QUOTE: passengerfan Posted: 17 Jul 2005, 20:25:33 Good Evening All , Sorry I had to miss the B'Day bash Friday but I conveniently forgot my VA appointment. Believe it or not got finished in half a day not the usual day or two. I have just returned from Monterey and checked out the rails that are still in place between Salinas and Sand City the street crossings have been black topped over But the track appeared to be in pretty good shape. What a perfect spot for a dinner train operation or some other type of tourist rail operation. I'm sure with all of the wineries etc. in the area their might be some help available. What a great trip. Temperatures were in the low seventies and it was tough to return to the Central Valley where we are having our sixth consecutive day of 100 plus. Well must close for now But will buy a round for the house and a crown Royal Water Back for myself Thx.
QUOTE: passengerfan Posted: 18 Jul 2005, 06:44:41 Well time for coffee and a nice pastry before back to the usual routine. Trolleyboy. The ex Milwaukee cars you mentioned last I heard they were in Windsor for a restaurant conversion on a rail barge. Did not know they had been moved to Buffalo. It would be a shame if they disappear as they are significant historically. There were six built by Pullman Standard between November 1948 and January 1949 with 8 Double Bedrooms and the Skytop Lounge Observation. They were 12-ALDER CREEK, 14-ARROW CREEK, 15-COFFEE CREEK, 16-GOLD CREEK 17- MARBLE CREEK and 18- SPANISH CREEK. In addition the Milwaukee shops built four in April - May 1948 with 24-seat Parlor 1-Parlor Drawing Room Sktytop Lounge Observations numbered and named 186 CEDAR RAPIDS, 187 COON RAPIDS, 188 DELL RAPIDS and 189 PRIEST RAPIDS. Those built by Pullman Standard were assigned to the OLYMPIAN HIAWATHA trains and the four RAPID series were assigned to the Morning and Afdternoon Hiawathas. CN purchased the six P/S built cars June 1964 and assigned the following numbers and names in the same order 1900 MAHONE, 1901 MALPEQUE, 1902 FUNDY, 1903 TRINITY, 1904 BADDECK and 1905 GASPE. At first all were assigned to Maritime service from Montreal in the OCEAN SCOTIAN and CHALEUR but later two were transferred out west for service in the SKEENA. In 1977 Transport Canada banned them from further rail use as they had only a single entrance/exit. Three of these cars are in private ownership in the US today and three I have listed as whereabouts unknown. These were the ones that were last seen on a railbarge that you are probably referring to.
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 18 Jul 2005, 08:01:57 For: passengerfan Al Glad you made it back and hope all went well for you on Friday ....... My hope is that you've taken the time to review the happenings either through scrolling back or reading the SUMMARY Sorry - but Sunday's we're CLOSED around here. I'll bet you knew that all along! Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 18 Jul 2005, 08:16:14 Good Monday Morning passengerfan Al Yes, now we're OPEN! Help yourself to the fine offerings from The Mentor Village Bakery. Hot coffee, light breakfast - good place to be to start the work week! Who won the QUIZ you may be wondering [?] No one - pretty much given up on trying to keep this going. Pleased to see that you're back to providing us with some Classic Trains info ... as of late, it's been rather difficult to get the guys to concentrate on just what this thread is supposed to be about. But, we do have a nucleus who knows, so we'll go with that! See ya! Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 18 Jul 2005, 08:21:23 NO MONDAY SUMMARY G'day all! Hope this fine day finds all of you ready, willing and able to give your all to the start of another work week (for many!). Given that we are CLOSED on SUNDAY's and there weren't sufficient numbers of posts slipped through the mail slots on either sets of doors, there's no need for me to do a SUMMARY! So, I'll get about the business of the day and hope to see ya 'round here once or thrice this week! Oh [yeah], check out the SUMMARIES for the last couple of days and you'll be able to catch up on what's been going on since your last visit. Tom
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 18 Jul 2005, 08:36:18 Mornin' everybody, seems the Cyber Crumudgens are conspiring to sabotage "Our" Place! I've been having "issues" with my ISP ever since installing MSN Service Pack 2 many months ago. It reminds me of the phrase: "The operation was a complete sucess but the patient died." Hey Tom, those Elephant Ear sticky buns look too good to pass up. But, "pass up" I will; Dr.'s orders don't ya know! Rob and passengerfan, if you find any more data on the Milwaukee Observation cars, please pass it down. I have close friends in Buffalo and if the cars ("whereabouts unknown") are indeed now a restaurant; I could arrange a trip for a closer "looksee." Meanwhile, I'll do some "crawling the net" on my own. The fate of the six CN cars doesn't bode well after their being "banned," does it? What a shame that all of the individuality of the former Roads is now relegated to sterile, stereotype "off the shelf" stuff (BORING!). Speaking of "BORING," I don't want to put the "Restorationists" to sleep with my nostalgic rants on "Classic Trains," when everyone knows all focus should be on current "refurb" efforts alone. Still, now and then, its refreshing to lapse into past Road operations just for the historic value, if nothing else. Okay, we sure miss the original "Regulars" around here with their sage and yet, witty commentary. Perhaps Chris, coalminor 3, Nick and the gang will honor us with their presence more frequently when conditions are more favorable? Gotta' get back to more urban renewal on my (currently) diorama HO status. It will be nice to get back to "up and running" condition this Fall. Take care everyone: "Its hotter than you think!"
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 18 Jul 2005, 10:15:10 Top 'o the Mornin' to ya, Ted! Help yourself to those goodies from The Mentor Village Bakery They are GOOD for you! [yeah]I miss the discussions on our topic, Classic Trains along with the associated foolishness to keep one and all interested and involved. [yeah] You bet it's hot -- used to have a friend who would comment to me while I was trying to be in charge while up on the bridge, It's hotter 'n a half f'd fox in a forest fire! That would always break the tension, especially when we were involved with more than simply sailing from point A to B. Ahhhhh, the good old days (daze)! Mischief Classic Trains [?] I've begun to put forth some POSTS FROM THE PAST if for no other reason than to get something kick-started 'round here. Check out Saturday's posting featuring coalminer 3. Gotta get back to getting this place squared away for the Monday night crowd. Tonight is the not-so-regular meeting of the Mentor Village Railroad Literary Club and Beer Can Collector's Association, sure wouldn't want to have a messy back room for them! Enjoy the day! Tom
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 18 Jul 2005, 10:58:01 Oh my Gorsh! coalminer 3, please forgive the mispelling of you user I.D. I was watching a news program while typing that Post. The story was on yet another kidnapping "Amber Alert" and for some reason, unknown to me, I typed "minor" instead. BTW Tom and coalminer 3, I really enjoyed the "retread" and second the motion of "more of the same" in the future. Not only are previous Postings "in line" with this Thread but they're darn interesting to read again. Okay, "liquid lunch" time. Tom, let me try a "good old fashioned" Gin and Tonic with a lime twist, thanks. Oh, I'm not really a Gin "nipper," please choose the brand name for me. How is the sceniking coming along on you S guage? Next question: how do you manage a tunnel without a pretty good sized hill for the train to go through? I can't believe the "Johnny-on-the-Spot" people removed Boris' Shed by mistake.[O] I guess the old saying: "The nose knows" has a lotta truth to it? Gotta close for now. See ya, hopefully, later this p.m., Ted
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 18 Jul 2005, 12:45:28 Afternoon Ted and the gang! I see the sandwiches are moving along this fine day .... great fresh lunch meats and freshly baked breads ... Ummmmm. Wouldn't a cold beer go down real well with one of those jobs alongside I don't think coalminer 3 is around these days ... haven't seen or heard from him in some time. Well it is summer, and the guys have other things to do (at least I surely hope so!!) This cyber bar 'n grill can get to be a bit obsessive, if one let's it. You know, when I began this thread it was with the idea that maybe we could get a group of people interested in a common theme. For the most part that has worked for many of us. So, let's play to the hands we've been dealt, and if some wish not to partake in what we're all about, so be it. The S-gauge is progressing quite nicely. If you recall the pix on my photo site - the track plan is essentially two ovals. At one end of the 7x8 ft board I've enclosed one of the mainline ovals with a tunnel - about 8" high. The entire IC EMD E8 passenger car consist can hide in it. I've blocked that section of track with insulated rail joiners and a toggle switch, so that the appearance is the train has departed for a long journey. Landscaping is a slow thing for me. It's a think and do - think and do - approach that I used for the Can-Am HO layout, and works well with this one too. Essentially, the layout will be an operating thing with minimal structures and the like. Scenery will be it in order to provide that rural setting I'm looking for. A friend of mine is big into this kind of thing and wants me to consider putting in a corn field. He's got some nifty looking 1:64 farm vehicles and they would fit quite nicely. Problem is, with limited space, a farm would kind of take over as the focal point. Whereas I want the RR to do that. Reminds me a bit of the focal point with regard to "Our" Place - I want to keep on with the Classic Trains theme, along with our good times, whereas it appears some have a different bent. Thanx for asking - I'll get some updated pix on the photo album once I feel the layout is ready for it! See ya! Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 18 Jul 2005, 15:15:32 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 is a POST from earlydiesels Dan back in the early days of "Our" Place You can find the original post on page 4. QUOTE: earlydiesels Posted: 25 Apr 2005, 13:46:32 Greetings,all from Springburg, Misery. There has been a lot of activity since my last visit. Tom, can I get an order of nachos and a tall,cold glass of water with a lemon, please? Like the backdated photo. CP only had 3 E8s so to catch 2 together was quite a feat-could'nt read the numbers{they were 1800-02}. Any and all cab units are great!! There appears to be quite a bit of preservation going in the VA/WV area. Glad to hear about it. For some reason here lately I've been on an B&O kick. Can't explain it unless it might have something to do with the visitor from Baltimore that rode our demonstration railroad last May before we opened the other 5 1/2 miles. Or that a friend who works for a shortline group just came back from helping to start a new railroad in WV that was B&O. Had a preseason meeting Saturday at the local museum. The caboose interior has been repainted and probably looks as good as built. Since we are trying to find guages to replace the stolen ones and rehab the few we have, we are going to build a door across the back of the steamer's cab so it can be locked. I am not fond about this but being as how so much work has been done to the interior in the last 3 years, I am all for keeping it that way. Tom, I'd like to hear some old Hank Snow rail songs, please. Maybe Johnny Cash singing the Rock Island Line. That song means more to me now than ever, having had the privilege of operating ex Rock Eunits. Great looking, but slow to load and slippery!Friends of the local library had a book sale to raise funds. Went Sunday and got 7 VHS tapes for $16. Old NKP steam, MILW electrics, ATSF earlydiesels, B&O{there it is again} UP across Mo, and etc. Trolleyboy, Tom says you're into preservation with empathis on street rrs. All I know about that is that this town had trolleys until 1937 and the wife and I rode a PCC at St Louis's Museum of Transport. Neat ride. Are you involved in operations, maintenance or what? It sounds like most of Tom's customers were able to ride the great passenger trains when they were still great. I have plenty of books on pass. trains and a few videos but only one memory. My mom and I rode the last Frisco pass. train but being only about 5, I can't remember much. I did save the newspaper article, however. POST FROM THE PAST Enjoy! Tom (Siberianmo) Proprietor of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!
QUOTE: passengerfan Posted: 18 Jul 2005, 15:30:39 Good Afternoon All Time for a Crown Royal and Water Back and a round for the house. The two former CN observations moved to Buffalo are 1901 MALPEQUE and 1903 TRINITY information I have states they are part of a restaurant complex nothing about being on a barge is mentioned. Gateway Rail Tours operate the fully restored COFFEE CREEK ex CN 1902 FUNDY. The 1904 BADDECK is owned by a private buyer stateside and is undergoing restoration. 1900 MAHONE was scrapped as was 1905 GASPE. As for the four built as parlor cars at least two survive PRIEST RAPIDS was scrapped CEDAR RAPIDS was restored and presented to the cars designer and was in Denver last I heard. If i'm not mistaken another survives at the Museum in Duluth I think this one is COON RAPIDS and the DELL RAPIDS I don't have any idea if it survives or not. I was fortunate enough to ride the COFFEE CREEK when it was in OLYMPIAN HIAWATHA service between Seattle and St. Paul and also rode the same car in CN service as the FUNDY when it was on the rear of the OCEAN between Montreal and Halifax. Neither owner provided a bar in the lounge area of the car, and CN remodeled the lounge areas in more modern up to date colors and materials compared to the staid old Pullman Standard look they were built with.
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 18 Jul 2005, 16:56:29 Ring the bell, Boris drinks all 'round on passengerfan Al There must be scores of web related places to research the kinds of stuff that you're into. I know in my own experiences with RDC research, that I soon got bogged down between what appeared to be anecdotal information as opposed to factual. As these cars pass from owner to owner, from place to place, and even become nothing more than static displays, how do you go about determining what is reliable info [?] For me, pictures have helped a lot, but still there are so many gaps ..... Appreciate your posts ......... Tom
QUOTE: passengerfan Posted: 18 Jul 2005, 18:38:23 Tom time for another Crown Royal with water back and a round for the house as well Hate to drink alone. Tom you asked a very good question about research and I must tell you I have notes on many passenger cars going back thirty or more years hand written and kept in binders. As I found more info on a car I added it to the previous notes and the Different railroad societies have been a great help. Some of the information I received was bogus, I don't think intentionally but like me trying to do things from memory it sometimes plays tricks on me. I don't think people intentionally try to mislead the serious researcher. Fortunately I have a very good collection of books and belong to several RR Historical societies as well. When researching for the tome I am working on I ran into conflicting dates on a number of trains as to their inaugural start date and in some cases the consist information conflicted between sources as well. In most cases I had as many as three or four sources to draw from and the majority wins. In other cases I contacted societies and others who have been good sources of information in the past and went with those. I'm sure when I complete the book and if it gets published their will be conflicts arise. I can only say that I have done the best with the sources I have worked with and leave it at that. One obviously has to enjoy his work or it becomes overwhelming and so far I still enjoy what I am doing and enjoy sharing the information with others. The information is not much good without sharing it. I am going to burn all of the information I have to CDs so their will be a more permanent record than the dozens of binders I have. My computer is equipped with a CD burner I just have to take the time to transfer the information. Many of the pages in my binders are yellowing with age and I used to use a fountain pen to record information and some has smeared so the sooner I get it on CDs the better. I don't really look forward to it as it is a massive undertaking. But with outside temps staying above the century mark for the next eight days at least maybe I will start.
QUOTE: earlydiesels Posted: 18 Jul 2005, 19:38:59 Hello everyone! A Margarita on the rocks, please. Tom, you have such an interest in RDCs I will share something with you. Latest issue of Trainline magazine lists 3 for sale. I have misplaced my copy but when I find it will relay the particulars. You want them in your backyard, don't you? Been searching for baggage cart paint info on the web. Got some info including some from OUR PLACE regulars. Thanks. Haven't heard anything about the horn theft at the Midland lately. Will be there this weekend--the invitation is open for all the regulars to ride our rr. Our local museum had donated 2 boxes of books and magazines recently. I brought several old Trains home to read of evenings. One from 1975 had a very interesting article about Amtrak's searching for equipment at startup. There was a nice how-to guide in looking to buy a used passenger car. I learned a lot. Wish I had the article a few years ago when the Oklahoma City diner was for sale. Midland was interested and since the car was here in Spfld I looked it over. Someone else got it, though. Good thing-- like most PS cars the galvanic reaction caused the thing to have significant body cancer.
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 18 Jul 2005, 19:48:03 Glad to hear there are some survivors from the Milwaukee Road "Classic Trains." In fact, I'll drink to that Al. Perhaps, I can eventually take a trip to Buffalo, see my friends and take them out to dinner on one of those cars. While on the subject of the Mlwk. Road, does anyone recall the "streamlined" Pacifics (4-6-2) they sported in the late 40's thru early 50's? Wow, with that "loud" livery, they looked like moving billboards. I won't argue the point because "beauty is in the eye of the beholder." For my money the most sucessful "sreamlined" steam designs were the N.Y.C. Hudsons, the Pensy 4-4-4-4 Class T1, the Frisco's Firefly 4-6-2 Pacifics and SP's GS2 thru GS 4's (Northerns). I'm sure there were many more that I'm not familiar with, so put in your if you have a mind to. I really preferred the bare essentials in full view before God and man to the sheet metal dresses some Roads dreamed up. You hardly ever see these prototypes on display in public parks, etc. They had a pretty short life so "close on the heels" of Dieselization. I know CN and CP had some streamlined steam but haven't found many pics to date. I guess I had better make this a wrap for now. I want to get something done to my garage layout in the "cool, cool, cool of the evening" (86 deg. F.). So Boris, if you will remove yourself and combat boots from my exit path, I would appreciate it. BTW Tom, I bought a Pullman Porter's cap for Boris when he needs to Bell Hop tourist's luggage upstairs; sort of a unofficial recognition for one of his many talents. So long for now, Ted
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 18 Jul 2005, 19:51:20 Evenin' passengerfan Al Have you noticed that I've been saving up those Crown Royal bags for you [?]Go ahead, take 'em - good for your marble collection! Appreciate the willingness to share your thoughts regarding the research aspect of what you are doing. Sounds like a logical approach to what obviously is an exhausting task. To track those vintage cars from birth to present or final destination involves a great deal of trust in the sources. I agree with you that those engaged in keeping track of these kinds of things would not likely be dishonest or misleading. Why would they [?] However, sometimes the ego factor gets in the way. As you undoubtedly already know, there's a great deal of ego involved in this activity. Perhaps that's one negative that I've encountered in my rail travels - dealing with the type of person who comes across as the absolute word regarding anything and everything to do with railroading. Can't handle that at all ....... Along with some of the other guys who have commented on your endeavors, I wish you well with them. Of course I'll add your book to my library - but you won't make a great deal of money from me - after all, I'm sure your friends at ”Our" Place will get discounts! Enjoy the evening and thanx for stopping by so frequently today! Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 18 Jul 2005, 20:00:47 Well I'll be ...... it'searlydiesels Dan!! Where have you been [?] Thought for awhile that you dropped off the Earth ... didn't see you for ***'s Birthday Bash and began to wonder ....... Glad you're back. So whatillyahave [?] I'll tell you this - IF I had the place for 'em, I'd buy all three of those RDC's. Don't happen to know their manufacturer's numbers do you I'd be interested in that info ........ Now, you've had to notice that one of your POSTS FROM THE PAST made it to my new feature ....... no charge for the plug! Perhaps a free ride on one of your loco's will do .... You've got some catching up to do 'round here, so enjoy your beverage and start checking out those SUMMARIES! See ya! Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 18 Jul 2005, 20:12:28 Evenin' Ted didn't notice you come in ...... used the back door [?] We've had quite a nice evening thus far, our regulars are returning - not bad for a Monday night! For some strange reason, I never got into the steam era - although I surely represent it by age! Anyway, diesels have always been my thing - but the most favorite, by far, was the Pennsy GG1 electric. Ahhhhhhhh, love the look and sounds of 'em. Back to the steamers - I absolutely concur with you about those NYC and Pennsy streamlined steam loco's. The cat's meow ....... as someone said way back when. As Ted requested ... let's get some info going on these great locomotives. So, YOU are responsible for Boris' antics of late. He's been wearing that hat and found himself a baton. Strutting around here like Gen. Patton - wanting me to salute him! Well, you know how Boris gets ....... I seriously doubt that he'll be doing very much Portering - he thinks of himself as the Field Marshall these days! Nick where are you when we need you the most [?] See ya! Tom
QUOTE: barndad Posted: 18 Jul 2005, 20:24:39 Howdy all .. and have a drink on me! Hope you don't mind a little steam shop talk while you're listening to the tunes onthe jukebox. Gunns, in getting back to you on several things you brought up. 1st .... I asked if we had hidden the builders plates for the 2903, and we did not. We never had them. I'd be very happy to take you up on your offer to replace them (or is it one?). It seems like a labor intense project to me though, and I feel guilty about getting it for nothing. The head guy at our steam shop (Tom Schneider) will double check the work order number (69791?) to make sure we get it right. Then seriously, I'd like to talk about compensation. I asked about drawing plans for our drop table, and it doesn't look like we have much to see in that area. It was described to me as sketches. The tables were removed from a facility that was being torn down in Chicago (51st street station?), and I guess it was a real rush job to get things out of there fast. The table was owned by NY Central and the Pennsylvania RR, so it was pretty banged up when we first got it. Everything is looking brand new now though! My offer still stands to heat treat your bearing rings. I would recommend hardening just a few to see how they change dimensionally. Hopefully they would pretty much stay the same. As far as I know, there are no plans to do anything with our 2903. We've got our Frisco 1630 "Russian" decapod to get going again, our 1900 UP428 to renovate, and then I suspect they'll be looking at the Shay next, as it was running not too long ago and actually came to us under its own steam. Here's a pic of our UP428 (Consolidation) restoration. //NOTE: Scroll up for pix/// As you can see, we're completely rebuilding the cab. I spent my Saturday prepping journal boxes for painting, and just moving things around for our new construction, which now looks like this!. We still don't have our new track, but it's coming! I see by the look on Toms face that it's time to settle my tab. Take care all!!
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 18 Jul 2005, 21:39:21 Evenin' barndad Ring the bell, Boris drinks all around on the man who just came in! Now, those pix are interesting for sure. Must be a labor of love that you guys are into .... but then again, in order to retain in physical condition that which many of us only have mental pictures of - it's a special thing that you do. With the interests you have in railroading, surely there must be a few Classic Train stories to share. For example a bit of history regarding the loco's you work on would be a great way to break the ice so that all of our customers can share a bit of what you're into. I was just about to turn the bar over to the night man – Leon. He's kinda unique in that we use him for Christmas cheer 'round here - then we call him Noel! See ya! [zzz] Tom
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: Today, 07:26:20 Hi everybody, its good to see ya back earlydiesels. Yes, I think all of us would like to know what will happen on the Midland for replacing the air chime horns. There may be similar (but not exact) horns available brand new from today's manufacturers. It won't be the same but maybe enough to make you legal for public runs? I recall the classic SP Daylight excursion run in the 1980's where California demanded that an air chime horn be mounted on the GS-4 (Northern) or be denied passage through the State. Like the steam chime wouldn't be loud enough, right? Tom, I'm going to dive into the pastry tray and decaf this fine morning. Caffeine is a nemesis to my poor old "floating" kidneys. The pics of retoration on the #428 are excellent barndad. Gadfrey, how many projects are going on at once here? The Frisco Decapod #1630 (a favorite of mine), #2903, and the Shay (unknown origin) should keep your team hopping for months to come. Didn't a couple of those "Decs" end up at the Cardin Picher Gypsum mines in Picher, Okla.? I saw them operating in the late 1950's. The C.B.&Q. (E-6?) shovel nose is running under overhead wire, isn't it? Could you tell us where this "shot" was taken? Perhaps Burlington ran some electrification that I'm not aware of? Barndad any info. on this will be interesting to Rob as well, I'm sure. Can't wait for your book Al and "burning" all that data to discs is a must. I can appreciate Tom's critique on a few "rail boids" I've met in the past (present company excepted). On a steam excursion at Straussburg, PA some "quiz kid" lapsed into a diatribe on Pensy's steam roster. Carol and I had to move to the next car to escape.[O] But, you know what? The worst R.R. Pedants in Christendom will be found at your LHS on a Saturday p.m. when your trying to buy a bag of spikes and get out of there. Its all in the game, I suppose. Okay, I can use my hedge clippers now (after 8 a.m.), so I'm off to reclaiming the Jungle before my house falls to the fate of some Incan ruins in Peru. A round for the house please Tom on my way out. Oh, I didn't think Boris would let his new "hat" go to his head...oooh![O] See ya later all, Ted
QUOTE: earlydiesels Posted: 25 Apr 2005, 13:46:32 Posts: 58 Joined: 12 Oct 2003 Greetings,all from Springburg, Misery. There has been a lot of activity since my last visit. Tom, can I get an order of nachos and a tall,cold glass of water with a lemon, please? Like the backdated photo. CP only had 3 E8s so to catch 2 together was quite a feat-could'nt read the numbers{they were 1800-02}. Any and all cab units are great!! There appears to be quite a bit of preservation going in the VA/WV area. Glad to hear about it. For some reason here lately I've been on an B&O kick. Can't explain it unless it might have something to do with the visitor from Baltimore that rode our demonstration railroad last May before we opened the other 5 1/2 miles. Or that a friend who works for a shortline group just came back from helping to start a new railroad in WV that was B&O. Had a preseason meeting Saturday at the local museum. The caboose interior has been repainted and probably looks as good as built. Since we are trying to find guages to replace the stolen ones and rehab the few we have, we are going to build a door across the back of the steamer's cab so it can be locked. I am not fond about this but being as how so much work has been done to the interior in the last 3 years, I am all for keeping it that way. Tom, I'd like to hear some old Hank Snow rail songs, please. Maybe Johnny Cash singing the Rock Island Line. That song means more to me now than ever, having had the privilege of operating ex Rock Eunits. Great looking, but slow to load and slippery!Friends of the local library had a book sale to raise funds. Went Sunday and got 7 VHS tapes for $16. Old NKP steam, MILW electrics, ATSF earlydiesels, B&O{there it is again} UP across Mo, and etc. Trolleyboy, Tom says you're into preservation with empathis on street rrs. All I know about that is that this town had trolleys until 1937 and the wife and I rode a PCC at St Louis's Museum of Transport. Neat ride. Are you involved in operations, maintenance or what? It sounds like most of Tom's customers were able to ride the great passenger trains when they were still great. I have plenty of books on pass. trains and a few videos but only one memory. My mom and I rode the last Frisco pass. train but being only about 5, I can't remember much. I did save the newspaper article, however.
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 16 Jul 2005, 15:26:36 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 is a POST from coalminer 3 back in the early days of "Our" Place You can find the original post on page 2. QUOTE: coalminer3 Posted: 15 Apr 2005, 15:05:31 Posts: 321 Joined: 11 Jan 2001 Location: WV One of my favorite Berraisms - "Ninety percent of the game is half mental." Now, let's move on to RDCs. When I was growing up in the frozen north, the Boston and Maine had commuter trains pulled by a fantastic variety of steam locomotives. Then came the diesels and we saw locomotive hauled trains pulled by GP7s and RS3s (I am sure there are a few out there who'll remember the B&Ms maroon and gold color scheme.) The RDCs came after that, and IIRC, the B&M had the largest fleet of RDCs anywhere. As a sidebar, Boston and the RDC have a long history as some of the first RDCs ran on the Boston and Albany - they were called "Beeliners." The New Haven had an extensive fleet of RDCs as well including the "Roger Williams" which had RDC cab units; the "Roger" survived throught the Penn Central days and onto Amtrak. I had the good fortune to have a cab ride on this beast from Boston to Springfield and on to New Haven; an interesting trip. I believe it's been preserved and is undergoing restoration. The B&M had all models of RDCs; 1s, 2s,3s,4,s and 9s and they ran all over the system. I'm reaching back again, but IIRC, the RDC4s were the model with the RPO compartment. I rode on one of them on a trip from Vermont back to Boston. The RPO was long gone, but it was interesting to see what had once been there. The Lexington Branch of the B&M (which is now a !@#$ bicycle path) provided a most interesting RDC trip. The branch's track was questionable in spots, and the RDC gave the impression of being on boat rolling in a good sea. Once you got off the main line, a ride on the branch became more like a time machine as there were certain crossings that had to be flagged by the train crew and some really interesting stations including a depot with a wooden train shed (Lexington). Many of the buildings along the branch have been saved and are being used for other purposes. The station in Bedford, MA has a B&M RDC on display along with an ongoing project to reconstruct part of the B&B which was a 2' gauge operation. The RDC was a utilitarian machine, at least on the B&M; walkover seats, vinyl covered and a tile floor. They could get noisy now and then (sort of like a bus on steroids), but thay had good acceleration and rode pretty well once they got up to track speed. I hope this is enough to get you started on RDCs. BTW, the C&Os U25Bs ran out their last days, virtually going by the house - you always knew when they were coming; some stories, there, too, if anybody's interested... BTW, Siberiamo, appreciate the comments on WV. I'm at the opposite end of the state - blessed to be in former C&O, VGN, N&W, K&M and KGJ&E country. The terrain here is mostly vertical but we have good fishing. My vote goes to Place#1 - any Friday evening specials for the workin' folks? Place #1 looks like they'd cash a check as long as you bought a round. Now let's move the pool tables out front. work safe POST FROM THE PAST Enjoy! Tom (Siberianmo) [4:-)] [oX)] Proprietor of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 17 July 2005, 00:28:03 Good evening gentlemen.Tom & Ted wonderful party consider ourselves patted. Ted Those B29 like Milwaukee observation cars made it into CNR service in the black and white scheme. Of interest two of them were still in existence in / on a barge in the erie canal, not far from downtown buffalo. They were to become a restaurant but i've lost track of them as traveling the byways and highways of buffalo isn't for the faint of heart. Passenger Al any thoughts are theses cars still with us ? Barndad and Gunns I'm confused, why are the bearings being heat treated? Is this a specific steam engine thing? We don't treat the streetcar bearings the same way of course they don't need to pull excess tonnage either, just themselves and the weight of the passengers. Well I'm off for now I'll try to catch up with everyone later. Seeing as the bar is closed tomorrow I will likely catch up with you guys Monday morning. Toodles Rob
QUOTE: Gunns Posted: 17 July 2005, 01:49:02 Hi all, Coffee, Danish, thx Rob the bearings are being heat treated because the maintenance folio from the Back shops of the AT&SF says to, <and we are in slavish compliance to the folio at least for the first "shopping"> the bearings I am talking about look like this http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/aay due to the poor focal length of my camera you cant see the egg shape in the bearing, or like this http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/abb This one is probably OK as it doesn’t look distorted. But this one fell out when we moved the trucks with the crane, <it is from the famous pivot point which is right behind it> http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/abc all these bearings support a wrist pin and are in the brake rigging. <except for the famous pivot point <<G>>> And are more of a wear plate than a friction reducer. Today at work day I finished the upper bracket that holds the bell clapper, in the Bell. Bracket and clapper are missing from the park days, <probably a neighbor who got tired of the kids ringing the bell <G>> barndad better hide you bell when I get up there...<G> the actual clapper is made of wrought iron, which is commercially unavailable new, we have a scrap dealer looking for a chunk to make our clapper... many many kudos to barndad for photos he took for me, I will put them up on rail images soon. the hidden surfaces are all painted, and the cribwork has been moved so we can re attach the dunnage that keeps the two tanks from wearing on each other. all that is left is the trucks, 8 wheel buckeyes are really complicated, but progress is coming there too. What is the IRM going to do with 2903? We could triple head with 3751 and 2926........ could pull almost 90 Pullman cars <G> With the exception of the park vandals our work has been mostly easy, lots of hand work but no real show stopping problems. How is the wrapper over the crown? <under the turret> that is where we worry we will find damage to the boiler shell <our abatement is after the tender reassembly> All Tues., I go to Az for a week with my wifes famliy reunion... <G> lots people I don’t know, talking about other folks I don’t know either..... Bu I'll be back, Gunns other neat picks http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/aaz from inside the tender trucks http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/aba looking along the side rods from the last driver
QUOTE: coalminer3 Posted: 15 Apr 2005, 15:05:31 Posts: 321 Joined: 11 Jan 2001 Location: WV One of my favorite Berraisms - "Ninety percent of the game is half mental." Now, let's move on to RDCs. When I was growing up in the frozen north, the Boston and Maine had commuter trains pulled by a fantastic variety of steam locomotives. Then came the diesels and we saw locomotive hauled trains pulled by GP7s and RS3s (I am sure there are a few out there who'll remember the B&Ms maroon and gold color scheme.) The RDCs came after that, and IIRC, the B&M had the largest fleet of RDCs anywhere. As a sidebar, Boston and the RDC have a long history as some of the first RDCs ran on the Boston and Albany - they were called "Beeliners." The New Haven had an extensive fleet of RDCs as well including the "Roger Williams" which had RDC cab units; the "Roger" survived throught the Penn Central days and onto Amtrak. I had the good fortune to have a cab ride on this beast from Boston to Springfield and on to New Haven; an interesting trip. I believe it's been preserved and is undergoing restoration. The B&M had all models of RDCs; 1s, 2s,3s,4,s and 9s and they ran all over the system. I'm reaching back again, but IIRC, the RDC4s were the model with the RPO compartment. I rode on one of them on a trip from Vermont back to Boston. The RPO was long gone, but it was interesting to see what had once been there. The Lexington Branch of the B&M (which is now a !@#$ bicycle path) provided a most interesting RDC trip. The branch's track was questionable in spots, and the RDC gave the impression of being on boat rolling in a good sea. Once you got off the main line, a ride on the branch became more like a time machine as there were certain crossings that had to be flagged by the train crew and some really interesting stations including a depot with a wooden train shed (Lexington). Many of the buildings along the branch have been saved and are being used for other purposes. The station in Bedford, MA has a B&M RDC on display along with an ongoing project to reconstruct part of the B&B which was a 2' gauge operation. The RDC was a utilitarian machine, at least on the B&M; walkover seats, vinyl covered and a tile floor. They could get noisy now and then (sort of like a bus on steroids), but thay had good acceleration and rode pretty well once they got up to track speed. I hope this is enough to get you started on RDCs. BTW, the C&Os U25Bs ran out their last days, virtually going by the house - you always knew when they were coming; some stories, there, too, if anybody's interested... BTW, Siberiamo, appreciate the comments on WV. I'm at the opposite end of the state - blessed to be in former C&O, VGN, N&W, K&M and KGJ&E country. The terrain here is mostly vertical but we have good fishing. My vote goes to Place#1 - any Friday evening specials for the workin' folks? Place #1 looks like they'd cash a check as long as you bought a round. Now let's move the pool tables out front. work safe
QUOTE: wrwatkins Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 08:49:19 Good morning Tom. Sorry you cannot make it Passengerfan. Hope all goes well at the VA today. Going to doctors is not fun. I made it to the birthday bash. Had my annual stress test earlier in the week to insure I could cope with the roasting I am about to receive. Today I feel like the mailman as inscribed on the Post Office next to Pennsy Station in NYC re "neither rain or ....." Last night we went out to dinner at Chili's for an early birthday celebration. A hard rain storm blew in while there. Got four inches of rain in 45 minutes. Electricity went off twice. Made for a cozy dinner. But we survived. Got home dodging the stalled or flooded cars on the road and all is safe. ***
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 08:54:01 Happy Birthday To You *** Watson To You! 65! Some fun with Texas Question: How do you know which one is the Aggie on the offshore oil rig? Answer: He’s the one throwing bread to the helicopters! You Know You're From Texas If: 1. You measure distance in hours. (like Lubbock is 8 hours from Houston - who knows how many miles it is) 2. You've ever had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day. 3. Stores don't have bags; they have sacks. 4. Stores don't have shopping carts; they have buggies. 5. You see a car running in the parking lot at the store with no one in it, no matter what time of the year. 6. You use "fix" as a verb. Example: I am fixing to go to the store. 7. All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, grain, or animal. 8. You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked. 9. You carry jumper cables in your car ..for your OWN car. 10. You know what "cow tipping" and "snipe hunting" are. 11. You only own four spices: salt, pepper, ketchup, and Tabasco. 12. You think everyone from a bigger city has an accent. 13. You think sexy lingerie is a tee shirt and boxer shorts. 14. The local paper covers national and international news on one page but requires 6 pages for sports.(high school football is of utmost importance) 15. You think that the first day of deer, duck, dove, or quail season are State holidays. 16. You know which leaves make good toilet paper. 17. You find 90 degrees F "a little warm." 18. You know all four seasons: Almost Summer, Summer, Still Summer, and Christmas. 19. You know whether another Texan is from southern, middle, or northern Texas as soon as they open their mouth. 20. There is a Dairy Queen in every town with a population of 1000 or more. 21. Going to Wal-Mart is a favorite past-time known as "goin wal-martin" or off to "Wally World." 22. You describe the first cool snap (below 70 degrees) as good chili weather. 23. A carbonated soft drink isn't a soda, cola, or pop ... it's a Coke, regardless of brand or flavor. 24. You understood and laughed at these jokes. Some Texas phrases: The engine's runnin' but ain't nobody driving. Translation: Not overly intelligent. Tighter than bark on a tree. Translation: Not overly generous. We've howdied but we ain't shook yet. Translation: We've made a brief acquaintance, but not been formally introduced. He thinks the sun comes up just to hear him crow. Translation: He has a pretty high opinion of himself. S/He's got tongue enough for 10 rows of teeth. Translation: Talks a lot. It's so dry the trees are bribin' the dogs. Translation: We really could use a little rain around here. He looks like the dog's been keepin' him under the porch. Translation: Not the best looking guy. They ate supper before they said grace. Translation: Living in sin. You can put your boots in the oven, but that don't make 'em biscuits. Translation: You can say whatever you want about something, but that doesn't change what it is. Enjoy YOUR BIRTHDAY BASH! Tom, Housekeep of “Our” Place
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 08:57:14 Hey Guys! To maximize your experience with these posts... trying "refreshing" the screen in order to get the latest input ... If that doesn't work, then go to ACTIVE TOPICS - click - then pick a time - click again. The idea is to get the most current info posted ... staying on one screen doesn't provide the most current stuff. Tom
QUOTE: Gunns Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 08:59:28 Hi all. *** Happy Geburtsag.... Coffee for the road home, and somthing to cut the dust, I was in one of our 3 story cooling towers changing a power transmission coupling. 6 inches from the prop, love that lock out tagout, cuz gunns dont wanna be sliced meat <G> Later, Gunns
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 09:05:00 Hey ***! One nice thing about this kinda Birthday Party is that there's no hangover! I'll be checking out in about 15 minutes ... gone for the day. So, next time we'll talk is upon your return - when is that by the way ? Hope by then you'll have some Classic Trains tales for us! Perhaps you'll also comment on our Rendezvous in Toronto!!!! Have a wonderful 65th! *** Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 09:10:30 All of our regulars know about the Birthday Watch List .... however, it needs to be posted repeatedly, just as a reminder regarding who is coming up next for the Birthday Bash ...... 2005 BIRTHDAY WATCH LIST (rev. July 5th): February 2nd (Kevin – 49) March 5th (Nick – 45) April 18 (Al - 63) May 18th (Tom - 67) May 27th (Dave - 46) June 24th (Dan - 43) July 15th (*** – 65) July 25th (Chris - 51) Next up! Pick the time!! July 30th (Russell – 35) August 16th (Ted - 67) September 8th (Rob - 34) Not on the list [?] Send me an Email with your birth date (month-day-year). Tom NOTE for all: Check the SUMMARIES
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 09:13:02 Morning all *** you have a great big ( everthibg is bigger inTexas ) sized Birthday bash. BTW where's are new chief chef. Sheesh! We may have to resort to Boris yet. I'll go check the shed just in case ted's been hijacked.Rob
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 09:16:05 Rob! [yeah] Where in the world is Ted ???? He was supposed to be pinch hitting for me this AM ....... also, temporary Chief Chief ... Boris go fetch Ted!
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 09:20:33 Hey Tom have a good day. I've got to check out in a minute or so myself work calls. *** have a good 65th and don't take any wooden pence in jolly old. Hopefully you will have some time for pleasure ( that way your plastic may not melt as much ) Oh BTW Boris is hold up in his bunker AKA the shed making speacial birthday doughnuts. Stange cirrilic script written in icing sugar all over them.Be kind he's trying (lord how we know he is )Looks like he's punching the holes in them with a flashlight afer they come out od the deep frier. guarranteed to gag a healthy maggot for sure! On the upside they likely can be used as spar tires. Well have a good rest of the ba***heir ***. later folks. Rob
QUOTE: wrwatkins Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 09:26:11 Good morning Gunns. Thanks for the greetings. Glad the fan was locked out. An unwanted haircut is not desirable especially if they cut a little close. Tom. Sorry I did not respond as quickly as possible to your tome on Texas lure. I sat here looking at as my son, daughter, and grand daughter called to sing happy BD to me. Since it is a little early I think I will mozy over to the coffee pot and get a cup of the strong black stuff. In our oiffice we never wash out the pot. The temperature of the coffee kills any germs and the baked on whatever gives the coffee an unique bouquet sometimes the bouquet is a little bad. Had a donut on the way in today so I will pass on the sweets from Mentor Bakery today. Only need so much sugar in one day. ***
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 09:27:11 Appreciate you guys stopping by ...... I've gotta run too. *** Safe journey ...... Happy Birthday! Tom
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 09:34:48 HAPPY BiRTHDAY ***! Ah yes, that magic number 65! Now you can draw full Social Security if you choose to do so and look at at the old "work ethic" in a slightly different light. Seriously, I wish you many happy returns and a safe journey to London Town and while you "do business" there. Maybe you will hear from Nick. If so tell him Tom put me to work in his Cook's Whites and I'm too swollen for the apron. Okay Gents, I'll start and bank the fires as soon as we get a quorem. Al, thanks for sending the Caterers from Casa Flores. That will make it a lot easier for me. As per instructions, you "Regulars" know the bar better than I do, so don't be basheful. Hey, 'xcuse me while I retrieve the party hats and favors. Check back with you's guys in a "mo!"
QUOTE: wrwatkins Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 09:41:16 Yes, I have hit the BIG 65, however I am not hanging it up yet. Have to work to 65 years and 6 months to max out social security which puts me to January 15, 2006. As a consulting company we do a huge business doing year end reserves reports. (Thank you Sarbanes-Oxley for the work!) I told the office I would stay around until March 31 to finish up the year end work i will be doing. That is only fair and besides that I like the pay check. ***
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 09:58:44 Back from my errands! Here are the "goofy" hats and noise makers, Gents take your pick. Can't fault you for that "full check" or "full S.S., ***!" I'll bet you will miss the travel more than anything but soon, you can do it on your own time and pick the place...Lybia anyone? Oh Krumlins, Boris has put the charcoal in the kerosene too early! Gadfrey Daniel, we'll have a thundisbreak explosion if I don't work fast. Pardon me, I'll check back in a jiff.
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 11:31:08 Well all right, welcome to "Our" Place, as you know this is ***'s Happy Birthday! The Bar is self-sevice for the "Order of the Stools" Members who, in-turn, will do the honors for all customers. The Juke Box is loaded with all your favorites and Tom left the pickle jar full of quarters. I'll be outside tending to the B.B.Q. grills and Boris tells me he has arranged for a "Mystery Band" later on this evening for your dancing pleasure. The gals are Ruthy, Annie, Lucy, Jemima and the beautiful and talented Cindy. So, pull up something to sit on (except a waitress), put your feet up with your favorite "nip." If you don't have a good time, its your own fault . Once again, Happy Birthday ***! Rob will make sure you stay cool for your early flight tomorrow. Come on Gents, the ice ain't gonna get any colder! Ted
QUOTE: West Coast S Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 11:53:42 Happy Birthday! to you..what the heck, I couldn't carry a note with a gun to my head. Are those dogs I hear howling? Congrats ***, your not one year older just seasoned a bit more Morning Tom and the Gang, the place is jumping indeed, thought i'd pay a quick vist to bestow my greetings and say top of the day to the gang before the day begins. Tom I'm awaiting some updated pics of the S project. Passengerfan Al, I message you with the Pioneer info, 1948 is the year. Ok, when do we get to see the 2929 do a double header with 3751? Well, business before pleasure off to my staff meeting, keep the coffee hot, I shall return in a bit to partake in the celebration Dave
QUOTE: wrwatkins Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 12:32:02 Thanks to all for the birthday greetings. And thanks for the generous tithing donations made in my fare box. I keep thinking of Ken Lay's wife (Enron) who complained about having nothing and being broke. A bar in Colorado near where they had an expensive retreat put a jar on the bar for donations. After one week they colledted three condoms , 4 screws, two buttons, and two pennies. Atleast two people understood their plight and contributed to their financial morass. ***
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 15:04:45 In the temporary absence of Tom and unknown whereabouts of Nick our permanent Head Chef, Rob, Boris and yours truly are "holding down the fort Inn." Now, isn't that a trio made in heaven? Wow, look at the "wad" *** has amassed in the Dart fare box! And, that's the second time he has emptied it. Dave, its good to see ya. Sure you haven't got time for a couple of Nathan's hot dogs or one of my world Village famous "Blitz Burgers!" While on the subject of the Milwaukee Road "Pioneer;" is that the streamliner with the B-29 "cockpit nose" for the observation tail? I spotted it while stayng at the Shroeder Hotel downtown over-looking the North Shore Teminal (circa 1962). I had a great meal at Mader's (German restaurant) back then. That inspired me to throw some Brautwurst in Bier and butter on the flames for Gunns and anyone else who has a taste for some "Old Country" provencial cookin. Yep, that's sweet and sour Red Cabbage and *** steamin' in the trays, help yourself. Hey Boris, how's about rustlin' me up a of Stein Wurtzburger? This grill is hotter than a double date with Ruthy and Cindy at a drive-in movie in a Wolkswagen I expect to see more "Regulars" bustin' through the swinging doors any minute now *** Its about time for me to shift over from the "dogs and burgers" to more hearty fare: Club, T-Boners and Delmonicos. AHA here comes the Casa Flores Catering Service that Passengerfan Al sent over. Anyone into authentic Mexican quisine- -have at it! We have a "Johnny-on-the-Spot" over there, just next to the "Shed." Hey, the 3:05 p.m. just rumbled by and the Juke Box won. Looks like its "fixin" to be one Texas sized bash, Pardners. I gotta check on this "Mystery Band" Boris lined up for us, catch Y'all in a while. Ted
QUOTE: Trainnut484 Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 15:57:51 Hello all. Ted, I'll have by usual, Miller Lite. Happy Birthday! to wrwatkins-*** I'm sorry I couldn't be around this morning for the big celebration. Geez is hot today. Better stay in where the A/C is Take care, Russell
QUOTE: West Coast S Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 16:37:53 Did someone mention Blitz Burgers? Count me in Theodorebear... I'm going to mosey behind the bar and see where Boris keeps the good stuff! Productive morning, but not for me, my CO was bragging on about this and that and decided to cross the line by getting personal regarding my use of judgement in a recent case, so I reacted as anyone would in the same situation, I advised him he was full of and please refain from insulting my intelligence by lying about it to my face in order to make points with the brass. Ah, enough of my trials, this here's a party..Found it! Two quarts Johnny Walker Black label, who's with me? So where is Tom? Speaking of girls, if I wasn't happily married for 22 years that cute Air Force Seargent I work with could be big time trouble, the only bright spot of the entire morning (besides hanging out with the "Our Place" kinfolk) was seeing her. Thoredorebear... that B-29 look alike is indeed a observation car, unique to the Milwaukee Road. Excellent job on the Blitz Burgers, I do believe I could do with a couple of more if you please. Who needs a refill or another round? Dave
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 17:09:01 FRIDAY NIGHT AT "Our" Place means PIZZA Nite! Weekends also means, STEAK & fries on the menu ...... The policy 'round here is FREE BEER with every pizza you purchase. The gals are ALL here, the spirit is willing, so lets PARTY! Thanx to the six regulars who took the time to wish *** a Happy Birthday!! I'm sure it meant a lot to him ....... And of course, a special THANX to Ted for overseeing the activities almost immediately upon my departure this AM ...... Tom
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 17:19:44 Welcome back West Coast S and a big howdy to Trainnut 484. A Miller Lite and two Blitz Burgers on the way. I see you found the J.W. Black, that's a real good 12 year old, isn't it Dave? Know what you mean about those "Twilight Zone" days. Trouble is, you never know when they will "pop-up," sorta like "Spam." Let's all hear a Texas size "hip, hip hooray" for our "Man of the Hour," *** in honor of his 65th Happy Birthday! BTW, has everybody had a "crack" at Tom's puzzle: "Where does the Mentor in "Mentor Village Bakery" come from? The "hint" is the word "click." So far, its 0 for 3 in the answers. Okay, we are having one of those Florida lightening storms as I speak. I'll be back on-line a.s.a.p. Hey Boris, keep an eye out will ya. Not the glass one, "give me strength!"
QUOTE: barndad Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 17:29:01 Evening all! Everyone glad it's Friday? It's time to think about trains! Gunns, I have loads of pics to send you. Please e-mail me as the address I keep trying for you is bouncing back! If you plan the harden D2 tool steel, you'll need your temperature close to 1700 degrees. A dull red color is closer to 1200 degrees. You really should temper at least once after hardening. Even 300 degrees is better than nothing. Would you like me to do the hardening for you? I would use induction rather than a furnace, but I'd do a good job. We routinely harden D3 cutter blades 61/64Rc. I'm sure you realize that we're talking through hardening, and not case hardening which you mentioned earlier. What were you planning to use for a quench? We use Houghton quench K, which is specifically designed for heat treating. You will get spotty hardness if you allow the material to air quench. How large is each bearing, and what type of hardness are you trying to achieve? Our 2903 definitely has no builder plate. I can't even see where it used to be. My pics will show you that. I'll ask tomorrow if it's being kept somewhere for safe keeping, but I doubt it, as most of the other locomotives seem to have their plates. I have no idea what projects await me tomorrow at IRM. I've taken the drop table as far as I can. It's getting finishing coats of paint now. I'll post some before and after pics for all to see! I picked-up some modeling supplies so I can build a display track for my few HO steam locomotives. I just don't have room here for a layout, and even if I did, we have a @%$!! cat! I can only use the glass display cabinets in our entertainment center if I want to keep things safe. Time for me to be off. #2 son has Taekwondo
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 18:01:27 Evenin' Ted I see Boris is trying to get something going with that band of his ... must have been something he picked up from our Welch friend, Nick. I'm hoping they don't get it going until closing time ... from the looks of the stuff they've drug into the back room, which they refer to as instruments, it reminds me of a scene from one of those early Star Wars flicks. Where are you Chewbaca when we need you? Well, gotta get back to the bartending ....... Tom
QUOTE: Gunns Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 19:55:13 Hi all Ted Thanks for the brats, and Bier <G> West Coast S The double header is definitly in the works the SBRHS are kind of our mentors <another try> in our restoration, and there is a possability that the 3751 is coming to Albuquerque this year for our 300th annversery, How ever this isnt yet set in stone. The restoration is probably another 6 years <what we tell every one> I really want to be at the Throttle when we Blast up Raton Pass with the 3751..... barndad n Email is on the way, there are a lot of replacment bearings, allmost all of them in the brake rigging, as for hardness, we are looking for wear resistance. The bearings, are all about 2 and a half inches across and about a quarter inch thick. As for the Quench, I was going to use oil. Do you have drawings for the drop table? We have the remote possability of having a custom shop built for us with the Historical preservation money, and a drop table would be a big plus, we also want to salvage the 150 ton overhead crane from the Barellas shops in Albuquerque. but the chance is remote, more of a case of wishfull thinking than likely. Coffee please its off to work again..... Gunns
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 20:25:44 Well Tom, we did the best we know how to give *** a happy day and a good send-off. From the looks of the band Boris brought in, this may be a good time for me to sign out. At least a few of us had the chance to wish wrwatkins a fond farewell. As for the rest, well, its a little like the story *** related earlier (scroll up) about that Bar in Colorado that took up a collection for Ken Lay's wife. Okay, its been great and I'll be seeing you around sometime. Evenig all, Ted
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 15 Jul 2005, 21:05:31 Hi Ted and all who took the time to wish our friend and regular customer *** a Happy Birthday! The message in that story *** dropped on us really says a lot. There are just those kinds of people in the world - they just don't get it - no matter how hard one tries ......... Those of us who have tried to make this idea of a cyber bar 'n grill meld in with the discussion of Classic Trains deserve a round on the house! Ring the bell, Boris and belly up to the bar boys! I see the back room is jumpin' - pool tables are occupied - Juke is blarin' away - the gals are workin' hard and the kitchen is pumpin' out some great food. All is well in hand ........ Don't forget the QUIZ - where did the mentor in The Mentor Village Bakery come from? Tomorrow is another day and yet another opportunity to bring a smile into someone else's life. Why not do that right here? G'nite! Tom
QUOTE: Gunns Posted: 16 July 2005, 07:48:14 Morning all, coffee please. nother long night at work, but its loco work day. Big Thanks to barndad for getting the pics for me, especially this one http://www.railimages.com/gallery/kevinevans/aaw more later, Gunns
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