"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[West Coast S]

Aternoon Tom and the gang, welcome back Tom, trust all is well?

UP unvailed the heritage MKT scheme today, gawd awful doesn't begin to describe it, congradulations on reaching a new low I did not think even possible, I believe it is time to consider drug rehab for whoever came up with these designs, please UP, for the sake of the railfan community and those of us with fond memories of what you attempt to replicate, seek treatment as soon as possible, before any more [censored] Heritage schemes are let loose among the population.

A round of jack for the house, three tolls of the bell and a moment of silence as we raise our glasses in a salute for ole' Katy, may you and others so long departed rest in peace and may the Yellow Borg not besmirch your glory or memory.

Dave

[passengerfan]

Welcome Back Tom. How about a CR and a round for the house.
Glad the place got put back together before your return. I didn't mention it before but I certainly did like your latest S Gauge aquisitions. Just wish I had the room, but then I would never get any work done on my book. Will keep this short as I have things to do this evening. Am going to Amtrak and plead for some help to fini***he book and also you mentioned you might have a name or two at Via would appreciate any help . Thx Al

[siberianmo]

Hi Guys!

Just returned from mowing the south forty before tomorrow's high temps, humidity and wet grass sets in. Nothing like cutting grass as it gets dark 'n darker. Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, [yeah] swat! [swg]

Nick Thanx for the rundown on our man Boris - I'll have to save that for future use ......

Chris Thanx for the Email w/pix .... responded today! [tup]

Trainnut484 Russell Thanx for the grat participation for Ted's Birthday Bash! [tup][tup][tup] I read the article you posted regarding heritage and understand where you're coming from . Appreciate the fact that you took the time to clue us in ...... [swg]

West Coast S Dave How do you really feel regarding UP's nostalgia paint jobs[?] Several pages ago I posted some info regarding the possibility that this may be due to litigation that has gone against UP. I'm not into this kinda aspect of RRding, but these days - who knows[?] Doesn't bother me as much as many others - although once a flag is retired - well that's where it should remain. Thanx for the round! [tup][tup][tup]

passengerfan Al I checked some of my old E-files and haven't come up with what I'm looking for. I changed out hard drives about 3 months ago - perhaps it's on that one. There is one guy in particular up in Ottawa who is an Oracle when it comes to VIA Rail. I'd like to put you in touch wiith him. I'll surely not forget you! Thanx for the round! [tup][tup][tup]

Trolleyboy Rob Forgot![?] What![?] Well, are you back in the deep kimshee once again! How can this cyber bar 'n grill perk along without one of our Charter Members being present on siginficant dates{?] Oh [yeah] - work - sure - great excuse!! [swg] I've got some pix that you are going to go bonkers over - however, as I mentioned earlier - I've got to figure out how to enhance them sufficiently for posting.

Oklay guys - I see that Leon the Night Man has strolled in - shiny Jump Boots, party hat from last night, and a white cummerbund from his tuxedo. Hmmmmmm - this guy must have gone to the Boris School of Men's Fashion.

See ya, maybe a bit later on!!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Evening folks. Tom I do whole heartedly apologize for missing the bulk of the party.kimshee kimshaw as they say somewhere ( probably boris's home town )[swg][swg][:O] Ted Glad you liked the pictures of old #12. That is shot at Port stanley in 1945. The soldiers were heading out west in preperations for joining tiger force which was earmarked for the invasion of Japan.Thankfully they were not needed. By the By we have old #8 it's sister at the museum in pristine operable condition. She is the museum's crown jewel. #14 still exist's as well at the Elgin county musuem in St Thomas but she is a non refurbished shell. #10 is at Delson in Montreal but I understand that she also is in sad shape. tom I await for the pictures with which you plan on driving me crazy. I assume that they are ***'s streetcars from down town Big D. hopefully they let you ride the Birney safety car [tup][:D] Well gents I'm away for now coffee and danish in hand. I'll need to nuke both though i think they must have been left over from breakfast. [:O][XX(] Rob

[trolleyboy]

hi I/ve popped back in for a refill/ irish coffee i think [burp][oops] dave i agree with you on that katy paint job [wow] not too pretty. I wonder if the designer had a long standing LSD problem[?] On the upside perhaps NS . BNSF , CSX and the rest of the ususal suspects may follow suit and do some real classic schemes. It certainly would make for some colourfull railroading ( and what a bonazza for Kato and company ) Perhaps some nice purple and silver ACL cars may be comminf to a CSX train near you. Oh well my semi rant [soapbox] for the evening Line em up Leon this rounds on me. Rob

[trolleyboy]

hi I/ve popped back in for a refill/ irish coffee i think [burp][oops] dave i agree with you on that katy paint job [wow] not too pretty. I wonder if the designer had a long standing LSD problem[?] On the upside perhaps NS . BNSF , CSX and the rest of the ususal suspects may follow suit and do some real classic schemes. It certainly would make for some colourfull railroading ( and what a bonazza for Kato and company ) Perhaps some nice purple and silver ACL cars may be comminf to a CSX train near you. Oh well my semi rant [soapbox] for the evening Line em up Leon this rounds on me. Rob

[Gunns]

Hi Tom
Man looks like a party hit...

Ted Happy <Belated> Birthday!

In my Air to air game they call outside interferance "ACK" ie kid Ack, Wife Ack ect....
Here I guess it would be a "Derail" I got hit by the Family "Derail" sorry.
New post in the museum thread. And have been thinking about Classic Feight trains, Like the Express reffers that ran to the East from So.Cal. Imagine all that "Ice" equipment, to keep the fruit and vegges cold all the way back East. The Train I have in mind is the PFE that ran over S.P.. But I am Shure there were others

Gunns

[trolleyboy]

Good morning tom and the gang. I'll need the high octane and a dani***o start me up today.Gunns It is amazing all the infastructure needed to keep the reefers going. I would bet you however that the railroads had less spoilage then,than they do now.Most would assign high to very high priority to the produce and fruit trains. I remember reading about the highest priorty train on the CP. It was called the "silk train" They had some speacial built insiulated boxcars used to transport live silk worms from Vancouver to Toronto and Montreal. The only reason this train was stopped was to change locomotives as they ran it non-stop. All high speed trucks on the cars and royal hudsons or better pulled the train,speed was of the essance as live silk worms were very valuble and very fragile. This train was apparently the highest revenue sorce for the CPR at the time as far as what the cargo value was worth. Even the Trancontinental passenger trains were switched to sidings to let this thing pass! Tom any idea why Leon's jump boots were sticking out of Boris's shed on the feet of "Dolly" ? Any who I'm off and running catch you all later. Rob

[siberianmo]

G'Morning Guys!

This talk of the fast freights really brings to mind the fact that crossing the Continent (ours) in relatively fast time, and also efficiently, was done on a regular basis. Here we are in the 21st Century and we're still without high speed rail linking the major Metro areas of Canada and the U.S. Tsk tsk - shameful indeed.

I've read about those PFE's that Gunns Kevin mentioned .... never heard of the Silk Train though. Thanx for the info, Rob! [tup]

All I can say about the Birthday Bash for Ted is that Leon the Night Man and his now partner, Boris must have hooked up with a couple of ----- dollies for the night! [:-,][}:)]

Gotta get crackin' - have those photo's to edit (or at least try), a SUMMARY to get out and of course, my trip report.

See ya! [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

THURSDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

Good Morning All! Here we are once again, nearing the end of the week, and of course, beginning the day at our favorite place. Check out the offerings over in the pastry case from The Mentor Village Bakery – have a cuppa Joe and order one of our light breakfasts while you’re at it! [swg]

News of the Day:

No news is good news!

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 17 Aug 2005, 06:41:11 (78) Wednesday’s News & Summary – from Big D

(2) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 17 Aug 2005, 08:28:25 (78)

(3) Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 17 Aug 2005, 09:12:50 (78)

(4) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 17 Aug 2005, 14:54:52 (78)

(5) Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 17 Aug 2005, 16:47:39 (78)

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 17 Aug 2005, 16:50:11 (78) home again

(7) West Coast S Dave Posted: 17 Aug 2005, 17:45:53 (78)

(8) passengerfan Al Posted: 17 Aug 2005, 19:12:34 (79)

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 17 Aug 2005, 20:49:23 (79)reply to: Nick – Chris - Trainnut484 - West Coast S – passengerfan – Trolleyboy

(10) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 17 Aug 2005, 21:54:59 (79)

(11) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 17 Aug 2005, 22:54:07 (79)

(12) Gunns Kevin Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 00:18:53 (79)

(13) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 08:41:57 (79)

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Aug 2005, 09:05:15 (79) reply to Gunns and trolleyboy, etc.

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

[trolleyboy]

Morning Tom. Good to be here the smae time as you for a change. I think a don not disturbe the [alien]'s sign is in order for the pen err shed. [swg] the silk trains were a van Horne baby needed to find a quick way to repay the loans I guess. They ran into the 40's after the war airlines took over this role ( CP Air of Coarse )I remember reading a twenty one hour fastest crossing on these trains! 75+ miles per hour. They apparently ran them mostly at night less things opposing them I'm guessing. Have a good day I'm workward bound. Rob

[Anonymous]

G'Mornin' everybody, welcome home Tom, you did a great job of "keeping in touch" while away.[tup] Thanks for the kind "best wishes" by proxy, much appreciated.[:D] Tom, I think I need something with a little more authority than "leaded" Joe! Please make it a double Crown straight-up. I've been watching the "eviction" going on in Gaza. Its a high price for no guarantees, isn't it?[V] I'll say no more than it is mindful of the Sudetenland Corridore in Czechoslovakia circa 1938. Nuff said![}:)]

Gunns, I thought "ACK ACK" was Anti Aircraft Artillety.[swg] Not a problem, only sorry you missed a "happy rails" event at "Our" Place. Hey, those Buckeye" trucks are a problem in HO. Too many "pivots," wheels and long wheel base. I finally, set my pair on a "rip track" for the world to see. Rob ditto the above message for Gunns. The pix you sent were presence enough.[tup] Russell, by now you have probably deduced (correctly) that "I can't find my Keester with both hands" Looked for the "Heritage" Post and came up with Zip![:I] Something about an "old dog learning new tricks?"[(-D] HeyAl, hopefully you will find the data you need. My hands are itchin' to have a copy of it.[tup] West Coast Dave, I'll be looking for the traditional livery you are so impressed with. Maybe I should have 'nother "double" first, eh?

I picked up "Modeling Railroads of the 1950's," Kalmbach. Sorry I can't give it a sterling review with 7 pages devoted to creating a citrus orchard, however the "Chicago's Dearborn Station" was pure pleasure.[^] Also, some handy sites, e.g. www.branchline-trains.com for authentic HO 1950's pass. and freight cars (proper logos, colors, etc.) made the $6.50 seem worth it. Vintage billboards, autos, trucks and solid info. on the transition to R.D.C power on branch lines (e.g. A.T.S.F. "Surf Line") saved the "rag" from instant shelving. Rob, just a tiny "blurb" on catenary overhead (Pennsy & MLW). Okay, Boris flip the channel back to cartoons please. Don't think I want to watch much more "heavy stuf."[tdn] See ya's soon.

[siberianmo]

Mornin' Ted

Saw your cyber name pop up while trying to find a cure for some of my not-so-acceptable photo's .......

Regarding those Kalmbach specials - I nearly bought that issue while browsing the bookshelves - flipped thru the pages and came up with pretty much what you've indicated. Some good stuff - some not - and hardly worth the price, at least for me. I've got my MRR's in binders dating from the mid-60's to present, along with a few score of other similar magazines. Just getting to the point of buying for the sake of having - nothing more. Gotta stop that habit! The price of beer is going up after all. [swg]

Double Crown it is - and keep the bag, however, don't let Al know. He likes to keep his marble collection in 'em! [;)]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good morning Y'all. Think I will have a cup of strong Joe and maybe a good pastry from the Mentor Bakery. Don't tell my wife as she will have a fit. I am supposed to be llosing a little dunnage.

Tom and I had a great time playing with the trains in Dallas. Rather than steal his thunder I will deferr to him to report on Big D. The weather was not the best as Tom already has mentioned. It is 2-3 degrees higher than normal and havering around 100º for the last week or so. While Tom was here we had a small shower which drove the humidity to about 385%. Thank God for air conditioning. Without it Dallas would be a small farming town of about 500 people.

You can easily go for months without going outside here. You leave your air conditioned house and walk to the garage and get into your air conditioned car. Drive to your underground parking at the office and enter the air conditioned office. lunch is served in a restaurant connected to your office by an air conditioned tunnel or bridge. At the end of the day you repeat the procedure and can never go outside for months.

I actually spent two days in The Hague without going outside. Flew into Schipol airport. Caught the train under the airport which is about 50 feet from the customs gate. Ride the train to The Hague on a very smooth riding coach. This is the subject of a later posting. Arrive at the Centrum Station in The Hague. The station complex has a hotel where I stayed plus the office tower where we had two days of meetings. Good restaurants in the hotel/office/station complex so did not get outside. After the meetings took the train to Schiplo and flew back to London. Spent two days ther and did not know if it was hot or freezing outside. We are all spoiled.

Better get back to work. After two weeks in the cool Maritimes I am still trying to see the bottom of my desk.

Cheers,
***

[siberianmo]

G'day ***

Only 2-3 degrees hotter than normal, eh[?] Well, it was hotterinahalf---'dfoxinaforestfire! as far as I was concerned! [swg]

What a marvelous day and fantastic bunch of people that I met as well. *** if something should happen with regard to upsetting our plans for the May 2006 Rendezvous - YOU will be descended upon en masse to repeat the peformance of yesterday! [yeah][wow] Awrrrrrrrrrrrrright! [tup][tup][tup]

Catch you later - and by the way, I sent Emails to Josh 'n John, thanking them for their hospitality .......

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom How about a CR and a round for the house.
I was just reading Dicks post and iit kind of reminds me of Montreal. I mean't peop[le in Montreal that did not even own winter coats. They leave their apartments direct to the Subway ride it downtown and get off and walk to the place of employment without ever going outside. The tunnels are heated and the cars get the heat from the tunnel system. Their is a huge underground city in Montreal that is all connected and you can even access Central Station from the subway without ever seeing the snow outside.

[siberianmo]

G'day All - time for some photo's of my Dallas Trip:
(click to enlarge)

The RDC's are nearing the station!


View from the cab - passing five RDC's and the TRE Inspection & Maintenance facility


Tom & Engineer Dave in the Cab of TRE RDC #2011


*** & Engineer Dave in the Cab of TRE RDC #2011


Tom & TRE RDC #2013


Bi-level car and RDC at the TRE Inspection & Maintenance facility


Light Rail Vehicles in Dallas


The McKinney Avenue Trolley - "Matilda"


*** and an interior view of "Matilda"


Tom & "Rosie" The McKinney Avenue Trolley


Okay guys, if you enjoyed those check out the remainder on my photo album:

http://www.railimages.com/gallery/thomasweber

Go to pages 7 & 8 .....

Here's an easy way to view the photo's kind of like a slide show:

(1) Find the first picture in the series and click on it - it will enlarge
(2) The screen will show two double arrows >> in the upper right corner - click them - this will take you to the next photo in the series.
(3) And so on ........

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

G'day passengerfan Al

Yes, Montreal is a mirror image of sorts to Dallas. Same for Winnipeg - only they also have an above the street walkway that essentially permits you entry to all of the major businesses and attractions, as well as their version of the underground.

Many a time while waiting in Montreal's Central Station, I simply would pass the hours away just people watching and of course listening to (and enjoying) the bi-lingual train announcements and chimes. Ahhhhhhhhhh. Montreal truly is a fascinating place to visit. I just wish ....... oh well, forget it! [swg]

Thanx for the round! Boris Ring the bell. [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[West Coast S]

Morning Tom and the gang...Spot of the Juan Valdez please

Ah, yes those silk trains of yore , actually a misnomer as they did not transport the finished silk, but the silk worm itself in specially built 30 foot wooden high speed express cars (Built by Pullman) with a rider coach or two and diner for the machine gun toating armed escorts responsible for cargo security, to satisfy insurance requirements, one armed escort was mandatory in the cab as well (One train of silk worms could be valued in the millons of dollars).

The heyday of the silk trains occured between 1900 to the late 1920s. SP typically ran consits of a dozen cars, specific motive power was assigned, always P4 class Pacifics in later years and earlier A class Alantics, sometimes a UP engine would run through, replacing the usual SP power , it had absouloute authority over every movement, including first class passenger trains.

The operating and train crews were hand picked for these assignments, the motive power was inspected and selected personally by a division Roadmaster and a member of Sr. management from the SF headquarters building.

Typical operating speed was 85mph with higher speed numbers being common were permissable. Operation in the off hours was the usual means to avoiding conflicting movements. Ensuring smooth operation of these trains was well thought out, select division points maintained emergency backup power ready to go on a moments notice to provide any aid necessary.

Routes of operation included the Donner Pass line for a UP connection and also the Golden State Route. Per contract, they were alloted as little 42 hours to deliver to the mills in the east or the south, dealing with valuable live cargo, it is logical to assume a certain percentage would be lost in transit, there were specific contract guidelines to aid the customer and insurance carrier should it be necessary to file any claims against the railroads.


Dave [tup]

[siberianmo]

G'day to ya West Coast S Dave

Whether it be the silk or the worm or both, those trains were f-a-s-t. Great input and it's appreciated. [tup]

Now for the other shoe - I'd say you have been had! Didn't check the photo's [?] And if you did, no comments[?] Either way, you've been h-a-d. [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Welcome back, Tom. Enjoyed the pix from Dallas. I rode the PCCs at Tandy Center over in Ft Worth back in the 70s. I'll have my usual Guiness, please. Haven't even turned on the pc for a couple days-just relaxing and enjoying the rain and the cooler, cloudy conditions.
Rob, I remember reading about the silk trains back in the old Railroad magazine mid 70s. According to that article, guards with submachine guns rode the train and patrolled the ground during stops. The price of silk could change enroute so that was the hurry.
KevinGunns, Pacific Fruit Express was a joint venture between UP and SP. It was split in the 70s but before that it was probably one of the largest companies specializing in perishable transportation. Rob is right about the infrastructure required to support the ice reefers. Almost every town of size had an ice plant, icing docks, and plenty of personnel needed. I've never done any research into this subject-all this off the top of my head.
UP just wants the royalties from the railfans and modelers with the "heritage" schemes. Pix were posted on news wire about 2 weeks ago and took some time to get MP and WP out of the mess! Not near original, perhaps in the "spirit"! Katy was my 2nd fav behind Frisco. It would be nice if BNSF started honoring their predeccessors but not the goofy way UP is.
Another Guiness, please. Going up to the Midland this weekend. Finally, after about 6 or 7 years of telling the guys at the local museum about the rr, some are supposedly coming Sunday. One man in particular was a Frisco engineer before and after WW2 who worked for a couple other roads after being cutoff here. In the 80s he got involved in the group that restored and operated 1522 in St Louis. He operated her on her last trip a couple years back. The man is a wealth of knowledge and I enjoy picking his mind. I have learned lots about steam from him. He also models HO and has built several Frisco steamers and a model of the old Springfield depot by hand.

[siberianmo]

Hi earlydiesels Dan

Appreciate your stopping by ...... some good info that you've passed around. Enjoy the cold brew and see ya later.

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Trainnut484]

Good afternoon all. Tom I'll have my usual please and a sandwich..thanks.

Nice pics [tup] Tom of the RDCs, LRVs, and the trollies. One of these days, I'll have to take a trip on one. Nice to see the place here, post bash, is back to normal (what was considered normal [;)][:o)]).

I knew the Katy heritage unit wasn't going to be like how MKT painted their locomotives. But still UP missed the boat. My hope is lost for the remainder of the heritage locomotives coming out soon. I wouldn't hold my breath for BNSF to do something similar.

Going [#offtopic] here. Dennis Rader, BTK serial killer, has been sentenced to Life in Prison for the murder of his victims. I hope this brings closure to the families and friends of his victims. Boris, ring the bell. The next round for everyone is on me.

Ted, you have mail [;)]

BTW..one of my pics made it for picture of the day here on trains.com [tup][yeah]

Russell

[West Coast S]

Tom: I do believe I saw your photos after my posting.

It seems to me that the RDC is making a comeback. What that's oft quoted saying? Oh, it came to me, "everything old is new again" Just took 50 years to discover Budd did it right the first time. I've not been in the Dallas area since my stint at Sheppard AFB, although the HQ for my division is located in Dallas, never had the priviledge and don't desire to have to put in a personal appearance if I can avoid it!

Enjoyed the photo travel log immensly as I do with all who post here , nice to know people actually take time off for enjoyment . I'm a bit envious of those with time to stop and smell the roses, seems all I get is the thorn.

Dave [tup]

[passengerfan]

Hi Tom guess I'll have a CR and a set up a round for the house.
Enjoyed the pictures of your Dallas trip. Few places to even see RDC's anymore and they sure looked to be in great shape.
I read Dave's input on the SP Silk Trains and thought I would add a little about the GN Silk Trains. The GN trains carried Raw Silk that was brought from Japan to seattle by the fastest ships available. Since Seattle was a day or two closer to the Orient than the California ports their was a big advantage choosing the route via the GN. The GN trains were loaded right at the dock and were generrally assigned one of the massive P-2 Mountains for power. The Silk Trains had rights over everything but the Oriental Limited
and delivered the Silk trains to St. Paul at Passenger train speeds where the power was switched to CB&Q for the run to Chicago where it generally traveled the PRR on to New York since the PRR and CB&Q both operated from Union Station Chicago. It is my understanding that when the trains arrived in Chicago they never even entered the station but switched from CB&Q to PRR power near the station and the train was once again under way east.

[siberianmo]

Dallas Trip

The Odyssey began at around 8:30 AM when *** Watkins and I departed the Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport en route what was to be a very memorable day. First on the agenda was a ride aboard one of Trinity Rail Express’ (TRE) Rail Diesel Cars (RDC’s).

*** had arranged for us to ride in the cab of the RDC for the 40 mile round trip to downtown Dallas’ Union Station. Following that was a tour of the TRE Inspection and Maintenance facility, LRV rides, Trolley rides a visit to the Trolley Barn, and more walking than one should ever experience in hot, steamy Dallas!

Some points of interest:

In the mid-1990’s, DART purchased 13 former VIA Rail RDC’s for use in their commuter rail system. VIA Rail had a surplus of RDC’s as a result of the discontinuance of two routes in Nova Scotia back in 1990 – the links between Halifax and Sydney to the north, and Halifax and Yarmouth to the south. The cars were refurbished in Montreal by Alstom/ANF in 1996, which entailed a complete breakdown to the frame and rebuild to the specifications required by DART. There probably are no fleets of operating RDC’s to equal or exceed the number owned by DART anywhere in the world.

The two RDC’s that I rode in were built in the 1950’s: RDC #2011 in June ’57 and #2013 in Nov ’57. The original owner of #2011 was CN and CP owned #2013. Both wound up in the VIA Rail.

I saw the fleet of RDC’s sitting idle at the Halifax station back in 1991 – all running from platform power in the snow that wintry day during Christmas week. Seeing them idle and destined for perhaps their final s

Okay – the superlatives have been documented a few times and the photo’s have been provided. So what’s left? Just a run down of the day’s events (all times approximate):

(1) 0835: *** picked me up at Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport
(2) 0850: Quick stop at MacBarf’s for coffee and an egg MacGag.
(3) 0920: A quick familiarization of the area by SUV – aka: trying to find the correct station. [swg] Found it! Centrepoint Station.
(4) 0945: Got to know each other while waiting for the train.
(5) 1015: RDC’s #2011 & 2013 arrived. *** arranged for us to ride in the cab. Engineer was Dave. Rode in cab of #2011, eastbound.
(6) TRE – Trinity Rail Express is the organization that operates the commuter rail services in the area. Their equipment includes 13 RDC’s (formerly VIA Rail) and “a bunch” of Bi-Level equipment (some from Bombardier/GO Transit in Toronto). They also have 6 F40PH’s for use with the Bi-Levels.
(7) As the photo’s should attest, the view was fantastic! Lots of railroading going on, freight ops all along the way.
(8) 10:40: Arrived Union Station. Spent the turnaround time touring the station with *** and Josh Coran, TRE’s Chief Mechanical Officer. Should note that Josh recently arrived in Dallas after a long stint with the Alaska RR – over 20 years. Josh is an absolute font of knowledge regarding passenger cars - with decades of practical experience working on and designing them, his expertise is truly dazzling.
(9) Marvelous and diverse structure is Union Station and in fine material condition. Saw the Amtrak portion – nice, but ……. The station is multi-modal and centrally located. Very modern, very well thought out.
(10) 11:05: In the cab of #2013, westbound. Again, a wonderful experience with some great company.
(11) 11:34: The 40 mile round trip ended as we bid adieu to David, the Engineer.
(12) Drove over to the TRE Inspection & Maintenance facility with *** & Josh. Spent about 40 minutes touring the facility, taking pictures and asking dumb questions. Great fun and really an insight that lots of us would dearly love to experience.
(13) Long lunch break with *** and Josh at Bennigan’s in Irving (right next to the place I stayed at …… how convenient for later on!)
(14) 14:00 Bidding adieu to Josh, *** and I drove downtown to catch the light-rail.
(15) Rode the LRV’s down to Union Station and return. Boarded the McKinney Street trolley (see pix for sure) – visited the Trolley Barn and met up with John Landrum (CEO) who was working on an assortment of restoration projects. This would have been absolute heaven for Trolleyboy Rob – no dooooot aboooooot it! [swg]
(16) Rode the Trolley back to the LRV station – back aboard the LRV to where the car was parked. Worthy of note are those vintage trolleys – one from Australia. Check out this URL and you’ll get an eye full of some good stuff:
www.MATA.org
(17) An absolutely activity packed day in the steaming humidity of August in Dallas. Nonetheless, a trip to remember for the rest of my days.
(18) I must make mention that *** was a long term member of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors almost from the onset of their entry into being. Once he moved out of the geographic limits required for continued membership, he relinquished his seat at the table. I note that he is also on the Board of Directors of the McKinney Street Trolley organization. He is a treasure trove of information regarding transit in Dallas and ”Our” Place is most fortunate to have yet another person at the bar who know’s what he’s talking about!
(19) 1800: Checked into the hotel and bid adieu to my tour director and new found friend, *** Watkins.

Cheers! [tup][tup][tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

G'day All!

Whoa, not so fast - this place is suddenly jumpin' - which is good. Love to hear that register ring! [yeah] We use the old fashioned kind - don't care for those digital jobs kinda impersonal if you know what I mean.

Trainnut484 Russell - normal 'round here[?] You have a point! [swg] Glad you enjoyed the photo's - took awhile amassing 'em but trying to edit out the problems was a nightmare - still haven't gotten 'em all done. Anyway, I think we logged about 55-60 miles aboard an assortment of steel wheels on steel tracks on Tuesday. What a way to travel. [yeah] Thanx for the round - Boris Ring the Bell -Russell's buying! [tup]

West Coast S A likely story! [swg] You've just been had - plain and simple. [:-^]

There's an expression that many of us crude sailors use(d) - it's just your turn in the barrel, mate! One day you'll be retired and able to do the things you've had to put off because of job, family and other impediments to having fun. There's also a downside to this business of retirement - however, you'll find out one day ........ [swg]

While I'd love to see a return to RDC's, that simply ain't gonna happen. The inventory is down to a precious few and they are, after all, kinda like dusting off the DC-3 for today's airline's use. It's truly commendable what Alstom/ANF did in rebuilding the 13 that DART purchased. However, the costs would gag a healthy maggot if you were to try and have them built from the get-go with all of today's requirements, bells 'n whistles (no pun there) and labor costs. Arggggghh. I remember when VIA Rail asked Bombardier for a cost estimate on a new build for their Budd fleet - ha - over $5 per car was the reply - and that was well over 10 years ago.

There have been so many modern iterations of the RDC - now referred to in terms like DMU's (diesel multiple units) and so forth - but we're still chock-blocked on the highways and byways. Perhaps the five bucks a gallon will get government to recognize that a return to rails must take place sooner than later.

Catch ya later!

passengerfan Al Glad you liked the photo's - and yes, those RDC's are in great shape. Next to the ones that BC Rail operated, these cars are in tip-top shape.

Thanx for the round - Boris Do It Again - ring-a-ding-ding Al's buying! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[West Coast S]

NOTICE TO READERS: The following paragraphs are completely off topic. Hide Boris and the youngsters and all alcoholic beverages as content may not be suitable for all customers of "Our Place".

Agreed Tom on my tresspass, we have a saying in my business to describe certain situations, failures and persons as well, though not intended for public consumption they do involve use of a flag pole and a cup of coffee, let your imagination fill in the rest, nor is it considered a proper greeting of one's superior officer!
They can't stop me from thinking it however!

Retirement is going to be much appreciated, i've planned and made arraignments for it long ago, i'll have time and courage to do those thing i've waited 30 years to do!
I'm going to take a wealthy mistress to supplement my retirement and Social security [:O](LOL).

Back to the business of this forum, PassengerfanAL I was completely remiss to the GN involvement in the silk trade. The importation of silk ended the practice of transporting the worms cross country and permitted the mill owners to operate more efficiently during the depression and be ready for the demands of WWII.

Tom: 13 rebuilt RDC's in active use is a good roster by anyone's count, qualifys as a comeback in my world, small world though it may be.[:D]

Well, i'm just being fiesty today arent I?

Dave [tup]

[siberianmo]

Yo West Coast S Dave First and foremost - ring the bell, Boris The man's buying for admittedly being [#offtopic] [yeah][wow][tup][swg]

Okay - let's see: I waited 32 years for my retirement and there are days (daze) when I wondered "who did all of that?" Time goes by ....... Mine was all active duty in places and situations where it was "Yes, Sir, Yes, Sir, Three Bags Full, Sir!" Started at the E-1 level wound up at O-5. Held the ranks of Chief Petty Officer - Chief Warrant Officer and Commander. None of it means a thing today - only the retirement check. I've never been one to be self-impressed, although some of my mates and underlings may have thought differently back then. Get paid to do a job - then do it. Quit complaining, only God cares and there are times .......... Pretty simple credo.

The Budd Company, by my count, built 398 of those wonderful RDC's. If 13 represents a comeback ........ well, I think you need a new Abacus! [;)]

Fesity[?] Heck no - just engaging in some good old give 'n take. You're wrong - I'm right - so what's the dispute[?] [swg]

Okay - have one on me ..... [tup]

See ya,

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[pwolfe]

Hi tom and all.
A pint of Bathams and a beef sandwich please.
Thanks for sharing your photos of your trip to Dallas they are very good [tup].
The info on the silk worm train is very interesting with the armed guards and the value of the cargo. It got me wondering what would the amount of dollars is tied up in one of the auto-motive trains that pass Jeff City [?]

Talking about Jeff City they have built a small area with seats overlooking the river and with good views of the railroad yard. It is situated on Boliver st by the pillars of the first bridge over the Missouri near Pat's Irish pub.

To go [#offtopic] [tup] to the U.S.A. soccer team for the win yesterday over Trinidad which sould put them well on the way to qualyfing for the world cup in 2006.
ROUND ON ME PLEASE.
PETE.