QUOTE: coalminer3 Posted: 22 July 2005, 09:28:49 Good Morning All: Coffee, please. Also can I get four fish frys "to go?" I'll pick 'em up on my way home. Weather report for the coalfields today is continued heat, fog, humidity, sun, and scattered cloudbursts - typical for July here. I have been reading some recent posts and herewith a few replies. Theodorebear: Inlaws live in Buffalo area. Thus, the regular roadtrips to "go see grandpa," which somehow ties in with visits to hallowed rr sites in the area. BTW, my wife is one of the world's greatest football fans. She doesn't follow WVU that much as she went to school in Ohio. But, she does love the Bills, so we must be careful (LOL). Barndad: Thanks so much for sharing the pictures. IIRC, is the Zephyr equipment the same set that was used in the movie "A League of Their Own.?" Trolleyboy: War of 1812 - excellent. For more than a few years I lived right near the old Navy yard in Charlestown, MA; home of "Old Ironsides." I remember being at Old Ft. Niagara awhile back and talking with some of the Briti***roops after they did a firing demonstration which was very well done. IIRC, they were 15th Foot, and were active in the Boston area in 1775. I enjoyed the picture of the open car - lovely restoration work. A question for you as I don't know much about traction (along with a lot of other stuff)...how did that car compare in size, etc. to the Connecticut Company's open cars? Here's a 1943 era consist for the 20th Centruy Limited (eastward) that I thought visitors to Our Place might enjoy Buffet lounge: Chicago-New York Observatiion sleeping car (master room/bedroom/buffet): Chicago-New York 18 rtte sleeper: Chicago-New York 10 rte/5 db sleeper: Chicago-New York 4 compt/4 bdr/2 drawing room sleeper: Chicago-New York (three cars) 13 dbr sleeper: Chicago-New York (two cars) Diner: Chicago-New York Here's some additional copy that will make you weep. "The 20th Century Limited and other New York Central passenger trains are frequently operated in two or more sections....When more than one section of a train is operated, it frequently happens that only the regular section will make all the advertised stops. Passengers expecting others to accompnay them [art of the journey, or join them en route, are requested to inquire at starting point what stops will be made." Special service features are provided on limited trains as follows: Nos. 25 and 26 - "Twentieth Century Limited" Club-lounge car: Barber, secretary. dictaphone, valet, sporting events, magazines, newspoapers, stationery. Observation car: Maid, telephone at terminals, lounge, radio, magazines, newspapers, stationery. Cafe Centry (dining car): set up as Night Club after the dinner hour." Somehow the "Lake Shore" didn't have a lot of that stuff when I made a Chicago-Boston RT last spring - I know, it was shopped for repairs. Have a good one - work safe
QUOTE: earlydiesels Posted: 22 July 2005, 10:14:01 Hello everyone. I believe I'll partake in that advertised breakfast with ( hopefully) a bottomless cup of black coffee. Biscuits and gravy are a particular weakness. Tom, the motels on the I44/Glenstone exit have changed names so many times I can't keep track. BNSF is about the only rr in town but Railamerica's Missouri and Northern Arkansas keeps an ex Kansas City Terminal SW1200 here for their customers. A crew shows up around 0900 almost every day during the week to run across town to interchange with BNSF at the former Frisco South yard. They meander back spotting cars on the way and usually are done by midafternoon. They used to leave the loco running during cold weather but within the past couple of years it was fitted with something that enabled it to be shut off and not freeze up. Older locos could not use antifreeze, you know. The West Coast Rwy Assoc. is selling these RDCs on Ebay on 10-3-05. RDC1 #10 and #11 and RDC3 #30. They are former BC Rail. Tom, it looks like I70 to Kansas City then I35south to Gardner exit. At Gardner, take K 56 to Baldwin City. It's like 10 or 12 miles. Once you're in town, look for the signs or just drive for the grain elevaator. The depot is on High street at the elevator. I really like a series of maps put out by DeLorme in book form. Very informative and easy to use. I got mine at Wally World. Highly recommended as they have all rrs, farm roads , etc. I am marked up for engineer 23 and 24 July and 6and 7 August. Would like to see you then. Theodorebear, I have run the Carthage area driving truck and there are no Decapods around. There is a small steam loco found by divers at a former mine a couple years ago. The Decapods from Eagle Picher are the following, 1615 @ Altus, OK 1621 @ MOT,St Louis, Mo 1625 @ SW RR Museum, Dallas, TX 1630 @ IRM 1632 @ Belton, Mo. I found out last night that the board meeting for tomorrow that was supposed to occur aboard the train has been rescheduled for earlier in the day. That's good as now I won't have to worry about giving the directors a bum ride during the meeting!!
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 22 July 2005, 10:35:44 Mornin' coalminer 3 Coffee's right over there ....... Fish fry's to go [?][yeah] I don't see why not. Just check with Boris and tell him when you expect to be back. Knew we could count on you for some Classic Trains input ... and really good stuff at that! [yeah] To be able to turn the clock back just for the sake of riding in those great passenger trains we had in our country ........ [‘wow]. My modest library of hard cover editions has many photo's of the NYC's 20th Century Limited. What a train indeed. Those trains of yesteryear had so many amenities that one might wind up having a time of it just deciding what car to spend the time in. Try 'em all! I rode the Limited's (Pennsy's Broadway and NYC's 21st Century) but at a time when they were mere shadows of the glory days. Also much too young and poor to take advantage of the good stuff on board. Isn't that the way [?] [yeah] I wonder why today's Lake Shore Limited even posts a schedule. Good Gawd Gertie, is that train ever on time [?] Not to bash Amtrak - really. Anyone who understands today's situation with our rail network surely has to cut 'em some slack given they are at the mercy of the freight guys - the owner's of the track in 99% of the instances of late arrivals. Still, the pitiful manner in which our country has overseen this quasi-governmental corporation leaves many wondering, "Is this any way to run a railroad [?]" Still not giving us a name, huh [?] Okay, I'll have to get Inspector Clueless of the Local Constabularly and his trusted sidekick, Mr. Doyle, Private Investigator to look into this ..... are you SURE this is what you want [?] See ya later! Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 22 July 2005, 10:54:51 G'day earlydiesels Dan Still in time for breakfast .... so help yourself! Boris will be changing over for lunch in about a half hour ......... Appreciate the insight to railroading in the Springfield area ..... thanx! I have two of those RDC's on my Can-Am HO layout! Life-Like of Canada did a great job with them as Proto 1000 models. Just saw that Walthers has bought out Life-Like. That's a biggie for the model railroad industry for sure. Anyway ... Have photo's of them both from trips aboard BC Rail's Cariboo Prospector (yes, that's the way they spelled it ......). Breaks my heart to know these cars wound up on eBay! What doesn't [?] BC-10 and BC-11(builder's # 6319 & 6320) were built as RDC-1's in 1956. BC-30 (builder's # 6508) was built as an RDC-3 in 1956. First owner of these RDC's was the Pacific Great Eastern Railway (PGE) forerunner of the British Columbia Railway. Memories are made of this! (Sorry, Dean Martin!) Insofar as my trip to your neck of the woods goes, I doubt that it will be duirng the blazing heat of summer. First, I can't handle I-70 very well these days, try to avoid it as much as possible. But there's just no other highway to make decent time on ...... Second, put me in the blazing sun, and I'm ready to find a cool place to relax in! Kinda like "Our" Place! So, my thoughts would be to come out in the fall - the closer to cold weather, the better! Thanx for the offer and we'll talk again on this ......... Enjoy the day! Tom
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 22 July 2005, 11:05:23 "Marnin" everyone. Tom I'm glad to hear that the ole elbow is almost back to functional,hope the fridge is as well, we wouldn't want thee beer to get cold. Coalminer 23 Would be essentially the same size as the double trucked Conn. Cars.Coupler to coupler 23 is 51'2". I've spent many a day at Ft Niagara as well.Two really nice sites.Ted you must be on modified newfoundland time with your fish frying. Oh wellat least it's hot and fresh unlike Boris underware Dan Sooo when are you guys going to purchase those RDC's for Tom's I mean everyones enjoyment. Have a good afternoon everyone. Rob
QUOTE: earlydiesels Posted: 22 July 2005, 13:50:17 Hey,I'm back,twice in one day. We'll be leaving early tomorrow for the Midland and probably won't be back until Monday or so. I'll take a tall, cold, Margarita,please. Tom, let one of the pretty women get it. Just relax and find something on the old Victrola. Understand about the hot weather, the older I get, the harder it is on me. Supposed to be around 100 or better in northeast Kansas. The only breeze I'll have is with the open doors of the loco. This is the kind of weather when I count my blessings that we don't run the E units. No A/C, no way for air to circulate from the nose, side windows that only roll down about 3/4, and the side doors being the only source of air. The big windshields add to the feeling that you are in a terrarium. These units are great looking but now I realize why in some old pix the nose door is open!!! Trolleyboy, I doubt if we ever buy any RDCs. When the Eunits were up on auction, I thought we might try to get a Geep or a SD or even an Funit. After finding out the prices that even a junker brings, I'm just hoping that we don't have any major disasters! We have cars of all kinds stored everywhere that we probably will never use. Running out of space to store everything. Well, I'll take another Margarita, please. I sure don't want to go outside in this hellish heat so I may just retire to one of the booths back here by the jukebox and watch this place liven up towards evening. Tom, do you have a VCR in this place? I could have brought some rr tapes to pass the time until all the regulars arrive.
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 22 July 2005, 14:06:53 Well, I never look a "gift horse in the mouth." Along with the usual steak and Pizza options, we have a "Lucky Strike Extra." In or out of season; day of the week or time of day; I'll go for "Fresh" every time. So, if you missed "Fish 'n' Chips Day;" your "Back in the Saddle Again" (Gene Autry- -1940's thru 50's). Think I'll start at the bottom of the Summaries and work my way up. Its a lot faster! Hey Rob, love the nightime shot of the Witt. I see the Motormans shade is drawn against reflections. Barndad, the # 1112 bears an ucanny resemblence to K.C., MO cars in the 30's and 40's. I don't recognize the livery (red, cream and gold). What city does this car hail from? Can't get enough of the Frisco steam. That distinctive massive steam dome, tall stack, top boiler bell mount and unique pilot certainly bring back memories. Yeah Tom, I read somewhere that the "Great Eastern" in PGE was in deference to the Great Eastern Rwy. in England which financed the Road in the beginning (true or false?). Yes earlydiesels, the steam (decapods) were pulled from Eagle Picher service many years ago. I do recall, in the mid-50's, playing a concert at Picher High School with the Univ. of Tulsa Concert Band. Just in the middle of Robin Russell Bennett's "Suite of Old American Dances," a Decapod came roaring by, not 100 yds., from the school. There was nothing for it but to stop and then continue after the train passed. . Thanks for the additional locations of the other Decs beside #1632 in Belton, MO. Looks like coalminer and Rob are heavily engaged with the Revolutionary War. I trust this does not "mean war all over again!" Seriously, the uniforms, weapons, heraldry, et al. are very impressive. I've seen a few U.S. Civil War re-enactments and was amazed at the deafening roar of the 8 and 12 pound artillery pieces. Imagine those numbers mutiplied by a thousand-fold? As I type this, the "Battle of Mine Creek" in Kansas is showing on the "History Channel" Earlydiesels 65 to 70 trains a day would translate into soemthing like 2 to 3 trains an hour. That is as good as it gets for most areas of the Country (major terminals excepted). I'm afraid I wouldn't get much of anything done if I lived in the area. All the previous nostalgia over the great "Limiteds" makes me salivate for the smell of Diesel fumes, o-zone from the A/C's, coffee and fresh rolls in the Diner, sound of vestibule doors opening and closing, etc. Okay Gents, tell Boris what you'll have: fish steak or Pizza. I'll get busy at the grill and Tom and the girls have "got you covered" at the bar. NICK, you really "owe me one old Chap." I'm supposed to be retired, not slaving over a hot oven! Take care everybody and let's hope ***, Chris and Nick return to their repective "Stools" very soon. I'll bet Tom will even forgive them for "dodging" the Summaries if they can "check-in." Happy Rails, Ted
QUOTE: earlydiesels Posted: 22 July 2005, 14:35:17 I knew I would'nt be here long before someone showed up. Hello Theodorebear. I wish I had memories of Frisco steam but it was one of the first roads to dieselize. At the local museum, we have #4524 on display and quite a few old railroaders that worked steam. I was a volunteer at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield for several years. At that time, we fired an original 1842 12 pound howitzer for living history. Now, they use a repro. It was quite fascinating. I also belonged to a Union infantry unit that wondered all over the midwest doing reenactments and battles. Nothing like charging thru 7 foot high corn and seeing nothing but dust and the colors. Closest I ever came to heat stroke was at a reenactment. All that wool and leather. Gives a whole new perspective when reading battle accounts about soldiers dying from the heat. Spfld may have a lot of trains but they all look the same. Not like when the Kansas AVe. yard had 3 or 4 switchers around the clock with industrial jobs always out switching and locals on the main. Variety in motive power-even BN had that. Now everything is GE Pumpkins. The coal trains provide great visual interest. Between here and Thayer is the longest helper district in the U.S. One helper usually comes on the rear from K.C. and 2 more are generally added here for the 126 miles to Thayer. Used to, 3 engines on the front and 2 on the rear but now BNSF has flopped the other way around. There is a place the wife and I watch trains where you can hear the coal trains for over 30 minutes before you see them and then, they take about 10 minutes to traverse the rough 1 mile before they pass. All this on single track. Which means the passing sidings usually are occupied. Another Margarita, please.
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 22 July 2005, 16:30:14 MONDAY is Chris' 51st Birthday I'm not getting the responses I thought I'd get regarding sending him an Email ........ Whazup [?] Check the SUMMARY opening Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 22 July 20-05, 16:38:16 G'day Rob You're back! The elbow is functioning - the refrig got repaired - some hobby supplies arrived this day - and Carol is home for the weekend! Awright ....... now if we could just get rid of these near Century mark temps! Can't have it all, can we [?] Newfoundland and Bermuda are the two places in the world where I've spent many port calls over the years. Those 1/2 hour time zones are difficult to handle ....... undoubtedly Boris type thinking! IF I had the bucks, I'd buy those RDC's in a heart beat and then have 'em shipped up to you for display in your museum! That would accomplish a couple of things: (1) provide a great home for them and (2) give me another excuse to travel up your way! Hope to see you tonight for whatever Ted has in store for us. Remember, it's also Pizza nite, so there's a bit of something for everyone! Cold beer at the ready! Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 22 July 2005, 16:52:04 Howdy Ted Another hot one 'round here ... enjoy the ambiance of this Oasis and let's talk a bit about trains. You are correct, Sir. PGE was associated with England's Great Eastern railway in a financial arrangement. They (Britain) didn't fund the entire road, but were backers as I understand it. Must have been a close enough connection to adopt the name, though. Kinda strange when one considers the road was in British Columbia. I concur with your assessment regarding the number of trains passing through Springfield, MO - that's quite a number. earlydiesels Dan just may not realize how fortunate he is to be able to be in an area with that kinda railroading going on. On the other hand - he does! Okay , it's nearing the time when you should be in the kitchen. Should be a busy night with the crowd already beginning to show. The gals are all here – Cindy too (she's kitchen help when [ b]Nick's around - I'm sure you could convince her to continue on ....... ) so it looks like time to get to work. Hey, if reading the SUMMARIES from the bolttom up works for you - go for it! Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 22 July 2005, 17:00:31 Hello earlydiesels Dan VCR's [?] Absolutely - one for each of the three large screen TV's. If you recall, we had 'em running for your Birthday Bash. I doubt you'll be watching too much TV this evening, as the bar is jammed and the back room is jumpin' with the Juke blarin' out some Alabama tunes right now. Love their music ....... Appreciate your understanding about the heat and yours truly. Just can't handle it these days. About those RDC's - BC Rail had 'em in great shape last time I traveled in 'em back in 1999. They are such great American railroading treasures that I hope some organization winds up with all three. Hate to see them on eBay - just sort of irritates me. Can't explain it further ....... just does. Looks like we've got some good conversations going on this day .... "Our" Place is hummin' ........ Enjoy the evening! Tom
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 22 July 2005, 17:18:28 Yes earlydiesels at 67 years, I do go back to steam as far as my early teens. The last "working" steam I remember was a Mikado (2-8-2) U.S.R.A. type working on the Midland Valley Rwy. in Tulsa, OK shifiting freight from the Frisco Yards (West Tulsa) downtown to various small industries. It never really worked out for me to stop and take a tour of the Spgfld yards, shops and City. Seems I was always enroute (once by the Oklahoman) to another town and time was scarce. I kick myself in the behind now for not making the time available. "Too soon old...too late smart." My Great, Great Uncle David Kramer was a drummer boy in a Union Volunter Regiment from Chicago, Illinois durng the Civil War. I have little info. on him other than dates entered and mustered. Its all in my Geneology locked up in a Safety Deposit Box. Yes, it is hard for us to imagine the suffering and sacrifice those soldiers endured. Today's combat conditions have been nearly "sanitized" (literally) since then. But, there has never been a "nice" war! Ring the bell and set 'em up Tom, I've done it again.[#offtopic] When Our Family lived in K.C. MO there were more than twenty passenger trains a day through Union Station. As a very young boy, I would spend many hours on the Main St. overpass, watching the trains below for hours on end. I never tired of gawking in awe at the power of these massive steam and shiny new Diesels arriving and departing with up to 16 to 20 cars in tow. It wasn't until high school age that I finally gave up the dream of being an engineer. I think everyone on this "Thread" probably has had a similar past expeience in common with me. Eventually, I began riding trains alone at every opportunity even through my late thirties. Then, as we all know, all the Roads gradually made rail travel as miserable as possible. Now, all we have left to us (in the U.S.) are the private excursion trains as a viable means of enjoying rail travel. That is why I'm so appeciative of the Herculean efforts that go into restoration and preservation. It is our last "gasp" for remembering a better age in a "better" World. Happy Rails friends, Ted
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 22 July 2005, 17:29:26 Hey Ted Who let you out of the kitchen [?] Boris escort our Interim Chief Chef [C=:-)]back to the stove! Ditto on your comments regarding those who work in restoration! [tup] By the way, according to our Birthday Watch List aren't you 66 [?]Correction requested ........ Tom
QUOTE: passengerfan Posted: 22 July 2005, 18:00:26 Tom I'll have a crown royal with water back and a round for the house. Those RDC's bring back many a fond memory. I go back to the time when the PGE ended at Squamish. When they started blasting the right of way through from above Horseshoe bay My dad and i were fishing about a mile offshore when they began blasting rock. Before we knew what was happening we were covering our heads as small pieces of rock were landing all around us. So much for the fishing we returned to Horsshoe bay and turned in the boat. It was the very next year that the line was completed along Howe Sound and the RDC's were delivered and we were on one of the first through trips to Prince George from N. Vancouver. Since that time rode the RDC's on numerous occasions and was planning yet one more trip when the service was discontinued. An interesting note on the BCR RDC's was they lost their original GM Detroit diesels in later years having them replaced with Cummins diesels. I believe a couple even changed their GM Detroits for Hawker Siddeley diesels but these were less than sucessful and were removed at Hawker Siddeleys expense as they never meant their performance guarantees. But I have to agree no one ever kept their RDC's in better condition than the PGE/BCR. I think a perfect route for their operation might be the one I mentioned between Salinas and Sand City what a tourist mecca and I gave the tracks a pretty good inspection and except for removing the covering blacktop at crossings I don't believe it would take to much to put it back in service. Automobile traffic and parking in the Monterey area are both nearing the saturation point especially on weekends. Dont imaging it would take to much to convert one of the RDC-1s to a dining operation for use as a dinner train having the food catered for the service. There I go rambling again. Let me get out of here before I go on any more
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 22 July 2005, 19:29:48 Evenin' passengerfan Al As one of our Permanent Stool Members hope you've gotten the message(s) regarding Chris and his Birthday on Monday ...... Appreciate your info regarding the RDC's ... wanna chip in and purchase those cars [?] Wanna know how difficult it would be to institute a short line these days [?] Sad to say, been there and done that right in my own back yard with a 25 mile stretch of right-of-way, in limited use by freight, but absolutely put on the taboo list by the area transportation planning mechanism. Just ticks me off to think about it ....... The RDC's of BC Rail were outfitted for meal service at the seats - as you well know from your travels. They refurbished those interiors and from the little I know about the mechanics, they were in tip-top operating condition. Yes, the years took their toll, but I'ld bet that no other existing RDC's could have matched BC Rail's. Sad to know that run from N. Vancouver to Prince George isn't ........ I like the dinner train idea, but my preference for that type of operation has always been domes. The Spirit of Washington from Renton, WA up to the Columbia Winery comes to mind ....... Enjoy! Tom
QUOTE: passengerfan Posted: 22 July 2005, 20:13:50 Good evening All Well guess I'll have one more Crown Royal with water back and one more round for the house. Tom you mentioned you were saving the bags for my marble collection better half says they would be perfect for the rocks in my head. You are definetly right about domes but have you seen the price of used domes they bring more than RDC's on the used car market. The tracks I mentioned are already owned by a shortline in Salinas. Might be a less expensive way to get a dinner train in service using RDC's than searching for a diner another difficult find and almost as much as a dome on the used car market. You are right about the Spirit of Washington Dinner train operation it is first class. I have two dinner trains within 30 miles of me the most famous is the Napa Valley Wine train they also have a dome. The other is the Sierra that operates from Oakdale they do not have a dome. The Napa Valley wine train uses former Canadian National FPA4 -FPB-4 diesels and the dome is a former Milwaukee Road ex Canadian National full dome. All of the cars in the Napa Valley wine train are in magnificent shape and are well maintained. What I have seen of the Sierra equipment it to is in excellent shape but have never ridden this particular dinner train operation. They also have a mini non-dinner train that uses former extended vision cupola cabooses iguess they coul be classed as domes. They have neen fiited with many windows along the car sides and standard type coach seating. They actually look quite nice.
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 22 July 2005, 20:52:12 Hello again passengerfan Al One more Crown cummin' up, and a couple of more bags for your collection Never priced any rail cars, that's something for another day. I guess my thing is to not do those things unless I'm seriously interested in purchasing - and that day surely won't occur in this lifetime! Anyway, you know your turf far better than I. Most of my readings regarding startups are filled with so many hoops and hurdles, along with community resistance, that one wonders if it's really worth it all. While we've experienced several dinner trains over the years, they really aren't something either of us prefer. Kinda like something for a special occasion, but hardly the experience of real passenger railroading. I think we've discussed this along with excursion trains over on Canadian Passenger Railroads. The Spirit of Washington is a well done consist with fine service and wonderful scenery. We're just spoiled in the sense that when we dine aboard trains, it's with VIA Rail, either cross-Canada or to Halifax from Montreal and back. Know what I mean [?] Don't doubt for a sec that those dinner trains you mentioned are fine experiences ... at least it's a way of keeping the memories alive! I'm going to make the assumption that you already have Chris' home Email address from the last time I provided it .... so please remember him on Monday. Thanx! Tom
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 22 Jul 2005, 23:41:02 Good evening Tom a Harps and a couple slices 'o' pizza would be grand. BTW we don't need no stinking diesels. LOL really the RDC's are really beyond our perview as a museum. The half dozen old trolley busses and couple of ancient diesel busses that we do have cause much chagrin and teeth knashing with some of our members,rubber wheeled transit's not most of our members favourite things. Dan i know what you mean about the heat of those uniforms.The two summers i worked at fort george were fun but gruelling,mind you I was the thinest I've ever been. Ted The renactment was actually a war of 1812 battle not a revolutionary war scirmish.I had heard though that some US historians consider it an extention of the revolution a part two even though it was almost twenty years later. I remember from my school boy days that some in the US at the time thought that they were satring a revolution to free us. They probably should have asked us first. LOL [oops][#offtopic] Let me pick up a round. I'm on vacation starting tomorrow at 7pm so my appearances here may be a bit spotty/ ( thank God for Tom's summeries) I'll be spending a good deal of time at the museum.I'm going to get a few shots of 416 it;'s got it's new roof on and is starting to resemble the interurban car it once was. Cherrio all Rob
QUOTE: barndad Posted: 23 July 2005, 06:51:35 Good morning all, and especially Siberianmo with the wounded wing. Sorry I didn't read your bee-sting post sooner. The best thing you can put on a bee sting is a water/meat tenderizer paste. As you know, meat tenderizers are acidic, and that nuetralizes the bee sting juice, which is a base. I keep a small plastic vial of the paste in my tackle box. I really should take one to the museum too, because wasps are sure plentiful there! Just last week, I had an active nest drop right at my feet when I opened an almost never opened sliding door on our steam shop. Coalminer3, yes, our Zephyr was used in the movie "A League of their own" "The Babe" was also a location movie at IRM. Here's a few more pics I noticed I had: The stove in the galley is built for coal! As far as I know, our people are pretty good about restoring our trains to original specifications. In the pic of the obervation car, you will notice one of my many fans, who wanted to take a picture of me! //NOTE: Scroll up for pix// Sorry I can't stay and be more sociable, but I need to get my posterior perpindicular! Have a great day ... I'm off to the IRM!
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 23 Jul 2005, 10:21:07 Howdy everybody, phew, what a Friday night that was! Not too sure how long these bones can take the: "too hot in the kitchen" scenario. Thanks to Cindy, I managed to carry on with my duties. Something to do with physical visual inspiration, me thinks. Your records are correct Tom, no "correction" needed. Since its 23 days until me Birthday, I thought it best to "round off" to 67 rather than 66 years, 11 months and 1 week, EGADS. I'm not one to worry about seniority until I've read the obits in the morning paper. When I see my name...then I'll worry. Think I'll have a quick "eye opener" of Canadian Royal straight-up with a "branch" (water) wash. Right Rob, same uniforms, weapons. heraldry, etc.; two different Wars. I suppose if England wasn't so preoccupied with Napoleon I, things might have gone differently. Still, (speaking of an "extention" of wars) it is hard to imagine the Battle of New Orleans (1815) going missing from U.S. History books. I'll toast two great Nations with far more in common than differences. All this talk of RDC's has prompted me to change the Road name of my HO metal Athearn RDC-3 from B & O to B.C.! B.C. has those sexy stripes, B & O is "plain Jane." Both are inconsistant with K.C., MO, so why not? Barndad, it must be great to hob nob with a movie star. Yet, I'll take my ride on the humble little #1213 if it is ever powered. BTW, which city does this car originate from? Okay, I hope everyone e-mails Tom for Chris' "addy." Send a free B-day card or just a hello if you are able for Monday the 25th. Let's don't forget a fellow "Member of the Stools." Happy Rails, Ted
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 23 Jul 2005, 10:56:34 G'day to ya Ted and a fine day it 'tis! Hotter 'n a half ....... oh, never mind. Been there, done that one B4! I was just jabbin' ya a bit regarding your age. I'm the oldest 'round here and didn't want to be knocked off my perch by a whippersnapper like you! So, you've been [i[Cindy'd, eh [?] Well, it could be worse, Boris could have gotten hold of ya. Good grief! The joint was jumpin' last night. Pushed lotsa suds and food. Made a few bucks for the place and the gals went away with a bundle in tips (the green kind!). By the looks of the SUMMARIES for the better part of the week, I'd say we've done quite well with the submissions too! If I missed it I apologize in advance, but - did you also suffer a sting from a critter while working outside [?] Never seen the insects so aggressive as they've been this summer 'round here. Must be a tie in with the extremely dry conditions and the prolonged high temps. At least that's my guess as a Jr.-Bugologist of sorts. I've got six of those Athearn HO "rubber band" motive power RDC's in one of my retired rolling stock display cases. Four are NH and the other two B&M. I used to think they were the cat's meow until I purchased the eight LifeLike Proto 1000's. What a difference in detail and size. The Proto's are much more in line with the 85' length along with placement of the roof vent system. Athearn has that in the middle of the roofline, whereas it really wasn't. BUT, the big thing is the power - Proto's really are powered very well and not at all herky jerky in movements. Concur with you regarding the BC Rail livery ... nice. If you're interested, you may want to check out a few Canadian Hobby Shops on the net for availability of those Proto RDC's. They all were limited runs and I expect it will be very difficult to locate 'em, but you don't know until you try. As my father once told me, "They can't say no until you ask 'em first." Enjoy the weekend and stay cool! Tom
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 23 Jul 2005, 15:11:24 All of our regulars know about the Birthday Watch List .... however, it needs to be posted repeatedly, just as a reminder regarding who is coming up next for the Birthday Bash ...... 2005 BIRTHDAY WATCH LIST (rev. July 5th): February 2nd (Kevin – 49) March 5th (Nick – 45) April 18 (Al - 63) May 18th (Tom - 67) May 27th (Dave - 46) June 24th (Dan - 43) July 15th (*** – 65) July 25th (Chris - 51) Sehd an Email! Contact me. July 30th (Russell – 34) Next up! Pick the time! August 16th (Ted - 67) September 8th (Rob - 34) Not on the list Send me an Email with your birth date (month-day-year). Tom NOTE for all: Check the SUMMARIES
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 23 Jul 2005, 20:15:46 It appears this Saturday night crowd is more into beer snacks, i.e. Pigs Knuckles, Beef Jerky, Potato Crisps, Buffalo Wings, etc. Leon and Boris can handle this volume easily. SOOoo, I'll have a tall frosty mug of draught if you please. YesTom, the old metal Athearn's scaled out to only 72 ft., and the power was wanting but for the year; they were a welcome addition to my Piike. MODELERS Really, my modest power roster of HO steam and diesel favors a museum more than anything contemporary: Varney deluxe Pacific, Bowser Mountain, Hobbytown E-7A and E-7B, Carey Loco. Works (castings) E-6A and E-6B (AHM E-8 motors), Walther's Gas Electric, Mantua 0-6-0 and Pacific Fast Mail 4-6-2 (Ps-4, Southern Rwy). The above are all metal kits (except PFM) and super detailed. Power is open frame Pittman motors. So, you can tell that I'm more into collecting vintage models than purchasing new ones. There is no doubt that today's plastic ready-to-runs are superior in accuracy and power. However, I am a HO metal chauvinist pig! All of my passenger cars are metal kits as well. (Blue Line, Walthers, MHP, American Beauty Lines and J.C. Silver Sides). I do interiors, lighting and super detailing so a consist is a pretty heavy haul. I have a few older metal freight kits but the rest are plastic with metal trucks/wheels. I've been lucky this Summer with no bites, stings, rashes or snakes. I hope my luck holds out and yes Tom, I believe prolonged heat and dry conditions do effect insect behavior. Horse Flies, I'm told, are especially active during times of drought. Barndad or Gunns could probably give more information on this subject. That draught tasted like "another." Which one of those "handles" did you pull Tom? Sure "hit the spot!" I sent an early Birthday greeting to Chris. It would be encouraging to hear from our Charter member. See ya later, gotta' drop the fires and check on Leon and Boris. They've been "hittin the Sauce" pretty heavy lately and their singing is driving some folks away, me included. See Ya, Ted
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 23 Jul 2005, 21:05:48 Evenin' Ted Good to see you again! As I said, I loved those Athearn RDC's. My former HO pike was fashioned after a fictitious area in the Berkshires where the NYC, PRR, B&M and NH joined. Never got around to any serioius landscaping, but I did have 4 cabs operating independently of one another, before DCC for sure. Still prefer the old ways - insulated rail joiners and common rail wiring works for me everytime. The RDC's are NH and looked great - but they never ran very well. I purchaed one of those kits to convert the "rubber band" motive power over to a geared arrangement, but that too was not very successful. The RDC's today occupy a prominent place within one of my display cases in the Can-AM Trainroom. Long live the NH - PRR - NYC and B&M passenger roads! Varney HO [?] Now that brings back some memories for sure. I wasn't into HO during the peak of Varney's sales. Started with HO in the mid-60's - TYCO was the preferred purchase where I lived - Connecticut. Wish I had your talents insofar as interior super detailing and lighting is concerned. It's a gift for sure! I doubt that we'll be hearing from Chris, although my hope is that he surfaces after the Greetings he'll receive on Monday - his 51st Birthday. Glad to know that Leon the Night Man is in, for I'm ready to call it a night. As always, guys, we're CLOSED on SUNDAY's, but feel free to leave your messages by dropping them through the slots in either set of front doors! Ya know, it's just not the same 'round here without Nick - wonder what happened [?] Nite! Tom
QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: 24 July 2005, 00:00:56 Good evening gents.Ted and Tom or Leon not sure who's behind the bar so I'll grab the harps meself.I think I'll pass on thee pigs knuckles though I'd need the cast iron stomach of Boris or the constitution of a maggot to eat those. Tom your right of coarse there were many a reason for the start of 1812. Unfortunatly I'll be supprised if it's even taught to our grand children,it's an after thought in schools now. I do love chatting about history though was / is a passion of mine. Perhaps we can disscuss it further in person next may as I don't wi***o eat up any more of this forum with it. I'm officially the vacation boy now sound the Bell Boris I'm in a giving mood. No boris i don't want the keys to your shed or the use of your new doll egaads man. Ted That's quite the collection I to your ability to keep them running. As Tom sugested give a hoot or hauler to a couple of the Canadian not so local hobby shops some will still have some in stock. Ther is one guy Canadain model trains that speacializes in canadian brass and limited run plastic he's in Oakville, likley your best bet.I'm glad you liked the Whitt shot that's 2424 one of the first 1921 order from cancar. Of intrest 2300 the first TTC Whitt still exists as well. It's current home is the John street roundhouse in TO. It's under the ospices of the UCRS though it belongs to the Delson museum in Quebec. From what our members who live in Toronto say she's in very poor shape,but she is an important piece of history not only is she the first large whitt but she is the first streetcar ordered by and delivered to the TTC as 1921 was the start up date of the almalgimated street railways of the city of Toronto. Our 2424 is a joy to operate,that from the 1997 night xmas shows. At the moment 2424 is getting her million mile refurbishments which should have been finished last year.She was delayed because she and our small Whitt 2894 were movie stars all last summer. We shipped them to Toronto at the request of one Ron Howard for the filming of Cinderellaman. She got a lovely dark green paint job of the Jersey city street railway 2894 got painted as a NYC Thrid avenue car along with her sister 2766 which is still owned by the TTC. I haven't seen the movie yet but I'm told all three cars do make some roll by cameo's on carleton street in front of maple Leaf gardens which was re-marqueed as madison square gardens. Hopefully nick does surface soon, not to knock ted's efforts it's just that Boris seems so listless without Nick his keeper boss. Nite guys. Rob
QUOTE: CFournier Posted: 24 July 2005, 00:54:37 Hello to all, I'll try to be online Monday around 9:30 pm, my lousy AOL internet is a little better late at night! I just wrote a 25 lines post that just disappeared from my screen before I could finish it!!! Until I get back to work on the 4th of august I cannot do much with my home computer. See you later and thanks to all who wrote me via email. Chris.
QUOTE: Theodorebear Posted: 24 July 2005, 06:45:35 Welcome back Chris You surely are missed hereabouts. Tom and the Gang were beginning to worry that you had "thrown in the towel." Say no more about AOL. I had a personal experience with them that ended in explicit language over the phone. Hey, we will look for you 9:30 p.m. Central time Monday. Nick and *** are still among the "Our" Place missing. God forbid *** got involved with the madness in London! As for Nick, no one misses him more than me. I volunteered to "fill in" during his absence and now my former "freedom" of retirement has turned into a daily Gulag existence. Rob, see how you are? Now I gotta' go see a movie, "Cinderella Man." The last Matinee I went to; I sat in a kid's wad of bubble gum. So much for my favorite pair of Dockers. Still, I'll sit on a broom stick if its Traction; Ron Howard notwithstanding. Thanks to you and Tom for the "tip" on finding a new RDC (BC livery). Actually, I will opt to re-do the old Athearn. She's been with me for nearly 40 years and needs a "face lift." As you saw from the "roster," these are things you can't buy anymore. Some are on their 2nd or 3rd motors. Its crazy but they are like "old friends," much like the prototypes you guys keep running..."different strokes?" BTW, barndad is sending us great pix and info lately but where is Gunns? What's with you two- -you work in shifts already? Aside: [must be a tough Union!] Okay, enough of my inane prattle. Let's hear it for Chris tomorrow, 51 is a "one time" in history event. Meantime Chris, I thought Avocat vinaigrette, Haricots verts au beurre, Parisienne potatoes, Tournados de boeuf chasseur ending with Babas au rhum might put some "meat back on your bones?" Boris has promised to provide escargot but I dare not ask from where. Happy Rails, Ted
QUOTE: barndad Posted: 24 July 2005, 07:27:44 Here's a note for Monday, as Everyone knows Our Place is closed on Sundays. Hey Siberianmo, got any pull with the NFL so we can watch games on Saturdays? Gunns has been gone since last Tuesday, visiting inlaws. I got to do the same thing last summer, and boy ... was it awful great! Here's a pic I thought some people here might find useful. //NOTE: Scroll up to view pix// Hope everyone had a great Sunday!
QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 24 July 2005, 08:12:28 Mornin' barndad Doug Yes, we are CLOSED on SUNDAY but as usual, I'm here cleaning up the remnants of what was a good Saturday night. Chicagoland, eh [?] Well it's either the Cubs, Sox or both, would be a fair guess. I grew up in NYC back when we had the Dodgers, Giants and Yankees. It was a mecca for baseball. NFL on Saturday's at "Our" Place [?]Well, we DO show the games, but they are taped and are on one of the three large screen TV's in the place. I doubt that we have any pull with the moguls of the NFL and TV contracts to convince them otherwise. Used to go up there to watch the Hawks vs Blues years ago. Always had a good time. I'm sitting on a couple of vouchers from Amtrak and have been debating taking the train up to Chicago just for a turn around. Problem is the scheduling. Gotta leave St. Louis at 4:30 AM in order to guarantee a return on the Texas Eagle departing Union Station at 3:15 PM. That's about a 5 hour kill time for me - not bad if someone goes along, but very loooooong when alone. Ah, the decisions of retired life! More sports - So do ya think the Cubs can catch the Cards[?] They have the bats, but I doubt that Chicago's pitching can do it. Still a long way to go and there is always the wild card. Interesting photo ..... of course, for steamers that is! Bon weekend! Tom
QUOTE: CFournier Posted: 12 Apr 2005, 09:31:47 Posts: 149 Joined: 20 May 2003 Location: Montreal HELLO, TOM I LIKE PLACE # 1, Looks like a good place to have a sandwich, a beer and a little chat. Chris.
QUOTE: CFournier Posted: 21 Apr 2005, 15:09:49 Posts: 149 Joined: 20 May 2003 Location: Montreal Hello everyone, Great stories from you guys, this is entertaining. I would have a suggestion for you Tom. I think you should backdate the picture of "OUR PLACE" with cars and engine from the 40's or 50's since it's a forum about classic trains. Then post it again and use it as a signature at the end of your posts. Got to go but would stay if you have pastrami and cheese curds with a Carrabasset ale. Chris siberianmo Posted: 21 Apr 2005, 16:49:53 Posts: 862 Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Location: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA Chris, Great idea! Watch for it ....... borrowing the vehicles from a friend and the diesels are here ..... sorry steam engine fans, but it's my layout! No cheese curds (why oh why would a bar like mine have THOSE?!) Pigs feet or hard boiled eggs? Anyway, will that be Carrabasset Pale Ale - Summer Ale - Winter Ale or Harvest Ale? Geez, a little specificity would help 'round here! See ya! Tom (Siberianmo) CFournier Posted: 21 Apr 2005, 21:24:37 Posts: 149 Joined: 20 May 2003 Location: Montreal Tom, Pale ale, of course my friend!! ...And pigs knuckles ? You must have some French Canadian ancestry! With gravy please... Chris
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