Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, oh, you have? That is very nice of you. Yeah, I would love it and coffee to drink! Thank you!
A very quiet Saturday indeed and I was not to much help either.
Tom – I have never searched on my screen name before. You are right, there is a lot of info available in cyberspce! HEP is indeed a poor reference for a car. It is something that is provided for the cars to make everything work. Nothing else. I found that VIA Rail has 2 FP40PH and 40 F40PH-2 in operation. Still going strong! The more I read about those transcontinental trains in Canada, the more I would like to go for a ride on them. Longest electrified railroad! I wish, but they (The Milwaukee Road) screwed up when they de-electrified. Thank you Tom!!Pete – Bourbon Winter, hmm.Yes, I have heard about the diesel eninges made by English Electric. As a matter of fact, the Swedish State Railways had two of them, Class V1, built 1949. I have never operated any of them though. I don’t have any picture of Class V3, but you will find a picture on this link. V1 looked very much the same.
http://www.jarnvag.net/bild/lokguide/V3_43Grangesberg2004.jpg
Since it is Sunday I am going to add a few more pictures from my recent visit to Orange Empire Railway Museum.
Pacific Electric Blimp #418 again.
The operator's control stand in#418.
Pacific Electric's freight locomotive #1624, a Steeplecab built 1925. Operational.
I still don't have much info about this old streetcar built by Brill.
An old PCC from San Diego, built 1936. Like the other PCCs this one was sold to El Paso, TX, where it was in service until 1973.
That is all for this early morning.
Eric
Hi Tom and all.
Have been to a wonderful tavern today with Tom. I won't say too much about now to save it for the rendezvous, all I say is a Bourbon Winter please LEON.
DOUG Really hope the horse comes through OK. You are a good guy to put all those hours in to help the horse.
ROB Great to see you in during the busy time right now. Enjoyed the encore on the Grand River Railway. Were the steeple cabs still the power for the frieghts in 1961 when the line was de-electrified?
ERIC It would be good to see a photo of the V3 class hydrulics if you have one. I seem to recall that the Dutch railways had some switching locos very simular to the 08s, although they were I believe slightly larger. If I recall correctly, the same company, English Electric made the diesel engines and electrics as in the 08s. Have you heard of these locos?
Great Pic of the Pacific Electric Cars.
TOM Enjoyed the Canadian Pacific and the Milwaukee encores. I'm sure James will like the Milwaukee one as well The Milwaukee must have teamed up with other railroads to reach Alaska though? Reading James post a liitle while back on how the line was de-electrified was very sad.
I hope to get a report on how the "Safari" went.
Those 08s have certainly been a good by for British Railways they were introduced in 1953 and some are still going strong today. there was over 1,000 of them and they could be seen all over BR. In the days of wagonload traffic, the shunters could stay allocated to one depot for many years and became like old friends.
Perhaps after the holidays it might be a good theme day" Smaller Diesel and Electric Switching Locos", including those on trolley lines, do you think?
It was a great lunch timeTOM thanks.
Well Leon I,ll have another winter ale LEON but in a smaller glass this time.
Pete.
ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #65
from Page 230
Here’s something to enjoy regarding the Milwaukee Road from a 1933 advertisement in my personal collection. NORTHWEST WONDERLAND VACATIONS Along America’s LONGEST ELECTRIFIED RAILROAD . . . LOW FARES YELLOWSTONE . . . PUGET SOUND COUNTRY . . . . . . MT. RAINER MT. BAKER . . . OLYMPIC PENINSULA . . . . . . BRITISH COLUMBIA ALASKA ”A CENTURY OF PROGRESS” ESCORTED ALL-EXPENSE TOURS Return via California-Colorado or the Canadian Rockies if you wish. Costs no more via the OLYMPIAN The electrified way * Scenically supreme
Enjoy! Tom
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #56
from Page 218
Here’s something to enjoy regarding the Canadian Pacific (CP) from a 1965 advertisement in my personal collection. We’ll give your holiday a foreign flavor . . . . . (just north of the border!) . . . . . Rail away with us through the Canadian Rockies aboard “The Canadian.” You’ll enjoy spectacular scenery, continental service in the comfort of a Scenic Dome streamliner as you travel the Banff-Lake Louise route between Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. It’s a holiday all the way – gourmet dining, tasty budget meals, snacks, all accommodations reserved. . . . . . . . . . . Canadian Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trains/Trucks/Ships/Planes/Hotels/Telecommunications . . . . . . . . . . WORLD’S MOST COMPLETE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM . . . . . Enjoy! Tom
G’day Gents!
A gloomy Saturday morning here in mid-continent USA. However, temps are expected to again reach the mid-60s (F) with our spring-like conditions continuing into the new week. Ice storm What ice storm ! Petrol still holding at $2.19 (rounded) up at "Collusion Corner."
Time for a hot cuppa freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee, some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and of course a selection from our Menu Board for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast.
Great to see some activity from yesterday, so let’s get to the acknowledgments:
Pete at 2:25 PM yesterday: Enjoyed the account of your 11-day steam tour from some years back. Eleven days sounds just about right to me – maybe we should start thinking in that direction, eh The costs would most assuredly exhaust the “stash” in the upstairs tub, dontchathink
This fellow, Alan, must surely live the good life. Off on a safari for beer drinking ! My kinda guy! You simply MUST get him to visit with us, a sure-fire-fit, fer sure, fer sure!
I’ve seen several “hits” for information on the web that refer to Posts made at “Our” Place. Amazing how quickly this stuff somehow gets archived, sorted and winds up in the reference base. I’d never be able to figure out the “how” part of it, but it happens just the same. You want to experience a sobering experience Do a search on yourself – or someone close to you and be prepared for some rather revealing information. The narrower the search, the more it seems is available. One of the reasons why none of us should be overly forthcoming with personal stuff. Too late for me, as simply signing up for these type activities, let’s the cat out of the bag (so to speak).
Lars at 4:37 PM yesterday: Many thanx for your support. Your Email has been received and I’ll hold my response ‘til I see what the other guys have to say; then I’ll try to sort ‘em out and take it from there.
Funny about that “HEP” – head end power – reference that VIA Rail uses on their site. Today it’s back to “stainless steel cars.” They do that from time to time, don’t know if it is “old” web pages somehow filtering into the mix, but a few complaints and back it goes to “stainless.” They never use BUDD, oh no – why give any credit at all to the manufacturer
Yeah, I recall doing some exhaustive searches to find the number of F40PHs in the VIA inventory – I think Eric or DL had asked. Anyway, surprised that Wikipedia didn’t have it. Although if you understand how Wikipedia operates, they are open to all kinds of input. Not sure of the verification process they use, but “stuff’ can be added to their data bases from most outside sources. I’m a member, so I guess that entitles me to my worth. <grin>
Pete at 8:10 PM yesterday: Back with a 2nd go, eh Good to see ya once more and appreciate the phone call last night. Was a bit touch ‘n go, but things are far, far better this morning. Just a day for the bride to “chill” and get back her strength after her ordeal. Nothing worse than going to the doctor feeling just fine and returning home feeling like a penny waiting for change.
Like that loco – an industrial switcher is what I’d call her. Always nice to have a couple of those on sidings on the pike.
Doug at 9:09 PM yesterday: Horsing around, eh <grin. Yeah, I know it’s not a laughing matter and it says a lot about you as a person to devote your time, resources and talents to helping an animal in distress.
Believe me, you dontwannano what Lars’ hat size is! <ooooooooh> He’s a rather imposing figure and anyone with a double digit hat size is someone to be given a wide berth, as we mariners like to say! <grin>
You’re “in” for Feb 8th – thanx for participating!
Rob at 12:12 AM today: Beginning to wonder about you, but then again, you are a slave to making money, eh The things we must do . . . Anyway, I’ll put you down for Jan 31st – as I don’t believe you want Dec – thanx for participating. Your father’s B’day, eh Well, if you win, we’ll let him take the trip with you aboard the Can-Am Ltd!!
Yes, we&rs
Finally a few days off again! Boris, just a black cup of coffee, thank you!
A busy day at work but bot too busy at the tavern. But interesting enough!
DL – The reason Amtrak didn’t buy X2000? In short I would say a combination of bad policy of ABB (the manufacturer) and extremely favorable financial conditions from Bombardier/Canadian government if Amtrak ordered a train that did not exist. Which they did. Tom – I couldn’t find anything about “HEP” cars on VIA’s website. HEP normally stands for Head End Power, could it have anything to do with that?
Flower Power!Pete – Must have been a very special Steam Festival in 2000! 11 days on a steam train and a finding a bride!!! What else could you ask for? Class 08 Diesel Electric Locmotive reminds me a lot of Class V3 Diesel Hydraulic Locomotive that were used by the Swedish State Railways. They were built in Germany 1950-52. Kind of fun to operate. Lars – Received your mail and will respond this weekend! Doug – I hope you and your friends will be able to save the horse. I wonder what Lars’ hat size is? Must be very advanced math you are using!Rob – Glad you liked the streetcars. So did I! Adding another picture below. Interesting info on The Grand River Railway beginnings! Now I have to show how little I know, what does/did CPR stand for? Canadian Pacific Railways (-roads)? Same as CP today?
Pacific Electric's "Hollywood" cars, built 1922 and 1925.
ENCORE SATURDAY ENCORE SATURDAY ENCORE SATURDAY
Here's a classic juice encore on one of the CPR operated electric interurbans to start off this saturday's encore festivities.
Rob
Okay a content post for this evening as well. The CPR electric lines were an important part of the Southwestern Ontario Rail scene. I'll do them in a few installments. I'll put them out in very thin format as they literally can fill volumes. < And do > CLASSIC JUICE # 17 THE GRAND RIVER RAILWAY BEGINNINGS It began as one of Canada's first electric street railways, four miles of track known as the Galt and Preston Street Railway. In 1894, it was built from the Grand Trunk station in Galt,following King and Main to the speed river in Preston,and the collection of resort hotels known as Preston Springs. The early years were good ones,and by 1896 the line had expanded to Hespler, and thereby remnamed as the Galt, Preston and Hespler Railway. ( All three towns are now known as the City of Cambridge Ontario ) By 1898 it was carrying 35,000 passengers and 1,000 tons of freight each month,thanks largely to connections with the CPR station at samuelson street in Galt. In the meantime, the Preston and Berlin railway was building from the GP&H at east Preston,following a route that took it through Freeport,Centreville,and along King street in Berlin( preasant day Kitchener ) to it's junction with the Waterloo and Berlin Railway at Albert street. It's Waterloo terminus was at Erb st near the site of what was Waterloo's St Jacobs tourist Raiway line. ( This line will likley be part of the New Light rail system building for Waterloo,Kitchener and Cambridge Service on this new line the PBR began in 1904 and four years laterthe line merged with the GPH itself. Car barns and a station were built at Preston Jct, on the north side of th speed rivernear the entrance to today's Riverside Park. Another station was built on Guelph street at the popular Idelwyde Park,and a terminus added onGuelph street in Hespler. Later still in 1918 the line recieved it's final name the Grang River Railway. CPR Ownership In 1921 the route was realigned trough Kitchener between the city limit and Courtland St. To accomodate this new alignment at station was built at Queen st, a wooden structure initially which was replaced by a Tudor style brick station in 1943. In Galt, a new solid brick station built to CPR's " international" flat roofed style wa added at main street. Although bus service began in 1925,rail passenger service remained largely uninterrupted until 1938 when it was cut back from Waterloo to the Queen st station in Kitchener. And following the war, a new set iof passenger coaches, the first interurban's built in canada since 1930 were put into service betweenKitchener and Galt. More frieght business was picked up at this point with steeple cabs becomming more common sights on the line than the strings of interurban cars. The booming frieght business was continued as well,feeding the CPR line in Galt. But the post war auto boom soon began to take it's toll and passenger traffic declined,finally ending in 1955. The old GRR track was cut back from Centreville to Ottawa street,while a new link was built from a point south of Centreville to a CN spur on the West side of Kitchener. Electric frieght operations continued untill 1961 when COP pulled the plug a switched the line over to SW1200RS diesels. In the 1990's more trackage was pulled from between Ottawa street and Victoria park. Trains continue to use the GRR tracks between Centreville and Preston JCt where new spurs were built to the new Toyota assembly plant. Enjoy Rob
Good evening folks. I will apologize in advance for my latest absence, stuck with the midnight shifts again and left with 60 hrs a week therefore I just seem to sleep and eat. Nice to see that things are still crawling along , thanks to those who try to keep it regular around here. I have read the latest batch of emails on the woes and concerns,I'm certainly for looking into alternate arrangements for our bar should that need come up , keep me informed.
Tom -Put me down for te 31st for the latest contest, my dad's birthday so we shall sdhe if it's a lucky day or not.Wonderfull VIA article sir a usual you've outdone yourself, I was impressed by the amount of info on tuesday's theme day as well , two fine piosts from you and an all round good day for the time of the year. Here's hoping that we get some more normality once we are through the busy holiday season.
Eric-Thanks for those wonderfull streetcar shots from last sunday as guessed I did indeed enjoy them Interesting x2000 info and maps as well.
CM3-A fine report on the musical misdoings in the villiage always a pleasure to read your well prepared reports.
Lars-Fine book covers on sunday and on tuesday. I'm gl;ad to hear that you are still staying on the forum with us despite the prodings to leave by the less informed out there. I'm not entirly sure how to read those posted rules and regs,certainly begs to ask a few questions. I would have to say that of all the threads on the forums an in general this does tend to be the most civil and informative and ontopic one ( guess it's not politically correct ) ( oops hope that doesn't blackball me )
James-Just have to say that the layoput is indeed comming along nicly also a wonderfully well presented Milwaukee history as well good show young man
Doug-I do hope that the sick horse comes round, you hate hearing about things like that.
In general-thanks to everyone who put out a wealth of Marx info on the optional model day on wed. It was some good reading, again adding to this already well informed thread. JO's be darned this is still one top notch topic
Good evening Leon and friends. I'll have a nightcap and buy a round for the house. Sorry to not have been around, yesterday and today, but I've been tied-up helping one of our friend's horses (Irish) got a severe bout of collic, and I did an all-nighter to help keep the horse walking and on his feet. The owners had been there since 5am yesterday, and I put in about 14 hours before leaving. Fortunately, about half a dozen other helpers have been in, or I would be doing another all-nighter right now. I don't know how anyone could pull this off by themselves. Current status is the horse is doing much better, and we're trying to get him to eat. He's not out of the woods yet, and I may get a call to come in. We shall see.
Got the E-Mail on the birthday list addition, but no matter how I do the math, I somehow end up with Lars' hat size. My vote for the 10,000th post is February 8th. I'll have my guess for the 100,000th post after I figure out the birthday list.
Have agood evening gents. I must get some rest.
I am ready for the Steak now LEON and a pint of Holdens to wash it down please.
TOM I agree it is sad to see the semaphore signals going there were so much a part of the steam age railway. It is the same in the UK although it is still possible to see the odd examples. Stirling in Scotland still has some fine examples but they may soon be replaced.
I have noticed the semaphores on the American railroads are on the opposite side of the post to those in the UK.
LARS Good to see you in . Very good point about references, some of the worst are in the UK main stream press when there is a report involving railways in some it makes anyone, with even a basic knowledge of railways, cringe.
I have replied to your e-mail.
As a bit of trivia I noticed that we are very near our 8888th post. there is on British Railways a shunting (switching) locomotive with the running number 08888, and I have just read that it has been put back in service.
This loco was built in the early 60s her first number was D.4118 she got her 08888 number in the T.O.P.S. numbering scheme in the early 70s. She started its life on the Western Region of BR. First at Bristol then Worcester and back to Bristol before heading for the North East of England and the Newcastle- On- tyne area, shedded at Gateshead and Heaton in the late 70s until the late 90s. In 2000 she moved to Bescot Shed in the West Midlands and was reported working at Bletchley loco depot. Now it seems she has returned north to Yorkshire.
These locos will seem small to North American locos. Here is a link with a photo and details of the 08 class.
http://www.depg.org/08.html
I hope you enjoyed a bit of the history of a humble shunting loco.
I'll have another Leon and allow me to get a round.
G'day Cap'n Tom & fellow travelers at the bar!
It's after 5 PM where I am, so it must be Leon the Night Man behind the bar. I'll have one of those frosty mugs of Kokanee brew from British Columbia. Cap'n Tom said it's "good stuff"! Doesn't appear as if anyone is 'round the joint, except of course for the Friday Nite gathering of the track gangs back in the pool room.
I sent an email out to "youse guys," except for CM3 & DL, so watch for it.
Really haven't got much to report on today and am glad to see that DL 'n Pete have provided the "meat" for the daylight, with Tom coming through with his acknowledgments. Sputtering along, but still up 'n runnin', huh You betcha! <grin>
Spent a bit of time browsing the Via Rail web site and found the reference to "HEP" that Tom mentioned. Is that a "thing" with just certain people or is it that they simply don't know (and don't care) that these fine cars were manufactured by the Budd Company and should be referenced accordingly I can understand your chagrin, Tom, for I feel the same way when I come across situations where references to the things I know about (ships, machinery, etc.) are incorrect but used anyway. Bothersome, huh Anyway, wonder why it is that Via cannot operate those obs dome cars all of the time Surely the inventory is sufficient to allow for it. Perhaps wintertime is overhaul time, who knows Sure cuts down on the allure of travel between Montreal and Halifax if one is consigned to those Euro cars made for the "chunnel."
Took more time to read that Via post you provided yesterday and it is chock full o' great background info. Noted that in the inventory of loco's that they didn't provide a number for the F40PHs but did with most others. Curious, huh It's a nice departure now 'n then to read up on current operations as opposed to the past. But then again, we're supposed to be the "classics," and I'd say when Via and the Budd cars are included, that's classic enough for me!
Hope to get the chance to visit this weekend. I will do my best to provide "something" for Sunday .
Nice turnout thus far for the "contest," especially when one considers our numbers.
Hey Leon! I'll take a couple of those NY style Italian sausage pizzas to go . . . . make 'em family size, wudja
Until the next time!
Lars
Hi Tom And All
I have just spent over a hour on my post just to lose it. I know I should have put it in the WP I guess I'll never learn,so a pint of your strongest ale please RUTH and I will have one of DL's Steaks later please.
JAMES Enjoyed your Late story and the info on the Milwaukee Battery loco. I wonder if there was many Battery locos in North America? Perhaps ROB knows of some that were used on the Trolley systems for maintainance. There were a few in the UK I will have to find out more about them.
ERIC Thanks for the Canada X2000 map and the Boston & Albany pic. when we were in New England last year we took a trip from Providence Rhode Island to the museum at Stourbridge on the way we saw a frieght train but was unable to see the locos. I wonder what railroad company it was?
DL Great to see you back It will be interesting to see Eric's info on the X2000 v Acela and any inside info on the Birmingham Maglev.
As to being in the US I met the bride in Scotland in 2000 when she was touring Britain with a friend I had been on the Highland Steam Festival 11 day steam tour the intinerary of the tour was( *=overnight stay)
Fort William - Mallaig- Fort William* Fort William- Crainlarich- Oban *
Oban- Taynault- Oban. Oban- West Highland Line- Cowlairs, Glasgow- Stirling *
Stirling- Perth -Stirling(2 trips)* Stirling- Inverness * Inverness- Kyle Of Lochalsh - Inverness*
Inverness-Aberdeen - Inverness* Inverness- Perth -Stirling.
The locos were ex LNER B1 61264 and BR Standard 75014 . On the long trips the train was double- headed. from Inverness to the Kyle we had 75014 and from Inverness to Aberdeen it was the B1. On the days there was not a steam tour there were coach trips to see abandoned lines in the Stirling and Inverness areas,with a very knowledgeable guide and some lectures in the evening, a unforgetable experience.
As to railways in the scenery in MIKE's links showing steam in the Scottish Highlands it is remarkable how well the steam loco blends in with the scenery
I had not been along the North Wales Coast for quite a few years before I went on a Steam Special along there and it was quite a shock to see the road at Penmenmawr, although when I was young the road passed through the quite narrow main street of the town and it would not have coped with todays traffic and I guess with the mountains at the back of the town there was no where else to put the road. I will always have very fond memories of Pen from my younger days.
For a great web-site of the North Wales Coast in steam and diesel days.
http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/llandudnoshed6g/index.html
The link on the site to the model railway is well worth a look as well.
As to the Barry locos I believe that over half of the locos rescued have been steamed this is a remarkable achievement. The fate of some of the unrestored locos, some of which have had little or no work done on them is a hot topic in the British railway magazines at the present. Some of the larger locos must have an uncertain future, as some of them are too large for some of the preserved lines and the cost of restoring them now must be astronical and there are other members of the same class already running.
I will have to do a post on some of the Ex Barry locos that are being used to provide parts to build locos of classes that were scrapped.
Thanks for the info on the 110/240Volts.
As you say the US 0-6-0 switchers must have been a great design and well made to survive in service as long as they did, some of the USATC 2-8-0 locos worked a long time in Europe after the war as well as the British WD 2-8-0s , these locos were only designed for a short life span but after the war British Railways had 733 of them and they lasted nearly up to the end of steam on BR.
Perhaps this link may help with info on the Beeston works.
http://www.midlandrailwaystudycentre.org.uk/.
The two Alans are gong on a Bathams XXX Safari, the XXX is a strong winter brew only available for a short time at this time of year, If they find some it may be a while before I will hear from them. Me jealous? you betcha!
TOM Got the Email thanks. While I was looking for some info on the Beeston works on the Google search site there were two references to Our Place mentioning the Creosote Works which we had posted. Fame at Last , still as all us regulars know if you want great info on railways Our Place is the place to get it.
Just seen your post TOM so I will post this and read it.
As promised, a late start for Moi; will be hit ‘n miss throughout today ‘n tomorrow. Hopefully, some of our regulars will pick up the slack, otherwise, it’s slack sails ‘round here.
Appreciate the comments regarding my VIA Rail submission . . .
Let’s get directly to the acknowledgments, then I gotta run . . .
BK at 11:21 AM yesterday: Appreciate the further elaboration regarding the Water Level Route (NYC) . . . figered as much. <grin>
Received your Email and responded – thanx! Future of the bar is really up to y’all, but it surely doesn’t hurt to explore the options, eh
Thanx for participating in our latest CONTEST – Feb 14th it is!
DL at 11:35 & 11:37 AM yesterday: Telegrams received, but you’ve got us wondering!
Lars at 3:22 PM yesterday: Nice addition to the VIA Rail feature – in fact you probably don’t know how timely those maps really are!! Pete ‘n I are in the final planning stages of our trip north in May. Will it be Gaspe or Halifax, or both <grin>
You’re in for Feb 15th – thanx!
Pete at 4:10 PM yesterday: Some fine Euro trains info; can always count on you, DL ‘n Eric to keep us informed and educated on what was and is in the UK and the continent.
Email received and responded to - thanx!
Thanx for your contest entry – March 12th it is!
James at 9:23 PM yesterday: The New York Central ran as far west as St. Louis, MO. The map furnished by BK was more illustrative of the reason for the slogan, “Water Level Route” and wasn’t intended to be a system map.
Unless we have an all-time record amount of Posts between now ‘n Jan 1st, I doubt we’ll make it to ten thousand by then – however, if that’s your choice, you’re in! Thanx for participating!
Interesting short story!
And finally, passenger trains are “it” for me. While I much prefer those from days long gone, traveling aboard VIA Rail in Canada is somewhat reminiscent. However, only if the Budd cars are being used. (I noted that VIA is still referring to them as “HEP” cars on their website. Sorely ticks me off!!) Anyway, the trip across Canada from Toronto to Vancouver is a great experience and one that you shouldn’t put off for too long. Just read the info I provided and you’ll get the message regarding ‘cuts.’ <groan>
Eric at 12:32 AM today: Love that right-of-way Pix! Those kinds of photos really “do it” for Moi!
Contest entry set for Jan 28th – thanx for participating!
Appreciate the X2000 map while you were in Canada – nicely done!
Finally, always preferred the semaphore signals – a certain charm no longer seen alongside the rights-of-way.
DL at 8:45 AM today: Much appreciation for your morning visit – helped to kick things off here at the “Hit ‘n Miss bar ‘n grill”! <grin> Good to see ya again and hope you’ll be able to maintain a semblance of regularity ‘round here. Always “up” for the enlightening information from the UK and other sources. As indicated earlier, you, Pete ‘n Eric are quite the balance for we North Americans!
Truly wish your Email was up ‘n running, for there’s lots of info we cannot pass to you; not all “fun” stuff.
The Pennsylvania Railroad was indeed the behemoth of the day and was the chief competitor of the New York Central. The rivalry is legendary with trains such as the PRRs Broadway Limited racing NYCs 20th Century Ltd to ‘n from Chicago all to attract and keep the dwindling passenger base. Streamline innovations, et al, are a subject to behold – something CM3 could do better at describing than I. The Pennsy billed itself as this country’s premier railroad – “Standard railroad of the world” was one of their slogans. Some fine books on both are still available . . . .
CM3 at 10:56 AM today: Thanx for stopping by, every little bit helps!
10,000th Post CO
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee (to go), round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Just a quick stop as we are "between" things today. I will try and post a little later, but am not sure if I wll be able to do so.
work safe
Hello Tom
I’ll have a light breakfast, with grapefruit juice please.
I’ll be in to do the catering this eve, as Lars points out I’ve not been able to do that recently! Just sheer weight of tasks this time of year means you can’t dedicate the time – everyone seems to want everything done before the big Christmas day do they not – same at home, work, everywhere you go – kinda gets on top of you! Couple of days could not even get near the ‘puter. Anyway – been some great posts on here and I’ve read em all – a few highlights are worth picking up.
Tom: First off, thanks for marking Pearl Harbour – not commemorated here, obviously the date does not have the same significance (I guess we mark things like Battle of Britain day) of course that does not mean that date is not significant. Just the way it is. May date for post milestone is Jan 18th.
James: St Paul Union station pics – interesting architecture there – sort of what I think we would call French Chateau style, enjoyed that Milwaukee Road history – some operators of big business are surely capable of making some bad business decisions some times – great shame!
Eric – getting every picture you’re posting my friend – and really enjoyed the Orange County stuff – a trip well worth carrying out – thanks for sharing the pics.
The link to your X2000 tour pages was superb, really enjoyed that personal photo album – thanks for sharing it. Fantastic pic alongside the GG1 – great stuff. Made me wonder why Amtrak did not buy X2000 / or ICE ‘off the shelf’ I know there have been problems with Acela, would buying the European technology off the shelf have been a runner? Subject for discussion chaps. I never knew this European stuff had been across the pond – great to learn new things.
Doug – As well as keeping the Groan-O-Meter well oiled I enjoyed the Fred Harvey info (think that was part of theme day, more of which later) – does the chain still exist in any form? Like Doug, I write my posts on the word processor then paste into the website – solves a lot of probs (but I note now removes spaces and emboldening etc so have to restore that on line) – I do this with every web based text operation (apart from v short ones) saves time and avoids dodgy telecoms problems!
Also enjoyed the Water Level Route slogan – I knew the slogan, never been clear on the reason (until now!) – incidentally – who was there main competitor on that route – was it PRR as Coalminer implies?
I enjoyed the theme day and learned a lot. ATSF was/is one heck of a road. Great links Mike. One heck of a list of named trains listed on theme day too.
Now to some Brit stuff (eavesdroppers encouraged).
Mike: In those pictures of Scotland was the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the West Highland line – in case people don’t already know that is featured in the Harry Potter Films (if you’ve seen any of them).
Pete: Birmingham Maglev – I think BR research was involved in this so I’ll have to ask the out laws. My hunch is Maglev is a technological blind alley apart from highly dense populated country’s with long distances between that population density. No doubt we shall see. Politicians like it because it is high tech and glamorous – does not mean it is a sensible solution to the problem though.
Interested in your comments about QE2 Marine engines – was it work in that line of business that took you to the USA?
Thanks for the info on Merchant Navy Class GSN – I saw those rusting locos when I worked at Brighton Station – just not close enough to identify them – so that was one. Shame no serious restoration has been undertaken yet. Can’t be many ex Barry locos still in such bad conditions. Surely it would be unthinkable that they would not get fixed eventually – what do you think?
Enjoyed your personal memories of the North Wales coast line – I feel the A55 road now blights some stretches of the area in a way the railway never blights a landscape – simply enhances it in my view.
Hornby set – as Tom suggests – some sort of transformer will do the trick presumably – after all the train set is presumably 12v not 110 v – so you would need a 110v to 12v transformer instead of a 240v to 12v transformer. My father has a few 240v to 110 v transformers wired into his house to power electrical gear he bought during the years he lived in USA back in the 60s!
Sarajevo loco – interesting link from the story Doug picked up. More than 100 of those still in various states of existence eh? Shows it was a good US design. Funny to think of them stuck behind the iron curtain working away all these years.
Good to know our Foreign Office officials have been spending tax payers money helping get the loco across to Britain, well done to the them as far as I’m concerned!
Beeston Creosote works – well, now how doe we share the contents of that article now it has been located I wonder?
Bye for now
DL
Leon, just a beer, please! Free of charge thanks to DL! No, nothing to eat tonight, I had some super good Steak & Bisquits at Cracker Barrel today and that would be very hard to beat. I would say impossible to beat!
Doug – I bet that guy in the picture from the air carrier wished he was somewhere else when that thing came lose! Wow!CM3 – 1950’s, that is really “back in the day.” Maybe the sun, snow and ice wore the sign down. Anyway, the B&A line is going through very beautiful country. It used to be double track, but in the 90’s it was just a single track. See below.I have to check on the map where those shortlines, FC&G and B&HS, were located.
The Boston - Albany line
Tom – I wish we had your gas prices. Here it is climbing and is now above $2.30.10,000th post will happen January 28. Thank you for the complete history of VIA Rail Canada! Some ups and a lot of downs. I like the interior of the diner. BK – I agree, the Wikipedia info verifies Tom’s answer!DL – Thank you for the beer! Looking forward to your return to the bar!Lars – I like those VIA maps! About the same layout as the map below. Easy to read.
Pete – Very interesting link about Project 62! Happy ending and all! I also recognize the old “friend” WD 1959. James – Thanks for providing the information on the Electric Shuffle Unit! So it is all electric (batteries). I am afraid that you have to go to Sweden to take a ride on the X2000. Or China. I hope to see pictures of the semaphores when they are up! Below is a semaphore from the Orange Empire Railway Museum. Don’t be late if you want to catch a train!
G-day Tom and all present.
Leon- I know its a little later than usual, but could I get the late fish and chips and a coffee, please.
Mike- There were some good pics you showed off there. especially the one of the Milwaukee road unit. In short it's called an "Electric Shuffle unit" They would be plugged into an outlit for 220 volt and would pull the Litte Joes, Box cabs, and Bipolars out of the sheds without the use of more electricity than needed. They were handy I like them. I guess I was wrong on the H-12-44 part. By the look of it, it seemed to be froma nother railroad.
Barndad- The Marx article was good. When I see the Marx trains, I don't know what to think but tin boxs and cans. They are not my kind of train but they are cute. They would be perfect for someones child. A good starter.
Pete- So the locomotives are four foot, eight and a half. There really cool looking locomotives. I would love to ride one of those down the tracks. Glad you liked the layout. It's coming along quite slowly but it's better than nothing. It really turned out better than I had expected. Thanks for the comments.
Eric- Thanks for the info on the X2000. It's interesting that it's a Swedish made train. And I hadn't realized that that the train ran all the way around the U.S. I might have to take a ride sometime. Thanks. thanks for the comments on the layout. Next the Semaphores will be going up.
CM3- I liked how the junction turned out. I am now able to manage more trains through the Grain elevator, and have two trains running on the double track. It's cool. It would be great for you to bring out your stuff. I have to ask, What kind of models do you own? What do have?
Tom- For me, I will guess that we will have 10000 posts on January 1.
Also enjoyed the article on the Via rail. I like passenger trains no matter where there located in the world. I would especially like to ride Via through the moutains. I would love to see what it would be like. Keep it coming!!
Budkar- Good little part on the NYC. I didn't realize that they had stuck to the East coast. Most interesting.
I have a short story that I want you guys to read. See what you think. The short story is called late.
Enjoy
LATE!
Dust was kicked high into the air as he ran in the hot summer afternoon. His sweat began to drown him, and his insides throbbed with pain. It was as if his whole body swelled, but he kept running. Beating the heat choked ground as if he were trying to beat the heat to his destination. His luggage was smacking his back with every step he took, as he followed the iron highway. Suddenly he caught a glimpse of the metal beast in the distance. His heart skipped a beat, as he ran faster. The beast coming up fast with smoke rolling out its top like a volcano. He dropped his burden on the dusty ground, and gained speed. The rumble of the beast became all to clear to him now, and he lunged on to the ground covering his face from the dust that was viciously kicked up. The great noise was almost over powering as the beast roared past him. He slowly raised his head, and saw huge metal cages with people staring at him in wonder, through glass windows. Hundreds of small golden white lights shot through the air as the end of the beast past him down the iron highway. As he regained his footing he saw a man on the back of the beast shaking his head, and pointing to his glistening pocket watch. He began spitting out a long line of curses as he realized he was late for his train.
Happy railroading
James
A pint of the usual please RUTH and can you put me down for some Fish 'N' Chips for later.
A great couple of days of Posts at Our Place.
On Today,s posts ERIC Thanks for the link to the X2000 and the great cab photo
DOUG It really is good to see in again really good posts on the Santa Fe and Marx
BK Thanks for the NYC info. Your words on Our Place are how I feel but you write them far better than I can.
DL Good to see you in the Bar and will look forward to when you have caught up on the posts.
Alan Has found the Bylines which as the Beeston Creosote Works article in. He says it is a good piece with photos and a map.
CM3 Thanks for the short lines and I have found another link to the Savajevo saved steam loco.
http://www.project62.supanet.com/30076.htm
The loco number 30076 follows on from the USA class locos # 30061 to 30074 owned by the Southern Railway and were used for switching Southampton Docks. The Southern locos were introduced in 1942 and were purchased from the U.S. Army Transportation Corps in 1946. The Southern modified the cabs and the coal bunkers.
There is one of these locos preserved at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway in Yorkshire # 30072. At the moment this 1943 Vulcan Iron Works built loco is awaiting an overhaul but in 1976 she was running and was painted to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the American Independance, unfortunatly I have not been able to trace a photo of the loco in this condition yet.
This is a pic of a loco of the same type, this is at the Bluebell Railway in Southern England
TOM I have cooled off now.
Great and very informative post on the VIA Rail Canada. Although it is very sad to read about all the cuts in funding the system has been through.The wealth of information on the classes of service and the passenger cars and locomotives is brilliant, although the number of passenger cars there is now compared to before the cuts must be very much smaller.
Glad to see you in LARS and thanks for the VIA maps. Got your e-mail reply OK so it looks like the puter is behaving. I am getting quite used to H & H's Fish and Chips there are not to bad when you are hungry, anyway I dare not tell them if they wern't.
TOM I will go for March 12 for the compitition. Great Prizes .
Well RUTH another beer please and allow me to get around in.
Ruth, a tankard of Keiths Ale and slide the snack tray down my way, wudja please I'll hold off on a round 'til I see some customers show up. Anyway, nice to see my "bookend" come by today and provide us with a bit of New York Central. Always appreciate that. We've been having some fun with the NYC over on Tom's other thread. By the way, thank you Eric for at least checking it out!
Looks like we had quite an outpouring on the Marx toys yesterday. Good particpation and of course, educational!
I remember those '53 Pontiac Chieftans; sweet!
Glad to see that I'm not alone in trying to ensure that we all understand what's going on. Thanks, BK for your words of encouragement and support for our bossman! Wish I had the talent to fully understand what it takes to put something like a forum together. I don't and that's that. Perhaps one of our guys can lead us in the direction we need.
Got your email, Pete and sent a reply. Sorry if I'm a bit tardy, just cannot get into checking the blasted in box on a regular basis. <groan>
Really like that Via Rail submission from Tom and I'll put forth a bit of my own to supplement it.
Reminder, today is Fish 'n Chips night at the bar - we've kind of fallen on hard times as of late since Nick is off on one of his sojourns again. So, the Assistant Chef is supposed to be DL - but - he too seems to be swept off by aliens, or at least something like that. Telegram(s) didn't reveal what's going on. So, that means the kitchen duties have reverted back to those horrid H&H "gals." Good Grief Charlie Brown! <girn>
Also, I'm "in" for the Contest. February looks good to me too, so I'll go with the 15th.
Now arriving on track #2 …
Railroads of Today! Number Two
Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources.
VIA Rail Canada
Reporting marks: VIA
Locale: Canada
Dates of operation: 1978 – present
Track gauge: 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) (standard gauge)
Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec
VIA Rail Canada (also referred to as VIA Rail and VIA; pronounced 'vee-ah') is an independent Crown corporation offering intercity passenger rail services in Canada.
VIA Rail operates 480 trains in eight Canadian provinces (all except Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island) over a network of 14,000 kilometres of track spanning the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Great Lakes to Hudson Bay. VIA Rail carries approximately 3.9 million passengers annually. It sees the majority of its traffic between Windsor, Ontario and Quebec City, Quebec.
VIA Rail's corporate headquarters are in Montreal, Quebec.
History
A VIA LRC disembarking at Ottawa VIA Station
Early Canadian intercity passenger rail
The post-war era saw two developments which would eventually prove disastrous to previously profitable passenger rail transport offered by Canadian National Railways (CNR), the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), and smaller lines: long-distance Canadian intercity passenger trains began to be replaced with air travel, and short- and middle-distance passenger trains underwent dramatic restructuring with many being eliminated outright following increased use of personal cars on highways such as the Trans-Canada Highway. Critics of this shift point out that all these new services were subsidised by taxpayers, from construction of highways to construction of airports, making it difficult for rail to compete; opponents of rail point out that the construction of the railways themselves was similarly subsidised.
By the 1960s it was obvious to both Canadian National (known as CN after 1960) and CPR that passenger trains were no longer economically viable under traditional market manifestations. CPR sought to rid itself of the burden of operating passenger trains, but federal government regulators and politicians balked, forcing CPR to continue running a minimal service through the 1970s. CN on the other hand, being a Crown corporation, was encouraged by the federal government and political interests to invest in passenger trains. Innovative marketing schemes such as Red, White, and Blue fares, new equipment such as scenic dome cars and rail diesel cars, and services such as Rapido and Turbo trains saw substantial increases in ridership, reversing previous declines.
However, by the 1970s even CN saw the writing on the wall and sought to rid itself of passenger trains. The decline of passenger rail became a federal election issue in 1974 when the government of Pierre Trudeau promised to implement a nation-wide carrier similar to Amtrak in the United States. The bilingual name [blue]VIA or VIA CN[/blue] originated in 1976 as a marketing term for Canadian National's passenger train services and the VIA logo began to appear on CN passenger locomotives and cars, while still carrying CN logos as well. That September, VIA published a single timetable with information on both CN and CP trains, marking the first time that Canadians could find all major passenger trains in one publication. In 1977, CN underwent a dramatic restructuring when it placed various non-core freight railway activities into separate subsidiaries such as ferries under CN Marine and passenger trains under VIA Rail which was subsequently renamed VIA Rail Canada.
The formation of VIA Rail Canada
On April 1, 1978 Canadian National's passenger subsidiary VIA Rail became a separate Crown corporation, taking with it possession of former CN passenger cars and locomotives. Following several months of negotiation, on October 29, 1978 VIA took over operation of CP passenger train services, along with similar possession of cars and locomotives. Passenger train services which were not included in the creation of VIA Rail included those offered by BC Rail, Algoma Central Railway, Ontario Northland Railway, Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway, various urban commuter train services operated by CN and CP, and remaining CN passenger services in Newfoundland. At this time, VIA did not own any trackage and had to pay right-of-way fees to CN and CP, sometimes being the only user of rural branch lines.
VIA initially had a tremendous variety of equipment and operated routes stretching from Sydney, Nova Scotia to Prince Rupert, British Columbia and north to Churchill, Manitoba. In excess of 150 scheduled trains per week were in operation, including transcontinental services, regional trains, and corridor services.
Intercity passenger rail rebirth
The national reach and new marketing schemes saw ridership spike in the late 1970s and early 1980s to previously unheard-of levels, brought on partially by unprecedented inflation and rising gas prices.
First round of cuts
However, increased ridership would not be VIA's saviour. In 1981, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau's government endorse
Money for beers wired to local post office, stop, propreitor or manager authorised to collect, stop
Please could you read this telegram to the regulars:
"Dear all, not joined legion of lost, stop, been keeping up with posts, stop, will be back to comment on stuff soon, stop, much of interest in recent days stop"
Good Morning Captain Tom and fellow sophisticates!
I think you are still logged in, Tom, so CHEERS to you! Ruth, a round on me and make something "special" for the man who guides us through the choppy seas of the Kalmbach forums. I shall have a hot mug of coffee with just a "splash" to make it interesting along with two pecan Danish from the Mentor Village Bakery goods case!
Add me to the growing list of those who are less than enamored with the way things are spiraling downward here in cyber space. To think that most of the chagrin could have been avoided, or better yet - averted, had that blankety-blank ratings idea never been put forth. I have sent you my further thoughts in an email. Move the bar I wonder if there would be a following, as it appears we have some who appear to remain unaffected by what has transpired since all of this began. Your call, of course, I will remain with the bar as my whereabouts permit. <grin>
Here is a little something that I provided over on your other thread, but the relevance applies to a conversation that took place a week or so ago regarding the New York Central and the Water Level Route business:
from: wikipedia.com
As you can see, the Wikipedia people credit the routing for the name; so Captain Tom, I'd say you hit it on the proverbial head!
Finally caught up on the pages and postings. I must say there is a wealth of knowledge "living" on these pages. How can anyone not appreciate this I'm hardly "one of you" insofar as my knowledge and experiences are concerned when it comes to any facet of railroading; probably never will be. However, I have ALWAYS found this adult environment to my liking and thoroughly enjoy the manner in which "business" is conducted. Again, why some find this objectionable is beyond my comprehension; advanced degrees nothwithstanding! <grin>
I encourage all who are keeping this wonderful experience alive and well to continue on. For it is a labor for Tom to keep at it day after day. What is "in it" for him, after all This creation has put many of us on the same path (track!) and my hope is that we will keep in the same direction. Otherwise . . .
Fine work for all who made the Santa Fe theme day go so well. A well thought out and diverse set of submissions. Truly even better than the first time! Shows that we DO have those who give that Rat's Patoot Tom likes to refer to!
Mark me down for February 14th for the date when the 10,000th posting is made. Valentine's Day seems appropriate!
Hope to be back in a day or two.
BK in Alberta, Canada's high mountain country!
CONTEST - CONTEST - CONTEST
We are approaching 10,000 replies (Posts) for "Our" Place - so the idea is to submit your best guess as to when that will take place!
Just name the date and you will be eligible for the PRIZES! The winner gets: unlimited food 'n drink for any Thursday, Friday or Saturday between 5 PM and CLOSING - plus - a round trip aboard the Can-Am Limited in the drawing room suite (triple bedroom) located in the rear observation dome car - AND - the keys to the Penthouse Suite for a Saturday nite stay!
Everyone, other than the Proprietor, full-time employees and mascosts, are eligible to participate!
CONTEST CLOSES on Friday, Dec 22nd!
Tom
Coming near the end of ‘nother week here at the Tavern by the Tracks and the conversation continues – many facets, many points of view, but all worth the while. Good job, guys!
Thursday here in mid-continent, petrol holding at $2.19 (rounded), temps in the 60s (F) and it feels more spring-like than not. Hard to imagine that just a week ago we were in the throws of an ice age!
C’mon and join me in a cuppa Joe, pastries from the Mentor Village Bakery and a selection from our Menu Board of <light> and <traditional> bills o’ fare!
Really, really encourage all of our patrons to read the comments from the Forums Manager regarding the “rules” and so forth. If you are feeling rather put upon, send me an Email and we’ll kick it about. Having fun is indeed what we’re here for, unfortunately, we’ve obviously been placed in the “persona non grata” category. Therefore, a move elsewhere will be explored if that’s what the majority wishes. Email – let’s keep it on Email.
Thank you Lars ‘n Pete for your thoughts and it’s best to vent and move on . . .
Tomorrow is gonna be a tough day for Moi, have to be away rather early and throughout the morning. So, if anyone out there can pitch in, tomorrow’s your chance. Thanx.
Acknowledgments:
CM3 at 9:09 AM yesterday: What year Pontiac Loved those Chieftans from the early 50s!
Lars at 4:19 PM yesterday: You hit “it” on the head with your analysis of “it”!
I’ve received a couple of Emails in support of what you’ve said and expect some others. So, let’s consider the options, Gents. I’m not going to throw myself into the cesspool of nay sayers and wrist wringers over this, but surely would much rather be where fun is paramount. Rewarding bad behavior is not my idea of the comfort zone we should be in.
James at 5:59 PM yesterday: Layout holds great promise of wonderful things to come. It’s nice to see the progress, keep it coming!
Mike at 7:00 PM yesterday: URLs Rule! As always, a fine bit of diversity and all with relevance fer sure, fer sure! That Greyhound terminal surely rings a bell. And Louis Marx probably did more for the American toy industry than A.C. Gilbert or Joshua Lionel insofar as affordability and availability of products were concerned. No doubt those making the purchases could fill far more stockings at Christmastime with his products than from the other two. However, when it comes to the trains – American Flyer and Lionel RULE!
Received your Email and responded – thanx!
Doug at 8:10 PM yesterday: Marx, Marx and more Marx!
Pete at 9:38 PM yesterday: Really takes a lot to send you over the edge and it appears that “it” did it! <grin> Well, you aren’t alone, Mate. Email is the way to continue this, though.
Received your Email and responded – thanx! Hope the ‘puter issues settle down. The Mrs. can always get a nite-job so you can purchase a state of the art system. Hey! That’s “it”!! YOU could provide us with the server needed to relocate the bar. <grin>
Eric at 12:31 AM today: Received your Email and responded – thanx! Appreciate your adding B’day info to our Watch List! Next revision is in January.
X2000 looks wonderful – sure wish the American and Canadian passenger rail systems were full of ‘em! Thanx!
Doug at 6:06 AM today: B’day Watch List info sent to you by Email . . .
It’s always been quality over quantity at this bar – or should have been. Anyway, there have been so many protracted absences ‘round here and repeated ones at that, whereby the continuity we once had simply isn’t. There’s no one who can say they have been here for every week of our existence. Some have been gone for months. But the positive spin is that we are STILL HERE. That’s the plus side of it. How much longer Your guess is as good as mine, but I see the warning signs.
CM3 at 8:21 AM today: A rather early start for our WVA connection, which probably means lots of outdoor activity, eh Nice short line “stuff” and the BBC will entertain our “Brits”!
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please, round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
General statement; keep telling yourself, it's only a hobby, it's only a hobby.
James; Thanks for the layout pictures. Junction is a good idea as it gives you a lot more operational possibilities. Someday, I'll get my stuff unpacked again.
Mike - Good URLs; I do miss Penn Station (in its old incarnation).
Barndad provided some fascinating Marx material. Your math scares me, but I think of what a buddy of mine said once, "I'm 30 with 30 years experience!" And my sainted mother used to say, "It's just a number, when do we eat?"
Pete sent us some wide-ranging comments. Direct your attention to the bottom of this post - maybe you have seen the story already, if not, you'll enjoy it, I think!
Eric - The B&A sign I recall was "back in the day." And I mean the 1950s.
We haven't done any short lines in awhile, so here are two of my favorites
Fernwood, Columbia and Gulf RR Co. (1969)
Ran from Columbia, MS to Fernwood, MS (44.14 miles) End point cities connected with the IC, and there were connections to the GM&O at W. Columbia and at Tylertown, MS.
The FC&G had a scheduled train each way daily xpt Sundays.
Train 95 (westbound) departed Columbia at 2:00 p.m. and arrived at Fernwood at 515 p.m.
Train 94 departed Fernwood at 1005 a.m. with a 1:00 p.m. arrival in Columbia.
The Bonhomie and Hattiesburg Southern RR Co. was owned by the same group.
They operated 26.9 miles from Hattiesburg to Beaumont, MS.
Interchanges were with the SOU and IC at Hattiesburg and with the GM&O at Beaumont, MS.
The B&HS had a scheduled train each way daily xpt Sundays.
Train 31 (southbound) departed Hattiesburg at 730 a.m. with an 836 a.m. arrival time at Beaumont.
Train 32 (northbound) left Beaumont at 9:00 a.m. with a 10:06 a.m. arrival at Hattiesburg.
Clearly an arrangement designed to maximize equipment use.
Their slogans were
"By-Pass Routes to Avoid Delay in Congested Places," and
"Safe Time and Money By Missing Bedlam and Confusion."
Almost forgot, BBC had an interesting post about a group in Britain who rescued a fine little steam switcher from the Zenica Steel Works in Sarajevo. They will be restoring and operating this beastie once they get it home. Go to BBC News site and you can read about it. I hesitate to give the link as it scrolls across the bottom of an 8½ x 11 page.
Work safe
Good morning Tom and friends! I’ll have a light breakfast please. Quite the outpouring of Marx material yesterday from ya’ll. I think we just about covered the subject. I personally never owned any Marx products, but I always knew they were out there. Never had any interest in it really, but some do, and that’s good enough for me. Now let me see if I have this birthday thing right. You take the month the guy was born, and multiply that by his current age, divide the result by 2006 and plot it on a spreadsheet. CM3 is never going to reach 61 years at this rate! I like my way better, where he is guaranteed to hit 61 in just a few weeks. It’s been mighty windy in these parts, as warm air is back. Nearly all my holiday decorations blew over. I just can’t keep the stuff standing this year. Visitors yesterday were CM3(twice), Lars, James, Mike, Peter, Eric and myself (twice). That makes 8 including Tom. Is that so bad? As for troubles with this forum, I avoid ‘em by typing in my wordprocessor, and pasting it here. Should the message get lost, it’s easily replaced. No biggie. Ya’ll have a great day. I must be off for work!
Good morning Captain Tom and all!!
Boris, just a cup of coffee, please! A short evening tonight but I had to stop by before hitting the sack. A lot of info about the Marx Trains!
Doug – Learned something new today. I can’t recall I ever heard about any Marx trains! 55 years of excistence (the original ones) and I managed to miss it! I have no clue what my toy train I had as a kid came from. But it certainly was a tin train. Tom – More Marx trains! I guess you could say that Marx was split up into small pieces. Sent a mail to you.CM3 – White sign with black letters? I did not see anything like it when I took the picture in 1993. It is probably in somebody’s collection now.Lars – I have checked Captain’s other thread a number of times and I like it, but there is no time over to post. I am involved in four other forums in the old country and that plus “Our” Place is taken all my spare time (and sometimes more). James – Thanks for the info about the Fairbanks-Morse locomotive in my picture. I’ll figure out what railroad it belonged to. Actually I had a quick look now and found that it belonged to New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad from the beginning. I can see that your layout is getting improved! The change is absolutely an improvement!
I understand that you did not know what the X2000 looked like? You have more about it on this link:
http://web.mac.com/ericx2000/iWeb/X2%20in%20USA/Welcome.html
Nice picture of the Greyhound station! I wonder what kind of engine they had in that tiny Milwaukee “locomotive”. Maybe James knows?Pete – Looking forward to see more pictures of your models of British locos!
Ready to take off!
After a couple of days of probs with the puter it seems to be better this evening if very slow at times allow me to pick the tab up for drinks please LEON for missing a great Santa Fe day and the 20th anniversary.
Many, many, thanks DOUG, CM3, BK, LARS, JAMES, ERIC MIKE and of course TOM for such great info pics and links on the Santa Fe, a trully great railroad and it was pure genious to come up with the Warbonnet livery on the Alcos and the EMD diesels, it would be interesting to know how many of the Santa Fe diesels have graced the covers of railway books world wide, I can recall some that were published in England. When I first came over to the U.S. in 2000 there was a few locos through Kansas City in the Santa Fe livery, not being on a BNSF line now it would be interesting to know if any of the new locos are still turned out in Santa Fe colors? In my opinion they are the best livery of the locos running today.
Hopefully we are going to KC for the new year and with a bit of luck I will be able to get to the recently opened Harvey House in Union station there.
I have a couple more models of British locos I shall take a couple of pics with the digital now I have got some more batteries.Very enjoyable posts about the Marx tinplate models from DOUG and TOM.
It would be a sure fire way today to become a millionaire today if you could invent the toy which would be a Christmas favourite, like the YO-YO, Must agree with James though, Donald the Demon is scary.
JAMES Your layout is looking Good and the locos in my pics are all 4 FT 8 inch gauge.
TOM. Although reading the posts has been a bit a struggle with the puter it as been very well worth it, although reading Bergie's "message" has not done any thing to improve my mood at all I am in total agreement with LARS.
At least my e-mail seems to be behaving, I got your latest message and will reply when I have cooled down over the Bergie thing.
Good evening Tom and friends. I'll have a bottomless draught, and buy the traditional round for the house. My bride just got home from work, so I must upload and run. Talk to ya'll tomorrow!
The New Marx Trains, as they're often called today, are manufactured by an enterprising couple - Jim and Debby Flynn - in Elmhurst, Illinois, rather than at a factory in Pennsylvania. Contemporary Marx Train production remains faithful to the processes used in making the original product line in virtually every respect, and the owners are quick to point out that, like its forerunners, the new Marx Trains are still "proudly made in the U.S.A." Today's locomotives are powered by motors that retain the time-honored reliability of their predecessors, but operate more quietly; the 1990's lithography is, if anything, an improvement on old methods, reflecting refinements that have occurred over the years; and today's Marx trains are assembled with individual care and greater finesse, rather than on a mass-production assembly line. Of course, a pocket full of loose change will no longer buy you one of these outfits, but if nostalgia beckons during the holiday season, it's gratifying to know that this traditional approach is still very much alive and readily available.
Original; Marx tinplate was in large part eminently affordable because the same basic tooling and components could be used to produce rolling stock in an array of configurations and color variations. Each Colorado & Southern refrigerator car has a distinctive appearance. All features on the car on the left are done in lithography. The car on the right has operating slide doors.
Original Marx trains have also developed a devoted following in the collector community. Not too many years ago, toy train collector interest was primarily focused on Lionel, American Flyer, and a few long-gone turn-of-the-century manufacturers such as Ives, Dorfan, and Hafner. Marx trains were fully intended to be inexpensive playthings for active youngsters, and they often did not survive the passing generations as did their cousins from Lionel of Flyer. But enough have survived to make the thrill of the hunt all the more intriguing to those who have rediscovered the other toys of their youth. And, since Marx almost never produced the type of colorful "wish book" annual catalogs that Lionel became noted for, ascertaining a Marx item's manufacture is yet another challenge that piques the interest of many collectors. The most reliable sources of information, it seems, are the much larger "wish book" Christmas catalogs published by Sears, Montgomery Wards, Spiegel, and others in the period before shopping centers and malls. Always the savvy and thrifty businessman, Marx wisely relied on these commercial giants to promote his product line in homes across America.
There's an irresistible charm in the tinplate toy trains that for so many years plied rail sets around countless Christmas trees. Perhaps it's that unmistakable toy-like look that invariably says "old" and by implication, "easier and better times." Or, maybe it's the comforting sounds these toys make as they circle the track - metal bodies attached to metal frames, mounted on metal trucks with metal wheels, rolling atop metal rails aligned with metal ties. Then again, it may have something to do with the bold, shiny colors adorning the lithographed locomotives, cars, and accessories. Most likely, it's a combination of all of these factors, blended in a harmonious union of sights and sounds perpetuating a colorful legacy as enthralling as our most fond memories.
Marx train layouts have always been well defended by an assortment of military rolling stock and related accessories. These items rank among the most popular and collectible of all Marx products.
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