"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[Anonymous]

Morning Tom. I'd like a b&g with black coffee, please. At the railroad, our longtime G.M. is a 30plus year lawman. I believe that is an underappreciated job--never heard of volunteering on the police force. I hope the only law enforcement in Our Place are those on their off time talking classic trains. You seem to run a tight ship.
Our rr received some coaches late last season and with all the Canadians in here, thought I'd share them with you. They came painted in Ontario Northland colors and I'm told were originally CP. They have weird, long wheelbase 4 wheel trucks but ride great. The interiors are in good shape and they are supposed to have AC and heating. The seats are recliners and there are glass partions towards the ends. We put them into service immediately and are going to fix the minor things and try to paint them this season.
Another black coffee, please Tom. My wife and I are involved in 3 rr preservation groups but most of our effort is at the rr. We are both dept. heads with my latest promotion earlier this year. When we were married 11 years ago, she tried to get involved in my then hobby but was rebuffed so it means a lot to have something we can do together.
Trolleyboy, we have several diesels and more rollingstock than places to store it. Among other duties, I am a engineer trainer. We currently have a moratorium on new engineers because as soon as they get promoted, they seldom want to be conductors again! Since we are all volunteers, I conduct occasionally but prefer the right hand side. Last season we opened the rest of our track but we need to do some bridgework on the new line before season opens. Winter is hard on trackage and bridges.
Your suggestion about the guages is a good one but the local museum refuses to join ARM but the rr does so I look for anything usable. I would prefer hard to find artifacts be used on something running than stuffed and mounted 4-8-4. We have a few guages and built the brake handles from wood. The cab is totally different than from when we started 3 years ago. It was empty and all windows and doors were covered with wood.
Hey Tom, I put some coin in the jukebox and nothing's happening. I would like some Hank Snow this morning. Thanks.

[siberianmo]

QUOTE: earlydiesels Posted: 28 Apr 2005, 10:32:42
Morning Tom. I'd like a b&g with black coffee, please. At the railroad, our longtime G.M. is a 30plus year lawman. I believe that is an underappreciated job--never heard of volunteering on the police force. I hope the only law enforcement in Our Place are those on their off time talking classic trains. You seem to run a tight ship.

A long time ago (1959) I bartendered in Kodiak, Alaska. The couple who owned the bar (from Brooklyn, NY) told me that there were only three things I had to know to work there:

(1) When someone ordered whiskey - put the bottle on the bar with a glass.
(2) When someone ordered beer - put the bottle on the bar with a mug.
(3) If someone got unruly, hit 'em with that baseball bat over there.

It worked quite well![}:)]

QUOTE: Our rr received some coaches late last season and with all the Canadians in here, thought I'd share them with you. They came painted in Ontario Northland colors and I'm told were originally CP. They have weird, long wheelbase 4 wheel trucks but ride great. The interiors are in good shape and they are supposed to have AC and heating. The seats are recliners and there are glass partions towards the ends. We put them into service immediately and are going to fix the minor things and try to paint them this season.

This ought to get a response or three from some of the guys. Problem always is - in a word - READING. That's an issue in common with all of these forums - if one wants to really participate, then you gotta take the time to READ what's been said! Yeah, I know - uphill battle ...... been there, done that![;)]

QUOTE: Another black coffee, please Tom. My wife and I are involved in 3 rr preservation groups but most of our effort is at the rr. We are both dept. heads with my latest promotion earlier this year. When we were married 11 years ago, she tried to get involved in my then hobby but was rebuffed so it means a lot to have something we can do together.

You'll have to bring her in for our ladies night ...... Fridays. Gets a bit rowdy, but then again, you Hank Snow fans can handle it![}:)]

QUOTE: Trolleyboy, we have several diesels and more rollingstock than places to store it. Among other duties, I am a engineer trainer. We currently have a moratorium on new engineers because as soon as they get promoted, they seldom want to be conductors again! Since we are all volunteers, I conduct occasionally but prefer the right hand side. Last season we opened the rest of our track but we need to do some bridgework on the new line before season opens. Winter is hard on trackage and bridges.
Your suggestion about the guages is a good one but the local museum refuses to join ARM but the rr does so I look for anything usable. I would prefer hard to find artifacts be used on something running than stuffed and mounted 4-8-4. We have a few guages and built the brake handles from wood. The cab is totally different than from when we started 3 years ago. It was empty and all windows and doors were covered with wood.

I believe trolleyboy - aka Rob is ill ...... no doubt he'll pick up on this when he's back on line.

QUOTE: Hey Tom, I put some coin in the jukebox and nothing's happening. I would like some Hank Snow this morning. Thanks.

That old juke box was made back in the days of "real" quarters, before the U.S. Mint went to those "layered" and lighter versions. Mechanism gets a little fussy now and then ....... there's a jar of "old" quarters over by the hard boiled egg container - help yourself![tup]

See ya![tup][;)]

Tom (Siberianmo)
Proprietor of "Our" Place

[coalminer3]

Just a quick visit on the way to "start 3rd shift." This round's on me. I appreciate the CP Es behind the building. I recall photographing them in Vermont pulling a special train nr. St. Johnsbury "back in the day."

Siberianmo: Your upcoming trip sounds great - a chance to ride some fine equipment, enjoy good service, etc. The Park cars are splendid. BTW, where is the second set of equipment coming from? I am unfamilair with VIA equipment assignments, etc., but agree with you that it's nice to have someone listening to passengers requests.

Have a good evening.

work safe

[nickinwestwales]

Good evening landlord and gentlemen,hope I find you all in good form?......Now,Tom,about the pigs feet,my apologies. I will replace them-when I saw the sign with "breakfast" clearly marked on it,instinct took over.........you may also want to check the mustard & pickle jars........O.K.-flags you waved,Northlander-yes,you heard right,as of last week two trains are running,one each way,during daylight-How this will tie in with Polar Bear & Little Bear connections remains to be seen. As regards the T.E.E units your quickest route is likely to be : tap in "Ontario Northland" to your machine,the (un)official Ontario Northland site should appear on the first page of addresses`s Go in and select Mike Robin`s photo gallery-up in the top left corner-I`m sure he has some shots,if not the society`s own photo archive is worth a look About me,well not so easy---um---errr.....Well,here goes--Brit...45....L.T.Partner & small demon daughter.......House-husband,week-end bar keep in village rugby club,village garden,small building and odd job man and still aspirant musician,..............First model-a late production Hornby-Dublo layout that my Dad aquired in some shady deal with another cabbie in about `63 which I promptly wrecked ( come on -I was only 3 !!!) next attempt- a Tri-Ang/Hornby starter set in `70 which I still have,together with the majority of the rest of that era of production. Got turned on to Canadian RRd`s when kid sister brought me back a Bachmann starter set the first year after she emigrated-co-incided with loss of interest in Somerset & Dorset layout,and that F9 looks so silly with just 2 cars,better buy a half-dozen more.....................and so it begins again..So,thats me P.S-appreciate the implied compliment,but what little knowledge I have is mostly british related and largely out of date--Although,that said, now that the little darling sleeps through and I have this nice new machine to play with,my thirst for knowledge has returned and is being kept supplied................by the way,whats the dress code for the coffee shop party? i`d hate to make a social gaffe.......In fact,could you save me a seat?, I`ve just been reminded that we are playing a gig tomorrow to promote the local rehearsal studios,and apparently there will be two different film crews there,recording "onstage" and "audience" perspectives plus a full 24 track digital recording going on-nice of you to mention that boys,if I1d known I`d have changed me shirt!!!! So no-one wants to listen to me all night,mine`s a Molson`s and over to YOU...

[Anonymous]

Hi Tom,i like the un-numbered one the best. Is that a L&N/CSX blue engine with the yellow nose?

[siberianmo]

Hey coalminer 3 Good to see you again! I'll set 'em up as we chat ....

You know, it's really just a guess on my part where those Budd cars are coming from ..... I'll know a lot better this time next week when I'll be on board the "Ocean" bound for Halifax![yeah]

VIA Rail's "Enterprise" is the night train for business people traveling in either direction between Montreal and Toronto - a hotel on wheels is really what those trains are ... gets in around 8 AM just in time for the business day to begin. Anyway, those two consists supposedly went west, but maybe only one did. That run is now Renaissance {"Euro" cars} equipped. But, again - I'm guessing. I WILL find out.

Enjoy and thanx for the 'round!'[tup][;)]

Tom (Siberianmo)
Proprietor of "Our" Place

[siberianmo]

[#welcome]foureasy First drink is on the house!

No, that loco is Canadian National of the "period" of "Our" Place ..... 1950's .......

I know we're on page 5, but "Our" Place is relatively new. So, you may want to check out the pages before this one ........ I've provided summaries to help get through the submissions ........ you just may find something that 'flicks your switch."'[tup]

Hope to see you again.[tup][;)]

Tom (Siberianmo}
Proprietor of "Our" Place

[Anonymous]

I am a "second class" type of guy, and for that reason I'd like to recommend the"The Only Second Class Tavern" in picture two as the place for the chat. I hear the peanuts are good too. ben

[trolleyboy]

Hi all. earlydiesel. We are an all vollenteer group as well.No govt money so we have to shoe string it occationally. We find that most of our crews prefer to run as oposed to conduct so that's why we brought in the graduated licence.It forces everyone to operate safly (you write a rules test 90%to pass before we even attempt to show you how to run)This way the crews are more likley to keep comming up and operating all season long as oposed to showing up for speacial occation days only. To bad they won't join the ARM we have found it a wonderfull group to be involved with.Keep trying to sway them it's really worth the effert. Nick seeing as you are such a ONR fan here's a tidbit for you. LL Canada is making a small run of proto ONR RS-10's in the yellow and blue lightning bolt scheme #1400 only. You can only purchase it at one hobby shop Modellers Choice in Hamilton Ontario. They are the exclusive TH&B and ONR shop.(re they pay for the runs) They do advertise in MR in their store listings. I was at the hobby shop today and saw the pictures for the loco. I have a couple of the CP RS-10's they are excellent loco's all the right details and they run like swiss watches. the retail is supossed to be $169.99 CDN. Modellers choice may ship to UK call them if you are interested. Well I'm off for now folks. Rob

[siberianmo]

Morning bbryon

Ben - I tried to send you an e-mail, but noticed you haven't provided that info on your profile ... also noted you are a newcomer not only to this topic, but to the forums. [#welcome] aboard!

Now - here's the way it "works" - you'll note we are on page 5 ...... lots of good stuff posted before this page ...... for example, the "vote" closed a long time ago for those selections. "Our" Place has been chosen and pictures appear over and over ... just check out my SUMMARIES along with other posts.

Not trying to make you feel bad - just need to get you up to speed. Again, those profiles really can be used for all kinds of stuff .... private communications for one.

C'mon back again, and enjoy the first drink on the house![tup][;)]

Tom (Siberianmo)
Proprietor of "Our" Place

[Anonymous]

Morning all. Tom, the usual please-and a water, too. My wife was on the computer most of last night and the cell phones as well{sometimes all at once} trying to round up able bodies for duty. She is the railroad's crew caller and is in almost constant contact with the G.M. Our season opens Memorial Day but we have something every weekend and several midweek runs, too. Our membership is 150-175 but as in any volunteer organization, only a small percentage do most everything.
Trolleyboy, on one of your earlier posts you wrote you could not find the schedule for a certain excursion rr- in the TRAINS issue that lists tourist rrs and museums the listing says call for schedule between April and October. I have found that our rr always has more volunteers show up for special events than normal operations. Especially if some kind of media is involved. When its 98 and the humidity is high with no wind, no one wants to help. Sometimes that's when we busiest.
Tom, I believe those are good principles for a barkeep. Just how big is the bat? I may try to bring the better half tonight but she might have to conduct rr business. She has been curious as to what I've been doing. If you are in Canada next week, who is going to run the place?? You never mention any help so I wonder what's up.

[coalminer3]

Good morning - time for a quick lunch and fill up the thermos with coffee please, and I'm on my way back out into the rain and cool temps.

RE the "Enterprise" IMHO, it's too bad that Amtrak hasn't figured out that idea on 66 and 67. Amazing that you can't ride overnight in a sleepr between large east coast cities.

Have a good weekend.

work safe

[siberianmo]

SUMMARY OF POSTS

Friday already?[yeah] Thought I'd post the SUMMARY before events of the day overtake me ....... gets that way from time to time.

QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 28 Apr 2005, 10:49:44
Summary
earlydiesels Posted: 28 Apr 2005, 10:32:42
Morning Tom. I'd like a b&g with black coffee, please. At the railroad, our longtime G.M. is a 30plus year lawman. I believe that is an underappreciated job--never heard of volunteering on the police force. I hope the only law enforcement in Our Place are those on their off time talking classic trains. You seem to run a tight ship.
----------------------------------------------
A long time ago (1959) I bartendered in Kodiak, Alaska. The couple who owned the bar (from Brooklyn, NY) told me that there were only three things I had to know to work there:

(1) When someone ordered whiskey - put the bottle on the bar with a glass.
(2) When someone ordered beer - put the bottle on the bar with a mug.
(3) If someone got unruly, hit 'em with that baseball bat over there.

It worked quite well! (Tom)
----------------------------------------
earlydiesels Our rr received some coaches late last season and with all the Canadians in here, thought I'd share them with you. They came painted in Ontario Northland colors and I'm told were originally CP. They have weird, long wheelbase 4 wheel trucks but ride great. The interiors are in good shape and they are supposed to have AC and heating. The seats are recliners and there are glass partions towards the ends. We put them into service immediately and are going to fix the minor things and try to paint them this season.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
This ought to get a response or three from some of the guys. Problem always is - in a word - READING. That's an issue in common with all of these forums - if one wants to really participate, then you gotta take the time to READ what's been said! Yeah, I know - uphill battle ...... been there, done that! (Tom)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
earlydiesels Another black coffee, please Tom. My wife and I are involved in 3 rr preservation groups but most of our effort is at the rr. We are both dept. heads with my latest promotion earlier this year. When we were married 11 years ago, she tried to get involved in my then hobby but was rebuffed so it means a lot to have something we can do together.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
You'll have to bring her in for our ladies night ...... Fridays. Gets a bit rowdy, but then again, you Hank Snow fans can handle it! (Tom)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
earlydiesels
Trolleyboy, we have several diesels and more rollingstock than places to store it. Among other duties, I am a engineer trainer. We currently have a moratorium on new engineers because as soon as they get promoted, they seldom want to be conductors again! Since we are all volunteers, I conduct occasionally but prefer the right hand side. Last season we opened the rest of our track but we need to do some bridgework on the new line before season opens. Winter is hard on trackage and bridges.

Your suggestion about the guages is a good one but the local museum refuses to join ARM but the rr does so I look for anything usable. I would prefer hard to find artifacts be used on something running than stuffed and mounted 4-8-4. We have a few guages and built the brake handles from wood. The cab is totally different than from when we started 3 years ago. It was empty and all windows and doors were covered with wood.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
I believe trolleyboy - aka Rob is ill ...... no doubt he'll pick up on this when he's back on line. (Tom)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
earlydiesels Hey Tom, I put some coin in the jukebox and nothing's happening. I would like some Hank Snow this morning. Thanks.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
That old juke box was made back in the days of "real" quarters, before the U.S. Mint went to those "layered" and lighter versions. Mechanism gets a little fussy now and then ....... there's a jar of "old" quarters over by the hard boiled egg container - help yourself!

See ya!

Tom (Siberianmo)

QUOTE: coalminer3 Posted: 28 Apr 2005, 15:33:23
Just a quick visit on the way to "start 3rd shift." This round's on me. I appreciate the CP Es behind the building. I recall photographing them in Vermont pulling a special train nr. St. Johnsbury "back in the day."

Siberianmo: Your upcoming trip sounds great - a chance to ride some fine equipment, enjoy good service, etc. The Park cars are splendid. BTW, where is the second set of equipment coming from? I am unfamilair with VIA equipment assignments, etc., but agree with you that it's nice to have someone listening to passengers requests.

Have a good evening.

work safe

QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 28 Apr 2005, 19:41:19
Hey coalminer 3 Good to see you again! I'll set 'em up as we chat ....

You know, it's really just a guess on my part where those Budd cars are coming from ..... I'll know a lot better this time next week when I'll be on board the "Ocean" bound for Halifax!

VIA Rail's "Enterprise" is the night train for business people traveling in either direction between Montreal and Toronto - a hotel on wheels is really what those trains are ... gets in around 8 AM just in time for the business day to begin. Anyway, those two consists supposedly went west, but maybe only one did. That run is now Renaissance {"Euro" cars} equipped. But, again - I'm guessing. I WILL find out.

Enjoy and thanx for the 'round!'

Tom (Siberianmo)

QUOTE: nickinwestwales Posted: 28 Apr 2005, 19:19:01
Good evening landlord and gentlemen,hope I find you all in good form?......

Now,Tom,about the pigs feet,my apologies. I will replace them-when I saw the sign with "breakfast" clearly marked on it,instinct took over.........you may also want to check the mustard & pickle jars........

O.K.-flags you waved, Northlander-yes, you heard right,as of last week two trains are running,one each way,during daylight-How this will tie in with Polar Bear & Little Bear connections remains to be seen.

As regards the T.E.E units your quickest route is likely to be : tap in "Ontario Northland" to your machine,the (un)official Ontario Northland site should appear on the first page of addresses`s Go in and select Mike Robin`s photo gallery-up in the top left corner-I`m sure he has some shots,if not the society`s own photo archive is worth a look

About me,well not so easy---um---errr.....Well,here goes--Brit...45....L.T.Partner & small demon daughter.......House-husband,week-end bar keep in village rugby club,village garden,small building and odd job man and still aspirant musician,..............

First model-a late production Hornby-Dublo layout that my Dad aquired in some shady deal with another cabbie in about `63 which I promptly wrecked ( come on -I was only 3 !!!) next attempt- a Tri-Ang/Hornby starter set in `70 which I still have,together with the majority of the rest of that era of production. Got turned on to Canadian RRd`s when kid sister brought me back a Bachmann starter set the first year after she emigrated-co-incided with loss of interest in Somerset & Dorset layout,and that F9 looks so silly with just 2 cars,better buy a half-dozen more.....................and so it begins again..

So,thats me

P.S-appreciate the implied compliment,but what little knowledge I have is mostly british related and largely out of date--Although,that said, now that the little darling sleeps through and I have this nice new machine to play with,my thirst for knowledge has returned and is being kept supplied................

by the way,whats the dress code for the coffee shop party? i`d hate to make a social gaffe.......In fact,could you save me a seat?,

I`ve just been reminded that we are playing a gig tomorrow to promote the local rehearsal studios,and apparently there will be two different film crews there,recording "onstage" and "audience" perspectives plus a full 24 track digital recording going on-nice of you to mention that boys,if I'd known I`d have changed me shirt!!!!

So no-one wants to listen to me all night,mine`s a Molson`s and over to YOU...

One Molson's coming your way .... Sounds to me as if you "into" plenty of life's experiences, that you probably need two "plates." Anyway, don't sweat the small stuff - pig's feet, mustard and pickles are easily enough replenished. Good customers, now that's another thing! What you spend in brew will more than make up for it![}:)]

We have a customer who stops by quite often, in fact he's responded to one of your comments - trolleyboy, an Ontario lad named Rob who we will be connecting with one of these days. He's provided me with lots of "good stuff" about the ONR and other rail trips ..... coupled with what you've added, I'm fast becoming "conversational." Thanx![tup] And, yes - I'll check out that link you mentioned to see those Dutch loco's ....

Bartender, eh? How'd I know THAT?! Just "shows" - can't get away from it. Anyway, nothing like spending your "off hours" in another bar ...... even if it is "cyber" ...... what's this old world coming to?[}:)]

I found it absolutely the best thing I've done in model railroading to feature Canadian passenger railroads on my layout. By the way, I have an album on http://www.railimages.com/albums/thomasweber that you may want to check out. I call my HO layout, Can-Am - you'll see why. The other photo's? Just stuff I've uploaded in order to download 'em to places like this ..... (those terms of today .... can you imagine using 'em 20 years ago?)

Enough .... enjoy the brew ... and hope you stop by real soon. Oh, almost forgot, "come as you are" should work just fine for the Anniversary/Birthday party over at "The Coffee Shop." Believe me, no one's going to care ...... just try to be there.

See ya![tup][;)]

QUOTE: foureasy Posted: 28 Apr 2005, 19:36:16
Hi Tom,i like the un-numbered one the best. Is that a L&N/CSX blue engine with the yellow nose?

QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 28 Apr 2005, 19:49:20
foureasy First drink is on the house!

No, that loco is Canadian National of the "period" of "Our" Place ..... 1950's .......

I know we're on page 5, but "Our" Place is relatively new. So, you may want to check out the pages before this one ........ I've provided summaries to help get through the submissions ........ you just may find something that 'flicks your switch."'

Hope to see you again.

Tom (Siberianmo)

QUOTE: bbryon Posted: 28 Apr 2005, 20:35:38
I am a "second class" type of guy, and for that reason I'd like to recommend the"The Only Second Class Tavern" in picture two as the place for the chat. I hear the peanuts are good too. ben

QUOTE: siberianmo Posted: 29 April 2005, 08:03:48
Morning bbryon

Ben - I tried to send you an e-mail, but noticed you haven't provided that info on your profile ... also noted you are a newcomer not only to this topic, but to the forums. aboard!

Now - here's the way it "works" - you'll note we are on page 5 ...... lots of good stuff posted before this page ...... for example, the "vote" closed a long time ago for those selections. "Our" Place has been chosen and pictures appear over and over ... just check out my SUMMARIES along with other posts.

Not trying to make you feel bad - just need to get you up to speed. Again, those profiles really can be used for all kinds of stuff .... private communications for one.

C'mon back again, and enjoy the first drink on the house!

Tom (Siberianmo)

QUOTE: trolleyboy Posted: Today, 00:23:53
Hi all.
earlydiesel. We are an all vollenteer group as well. No govt money so we have to shoe string it occasionally.

We find that most of our crews prefer to run as oposed to conduct so that's why we brought in the graduated licence.It forces everyone to operate safly (you write a rules test 90%to pass before we even attempt to show you how to run)

This way the crews are more likley to keep comming up and operating all season long as oposed to showing up for speacial occation days only.

To bad they won't join the ARM we have found it a wonderfull group to be involved with.Keep trying to sway them it's really worth the effert.

Nick seeing as you are such a ONR fan here's a tidbit for you. LL Canada is making a small run of proto ONR RS-10's in the yellow and blue lightning bolt scheme #1400 only. You can only purchase it at one hobby shop Modellers Choice in Hamilton Ontario. They are the exclusive TH&B and ONR shop.(re they pay for the runs) They do advertise in MR in their store listings. I was at the hobby shop today and saw the pictures for the loco. I have a couple of the CP RS-10's they are excellent loco's all the right details and they run like swiss watches. the retail is supossed to be $169.99 CDN. Modellers choice may ship to UK call them if you are interested.

Well I'm off for now folks. Rob

Good to see you again, Rob .... been wondering about you. Glad all's well. When are you leaving for your trip?

QUOTE: earlydiesels Posted: 29 Apr 2005, 09:20:00
Morning all. Tom, the usual please-and a water, too.

My wife was on the computer most of last night and the cell phones as well{sometimes all at once} trying to round up able bodies for duty. She is the railroad's crew caller and is in almost constant contact with the G.M. Our season opens Memorial Day but we have something every weekend and several midweek runs, too. Our membership is 150-175 but as in any volunteer organization, only a small percentage do most everything.

Trolleyboy, on one of your earlier posts you wrote you could not find the schedule for a certain excursion rr- in the TRAINS issue that lists tourist rrs and museums the listing says call for schedule between April and October. I have found that our rr always has more volunteers show up for special events than normal operations. Especially if some kind of media is involved. When its 98 and the humidity is high with no wind, no one wants to help. Sometimes that's when we busiest.

Tom, I believe those are good principles for a barkeep. Just how big is the bat? I may try to bring the better half tonight but she might have to conduct rr business. She has been curious as to what I've been doing.

If you are in Canada next week, who is going to run the place?? You never mention any help so I wonder what's up.

Appreciate your patronage - always good info coming from you![tup][;)]

I'm becoming a "techie" in my advanced age (67 next month .....). Just turned my laptop into "wireless" capability. Translated, I can get on the web from anywhere within 300 feet of the "router." That means my bride can use the desktop for her school work (university teacher) and I can continue with this great stuff without any interference ....... Ah, technology! When it works, that is .....

Am I reading "VOLUNTEER" in your statement about who will be running the place in my absence? I was going to "solicit" some help come this Monday morning ..... thought by now we'd be able to muster up sufficient numbers of customers to keep things moving. Surely don't expect anyone to do these summaries - just to keep some continuity to it all - AND KEEP "Our" Place right up top on the forums listing. That's important, if we are to attract newcomers ... also, if we're not seen on that first page, lots of guys won't "dig" down to find us.

So - yeah - I'd love some help.

The bat? Big enough to be called the "Equalizer."

QUOTE: coalminer3Posted: 29 Apr 2005, 10:25:59
Good morning - time for a quick lunch and fill up the thermos with coffee please, and I'm on my way back out into the rain and cool temps.

RE the "Enterprise" IMHO, it's too bad that Amtrak hasn't figured out that idea on 66 and 67. Amazing that you can't ride overnight in a sleepr between large east coast cities.

Have a good weekend.

work safe

Your "regular" sandwich is ready .... wanna beer with that?
Yeah, it truly is amazing when you think about "what was" and then take a look around at "what is." Guess that's just life .... can't ever go back. One thing nice about model railroading as a hobby is that you always can have those "memories" come to life in the form of your layout. Works every time for me ....... My observation dome cars run and run and run, so do my RDC's and all those great diesels long gone from today's railroad scene. Yeah - works for me.

Thermos is ready. Be seeing you .....[tup][;)]
===========================================
See ya and if we don't talk tomorrow - see ya on Monday. Remember, "Our" Place is closed on Sundays! Just use the mail slot in the door should you have something you want to drop off .......

Tom (Siberianmo)
Proprietor of "Our" Place

[passengerfan]

If you serve Bras Dor I'll have one thank you. Now for the latest on the Central Valley Amtrak California is growing faster than ever and if it keeps going at its present rate will be looking for new equipment in the not to distant future. There might be lots of Amtrak Superliners for sale at bargain prices if Amtrak doesn't get the funding it needs to survive. I think Amtrak California could very well survive on its own anyway. It would be nice to have some Amtrak sleepers for overnight service between Sacramento and Los Angeles via the valley route and Oakland - Los Angeles via the Coast line.

[siberianmo]

Hello again passengerfan

You've got me there .... Bras Dor beer? Hmmmmm, now I know about Bras D'or as in Cape Breton and I know that the folks in that part of the world enjoy their brew - but haven't found a brew named either way ...... perhaps one those micro-breweries? Check out our beer menu, surely something may interest you ......

Amtrak California - although perhaps not "classic" may very well be the only U.S. major long distance passenger carrier left - given that Golden State does cover sufficient georgraphy to qualify as long distance and.Amtrak, as we know it, may very well go extinct. Interesting thought that you bring up .......

Thanx for stopping by ........[tup][;)]
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For all:

In case you haven't heard - we wiill be shutting down a bit early tonight - heading over to "The Coffee Shop" on Model RR forum for their first Anniversary/Birthday party. If "things" wind down over there before the bewitching hour (whatever that is ..... } we'll open back up.

See y'all at the Party!!

Tom (Siberianmo)
Properietor of "Our" Place

[passengerfan]

Molsons makes Bras Dor used to be available only in Quebec later available in Toronto as well. It was stronger at 6.5 % alcohol.

[siberianmo]

Well, pardna .. I just did a site check on Molson's and they apparently aren't making it anymore ...... here's the current list of their products:
Molson Canada

Molson Canadian
Molson Ultra
A Marca Bavaria
Pilsner
Molson Export
Carling
Molson Dry
Carling Black Label
Rickard's Red
Bohemian
Tornade

Partner Brands

Coors Light
Dave's
Heineken
Murphy's Irish Stout
Corona
Caffrey's
Miller Genuine Draft
Milwaukee's Best
Foster's Lager
Milwaukee's Best Dry

Take your pick! Gotta run ..... party starts in 15 minutes!

See ya!

Tom

[passengerfan]

Guess all good things come to an end used to drink the beer during 1970's early 80's Guess I will have to settle for Moose Head instead.

[nickinwestwales]

hi guys,I think I remember a Kronenbourg brew with that name,one grade above their normal 1665 brew,about 5.3 percent

[siberianmo]

Hey Nick! We are "technically" closed ...... but here's the Kronenbourg .....

See ya over at "The Coffee Shop" ...... Party's on .....

Tom

[siberianmo]

passengerfan - Just like passenger trains, my friend ..... ain't what they used to be!
Moose Head it is (beer or ale?)

Tom

[passengerfan]

Ale thanks. But I still have hopes for the passenger trains in North America at least they will survive here in California even if the rest of Amtrak should fail. Another great Brew that comes from the land down under was Swans. I hope I spelled it right It's been a long time. Probably one of the finest beers I ever tasted. Don't care much for Foster's it tastes like it was brewed in an outhouse after tasting Swans.

[trolleyboy]

hmmm Trains and beer quite likely an explosive combination lol[:D][:O] Tom I'm heading out late next week likley,just a tad farther north in ontario.Nick I'll be in ONR country if I see anything interesting I'll let you know.Tomorrow will be a busy day actually it's tomorrow now oops must of been that coffee shop party.We are having our annual meeting at the museum directors to be voted in and decisions on what equipment to overhaul/restore thus year. Openning day is may 7 so the spring has finally sprung. Earlydiesel in order to allow everyone to operate we have an online sign up callender for our crews. We use three or four for weekdays 6 to 7 for weekends all optimal numbers.Most of our cars require two man crews so if we have only two operators we will run the single man cars only (cars with self closed air operated doors) PCC"S and Peter Whitts and the grinding train. The calender runs first come first serve so if crew show up unanounced they usually get a ground job ie gift shop or tour guide and only operate to spell of lunch breaks if required. This system works well for us. As for the humid days at least most of our line is treed so the ride is fairly cool and rustic. well i'm off for now. talk to you all soon. Rob

[siberianmo]

G'day fellas .... I've been "listening in" on the talk going on and will save up the SUMMARY until Monday ..... things are a bit hectic this day.

The "party" over at "The Coffee Shop" went over just fine, although I noted somewhat of a "rebuttal" thread posted on the MRR forum ..... just can't please 'em all.

A friend of mine has a "lead" on an RDC for my HO layout - actually it will go in one of my display cases for "retired" Canadian roads. Anyway, it's an RDC1 dressed in the old CP livery but with Dominion Atlantic written on the side. That's the "Evangeline Route" of Nova Scotia fame .... He found a "stock" of 'em at one of his favorite hobby shops. Gotta have it ..... and will pick it up this time next week in Halifax.

I'd love to stick around, but as indicated, lots going on ...... so I'll wish you all a happy weekend! Don't forget - we're closed on Sundays - so, see ya Monday![tup] [;)]

Tom (Siberianmo)
Proprietor of "Our" Place

[passengerfan]

The station in Halifax is a rather interesting fortress like structure and remember staying in a hotel next door that gave excellent views of trains. I believe the hotel was CN owned at the time but for the life of me cannot remember the name. I guess i'll chalk that up to old age or CRS (can't remember S***)I made notes on most of my travels but one of these days will have to organise them to find what I want when I need it. I keep telling myself I am going to computerize it but have just never gotten started. Actually it is such a massive undertaking am afraid to go to the storage locker and begin the task.

[siberianmo]

Good Morning passengerfan - Even though we're closed on Sunday, I find myself "here" to get things squared away for the upcoming week .......

The Halifax station? I'll be sure to provide you with some current photo's during our vist later this week and into the following. With two round trips scheduled for me between Montreal and Halifax - then Halifax - Montreal/Ottawa - I'll have ample opportunity.

Yes - time and organizing "this or that" seems to get away from all of us. I have spent days sorting through photo's - putting them in order - placing them in albums, only to stow them away in boxes for my survivors to see! Yes, I understand .......

The hotel? Now called the Westin Nova Scotian (1181 Hollis St.)- adjacent to the station (1161 Hollis St.). Given a bit more time, I'll see what I can come up with regarding the history of the place ......... I do know that it reopened in 1996 after renovations and I believe change in ownership. The Canadian RR owners really knew how to "do it" right when they built their hotels in close proximity to the stations ..... CP's are perhaps the best known across the landscape - "classic" in every sense of the word.

Gotta get going! Nice chatting with you. [tup] [;)]

Tom (Siberianmo)
Proprietor of "Our" Place

[nickinwestwales]

Hey Tom,how are you, Molsons for me,one for yourself and send a pitcher over to the track gang in the corner,they look like they`ve earned it!! fine night on friday-too "tired & emotional" to make any useful contribution,but hung out in the pool room for a while-please thank the team for the food & adult beverages,fine produce,elegantly served. Another late one last night-wandered in to find it was the "end of season" team party,that afternoons game had been postponed so the lads had been "at it" since 2 o`clock,Disco & Karaoke was the flavour of the day,my boss was having to have a sit down because of her sciatica,my other lumpen & surly teenage assistant wanted to spend the evening drinking free beer,so i was left pretty much to my own devices,more than happy to have the last of them out by 3 am. Now-here`s a question for you all to think on--Why is it that the Welsh,who are world-renowned for thier close-harmony vocal performances,when presented with a Karaoke night immediately discard generations of training and howl like wounded animals until forcibly removed from the microphone----Is this a wide spread tendancy? --Perhaps only affects rugby players........TROLLYBOY-hi-thanks for the heads-up on the O.N. Alco-had some good results from george`s trains also....TOM-as you were closed,I thought I`d take the layout tour,for some reason I expected the `50`s ambience of the bar to be reflected on your layout---what a revelation and delight!!!!!--If I can kick up the standard of my modelling to what you are achieving there I will be more than happy. Don`t think I`ve ever seen so many F40/F59ph units at once...have to say though,my favourite shots are of the F.P.9`s with the blue cars. So tell me,where`s the turn back loop? or do the two sides of the Union stn feed into different directions?....cant quite figure it out from the shots Does that rock outcrop at the far end have a name,if not,why not?-Thanks for sharing those pix,given me a serious boost-good to know I`m not ploughing a lone furrow--"winter"scenes particulaly useful-a difficult effect to manage if you live somewhere where snow is an occaisional novelty so little first hand observation possible. speak soon,nick

[Anonymous]

Tom-

Thanks for directing me to this site. Agree that it is a lot more friendly. One of the earlier posts was about West Virginia which you commented on. This hit close to home as my wife and I were born, raised and educated in WVa. My wife is from Wheeling and I am from a dirty steel making town of Follansbee, 20 miles north of Wheeling.

A week a go we were in Wheeling to bury the remains of my mother in law. Wheeling is in the middle of the rust belt and it has more than its fair share of rust. Downtown Wheeling looks like a disaster area. More buildiong are abandoned than occupied. Those that are occupied consist of lawyers, government offices, and the discount dollar stores. All of the large department stores are gone. A far cry from the '50s and'60s when we were back there. We all know the plight of the steel and coal industry which was the economic back bone of the northern panhandle for years. The bright spot is Oglesby Park, a very large city park that has such things as a pool, 72 holes of golf, driving range, zoo, nature center, ski slope, cabins (40), lodge, horseback riding, hiking trails, youth camps, arboretium, museum, and a few more things I cannot remember. All of this from a depressed town of about 30-35,000 residents. It is a place well worth the visit. Check it out on the web page.

Back to the overall subject of this forum: Railroads. As a student of WVa history it was drilled into us that the B&O railroad first reached the Ohio valley at Wheeling in about 1858. The town was a major B&O junction point with lines radiating out to Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Columbus, and Huntington WVa. The Pennsylvania also reached Wheeling along the Ohio River from their main line in Weirton. The Wheeling & Lake Erie, later Norfolk & Western, also entered the town on a bridge and tunnel in north Wheeling.

Jump ahead to today. The B&O still enters Wheeling from the south along the Ohio river from Huntington and Parkersburg WVa. All other B&O lines are abandoned, however, the beautiful B&O station is being used as West Virginia Northern College and still has "Baltimore and Ohio Railroad" engraved in the stone at roof line. Pennsylvania *Conrail) abandoned their line south of Wellsburg, 15 miles north of Wheeling. The W&LE bridge over the river has been out of service since about 1960. The bridge was removed about 10 years ago and I have a photo of it being demolished on my wall.

Sad times for the state and Wheeling in general. The B&O mainline between Cumberland and St. Louis has been abandoned between Clarksburg and Parkersburg along with some other secitions in Ohio. The B&O north-south line between Grafton and Charleston is abandoned from Charleston to 50 miles north of there. CSX recently sold or leased this line to short lines and the line from Fairmont to New Martinsville also is in the hands of short line operators. The only bright spot for WVa is the eastern panhandle which is 80 miles from Washington DC. Many Washington workers live in the eastern panhandle and there is a MARC commuter train from Martinsburg to Washington.

***

[Anonymous]

Tom-
A couple of things I forgot. When we lived ther eall you could buy in WVa was 3.2% beer. Wine and hard liquor were only sold in state stores for home consumption. The northern panhandle, being 15 miles wide and sourrounded by Ohio and Pennsylvania where wine and alcohol were legally sold for on site consumption, was ripe for some selective law enforcement. I actually thought that liquor by the drink and gambline (long before the days of the casinos in almost every state) until I went to the university in the "Bible belt". Alcoholic drinks are now permitted in restaurants and liquir is sold in food stores. Enough on this subject as it could develop into a complete book by its self.

The good thing in Wheeling was DiCarlo's pizza. It was and still is by far the best pizza we ever had and I am a pizzaholic! They sold it by the piece with a 4" square covered with pepperoni going for 10 cents in the '50s. Last week the cost was up to 75 cents and it tasted great as I remembered. Four of us ate 20 pieces (total) one evening while sitting at a picnic bench in Oglebay Park. Fortunately some things never change. When I am elected president (fat chance) Air Force 1 will be making regular visits to the Wheeling airport, which has not seen commercial air service for over 30 year-another sign of the times.

***

[coalminer3]

Quick lunch stop and back to it...

Previous post abt railroads in WV reminds me of the old saying about the geography of rail construction in southern WV; the C&O got the best terrain, the Virginian got the best engineering money could buy, and the N&W got what was left.

work safe