"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[Gunns]

Evening Leon
Nick what part of Wales? My family came from Glamorgan Co. in the 1800s..... <son's name is "Morgan"> And are there any "Name" trains still running in the west there?
Gunns
<who has to go to work in 30 mikes>

[nickinwestwales]

So-according to my calender its "HAPPY 1`3rd OF A YEAR TO US day today--no small achievement,therefore, I nominate Tom,as our gracious host to select the menu,the drink & the music and to escort his lovely bride to the floor for the first dance. as it is now 3.24 am here I will leave you all to celebrate,sleep well [C=:-)]

[nickinwestwales]

O.K,Back for the second half,-how about a couple of "freight train blues"-nice little groovin` numbers that will get `em up & dancin--Midnight special by Leadbelly,Love in vain by Robert Johnson,Well well well by Michelle Shocked,all over now,a big dose of Chuck Berry,-and for the slow section,how about Muddy Waters,John Lee Hooker & T-Bone Walker, I could go on all night,bit of a blues thing-trouble is,the rest of the music I play is rather too extreme for this company.....it looks like time for me to get back into the kitchen,force Boris to clean up that disgusting mess he`s been sleeping in-by the way,who told him he could sleep indoors-he has a perfectly good shed out back-I`ve slept in it myself so can vouch for its comfort...enough....another short break[C=:-)]

[Anonymous]

Hi again everyone. Same way again Tom, if you please. Thought I'd "drop in" to catch a few more "toasts." Wow, there are some really great thoughts being "tossed down" hereabouts. This is truly a remarkable group.[tup] "Four great minds, one great thought!" That's all I can say about the Australia/New Zeland commentary, although the other bona fide scheduled trips in Alaska, the lower 48 and Canada are my personal priorities. I guess I fall into the less than enchanted group regarding "dinner or wine tasting" ventures.

Part of the interest in rail travel is the "cross section" of diverse folks and stories that usually evolve in the Tavern/Lounge or Club Cars. While I realize the individuality of the "fallen flags" trains is no longer possible; I still prefer revenue earning, public transportation to special catered affairs for the wealthy or aficionados of narrow tastes and worldly experience. Certainly, it is great to see examples of profit making special "excursion" trains e.g., the "U.S. Orient Express." I love the Alco FA's on the Napa Valley Train, even knowing the locos should be PA's. Still, something bothers me when I see a former N.Y.Central "boat tail" observation from the luxurious 20th Century Limited "refurbed" into a "rec. room" or "Penny Arcade" for baby sitting the kids. Maybe the truth is more that I see treasured icons from my younger years relegated to abject commercial exploitation. Just knowing I'll never ride such trains again is depressing enough without further desecration.

But hey, this is a happy occasion, not a wake! Let's hear some more "toasts" to "We few, we happy few..." (Harold of England?).[:D] Right Leon, this will be a "night cap" and I must add that the crimson sash across your tuxedo jacket, festooned with those military medals and "spit polished" jump boots adds a stunning "touch of class" formerly occupied by Boris' chicken fat stained apron, clodhoopers and German helmet (Stahlhelm, right Gunns?) Good evening all, have a good weekend, Ted

[siberianmo]

G'day Nick

Better late than never, so I've heard! Rather late where you are - or should I say, early[?]

We've had some interest in your special 4th Month Anniversary menu ... but alas, no Chief Chef! [C=:-)] So, Boris has tried his level best to take care of the crew .....

See ya later.
Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

G'day Chris

I understand the biere d'epinette is a fun thing to try., comes in a green bottle. It's a sweet soda brewed with some kind of pine extract. Is that so [?]

Thanx for the info regarding Delson - thought it was closer to Ottawa than Montreal. That changes things a bit. However, with the airline costs skyrocketing, that November trip may not occur.

G'nite and sorry that you're missing our 4th Anniversary toasts & special meal tonite ....

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

BUT IT`S AWRLRIGHT NOW, IN FACT IT`S A GAS,BUT IT`S AWRLRIGHT...I`M JUMPIN JACK FLASH IT`S A GAS,GAS,GAS.................Good evening one & all,apologies for recent absense,Memsahb and infant away and 4 performances in six days with consequent wind-down time has left me in no fit state to post anything worth reading,except possibly a liver biopsy,still ,such is the attraction of this noble house that I thought I should stop in on my way home,grab a quick nightcap ( Tom,if I might trouble you....ah! -ready & waiting-now that`s service !!!! ) and try to keep abreast of developments,such as ,for example,any small anniversary or other social occaision.........( short break here to feed cats,back soon...[C=:-)] )

[CFournier]

Good evening guys, une bière d'épinette bien froide s.v.p. TOM.
The way to the Delson museum is a little tricky for out-of-towners: highway 20 from downtown to the Mercier bridge exit (5 min. ride), then cross the bridge and take the left exit off the said bridge, proceed on the same road (through the Mohawk reservation[C):-)]) untill you reach a sign directing you to turn right for the museum. A total of maybe 15 or 20 minutes from downtown Mtl (Montreal).
[C):-)] Chris

[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 12th):

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) 8 PM (Eastern time)
September 8th (Rob - 34)

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

Tom

NOTE for all: Check the SUMMARIES

[siberianmo]

G'day passengerfan Al

Appreciate your toasts and the round for the house (as always!) - Boris one more time! [swg]

The idea today and tonite, however, is to toast the good health and future success of "Our" Place on this our 4th month of existence on the Classic Trains Forum. [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

G'day barndad Doug

Boris ring-a-ding-ding time! Doug's buying! [tup]

Credit [?] Welllllllll, not really. However, there ARE exceptions and tonight's one of 'em! [swg] Runnin' a tab is fine .......

Appreciate the Anniversary best wishes ..... no toasts [?]

Some interesting pix in that album of yours .....

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[passengerfan]

Good Evening Tom how about a CR and a round for the house.
I propose a toast to all who served are serving and will serve this great country in the future
And a special toast to the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation.
I'll leave my other two toasts to someone else this evening.

[Anonymous]

Evening Tom, evening all. Happy anniversary! Tom, kindly get everyone a drink and one for yourself ... my credit is good ... right?
Can't stay but a second unfortunately, but I'll leave you with my top secret link to my sub-gallery in Rail Images. http://www.railimages.com/gallery/album182
It's most of the photos I took for Gunns to possibly be an assist for their AT&SF 2926 restoration.
Hope to catch you all later!

[siberianmo]

G'day West Coast S

Congrats on the transfer - hope it turns out to be beneficial to you and yours! [tup]

There's a bottle of JW Black sittin' right in front of your Reserved Stool - Enjoy! [swg]

Appreciate your joining in on the 4 toasts ........ I like the last one![;)]

Haven't gotten to posting those latest S-gauge pix yet - but will, tomorrow for sure.

Oh yes, you've also qualified for that xtra large frosty cold tankard of your favorite brew ........

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[West Coast S]

Afternoon Tom and the gang. A happy fourth indeed. i've got cause to celebrate! My transfer was approved today [yeah] Bring on the Johnny Walker Black so I can proffer a proper "Our Place" anthology.

A TOAST FOR THE HOST, FROM WHOM ALL GOOD THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

MAY THE PANTS YOU WEAR, ALWAYS BE YOUR OWN

LIFE IS TOO SHORT NOT TO SURROUND ONE SELF WITH GOOD FRIENDS

MY LIFE BE WARM AND THE BEER COLD

Happy Fourth to all.

Dave[tup]

[siberianmo]

Okay Cindy, I'm back ...... thanx for minding the store! My, my - that's quite an outfit you're almost wearing today! [;)][}:)][:-,]

Nice to finally see some familiar faces at the bar ....... [tup] Was beginning to wonder about the regulars 'round here.

While taking a time out from beating the bejezus out of the bag in the Rat's Patoot Room I took in the movie, The Great Raid. Worthwhile flick my friends and highly recommended. This is the WWII story of the U.S. Army Rangers' raid on the Japanese prison camp in the Philippines known as Cabanatuan. Over 500 of our troops from the Bataan Death March were about to be burned to death when the Rangers raided the camp, and Philippino scouts participated - successfully getting them all out. Only one POW died, and that was after they arrived safely behind American lines. Recommended viewing ......... [tup][tup][tup] One thing that I came away with is that the film was shot in China and Australia, which kind of says a lot about the state of relations between the Philippines and the U.S. these days. A shame, for sure.

Okay - some catch up is in order:

Trainnut484 Russell You qualify for the xtra large frosty cold tankard of your favorie brew - or - a healthy belt of JD or Crown Roayl. Thanx for the 4 toasts - interesting messages. [tup]

pwolfe Pete ditto for you regarding the complimentary brew or booze ...... [swg] I will be communicating with you regarding the Amtrak trip to KCity. Send me an Email with the days of the week that work best for you and we'll coordinate ........ Thanx for the 4 toasts! You are fast becoming a regular customer, which is very much appreciated. [tup][tup]

Ted What's to say other than, Where the Hades have you been[?] [swg] As I mentioned in a previous post - you are on the payroll, or have I missed something - on vacation[?] Hmmmmmm - perhaps. Oh well ....... any post from you is more than worth the wait. 'Puter problems and connectivity problems are the scourge of the day, or so it seems. [tdn]

Those 4 toasts are terrific, Ted and I'd say you are far and away the choice for the Anniversary Award. Ready for this[?] Perhaps not. The Penthouse Suite with a companion, of course, for whatever night suits ya!! [:-,][}:)] However, we've got to wait it out 'n see the remainder of the day's contributions.

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Gadfry Daniel! Tom, please a tall Crown and soda if you can "tear yourself away" from the punching bag for just a "mo." If I didn't know better, I would swear that "cyber fate" was against the entire Membership of "Our" Place.[:O] Wednesday morning my Puter did a sputter, a cacophony of digital tones and emitted a unmistakable odor of frying electronics. I recall several of us having "quirky" lapses in sevice, the most recent being Russell. Well, as of yesterday, "it" came to $73.83 for a new power supply plus $59.00 for an upgrade (128 to 256). Then today, our usual afternoon "Thundisbreak" struck with gale force wnds, killer lightning, deafening thunder and horizontal sheets of rain. I was knocked off-line while catching-up with the previous Posts.[:(!] Finally I made it back, so I won't bore you with the 35 minute "phone chat" I had with my ISP "trouble shooter" getting back on-line (still trying to identify her accent...Mozambique?)[banghead]

Congratulations to all Members of "Our" Place on the joyous occasion of our Fourth Month Observance Day. These "Four Toasts" could be downright intoxicating but I shall overcome all caution and do my duty:

1) Here's to the Founder/Proprietor Tom, without whom there would be no "Our" Place.

2) Here's to the fine quality of contributions made by our erstwhile and steadfast Members.

3) ]Here's to the cordial "hail fellow well met" atmosphere of "Our Place. May it never change.

4) Lastly, may the splinters on the Banister of life always point in the direction we slide.[swg]

Rob please don't worry about the pix of "little K.C.!" They really aren't the equal to the Thread's usual quality. Appreciate the thought though. As to the comfort of Heavyweights as opposed to the Lightweights, passengerfan Al, I think the "Super Domes" have the "edge." Gunns, the Auto Train (Va. to Fl) and El Capitan (Chi. to K.C.) clinched it for me. However, my personal preference is still having 12 wheels under me. Pullman's "moss back" policies for modernizing hardly comes as a surprise. Most of us remember something about their attitude toward "striking" employees back in "the good old days."[:O] Tom, glad to hear the 'S'quisite news of your rolling stock arriving.[:D] BTW, couldn't help agreeing with your latest assessment of foreign travel. Ireland made a believer out of me (shudder-achoo), if you know what I mean.[:-^] "Grouches of a feather?"

Let's have a short chorus of "For he's a jolly good fellow" sung for "good ole" Tom who came up with the idea for this unique Forum among forums.[tup] Say Boris, how 'bout a big clang on "Old 99's" bell to keep this event jolly? [C=:-)] Nick great "Picks," you've done it again![tup] Happy rails all, Ted

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all
Happy anniversary. My four toasts
1 HEALTH AND HAPPINESS TO ALL
2 MAY BOTH SIDES OF THE POND ALWAYS BE FRIENDS
3 MAY WE ALWAYS LEAVE YOUR BAR HAPPIER THAN WE WENT IN
4BLESSING OF YOUR HEART YOU SELL GOOD ALE (Shakespeare)

Thanks trainnut484 for the welcome .
Tom I think I read about the diesels in the Kansas City Star but it doesnt say on Union station web site. They are having a model railroad expo on September 24 and 25

I had better have a Bathams please[tup]. I hope to be able to call in tonight for the highland supper and I'll have a bottle of the Bathams strong ale to celebrate unless you have ORKNEYS DARK ISLAND[wow]

[Trainnut484]

Afternoon Tom and everyone [:)] AAAHHH finally some rain and cooler weather. Cindy, I'll have my usual (Miller Lite). (Opens Rat Patoot Room door) Hello Tom. Man, looks like you've worked up a sweat. I'll put a quarter in the jukebox for "Eye Of The Tiger" while you keep punching the bag [;)]

Sorry I haven't checked in for a bit. My modem has some output issues and sometimes I'm able to get on the internet, and sometimes I get that &*#@% [censored] "Cannot Find Server" message. My IP service is sending a tech out to my house later today.

Also I'm a full time college student so that dampens my online pleasure time.
(Network and Communications Management is what I'm majoring in)

I've been able to read some of the summaries.

[#welcome] to Pwolfe and other newcomers to "OUR" Place.

OOOHHHKAAYYY now for the four toasts.

1) To our brave service men and women fighting in Iraq. Hopefully they'll be coming home soon.

2) To the many many people kicking the smoking habit encouraged by the passing of ABC anchorman Peter Jennings.

3) To small business people who just made their first profit

4) To the mailman that brings me my MR [:D]

Take care,

Russell

[siberianmo]

Okay - that's it! If you need to talk to me I'll be in the The Rat’s Patoot Room
That area just to the left of the Juke, to the right of the pool tables, and catywumpus from the Hizzens and Herins rooms, is where it’s at! [swg] The idea is to use the room in order to vent when whatever overwhelms you takes charge. There are some comfortable chairs in there – padded walls – and a couple of punching bags too! [tup] So, it's my turn to vent …….[banghead][censored]

Cindy has the bar!

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

[siberianmo]

G'mornin' Gunns Kevin

Thanx for responding and helping to usher in our 4th month on the Classic Trains Forum! You get the xtra large, frosty cold tankard of your favorite brew! [tup]

There are times when I really WONDER about the guys 'round here. Feast or famine. Some read, some don't. Some participate, some won't. It's really no way to start the day ........ [tdn]

As my toasts indicated in the opening remarks of the SUMMARY, we've got a special day - so let's enjoy it! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Gunns]

Morning Tom,
Doors are open, how about breakfast, n coffee.
Im buying for my toasts

1. May the rails sing, and the linnen be fresh.

2. May the sun never set on "Class Acommadations"

3. May Borris not find the chilli in the back room

4. Let the music roll.

Gunns

[siberianmo]

FRIDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

Today is the 4th Month Anniversary for “Our” Place – a cyber bar ‘n grill.

So, let’s get started with the 4 toasts:

(1) "Here's to every man here,
May he be what he thinks himself to be."

(2) "Here's to the man who is wisest and best,
Here's to the man who with judgment is blest.
Here's who's as smart as he can be -
I mean the man who agrees with me!"

(3) "May the roof above us never fall in,
And may we friends gathered below never fall out."

(4) "May you have warm words on a cold evening,
A full moon on a dark night,
And the road downhill all the way to your door."

Hoist your glasses in toast to the continued success of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment where the talk of Classic Trains reigns!

drop by and offer 4 toasts to the continued success of our cyber bar ‘n grill and you’ll get a free frosty tankard of your favorite draught – or – a hefty glass of JD or Crown Royal! [tup]

News of the Day:

Bonus: Tonight, Nick, Chief Chef [C=:-)] will prepare a feast for all – in his own words:

QUOTE: Highland supper evening,---first the ****`a`leekie soup ,then the haggis piped in with due ceremony and observance, next ,the days bag of grouse( actually the birds shot the previous week) a citrus fruit sorbet, a whole double haunch of Welsh black beef roasted mid-well on the outside & mid-rare in the middle followed at a decent interval by a bottle or 6 of a decent single malt

Well, if that doesn’t do it – remember, it’s also Pizza Nite and Steak ‘n Fries nite ‘round here – so be sure to stop by! [tup]

Enjoy!

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 02:53:46 (71) Thursday’s Summary

(2) Gunns Kevin Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 03:04:03 (71)

(3) barndad Doug Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 06:24:00 (71)

(4) passengerfan Al Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 06:50:45 (71)

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 08:11:50 (71) reply to Gunns

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 08:28:43 (71) reply to barndad

(7) earlydiesels Dan Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 09:10:38 (71)

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 09:13:24 (71) reply to passengerfan

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 14, 09:27:25 (71) reply to earlydiesels

(10) passengerfan Al Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 10:29:23 (71)

(11) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 11:47:55 (71) reply to passengerfan

(12) passengerfan Al Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 12:24:10 (72)

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 13:25:30 (72) reply to passengerfan

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 13:35:20 (72) Things to Know About “Our” Place

(15) earlydiesels Dan Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 13:46:05 (72)

(16) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 13:56:31 (72) reply to earlydiesels

(17) passengerfan Al Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 14:14:25 (72)

(18) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Aug 200, 15:24:51 (72)

(19) pwolfe Pete Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 18:32:01 (72)

(20) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 19:00:25 (72) reply to pwolfe

(21) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 11 Aug 2005, 23:47:05 (72)

(22) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Aug 2005, 07:05:44 (72) reply to trolleyboy

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

[siberianmo]

Howdy Rob

Been wonderin' whether anyone would stop in during the night. We had a very busy afernoon - then suddenly ....... Lotsa Fish 'n Chips left over. Boris 'n Leon brought a couple of trays over to the Mentor Village Constabulary. [yeah]

With the airline fares zooming - and they are from here to Toronto - along with the associated fuel increased pricing, one only wonders whether flying anywhere will remain in the budget ........ [tdn]

Sure would love to experience the Algoma Central's run ... .from what you've told me by Email and on these threads, it sounds like a sure winner! [tup]

See ya later! AND DON'T FORGET YOUR FOUR TOASTS TO "OUR" PLACE .....

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[trolleyboy]

good evening Tom and the gang.I'll have a CR while Isit here. Tom I'm not a stranger to the occastional bout of insomnia myself ( comes with my line if work speacially around the holidays) Some warm milk with cinnamon always works for me.Don't let Boris use his home remady he mentioned something about a 2X4 and a pillow[XX(] I've been meaning to get to Delson myself,I'm thinking a thought I'll ponder it for a while and send you an email later once it's hatched.ChrisThe next time you visit haida you will have to go to Hamilton it's been moved to HMCS STARR on the Hamilton waterfront. This happened last year after her 2003 refitt in Port weller. Go to haida's website they have some good pictures of her being moved to St Catharines for the refitt and then to hamilton. I've visited the North Carolina and the Buffalo ships as well. And Patriots Point in Charlestown for the Yorktown a USCGC and a destroyer and submarine.Tom I've yet to warm up to most of the tourist traps trains either. Other than the Agawa canyon train on the ACR because it's a genuine 8 hour run with food service and domes.Too bad they removed the nice ABBA sets that ran on it and replaced them with an SD75 and hep car. Kinda draggy tonight so I'm turning in early. Later all. Rob

[siberianmo]

G'day pwolfe Pete

Katy Trail Pale Ale comin' up ..... we're not big on micro-brews 'round here, but we try! [swg] Flat Branch Pub & Brewing of Columbia, MO just shipped us a car load of their products .....

Looks like you are checking out the posts - which is a good sign. Many times that's not the case with a few guys who have visited us on infrequent basis. Obviously, not your style. [tup] The idea 'round here is to keep the conversations going and to be as inclusive as possible. We all get on our [soapbox] now 'n then ... or even [#offtopic], but by and large, Classic Trains is what we're striving to discuss.

If someone smuggled in buffalo wings, I need to sig Boris on 'em! Our menu is rather limited and I'll have to check 'round a bit to post it again. That's not to say we can't cook 'em - but this being our Fish 'n Chips nite, along with our traditional huge sandwich lucheon fare (subs, grinders, hoagies, hero's - your call!) and not daytime Chef, we do what we can! [swg]

When is that diesel show at KCity's Union Station supposed to be scheduled[?] I couldn't find anything on it ........

See ya in the 'morrow and don't forget your 4 toasts to "Our" Place .......

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[pwolfe]

HI Tom and all
Can I have a KATY PALE ALE please, got to keep the local brewers in business
[^] also have you any buffalo wings. The first time I tried them I was told that they made from real buffalo I thought they tasted like chickhen.[(-D].
Anyway thanks trolleyboy and cfornier for the info. You are right the tender was used for non-stop runs between LONDON AND EDINBURGH 393 miles with a crew change north of York. Not all the A4's were fitted with these in fact the one in Green Bay has a non -corridor tender.I have asked my friend in England to see if this is unique in A4 preservation. There are six saved including the two in North America .I have found a british steam mag with the A4 and A3 in if you drop me a e-mail you are welcome to it.
Yes MALLARD is the same class.
I have got the latest issue of CLASSIC TRAINS a great mag has it only been going for 5 years as I seem to remember getting it in late 2000 but I could be wrong
[?] I am a steam buff at heart but I would loved to have seen and heard those GG1's on a fast freight.
[wow]those buffalo wings were great compliments to the [C=:-)] I'll have a bathems to wa***hem down. Hope to call in tomorrow cheers.

[siberianmo]

G'day passengerfan Al

Boris time to ring it again - Al's baaaaaaack! [swg] Thanx, Al! [tup]
There was a time when we thought my wife could get away for her sabbatical at a time between dogs. That probably requires a bit of explaination: She teaches at one of our unviersities ...... our 16 year old Siberian Husky had passed on and we were relatively free to consider some serious travel. Four months down under sounded right.

Well, things have a way of developing - time moved on - and here we are, pretty much back where we were. This time, our Siberian Husky is going on 28 months and we're absolutely devoted to him. Comes in 2nd to my love of trains! [swg] That and the situation in the world since Sep 11th, 2001 changed everything as far as we're concerned. Believe me, it's not fear - it's just a reluctance to leave the USA - even going to Canada these past couple of years has been - well - different. Don't like the feeling at all, not at all .......

I've known several Aussies in my time - many with the Australian Federal Police. In fact, when i was assigned to Long Beach/Los Angeles, I spent quite a bit of tiem over at the Aussie and Kiwi Consulates ...... great people. Fantastic hospitality for sure., One day, hopefull, someday we'll get there ......

Have 'nother on me[?]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[passengerfan]

Hello Tom How about a CR and a round for the house.
My first wife was from Australia and made sevearl trips their in the years we were married. Have ridden the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth twice and it is truly a world class train. No domes bu the equipment is stainless steel built under license from Budd. The people are friendly and helpful. I personally would like to take the new trip the Ghan for the entire distance from South to North. This one has only been completed and open for a couple of years. Saw a travel video on this train and it looked as good as the Indian Pacific. I would also like to someday ride the Blue Train in South Africa.

[siberianmo]

G'day earlydiesels Dan

While you're back there, drop a handful of quarters from the jar into the JUKE. We need some sounds - some Johnny Cash, Hank Jr. or Alabama would be nice. [tup]

Cardinals and Cubs are in a rain (what's that[?]) delay before the start of their game up at Wrigley - so the 3 TV's have nothing special right now. You can throw in a tape if you'd like - they all have VCR's. Haven't converted over to DVD's quite yet - have a quite an extensive video library .......

One of the rail adventures my wife and I have talked about for years is the trip across the Australian continent. The internet has some great info ..... We had thought about going down there for at least 4 months - [yeah] you read that right. During that time we'd live in a community - move on every 3 weeks or so. Also head over to New Zealand, although we've been told first hand to avoid their rail system. As with most things I come up with, this one really is a stretch. But, it's always nice to think about it ..... [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]