79) reply to West Coast S

(12) earlydiesels Dan Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 14:25:04 (80)

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 14:45:19 (80) reply to earlydiesels

(14) Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 14:48:48 (80)

(15) West Coast S Dave Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 14:50:14 (80)

(16) passengerfan Al Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 14:57:59 (80)

(17) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 14:59:58 (80) Dallas Trip

(18) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 15:21:56 (80) reply to Trainnut484 and West Coast S, etc.

(19) pwolfe Pete Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 16:46:47 (80

(20) West Coast S Dave Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 17:57:08 (80)

(21) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 18:46:53 (80) reply to pwolfe and West Coast S, etc.

(22) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 19:19:49 (80)

(23) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 19:51:15 (80) reply to nickinwestwales

(24) pwolfe Pete Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 20:29:36 (80)

(25) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 21:17:51 (80) reply to pwolfe

(26) Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 22:08:19 (80)

(27) Lordhawke Jeff Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 22:52:26 (80)

(28) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 23:37:07 (80)

(29) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 19 Aug 2005, 07:16:44 (80)

(30) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 Aug 2005, 07:58:04 (80) reply to Trainnut484 – Lorhawke – trolleyboy – Theodorebear, etc.

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

[siberianmo]

Morning Gang!

Looks like the place kept jumpin’ well after I called it a nite …. By the looks of the til we done good! [swg] That’s the idea – have to build up the fund for the next Birthday Bash which is in September for Trolleyboy Rob!

Trainnut484 Sorry I missed you …. Nonetheless, I’m sure you found some good tunes on the Juke and interesting stuff to listen to from the guys talking Classic Trains [tup]

Lorhawke Jeff Appreciate the round. That’s an interesting pix you found for Ted. Glad you enjoyed the Dallas pix and the RDC’s. I’m looking forward to your post! [tup] When you get a roundtuit, which is far better than a squaretuit for sure, I think you’ll get a flavor for the day that *** prepared for us. It was truly an amazing experience …….

trolleyboy Rob I figured you’d flip over those Trolley pix. The McKinney Street Trolley outfit is a first class organization. Met with the CEO and the Barn and we had quite a time going thru the assorted restorations going on. If you haven’t, check out the URL I provided for them – there’s lots of good skinny that I know you’ll appreciate.

Insofar as our Rendezvous in Toronto, May 2006 goes, that will be a winner for sure. So much going on trasnsit and rail transportation wise that it just can’t miss. While I don’t like to get into the nuts ‘n bolts here on the threads – one more time – YOU are in charge of the program. We’ve all given you the Carte Blanche to plan the activities. Just go for it, m’boy – go for it! Driving a Trolley would be a hoot indeed – however, I’d rather leave that to those who know what they’re doing! [swg] But being up front and taking in the sights that the motorman experiences – well that’s something to look forward to for sure.

Theordorebear Ted Yes, busy, busy, busy, as of late. Getting so that I’m spending much MORE time with these replies than ever before. However, that’s the idea of ”Our” Place – inclusiveness and personal interactions keep us up ‘n running. [tup]

While I’ve been to Dallas many times – but never had this much fun (with my clothes on, that is!), I really never knew just how transit and transportation friendly the town is. Man oh man, have they ever done it right. *** is out of town at the moment, or I’m sure he’d chime in with some insights for us all regarding how they got to where they are. From what I experienced, they should be the standard that other Metro areas try to emulate.

See y’all later …. Time for the SUMMARY

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

"Leapin' Lizards Daddy Warbucks!" It took 2 hours to get here from my last Post. Now that's "volume!" Tom, the pix are as fine as are the memories brought home from cherished years of yore. The BM and B&O RDC trips came back in "glorious technicolor." BTW, some comments from me are on your Web Site. Hey Rob, how 'bout those restored traction cars? The Melborne (Matilda) car may be from New Orleans Public Service roster when they sold them off to make room for their new Pearly Thomas Clones.[zzz] Don't know about you but I've always favored the "center door" exit/entry cars.[2c] Your proposal of standing at the "controller" of a Peter Whitt, exceeds my wildest halucinations.[^] However, previous trauma in Pittsburg, PA forces me to demure from the P.C.C. seating arrangement.[:O] BTW, I do know enough not to accelerate through a turnout.[(-D]

***, the pix Tom took around the Dallas area brought some nostalgic memories of my days at North Texas State U. (Denton, TX 1957), Union Station and the Southland building being among them. The LRV's, R.D.C's, Bombradiers and F40PH diesels are testaments to excellent service and maintenance shops. I hope Dallas appreciates such a clean, effecient commuter system.

Lordhawke Jeff, many thanks for the coal drag shot with the mighty mallets thundering over "Soldier Summit."[tup] The D&RGW is one of America's favorite roads and it is easy to see the reason. I still wanna "do" the Durango and Chalmas narrow gauge thing before I'm "over-the-hill."

Okay, let me have the honor of purchasing the first round today for this astute assemblage of scholars. Nick, let me order my "ribeye" medium rare with your special mushroom sauce in advance. West Coast Dave, I'm just a 'Cruit with 20 years, 1 month and 3 days compared to Tom's 32+ but I always looked at the "lean" years as an investment for the "long" years of a pretty secure retirement. I gots to say, it was worth every minute of active service. "You gets out of it what you puts into it."[2c] pwolfe, did you know that a famous Russian Composer (Prokofiev) wrote a symphonic narrative 'bout you? Yes, its called "Peter and the Wolf." And with that bit of trivia, I must take my leave now hoping to return very soon. Oh, don't forget, Rob's B'Day is fast approaching. You don't want to miss when he "lights-up" while changing poles.[(-D]

[trolleyboy]

Good evening gentlemen. I'll take a guiness I think Leon thank-you sir. Dave, Tom, Al & Dan Good info on the silk trains, I don't remember reading of armed guards on the CP trains though they did have a passenger car in the consist so they were likley watched. These were indeed the speed demons on the rails at the time.Though on CN and CP the passenger trains generally made good time. case in point my father in law loves to tell passenger train stories. He quite often would go visit his family in toronto by train in the 50's. CNR #17 would pick him up in Brantford and wisk him to Toronto covering the 65 miles in 45 minutes with all station stops. Dundas.Jerseyville, Copetown,Aldershot,Burlinton west, Oalville then Toronto Union. VIA today running on the same track takes a min. hour and fifteen with all station stops. Aldershot , oakville and Toronto Union. Hmm notice something missing? *** Ted & Tom Thoses are some nice photo's there Tom. which photo program did you finally use on them? You are right i would have enjoyed the mckinnley trips. I'm going to have to drag my wife and I down there kicking and screamming!!! In may I'll make sure you folks get the grand tour de museum. Ted if you and *** are good and Tom if you so choose I'll see if i can't get you in a PCC or Whitt's drivers seat.Well gentlemen I'm away. Talk to you tomorrow ( okay later today ) Rob

[Anonymous]

Greetings and salutations All; Well the.....ooops! Ring the bell Boris, round's on me because I'm gonna be off topic. Seems the boys at the plant got carried away with their production and kept me really busy yesterday. OK,Nuff said.... Ted your birthday present is at:http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a320/Lordhawke/DRG3B.jpg I can't seem to get it to ya any other way; sorry about that. I hope ya like it; it's one of my faves. It is a picture of a coal drag headed up to Soldier Summit and over the Wasatch Mts to points west. You are seeing the helper end with a2-10-2 and a 2-8-8-2 articulated with the head engine being another 2-8-8-2. It is a winter time shot which really enhances the steam effects. The photo is from the book Rio Grande: Mainline of the Rockies by Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg. The photo is byR. Steinheimer taken in the winter of 1953 as she went through Castle Gate Utah. Enjoy! Tom, the pics of the RDC's are too cool; I've got one in this book you might like to see, so I'm gonna make a copy of it and post it at the above addy; will send it in a post soon, so you can peruse it at your leisure. (havin' a heckuva time getting the fingers to function properly tonite) Haven't had time to look at the pic site yet, but will get a round tuit(better than a square tuit) lol Hope Boris and the others got the place straightened up to your satisfaction. "Fraid I wasn't much help there. Barndad; thanx for the pep talk, I WILL get the fotygraffs figured out eventually! Now guys, I must go back and catch up on some more of what came b4. G'nite all Jeff

[Trainnut484]

Evening everyone [:D]. Leon I'll have a Miller Lite. Darn I missed Tom by about and hour or so.

Mowed the lawn just a couple of hours earlier. That's done for another two or three weeks.

I'll just mosey on back to the jukebox and relax. I'd like another Miller Lite to take back with me [:D]

Russell

[siberianmo]

Evening pwolfe Pete

Man oh man are we happy to see someone in here enjoying the Fish 'n Chips. Don't know what's going on, this used to be our Thursday Specialty of the House. Well, it is summertime and apetites may not be what they should be, given the enormous amout of beer we've been selling! [swg]

My complaints are really not with Amtrak so much as the entire mess that U.S. passenger railroading is in. We simply do not have a nationwide system nor do we have a nationwide railroad. Without delving into chapter and verse of it all, Amtrak is pretty much a user of someone else's trackage. In Missouri - east/west - it's Union Pacific. UP is notorious for lots of things - and I'm hardly a rail basher, freight or passenger - but I'll tell you that from experience, if it isn't roadbed and track work (which of course is necessary) it's late freights which somehow wind up putting Amtrak onto the sidings, over 'n over again. Just plailnly frustrating. In the 15 years or so of my KCity round trips, I've been on time more than not. However, if taken over the past 5 - no way. It's been pretty grim. So, let's hope that our get together provides us with a bit of time at Union Station - otherwise, we'll do as my friend and I did in March - remain on board. Fortuantely there was a decent beer supply - but the food provisions were sparce.

Appreciate your stopping by ....... Leon the Night Man just ambled in. Time for me to check out ... so I'll catch y'all in the AM. [zzz]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[pwolfe]

HI Tom and all
A Bathams please and fish and chips for later
Thanks Dave for the automobile train info when they had autos on open cars in England there was a lot damage caused by vandels.

Tom At least there is a passenger service in Missouri if you had not campaigned 10 years ago it might have been lost and once gone it almost never comes back.
Before my wedding in October we had family over and the menfolk got to travel Amtrak a couple of times once to K.C. once to KIRKWOOD .We were lucky with timekeeping and they were very impressed with thecars. Although I travelled once from K.C on time to Jeff City only to wait 1 hour outside the depot.

No doubt some one can help me .When GRADES are referred to they are in% am I right in thinking that a 1% means a rise of say 1foot in 100 feet and a 2% means 1in50 and so on[.[?]

I was thinking about this as south of Birmingham U.K. there is the LICKEY INCLINE a grade of 1in 37 for two miles at the bottom is a town called BROMSGROVE in the churchyard there is the graves of two enginemen who died as a result of a boiler explosion around 1850 or so. On the gravestones there is an engraving of NORRIS LOCOMOTIVE built in the U.S.A which were used as helpers up the grade. This was a bit unfair as it wasn't this type of loco that blew -up I suppose that the stonemason went to the depot and this was the type of loco he saw.

It is still part of the main line between Bristol and Birmingham and 100 years later heavy freights are still assisted by North American built locomotives the London Canada G.M. class 66
I was fortunate to visit in steam days and the sight and sound was unforgetable [wow].
Well I had better have another pint to wa***he delicious fish and chips down and be off PETE

[siberianmo]

Hey Nick

I'd say you've had a nite out at a local pub - but not ours! [swg] So the only cab in Mentor Village carted you home, eh[?] Did you know that the driver is Cindy's cousin, Rebecca on work release[?] Glad you made it safely - and of course with your honor undisturbed. [swg]

Catch ya later - by the way - Thursday's are Nick's Picks so perhaps you should plan ahead just a bit for next week! [:D]

Nite! [zzz]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

Well good evening Gentlemen,first of all,a big thankyou to whoever poured me into a taxi after Ted`s party...[tup].[^]...-now,has anyone seen[4:-)]TOM ....ah,there you are,welcome home. have a large one on me---look forward to checking out your pix when I`m in a fit state to appreciate them WOLFMAN-if you like yorkshire ale ,just place an order at the bar and we`ll have it flown in on the weekly Zeppelin -----CAN-AM/CYMRU-DIRIGIBLES,just realised how drunk Iam,good night gentlemen,see you soon [C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

G'day Guys!

What a Thursday - and I haven't even mentioned that tonight is Fish 'n Chips Nite. Nothing special on the Nick's Picks Board - that's been pretty vacant for weeks. But not to worry - we've got it covered. [tup]

pwolfe Pete Glad you enjoyed the party - we've got quite a bunch of guys 'round here and you fit in quite easily. [tup] By the by - thanx for the round! [tup] I think Boris has a hearing problem since that thing has been nearly on steady ring today .... [swg]

Whenever I'm in JCity, I try to take a walk around the Capitol building and the Veteran's Memorial overlooking the river. Really a nice spot. I'm sure there are several others. I also like to simply hang out down by the Amtrak station. Given that my round trips from Kirkwood to JCity have fallen on uncertain times - I've either msised the eastbound - or had to wait hours for it - I'm opting out of those. It will be to KCity or nothing. Rather fed up with it all and it's really a shame.

Back about 10 years ago, Amtrak threatened to shut the system down in Missouri unless it got more money from the Feds and the state. I managed to get 1,000 signatures on a petitition pesonally delivered to the Capital in the Capitol building to save the trains. There were hundreds of us from all over the state who delivederd to goods, so to speak. After that it was activity on a committee (I believe I've posted this info since you' ve been a customer) that met quarterly with MoDOT - Amtrak - Union Pacific (at times) - Mayors, Chambers of Commerce leaders and Tourism groups from the 10 stations between KCity and St. Louis. It was a four year effort, on my part, in absolute futility. Can't and won't point fingers - just an exercise in futility.

West Coast S Dave Two rounds - [wow] And the Eagle hasn't done it's thing yet - at least in my recollection of federal pay days. [swg]

There are many versions of the true measure of a man - my take on it is to leave those who know you a bit better off than before they knew you.

Can't comment factually regarding thieves - however I do know a bit about those trying to bring stuff and people into our country. It's the old law enfrocement adage - the good guys have to play by the rule with finite resources, while the bad guys have no rules and infinite resourcdes. It gets a bit frustrating when you take down the same bunch two or three times - only to have them returned to their respective festering holes to wait another day to make a run at you. [yeah] I remember those days ........

See ya later! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[West Coast S]

Tom.. The true measure of a man is in his accomplishments. I'll get to work on a new Abacus asap.

Pwolfe: Good observation of those automobile trains, I should think value in the hundred of thousands of dollars per load, before the inception of fully enclosed auto carriers it was common to have theives board and strip every removeable part from autos while in transit, tossing them off at selected sites where a partner was waiting who would then retreive the ill gotten gains and follow the train until such time as the theives jumped.

Conrail suffered massive theft by such means, the investigation determined that employees were the culprits. Over on the SP Sunset Route the same MO was used, SP countered by placing a rider coach ahead of or behind auto carries with railroad police monitering the shipment. I also observed these same SP rider coaches, used in the same manner on the Rio Grande on a couple of occasions.

Having loaded a few of the newer enclosed carriers in a earlier career, i'd say there secure against unauthorized entry, locked a few loaders inside once before on accident, no way out.

I don't doubt that the railroads continue to stay awake at nights wondering how secure shipments really are, the primary differance between then and now is the common criminal is but one facet of rail cargo security in a post 9/11 world.

Two rounds for the house, ring that bell twice if you could Boris.

Dave [tup]

[pwolfe]

Hi tom and all.
A pint of Bathams and a beef sandwich please.
Thanks for sharing your photos of your trip to Dallas they are very good [tup].
The info on the silk worm train is very interesting with the armed guards and the value of the cargo. It got me wondering what would the amount of dollars is tied up in one of the auto-motive trains that pass Jeff City [?]

Talking about Jeff City they have built a small area with seats overlooking the river and with good views of the railroad yard. It is situated on Boliver st by the pillars of the first bridge over the Missouri near Pat's Irish pub.

To go [#offtopic] [tup] to the U.S.A. soccer team for the win yesterday over Trinidad which sould put them well on the way to qualyfing for the world cup in 2006.
ROUND ON ME PLEASE.
PETE.

[siberianmo]

Yo West Coast S Dave First and foremost - ring the bell, Boris The man's buying for admittedly being [#offtopic] [yeah][wow][tup][swg]

Okay - let's see: I waited 32 years for my retirement and there are days (daze) when I wondered "who did all of that?" Time goes by ....... Mine was all active duty in places and situations where it was "Yes, Sir, Yes, Sir, Three Bags Full, Sir!" Started at the E-1 level wound up at O-5. Held the ranks of Chief Petty Officer - Chief Warrant Officer and Commander. None of it means a thing today - only the retirement check. I've never been one to be self-impressed, although some of my mates and underlings may have thought differently back then. Get paid to do a job - then do it. Quit complaining, only God cares and there are times .......... Pretty simple credo.

The Budd Company, by my count, built 398 of those wonderful RDC's. If 13 represents a comeback ........ well, I think you need a new Abacus! [;)]

Fesity[?] Heck no - just engaging in some good old give 'n take. You're wrong - I'm right - so what's the dispute[?] [swg]

Okay - have one on me ..... [tup]

See ya,

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[West Coast S]

NOTICE TO READERS: The following paragraphs are completely off topic. Hide Boris and the youngsters and all alcoholic beverages as content may not be suitable for all customers of "Our Place".

Agreed Tom on my tresspass, we have a saying in my business to describe certain situations, failures and persons as well, though not intended for public consumption they do involve use of a flag pole and a cup of coffee, let your imagination fill in the rest, nor is it considered a proper greeting of one's superior officer!
They can't stop me from thinking it however!

Retirement is going to be much appreciated, i've planned and made arraignments for it long ago, i'll have time and courage to do those thing i've waited 30 years to do!
I'm going to take a wealthy mistress to supplement my retirement and Social security [:O](LOL).

Back to the business of this forum, PassengerfanAL I was completely remiss to the GN involvement in the silk trade. The importation of silk ended the practice of transporting the worms cross country and permitted the mill owners to operate more efficiently during the depression and be ready for the demands of WWII.

Tom: 13 rebuilt RDC's in active use is a good roster by anyone's count, qualifys as a comeback in my world, small world though it may be.[:D]

Well, i'm just being fiesty today arent I?

Dave [tup]

[siberianmo]

G'day All!

Whoa, not so fast - this place is suddenly jumpin' - which is good. Love to hear that register ring! [yeah] We use the old fashioned kind - don't care for those digital jobs kinda impersonal if you know what I mean.

Trainnut484 Russell - normal 'round here[?] You have a point! [swg] Glad you enjoyed the photo's - took awhile amassing 'em but trying to edit out the problems was a nightmare - still haven't gotten 'em all done. Anyway, I think we logged about 55-60 miles aboard an assortment of steel wheels on steel tracks on Tuesday. What a way to travel. [yeah] Thanx for the round - Boris Ring the Bell -Russell's buying! [tup]

West Coast S A likely story! [swg] You've just been had - plain and simple. [:-^]

There's an expression that many of us crude sailors use(d) - it's just your turn in the barrel, mate! One day you'll be retired and able to do the things you've had to put off because of job, family and other impediments to having fun. There's also a downside to this business of retirement - however, you'll find out one day ........ [swg]

While I'd love to see a return to RDC's, that simply ain't gonna happen. The inventory is down to a precious few and they are, after all, kinda like dusting off the DC-3 for today's airline's use. It's truly commendable what Alstom/ANF did in rebuilding the 13 that DART purchased. However, the costs would gag a healthy maggot if you were to try and have them built from the get-go with all of today's requirements, bells 'n whistles (no pun there) and labor costs. Arggggghh. I remember when VIA Rail asked Bombardier for a cost estimate on a new build for their Budd fleet - ha - over $5 per car was the reply - and that was well over 10 years ago.

There have been so many modern iterations of the RDC - now referred to in terms like DMU's (diesel multiple units) and so forth - but we're still chock-blocked on the highways and byways. Perhaps the five bucks a gallon will get government to recognize that a return to rails must take place sooner than later.

Catch ya later!

passengerfan Al Glad you liked the photo's - and yes, those RDC's are in great shape. Next to the ones that BC Rail operated, these cars are in tip-top shape.

Thanx for the round - Boris Do It Again - ring-a-ding-ding Al's buying! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Dallas Trip

The Odyssey began at around 8:30 AM when *** Watkins and I departed the Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport en route what was to be a very memorable day. First on the agenda was a ride aboard one of Trinity Rail Express’ (TRE) Rail Diesel Cars (RDC’s).

*** had arranged for us to ride in the cab of the RDC for the 40 mile round trip to downtown Dallas’ Union Station. Following that was a tour of the TRE Inspection and Maintenance facility, LRV rides, Trolley rides a visit to the Trolley Barn, and more walking than one should ever experience in hot, steamy Dallas!

Some points of interest:

In the mid-1990’s, DART purchased 13 former VIA Rail RDC’s for use in their commuter rail system. VIA Rail had a surplus of RDC’s as a result of the discontinuance of two routes in Nova Scotia back in 1990 – the links between Halifax and Sydney to the north, and Halifax and Yarmouth to the south. The cars were refurbished in Montreal by Alstom/ANF in 1996, which entailed a complete breakdown to the frame and rebuild to the specifications required by DART. There probably are no fleets of operating RDC’s to equal or exceed the number owned by DART anywhere in the world.

The two RDC’s that I rode in were built in the 1950’s: RDC #2011 in June ’57 and #2013 in Nov ’57. The original owner of #2011 was CN and CP owned #2013. Both wound up in the VIA Rail.

I saw the fleet of RDC’s sitting idle at the Halifax station back in 1991 – all running from platform power in the snow that wintry day during Christmas week. Seeing them idle and destined for perhaps their final s

Okay – the superlatives have been documented a few times and the photo’s have been provided. So what’s left? Just a run down of the day’s events (all times approximate):

(1) 0835: *** picked me up at Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport
(2) 0850: Quick stop at MacBarf’s for coffee and an egg MacGag.
(3) 0920: A quick familiarization of the area by SUV – aka: trying to find the correct station. [swg] Found it! Centrepoint Station.
(4) 0945: Got to know each other while waiting for the train.
(5) 1015: RDC’s #2011 & 2013 arrived. *** arranged for us to ride in the cab. Engineer was Dave. Rode in cab of #2011, eastbound.
(6) TRE – Trinity Rail Express is the organization that operates the commuter rail services in the area. Their equipment includes 13 RDC’s (formerly VIA Rail) and “a bunch” of Bi-Level equipment (some from Bombardier/GO Transit in Toronto). They also have 6 F40PH’s for use with the Bi-Levels.
(7) As the photo’s should attest, the view was fantastic! Lots of railroading going on, freight ops all along the way.
(8) 10:40: Arrived Union Station. Spent the turnaround time touring the station with *** and Josh Coran, TRE’s Chief Mechanical Officer. Should note that Josh recently arrived in Dallas after a long stint with the Alaska RR – over 20 years. Josh is an absolute font of knowledge regarding passenger cars - with decades of practical experience working on and designing them, his expertise is truly dazzling.
(9) Marvelous and diverse structure is Union Station and in fine material condition. Saw the Amtrak portion – nice, but ……. The station is multi-modal and centrally located. Very modern, very well thought out.
(10) 11:05: In the cab of #2013, westbound. Again, a wonderful experience with some great company.
(11) 11:34: The 40 mile round trip ended as we bid adieu to David, the Engineer.
(12) Drove over to the TRE Inspection & Maintenance facility with *** & Josh. Spent about 40 minutes touring the facility, taking pictures and asking dumb questions. Great fun and really an insight that lots of us would dearly love to experience.
(13) Long lunch break with *** and Josh at Bennigan’s in Irving (right next to the place I stayed at …… how convenient for later on!)
(14) 14:00 Bidding adieu to Josh, *** and I drove downtown to catch the light-rail.
(15) Rode the LRV’s down to Union Station and return. Boarded the McKinney Street trolley (see pix for sure) – visited the Trolley Barn and met up with John Landrum (CEO) who was working on an assortment of restoration projects. This would have been absolute heaven for Trolleyboy Rob – no dooooot aboooooot it! [swg]
(16) Rode the Trolley back to the LRV station – back aboard the LRV to where the car was parked. Worthy of note are those vintage trolleys – one from Australia. Check out this URL and you’ll get an eye full of some good stuff:
www.MATA.org
(17) An absolutely activity packed day in the steaming humidity of August in Dallas. Nonetheless, a trip to remember for the rest of my days.
(18) I must make mention that *** was a long term member of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors almost from the onset of their entry into being. Once he moved out of the geographic limits required for continued membership, he relinquished his seat at the table. I note that he is also on the Board of Directors of the McKinney Street Trolley organization. He is a treasure trove of information regarding transit in Dallas and ”Our” Place is most fortunate to have yet another person at the bar who know’s what he’s talking about!
(19) 1800: Checked into the hotel and bid adieu to my tour director and new found friend, *** Watkins.

Cheers! [tup][tup][tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[passengerfan]

Hi Tom guess I'll have a CR and a set up a round for the house.
Enjoyed the pictures of your Dallas trip. Few places to even see RDC's anymore and they sure looked to be in great shape.
I read Dave's input on the SP Silk Trains and thought I would add a little about the GN Silk Trains. The GN trains carried Raw Silk that was brought from Japan to seattle by the fastest ships available. Since Seattle was a day or two closer to the Orient than the California ports their was a big advantage choosing the route via the GN. The GN trains were loaded right at the dock and were generrally assigned one of the massive P-2 Mountains for power. The Silk Trains had rights over everything but the Oriental Limited
and delivered the Silk trains to St. Paul at Passenger train speeds where the power was switched to CB&Q for the run to Chicago where it generally traveled the PRR on to New York since the PRR and CB&Q both operated from Union Station Chicago. It is my understanding that when the trains arrived in Chicago they never even entered the station but switched from CB&Q to PRR power near the station and the train was once again under way east.

[West Coast S]

Tom: I do believe I saw your photos after my posting.

It seems to me that the RDC is making a comeback. What that's oft quoted saying? Oh, it came to me, "everything old is new again" Just took 50 years to discover Budd did it right the first time. I've not been in the Dallas area since my stint at Sheppard AFB, although the HQ for my division is located in Dallas, never had the priviledge and don't desire to have to put in a personal appearance if I can avoid it!

Enjoyed the photo travel log immensly as I do with all who post here , nice to know people actually take time off for enjoyment . I'm a bit envious of those with time to stop and smell the roses, seems all I get is the thorn.

Dave [tup]

[Trainnut484]

Good afternoon all. Tom I'll have my usual please and a sandwich..thanks.

Nice pics [tup] Tom of the RDCs, LRVs, and the trollies. One of these days, I'll have to take a trip on one. Nice to see the place here, post bash, is back to normal (what was considered normal [;)][:o)]).

I knew the Katy heritage unit wasn't going to be like how MKT painted their locomotives. But still UP missed the boat. My hope is lost for the remainder of the heritage locomotives coming out soon. I wouldn't hold my breath for BNSF to do something similar.

Going [#offtopic] here. Dennis Rader, BTK serial killer, has been sentenced to Life in Prison for the murder of his victims. I hope this brings closure to the families and friends of his victims. Boris, ring the bell. The next round for everyone is on me.

Ted, you have mail [;)]

BTW..one of my pics made it for picture of the day here on trains.com [tup][yeah]

Russell

[siberianmo]

Hi earlydiesels Dan

Appreciate your stopping by ...... some good info that you've passed around. Enjoy the cold brew and see ya later.

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Welcome back, Tom. Enjoyed the pix from Dallas. I rode the PCCs at Tandy Center over in Ft Worth back in the 70s. I'll have my usual Guiness, please. Haven't even turned on the pc for a couple days-just relaxing and enjoying the rain and the cooler, cloudy conditions.
Rob, I remember reading about the silk trains back in the old Railroad magazine mid 70s. According to that article, guards with submachine guns rode the train and patrolled the ground during stops. The price of silk could change enroute so that was the hurry.
KevinGunns, Pacific Fruit Express was a joint venture between UP and SP. It was split in the 70s but before that it was probably one of the largest companies specializing in perishable transportation. Rob is right about the infrastructure required to support the ice reefers. Almost every town of size had an ice plant, icing docks, and plenty of personnel needed. I've never done any research into this subject-all this off the top of my head.
UP just wants the royalties from the railfans and modelers with the "heritage" schemes. Pix were posted on news wire about 2 weeks ago and took some time to get MP and WP out of the mess! Not near original, perhaps in the "spirit"! Katy was my 2nd fav behind Frisco. It would be nice if BNSF started honoring their predeccessors but not the goofy way UP is.
Another Guiness, please. Going up to the Midland this weekend. Finally, after about 6 or 7 years of telling the guys at the local museum about the rr, some are supposedly coming Sunday. One man in particular was a Frisco engineer before and after WW2 who worked for a couple other roads after being cutoff here. In the 80s he got involved in the group that restored and operated 1522 in St Louis. He operated her on her last trip a couple years back. The man is a wealth of knowledge and I enjoy picking his mind. I have learned lots about steam from him. He also models HO and has built several Frisco steamers and a model of the old Springfield depot by hand.

[siberianmo]

G'day to ya West Coast S Dave

Whether it be the silk or the worm or both, those trains were f-a-s-t. Great input and it's appreciated. [tup]

Now for the other shoe - I'd say you have been had! Didn't check the photo's [?] And if you did, no comments[?] Either way, you've been h-a-d. [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[West Coast S]

Morning Tom and the gang...Spot of the Juan Valdez please

Ah, yes those silk trains of yore , actually a misnomer as they did not transport the finished silk, but the silk worm itself in specially built 30 foot wooden high speed express cars (Built by Pullman) with a rider coach or two and diner for the machine gun toating armed escorts responsible for cargo security, to satisfy insurance requirements, one armed escort was mandatory in the cab as well (One train of silk worms could be valued in the millons of dollars).

The heyday of the silk trains occured between 1900 to the late 1920s. SP typically ran consits of a dozen cars, specific motive power was assigned, always P4 class Pacifics in later years and earlier A class Alantics, sometimes a UP engine would run through, replacing the usual SP power , it had absouloute authority over every movement, including first class passenger trains.

The operating and train crews were hand picked for these assignments, the motive power was inspected and selected personally by a division Roadmaster and a member of Sr. management from the SF headquarters building.

Typical operating speed was 85mph with higher speed numbers being common were permissable. Operation in the off hours was the usual means to avoiding conflicting movements. Ensuring smooth operation of these trains was well thought out, select division points maintained emergency backup power ready to go on a moments notice to provide any aid necessary.

Routes of operation included the Donner Pass line for a UP connection and also the Golden State Route. Per contract, they were alloted as little 42 hours to deliver to the mills in the east or the south, dealing with valuable live cargo, it is logical to assume a certain percentage would be lost in transit, there were specific contract guidelines to aid the customer and insurance carrier should it be necessary to file any claims against the railroads.


Dave [tup]

[siberianmo]

G'day passengerfan Al

Yes, Montreal is a mirror image of sorts to Dallas. Same for Winnipeg - only they also have an above the street walkway that essentially permits you entry to all of the major businesses and attractions, as well as their version of the underground.

Many a time while waiting in Montreal's Central Station, I simply would pass the hours away just people watching and of course listening to (and enjoying) the bi-lingual train announcements and chimes. Ahhhhhhhhhh. Montreal truly is a fascinating place to visit. I just wish ....... oh well, forget it! [swg]

Thanx for the round! Boris Ring the bell. [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

G'day All - time for some photo's of my Dallas Trip:
(click to enlarge)

The RDC's are nearing the station!


View from the cab - passing five RDC's and the TRE Inspection & Maintenance facility


Tom & Engineer Dave in the Cab of TRE RDC #2011


*** & Engineer Dave in the Cab of TRE RDC #2011


Tom & TRE RDC #2013


Bi-level car and RDC at the TRE Inspection & Maintenance facility


Light Rail Vehicles in Dallas


The McKinney Avenue Trolley - "Matilda"


*** and an interior view of "Matilda"


Tom & "Rosie" The McKinney Avenue Trolley


Okay guys, if you enjoyed those check out the remainder on my photo album:

http://www.railimages.com/gallery/thomasweber

Go to pages 7 & 8 .....

Here's an easy way to view the photo's kind of like a slide show:

(1) Find the first picture in the series and click on it - it will enlarge
(2) The screen will show two double arrows >> in the upper right corner - click them - this will take you to the next photo in the series.
(3) And so on ........

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom How about a CR and a round for the house.
I was just reading Dicks post and iit kind of reminds me of Montreal. I mean't peop[le in Montreal that did not even own winter coats. They leave their apartments direct to the Subway ride it downtown and get off and walk to the place of employment without ever going outside. The tunnels are heated and the cars get the heat from the tunnel system. Their is a huge underground city in Montreal that is all connected and you can even access Central Station from the subway without ever seeing the snow outside.