"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[Anonymous]

Dogone it! I wanted to hang around but just got a call from a friend in distress. I'll try to get back here later on, after the disastrophy settles down. "A friend in need is a pain in the "PATOOT!" See Y'as soon, Ted

[Anonymous]

Greetings and Salutations All; Tom, a round on me and one of my Guiness if ya please. Ted, I hoist my mug to you and all the lads who wore the uniforms of this great nation. It matters not what uniform you wore; to me we're all brothers. Nuff said! Gunns Kevin; glad to see the old gal gettin fixed up proper. It breaks my heart to see any of our railroad pieces go the way of the blast furnace. Save 'em all sez I! I hoist my glass to everyone fixin' her up. BTW Ted, a bit of the hair of the dog that bit ya might be in order, nes pas?(Sp??) Today, I'm building a water tower outta odd pieces and bits for the up coming garder RR, gotta let the glue fumes clear a bit, so I thought I'd come in for a cold one and some of the finest company I know of. Thanx for the warm welcome everbody! Will return a bit later for more. Jeff

[siberianmo]

G'day Ted

Now, that's the spirit awwwwwright! A trip to the Rat's Patoot Room! will do you quite well. [swg] We'll be here for you upon your return, and of course a cold beverage waiting as well! [tup]

It's Saturday, Ssssssss Saturday, Ssssssss Saturday, Ssssssss Saturday nite's alright! Steak 'n fries on the menu - cut and cooked to order. See ya later. [tup]

Oh [yeah], almost forgot - you won the Best Toasts Prize for your efforts yesterday! [wow][swg][tup] So, you've got the Penthouse Suite for a weekend nite ... you and ....... whoever! [}:)][:-,] Lucy has been asking me if you won. Hmmmmmm [?]

Tom[4:-)][oX)][}:)]

[siberianmo]

G'day Lordhawke Jeff

Good to see you again - 3rd time is a charm someone once said! [swg]

A Guiness it is and Boris ring the bell our new friend, Jeff has sprung for the drinks! Thanx! [tup]

Appreciate that toast to our military members - makes me feel good to know that someone does appreciate the time many of us served ...... Mine was a 32-year career - so it was my job. My hat's always off to those who took the time to give a little back to a country that has provided so much for all. Two years - four years - makes no difference to me. If anyone is at the bar who is a Vet from this side or the other side of the pond - the drinks are on me! Boris do it again! [tup]

So you're a Garden Railroader, eh[?] I don't want to lose you to the competitors, but by now you surely know that the forums have Garden Railway discussions. My LGB is restricted to use around the Christmas tree - two sets - one frieght, one passenger - both Euro in appearance. Makes the season even brighter with them running 'round the tree in opposite directions. [;)]

Interesting profile you've posted .... [tup] That's the way to do it! [yeah]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good Evenin' All; I'm trying to catch up on your "light" reading (lol) I wish I could have done alot of the RRing you have done Tom, it sounds like I missed quite a bit of fun. I did get to ride a steam train from Cal. when I was about 4 yrs old, and would you believe it, I remember some of it? I remember my Mom got off the train in Barstow with me and my baby Sis. Seems to me the Locomotive was a 4-6-4 . Don't remember how many cars there were, but I remember they were very shiny. I used to do HO but the eyes got to the point where I can't see to do the level of detail I like to do, so I went directly to F scale (1:20.3) I seem to like narrow gauge for some strange reason. Must be the "kid" in me. Btw, before I forget (AGAIN!) A rousing toast on the success of "OUR PLACE" I hope it's around for a very long time! I'm only sorry to have missed its' grand opening. Congrats to you Tom for having the idea and for sharing it with those of us who love trains in whatever shape or age they may belong to. I have asked my sis to help me get my Mom to share some of my "Pappy's" RR stories. I can only remember one at the moment: Seems that when Pappy was a youngster he hired on the D&RG as a Call Boy. One morning in the wee wee hours he went to call out a train crew for their run. In those days, crews slept in a section house by the round house; and because it was all men, ladies weren't allowed in the bunk house. My Pappy went in and slapped the engineer on the behind with the call book and said it was time to rise and shine. You can imagine his discomfiture when the engineer's wife popped her head out of the covers and giggled at him, since it was HER behind he had whacked with the Call Book! Seems the engineer had invited his new bride to spend the evening with him in the bunkhouse. She was a good sport about it, because later, when she had her own home, she baked my Pappy an Apple Pie and had him come in and eat what he could and take the rest with him. That's a true story from the old days in Trinidad Colo. I'll have to retell that one later and add what I've probably forgotten because if I remember correctly, it seemed to be longer when my Pap told it. Well, I guess I've babbled on long enuff. Hope I didn't bore anyone to sleep. Hate it when that happens! See y'all later. Jeff

[Anonymous]

P.S. Don't worry about losing me to the competition, far as I'm concerned, ya don't have any competition! Jeff

[siberianmo]

Hello Lordhawke Jeff

Perhaps we should call you Nite Hawk given the lateness of the hour! [swg] Good to see you once again.

We've had a massive power failure here in the St. Louis area due to some severe weather passing through late this afternoon. Everything went dark for over 100,000 folks around 4:40 PM and stayed that way up until about a half hour ago. Fortunately, I'm one of those people who tries to anticipate the worst - the 5,000 Watt AC generator I bougbht about 5 years ago surely came in handy! Hopefully, the crews workking through the night will get things back to normal ASAP. Don't envy 'em, but sure appreciate their work! [tup][tup][tup]

Appreciate the kind remarks. If you think my RRing is something - you ain't seen nothing yet. passengerfan Al is A-number one when it comes to that subject. I seriously doubt whether this guy has worked a day in his life - must have been born with a Gold Pass to all of the major RR's, for he's ridden 'em all! [swg]

Ok - Al I know you've worked - but man oh man have you ever logged some serious passenger RR miles in your time. [;)]

That's a great story regarding your Pappy and just the kind we like 'round here! I can well imagine the look on his face when he discovered what he had done and to whom! [swg]

I'm connected tonite via my dial-up, as the cable hi-speed went out with the rest of the power. The phone stayed working - but the dial-up server was out. Just came back a bit ago. What a nite ...... [wow] I've got cables strung all over the house to power a freezer, fridge, TV, lamps and fans. Now it's time to unplug and get back to normal.

See ya!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

P.S. Lordhawke Jeff

In all seriousity (an "Our" Place word [swg]) - there's lots of great stuff to particpate in on many of the other forums. I'm happy that you're comfortable with us and hope that you stick around for a long time. So, let's not call it competition so much as simply some other topics to wet your whistle.

Undoubtedly you'll discover that there are many cyber folks out there more interested in racking up their numbers count than providing meaningful information and interaction. We've had one or two stop by here - but they've not returned. [yeah]

So - enjoy your experience with as many as you can find who share your interest in trains - real or model. [tup]

G'nite! [zzz]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

SUNDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

We’re CLOSED on SUNDAY’s, however, your messages may be dropped in the mail slots on either set of front doors! They’ll surely be read. [tup]

News of the Day:

(1) repeat Tuesday, Aug 16th is Ted’s 67th Birthday The Birthday Bash begins at 8 PM (Eastern), right here! Plan to be online as close to the appointed hour as possible! [tup]

(2) repeat Some HELP needed: I will NOT be here on Tuesday and most of Wednesday. That means, you regulars will have to pinch hit. The guys who are in the Order of the Permanent Stools Club have behind the bar access – so while you’re there – take care of the patrons! [yeah] Thanx in advance.


SUMMARY:
Name - Date/Time - (Page#) - Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Aug 2005, 02:11:20 (74) Saturday’s News & Summary

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Aug 2005, 08:38:01 (74) Hours & Food Service at “Our” Place

(3) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 13 Aug 2005, 08:51:44 (74)

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Aug 2005, 11:32:59 (74) ]reply to Theodorebear

(5) earlydiesels Dan Posted: 13 Aug 2005, 12:00:09 (74)

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Aug 2005, 12:23:55 (74) reply to earlydiesels

(7) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 13 Aug 2005, 12:51:33 (74)

(8) Lordhawke Jeff Posted: 13 Aug 2005, 14:42:18 (74)

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Aug 2005, 15:44:32 (74) reply to Theordorebear

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Aug 2005, 15:58:28 (74) reply to Lordhawke

(11) Lordhawke Jeff Posted: 13 Aug 2005, 23:54:30 (74)

(12) Lordhawke Jeff Posted: 14 Aug 2005, 00:08:24 (74)

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 14 Aug 2005, 00:20:58 (74) reply to Lordhawke

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 14 Aug 2005, 00:29:01 (74) reply to Lordhawke

=======================================
That’s it! [tup][;)]
Tom (Siberianmo) [4:-)] [oX)]
Proprietor of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!

[trolleyboy]

Morning everyone. I popped in early to make sure that bors's water dish was full. Found his dolly beside it apparently they have had a falling out of sorts so Ted you may need to " patch things up as it were " Russell sorry to hear about your freinds house a couple months ago the house right behind me went completely up ( thankfully no one was home at the time ) Ted Your photo's and efforts aren't as bad as you think, I really like the interurban car ( there's a supprise )It isn't very hard to convert them to jpegs so I can still post some of them let me know. I know you were worried about them but they really are quite good[tup] Hope your friends disastrophy wasn't too bad.Jeff I'm glad you have taken root here we needguys just like you. If you doget a chance to check the museum site some nice work going on there by Gunns and others. I will warn you thought if you are on dial up some of the pictures are big and it can be slow to load ( I haven't been able to log onto page one for the better part of a week ) Sprry guy's I haven't abandoned it I'm just waitung for page two then i'll jump back on. Tom I've been giving the rats patoot room a good working over the last couple of days myself.Do we need to get you boris's country insomnia rememdy?I've had quite a few short power interuptions here the last couple of days myself. On the upside it's been raining for three days including this morning. the downside it's made it muggy and uncomfortable.[tdn] Since it's rainy and awfull Heatjer and I are going to head out to the museum and see if we can't do some work in the restoration barn. works restarted on TP-11 painting and reassembly,painting on large whitt 2424 and ongoing roof,vestibule and windowsash work on interurban 416. Going to be a prductive fall and winter I think at least untill the funding runs low. have a good weekend everyone,see you Monday hopefully. Rob

[siberianmo]

G'mornin' Rob

As usual, I'm here this Sunday AM, straightening up the place. Closed on Sunday's but the upkeep by the barkeep goes on ...... [swg]

Looks like this latest version of our summer blast furnace has passed on ... now we're having the rainfall and milder temps 'round here. Heard that nearly 1/4 million were without power because of the storms - over 100,000 at one time. Life goes on .... we were somewhat of an Oasis in the midst of the darkened area - lights in our house, TV on, fans blowing - nothing like camping in. That 5000 Watt AC generator did the trick ....... [tup] All's back to normal.

Perhaps I'll get those S-gauge pictures posted - finally.

Okay - 'nuf of that ...... see ya in the 'morrow!

By the by - I hope you'll help out in my absence - Tuesday and most of Wednesday!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

G' Mornin' All; Thought I'd drop this note in on the way to the "engine House" (garage) Hope everybody's feelin well and healthy. Happy Birthday (early) Ted, wish ya many more. Hope I can be here Tue nite for the bash, but will prolly be stuck in the truck. Thanx for the warm welcome Rob. Sure would like to see how Kevin and his cohorts are comin' on Ol' 2926. Maybe I'll get lucky and get a load to the Duke City, and wander on by the place. Sad, but true, not all the stories from my Pappy are happy and /or funny; but they are all history. Will share them as they become available. Have a happy Sunday All. Later, Jeff

[siberianmo]

G'mornin' Lordhawke Jeff

That's a cool cyber name for sure! Perhaps one of the best yet ...... some history behind it that you'd llke to share [?]

Just about to get outta here when I saw your post drop thru the slot ...... Every now 'n then I wonder about Sunday's - but, I'm a firm believe in having one out of seven for God - family and self. [yeah]

Should you have the opportunity on Tuesday - regardless of the time - stop by and drop a note on Ted - I'm sure the Old Fart will appreciate it! [swg]

See ya! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Okay model railroaders at "Our Place, here are those pix I promised of the newly arrived final order of S-gauge stuff for the ceiling suspended layout: (click to enlarge)

MoPac GP-35








Remainder of the pix are on my photo album:
http://www.railimages.com/gallery/thomasweber
Go to pages 5 & 6 ......

Enjoy the day!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good Mornin' everybody, "all's well that ends well" and that can be said for my old "friend in need," Tom's "black out," Russell's temporary "set back," Chris' convalescence, Dave's transfer and Lordhawke Jeff's "Pappy" story. Jeff, that story speaks volumes for true railroad folks and families, thanks for sharing it. Mr. Tom, I dropped in to lend a hand with the mop and vacuum. However, Jeff's advise about "the hair of the dog..." steers me mighty close to the Crown Royal blue velvet bag, okay?

Rob, splendid fellow! Sure, if you think some of my efforts are worthy of "Our" Place- -post all you see fit and thanks.[:D] 'Guess I can remove this "sack cloth and ashes" now.[:-^] Hey, glad to hear #2424 and #216 are shaping up in good order. Great pix hereabouts all through last week. Sure do appreciate 'em, thanks gentlemen.[tup] Kinda makes my HO and G guage labors seem...well...Sissyfied.{Sp.?)

Tom, I appreciate the coveted and prestigious "Best Toasts Prize." Lucy, eh? Hmmm, indeed! Great Granny's garters, at vintage 67, I'd better increase my dated life insurance coverage.[:O] "What a way to go!"[}:)] There will be no Rats Patoot Room for this cowboy. Say, I would like to echo Tom's gratitude for all those who honored past and present military service people, it really means a lot, thank you.

Okay Tom, we've 'bout got this Istablishment "standing tall." [oops]But what's that? Gadfrey Daniel! [b]Boris filled "Dolly" with helium after the patch job. How are we going to get her down from the Village: audi, gymna, recre, congra, pastoral steeple?[:(!]

[Anonymous]

Me again! See what happens when you miss one little %#& #%&^@ [/B]?

[siberianmo]

Howdy Ted

Great Gobs of Goose Glop - I can't get away from "Our" Place ..... [swg]

I was going to spend a quiet day at the cabin, just an hour's drive up the mountain road - 'round the bend, and katiwampus from the gravel road leading down into Can-Am gorge. Anyway, had to come back to pick up Boris and Leon - seems they just love runnin' loose in those woods. [X-)] Saw the notes on the floor ........

Okay - so where are we with this stuff [?] Ted's got a thirst - so quench it! If you're inside the door - you know where the bottles are! Drop whatever you think it's worth in the cash drawer. [tup]

By the by, appreciate your offer to help with the clean up - but we did it earlier! Was very quiet last evening - hardly anyone out in the storms that raged through. So, it was a proverbial piece of cake to take care of ...... [tup]

My thoughts regarding model railroading generally can be summed up this way: If it pleases you, then it's well worth the cost and effort ..... Amen! The rivet counters be made to walk the plank - arrrrggghh [oX)] - this here railroad was built to satisfy me - not you! [swg]

Don't quite know what's going on with Boris and his favorite Doll - better off not asking, methinks! [%-)]

Pick up the key to the Penthouse and enjoy! Lucy awaits ......... [}:)][;)][:-,]

See ya in the 'morrow! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Gunns]

Sliping one in through the slot...

Hi All,
New update at the museum thread, and where do I put this order of stuff from New Mexico? <10,000 tortillas and 500 lb of spicy pork>
Have fun,
Gunns

[siberianmo]

Hey Gunns

Just happened by on my return with the boyz Boris 'n Leon and saw your note. Looks like Nick is lurkin' in the background - he'll surely know where to stow that food you've brought in ...... If not, there's a refrigerated box car over at the CP yards that we use for bulk orders. Can't miss it - let your nose be your guide! [swg]

See ya tomorrow! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

Well good evening one and all, before I reply to the matters outstanding,might I trouble you all with a slightly sombre theme. Today is V.J. Day over here,and, knowing that many of you have served,in one way or another,might I ask you to raise a toast with me to my Grandfathers ( Vimy ridge,Amiens & Pashendaele wood ) and my Uncles ( 6th army,Burma,L.R.D.P.G [desert rats],North Africa,R.A.F Lancaster navigator night raids) and all those who,along with them,had the b*lls to do what was needed.........Gentlemen, I thank you....to freedom,at any cost... O.K, back to fresh air and fun,well things seem to have returned to normal with the return of the Memsahib & small tyrant from family visiting so will try to catch up TOM-hello my friend,in no particular order-EMails-have received 2 `group circular` ones from you,none from anywhere else,both received some weeks after posting. Sport-I only work in the bar,my idea of exercise is a vigorous frame of snooker. T.E.E train-I think I did post the site with the shots on {you might want to check the summaries......[:-,][:-,][:-,] } but will look it out again,have found a couple more shots since. CHRIS-nice to see ya mate! hope you`re improving by the day-looks like Wolfman beat me to the drop on the Brit steam query. if interested I seem to remember posting some detail on Gresley A3 & A4 pacifics somewhere around the pge20-30 point of this thread as part of a speed record discussion (or possibly monologue)-more available if required,be well [tup] WOLFMAN -Hi-a bottle of strange Yorkshire bitter for you-thanks for picking up on the Gresley thing,saved me a good 2 hrs of rummaging through the bookcase !!!! GUNNS-I`m in a wee village called LLANGWM which is about five miles up the Western Cleddau river from Milford Haven & Pembroke Dock-Used to live in West Glamorgan(on the Gower Penninsula,just west of Swansea)-if you can find out which towns your people came from,I can prob. find some sites for you to surf to get a feel for where you`re from-let me know Hey,hey,hey--MR BEAR !!!-Ted,good to hear from you-now as manager I may need to call on you here. I slip through the door with no more idea in place than to abuse my staff priveleges R.E drink for toasts and what do I find ?--Boris up in the woods at a clan gathering,Leon away at his regular needlepoint & cross stitch class( I understand he`s a very competant teacher ) and a bloody great mountain of spiced meat and Tortillas all over my lovely clean kitchen..........................RIGHT, I will be needing at least 3 clean aprons,my chinese cleaver,a glass of warm milk with 1 Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee bean ground onto it. all the freezer bags we can muster,a space clearing in the back bedroom for the tortillas 3 or possibly 4 beers plus a tiny pinch from the jar on the top shelf marked "Mexican Red,extreme situations only" ,then please lock the door behind you....to quote the noble Capt. Oates-"I may be some time" P.S-TOM, should be available for general duties Tues from about 6.00 P.M. your time,regards to all,nick[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

Hello Nick

Appreciate your taking the time, once again, to share some thoughts with us and of course, entertain one and all with your fantastic sense of humor (humour). What would "Our" Place be without our Cast of Characters[?] [swg]

A toast to the Vets, one and all, who suffered through the final and complete victory in the Pacific campaigns of WWII. To Nick's kin and all those from the four corners of the world who fought so long and hard! [tup][tup][tup] To those who never made it home - may the world never witness such horrors again. [tup][tup][tup]

Glad to know that the Emails got through ...... Replies would help! [banghead][;)] .... and, I'll have to research (again) for that Dutch loco ....... however, I do think I've come across it, incidental to these threads. Nice looking machine, if I recall.

Tsk, tsk - I do think you've confused Leon with someone else - needlepoint and cross stitching?[%-)] I'd think not. I found Leon - shoeless and fresh off a brawl with 6 rather imposing fellows over at the CP yards employee's recreation and slaughter house (aka: break room). Anyway, he had just cleaned house - so to speak - and was heard to mutter, All I wanted was a piece of ash for my camp fire when everything broke loose in the joint as the barmaid took offense ........ Needlepont and cross stitching - methinks NOT! [swg] No, Leon the Night Man is that breed of cat who speaks little, stands tall, and carries a very large stick. NTBMW is embroidered on his shirt - Not To Be Messed With for a good reason! By the by, never - but never - make any remarks regarding his Jump Boots. First pair of shoes he's ever had .... thinks of 'em as kin. [swg]

Now, now - don't let Gunns Kevin and his New Mexico fixin's get you going! As I said - we've got plenty of storage over at the CP yards - that reefer car is ours, so don'[t sweat the small stuff! Insofar as your supplies - just draw the cash from the bath tup upstairs to the left of the 2nd door to the right ..... It's the funds that have been accumulating since my rail trips last May - yours for the taking!

As far as the boyz messin' up the kitchen - well THAT does deserve a bit of rancor! It was rather funny when I dropped them off this afternoon - Boris seemed intent on finding his dollie whereas Leon kept muttering, hungry - hungry - gotta eat. Turn 'em to - work 'em 'til it's clean to your satisfaction. After all, you are Chief Chef 'round here [C=:-)]

Very much appreciate your comnitment to Tuesday evening ... a real help indeed! You may want to keep in mind that Lucy seems a bit smitten with our Birthday Boy, Ted and he's got the key to the Penthouse Suite! [}:)][:-,] Won it as the prize for the "Best Toasts" in connection with our 4th month anniversary on the 12th.

[wow] Can't believe I've meandered so much tonite ...... time to move along.

Be seein' ya!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

MONDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

Good Morning All! Another new day and time for a hot cuppa Joe, some fine breakfast goodies from The Mentor Village Bakery and perhaps a light breakfast as well. [yeah]

A quiet Sunday and a good time to get those batteries recharged ……. [swg]

News of the Day:

(1) repeat Tomorrow, Aug 16th is Ted’s 67th Birthday The Birthday Bash begins at 8 PM (Eastern), right here! Plan to be online as close to the appointed hour as possible! [tup]

(2) repeat Some HELP needed: I will NOT be here tomorrow and most of Wednesday. That means, you regulars will have to pinch hit. The guys who are in the Order of the Permanent Stools Club have behind the bar access – so while you’re there – take care of the patrons! [yeah] Thanx in advance.

(3) Given that the ‘puter Gremlins don’t follow me to Dallas, I’ll try to log in from the hotel room tomorrow nite …….. [tup]. They advertise hi-speed access – so, I’ll soon find out.

SUMMARY:
Name - Date/Time - (Page#) - Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 14 Aug 2005, 00:33:36 (74) Sunday’s News & Summary

(2) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 14 Aug 2005, 06:59:35 (74)

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 14 Aug 2005, 08:29:13 (74) reply to Trolleyboy

(4) Lordhawke Jeff Posted: 14 Aug 2005, 10:00:37 (75)

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 14 Aug 2005, 10:37:30 (75) reply to Lordhawke

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 14 Aug 2005, 11:07:40 (75) S-gauge pix

(7) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 14 Aug 2005, 11:21:07 (75)

(8) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 14 Aug 2005, 11:32:15 (75) cyber expletives!

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 14 Aug 2005, 13:17:15 (75) reply to Theordorebear

(10) Gunns Kevin Posted: 14 Aug 2005, 18:33:05 (75)

(11) siberianmo Tom Posted: 14 Aug 2005, 19:10:28 (75) reply to: Gunns

(12) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 14 Aug 2005, 21:34:03 (75)

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 14 Aug 2005, 23:24:55 (75) reply to nickinwestwales

=======================================
That’s it! [tup][;)]
Tom (Siberianmo) [4:-)] [oX)]
Proprietor of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!

[Anonymous]

G'Mornin' everybody, Tom just a hot mug of "unleaded" please. Well tomorrow is the travel day to "Big D," eh? Enjoy the vintage R.D.C.'s on the Trinity; we will be thinking of you (green with envy). Thanks for the good wishes Jeff.[:D] Ironically, I have a medical appt. tomorrow a.m. that couldn't be changed. I'll be ready for a good "toot" by tomorrow night. Nick, I can understand your disorientation from the Cactus Express delivery. Oh yes, the aprons and bags are on the way. Take all the time you need ala Capt. Oates. With the "Mexican Red..." plus 3 or 4 beers, that "time" may be considerable.

Gunns, if the "spiced pork" is any where near as good as the B.B.Q. I enjoyed in Albq. (behind the Dairy Queen) just down from the I-State; we won't need "space." I'll take it home with me![dinner] BTW, the "bean bandit" Cafe in "Old Town" has the best Huevos Rancheros in all Christendom.[^] I bunked down at the 6 Days Inn, next to the B.B.Q. joint for quick access. I hope you and Jeff can "do lunch" if you meet-up "on the road."

Today, I want to join the others in recognizing the sacrifice made by free people all over the world during W.W. II. There are no words to describe the enormous persoanl debt we all owe them. Perhaps just knowing their great accomplishment would be their own best reward. May we live to see the enemies of free people vanquished once again, wherever they threaten. Hear, hear!

Okay, I'll close this morning with best regards to one and all. See you tomorrow if you can find the time to drop in. Boris and Leon should be reason enough for a passing glance just out of curiosity, don't you think?[alien] Happy rails, Ted

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom How about a coffeee and some of the diet goodies from The Mentor Bakery.
Well buried myself over the weekend to digest all of the information in that packet i received and will share all of it with the California Railroad Museum soon as I get it all transferred to Disk.
Once again I thank whoever sent the information it has taken the entire weekend and 40 oz. of CR to sort it out and categorize the gift. Like every other piece of information I receive that is rail related i plan to share all with the California State Rairoad Museum. I am letting the museum know the info came form an unknown source that wishes to remain anonymous and the information is far to valuable not to share.
Sorry for not getting near "Our" Place over the weekend but being a writer I sometimes have to lock myself away without distractions and that is just what I did.
Did take the time to read through the postings. Noticed you can't stay away from the place on Sundays either Tom so i don't feel badly about being incomunicato over the weekend.
Well time to get ready for the office willl be back to share some information on streamliners this afternoon. Noticed the picture of the 4-8-4 pulling the passenger train and when I enlarged the photo I noticed their were lightweight cars and heavyweight cars in the consist. My guess is the train pictured is the Scout and the consist was wartime and was a section of that train as their is no baggage cars in picture so would go even further and bet that it was the second section of the Scout all coach trailing the first section that was all Pullman with the baggage and mail cars.

[siberianmo]

Good Morning Ted

Kinda thought you'd be here to start the day! [tup] One hot unleaded Joe comin' up ..... sure you wouldn't like a wee bit of of something else with it [?]

Yes - a significant date in history as Japan surrendered 60 years agao, and WWII came to a successful conclusion in the Pacific. My toasts are included in my reply to Nick - scroll up .......

[yeah] Airborne enroute Big-D at oh-dark-thirty .... early arrival means more time with *** and the DART/Trinity RDC's. This outta be a lot of fun ....... looking forward to it. [swg]

Speaking of rail trips - when are you departing for yours [?] For awhile there, it seemed that you had solidified plans for a trip. I'm sitting on a voucher from Amtrak for a rather paltry sum - but sufficient to defray the costs of a round trip between where I am and KCity, MO. Been putting it off - as the Union Pacific has been rather unfriendly these years with shuffling Amtrak off to siding after siding - thereby turning the scheduled 12 hour roundtrip (including turnaround in KC) into a nightmare. It's really a pleasant trip - nice scenery and comfortable accommodations in business class. Really like to do this ......

I'll be away from the 'puter for most of the late morning and early afternoon. So, Cindy has offered to watch the store in my absence. She'll be here around 10 AM (Central) Be kind to her - guys! [}:)][:-,]

See ya later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Good Morning passengerfan Al

Weekends are for whatever flicks your switch - if sequestering yourself in your work does it for you - awwwwwright! [tup]

Hope to see you 'round here for the Ted's Birthday Bash tomorrow at 8 PM (Eastern) - that should be early enough for guys your age out on the left coast! [swg]

Also, your help 'round here will be appreciated tomorrow and Wednesday ... [tup]

Enjoy the day!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Good morning Tom I now i'm not usually around this early but hey how can one stay away from a joint like this. I'll share the unleaded with Ted and some of the not so diet pastries. Al/b]you must let us all know how you manage to nab all the diet pastries[?]Nick , Tom , Ted, Jeff let me join you in raising a glass to the vets, departed and still with us. As some of you may know canada buried the last living canadian VC winner over the weekend Smokey Smith he fought of what was apparently an entire column of panzers during the italian campaign saving most of the Glengary highlanders of Canada in the process. Every nov 11th he would fly in from Vancouver and take part in the Rememberance day services in Ottawa and then have tea and wiskey at Rideau hall with the Governor General.He was quite a character and will be missed. Nick you mentioned Vimy Ridge& Pachendale, I would like to add the Somme and Ypres in the first world war and Hong Kong in the second. Canada left many brave soles behind and changed many other's in those terrible battles.Now more than ever we need to remember and support the vets as the first war ones are all but gone and the second war vets are all 80+.A [tup] pat on the back for your uncles in bomber comand Ted i hope to meet up with you on your birthday eve. One suggestion for recuing the "dolly" would be to first tranquilize Boris, then I'll lend you a BB gun.We'll get her back down and then back into "plastic surgery".[swg] My next suggestion would be to then put a lock on her valvesso that no more foreign gas can be instilled.[b]Dan or any one looking for some large bits of railroadianna (sp) If you go onto CN's website they are in the process of selling off several BC rail bits and pieces. SD40's RS18's freight cars the whole shebang. well folks I'm off and running work this aft,hopefully I'll pop back in later. Rob

[trolleyboy]

Well look at that I developed Ted's aflicton.[oops] Oh well. Tom[/b] Nice new s stuff as well.I would have to say by the apparent look of quality they were worth the wait.Soooo when does the CNR f units and Via train and coaches materialize in the "S-pire"? You could do a good job of traction in that guage as well!!! [:D][swg] Rob

[Anonymous]

Good morning Y'all. It is good to be back in hot Texas after a refreshing two weeks in the cool Maritimes of Canada. We flew to Montrael and took the overnight Ocean to Halifax and returned the same way. I have finally found a bathroom that is smaller than those on the airlines--the bathrooms in the compartments. They tend to be a little cozy. Had a surprise when we went to the Halifax station for the trturn trip on Wednesday. There were two Oceans on the tracks. Since they do not run an Ocean on Wednesday Tuesday's arrival in Halifax will be Thursday's departure. The second set had the Renissance equipment, but due to popular demand a Budd observation dome car was on the end. There is hope after all.

We tried to sleep on the return trip bedding down about midway between Moncton and Campbelltown. Did not get much sleep until after Campbelltown and were back on CN rails. CN has sold off the line between Campbelltown and Moncton to two short lines, Chemin de Fur Montagaslpa Gulf and New Brunswick East Coast, and their maintenance standards are not up to those of CN. We had squeaks and rattles in our car that I did not know were possible until we got back on CN rails. VIA is considering switching to the CN line through Edmonston for the better track, however, the train is the only means of public transportation for some of the stops. We would see 30 to 50 perople getting on at each station stop. Did VIA miss out and not have a clause regarding maintaining the tracks to the standards as on the day of VIA startup? Amtrak had such a clause in their contracts with the US railroads.

Sorry I will miss the birthday ba***omorrow. Tom and I will be playing with the RDCs in Dallas.

Visited a couple of railroad museums on the trip. One interesting onw was in Hillsbouro on the road to Louisbourg from Sydney. This was the Salem and Hillsbouro railroad which ran a dinner excursion train on part of the old Sydney and Louisbourg railroad. They are shut down from operating the dinner train due to lack of insurance. (Darn lawyers have struck again!) One interesting piece of equipment was a double headed wedge snow plow. It had a cupola in the center with a wedge plow on each end. I guess it snows so hard in Canada that they need to run the plow back to the yard after the enging is switched to the rear. I did get a picutre of it and will post it after I get my camera unloaded (and figure out how to post a photo).

All for now. The work is a foot deep on my desk as no one did it for me during my absence.

Cheers,
***

[Trainnut484]

Good afternoon Tom and everyone [:)] Cindy I'll have a Miller Lite and a sandwich.

The house wasn't burned as bad as we thought. All 4 rooms upstairs were hit by the fire. Of course the worst rooms were one of the bathrooms and a bedroom where the fire started. Nothing left of the ceiling, but the roof and the rafters are still there. The upstairs was well insulated and the fire dept had put out "flame-ups" caused by the insulation and other things. I couldn't stand up there too long because the smell was still so strong. Kitchen downstairs received water damage. Living and dining rooms are ok. The cause of it is still unknown, but neighbors say they heard a loud POP and then saw flames coming out of the windows. My wife's friend has great insurance and the house will be redone. No one was home at the time.

Dan, sorry I didn't have time to email you. The purpose of the trip wasn't for fun, really for moral support. We also visited some family. BUT, I did manage to catch a couple of trains over the weekend. One of them, a westbound, I took a couple of pics from the walkover bridge. My good fortune an ol' warbonnet was in the lead.



Going away shot. My wife's friend's house is just on the other side of the grain elevator on the right side. The shops are a little further West.


For those who aren't familiar with the Springfield, MO area, here's a pic of the bridge, which goes back to around 1902 and is a registered landmark (actually it's of a gondola but the only one I took that had the bridge in it [;)]), a little stone memorial mentioning the landmark, and a yard.








Take care,

Russell