QUOTE: wrwatkins Posted: 03 June 2005, 09:19:59 Ah, it IS Friday!!! Let me get a cup of java to get the system started. Going to have fun riding trains in Great Britain next month. Have about a week of work at Thames Valley Park in Reading, about 25 miles west on London. Will be taking the Frist Great Western trains from Paddington to Reading every day. They are a little pricy at £20 per round trip, however, a hold over from my days on the DART board is a pass on FGW trains. Price is right and hotel rooms and restaurants are far better in London than Reading. Will be taking my wife with me. She will be seriously abusing the plastic while I work. Donations are appreciated. Please make checks payable to the Richard Watkins Welfare Fund. *** PS. Just kidding about the welfare fund.
QUOTE: Ted D. Kramer Posted: 03 June 2005:57:03 Thanks for the input on the "seek and Ye shall find" A.P.B. I sent out last Post. This is the third time I've attempted sending but have been "bounced" due to power outages. [And Progress Energy wants a rate increase to boot] [Nick, that must've been a gruelling trek on the "Under-the-Briny Speed Rail System." No need for dome cars, I dare say. I trust you will be swaping your powdered whig for the Head Chef's gear presently? Tom's superb Gourmand Pizza has been seeing me through pending your assuming "normal" status. I ordered a toasted English with cream cheese, topped with Nova Scotia while Boris was in earlier. Unfortunately, he returned ten minutes later declaring the "English" was busy in Court and he couldn't find a map of Nova Scotia anywhere. I don't want to tell you what "hit the counter" when I re-ordered for cream cheese on Rye. Rob thanks again and you will be hearing from me very soon regarding public support for the Museum. I'll return with a another vignette of some youthful train travels a.sa.p.! Meanwhile, let us hope for a speedy judgement from the honorable Provencial Tribunal. Good afternoon to all. Ted
QUOTE: wrwatkins Posted: 02 Jun 2005, 12:44:11 Good afternoon you all (that's Texan). There is a second book of Morant's photos. It is called "Morant's Canada". Printed in the same format as his "Morant's Canadian Pacific". Both books are great! You can see why Canada's national anthum is titled "Oh Canada". Love the country. CP says that Morant's negative of his snow photo of the Canadian at Morant's Curve is worn out and no additional photos can be pulled from it. I would love to have a copy, but I guess it is not to be. Tried to go to the point where Morant set up his camera to take the photo as in his book a large turnout area is there. A recent land slide has wiped out the turn out and you have to walk atleast 1/2 mile to get to his vantage point. At the point the highway department have put up concrete barriers and it is unsafe to be looking over the barriers at the curve. Darn! All for now as I had better get back to work.
QUOTE: Ted D. Kramer Posted: 02 Jun 2005, 16:48:38 Say, while awaiting the FINAL conclussions of the honorable Tribunal, I would like to "make so bold" as to request the generous patronage of Tom's "Our" Place/Provencial Court Room/"Associate Justices" Chambers/bistro extraordinaire/CanAm curio shop/photo dark room and table sports emporium [gasp]...where was I? Oh yes, might any of you chaps share your recommendations for video materials on Canadian, U.K. and U.S. roads? It seems there are a few coins remaining from my I.R.S. "refund" and there can be no better option than for educational/recreational items. I have managed to "stockpile" more kits in HO than I can assemble in any reasonable time frame but my video (especially Canadian and U.K.) collection is particularly anaemic. Any references would be greatly appreciated and your trouble will bring tangible reward in the form of gratuitous 'rounds in return. As for the Eastern and Western Roads (U.S.), I am healthy, thanks just the same. The C.P. Banff, Kicking Horse Pass areas are touched-on in a few of the "Great Rail Journies" series. As is the final scheduled run of the coast-to-coast C.P. who's Host's name fails me for the moment (Journalist). No rush, anytime from now until this time yesterday will do nicely. lol Speaking of "rounds!" Boris, while Tom is attending to civic matters, please let me "spring" for the house. Oh my stars and garters, he's going down stairs to the Well Spring. My error gentlemen. The girls are due presently, so all is "well" that ends 'well,' right? Oooh, "bad form!" When Tom returns, please hoist a shell for a "job well done" in appreciation for his "summaries," without which this thread would be no "thread a'tall. I know we all appreciate the time it takes to sort through these posts and do a "chronology," no easy thing. Just a little recognition for the "persona non grata" on the premises.
QUOTE: earlydiesels Posted: 02 Jun 2005, 19:05:41 Hello everybody. I'll take a Alexander's Ale, please. I have missed a lot and can't stay long. PBS is running like 4 hours of Great Railway Journeys tonight. I returned home last night from 2 days of training for the freight railroad. They put me up in a motel and fed me for the time. The worst part was being away from the wife but if this works out I'll have more than truck driver to put on my resume.
QUOTE: nickinwestwales Posted: 02 Jun 2005, 19:08:08 Well here`s a thing,I no sooner step through my front door than two officers of the R.C.M.P.,on special detatchment,are there to "escort" me to Milford Haven station where we are ushered aboard the only R.D.C.1 in R.C.M.P livery I`ve ever seen. This leaves the platform in the approved manner,then stops and reverses onto the former Royal Navy Armament Depot branch,into the tunnel under the bottom of town. It then drops down & right into the longest tunnel you can imagine before emerging between the Amtrak service area and Union Station on Can-Am land. I am then rushed by fast station-wagon to the Lotus Flower Motel,down near the freight depot,where I am being "protected from undue interference by witness` " prior to some manner of court appearance---I shall use this time to review posts,sleep,prepare whatever vaguely legal sounding arguments I can think of and try to devise a weekend special menu that uses all the fish I had ordered for F & C night before it became kangaroo court night,still numb from journey,back with proper stuff soon,regards to all, nick
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 02 Jun 2005, 20:35:59 Evening all ........ whatillyahave? Hey - Nick's back along with earlydiesels - good seeing ya! Suggest you both take a look at the SUMMARIES - they should catch you up in no time ......... earlydiesels When you get the chance, fill us in on the details - WHERE will you be working and for whom? ........ Nick I don't know what's going on with the RCMP, et al, but you will NOT be testifying before the Tribunal - so, I'm sending over a couple of the "boyz" to get you out of that place you're in. Must have been a mix up ........ Have a couple on me when you get here! Enjoy the evening, guys - I hear some Johnny Cash coming from the Juke and it seems the pool tables are in constant use this Thursday evening. Fish 'n Chips night - my, my, isn't Boris in fine shape this fine night? Even put on a "new" dirty apron, just for us ........ Before I forget, here's a bit of stuff about those LRC cars I rode between Montreal and Ottawa: The LRC (Light, Rapid, Comfortable) was a joint project begun in the late 1960s by a consortium of Montreal Locomotive Works, Alcan and Dofasco. A demonstration train (one locomotive and coach) could be seen in Canada and the United States in 1973 and 1974. The LRC was the first train to incorporate successfully a banking system to increase speed and comfort around curves on conventional track. Bombardier acquired MLW in 1975 and pushed ahead the LRC production model. Amtrak ordered ten coaches and two locomotives, and the LRC could be seen up and down the Northeast Corridor in the early 1980s. Up until the late 1990s, the Amtrak LRC coaches (in VIA paint) worked the Chicago-Toronto "International" service. In Canada the LRC had a tremendous impact. The LRC became the hallmark of VIA Rail Canada's improved Corridor services. More than 20 years later, the LRC is still state-of-the-art technology, and one of only a handful of successful tilting trains in operation around the world. Today almost all of VIA's original 100 LRC coaches are still in service. (from Rapido Trains Inc. web site) I'll catch up in tomorrow's SUMMARY ......... See ya! [tup] [;)] Tom (Siberianmo)
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 02 Jun 2005, 23:36:17 Good evening everyone. All the book talk has indeed sent me to my collection to see if I could/can help out Ted's early railcar inquiries.The only references I have are from the Bytown Railway societies book on the Ottawa car Company.1892-1948. David G. Knowles author. This book shows shots with some text on every piece(class) of equipment they built over their tenure. Though primarily a streetcar/interurban/electric work equipment manufacturer, they did produce heavy weight passenger cars and an order of early Gas/electric railcars for the CNR built in 1931 these branchline railcars #9003-9010 were the forerunner of cn's RDC fleet one still exists at Delson Railway museum in Montreal.Suffice to say these cars are dead wringers for the doodle bugs built for US roads. Most were retired out in the mid fifties as they had poor mechanical reliability with the original gas motors/most were rebuilt later with a small diesel engine. This softcover is available from the Bytown society www.bytownrailwaysociety.ca There brachline magasune is a must for Canadian railfans as well. Tom if you like BCR RDC's try to get the BC book *** mentioned. It's the same size as Gregg Macdonnell's CPR book. The book is called the British Columbia Railway by J.F. Garden it was put out by FootprintPublishing Co of Revelstoke BC sorry no website listed for them. It was printed in '95 but I purchased my copy in 2000 they seem to be still readilly available up here. It covers BCR from it's PGE beginnings through to the mid nineties. Lots of steam early diesel(alcophiles paradice) and of coarse RDC's. Ted For Canadian videos. Greenfrog productions, GTVP,ray Nielson productions(though he is very ill so his video's may become scarce) and even the Trains series has done Two very good general purpose video's . Check our museum web site allot of good CDN videos traction and regular are listed there in the gift shop section.It will give you an idea of what's available. Well folks i'm off for now talk to you all later. Rob
QUOTE: The LRC (Light, Rapid, Comfortable) was a joint project begun in the late 1960s by a consortium of Montreal Locomotive Works, Alcan and Dofasco. A demonstration train (one locomotive and coach) could be seen in Canada and the United States in 1973 and 1974. The LRC was the first train to incorporate successfully a banking system to increase speed and comfort around curves on conventional track. Bombardier acquired MLW in 1975 and pushed ahead the LRC production model. Amtrak ordered ten coaches and two locomotives, and the LRC could be seen up and down the Northeast Corridor in the early 1980s. Up until the late 1990s, the Amtrak LRC coaches (in VIA paint) worked the Chicago-Toronto "International" service. In Canada the LRC had a tremendous impact. The LRC became the hallmark of VIA Rail Canada's improved Corridor services. More than 20 years later, the LRC is still state-of-the-art technology, and one of only a handful of successful tilting trains in operation around the world. Today almost all of VIA's original 100 LRC coaches are still in service. from Rapido Trains Inc. web site
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 01 Jun 2005, 13:49:25 ANOTHER WHAT THIS THREAD IS ALL ABOUT SUBMISSION In my quest to ensure that "Our" Place stays on point, well at least some of the time, I thought a few comments about another my railroad library books may be appropriate. From Passing Trains - The Changing Face of Canadian Railroadingby Greg McDonnell. This hardcover book, given to me by my youngest son for my Birthday back in 2001, features a great wintery nighttime photo of VIA Rail's Canadian stopped at Parry Sound, Ontario (home of NHL legend, Bobby Orr) for the last time on January 14th, 1990. (The train had operated on Canadian Pacific tracks, but changed over to Canadian National, which it travels on to this day.) With such a fantastic cover, the book would simply have to be great .... which to me it is. Replete with outstanding photographs and narratives, I just cannot imagine any rail fan not becoming totally engrossed within its pages. The scenery is captured in all of its majesty and page after page seems to outdo the previous ones. The ruggedness of British Columbia is captured on page 155, where a photo of BC Rail's RDC's appears along the shoreline of Seton Lake, a very large and deep glacial lake with sheer cliffs dropping almost straight down to the water's edge. Carved out along one side is the right-of-way. The consist of four RDC's were preceeded by a motor-car patrol for the purpose of ensuring a clear and unobstructed right-of-way. I traveled that route and it is every bit as beautiful and foreboding as the picture. Of course, seeing the "shot" from outside makes all the difference. The picture itself is a story ...... but I'll let you figure out what it is by discovering it for yourself! Another great photo is of VIA Rail's blue and yellow FP7's (ABA) pulling the Budd stainless steel consist through the snow and over a short trestle at Kicking Horse Pass, BC on February 11th, 1982 on the right-of-way of CP. A lone CP RDC1 heads for Halifax on April 25th, 1975 in Dominion Atlantic livery along the route known as the "Evangeline Route," or "Land of the Evangeline." The picture tells it all, as you can make out the near empy RDC skirting the shore of the Annapolis Basin near Deep Brook, Nova Scotia. Freight service ended on the "Evangeline" on December 20, 1989 and the final run for the RDC's was on January 14th, 1990, under VIA Rail livery. More to follow on another day ........ Okay boys, whatillyahave? [tup] [;)] Tom (Siberianmo) Proprietor of "Our" Place
QUOTE: wrwatkins Posted: 01 Jun 2005, 14:33:45 Good afternoon Tom and friends. Do not need a lunch today as I walked to Central Market and had a Reuben sandwich. They tend to fill you up and I think I will skip supper tonight. Of course we will still have our happy hour on the dock tonight (We live on a lake), The name Howard B. Bond does not ring a bell with me. At our next meeting I will enquire about his whereabouts and report back.. Speaking of books I have quite a library at home. All of the Colorado Railroad Museums annuals, the 10 part RGS Story series, and working on the Triumph series regarding the great late PRR. One of my favorite books is Morants Canadian Pacific. Morant was the official photographer of CP and many of his photos are published in the book. It is hard to locate and is published by John Gartner in BC. First saw the book in the Entree Gold lounge of the Palliser Hotel in Calgary and immediately knew it was a must have. Another good book is a horizontal format photo study of the BC Rail. Do not remember the exact title or publisher (at my age I tend to suffer from CRS). Bought the book before my wife and I took our circle tour on BC Rail, the Skeena, BC Ferries, and E&N. It really got my wife fired up about the trip. In quite a ru***oday so I cannot stay too long. Will drop in later in the week. Cheers, ***
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 01 Jun 2005, 19:30:05 2005 BIRTHDAY WATCH LIST revised: May 18th (Tom - 67) – July 15th (*** – 65) - July 25th (Chris - 51) - August 16th (Ted - 67) - September 8th (Rob - 34) C'mon "Our" Place customers - sign up and let's make this BIRTHDAY WATCH LIST more reflective of our regular customer base ........ Even Nick has yet to reveal his Natal Day and age, and HE's the Party Coordinator! Tom (Siberianmo) Proprietor of "Our" Place
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 01 Jun 2005, 19:33:36 Oye, Oye, Oye, the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE of “Our” Place is now in session. All rise for the procession of the Judges. (Hey! Boris get out of there! You’re NOT part of the procession AND no, it’s NOT a parade! Sheesh ……) [bonk – bonk – bonk] (is THIS a gavel?) This Tribunal is now prepared to hear the case against Anonymous versus “Our” Place. Are the attorneys for both sides present? Yes we are, your Tribunalship. As we understand the situation brought before us, a Ruthie, employee of “Our” Place, a cyber bar ‘n grill located along the main lines of the Can-Am Railroad, and within this jurisdiction, was willingly or unwittingly introduced to the establishment known as “The Coffee Shop,” a cyber gathering place located “up” or “down” the road and around the bend, by a person or persons yet to be named and therefore referred hereinafter as Anonymous. (Phew) The Court takes note of the reports filed by one Inspector Clueless of the local Constabulary and one Mr. Doyle, a Private Investigator hired by an interested party to the party in the first part to ascertain the facts regarding what part the willing or unwitting Ruthie participated in that have led to these proceedings. (Double, phew) The Court further notes that the Proprietor of “Our” Place, a one Siberianmo, owner and resident of the structure located along the main lines of the Can-Am Railroad, and within this jurisdiction, has initiated these proceedings for the purpose of ascertaining whether an act of willing or unwitting unfaithfulness took place on the part of Ruthie AND to determine who, through direct, indirect, or best guess evidence, the party or parties were who took part in introducing Ruthie to the establishment known as “The Coffee Shop.” (Triple, phew) This Court will now stand in recess, pending review of the documentary evidence. (Hey, Boris, fire up the grill, three medium rare sirloins with fries and three frosty mugs of Alexander Keith’s fine Pale Ale for the Tribunal ………) All rise – Oh, you ARE standing. Hmmmmmm, well stay risen as the Judges depart.
QUOTE: Ted D. Kramer Posted: 02 June 2005, 08:05:02 Phew is right Tom! This "tangled web" could take all day long. After your nearly poetic description of the R.D.C's in British Columbia and brief review of the Greg McDonell book, plus ***'s mention of "Morant's Canadian Pacific;" I need to go Tish Gearheart's (?) Book Store a.s.a.p.! Maybe, after "boning-up" with these references, I can amount to more than a door stop amongst this august body. Am I wrong, or shouldn't Nick of Northeast Wales be appearing as a "material witness" in these proceedings? Any road, let's hope those top Sirloins and Keith's ale "set a fire" under the Tribunal's gowns. You're right, we need to "get our act together" for "Classic" over "Inane." Uh Oh, is recess over already? I'll bet most of the "Regulars" are praying for a "dismissal" for lack of evidence and the "key witness." See ya in court. Ted
QUOTE: coalminer3 Posted: 31 May 2005, 15:02:05 Back from our Williamsburg venture which went very well (always good when arrivals=departures). The younger set behaved which went a long way toward making the trip even more enjoyable Let's talk steam for a minute. The newest issue of the Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Magazine has a most interesting piece titled "Testing the PRR T1 on the C&O," with pictures (yet) of a PRR T1 at Clifton Forge in September, 1946. One of my old yardmaster friends (now deceased) on the C&O years ago told me abt. the tests and it was most interesting to see how well his recollections dovetailed with what was in the article. Anyway, for those of the group who are interested, you can probably obtain a copy of the magazine from the C&O Historical Society. They have a good website with lots of digital photographs, too. work safe
QUOTE: Ted D. Kramer Posted: 31 May 2005, 15:50:32 Tom, thank you for the up-date from the office of Inspector Clueless. I have informed Mr. Doyle (P.I.) personally of the "close" timing involved. He assured me that his full report will be in the hands of the Executive Board by this evening. I haven't availed myself as to its' contents. I'm sure the "Board" will release this concurrent with the honorable Inspector's findings after a thorough review. Now, if I may, a Crown Royal in a tall glass basking in "real ice cubes," a splash of fresh soda and a twist of lime would certainly "round out my day." Not to worry, I unceremoniously discarded the pain Rx after today's consul. Oh, I meant to apologize for misspelling that time honored British expression of approval: "hear, hear." Another reason for "trashing" the Hydrocodone!! I believe, by now, every Customer in "Our" Place is awaiting more information on the R.D.C.'s in Britain with bated breath. God forbid, If Nick elects to e-mail the vital statistics and one of the Gals intercepts same while sending their childish prattle about hither and yon! Until our next gathering, I bid all of you good health and safety. Happy rails.
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 31 May 2005, 22:15:26 Good evening everyone, I trust you are all trying to keep dry, my part of Ontario has been awash in rain and thunderstorms of late. If I can I will attempt to send some southwards to the more parched areas. Tom I don't really consider myself a national asset, understanding and preserving history has always been my thing. I would have to say that there are far more involved people at our museum, but thank-you nonetheless. I have a three day weekend coming up starting fri so we are tentatively going to be at the museum at least one of the days. I think I'l lend a hand to the restorers of 416. I had heard back from one of our board members and he was telling me that the "Boston" museum boy's had been up all last weekend and they and our master mechanic and his brother had torn into the guts of 797 an interurban combine of Lake Erie and Northern fame,. We reacquired this car from the seashore museum 15 twenty years ago. It cost us the transportation fees and one of our small Peter Whitt's. Which at the time was a very good deal as we had 5 Whitt's on sight at the time so the loss of 2890 was not a major blow as we have two operational an two in storage at the moment. It will be good to see this car run again as very little of the LE&N is left, this is truly a national treasure. Ted I'm glad that your on the mend those type of med's are awful. I thank-you in advance for your offer of support. I hope no one feels obligated to help us in this manner I was thinking out loud so I hope that I haven't sounded like I was begging/ I just wanted everyone to have a feel for our operation. I tend to run on at the mouth at it once in a while. ,I'll drop you an e-mail Ted but if anyone wants extra info about the museum you can e-mail me and I can mail out a brochure to you. *** and indeed any PCC fans I've found and scanned Heather's photo's from her early 90's charter on SEPTA in PHILLY ironically this charter took place on the last day of streetcar operations, I believe these are from 93 or 94 I'll ask the boss to clarify later. The irony is that this line is being reactivated and they have / are refurbing the PCC's to run on it again. I'll take me leave of everyone for the night . Rob
QUOTE: Ted D. Kramer Posted: 01 June 2005, 07:42:59 From the sublime to the ridiculous? I know I'm beyond my depth at just the mention of the short line, light rail, Gas Electrics employed by most of our favorite Roads throughout Canada the U.S. and Mexico. If there is a U.K. equivalent, I would be most grateful for input from our Forebearers on the subject. Risking a proper intellectual thrashing, I would like to forward my personal interest in this relatively brief but colorful era between light steam power and R.D.C. chores on these local "milk" runs. I hope this peculiar topic won't bring some of our "regulars" into cardiac arrest. After all, the trains hardly live up to the high standards of "Classic" by any "stretch." Still, if anyone could shed some enlightening "on board" experiences with these "hybrids," it would be appreciated by a majority of "one" that I know of so far. Rob, thanks for keeping us abreast of the fascinating efforts that go into the painstaking restoration of vintage equipment in and around the Museum. Along with cherished memories of elegant "varnish" on major roads, traction still holds a place of honorable mention and seeing its' resurrection, makes it all the more fascinating. Mornin' Boris, I know it is early but could you kindly set-up the bar with an eye opener? No sorry...that's "eye opener," not can opener! [Must've been a rough night in the shed?] Oh Tom, I finally got around to the Topic on the "Passenger Trains of North America." What a Herculean effort that has become. Something there for everyone, I dare say. No doubt the "Board" is convening today. I trust Mr. Doyle's dossier was helpful in some measure? Thank heavens for your periodic summaries, I would be a "basket case" without them. Hate to eat and run but my Crayola (Toyota) is starting to sound like Chris' bike but not as sexy. Who can you recommend Tom? Since Bernie Winkelpleck passed on, I need advice for a honest mechanic. So long for now. Ted
QUOTE: nickinwestwales Posted: 29 May 2005, 18:59:18 Tom,Hi-just popped in to mop out the washrooms,move the kegs,feed Boris ,clean the fish fridge-all those little things that the ladies,quite rightly,consider beyond thier remit. Whilst I`m here I`ll write out the orders for next weeks menu, I`m off to visit the In-Laws for a few days in the A.M so my stool will remain cold...( can I say that ? ) here at the bar. Will be in Farnborough, Hampshire-faceless southern English suburbia for the most part but within striking distance of a handfull of preserved steam lines,inc. one with the largest collection of "Pacifics",from several roads,that I`ve seen outside a museum, several main lines,some cross-country secondary working,merry-go-round freight working ( with Canadian built G.M power I believe)plus loads of electric 3rd rail suburban and express multiple-unit working,inc. some 1960`s `slam door` stock that I grew up with and didn`t realise was still in use. Will have newly mastered digi-cam to hand, so hopefully will return with material in hand for a legitimate contribution to this classic train thread,albeit in the form of an oversea`s travelogue of "current events on a small island",to paraphrase Bill Bryson. As luck would have it,Father-In-Law is also trainfan and modeller ( 1930/40 Swiss/Austrian ) and L.H.S is 5 minutes walk away-here I`m looking at 70 miles each way,for this I can be deprived of the comforts of home with indecent haste...! A quick note to TED....Was engaged in conversation with Inspecter Clwliss (as they spell it in the old country) down by the bandstand this afternoon ( a small matter of permits & licenses for Boris) when who should I see pushing a stroller containing a tiny & perfect replica of herself but your own dear Ruthie......It all becomes clear, that "something" she wanted to discuss over dinner,the extra shifts at the Coffee Shop...............Think positive and be well my friend,speak soon. ...... Right, thats me-change the straw in Boris`s shed during the week,he can sleep with the Husky for the night-remind him of home,should be back for fish & chip night, have a good week fellow patrons..!!- Now Tom,before I go,about that Cymru & Maritime R.D.C service you mentioned--what manner of livery would such a service carry...?...Will try and find some usable shots of local R.D.C services for comparison, take care,nick
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 30 May 2005, 00:40:08 Gentlemen good evening. Nick you have RDC's in the UK? I'm not sure that I'd call them local. LOL I remember seeing those EMD's shipping out in CN and CP trains which were Halifax bound for ship ,loading. Am I right to assume that these are the SD70 clones that were bought by the WC when they assumed control of Britrail? As for classics I noticed that work on "416" our double ended light interurban car has picked up some pace the last few weeks a completely new roof has appeared and the wiring(re-wirinng) is strting up. This poor car had house wiring as it spent 20 some years as a house. A click on it's photo on the title page of the museum web site will link you to it's story. Last I had heard another 2 or $3000 will be required to fini***he work, including two new trucks(well old but new to us) Then the (shop trucks) which belong to Hamilton Street railway 521 can be returned to their rightfull owner. I'm trying to start up a fund raisng drive for 521 a neat little two truck nearside car clone built by national steel car in Hamilton Ontario for the HSR. The nice thing about our orginization is that beside donations garnering the giver a tax receipt you can specify where you would like the money to go. Allot of our cars and buildings have their own personal pots which are used exclusivly for them. well gents just a short Sunday report. I'll talk to everyone tomorrow. Rob
QUOTE: Ted D. Kramer Posted: 30 May 2005, 05:18:06 Esteemed Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen all. It ocurred to me (very) early this A.M. that amidst our "official" commemorative period, we may have over-looked the very catalyst that brings us together. I hope it isn't "too far afield" on this final day of observances to recognize the untold and little appreciated losses the railroads of our Homeland's endured throughout those desperate times. Perhaps it won't seem too far a "stretch" as we ponder the enormous effort in logisitcs, not to mention, exhausting use of men, women and machines to "keep our troops moving." No better example than that of England could be recognized (with Canada and the U.S. close behind) for the emergency exploitation of a National Industry to its' near ruin. No, certainly I'm not suggesting that even severe losses in materiels should be venerated in equal measure with that of our own people, never! If , however, we take a gestalt appraisal of our respective Country's casualties, the railroads would rank high among them. I know that Tom must remember (as I do), the endless coaches of troop trains and mile long consists of "flats, gons, munitions box" cars; over-laden with ordinance and literally wearing-out before our eyes. So far as I know, the Companies sustained these "war effort" losses "on their own." May we raise our quaffs to, at least, a hearty "well done" for an unfailing Industry and its' people? Here, here! Nick, the MI-6 is bating 1,000 as this latest "privilaged information" supports the initial findings of Mr. Doyle's (Private Investigator) dossier on the matter precisely. My currrent posture of "no news is good news," is probably prudent until Tom receives Inspector "Clwliss's" final report. It is obvious now that this medical event brought with it an incumbent "silver linning." So far, I'm only "out" a succulent repast in the finest tradition of gothic cuisine. That and the offer of an evening's souriee on Chris's motorcycle have been the only casualties thus far. Thank you again for "a word to the wise." And, thank all of you for sharing a memorable long weekend together. Happy rails, one and all.
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 30 May 2005, 08:38:05 And now, a little something different ........ The following is a copy of a portion of an Email sent to a friend: QUOTE While walking "Juneau" (Siberian Husky) last evening before sunset, a neighbor wished us a "Happy Memorial Day." I was taken aback by this comment - whereas Carol, always polite, reciprocated. I wanted to tell this adult female that: (1) The day was set aside shortly after our Civil War as a day to decorate the graves of the 600,000 military who died in that struggle. (2) The death total represented 2% of the nation's total population. Today, it would equate to about 6 million. (3) Right up until I was a young adult, we used to remember our war dead by decorating their graves, purchase and wear poppies, and take time to contemplate the sacrifices made for us all. (4) If one were to research Acts of Congress, you would find that several exist extolling the people to pay homage to our deceased military who gave their lives in battle and to pray for their souls on this day. (5) Then things changed - the day became known as Memorial Day. Shortly thereafter, "Monday holidays" became law, and the celebration of Decoration Day slipped into the past. (6) Alas, today I think most people think the day means cook outs, sales at the Mall, and a long weekend to recreate with only a hint of the intent of it all. "Happy" Memorial Day? Yeah, right! UNQUOTE =========================================== "Enjoy the long weekend" or "Have a good weekend" - but for those who have lost someone in battle, or who have themselves been in war and witnessed the horror of it all, "happy" just doesn't get it. See ya later, Tom (Siberianmo)
QUOTE: Ted D. Kramer Posted: 31 May 2005, 07:55:07 Hi one and all. Tom, may I try one of those "...Blue Mountain" (?) chasers Nick was on about a few days ago? I'd best forego the "Royal" as it may not "mix" so well with the "goof balls" the V.A. saw fit to prescribe. As the "...Mountain..." is in limited supply, I trust it is stored well away from access to Boris? "Hope springs eternal!" I did some browsing this a.m. (Drudge Report) and blundered into a article: www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1634726,00html This may be of interest to some Brit Rail Buffs. The lead-in quote: "In the age of steam, express trains averaged over 80mph...today they're lucky if they beat 60." The focus is on the "Great Western Main Line" and the transition from steam timetables thru diesel/electrification. Apparantly there is a guide book, "Bradshaw's Threepenny Railway Guide" used for reference to early day steam schedules. Why does the name Nick come to mind? I understand that "Craigellachie," B.C. (Nov. 11, 1885) made history in more ways than one. The shortest speech in railroading history was given by Donald Smith: "All I can say is the work has been done well in every way." I can only think that it must have been "colder than a 'well' digger's posterior" on dedication day? It gives me a chill just thinking about it. There are times that I do appreciate Florida, in spite of a plethora of other commiserations to lenghty for this posting. I'll be moving along now for yet another appointment but first, may I ask a favor of Rob? Failing the trip I'd hoped to make to the Museum and O'Keefe's Country, could you forward information so that I might make a modest contribution toward helping your worthy restoration efforts: regular postal access, etc.? Okay, I gotta "get the lead out!" See all you's real soon. Boris, please make for me all glasses full and if Tom says okay, pour for yourself what you best like. Happy rails.
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