Hello Tom
I’ll have a light breakfast, with grapefruit juice please.
I’ll be in to do the catering this eve, as Lars points out I’ve not been able to do that recently! Just sheer weight of tasks this time of year means you can’t dedicate the time – everyone seems to want everything done before the big Christmas day do they not – same at home, work, everywhere you go – kinda gets on top of you! Couple of days could not even get near the ‘puter. Anyway – been some great posts on here and I’ve read em all – a few highlights are worth picking up.
Tom: First off, thanks for marking Pearl Harbour – not commemorated here, obviously the date does not have the same significance (I guess we mark things like Battle of Britain day) of course that does not mean that date is not significant. Just the way it is. May date for post milestone is Jan 18th.
James: St Paul Union station pics – interesting architecture there – sort of what I think we would call French Chateau style, enjoyed that Milwaukee Road history – some operators of big business are surely capable of making some bad business decisions some times – great shame!
Eric – getting every picture you’re posting my friend – and really enjoyed the Orange County stuff – a trip well worth carrying out – thanks for sharing the pics.
The link to your X2000 tour pages was superb, really enjoyed that personal photo album – thanks for sharing it. Fantastic pic alongside the GG1 – great stuff. Made me wonder why Amtrak did not buy X2000 / or ICE ‘off the shelf’ I know there have been problems with Acela, would buying the European technology off the shelf have been a runner? Subject for discussion chaps. I never knew this European stuff had been across the pond – great to learn new things.
Doug – As well as keeping the Groan-O-Meter well oiled I enjoyed the Fred Harvey info (think that was part of theme day, more of which later) – does the chain still exist in any form? Like Doug, I write my posts on the word processor then paste into the website – solves a lot of probs (but I note now removes spaces and emboldening etc so have to restore that on line) – I do this with every web based text operation (apart from v short ones) saves time and avoids dodgy telecoms problems!
Also enjoyed the Water Level Route slogan – I knew the slogan, never been clear on the reason (until now!) – incidentally – who was there main competitor on that route – was it PRR as Coalminer implies?
I enjoyed the theme day and learned a lot. ATSF was/is one heck of a road. Great links Mike. One heck of a list of named trains listed on theme day too.
Now to some Brit stuff (eavesdroppers encouraged).
Mike: In those pictures of Scotland was the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the West Highland line – in case people don’t already know that is featured in the Harry Potter Films (if you’ve seen any of them).
Pete: Birmingham Maglev – I think BR research was involved in this so I’ll have to ask the out laws. My hunch is Maglev is a technological blind alley apart from highly dense populated country’s with long distances between that population density. No doubt we shall see. Politicians like it because it is high tech and glamorous – does not mean it is a sensible solution to the problem though.
Interested in your comments about QE2 Marine engines – was it work in that line of business that took you to the USA?
Thanks for the info on Merchant Navy Class GSN – I saw those rusting locos when I worked at Brighton Station – just not close enough to identify them – so that was one. Shame no serious restoration has been undertaken yet. Can’t be many ex Barry locos still in such bad conditions. Surely it would be unthinkable that they would not get fixed eventually – what do you think?
Enjoyed your personal memories of the North Wales coast line – I feel the A55 road now blights some stretches of the area in a way the railway never blights a landscape – simply enhances it in my view.
Hornby set – as Tom suggests – some sort of transformer will do the trick presumably – after all the train set is presumably 12v not 110 v – so you would need a 110v to 12v transformer instead of a 240v to 12v transformer. My father has a few 240v to 110 v transformers wired into his house to power electrical gear he bought during the years he lived in USA back in the 60s!
Sarajevo loco – interesting link from the story Doug picked up. More than 100 of those still in various states of existence eh? Shows it was a good US design. Funny to think of them stuck behind the iron curtain working away all these years.
Good to know our Foreign Office officials have been spending tax payers money helping get the loco across to Britain, well done to the them as far as I’m concerned!
Beeston Creosote works – well, now how doe we share the contents of that article now it has been located I wonder?
Bye for now
DL
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee (to go), round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Just a quick stop as we are "between" things today. I will try and post a little later, but am not sure if I wll be able to do so.
work safe
G’day Gents!
As promised, a late start for Moi; will be hit ‘n miss throughout today ‘n tomorrow. Hopefully, some of our regulars will pick up the slack, otherwise, it’s slack sails ‘round here.
Appreciate the comments regarding my VIA Rail submission . . .
Let’s get directly to the acknowledgments, then I gotta run . . .
BK at 11:21 AM yesterday: Appreciate the further elaboration regarding the Water Level Route (NYC) . . . figered as much. <grin>
Received your Email and responded – thanx! Future of the bar is really up to y’all, but it surely doesn’t hurt to explore the options, eh
Thanx for participating in our latest CONTEST – Feb 14th it is!
DL at 11:35 & 11:37 AM yesterday: Telegrams received, but you’ve got us wondering!
Lars at 3:22 PM yesterday: Nice addition to the VIA Rail feature – in fact you probably don’t know how timely those maps really are!! Pete ‘n I are in the final planning stages of our trip north in May. Will it be Gaspe or Halifax, or both <grin>
You’re in for Feb 15th – thanx!
Pete at 4:10 PM yesterday: Some fine Euro trains info; can always count on you, DL ‘n Eric to keep us informed and educated on what was and is in the UK and the continent.
Email received and responded to - thanx!
Thanx for your contest entry – March 12th it is!
James at 9:23 PM yesterday: The New York Central ran as far west as St. Louis, MO. The map furnished by BK was more illustrative of the reason for the slogan, “Water Level Route” and wasn’t intended to be a system map.
Unless we have an all-time record amount of Posts between now ‘n Jan 1st, I doubt we’ll make it to ten thousand by then – however, if that’s your choice, you’re in! Thanx for participating!
Interesting short story!
And finally, passenger trains are “it” for me. While I much prefer those from days long gone, traveling aboard VIA Rail in Canada is somewhat reminiscent. However, only if the Budd cars are being used. (I noted that VIA is still referring to them as “HEP” cars on their website. Sorely ticks me off!!) Anyway, the trip across Canada from Toronto to Vancouver is a great experience and one that you shouldn’t put off for too long. Just read the info I provided and you’ll get the message regarding ‘cuts.’ <groan>
Eric at 12:32 AM today: Love that right-of-way Pix! Those kinds of photos really “do it” for Moi!
Contest entry set for Jan 28th – thanx for participating!
Appreciate the X2000 map while you were in Canada – nicely done!
Finally, always preferred the semaphore signals – a certain charm no longer seen alongside the rights-of-way.
DL at 8:45 AM today: Much appreciation for your morning visit – helped to kick things off here at the “Hit ‘n Miss bar ‘n grill”! <grin> Good to see ya again and hope you’ll be able to maintain a semblance of regularity ‘round here. Always “up” for the enlightening information from the UK and other sources. As indicated earlier, you, Pete ‘n Eric are quite the balance for we North Americans!
Truly wish your Email was up ‘n running, for there’s lots of info we cannot pass to you; not all “fun” stuff.
The Pennsylvania Railroad was indeed the behemoth of the day and was the chief competitor of the New York Central. The rivalry is legendary with trains such as the PRRs Broadway Limited racing NYCs 20th Century Ltd to ‘n from Chicago all to attract and keep the dwindling passenger base. Streamline innovations, et al, are a subject to behold – something CM3 could do better at describing than I. The Pennsy billed itself as this country’s premier railroad – “Standard railroad of the world” was one of their slogans. Some fine books on both are still available . . . .
CM3 at 10:56 AM today: Thanx for stopping by, every little bit helps!
10,000th Post CO
Hi Tom And All
I have just spent over a hour on my post just to lose it. I know I should have put it in the WP I guess I'll never learn,so a pint of your strongest ale please RUTH and I will have one of DL's Steaks later please.
JAMES Enjoyed your Late story and the info on the Milwaukee Battery loco. I wonder if there was many Battery locos in North America? Perhaps ROB knows of some that were used on the Trolley systems for maintainance. There were a few in the UK I will have to find out more about them.
ERIC Thanks for the Canada X2000 map and the Boston & Albany pic. when we were in New England last year we took a trip from Providence Rhode Island to the museum at Stourbridge on the way we saw a frieght train but was unable to see the locos. I wonder what railroad company it was?
DL Great to see you back It will be interesting to see Eric's info on the X2000 v Acela and any inside info on the Birmingham Maglev.
As to being in the US I met the bride in Scotland in 2000 when she was touring Britain with a friend I had been on the Highland Steam Festival 11 day steam tour the intinerary of the tour was( *=overnight stay)
Fort William - Mallaig- Fort William* Fort William- Crainlarich- Oban *
Oban- Taynault- Oban. Oban- West Highland Line- Cowlairs, Glasgow- Stirling *
Stirling- Perth -Stirling(2 trips)* Stirling- Inverness * Inverness- Kyle Of Lochalsh - Inverness*
Inverness-Aberdeen - Inverness* Inverness- Perth -Stirling.
The locos were ex LNER B1 61264 and BR Standard 75014 . On the long trips the train was double- headed. from Inverness to the Kyle we had 75014 and from Inverness to Aberdeen it was the B1. On the days there was not a steam tour there were coach trips to see abandoned lines in the Stirling and Inverness areas,with a very knowledgeable guide and some lectures in the evening, a unforgetable experience.
As to railways in the scenery in MIKE's links showing steam in the Scottish Highlands it is remarkable how well the steam loco blends in with the scenery
I had not been along the North Wales Coast for quite a few years before I went on a Steam Special along there and it was quite a shock to see the road at Penmenmawr, although when I was young the road passed through the quite narrow main street of the town and it would not have coped with todays traffic and I guess with the mountains at the back of the town there was no where else to put the road. I will always have very fond memories of Pen from my younger days.
For a great web-site of the North Wales Coast in steam and diesel days.
http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/llandudnoshed6g/index.html
The link on the site to the model railway is well worth a look as well.
As to the Barry locos I believe that over half of the locos rescued have been steamed this is a remarkable achievement. The fate of some of the unrestored locos, some of which have had little or no work done on them is a hot topic in the British railway magazines at the present. Some of the larger locos must have an uncertain future, as some of them are too large for some of the preserved lines and the cost of restoring them now must be astronical and there are other members of the same class already running.
I will have to do a post on some of the Ex Barry locos that are being used to provide parts to build locos of classes that were scrapped.
Thanks for the info on the 110/240Volts.
As you say the US 0-6-0 switchers must have been a great design and well made to survive in service as long as they did, some of the USATC 2-8-0 locos worked a long time in Europe after the war as well as the British WD 2-8-0s , these locos were only designed for a short life span but after the war British Railways had 733 of them and they lasted nearly up to the end of steam on BR.
Perhaps this link may help with info on the Beeston works.
http://www.midlandrailwaystudycentre.org.uk/.
The two Alans are gong on a Bathams XXX Safari, the XXX is a strong winter brew only available for a short time at this time of year, If they find some it may be a while before I will hear from them. Me jealous? you betcha!
TOM Got the Email thanks. While I was looking for some info on the Beeston works on the Google search site there were two references to Our Place mentioning the Creosote Works which we had posted. Fame at Last , still as all us regulars know if you want great info on railways Our Place is the place to get it.
Just seen your post TOM so I will post this and read it.
Pete.
G'day Cap'n Tom & fellow travelers at the bar!
It's after 5 PM where I am, so it must be Leon the Night Man behind the bar. I'll have one of those frosty mugs of Kokanee brew from British Columbia. Cap'n Tom said it's "good stuff"! Doesn't appear as if anyone is 'round the joint, except of course for the Friday Nite gathering of the track gangs back in the pool room.
I sent an email out to "youse guys," except for CM3 & DL, so watch for it.
Really haven't got much to report on today and am glad to see that DL 'n Pete have provided the "meat" for the daylight, with Tom coming through with his acknowledgments. Sputtering along, but still up 'n runnin', huh You betcha! <grin>
Spent a bit of time browsing the Via Rail web site and found the reference to "HEP" that Tom mentioned. Is that a "thing" with just certain people or is it that they simply don't know (and don't care) that these fine cars were manufactured by the Budd Company and should be referenced accordingly I can understand your chagrin, Tom, for I feel the same way when I come across situations where references to the things I know about (ships, machinery, etc.) are incorrect but used anyway. Bothersome, huh Anyway, wonder why it is that Via cannot operate those obs dome cars all of the time Surely the inventory is sufficient to allow for it. Perhaps wintertime is overhaul time, who knows Sure cuts down on the allure of travel between Montreal and Halifax if one is consigned to those Euro cars made for the "chunnel."
Took more time to read that Via post you provided yesterday and it is chock full o' great background info. Noted that in the inventory of loco's that they didn't provide a number for the F40PHs but did with most others. Curious, huh It's a nice departure now 'n then to read up on current operations as opposed to the past. But then again, we're supposed to be the "classics," and I'd say when Via and the Budd cars are included, that's classic enough for me!
Hope to get the chance to visit this weekend. I will do my best to provide "something" for Sunday .
Nice turnout thus far for the "contest," especially when one considers our numbers.
Hey Leon! I'll take a couple of those NY style Italian sausage pizzas to go . . . . make 'em family size, wudja
Until the next time!
Lars
Hi Tom and all.
I am ready for the Steak now LEON and a pint of Holdens to wash it down please.
TOM I agree it is sad to see the semaphore signals going there were so much a part of the steam age railway. It is the same in the UK although it is still possible to see the odd examples. Stirling in Scotland still has some fine examples but they may soon be replaced.
I have noticed the semaphores on the American railroads are on the opposite side of the post to those in the UK.
LARS Good to see you in . Very good point about references, some of the worst are in the UK main stream press when there is a report involving railways in some it makes anyone, with even a basic knowledge of railways, cringe.
I have replied to your e-mail.
As a bit of trivia I noticed that we are very near our 8888th post. there is on British Railways a shunting (switching) locomotive with the running number 08888, and I have just read that it has been put back in service.
This loco was built in the early 60s her first number was D.4118 she got her 08888 number in the T.O.P.S. numbering scheme in the early 70s. She started its life on the Western Region of BR. First at Bristol then Worcester and back to Bristol before heading for the North East of England and the Newcastle- On- tyne area, shedded at Gateshead and Heaton in the late 70s until the late 90s. In 2000 she moved to Bescot Shed in the West Midlands and was reported working at Bletchley loco depot. Now it seems she has returned north to Yorkshire.
These locos will seem small to North American locos. Here is a link with a photo and details of the 08 class.
http://www.depg.org/08.html
I hope you enjoyed a bit of the history of a humble shunting loco.
I'll have another Leon and allow me to get a round.
Good evening Leon and friends. I'll have a nightcap and buy a round for the house. Sorry to not have been around, yesterday and today, but I've been tied-up helping one of our friend's horses (Irish) got a severe bout of collic, and I did an all-nighter to help keep the horse walking and on his feet. The owners had been there since 5am yesterday, and I put in about 14 hours before leaving. Fortunately, about half a dozen other helpers have been in, or I would be doing another all-nighter right now. I don't know how anyone could pull this off by themselves. Current status is the horse is doing much better, and we're trying to get him to eat. He's not out of the woods yet, and I may get a call to come in. We shall see.
Got the E-Mail on the birthday list addition, but no matter how I do the math, I somehow end up with Lars' hat size. My vote for the 10,000th post is February 8th. I'll have my guess for the 100,000th post after I figure out the birthday list.
Have agood evening gents. I must get some rest.
Good evening folks. I will apologize in advance for my latest absence, stuck with the midnight shifts again and left with 60 hrs a week therefore I just seem to sleep and eat. Nice to see that things are still crawling along , thanks to those who try to keep it regular around here. I have read the latest batch of emails on the woes and concerns,I'm certainly for looking into alternate arrangements for our bar should that need come up , keep me informed.
Tom -Put me down for te 31st for the latest contest, my dad's birthday so we shall sdhe if it's a lucky day or not.Wonderfull VIA article sir a usual you've outdone yourself, I was impressed by the amount of info on tuesday's theme day as well , two fine piosts from you and an all round good day for the time of the year. Here's hoping that we get some more normality once we are through the busy holiday season.
Eric-Thanks for those wonderfull streetcar shots from last sunday as guessed I did indeed enjoy them Interesting x2000 info and maps as well.
CM3-A fine report on the musical misdoings in the villiage always a pleasure to read your well prepared reports.
Lars-Fine book covers on sunday and on tuesday. I'm gl;ad to hear that you are still staying on the forum with us despite the prodings to leave by the less informed out there. I'm not entirly sure how to read those posted rules and regs,certainly begs to ask a few questions. I would have to say that of all the threads on the forums an in general this does tend to be the most civil and informative and ontopic one ( guess it's not politically correct ) ( oops hope that doesn't blackball me )
James-Just have to say that the layoput is indeed comming along nicly also a wonderfully well presented Milwaukee history as well good show young man
Doug-I do hope that the sick horse comes round, you hate hearing about things like that.
In general-thanks to everyone who put out a wealth of Marx info on the optional model day on wed. It was some good reading, again adding to this already well informed thread. JO's be darned this is still one top notch topic
Rob
ENCORE SATURDAY ENCORE SATURDAY ENCORE SATURDAY
Here's a classic juice encore on one of the CPR operated electric interurbans to start off this saturday's encore festivities.
Okay a content post for this evening as well. The CPR electric lines were an important part of the Southwestern Ontario Rail scene. I'll do them in a few installments. I'll put them out in very thin format as they literally can fill volumes. < And do > CLASSIC JUICE # 17 THE GRAND RIVER RAILWAY BEGINNINGS It began as one of Canada's first electric street railways, four miles of track known as the Galt and Preston Street Railway. In 1894, it was built from the Grand Trunk station in Galt,following King and Main to the speed river in Preston,and the collection of resort hotels known as Preston Springs. The early years were good ones,and by 1896 the line had expanded to Hespler, and thereby remnamed as the Galt, Preston and Hespler Railway. ( All three towns are now known as the City of Cambridge Ontario ) By 1898 it was carrying 35,000 passengers and 1,000 tons of freight each month,thanks largely to connections with the CPR station at samuelson street in Galt. In the meantime, the Preston and Berlin railway was building from the GP&H at east Preston,following a route that took it through Freeport,Centreville,and along King street in Berlin( preasant day Kitchener ) to it's junction with the Waterloo and Berlin Railway at Albert street. It's Waterloo terminus was at Erb st near the site of what was Waterloo's St Jacobs tourist Raiway line. ( This line will likley be part of the New Light rail system building for Waterloo,Kitchener and Cambridge Service on this new line the PBR began in 1904 and four years laterthe line merged with the GPH itself. Car barns and a station were built at Preston Jct, on the north side of th speed rivernear the entrance to today's Riverside Park. Another station was built on Guelph street at the popular Idelwyde Park,and a terminus added onGuelph street in Hespler. Later still in 1918 the line recieved it's final name the Grang River Railway. CPR Ownership In 1921 the route was realigned trough Kitchener between the city limit and Courtland St. To accomodate this new alignment at station was built at Queen st, a wooden structure initially which was replaced by a Tudor style brick station in 1943. In Galt, a new solid brick station built to CPR's " international" flat roofed style wa added at main street. Although bus service began in 1925,rail passenger service remained largely uninterrupted until 1938 when it was cut back from Waterloo to the Queen st station in Kitchener. And following the war, a new set iof passenger coaches, the first interurban's built in canada since 1930 were put into service betweenKitchener and Galt. More frieght business was picked up at this point with steeple cabs becomming more common sights on the line than the strings of interurban cars. The booming frieght business was continued as well,feeding the CPR line in Galt. But the post war auto boom soon began to take it's toll and passenger traffic declined,finally ending in 1955. The old GRR track was cut back from Centreville to Ottawa street,while a new link was built from a point south of Centreville to a CN spur on the West side of Kitchener. Electric frieght operations continued untill 1961 when COP pulled the plug a switched the line over to SW1200RS diesels. In the 1990's more trackage was pulled from between Ottawa street and Victoria park. Trains continue to use the GRR tracks between Centreville and Preston JCt where new spurs were built to the new Toyota assembly plant. Enjoy Rob
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Finally a few days off again! Boris, just a black cup of coffee, thank you!
A busy day at work but bot too busy at the tavern. But interesting enough!
DL – The reason Amtrak didn’t buy X2000? In short I would say a combination of bad policy of ABB (the manufacturer) and extremely favorable financial conditions from Bombardier/Canadian government if Amtrak ordered a train that did not exist. Which they did. Tom – I couldn’t find anything about “HEP” cars on VIA’s website. HEP normally stands for Head End Power, could it have anything to do with that?
Flower Power!Pete – Must have been a very special Steam Festival in 2000! 11 days on a steam train and a finding a bride!!! What else could you ask for? Class 08 Diesel Electric Locmotive reminds me a lot of Class V3 Diesel Hydraulic Locomotive that were used by the Swedish State Railways. They were built in Germany 1950-52. Kind of fun to operate. Lars – Received your mail and will respond this weekend! Doug – I hope you and your friends will be able to save the horse. I wonder what Lars’ hat size is? Must be very advanced math you are using!Rob – Glad you liked the streetcars. So did I! Adding another picture below. Interesting info on The Grand River Railway beginnings! Now I have to show how little I know, what does/did CPR stand for? Canadian Pacific Railways (-roads)? Same as CP today?
Pacific Electric's "Hollywood" cars, built 1922 and 1925.
Eric
A gloomy Saturday morning here in mid-continent USA. However, temps are expected to again reach the mid-60s (F) with our spring-like conditions continuing into the new week. Ice storm What ice storm ! Petrol still holding at $2.19 (rounded) up at "Collusion Corner."
Time for a hot cuppa freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee, some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and of course a selection from our Menu Board for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast.
Great to see some activity from yesterday, so let’s get to the acknowledgments:
Pete at 2:25 PM yesterday: Enjoyed the account of your 11-day steam tour from some years back. Eleven days sounds just about right to me – maybe we should start thinking in that direction, eh The costs would most assuredly exhaust the “stash” in the upstairs tub, dontchathink
This fellow, Alan, must surely live the good life. Off on a safari for beer drinking ! My kinda guy! You simply MUST get him to visit with us, a sure-fire-fit, fer sure, fer sure!
I’ve seen several “hits” for information on the web that refer to Posts made at “Our” Place. Amazing how quickly this stuff somehow gets archived, sorted and winds up in the reference base. I’d never be able to figure out the “how” part of it, but it happens just the same. You want to experience a sobering experience Do a search on yourself – or someone close to you and be prepared for some rather revealing information. The narrower the search, the more it seems is available. One of the reasons why none of us should be overly forthcoming with personal stuff. Too late for me, as simply signing up for these type activities, let’s the cat out of the bag (so to speak).
Lars at 4:37 PM yesterday: Many thanx for your support. Your Email has been received and I’ll hold my response ‘til I see what the other guys have to say; then I’ll try to sort ‘em out and take it from there.
Funny about that “HEP” – head end power – reference that VIA Rail uses on their site. Today it’s back to “stainless steel cars.” They do that from time to time, don’t know if it is “old” web pages somehow filtering into the mix, but a few complaints and back it goes to “stainless.” They never use BUDD, oh no – why give any credit at all to the manufacturer
Yeah, I recall doing some exhaustive searches to find the number of F40PHs in the VIA inventory – I think Eric or DL had asked. Anyway, surprised that Wikipedia didn’t have it. Although if you understand how Wikipedia operates, they are open to all kinds of input. Not sure of the verification process they use, but “stuff’ can be added to their data bases from most outside sources. I’m a member, so I guess that entitles me to my worth. <grin>
Pete at 8:10 PM yesterday: Back with a 2nd go, eh Good to see ya once more and appreciate the phone call last night. Was a bit touch ‘n go, but things are far, far better this morning. Just a day for the bride to “chill” and get back her strength after her ordeal. Nothing worse than going to the doctor feeling just fine and returning home feeling like a penny waiting for change.
Like that loco – an industrial switcher is what I’d call her. Always nice to have a couple of those on sidings on the pike.
Doug at 9:09 PM yesterday: Horsing around, eh <grin. Yeah, I know it’s not a laughing matter and it says a lot about you as a person to devote your time, resources and talents to helping an animal in distress.
Believe me, you dontwannano what Lars’ hat size is! <ooooooooh> He’s a rather imposing figure and anyone with a double digit hat size is someone to be given a wide berth, as we mariners like to say! <grin>
You’re “in” for Feb 8th – thanx for participating!
Rob at 12:12 AM today: Beginning to wonder about you, but then again, you are a slave to making money, eh The things we must do . . . Anyway, I’ll put you down for Jan 31st – as I don’t believe you want Dec – thanx for participating. Your father’s B’day, eh Well, if you win, we’ll let him take the trip with you aboard the Can-Am Ltd!!
Yes, we&rs
ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #56
from Page 218
Here’s something to enjoy regarding the Canadian Pacific (CP) from a 1965 advertisement in my personal collection. We’ll give your holiday a foreign flavor . . . . . (just north of the border!) . . . . . Rail away with us through the Canadian Rockies aboard “The Canadian.” You’ll enjoy spectacular scenery, continental service in the comfort of a Scenic Dome streamliner as you travel the Banff-Lake Louise route between Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. It’s a holiday all the way – gourmet dining, tasty budget meals, snacks, all accommodations reserved. . . . . . . . . . . Canadian Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trains/Trucks/Ships/Planes/Hotels/Telecommunications . . . . . . . . . . WORLD’S MOST COMPLETE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM . . . . . Enjoy! Tom
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #65
from Page 230
Here’s something to enjoy regarding the Milwaukee Road from a 1933 advertisement in my personal collection. NORTHWEST WONDERLAND VACATIONS Along America’s LONGEST ELECTRIFIED RAILROAD . . . LOW FARES YELLOWSTONE . . . PUGET SOUND COUNTRY . . . . . . MT. RAINER MT. BAKER . . . OLYMPIC PENINSULA . . . . . . BRITISH COLUMBIA ALASKA ”A CENTURY OF PROGRESS” ESCORTED ALL-EXPENSE TOURS Return via California-Colorado or the Canadian Rockies if you wish. Costs no more via the OLYMPIAN The electrified way * Scenically supreme
Enjoy! Tom
Have been to a wonderful tavern today with Tom. I won't say too much about now to save it for the rendezvous, all I say is a Bourbon Winter please LEON.
DOUG Really hope the horse comes through OK. You are a good guy to put all those hours in to help the horse.
ROB Great to see you in during the busy time right now. Enjoyed the encore on the Grand River Railway. Were the steeple cabs still the power for the frieghts in 1961 when the line was de-electrified?
ERIC It would be good to see a photo of the V3 class hydrulics if you have one. I seem to recall that the Dutch railways had some switching locos very simular to the 08s, although they were I believe slightly larger. If I recall correctly, the same company, English Electric made the diesel engines and electrics as in the 08s. Have you heard of these locos?
Great Pic of the Pacific Electric Cars.
TOM Enjoyed the Canadian Pacific and the Milwaukee encores. I'm sure James will like the Milwaukee one as well The Milwaukee must have teamed up with other railroads to reach Alaska though? Reading James post a liitle while back on how the line was de-electrified was very sad.
I hope to get a report on how the "Safari" went.
Those 08s have certainly been a good by for British Railways they were introduced in 1953 and some are still going strong today. there was over 1,000 of them and they could be seen all over BR. In the days of wagonload traffic, the shunters could stay allocated to one depot for many years and became like old friends.
Perhaps after the holidays it might be a good theme day" Smaller Diesel and Electric Switching Locos", including those on trolley lines, do you think?
It was a great lunch timeTOM thanks.
Well Leon I,ll have another winter ale LEON but in a smaller glass this time.
Leon, oh, you have? That is very nice of you. Yeah, I would love it and coffee to drink! Thank you!
A very quiet Saturday indeed and I was not to much help either.
Tom – I have never searched on my screen name before. You are right, there is a lot of info available in cyberspce! HEP is indeed a poor reference for a car. It is something that is provided for the cars to make everything work. Nothing else. I found that VIA Rail has 2 FP40PH and 40 F40PH-2 in operation. Still going strong! The more I read about those transcontinental trains in Canada, the more I would like to go for a ride on them. Longest electrified railroad! I wish, but they (The Milwaukee Road) screwed up when they de-electrified. Thank you Tom!!Pete – Bourbon Winter, hmm.Yes, I have heard about the diesel eninges made by English Electric. As a matter of fact, the Swedish State Railways had two of them, Class V1, built 1949. I have never operated any of them though. I don’t have any picture of Class V3, but you will find a picture on this link. V1 looked very much the same.
http://www.jarnvag.net/bild/lokguide/V3_43Grangesberg2004.jpg
Since it is Sunday I am going to add a few more pictures from my recent visit to Orange Empire Railway Museum.
Pacific Electric Blimp #418 again.
The operator's control stand in#418.
Pacific Electric's freight locomotive #1624, a Steeplecab built 1925. Operational.
I still don't have much info about this old streetcar built by Brill.
An old PCC from San Diego, built 1936. Like the other PCCs this one was sold to El Paso, TX, where it was in service until 1973.
That is all for this early morning.
Good morning Tom and all. I'll have a light breakfast if you please. Looks like it was just the Tom-Show yesterday. Sorry about not providing information myself. Thanks for the kind words in reference to saving Irish. It was a big effort, but it paid off! When we first heard of his problems Thursday evening, and went to see what we could do, he was about as bad as he could be. I thought we had arrived just in time to see him die. The vet arrived for the 3rd time, and gave him a 50/50 chance. We kept him up and moving all night, and about 3:15 AM started seeing a bit of progress. By 5AM, when the vet showed for the 5th time, chances for recovery had improved to 70/30. By evening Friday he had cleared his blockage, but needed to be force fed to get back to normal. By early evening yesterday, he seemed to be his old self finally. Here's Irish in happier times
I see Eric has led the way with Sunday pix. I can't find out anything about that #10 Brill car myself. I can't find it in museum's roster. Enjoyed your other pix, sir.
Remember my little post on matchbooks, and this one in particular?
It went for about $30 plus shipping costs on E-Bay. How would you have liked to have picked-up several for free when they were first made? That's quite a net gain, wouldn't you say? Here are some pix from me this AM:
America was still in the horse and buggy era in 1905, when this NP train pulled into the loop at Gardiner, the railroad's entrance to Yellowstone Park
A generation later, a special help train arrives June 15, 1930 with mostly college youths who will spend their summer working at the park.
It's 1934, in the middle of the Depression, but people are still riding the posh Empire Builder to Glacial National Park
At Wishram, Wash., across the Columbia River from Oregon, the SP&S eastbound Empire Builder takes orders on the fly.
Bye for now. I'll be back with more!
A new arrival, about to enter hospital, saw two white coated doctors searching through the flower beds."Excuse me," he said, "have you lost something?""No," replied one of the doctors. "We're doing a heart transplant for an income-tax inspector and want to find a suitable stone."
Sunday once again and the bar is CLOSED! However, we do serve breakfast – brunch ‘n lunch ‘til 2 PM; and of course this is Sunday Photo Posting Day!
A rather dismal day at the bar yesterday, but a fun time for Pete ‘n Moi at the tavern known as the TrainWreck Saloon. As has been mentioned several times, this is the structure that “Our” Place is fashioned after and was originally known as the Nine Mile House. The building has had modifications, but is still “alive ‘n well” serving a local population as well as the lunch goers. A definite stop for those of us who attend the 2nd Annual “Our” Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis!
Amtrak brought Pete to my area, but was late (again), thereby cutting into some serious socializing! <grin> Snapped a few Pix of the train and will see if they are ready for “prime time” use a bit later on. Had it not been for a change in plans brought on by some personal “stuff” at my end of things, we’d still be sitting at the TrainWreck with Pete’s Mrs. wondering where is my man <grin> Thanx, Mate - good time, fer sure, fer sure.
Don’t know why we couldn’t have a Tuesday Theme for the Day! as you mentioned. Be sure to “push” for it when we enter the new year!
Appreciate your Post of 9:53 PM yesterday. Always can count on Pete to keep us in mind!
Eric at 2:11 AM today: An early start, but a most appreciated one for our Sunday Photo Posting!
Thanx for the F40PH info – I’ll have to compare it with the number I came up with a few weeks back . . . Anyway, VIA Rail is still a heavy user of those machines and apparently is doing quite well with the required and preventive maintenance programs.
Thanx for the Pix from your recent foray into SoCal and the museum. Always a bit sad to see the deteriorating condition of railroad equipment, but then, these have been saved from the scap heap and perhaps will eventually be restored to better condition; we can hope.
Doug at 6:42 AM today: Great looking horse and good to learn that he turned the corner. Here’s hoping for brighter days for “Irish”!
Thanx for the spate of diverse Pix for this fine day! Always look forward to your “surprises” and the narratives are appreciated as well.
One man’s junk is another man’s treasure, or something like that. How is one to know whether that item in your hand will someday be worth “big bucks” later on down the road Match books!
10,000th Post CONTEST entries:
Feb 14th – BK
Feb 15th – Lars
Mar 12th – Pete
Jan 1st – James
Jan 28th – Eric
Jan 18th – DL
Feb 8th – Doug
Jan 31st – Rob
CONTEST closes on Fri, Dec 22nd
Reminder for Monday: Ruth opens up at 9 AM until Leon the night man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
Boris, serve ‘em all of the OJ they can handle!
Tom
Even though the bar at "Our" Place
is CLOSED on Sundays -
We do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day!
Now playing at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!
. . . Sunday, December 17th thru 23rd: The Polar Express (2004) Starring: Tom Hanks, Leslie Harter Zemeckis, Eddie Deezen, and Nona Gaye – and – Scrooge (1970) Starring: Albert Finney, Alec Guinness, Edith Evans, and Kenneth More. SHORT: The Three Stooges – Violent Is The Word For Curly (1938).
The Polar Express (2004)
PLOT SUMMARY:
Santa Claus does not exist. Or does he? For one doubting boy (voice of Daryl Sabara and Tom Hanks), an astonishing event occurs. Late on Christmas Eve night, he lies in bed hoping to hear the sound of reindeer bells from Santa's sleigh. When to his surprise, a steam engine's roar and whistle can be heard outside his window. The conductor (voice of Tom Hanks) invites him on board to take an extraordinary journey to the North Pole with many other pajama-clad children. There, he receives an extraordinary gift only those who still believe in Santa can experience.
from: amazon.com
Scrooge (1970) PLOT SUMMARY:
This is a delightful musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel A Christmas Carol. Cold-souled Ebenezer Scrooge has a change of heart after spirit visitations on Christmas Eve. Folks might not have had much to sing about in 1840's England, but this musical will make you believe otherwise. Kenneth More's musical number as the Ghost of Christmas Present is especially entertaining.
SHORT: Violent Is The Word For Culry (1938) PLOT SUMMARY: Featuring Moe, Larry & Curly
Moe, Larry and Curly are gas station attendants who blow up an automobile with three foreign professors going to Mildew's Girl College. The Stooges change into the professors' clothes and impersonate them at the school. In class, the Stooges teach the girls how to "Swing the Alphabet," and follow up by teaching Mrs. Catsby how to play basketball, Stooge-style!
from: threestooges.net Enjoy! Tom
Just a few "teasers" from yesterday with Pete . . . .
Amtrak arrived at Kirkwood, MO
Amtrak at Kirkwood, MO
Amtrak departing Kirkwood, MO
Kirkwood window display (note broken box car door)
The TrainWreck Saloon (note the glass block windows where the doors used to be)
The TrainWreck Saloon (note the building addition on the rear)
The Caboose at the TrainWreck Saloon (in warm weather, this serves as the courtyard bar service)
The TrainWreck Saloon (one of the stops we'll make at our 2007 Rendezvous!)
Enjoy!
Howdy again gents! I failed to mention that Peter was the only customer at the bar yesterday. Thanks also for your words of encouragement for "Operation Irish". I think we'd all rather hear more about "Operation Bourbon Winter" though. Great pair of pix for the Emporium Tom. I'd sure like to know more about "swinging the alphabet and Stooge basketball! Wonderful pix of your trip the Trainwreck Saloon. Can't wait to see it in person!
Since Eric is showing museum pix today, I think I will too. Here are some pix from Rail & Wire of some of the many cars at the IRM. I'll start with a little something for James.
A trio of Milwaukee Road locomotives lined up in mid-1984 for the 1985 IRM Calendar photo - diesels 760, a 1944 Fairbanks Morse H10-44, and 118-C, a 1951 Electro-Motive F7a; and 265, a Class S-3 Northern type (4-8-4). The 188C was purchased from the Milwaukee Road Salvage Disposition Department while the road was in bankruptcy. The cost was $6,500, arriving at IRM April 16, 1984. The locomotive was operable, but the exterior was in poor condition.
For years it was assumed that a set of CTA 6000 series cars would be saved by IRM, and that became a reality on December 22, 1984, when two cars arrived - 6125 and 6126. The choice of these two cars was simple because they were the only cars left of the eight 6000's that ever had trolley poles.
In 1983, Aurora, Elgin & Fox River 306 was purchased from Trolleyville USA and donated to IRM.
MTA (Boston) 10 was one of three RDC's originally purchased by the Chicago North Western in 1950. It was originally Car 9934, and was purchased by the C&NW in an attempt to modernize commuter service. The C&NW was disappointed with the performance of the self-propelled cars. They traded the RDC's to the Chesapeake & Ohio who in turn sold them to Boston where our car was used as a coach in commuters service. You might remember the pictures I took showing the interior as it is today.
The completion of an eight-year, $100,000 restoration was celebrated in February 1991, with the 50th birthday party for the Electroliner.
Hey ...what's this? Sure looks like a former Southern Railway car. I believe the SR is also our theme for Tuesday, if I'm not mistaken. This is the Susan Marie, a former Southern Railway office car, which was donated to IRM by Carl M. Michaelson. This magnificent car, complete and in good condition, provides us with an excellent example of a modern private rail car - the rail equivalent of a luxury home. The car was converted by the Southern Railway in 1948 from a heavyweight Pullman for use initially by D.E. Brosnan then general manager of the Central Lines. Over its 25 years of service for the Southern, it was assigned to various division superintendents carrying the number 5 and finally 10 before being retired in July 1973.
Hi Tom and all
I will just pop this through the mail slot.
ERIC. Thanks for the link showing the English electric V1 switcher. I guess she was a lot more powerful than the 350 HP class 08s.
More great pics at the Orange Empire Railway Museum the PE #418 is a classy car and it is good you were allowed to take a pic of the controls.
#1624 looks a loco full of caracter as well.
DOUG Really glad to hear Irish is getting along much better. He has the Luck of the Irish to have such goodfolks looking after him..
Great old pics on the trains to the two National Parks.
I wonder what someone would have said if they were told when those matchbooks were free that one day they would be sold for #30.
TOM The train was late arriving in Jeff City but it was a good trip when we got going it fact we made up a bit of time, I was lucky as there was a good deal of frieght traffic ABOUT. It was a really great suprise to go to the Trainwreak Saloon as Tom had not said anything about going. I know it was easier to get me in there than getting me out.. Great set of pics thanks TOM..
Two great Christmas films at the Emporium. I see that Polar Express is beIng shown on TV recently, it is one of those films that can be seen again and again but it is so much better on the big screen in my opinion. I have not seen Scrooge but is sounds a great musical and the Stooges as well..
For this weeks pics from Alan. They are of English preserved railways.
Two pics on the Severn Valley Railway.
This is a pic of Stanier class 5 4-6-0 No 45110 at Kidderminster Town station. On the bottom of the smokebox door is a plate that reads 6J, this is the shed-code that donates that the loco is allocated to Holyhead shed
At the other end of the SVR this is Bridgnorth showing the loco shed built in preservation days. The locos on shed, from the right, are Ex LMS Stanier 2-6-0 No 42968, and Great Western pannier 0-6-0 Tank locos. The one in the center No 1501 was used in BR days mainly around Paddington Station in London moving the empty cars in and out of the station. After its BR days it was sold to the National Coal Board and was used at Coventry Colliery
Two pics of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway at their Fall Gala.
This a Midland designed 2-8-0 loco No 53809 class of 10 that was used solely on the Somerset & Dorset line to haul freights over the Mendip Hills, although they were used on Summer Saturdays to haul the heavy holiday passenger traffic between Bath and Bournemouth on the South Coast over the S&D.
This shows the Double-Chimney on B. R. Standard 4-6-0 No 75029 also a headboard for the Pullman dining train on the NYMR. The headboard is in the style used in BR steam days for most of the named trains, although there were more elaborate ones mainly on the Great Western or the Royal Scot and Caledonian trains The southern Region used a different, larger and rectangular design fitted it the middle of the smokebox.
NOTE. TOM AS GOT IN TOUCH TO SAY HE AND LARS CANNOT POST AT OUR PLACE AT THE PRESENT ALTHOUGH THEY CAN VIEW THE POSTS.
DOUG I see that you have posted some more pics so I will post this and have a look.
G'day Gents!
What an afternoon! Unable to log into the Forums since my last Post and wouldn't have tried if not for an Email from Lars. Seems that he received a message from BK asking whether there was trouble on the Forums, since he (BK) couldn't get on. Lars tried, and he couldn't either. Apparently has been that way since Saturday for the both of 'em. I've tried both 'puters and the antiquated "dial up" along with the hi-speed, neither seemed to make a difference. I could read the Posts, but that's it . . . Now, for some unknown reason - here I am!
Good to see Doug 'n Pete carrying on our Sunday Photo Posting Day! activities. Remember when this used to be "owned" by Rob Then, Doug Then Doug 'n Rob Yes, things do CHANGE here at the Tavern by the Tracks, but one thing remains constant and that is the interest is what we're doing on this Thread. Don't believe me Check out the numbers of those who "browse" - it's quite impressive.
Doug, you're doing a fine job setting the table for the 2008 Rendezvous in Chicago - just gotta visit the IRM! Pete, many thanx for continuing to provide us with some fine Pix from the "other side" - much appreciated! Also glad you enjoyed the TrainWreck - as the saying goes, "What's not to like"
Eric, I received your Email and thank you for a fine analysis. I'll hold my comments 'til we get some responses from the guys. Well done and much appreciated! Hope Lars got it, but from the "sound" of his Email, chewing nails would be better than "playing" in cyber space! <grin>
Catch y'all on Monday - gotta get back to the "feetsball" game!
Well good afternoon gents and others ( gotta keep Boris feeling loved and appreciated ) Nice to get back in again as I fear I will be hit n miss for the next week as well
Pete- Loved today's pictures sir some wonderfull English steam , I'm always amazed to see how many are still operable over there. Not good that Tom and lars are unable to communicate with us, at least they can look at and enjoy. it has happened to me as well and is very frustrating.To answer your question the LE&N and GRR steeple cabs did run until discontinuance of electric service in 1961. they were all sold off to Illinois Terminal after that, all accept 335 which we have at our museum ( currently non operational )
Tom-I did indeed mean the 31st of january, just shows what the "holiday brain " does to me this time of year. At least folks in the store have been for the most part been on the pleasant side this year Great shots of the trainwreck , in my ,minds eye it looks exactly like the kinda gin joint we would all hang out in, I can even see Boris lurking in the corners wearing his white apron LOL.Looks like a good outing for both you and sir Pete
Eric-Wonderfull museum shots. The control stand on the "blimp" are quite similar to L&PS 8's at our museum and LE&N 797's which is getting more and more restored, we hope to have it operational in 3 or 4 years.( it does take time to bring em back espeacially with an all vollenteer force ) That little brill #10 looks like an austerity or safety car from the late teens or early 20's the paint job looks familiar, I'd almost say Boston or Baltimore. To answer your question yes teh CPR stood for Canadian Pacific Railway, shortened to CP Rail in the late 60's early 70's now they are refering to themselves by the old title once again times do change then change back
Doug-I see that we habve an unoffical musuem theme with pictures going on today, great crop from you toaday as well. I think James will like the Milw. set . Great news on the health of Irish just shows that a little compassion can go a long way
Good evening/morning Captain Toma and Gentlemen!!
I just want to slip this post in under the door. Another weekend is gone, but I am having a vacation day tomorrow (Monday)!
Doug – Good news about Irish!! A very good looking horse! I forgot about those matchbooks! My wife has hundreds and hundreds of them, all different. I have to check for RR-matchbooks.I like the pictures from Gardiner and Glacier National Park. I don’t remember if we stopped at Glacier National Park with the X2000 or if we just passed by. I know I took some video then. I have to check and see what I have on it. IRM has an impressive collection of everything running on rails. Very nice pictures. The Fairbanks-Morse H10-44 looks very nice, especially comparing with the FM I saw at Orange Empire Railway Museum a week ago. When I win the powerball I will buy myself a private car! That is the way to travel. Tom – Looking forward to visit the TrainWreck Saloon in may. Seems to be a very nice place. I like the caboose. Nice selection of Sunday movies. I guess I really should see the Polar Express when I get a chance. I can see Pete was traveling behind a GE P42DC on his way to Kirkwood. 4,250 hp. Nice pictures of the train and the Saloon!FYI. I have had no problem to log on to the forums at any time.Pete – The picture showed a Class V3, the diesel-hydraulic from Germany. I will mail you a picture of Class V1 (English Electric). V3 had (has) a 450 hp 6-cyl. diesel engine. You start the engine using compressed, stored, exhaust fumes.Nice pictures of British steam!! Looking at the pictures I wonder if those steam engines have vacuum brakes? Rob – I just found out that Brill #10 belonged to Pacific Electric. I don’t know when it was retired, but Old PuebloTrolley, Inc. in Tucson, AZ, leased it from Orange Empire Railway Museum in 1985 and have used it on their 1 mile short line in Tucson. I am not sure when the car was returned to Perris, but I guess it was sometime the last few years. Thanks for the info on CPR - CP, and now CPR again!
Good morning Tom and friends. I'll have two light breakfasts please. Got a strange workweek ahead, with two days off and my parents in from California. We'll be visiting with them tomorrow and take a trip (train of course) into Chicago on Friday. Got my Grandma's annual Christmas dinner and gift exchange on Saturday too. More nice Alan pix from Peter yesterday. Sure would like to see some steam action in these parts. Hopefully 2008 will do it! Thanks for the comments Tom and Rob. Irish was turned-out with his horse buddies yesterday and looks like his old self. Eric, I tried to get the guys at Our Place to purchase our own prototype trainset a while back, but we didn't have sufficient funds in the upstairs bathtub to pull it off. Hope you win that powerball so we can at least have a private car.
And now, here's the last part of my CGW article, as promised
The Amazing Great Western - Railroad Magazine - Sept. 1953
Came now the ominous year of 1929. Before the stockmarket crash, two amazing CGW innovations occurred. The first was a companion train to the Venetian-red consist on the Cities-Rochester run. Called the Blue Bird, it not only differed in color but also in general appearance, from trucks to ceiling. A three-unit, deluxe gas-electric train made from the underframes of the old McKeen cars, the Blue Bird fluttered into the lime light on the CGW right-of-way, in the newspapers and in the trade press. The headend car, powered by a six-cylinder, 300-hp EMD engine, had an RPO and a baggage compartment. The middle init, a 74-passenger coach, had deep seats, wide aisles an large windows. But the ohs and ahs were reserved for the last car, a parlor-observation-club unit with a rounded end like today's streamliners. Low-back reed chairs, deep yielding Wilton carpets and ornamental lamps made it the last word in travel splendor. Two Pullman sections were provided for the comfort of people in ill health going to the Mayo Clinic.
The other innovation was a train-plane hookup patterned after the PRR-Santa Fe air-rail service just inaugurated in conjunction with the Transcontinental Air Transport (The Lindbergh Line). The Great Western Alliance was with Universal Air Lines at Chicago. Through-ticketing arrangements and a bus transfer from Grand Central to the Municipal Airport made it possible for CGW patrons to fly to St. Louis or to Cleveland by UAL tri-motor planes. One took the road's crack Legionnaire from Minneapolis, for example, at 7:45 p.m. and arrived in the Windy City at 8:15 the next morning. A waiting bus ferried him to the airport for the 9:45 plane to St. Louis, arriving at that city at 1:00 p.m. The Cleveland flight, however, did not leave until 4:00 p.m.; it arrived at Forest City three hours and forty-five minutes later. The Great Western Magazine carried a full-cover ad of this new service, as did the road's timetables. But the CGW's pioneer attempt at air-rail coordination was not successful, and it was soon discontinued.
The Blue Bird was not a success, either, due to curtailed travel habits resulting from the Great Depression, along with severe automobile and bus competition on the short Twin Cities-Rochester run. The CGW used every trick in the bag to retain its dwindling passenger business. In 1935, for example, it provided tourist-Pullman service between Chicago and the Twin Cities at coach fare. A coach ticket plus the cost of a berth did the trick. The cut-rate tariff met with intense opposition from competing rail lines, and had to be withdrawn.
While there is a little CGW passenger service today, the fact remains that the road once operated an abundance of through trains with dining, sleeper and parlor-car facilities. Trains like the Great Western Limited, later called The Legionnaire, and even later The Minnesotan, held their own in Chicago-Twin Cities operation. Probably the heaviest train of all, however, was the Mills Cities Limited, linking Minneapolis-St. Paul with Kansas City. At least three Pullmans were generally in the consist, and five were by no means uncommon either.
Throughout the years the comparatively small Iowa town of Oelwein assumed an importance to the great Western travelers out of all proportion to its size. Why? Because all through trains, except those from the Twin Cities to Omaha, stopped there to set-out and/or add sleepers or coaches, generally both. Usually this shunting was done around midnight, and it took a hearty traveler indeed to sleep through Oelwein.
The Depression years left their mark on the CGW, as they did on all American railroads. Nathaniel L. Howard had succeeded Felton to the presidency in 1925, and in late 1929 the former gave way to Victor V. Boatner. Next (in 1931) came Pattrick H. Joyce, a former railway supply man. The plight of the road was so serious that it went into receivership in 1935, but five years afterward was reorganized as the Chicago Great Western Railway, since Stickney's company in 1892 had exactly the same name.
Presidents came and went on the Great Western, and many pf them hardly remembered today outside railroad circles. In contrast, the road had its full quota of men who once worked for it in other capacities and may have achieved lasting fame. Among them, of course, was Walter P. Chrysler. No less important was Frank . Kellogg, author of the famed Kellogg Pact to outlaw war, who for many years headed the road's legal department. Again, there was Charles H. Mayo, one of the brothers who founded the internationally known Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Mayo served as consulting surgeon for the railroad. One board member had the distinction of resigning from the Great Western to take office as vice president of the United States during Coolidge's administration. He was the late Charles G. Dawes, and, like Kellogg, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Probably the best known living alumni of the CGW are Sewell L. Avery, the outspoken board chairman of Montgomery Ward, and Ralph Budd, distinguished ex-president of the Burlington and current board chairman of the Chicago Transit Authority. Mr. Avery served for several years on the Great Western's board of directors, and Mr. Budd started his long railroad career in the CGW's engineering department.
Extra-heavy motive power like Texas type 866, had long been CGW tradition, leading up to present day six and seven-unit diesels
In the second World War the CGW made a very satisfactory showing in handling heavy defense traffic with its modern Texas-type locomotives. Equipped with boosters and modernized with lightweight rods and roller bearings on all drive wheels, they generated a starting tractive force of 97,900 pounds.
The first step in post-war modernization came about when President Harold W. Burtness, who succeeded Joyce in 1946, ordered three 1000-hp diesel switchers and six 4500-hp diesel road engines. After that diesels came to stay. With the inauguration of four-unit 6000-hop road freighters, it became evident that even the Texas-type steamers were on the way out.
Another CGW experiment, and one that seems to be paying off, is shown in this picture. Several flats loaded with highway trailers are cut in behind locomotives. Photo was taken at Des Moines River viaduct.
A change in ownership of the road led to Grant Stauffer's being made president in 1948. His untimely death on March 31, 1949, resulted in Assistant to the President, William N. Deramus III, being elected in his place. Mr. Deramus took off
Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house.
This is about railroads we never of.
"In 1923 W.S.F. Tatum, owner of the Tatum Lumber Company of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, established the Company in order to purchase the Hattiesburg Branch from the Gulf, Mobile, & Ohio Railway. This twenty-seven mile branch connected Hattiesburg to the GM&O main line at Beaumont, Mississippi. Using the Hattiesburg Branch Tatum would be able to gain access to a new logging operation near Denco, Mississippi and transport lumber from Bonhomie, Mississippi, where Tatum owned a sawmill, to the GM&O junction at Beaumont where there was a connection to Mobile, Alabama.
"The Interstate Commerce Commission approved the sale on January 5, 1925, and the Bonhomie & Hattiesburg Southern Railway went into operation on January 17, 1925. The entire capital stock of $335,000 was sold to the Tatum family, and all equipment for the railroad was leased from the Tatum Lumber Company including five locomotives, three of which were new Baldwin locomotives. The B&HS showed a profit for several years, but slipped into financial deficit as its profit from lumber traffic declined. Tatum's logging operation near Denco ended when the GM&O abandoned its Blodgett Branch, a dummy line from Denco to Piave, Mississippi. In 1953 Tatum sold the then unprofitable B&HS to the Fernwood, Columbia, & Gulf Railway." (Univ. of Southern Mississippi)
Bonhomie & Hattiesburg Southern 2-6-2
http://www.yesteryeardepot.com/BHS250.JPG
http://www.taplines.net/August/augindex.htm
Minneapolis: Milwaukee Road
http://collections.mnhs.org/VisualResources/VRDbimages/pf026/pf026992.jpg
http://collections.mnhs.org/VisualResources/VRDbimages/pf092/pf092212.jpg
Rochester CGW depot
http://collections.mnhs.org/VisualResources/VRDbimages/pf016/pf016282.jpg
Mike
Monday has rolled ‘round once again, but this time it’s THE last one before the jolly old man himself drops down the chimney! Last one for shopping; last one for work; last one to enjoy a cuppa Joe here at the Tavern by the Tracks. While you’re at it, try the bakery goods and of course a <light> or <traditional> breakfast.
As has been advertised – we will be CLOSED for two days – Sunday and Christmas (Monday). I’m not planning on being here on either day, so the “stuff” I usually Post on Sunday will appear on Saturday along with the ENCOREs!
Gotta ‘nother round of appointments this AM, so this will be a “shortie” – many thanx to Doug – Pete – Rob ‘n Eric for stopping by. Yes, Eric – you MUST see The Polar Express – it’s really entertaining and before one realizes it, the animations become rather life-like. A well done flick, fer sure, fer sure!
Good speaking with you (again) Pete – I’m even beginning to understand YOU! Anyway, looks like our plans are falling into place for our trip to Canada. We’ve decided on this itinerary: VIA Rail from Montreal to Halifax aboard the “Ocean” – overnight in Halifax to visit the Keith’s Brewery and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic – then back to Montreal by train. A day over at the Canadian Railway Museum at Delson/Saint Constant) – then the train to Gaspe aboard the “Chaleur” for a round trip. Yup, we’re gonna DO IT ALL!
I began this modest Post about 1 ½ hours ago – still cannot log on without long delays. The log-in screen is “blank” except for the top and bottom, with nothing in the middle to enter my cyber name and password. Then when it finally came up, I kept getting redirected to a “Customer Service” screen. Then no “tool bar” on the Thread to make entry selections from. Go figger! <huh>
Noted that Mike has checked in . . . Good morning to you, Sir!
Catch y’all later . . .
Reminder: Ruth opens up at 9 AM until Leon the night man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
Boris, serve ‘em all of the “spiked” OJ they can handle!
Tuesday's ENCORE! Theme for the day will be:
Watch for the arrival on Track #1 before NOON
and hopefully throughout the day!
Good Afternoon Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Have finished plowing through a ton of postings. Comments follow in no particular order.
Pete: Did you drive from Providence to Sturbridge? If so, you could have seen trains either on the Providence and Worcester or on CSX (former NYNH&H or B&A).
Thanks also for Severn pictures - just lovely!
James - N scale; drop dead time is 1960 although I may push it up a little so I can have an SD45 or two. Then, I'll have to mothball the steam engines. BTW, NYC really didn't stick to the east coast, IMHO.
Eric - The B&A shot was excellent. The double track was removed sometime before you rode back in the 90s. I remember when a lot of it was 3-track and there was a fair amount of 4-track main line nearer to Boston.
DL - As our ‘steamed proprietor suggested, the NYC and PRR were fierce rivals. The interesting thing is that they sometimes worked together regarding car design, etc. Other than that it was strong competition. The P Company, although it billed itself as the "Standard Railroad of the World," was anything but; especially in the days of steam.
Barndad sent some nice traction shots and more CGW material.
Rob - Been there done that re hours; especially lately. We have been covered up.
Mike - Thanks for the B&HS and FC&G pictures - you can see why reading/studying about southeastern short lines.
Tom gave us a mighty fine survey of VIA - plus encores, and some good ‘moom pichers to watch. I got to see "Walk the Line" recently - not bad, if you haven't seen it yot.
Herewith an encore holiday piece.
Christmas on the Branch
The Lexington station was a white and gray-colored wooden structure; one of the few stations in New England to have a train shed. Under the shed it was dark and damp and smelled of oil, creosote, and coal smoke from long ago engines. The platform was cement and dirt; mostly dirt. A taxi company occupied the north end of the station, and the rest of the building was devoted to railroad business.
A small yard east of the station handled cars picked up and set off by local freights. Other industries scattered along the branch, such as coal and lumber yards usually received loads. The lumber yard received aromatic loads of wood from Canada and the west. Local trains spotted coal hoppers at different industries along the branch.
More than a few residents still heated with coal so anthracite often came on Lexington branch trains. There was a small coal yard in North Lexington that had a wooden storage facility. Metal signs advertised the different brands of coal that were available such as Blue Coal, Reading Anthracite, and D&H Anthracite. These signs were very colorful with red and white, blue and white, and blue and orange lettering. Conveyors carried the coal to different pockets where it would be loaded into trucks that carried the coal to the customer.
Late in November, from Canada, came my favorite cars; wooden Canadian National boxcars loaded with fragrant Christmas trees. The tree cars didn't arrive until late November because back then the Christmas holidays did not "officially" start until after Thanksgiving.
Southern tomorrow - I'll be there, for sure in my accustomed a.m. time slot for a change.
Almost forgot - my 10,000 entry is March 15.
Work safe
A pint of Holdens Golden Glow please this Monday please RUTH.
It has been quite busy for a Monday.
ROB There is a good number of steam locos in the UK operating on the preserved lines. It probably helped that steam did not finish on the main line in Britain until 1968 and with the relative smallness of the BR locos compared to most of the North American locos it must help with the cost of restoring the BR ones.
Thanks for the info on the LE&N and GRR steeple cabs, it is good to know one of which was saved.
DOUG That was quite a while ago that you mention the Diesel and cars for sale. Is there any more info on them today?
It would be great if your steam loco was running when we have the rendezvous there in 2008..
Thanks for part 3 of the CGW. I had heard of the Mayo Clinic but did not know it has been opened for such a long time or the connection to the CGW and with the connction with Budd.
The joke could well be a true story nowadays
MIKE Good to see you and thanks for the short line info and the links . The link to the Fernwood, Columbia & Gulf Railway has some great phots and informative text. I am finding reading about the N. American short and industrial lines very interesting..
ERIC Sorry about mixing up the V3 with V1. I am looking forward to getting the pic of the V1 You can see why I though the V3 was built by English Electric. In the link below their is a photo of their prototype loco D226 'Vulcan' preserved on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway in Yorkshire
http://www.kwvr.co.uk/dieselpage.htm
The steam locos in the pics Sunday as far as I know are vacuum brake only still. Most of the steam locos working the main line specials today have been dual braked, although I am not sure about the locos working from Tyseley. There are very few locos working for the main companies on British lines that are vacuum brake fitted today. I dont think any freight cars on BR are vacuum braked any more.
CM3 Many thanks for the Christmas on the Branch encore .
We did drive from Providence to Sturbridge. I wish I could recall where the train was seen. I beleve I spelt the name of Sturbridge, Stourbridge, which is how the town is named in England . It is interesting the local folks pronounce it Sturbridge whereas folks from out side call it Stourbridge.
The is a line from Stourbridge Junction to Stourbridge Town at only 3/4 of a mile it is the shortest BR passenger branch, it is worked by a single car diesel unit.
TOM Sorry you are still having problems logging in.
Really looking forward to Canada.I think if you are begining to understand me I had better pop over to England and get my accent topped up.
As you say Christmas is rapidly approaching, here is a winter tale I posted last year about this time, I thought of it after Saturdays trip.
Well I have been thinking of a Chrismas time railway story although not in the Classic Train era, it was my first taste of American trains.
In 2000 my now bride asked if I would like to come to Kansas City over Christmas. while I was here she said that we ought to go to St. Louis although Missouri had gotten a fair amount of snow. I asked was it possible to get by train. So on the New Years Day of 2001 we made our way to down-town KansasCity, after a mild panic on not being able to find the entrance to the Amtrak station( thankfully this has now changed as you board the trains through the main Union Station) we got to the plaform as the Conductor was calling for All Aboard. I was able to get a quick photo of the Amtrak loco as the early morning sun was reflecting off the loco's side.
The cars used that day were Superliners I think where you climbed through the baggage area to get to your seat, the view, amount of leg-room and all the seats facing the direction of travel was so different to Britain. Soon after leaving KC the first of many freights was passed this one had a red Santa-Fe loco at the head. As we passed through the snow covered landscape every loop contained a freight so different from England. After Jefferson City the line runs along side the Missouri river which looked part frozen over and with large chunks of ice floating downstream. We spotted deer and even a bald eagle as we headed to St Louis. Having seen photos of the Union Station in St Louis I wish that it could have been 50 years ago but I am still grateful for such a great introduction to American Railroad travel.
Well back to today, I'll have another Ruthand perhaps a Winter Ale off LEON later.
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