Hi Tom And all.
A coffee and a Bacon roll please Ruth and compliments to COPPERKETTLE on the excellent mushy pease with the plaice last nightNick has taught you well..
A busy evening at the bar.
DAVE Many thanks for the detailed info on the SP d Mexico. I dare say that many SP railfans took a trip down there to see the SP steam classes in their last years.
NICK Great to see the photos, 5051 looks great, when I started to post mine it took me ages to get the hang of it,even now I think it is more luck than judgement. Tom and Rob will help. Looking forward to more, especially the layout and how did you manage to get such great weather in the west of Ireland..
JAMES Thanks for the info on the Milwaukee Road. Those Box Cab E-50 are impressive locos. Great pics on the web-site, loved the sound effects.
MIKE Many thanks for the excellent links. That is the first pic of the Rugby Loco Cabin signalbox I can recall seeing. I don't know when it closed but I guess its duties were taen over by Ruby no 1 box which was a very large box with 185 levers. Before modernization there were six mechanical signal boxes controlling Rugby numbered no1 to no7 Rugby no 6 disappeared before the war I believe.
Great aircraft pics as well. Concorde was one of those things that when it passed overhead you had just stop and look up at it, although I would not say I was an aircraft person I must admit I was more than a little sad when I watched the last three landings of Concordes at Heathrow live on the TV.
Loved those Great Central pics, The journey from Nottingham to Rugby was taken during the short period between 1966 and 1969 when that stretch was left open. A friend and I bunked off one day to ride the line to Leicester and back one day and the pics brought back memories. Thanks again.
I have a web site that shows video clips of the preserved Great Central Railway
http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/
CM3 It seems chitlins are the same both sides of the pond. I think they were in a song by Adge Cutler and the Worzels in the UK but I never knew what they were.
I am having a bit of trouble getting at the pics on the Railpictures site, but I will try again later.
I too think it is a great idea of UP to have the old liverys. After steam finished in the UK. British Railways painted all of its locos in corporate blue including the 3 narrow guage steam locos it still ran in Wales. The policy was strickly enforced, and made for a pretty dull scene. It was Stratford shed in east London who first broke the mould by painting a silver roof on some of their locos and naming one Great Eastern, naming of locos had also been forbidden. They also painted a large Union Jack on the side of two locos to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee. I heard BR headquarters were not at all happy about this but with the favorable public opionion on the locos relented. Nowadays there are many verious liveries of the privatised companies. a nice touch though, is as some classes of loco are reaching the end of their service a loco is painted into the paint scheme it first ran in.
TOM Glad you liked the Irish pics. They also built a great deal of the railways in Britain, including the fairly recent new lines on the London Underground.
I bet those SP brouches published by the SP in the 40s are worth some money now. and in the Gm Blast from the Past I see a loco manufacturer is teaming up with a particular railroad to advertise its products.
Great detail on the CAN-AM, .
I have called in early as it is said we may, as Tom said, be in for some rough weather later on . I see LARS is in so I will have a Bathams with you sir and read what looks like a great post on the EMD
Pete.
G'day Captain Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth my deAH, this time I'll have a frosty mug of Piels, a half hero sandwich - ham, Swiss, mustAHd 'n buttAH, two pickles from the barrel and of course a saucer of brine for our friend, Tex! Oh, and a round for the house - make it something English, Bathams comes to mind. Boris - you cloven footed cyclops - ring the bell!
So, what do we have today A fine inclusive post from our mid-Missouri friend, Pete. Bet they don't know that the Brits have taken over that part of the "Show Me State," huh
Good to see the return of CM3 I'm Not Shane! after a day outdoors. So, exactly what is it you DO to earn those greenbacks you so freely contribute to this Saloon by the Siding Curious minds are begging to know!
In browsing through some of the railroad ads that Captain Tom has furnished over the months, you'll see more than one company teaming up with active RRs to push their particular works. Makes sense for Pullman to push the RDC by using the names of roads like the NH, NYC and B&M just as it did with EMD. As I read through that latter ad, I had not remembered GM selling off that division. Oh, what used to be just ain't no more.
Enjoyed the details on the Can-Am from our Proprietor, Captain Tom! A most ambitious set of projects and my compliments on a job well done! A 5- Salute to you Sir! for your creativity, ingenuity and willingness to share your efforts with us! How are things progressing with the subway system You do realize it has to be completed B4 we descend on you enmasse for the Rendezvous this spring!
Noted that Nick has 'arrived' with the pix-posting! And also noted the familiar wrestling match with getting it just right between photobucket and these forums. I use the Captain Tom method - as I've gotten myself wrapped around the axle a couple of times with the "instructions" from photobucket. The "secret" I found was in the use of the "img" when and ensuring that you enlarge the pix you want B4 copying it to the forum. Patience, my lad, patience - there's more than one way to skin the cat - so if one procedure doesn't do it, try 'nother one! Anyway, good to know you are "in" for some contributions on Photo Posting Sunday! Have a profitable and enjoyable gig this night . . .
Yeah, Tom, I read about Mets abandoning their Tidewater triple AAA location in Virginia. That bothers me as well. A rather convoluted story indicating they "really didn't want to leave," but . . . . you know how that plays out! New Orleans - hmmmmmm, wonder where in the Crescent City they are talking and just what kind of support they'll get. The Tidewater Tides were indeed fixtures in the league. They did change the name to the Norfolk Tides some years back - but the people down that way still refer to them otherwise. Anyway, it's all about the buck, which doesn't do much for fan support. However, take heart - the Baltimore Orioles are expected to make an annoucement that they will affiliate with the franchise. So baseball will continue in tidwater!
One more Ruth, and then I've got to head on out . . . tonight is Pizza 'n Beer along with Steak 'n Fries Nite at the Tavern by the Tracks! The back rooms are arranged for our pool tournament and we should have a full staff on board (except for the Bar Chandler - he seems to be in a fog these days!) Anyway, don't forget to partake in the bill o' fare . . . .
Until the next time!
Lars
G-day Captain Tom and those at the bar.
Thanks for all the comments!! I will be sure to keep writing and updating my website for all to see. Just waiting for my fathers pictures of certain milwaukee pictures.
Anyway.. I am seeing a lot of EMD locomotives since Captain Tom gave the word, "Electro Motive Division." I probably can't explain the history of EMD, but I can definently give you some pictures. I know one fact though. EMD made over 4400 SD40-2 type model locmotives, and the Milwaukee road was one of the largest buyers of the SD40-2.
See what you think.
G'day Gents!
Some really good stuff this afternoon from Pete - Lars (twice) 'n James!
Appears as if we've "hooked" James (CMSTPP) and that's a positive sign. Maybe we can get him to buy a round!
Nice selection of material, Lars - the EMD material really is a great compliment to my "Blast from the Past!" Good choice. Also, thanx for the elaboration on the Tidewater (Norfolk) Tides. Relieved to know that baseball will continue in that area. I should mention that IF I ever were to return to the east coast - and that's about as likely as the Earth shifting orbit - I would live in the tidewater area of Virginia. Anyway, the Orioles should be a good fit.
Pete, as always, a nice URL and something to peruse and persuse and . . . .
Leon, give 'em a drink on me, and Boris - ring the bell!
Tom
Couldn't let the day pass without a "hello" to Left Coast S Dave! Appreciate the information on the San Diego & Arizona Eastern. Given that we're talking about nearly 20 years ago, I'm rather surprised and relieved to know my memory banks are still functioning!
Found a URL that really puts much of this together - some might fine PIX that can be "clicked" for enlarging - check out: http://www.sdrm.org/history/sda/history.html
By the by, we keep our Vodka in the freezer 'round this joint - brand of choice is Stolichnaya or just plain "Stoli" for the Aficionados out there. Anyway, a "Frostbite Special"
is simply Stoli on ice - straight up - have one on me!
Catch y'all later . . .
Evening all!
Hope this finds everyone well this Friday evening. It has been a while since my last visit, but Si, with your permission I’d like to ask the ‘family’ for a special prayer. I don’t do this all the time, except when it’s of great importance.
Some of you may know me from the Coffee Shop over on the MR side, and some may just know me from here. Either way, since most of you don’t know me, I am John, aka JP. Earlier this spring, I went back to being a volunteer firefighter and took an 8 week course to get most of my training current.
Well, there was some sad news the other day on the fire side of things. It seems that over the last 16 or so yrs, one of the County Fire Investigators has had a partner of the 4-legged type named Bo working with him. A few yrs back they had to take her off the job due to age and what not, but since the Investigator had adopted her to begin with and then took her into the Fire Investigator Academy, she was able to keep living with him and his family after her release from active fire duty. Well, as with all dogs, once they get too old to do things, they eventually have to be put to rest. Well, on Wednesday, at about 1130 hours, there was a special tone sent out over the pager and radio networks with the sad news that Bo had been put down and requesting a moment of silence in her memory. I’d like to ask the ‘family’ to please remember this brave canine and her human family for her job well done and also for the family for their sacrifice in this loss and for allowing Bo to do her job assisting the County (and I am sure the State of NY in some cases) with her intuitive and sensitive nose in weeding out arson criminals. God speed Bo. We here in the Syracuse NY area fire service will not forget you. Thanks!
Ok all, time for me to move on. Have some things to do this weekend (clean the apt, laundry, watch baseball and football, and drink a beer or 2 (one for Bo).
Take care!
//signed// John Powell President / CEO CNY Transportation Corp (fictional)
http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s303/nuts4sports34/
Hunter - When we met in January of 2000, you were just a 6 week old pup who walked his way into this heart of mine as the only runt in the litter who would come over to me. And today, I sit here and tell you I am sorry we had to put you down. It was the best thing for you and also the right thing to do. May you now rest in peace and comfort. Love, Dad. 8 June 2010
I love you and miss you Mom. Say hi to everyone up there for me. Rest in peace and comfort. Love, John. 29 March 2017
A stormy morning here in mid-continent USA - storms keep rushing through, fortunately to the south of where we are . . .skies get menancing - winds pick up, brief bouts of rain - and so forth. Expecting this to continue through the evening . . .
Been a long time since we've seen JP in our establishment. For those of you who do not know - and my guess is the majority have no clue - JP is a customer of the "Coffee Shop" over on the Model Railroader - General Discussions - Forums. Anyway, that's a touching story regarding the 4-legged fire investigator - Bo. Canines are very important members in my family, and I suspect in many others. So, positive thougths in abundance to the memory of Bo!
So, what's new on this ENCORE! Saturday Guess we'll just have to wait 'n see what occurs as the day progresses. I'll have something to kick off the ENCOREs - shortly.
Remember, Ruth has the bar from 9 AM 'til 5 PM, when Leon the Night Man takes over 'til closing. That's the "routine" 'round the Tavern by the Tracks on a Monday thru Saturday basis!
Later!
ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday
from page 255 RAILWAYS of EUROPE #3 – TGV (France) “SNCF, gives the train ideas in advance” TGV PART I of III This article is about the French high-speed railway system. TGV trains depart from Gare Montparnasse in Paris to western and southwestern destinations. (Wikimedia Commons) The TGV (train à grande vitesse, French for "high-speed train") is France's high-speed rail service, developed by GEC-Alsthom (now Alstom) and SNCF, the French national rail operator, and operated primarily by SNCF. Following the inaugural TGV service between Paris and Lyon in 1981, the TGV network, centred on Paris, has expanded to connect cities across France. The success of the first line led to a rapid expansion of the service, with new lines built to the south, west and northeast of the country. Eager to share in the success of the French network, neighbouring countries such as Belgium, Italy and Switzerland built their own high-speed lines to connect with it. TGVs under other brand names also link to Germany and the Netherlands through the Thalys network, and to the United Kingdom through Eurostar. Several future lines are currently planned, including extensions within France and to surrounding countries. Towns such as Tours have become a part of this "TGV commuter belt". TGVs travel at up to 320 km/h (200 mph), which is made possible through the use of specially designed tracks, laid down without any sharp curves, and a range of features which make TGV trains suitable for high speed travel. These features include high-powered electric motors, low axle weight, articulated carriages and in-cab signaling which removes the need for drivers to see lineside signals at high speed. TGVs are manufactured primarily by Alstom, now often with the involvement of Bombardier. Except for a small series of TGVs used for postal freight between Paris and Lyon, TGV is primarily a passenger service. Trains derived from TGV designs also operate in South Korea (KTX) and Spain (AVE). Travel by TGV has largely replaced air travel between connected cities, due to shorter commuting times (especially for trips taking less than three hours), reduced check-in, security and boarding formalities, and the convenient location of train stations in the heart of cities. Furthermore, the TGV is a very safe mode of transport, with no recorded fatalities due to accidents while running at high speed since operations began. History Main article: Development of the TGV The idea of the TGV was first proposed in the 1960s, after Japan began construction on the Shinkansen in 1959. At the time the French government favoured new technologies, exploring the production of hovercraft and maglev trains such as Aérotrain. Simultaneously, SNCF began researching high-speed trains that would operate on conventional tracks. It was originally planned that the TGV, then standing for très grande vitesse (very high speed) or turbine grande vitesse (high speed turbine), would be propelled by gas turbine-electric locomotives. Gas turbines were selected for their small size, good power-to-weight ratio, and ability to deliver a high power output over an extended period of time. The first prototype, TGV 001, was the only TGV constructed with this type of engine. However, following the sharp increase in the price of oil during the 1973 energy crisis, gas turbines were deemed impractical and the project turned to locomotives powered by electricity from overhead lines. The electricity was to be generated by France's new nuclear power stations. However, TGV 001 was not a wasted prototype. Its gas-turbine powerplant was only one of many technologies required for high-speed rail travel. The TGV 001 platform also tested high-speed brakes, which were needed to dissipate the large amount of kinetic energy amassed by a train operating at high speed. Other technologies tested by the 001 included high-speed aerodynamics and signaling. The train was articulated, meaning that its two carriages shared a bogie between them which allowed them to move freely with respect to one another. The prototype train reached 318 km/h (198 mph), which remains the world speed record for a non-electric train. The interior and exterior of TGV 001 were styled by British-born designer Jack Cooper, whose work formed the basis of all subsequent TGV design, including the distinctive nose shape of TGV power cars. Changing the specification of the TGV to incorporate electric traction required a significant design overhaul. The first fully electric prototype, nicknamed Zébulon, was completed in 1974, testing features such as innovative body-mounting of motors, pantographs, suspension and braking. Body mounting of motors allowed over 3 tonnes (2.95 tons) to be dropped from the weight of the power cars. The prototype travelled almost 1 000 000 km (621,000 miles) during testing. In 1976 the French government fully funded the TGV project, and construction of the LGV Sud-Est, the first high-speed line (ligne à grande vitesse), began shortly afterwards. The line was given the designation LN1, Ligne Nouvelle 1 (New Line 1). A TGV train at Futuroscope, near Poitiers. (Wikimedia Commons) After two pre-production trainsets had been rigorously tested and substantially modified, the first production version was delivered on 25 April 1980. The TGV service opened to the public between Paris and Lyon on 27 September 1981. The initial target customers were businesspeople travelling between those two cities; as a mode of transport, the TGV was considerably faster than normal trains, cars, or airplanes. The trains soon became popular outside their initial target market; the public welcomed a fast and practical way to travel between cities. Since then, further LGVs have opened in France, including the LGV Atlantique (LN2) to Tours/Le Mans (construction began 1985, operation began 1989); the LGV Nord-Europe (LN3) to Calais and the Belgian border (construction began 1989, operation began 1993); the LGV Rhône-Alpes (LN4), extending the LGV Sud-Est to Valence (construction began 1990, operation began 1992); and the LGV Méditerranée (LN5) to Marseille (construction began 1996, operations began 2001). A line from Paris to Strasbourg, the LGV Est, is under construction. High-speed lines based on TGV technology have also been built in Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom to connect with the French network. A TGV Duplex train leaving Paris Gare de Lyon. (Wikimedia Commons) The Eurostar Service began operation in 1994, connecting continental Europe to London via the Channel Tunnel. The line used the LGV Nord-Europe in France from the outset. The first phase of the British high-speed line, the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, was completed in 2003. The project,
Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house
Terrible accident in Germany yesterday, as you know.
Transrapid Maglev
http://www.maglevtransport.com/sitebuilder/images/TR08_in_snow-335x218.jpg
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42120000/jpg/_42120768_afp_maglev416.jpg
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42120000/jpg/_42120778_getty_maglev5_416.jpg
http://graphics10.nytimes.com/images/2006/09/23/world/23crash600.1.jpg
Found these pics at that link you put last night, Tom.
Carrizo Gorge
http://www.sdrm.org/gallery/sda/gorge/goatcanyon-5.jpg
US Army locomotive
http://www.sdrm.org/roster/diesel/d-1820/photo-1.jpg
US Navy locomotive
http://www.sdrm.org/roster/diesel/d-00608/d-44t-1.jpg
US Air Force locomotive!
http://www.sdrm.org/gallery/winter/980329-1.jpg
http://www.sdrm.org/gallery/winter/980329-2.jpg
San Diego
http://www.sdrm.org/gallery/sda/downtown/atsf-depot-nw.jpg
Southern Lines Pacific
http://www.sdrm.org/gallery/railfair88/rf88-15.jpg
Mike
Ruth, take a break - seems you've had just one customer and it surely is a slow day. Where ARE all of the guys who wanted this place to remain opened
Mike, yes that was a terrible rail disaster in Germany and will most probably give ammo to those who are opposed to the MagLev technology. A shame - since the accident had nothing to do with the train so much as the #&^#% maintenance vehicle on the right of way!
A URL (perishable) for those who haven't been following this:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/09/23/train.wreck.ap/index.html
Was beginning to think that someone declared a "holiday" and I'm the last to know! Appreciate the participation and hope the guys pick up on the URLs; some mighty fine Pix! . . . .
Back to ENCORE! Saturday in a bit . . .
from page 255
RAILWAYS of EUROPE #3 – TGV (France)
“SNCF, gives the train ideas in advance” TGV PART II of III Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources. Stations Avignon TGV station. (GNU Free Documentation) One of the main advantages of TGV over other fast rail techologies such as magnetic levitation is that TGV trains can take advantage of existing infrastructure. This makes connecting city centres (such as Paris-Gare de Lyon to Lyon-Perrache) with TGV a simple and inexpensive proposition; TGVs often use intra-city tracks and stations originally built with lower-speed trains in mind. However, TGV route designers have tended to build new stations in suburban areas or in the open countryside several kilometers away from cities. This allows TGVs to stop without incurring too great a time penalty, since more time is spent on high-speed track. In some cases, stations are built halfway between two communities. The station serving Montceau-les-Mines and Le Creusot is an example of this approach. Another, more controversial example is the Haute Picardie station, which is located between Amiens and Saint-Quentin. The location of the Haute Picardie station was rather controversial; the press and local authorities criticized it as too far from either town to be convenient, and too far from connecting railway lines to be useful for travellers. The station was nicknamed la gare des betteraves, or 'beetroot station', as it is surrounded by beet fields. This nickname is now applied to similar stations located away from town and city centres, whether such stations are in the vicinity of beet fields or not. A number of major new railway stations have been built to support the TGV service, some of which are considered major architectural achievements in their own right. The Avignon TGV station, opened in 2001, has been praised as one of the most remarkable stations on the network, with a spectacular 340 m (1,115 ft)-long glazed roof which has been compared to that of a cathedral. Rolling stock A TGV train in Rennes, in Brittany. (Wikimedia Commons) Eurostar and Thalys side-by-side in Paris Gare du Nord. (Wikimedia Commons) TGV rolling stock differs from other types in that trains consist of semi-permanently coupled multiple units. Bogies are located between carriages, supporting the carriages on either side, so that each carriage shares its bogies with the two adjacent to it. Locomotives at either end of the trains have their own bogies. This design is advantageous during a derailment, as the locomotive derails first and can move separately from the passenger carriages, which are more likely to stay upright and in line with the track. Normal trains, by contrast, tend to split at couplings and jackknife. A disadvantage of this carriage design is that it is difficult to split sets of carriages. While TGV locomotives can be removed from trains via standard uncoupling procedures, specialized depot equipment is needed to split carriages by lifting the entire train at once. Once uncoupled, one of the carriage ends is left without a bogie at the split, so a bogie frame is required to hold it up. SNCF operates a fleet of about 400 TGV trainsets. Six types of TGV or TGV derivative currently operate on the French network; these are TGV Sud-Est (passenger and La Poste varieties), TGV Atlantique, TGV Réseau/Thalys PBA, Eurostar, TGV Duplex and Thalys PBKA. A seventh type, TGV POS (Paris-Ostfrankreich-Suddeutschland, or Paris-Eastern France-Southern Germany), is currently being tested. All TGVs are at least bi-current, which means that they can operate at 25 kV, 50 Hz AC on newer lines (including LGVs) and at 1.5 kV DC on older lines (such 1.5 kV lignes classiques that are particularly common around Paris). Trains crossing the border into Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom must accommodate foreign voltages. This has led to the construction of tri-current or even quadri-current TGVs. All TGVs are equipped with two pairs of pantographs, two for AC use and two for DC use. When passing between areas of different supply voltage, marker boards are installed to remind the driver to lower the pantograph(s), turn off power to the traction motors, adjust a switch on the dashboard to select the appropriate system, and raise the pantograph(s) again. Pantographs and pantograph height control are selected automatically based on the voltage system chosen by the driver. Once the train detects the correct supply to its transformers, a dashboard indicator lights up and the driver can switch on power to the traction motors. The train coasts across the border between voltage sections with traction motor power turned off. Main article: SNCF TGV Sud-Est A TGV Sud-Est set in the original orange livery, since superseded by silver and blue. (Wikimedia Commons) The Sud-Est fleet was built between 1978 and 1988 and operated the first TGV service from Paris to Lyon in 1981. Currently there are 107 passenger sets operating, of which nine are tri-current (including 15 kV, 16 2/3 Hz AC for use in Switzerland) and the rest bi-current. There are also seven bi-current half-sets without seats which carry mail for La Poste between Paris and Lyon. These are painted in a distinct yellow livery. Each set is made up of two power cars and eight carriages (capacity 345 seats), including a powered bogie in each of the carriages adjacent to the power cars. They are 200 m (656 ft) long and 2.81 m (9.2 ft) wide. They weigh 385 tonnes (424 short tons; 379 long tons) with a power output of 6,450 kW under 25 kV. Originally the sets were built to run at 270 km/h (168 mph) but most were upgraded to 300 km/h (186 mph) during their mid-life refurbishment in preparation for the opening of the LGV Méditerranée. The few sets which still have a maximum speed of 270 km/h operate on routes which have a comparatively short distance on the lignes à grande vitesse, such as those to Switzerland via Dijon. SNCF did not consider it financially worthwhile to upgrade their speed for a marginal reduction in journey time. TGV Atlantique A TGV Atlantique on an enhanced ordinary track. (Wikimedia Commons) Main article: SNCF TGV Atlantique The Atlantique fleet was built between 1988 and 1992. 105 bi-current sets were
Good Morning Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a double CR and a round for the house. Still am not on line in my new place. Waiting for the tech to set a time.
Unfortunate accident with the Maglev.
We still are talking here in California about Maglev between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Even the Casinos are offering to pay 1/2 the cost which will be in the Billions.
TTFN Al
Ruth, I'll have one of those "freebies" on 20-fingers Al, make it a frosty cold bottle of Rheingold if you please. Nothing to eat - well, maybe just a couple of handfuls of those snacks over there . . .
Take heart, Captain Tom - Saturdays are for all kinds of things, one of which is to make at least one visit to the Bar by the Ballast! <grin> Wouldn't let ya down, mate - just got rather tied up in domestic "things" . . . Must agree though, it surely is a different place around here without Doug, Rob 'n Pete. Expect at least one of them should be coming along soon . . .
Nice selection for the Saturday ENCOREs!! Those "Frenchies" are fine looking machines, huh 'Bout the only thing good I can come up with for them these days! Gotta hand it to them though, they really have fine rail system. Looking foward to Part 3.
Here's a URL to shed a bit more light on the relocation of the Mets AAA affiliate from Norfolk to New Orleans. There's ALWAYS more to the story!
http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060921&content_id=1675837&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym
Terrible thing about that Maglev accident in Germany - so many killed because of something that definitely could have been avoided.
The technology, if I recall, is something that was developed here in the states - several decades back. At least the Asians and Euros are using it. Wonder if we'll ever get around to leaving the steel rails for something more efficient Nah!
Won't even ask WHAT the 'deal' is with 20-Fingers Al and that "techie" who supposedly is going to get his 'puter up and running. Hasn't this saga gone on long enough Good to see ya, Al - but are you 'with' us It has been MONTHS!
Sad story about the "fire dog" and something that makes one feel glad and sad about at the same time. Dogs are truly marvelous creatures!
Perhaps we could run a canine for the new UN Chief! Would do a hulluva lot better job than that comic character who thinks US bashing is the way to unite the world. Just read where we are paying over 20% of the costs and are reaping 99% of the blame. Now, how does that make sense Move the %$#@ out of our country and let's pull the plug on funding at the same time. Just an illustration of what I'm talking about - does anyone recall that the UN forces in Korea ceased "hostilities" with the north in 1953 and the &^%* situation has YET TO BE RESOLVED! Now how's that for an ineffective organization And of course we don't want to get into the "oil for food" scandal, huh What's this have to do with trains Hmmmmmm - we're being RAILROADED!
I enjoyed that dialogue between Captain Tom and Left Coast Doug yesterday - some interesting SP info along with a bit of insight into the adventures of our 'steamed Proprietor back in the days when he was gainfully employed! I checked out that site and there are many facets to explore . . . thanks!
Better get back to what I was doing - listening to the Mets while taking care of "business" 'round the house. Now that the "clincher" is over 'n done, it's rather hard to pay attention to these meaningless games. Playoffs aren't that far off, though . . . .
Good morning gents! Is breakfast still free? I'll have a sticky bun from the Mentor bakery and some coffee please. As you might imagine, I'm working job #2 today. It was sure nice to get a break from both jobs yesterday, and spend some time with my family and lovely bride. Compliments to Tom for submitting two very fine ENCORES yesterday, and thanks for the link to the unfortunate news of the train wreck in Germany.
I thought I'd share a few more pictures of the town in which I now live, starting with the new home we're building!
Here's a butterfly in my pear tree at the farm we rent
A Woodstock building ... bottom floor is available!
The opera house (it's haunted .. ya know)
The old courthouse and jail
This car is now used as a diner, at the McDonalds in Crsytal Lake
That's it for now. There might be more later!
I'm back! Howabout some 1950 CPR pix?
“DP” from the 171-mile Montreal Wells River run is 10-wheeler 1083, shown in retirement at Newport, Vt. enginehouse. Majority of steamers were shipped to other parts of the system by 1950, leaving a few behind as spares. The bumping of mainline steam engines increased when CPR’s $12 million order for diesels – largest in Canadian history – had been filled. These 58 units were earmarked for the Schrieber Division.
Wisps of smoke rising from its ventilator gratings are the only signs of strain given by this Alco-built doubleheader as it starts its heavy train on the grade north of Bradford, Vt. 1950 CPR motive power was in international operation included twelve 1500-hp freight units, five 1500-hp switchers and three 1000-hp switchers, plus the three passenger Diesels, all of which bear the road’s gray, tuscan red and focal yellow markings.
Running non-stop to White River Jct., No. 8403 glides past Wells River station, end of CPR iron. Besides freight, road switcher hauls local passenger trains between Montreal and Newport.
Spotted at Woodsville water spout, No. 1800 takes a long drink, 1950 gallons being needed for a full tank. Outsized tank has stepped up E-8’s car-heating capacity to double the average Diesel’s, a concession to the local climate. Snow-spattered ground suggests the workout given heating plant last December. EMD-built 1800 has 85 mph maximum speed.
Double exposure of twin Diesels, CPR units 4003-4004, thanks to the reflecting waters of the Connecticut River. B%M freight S-U-1 has slowed down for sharp curves in right-of-way cutting through Stone Cliffs, just north of Bradford, Vt.
A reporter was interviewing a couple married for 75 yrs and he asked what the secret for their long marriage? The husband answered "Trust and honesty."He then asks the wife her thoughts and she said "It's because we both have keys to the gun cabinet."
Even Though the bar at ”Our” Place is
CLOSED on SUNDAY’s –
We do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day!
NOW PLAYING at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!
. . . Sunday, September 24th thru 30th: The Natural (1984) Starring: Robert Redford & Robert Duvall – and – Starring: Angels in the Outfield (1994) Danny Glover, Tony Danza & Glenn Close. SHORT: The Three Stooges - Grips, Grunts and Groans (1937)
The Natural (1984)
PLOT SUMMARY: An unknown middle-aged batter named Roy Hobbs with a mysterious past appears out of nowhere to take a losing 1930s baseball team to the top of the league in this magical sports fantasy. With the aid of a bat cut from a lightning struck tree, Hobbs lives the fame he should have had earlier when, as a rising pitcher, he is inexplicably shot by a young woman.
from: www.imdb.com
Angels in the Outfield (1994)
Roger who has lost his mother is living separated from his father. As he and his friend J.P. are one of the biggest fans of the Los Angeles baseball team he has got only two dreams: Living together with a real family and let LA win the championship. As he is praying for these two things to happen some angels show up in order to help him - but he is the only one to see them and believe in them. Fortunately the coach of the baseball team sees his abilities and so LA has a run to the finals...
SHORT: Gaps, Grunts and Groans (1937)
PLOT SUMMARY: Featuring Moe, Larry and Curly The Stooges are hobos who get thrown off a freight train and chased out of the railroad yard. They hide in the "Hangover Athletic Club," where Curly gets hired as a sparring partner. Ivan Bustoff, wrestling World Champion, takes a shine to the Stooges, and his manager hires them to keep on eye on Bustoff and make sure he doesn't drink. When Ivan gets plastered (and the Stooges knock him cold with dumbells), Moe sends out Curly disguised as Bustoff. Curly finally wins the match, when he goes berserk from smelling "Wild Hyacinth" perfume.
The Stooges are hobos who get thrown off a freight train and chased out of the railroad yard. They hide in the "Hangover Athletic Club," where Curly gets hired as a sparring partner. Ivan Bustoff, wrestling World Champion, takes a shine to the Stooges, and his manager hires them to keep on eye on Bustoff and make sure he doesn't drink. When Ivan gets plastered (and the Stooges knock him cold with dumbells), Moe sends out Curly disguised as Bustoff. Curly finally wins the match, when he goes berserk from smelling "Wild Hyacinth" perfume.
from: www.threestooges.net
Enjoy!
Manager Lars
Hi Tom and all.
I started this yesterday but lost it and had to go out.
Great post Friday LARS on the EMD.I believe that UP stills a Centennial 6,600 hp diesel loco that is used on specials, it must be a wonderful sight and sound to see it in action EMD as made a mark in the UK with approaching 400 in service and more on order. they used the 710 prime mover.
Thanks James for the pics of the SD40-2 and the 50s
DAVE What a fascinating railroad the San Diego & Arizona was and the link TOM supplied really great reading, and the pics all enlarged. Many a lesser man would have given up on its very hard construction. Those pics of the tressels and one pic I liked was of the neat little station seemingly in the middle of nowhere.
J Powell Thanks for sharing the sad tale of BO, may I agree with what LARS and TOM said about dogs .
MIKE The tragic Maglev accident was in the K.C Star. The work of the Emergency Services was made a great deal harder by the height at which the track is on.
Thanks for the pics of the Military locos.
TOM Great TGV Encore" type="#_x0000_t75"> " type="#_x0000_t75">" type="#_x0000_t75">.
This is Part of what I wrote at the time, It was from FEB, I have left the last line in to show some things haven't changed, but at least Lars basement problem at the time is over, very thankfully.
Excellent TGV piece I have learnt a lot from it and it has prompted some lively replies in the bar. The French goverment deserve credit, at least in this matter, putting the money into a brand new line and equipment when a lot of the world was turning its back on railways. Although it was a shame the new link in England to the Channel Tunnel was not built at the same time as the French line. At least it should be complete in 2007. Another thing that struck me was the safety record of the new lines. The serious accidents being on old lines involving grade crossings. I know a lot of money has been spent in England on eliminating 3 of these crossings on the line between Coventry to Birmingham but I'm afraid that its the only way to go on high speed lines. I suppose as well a new line allows for more frieght paths on the original lines as well. In the U.K although the frieght trains have got faster the speed DIFFERENTIAL between them and the passenger trains has remained the same since steam days(50-65 MPH). The computer seems to be behaving it self at the minute although the operator is having problems, managed to delete an earlier attempt.
LARS It was indeed a terrible accident that sould never have happened in Germany. The first Maglev in to be used for passengers was over the approximate 400 metres from Birmingham airport to the British Rail Station known as Birmingham Internation. It was introduced in the mid-80s, I it have travelled over it. The service became very patchy and it was often replaced by a bus link, which is not user friendly. Today the track is used to connect the two useing simular carts but in convention rail hauled by a cable. with two cars running a very frequent service. Far far better than the bus.
Great to see the house coming along DOUG. Woodstock seems a great little town thanks for the Canadian pics.
TOM Another great set of baseball films on at the Emporium this week. I have not seen The Natural but would sure like too. I seem to have seen an earlier version of Angles in the Outfield which was great.It seems this version is a slightly different plot. The Stooges have a railroad theme as well.
I will be back in a bit with some pics.
LARS. I will help with the Chow and I wish the bar was open as I need a stiff un after battling with the puter again today, It would not copy, it would not paste, but the bride came back and saved the post with only the loss of the Smileys.
Thanks for the B&O steam fine looking locos.
Here are some British diesel locos I hope.
One of the new class 185 Diesel Multiple Units on a Trans-Pennine service at Huddersfield station Yorkshire.
A preserved English Electric class 50 diesel-electric loco at Kidderminster on the Severn Valley Railway. These locos were introduced in the late 60s and worked on the unelectrified lines on the West Coast Main Line north of Crewe. After the electrification was complete to Glasgow, the 50 locos of the class were transferred to the Western Region to work trains from London to Bristol and the West Country. When they first arrived on the Western they were very unpopular as they replaced the very much loved diesel-hydrulics of the Warship, Western, and Hymek classes. but in their later years had quite a railfan following.
The loco never carried the handsome two-toned livery shown, in BR days being in BR blue from the start.
A class 56 DE loco in one of the south bays at Rugby station. These locos worked mainly Merry-Go round coal trains between colliery and power station when introduced.
A class 57/3 loco in the north bay at Rugby. These locos were re-engined using the class 47 body built in the 60s. The engine is a GM 645-12F35, this sub-class of 16 locos are fitted with a Dellner coupling with use with the Virgin Pendelinos. The class are named after caractures in the kids Thunderbird TV series that appeared in Britain in the 60s This featured puppets who worked for the Internationl Rescue who saved people in danger. The name is used as part of the 57/3s duties are to rescue failed trains. they are kept at stations along the West Coast Main Line.
I wonder if NICK remembers the Thunderbird series.
I will try to load some of ALs pics.
Here are Alans photos taken in Germany in August.
The loco featured is Pacific # 18.201. apparently it was labeled "De Snelliste Dampflok In der Welte".. I think there is a blue engine in York Museum who might have a word or two to say about that. Anyway.
The loco worked a main line tour
The locos second tender is in the background.
At Chemnitz( formally known as Karl Marx Stadt) station
The loco at the special train's destination of Finsterwalde five hours later. Alan said it was a good trip behind this fine looking oil fired loco, as he said " Snell but not the snellist."
Even though the bar is CLOSED
at "Our" Place on SUNDAYs -
We do observe SUNDAY PHOTO POSTING DAY!
Some VIA Rail Pix from my personal collection of the thngs I like to see 'n do . . .
Between Moncton & Sackville, New Brunswick - Dec 14, 2002
Westbound "Ocean" Revelstoke Park car at Halifax - Dec 19, 2002
Eastbound "Ocean" at Halifax Nova Scotia - Dec 15, 2002
Eastbound "Canadian" F40PH's at Jasper, Alberta, Canada - Jan 6, 2003
Crossing the St. Lawrence Seaway en routeMontreal, Quebec - May 12, 2005
Tom's Blast from the Past!
from page 226
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #61 Here’s something to enjoy regarding the Union Pacific (UP) in a 1933 advertisement from my private collection:
The trail to “Wonderland” Union Pacific serves 15 of our National parks and more of the famous scenic wonderlands of the West than does any other railroad. Plan now to see the west this summer. We suggest: Zion-Bryce Canyon . . .Yellowstone-Grand Teton . . . . . .Rock Mountain-National Parks . . . . . . . . . Colorado California and Hawaii . . . Pacific Northwest and Alaska . . . . . .Western Dude Ranches . . . . . . . . .Hoover Dam All costs are down. Rail fares are the lowest ever offered. Sightseeing rates, hotels, meals – in fact, all expenses are reduced. UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OVERLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Enjoy! Tom
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present, coffee, please; round for the house, and $ for the jukebox.
Every one of my NFL teams lost this weekend, so we won’t even go there.
Lotsa catching up to do, so here goes.
Tom: Some fine UP nostalgia and sports commentary.
Interesting choice of movies. There is some interesting rr material in the Natural, especially at the beginning of the picture when the young Roy Hobbs strikes out “Da Wammah” at the county fair. If you haven’t read it, check out Leigh Montville’s book, The Big Bam,” a good biography of Babe Ruth. A little later, however, I never could quite figure out what a NY team was doing traveling on the ATSF, especially when St. Louis was the western outpost of MLB. B4 I forget, many of the scenes in the Natural were filmed at the old “rock pile” in Buffalo; former home of the Bisons, b4 they moved to Dunn Tire Park.
The younger set enjoyed Angels in the Outfield more than a few times as we have a VHS of that film.
Last, the Three Stooges short has some truly vintage SP material.
Then we have lots of TGV material which was good to see again.
Pete – IMHO, record-setting steam is in the eye of the beholder. Every country has a record setting steam locomotive, so pick the one you like the best.
I had several encounters with UP 6900s in Wyoming back when they were still running out there – “BIG choo-choo” as my wife’s younger niece used to say. Remember participating in a three-way meet on Sherman Hill which involved us and a pair of freights pulled by 6900s; it was truly something to remember.
Lars – Thanks for B&O material and EMD historical summary. I do all sorts of safety activities related to surface and underground mining (coal and noncoal), and basically go where management sends me; joys of experience, I guess.
Barndad provided us with some neat pictures – bodacious garage door on your humble dwelling. Then we got all nostalgic with pictures from the “home ground” in Wells River and Woodsville. Yikes – was it that long ago?
JP – Our K9 Korps sends their regrets. In addition, to my own “fleet” which gets mentioned fairly regularly in my posts, a friend has bloodhounds that do arson investigations. A Belgian Shepard lives next door to us; he works for the Police Dept here, and a retired drug dog (who loves to visit with the biggest of my beasts; 85 pounds of Golden, Collie, and God knows what) lives at the other end of the block. His handler (now owner) says, “I always know to come to your house, because I can find coffee, conversation, and my dog.” Anyway, they not only earn their $, they become part of the family. My wife’s family has three dogs at their place in NY, and my brother-in-law is active in greyhound rescue (no Boris, not bus restoration!) Lots of fun when we get ‘em all together.
Dave – SDA&E. Thank you so much!
James – Thanks for the pictures. We had SD50s here on the old C&O for awhile. They generally ran in pairs on ID coal trains. They also worked out of Ronceverte as pushers on EB coal trains. It was a great show to be at White Sulphur Springs and watch them grind up the hill there. C&O crews called them “Big Macs.”
Well, that enuff for now; looking forward to tomorrow and Canadian material. I don’t know whether I’ll post in a.m. or p.m. account schedule.
Work safe.
G’day Captain Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth my deAH, you are a sight for sore eyes, and mine are feeling much bettAH thanks to YOU! What’s that Flattery will get me everywhere! Yeah, right – I can only wish! I’ll take a hot cuppa Joe, with one of those “splashes” you give my “bookend” BK and just a few pastries from the Mentor Village Bakery case, thank you!
My Giants looked terrible for 3 quarters, then came alive in the 4th, but as the saying goes, too little too late. I caught the lowlights of that Rams/Cardinals game, and it surely appeared as if neither team really wanted the game. But what do I know Suit ‘em up, pay ‘em well, and let the dice fall where they may – that’s pro sports. <geesh>
In spite of the rather low turnout these past several days, the quality material and pix still flow. Many thanks to those who give a Rat’s Patoot – keep it up guys, we don’t want or need to have Captain Tom shoulder the load by his lonesome. After all, it was the “gang of 10” who clamored for the return of the bar – so where is everyone
Good to see CM3 I’m Not Shane! begin the work week for us with another fine contribution. Liked the paragraph on the dogs – my favorite “people” too . . . Sorry to say, but when it comes to working in a hole in the ground - well I fail to see the 'safety' in that! The things we do for a living, huh I suppose it could be said that anyone who spent the greater part of adulthood sweating in shipboard enginerooms also sacrificed common sense for a pay check! <grin>
Those Pix from Pete yesterday were “right on” and that Pacific is a mighty fine looking piece of ‘chinery. Color ‘em up and they surely look classier than “grime black.” Diesels are fine as well – just that in comparison – well, ain’t no such thing! What's this about being away for October
Nice selection from Da Boss with those Via Rail shots! Always envy those of you who actually take the time to photograph your vacation trips. Something we never took seriously. A couple of 'snaps' here and there - but that's about it. Thanks for sharing!
I’ll be right back with a supplement to Tom’s Blast from the Past!
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