ENCORE! Theme for the Day! - ENCORE! Theme for the Day!
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Now arriving on track #1 ….. Railroads from Yesteryear! Number Six Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources. Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway PART I of II Locale: Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas Reporting marks: ATSF Dates of operation: 1859 – 1995 Track gauge: 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) (standard gauge) Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (AAR reporting mark ATSF), often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the largest railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859. Although the railway was named in part for the capital of New Mexico, its main line never reached there as the terrain made it too difficult to lay the necessary tracks (Santa Fe was ultimately served by a branch line from Lamy, New Mexico). The Santa Fe's first tracks reached the Kansas/Colorado state line in 1873, and connected to Pueblo, Colorado in 1876. In order to help fuel the railroad's profitability, the Santa Fe set up real estate offices and sold farm land from the land grants that the railroad was awarded by Congress; these new farms would create a demand for transportation (both freight and passenger service) that was, quite conveniently, offered by the Santa Fe. History Startup and initial growth Cyrus K. Holliday, the first president of the railroad. The railroad's charter, written single-handedly by Cyrus K. Holliday in January 1859, was approved by the state's governor on February 11 of that year as the Atchison and Topeka Railroad Company for the purpose of building a rail line from Topeka, Kansas, to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and then on to the Gulf of Mexico. On May 3, 1863, two years after Kansas gained statehood, the railroad changed names to more closely match the aspirations of its founder to the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. The railroad broke ground in Topeka on October 30, 1868 and started building westward where one of the first construction tasks was to cross the Kaw River. The first section of track opened on April 26, 1869 (less than a month prior to completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad) with special trains between Topeka and Pauline. The distance was only 6 miles (10 km), but the Wakarusa Creek Picnic Special train took passengers over the route for celebration in Pauline. Crews continued working westward, reaching Dodge City on September 5, 1872. With this connection, the Santa Fe was able to compete for cattle transportation with the Kansas Pacific Railway. Construction continued, and the Santa Fe opened the last section of track between Topeka and the Colorado/Kansas border on December 23, 1873. The Santa Fe's tracks reached Pueblo, Colorado on March 1, 1876. Serving Pueblo opened a number of new freight opportunities for the railroad as it now could haul coal from Colorado eastward. (copied from public domain) An ATSF passenger train in operation circa 1895. Building across Kansas and eastern Colorado may have been technologically simple as there weren't many large natural obstacles in the way (certainly not as many as the railroad was about to encounter further west), but the Santa Fe found it almost economically impossible because of the sparse population in the area. To combat this problem, the Santa Fe set up real estate offices in the area and vigorously promoted settlement across Kansas on the land that was granted to the railroad by Congress in 1863. The Santa Fe offered discounted passenger fares to anyone who travelled west on the railroad to inspect the land; if the land was subsequently purchased by the traveller, the railroad applied the passenger's ticket price toward the sale of the land. Now that the railroad had built across the plains and had a customer base providing income for the firm, it was time for the railroad to tackle the difficult terrain of the Rocky Mountains. Crossing the Rockies, competition with the Rio Grande Construction over the Rocky Mountains was slow, difficult and went as far as armed conflict with competitors such as the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad in Colorado and New Mexico, and after capturing Raton Pass, the Southern Pacific Railroad in Arizona and California. The troubles for the railroad were more than just skirmishes with competitors. In the late 1880s, George C. Magoun, who had worked his way to become Chairman of the Board of Directors for the railroad, was progressively losing his own health. In 1889 the railroad's stock price, which was closely linked in the public's eye with the successes of the railroad's chairman, fell from nearly $140 per share to around $20 per share. Magoun's health continued to deteriorate along with the stock price and Magoun died on December 20, 1893. The Santa Fe entered receivership three days later on December 23, 1893, with J. W. Reinhart, John J. McCook and Joseph C. Wilson appointed as receivers. Expansion through mergers A brief look at some key figures comparing the railroad's extent between 1870 and 1945 shows just how much the railroad had grown: …………………………………………….1870…………………1945 Gross operating revenue………………$182,580…………….$528,080,530 Total track length..……………………...62 miles (100 km)…..13,115 miles (21,107 km) Freight carried……………………………98,920 tons………….59,565,100 tons Passengers carried……………………..33,630……………….11,264,000 Locomotives owned………………………6..…………………….1,759 Unpowered rolling stock owned……….141…………………….81,974 freight cars ….………………………………………………………………….1,436 passenger ca
ENCORE! THEME for the DAY! - ENCORE! THEME for the DAY!
Now arriving on track #1 ….. Railroads from Yesteryear! Number Six
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Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources. Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway PART II of II Paint schemes & markings Steam locomotives (copied from public domain) Santa Fe #5000, the 2-10-4 "Madame Queen," waits on a Ricardo, New Mexico siding to meet an eastbound train in March, 1943. (courtesy: www.trainweb.com) Santa Fe #3751, a restored 4-8-4 originally built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1927, passes through San Bernardino in January, 1999. Diesel locomotives, passenger (copied from public domain) The 1926 Chief "drumhead" logo. Santa Fe's first set of diesel-electric passenger locomotives was placed in service on the Super Chief in 1936, and consisted of a pair of blunt-nosed units (EMD 1800 hp B-B) designated as Nos. 1 and 1A. The upper portion of the sides and ends of the units were painted gold, while the lower section was a dark olive green color; an olive stripe also ran along the sides and widened as it crossed the front of the locomotive. Riveted to the sides of the units were metal plaques bearing a large "Indian Head" logo, which owed its origin to the 1926 Chief "drumhead" logo. "Super Chief" was emblazoned on a plaque located on the front. The rooftop was light slate gray, rimmed by a red pinstripe. This unique combination of colors was referred to as the Golden Olive paint scheme. Before entering service, Sterling McDonald's General Motors "Styling Department" augmented the look with the addition of red and blue striping along both the sides and ends of the units in order to enhance their appearance. In a little over a year the EMD E1 (a new and improved streamlined locomotive) would be pulling Super Chief and other passenger consists, resplendent in the now-famous Warbonnet paint scheme devised by Leland Knickerbocker of the GM "Art and Color Section." Reminiscent of a Native American ceremonial headdress, the scheme consisted of a red "bonnet" which wrapped around the front of the unit, that was bordered by a yellow stripe and black pinstripe. The extent of the bonnet varied according to the locomotive model, and was largely determined by the shape and length of the carbody. The remainder of the unit was either painted silver or was comprised of stainless steel panels. All units wore a nose emblem consisting of an elongated yellow "Circle & Cross" emblem with integral "tabs" on the nose and the sides, outlined and accented with black pinstripes, with variances according to the locomotive model. "SANTA FE" was displayed on the horizontal limb of the cross in black, Art Deco-style lettering. This emblem has come to be known as the "cigar band" due to its uncanny resemblance to the same. On all but the "Erie-built" units (which were essentially run as a demonstrator set), U28CGs, U30CGs, and FP45s, a three-part yellow and black stripe ran up the nose behind the band. A "Circle & Cross" motif (consisting of a yellow field, with red quadrants, outlined in black) was painted around the side windows on "as-delivered" E1 units. Similar designs were added to E3s, E6s, the DL109/110 locomotive set, and ATSF 1A after it was rebuilt and repainted. The sides of the units typically bore the words "SANTA FE" in black, 5"– or 9"–high extra extended Railroad Roman letters, as well as the "Indian Head" logo, with a few notable exceptions. Railway identity on diesel locomotives in passenger service: Loco Type.."Indian Head".."Circle & Cross".."Santa Fe"..Logotype…..Starting Year…..Comments ATSF 1 and 1A Yes Yes* Yes No 1937 "Circle & Cross" added to No. 1 after rebuild in May, 1938 EMD E1, E3, and E6 Yes* Yes Yes No 1937 "Indian Head" added to B units at a later date ALCO DL109/110 Yes* Yes Yes No 1941 No "Indian Head" on B unit EMD FT Yes* No Yes No 1941 "Indian Head" added to B units at a later date ALCO PA and PB Yes* No Yes No 1946 "Indian Head" added to B units at a later date EMD F3 Yes* No Yes No 1946 "Indian Head" on B units only FM Erie-built Yes* No Yes* No 1947 "Indian Head" and "SANTA FE" on A units only EMD F7 Yes* No Yes* No 1949 "Indian Head" on B units only; "SANTA FE" added in 1954 EMD E8 Yes* No Yes No 1952 "Indian Head" on B units only GE U28CG No No No Yes 1967 "Santa Fe" logotype in large, red "billboard"-style letters GE U30CG No No Yes* No 1967 5"-high non-extended "SANTA FE" letters EMD FP45 No No Yes* No 1967 9"-high "SANTA FE" letters Source: Pelouze, Richard W. (1997). Trademarks of the Santa Fe Railway. The Santa Fe Railway Historical & Modeling Society, Inc., Highlands Ranch, CO. pp. 47–50. In later years, Santa Fe adapted the scheme to its gas-electric "doodlebug" units. The standard for all of Santa Fe's passenger locomotives, the Warbonnet is considered by many to be the most recognized corporate logo in the railroad industry. Early in the Amtrak Era, Santa Fe embarked on a program to paint over the red bonnet on its F units that were still engaged in hauling passenger consists with yellow (also called Yellowbonnets) or dark blue (nicknamed Bluebonnets) as it no longer wanted to project the image of a passenger carrier. (courtesy: www.trainweb.com) Santa Fe #300C, an EMD F7A unit photographed in 1972, wears the conventional Warbonnet scheme. Due to space limitations, the "Indian Head" logo was omitted from FTA/F3A/F7A units. (copied from public domain) An EMD F7B unit, photographed
Good Morning Captain Tom and fellow sophisticates!
Ruth, a round for the house and a hot mug of coffee with just a "splash" to make it interesting. Thank you. Let us toast to the continued good health of "Our" Place, the best cyber bar in the ether! A most happy 20th month anniversary!
In deference to those of you keeping this bar of ours humming along, GOOD SHOW! Some very fine material has been put forth on the Santa Fe, some from the past, others on the creative side, but all very much in keeping with Tom's idea of a thread whereby the participants decide the conversation!
I believe I have mentioned that we are departing for the Pacific islands next week and have an open ended return. One of my desires has been to head southwest until Australia is in sight. Just may do that. We have things at the mountain retreat taken care of to the extent whereby if we remain away for months at a time, our world will keep spinning quite nicely. Should we ultimately wind up "down under," we shall experience the railways of Australia. Thanks to the indoctrination received on this thread and at this bar, how could we not
If anyone has received a reply from the manager of these forums regarding the latest of situations, please forward it (them) to the rest of us. Nothing has been returned to me.
Santa Fe is next up from my meager archives of rail "stuff."
Drumheads
Hope to see you before the end of the week!
BK in Alberta, Canada's beautiful high mountain country!
G'day Cap'n Tom & fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth, a frosty mug of Piels, a Lars-hero sandwich and treats for the critters and a round on me! I join with BK in offering a toast: Cheers to all who have made "Our" Place the finest watering hole this side of heaven! Happy Twentieth Month Anniversary to US!
A fine outpouring on this Tuesday for an Encore production of the Santa Fe theme for the day. Really some great material, much of which I hadn't seen B4. Well done to all who made it happen!
Really liked that two-parter from the bossman and what's not to like about the Santa Fe, huh
Even my "bookend" BK got into the act today with a spate of visuals that perhaps are his longest to date.
Before I get to my offering for this day, I would like to offer my condolences to those in St. Louis who have lost their football AND hockey teams. <grin> Can't knock the baseball team, though - but that's yesterday's news, huh But, B4 anyone jumps my case on this, I know, I know - my Knicks got beat by the Celtics from Beantown last night. <groan>
Now to my "stuff" for this theme day - some book and video covers!
Until the next time!
Lars
Good evening Tom and gents! I'll have a bottomless ... anything, please, and purchase a round for the bar! Happy 20th, again, and I see a rather fine holiday post of musical mayhem by our raving, or was that roving reporter, CM3! Saw the updated B-Day list, and correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the ages listed the current ages, and therefore requiring me to add "1" on the actual natal day? I want a raise if I am to perform complicated math! Glad you liked me stuff CM3 and James. Makes my heart go lub-dub. Nice bit of reading on the Milwaukee James. You're doing a real fine job here. Bears just got lucky Lars. Next week we'll be wanted to fire Grossman again. Glad my stuff provided some inspiration for Mike. Forgive me for having to look over your submission later, but folks here want me to do some grilling. Great to see Pete, and I can't believe your question. It's not what the Green Bay Packers did wrong ... it's what can they do right? Thanks for recognizing the anniversary of my membership to the order of stools. I still can't remember much about the night, but at least the OotS brand on my heine no longer hurts. Wonderful pix from Alan, once again, and even more from Eric. Good info and pix, including a theme-day SF diesel! Fantastic Santa Fe submission today from CM3, followed by our steamed-proprietors 2-part Wikipedia first rate submissions. Absolutely wonderful work gentlemen! I'll drink to your toast, your trip, your Santa Fe pix and drumheads BK. Then I'll drink again with manager Lars who got us all back together again. Wonderful SF material from you today too sir. I didn't see the book I just purchased, which is where I got the following Pix and info, "Route of the Warbonnets" by Joe McMillan.
The winter of 1976-1977 was the worst of the century in the Midwest and the storm of Friday and Saturday, January 28 and 29, was the worst of the season. The blizzard buried Santa Fe's Pekin District with snowdrifts of up to 12 ½ feet. The 60-mile line, Santa Fe's only branch in Illinois, was closed for four days, but on Tuesday, February 1, the plow broke through to Pekin clearing the way for the first train.
When constructed in 1927, the 525-foot swing span of the Mississippi River Bridge was the longest and heaviest of its kind in the country. The huge span is opened many times each day to allow passage of river boats. Marine movements have the right of way over rail traffic and a train having to stop at the bridge approach to let a boat pass is said to have been "boated." Tow boat Tara Ann shoves 15 barges downstream past the bridge in August 1975. Swing span operations, once controlled from the station-like building at the top of the structure, are now handled from the white toll booth on the roadway deck.
G-day Tom and all present!
Leon- Make it a coffee and a sandwich, please. And here's a little extra for the guys.
I would also like to join in on the celebration of the 20th month anniversary! It's been a good show while I've been here. Keep it up!!
CM3- Thanks for the comments on the Milwaukee road article. They weren't really in the best shape from the start. BTW: The Santa Fe passenger article was a good read. Really enjoyed it. Thanks
Lars- Glad you liked the Milwaukee article. It was interesting to read. But it left a grim scene. Thanks again for the book cover pics. Good selection to look at. Thanks.
Mike- That was one Big Ice breaker/ car ferry boat. I have never seen an Ice breaker that big before. But it helps when you carry cars too. Also. Glad to see that you found the William Crooks. It's an extremely old Great Northern locomotive. I have finally seen it running in a photo. Thanks.
Barndad- Very good read on the Santa Fe. Throughly enjoyed some of the History on the railroad. Good show. Also liked the pics of the swing bridge. I don't see to many of them left. I know where two are. One in Duluth, and the other in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. There a pretty cool bridge, Thanks.
Pete- Nice steam pics you have there. Do those little steamers run on 4 foot 8 and a half wide track or are they a narrow gauge locomotive? BTW: Glad you liked the Milwaukee article. It had almost all the history of the railroad in short.
Eric- AAhhh. So that's the X2000.... So I wonder why I haven't heard of it. I've heard of Midway station but not that train. But thanks for the help. appreciate it. Also, The E8 looks great. There aren't to many left in the world. So any that survive are still a magnent toward railfans. BTW: The F45 was a nice looking unit. I would also like to see any of those in operation today.
Budkarr- Glad to see the doodlebug or the Gas electric. They are a cool looking little passenger train. Thanks for the pics.
Tom- The 20th month is quite a long time. Glad it has survived so long. That would be thanks to all you guys who contribute everyday. I very much enjoyed the Part 1 and 2 of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroad. There were a lot of pictures within those two posts. I especially like the H-12-44 in the secong post. If only I could see one in operation. What a locomotive. Thanks for the pics and the aryticles on the railroad.
That Cowl unit is one you just can't miss. It is one great looking locomotive. I can't imagine what it would have been like to watch one of these coming down the tracks at 70 miles per hour. That would be fun. Sante Fe F45 #92 gets ready for an intermodal run.
What about this old paint scheme. This F7 was probably from the first order of diesel locomotives that the railroad ordered. I have to say that I don't like this much from the other locomotives.
Another of the Great looking Fairbanks Morse units. I just can't get enough of these locomotives. They were great switch engines. We have one here in Duluth at the NSSR, but is is leased out to Halet Dock at the moment. I want to see it running one of these days.
If I were to guess, I would say that this looks like a GP20 but it certainly could be GP9. Not really sure. But I think it is a GP20. It's nice what ever it is. I would like to own that.
Happy railroading
James
Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house.
Lots of great pictures today, especially that #5000 in color.
Doug you inspire me all the time. I went and found a side view of those 7 trains
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California Limited 1893
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California Limited at Los Angeles 1899
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Los Angeles old Santa Fe station
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Union Station
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Pasadena
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South Pasadena
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Streamlined steam engines
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Electromotive 1939
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Alco PA1 1950
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"Little Buttercup" at Chicago Railroad Fair 1948
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Semaphore signals 1943
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KC Argentine Yard 1943
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The Chiefs
http://scriptorium.lib.duke.edu/adaccess/T/T25/T2523-72dpi.jpeg
Cajon Pass 1943 Jack Delano (Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division)
Mike
Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, I'll have a Rumpsteak Cafe de Paris!! Medium, please! The usual to drink.
A lot of interesting reading and pictures today!! It took some time to read it all, but it was time well spent.
Doug – Very interesting, the history of Santa Fe! Just imagine, 22 westbound and 23 eastbound sections at one time!!! That is amazing, to say the least. I would have loved to travel by the De Luxe! Love those bumper stickers!I like that picture of the snow plow from 1976-77 (but I hate snow). I have to show a similar picture from the old country. My grandad took it sometime during the 20’s.
CM3 – Where do you see nurses on the trains today? Nowhere! Thanks for the info about the different SF trains! No diners west of Kansas City! I don’t think I would like to get off the train to get something to eat. Tom – Happy 20th Month Anniversary!!! I am glad I found this place last spring. Interesting to see the numbers from 1870 compared with 1945, going from 6 locomotives to 1,759! Not to mention the number of cars (or miles). I really don’t understand why ICC denied the merger with SP on the basis that it would create too many duplicates. Were they afraid that some lines would be closed? SF had quite a few named trains. I wonder if the vice president is related to B. P. Cheney who was a director of SF? I had to copy and save Part II, paint schemes and markings. Very nice pictures of different locos in different liveries. Can’t recall I have seen any pictures of black SF locos before. I like that FP45. I took a picture of #98 at the Orange Empire Museum last Saturday.
BK – Some nice pictures of some very nice looking locomotives (and a doodlebug). I mentioned above I would have liked to travel with SF’s train De Luxe. Now I even know what the drumhead looked like on that train! Thank you! I am always learning something.Lars – More interesting books (covers). I better make sure I’ll win Powerball soon so I can start some serious shopping! I like the picture on the Santa Fe Waycars. Saw a very similar caboose last Saturday. Of all those books I think I would like Santa Fe’s Early Diesel Daze the most.
James – Thanks for the pictures of those nice looking locomotives. Interesting to see that Fairbanks Morse engine. I saw a very similar one last Saturday, but missed its history. Maybe someone here can identify it, #560?
Mike – Thanks for the URLs to all those old Santa Fe pictures!
Eric
Good morning Tom and friends. I'll have a light breakfast, and then I must be off. Please except this humble offering to read with your morning coffee:
Marx Electric Trains by Allen W. Miller - VR6 1997
At the peak of his long career, toy maker Louis Marx was crowned by Time magazine as America's Toy King - a fitting tribute both to the man and to the multitude of gaily-colored, often animated, and eminently affordable playthings produced at his Wheeling, West Virginia, and Girard and Erie, Pennsylvania, factories from the early 1920s through 1975.
And a benevolent kings he was, for during his tenure Louis Marx bestowed to generations of youngsters a bounty of childhood treasures that were as near as the local five-and-dime store. There, one could find Marx-made toys ranging from action figures to a wide variety of vehicles - all available at prices befitting childhood financial resources more often measured in silver coins than folded paper currency. And, of course, there were the electric trains!
Most of the trains were produced at Girard plant. Over the years, Marx created underpowered, wind-up, battery-powered, and electric toy trains in several sizes and gauges, ranging from early, non-scale floor toys and wind-up trains for homes not yet electrified to scale HO models in the later years. But among toy train enthusiasts, the Marx trademark is most closely linked to the firm's extensive range of lithographed tinplate O gauge electric trains and their related accessories. Actually, they were O27 size - somewhat smaller than true O scale - but the trains were never advertised as such because Louis Marx believed consumers would too closely associate his product with the O27 assortment widely touted by Lionel Trains.
Marx's six-inch, four-wheel tinplate cars from the 1930s and early 1940s had a charm all their own, and were produced in a wide variety of styles and colors
Marketing deceptions aside, Louis Marx bestowed a legacy of lithographed tinplate toy trains surviving the tests of both time and evolving technologies. Although Marx himself was not the creator of either the manufacturing technique known as tin-plating or the printing method known as lithography, he was an erstwhile proponent of these processes used in combination. Indeed, in the art of applying four-color printing to tin-plated metal sheets, Marx Electric Trains took a back seat to no competitor, then or since.
In the years leading up to World War II, virtually everything in the Marx O27 gauge train line was made of lithographed tinplate. In part, the process was a logical extension of the Marx philosophy of providing durable and attractive toys at a reasonable price. Molded or added detail parts such as handrails or window frames increased manufacturing time and costs, and could be broken or damaged during active play. Skillfully applied lithography - printing on thin metal sheets much as a commercial printer prints pages of a book or magazine - visually represented with details too fragile or expensive to manufacture separately. Even shadow areas could be depicted in printing, providing the illusion pf dimension and depth. Perhaps best of all, from the manufacturer's point of view, Marx could use the same basic punched-metal sheets and other equipment to produced what appeared to be a variety of different locomotives and cars, but which were, in fact, essentially the same items dressed in different livery. The lithography was changed, but not the actual component or assembly. The result was a product that was visually effective, manufactured at considerable savings of time, labor, and money.
But the sun began to set on tinplate toys in America when forces of the Rising Sun struck at Pearl Harbor. During the war years, the defense industry's insatiable need for metals of all kinds precluded their use for toys or other consumer products. Also during those years, new materials and manufacturing methods evolved that would, in peacetime, lead to more efficient and economical ways of producing both real trains and their toy counterparts. After the war, Lionel and American Flyer (both of whom had also produced tinplate trains in the prewar period) turned increasingly to die-casting for steam locomotive bodies, and to newly developed plastics or lightweight aluminum for production of diesels and most rolling stock. Marx itself employed some die-casting, but relied even more on the cost-efficient plastics. The fine art of lithography remained on an extended hiatus.
Still, tinplate trains are truly the keystone of the toy train heritage, and they have never really been forgotten. Even today, toy trains (as opposed to scale models) are often generically referred to scale models) are often generically referred to as "tinplate" - a term applied despite the fact that, aside from the tinplated steel track they operate upon, few electric trains manufactured today are faithful to their tinplate past in composition or form. Nevertheless, there are some exceptions, and it is entirely fitting that when tinplate toy trains re-surfaced early in the 1990s as an adult collectible, their packaging would again bear the familiar circular Marx logo with the large "X" in the center.
The tinplate Canadian Pacific 2-4-2 steamer (top), the first locomotive model released by the New Marx Trains, remains faithful to the pre- and post-World War II Marx heritage. A CP passenger car is displayed in front of unformed and uncut steel lithographed sheet
During a visit to a mental asylum, a visitor asked the director what the criterion was which defined whether a patient should be institutionalized."Well," said the director, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub.""Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the teaspoon or the teacup.""No," said the director, "a normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?"
G’day Gents!
Gonna be a busy day for Moi here in mid-continent USA – so, after a cuppa Joe, some pastries from the Mentor Village Bakery and a selection from our Menu Board for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast, I’m outta here (for awhile)!
Appears as if the Santa Fe ENCORE! Theme for the Day! worked out well as we had quite a few contributors – but some noticeable absences too. Never know ‘round here who is gonna show up, eh <grin> We’re pretty much entrenched as the “Hit ‘n Miss Bar ‘n Grill”! Also noted that the Pages were a bit slow in loading this morning – must be all the Pix, does it every time.
Note to Pete: I’ve sent you 3 E-mails! Are you there
Note to all: No response from the Forums Manager, although there is a “blurb” on all of the Forums regarding the “rules” and so forth. Read ‘em.
To the acknowledgments:
BK at 1:07 PM yesterday: Many thanx for the AT&SF loco Pix AND the drumheads! Nicely done, and my guess is Lydia was hard at work.
Hate to think of you disappearing again for a long period of time, but I’d be doing the same thing if our situation permitted. Love traveling and never seem to get ‘nuf of it.
Appreciate your taking the time to stick it out with us, especially during these times of “on again, off again” at the Saloon by the Siding.
Lars at 2:45 PM yesterday: Another fine spate of book and video covers from you! A real touch of class for our Theme for the Day! (Also on our Sunday Photo Posting Days!) Well done, Mate!
Sports in St. Louis at this time of year isn’t a pleasant subject. Blues lost again last night to the hated Blackhawks from ChiTown , 3-2. Hawks scored three goals in 2:04 minutes to keep the Blue Note at the bottom of the heap. New coach may change things around, but it’s gonna take time. Let’s go Cardinals! <grin>
Doug at 6:58 PM yesterday: Now what is it you don’t understand about our B’day Watch List! It’s a rather simple thing, you see – the year is 2006 – the ages shown reflect the age one will reach during the year of the list. <geesh> When the 2007 list comes out – if it comes out! – all one needs to do is add “one year” to each name, and so forth. <double geesh>
A raise Volunteers don’t get paid from the upstairs tub. However, if you want a job ‘round here that does pay, looks like we’re gonna have an opening if our on again, off again Bar Chandler keeps up the disappearing act. <groan>
Many thanx for the second installment on the AT&SF – good stuff!
James at 8:42 PM yesterday: Reach the 20th month is a milestone indeed. There are times when I wonder how much longer this will go on. I’m hoping to reach the two year mark, then . . . .
Fine inclusive Post from you and I really “dig” those warbonnet liveries of the Santa Fe. Used to be that the blue was set aside for freight and the red for passenger – although, there are many, many exceptions out there in the Ether where pictures show otherwise. We used to have an Aficionado ‘round here on the Santa Fe, but alas, no longer. Therefore, we must rely on one another for the ‘straight skinny’ on how the liveries were matched with the service employed.
Thanx again!
Mike at 9:22 PM yesterday: URLs Rule! And you haven’t let us down for our Theme for the Day!
Eric at 11:23 PM yesterday: We’re getting spoiled by your late nite/early AM Posts – something we look forward to. Thanx for being one of us here at the Tavern by the Tracks!
Enjoyed the to
OPTIONAL Toy 'n Model Trains Day!
first Posted on Page 332
Another Toy 'n Model Trains Day! here at the bar. I was going to hold off on providing anything new, given that so many of our number are away for an assortment of reasons . . . however, in deference to those of you who "give a Rat's Patoot!" - try this one on for size! Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements.
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please, round for the house and $ for the ju8kebox.
I will now retype my entire post as it vanished when I posted it the first time. Sheesh! Probably a loose nut behind the keyboard.
Some belated acknowledgements.
Pete - Thanks for UK steam shots.
Eric provided a shot of the B&A summit "sign." Back in the day this was a white sign with black letters. I wonder where it is now?
BK - Bon voyage (again) be safe out there.
James sent along some ATSF shots
Barndad came through with a condensed ATSF history, pictures, and some mighty fine Marx material.
Click on that Delano picture in Mike's collection of items and, if your computer will let you, the photo will fill up most of your screen. Looking at this, you can see why he's on my short list of inspirational rr photographers. Now, there's a thread waiting to happen.....
Our ‘Steamed Proprietor ran a double header yesterday, Looking at the photos gives you a good idea of what ATSF paint looked like over the years. The blue/yellow scheme applied to the F units when they came on the property during WW2 was not in the article, but (how's this for linking things), you can see a shot of that on the cover of Santa Fe Locomotive Development (gotta get this book), in the latest installment of Lars' Library list which, BTW, is most appreciated. I have a pretty extensive library, but am always interested in what's new. Just got your Marx post; Donald the Demon lives down the street from me; he drives an ancient Pontiac.
My apologies if I left anyone out. I'll try and get back later today, but everyone is trying to finish up stuff b4 the holidays, so we are in and out a lot; at least the weather is much better than it was last week.
Work safe
BOO! Wake up sunshine, and gimme a beer! A Rheingold in a frosty mug will do fine, thank you Ruth! Sloooooooooooow, huh Can't quite get used to this at what once was really a busy place. As the numbers dwindle, as the regulars become irregular, as the stomach turns, etc. <swg>
I read "it," have YOU Seems like there's more than one "message" in "it" - intended for whom Hmmmmmmmmm. So, the idea is to enable the JOs and castigate those who buy the products, support the forums, and . . . . Really, really getting close to packing it in, guys, I'm not here for any other reason than to enjoy the good times at the bar Tom created.
Does anyone have any ideas about where we could move the bar If so, let's get an e-mail "thing" started and look at the alternatives. Maybe a web site of our own. Something to think about.
Really had quite a bit of material for the Santa Fe and I never get tired of looking at that color scheme (aka: livery) especially in the war bonnet layout on those diesels from days gone by. That's CLASSIC TRAINS! Great job to those who contributed!
Southern for next Tuesday - I can handle it! Should be fun, as that's another U.S. road with lotsa history. Good choice, bossman!
Think I'll swing by your "other thread" just to keep 'er going a bit longer. I see where you've tapered off your activity a bit. Can't say as if I blame you; you've really put a lot of effort into that, which is your Hallmark! The rest of "youse guys" should check it out, why not There's "stuff" over there that hasn't appeared here. It's all not reruns as some would believe.
I see Doug started something with the Marx toys, huh I remember those from my days as a kid. Could find 'em in Woolworths, Kresge's and other ten-cent stores. Really were low on the totem pole in terms of quality when compared with Lionel and Gilbert's AF line. No comparison. But, still nice to have some of it brought back. Thanx to Tom too for the ENCORE! Makes for one of those "everything and more" regarding Marx. when you put the two posts together.
Is it just me, or have things really gotten a bit "lonely" without Pete - Rob - Nick 'n DL
Leon- I would like a sandwich and a coffee, please. Also get the guys a round. I'm in the giving spirit.
Mike- Nice contribution of pics you had there. The Semaphores caught my eye the most. I just can't get enough of the Semaphore. They are a really cool looking signal. The PA1 also caught my eye. Good looking train. Thanks.
Eric- Glad you liked the pics. The Fairbanks Morse H-12-44 locomotive you found there is not Santa Fe. The Santa Fe had numbered there locomotives in the 600s series. I will do a little research on it and I will get back to you that.
Barndad- Good Marx trains article. I really am not a collector of that kind of model but I know some guys who would be. None the less, Good show!
Tom- You're right. The Warbonnet is a good sight to see. I do like that scheme.
Also a nice article on Marx trains but, I didn't know they made plastic figurines. I was a bit surprised to see "Donald the Demon." That's just a little scary!
Time for some Model pics!!
Remeber how this looked with the Cement plant and the diamond........well......
This is how it looks now. It isn't done but it's close. It took a drastic change. The diamond has been moved and a junction put into place. This is Des Moines Junction. This summer I will be putting in CTC. The Semaphores will work according to where the trains are running.
Another view of the new Junction.
You can see that the grain elevator will still be in place. I just don't have the tracks leading to the elevator. They will be in shortly.
What do you think!!
CM3, thanks for digging Delano. I put 4 links to Santa Fe 1943, they all enlarge. Unfortunately the thousands of his black & white photos online are not as clear, kind of blurry and fuzzy. Otto Perry was also great, a rabid railfan whose amateur pictures are indispensable to the historic record.
Frank Sinatra rolled himself up into a big ball and died. That's Life.
This is Time:
"1928 Marx got the greatest idea in toydom's history. Rounding a corner in Los Angeles one day, he stopped to watch a Filipino whittle away at a circular block of wood, attach it to a string and then bounce the block up and down the string, as his fellow-countrymen had been doing for as long as anyone could remember. The Yo-Yo, transformed by Marx from a primitive, island plaything into a universal preoccupation, sold more than 100 million and is still going strong."
Louis Marx
http://img.timeinc.net/time/magazine/archive/covers/1955/1101551212_400.jpg
James, I'm glad you liked the semaphores, PA1 and the steaming William Crooks, which had to be taken apart for shipment to Duluth.
http://collections.mnhs.org/VisualResources/VRDbimages/pf032/pf032557.jpg
However I think MPI #100 (Metal Processing Industries) actually is in the Santa Fe department.
http://atsf.railfan.net/atsfpres/mpi100.jpg
Hudson River tunnel (Thank you Eric!)
http://homepage.mac.com/ericx2000/.Pictures/For%20transfer/The%20Hudson%20Tunnel.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/ericx2000/.Pictures/For%20transfer/Hudson%20Tunnel.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/ericx2000/.Pictures/For%20transfer/Penn%20Station%2C%20NYC.jpg
Greyhound Bus
http://images.nypl.org/?id=482565&t=w
Empire State Building 1930
http://www.archives.gov/research/american-cities/images/american-cities-079.jpg
Anyway, to make a tall tale short, this is a road on a truck.
http://muse.museum.montana.edu:16080/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN20600.jpg
Good evening Tom and friends. I'll have a bottomless draught, and buy the traditional round for the house. My bride just got home from work, so I must upload and run. Talk to ya'll tomorrow!
The New Marx Trains, as they're often called today, are manufactured by an enterprising couple - Jim and Debby Flynn - in Elmhurst, Illinois, rather than at a factory in Pennsylvania. Contemporary Marx Train production remains faithful to the processes used in making the original product line in virtually every respect, and the owners are quick to point out that, like its forerunners, the new Marx Trains are still "proudly made in the U.S.A." Today's locomotives are powered by motors that retain the time-honored reliability of their predecessors, but operate more quietly; the 1990's lithography is, if anything, an improvement on old methods, reflecting refinements that have occurred over the years; and today's Marx trains are assembled with individual care and greater finesse, rather than on a mass-production assembly line. Of course, a pocket full of loose change will no longer buy you one of these outfits, but if nostalgia beckons during the holiday season, it's gratifying to know that this traditional approach is still very much alive and readily available.
Original; Marx tinplate was in large part eminently affordable because the same basic tooling and components could be used to produce rolling stock in an array of configurations and color variations. Each Colorado & Southern refrigerator car has a distinctive appearance. All features on the car on the left are done in lithography. The car on the right has operating slide doors.
Original Marx trains have also developed a devoted following in the collector community. Not too many years ago, toy train collector interest was primarily focused on Lionel, American Flyer, and a few long-gone turn-of-the-century manufacturers such as Ives, Dorfan, and Hafner. Marx trains were fully intended to be inexpensive playthings for active youngsters, and they often did not survive the passing generations as did their cousins from Lionel of Flyer. But enough have survived to make the thrill of the hunt all the more intriguing to those who have rediscovered the other toys of their youth. And, since Marx almost never produced the type of colorful "wish book" annual catalogs that Lionel became noted for, ascertaining a Marx item's manufacture is yet another challenge that piques the interest of many collectors. The most reliable sources of information, it seems, are the much larger "wish book" Christmas catalogs published by Sears, Montgomery Wards, Spiegel, and others in the period before shopping centers and malls. Always the savvy and thrifty businessman, Marx wisely relied on these commercial giants to promote his product line in homes across America.
There's an irresistible charm in the tinplate toy trains that for so many years plied rail sets around countless Christmas trees. Perhaps it's that unmistakable toy-like look that invariably says "old" and by implication, "easier and better times." Or, maybe it's the comforting sounds these toys make as they circle the track - metal bodies attached to metal frames, mounted on metal trucks with metal wheels, rolling atop metal rails aligned with metal ties. Then again, it may have something to do with the bold, shiny colors adorning the lithographed locomotives, cars, and accessories. Most likely, it's a combination of all of these factors, blended in a harmonious union of sights and sounds perpetuating a colorful legacy as enthralling as our most fond memories.
Marx train layouts have always been well defended by an assortment of military rolling stock and related accessories. These items rank among the most popular and collectible of all Marx products.
Hi Tom and all.
After a couple of days of probs with the puter it seems to be better this evening if very slow at times allow me to pick the tab up for drinks please LEON for missing a great Santa Fe day and the 20th anniversary.
Many, many, thanks DOUG, CM3, BK, LARS, JAMES, ERIC MIKE and of course TOM for such great info pics and links on the Santa Fe, a trully great railroad and it was pure genious to come up with the Warbonnet livery on the Alcos and the EMD diesels, it would be interesting to know how many of the Santa Fe diesels have graced the covers of railway books world wide, I can recall some that were published in England. When I first came over to the U.S. in 2000 there was a few locos through Kansas City in the Santa Fe livery, not being on a BNSF line now it would be interesting to know if any of the new locos are still turned out in Santa Fe colors? In my opinion they are the best livery of the locos running today.
Hopefully we are going to KC for the new year and with a bit of luck I will be able to get to the recently opened Harvey House in Union station there.
I have a couple more models of British locos I shall take a couple of pics with the digital now I have got some more batteries.Very enjoyable posts about the Marx tinplate models from DOUG and TOM.
It would be a sure fire way today to become a millionaire today if you could invent the toy which would be a Christmas favourite, like the YO-YO, Must agree with James though, Donald the Demon is scary.
JAMES Your layout is looking Good and the locos in my pics are all 4 FT 8 inch gauge.
TOM. Although reading the posts has been a bit a struggle with the puter it as been very well worth it, although reading Bergie's "message" has not done any thing to improve my mood at all I am in total agreement with LARS.
At least my e-mail seems to be behaving, I got your latest message and will reply when I have cooled down over the Bergie thing.
Pete.
Good morning Captain Tom and all!!
Boris, just a cup of coffee, please! A short evening tonight but I had to stop by before hitting the sack. A lot of info about the Marx Trains!
Doug – Learned something new today. I can’t recall I ever heard about any Marx trains! 55 years of excistence (the original ones) and I managed to miss it! I have no clue what my toy train I had as a kid came from. But it certainly was a tin train. Tom – More Marx trains! I guess you could say that Marx was split up into small pieces. Sent a mail to you.CM3 – White sign with black letters? I did not see anything like it when I took the picture in 1993. It is probably in somebody’s collection now.Lars – I have checked Captain’s other thread a number of times and I like it, but there is no time over to post. I am involved in four other forums in the old country and that plus “Our” Place is taken all my spare time (and sometimes more). James – Thanks for the info about the Fairbanks-Morse locomotive in my picture. I’ll figure out what railroad it belonged to. Actually I had a quick look now and found that it belonged to New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad from the beginning. I can see that your layout is getting improved! The change is absolutely an improvement!
I understand that you did not know what the X2000 looked like? You have more about it on this link:
http://web.mac.com/ericx2000/iWeb/X2%20in%20USA/Welcome.html
Nice picture of the Greyhound station! I wonder what kind of engine they had in that tiny Milwaukee “locomotive”. Maybe James knows?Pete – Looking forward to see more pictures of your models of British locos!
Ready to take off!
Good morning Tom and friends! I’ll have a light breakfast please. Quite the outpouring of Marx material yesterday from ya’ll. I think we just about covered the subject. I personally never owned any Marx products, but I always knew they were out there. Never had any interest in it really, but some do, and that’s good enough for me. Now let me see if I have this birthday thing right. You take the month the guy was born, and multiply that by his current age, divide the result by 2006 and plot it on a spreadsheet. CM3 is never going to reach 61 years at this rate! I like my way better, where he is guaranteed to hit 61 in just a few weeks. It’s been mighty windy in these parts, as warm air is back. Nearly all my holiday decorations blew over. I just can’t keep the stuff standing this year. Visitors yesterday were CM3(twice), Lars, James, Mike, Peter, Eric and myself (twice). That makes 8 including Tom. Is that so bad? As for troubles with this forum, I avoid ‘em by typing in my wordprocessor, and pasting it here. Should the message get lost, it’s easily replaced. No biggie. Ya’ll have a great day. I must be off for work!
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please, round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
General statement; keep telling yourself, it's only a hobby, it's only a hobby.
James; Thanks for the layout pictures. Junction is a good idea as it gives you a lot more operational possibilities. Someday, I'll get my stuff unpacked again.
Mike - Good URLs; I do miss Penn Station (in its old incarnation).
Barndad provided some fascinating Marx material. Your math scares me, but I think of what a buddy of mine said once, "I'm 30 with 30 years experience!" And my sainted mother used to say, "It's just a number, when do we eat?"
Pete sent us some wide-ranging comments. Direct your attention to the bottom of this post - maybe you have seen the story already, if not, you'll enjoy it, I think!
Eric - The B&A sign I recall was "back in the day." And I mean the 1950s.
We haven't done any short lines in awhile, so here are two of my favorites
Fernwood, Columbia and Gulf RR Co. (1969)
Ran from Columbia, MS to Fernwood, MS (44.14 miles) End point cities connected with the IC, and there were connections to the GM&O at W. Columbia and at Tylertown, MS.
The FC&G had a scheduled train each way daily xpt Sundays.
Train 95 (westbound) departed Columbia at 2:00 p.m. and arrived at Fernwood at 515 p.m.
Train 94 departed Fernwood at 1005 a.m. with a 1:00 p.m. arrival in Columbia.
The Bonhomie and Hattiesburg Southern RR Co. was owned by the same group.
They operated 26.9 miles from Hattiesburg to Beaumont, MS.
Interchanges were with the SOU and IC at Hattiesburg and with the GM&O at Beaumont, MS.
The B&HS had a scheduled train each way daily xpt Sundays.
Train 31 (southbound) departed Hattiesburg at 730 a.m. with an 836 a.m. arrival time at Beaumont.
Train 32 (northbound) left Beaumont at 9:00 a.m. with a 10:06 a.m. arrival at Hattiesburg.
Clearly an arrangement designed to maximize equipment use.
Their slogans were
"By-Pass Routes to Avoid Delay in Congested Places," and
"Safe Time and Money By Missing Bedlam and Confusion."
Almost forgot, BBC had an interesting post about a group in Britain who rescued a fine little steam switcher from the Zenica Steel Works in Sarajevo. They will be restoring and operating this beastie once they get it home. Go to BBC News site and you can read about it. I hesitate to give the link as it scrolls across the bottom of an 8½ x 11 page.
Coming near the end of ‘nother week here at the Tavern by the Tracks and the conversation continues – many facets, many points of view, but all worth the while. Good job, guys!
Thursday here in mid-continent, petrol holding at $2.19 (rounded), temps in the 60s (F) and it feels more spring-like than not. Hard to imagine that just a week ago we were in the throws of an ice age!
C’mon and join me in a cuppa Joe, pastries from the Mentor Village Bakery and a selection from our Menu Board of <light> and <traditional> bills o’ fare!
Really, really encourage all of our patrons to read the comments from the Forums Manager regarding the “rules” and so forth. If you are feeling rather put upon, send me an Email and we’ll kick it about. Having fun is indeed what we’re here for, unfortunately, we’ve obviously been placed in the “persona non grata” category. Therefore, a move elsewhere will be explored if that’s what the majority wishes. Email – let’s keep it on Email.
Thank you Lars ‘n Pete for your thoughts and it’s best to vent and move on . . .
Tomorrow is gonna be a tough day for Moi, have to be away rather early and throughout the morning. So, if anyone out there can pitch in, tomorrow’s your chance. Thanx.
Acknowledgments:
CM3 at 9:09 AM yesterday: What year Pontiac Loved those Chieftans from the early 50s!
Lars at 4:19 PM yesterday: You hit “it” on the head with your analysis of “it”!
I’ve received a couple of Emails in support of what you’ve said and expect some others. So, let’s consider the options, Gents. I’m not going to throw myself into the cesspool of nay sayers and wrist wringers over this, but surely would much rather be where fun is paramount. Rewarding bad behavior is not my idea of the comfort zone we should be in.
James at 5:59 PM yesterday: Layout holds great promise of wonderful things to come. It’s nice to see the progress, keep it coming!
Mike at 7:00 PM yesterday: URLs Rule! As always, a fine bit of diversity and all with relevance fer sure, fer sure! That Greyhound terminal surely rings a bell. And Louis Marx probably did more for the American toy industry than A.C. Gilbert or Joshua Lionel insofar as affordability and availability of products were concerned. No doubt those making the purchases could fill far more stockings at Christmastime with his products than from the other two. However, when it comes to the trains – American Flyer and Lionel RULE!
Received your Email and responded – thanx!
Doug at 8:10 PM yesterday: Marx, Marx and more Marx!
Pete at 9:38 PM yesterday: Really takes a lot to send you over the edge and it appears that “it” did it! <grin> Well, you aren’t alone, Mate. Email is the way to continue this, though.
Received your Email and responded – thanx! Hope the ‘puter issues settle down. The Mrs. can always get a nite-job so you can purchase a state of the art system. Hey! That’s “it”!! YOU could provide us with the server needed to relocate the bar. <grin>
Eric at 12:31 AM today: Received your Email and responded – thanx! Appreciate your adding B’day info to our Watch List! Next revision is in January.
X2000 looks wonderful – sure wish the American and Canadian passenger rail systems were full of ‘em! Thanx!
Doug at 6:06 AM today: B’day Watch List info sent to you by Email . . .
It’s always been quality over quantity at this bar – or should have been. Anyway, there have been so many protracted absences ‘round here and repeated ones at that, whereby the continuity we once had simply isn’t. There’s no one who can say they have been here for every week of our existence. Some have been gone for months. But the positive spin is that we are STILL HERE. That’s the plus side of it. How much longer Your guess is as good as mine, but I see the warning signs.
CM3 at 8:21 AM today: A rather early start for our WVA connection, which probably means lots of outdoor activity, eh Nice short line “stuff” and the BBC will entertain our “Brits”!
CONTEST - CONTEST - CONTEST
We are approaching 10,000 replies (Posts) for "Our" Place - so the idea is to submit your best guess as to when that will take place!
Just name the date and you will be eligible for the PRIZES! The winner gets: unlimited food 'n drink for any Thursday, Friday or Saturday between 5 PM and CLOSING - plus - a round trip aboard the Can-Am Limited in the drawing room suite (triple bedroom) located in the rear observation dome car - AND - the keys to the Penthouse Suite for a Saturday nite stay!
Everyone, other than the Proprietor, full-time employees and mascosts, are eligible to participate!
CONTEST CLOSES on Friday, Dec 22nd!
Tom
I think you are still logged in, Tom, so CHEERS to you! Ruth, a round on me and make something "special" for the man who guides us through the choppy seas of the Kalmbach forums. I shall have a hot mug of coffee with just a "splash" to make it interesting along with two pecan Danish from the Mentor Village Bakery goods case!
Add me to the growing list of those who are less than enamored with the way things are spiraling downward here in cyber space. To think that most of the chagrin could have been avoided, or better yet - averted, had that blankety-blank ratings idea never been put forth. I have sent you my further thoughts in an email. Move the bar I wonder if there would be a following, as it appears we have some who appear to remain unaffected by what has transpired since all of this began. Your call, of course, I will remain with the bar as my whereabouts permit. <grin>
Here is a little something that I provided over on your other thread, but the relevance applies to a conversation that took place a week or so ago regarding the New York Central and the Water Level Route business:
from: wikipedia.com
As you can see, the Wikipedia people credit the routing for the name; so Captain Tom, I'd say you hit it on the proverbial head!
Finally caught up on the pages and postings. I must say there is a wealth of knowledge "living" on these pages. How can anyone not appreciate this I'm hardly "one of you" insofar as my knowledge and experiences are concerned when it comes to any facet of railroading; probably never will be. However, I have ALWAYS found this adult environment to my liking and thoroughly enjoy the manner in which "business" is conducted. Again, why some find this objectionable is beyond my comprehension; advanced degrees nothwithstanding! <grin>
I encourage all who are keeping this wonderful experience alive and well to continue on. For it is a labor for Tom to keep at it day after day. What is "in it" for him, after all This creation has put many of us on the same path (track!) and my hope is that we will keep in the same direction. Otherwise . . .
Fine work for all who made the Santa Fe theme day go so well. A well thought out and diverse set of submissions. Truly even better than the first time! Shows that we DO have those who give that Rat's Patoot Tom likes to refer to!
Mark me down for February 14th for the date when the 10,000th posting is made. Valentine's Day seems appropriate!
Hope to be back in a day or two.
BK in Alberta, Canada's high mountain country!
Hello Tom
Please could you read this telegram to the regulars:
"Dear all, not joined legion of lost, stop, been keeping up with posts, stop, will be back to comment on stuff soon, stop, much of interest in recent days stop"
DL
Money for beers wired to local post office, stop, propreitor or manager authorised to collect, stop
Now arriving on track #2 …
Railroads of Today! Number Two
Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources.
VIA Rail Canada
Reporting marks: VIA
Locale: Canada
Dates of operation: 1978 – present
Track gauge: 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) (standard gauge)
Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec
VIA Rail Canada (also referred to as VIA Rail and VIA; pronounced 'vee-ah') is an independent Crown corporation offering intercity passenger rail services in Canada.
VIA Rail operates 480 trains in eight Canadian provinces (all except Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island) over a network of 14,000 kilometres of track spanning the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Great Lakes to Hudson Bay. VIA Rail carries approximately 3.9 million passengers annually. It sees the majority of its traffic between Windsor, Ontario and Quebec City, Quebec.
VIA Rail's corporate headquarters are in Montreal, Quebec.
History
A VIA LRC disembarking at Ottawa VIA Station
Early Canadian intercity passenger rail
The post-war era saw two developments which would eventually prove disastrous to previously profitable passenger rail transport offered by Canadian National Railways (CNR), the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), and smaller lines: long-distance Canadian intercity passenger trains began to be replaced with air travel, and short- and middle-distance passenger trains underwent dramatic restructuring with many being eliminated outright following increased use of personal cars on highways such as the Trans-Canada Highway. Critics of this shift point out that all these new services were subsidised by taxpayers, from construction of highways to construction of airports, making it difficult for rail to compete; opponents of rail point out that the construction of the railways themselves was similarly subsidised.
By the 1960s it was obvious to both Canadian National (known as CN after 1960) and CPR that passenger trains were no longer economically viable under traditional market manifestations. CPR sought to rid itself of the burden of operating passenger trains, but federal government regulators and politicians balked, forcing CPR to continue running a minimal service through the 1970s. CN on the other hand, being a Crown corporation, was encouraged by the federal government and political interests to invest in passenger trains. Innovative marketing schemes such as Red, White, and Blue fares, new equipment such as scenic dome cars and rail diesel cars, and services such as Rapido and Turbo trains saw substantial increases in ridership, reversing previous declines.
However, by the 1970s even CN saw the writing on the wall and sought to rid itself of passenger trains. The decline of passenger rail became a federal election issue in 1974 when the government of Pierre Trudeau promised to implement a nation-wide carrier similar to Amtrak in the United States. The bilingual name [blue]VIA or VIA CN[/blue] originated in 1976 as a marketing term for Canadian National's passenger train services and the VIA logo began to appear on CN passenger locomotives and cars, while still carrying CN logos as well. That September, VIA published a single timetable with information on both CN and CP trains, marking the first time that Canadians could find all major passenger trains in one publication. In 1977, CN underwent a dramatic restructuring when it placed various non-core freight railway activities into separate subsidiaries such as ferries under CN Marine and passenger trains under VIA Rail which was subsequently renamed VIA Rail Canada.
The formation of VIA Rail Canada
On April 1, 1978 Canadian National's passenger subsidiary VIA Rail became a separate Crown corporation, taking with it possession of former CN passenger cars and locomotives. Following several months of negotiation, on October 29, 1978 VIA took over operation of CP passenger train services, along with similar possession of cars and locomotives. Passenger train services which were not included in the creation of VIA Rail included those offered by BC Rail, Algoma Central Railway, Ontario Northland Railway, Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway, various urban commuter train services operated by CN and CP, and remaining CN passenger services in Newfoundland. At this time, VIA did not own any trackage and had to pay right-of-way fees to CN and CP, sometimes being the only user of rural branch lines.
VIA initially had a tremendous variety of equipment and operated routes stretching from Sydney, Nova Scotia to Prince Rupert, British Columbia and north to Churchill, Manitoba. In excess of 150 scheduled trains per week were in operation, including transcontinental services, regional trains, and corridor services.
Intercity passenger rail rebirth
The national reach and new marketing schemes saw ridership spike in the late 1970s and early 1980s to previously unheard-of levels, brought on partially by unprecedented inflation and rising gas prices.
First round of cuts
However, increased ridership would not be VIA's saviour. In 1981, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau's government endorse
Ruth, a tankard of Keiths Ale and slide the snack tray down my way, wudja please I'll hold off on a round 'til I see some customers show up. Anyway, nice to see my "bookend" come by today and provide us with a bit of New York Central. Always appreciate that. We've been having some fun with the NYC over on Tom's other thread. By the way, thank you Eric for at least checking it out!
Looks like we had quite an outpouring on the Marx toys yesterday. Good particpation and of course, educational!
I remember those '53 Pontiac Chieftans; sweet!
Glad to see that I'm not alone in trying to ensure that we all understand what's going on. Thanks, BK for your words of encouragement and support for our bossman! Wish I had the talent to fully understand what it takes to put something like a forum together. I don't and that's that. Perhaps one of our guys can lead us in the direction we need.
Got your email, Pete and sent a reply. Sorry if I'm a bit tardy, just cannot get into checking the blasted in box on a regular basis. <groan>
Really like that Via Rail submission from Tom and I'll put forth a bit of my own to supplement it.
Reminder, today is Fish 'n Chips night at the bar - we've kind of fallen on hard times as of late since Nick is off on one of his sojourns again. So, the Assistant Chef is supposed to be DL - but - he too seems to be swept off by aliens, or at least something like that. Telegram(s) didn't reveal what's going on. So, that means the kitchen duties have reverted back to those horrid H&H "gals." Good Grief Charlie Brown! <girn>
Also, I'm "in" for the Contest. February looks good to me too, so I'll go with the 15th.
A pint of the usual please RUTH and can you put me down for some Fish 'N' Chips for later.
A great couple of days of Posts at Our Place.
On Today,s posts ERIC Thanks for the link to the X2000 and the great cab photo
DOUG It really is good to see in again really good posts on the Santa Fe and Marx
BK Thanks for the NYC info. Your words on Our Place are how I feel but you write them far better than I can.
DL Good to see you in the Bar and will look forward to when you have caught up on the posts.
Alan Has found the Bylines which as the Beeston Creosote Works article in. He says it is a good piece with photos and a map.
CM3 Thanks for the short lines and I have found another link to the Savajevo saved steam loco.
http://www.project62.supanet.com/30076.htm
The loco number 30076 follows on from the USA class locos # 30061 to 30074 owned by the Southern Railway and were used for switching Southampton Docks. The Southern locos were introduced in 1942 and were purchased from the U.S. Army Transportation Corps in 1946. The Southern modified the cabs and the coal bunkers.
There is one of these locos preserved at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway in Yorkshire # 30072. At the moment this 1943 Vulcan Iron Works built loco is awaiting an overhaul but in 1976 she was running and was painted to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the American Independance, unfortunatly I have not been able to trace a photo of the loco in this condition yet.
This is a pic of a loco of the same type, this is at the Bluebell Railway in Southern England
TOM I have cooled off now.
Great and very informative post on the VIA Rail Canada. Although it is very sad to read about all the cuts in funding the system has been through.The wealth of information on the classes of service and the passenger cars and locomotives is brilliant, although the number of passenger cars there is now compared to before the cuts must be very much smaller.
Glad to see you in LARS and thanks for the VIA maps. Got your e-mail reply OK so it looks like the puter is behaving. I am getting quite used to H & H's Fish and Chips there are not to bad when you are hungry, anyway I dare not tell them if they wern't.
TOM I will go for March 12 for the compitition. Great Prizes .
Well RUTH another beer please and allow me to get around in.
G-day Tom and all present.
Leon- I know its a little later than usual, but could I get the late fish and chips and a coffee, please.
Mike- There were some good pics you showed off there. especially the one of the Milwaukee road unit. In short it's called an "Electric Shuffle unit" They would be plugged into an outlit for 220 volt and would pull the Litte Joes, Box cabs, and Bipolars out of the sheds without the use of more electricity than needed. They were handy I like them. I guess I was wrong on the H-12-44 part. By the look of it, it seemed to be froma nother railroad.
Barndad- The Marx article was good. When I see the Marx trains, I don't know what to think but tin boxs and cans. They are not my kind of train but they are cute. They would be perfect for someones child. A good starter.
Pete- So the locomotives are four foot, eight and a half. There really cool looking locomotives. I would love to ride one of those down the tracks. Glad you liked the layout. It's coming along quite slowly but it's better than nothing. It really turned out better than I had expected. Thanks for the comments.
Eric- Thanks for the info on the X2000. It's interesting that it's a Swedish made train. And I hadn't realized that that the train ran all the way around the U.S. I might have to take a ride sometime. Thanks. thanks for the comments on the layout. Next the Semaphores will be going up.
CM3- I liked how the junction turned out. I am now able to manage more trains through the Grain elevator, and have two trains running on the double track. It's cool. It would be great for you to bring out your stuff. I have to ask, What kind of models do you own? What do have?
Tom- For me, I will guess that we will have 10000 posts on January 1.
Also enjoyed the article on the Via rail. I like passenger trains no matter where there located in the world. I would especially like to ride Via through the moutains. I would love to see what it would be like. Keep it coming!!
Budkar- Good little part on the NYC. I didn't realize that they had stuck to the East coast. Most interesting.
I have a short story that I want you guys to read. See what you think. The short story is called late.
Enjoy
LATE!
Dust was kicked high into the air as he ran in the hot summer afternoon. His sweat began to drown him, and his insides throbbed with pain. It was as if his whole body swelled, but he kept running. Beating the heat choked ground as if he were trying to beat the heat to his destination. His luggage was smacking his back with every step he took, as he followed the iron highway. Suddenly he caught a glimpse of the metal beast in the distance. His heart skipped a beat, as he ran faster. The beast coming up fast with smoke rolling out its top like a volcano. He dropped his burden on the dusty ground, and gained speed. The rumble of the beast became all to clear to him now, and he lunged on to the ground covering his face from the dust that was viciously kicked up. The great noise was almost over powering as the beast roared past him. He slowly raised his head, and saw huge metal cages with people staring at him in wonder, through glass windows. Hundreds of small golden white lights shot through the air as the end of the beast past him down the iron highway. As he regained his footing he saw a man on the back of the beast shaking his head, and pointing to his glistening pocket watch. He began spitting out a long line of curses as he realized he was late for his train.
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, just a beer, please! Free of charge thanks to DL! No, nothing to eat tonight, I had some super good Steak & Bisquits at Cracker Barrel today and that would be very hard to beat. I would say impossible to beat!
Doug – I bet that guy in the picture from the air carrier wished he was somewhere else when that thing came lose! Wow!CM3 – 1950’s, that is really “back in the day.” Maybe the sun, snow and ice wore the sign down. Anyway, the B&A line is going through very beautiful country. It used to be double track, but in the 90’s it was just a single track. See below.I have to check on the map where those shortlines, FC&G and B&HS, were located.
The Boston - Albany line
Tom – I wish we had your gas prices. Here it is climbing and is now above $2.30.10,000th post will happen January 28. Thank you for the complete history of VIA Rail Canada! Some ups and a lot of downs. I like the interior of the diner. BK – I agree, the Wikipedia info verifies Tom’s answer!DL – Thank you for the beer! Looking forward to your return to the bar!Lars – I like those VIA maps! About the same layout as the map below. Easy to read.
Pete – Very interesting link about Project 62! Happy ending and all! I also recognize the old “friend” WD 1959. James – Thanks for providing the information on the Electric Shuffle Unit! So it is all electric (batteries). I am afraid that you have to go to Sweden to take a ride on the X2000. Or China. I hope to see pictures of the semaphores when they are up! Below is a semaphore from the Orange Empire Railway Museum. Don’t be late if you want to catch a train!
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