Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house.
Football officially started on Saturday last. The Irish are undefeated.
Pete, here is a link to a picture of the Mystic station way back when.
http://cho.uconn.edu/cgi-bin/Pscandoc.cgi?app=20&folder=1056&doc=1
Also, to answer your question, a train from Newark to Penn Station would tunnel under the Hudson. If it is a through train to New England (such as the erstwhile Montrealer) then, yes, it would cross over the Hell Gate Bridge eventually, after tunneling under the East River to Long Island City, then head up to Hell's Gate, as it was known for its swift current.
Doug, some pictures of New Haven electric locomotives of the era described in your post yesterday. Incidentally, that name Sy Reich rang a bell, and that Answer Booth lady Barbara, from the 1950s, when my dad bought those Railroad magazines every month. Should've saved them, they'd be valuable nowadays.
Rob, there's old MUs in this bunch of New Havens. If Tom doesn't post a birthday notice soon, don't worry pal. Who was Robinson Crusoe's chum? Jack Webb or something.
1st Electric train to NY
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.304.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
01 and 040 engine type 1-B-B-1
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.321.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
10 locomotives combined
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.191.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
012 in a blizzard at Stamford
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.286.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
0200 First AC Switcher
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.277.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
0215
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.400.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
0902 GE Cooper Bessemer
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.366.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
0952 ALCO S1
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.370.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
0923 ALCO HH 660
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.368.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
0115
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.357.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
0352 engine type 2-C+2-C New Paint 1945
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.445.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
0361
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.331.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
0361 with train
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.332.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
0363
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.333.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
0363 Bond Drive train
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.324.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
0363 and 1408 Streamlined 4-6-4
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.336.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
0365
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.334.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
0366
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.335.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
4011 Wooden MU
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.305.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
4023 & 4200 & 4027 MUs
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.308.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
4651 MU
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.309.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
4024 MU
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.443.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
4034 MU
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.425.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
4060 MU
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.429.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
4083 MU
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.431.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
4200 MU Interior
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.344.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
4656 MU
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.310.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
4650 & 4049 MUs
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.313.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
4651 New Canaan
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.311.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
Historic Boston & Providence 4-4-0
http://quest.lib.uconn.edu:20027/cgi-bin/Pdisplay.cgi?type=image/jpeg&path=/m1/encompass/r_railrddb/clipboard/.outgoing/TMP.objres.223.jpg&fileaddr=137.99.181.116&fileport=20162
CM3, thanks for the magnificent typing. Picture of the elevator somewhere in this mess.
You don't need this I know, but I got curious about the late Back Bay Station.
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ma/ma1200/ma1213/photos/076675pr.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ma/ma1200/ma1213/photos/076676pr.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ma/ma1200/ma1213/photos/076677pr.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ma/ma1200/ma1213/photos/076678pr.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ma/ma1200/ma1213/photos/076679pr.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ma/ma1200/ma1213/photos/076680pr.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ma/ma1200/ma1213/photos/076681pr.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ma/ma1200/ma1213/photos/076682pr.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ma/ma1200/ma1213/photos/076683pr.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ma/ma1200/ma1213/photos/076684pr.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ma/ma1200/ma1213/photos/076685pr.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ma/ma1200/ma1213/photos/076686pr.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ma/ma1200/ma1213/photos/076687pr.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ma/ma1200/ma1213/photos/076688pr.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ma/ma1200/ma1213/photos/076689pr.jpg
Data
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ma/ma1200/ma1213/data/003.gif
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ma/ma1200/ma1213/data/004.gif
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ma/ma1200/ma1213/data/005.gif
Now where's Nick? Great song titles, hearing some old tunes first time in years.
Mt. Snowden in Wales 1961
http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/collections/cushman/full/P12127.jpg
Mike
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Some acknowledgements and then some comments re New Haven material.
Barndad: Hafner material was interesting to say the least. And the train set came with the box, too? Cool!
Pete: The station at Kingston was r/b a few years ago into its former splendor. That stretch of track south of Providence was the New Haven’s racetrack. My dad recalls I5s going through there with long passenger trains shall we say crowding the 100 mph mark at times.
In answer to your Hell Gate question. No. To get from Newark to Penn Station you shall (to paraphrase Stonewall Jackson) cross under the river.
BTW – anybody out there know where the name Hell Gate came from? I’ll bet our ‘steamed proprietor does.
Doug – Thanks for the Part II electrification article. Those EY2s handled most opf the switching duties at New Haven.
Tom: Thanks for more NYNH&H historical material.
BK: Ski posters brought back some memories. The New Haven pioneered ski trains (aka snow trains) from New York to the Berkshires. They also ran operations for fall foliage, hiking, skating parties, etc. Anything to keep otherwise idle passenger equipment busy.
Now to some of Mike’s pictures.
I appreciated the picture of Cos Cob as I mentioned it in my post yesterday. The round beasties by the tracks are coal silos.
The picture of the New Haven station (1st one) was taken looking toward New York (west by timetable). The so-called “motor park” is just to the west of the station and the shops area is on the other side of the tracks just about opposite the motor park.
The pictures in Providence were of the old station. The Industrial Trust building (aka the Daily Planet) is to the left of the picture, and the brick building to the right is the Sheraton Biltmore Hotel. My dad worked there for awhile in prewar days.
The East Side tunnel is a fascinating piece of rail history in Providence as it allowed freight traffic to pass under the campus of Brown University to get to E. Providence. Back in the day this line was electrified (was the old Providence, Warren and Bristol). The wires were removed in 1935. Just to the left and pout of the picture is the Shore Line track to Boston and the Promenade St. tower which controlled the east end of the Providence station.
The DL109 at Charles St. surely brought back some memories. There were two engine facilities in Providence (Charles St. and Northup Ave.)
The pictures at South Station were from widely different eras.
The first one shows the headhouse and Dewey Square. The station is much as built in 1899.
The second shot is much more up-to-date. The Federal Reserve Bank is the aluminum-looking structure across. The Stone and Webster Bldg is to the right and the Fort Point Channel is in the background.
In the next one, the drawbridge (now gone, IIRC) led to the coach yard at Dover St. This facility has been completely redone since the picture was made. The Boston Postal Annex is to the right. If you look hard toward the center of the picture you can see the so-called “Tower which controlled all of the switches and signals at South Station. These were semaphores until a few years ago.
The I5 is pulling the “Bay State.” These were the last steam engines purchased by the New Haven. Lovely looking, they were initially hell on the rail because of counterbalancing problems; a situation that was later corrected.
The PAs at Saybrook are in the as-delivered colors of orange and aluminum. BTW, there are almost theological debates re New Haven colors and paint schemes. I don’t even want to go there. My memories of the PAs are of them painted green and gold.
The last shot at Woodlawn shows what I mentioned in my post. This is the flyover where the New Haven crossed the NYC and then dropped down to allow NH trains access to Grand Central. Penn jobs went straight and did not use the flyover.
Work safe
P.S. I see where we have new pictures posted today. I'll check them out in a little while.
Great Railroad Bridges - #1 Used with permission from Wikipedia.com
Hell Gate, shown in red, in a satellite photo of New York Harbor. It separates Ward's Island (to the west) and Astoria, Queens (to the east)
Hell Gate is a narrow tidal strait in the East River in New York City in the United States. It separates Randall's Island and Ward's Island (formerly two islands that are now joined by landfill) and Astoria, Queens.
It was spanned in 1917 by the New York Connecting Railroad Bridge (now called the Hell Gate Bridge), which connects the Bronx and Queens. The bridge provides a direct rail link between New England and New York City. In 1936 it was spanned by the Triborough Bridge, allowing vehicular traffic to pass between Manhattan, the Bronx, and Queens.
The name "Hell Gate" is a corruption of the Dutch phrase Hellegat, meaning "bright passage," which was originally applied to the entirety of the East River. The strait was described in the journals of Dutch explorer Adriaen Block, who is the first European known to have navigated the strait, during his 1614 voyage aboard the Onrust.
The first Hellegat is a branch of the Scheldt River estuary in East Flanders, which is still today an idyllic camping spot popular with European tourists. But because explorers found navigation hazardous in this New World place of rocks and converging tide-driven currents (from the Long Island Sound, Harlem River strait, Upper Bay of New York Harbor and lesser channels, some of which have been filled), the Anglicization stuck.
Some theorize, however, that Block might have named the strait with both meanings in mind, sliding a pun into place to evade the censorship of his strict Lutheran paymasters.
By the late 19th century, hundreds of ships had sunk in the strait. In 1876, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers blasted the dangerous rocks, which was followed by further blasting work. One explosion in Hell Gate was the largest man-made blast in history up until the Atomic Age.
Though Hell Gate is still considered difficult to navigate due to strong tidal flows, its reputation is based on myth more than fact. At certain points in the tidal cycle, its waters briefly go slack, making it as placid as a lake. Even at peak current, competent kayakers and canoeists pass through without trouble. The greatest danger is the artificial one posed by heavy commercial vessel traffic through the tight channel.
Hell Gate Bridge view from Astoria park at dawn.
Carries
Amtrak Northeast Corridor rail line (2 tracks); CSX/Canadian Pacific freight rail line (1 track)
Crosses
Hell Gate of the East River
Locale
Queens and the Bronx in New York City via Randalls and Wards Islands
Maintained by
Amtrak
Design
Arch bridge
Good Late Morning Captain Tom and all assembled!
Ruth, we are approaching the noon hour, so perhaps today I will forego the breakfast menu and skip right onto lunch. I would like one of those "Lars Specials" - but just half of what he normally consumes - and skp the pickles! Just coffee for me with a "splash" to make it interesting. Oh yes, Tex may have the saucer of brine! A round for the house too, thank you!
Captain Tom, that information on the Hell Gate Bridge is most informative and definitely in line with the comment from coalminer3 CM3! You are on the ball - as usual.
Editorial comment: Something I have noticed - appears as if there may be some expectations of Tom doing more around here. Saw a couple of postings that led to me to that conclusion. Any one of us could pick up the slack if slack indeed is observed. In time, he just may decide to resume some of the features many have looked forward to. But it IS his choice.
The New Haven RR won't diminish with the passing of "Theme Day!" A most interesting potpourri of information and photos from the gang!
Not much to report from Alberta - as the mid-week blahs have set in, more or less. We will be heading to the valley for some replenishing of our provisions, which should liven the both of us up a bit. You would think with a house full of people this past weekend, plus just returning from a trip that we would be most content to "chill." Must be time for us to begin planning our next getaway . . . wanderers, we two!
Came up with this contribution for those who enjoy the "Toys & Model Trains" postings on Wednesdays - optional, if I recall -
No. 300 Steel Bridge Nothing so elaborate or architecturally perfect as this bridge has ever been made for use with a model electric train. It is faithfully modeled after the famous "Hell-gate" Bridge which spans the East River in New York. The piers, center span and structural features are correct to the minute detail. It is made entirely of sheet steel, and is substantially constructed throughout. It measures 28 3/4 inches in length, 11 inches in height and is 10 1/2 inches wide. It is so skillfully designed that it is not necessary for a train to travel up or down grade when passing over it. It is finished in lasting enamel colors, and will greatly add to every boy's "Lionel Standard" Railroad Equipment.
Nothing so elaborate or architecturally perfect as this bridge has ever been made for use with a model electric train. It is faithfully modeled after the famous "Hell-gate" Bridge which spans the East River in New York. The piers, center span and structural features are correct to the minute detail. It is made entirely of sheet steel, and is substantially constructed throughout. It measures 28 3/4 inches in length, 11 inches in height and is 10 1/2 inches wide. It is so skillfully designed that it is not necessary for a train to travel up or down grade when passing over it. It is finished in lasting enamel colors, and will greatly add to every boy's "Lionel Standard" Railroad Equipment.
From the 1928 Lionel Catalog. The original selling price of this unit was $15.00.
BK in Alberta, Canada's beautiful high mountain country!
G’day Captain Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth, it’s time for one of my “specials” and a frosty cold bottle of Keiths Ale if you please. Hold the brine for Tex, as I see my “bookend” has taken care of that for him. <grin> A round for the house – ring the bell, Boris!
Just spent ½ hour trying to log on to this Forum!! <argggggggghhhhhhh!>
Not a bad day on “the island,” with the temperatures in the low 70s under a party cloudy sky. Still quite a bit of debris to be removed from the latest weather “hit” – but they’ll get it removed B4 week’s end.
Enjoyed the material on Hell Gate and the Bridge. I actually knew quite a bit of that history and the info provided by our leader was ‘right on’ the mark! Also, I have one of those Lionel bridges – really do. My grandfather gave it to my dad who gave it to me. It’s sitting amongst the train ‘stuff’ I’ve told you about – down in the basement. For a time, my sons alternated in setting it up on Christmas – but no more. Probably worth a small fortune to someone on eBay or one of those other auction joints. Ain’t for sale. It goes to whichever grandchild expresses an interest in electric trains. And I’m sad to say, haven’t seen much of that. A changing world indeed – in fact, it has already changed –and not to my liking.
Appreciate the email, Tom and my reply has been sent. Also got yours, Rob – didn’t figure a reply was necessary. Thanks for the input!
Another fine post from CM3 I’m not Shane! to continue on with his morning “place” at the bar. Those descriptions you provided to the URL spread really rounded it all out quite nicely. Undoubtedly, you KNOW the NH (along with the NYC, B&M, etc., etc.)
BK, I have been biting my tongue lately, but I see you haven’t! Consider me alongside you in that commentary. Thought I had covered “what is”and “what isn’t” quite well these past several weeks, especially on Encore! Saturdays. Hmmmmmm.
The bar is perking along quite nicely – a smaller nucleus – but one that has exhibited quite a bit of dependability since we resumed our activities. I’d rather not be a “dividerdadder,” but moreso a “unificatorerer” – hmmmm, well, I think the point has been well made. We are supposed to be about good natured banter at the bar – inclusiveness in our posts – acknowledging the efforts of others - and not forgetting that our talk should focus on “Classic Trains!” Toe that line, Gentlemen – and all will be ship-shape at the Saloon by the Siding. Go astray – then take the siding to the left which leads to other sites. <grin>
So, what happened to that FL9 “thing” proclaimed by red P Did I miss something <smile>
Hey Doug! I have it on good authority that if you continue with the “Ruthie” bit – Vito the Hit will be paying a call on YOU! He’s a “softie” for the red headed gal and I really wouldn’t want you to be on the receiving end of his “shoe fitters”! <grin>
So, here’s a little something to add to the Toy ‘n Model Trains optional day!
and you gotta check this URL out!
http://www.venturea.com/tjs.htm
One more Ruth – then I’m gonna post my Encore and skedaddle!
Until the next time!
Lars
Afternoon Tom and friends. Looks like I just missed Ruth... (whew). I'll take a bottomless draught and buy a round for the faithful. I just knew that the Hells Gate Bridge would become a big item after the New Haven theme, and Tom posted a very informative article. Well done sir! I want to compliment BK for the Hells Gate model, and Lars for the amazing URL. Now that's the layout I want in my new basement! Speaking of URLs, Mike is the master, to be sure. What an incredible number of URLs for today! Thanks to CM3 for the explanations of earlier pix. Here's another humble submission from myself:
Here are some cute Tootsietoy cars, priced as marked
Here’s a bit of information concerning “Tootsietoy”
Key Dates: 1876: Charles O. and Samuel Dowst start The National Laundry Journal. 1892: Nathan Shure founds Cosmo Manufacturing to make toys. 1893: Dowst Bros. buys a linotype machine to make die-cast buttons and trinkets. 1906: Dowst introduces the first die-cast Tootsietoy automobile. 1926: Dowst and Cosmo merge to become Dowst Manufacturing Co. 1930s:Dowst toys are used as tokens in the newly created Monopoly game. 1940s:Dowst makes detonators, buckles for the U.S. war effort. 1950s:Nathan Shure's grandsons take control of the firm; toy guns become strong sellers. 1961: The Strombeck-Becker hobby division is purchased; Dowst later is renamed Strombecker. 1960s:Sales of slot cars boom, then bust; Strombecker returns to making basic toys. 1979: The acquisition of Chem-Toy adds the popular Mr. Bubbles line. 1980s:The firm moves most toy car manufacturing to China. 1989: The firm purchases Sandberg Manufacturing, maker of Sesame Street wooden toys. 1994: Major chains remove toy guns from shelves; Strombecker lays off 20. 1996: The company rebounds, posting record sales of $50 million. 2002: Board chairman Myron Shure dies. approximately $50 million. That year saw Strombecker make two acquisitions and form a joint venture with Daisy Manufacturing Co. to license and distribute Daisy's line of toy guns. The firm also introduced its first toys aimed solely at girls, which included tea sets and play cosmetics. The late 1990s saw Strombecker's bubble toy market share drop below 50 percent, but this climbed back to 54 percent during 2001. Sales of toy guns also went up late in the year following the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. The company was still the market leader in this category in the United States, with sales of its guns, bubbles, and other toys also strong around the world. In December of 2002 board chairman Myron Shure passed away. In addition to his many years in the toy business, Shure had amassed a collection of so-called "Outsider Art" and served as director of Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art near Chicago. After more than 125 years Strombecker Corporation had found its niche as a leading maker of basic toys like bubbles, guns, wooden blocks, tea sets, and cars. The Shure family, which continued to own and manage the firm, kept it on track for further growth through strategic acquisitions and new licensing deals. Company History:
Strombecker Corporation is the leading maker of bubble blowing toys and cap guns in the world, controlling about half of each market, and also makes other basic toys like die-cast metal cars, wood blocks, and dish sets. The company's best-known brands are Tootsietoy, Mr. Bubbles, Hearts 'n Home, and Hard Body Die-Cast, and it also makes items using characters or designs licensed from Disney, Looney Tunes, Pfaltzgraff, General Motors, and Ford, among others. Strombecker is owned by the Shure family, which has run the company for four generations.
Origins
The roots of the present-day Strombecker date to 1876, when a trade paper called the National Laundry Journal was started on the West Side of Chicago. Its publishers, brothers Charles O. and Samuel Dowst, later began to make small laundry accessories like die-cast collar buttons and cufflinks. In 1893 Samuel Dowst saw a Mergenthaler Linotype machine at the Chicago World's Columbian Exposition, which made metal type for printing by injecting hot lead into molds. Realizing it could also effectively produce metal buttons, he convinced the company to purchase one.
Dowst soon began producing more metal items, including die-cast promotional trinkets for clients like the Flat Iron Laundry Company, which bought them to give away to its customers' children. These items, which included a flatiron, a top hat, a Scottie dog, and a candlestick, would much later be adopted for use as tokens in the board games Monopoly and Clue. In 1906 Dowst introduced the world's first die-cast toy car, and several years later began making one patterned after the Model T Ford, which went on to sell more than 50 million copies. The firm's toy vehicles were known as "Tootsietoys," after company founder Charles O. Dowst's granddaughter "Toots." Their popularity was such that automobile manufacturers paid for creation of the molds so they could be included in the company's line.
One of the firm's competitors was the Cosmo Manufacturing Company, which had been founded in Chicago in 1892 by Nathan Shure. Cosmo's niche was making small prizes for inclusion in boxes of Cracker Jack, which was made by another Chicago-area firm. In 1926 Cosmo bought Dowst, and the merged companies took the name Dowst Manufacturing Co. Together they would make a variety of die-cast toys like train sets, doll furniture, airplanes, cars, and trucks, as well as Cracker Jack prizes and game tokens. By this time the firm had abandoned its publishing operations.
Dowst's business continued to grow despite the hardships of the Great Depression and World War II, during which the company turned to producing detonators for grenades and mines, as well as belt and parachute buckles. Because of severe restrictions on the use of metal, Dowst Manufacturing's only wartime toys were made of paper.
After the cessation of hostilities, the company returned to full-time toy production. Dowst soon added new items like western-style cap gun sets, which would prove popular in the late 1950s. By that time control of the firm had passed to Nathan Shure's grandsons Myron, Richard, and Alan.
And finally, a $25 street car for Rob
I wasn’t astute enough to try to figure out who made it.
Ruth left him on the sofa when the phone rang, and was back in a few seconds."Who was it?" he asked."My husband," she replied."I better get going," he said. "Where was he?""Relax. He's downtown playing poker with you."
Good evening folks. I think a Keith's Leon oh and here's some extra quaters for some repetitive play of the Railroad Trilogy by Gorden lightfoot. Yes Boris you can clog dance to it ( odd request ) oh well.
Tom-Great follow up on the Hell gate bridge, some interesting trivia in there as well. I'm not supprised that it was a Nazi target during the war, the Welland Canal & the connecting bridges at Niagara Falls , Fort Erie,Windsor etc etc were also deemed to be desired demolition targets. I imagine in this twisted world we live in today there are those that would concider them thus as well.
Pete-Great pictures of the NH stations, fitting end to the pot porii that was yesterdays most recent theme day success. 5x to all those who contributed the ontime and ontopic material,and added thier own inclusive commentary as well Great to see.
BK-Like Lars I've been biting my tongue a bit lately as well, glad that you aren't tongue tied I do concur, we are all capable of filling in da blanks as it were, nuff said.Great Hell Gate model photo as well.You and Lydia are really comming up with some gems
Doug-Those prices were deals you didn't buy them Great little article on haffner and the associated history and pictures,a company I knew nothing about,good to see that the model theme does still pop up on occation on wednesday's
Mike / CM3 -More great phto links from Mike and thanks for the birthday wish as well. CM3 great follow descriptions on the first sets of photo's really puinctuates the good read had by all yesterday.
Lars-Nice to know that you are planning on saving your treasured childhood trains for the next generation.I hate to see family stuff like that sold on cyberspace You never know one of the grand kids may get bit by the train bug later in life, I was twelve so you might have some hope in it. Interesting shot with the three Hell Gate bridges.Soon I'll be off to check out that url.
Thot For the day -If I give you a penny for my thoughts and you give me your two cents worth, where does te other penny go ?
Rob
Howdy again i see that Doug popped in again right before me, great article on Strombecker, I can remember when we had an asile in the store that looked like a varitable arsenal,not anymore don't carry a single bit of it anymore. 1993 we lead the way to the gunfree retail experiance. Funny that even the year it happened we really had no one ask why or where are the cap guns etc, still that way.
Awe shucks you shouldn't habve bought me that streetcar One question thought does it come in any other colours I'm partial to the red ones
THEME FOR THE DAY ANNOUINCEMENT FOR TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 12TH
Just so that everyone can get on their thinking toques,I think we sahll head to the more southerly direction for next week and hit on...... THe Kansas City Southern
See you then.
Hi Tom and all
A pint of the Bathams Ruth, you should still be on duty now, although it will be Leon who will be keeping the glass filled. The problem of a very slow speed typer.
DOUG Thanks for the idea of asking Trains about Bill Chambers, I have tried doing a search on the web but came up empty.I had not heard of Hafner models before.
CM3 It must have been wonderful to have seen a I5 at full speed through Kingston station. When we were there last October the station was doing a good trade as there were a train due in both directions. Thanks for the info on Mike's links. The old station in Providence is used as offices I believe, we were allowed to step inside the door and get a taste of the granduer of the building.
MIKE Great links again to the old diesels, electric locos and multiple units of the NH, .The Back Bay was a fine station, liked the inside pics, reading one of the data pics it was demolished in '79, what a pity it could not have been kept.
Many thanks CM3 and Mike for the Hell Gate bridge info and many thanks TOM for the history and great pics of the bridge. A very impressive structure and a worthy #1 of Great Railroad Bridges.
It is no surprise that Lionel modelled it and thanks BK for the pic and info. Then LAR's link to a layout with three of them.
Seeing the bridge got me thinking of the box girder bridge which still stands at the south end of Rugby station in my home town.I was told it was scheduled to be taken down last January but this was postponed. It will be a massive task and will shut the West coast main line for a while. The reason I thought of this was it was 40 years ago yesterday that the line over the bridge closed as a through route to London. This was The Great Central Railway and was known as the Last Main Line to be built in the UK, it was completed to London in 1899. If anyone is interested I will look up some more history of the line and do a post on it.
Well I see LEON is behind the barnow, so I will have another and get a round in. Pete.
.
Good evening Leon,I see Pete's been in so you haven't been completely without work which is good I'll nab a Keith's while I perch on my stool.Oh I'll leave you a bit o extra for a round incases anyone else comes in a bit thirsty
Pete -Nice to hear that they let you inside the old station,even if they are used for other purposes, it's good to see them at least preserved. Same goes for two of the stations in North Bay, The old Canadian Northern Station is currently being renovated into a seniors drop in centre, at least they are not stanging it's external appearance. The CPR station has been renovated and it's field stone fasade was cleaned and repaired. Inside is an antique mall / flea market, but again externally it still looks very much like the train station it once was. Two more saved which is always' a good thing. To answer your question about the Air Line if it were built I imaginge that as long as it was still electrified you would likely see some high speed electric commuter cars still running on it similar to te South Shoreor even an Acelea type train, oh well it wasn't to be.
Oh before I forget , I was aable to clean up the old magazine article picture of the Air Line so here it is. I know that Tom had beem interested in seeing what the cars looked like. They appear to be typical for the period railroad roofed Niles cars like those built for the other interurban systems of the time.
G'day Gents!
Leon, set 'em up - and Boris, clang the bonger - drinks on Da Boss!
Have a rather busy schedule coming up early in the AM, so thought it best to drop my comments off this evening before falling way behind . . .
Really some nice 'stuff' regarding Toy 'n Model Trains on this mid-week day. For an optional event, we've had some fantastic offerings! Nicely done Doug with your two submissions along with the Hell Gate input from BK and Lars. And that web site is indeed something else! Surely would love to see it. Speaking of that . . . any "word" Doug on visiting that layout you exposed us all to should we have part of our 2nd Annual Rendezvous up your way Just wonderin' . . .
I must not be reading the tea leaves quite the way some others have, for I'm not "in the know" with whatever is making some guys knickers bunch up into knots. What's this all about Ship me an Email if it's THAT important - and let's try to keep the stress 'n strain at minimum levels here at the Tavern by the Tracks!
A word on "what is" and "what isn't" for this iteration of "Our" Place. I think Lars has it about as correct as it's gonna get - for now. I'm not doing Daily Summaries for a few reasons - mainly much too time consuming for the return on MY investment in time and resources. I'm not doing the B'day Watch List and Bashes because of similar experiences - and who can forget that "Bash" that "wasn't!!" I'm not getting into the "newspaper" business right now because of the enormous amount of time it takes to essentially please only a relative few. What else hmmmmmmm - just consult the list that Lars puts out EVERY week, and it will cover it all quite well. RIP!
Now does all of this mean NEVER - no, of couse not. Simply means - not right now. Anyone who wants to pick up the slack - as BK put it - surely can and are most welcome to jump right on in. The one thing that I will insist on at my creation are those things mentioned so many times - inclusiveness - acknowledging the other guy - joining in the banter at the bar and keeping to the "theme" which indeed is the discussion of "Classic Trains." Pretty simple outline for a continued successful future.
Appreciate the extra effort, Rob, in providing the interurban info . . . nice! By the by, Kansas City Southern (KCS) may be a toughie for the guyz - really not that much available - unless of course URLs are "it." I recall trying to put that road into my "RRs from Yesteryear" and had a very hard time getting anything substantive. Well, "We takes what we gets!"
Want to thank all who have provided inut for our "Name the Penguin Contest" - some really great ideas and it will be a tough choice to make. If anyone wants to "push" a particular entry, ship me an Email - HOWEVER - you must have submitted a name to be considered! Fair enough I think so.
Catch y'all in late morning - or early PM! Ruth will be opening up - so it's gonna be a long day for our red head - be kind, Gents - be kind! <grin>
Tom
Good morning Tom and friends. I'll have a light breakfast, leave my stuff, and be on the way quicker than you can say "that bum didn't leave a tip!"
I see Rob came by after I left. I remember the toy-gun phase-out around here. The argument was that they were so realistic looking that they were being successfully used in roberies, and people were getting shot by cops who thought the guns were real. Of course, that's all the fault of the toy-gun, and not the person using it ... right? But that's a whole other subject. You can always paint that trolley red if ya want Rob, but that would kill the value. I have no idea how much that car is actually "worth." Whatever anyone is willing to pay, I suppose. As for the $1,300 doll, is it stuffed with gold coins or something? That's nuts! Omigosh ..the Kansas City & Southern? I'm going to have to set-up a spreadsheet over here of what is in each magazine. Are you really going to force me to get organized? Great to see Peter and Tom after I left yesterday too. I don't think there's much chance of being able to visit the Fox Valley layout after this year, but I promise to write the guy with our request when I know the exact date and number of people who would be out here, and we'll see what he says.
And now for a pop-test. Hope you studied!
Test your Railroad Knowledge (Dec 1956 Railroad Magazine)
Our dog left so many disgusting stains on our carpet that we had to buy new carpet. I didn't want to be stupid about the new purchase, so I cut the stains out of the old carpet. When the carpet guy asked what color we wanted, I pulled out the stained patches and said, "Yeah, can you match this color?"
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please, round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Heavy fog in the coalfields this a.m., but it’s starting to lift and looks like it’ll be a beautiful day. That will make up for the past week and ½ of low clouds and rain.
Honest, folks, I didn’t plant the Hell Gate question for our ‘steamed proprietor, aka ancient mariner,” (couldn’t resist); but it sure did get a neat response from him and from BK and Lars, both in terms of prototype and model information. One more New Haven tieback and I promise Ill stop for awhile. The Fall River Line boats used to transit Hell Gate on their way to and from New York. Again, I can get my dad going abt all of that with just a few questions (he’ll be 87 next Feb. and is a wealth of historical information, because he was there.) I hope if I make it that long that I can still recall what he does.
The Lionel 300 bridge is something I have always coveted. The catalog entry was wonderful.
Barndad gives us Tootsietoy material to contemplate. I am sure many of you recall Dinky Toys. These were UK-made and I had a bunch of them. One I still have is a model of a Vulcan bomber – I saved $ for awhile to get that one.
Rob visited (twice, yet).
Pete. Glad you got to see the old Providence station. Many memories for me, for sure. This brings up a story.
My father got religion relatively late. The night he was confirmed, the Providence Station caught fire.
Now the officiating priest and my dad were both former firefighters; they are like train followers and will drop everything if there is something to see. It was getting toward the end of the ceremony, and the priest concluded with, “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Sprit; let’s go, they just rolled engine three.” So off they went to see the fire.
Also, in the 1938 hurricane, the roof blew off the station and the skylight came down into the lobby. The anniversary date for this storm is right around the corner and I am working on getting some material together on it because it had a great impact on New England railroads.
KCS is an interesting road, and still independent, although they are morphing into something much bigger.
Now, a little more New York material (late 1960s)
South Brooklyn Ry. Company
Mileage 5.94 miles
Stations at: 39th. St and 3rd Ave.; Coney Island; Gravesend; Greenwood; Kensington.
Junction Points With Connecting Railroads
Bush Jct., Brooklyn – Bush Terminal
Parkville, Brooklyn, NY – PRR
Bush Junction via Bush Terminal: B&O, CRR of NJ, E-L; LV, PRR, SIRT.
This should get something going.
G'day (again) Captain Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth, it is nearly Noon-thirty here on "the island" and time for a frosty mug of R&H - Staten Island's "famous" brew from days gone by! A round for the house and I'll take one of my "standard" hero sandwiches if you please along with two pickles from the barrel and a saucer of brine for Tex!
I see CM3 I'm Not Shane! has stopped by for his morning "slot," leaving us with something to ponder on this Thursday - the South Brooklyn Railway Company. That will take a bit of research in order to add a little "something" to the flow. A challenge layed down by our WVA "connection"!
Here's a URL that may be of interest regarding this rather obscure road:
http://www.oldnyc.com/crossharbor_rr/sbrw/sbrw_1.html
I think the info on the Hell Gate was in a word - magnificent! Really perked up the place and peaked quite a bit of interest. That's the kindastuff this place thrives on - the impromptu . . .
Of all those Penguin names - I've sent my thoughts on the "best of the bunch" to you, Captain Tom! Put it in the "for what it's worth department."
Doug has baffled us with his "20 questions" - sure hope the answers aren't far behind! So here's my "mind boggler" - what's this and where is it
One more Ruth – then I gotta skedaddle!
Ruth, looks as if you need a break - take your time and have some lunch!
So, appears as if the bar is in a "fizzle" as the flow seems to have gotten to a "trickle" . . . however, many THANX to Lars for pitching in - and he wasn't asked - appreciate your willingness to help!
I KNOW the answer- however, I'll hold off and let someone else jump in with the "quiz" from Lars! Insofar as the stuff from Doug is concerned - yikes! Looks like "work" to me!
Spent a bit of time at the auto dealer's repair facility where the shop rate is $104 per HOUR! Man oh man - what did I do WRONG in my career Never got that kinda money from "Uncle" - didn't happen then, and I seriously doubt it happens now. Anyway, I must've been "living right" for the things I needed done were covered on our Extended Warranty! Yeah Team! Let's hear it for some wise planning back when the car was purchased! Of course it cost a King's Ransom for the coverage - but today, I feel like I won the Lottery!
Nice chatting with you this AM - Pete - and there's an Email waiting for ya!
I see that coalminer3 CM3 has dropped one on us and this must be "mind bending day" at the Tavern by the Tracks! Is this stuff going to be on the "test"?????? As the kids in college constantly ask my teacher-wife! Of course not, she replies - why in the world would we test you on anything we say or put on the board???? <grin>
Thanx for the feedback, Doug - it would really be a shame if we couldn't spend a bit of time at that fantastic model RR up your way. And yes - dates need to be selected. I'm still waiting for you guys to ship me some Emails with the best times for YOU. Hmmmmmm - maybe still a bit too early though. Let's resume the E-flow!
Boris - you handsome Devil of a Cyclops - ring the bell, and let's get something started!
Later!
Good Afternoon Barkeep(!) and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
I'll take a stab at the building - Farley Post Office Bldg in New York which "they" want to turn into a "new" Penn Station, let alone it's right across the street from where the old Penn Station used to be - I'll stop now b4 Boris drags me to the rat room. Cripes, you can't even get a sleeper on the NEC unless its part of a longer haul run, and now they want to spend !@#$ dollars on a new station - Boris! I say, put the pool cue down and unhand me!
A couple of possible quiz answers. These questions are a little tough to answer as there is no date as to when the quiz was developed.
1. More than one road had these these. IIRC, the following roads did experiments with gas trurbines (coal fired): C&O, UP, and N&W.
5. If I did my math right 6,034 tie plates. How many spikes, folks?
Congratulations on dealing with the car beasties. I know what you mean abt. why didn't I pick that trade!
work safe
Great Railroad Bridges - #2
Used with permission from Wikipedia.com
Forth Railway Bridge
The Forth Bridge, viewed from the Fife side, straddling the Firth of Forth.
Official name
Forth Bridge
Trains
Firth of Forth
Edinburgh, Scotland
Balfour Beatty under contract to Network Rail]
Cantilever bridge
Longest span
2 of 521.3 m (1710 ft)
Total length
2528.7 m (8296 ft)
Clearance below
150 ft
AADT
190 - 200 trains per day
Opening date
March 4, 1890
The Forth Bridge is a railway bridge over the Firth of Forth in the east of Scotland, to the east of the Forth Road Bridge, and 14 km (9 miles) west of Edinburgh. It is often called the "Forth Rail Bridge" to distinguish it from the Forth Road Bridge. The bridge connects Scotland's capital Edinburgh with Fife, and acts as a major artery connecting the north-east and south-east of the country.
History
Forth Bridge at Night
Construction of an earlier bridge, designed by Sir Thomas Bouch, got as far as the laying of the foundation stone, but was stopped after the failure of another of his works, the Tay Bridge. On Bouch's death the project was handed over to Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker, who designed a structure that was built by Sir William Arrol's company between 1883 and 1890. Baker - "one of the most remarkable civil engineers Britain ever produced" - and his colleague Allan Stewart received the major credit for design and overseeing construction work.
Construction
The bridge is, even today, regarded as an engineering marvel. It is 2.5 km (1.5 miles) in length, and the double track is elevated 46 m (approx. 150 ft) above high tide. It consists of two main spans of 1,710 ft, two side spans of 675 ft, 15 approach spans of 168 ft, and five of 25 ft. Each main span comprises two 680 ft cantilever arms supporting a central 350 ft span girder bridge. The three great four-tower cantilever structures are 340 ft (104 m) tall, each 70 ft diameter foot resting on a separate foundation. The southern group of foundations had to be constructed as caissons under compressed air, to a depth of 90 ft. At its peak, approximately 4,600 workers we
Hi Tom and all.
Are you still behind the Bar Tom, I have the usual and who's is doing the Fish 'N' Chips tonlght, I'll give them a try even if they are H&H's anyway.
ROB Just missed you last night, thanks for the Air-Line pics.
DOUG Thats a stiff test this morning. Can I have a stab at questions 8 &9. Was the first steam whistle on the Leicester & Swannington Railway at the suggestion of the manager a Mr. Bagster in 1833 after a collision with the loco Samson and a horse & cart going to Leicester market. Before this, a horn was used as a warning. Another interesting fact about the line when a year earlier the first steam loco on the line, driven by George Stephenson himself, had its 13 foot stack knocked off by a tunnel on the line..
CM3Thanks for the Providence station story. I must admit I liked the city when we stayed there and we hoping to go back there one day. If we do I am definately going to have a rail trip to New York from there. That must be great information from your dad, there is no substitute to being there. Back in England a local history professor does tape interviews with older residents in the West Midland area, on the olden days, and he plays some on a radio programme on a Sunday lunchtime, very interesting.
Mention of DINKY stirred some memories, they are very collectable in the UK. Two of the favourites I had was a Coles crane on a truck, I know they done a Coles crane on its own, and a Dinky aircraft bought as a present from an Aunt which was kept in its box, I cannot recall wether it was A Britannia turbo prop or a Comet jet. I would love to have them still.
LARS Thanks to that great link to the South Brooklyn railroad whitch CM3 mentioned. It must have been the only line to have had a whale get stuck in a tunnel again. The New York Cross Harbor Railroad in the link is another interresting line. Can I go with CM3,s answer to your picture quiz.
TOM It was great to talk to you this morning. That rate for the car repair is scandelous, I had better ship my tools over from the old land although I didn't do auto repair. I will answer the E-Mail now.
A taster of the pics Alan has sent from his German trip.
Pete.
Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house
1961
http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/collections/cushman/full/P12375.jpg
1962
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ny/ny0400/ny0411/photos/119997pr.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ny/ny0400/ny0411/photos/119996pr.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ny/ny0400/ny0411/photos/119989pr.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/ny/ny0400/ny0411/photos/119994pr.jpg
Lately
http://www.newyorkgames.org/files/images/05_09_12_NYT.jpg
http://www.kclibrary.org/lhimgs/kcpl/regular/10005980_reg.jpg
G'day Captain Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth my deAH, another R&H if you please - a round for the house and keep the change!
You WIN the "prize" coalminer 3 CM3 I'm Not Shane! Very good! A grand old building just begging for use! Prize An evening "out" with Boris, Tex, Awk and the yet-to-be-named Penguin. A managerie by any other name! By the way - thanx for the 2 visits today!
Pete, that German loco sure looks like an LGB train! What a resemblance. Guess there really are operating trains that look - well like toys! More - we need more!
Captain Tom - what a treat with your Great RR Bridges series. Never heard of that bridge over in Scotland - but it sure looks like a mighty span. Must've been quite the engineering feat. Keep it going, Mate - you're doing fine!
My pleasure in helping out today - just happy that it worked that way.
One more Ruth, then I'm outta here . . . .
The post on the Forth bridge as brought me back into the bar. So I'll have the fish 'n' chips now and a Bathams to wash them down please.
The Forth bridge is one of those structures that never fail to impress no matter how often you cross them. I first crossed it in the early 70s in the dawn light after an overnight journey from the south and it made a lasting impression. One of the best trips across the bridge was from about the same time on a Sunday when one of the double tracks was being worked on. The train I was on ran wrong line across the bridge at a very slow speed allowing time to take in the full splendor, in those days it was possible to look out of the windows in the doors of the cars not like the modern cars.
I have also been fortunate to cross the bridge with steam power on specials that were run on trips to Perth or Aberdeen, their does not seem to be very much steam across the bridge lately. One trip was hauled by a ex LNER Pacific A4 'Union of South Africa which spent most of its life sheded at Haymarket shed in nearby Edinburgh and ex LNER A2 pacific #60532 Blue Peter which was a Dundee loco.
Ex LNER A4 pacific.
It is good that a memorial is planned for all those killed or injured in the bridge's construction, the human cost is sometimes overlooked in the construction of these great structures.
Many thanks TOM for a great post.
MIKE Thanks for the Forth bridge pic and Penn station.
LARS Just caught your post. I'm real sad I didn't win the photo quiz prize. Glad you liked the German loco, I will try to post some more Sunday, Alan said it was a great trip.
The fish 'n' chips were very tasty and the new mascot, who is soon to be named, took quite an interest in them, another round please.
Well howdy chaps,apologies for the absense-an unexpected mid-week show and some domestic friction--such is life.
Thanks to all for the New Haven stuff-between you all,with your various interests and styles you have provided as comprehensive an overview as a chap could wish for.... all round.
Whoops-completely forgot my manners here,let alone house rules-Who wants a beer ?-right Leon,sort `em out my son-round for the house & keep `em coming-thats the ticket.......
I dunno-you miss a couple of days and there`s yards of good stuff going down-not enough hours in the day
A couple of points I did notice-MIKE`S URL of the C-Liners-the pic was taken by one Carl Weber-any relation ???
Also the URL of the Snowden Mountain Rly-that wasn`t a regular passenger train-it was either a M.O.W working or a supply train to the cafe at summit stn
PETE-those A4`s are graceful beasts are they not ?-When I used to live in St Andrews in Fife,I used to take regular trips across to Lochty to ride behind 60009 `Union of South Africa`with the beaver tail Obs car up and down the old Fife Central line ( a glorified siding really) before she was put into storage in the Markinch freight shed....happy days.
Right,to the business of the night:-It would seem that H&H have been called away to an emergency gathering of the clan in the hills above Mentor Village-Apparently there are concerns that now Boris`s image has been captured,his soul may be at risk (pagan superstition I know,but who can tell.....)
As I am here,and not being one to let people down,I have swapped my Telecaster for an apron ,double breasted white jacket & check trousers (not to mention the silly hat) for the evening and after a cursory check of the fridges am pleased to offer:-
Fillets of Cod,Plaice,Haddock & Halibut in beer batter with fries,
Prawns,Scallops,Cockles & Whelks in a piquant sauce in a Tortilla wrap
Middle cut wing of Skate in buerre noisette sauce with chefs salad
Cleddau Bass (flown in by Zeppelin) poached in rum, lime and ginger with Pembrokeshire baby new potatoes ,green beans & baby carrots .
Right,looks like I`m going to be busy for the rest of the evening-who let the galley get into this sort of state ???????
out with the cleaning materials-there is work to be done here-has Boris been sleeping in here or what......?
mutter mutter mutter,grumble grumble groan moan
Give us half an hour to get things squared away and we will have a full service-somebody put some Stones tunes on Herr W. please--- lets get shaped up and ready to rock`n`roll..................O.K team,lets do it.................
Awright-the galley is now open-lets have a look at yer..................................................
Take care chaps ,see you soon ,TTFN,nick
Good evening Tom and friends! I'll have a bottomless draught, Nick's Cleddau Bass and buy a round for the house. Seems like most of the "regulars" have been here. Nice shot on our ex-governor Ryan Lars. Never liked the guy. Let's see how much time he actually serves out in the country club. As for the Rendevous, count me in. Any date is good. Very impressive that CM3 was all over your picture quiz, but I believe Tom had the answer too. Speaking of CM3, now I'll need to be looking up Dinky toys to see what they were. I guess the only clue I gave on the quiz was that it appeared in a December 1956 magazine, so all information would have preceded that date. As to how many spikes would be used in question # 6, I'm guessing two per tie-plate, so a little more than 12,000, as shown in the instructive picture below.
I really liked the Forth Railway Bridge post Tom. Nice follow-up post from Peter on the same subject. Very impressive that Pete has actually steamed across! Not sure you're going to like the answer to the steam whistle question Peter. Just remember, I type what I see. Thanks for more great URLs Mike. And now, for the answers to this mornings test:
A priest walked into a barber shop in Washington, D.C. After he got his haircut, he asked how much it would be. The barber said, "No charge. I consider it a service to the Lord." The next morning, the barber came to work and there were 12 prayer books and a thank you note from the priest in front of the door.Later that day, a police officer came in and got his hair cut. He then asked how much it was. The barber said, "No charge. I consider it a service to the community." The next morning, he came to work and there were a dozen donuts and a thank you note from the police officer.Then, a Senator came in and got a haircut. When he was done he asked how much it was. The barber said, "No charge. I consider it a service to the country." The next morning, the barber came to work and there were 12 Senators in front of the door.
Leon, a Keiths for me and give 'em whatever they'd like - ring it, Boris!
A banner night here at the Tavern by the Tracks as it appears our Chief Chef Nick has decided to occupy the kitchen once again! H&H were handling the chores on an interim basis - and we've not advertised for another - therefore the job is yours to lose! <grin>
That menu surely brought back memories of feasts gone by . . . nice work!
Appreciate - once again - the support from Lars in keeping the flow in a forward manner. You are correct, Sir in that the LGB trains are indeed brought to "life" by that German loco Pete provided. Looks exactly like the ones I have with my 2 LGBs that traverse the tree at Christmas.
Doug - those quiz questions were absolute mind-benders - Yikes!! For once it appears your jokes were more welcome than your 'substance.' Enjoyed the 'teamwork' cartoon . . .
Nick - I'm totally "alone" in this world as far as blood-relatives are concerned, Mate - am unaware of any "namesakes" wandering the planet - aside from my children, that is. You owe me an Email - so let's get going on "catch up."
Received your Email, Pete and we'll have to seriously consider that Chicago trip, eh That's one fine loco you provided - anything "Pacific" is a sure-fire-winner, wouldn't you agree Happy to know the Forth Bridge 'did it' for ya - it was a most educational and interesting piece to put together. I had not heard of it and now have added it to the "list" of things I just MUST see! Would we cross this bridge on our Scotland trip that we've been discussing
It's been an interesting day - even without our friends BK 'n Rob. Appreciate the rounds - quarters from CM3 - and submissions from one and all! Speaking of CM3 - figured he'd come up with the quiz photo from Lars. Man oh man - I remember that Post Office building from way back when . . .
One more, Leon then I'm
Good morning Tom and friends. I'll have two light breakfasts please. A few pages ago, Rob posted on the Chicago-New York Air Line, and I just happened to run across an article on it as well. I think ya'll will enjoy this. Here's part I:
750 Miles in Ten Hours! by Blake A. Mapledoram, Dec 1956 RR Magazine
In 1909 the Chicago-New York Air Line bought this car for use on its subsidiary, the Goshen, South Bend & Chicago Ry.
Chicago- New York Air Line promoters promised average speed of 75 miles per hour between America’s two biggest cities.
December sleet was lashing the Windy City one cold day on 1905 when a small group of pioneers, intent on building a new railroad, met in a Chicago office and pooled $800 to pay for a full-page advertisement in the Chicago Sunday Tribune.
Months passed. The ad did not appear until July, 1906, three months before the first issue of Railroad Magazine came out. According to the ad, a new electric system to be known as the Chicago-New York Electric Air Line Railroad would link the two greatest cities in America in a line as straight as an arrow, and the company was ready to start grading the right-of-way and laying ties and rails.
Chicago to New York in ten hours! That’s what the ad promised. Modern, streamlined, electric locomotives would rush passengers, mail, express, baggage, and freight over a double-tracked speedway at an average rate of 75 miles per hour!
It would be a line without curves or grade crossings, and with a maximum grade of one-half on one percent – 26 feet to the mile – at least as far west as the Allegheny Mountains. It would span valleys on high fills, crossing streams on high viaducts, penetrating hills through deep cuts, and using the mountains of Pennsylvania.
According to the pipe-dream, the main line would not touch any large center of population except the two terminals, but branches would be built to various points en route. By this means the promoters aimed to cut the distance between the two great cities to 750 miles, although the shortest route at that time, the Pennsy’s covered 908 miles in about 18 hours.
His dramatic news flashed around the world. Telegrams and letters asking for details poured into the Majestic Building so thickly that the new company had to rent an entire floor and staff it with clerks to answer them. When stock was offered to the public at $25 a share, a mob of buyers swarmed into the building to such an extent that regular tenants could hardly get near their own offices.
Publicity men ballyhooed the project with such appeals as “Here is your opportunity!” and “The chance of a lifetime!” They pointed out that the new road would be built entirely by stock subscription – no bond issues. This meant, they said, that all earnings above actual operating expenses would accrue to stockholders as dividends. One ad read:
Don’t sit around and growl at the Standard Oil Company. When the Air Line, with no bondholders, earns 15 percent on your money, the stock for which you paid $25 a share will by worth $300…
This is for the man with the ordinary income. No rich capitalist will put up the money and absorb all the profits.
This ad was true in one respect; no capitalist could “absorb all the profits.” There weren’t going to be any to absorb!
The winter of 1906-’07 found the company with 15,000 get-rich-quick subscribers on the books and more than two million of cold cash in a Chicago bank. By this time they decided to start building. Someone recommended me as chief engineer, and Colonel U.P. Hord, one of the promoters said:
“Find Blake Mapledoram, turn him loose, and consider the road built.”
They located me at Memphis, Tenn., where I was rehabilitating the city railways for a New York firm, and put me to work on the Air Line. That was February 2,1907.
My better judgment told me to wait until the spring thaw, but the promoters wanted action right away.
“We have millions,” they boasted, “and the stockholders are crying for results.”
The fact that big rail magnates of the day poo-poohed the scheme as impractical did not discourage either the management or the investors. Men with stardust in their eyes attributed the opposition to the fear of competition. The promoters knew nothing at all of railroad construction. From the very start we had waste and mismanagement, and this lasted until the sorry ball of yarn was wound up eighteen months later.
You can hardly blame the public for being gullible. Remember, this was back in 1906. The stage was set for just such an ambitious undertaking. Electric motive power was just coming into use. Fast interurban trolley lines were shooting out in all directions, robbing the steam roads of suburban traffic and , later on , inter-city traffic also. The interurbans were acquiring much express and freight business and were getting a few mail contracts. They were even putting on sleepers and a few diners.
Then the steam roads began waking up to the formidable competition offered by the juice lines. The New Haven, under President C.C. Mellen, adopted the policy of buying up all the competing electric lines in New England, while both the New Haven and the influential Pennsylvania had already acceded to popular demand by launching costly electrification projects.
Yes, in those bright days, electric railroading was an up-and-coming thing. The public was in a receptive mood for the Chicago-New York Air Line Railroad. Alexander C. Miller headed the new company. More than six feet tall, he was heavily built, wore a black felt hat, and smoked fat cigars. He was suave and genial in manner – just the kind of front man the promoters needed to inspire confidence. He had a good railroad background, too. As a boy, he’d gone braking on the Lake Shore line, later becoming a telegraph operator on other roads, and then a train dispatcher on the Burlington at Aurora , Ill.
On September 1, 1906, a crowd congregated three miles south of LaPorte, Ind., for the official ground-breaking ceremony. Mr. Miller did the honors with a silver spade. People cheered; a brass band played. Then a gang of laborers started to dig in earnest.
The new railroad was beginning to shape up. But slowly. Red tape, winter, and frozen ground delayed the progress. Not until May 1, 1907, did we complete the first stretch of track – a three-mile spur from the ground-breaking scene on the main line to the city of LaPorte. The stockholders grinned with joy. Prosperity seemed so very near.
Special trains loaded with stockholders and prospective investors ran from Chicago almost daily. All persons who came along to inspect the new railroad were given free lunches – the only dividend they received from their investment. Meanwhile, a monthly publication known as Air Line News was launched under the editorship of Charles P. Burton to keep up popular enthusiasm with news items, photographs, and maps.
Each step in the building of this remarkable railroad was dramatized and triumphantly reported. Stockholders proudly showed the magazine to their friends. The fever spread, money poured in, and the construction work pushed merrily on. Those stockholders were dancing on the edge of a precipice – but they didn’t know, until it was too late to pull out.
Official letterhead shows freak type of electric locomotive that was contemplated for the dream railway but was never built.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/Barndad/stuff/emergenc.jpg
We have made it to another Friday - the end of the work week for many and what better place to begin the countdown to the weekend than right here at the Saloon by the Siding!
It's also a special day for a Charter Member of "Our" Place (meaning, he first Posted on the day we opened - April 12th, 2005) - trolleyboy Rob is 35 today!
Nice article on the Chicago - New York Air Line RR, Doug! Chock full o' interesting material and surely answered all of my questions! Great way to kick off the day . . .
Hope to be back a bit later on with something "special" for our Natal Day Boy - Rob. So, until then - Boris serve 'em up all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle as they await the Grand Entrance of our redheaded bartender - Ruth (at 9 AM)!
Later . . .
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house, and $ for the jukebox. Instrumentals today: Black Mountain Rag, Toad in the Well, and one of Awks’ favorites, Hell on the Wabash. Last two are old Civil War tunes.
Rob’s 35 – How much is that in trolley years? I knew he’d taken a lot of voltage, but........
Barndad – Thanks for more information on the NY and Chicago Air Line.
Nick’s here – menu looks good.
Pete – Thanks for a4 picture. Your remarks on the Comet brought back a few memories – good airplane, once they corrected the metal fatigue problem(s) in the wings. Britannias and Viscounts both flew domestically here along the east coast and other areas as well.
Mike gave us some heartbreaking pictures of Penn Station. They broke up all of that stone work and dumped a lot of it in the Jersey Meadows. IIRC, two of the eagles were saved. They are beside one of the entrances to the current Penn Station, but for the life of me I can’t remember which one.
James Farley, for those who care, was one of FDRs operatives. He was named Postmaster General when FDR took office. Jonathan Alters’ new book, The Defining Moment, has a lot about Farley. I recommend it to anyone with an interest in that time period.
Tom – Thanks for the Forth Bridge material. Fascinating stuff, but then I enjoy that sort of thing. The 39 Steps - one fine movie. Can we run it at the Mentor Theeatuh?
How about another short line? I remember photographing Alco T6 power on this one. The T6 was an interesting beast and there were not too many of them.
Chesapeake Western Ry.
Elkton, VA – Staunton, VA: 46 miles
Harrisonburg, VA – Bridgewater, VA 8 miles
Connections with
C&O – Staunton, WV
N&W – Elkton, VA
SOU – Harrisonburg, VA
Also, b4 I forget, the B&O roundhouse at Martinsburg, WV has been designated as a National Civil Engineering landmark.
A B'day Special
for trolleyboy Rob !!
Great Railroad Bridges - #3
Lethbridge Viaduct
Lethbridge Viaduct - A. Rafton / National Archives of Canada / PA-029691
The Lethbridge Viaduct, commonly known as the High Level Bridge, was constructed between 1907–1909 at Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada at a cost of $1,334,525.
Overview
This massive steel trestle over the Oldman River was designed by the Canadian Pacific Railway's bridge department in Montreal. The field work was directed by CPR's Assistant Chief Engineer J. E. Schwitzer. The steel work was manufactured by the Canadian Bridge Company of Walkerville, Ontario. A 100 man gang worked on the erection of the steel. Although there were some initial problems with settlement, the bridge has proved to be an enduring engineering work and is still in use today.
This bridge is one of the largest railway structures in Canada. It was built as part of a major diversion of the Crowsnest Pass route between Lethbridge and Fort Macleod. The river crossing was previously over a wooden trestle measuring 894 m (2,933 feet) long and 20 m (65 feet) high; an impressive structure in its own right.
The old approach was over steep grades that hampered operations. In addition, extensive cuts and many other bridges were needed to cross various creeks and coulees. Past the St Mary's River crossing, several large cuts had been required. Large bridges were also required, including a 275-m (900-foot) trestle with a 61-m (200-foot) span west of the St. Mary River, a 183-m (600-foot) trestle at Eight-Mile Coulee and another of 274-m (900 feet) in length near Eight-Mile Coulee. At Sixteen-Mile Coulee there was a 244-m (800-foot) trestle, 40.5 m (133 feet) high with a 61-m (200-foot) truss span over the creek. The trestles on the original line out of Lethbridge totalled 4.5 km (2.8 miles).
Although the original route accomplished its purpose in allowing the CPR to rapidly complete the railway, it turned out to be expensive to operate. The original bridges were designed to last only about 10 years. The CPR decided, in 1905 to construct a completely new route on a better gradient to bypass the original line. The new line was built to the north of the Oldman River. It required two bridges, one just west of Lethbridge—the High Level Bridge—over the Oldman River and another large bridge over the Oldman River again west of Monarch. This route eliminated many curves and reduced the grade from 1.2 percent to only 0.4 percent. It also saved 8.5 km (5.26 miles) of track.
Construction began in the summer of 1907. Clearing and grading the site, construction of piers, and placement of the footings progressed while the steelwork was being prefabricated. Raising the steelwork began in mid-August 1908. Once the steelwork reached track level at the Lethbridge end, it was possible to begin using a huge travelling crane, pictured below, called an "erection traveller". It was used to lower the steel beams and girders into place. The last girder was placed in June 1909 and riveting was completed in August 1909. Transport of the steel to the site required 645 railway cars while another 40 were needed to bring in equipment.
Specifications
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
A Natal Day in the works for trolleyboy Rob! to our friend in Ontario and many, many more! Ruth - give the lad a tankard of his favourite brew! Ah, to be 35 again rather than approaching twice that number . . .
Been an interesting couple of days with the accelorated submissions by our leader, Mentor and Proprietor - Captain Tom. Those Great RR Bridge submissions are excellent supplements to the otherwise fine outpouring of information seen here at the bar. Well done!
Ruth - I will have one of those tankards of Kokanee if you please and a half sandwich if you will - #7 should be fine. Also a round on me for the celebrants as they trickle in . . .
Lars - it appears as it you have taken on quite a load lately and although very much appreciated, hope that you do not find yourself back in the "groan mode" as the shortcomings and shortfalls of others begin to wear thin. Take that for what it is worth, for we know "they" are out there. For example, on Tom's Canadian RR thread there is a chap who for whatever the reason thinks it appropriate to "advertise" his sexuality through the signature portion of his postings. Now what in the world does that have to do with railroading I am amazed - but really not - that Kalmbach lets this stuff go unchallenged. I am so tempted to send this JO an e-mail - but I shall not. Yes - "they" are out there, but fortunatetly in very limited numbers here.
A reminder - as if we really need it - Monday is an anniversary, but not a happy one. Will September 11th ever mean anything else to those of us who cherish freedom and all that it promises
For you, Rob!
CN Super Continental at Frazier River Canyon - 1966
(from: trainweb.org - photo: Ron Goodenow)
CN Super Continental at Lake Louise - 1966
Enjoyed the contributions from Doug (cartoon as well) - Pete (fine looking Pacific) - CM3 (great insider information) - Lars (the "island report") and Captain Tom (wonderful series and postings)!
For what it is worth, I did not know the location of that photo Lars provided nor did I have the answers to ANY of the questions posed by Doug! <groan>
Have a relaxing weekend one and all and forgive me if I have not made this as inclusive as it could have been.
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