Nice pix manager Lars!
Here are some more Milwaukee Road pix and info:
Here is our Chicago Milwaukee St. Paul & Pacific (Milwaukee Road) 1132
Don't ask me why it's numbered 1307 nowadays. We use it as a used book store
Here is our Chicago Milwaukee St. Paul & Pacific (Milwaukee Road) 118C
We have 18 different Milwaukee Road locomotives and cars at the IRM. You'll all just have to visit to see the rest! Do you remember the drop table I spent so much time on behind the steam shop? Well, here it is, inside the pit finally!
Finally, here's how our new home construction looks these days
Got paint?
Until the next time!
Lars
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/Barndad/sunday%20photos/Picture1110.jpg
Let's take a peek inside
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/Barndad/sunday%20photos/Picture1107.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/Barndad/sunday%20photos/Picture1108.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/Barndad/sunday%20photos/Picture1109.jpg
This poor old girl is our Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific 37A, a 1961 E9A Diesel-Electric cab unit. (I'll bet Tom notices the RDC behind her! Electro-Motive's streamlined E units, powered by two separate Diesel engines, were the most successful diesel passenger locomotives. The Milwaukee Road had six "suburban" E9As built with added head-end power" diesel engines and 350KW alternators for commuter car lighting. All six were later used by the North Suburban Mass Transit District and Metra. This is one of five units on display at the IRM.
Here's another car in need of care ... the URTX (Milwaukee Road) 37241, a 1948 Ice Refrigerator Car. Union Refrigerator Transit was one of the largest lessors of refrigerated freight cars. The cars often carried the lessors name. Until the development of reliable mechanical cooling systems, refrigerator ("reefer") cars used ice to maintain the interior temperature necessary for safe transport of perishables. Major rail yards had icing platforms where ice would be loaded before or during transit into bunkers at each end of the cars. Entire trains of reefers often traveled at passenger train speeds. This car was retired in 1971.
This would probably happen on my layout
Even though the bar is CLOSED on SUNDAY's we do observe Sunday breakfast - brunch 'n lunch from 6 AM - 2 PM!
G'day Gents!
A rare Sunday narrative from me, but we've had some very interesting Posts that need to be addressed rather than save 'em up 'til Monday.
As you can see, Boris is waiting tables and doing double duty in the kitchen - as is his station in life 'round here on Sundays. No liquor - no beer - in fact nothing at all from behind the bar. Check out the Menu Board and of course the bill o' fare from the Mentor Village Bakery case!
Where to begin
James - you snuck one in on us young man! Could've cost us our license as in this County no underage people are permitted at the bar no matter what they order. Sorry, those are the rules. My guess is more than one of our number are somewhat suprised, etc.
Here's the way it works at "Our" Place - our drinking age is whatever YOUR drinking age is where you reside. Since we don't know what state you are in (or do we???), I'm holding it to 21.
Now that doesn't mean you aren't welcome - for you are. We enjoy your contributions (great layout Pix!) and you seem to be quite a sincere young fellow. Just want to make sure we are all on solid ground 'round here.
Some months back a few teens tried to "get in" and once they discovered how serious we are about maintaining our "adult enviornment" they scrammed outta here. That's just the way we do things in the Saloon by the Siding. It is been and remains a cyber bar 'n grill in an adult environment.
Rob, not sure I fully concur with your upbeat assessment. One has to be here in order to fully take in the way things are here. It's been dismal for the most part and the days are getting looooooooonger, with October not boding well at all with planned absences from Pete - BK - Lars 'n Moi. Now, having said that - yes, we do have a nucleus of guys who give a Rat's Patoot and for that we are all thankful. But our numbers either hold at the low level where they are, or drop - never increase.
Doug, a wonderful Pix display for our Sunday Photo Posting Day! Well done, as always and good to see you back in full form!
Rob (again) Yes, back to Gare Centrale in Montréal. This will keep my "string" alive - 17 consecutive years of at least one trip outta there! Can't say that I'm not contributing to the Canadian economy! Gotta brush up on my American-French; used to be conversant enough to order a meal in the language of Québec. <grin>
Doug (again) If those towers could only speak! Can you just imagine what "Mission Tower" could tell us regarding the trains it "saw" passing by in either direction Your pictures "say" a lot!
And - come on along with me! That train to Gaspe has plenty of occupancy and it would be great to hook up with you, and maybe Lars, for the round trip.
James (again) Congrats on the accession to fireman. You'll have to let us in on the details - full time What RR Curious minds need to know!
Okay guys, enjoy the remainder of this day - the final of the regular baseball season and we still don't know who the winner of the NL Central, West and AL Central will be! Has that ever happened before Doubt it . . .
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, October 1st thru 7th: For Love of the Game (1999) Starring: Kevin Costner, Kelly Preston, John C. Reilly & Jena Malone – and – Fierce Creatures (1997) Starring: John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline & Michael Palin. SHORT: The Three Stooges - Dizzy Doctors (1937)
For Love of the Game (1999)
PLOT SUMMARY: Detroit Tigers Veteran Pitcher Billy Chapel (Costner) has always been better at baseball than at love. Just ask Jane (Preston), his on-and-off girlfriend. After a bad season, just before he is about to start in what could be his final game, Jane tells Billy that she's leaving him...for good. Now with his career and love-life in balance, Billy battles against his emotional and physical limits as he strives for a Perfect Game. The suspense is never drawn back in this heartwarming drama about life, love, and risking it all For Love of the Game.
from: www.imdb.com
Fierce Creatures (1997)
A massive corporate conglomerate, Octopus Inc., run by a shrewd and cruel tycoon named Rod McCain, purchases a UK-based leisure company, and also the failing London Marwood Zoo. To bring more business to the zoo, Octopus hires a new manager, Rollo Lee, who promptly comes up with a way to increase profits-do away with all the animals except for the ferocious ones. This new Fierce Creatures Policy shocks the Marwood zookeepers, led by the unendingly talkative Adrian "Bugsy" Malone. Eventually, Rod McCain's son Vince, along with the up-and-coming business executive Willa Weston, take control of the zoo and revoke the Fierce Creatures Policy. Vince instead comes up with many under-handed and vicious schemes to attract customers-unauthorized celebrity endorsements, shoddy, overpriced zoo merchandise, and using robotic animals instead of real ones. However, Vince is also stealing from the zoo's funds, and when his father finds out, he rears to turn the zoo into a Japanese-owned golf course. Meanwhile, Willa has grown to love the zoo and its animals, and, along with her newly-reformed love interest Rollo, plot with the zookeepers to save the zoo from the McCains.
SHORT: Dizzy Doctors (1937)
PLOT SUMMARY: Featuring Moe, Larry and Curly The Stooges are lazy good-for-nothings whose wives threaten to kick them out if they don't find work. They land a job as salesmen selling a snake oil called "Brighto". After harassing the citizens and even ruining a man's auto paint job, they make their way into the Los Arms Hospital and try their hand at selling Brighto to the patients. They then enter the Superintendant's office to try and make a sale, but the Super is the same man whose car's paint job was ruined, and the boys must beat a hasty retreat back home.
The Stooges are lazy good-for-nothings whose wives threaten to kick them out if they don't find work. They land a job as salesmen selling a snake oil called "Brighto". After harassing the citizens and even ruining a man's auto paint job, they make their way into the Los Arms Hospital and try their hand at selling Brighto to the patients. They then enter the Superintendant's office to try and make a sale, but the Super is the same man whose car's paint job was ruined, and the boys must beat a hasty retreat back home.
from: www.threestooges.net
Enjoy!
Good morning Tom and friends. I’ll be having a light breakfast, and just be watching the sites outside the windows as the sun rises (or Tom turns on the lights) to illuminate Mentor Village. Before I say anything more, ya’ll need to know you need to run out and see “The Guardian.” Excellent excellent movie my friends! Thanks for the GM&O encore yesterday Tom, and thanks for your generous words concerning my absence. Sir Knight Pete, I certainly hope you plan to get together when you come the Chicago. Please keep me updated! Terrific encore from you as well sir. Nifty stuff from you as well Mike. You find the most interesting URLs. Interesting stuff from manager Lars concerning Tom’s scheduled trip. Maybe one day I’ll make that trip as well. Howdy again to fireman James, and thanks for sharing pix of the construction of your layout. I’m especially interested as I’ll soon be building another, and need to steal …. er … recycle ideas! Hey Rob .. I’m not one of those people who believe it’s possibly to get too much of a good thing. I say we need more CPR stuff, and we’ve yet to scratch the surface on the subject. Bring it on my friend! Here’s my humble offering for today:
Mission Tower – H.L. Kelso – Sept. 1946 Railroad Magazine
Gateway to the Los Angeles passenger terminal is Mission Tower. Snugly tucked into a small triangle formed by the mainline tracks of the Santa Fe, Union Pacific, and Southern Pacific, the Tower on the bleak west bank of the Los Angeles River looms high over surrounding storage yards and miles of industrial trackage, sets up the route for eighty regularly scheduled passenger trains daily. Five separate wyes, two double-tracked, adjacent to the Tower, siphon scrambled traffic onto six tracks forming the railed throat between the Tower and the terminal.
Housed in white stucco with red-tiled roof, the plant, Union Station and Switch and Signal Company installation, is equipped for a total of 245 switches and 195 handles. Switching is Tower-controlled to the very edge of the terminal’s train sheds.
Triple-owned, the Tower is operated by Santa Fe, with maintenance expenses eleven percent from Union Pacific, thirty-six percent from Santa Fe, with the balance coming from Southern Pacific, the most extensive user. Density of traffic is greatest between six a.m. and twelve-thirty p.m.
UP’s Pacific Limited flicks her markers at Mission Tower as SP’s double-headed San Joaquin Daylight roars into diverging trackage close behind. Change of schedule, April 14th put an end to this picture; now SP’s Sunset Limited leaves town with the Daylight
A double-eyed Lima Daylight engine clumps over the Los Angeles River bridge with a consist of Sunset Limited sleepers.
Economy railiner from Chicago, via El Paso, gets a green eye from the busiest tower west of the Mississippi.
UP’s Challenger and Santa Fe’s Scout converge upon Los from south and north approaches. The latter’s route from Chicago is seventy-two miles shorter.
The alley’s are clear for Santa Fe’s Number 1 and UP’s Third 7 as they glide on toward the butterfly platforms to the tune of their engine bells.
UP’s bid for the luxury trade, canary-yellow City of Los Angeles, wheels in a broad arc over the concreted watercourse, her three power units mumbling guttural Diesel talk.
First section of SP’s tripleted Number 60 slips under the Tower’s north windows. Giant articulated cab-in-fronter is usual power for trains making the Tehachapi Loop run.
Here's for James in Minnesota ….
Good evening Leon. A very large cold one I think. It's been quite the last couple of daze for me.First i had to replace two of the phone jacks in my basement ( well I didn't Bell did )Then we had the anual job fare at the store today , I'm sure that I must have interviewed 100 of Boris's relatives. I just haven't had the strength to log on yesterday sorry.Mind you some good info was to be had by all ,so I must applaud everyone who does what they does around here
Tom-So , Montreal bound again eh? Good stuff, hopefully you might be able to see some old friends from the VIA trips of days past. I'm sure that you will regail us with many a photograph once your back and settled in.Some interesting, reading between now and yesterday,I still think that we need to more deeply explore the SP and GM&O, lots of good stuff out there,and maybe Dave too
Doug-That was a very interesting article on the Mojave desret. seeing the combine left to rot was rough , but I've seen many a streetcar and interurban body left like that once the rolling days were done.Better than the burning pile of streetcars ( burning was the recomended way of removing all the non- metal parts from streetcars being scrapped ) I'm glad that you liked the CPR stuff. i'm still debating weather or not to do part 3 as it concerns the canadian and you really nailed it well on tuesday,I'm tinking more from me would be overkill.
Lars-Hey feeling blue about dis joint ain't allowed. it's not worth the ulcers. we are doing well as those of us that are here really do give a rat's hind quarters I figure that some days will be heavy some won't be. still beats the time I was here talking to myself by a longsite Tom's right rest and refresh it's all gonna work out well
BK-I;'m intrigued I'd almost love to hear some of those tall tales from bridge street , but I won't push it. I have a very good friend that lives mere blocks from it, and he has some equally good tales to tell about it.Friday's batch of photo's were quite good. I loved the CNOR station, similar to the CNOR ediface that's being restored as an old folks rec centre in North Bay. Thanks to your research dept on the more in depth railway, railroad answer as well.Happy travels on your weekend excursion
Pete-great story from your rail sojourne in "jolly old" and equally wonderfull shots to go along with. when I see good stuff like that on the thread it just,reinvigorates me to keep pluuging away with my own efforts round here. this is definatly why this is the bast Tavern by the Tracks !
Mike- URL's and a story good stuff. and a semi nautical themed one too,trains and ships and how they interact,two things near and dear to me. oh I just got through the rest of your last batch of urls from the other day. Loved the Newfie Bullet ones. Now there was an interesting railway.There is a good book ouit there called te Newfie bullet that is a required read for those who love slim guaged trains.
James-I'm glad that you had a good birthday. Congrats on te passing of your firemans tests,should be a long and lasting carreer choice if you play your cards right. It is a good idea to keep up the studies as well though. i don't think I can top your snow. We never get it that bad in Southern Ontario,we'll get the 10 and twenty belows but where I'm sitting on the top of the escarpment we tend to miss most of the majorly heavy snowfalls. Mind you the odd time...owning a snomobile can be helpfull.They layout shots look good,I look forward to seeing more over the odd upcomming wednesdays.
Well I'm mostly caught up. I'm finding that I have to post later and later as Heather's been bitten by the geneology bug. I may need to get her her own computer and net account
Rob
G-day Tom and all here.
Thank you to all that wished me a happy birthday. I was quite happy. Once again thank you.
BudKarr and Tom have been wondering about me and the history behind myself.
Well to start things off I am probably your youngest poster here. I turned 18. So hopefully this isn't a problem. I have always liked this forum and have poped in (even before I came here) because I liked the way It worked around here. Things were always neat and organized and the topics were decent and civilized. So I waited untill just a while back to come in. So Tom, just in case you were woundering why I didn't order to many cold ones, Now you know. Even though on special events I will come and order one and buy some for the guys around. Anyway... I have always loved modeling. For instance. I model the Milwaukee road, just like it says below. I have always liked the Milwaukee road for there electrics. They have always fascinated me. Nick had mentioned about the electrics lash up and how they probably sucked the juice out of every building around. Ya.. Thats probably correct. They pulled in 3000 volts DC electricity when up to speed. Probably more than that when getting underway.
But I do have a job on the Railroad. I am a fireman now (finally, was a student Fireman up untill tonight) while taking courses in school. So you could probably imagine the work I am going to be pulling in. I'm on the extra board so it will be quite a job. I'm keeping up with work and with school, So there's an upsider.
BTW: Tom, sorry about the whole 15 page thing. Didn't mean to go that far. Won't happen again. and I think it might have to be coffee most of the time... If you know what I mean.
Rob, On the topic of snow... I live in Duluth, Minnesota.. and just to give you an Idea, the winters around here are sometimes quite nasty. Some nights, we can have 20 degree below zero and others it's snowing up a storm. But I believe the snow drifts were up to about eight feet or so and the snow on the ground was about 6 feet. So it can be wild.
Coalminer, and Pete, I'm glad you enjoyed The steam pics. I really like seeing steam in action. It just gives you that sensation of...wow.. Steam is something to behold.
Hey, Barndad, don't worry about the B-day thing. But I'm glad you popped in. It made a difference. Thanks.
I have been wanting to post these pictures for a long time now and I know it is off topic but I didn't get the chance to do so Wednesday.
This is what the layout looked like without scenery. Not untill about 3 weeks ago.
This is my locomotive shed. As you can see there is a lot of Milwaukee power. I just got the scenery on about 2 weeks ago.
This was a cool shot of the shed. I really like how the trailers turned out. They look pretty good.
The whole area. turned out well.
I will get back into the topic tomorrow.
Once again thank you for the B-day wishes and have a safe day.
Happy railroading.
James
G’day Gents!
Just a few comments before checking out for this day . . .
Appreciate the rail chronicles from Pete on his experiences from Rugby to Newcastle while back in “Merry Olde” a bit ago . . . I too recall seeing the Pix, but the narrative was new and most interesting. Nicley done! And yes – I succumbed to the temptation and have absolutely no regrets and only anticipation of having a great time!
Used to call the “Nutmeg State” home back in the mid-60s a bit over 3 years. Great place to live ( Norwich) and many fond memories. In those times my “real” railroading interests were occasional trips to the New London rail depot to “gawk” at the trains of the New Haven or what was left of ‘em. My model RR interests began as I introduced my youngest son to HO trains (Tyco) and thus began a long, long love affair with that scale.
Another fine history lesson from Mike, and the URLs are – overwhelming – but to be kept on the “back burner” for viewing!
Lars – thanx so much for the Chaleur “tribute”! Lots of effort and very much appreciated. So, your Mrs. is giving you the “high sign,” eh Come and join me in Montreal – we’d have a blast. The beer is always cold in the lounge portion of the Skyline dome car. (They don’t operate the “Park” series of observations domes on the Chaleur – those are strictly for the Ocean and the Halifax run (now only during tourist season).
And yes, that's one of our former "regulars" who Posted on this Forum a bit ago . . . .
Hope everyone has a great weekend and has a chance to recharge the batteries !
Leon – give ‘em a drink and Boris, ring the ding!
hey im ryan and im 11 years old and building a modell railway.
Can u give me some tips on the gauge and trains and carrages
molecule.1995@hotmail.com
G'day Cap'n Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth my deAH, you are looking mighty fine today - radiant comes to mind! Pour this old sailor a stein of Rheingold if you please and slide those snacks down my way.
Congrats to you, Cap'n Tom - good selectioin of rail trips. I did just a bit of checking into that route and it appears to be one where you should catch a good amount of interesting countryside. The Mrs. suggested that I should seriously consider doing something similar, as she has sensed that I've been "walking the walls" as of late. Perspective gals, these wives are!
I hadn't seen those Encores from Doug or Pete, so they were first time "rads" for me. I know that the pix from Pete's had been on this thread, for I remember that railway station with the curved platform. Good jobs, gents!
Speaking of Encores, it's still a bit hard for me to come up with anything of substance, especially since most of my stuff has been pix and rather worn out posts about domes and the S.I.R.T. So, permit me to exercise the "optional" feature of this day - and I'll go with something relevent to our 'steamed bossman - the Chaelur!
The Chaleur is a triweekly passenger train operated by VIA Rail between Gare Centrale (Montreal) and Gaspé, Quebec.
The Chaleur leaves Montreal in the evening and arrives in Gaspé at about noon the following day. It then departs Gaspé in the afternoon and arrives in Montreal in the morning.
Between Montreal and Matapédia, Quebec this train is normally merged with the Ocean. The consist of the Chaleur in recent years is composed exclusively of cars built by the Budd Company. This had been the case until 2004 for the Ocean as well, however the introduction of the Renaissance cars on the Ocean has resulted in both trains operating separately during the summer months (when trains are longer) and combined during the winter; the reason for this policy appears to be related to the braking effort of a combined train. When operating separately, the Chaleur will run several minutes ahead of the Ocean. When combined, the trains run together as far as Matapédia, Quebec, before the Ocean continues to Halifax, Nova Scotia and the Chaleur proceeds to Gaspé.
The following are stations served on the 1,041 kilometer (647 mile) route, listed from west to east:
As an example, this is the train's consist on a day in October 2005.
All built by Budd.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Should be a fine experience!
Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house.
Barndad's Roundhouse had some good stuff in there. Pete just proved it. And Dave was in fine form.
More travel for Tom. It's like George Carlin says, "No matter where you go, there you are."
As is known, I need something to post URLs about, it's an addiction worse than Nutmeg.
In 1911 the state of Connecticut appropriated $1 million for the construction of a steamship terminal at New London, now known as the Admiral Harold E. Shear State Pier. Construction began in 1914 and was completed in 1916. During dredging operations, a large number of iron cannonballs and shot were uncovered, dumped in the harbor during the Revolutionary War to prevent capture by the British. In 1916, while World War I raged in Europe, the Germans berthed the first ocean going cargo submarine, Deutchland, at the pier, carrying a cargo of textile dyes. The Germans subsequently built sheds for receiving cargo, which ultimately reverted to the state. The Navy took control of the pier during both World Wars. The first commercial steamer, Western Glen, docked at the pier in 1919 to discharge 6,488 tons of flour.
The location was on property owned by the Central Vermont Railway. Built even earlier is the CV pier, still intact underwater and under a cover of asphalt, and now on the National Register of Historic Places. Completed in 1876, one of its chief functions was to unload coal from Reading Railroad freighters into waiting rail cars. At peak volume it processed more than 100 tons of coal an hour. In 1904 the CV reconfigured the pier in conjunction with a new freight service to and from New York City. Until shortly after World War II, steamers of the Central Vermont Transportation Co. sailed overnight to the freight terminal at Pier 29 in New York.
Steamer Vermont at the CV Pier in New London, this is a 1938 hurricane damage photo.
http://imagescn.technomuses.ca/marine/index_view.cfm?photoid=318956034&id=114
Steamers New York and New London at Pier 29 in New York.
http://imagescn.technomuses.ca/marine/index_view.cfm?photoid=-1728701734&id=114
http://imagescn.technomuses.ca/structures/index_view.cfm?photoid=1327988684&id=40
Looking south, I believe the CV Terminal is the first building on the left in the foreground.
http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/cph/3c00000/3c07000/3c07400/3c07489v.jpg
Here's a nice old colorized photo of South Street, further south and looking north.
http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/cph/3g00000/3g02000/3g02600/3g02655v.jpg
These next links are to pictures of CV 8081
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2004021820483630651.jpg&byrail%3A1%3ACentral_Vermont
8081 & The Montrealer getting sidetracked that day.
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2005070919423117056.jpg&byrail%3A1%3ACentral_Vermont
Leased to the Grand Trunk Corp. in 1981, remained assigned to the CV.
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=20010905134436894.jpg&byrail%3A1%3ACentral_Vermont
Sold to K&L Feed in 1987.
http://www.cteastrrmuseum.org/images/inventory/alcoS4.jpg
Bought by Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum in 1997.
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2004112012123218681.jpg&byrail%3A1%3ACentral_Vermont
James, late for your birthday here's some old black & white pics:
Kids on a school field trip, Milwaukee Road 1948
http://collections.mnhs.org/VisualResources/VRDbimages/pf032/pf032126.jpg
http://collections.mnhs.org/VisualResources/VRDbimages/pf032/pf032127.jpg
http://collections.mnhs.org/VisualResources/VRDbimages/pf032/pf032128.jpg
Olympian Hiawatha 1962
http://muse.museum.montana.edu:16080/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN22269.jpg
Little Joes
http://muse.museum.montana.edu:16080/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN21797.jpg
E 35 box cab 1939
http://muse.museum.montana.edu:16080/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN03036.jpg
Milwaukee Road ad 1945
http://scriptorium.lib.duke.edu/adaccess/T/T24/T2426-72dpi.jpeg
Mike
Hi Tom and all.
A cup of coffee or two and an large egg and bacon roll, RUTH as it is just me and the dog this Saturday.
DOUG After we are back from the old land I am hopeful of an Amtrak trip to Chicago.
Enjoyed the Ghost Railroad of the Mojave Encore. I can just picture the miners pay day train to town. I think the loco cab would be the best place to be.
TOM. So the call of the rails was too strong, I know exactly how you feel. It should be a wonderful trip to Gaspe and you will have agreat time.
Great Encore on one of the smaller lines, by mileage the Gulf Mobile & Mobile. It is good to see one of the GM&O train name lives on today the Ann Rutledge.
For an encore I have got one of mine off Doug's Roundhouse site.
Here is some thing I wrote when the Forum was down I hope it is OK.
A TRIP TO SCOTLAND JUNE 2006.
Part One Rugby to Newcastle.
A trip I did manage to take while in England was a day trip to Stirling, Scotland. It was an early start with leaving the house at 5:00 AM and walking the mile and a half or so to Rugby station. A pleasant walk, just cool enough in the early morning light to need a light coat, at that time of year it gets light about 4 AM.
Arriving at the station a pleasant surprise was that the station buffet was open and plenty of time for a cuppa tea.
In the new timetable which had started earlier that week, a train using an 87 electric loco and coaching stock was timed to leave Rugby for London at 6:20 AM, this was waiting on platform 1. Apart from one train in the evening all services for Virgin are booked for Pendelinos,Virgin’s new 9-Car tilting Electric Units, capable of a higher speed but runnig at 125 MPH at the present, and it was a Pendelino, which arrived on platform 2 with the 6:05 am to London. I did toy with the idea of waiting for the 87 hauled train but decided to go with the 6:05. Come departure time and no movement, and then the conductor came on and announced that some overnight engineering work on the main line was running late although we should be away in a few minutes. A couple of trains had passed us but they were routed via the Northampton loop and as one was an intermodel freight; if we had to go that way we would be delayed. But the conductor was good to is word and after a short while the Beep-Beep of the automatic door closing sounded and we were away for a pleasant 82 mile journey in a hour, with 2 stops, and a on time arrival in Euston.
It is fairly short walk along Euston Road from Euston to Kings Cross station and the rush hour was not yet started at that time. There is an Underground connection but by the time you get your ticket and go to the deep level tube line it is almost as quick to walk plus the minimum fare on the Underground is now 3 Pounds (about $5.30).
There was a fair bit of construction work at St Pancreas station in connection with the new Channel Tunnel Rail Link, next door to King’s Cross.
I don’t know if it still is, but the King’s Cross area was noted for a haunt of the Ladies of the Night but I did not see any, perhaps they had finished their shift.
The train to Edinburgh was due to leave at 8AM but as the 7:30 to Newcastle had not left I decided to go on that. The loco hauling the train was a class 91 electric loco #91120 and carried the name Royal Armouries(I believe to commemorate a museum in Leeds).
A class 91 Electric loco and A High Speed Train HST wait at King,s Cross. The HST Diesel-Electric will work a East coast service beyond the electrified line north of Edinburgh.
An on time departure had us soon heading out of London with the inbound line busy with Electric Multiple Units of classes 313, 317 and 365 bringing the commuters into the City.
After 77 miles our train arrived at Peterborough passing over the former London & North Western Railway line which ran to Rugby and for the first few miles out of Peterborough is now The Nene Valley preserved railway which has steam-hauled trains at weekends.
Departing Peterborough, past the freight yard which had 3 GM class 66 locos in the blue and yellow livery of the GBFr company we were put on the slow line to allow the 7:35 Leeds train to pass we were soon back on the fast line and up to 125 MPH again passing the sign to mark the place where Mallard achieved the World Record for Steam of 126 MPH. On through Grantham Newark and Retford to Doncaster the next stop, passing the loco depot on the approach to the station unfortunately mostly hidden by trees.
On the west side of Doncaster station is the famous loco works, known as the Plant, where the Great Northern later LNER constructed and repaired such famous locos as Flying Scotsman, Mallard, Sir Nigel Gresley etc. The works is still in operation in private hands though on a very reduced scale. Heading north from Doncaster and onto the 1970/80s constructed line to by-pass the Selby coalfield, now itself about to close or so I hear.
The next stop is the old city of York with its magnificent station.
York station.
If anyone gets to visit England a visit to York is a must with Medieval Shambles, City Walls the Minster, Viking Center, good beer and of course The National Railway Museum which is just north of the station.
A few miles after leaving York our train is on the 4 track, mainly straight racing ground across the Plain of York although the line limit is 125 MPH. The slow lines were quite busy with freight with coal and steel trains hauled by class 60 and 66 locos.
The 4 track line ends at Northallerton where the lines to Teeside veer off to the east we head north to Darlington where the works of the North Eastern Railway was located and a brand new steam loco of the LNER A1 class is being built by railfans.
Shortly after leaving the station the trackbed of the 1825 Stockton & Darlington Railway is crossed. Next station is Durham where the line passes high above the city on a viaduct with a grand view of the Cathedral.
It was here a few years ago, on a steam special, that ex LNER A2 pacific Blue Peter went into a severe wheel slip and wreaked its motion costing many thousands of pounds to repair.
Shortly after passing Tyne marshaling yard our train slowed for the approach to Newcastle
ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday
first Posted on page 163
Here’s the last of the Fallen Flags for the gang from Classic American Railroads: Gulf, Mobile & Ohio (GM&O) Headquarters: Mobile, AL Mileage in 1950: 2,900 Locomotives in 1963: Diesel: 246 Rolling stock in 1963: Freight cars: 13,933 Passenger cars: 135 Principal routes in 1950: Chicago-Springfield-East St. Louis, IL & St. Louis, MO-Corinth-Meridian, MS-Mobile, AL Springfield-Kansas City, MO Bloomington-Murrayville, IL Dyersburg, TN-Union, MS-Mobile, AL Meridian-New Orleans Artesia, MS-Montgomery, AL Memphis, TN-Birmingham, AL (Southern rights between Memphis-Corinth, MS; and IC rights Corinth-Birmingham) St. Louis-Mexico, MO (Terminal Railway Assn., rights East St. Louis-St. Louis; CB&Q rights St. Louis-Mexico) Godfrey-Roadhouse, IL Springfield-East Peoria, IL Dwight-Washington & Lacon, IL Passenger trains of note: Alton Limited (renamed “The Limited”; Chicago-St. Louis) Abraham Lincoln (Chicago-St. Louis) Ann Rutledge (Chicago-St. Louis) Midnight Special (Chicago-St. Louis) Prairie State Express (St. Louis-Chicago) The Mail (Chicago-St. Louis) Gulf Coast Rebel (St. Louis-Mobile & Montgomery, AL) The Rebel (St. Louis-New Orleans, LA) Night Hawk (St. Louis-Kansas City) Enjoy! Tom
We have the makings of a fine weekend here in mid-continent USA – good conditions for working out in the “south forty.” Temps are expected to be comfortable, however, come Monday, “they” are calling for a rise into the mid-80s – which isn’t what I prefer. Fall is quite evident – but we’re getting there!
Good to see Doug reporting in this AM with a fine Post. Surely miss the regularity of your visits and these days things aren’t at all the “same” without you. Same can be said for the “other end” of the tandem – but we’ve been down that road before!
Received your E-mail and the house looks to be coming along quite nicely. I’m guessing you and your family are looking forward to completion. Then it’s MOVING DAY once again! A bit like the movie “Groundhog Day,” eh Been there done that!
Wouldn’t say your Thread was a failure – I’d say you just melded it back into where you wanted it all along – right here at the Tavern by the Tracks! Nice “ENCORE!” by the by!
Remember when you were a kid and your mom threatened you within an inch of your little life if you didn’t eat those peas – lima beans – broccoli – Brussel sprouts, etc. What did you do Held your breath – closed your eyes – pinched your nostrils and took the “plunge” – down they went – cold and mushy, perhaps, but down just the same. Well, that’s kinda what I did with my plane and train reservations. After much inner battling, I decided to “do it” – take the trip of choice – after all, I’m not taking any of this green stuff with me when I go and it is produced for spending after all. So, it’s Gaspe aboard VIA Rail in October. Found an airfare that borders on thievery - rail accommodations that are acceptable (price is right – “senior” fare for the bedroom) – and Amtrak surely isn’t VIA Rail! So the decision really wasn’t all that hard to come by – especially when my bride said something along the lines of what some of you have offered – paraphrased, “Go for it!” I did and I’m really looking forward to the adventure!
I see Ruth has arrived for her stint ‘til 5 PM when Leon takes over.
Boris, serve ‘em up all of the “spiked” OJ they can handle!
Later!
Good morning Tom and all! Sure is good to get back to "the bar beside the tracks" every now and then. I'm working job#2 from 10-6 today, and get to goof-off tomorrow. Please set me up with a few light breakfasts, and I'll leave some Michigan quarters in the coal scuttle on top of the jukebox if someone wants to get 'er going. Sure has been interesting stuff during the last week, which has been the norm for Our Place since it's humble beginnings.
Sorry to have missed your B'Day James. Please accept a belated from me! Peter, are you planning a trip to Chicago other than for the 2nd OP Rendezvous? Enjoyed the station pix and RR info that BK and Lydia have been providing. It's so cool that the two of you study this hobby together. Speaking of which, very interesting photos from Nick these days. Loved the outdoor model RR and it was a special treat to see his personal layout. It was certainly a contrast to the type of layout I usually see in theses parts. Nicely done post on the PEI Mike and URLs related to our Canadian pasenger theme. Those winter pix got me shivering. Must compliment Rob on his excellent CPR history posts. Top notch stuff! The short line info from CM3 was appreciated. I also enjoy Shane's enhancemants and interaction to whatever subject just happens to arise here. You are a real asset to this thread sir! Compliment to manager Lars on his fine efforts at the bar. On the subject of taking pictures around railroad property, I've not been hassled in these parts, but I suspect that's because no one seems to be around when I'm doing it. Just a matter of timing I guess. I saved Tom for last. Thanks for the Canadian RR history post, the NYC Penn Station info, and SP nostalgia. Most excellent reading material from you as well sir!
Here's an ENCORE piece that originally posted in my failed thread from a few months back. I deliberately chose something frmo a warm climate, as I am in denial that we're experiencing colder temperatures these days.
Ghost Railroad of the Mojave by Alvin A. Ficklewirth, April 1942 RR Magazine
Once a resplendent combination car on the New York Central, this desert-beaten relic is now a pathetic souvenir of the almost-forgotten L&S
California’s vast Mojave Desert, noted for its scores of deserted mine towns, likewise harbors the remains of more forgotten railways than any other similar area in the nation.
At least that’s the impression you get from delving into the history of this dreary waste of sand, sagebrush and cactus, inhabited mainly by poisonous rattlesnakes, shy lizards and bright-hued gila monsters.
Narrow-gage, standard-gage, circular systems, rails that ramble off to nowhere, ending in the desert wastes – even an old monorail – dot the Mojave’s wide expanse. Wind-blown, sand-blasted remains of stations are found on the outskirts of virtually every ghost town, though some of them never got to serve a single train. Progress in the booming mine days sped so rapidly that it passed up many towns before the rails were laid. Rich gold and silver veins played out; unfinished routeage was abandoned.
Perhaps the most interesting and best preserved of these Mojave ghost lines was the old Ludlow & Southern, a seven and one-half mile stem built at the turn of the century to connect the fabulously rich Bagdad-Chase diggings with Ludlow, fifty-three miles east or Barstow, on the Santa Fe.
Competition in the mining and shipping of ore was at that time keen. The twenty-mule teams operating out of nearby Providence Town had already hauled some sixty million dollars worth of pay dirt, but in their mad rush to be first to the mills, operators sought a more efficient means of transportation. Old-timers tell of a curious steam tractor called the “iron monster,” which clattered over the desert from the Ord Mines to Dagget (next station to Ludlow on the AT&F) hauling three wagons in the smoke and dust behind it.
The more successful performances of the Borate & Dagget Railroad, a combination narrow- and standard-gage line built to supplement mule-train shipments from a neighboring mine, led the management of the Bagdad-Chase Company to project their own wavering streak of rust across the Mojave hills to the silver ribbons of the Santa Fe.
Originating terminal of the road was the sun-scorched desert town of Rochester, named with a grim trace of nostalgia for the cleaner, greener New York State metropolis which had once been the home of Mine President Benjamin Chase and his right=hand, J.H. Steadman.
A dozen cabins and tent homes dormitories, a café, company office, and newly built station – these and timber gantries that lay squat above the black mine shafts, were the substance of the town when the road’s first locomotive, a tall-stacked Baldwin ten-wheeler, whooshed in from the north, on her maiden trip from Ludlow. She carried a down-east designation of her own – the New York Central herald and the number 99. For that Empire State road, and more particularly its president, Chauncey M. Depew, was a heavy stockholder in Bagdad-Chase.
Behind the locomotive, soon to be renumbered Ludlow & Southern Number 1, trailed a flatcar with a stout tapered tank standing upright on its deck, directly above the forward truck . Eight feet in diameter, perhaps, and not quite so high, it stored a cargo more precious to the desert people than the ore that was soon to creek northward to the Santa Fe.
That shipment was water, hauled from the nearest source on the larger system, since no successful wells could be sunk in arid Rochester. Daily, thereafter, the company-built tank car made its circuit run. On your author’s desk, as he writes, lies a brittle yellow bill made out to the Ludlow & Southern by the AT&SF for water hauled at a cost of $1.55 per thousand gallons.
Besides the One-Spot and the tank, the company’s initial equipment roster listed two flatcars. This rolling stock, however, was soon to be buttressed by a colorful addition.
Around 1903, word reached the camp that a group of the mine’s stockholders, most of the New York Central men, were enroute to inspect their investment. Rochester had by that time been renamed Steadman, and was known as one of the cleanest run towns in the area; probably because the General Manager, E.H. Stagg, had brought his wife and three daughters there to live.
A capable operator, Mr. Stagg had already converted Bagdad-Chase into a plant that was paying dividends of $10,000 per month. One can easily visualize, then, the blend of curiosity and smug satisfaction with which the corpulent visitors from back east climbed down from their special New York Central combine coach to view this sand-blasted desert holding.
Some say that Chauncey Depew, himself, was a member of the delegation, and that the car was his private chariot. This latter contention seems doubtful, however, in view of the combine arrangement. In any event, Steadman’s citizens had never seen so magnificent a specimen of the coach-builder’s art. Ad
Evening Gents!
I see that since my last Post of this AM, we've had our expected morning visits from CM3 'n BK - then an afternoon stop by Lars followed by an early eveing drop by from Pete. Pretty much sums it up . . . Thanx, guys!
CM3: Prayer won't get it - performance by the team will! What a dismal mess . . . game just began and we're already behind in the 1st inning. <arggggggghhh> On a more positive note, those short lines of the N&W are good conversation starters . . . Enjoy the time off and we'll see ya Monday!
BK: Great research from your "earstwhile" regarding the "Railways-Railroads" discussion! Kinda bolsters my contention that whatever distinction there may be, it has been pretty much lost over time.
Nice Pix, by the by! [tup[
I certainly share your attitude regarding traveling 1st class for long distance flights. Unless there is an urgent reason for air travel - I figure it's 1st class or I don't go. There are exceptions of course, as some routes simply no longer offer that accomodation (St. Louis to Halifax is but one example). Maybe I could talk you into flying down here and provide me "taxi" service to Montreal! Have a great weekend!
Lars: Received and responded to your E-mail. I understand your frustration, Mate. Hang in there, perhaps we have an upswing on the way - just have to "Take what we gets!"
Regarding the Mets - we should have such problems! Pedro has never been one of my favorites - he's on a "list" of many who I wouldn't let back into this country once they depart, with their US bucks, for other places. Having said that, his record on the field speaks for itself and the loss will certainly benefit whoever the opposition will be in the playoffs.
Why not just chill for the weekend and forget about the bar We'll be here on Monday - even if it's only the two of us!
Pete: Received and responded to your E-mail - thanx! Your attentiveness to the matters of the bar are most appreciated and welcome! You've never let us down - unless of course you take off for "Merry Olde" - but then again, that's something we cannot hold against you!
I'm going to have to review this business of "Copperkettle" - for I don't recall adding him to our list of employees in the kitchen!
Enjoy the weekend!
Leon, a round for the house - including the Track Gangs in the pool room - and Boris, ring that bell!
See y'all in the AM . . . .
JAMES that looks a good spread NICK has prepared full marks indeed. A pint of the usual and a round please LEON.
Great to see you in ROB and DOUG.
CM3 Thanks for the short lines of the N&W. I find the Terminal & switching lines very interesting. There was no equivalent in the UK.
BK Great photos of the two Canadian stations. I did not know there were so many lines in the U.S. were railways, can you thank Lydia for the great info.
Just to make things worse, in England before there were railways proper, some of the early railways were called Tramroads and some Tramways. The only thing I can think of is from the early days the track was known as the Permanent Way. This was said to come from the finished track ready for traffic as different from the temporary rails the line builders used while the line was constructed. The men who repaired and generaly looked after the track were known as the P.Way gang.
Hope you have a good weekend.
LARS I could not understand what Pray for Tony was at first.
Thanks for the info on Chicago station, I am really looking forward to a visit there.
What you say about photography is sad but oh so true nowadays, I am reading in the British railway magazines the same thing is happening there with photographers being harrased at some stations. To think in the old days a polite request to loco depot foreman, especially on a Sunday, to have a look round was greeted with "OK, take care and come and see me before you leave" Of course some times it was not possible as the depot was busy or a boss was about. Even some of the major BR locomotive works gave conducted tours on a Sunday for a very small fee if you wrote away for a permit. It is very sad to say I think those days have gone to never return..
TOM. As you say the air fare increase on some routes defy reason.
For the rail trip what a great trip the through Pullman from St Louis on SP's Golden State to California would be as in your Blast from the Past.
Well I'll have another and try COPPERKETTLE's Steak.
Pete.
Good Morning Captain Tom and all assembled!
A wee bit early for me, however, we are planning a weekend away and there is a bit of time for me to drop by. Ruth, a #3 with a steaming mug of coffee with just a "splash" to make it interesting. Thank you!
A Friday it is and the weekend is about to descend upon those of us fortunate enough to take advantage of them. Of course, now that I am fully retired, weekends and weekdays somehow seem to appear alike. I believe Sir Tom had provided fair warning of that some time back.
I see the continuing dialogue regarding a rail journey for our 'steamed Proprietor. Dallas it may be Why not Just as long as you do not have to spend too much time there! No, no, no - only joshing as I have a few fond remembrances of that city from too many years ago. Regarding air fares, we are looking into "that trip" to "down under" and I would not want to send anyone into deep shock by quoting the air fares from Alberta to any of the major cities in Australia. Easily would approach time for a second note on the home for many. We do make it hard on ourselves in that we fly in the first class cabin, which of course ups the ante quantum fold. It is too long a trip to be jammed into coach class. No thank you. I would expect that there will be a significant decrease in air travel, in spite of what we are hearing, for the fares most defiintely factor in heavily when multiple family members are making the trip.
Someone had asked me, many, many pages back about "my" aircraft. I do not own one, I lease from whatever airport (and there are not too many) is most convenient. Looked into ownership and thought better of it. I would rather not be "married" to an airplane - far more practical for someone else to "feed and clothe" her.
"Pray for Tony" I know that is a private message from Sir CM3 to Sir Tom - however, it did catch my eye. You do come up with some rather intriguing railroad information and the association with the coal mining industry is most revealing.
Also noted the return of Sir Rob. You seem to be out more than in these days, but work loads and associated requirements are all part of what goes into supporting the wife, children, pets, hobbies and lastly - yourself! Just as long as you are not spending time elsewhere, I am sure many of us will give you the "understanding" you seek.
Glad you enjoyed those photos from yesterday. I KNEW you would pick up on the trolley stop! The Via station at Niagara is a grand looking place and somewhere way, way back, I seem to recall my father taking us all there from Toronto. Too far back for detailed information, however.
My "earstwhile assistant" has been doing a bit of research on a topic that was kicked around here a week or more ago. Recall that dialogue over the difference between "railway" and "railroad" that Sir Pete brought up and Sir Tom adequately answered. Then there was something posted whereby it was made a bit more definitive that railroad is the preferred term in the U.S. Well, perhaps that it not the case. Some enlightenment from Lydia:
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe was a RAILWAY
Burlington Northern - Santa Fe is a RAILWAY
Central Pacific was a RAILWAY
Northern Pacific was a RAILWAY
Great Northern was a RAILWAY
Texas & Pacific was a RAILWAY
St. Louis - San Francisco (Frisco) was a RAILWAY
Kansas City Southern is a RAILWAY
Southern was a RAILWAY
Norfolk Southern is a RAILWAY
Norfolk & Western was a RAILWAY
Georgia Central was a RAILWAY
Chesapeake and Ohio was a RAILWAY
and so on . . .
However, it does appear that more were RAILROADS than not. However, to imply that this is the norm is perhaps a stretch. Leave it to Lydia - details are she!
A bit more from ImagesCanada:
Canadian Northern Railway Station, Calgary, Alberta - 1913-1918.
(Used with permission from ImagesCanada - credit: Glenbow Archives)
Canadian Pacific Railway station, Coronation, Alberta - 1912.
(Used with permission from ImagesCanada - credit: Glenbow Archives) - 1912
Bon weekend everyone!
BK in Alberta, Canada's beautiful high mountain country!
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Lovely day here in the coalfields, damp and cool (temperature dropped 20 degrees in 30 minutes when the latest cold front went through). The K9 Korps enjoys it as there’s lots of things to explore in the yard.
A note to our ‘steamed proprietor. Pray for Tony....
Many thanks to all for their recent posts. The Penn Station material and more SP stuff today are most appreciated along with other folks’s comments.
I was prowling around some old Official Guides the other day in my never-ending quest for ORO information. Here are some short lines owned by the N&W.
Lorain and West Virginia Railway Company.
25 miles between Wellington and Lorain, OH. NOTE: This line was owned by the N&W.
New Jersey, Indiana, and Illinois RR Co.
11.4 miles between South Bend and Pine, IN.
“Freight shipments to reach the NJ<I&I RR must be routed Norfolk and Western Ry. to Pine, IN.
The next one many of you will probably recall, if only because of the “flour sack” logo which was on their boxcars.
Buffalo Creek Railroad (Erie Lackawanna and Lehigh Valley Railroad Co., Lessees.
“A terminal switching railroad serving waterfront and other industries, for carload freight only. Operates 5.66 miles with a total trackage of 34.22 miles and connects with all railroads in the City of Buffalo.
Its switching charges for road haul movements are collected by connecting carriers for whom the Buffalo Creek performs terminal switching service.
It receives from and delivers to all direct connections, without preference, providing the same series to industries located on the Buffalo Creek, as though located on the road of the line carrier.
Connection: B&O, E-L, LV, PRR, NYC, CN, C&O, N&W.
Santa Fe next week; already started on this.
Have a good one
Work safe
Tom's Blast from the Past!
first Posted on page 193 PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #44 Here’s something to enjoy regarding the Southern Pacific (SP) from a 1949 advertisement in my personal collection. Come to Arizona on the swift “Golden State” – the only streamliner direct to Tucson, Phoenix, Palm Springs Smooth-riding, luxurious – Southern Pacific-Rock Island’s fast Golden State from Chicago via El Paso and Douglas is the only streamliner direct to Southern Arizon’a resort country and Palm Springs Pullman and reclining chair car. Moderate extra fare. Try this famous train on your next trip to Arizona or California. Through Pullmans from New York and St. Louis, P.S. Don’t forget that our Sunset Limited (New Orleans-Los Angeles) also goes direct to Southern Arizona and Palm Springs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S*P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The friendly Southern Pacific . . . . Enjoy! Tom
Friday and the end of the work week (for many). The Mentor Village Bakery case awaits! Also, check out our Menu Board for <light> and <traditional> breakfasts . . .
A bit of activity last evening along with the "return" of Rob! Since when has "work" been a legitimate reason for not being at the bar You'll have to come up with a better excuse than THAT! [|(grimmace>
A goes out to CMSTPP James! Don't know how old, nor do we know very much about our newest customer - but perhaps we'll get some enlightenment along the way. Whatever the "year" - hope your day is a good one!
Brief visits from Nick 'n Doug - but visits just the same. Interesting Pix selections . . .
Rob, actually that round trip to Gaspe from Montreal isn't as ridiculously priced as the air fare from here to Montreal. Since VIA Rail uses the Budd equipment for the Chaleur (or so I am led to believe) the bedrooms (single) sell for reasonable rates these days. Hardly like those for the Ocean to Halifax in the Renaissance cars. Anyway, Air Canda - American - Northwest all have similarly priced fares so it comes down to schedules. Air fare is now approaching nearly double of what it used to cost for my bride and I to make that Montreal trip - just a year and a half ago! Extortion is the word that comes to mind. Still haven't made any firm plans - but it's "fun" to think about a rail trip . . . Amtrak is probably the selection of practicality, but hardly the choice of the heart.
Boris
Ruth comes in at 9 AM with Leon the Night Man taking the bar at 5 PM 'til closing . . .
Good morning Tom and all. Only got time for a roll from the Mentor Village Bakery and then be on the way, but before I leave .... most impressive stuff from Nick these days. Very entertaining! HAve a great day everyone .. I'm off to tote the proverbial barge
Good evening Leon, just one frosty Keith's for me this evening.
Lars-I haven't gone too far away <grin> I do have to pay the bills ( so they tell me ) I do work retail so it tends to drag me away from home longer and longer hours this time o year. Still it's good to be missed
Tom-Wonderfull piece on Penn station sir 5x for it fer sure fer sure. It certainly frosts my behind when I learn of beautifull old buildings succombing to modern office towers. At least the functional part of the station is still there.The rail sojourne to Gaspe sounded mighty fine, but you are right the new VIA pricing policy is boarderline piracy,not to mention the "Scare Canada" fares that you woukld have to endure as well.Still the Amtrak sojourne sounds like a winnah as well
Nick-QWhat a wonderful spat of photo's you dropped upon is yesterday.That outdoor layout in Ireland looks absolutly supurb . Your effiorts are just as nice as well sir. The GP35 looks quite smart in it's zebra livery who cares about the number,none of us will call you on the carpet for that.If anyone does you can always show them the door.Jame's birthday buffet looks downright edible.Cooperkettle must be rubbing off on H&H I didn't see any sort of saurkraut at all
BK-Wonderfull website that you have found there. thanks for sluthing it out It's a shame so few passenger trains still call at the Niagara falls bridge street station, only two Vias and Two Amtraks a day. I loved the old traction station shot as well. thaat would have been the meeting station for the Great Gorge Route, where the US side and the Candian side Niagara gorge cars met. If I remember from my reading the NS&T also interchanged US bound and St catharines bound passengers there as well.
James-It's froday already where I am so to you sir. Allow me also to aquire a beverage or two for you . I loved the CNR steam shot as well,nice typical light passenger power,and a beautifull shot at that too.Eight feet of snow you say yikes that beat me last year by a good 4 feet.You must have some good ski hills near you !
Mike-I didn't get all the way through your newest urls,but quite alot of good ones there thank-you
CM3-I'm glad you liked that photo I found,I imagine that passenger engines running elephant style is a bit unusual. One train a day through Brantford is usually so equiped. It has two sections one stops in sarnia and the other runs through to Windsor,but they operate jointly westbound from Toronto. Wonderfull bit of SP info sir. I'm sure that it will pique one westcoasters interest over the weekend.
Well I was going to drop part 3 tonight but I'm fading fast and my first attempt was a formatting failure so I'll have at it again tomorrow.
Boris ring the ding, see everyone tomorrow ( okay later today )
[img][/img] Well good evening Gentlemen all-beers for all please Leon
Unlikely to make it home,so please wrap me in a blanket if you find me------ looks like a buffet supper for JAME`S birthday -H+H ,Copperkettle and Boris have worked very hard here-full marks all roumd
if anyboby has any spare `fridge space-please let me know.................................
take care guys ,nick
Days end and time to settle in for another <yawn>. baseball game. Admittedly, this - the final week of the regular season - still holds a bit of mystery and lots of frustration for the Red Birds of St. Louis. Who wuddathunkit when all of this started out in April
So, what have we had today since my last Post Visits from what have become our dependables (no not the "senior diapers"! <grin>) CM3 - BK - Pete 'n Lars. Nice going guys and appreciate your taking the time and making the effort to keep the forward momentum! [tup] I think the comments along the way sum up nicely what each of you offered this fine day!
Regarding my "thinking out loud" I've put aside that notion to go off on a rail jaunt to Canada. In fact the suggestion made by Lars is precisely what I've been exploring. The Texas Eagle does pass thru here. Considering flying up to Chicago - board the "Eagle" to Dallas then return to St. Louis. That itinerary is half the cost of going north to Montreal and then northeast to Gaspe. Admittedly, I'd prefer those Budd cars - however, the Superliners aren't bad. The on-time performance is worrisome, however, but it just may work in my favor. I've never been one to be concerned about how much time I spend on a train - quite the opposite - the more, the betterER! It's the waiting in the station that gets old in a hurry. Seems that the north bound train is the one with the worst record for being on time; so at least I'd get to Dallas with sufficient time to catch the return train. Something to ponder . . . There's gotta be at least one watering hole nearby the station to "kill time"!
Leon, give them the drink of their choosing, and Boris ring the bell! Da Boss is retiring for the nite . .
G'day Captain Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth my deAH, I'm so thirsty that my "quencher" thinks my throat has been cut! TWO frosty mugs of Schaefer if you please and slide those snack trays down my way . . .
Couldn't have picked a better railroad station to feature than that of New York City's famed Penn Station. Oh, the memories and oh the sorrow of so many fine trains no longer arriving and departing from that magnificent ediface. Always had the best of both worlds with Grand Central Terminal right "up the road" and all of THOSE wonderful trains as well. Born far too late in the game to fully enjoy all of it - then again, as I believe Tom has said - I would've been too &#%$ poor to have been able to travel the way the "gentry" did. Ahhhhhh, just the thought of it . . .
Certainly appears as if Nick has found himself a new "toy" and has immersed himself into the uploading/downloading pix game. Nice selections and I concur, that outdoor layout is quite the "thing." Good to see that your layout has at least one gin mill; you do know that Tom's Can-Am has a couple, huh
Just picked up on Pete's Post - good to see ya, mate and have one of those Bathams on me! Ruth, a full pint for the Wolfman! Well, you cudda fooled me - your teacher(s) should see you now! If you do get to Chicago's Union Station, my guess is you'll enjoy yourself. It really is not "like" the old Penn Station, however, it too is a marvelous place to visit. I'd recommend a walk around the outside - take in all of the sights - look over the protective walls down at the tracks - all of it. Then once inside, the perspective is a bit clearer. Unfortunately, these days taking pictures arouses all kinds of looks and stares. Of course no one but ticketed passengers are permitted on the platforms and then only when the boarding announcements are made. Pretty much the same as it has always been - but the security guys are out and about (ooot 'n abooot, for Rob! <grin> - speaking of . . . where is he THIS time - well even a broken clock can be depended upon at least twice a day, huh )
I see that my "bookend" BK was in and dropped off a couple of very intereting pix - also thanks for that web site tip. The more we can identify for our use, the better. I never did get a reply from the guy who complained directly to Kalmbach about me - but then again, didn't expect one. Picked up on that blurb a few posts ago that you'll be away over the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday - not that far off, so I see. So, with you and Pete gone - and perhaps Captain Tom riding those steel rails somewhere, things may be a bit slower in October than we seen lately. Anyway, you'll be missed.
CM3 I'm Not Shane! hasn't disappointed us in spite of having to put in some hours to earn his pay check! The things the boss expects, huh Perhaps that SP Golden State info will shake Left Coast S Dave out of the tree (again) - it's getting to the end of the week, so perhaps . . . . Enjoyed your post - and yes, that "Passing Train" is an excellent book; was given to me some years back as a gift from someone who thought I was still into trains. Wasn't then - am now (again)!
Getting back to Captain Tom and his 'wanderlust' desire to ride the rails - c'mon out east, mate - we could have a blast aboard anything north bound. Yeah, I know - flying is a royal pain in the patoot - doesn't matter what the destination, it's absolutely absurd what the fares are, the restrictions are, and the sheer exasperation of it all. Perhaps you could find something to satisfy your cravings right there in the mid-west. Doesn't the Texas Eagle pass through your town Think you mentioned that some pages ago . . . I remember when we were in Chicago's Union Station and listening to the train announcements - the Texas Eagle was REALLY late coming in - like about 7 hours. Noticed the boarding area for the outbound with St. Louis as a stop and thought of you. I still enjoy the Superliners and need to do a bit of research to find out what the status is of all those cars at Beach Grove.
Also, had the chance to really scrutinize that listing of the significant events in Canadian Railway history - some eye openers for sure, huh That span over the St. Lawrence that "dropped" on two successive days has to be some sort of a record, wouldn't you think
Nick - my sports teams are doing fine. Mets (baseball) are heading for the playoffs and should be favored to go all the way to the World Series. Giants (football) could be starting off better - won one, dropped two. However, they play 16, so it's a wait 'n see "thing." Know all about suffering through with losing seasons, though - no matter what the sport, it's never easy to suffer the pain of loss after loss, etc.
Ok - enough rambling from this quarter. I'll take ONE MORE, Ruth - then I'm outta here! Oh yeah, a round on me if you please - ring the bell, Boris!
A pint of Bathams please RUTH amd some of NICK's Fish 'N ' Chips but NOT to be made from Miss Idaho as I don't want BORIS to be upset with me.
ROB Enjoyed Part 2 of the Passenger Trains of the CP . It is amazing how the CP was able to handle the double the volume of traffic in the war. If the railway had slimmed down its rolling stock, and sidings etc to the 1930s levels they would have been very hard pressed to cope. Good info on the sleeping car services,
It is a nice to see that poor Jumbo was not forgotten.
LARS Many thanks for the kind words. I think my old school teachers would not agree with you. There is so much great material at Our Place it is easy to read it all. Like you, I am looking forward to ERIC's return..
JAMES As you say there is no greater sight than a steam locomotive, even people with no interest in railways have to stop and smile if one goes by. for tomorrow.
I knew very little about North American railroads but thanks to Our Place and the magazines I am learning. I still have a great deal to learn on such a fascinating subject.
NICK.What a wonderful setting for the Clonakilty model railway. Great Irish figure on the platform in the first pic. What a treat it must have been to travel on those Irish narrow gauge lines in their prosperous years.
Great photos of your layout fine painting job on the Canadian diesels. I see the sign is covering the Bullied light pacific's number, which one is she..The English Electric type 3 ( class 37), always remind me of the South Wales railway scene. In 1968 I went on a South Wales shed bash which left Birmingham at some unearthly hour on a Saturday night, I shall never forget visiting small loco depots in the valleys on a foul night with heavy rain and the small rivers in full flow. each depot contained 3 or 4 class 37s ready for their Monday morning duties hauling coal from the many local coal mines that were about in those days. Of coarse the small loco depots and even the coal mines are no longer there indeed.
I am out of touch with Rugby Union lately but well remember when the Welsh side was about un-beatable in the 70s( as Max Boyce used to tell us English) . I have heard it said when the Wales side is strong Rugby Union is strong.
I'm glad that Thunderbirds brought some memories. Have you noticed how the futureistic large mobile cranes they had in the programme look like the ones of today.
MIKE . Another great set of Canadian links. Great pics of that large roundhouse and a impressive loco on the turntable. I would hate to think of the chaos that would be caused if their was a problem with the turntable blocking in the locos.
I have found some info on Makem & Clancy. There is a N. American connection I did not know about.Tommy Makem left the Clancy Brothers in 1969 and Liam Clancy left in 1973. Liam lived in Calgary Canada. Both of them were due to play solo in Cleveland in 1975. The were convinced to play together and the partnership was born.
CM3 Yes St Annes reel is one my favorites and thanks for the SP info. Are your photos on Slides . I will have to remember to bring mine over.
BK. Thanks for the link to the Canadian pics. I dont think that was one of Decca's better business decisions. I wonder what would have happened if they had join Decca would they have met George Martin.
TOM. September was a busy month for Canadian railways. I have looked at a website that tells of the loco Samson's history.
The Quebec bridge being lifted over the St Lawerence and falling on two days was a tragic event with the loss of life it caused.
Great idea on the Our Place posting history. It is wonderful to see four members from page 1, plus yourself of course still ( with Nick on page 5) so active at the bar.
Thanks for the link to Nick's great shot of # 5051, it must have sounded wonderful as well..
I am even looking forward to getting to Chicago if Union station is simular to the Penn station a very informative post. A real shame it was demolised. I have been through there when I had a 7 hour layover at Newark, I would haved loved to have been there in GG1 days.
Well let me get a round in.
A most interesting evening and morning here at my favorite saloon. Good cheer and good times continue with the labors from Sir Nick and his photo gallery - nicely done!
Ruth, we shall partake in two #3s from the Menu Board along with a steaming mug of coffee, with just a "splash" to make it interesting for me, and a pot of tea for Lydia.
With appreciation to my earstwhile assistant, I have found a web site whereby use of their photos are permitted, as long as due credit is given. In light of a recent admonition received from a forum Administrator to one of "our own" over on Captain Tom's "other thread," perhaps this site will be of use to several of you. http://www.imagescanada.ca/r1-249-e.html
(I urge you to review the "copyright" portion before using any of the photos. Additionally, I do not believe they want you to download them to this site directly - rather upload them to your photo storarage (Photobucket, etc) for further downloading. THAT from Lydia!)
Sir Tom, if I may - take that train trip - do it - and get it out of your system (temporarily!!)
I found the material provided for the "Theme" day to be of excellent quality and sufficient quantity to call the day a success! Nicely done to one and all who "took the time and made the effort" to make it so. (A quote attributable to our inimitible Proprietor!) Note that the Canadian railways interest is continuing on through the week, which is not all so bad!
A birthday tomorrow for our newest customer - James CMSTPP - and many more! Pehaps you will enlighten us just a bit regarding what part of the U.S. you reside in and what you "do" to make ends meet (employment). Please do not feel compelled to divulge anything too personal of course, but a little bit about yourself to help us get to know you would be nice. If anyone respects privacy, it is I - for several reasons. Have an adult beverage "on me" for your Natal Day!
A well done listing for the "Pickup line," Captain Tom! As only a sailor would know - ropes are not the only lines one may use to advantage! I imagine that it took a bit of time and effort to compile that index, one that comes in handy when trying to match up page numbers and dates - something the "new" search methods on the forums failed to provide.
In reading and re-reading the postings, it appears as if Sir Nick has done a bit of "housekeeping," for I have not located that "polar bear" mentioned previously! I did manage to call up the "missing" photo, however, and thanks to our Super Sleuth, Captain Tom, we now know that one can run, but cannot hide!
Finally, your extravaganza on the Pennsylvania Station in New York City is a fine example of the type of material that attracted me to this bar and keeps me returning. Without making anyone feel less than a full participant, let me say that my preference is to view that which is relevant to our purposes here at the bar, rather than "flipping" back and forth from Url to Url. For some yet to be explained reason, seeing it here makes it seem more intimate and designed just for us. Another well done, Sir!
Best regards to my fellow "stoolmates" all!
I leave you with the following - stations that perhaps will never be "famous," but were (or are) part of the Canadian railway landscape:
International Railway Company Station and car siding - foot of Bridge Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario (Reproduced with permission from the ImagesCanada website - credit: Niagara Parks Commission)
Bridge Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario - VIA Rail Canada Train Station (Reproduced with permission from ImagesCanada website - credit: Niagara Falls Public Library)
"We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out." --Decca Recording Co. rejecting the Beatles, 1962.
Hope to return before the weekend . . .
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