Hello Tom, and good morning staff and fellow customers. I'll order a cooked breakfast, and yes, good to see prices are much more reasonable than a British Dinign Car!!
Yes Tom, you are right to raise the eyebrows at those diner prices. On board train diner meal prices are expensive here (where they exist) and I think this is because the assumption is that only someone on an expense account would pay for the meal (so when I’m dining I often reckon I’m the only person in the car paying for my own meal!!!) It has to be regarded as a treat and is probably one of the few luxuries I’ll happily stump up for!
Having said that, they are not that different in price from what you might pay in a reasonably up market British restaurant outside of London (where an upmarket restaurant would require you to take your bank manager AND a re-mortgage certificate for your home….). As I said before I have eaten more expensive and worse quality meals here in some brick and mortar restaurants than I have enjoyed on the dining car service.
Also it should be noted that the dining car is always in the first class part of the train, which is more spacious than std class by 30% or more. Thus by paying for the meal you effectively upgrade yourself to first class accommodation for as long as it can take you to eat it (and we all know how to linger over coffee….). Given the relative high speed of the trains and short UK distances you can effectively upgrade to 1st class for most of your journey – and not go hungry either.
This is worth a bit because 1st class in UK is almost twice the price of Standard (or more if you want a return ticket). Again this is a difference from what I think is the case in most of Europe where first class is, I think about 25% more, and thus reasonably affordable to someone who wants a more spacious journey. I think this is because back in the 1970s BR decided first class was only used by expense account ticket holders (or overseas tourists on good value 1st class Brit Rail passes, or who don’t know they are being ripped off and have just bought a 1st class ticket as they think they ought to!) and was thus not price sensitive. As a consequence, at off peak times many trains run around with vast numbers of empty first class seats and the railways have only just started to think of ways to sell them via advance purchase discounted fares.
Nick might have a view on these price comments, and it will be interesting to see what Pete thinks.
One of the biggest differences I note when in the USA and Canada in terms of prices (not regarding exchange rate induced differences) is the sheer difference in price of eating out and overnight accommodation. Here in UK these seem to cost a lot, and all too often not be of sufficient quality. That is the rip off and I wonder if it links to the rip off property prices here, which effectively determine the rate of return on investment that the restaurant owner needs to make to cover those overheads.
So Tom – if you start the plans for London –Scotland anytime I’ll call in to the bar to advise you on how to get a good price deal!
Rob – good to see you back – I think you probably missed my post about the Halton County museum which I guessed you were associated with. Basically I was wondering how far that was from Toronto and how feasible it would be to visit the museum on a future visit to Toronto where I have family? If you get back on line I’d be interested to read your views.
Eric – thanks for your menu choice.
See you all later
DL-UK
Good morning Tom and manager Lars. I'll be having my usual 2 light breakfasts, as I am playing hookey from job1 and don't work job2 today! Don't know the disposition of the RI 938 Mike ... I'll have to look into that. I did see some interesting pix of a loco which my 20th Century Railroad club painted in 1976, called the Independence. Apparantly the club had won a contest to repaint it with a big white star on its front, and of course, red and blue sides. I am told that it has survived as a static display, and was repainted in original markings. Howdy hi to Nick, whose really been posting a lot of great pix these days, DL and Eric. Glad to see the dart challenge got moved Tom. Have no fear ... Nick and I promise to kick butt at home and away! Looks like the mighty Rob has returned! Here's a little welcome-back for you, and reading material with your morning coffees:
Montana’s First Streetcar Lines by Al Moorman & Steve Maquire – Oct. 64 RRM
Six years after the Battle of Little Bighorn – the only major victory the Indian braves ever won over the United States Army – a horse-drawn street railway was established at Billings, Montana, about fifty miles from the battlefield.
This railway ran between Billings and Coulson. The latter was the earliest white settlement in that area and dates back to 1876, the year of the Custer massacre. They named it after the owner of the first packet boat to navigate the Yellowstone River to the landing there.
Hunters and traders flocked to Coulson. So did lusty, brawling adventurers, card sharps, homesteaders, and gun-slingers. Then came creaking covered wagons filled with plump bejeweled madams and their girls, both white and halfbreed, each one for hire by the half-hour or all night. Wooden buildings were erected. The general store, restaurant, gambling houses, saloons, and brothels turned the wilderness into what residents fondly hoped would become “the Omaha of the Est.” Mindful of the Custer incident, blue-jacketed troops went into the area to protect the settlers. Girls danced in the gin mills, waited on tables, drank with customers, and occasionally rifled money belts or gold-dust pokes of sex-starved drunks who followed them into their bedrooms.
In 1882 the Northern Pacific laid rails westward from Bismarck, North Dakota, to the Pacific Northwest. Bypassing Coulson, which was on the projected route but which stood on low swampy ground, they built a station on higher land a mile or so west.
New town, Billings, named after the NP president, grew up around the railroad depot and soon prospered. An enterprising livery-stable proprietor operated a hack service between the two towns. For a dollar you could rent a surrey for an evening’s fun with your lady friend. Some of the Coulson girls moved to Billings. A company was formed to build a horsecar line between Billings and Coulson. Stock in the Billings Street Railway sold quickly.
In the summer of 1882 two small bobtailed horsecars, painted bright yellow, were bought from the St. Paul City Railway and shipped to Billings via the Northern Pacific. Along the way there was much publicity and fanfare, intended as much to advertise the new town and sell lots as to bring rail transit to the area.
Many of the lots disposed of were located in swamps beside the river or on nearby perpendicular sides of rimrocks. In some cases the same land was sold several times to different buyers. Track for the horsecars was light T-rails such as mine-owners used, laid on whatever ties were available. The route started near the NP depot on Minnesota Avenue, led along 26th Street to 4th and then eastward through bogs to the Ash & Boots Brewery at Coulson.
The motive power consisted of the temperamental cayuses. Even before the first official run, a gust of wind blew one car some distance down the track.
The service was nothing to brag about. Cars often jumped the rails. When this occurred near a saloon the passengers would “tank-up” and then lift the light vehicle back onto the iron, and the journey resumed.
Only one car ran at a time. There was no schedule, a trip being made whenever enough travelers showed up. The round trip took about an hour, depending on the drivers thirst and pony’s disposition. Service was supposed to start at 8 a.m., but sometimes it would be 9 or 10 before the driver, Frank L. Mann (later a Billings police court judge) could round up and harness one of the horses. Fare was two bits. Mr Mann stimulated business by attaching to each ticket a coupon good for one beer at the A&B Brewery. But even with this inducement, the number of riders gradually dwindled so much that the line folded up in 1883, after less than a year of operation.
As the local Gazette stated: “Billings boasted the first streetcar system in Montana, but it took a free glass of beer with every ticket to keep it going as long as it did.”
The rails were taken up and sold to a Bozeman mine and the two cars were left to rust gloriously on the banks of the Yellowstone near Coulson. Later, one car was lost in a flood, and the other was stored in a barn.
In 1909 some of Billings’ leading citizens, members of the Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks, stole the lone car in a drunken frolic at about 3 o’clock on a Sunday morning, while the sky was still dark, and shipped it on a flatcar to Miles City, where the Elks were holding a convention. Last known of the old horsecar was a report that in 1917 a salesman saw it, badly damaged, in a barn in Miles City.
Meanwhile in 1900 the population of Billings had risen to 3221, and ten years later it exceeded 10,000. Smaller Western cities such as Sheridan, Cheyenne, Lead, and Deadwood had streetcar lines but Billings hadn’t. This was too much for civic pride to bear. The citizens voted to establish such a line, and wealthy oil men financed the venture, this one to be called the Billings Traction Company.
Billings streetcars passing City Hall and central firehouse, 28th and Fist Avenue
The site of the present Midland Bank in that city.
Construction, which began in the summer of 1911, was delayed by a blizzard that winter. On March 1, 1912 the line was completed and opened for service. Instead of horse-drawn vehicles, the new company bought battery-operated cars with modern Edison-Beach electrical equipment from J.G. Brill Company. Each car, painted canary-yellow with red trim, could hold 28 seated riders plus a number of standees.
The first car covered 107 miles on its first day, and sic more were bought. Numbered 10-15, they provided the earliest battery-car operation west of the Mississippi. All were four-wheel double-enders. A barn was built for them near the battery-charging station at First Avenue, the business district, and the Stapleton Building.
Five cars at a time were usually running between 6 a.m. and midnight, with a 30-minute daytime headway. Ten conductors worked nine0hour shifts, seven days a week, while two shopmen charged the batteries and made minor repairs.
Guten Tag allerseits!
Wie ist jeder? Es is OKTOBERFEST! Partei wollen wir!
Another wonderful start to the day here in mid-continent USA as the fall “air” is invigorating enough to make one happy to be above the ground! Juneau and I enjoyed our walk through the wilds of our subdivision and are now ready to face the day! Hmmmmmm, I see he’s found “his spot” on the recliner – curled up “like a Husky” with a “do not disturb” air about him.
Just heard that Buffalo, New York received 17 inches of snow and is expected to wind up with at least 2 feet before it stops. Ahhhhhhh, the luck some places have!
My Cardinals dropped the opener last night to the Mets in New York. Mighty Mets, sez Lars Well, they made the most of their 6 hits! My guys were stopped by some great pitching, and only managed 4 “safeties” themselves. Tonight’s another opportunity – as we’ve heard before, “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over!”
Great seeing the guys come through last evening, after Lars’ late afternoon visit. Appreciate the inputs from Mike – Nick - Rob – Eric – ‘n DL.
Special mention goes out to our long lost Bar Chandler, Rob! Hope THIS time you’ll be able to stick around for awhile. My guess is that you’ll NEVER be told what the problem was (is) with the accessing of the Forums. Strange that you were able to connect from a different location with a different computer – but something that does make sense. IF the problem resides where your computer is (server, connection, ‘puter itself, etc.) then that should tell you something. Anyway, great to see that you thought of us and paid a call!
GST Rest easy my young friend. I’ve been paying GST/PST and anything else associated with Canadian taxes for all of my trips north of the 49th. No escaping it! <groan> There is a program for visitors whereby one may apply for a refund of CERTAIN taxes on CERTAIN purchases – transportation is NOT included. However, over the years they’ve made it so cumbersome – so confusing and so frustrating, that it simply isn’t worth the time ‘n effort to jump through the hoops just to MAYBE get back $2.89, if you know what I mean. So, I’m doing my part to keep those coffers in Ottawa topped off.”
And – shirt #2 is YOURS! Nick has #3.
For the guys on the Grudge Match DARTS CHALLENGE teams – check the preceding page and make your shirt selection!
DL – must concur with your thoughts regarding dining while aboard the train. I’m not one to “skimp” on anything associated with rail travel, for having reached that stage of my life where I look upon each ‘n every opportunity as perhaps the final one – I don’t give a “Rat’s Patoot” what the cost, as long as it adds to the enjoyment. Dining in the diner is one of those experiences I always look forward to. Amtrak’s affordable bill o’ fare for the trips I’ve made were excellent with perhaps the only drawback being that they seem to have a propensity for being “out of” this or that. VIA Rail, with the exception of the Ocean Renaissance diner, has always provided wonderful selections and at most reasonable costs – in my opinion.
Traveling aboard the “Canadian” between Toronto and Vancouver, where meals are included in the Silver & Blue accommodations (1st class), if one cannot come away from the table feeling really GOOD, then there’s something terribly wrong . . .
I’m not at all certain that the “Chaleur” between Montreal and Gaspe will have a dining car. In spite of the cars being at the head end of the “Ocean,” access from the Budd stainless steel cars to the Renaissance cars may not be available (refits have not been completed as I understand it). So, the SKYLINE dome car lounge will be where I take my meals – most probably along the lines of sandwiches and the like. No one could give me a straight answer by phone, nor does the web site have up to date info. When the train was entirely Budd equipment – the Gaspe passengers had access to the entire train, except the Park car UNLESS they were bedroom passengers. Those times are long gone now that VIA has revamped – and messed up – what used to be a passenger friendly environment. In a week, I’ll know what’s what!
Eric – appreciate your willingness to help out for our Sunday Photo Posting Day! These next two Sundays are going to be a bit “sparse” – especially with Pete being away, Lars off line and Moi in Canada (coming up).
Nick – appears as if “Mr. Hyde” gotcha last night, eh Happens! Those guys reside within many of us. "Dr. Jekyl" goes about his business and all of a sudden out pops "Mr. Hyde," replete in his dapper attire, cape, walking stick and top hat – white scarf too – whispering in your ear, “Go ahead, just one more won’t hurt! What’s the harm ”
Media Day Activities
Good morning fellow d’artistes and greetings from our studios high atop Mighty Majestic Mount Mentor, overlooking the fast flying flangers fancifully flinging frothy fillips of frosty frozeness away from the right of way on the Greater Mentor Street Railway’s Buffalo Division. No Boris; street railway, not street walkers.
Your reporter had a most interesting visit to The First Annual Darts Media Day which was held at a neutral site (abandoned quarry) because of the evident ill will between both teams. This media day was set up for individual pictures of team members; i.e. those who had chosen shirts and managed to arrange for bail after the last team practice (oh, the humanity!)
Rob’s natty “If Only I Was As Good...” shirt was snappily set off by a fur-lined mad bomber hat and a log chain – something about Canadians and tall timber, but we’ll save that story for the tournament’s commemorative program.
The mascots managed to find Nick up and at ‘em for picture day. The “Get Boned” shirt truly says something – the Greater Mentor Decency Police are investigating exactly what – anyway, Nick showed a touch of whimsy with a bowler hat and a chrome plated mace. In your reporter’s humble opinion, this fashion statement looked a cross among the “Rocky Horror Picture Show, Lord of the Rings,” and an Oakland Raiders fanfest. But, I digress, and I surely have never been a slave to fashion.
The Second Class Saloon Avengers, fronted by Mountain Man Mike, showed up in their official team vehicle, you may remember that it originally belonged to the snake act in the movie “Next of Kin.” Never let it be said that we don’t cover everything. In line with our previous fashion assessments, Mike looks ravaged in a fur vest with matching grenades.
I enjoyed (while looking out for the stray copperhead and cottonmouth,) muttered and furtive conversation with Mike and his minions; a gimlet-eyed, steel-jawed, unshaven, Orc-looking crew if ever there was one. They’re so mean, they ate their own mascot at a team party last night. Mike, however, did tell me that they are dragging the canal for a new one.
When asked what they were doing for practice, Mike said,” I can’t tell you except that it involves blindfolds and flamethrowers.” Mike likes his chances against the Our Place folks, and warned them to keep a close eye on their own mascots. “Remember,” Mike whispered to me, “We can take Boris.” They then posed for their pictures; full face and two profiles of each team mamber. When shown the pictures, the Mentor police chief remarked’ I recognize the guy in the middle, but I’m not sure about the other two.”
Networks willing to cover the upcoming matches are gradually dropping out. Their excuse is that they will never be able to find sponsors, but my own thought is that they lack vision – maybe that’s because of Our Place’s ‘steamed proprietor graciously hosting the network folks, and treating them to the never ending Oktoberfest punchbowl. In the interests of full coverage, I did trace the hose lines (neoprene)from the punchbowl to an ancient Pflauder milk car that magically appeared on the siding by Our Place the other night. Good thing the car’s tank is glass lined.
Today's mail conntained a brochure which said the GMZA (Greater Mentor Zeppelin Authority) has put together a package deal with the Greater Mentor Street Railway to offer transportation to all matches. Their slogan is “Arrive Alive, Then Hope for the Best.” Packages include air and ground transportation plus dinner on the grounds. Wait a minute, I looked again and it says “Dinner Underground.” So I guess I get out out the hardhat, caplight and knee pads.
That’s all the news that isn’t. Now back to our studios at Mighty Majestic Mount Mentor. Say goodbye, Frostbite!
Team #1 - John (slopehead) 'n Larry (scrote)Team #2 - Bob (cannibal) 'n Tim (tiny)Substitute - George (grommet)
Sponsor: Mountain Man Mike (Moose) Proprietor
Hello Tom and all - just a fruit juice for me at the moment.
Tom, I'm with you on that Diner philosophy.
I actually thought the Ocean Diner food was not bad - it was just the service and choice issue that was a problem - as previously discussed.
What is daft is that you can't be given a clear answer regarding The Chaleur dining - after all they don't run that many trains at VIA and some people must know. Good luck. Did you not say they somtimes run The Chaleur as a different consist to The Ocean and thus it must have its own Budd dining car one might assume?
Anyway - as promised on the regional run down of UK dining cars this is the service in East Anglia - sadly the website does not give a proper menu but here is the summary. It is good to see that they offer the traditional English Afternoon tea - the only rail route in the UK where it is still on the menu:
Catering facilities are offered on the Norwich to London Mainline service. A restaurant is offered on selected services during weekdays.
The restaurant menus have local flavour using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. With freshly prepared dishes such as Grilled Suffolk Sausages and Mash, Salmon and Dill Lasagne, Brie and Broccoli Penne Pasta, Roast Rack of Lamb and Ham 'n' Eggs - there is something to suit all tastes and budgets. You can eat in the restaurant for as little as £5.95 at lunch time!
The restaurant car is situated in Coach H within First Class, but is open to First and Standard Class ticket holders who wish to dine, subject to space being available. First Class ticket holders are able to reserve a space in the restaurant car in advance (before 1800 the day before travel).
The service is provided on 10 services per day each way (4 trains offer breakfast, 3 trains lunch and / or afternoon tea, 3 trains offer an evening meal).
On another matter last night I had the ability to go to an archive rail film screening evening - theme 'record breaking runs' a number of films from the 1930s through to the 1980s mostly with a UK theme. Great to see footage from the period projected up on to the large silver screen!!
Good wishes to you all
DL - UK
G-day Captain Tom and all here.
Tom, sorry about the commentary. I know it probably didn't make as much sence. But I will give you a run down on it. For winter we get the house ready. Meaning that we take down all the screens off the windows and replace them with our storm windows, So that it will keep us a little warmer. (Our house is about 88 years old so most of the windows are rotted) oh well.Pretty much getting the house warmer for the winter.
Anyway thats what "locking the house up for winter is all about and it's so much fun too.
Coalminer3- I hope to keep posting pictures here more daily now instead of every 3 or 4 days.
Nick- I hope you're right. That steamer is quite nice and I would like to see someone taking care of it. I am rooting for steam here too.
Eric- I agree she's in need with some help but if Nick is correct I think that she might get a good owner who knows how to fix and maintain steam engines.
I know I have not been around for about 4 days or so, but now things have changed. I'm not as busy as I was before. So I will be around more often.
I really like U28Bs but man. This thing is really looking like it needs a serious wash. She's running but who knows how well. I just wish I could have seen more of these in operation.
Well..Here you go. An E-unit with a wierd nose. (what nose?) Speaking of nose.. Does that say, "Wash Me" on the side of the locomotive?
Anyway. This must have been an experiment that was supposed to promote the Rock's passenger trains.
Diamonds!!!! I like diamonds. Nothing sounds better than a train racing over a set of diamonds. or 3 diamonds that is. Located at Joliet, Illinios this is were the Rock crossed the C&NW. A U28B and a freshly painted SD40T-2 make there way across the Joliet area.
Happy railroading!
James
Good afternoon Ruth! I'll have the bratwurst beer and a pumpkin Schnapps chaser please. Hey ...where did everyone go? Nifty pix sir James, to be sure. Got several laughs over CM3's pre-contest narrative. For the record, I like shirt #3. Nick and I can take turns wearing it, or both wear it at the same time to really confuse the competition. As for a team name, here are a few I plagarized from other dart teams:
1> What the ****?
2> Bullshooters
3> Pist'n Broke
4> Show Me Your Tips
5> Bull Shot
6> Who Darted?
7> Bull-Its
8> The Other Side Sucks
9> Booze Brothers
10> Best of Three
11> Here for the Beer
12> Jesus Hates Our Team
13> The Bull Monty
14> Pop Darts
15> 4 Play
16> Bulloney
17> Kork Krushers
18> Dartrageous
19> D.O.A. (drunk on arrival)
20> What's Our Name
21> Shotfaced
Now how's that for choices?
G'day Cap'n Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth, today I'd like a LARGE frosty stein of Hofbrauhaus Bier and a round for the boyz!
Ok, so one game does not tell the story - actually it was a good game and someone had to lose it! Still think you guys in the River City are going to be down 'n out B4 too long - Mets are Mean!
DL, I've been enjoying the back 'n forth between you and Cap'n Tom regarding train travel, diners, menus and the like. Really good stuff and what this bar is supposed to be about - TALK of "classic trains."
My editorial comment: Seems like we are getting away from what Cap'n Tom had in mind when he opened this place up. Pictures should be used sparingly duirng the week - Sunday's are for those. Don't get me wrong, many times - especially when things are slooooooooooow - a couple of pix will "do it" every time. But to get into a pattern of constantly posting them surely detracts from the Sunday "event." I'm not asking for agreement, concurrence or anything like that - just reminding of what this place was set up to be. Let me put it this way: Doug has the right idea, so does Rob - they provide photos in support of what they are "telling" us. That's totally different than simply popping out a spate of photos . . . . ok end
Good and bad news from here is that I'll be around a bit longer than I had thought - but come early next week - gone for awhile. Sorry - "stuff" happens.
Cap'n Tom you'll NEVER guess who I ran across the other day - someone who KNOWS YOU from your high school years. Yup - someone (female) who says she ALWAYS "had a thing" for you back then. It'll cost ya for me to reveal WHO this person is!! Gnetleman that I am, no names here in the Ether - will let the email suffice for that - however, I'm NOT talking unless and until the PRESSURE gets to me!
A GREAT treat from CM3 I'm Not Shane! this morning . . . undoubtedly one of the finest "reports" we've had since the last edition of the Mentor Village Gazette. Nicely done, mate!
Very happy to mark the return of Rob to the bar! I agree with Cap'n Tom's assessment - you'll probably nevAH know what the difficulties were all about - just have to accept it and move on, huh Point is, you're back and hopefully ready 'n able to resume some regularity 'round here - and I'm not talking about the men's room!
Particular mention goes out to Doug for taking the time out of your most busy and hectic schedule to begin the day here at our favorite beer joint! Also kudos to Eric 'n DL for picking up the slack! And saving the best for last - Nick over there in west Wales - don't know how in the world we made it without you during the last very long absence - hopefully that's over 'n done with!
Just caught Doug's latest input - great team names! I'm not sure your idea about sharing the shirt is gonna work. Our Proprietor bought 'n paid for 5 of 'em - you probably should select something else. Just my Team name I like several! "Who Darted?" is great! But so are many others . . . Good job!
One more Ruth - then I gotta scram outta here - baseball is back on the tube and I'm "hooked"!
Until the next time!
Lars
Evening has settled in here in mid-continent USA and most sports "eyes" will be soon focused on the upcoming Cardinals - Mets baseball game. I see where the Tigers have won their game #3 to go up three - zip on the A's from Oakland. So, can the World Series be that far off
Appreciate seeing DL - James - Doug 'n Lars stop in this afternoon. Lotsastuff in those Posts and some comments that make sense as well.
In no particular order or significance - let me say:
Doug - nice try, no cigar! You have to pick a shirt of your own. It was (and is) first come, first serve! Great listing of team names! I'll leave it to the 5 of you to select what you wish - after all, you are the guys "in the trenches" so to speak.
Lars - the bar just wouldn't be the same without our "Manager," so any time you've got to share with us is most welcome!
James - good selection of Pix; but keep in mind - we try to use our Sunday's for Pix Posting. So, don't be scarce for Sunday Photo Posting Day! Also - next Tuesday has a "theme" - perhaps you can join in . . . . You "escaped" a tweet for failure to order a drink and/or food. Chalk it up to still being "new."
DL - very much enjoy your input and continuing dialogue regarding dining aboard the train! Somewhere in my archives I have some Pix of VIA Rail diners - I'll have to put together a few for one of our Sundays.
My, my - how things have changed 'round the Tavern by the Tracks. Remember when we used to acknowledge Thursday nite as Fish ' Chips nite - Friday as Pizza nite along with steak 'n fries nite and Saturday nite as steak nite Change is all 'round, eh
Leon - set 'em up - Boris, ring the bell!
Auf Wiedersehen!
Tom
Good evening one and all-might I buy a round for the house as a beginning to apologising for last nights shameful behaviour-I had a wonderful evening,sadly,I have no idea where I had it.........................
A full day today-starting with an explanation for Missisnick as to why I chose to sleep on the stairs instead of the marital bed........
Enjoyed a pleasant light luncheon at the second class saloon,accompanied by a few friends from the Mentor Nomads motorcycle & social club,plus H&H (always suckers for a trip out with the Harley`s )-found the place largely deserted apart from Moose,in deep conversation with slopehead John & Larry the scrote,grommet George and a rather smarmy middle aged executive and his sweet young thing of a P.A-obviously looking for somewhere quiet for an assignation.
Cannibal Bob & Tiny Tim were amusing themselves by lifting up cars in the parking lot and placing them so close together that the doors can`t be opened
By the time we left,George had had to withdraw from the darts contest after a freak knife-through-the-hand accident sustained whilst playing dominoes with Viking Bob (celebrating his early release from the state pen ),the executive was being escorted out back by cannibal Bob & Tiny Tim (to the strains of duelling banjo`s.........) and the young P.A was last seen on the pillion of Mick the animal`s custom shovelhead,heading towards crazy Otto`s tattoo & reflexology parlour..........another fine day in Mentor County
Right-to business--TOM-I was indeed led astray by the always urbane Mr Hyde-as you so rightly say --it happens --good to get a flavour of our opponents-I think plan `B` may be called for here-thats the one where we send one of the girls on ahead and spike their drinks with potent hallucinogens-s*d ethics! we have a match on here...!!!
R.E. the `family album` pic-protective colouration is the name of the game here-Missisnick is still the same Hippie blues singer I fell for all those years ago,but her job (team leader of the county`s principal environmental agency ) requires her to wear a different mask,small Hannah has figured out early that blue eyed blonde cuties tend to have an easier path through this world than the rest of us...................
ROB- back dear boy -nice to see you..!!!!.....plenty of space under the tank car (Boris has been commisioned to go downtown and find some airbeds-that ballast is just a touch too sharp for comfort)
ERIC-Hi there,pull up a fresh glass
DL-UK-enjoying the ongoing conversation -have been surfing that Southern URL-wonderful stuff-very nostalgic,sadly,couldn`t find my local station(s) but hey-can`t have everything
R.E. prices-I guess we grew up in an era of a nationalised network where the service was provided for the end-user.
In recent years we are back in the private sector where profit is the bottom line ( in the past the pre-nationalised companies still adhered to the Victorian service ethic-you didn`t have employee`s ,you had servants of the company,with all that that implies.....)
Better steer clear of this before I start getting all political........
DOUG-Nice to see you mate,glad you are enjoying the pix --A Fascinating thumbnail sketch of Billings-a small-town America which I suspect has largely disappeared --R.E the shirt,how about we take it in turns ??-you have it for the home game ( I will have my chefs whites ) and I`ll sport it for the away leg......
CM3-A wonderful piece my friend -worth tuning in for the alliteration alone-word to the wise,don`t rely on the zeppelin service for a ride home,H&H have elected themselves as our cheerleaders (skin-tight black leather catsuits-need I go on....) and since Boris will be driving the road-roller it has fallen to Copperkettle to pilot the `Draig Goch ` back to her moorings-I have a bad feeling about this........
JAMES-nice pix mate,thank you for sharing-that second one looks like it ought to be the armoured payroll car....
LARS-Thank you for kind words-sorry you have `stuff` to take care of-hope it isn`t too traumatic-always happy to raise a glass with you and work things through ( actually-it`s been quite some year for you,hasn`t it...? )
So-TOMS early life is discovered-whatever he is paying you to keep quiet,I will top for exclusive disclosure in the MENTOR GAZETTE-THE PUBLIC HAS A RIGHT TO KNOW
O.K-I think thats everybody,apologies to anyone I`ve missed but this GREAT new format only allows me to look back at the most recent post
Enjoy the games gents,speak soon,nick
Good evening Herr leon a carlsburgh with a peppermint schnapps chasser if you will Hows that for an awfull combination Nick ?I may indeed meet you under the tank car againBeen a coldish day here, at least we avoided the white fluff that burried Buffalo not all that far SOB from me.
CM3-I'm beginning to fear the oppostion what with all the grand descriptions of the goings on in our little "friendly tournament " My biggest fear isn't that Hilda and Helga's new cheering costumes are leaving so little to our imagination , but that they have unofficially adopted the moto that it's all in good fun till someone loses a spleen. I hope scrot and slophead haven't heard that one just yet I'm also hoping that your relations near Buffalo came away from the storm intact and safe.
Lars-How could you tell that I've been eating more fibre latley still it's good to be back in the either with the rest of you.can't think of a sopt that I would rather be truth be told.I just hope that your mean blue machine are upto the mauling that Detroit is meeting out on the hapless A's, not that I'm counting them or the Redbirds completly out of it yet.
Tom-I intend to enjoy a day old steak tonight, mind you you are right to bad the foods not ordered near enough round this place. You and Lars are right though I nebver will get an explination of what happened. I know it's not at my end as that while the difficulties were rolling by for me here. Heather and I have been able to navigate every other part of the either that we always use, and our email service never skipped a beat. lets just chalk it upto Halloween.I've been enjoying reading along with yours and DL's food service and sleeping car service disscussions
Doug-Loved the Billings story. similar to many of the small street railway operations in Canada and elsewhere in the US.So many small towns that one never saw regular trains run through had streetcars or interurban connections at one point.At one time your hometown was concidered to be substandard somehow if no electric train service existed. Times were a different then. BTW I vote for Who darted as well
DL-Hey thanks for the welcome back. To answer your question about the HCRY. Yes both my wife and I belong to the museum.I would say that a trip to Toronto would not be to far out of the way as faar as visiting the museum. We are in Milton which is a smaller city west of Toronto on the 401. I'd say about a half hour drive on paper call it 45 to an hour with traffic. If you do make the trip drop me an email and we will meet you out there. I know that Ted and Tom both enjoyed themselves in may when we had them out there.Driving is your best way there from Toronto. Go transit does run trains to Milton, but Milton's transit does not run busses out to us as we are in the rural outskirts.I have to say that the menus from your neck of the woods on trains sounds a triffle more appetizing than any fare I've eaten on trains here in Canada.
James-Nice pictures,save a couple for sunday's as well. alot of us are starting to scrape the bottom of the barrel with our own stuff , so the hot injection of new material is needed more than ever
Nick-Seen any good parrots lately By the by that was an impossibly large lollypop, that had to have some grave consequences after it was consummed Oh hopefully the lovely ladies remember to shower and shave before they squeeze themselves into those new leather togs.
Rob
Well gents , it seems like forever in a day that I've been able to meaningfully deposit some info round these parts, so in view of this I shall take this oportunity to drop of an optional new item on a saturday ( it's saturday here now at any event )
CLASSIC STEAM # 35 THE ONTARIO & QUEBEC RAILWAY
The old abandonned right of way of the O & Q ran through some of the most rugged bits of Onatario that one could find, hard old shield rock that was difficult to force a railline let alone build settlements in or start any farming that was viable.
Nevertheless the propmoters of the O&Q were determined to build a trunk line through this part of the country.The financial benefits of this line and it's branches brought in millions to the Grand Trunk, which ran well south of it and to the GT's rival the Great Western.So in 1871 construction comenced.
The O&Q conected the CPR's Perth On - Montreal branch line in the east to the Credit Valley Railway in Orangeville in the west ( this line had connections to Michigan via the Canada southern through St Thomas On ).The O & Q could bridge that important gap between the US Midwest and the ocean port of Montreal, and would thereby challange the GT's supremacy as ontario's only province wide trunk line.
From the junction with the Credit Valley RR at west Toronto, the line crossed yonge street at a point which at the time was north of toronto's city limits.Here they built their major railway statiojn at a place they called Yorkville.( now of coarse the upscale shopping area in downtiown Toronto ). It then cut accross the farm of William Lea, where they named a staion Leaside, a name alter given a townsite that was created by the rival Canadian Northern. The lines route then continued north through Agincourt, then ran easterly well north of lake Ontario ( and the Grand Trunk mainline) after winding through fertile farmlands.it entered Peterborough where it added another station.As it got further east of Peterborough they began to gte into the more harsh sheild lands. When it reached Havelock they built a divisional point with yarrds and a full service roundhouse.
The line then continued on east snaking around the rock out croppings and ridges and briged swamps and muskeg and rivers until it reached the fertile Ottawa river Valley. The Q&O actually crossed 8 North south rail lines along this stretch of their system.The O&Q used van horne style stations at all the small comunities along the way picking up lcl and live stock and local manufactured goods.In 1908 the CPR built a rival line their Lakeshore line through most of these same towns. This new line met the O&Q at Glen Tray a few miles outside of Perth. With this esier route alot of the O&Q's locasl traffic declined with most of it taking the shorter easier CPR route.By the 1950's only the stations at Havelock,Perth,Glen Tray,& sharbot Lake remained open, (CPR aquired the O&Q in the 1940's)In 1971 the CPR removed the trackage through Glen tray and cut the lineback to Tweed,in 1988 this line was cut back further to Havelock. The Southern portion through orangeville the CPR owned Credit Valley railway was spun off to a shortline in the early 1990.s and still operates today.
Good morning Captain Tom, manager Lars and friends! Great to see Rob back in the forum, and with new stuff to boot! I'll have a quick light breakfast please. Okay ... I'll take shirt#4 in the challenge for the away games, but I may be ripping off whatever shirt I have to distract (and disgust) the opposition. Sorry, but you have to do what you have to if you lack talent and want to win.
I attended a meeting of the Chicago chapter of the Railroad and Locomotive Historical Society last night, and saw one heck of a lot of slides of trains, track and structures that are no longer around these parts. Amazing how much there was, as opposed to what we have today. However, events are slowly changing lately as more track and stations are actually being improved or built! Here's a bit on an ENCORE for ya'll to read, as I must run to take Katie (the fainter) to get her DPT shot this a.m.
The Ticket Counterfeiting Racket December 1935 Railroad Stories
Fifty years ago Louis Rice was chief clerk for the Mo. P. general ticket agent at St. Louis. He threw up his job and became a ticket scalper, opening offices in several Midwestern cities in partnership with a crooked lawyer named Lands. Rice and Lands soon found that the chief expense in their business was buying the tickets which they sold. “The deuce with this!” said Rice, or words to that effect. “Why can’t we print tickets ourselves?” He bought a print shop in a small town in Illinois.
Rice was not a careless man. He knew just the kind of paper the various railroads used, and got some. He copied all signatures expertly, probably by photography. And he figured out serial and form numbers that would convince the smartest conductor. What prevented it from being a “perfect crime,” however, was the fact that Rice’s ticket numbers were duplicates pf numbers on other tickets. “But that’s all right; nobody will notice,” he said to Lands, who was worried.
The tickets sold well and the slick promoters made thousands of dollars. Rice, who had recently become engaged, dazzled his fiancé with presents.
One day C.G. Warner, general auditor of the Mo.P., began wondering why his road carried so many more passengers than they had sold tickets for. “There is crooked business afoot,” thought Warner, and sent for a mass of used tickets. Ragged and soiled, they were heaped on his desk. Warner had all the numbers copied down and compared. Two were duplicates!
“Our tickets are being counterfeited,” he told the Mo.P. gumshoes. “It’s up to you to get the details.” Suspicion fastened on Louis Rice, as he knew a lot about tickets. It did not take Rice long to discover that the Mo.P. was on his trail. He decided to take a vacation and went to Kansas City. The detective, Thomas Furlong, also went to Kansas City. “Louis Rice? Oh yes – he’s gone to Salt Lake.” Rice was too well known on all the lines. From Salt Lake he visited San Francisco, then Portland. At Seattle he heard much about the attractions of Western Canada, so progressed to Victoria.
His trailer also went to Victoria and spent several hours looking over the scenery; but Rice was not part of it. Rice, in fact, had plunged into the Kassiar Mountains, where the fishing was especially good, to a camp some 357 miles from Victoria. The detective decided to go fishing too, and chose the same camp. Rice was not there.
Rice did not care much for the Kassiars, so went back to Seattle and then to Portland. Then he got a job in a bed spring factory; it is possible that he had always wanted to know how bed springs were made. Or maybe he thought such a factory was the last place a detective would set foot in. He put on dirty overalls and let his beard grow.
“Mr. Louis Rice?” It was the persistent Furlong. Rice was nabbed at last! On his way to St. Louis the fugitive told all. The nervous Lands was also arrested. “I have friends,” warned Lands, “who will get me out of this.” “That,” said Furlong coldly, “is not my worry.” A short time later both Rice and Lands were exonerated by a friendly judge, who remarked: “Forged railroad tickets have no intrinsic value.”
Rice gave up ticket printing. The life was too strenuous. He got married moved to Iowa, and sold insurance. Lands died shortly afterward. Ticket faking was made illegal in most states. It would take a very shrewd crook now to evade these laws – and the railroad detective force is still on the job. – Jim Holden.
Two soldiers were having a chat during their free time. First Soldier: Why did you join the army? Second Soldier: I didn't have a wife and I loved war. So I joined. How about you? Why did you join the army? First Soldier: I had a wife and I loved peace. So I joined.
Guten Morgen allerseits!
OKTOBERFEST at "Our" Place!
We will feature GERMAN brew all month!
GERMAN sausages will be added to the menu for the month, with all the trimmings!
On Saturday's in Otober The Mentor Village Teutonic Society will sponsor Oompah Music live at the "Our" Place picnic grounds Pavillion and Dance Emporium! Performers include the Sauerkraut Band, Electric Lederhosen and Burst the Wurst Trio
Lederhosen and Alpine hats will be worn by "Our Place"! staff throughout the month!
Full scale LGB trains will be running on the main lines for free round trips toCan-Am Gorge on weekends - 10 AM to 4 PM. First northbound departs the "Our" Place platform at 10 AM sharp. undt ve mean, sharp!
PLAN TO SHARE THIS FALL CELEBRATION WITH US!
Cards win! Cards win! My "prophecy" came true - I said we'd take one of the games and we did! "We takes what we gets!" My worst fear was being swept by those Mets from Queens (somehow, being "mighty" and calling a place like "Queens" home, doesn't meld very well! <grin>) So, we've got two at home before returning to the "Big Apple" for what could be the deciding game. I'd be a total dreamer to say that we have any kind of advantage - I go with the proven performances of the teams, and the Mets simply are the better of the two. However, "things happen"!
Nick - didn't expect to see ya at all on Friday; a return to olde tymes, eh Sleeping on the stairs is a bit rough on the house critters - they have trouble enough navigating 'em without having to go 'round or over a comatose human. Thursday nites must be a "bigun" over in west Wales!
Enjoyed the writeup of your visit to the Second Class Saloon and the "creatures" you mingled with. A "recon" trip is always a good idea and now we have a better handle on what we're up against. Didn't know that H&H decided to "cheer" for the guys - Cindy and her Ladies of Perpetual Motion are practicing long 'n hard over at the Mentor Dance & Fudge Works in front of standing room only gawkers! Those outfits from Victoria's Secret surely are - ahem - revealing.
Nice double-header from Rob - and I'll get to the "heavy reading" a bit later on . . . . good to see you've returned and we've missed those inclusive Posts! Talk of the Trolley Museum brings back some great thoughts . . .
Snow in Buffalo but nothing in your part of the woods, eh The way the weather patterns seem to work with that "lake effect snow" it seems that's more the normal than not. I recall way back in the late 50s a friend of mine and I made a trip up to Oswego, NY (state teacher's college). We were on the "trail" of a couple of "honeys" who had invited us up there for a weekend. So, what to do other than think with the wrong head, so to speak. Off we went from New York City for the long drive. We were on a 72 hour pass and weren't supposed to travel outside a 50 mile radius without permission from the command. Screw it - we went anyway. To make a long story really short - the first morning that we awoke in Oswego, there was snow up to the window sill - so what, you say We were on the 2nd floor! <yikes> Ah, memories of youth . . . .
Doug - shirt #4 it is! That leaves #1 'n #5 unassigned; so Pete will have to make his selection upon his return and what's left goes to Lars. <phew> Never thought something so &#%$ simple would turn out to be - well, typical of "Our" Place! <grin>
Nice ENCORE! - and that too will be set aside for my reading a bit later on.
It's going to be a BEAUTIFUL day here in mid-continent and there's all kinds of outside work to attend to. Gotta get this 'n that done before the onset of the really cold weather sure to come.
Noticed that petrol had dropped to $1.98 (rounded) up at "Collusion Corner" as the uncertainty of fuel prices seems to have turned in our favor - albeit, briefly.
Heard on the radio this morning that Armadillos have been sighted in an adjacent community. Now that may not mean much to many of you, but those critters used to be pretty much restricted to Texas and parts way south. They've marched northward and apparently are finding things to their liking up here. One will know they are here should your car have an encounter - BUMP - with one (or two). So, Tex, your relatives have arrived!
Boris, serve ‘em all of the “spiked” OJ they can handle!
Remember, this is ENCORE! Saturday - an "optional" event on our calendar for those who give a Rat's Patoot!
Good afternoon Ruth, how are things going, slow you say, well yes but it tis saturday after all. I'll nab a nice cold Becks and some of the beer nuts if you would please. Here's a twenty for an evening round for the stragglers.
Tom-Yikes snow like that would put a crimp in anyone's style no matter which head was responsible for the mess.I'm thinking with both the ladies and H&H cheering for us that we should have all bases covered. We have the distraction factor of the ladies , the intimidation factor of H&H and Boris and Leon, and the extra distraction of Doug playing toppless Should make for an intreesting audio / video tourney. No wonder the networks won't carry it! Yup all we recieved yesterday was wind and rain, only twice in my lifetime can I remember snow as bad as you described once in '77 when I was six and the snow was upto my neck , and once again in '83 when I was twelve it was upto my chest. So by my infalable reckoning that waas about the same amount of snow give or take an inch or two.
Doug-Fine reading in todays encore.Ticket and transfer fraud was a continuing battle for the street railways for years and years as well.One of the deciding factors that made most street railways go to one man crews was the elimination of conductors, as it was found that in many cases they would overring or underring the fares and pocket the difference.
Back in a bit. Ruth another frosty one if you would be so kind.
ENCORE BLAST FROM THE PAST ENCORE BLAST FROM THE PAST
Just a little something to tickle everyone's optic nerves from the not all that distant past.
passengerfan wrote:Good Morning Tom and trhe rest of the gang. Time for a cup of coffee and one of those crumpets from the Mentor Village Bakery. I didn't miss the B&O yesterday but it was one of the days where my Civic duty calls and I was in and out of the office my home and the City Hall all day long. Here is my B&O contribution for yesterday. BALTIMORE & OHIO Streamlined Sleeping Cars By Al The B&O would purchase 95 streamlined sleeping cars and lease three more for a period of time. Forty-three of the 95 sleeping cars owned by the B&O were heavyweights streamlined by Pullman Calumet for operation in the pre-WW II CAPITOL LIMITED and NATIONAL LIMITED trains. Of the remaining 52 lightweight stream-lined cars the B&O purchased 14 used from other roads. The CAPITOL LIMITED was inaugurated as an All-Pullman train between Baltimore - Washington and Chicago on May 12, 1923. Even though it was shown in the timetable as a Jersey City to Chicago train only one or two cars were forwarded beyond Washington in a connecting train to and from Jersey City. The CAPITOL LIMITED became one of the first fully air conditioned trains in 1932. On November 23, 1938 the CAPITOL LIMITED began operating as a diesel powered All-Pullman streamliner between Washington and Chicago with through sleeping cars to and from Jersey City. The heavyweight cars except for the two dining cars were remodeled and streamlined by Pullman Calumet with full width diaphragms full skirting, rounded turtle roofs, and tight lock couplers. It is believed this was one of the first installations of tight lock couplers on heavyweight cars. The new lightweight cars were almost all equipped with tight lock couplers. B&O streamlined the two Dining cars in there own Mount Clare shops. The interiors of all cars after remodeling and streamlining featured indirect lighting and brighter colors than Pullman normally used but still conservative enough for the B&O. The original heavyweight cars streamlined for the CAPITOL LIMITED follow. Baggage 12 Crew Dormitory Buffet 16 Seat Lounge Cars CAPITOL GARDEN CAPITOL HILL 14 Section Sleeping Cars ALEXANDER BELL JOHN ERICSSON PARK SPUR 12 Section 1 Drawing Room Sleeping Cars BRADSHAW CASTLETON GREEN BANK GREEN SPRING WESTFIELD 8 Section 5 Double Bedroom Sleeping Cars CLOVER BAY CLOVER CREST CLOVER HEIGHTS CLOVER HOLLOW CLOVER LODGE CLOVER PARK GARDEN BROOK GARDEN GLEN 8 Section 1 Drawing Room 2 Compartment Sleeping cars LAUREL BRANCH LAUREL DALE 36 Seat Dining Cars 1061 MARGARET BRENT 1062 VIRGINIA DARE 3 Compartment 1 Drawing Room Buffet 22 Seat Lounge 8 Seat Sun Room Solarium Observation CAPITOL ARMS CAPITOL CITY In October 1939 Pullman delivered two streamlined heavy-weight Sleeping cars for service in the CAPITOL LIMITED consists. These two cars were 8 Section 4 Double Bedroom Sleeping Cars EMERALD BORDER and EMERALD WATERS. Coaches were added to the CAPITOL LIMITED between August 4, 1940 and December 19, 1941 when the All Coach COLUMBIAN was inaugurated. At that time the CAPITOL LIMITED regained its All Pullman status. Having seen the results of the streamlined CAPITOL LIMITED increase passenger loads the B&O next turned their attention to the NATIONAL LIMITED the Washington - St. Louis train with cars to and from Jersey City. Once again like the CAPITOL LIMITED the timetable showed the NATIONAL LIMITED as a Jersey City - St. Louis train. Unlike the CAPITOL LIMITED the NATIONAL LIMITED carried both Coaches and Sleeping cars. The NATIONAL LIMITED also required four sets of equipment while the CAPITOL LIMITED only needed two. Again the B&O chose new EMC E units to power the streamlined train. The B&O Mount Clare shops streamlined 19 heavyweight cars while Pullman Calumet streamlined 23 heavyweight cars. Only three Sun Room Solarium Observations were necessary as they did not run north of Washington to Jersey City. Again most of the NATIONAL LIMITED consists would be assembled in Baltimore/Washington. Only sixteen of the Mount Clare shops heavyweight stream-lined cars were destined for service in the NATIONAL LIMITED the other three were for additional cars for the COLUMBIANS. The NATIONAL LIMITED streamlined heavyweights are listed below. Baggage 12 Crew Dormitory Buffet 16 Seat Lounge Cars 1302-1305 54 Revenue Seat Coaches 3550-3557 42 Seat Dining Lounge Cars 1077 - 1080 14 Section Sleeping Cars PARK CITY PARK FALLS 12 Section 1 Drawing Room Sleeping Cars EAST AKRON EAST MADISONVILLE EAST NORWOOD EAST SPARTA EAST YOUNGSTOWN UNIONVILLE 8 Section Buffet 20 Seat Lounge Cars MERCHANTS CLUB QUEEN CITY CLUB 8 Section Buffet 19 Seat Lounge Cars MARYLAND CLUB PITTSBURGH CLUB 10 Section 1 Drawing Room 2 Compartment Sleeping Cars LOCH AWE LOCH DOON LOCH EARN LOCH LOMOND 8 Section 4 Double Bedroom Sleeping Cars EMERALD BAY EMERALD BROOK EMERALD FALLS EMERALD WAVES 3 Compartment 1 Drawing Room Buffet 22 Seat Lounge 8 seat Sun Room Solarium Observations CAPITOL ESCORT PALM ISLANDS PALM KEY On January 15, 1941 The CAPITOL LIMITED received its first lightweight streamlined Sleeping cars. These were the two Pullman Pool cars CASCADE LOCKS and CASCADE BLUFFS with 10 Roomettes and 5 Double Bedrooms. The CAPITOL LIMITED operated these cars as Washington - Chicago sleepers. On May 27, 1941 two additional CASCADE series cars began operating in the DIPLOMAT between Washington and Detroit again one of these cars per consist in the otherwise all heavyweight train. The DIPLOMAT was the premier train of the B&O between Washington and Detroit and had operated as All Pullman at one time. The two CASCADE Series cars assigned to the DIPLOMAT were CASCADE BOULDERS and CASCADE GULLY. For whatever reason Pullman Standard opened their production line in September- October 1943 at the height of WW II long enough to deliver three new CASCADE series 10 roomette 5 Double Bedroom Sleeping cars to the B&O for assignment between Washington and St. Louis in the NATIONAL LIMITED. The three CASCADE series sleeping cars were CASCADE DRIVE, CASCADE MUSIC and CASCADE SOUND. All seven of the CASCADE series sleeping cars would become B&O property in 1945 and would receive 7000 series numbers along with their names. 10 ROOMETTE 5 DOUBLE BEDROOM SLEEPING CARS Pullman Standard April 1940 Plan: 4072B Lot: 6606 (Built for Pullman Pool transferred to B&O in 1941) CAPITOL LIMITED CASCADE BLUFF CASCADE LOCKS DIPLOMAT CASCADE BOULDERS CASCADE GULLY 10 ROOMETTE 5 DOUBLE BEDROOM SLEEPING CARS Pullman Standard September October 1943 Plan: 4072F Lot: 6679 (Built for Pullman pool assigned to NATIONAL LIMITED) CASCADE DRIVE CASCADE MUSIC CASCADE SOUND In 1945 when the seven CASCADE series cars received 7000 series numbers along with their names they appeared as follows. trolleyboy Member sinceMay 2014 3,727 posts Posted by trolleyboy on Saturday, October 14, 2006 4:05 PM ENCORE SATURDAY ! ENCORE SATURDAY ! ENCORE SATURDAY ! Just a small encore for this evening. I'm off to work shortly for an unusual late saturday evening shift.I'll see everyone tomorrow. Rob trolleyboy wrote:All right I shall drop another weird tales upon you kind folks today. Seeing as how Ted has given them a glowing ( no pun intended ) endorsement. Weird Tales From The Barn # 3 Street Railway Rules Here's some of the more unusual rules for street railway employees First set from Brooklyn Rapid Transit c1900 1) Employees are prohibited from entering saloons when in uniform,and from frequenting such places. Preference in employment and advancement will be given to total abstainers. 2) Lying down or lounging in the cars is prohibited.Condustors and motormen will never sit down while their car is in motion. 3) While engaged in operating a car, whistling, talking,or shouting to teamsters is forbidden,unless necessary to avoid an accident. 4) Should car become electrically charged, pole should be immediatly pulled down Ouch that would cause some grief to the crew ! ASRA RULES After 1903 most street railway companies adopted the ASRA rule book. ( American Street Railway Association ) here's some examples.... Rule 3 Conductors and Motormen must be clean and neat Rule 4 Conductors and Motormen must treat passengers with politness and must not make threatening gestures nor use loud,uncivil,or profane language,even under the greatest provacation. There were 89 general rules in the ASRA rulebook ! Covering everything from language to the proper tying of one's tie !One of the leading creators of this rulebook Rodger Burns also put out a small paper back titled How to Become a Motorman heres an excerpt. Do not lose control of your temper ! Many man of whom I have personal knowledge has lost his position because of a quick temper. I remeber a motorman who was always ill tempered. The minute he stepped into the vestibule and got his hand on the controller handle, he was angry at eberyone and everything. there was never anything right;the conductor was too slow, or the passengers were too slow,or too many people wetre riding.he had an idea that everyone wanted to ride with him, and they brouhgt all the old women,little children, and cripples on his car so he could not make his time. The next paragraph is my personal favourite. Do not forget your personal appearance.nothing gives a motorman a better stand in the public eye than to be clean and neatly dressed. If there is anything that disgusts me in a fellow worker,it is to sit behind him and gaze on a neck so dirty that you could raise a crop of potatoes on it without any fertilizer. Enjoy Rob [i]Rule three siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "OUR" PLACE - ONE YEAR of talking Classic Trains in an adult environment! Posted by siberianmo on Saturday, October 14, 2006 4:33 PM Guten Tag allerseits! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! ><fright!> He's baaaaaaaaaaaack! Oh, no - he's NOT. That's an ENCORE! from June 22nd, 2006 from 20 Fingers Al - now a member of the Legion of the Lost. <phew> Had me worried there, Rob! Appreciate the "Blast from the Past" (now WHERE did I see that phrase before <grin> - is there nothing that is "safe" from stealing 'round here ) Anyway, wtih Rob back on Satutrdays, it makes this lonesome day a bit more pleasant for Ruth and whoever happens to straggle in to the Tavern by the Tracks! Spent most of this fine day outoors, which is really a treat for me in that I detest hot weather and now that the fall has arrived - ummmmmmm, love it! Worked my aging butt to a frazzle, all joints are in some degree of agony, a hot shower, and my 2nd Coors Light, parked in front of the TV for the Tigers vs Athletics playoff game #4 - Juneau snoozing in the sunshine of the enclosed patio - my bride waiting on me hand 'n foot (yeah, right!) - all's well with the world! This time next week, if all goes well, I'll be enjoying the sights, sounds and thorough enjoyment of VIA Rail's "Chaleur," or at least I surely hope so! The way VIA has handled this reservation of mine and total disinterest in answering my questions, I'm beginning to wonder . . . Nothing or no one stays the same - a tenet of siberianmo that seems to hold true. <groan> Anyway, I doubt that the JOs who handle the "customer service" can screw up what should be a most enjoyable treat for Moi - Montreal's Central Station (Gare Centrale) - the "Chaleur" - the beer! - etc., etc., etc. Can't wait!! As this is my "last" ENCORE! Saturday for awhile, I'll come up with something appropriate to round out the way I feel . . . Nick - Ain't no way you or anyone else is gonna find out "who" that "mystery gal" is! Think about it - I'm 68 - so this is no CHICK by any stretch of the imagination! Lars is playing it coy and hasn't let on . . . so, we'll see what develops! Have to admit that my imagination is running with it . . . . but a gal in "Depends" does very little for me! Oh yeah - your Email was received and thanx for the input!! Rob - many thanx for Posting over on "my other Thread"! Really appreciate that, especially since Lars may not be around on a regular basis, and BK is - well - BK! Anyway, the idea is to try 'n attract some new blood 'round here and the more I think about it, the more I am convinced that I picked the WRONG Forum for this adult bar 'n grill. No matter - we're here and we'll "take what we gets!" Really - appreciate your support and hope you stop by more frequently with some TRACTION Pix! Doug 'n Rob - my "reading assignment" is complete and kudo's to the both of you for your efforts! Rob - just caught that "Weird Tales from the Barn #3" - originally Posted on June 15th, 2006 . . . A shame we haven't got any customers to enjoy your efforts - HOWEVER, they ARE appreciated! We seem to have fallen into one of those situations where the guys we used to depend upon only pop in now 'n then - and they DON'T read what has been posted. That's sad - especially when the guys make responses to THEM, but they go without any recognition whatsoever. Poor form, indeed! Anyway, continuing THANX for your support! Ruth - give 'em all a stein of whatever pleases 'em! Auf Wiedersehen! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "OUR" PLACE - ONE YEAR of talking Classic Trains in an adult environment! Posted by siberianmo on Saturday, October 14, 2006 4:53 PM Blast from the Past! ENCORE! Saturday - Blast from the Past! ENCORE! Saturday from Page 99, Sep 6, 2005 . . .. Okay - time for MY story about a VIA Rail trip with a and a not-so-happy conclusion. In December of 2002, my wife and I departed Toronto aboard VIA Rail's "Canadian" bound for Vancovuer. Having made the round trip once before, but in May, we were exicited about the prospects of a winter voyage across most of Canada. We were able to book the drawing room suite in the Park Car (Glacier Park) and settled into our seats in the dome as the train pulled out of Toronto's Union Station. The day was rather gloomy, a bit of light rain and sleet hitting the windows as we wound our way through and out of the city. The further north we got, the clearer the skies and by the time we started see evidence of that magnificant Canadian Shield, the skies were blue with some white puffy clouds. Great picture taking with some memorable sights indeed. Now I could continue this dialogue in the style aforementioned - but then it would just drone on and one - for really, the trip WAS fantastic. The snow amounts were far, far less than what we had hoped for - but then again, those of you living in Canada - especially the mountainous regions, know full well what the drought conditions have been like for quite some time. Nevertheless, we were undaunted in our optimism that the trip would hold true to our high expectations - and for the most part it did. On Friday, January 3rd, our train was struck by a rock slide just north of Boston Bar in the Fraser Canyon. Fortunately, this event did not seriously damage the train or harm any people within it. The delay of six hours wound up being a PLUS in that once we resumed our voyage, we got to view some sights that would have otherwise been "voids" to us. For had the train kept to its schedule, we would have passed through that area in darkness. (Same for the eastbound - darkness..........). Saw things that were all new to me (and have been alluded to in my previous posts) - for example, the rock slide 'sheds' that deflect the slides OVER the tracks rather than on to them. Interesting and effective concept indeed. Also the tunnel carved out of the rock - no portals - pretty rugged and functional. Can just imagine the work those people put into building that railroad! Wow. Now - fast forward to the day of departure from Vancouver, Sunday, January 5th. Talk had been heard in the "Silver & Blue" waiting area set aside for bedroom passengers at Pacific Central Station, that the "Cruise Ship Virus" had been detected on the train that had arrived from Toronto that morning. The train, was "quarantined" - not the passengers - and another had to be assembled rather quickly for the eastbound "Canadian" that evening (our triain). Now for those of you who don't know - this particular virus is a real doozy. Once it hits you - expect to be "out of it" for 48 hours, working very well from all 'ends' I might add. It probably is better known as the "Norwalk Virus" to most people who follow these things. It was said that 15 passengers in the coach portion of the morning train had come down with the virus and they were in very poor shape as some were carried from the train. All of this talk didn't bode well for what we had expected to unfold. We board the "new" train - deposited our belongings in the drawing room of the Stathcona Park Car and headed up to the dome to take in the sights of the train departing Vancouver. Just a marvelous way to travel - my wife had a complimentary glass of champagne and I had a local brew - and all was well with the world as we left Vancouver behind us. The next day was a picture taking day indeed. Just to give you one example, check out this photo of Mt. Robson - the tallest mounain in the Canadian Rockies at 12,972 ft/3,953 m. (click to enlarge ......) That should give you an idea of the great sky very conducive to picture taking (and keeping!). Fast forward to the next day as the train pulled into Winnipeg. We noticed all kinds of activity alongside the south side of the tracks as we neared the station. TV cameras, reporters, microphones, et al. When we asked our car attendant what was going on - he indicated that he had no idea, so we let it go at that. We arrived at the station to an announcement that if anyone wanted to stretch their legs now would be the time, but that they would NOT be permitted to reboard until further notice. Hmmmmm - we stayed on board. After about 2 hours of sitting up in the dome,and the train already late for the scheduled departure, we began to ask of the "new" attendant, what was going on. She said there was a "work issue" and that several new crew members refused to board the train. No further elaboration was given. About 2 hours after that - we heard an announcement that the train would be delayed further pending arrival of Health Canada officials. Hmmmmmmm. Fast forward to the bottom line: The virus had stricken a half dozen passengers, one in the bedroom compartment adjacent to ours. We had noticed that all during the trip, the handrails were being constantly wiped by attendants wearing latex gloves and spraying a solution wherever one might be expected to touch ....... That was the only overt indication of preventative measures being taken to safeguard us from this virus. The replacement crew refused to board at Winnipeg until assurances were given that they would not be adversely impacted. That evening - after the train finally left, a total of 6 hours in delay - we had dinner. Within a half hour of that event, I got sick - and did I ever get sick! I'm an "old guy" and have experienced feeling bad in my life - but I assure you, NEVER quite like this. The remainder of the trip to Toronto was spent in the toilet - got to know that rascal "up close and personal" or comatose in bed. Awful experience to say the least. We were met at the station by VIA Rail and Health Canada officials. The latter wanted to take "samples" and the former wanted me to sign something similar to a "release." I provided the sample - but refused the release. We remined on the train for about 45 minutes after everyone else had departed and then we were "cleared" to go. The VIA Rail official arranged for our baggage to be taken to a taxi - put us in it - picked up the tab (for the cab, that is) and sent us on our way to the hotel we had made reservations with. Stayed at the Renaissance in the Sky Dome. Fast forward to today: Haven't heard a word about the incident since and the replies to my inquiries regarding exactly what was done with my "samples" and confirmation from VIA and Helath Canada that this was the "Cruise Ship Virus" have NEVER been addressed. I even provided photo copies of the newspaper accounts of the virus aboard the trains (that earlier train I alluded to, and ours) - but it was if the recipients closed their minds to the facts ......) Case closed. P.S. Am I angry with VIA Rail over this? NO - absolutely NOT. I love those trains and I enjoy the experience. However, I think ineptitude and rudeness on the part of ANY indiviudal can NEVER be excused. So, I will probably always harbor a feeling of ill will directed toward those who should have: (1) Informed the passengers on the train of the sit Happy Railroading! Siberianmo nickinwestwales Member sinceApril 2005 901 posts Posted by nickinwestwales on Saturday, October 14, 2006 8:45 PM I don`t believe this-in my eagerness to trawl up some pix,I`ve managed to delete my entire evenings submission-thank you god so very,very much............. Right,O.K boys,from the top.....2,3,4:-TOM-yes,thursdays are a fun night-mostly a social thing with the odd tune thrown in //// H&H are there for there prowess with concealed weapons //// nice memoir of impetuous youth and salutory tale of recent trip-some public health crisis management issues there....//// dillo do everywhere-steps must be taken......... ROB-Carlsberg & peppermint schnapps ??--who are you and what have you done with the REAL Rob Austin...??? //// small Hannah blurry for several hours after huge sugar fix //// nice hits on O+Q (more questions to follow ) and encores fom you and AL DOUG-nice `True Crimes ` special recent reading:- book called "Great lies to tell small children"--3 faves so far..1-wine makes mummy clever, 2-if you put a slice of ham in the DVD player and press start,it plays a short film about pigs 3- And one night the tooth fairy went to Dracula`s castle,she was ever so careful but she scratched her finger on one of his fangs and then SHE TURNED INTO AN EVIL BLOODSUCKING MONSTER WHO WILL FIND YOU WHEREVER YOU HIDE.....night-night,lights out now........ Right,sorry it`s a bit abbreviated but it`s half past late again and it`s the second time of typing...... marvellous steak tonight-excellent plan getting DL-UK into the galley-now there is a man who knows his way around a cream,brandy & cracked peppercorn sauce -will have to look to my laurels here.... take care gents,see you for pix tomorrow (we are back in Snowdonia,with a Canadian diversion) sleep well,nick EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Sunday, October 15, 2006 4:12 AM Good Morning herr Kapitän Tom and Gentlemen! Sunday morning and the bar is closed. Very busy Saturday, finishing a room we have remodeled. But now it is almost completely done and it looks nice. Before I go to bed I thought I would give you a link to some of my pictures. It is a mix, some locomotives, some trains, and some streetcars. Kalmbach has not fixed the problem yet so I can't show them here. Since I am not able to add a normal link I am afraid you have to copy and paste this address to be able to see the pictures. Maybe somebody else could fix a "normal" link to this address. http://web.mac.com/ericx2000/iWeb/Sunday%20Picts/Sunday%20Pictures.html I will be back later this Sunday. Eric nickinwestwales Member sinceApril 2005 901 posts Posted by nickinwestwales on Sunday, October 15, 2006 4:41 AM Good morning gents-got a man in fixing the central heating boiler so I thought I`d pop in for a quick check on the old place,whilst I`m here lets get sunday pix up and running since Eric has given us a flying start (Eric-will check `em out directly and get back later with comments " border="0" /> One for ROB first-Montreal and Southern Counties trolley line " border="0" /> A delightfully bucolic scene.. " border="0" /> For my money,this is (was)the classiest `F` unit livery around .........now that should provoke some debate Right,off to do a little light pottering around the place,back later nick Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 15, 2006 7:12 AM Good morning everyone …. who darted? Nice to see Rob back in form yesterday with some mighty long posts indeed. Loved reading Tom’s encore again on his good/bad VIA trip. Great to see partner Nick already in with some fine pix, but not so sure I should have tried the piece of ham in the DVD (which did NOT play a three pigs story, and hasn’t played anything since, by the way). Go figure. Here’s your link Eric http://web.mac.com/ericx2000/iWeb/Sunday%20Picts/Sunday%20Pictures.html Here’s a little something I whipped-up for ya’ll. Be sure to read the question at the end! The Character of the Interurban To the once sprawling interurban giant, the Illinois Central Terminal, goes the distinction of having created what many students of traction consider the archtype of the interurban – the equipment, the right-of-way, the character that immediately triggers the imagination to thoughts of bright cars singing across green countryside, of friendly two-man crews, lumbering freight juice jacks, and indeed, a manner of living that came in with the overhead and went out with the auto and the two-lane slab. That open-platform parlor car, for example. Now there was a way to travel the electric lines in grand style! And it carried a drum sign, too, and doubtless gave the country youngsters a big moment as they stood by the tracks and studied the real meaning of an exotic name like Illmo Limited. A study of the streetcar and the interurban side by side may help to illustrate that there was a difference. But this difference is now of little importance since both cars will serve on the same line doing the same job at the discretion of the management. Both are museum pieces. A matching three-car train of ex-Illinois Terminal interurbans will be available to railfan groups. No. 241 will be the power at the head end, looking almost as it did when delivered by ACF in 1908, except for its color. This was one of the last IT cars built with a railroad roof. United Railways of St, Louis No. 600, restored to its 1918 appearance. Note the Providence fenders and rare DuPont trucks. The 600’s were built in 1903, started service during the 1904 World’s Fair at St. Louis. Here are the trailer and parlor car of the three-car railfan train. These two were built by the Danville (Illinois) Car Co. in 1910. Now they will provide a nostalgic setting for Sunday afternoon excursions. No. 1595, a massive, four-truck, Class C freight locomotive, dwarfs the city streetcar beside it. This type of locomotive is used to pull mainline freights of approximately 12 cars. In spite of its length, the 1595 will negotiate tight, 44-ft. radius curves laid in city streets. The 1595 pushes an empty hopper through the yard enroute to the interchange, interrupting our still life studies of the interurban at home. This shop wall is used as a background for all photos of company equipment and the men in the shop obligingly posed all the equipment here for us. A closer view of the 234 shows its “Capitol Limited” tailsign. This car has been fitted out as a business car for many years, but will now have little use in this capacity. Now the platform of the 234 provides only a view of the other cars, but once under way, the view of rolling countryside and scenery will make this the train’s premium spot. Again we climbed to the top of an adjacent car (watch out for the wire!) to get a better view of the Class C as it moved by. The end platforms swing under the main body, hence its ability to negotiate sharp curves. Class C types replaced two-truck Class B locos in heavy freight service. Everyone ready for my BIG question? Where were these photos taken? Edit siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "OUR" PLACE - ONE YEAR of talking Classic Trains in an adult environment! Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, October 15, 2006 10:38 AM Even though the bar at "Our" Place is CLOSED on SUNDAYs - We do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day! NOW PLAYING at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre! . . . Sunday, October 15th thru 21st: The Hunt for Red October (1990) Starring: Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin & James Earl Jones – and – Crimson Tide (1995) Starring: Denzel Washington & Gene Hackman. SHORT: The Three Stooges – Goofs and Saddles (1937) The Hunt for Red October (1990) PLOT SUMMARY: Sean Connery stars with Alec Baldwin in John McTiernan's blockbuster The Hunt For Red October. Connery plays Marko Ramius, a senior Lithuanian sub captain whose plans to defect are met with strong opposition by his own Soviet navy, and American misconceptions of his intentions. Baldwin plays CIA analyst Jack Ryan, the one man who sees the defection, and must convince most of the American navy he is correct. The action climaxes with an amazing naval battle, but who will win The Hunt for Red October. from: www.imdb.com Crimson Tide (1995) Instability in Russia results in the deployment of the the nuclear submarine "Alabama". Russian rebels have taken over a nuclear missile site and are refueling them for a possible strike against the USA. Tensions run high undersea, when the launch message is received, followed by an incomplete followup. Could the followup message have been to cancel the earlier orders? from: www.imdb.com SHORT: Goofs and Saddles (1937) PLOT SUMMARY: Featuring Moe, Larry and Curly Gen. Muster sends his three best scouts - Buffalo Billious (Curly)' Wild Bill Hiccup (Moe) and Just-Plain-Bill (Larry) - to track down the cattle rustlers operating in the area. The Stooges track down Longhorn Pete and' disguised as gamblers' try to find out his plans. The boys get exposed' but manage a spectacular get away and eventually turn the tables on Pete and his gang. from: www.threestooges.net Enjoy! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "OUR" PLACE - ONE YEAR of talking Classic Trains in an adult environment! Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, October 15, 2006 12:23 PM Even though the bar is CLOSED on SUNDAYs - We do host a breakfast - brunch - lunch 'til 2 PM! If you just want to talk - drop your messages through the mail slot in either set of front doors! Guten Tag allerseits! I just gotta say it - Cardinals won! Cardinals won! The Amazin' Mets are amazed, I'd think. So that' s two games they've taken from the boyz from New Yawk (actually the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and . . . . ) Anyway, the game was one of those 'gems' we baseball fans get to see every now 'n then come the playoffs. Also have to say that the Detroit game was really a great one and ended as only a game like that should - botton of the ninth - score tied - then bam - home run - game over! Tigers won! I'm happy for Jim Leland (Manager) and those who stuck with the Tigers through many recent tough years. Some rather interesting Pix from the guys on this Sunday - began very early at that! Much appreciated. Sorry, Doug - only guess I can come up with for that great looking spate of interurbans would be St. Louis. Since I really don't have a "deep" history with either - traction or St. Louis - that's the best I can come up with. Nicely done with the 9 Pix and narratives! Eric - the difficulties continue, eh Well, I enjoyed your URL and note that Doug provided the 'easy access' version in his Post. Getting back to your photo spread - if you think you are having problems, how about that engineer in the X2 - now THAT's a problem! If you guys wanna know what I'm speaking of - check out Eric's Pix in his URL. Not really impressed with the design of those LRVs for Phoenix - look rather short and out of symmetry. However, any urban area that has the foresight to embrace light-rail should be commended! While I wouldn't wager a guess at the rail car on the ferry in one of your Pix - we know who COULD. Alas, 20-fingers Al is a fixture within the Legion of the Lost and perhaps may never fully regain his position at the bar. Anyway, looks like a Milwaukee Road observation car - but that's as far as my limited knowledge takes it . . . Enjoyed the slide show feature on your URL - something I'd really like to learn how to do. One of these days (daze)! <grin> THANX for the effort in putting all of this together for us. Guys - check out http://web.mac.com/ericx2000/iWeb/Sunday%20Picts/Sunday%20Pictures.html it's most definitely worth the time! Nick - enjoyed your Pix spread too - and you betcha there's "fightin' words" in that claim of top shelf livery for those Fs. Canadian Pacific comes to mind as a great looking paint job - then there's . . . . Auf Wiedersehen! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Sunday, October 15, 2006 3:25 PM Good afternoon Captain Tom, Gentlemen! I guessed I missed lunch. My luck. But I found a lot of interesting stuff to read, including nice pictures. Doug – Kind of tragic (and comic) story about the streetcars in Billings. They did not last long. How much would $200,000 in 1912 be today? Sounds like a low cost operation. I like the different team names. I have a hard time deciding what name I like the most though. About the ticket counterfeiting, I would say that judge was really not very friendly, was he? But I guess the laws back then allowed him to be “friendly” in this case since ticket faking obviously wasn’t illegal then. Thank you for help “converting” my address to a link! I wish I could show my pictures in a normal way. Interesting pictures of interurbans, streetcars, and freight locomotive! The closest guess I have about the location is north Illinois! CM3 – I had no clue that Dart is played by such “strange” people. I am reading your reports with great interest how things are done in the world of sports. I don’t doubt it is true, Nick’s report kind of verifies it. James – Do you have more info about the E-unit you are showing on one of your pitures? I have never seen anything like it. It certainly says "Wash me" on the side of it. Nick – I hope you managed to explain to Missisnick why you slept on the chairs. To be a dart sportsman is tough! Wow, couldn’t you sleep this morning? Nice pictures Nick! Are you saying that those F-units are still in service? Rob – Reading your story about O&Q I think they did pretty good, staying alive for so long and a smaller portion of it is still in service, operated by a shortline. Read your rerun story about unusual rules for street railway employees. If a streetcar gets electrically charged (i.e. when derailed and the pole is still making contact with the wire) you have to jump off the car and then you can pull pole down the pole without any problem. When the pole doesn’t touch the wire any more the streetcar is not electrically charged. Tom – You promised that German sausages will be added to the menu for the month, with all trimmings. You don’t have to include sauerkraut though. I understand your frustration about VIA and their refusal to answer your questions. That kind of behavior makes me very angry. I certainly hope that the upcoming trip will be a much more pleasant one. The engineer of the X2 was me! I can’t say I was very happy when this computer engineer hooked up his laptop and then entered the wrong combination and turned of the traction computer. It took about three hours before we got the needed spare parts and then another hour before they had been installed. About the Phoenix LRV, the picture doesn’t show the entire vehicle. One long section is missing. I guess I should have mentioned that. Eric siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "OUR" PLACE - ONE YEAR of talking Classic Trains in an adult environment! Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, October 15, 2006 5:02 PM Even though the bar is CLOSED on Sundays - We do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day! Here are a few Pix from the trip described in my ENCORE! Saturday Post (page 411): Departing Toronto's Union Station in a light rain Heading north to the Canadian Shield Scenery in the Shield Scenery in the Shield VIA Rail's west bound Canadian at Sioux Lookout New Year's morning in the diner! Shield scenery through the diner window! Sunrise in Edmonton That's it - more Pix on Sunday after next! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo « First«271272273274275276277»Last » SUBSCRIBER & MEMBER LOGIN Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more! Login Register FREE NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter Submit More great sites from Kalmbach Media Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy
ENCORE SATURDAY ! ENCORE SATURDAY ! ENCORE SATURDAY !
Just a small encore for this evening. I'm off to work shortly for an unusual late saturday evening shift.I'll see everyone tomorrow.
trolleyboy wrote:All right I shall drop another weird tales upon you kind folks today. Seeing as how Ted has given them a glowing ( no pun intended ) endorsement. Weird Tales From The Barn # 3 Street Railway Rules Here's some of the more unusual rules for street railway employees First set from Brooklyn Rapid Transit c1900 1) Employees are prohibited from entering saloons when in uniform,and from frequenting such places. Preference in employment and advancement will be given to total abstainers. 2) Lying down or lounging in the cars is prohibited.Condustors and motormen will never sit down while their car is in motion. 3) While engaged in operating a car, whistling, talking,or shouting to teamsters is forbidden,unless necessary to avoid an accident. 4) Should car become electrically charged, pole should be immediatly pulled down Ouch that would cause some grief to the crew ! ASRA RULES After 1903 most street railway companies adopted the ASRA rule book. ( American Street Railway Association ) here's some examples.... Rule 3 Conductors and Motormen must be clean and neat Rule 4 Conductors and Motormen must treat passengers with politness and must not make threatening gestures nor use loud,uncivil,or profane language,even under the greatest provacation. There were 89 general rules in the ASRA rulebook ! Covering everything from language to the proper tying of one's tie !One of the leading creators of this rulebook Rodger Burns also put out a small paper back titled How to Become a Motorman heres an excerpt. Do not lose control of your temper ! Many man of whom I have personal knowledge has lost his position because of a quick temper. I remeber a motorman who was always ill tempered. The minute he stepped into the vestibule and got his hand on the controller handle, he was angry at eberyone and everything. there was never anything right;the conductor was too slow, or the passengers were too slow,or too many people wetre riding.he had an idea that everyone wanted to ride with him, and they brouhgt all the old women,little children, and cripples on his car so he could not make his time. The next paragraph is my personal favourite. Do not forget your personal appearance.nothing gives a motorman a better stand in the public eye than to be clean and neatly dressed. If there is anything that disgusts me in a fellow worker,it is to sit behind him and gaze on a neck so dirty that you could raise a crop of potatoes on it without any fertilizer. Enjoy Rob [i]Rule three
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! ><fright!> He's baaaaaaaaaaaack! Oh, no - he's NOT. That's an ENCORE! from June 22nd, 2006 from 20 Fingers Al - now a member of the Legion of the Lost. <phew> Had me worried there, Rob!
Appreciate the "Blast from the Past" (now WHERE did I see that phrase before <grin> - is there nothing that is "safe" from stealing 'round here ) Anyway, wtih Rob back on Satutrdays, it makes this lonesome day a bit more pleasant for Ruth and whoever happens to straggle in to the Tavern by the Tracks!
Spent most of this fine day outoors, which is really a treat for me in that I detest hot weather and now that the fall has arrived - ummmmmmm, love it! Worked my aging butt to a frazzle, all joints are in some degree of agony, a hot shower, and my 2nd Coors Light, parked in front of the TV for the Tigers vs Athletics playoff game #4 - Juneau snoozing in the sunshine of the enclosed patio - my bride waiting on me hand 'n foot (yeah, right!) - all's well with the world!
This time next week, if all goes well, I'll be enjoying the sights, sounds and thorough enjoyment of VIA Rail's "Chaleur," or at least I surely hope so! The way VIA has handled this reservation of mine and total disinterest in answering my questions, I'm beginning to wonder . . . Nothing or no one stays the same - a tenet of siberianmo that seems to hold true. <groan> Anyway, I doubt that the JOs who handle the "customer service" can screw up what should be a most enjoyable treat for Moi - Montreal's Central Station (Gare Centrale) - the "Chaleur" - the beer! - etc., etc., etc. Can't wait!!
As this is my "last" ENCORE! Saturday for awhile, I'll come up with something appropriate to round out the way I feel . . .
Nick - Ain't no way you or anyone else is gonna find out "who" that "mystery gal" is! Think about it - I'm 68 - so this is no CHICK by any stretch of the imagination! Lars is playing it coy and hasn't let on . . . so, we'll see what develops! Have to admit that my imagination is running with it . . . . but a gal in "Depends" does very little for me! Oh yeah - your Email was received and thanx for the input!!
Rob - many thanx for Posting over on "my other Thread"! Really appreciate that, especially since Lars may not be around on a regular basis, and BK is - well - BK! Anyway, the idea is to try 'n attract some new blood 'round here and the more I think about it, the more I am convinced that I picked the WRONG Forum for this adult bar 'n grill. No matter - we're here and we'll "take what we gets!" Really - appreciate your support and hope you stop by more frequently with some TRACTION Pix!
Doug 'n Rob - my "reading assignment" is complete and kudo's to the both of you for your efforts!
Rob - just caught that "Weird Tales from the Barn #3" - originally Posted on June 15th, 2006 . . . A shame we haven't got any customers to enjoy your efforts - HOWEVER, they ARE appreciated! We seem to have fallen into one of those situations where the guys we used to depend upon only pop in now 'n then - and they DON'T read what has been posted. That's sad - especially when the guys make responses to THEM, but they go without any recognition whatsoever. Poor form, indeed! Anyway, continuing THANX for your support!
Ruth - give 'em all a stein of whatever pleases 'em!
Blast from the Past! ENCORE! Saturday - Blast from the Past! ENCORE! Saturday
from Page 99, Sep 6, 2005 . . ..
Okay - time for MY story about a VIA Rail trip with a and a not-so-happy conclusion. In December of 2002, my wife and I departed Toronto aboard VIA Rail's "Canadian" bound for Vancovuer. Having made the round trip once before, but in May, we were exicited about the prospects of a winter voyage across most of Canada. We were able to book the drawing room suite in the Park Car (Glacier Park) and settled into our seats in the dome as the train pulled out of Toronto's Union Station. The day was rather gloomy, a bit of light rain and sleet hitting the windows as we wound our way through and out of the city. The further north we got, the clearer the skies and by the time we started see evidence of that magnificant Canadian Shield, the skies were blue with some white puffy clouds. Great picture taking with some memorable sights indeed. Now I could continue this dialogue in the style aforementioned - but then it would just drone on and one - for really, the trip WAS fantastic. The snow amounts were far, far less than what we had hoped for - but then again, those of you living in Canada - especially the mountainous regions, know full well what the drought conditions have been like for quite some time. Nevertheless, we were undaunted in our optimism that the trip would hold true to our high expectations - and for the most part it did. On Friday, January 3rd, our train was struck by a rock slide just north of Boston Bar in the Fraser Canyon. Fortunately, this event did not seriously damage the train or harm any people within it. The delay of six hours wound up being a PLUS in that once we resumed our voyage, we got to view some sights that would have otherwise been "voids" to us. For had the train kept to its schedule, we would have passed through that area in darkness. (Same for the eastbound - darkness..........). Saw things that were all new to me (and have been alluded to in my previous posts) - for example, the rock slide 'sheds' that deflect the slides OVER the tracks rather than on to them. Interesting and effective concept indeed. Also the tunnel carved out of the rock - no portals - pretty rugged and functional. Can just imagine the work those people put into building that railroad! Wow. Now - fast forward to the day of departure from Vancouver, Sunday, January 5th. Talk had been heard in the "Silver & Blue" waiting area set aside for bedroom passengers at Pacific Central Station, that the "Cruise Ship Virus" had been detected on the train that had arrived from Toronto that morning. The train, was "quarantined" - not the passengers - and another had to be assembled rather quickly for the eastbound "Canadian" that evening (our triain). Now for those of you who don't know - this particular virus is a real doozy. Once it hits you - expect to be "out of it" for 48 hours, working very well from all 'ends' I might add. It probably is better known as the "Norwalk Virus" to most people who follow these things. It was said that 15 passengers in the coach portion of the morning train had come down with the virus and they were in very poor shape as some were carried from the train. All of this talk didn't bode well for what we had expected to unfold. We board the "new" train - deposited our belongings in the drawing room of the Stathcona Park Car and headed up to the dome to take in the sights of the train departing Vancouver. Just a marvelous way to travel - my wife had a complimentary glass of champagne and I had a local brew - and all was well with the world as we left Vancouver behind us. The next day was a picture taking day indeed. Just to give you one example, check out this photo of Mt. Robson - the tallest mounain in the Canadian Rockies at 12,972 ft/3,953 m. (click to enlarge ......) That should give you an idea of the great sky very conducive to picture taking (and keeping!). Fast forward to the next day as the train pulled into Winnipeg. We noticed all kinds of activity alongside the south side of the tracks as we neared the station. TV cameras, reporters, microphones, et al. When we asked our car attendant what was going on - he indicated that he had no idea, so we let it go at that. We arrived at the station to an announcement that if anyone wanted to stretch their legs now would be the time, but that they would NOT be permitted to reboard until further notice. Hmmmmm - we stayed on board. After about 2 hours of sitting up in the dome,and the train already late for the scheduled departure, we began to ask of the "new" attendant, what was going on. She said there was a "work issue" and that several new crew members refused to board the train. No further elaboration was given. About 2 hours after that - we heard an announcement that the train would be delayed further pending arrival of Health Canada officials. Hmmmmmmm. Fast forward to the bottom line: The virus had stricken a half dozen passengers, one in the bedroom compartment adjacent to ours. We had noticed that all during the trip, the handrails were being constantly wiped by attendants wearing latex gloves and spraying a solution wherever one might be expected to touch ....... That was the only overt indication of preventative measures being taken to safeguard us from this virus. The replacement crew refused to board at Winnipeg until assurances were given that they would not be adversely impacted. That evening - after the train finally left, a total of 6 hours in delay - we had dinner. Within a half hour of that event, I got sick - and did I ever get sick! I'm an "old guy" and have experienced feeling bad in my life - but I assure you, NEVER quite like this. The remainder of the trip to Toronto was spent in the toilet - got to know that rascal "up close and personal" or comatose in bed. Awful experience to say the least. We were met at the station by VIA Rail and Health Canada officials. The latter wanted to take "samples" and the former wanted me to sign something similar to a "release." I provided the sample - but refused the release. We remined on the train for about 45 minutes after everyone else had departed and then we were "cleared" to go. The VIA Rail official arranged for our baggage to be taken to a taxi - put us in it - picked up the tab (for the cab, that is) and sent us on our way to the hotel we had made reservations with. Stayed at the Renaissance in the Sky Dome. Fast forward to today: Haven't heard a word about the incident since and the replies to my inquiries regarding exactly what was done with my "samples" and confirmation from VIA and Helath Canada that this was the "Cruise Ship Virus" have NEVER been addressed. I even provided photo copies of the newspaper accounts of the virus aboard the trains (that earlier train I alluded to, and ours) - but it was if the recipients closed their minds to the facts ......) Case closed. P.S. Am I angry with VIA Rail over this? NO - absolutely NOT. I love those trains and I enjoy the experience. However, I think ineptitude and rudeness on the part of ANY indiviudal can NEVER be excused. So, I will probably always harbor a feeling of ill will directed toward those who should have: (1) Informed the passengers on the train of the sit Happy Railroading! Siberianmo nickinwestwales Member sinceApril 2005 901 posts Posted by nickinwestwales on Saturday, October 14, 2006 8:45 PM I don`t believe this-in my eagerness to trawl up some pix,I`ve managed to delete my entire evenings submission-thank you god so very,very much............. Right,O.K boys,from the top.....2,3,4:-TOM-yes,thursdays are a fun night-mostly a social thing with the odd tune thrown in //// H&H are there for there prowess with concealed weapons //// nice memoir of impetuous youth and salutory tale of recent trip-some public health crisis management issues there....//// dillo do everywhere-steps must be taken......... ROB-Carlsberg & peppermint schnapps ??--who are you and what have you done with the REAL Rob Austin...??? //// small Hannah blurry for several hours after huge sugar fix //// nice hits on O+Q (more questions to follow ) and encores fom you and AL DOUG-nice `True Crimes ` special recent reading:- book called "Great lies to tell small children"--3 faves so far..1-wine makes mummy clever, 2-if you put a slice of ham in the DVD player and press start,it plays a short film about pigs 3- And one night the tooth fairy went to Dracula`s castle,she was ever so careful but she scratched her finger on one of his fangs and then SHE TURNED INTO AN EVIL BLOODSUCKING MONSTER WHO WILL FIND YOU WHEREVER YOU HIDE.....night-night,lights out now........ Right,sorry it`s a bit abbreviated but it`s half past late again and it`s the second time of typing...... marvellous steak tonight-excellent plan getting DL-UK into the galley-now there is a man who knows his way around a cream,brandy & cracked peppercorn sauce -will have to look to my laurels here.... take care gents,see you for pix tomorrow (we are back in Snowdonia,with a Canadian diversion) sleep well,nick EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Sunday, October 15, 2006 4:12 AM Good Morning herr Kapitän Tom and Gentlemen! Sunday morning and the bar is closed. Very busy Saturday, finishing a room we have remodeled. But now it is almost completely done and it looks nice. Before I go to bed I thought I would give you a link to some of my pictures. It is a mix, some locomotives, some trains, and some streetcars. Kalmbach has not fixed the problem yet so I can't show them here. Since I am not able to add a normal link I am afraid you have to copy and paste this address to be able to see the pictures. Maybe somebody else could fix a "normal" link to this address. http://web.mac.com/ericx2000/iWeb/Sunday%20Picts/Sunday%20Pictures.html I will be back later this Sunday. Eric nickinwestwales Member sinceApril 2005 901 posts Posted by nickinwestwales on Sunday, October 15, 2006 4:41 AM Good morning gents-got a man in fixing the central heating boiler so I thought I`d pop in for a quick check on the old place,whilst I`m here lets get sunday pix up and running since Eric has given us a flying start (Eric-will check `em out directly and get back later with comments " border="0" /> One for ROB first-Montreal and Southern Counties trolley line " border="0" /> A delightfully bucolic scene.. " border="0" /> For my money,this is (was)the classiest `F` unit livery around .........now that should provoke some debate Right,off to do a little light pottering around the place,back later nick Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 15, 2006 7:12 AM Good morning everyone …. who darted? Nice to see Rob back in form yesterday with some mighty long posts indeed. Loved reading Tom’s encore again on his good/bad VIA trip. Great to see partner Nick already in with some fine pix, but not so sure I should have tried the piece of ham in the DVD (which did NOT play a three pigs story, and hasn’t played anything since, by the way). Go figure. Here’s your link Eric http://web.mac.com/ericx2000/iWeb/Sunday%20Picts/Sunday%20Pictures.html Here’s a little something I whipped-up for ya’ll. Be sure to read the question at the end! The Character of the Interurban To the once sprawling interurban giant, the Illinois Central Terminal, goes the distinction of having created what many students of traction consider the archtype of the interurban – the equipment, the right-of-way, the character that immediately triggers the imagination to thoughts of bright cars singing across green countryside, of friendly two-man crews, lumbering freight juice jacks, and indeed, a manner of living that came in with the overhead and went out with the auto and the two-lane slab. That open-platform parlor car, for example. Now there was a way to travel the electric lines in grand style! And it carried a drum sign, too, and doubtless gave the country youngsters a big moment as they stood by the tracks and studied the real meaning of an exotic name like Illmo Limited. A study of the streetcar and the interurban side by side may help to illustrate that there was a difference. But this difference is now of little importance since both cars will serve on the same line doing the same job at the discretion of the management. Both are museum pieces. A matching three-car train of ex-Illinois Terminal interurbans will be available to railfan groups. No. 241 will be the power at the head end, looking almost as it did when delivered by ACF in 1908, except for its color. This was one of the last IT cars built with a railroad roof. United Railways of St, Louis No. 600, restored to its 1918 appearance. Note the Providence fenders and rare DuPont trucks. The 600’s were built in 1903, started service during the 1904 World’s Fair at St. Louis. Here are the trailer and parlor car of the three-car railfan train. These two were built by the Danville (Illinois) Car Co. in 1910. Now they will provide a nostalgic setting for Sunday afternoon excursions. No. 1595, a massive, four-truck, Class C freight locomotive, dwarfs the city streetcar beside it. This type of locomotive is used to pull mainline freights of approximately 12 cars. In spite of its length, the 1595 will negotiate tight, 44-ft. radius curves laid in city streets. The 1595 pushes an empty hopper through the yard enroute to the interchange, interrupting our still life studies of the interurban at home. This shop wall is used as a background for all photos of company equipment and the men in the shop obligingly posed all the equipment here for us. A closer view of the 234 shows its “Capitol Limited” tailsign. This car has been fitted out as a business car for many years, but will now have little use in this capacity. Now the platform of the 234 provides only a view of the other cars, but once under way, the view of rolling countryside and scenery will make this the train’s premium spot. Again we climbed to the top of an adjacent car (watch out for the wire!) to get a better view of the Class C as it moved by. The end platforms swing under the main body, hence its ability to negotiate sharp curves. Class C types replaced two-truck Class B locos in heavy freight service. Everyone ready for my BIG question? Where were these photos taken? Edit siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "OUR" PLACE - ONE YEAR of talking Classic Trains in an adult environment! Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, October 15, 2006 10:38 AM Even though the bar at "Our" Place is CLOSED on SUNDAYs - We do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day! NOW PLAYING at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre! . . . Sunday, October 15th thru 21st: The Hunt for Red October (1990) Starring: Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin & James Earl Jones – and – Crimson Tide (1995) Starring: Denzel Washington & Gene Hackman. SHORT: The Three Stooges – Goofs and Saddles (1937) The Hunt for Red October (1990) PLOT SUMMARY: Sean Connery stars with Alec Baldwin in John McTiernan's blockbuster The Hunt For Red October. Connery plays Marko Ramius, a senior Lithuanian sub captain whose plans to defect are met with strong opposition by his own Soviet navy, and American misconceptions of his intentions. Baldwin plays CIA analyst Jack Ryan, the one man who sees the defection, and must convince most of the American navy he is correct. The action climaxes with an amazing naval battle, but who will win The Hunt for Red October. from: www.imdb.com Crimson Tide (1995) Instability in Russia results in the deployment of the the nuclear submarine "Alabama". Russian rebels have taken over a nuclear missile site and are refueling them for a possible strike against the USA. Tensions run high undersea, when the launch message is received, followed by an incomplete followup. Could the followup message have been to cancel the earlier orders? from: www.imdb.com SHORT: Goofs and Saddles (1937) PLOT SUMMARY: Featuring Moe, Larry and Curly Gen. Muster sends his three best scouts - Buffalo Billious (Curly)' Wild Bill Hiccup (Moe) and Just-Plain-Bill (Larry) - to track down the cattle rustlers operating in the area. The Stooges track down Longhorn Pete and' disguised as gamblers' try to find out his plans. The boys get exposed' but manage a spectacular get away and eventually turn the tables on Pete and his gang. from: www.threestooges.net Enjoy! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "OUR" PLACE - ONE YEAR of talking Classic Trains in an adult environment! Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, October 15, 2006 12:23 PM Even though the bar is CLOSED on SUNDAYs - We do host a breakfast - brunch - lunch 'til 2 PM! If you just want to talk - drop your messages through the mail slot in either set of front doors! Guten Tag allerseits! I just gotta say it - Cardinals won! Cardinals won! The Amazin' Mets are amazed, I'd think. So that' s two games they've taken from the boyz from New Yawk (actually the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and . . . . ) Anyway, the game was one of those 'gems' we baseball fans get to see every now 'n then come the playoffs. Also have to say that the Detroit game was really a great one and ended as only a game like that should - botton of the ninth - score tied - then bam - home run - game over! Tigers won! I'm happy for Jim Leland (Manager) and those who stuck with the Tigers through many recent tough years. Some rather interesting Pix from the guys on this Sunday - began very early at that! Much appreciated. Sorry, Doug - only guess I can come up with for that great looking spate of interurbans would be St. Louis. Since I really don't have a "deep" history with either - traction or St. Louis - that's the best I can come up with. Nicely done with the 9 Pix and narratives! Eric - the difficulties continue, eh Well, I enjoyed your URL and note that Doug provided the 'easy access' version in his Post. Getting back to your photo spread - if you think you are having problems, how about that engineer in the X2 - now THAT's a problem! If you guys wanna know what I'm speaking of - check out Eric's Pix in his URL. Not really impressed with the design of those LRVs for Phoenix - look rather short and out of symmetry. However, any urban area that has the foresight to embrace light-rail should be commended! While I wouldn't wager a guess at the rail car on the ferry in one of your Pix - we know who COULD. Alas, 20-fingers Al is a fixture within the Legion of the Lost and perhaps may never fully regain his position at the bar. Anyway, looks like a Milwaukee Road observation car - but that's as far as my limited knowledge takes it . . . Enjoyed the slide show feature on your URL - something I'd really like to learn how to do. One of these days (daze)! <grin> THANX for the effort in putting all of this together for us. Guys - check out http://web.mac.com/ericx2000/iWeb/Sunday%20Picts/Sunday%20Pictures.html it's most definitely worth the time! Nick - enjoyed your Pix spread too - and you betcha there's "fightin' words" in that claim of top shelf livery for those Fs. Canadian Pacific comes to mind as a great looking paint job - then there's . . . . Auf Wiedersehen! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Sunday, October 15, 2006 3:25 PM Good afternoon Captain Tom, Gentlemen! I guessed I missed lunch. My luck. But I found a lot of interesting stuff to read, including nice pictures. Doug – Kind of tragic (and comic) story about the streetcars in Billings. They did not last long. How much would $200,000 in 1912 be today? Sounds like a low cost operation. I like the different team names. I have a hard time deciding what name I like the most though. About the ticket counterfeiting, I would say that judge was really not very friendly, was he? But I guess the laws back then allowed him to be “friendly” in this case since ticket faking obviously wasn’t illegal then. Thank you for help “converting” my address to a link! I wish I could show my pictures in a normal way. Interesting pictures of interurbans, streetcars, and freight locomotive! The closest guess I have about the location is north Illinois! CM3 – I had no clue that Dart is played by such “strange” people. I am reading your reports with great interest how things are done in the world of sports. I don’t doubt it is true, Nick’s report kind of verifies it. James – Do you have more info about the E-unit you are showing on one of your pitures? I have never seen anything like it. It certainly says "Wash me" on the side of it. Nick – I hope you managed to explain to Missisnick why you slept on the chairs. To be a dart sportsman is tough! Wow, couldn’t you sleep this morning? Nice pictures Nick! Are you saying that those F-units are still in service? Rob – Reading your story about O&Q I think they did pretty good, staying alive for so long and a smaller portion of it is still in service, operated by a shortline. Read your rerun story about unusual rules for street railway employees. If a streetcar gets electrically charged (i.e. when derailed and the pole is still making contact with the wire) you have to jump off the car and then you can pull pole down the pole without any problem. When the pole doesn’t touch the wire any more the streetcar is not electrically charged. Tom – You promised that German sausages will be added to the menu for the month, with all trimmings. You don’t have to include sauerkraut though. I understand your frustration about VIA and their refusal to answer your questions. That kind of behavior makes me very angry. I certainly hope that the upcoming trip will be a much more pleasant one. The engineer of the X2 was me! I can’t say I was very happy when this computer engineer hooked up his laptop and then entered the wrong combination and turned of the traction computer. It took about three hours before we got the needed spare parts and then another hour before they had been installed. About the Phoenix LRV, the picture doesn’t show the entire vehicle. One long section is missing. I guess I should have mentioned that. Eric siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "OUR" PLACE - ONE YEAR of talking Classic Trains in an adult environment! Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, October 15, 2006 5:02 PM Even though the bar is CLOSED on Sundays - We do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day! Here are a few Pix from the trip described in my ENCORE! Saturday Post (page 411): Departing Toronto's Union Station in a light rain Heading north to the Canadian Shield Scenery in the Shield Scenery in the Shield VIA Rail's west bound Canadian at Sioux Lookout New Year's morning in the diner! Shield scenery through the diner window! Sunrise in Edmonton That's it - more Pix on Sunday after next! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo « First«271272273274275276277»Last » SUBSCRIBER & MEMBER LOGIN Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more! Login Register FREE NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter Submit More great sites from Kalmbach Media Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy
I don`t believe this-in my eagerness to trawl up some pix,I`ve managed to delete my entire evenings submission-thank you god so very,very much.............
Right,O.K boys,from the top.....2,3,4:-TOM-yes,thursdays are a fun night-mostly a social thing with the odd tune thrown in //// H&H are there for there prowess with concealed weapons //// nice memoir of impetuous youth and salutory tale of recent trip-some public health crisis management issues there....//// dillo do everywhere-steps must be taken.........
ROB-Carlsberg & peppermint schnapps ??--who are you and what have you done with the REAL Rob Austin...??? //// small Hannah blurry for several hours after huge sugar fix //// nice hits on O+Q (more questions to follow ) and encores fom you and AL
DOUG-nice `True Crimes ` special
recent reading:- book called "Great lies to tell small children"--3 faves so far..1-wine makes mummy clever, 2-if you put a slice of ham in the DVD player and press start,it plays a short film about pigs 3- And one night the tooth fairy went to Dracula`s castle,she was ever so careful but she scratched her finger on one of his fangs and then SHE TURNED INTO AN EVIL BLOODSUCKING MONSTER WHO WILL FIND YOU WHEREVER YOU HIDE.....night-night,lights out now........
Right,sorry it`s a bit abbreviated but it`s half past late again and it`s the second time of typing......
marvellous steak tonight-excellent plan getting DL-UK into the galley-now there is a man who knows his way around a cream,brandy & cracked peppercorn sauce -will have to look to my laurels here....
take care gents,see you for pix tomorrow (we are back in Snowdonia,with a Canadian diversion)
sleep well,nick
Good morning gents-got a man in fixing the central heating boiler so I thought I`d pop in for a quick check on the old place,whilst I`m here lets get sunday pix up and running since Eric has given us a flying start (Eric-will check `em out directly and get back later with comments
" border="0" />
One for ROB first-Montreal and Southern Counties trolley line
A delightfully bucolic scene..
For my money,this is (was)the classiest `F` unit livery around .........now that should provoke some debate
Right,off to do a little light pottering around the place,back later
nick
Good morning everyone …. who darted? Nice to see Rob back in form yesterday with some mighty long posts indeed. Loved reading Tom’s encore again on his good/bad VIA trip. Great to see partner Nick already in with some fine pix, but not so sure I should have tried the piece of ham in the DVD (which did NOT play a three pigs story, and hasn’t played anything since, by the way). Go figure. Here’s your link Eric http://web.mac.com/ericx2000/iWeb/Sunday%20Picts/Sunday%20Pictures.html
Here’s a little something I whipped-up for ya’ll. Be sure to read the question at the end!
The Character of the Interurban
To the once sprawling interurban giant, the Illinois Central Terminal, goes the distinction of having created what many students of traction consider the archtype of the interurban – the equipment, the right-of-way, the character that immediately triggers the imagination to thoughts of bright cars singing across green countryside, of friendly two-man crews, lumbering freight juice jacks, and indeed, a manner of living that came in with the overhead and went out with the auto and the two-lane slab.
That open-platform parlor car, for example. Now there was a way to travel the electric lines in grand style! And it carried a drum sign, too, and doubtless gave the country youngsters a big moment as they stood by the tracks and studied the real meaning of an exotic name like Illmo Limited.
A study of the streetcar and the interurban side by side may help to illustrate that there was a difference. But this difference is now of little importance since both cars will serve on the same line doing the same job at the discretion of the management. Both are museum pieces.
A matching three-car train of ex-Illinois Terminal interurbans will be available to railfan groups. No. 241 will be the power at the head end, looking almost as it did when delivered by ACF in 1908, except for its color. This was one of the last IT cars built with a railroad roof.
United Railways of St, Louis No. 600, restored to its 1918 appearance. Note the Providence fenders and rare DuPont trucks. The 600’s were built in 1903, started service during the 1904 World’s Fair at St. Louis.
Here are the trailer and parlor car of the three-car railfan train. These two were built by the Danville (Illinois) Car Co. in 1910. Now they will provide a nostalgic setting for Sunday afternoon excursions.
No. 1595, a massive, four-truck, Class C freight locomotive, dwarfs the city streetcar beside it. This type of locomotive is used to pull mainline freights of approximately 12 cars. In spite of its length, the 1595 will negotiate tight, 44-ft. radius curves laid in city streets.
The 1595 pushes an empty hopper through the yard enroute to the interchange, interrupting our still life studies of the interurban at home. This shop wall is used as a background for all photos of company equipment and the men in the shop obligingly posed all the equipment here for us.
A closer view of the 234 shows its “Capitol Limited” tailsign. This car has been fitted out as a business car for many years, but will now have little use in this capacity.
Now the platform of the 234 provides only a view of the other cars, but once under way, the view of rolling countryside and scenery will make this the train’s premium spot.
Again we climbed to the top of an adjacent car (watch out for the wire!) to get a better view of the Class C as it moved by. The end platforms swing under the main body, hence its ability to negotiate sharp curves. Class C types replaced two-truck Class B locos in heavy freight service.
Everyone ready for my BIG question?
Where were these photos taken?
Even though the bar at "Our" Place is
CLOSED on SUNDAYs -
We do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day!
NOW PLAYING at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!
. . . Sunday, October 15th thru 21st: The Hunt for Red October (1990) Starring: Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin & James Earl Jones – and – Crimson Tide (1995) Starring: Denzel Washington & Gene Hackman. SHORT: The Three Stooges – Goofs and Saddles (1937)
The Hunt for Red October (1990)
PLOT SUMMARY: Sean Connery stars with Alec Baldwin in John McTiernan's blockbuster The Hunt For Red October. Connery plays Marko Ramius, a senior Lithuanian sub captain whose plans to defect are met with strong opposition by his own Soviet navy, and American misconceptions of his intentions. Baldwin plays CIA analyst Jack Ryan, the one man who sees the defection, and must convince most of the American navy he is correct. The action climaxes with an amazing naval battle, but who will win The Hunt for Red October.
from: www.imdb.com
Crimson Tide (1995)
Instability in Russia results in the deployment of the the nuclear submarine "Alabama". Russian rebels have taken over a nuclear missile site and are refueling them for a possible strike against the USA. Tensions run high undersea, when the launch message is received, followed by an incomplete followup. Could the followup message have been to cancel the earlier orders?
SHORT: Goofs and Saddles (1937)
PLOT SUMMARY: Featuring Moe, Larry and Curly Gen. Muster sends his three best scouts - Buffalo Billious (Curly)' Wild Bill Hiccup (Moe) and Just-Plain-Bill (Larry) - to track down the cattle rustlers operating in the area. The Stooges track down Longhorn Pete and' disguised as gamblers' try to find out his plans. The boys get exposed' but manage a spectacular get away and eventually turn the tables on Pete and his gang.
Gen. Muster sends his three best scouts - Buffalo Billious (Curly)' Wild Bill Hiccup (Moe) and Just-Plain-Bill (Larry) - to track down the cattle rustlers operating in the area. The Stooges track down Longhorn Pete and' disguised as gamblers' try to find out his plans. The boys get exposed' but manage a spectacular get away and eventually turn the tables on Pete and his gang.
from: www.threestooges.net
Enjoy!
Even though the bar is CLOSED on SUNDAYs -
We do host a breakfast - brunch - lunch 'til 2 PM!
If you just want to talk - drop your messages through the mail slot in either set of front doors!
I just gotta say it - Cardinals won! Cardinals won! The Amazin' Mets are amazed, I'd think. So that' s two games they've taken from the boyz from New Yawk (actually the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and . . . . ) Anyway, the game was one of those 'gems' we baseball fans get to see every now 'n then come the playoffs. Also have to say that the Detroit game was really a great one and ended as only a game like that should - botton of the ninth - score tied - then bam - home run - game over! Tigers won! I'm happy for Jim Leland (Manager) and those who stuck with the Tigers through many recent tough years.
Some rather interesting Pix from the guys on this Sunday - began very early at that! Much appreciated.
Sorry, Doug - only guess I can come up with for that great looking spate of interurbans would be St. Louis. Since I really don't have a "deep" history with either - traction or St. Louis - that's the best I can come up with. Nicely done with the 9 Pix and narratives!
Eric - the difficulties continue, eh Well, I enjoyed your URL and note that Doug provided the 'easy access' version in his Post. Getting back to your photo spread - if you think you are having problems, how about that engineer in the X2 - now THAT's a problem! If you guys wanna know what I'm speaking of - check out Eric's Pix in his URL.
Not really impressed with the design of those LRVs for Phoenix - look rather short and out of symmetry. However, any urban area that has the foresight to embrace light-rail should be commended!
While I wouldn't wager a guess at the rail car on the ferry in one of your Pix - we know who COULD. Alas, 20-fingers Al is a fixture within the Legion of the Lost and perhaps may never fully regain his position at the bar. Anyway, looks like a Milwaukee Road observation car - but that's as far as my limited knowledge takes it . . .
Enjoyed the slide show feature on your URL - something I'd really like to learn how to do. One of these days (daze)! <grin> THANX for the effort in putting all of this together for us.
Guys - check out http://web.mac.com/ericx2000/iWeb/Sunday%20Picts/Sunday%20Pictures.html
it's most definitely worth the time!
Nick - enjoyed your Pix spread too - and you betcha there's "fightin' words" in that claim of top shelf livery for those Fs. Canadian Pacific comes to mind as a great looking paint job - then there's . . . .
Even though the bar is CLOSED on Sundays -
Here are a few Pix from the trip described in my ENCORE! Saturday Post (page 411):
Departing Toronto's Union Station in a light rain
Heading north to the Canadian Shield
Scenery in the Shield
VIA Rail's west bound Canadian at Sioux Lookout
New Year's morning in the diner!
Shield scenery through the diner window!
Sunrise in Edmonton
That's it - more Pix on Sunday after next!
Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!
Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter