QUOTE: coalminer3 Posted: 26 July 2005, 10:31:29 Good Morning All: Fill the thermos - I left a roll of quarters for the jukebox, too. We had some lovely weather yesterday - high temperatures with accompanying humidity followed by a violent windstorm in the early evening which knocked out our power. Electricity has been restored, but it's still hot and muggy. I believe it's time to head north; may be a bit cooler. Let's roll back the tape to 1942, We'll take NYC 207 out of Detroit at 11:00 p.m. with an 8:10 arrival at Mackinaw City the next morning. 207 has a 10 section/drawing room car and a coach from Detoit to Mackinaw City. That's not a Pullman; it's a battleship. The connecting services off of this train are most interesting. 207 misses a connection to DSS&A train 1 at Mackinaw City, but if you're willing to stay the night, you can leave out at 7:45 a.m. with a 9:45 a.m. arrival at Trout Lake (xpt Sunday) where you can connect to M St P and SSM train 8 to Sault Ste Marie or M St P and SSM train 87 (xpt Sunday) to Gladstone. For the truly adventerous, NYC 207 connects in the middle of the night with D&M train 1 at Bay City. D&M1 operates to Alpena. And that, unless the maps are wrong is about as "fur north" as a traveler could get on the NYC. Have a good day. work safe
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 26 July 2005, 12:24:49 G'day coalminer 3 Thanx for the quarters - Boris you know where they go. Lots of things have been happening around here since your last visit - and of course we had another Birthday Bash for Chris last night ...... sorry you missed it. By the by, it seems that we're never going to know you by any other name other than your cyber handle. No clues in your cyber profile either. Respect your privacy and won't bug you again about it. Thanx for the fantasy itinerary - always enjoy those! See ya! Tom
QUOTE: Trainnut484 Posted: 26 July 2005, 12:54:33 Afternoon all . I'm taking a short break, so a tall Coke will do fine. Gunns- I'm sorry to hear about your car window accident. Glad you're fine. I had a similar instance on a highway where some in front of me didn't tie down his Maytag washer box, and it fell out of his truck bed onto the highway. I slammed on the brakes, and hit the box. Luckily it was empty. My wife was with me and was terrified. We had some...ahem...words for the guy. OHHHHKAAYYYY. Tom, 7:30pm CENTRAL time Saturday night will do fine for me. If anybody can't make it, I'll understand. Whuuups. Time to get my keister on the move. Take care, Russell
QUOTE: West Coast S Posted: 26 July 2005, 12:58:59 Top of the day Tom and the gang, I feel like a smuck missing Chris's BD shindig. So, without further ado, a happy belated [bday]. The US Government ordered me on TDY, internet time is spotty at best when i'm on the road. Good coffee this morning by the way. On my way back to LA I spent a couple of hours in the searing heat at Kingman Cut in AZ, to my surprise I observed a eastbound general freight with 6 patched ex SF GP-30s for power, amazing I wasn't aware they were still any in service. This is the first set i've seen in mainline service since 1984, BNSF must need locomotives badly, a pleasent change from the usual gut wrenching BNSF Heritage colors I must say. I'm not confirming this tidbit , but some info came my way regarding possible mergers. Last week the Surface Transportation Board five year moritorium on mergers expired. Will we be seeing a UP/NS + BNSF/CP merger in the near future? The ultimate future of the CSX and KCS is unknown. Well, duty calls. Off to another day in the salt mines Dave
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 26 July 2005, 13:10:14 A quick good afternoon to everyone.Tom if you don't mind I think I'll just do a milkshake today ( stomaches still rcovering from the party ) Coalminer The only way further north on the NYC was to get yourself to Buffalo, then you could meet up with the TH&B train and head up into Ontario. waterford My home town of Brantford , Hamilton and on into Toronto. Or you could change trains in the falls and head up the Caso into welland and on into tobacco country St Thomas. From there you could get electric rail service on the LE&N to Kitchener waterloo or the other way to Port Dover and the beaches. This is the line I sort of dug up that Ted was on about a couple of Days ago. Of coarse if you do the St Thomas route you could catch a C&O Train back ( CSX still uses part of this old Pere marquette line ) Well gents just a quick run through I'll try to pop back in later.Oh BTW Russell did you find my switch keys last nigth I may have left them on the jukebox? Have a good evening gentlemen and Boris Rob
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 26 July 2005, 14:13:21 Hi trainnut484 Russell Okaaaaaaay - finally! There must be a higher power - for we now know that the next Birthday Bash is this coming Saturday evening at 7:30 PM, CDST - that's CENTRAL TIME for anyone out there who is easily confused! So, Ted Manager and Interim Chief Chef looks like you have work to do! Those items falling out of or off of vehicles are killers, no doubt. One of my experiences was a wheel w/mounted tire, breaking loose up ahead and came rolling right towards me in the center lane of a crowded highway - no where to go. This thing suddenly rose up in the air, bounced on the roof of my car, and continued on behind me. Must've hit something on the pavement to cause it to fly like that ...... Man, nerves were working overtime that day. Sure glad that our friend Gunns Kevin avoided injury. Take it slow ...... Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 26 July 2005, 14:24:02 G'day West Coast S Dave *** - that has a nice ring to it. I suppose now that you've missed pretty much all of these things, we're going to have to figure out a way to assign some duties to you, just to ensure your presence! TDY - ha! About 18 months ago, while in KCity, MO, I saw two honest to goodness GP's in the Santa Fe livery of old - one red and one blue - really did. They were sitting about in the middle of a long string of freights, on a siding, in the yards nearby Kemper Arena. Sure wished that I had my camera. I'm not enough of an aficionado to have been able to tell what precise models they were - but they were GEEPS for sure - maybe 35's. A few years back, I used to pal around with a guy who was connected to the STB. He told me that with regard to U.S. railroads, there would eventually be only two companies left - one handling north/south traffic and the other east/west. Well, since that time, CN has become a North American monster RR, CP isn't far off, and the U.S. names are disappearing faster than chalk from our pool tables! So, that merger rumor may very well be more than just that ....... Enjoy! And - remember: This Saturday night at 7:30 PM CDST is the Birthday Bash for our friend, Trainnut484 Russell!! Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 26 July 2005, 14:30:35 Hello Rob Milk shake [?]Are you out of your ever luvin' mind [?]We don't serve those things here - you've gotten us confused with the CS! We're a bar, serving hootch and brew. Okay, Boris go out back and shake the cow! Hey - I noticed you began a thread for Trolley Jolleys on this forum. Great! And, of course good luck with it. I posted a message for you - do I get a prize for being your first respondent [?] Remember: This Saturday night at 7:30 PM CDST is the Birthday Bash for our friend, Trainnut484 Russell!! See ya! Tom
QUOTE: wrwatkins Posted: 26 July 2005, 15:15:36 Good afternoon Tom et al. Glad to be back. At my age (65) I have lost the ability to outrun a speeding bullet or exploding bomb. Think I will have a strong cup of java. Still fighting a little jet lag. The old body cannot take it as well as it did in my youth. Air travel used to be glamorous 30 years ago as trains were, but now air travel is a big Greyhound with wings. And the service is about the same as on the Greyhound. Let me continue my dialogue. Reading is 40 miles west of London and the best way to get there is by high speed train from Paddington station. Paddington is not the largest station in London as it only has 8 active tracks. Service is operated by First Great Western which covers the southwest of England and Wales. They offer a first class service. The Heathrow express also operates from Paddington. Except for a small curve upon leaving Paddington the line to Reading is straight as an arrow. Four tracks are in the ROW. Two are used for high speed inter city trains, such as I rode, and the other two are used for the slower speed commuter trains that stop every mile or so. First Great Western runs the trains at 100 miles per hour with the 40 mile trip taking 25 minutes. Reading is their first stop for the trains that go to Cardiff, Swansea or Penzance. I still have a pass from First Great Western that I received while on the DART board that lets me ride free in first class. The ride is very smooth and quiet. They have a copy of The Times at every seat and free coffee and a sweet from the trolley. Second class has to pay for the food and drink. Even got a beer one afternoon on the return ride. The bad thing was that sometimes the trolley would not make it to my seat before we arrived in Reading. As a backup I would get a Cornish pastry and coffee from the kiosk in Paddington. Just showed my pass and they would open the turnstile for me. The normal first class fare is £21.70 each way which at an exchange rate of $1.8 US = £1 equates to about $39 each way. I figure my pass saved the client about $400. Train travel in England is not cheap. Along the way to Reading you pass the Plasser Railway Equipment Company facilities where several pieces of MOW equipment are in the yard. You also pass the service, inspection, and storage facility for the Eurostar or Chunnel train. I cannot figure out why the Eurostar is yarded here as they operate out of Waterloo station and there is not a direct connection between the yard and Waterloo. Also pass a combination yard for the Heathrow Express and First Great Western's equipment. Did spot several trains from Ed Burkhardt's (sp??) England-Scotland-Wales freight operation. They mainly seemed to be working rock cars, which I assume to be railway ballast. Did see one that had rebars and some coiled steel as cargo. Most of the freight cars are two axle variety, however there were some independant truck four axle gondolas. All of the two axle cars (LGB?) had hook and link couplings. Train length was limited due to the limited strength of this type of coupler. Most of the 4 axle independant truck gondolas had knuckle couplers. (There is hope). I think these were in dedicated unit train service. All of the passenger equipment, except for the permantly coupled train sets, have knuckle couplers. Even with the knuckle couplers they still have the buffers. I assume these take up any slack and give a smoother ride. All of the 8 tracks leaving Paddington have overhead catenary, however the electrification only goes to Staines where the Heathrow Express cuts off for the airport. The Heathrow Express is electrified into Heathrow airport as there is a 4 mile tunnel under the terminals and diesels would present a pollution problem. My train had a diesel engine on each end and ran in a modified push pull fashion. Other lines radiating from London have third rail electrification. Talk about negative compatability! The only thing they lack is to be blessed (or cursed) with three separate gauges like in Australia. I was working in Thames Valley Park (TVP), a business complex about 5 miles east of Reading along the line from Paddington. British rail was to build a station at TVP, but it has not come to pass. The train is beginning to slow down when we pass TVP. I was working with British Gas, now called BG Group, at TVP. Other tennants are multi building complexes for Oracle and Microsoft. Since 9-11 security has increased at TVP with TV cameras everywhere and security gates at several locations. TVP provides a free shuttle bus from the rail station in Reading to TVP so getting there is not bad. Londoners work from 9 AM to 5 PM. I would take a taxi from the hotel to Paddington about 7 AM before the rush hour. The ride at this time would take about 10 minutes. The evening was a different story. I was in rush hour and it would take 30 to 45 minutes to get back to the hotel. The bad thing about the evening commute was that this was in the heat of the day and the black taxis are NOT air conditioned. The double decker buses also are not air conditioned, although some murderer managed to ventilate one on July 7th. Well I have been talking too long and my coffee has ran out. Tom, could I sneak another cup of JO? Cheers, ***
QUOTE: wrwatkins Posted: 26 July 2005, 15:36:49 Tom- In response to your question about my travels, the trip to England was business for me and plastic abuse for my wife. After a week (this week) in Dallas we are leaving on Saturday for our vacation and train trip on The Ocean. Two weeks before the trip to England I spent a week in Tripoli Libya. I am scheduled to go to Tunisia in mid September and back to England at the end of September. With all of these nice places I think someone at work is trying to get me killed! There is light in the tunnel. I will be going to Calgary in late October for a week. That is not all bad duty there as Banff and Lake Louise are places that I would kill to get to live there. ***
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 26 July 2005, 15:40:57 Howdy *** Good to see that you're back and talking about our favorite subject - classic trains! Emails received and replied to. Airline reservations taken care of - now it's a matter of finding a hotel with breakfast and airport limo. Really appreciate your help! For the rest of you guys - sorry - don't mean to cut you out of the conversation. I'm taking a trip down to Dallas - that's TEXAS for those of you who might not KNOW - to see those former VIA Rail RDC's that now operate with DART and the Trinity line (is that correct, ***[?]) Anyway, it'll be a chance to meet one of the regulars from "Our" Place and of course, do what I love to do - ride trains! [yeah]More info as the itinerary falls into place. That accounting you've given of the trains is worth at least a round on me! Boris ring the bell! C'mon, *** there's a great gin & tonic with your name on it - or something in the JO, perhaps [?] Good job! Keep this up, and we'll have no choice but to consider you for a more elevated status as a regular around here. Now, if I could only get you to read the SUMMARIES! If you are able, we have yet another Birthday Bash coming up this Saturday at 7:30 PM for our friend, Trainnut484 Russell Hope you can make it! Tom
QUOTE: Trainnut484 Posted: 26 July 2005, 15:42:34 Afternoon all again . I'll have a cold draft. It's FINALLY RAINING, and the heat wave here in KC has been broken Tom, the yard where you saw the GEEPS was BN's exFrisco yard (I think) now BNSF. The place where I meet with my Saturday morning breakfast bunch is not far from there. Doc's Caboose (LHS) is closeby too where we traverse to after breakfast. Rob, yes I did find your keys and left them with Leon. Hopefully he didn't do any moonlight switching last night Dave, those old GP30s can keep on going and going. They're used primarily in local or yard service. Ted, leave the tp home mmmmm that draft went down cold and smooth. I'll have another please Russell
QUOTE: West Coast S Posted: 26 July 2005, 15:55:10 For the record I will attending the events this coming Saturday Tom. I still can't recall with certain clarity the events of the last bash for all is blank after consuming that second quart of Johnny Walker Black Label Theodorebear are you aware that the 2929 powered the final steam powered revenue passenger train westbound to Los Angeles on the overflow mail in 1952? Sister 2928 ran the final eastbound overflow train. 2929 was also featured on a 1951 Railway Club Of Southern California excursion from LA to Barstow and return and was the last operable steam engine retained at Redondo Jct. for passenger helper service out of LAUPT. She deserves to run again. Since they were impressed by the performance of the 3751,Perhaps the Grand Canyon Railway can be persuaded to restore the 3759 to service. Anyone up for AT&SF triple headed steam? Well, i'm off to partake in the sandwich fixings and see what' s on draft this afternoon. Until later Dave
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 26 July 2005, 15:55:36 G'day Trainnut484 Russell I think I'd make a trip to KCity just to join in on the brunch and the interlude at Doc's Caboose - sounds like my kinda thing to do! Do you recall seeing those GEEPS I mentioned [?]I checked out the times we were out that way, and it was definitely December of 2004 when we saw 'em. Really got my attention, for it has been years since I've seen that livery on anything other than model trains. We had 103 on Sunday, 101 yesterday, and high 90's today. Cold front supposed to be here by late afternoon - c'mon rain! I just cannot handle the heat - and that's that! I'm sitting here with my frosty cold half litre glass from the Golden OX (Boulevard Brewing Co.) and those Coors Lights are going down really well! The OX is a place I've been frequenting since 1977 - love it. Oh, it's changed alot over the years, but who or what hasn't [?] The Prime Rib is the best I've ever had - you know, once upon a time (and this ain't a fairy tale) you could order any size cut you wanted - and then watch 'em cook it. It was a great place to go - still is, but somewhat chilled out from my first decade or so of visits. Anyway, I liked the beer glasses, so I bought a half dozen from the bartender. He probably thinks to this day, who was that nut case who bought the glasses![?] Now, everyone knows! No secrets around here ........ See ya! Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 26 July 2005, 16:03:01 G'day West Coast S Dave The great thing about a cyber bar 'n grill, is one can consume what one always thought they'd like to, but never quite made it to that point! Been there, done that a few times in my younger days, mate! What's on draught[?] Pick a brew - we've got it! Just have to be careful with Boris tapping those kegs. When I first taught him how, he couldn't get used to the idea of first picking up the keg, shaking it, then punching a hole in it with his paw fist. He's a strange one, indeed - wonder where in the world Nick found him[?] Okay - good deal - you're set for Saturday night - which is really late afternoon for you left coast guys! Enjoy! Tom
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 26 July 2005, 18:59:28 G'evening everyone, *** that was an excellent synopsis of your travels in and around London Town. The name Brunel rings a ffamiliar bell. ***, is this the same person who built the super ship which eventually laid the Trans Atlantic Cable? I would think a "cold chill" ran up your spine after learning of the bombings. The Brits are taking action rather than languishing in an endless "witch hunt" committee (photo ops). Let us hope they meet with more success than their "American Cousins." Saturday, 7:30 pm Central (8:30 Eastern, 6:30 Mtn., 5:30 Pacific), Russell will be celebrating his "B-Day Bash" here at "Our" Place. I think the holes in the walls will be patched and painted by then. Please make a note of it 'cause it will be a great time "had by all." Good ole American fare that day: B.B.Q. spare ribs, sliced Beef and beans (K.C. Masterpiece sauce), corn on the cob, Fries, cole slaw and P.salad. Rolaids, Tums and Alka Seltzer available on request. If you miss it, shame on "yo hide." Just received the August Model R.R. News and thought I'd pass on a few "S" guage URL's: www.the-n-arch.com; www.trainstuffllc.com; www.p-b-l.com; Jerry Wilson steamer461@yahoo.com; www.pinecanyonscalemodels.com; www.tin-soldier.com. There is a good review of the HO Bdwy Ltd's N & W streamlined 4-8-4. Dave thanks for the additional input on #2929 and #3759, its always a kick to hear the fate of these "classics." Tom I remember the "Original" Golden Ox down in the West Bottoms. Lot's of cattle deals were "done" there. If you could get passed the barnyard aroma, you had the best steak south of the John Hancock (Chicago). Okay, its great to see the Joint bar and grill doing so well. Hope those among "the missing" are okay and will return very soon. So long, Ted
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 26 July 2005, 19:18:08 Evenin' Ted Weather report: Storm front approaching - looks like the Century temps will be leaving - and rather quickly! [yeah] Nice menu for the Birthday Bash for Trainnut484 Russell this Saturday nite at 7:30 PM CDST (Central Time) Phew! I'm going to rely upon the regulars to make this event happen as I'll be away from the keyboard for most of the evening. So, c'mon you guys - especially the Order of the Permanent Stools you are needed! Unless I'm out in left field on this, my impression has been that the present day site for the Golden Ox is the same as it's been since the stockyards were there. In fact, I recall those yards ...... not quite as extensive, but they (or some) remained in the 70's. It's one of our favorite places to go and we've dined there on consecutive nights more than once ..... Anyway, the location is directly across the parking lot from Kemper Arena - where we used to watch the now defunct IHL KC Blades and an assortment of other sports teams - long gone. KCity is really a great place to visit. Enjoy the evening! Tom
QUOTE: Trainnut484 Posted: 26 Jul 2005, 20:17:22 Evening all. I'll have my usual, Thanks. It's nice and cool outside. Overnight low is supposed to be in the 50s. That'll give the A/C a well deserved break. Thanks Dave for making your R.S.V.P. Ted, my mouth is already watering . What about cake and ice cream?? The Golden Ox is indeed in the Bottoms across from Kemper. At one time they closed down (for what reason I can't remember). I think they've reopened. Tom, you're not going to make it Saturday night[?] It's alright though. You're welcome to join us for Saturday morning breakfast, and the trek down to Doc's afterwards. Sorry he doesn't carry S gauge. His website is www.docscaboose.com Also you have mail. My thirst still hasn't been quenched. Another one for me please, and put a round on the house on me.
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 26 Jul 2005, 23:36:10 Good evening gentlemen and Boris. Tom Thank-you for being poster #1 on the new thread, barnda's found it already as well and I beleave Gunns too. Your prize is me doing the dishes left over from Chris's party and if you check with Heather you know how much I love that job. Oh and also I guess I didn't make it clear earlier . It was a milkshake with a shot or two of kalua in it, a frozen brown cow if you will. I gave Leon the recipe.That was the cost to have my switch keys returned. thanks for finding them BTW Russell.Russell I'm going to miss your shindig as well unfortunatley I'm going to be up in the north country doing some camping( needs to be done once a year just like Boris's bath ) Ted I've sent you 20 or so pounds of canadian back bacon for the party hope it is of some use for you.dave GOP30's they are a favourite of mine, that hump backed look. If memory serves didn't BN rebuild the powered ones to GP38-2 standars a couple of years back?I only got to personally see a CDN GP30 once 5001 leading a local frieght in Welland ontario that was back in the 80's. As you know only two units of that type were sold in Canada CPR 8500,8501 later renumbered to 5000,5001. Even their GP35 follow ons weren't that popular up here CN bought two and 24 were picked up by CP numbered in order right after the two 30's. This is a small request. More so for my museum thread but it would work here as well.I'm wondering if the posters of pictures could try to makle the posted shots as small a jpg as possible.We with the old PC's can't download them very well. I'm not trying to ***, this is just a small favour for the technologically challenged. thanks so much
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 24 Jul 2005, 23:55:42 Good evening everyone.Chris A big welcome good to hear from you.I'll try to be there monday night as we are in the same time zone.Ted I hope the escargot that the is collecting doesn't make us all escargone to the porcellin palace. I know it's a groaner but hey if I can't try out my "B" material here wher can I ? Ted the Canadian Model trains that Tom was speaking of is the Oakville joint I was talking about. BTW did you get your railimages / photobucket issues sorted out yet? Thanks for the picture barndad I liked it .Well gentlemen I will catch up with you tomorrow for Our Places Next birthday fete. Rob
QUOTE: passengerfan Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 06:54:28 Good Morning All, Guess its time for coffee and a pastry from the Mentor Bakery. Just sent a B'DAY greeting to Chris and if you are wondering what west coaster gets up this early ? Wonder no more. I find it is the idesl time to work on book project as phones not ringing, television is off and better half is still sleeping. Seems like these quiet times are the best and most productive writing periods.. Once the phone starts and wife gets up it is best if I set aside the book until it can be uninterupted once more. Concentration is not what it used to be. Well guess I will close for now will drop in later for the party.
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 07:35:30 Apparantly the rule that all times for Posting on these Forums use CSDT doesn't apply. In any case, Chris will be joining us TONIGHT at 9:30 PM E.D.T., 8:30 PM C.D.T., 7:30 M.D.T., 6:30 PM P.D.T., is this correct? Oh. and if you live in New Foundland..."You're on you own!" There is a correction on tonight's menu. The Escargot has been deleted. Seems Boris was extracting fresh water snails form Mentor Lake with a hand net thus confirming Rob's accurate prognosis! Tom, Rob and Russell, have you seen some examples of the Wal-Mart disc photos (digital) sent via Photobucket and Railimages? Yuk, Bleck, and a Kletzmer's liver! They are enough to make a Leghorn puke. I would prefer to send the disc to you directly than attach my name to such an atrocity over the Net. My efforts are flawed enough without further humiliation. Let me know if you want a disc, I'll send it along post haste [send message via e-mail please]. Should be a good "wetting down" tonight for Chris. I heard there will be a "live" band along with the usual Video screens, Juke Box, "lady-in-the-cake" (Cindy?), etc., etc. SOOoo, if possible, don't miss it. Barndad, sorry, I plumb forgot about Gunns deployment vacation to the Inlaws. I wonder what kind of pix he will be bringing back? Okay, I gots'ta get the meat in the marinade, Spuds scrubbed, Green Beans stringed and Avacados pared. Dogon that Nick, for skatin' out on us. My hands look like a Prune platter after a FL tropical storm. See ya's later, Ted
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 08:43:41 [bday]To You [bday]To You [bday]Chris Fournier [bday]To You! 51! [yeah][wow][swg] Chris was the first customer at our cyber bar ‘n grill … here’s his FIRST POST ===================================== QUOTE: CFournier Posted: 12 Apr 2005, 09:31:47 Posts: 149 Joined: 20 May 2003 Location: Montreal HELLO, TOM I LIKE PLACE # 1, Looks like a good place to have a sandwich, a beer and a little chat. Chris. ===================================== I’ll try my best to be online tonight at 9:30PM, EDST for your live visit! Enjoy YOUR BIRTHDAY! Tom, Proprietor of “Our” Place
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 08:58:53 G'mornin' All! As is becoming the trend, NO SUMMARY TODAY. Light conversation day yesterday, Sunday. Thanx in advance to those of you who sent Chris an Email [bday]greeting. He said that he'd try to be online with us at 9:30 PM EDST .... I'm not sure I'll be here, however, undoubtedly some of you will! Tom, Proprietor of "Our" Place
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 09:05:09 Hi Rob Regarding Canadian Model Trains in Oakville: They were really helpful to me when I was trying to locate some F40PH's in VIA Rail livery. At the time, only Bachmann and Walthers Trainline series had them, but they were at the ends of their respective runs. I didn't want the same loco numbers, which is sometimes difficult to avoid. Anyway, I not only found three more to add to my inventory, but got the Bachmann's at half price. More than made up for the shipping. This outfit specializes more in the upscale stuff than I'm involved with, but seems to stock a good inventory of the lower priced models, they just don't push it. See ya! Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 09:09:39 Mornin' passengerfan Al You ARE up earlier than many would figure .... nevertheless, The Mentor Village Bakery delivers very, very early and you'll find a great selection right over there by the coffee urns ..... Whenever I'm into serious work, I turn the volume off on my landline phones and answering machine. Then when I'm ready to be interrupted, I check to see if anyone has called. Works for me ..... Seems like in this era, people seem to think that one must ALWAYS be connected by phone AND be slugging down some bottled water, no matter what else is going on. I know - I'm old. See ya! Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 09:20:08 G'day Ted Rule [?]What rule [?] Have you been into that Kickapoo Joy Juice Boris and Leon made the other night We've had three Birthday Bashes thus far – mine - earlydiesels Dan and ***. All of us reside in the Central Time Zone. I've decided to elevate your status 'round here, Ted. As of this fine day, you are now Manager of "Our" Place along with the duties of Interim Chief Chef in Nick's absence. Now those duties are posted in the office, so my suggestion is to go over them and pick up your advanced pay from the bathtup upstairs, second door on the left, to the right of the guest room. Thanx for stepping up to the plate for Chris' Birthday Bash ... hopefully we'll get a few guys out, given the last minuteness of it all. All this talk of prunes ...... mind over matter! See ya! Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 11:55:33 POST FROM THE PAST From time to time I will post what should serve as examples to all of what this thread is all about. Here are two POSTS from Chris, with a response from me, back in the early days of "Our" Place You can find the original posts on pages 3 & 4. ======================================== QUOTE: CFournier Posted: 21 Apr 2005, 15:09:49 Posts: 149 Joined: 20 May 2003 Location: Montreal Hello everyone, Great stories from you guys, this is entertaining. I would have a suggestion for you Tom. I think you should backdate the picture of "OUR PLACE" with cars and engine from the 40's or 50's since it's a forum about classic trains. Then post it again and use it as a signature at the end of your posts. Got to go but would stay if you have pastrami and cheese curds with a Carrabasset ale. Chris siberianmo Posted: 21 Apr 2005, 16:49:53 Posts: 862 Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Location: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA Chris, Great idea! Watch for it ....... borrowing the vehicles from a friend and the diesels are here ..... sorry steam engine fans, but it's my layout! No cheese curds (why oh why would a bar like mine have THOSE?!) Pigs feet or hard boiled eggs? Anyway, will that be Carrabasset Pale Ale - Summer Ale - Winter Ale or Harvest Ale? Geez, a little specificity would help 'round here! See ya! Tom (Siberianmo) CFournier Posted: 21 Apr 2005, 21:24:37 Posts: 149 Joined: 20 May 2003 Location: Montreal Tom, Pale ale, of course my friend!! ...And pigs knuckles ? You must have some French Canadian ancestry! With gravy please... Chris ====================================== Now, some of you know how we got to the signature pix for ”Our” Place! Enjoy! POST FROM THE PAST Tom, Proprietor of “Our” Place, An adult eating & drinking establishment!
QUOTE: wrwatkins Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 13:58:00 Good afternoon Y'all. Glad to be back in good old Texas. It goes without saying that my trip to the old country (United Kingdom) was a little exciting. This is not my definition of "Having a blast". Got several war stories to tell about the trip. Stayed in a boutique hotel in Belgravia and was planning to use the underground to get to Paddington to catch my train to Reading. This was not to be as the earlier bombings closed completely the Circle line, closed the District line north of Kensington High Street, and closed the Piccadilly line east of Hyde Park. In a word I could not get to Paddington by the underground from the Lowndes hotel. Had to go by taxi and managed to run up over $600 in taxi fares. Still did not find any bears at Paddington (A. A. Milne's childrens books), but did see the statue of Isambard Kingdom Brunel in the entrance to the station. His mother must have hated him to give him a name like this. Next year is the 200th anniversary of his birth with many celebrations and exhibits mainly centering in Bristol. He is known for building the Paddington to Penzance rail line which I have ridden in its entirity on an earlier trip. No, I was not able to locate any pirates in Penzance on that trip (Gilbert and Sullivan light opera The Pirates of Penzance). At the western end of Paddington is a bridge that is suspended on scaffolding while another bridge is being built under it. This bridge was to be torn down, however, historians realized that this is the last surviving bridge of this type built by Brunel and it will be moved to a museum somewhere. I had better get back to work so i will write a little more later. ***
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 14:08:17 Howdy *** Thought I saw your cyber name floating out there in the forums listing ....... Glad to have you back - safe and we'll let your discussion determine whether your sound! I'm confused ... thought this trip of yours was also going to include the VIA Rail to Halifax. When is that [?] Pirates of Penzance just happens to be our favorite G&S production - next is The Mikado. We're great fans of their wonderful genius. We're looking forward to a bit more insight regarding your experiences in London - given the notoriety of it all these days. And of course TRAINS, preferably Classic in nature! Have you forgotten ALREADY [?]Geesh! I know you'll do your part as a regular at this bar, and check out the SUMMARIES since your departure the day after your Birthday Bash. If you can swing it, try to be onllne tonight at 8:30 CDST for Chris' Birthday Bash Thanx! By the by, I need to talk to you by Email, perhaps better by phone. Still thinking about that Dallas trip ... really want to see those RDC's, but I definitely want to coordinate it with your availability. You broke rule #1, no stopping in without ordering something! [censored][banghead] See ya! Tom
QUOTE: earlydiesels Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 14:15:26 = Hello everyone! A cold, bottomless, draught, please. Boy was it hot Saturday. In Spfld, it was 104 and almost broke a record. In northeast Kansas, it was that or hotter. We only had about 20 riders Saturday and ended up cancelling the 1530 run due to no passengers. Could'nt go the entire length of the railroad. The state is replacing the crossing over 59 hwy and the contractor is'nt done. Had a redboard and derail up protecting the equipment so we pulled up to it and done a reverse movement back. Just like when I started back in '97.Sunday had more passengers and it seemed like the weather was somewhat cooler. Chris, have a good birthday. As the Vulcans would say, Live Long and Prosper! Wife was talking to one of our station agents yesterday. He owns some land of the KS side of the city and there once was a town there. The old bank is now a home and its driveway is the old Kansas City, Clinton and Springfield RR right of way! I've always been interested in the Leaky Roof line and decided a few years ago, that due to the lack of info on the line, that I would have to write a book on it. Started researching several years ago but haven't progressed since then. Don't know if there would be enough interest to do this to even find a publisher. Barndad, thanks for the pix of the baggage cart. I got a good bite from my inquiry on the MR side that I have yet to check out. Evidently, it is a group that models REA. Too hot to go outside so I think I'll have another cold one. Maybe it won't get to loud in here. Even with earplugs, being in that loco cab leaves my ears sensitive.
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 14:34:33 G'day earlydiesels Dan Glad you have returned. This IS the place to be when the temps are where they've been lately. Really something this summer. Belly up to the bar, take your reserved stool and enjoy that bottomless draught right there! I see you've noted Chris' Birthday and I hope you'll be able to be online for a bit this evening - 8:30 PM our time (CDST). I'll bet passengerfan Al could help you with the beginnings of finding a publisher. Why not send him an Email[?] Noise in here today [?]Nah, as quiet as a Church mouse. Been that way since the crowd left Saturday night (early Sunday AM, that is ......). So sit back and enjoy ..... good time to catch up on your reading. Tom
QUOTE: Gunns Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 20:35:01 Hi All Large cold bottomless malted fermented Beverage Bitte....... I'm Back, read from page 49... and am lost, Road fatigue, Spent the week at a resort on the Mogollon rim, near Heber AZ. No rails there but the BNSF main runs along 250 miles of the trip and we saw some cool stuff, lots of cars marked for fallen flags of the BNSF, saw an honest to goodness Great Northern Hopper car, lots of Santa Fe flats a KCS hopper, <Kansas City Southern> ect even saw a Warbonnet painted lashup hauling a fast intermodal west. Saw a couple of CN locos headed to Cali..... kinda far from home those. <off topic> on the way there a housing from a refrigeration unit on a Motor coach RV flew off and hit my car in the windshield.... lost the passenger side glass... wish I took the train. My brain is fogged, but I'll try, barndad the work on the plates (2 ea. one on each side) is no problem, as 95% of the work is in making the first plate, and the pattern is allready made, all I have to do now is cast one of our plates, carve off the last 3 digits of the serial number, and put your digets on, <same thing for the date if the 2903 was delivered in 1943> Give me about ttwo months... I really need a copy of the MWP plate and when I have the plates done I would like to drive up and do some flex mold copies of the data plates I need <G> <a latex solution is painted over the plate, when dry it is pealed off filled with Hcal plaster, and and that is used for the pattern to cast the replacement data plate> If I have missed any thing else please let me know, and I'll jump on getting the responses back. In the Intrest of beeing "Classic"<G> I am putting together a history of the 2926, to put up here, She only ran in revanue service from 1944 to 1957, and still put in over a millon miles of service. Tom can I get a plate of sumpin simple, been on the road all day, thanks all. <headed back to the back for a break from the day. Gunns
QUOTE: passengerfan Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 20:38:40 Good evening all. How about i buy the next round and don't forget a double for the Birthday guy Chris. Made it just in time as it is still early out here on the right coast. Plan on sneaking out of the party early as i need to get an early start on book in the AM. But will be here fo awhile.
QUOTE: barndad Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 20:42:23 Hey guys .... I'll put in for the round after that, but I must leave. Please wish Chris a happy happy for me. Great to see you Tom and Kevin. Take care!
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 20:43:18 Hi passengerfan Al and Gunns Russell Hoped to see Chris by now ... for HIS Birthday Bash! Before you check out - let's wish him a [bday] from the regulars here at "Our" Place Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 20:46:57 Hi barndad Doug Thanx for popping in and contributing to Chris' 51st [bday] Tom
QUOTE: Gunns Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 20:47:43 Apologies Chris, Happy birthday!!! as the Mongols say," May the cities in your wake burn like candles on your cake!!, Happy Birthday" <the mongol birthday song by Yang the Nausiating, AKA Robert Aspirin> Told ya'll I was brain dead today... Gunns
QUOTE: CFournier Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 20:48:08 HI there! Been trying to get online for half an hour, I have guests downstairs so will come and go to the keyboard as often as I can if I do not loose my connection. CHRIS, older by the hour...
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 20:51:44 Evenin' Chris Your guests are all [#welcome] at "Our" Place - good food, good drinks, good guys and good times! Glad you made it! Don't be concerned about the connection thing - we've all been there and done that! The important thing is you're here! What's your pleasure [?] Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 21:02:34 Hey guys, I gotta check out .... Looks like Chris may have lost his connection. Leon the Night Man will have the bar 'til closing ... Boris and Cindy are in the kitchen - Ted should be around soon - so all's well! See ya in the 'morrow and once again, [bday] Chris! Tom
QUOTE: Trainnut484 Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 21:16:16 [bday] Chris And many many more Hope I'm not too late Russell
QUOTE: Trainnut484 Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 21:22:03 Hello Chris I see you're finally online [wow][yeah] [bday] again
QUOTE: Trainnut484 Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 21:25:12 Where's Ted[?] Hopefully not too late for him to check in. Leon, I'll have my usual, Miller Lite. It's been a hot one today Russell
QUOTE: CFournier Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 21:30:07 Thanks for all the good words everyone! Got away from the crowd downstairs. This is a nice bunch of cyberfriend and I will for sure be in Toronto next year for the meeting. I received many emails lately and I am very gratefull for your support. Be back in a minute...got to get a Sleeman’s cream ale... Chris
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 21:31:11 Howdy Hi everyone. Chris i see you are here at the moment so [bday] To you. Hope everything is well in the land of smoked meat.Leon I'll grab a Harps while I endevour to get some Gordon Lightfoot on the ole jukebox. Rob
QUOTE: Trainnut484 Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 21:33:10 Hello Rob It's great you can make it. Chris, don't get lighthead blowing out all your candles Russell
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 21:35:49 Hey Chris glad to hear you will be in TO next year. I'm just starting to put some ideas together for that.If you have any preferences let me know.I think I'll switch to Sleeman's honey brown myself.Oh Tom BTW the LCBO is likley going on strike so your supply of CDN spirits from the bear will have to come from somewhere other than Ontario. Anyone want to hear the Canadian railway trilogy again? Rob
QUOTE: Trainnut484 Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 21:41:39 Hello Al, it's good to see you too tonight Russell
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 21:42:18 Hey Russel looks like we lost Chris again. darn that aol anyway glad I made it.Vacation time for me right now so I've booked myself into the museum most of the week,but I couldn't not show up for Chris's bash.Looks as though Cindy was dressed quite well for her popping out of the cake. Cudo's to ted the decorater extrodinaire,and our new Our place manager to boot. Guess we all know who to suck up to now I've got to skate soon though I'm still at the museum and using up their time. was a long and hot one today so the air conditioned caboose is calling. Rob
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 21:43:00 WOW Chris, your wisdom is far beyond your years! It is so neat to have you and the great folks into "real" railroading "back in the saddle again." What can any of us at "Our" Place say more than- -we wish for you many more years of happiness and good health. "Leaky roof R.R.," Dan? That sounds like the K.C., St. Joseph, & Clay County R.R.! Oh, some of the HO paint people, i.e. Floquil and others might be a good source for just about any color including R.E.A. If you want to publish about the "K.C., Clinton & Spgfld. R.R.; how about the Topeka local Nrewpaper? *** glad you are back "in one piece." For me personally, the G. & S. "light" operas would far more lethal than any Terrorist could conjure up; except for C. & W. "Opryland!" Okay, its been a great celebration for everyone's buddy Chris. I must "call it a night," 'cause Boris needs to "hit the sack" and Leon keeps hitting it with a 3 lb. sledge. I don't know...maybe the next "flag" on the CanAm? Happy Rails to one and all, G'night Ted
QUOTE: CFournier Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 21:44:52 Another beer please, a Rickard's Red will do fine, when I get online I always have so many pages to read it makes me thirsty... Back a little later, the friends are leaving now. Chris
QUOTE: Trainnut484 Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 21:46:22 Shee***ed, sneaking in the back door again huh[?] And not even a hello? SHEESH again. Rob, I'm sorry we lost Chris. Maybe he'll get back on soon Russell
QUOTE: Trainnut484 Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 21:50:55 Rob, I agree a big KUDOS goes to Ted for the decorations, and I apologize for missing Cindy jumping out of the cake. Russell
QUOTE: Trainnut484 Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 21:53:29 Well, I see I'm the only one in here, and Leon is ready to kick me out. As the saying goes: "You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here." That harkens from my younger days...enough said. Take care and good night all Russell
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 21:54:37 Hey one last round for me before I stagger accross the parking lot to the caboose.PassengerAl Nice to see you drop back in,actually I'm glad to see everyone here tonight I usually have the place just to Leon and myself at this hour. Hope this late nite visit doesn't stop your early morning prose tomorrow. dickGlad you've made it back in one piece as well,I thought you were doing the VIA trip this time out as well perhaps once your settled back in you can regale us with stories and pictures.Gunns I see you made it back mostly in one piece as well sucks about the wind shield though hope no one was cut or otherwise harmed. Did you at least get the operater number on that bus so they caan pay for the privilage. See Tom this is one more reason why I'm anti-bus Well I'm gone for now have some sanding and varnishing to do tomorrow. I'm not crewing again till Wed. so I'm going to attempt to help the 416 restoration boys. Again one final [bday]to the guest of honour enjoy the rest of the party. I've asked Leon to set up a round for you and your guests on my tab. Later guys. Rob
QUOTE: CFournier Posted: 25 Jul 2005, 22:49:33 Good night to everyone who attended this party and thank's again. Christian
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 26 July 2005, 06:48:04 Gadfrey Daniel! I've heard of "wearing the lamp shade" at a party but Boris took it to a whole new dimension! Tom, please help me remove the wagon wheel chandelier from Boris' neck. Good thing I left early; the "Village Wrecking and Salvage" people are due for estimates any minute. I'll make the insurance claim out for tornado damage. Well, that's curious! A size D cup with candles and cake frosting all about? Hmm, I always miss the highlites for the evening, darn it! Chris my friend, you can't say "Our" Place didn't "go all out" for your 51st. I'm only surprised there will be a 52nd. I know everybody has checked out Tom's Summaries and been duly notified of your humble servant's promotion to "Manager." I told Boris and Leon: "I'm the Boss and you guys are nothin'!" To which Leon remarked: "So, you are the Boss over nothin?" Well of course- -he's right. "He who rules least, rules best." Well Tom, I'll back up the front loader so we can remodel the bar for Russell's Bash on the 30th.[banghead] Seriously, many thanks to one and all for making Chris' shindig another "Our" Place landfill landmark. Many happy returns Chris. So long for now, Ted
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