"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[siberianmo]

Results from August’s meeting of the Selection Committee of the Order of the Stools: (Advice was provided to the Committee from those who hold Permanent Stools.)

<bonk, bonk, bonk> – what’s the matter with this gavel[?] [censored][banghead])
<Oye, Oye, Oye – all RISE in respect to the arrival of the Selection Committee The Honorable Inspector Clueless of the Local Constabulary presiding.>

<Be seated>

It has been decreed that the Order of the Stools be revised to reflect the following:

Permanent Stool Cfournier CHRIS First customer, [^] Barrister and Quebec connection.

Permanent Stool Theodorebear TED Manager of “Our” Place and customer with unparalleled good cheer [swg] and determination. Florida connection.


Permanent Stool nickinwestwales NICK Chief Chef [C=:-)] of “Our” Place and customer supreme from West Wales. British Isles connection.

Permanent Stool trolleyboy ROB If it concerns street cars, talk to me! – and Ontario connection.

Permanent Stool passengerfan AL Walking, talking “Classic Train” aficionado [2c] and author. California connection.

NEW Permanent Stool wrwatkins *** Rail aficionado [2c], enthusiast, world traveler – and Texas [C):-)] connection.

Reserved Stool earlydiesels DAN Restorations are us! … And train lover at large [2c]. Southwest Missouri connection.

Reserved Stool West Coast S DAVE California man of mystery [8D], real and model rail enthusiast, and West Coast connection.

Reserved Stool coalminer 3 Northeast rail aficionado [2c] and West Virginia connection.

Reserved Stool Gunns KEVIN Machinist, loco restorationist supreme [2c] and New Mexico connection.

Reserved Stool Trainnut484 RUSSELL AT&SF and rail enthusiast, model railroader [:D] and Kansas connection.


<bonk, bonk, bonk – [censored][banghead] @*#&$%-Thing!>
<All rise as the Committee adjourns.>

Congrats [bow][wow][yeah] to *** Watkins for the Permanent Stool award! Have a couple on me![tup][swg]

For the benefit of those who are new or who have forgotten, the The Order of the Stools is ”Our” Place’s way of recognizing those customers who have demonstrated their willingness to participate and contribute to the success of this cyber bar ‘n grill in an inclusive and continuing manner.

The next meeting of the Selection Committee will be in September.

Tom (Siberianmo) [4:-)] [oX)]
Proprietor of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!

[Gunns]

Morning Tom,
NYa'll

Coffee and pastery, <G>

Nick,
That sounds like breakfast at my Grandmothers! <I miss that>, She lived in a little town in SE Idaho, where most of the Welsh immagrents ended up in the 1800s. I'm up for it.

Still tring to come up with sumpin meaning full for the classic discussion, give me a couple of hrs and I'll Be Back.....
Gunns

[trolleyboy]

Good morning again everyone. Boris you look rather refreshed this morning did ted an Nick give you a bath or something[?] Perhaps he's just been into the bakeries wares as he has a glazed look inhis eyes [:O] <i know to early in the morning for that type of humour>Tom I would like to have the ultra light breakfast today ( almost didin't see my toes this morning) If you want a try at the controls I'm sure we can arrange it. We'll stay a little after hours that way we won't scar away the rest of the public at largeted Not to worry as I said the angle that picture was taken from it is quite easy to think that the plow was attached. Mind you I don't think we would be able to move the hand car if it were attached as that plows close to a ton of weight!!![XX(] As too TTC broad guage it was a one and only in the Dominion. Most of the strret rail and interurban systems ran on standard guage. 90% of the manufacturers that TTC bought from made the truck s for them ( I'm sure not without cost ) TTC's Hillcrest shops have a quite extensive machine shop so any equipment purchased second hand they just pulled the wheels from the axles and reguaged. In most cases there is enough axle that it wasn't a big deal moving them out the extra inch and 3 quarters or so. All the cars at the museum are TTC reguaged as well we usually send them either to TTC or national steel car in Hamilton as our wheel puller is pretty old and an antique in it's own right. Besides it's a bit of a pain in the patoot,so if we can outshop we will.So inessance it was an essentially cart before the horse activity at least with used equipment from US citiies that the TTC purchased.Cars would be brought in on rail or truck floats and refurbed and reguaged by the TTC shop guys before entering service.*** congrates[bow][yeah][tup] welcome to the stool's. You will notice that your usual stool now has the crushed velvet cushion on it which Boris will sweep the crumbs off for you before you sit down. well gentlemen got to run works a calling. Rob

[siberianmo]

Mornin' GunnsKevin

When stuck for something to say 'round here, just reveiw the Posts since your last visit and of course the SUMMARY along with those Special Posts I put out .... it'll come to ya ....... [tup] That's what is supposed to separate the regulars 'round here from the rest .......

From what you've indicated about your heritage, I'll bet there's gotta be some railroadin' in there somewhere.

Catch ya later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Howdy Rob

Didn't see your post hiding right in front of me! Good to see ya this fine day!

You are the first to acknowledge ***'s entry into the Order of the Permanent Stools and therefore are entitled ........ to what[?] Just consider yourself - entitled! [swg] By the way, that's crushed velvet purple velour for those stool cushions! Brought in by the Can-Am a few months back - got 'em from a raided house of ill repute somewhere on the other side of the mountain ....... [swg] Inspector Clueless of the Local Constabulary has connections, ya know. Figured they'd fit in right fine 'round here!

Never realized there was a difference in track gauge with the trolleys .... man, will this educaiton ever end[?] Hope not! [tup]

See ya!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good morning Y'all

Thank you for inducting me into the Exhalted Order of the Permanant Purple Stools. I will try to live up to the honor just bequested upon me. A round of your favorite is on me!

Trolleyboy--Enjoy reading your very knowledgable comments regarding the trolleys. You must be a charter member of the Juice Freaks. MATA has 10 street cars in their livery. Not all are in running condition. We have the four vintage cars mentioned in our web page, Matilda, Rosie, Green Dragon, and Petunia. We also have our only air conditioned car, Winnie in service. The other cars will be air conditioned as funds come available. We will also be installing rubber spacers on the wheels to cut down on noise. Winnie was recently purchased from the Tandy Corp when they shut down their trolley in Fort Worth. Winnie was originally a PCC car that Tandy "boxed" in to make it appear more modern. Lots of the original PCC is under the shell, but not enough to restore to a true PCC. We removed most of the "modern" additions to make it more typical. We named it Winnie because it looks like a Winnebago motor home. Car 754 is being restored by Edwards Car Co in Florida and is about 60% complete. As we obtain some extra cash we authorize Edwards to do another phase of the restoration. (Donations are welcome!) Cars 183 ans 189 are almost basket cases as they are currently stored outdoors. We hope to get them restored as funds come available (Anyone want to underwrite the restoration?) We also have two PCC from Toronto. These are in working order and have been regauged. They need a little cosmetic work to get them working. We are not pushing these until we complete our West End loop that will permit reversing of the cars. As we all know a PCC does not run too well in reverse for long distances. Our final "car" is Miss Daisy, a Fairmont speeder that we use for repairs as needed. Currently we are straining ourselves to meet daily sendout as during the rush hour we can have all 5 workable cars in service. These cars that are approaching 100 years old do need tender loving care and parts are not available at the local hardware store.

We are fortunate that when Dallas parted with trolley service after WWII they just paved over the tracks. Our initial section was made operational by removal of the asphalt on the track and replacing rail where it was cut for a water line. Our metal detector comes in real handy to locate rails in other streets. We have cannibalized switches from the street in areas where we do not plan to operate for our system. This way the cost of a switch becomes real cheap. Power is from one rectifier in the car barn. I think we will need a second rectifier when we get our estension to the West End in operation. The voltage drop then will be more than we can tolerate.

Most of our staff and operators are volunteers. Up to recently we only had two paid employees. After contracting with DART to provide the transit service on McKinney Avenue we did employ a few paid motormen. Most of them just tear up their pay check as they enjoy running a trolley.

It is lunch time and I better go out with the boys for lunch. More later.

***

[CFournier]

Hello Tom and the boys!
"Old Tennis shoes" for me please.
"Félicitations" *** for your promotion to the Order of the Permanent stool [8D].
Now remember what Spiderman said: " With great power comes great responsibilities"
or something like that...
For those of you who miss me[:D] I'll be back working in my office the 29th of August.
In the mean time my internet connection is still a pain in the lower part of my back...[:(!]
The office connection is lightyears ahead of mine. I will be more active on the forums once I return to work. Right now I am trying to solve a track configuration problem on my layout[banghead] so see you later.
CHRIS
BTW, "Old tennis shoe" is from "Cannery Row"...(Old Tennessee whiskey)

[siberianmo]

G'day All!

I see *** has made his appearance this fine day AND has found the way to what is now HIS Permanent Stool! Thanx for the round ....... I heard the dratted bell ringing while I was out back ....... CIndy has the bar today. [tup]

Good info regarding the streetcars - and for those who may have missed it (I don't know how or why!!) check out the photo's on page 79 and at http://www.railimages.com/gallery/thomasweber - go to pages 7 & 8.
===================================

Good to see ya, Chris and that's great news regarding your return to the sweat shop! [swg] No doubt you've missed being engaged in the things you do in order to pay the bills and maintain your interest in railroading (real & model)! [yeah]

Nice try, but NO cigar! That so-called whiskey you asked for is a fictitious bit of nonsense from John Steinbach's Cannery Row - referred to as a "cheap whiskey" that can be found at Lee Chong's Grocery across the street from Dora's borthel.
Try again, mate! [swg]

Oh [yeah], perhaps the part of your anatomy that you are referring to with reference to that pain you've experienced is the patoot! [;)]

Be seein' ya!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Ah-A good lunch. Went across the street to Whole Foods and got a container of tomato and feta cheese salid and some hot salami to eat. Not essentially dietetic but GOOD!.

For Theorodorebeer- The Melbourne car we have came from down under, not from New Orleans. In its anchient history it may have been in New Orleans, but as far as we know it came from down under.

It never ceases to amaze me how Dallasites (and Fort Worthers) have taken to transit. There is an old saying that I will get out of my pickup when you pry my dead fingers off the steering wheel. In the beginning we had many nay sayers who said that mass transit will not pay its way. Some of these people had vested interests such as being in the concrete business. They are true as NO public transit system can pay its way through the farebox. DART has a farebox recovery of direct operating expense of about 19% which is about average for this country. The highest recovery ratio is New York which is about 60%. A few more people are transit dependant in NYC. Airlines are in dire straights. They would all be out of business if they had to build their airports, pay for the air traffic control system, and the security screeners. Same for shipping on our rivers. Who built the dams and locks which they traverse free? Truckers do not pay for the highways that they clog and destroy. Only the railroads pay 100% of their way plus property tax on the ROW. I better get off my high hourse before I fall.

Back to DART which I have an indepth knowledge. We underestimated the degree of ridership that we have. This is a good problem. Even during non peak travel times our light rail trains are often standing room only. The Feds, who fund a lot of the capital for transit likes this also. They use a ratio of dollars per rider per year for the capital invested. True Dallas does not have the lowest ratio. This falls to the transit dependant cities such as NYC, Chicago, and Boston where people have been riding mass transit for years. We have observed that there are many people who will never go near a bus, but will ride a train anytime. I will not comment on this phenoma.

Some of our lessons learned are:
Spend a few extra dollars on art, etc. If customers see that you are spending a little extra they will take care of it.
Keep the system safe and clean. Remove any grafitti as soon as possible. Do not give the taggers a chance to look at their work.
Run a frequent schedule. During rush hour run 5 minute headways. If a customer has to wait he will not use the system.
Make a smooth interface between different modes or other transit systems. We work closely with Fort Worth's The-T (their transit agency) with tickets being good on both systems. Ticket vending machines are identical on both systems.
Keep fares low to make travel by mass transit financially attractive. The middle east is doing this for us now.
Go the extra mile. On Valentines day we give a rose to all female riders on the TRE.
Remember that your transit police mainly contact customers who are asking questions and not for enforcement. The officers need to be public relations personnel above all in addition to their police duties.
When an underutilized rail corridor comes available BUY IT even if it is not in your current transit plan. Who knows, maybe next month it might be. You will not get any cheaper corridor. Just think of the cost of buying a 100 foot wide swath through any built up area.
Hire a knowledgable former railroader. In dealing with the Class 1s they will have a million reasons why you cannot run commuter trains on their tracks. This former railroader will tell you when the Class 1 story is a crock of fecal matter. This is the best employee you can have.
Hire qualified professionals for all positions. Do not become an employment sink for every political person who wants to reward a supporter.
Keep open lines with your stake holders (cities within your system area, etc) If they are on board getting approvals from the Feds will be far easier. Meet with your stake holders atleast once a month.
Above all keep your nose clean. Do not tolerate any conflict of interest or corruption in your organization. Nothing can loose public support faster than this.

I have pontificated enough for not and better get back to work. Think I will get a cup of Joe for the road and stop in later.

Cheers,
***

[bjdukert]

Afternoon to all here in Our Place and you too Siberanmo

I just came from across the tracks from the Coffee Shop and I haven’t been in since the doors to Our Place opened and I see you have a very good thing going. Siberanmo let me say Congarts on the start and on the way it is growing.

Well everyone take care over here and you are in good hands and BTW I like your Order of the Stools[tup][tup] Time to mosey back across the tracks

Duke

[siberianmo]

G'day Guys!

I'm back behind the bar - thanx Cindy for the respite ......... [swg]

Now, here's a dilemma for ya -we've just inducted one of our own (***) into the Order of the Permanent Stools and what does he do[?] Comes in here telling us all about his LUNCH somewhere else!!! [tdn][tdn][tdn] Ring the bell, Boris this guy owes, big time .......... [yeah]

Nice primer on transit and what you've done down in Dallas to come up with the winner of a system that it truly is! Timing - I just rattled off a rather long letter to our local bird cage liner (aka: newspaper) about what's wrong with the transporation planning mechanism here in the greater St. Louis area. When you have a city unto itself (not part of the surrounding county) and 92 independent muncipalities comprising St. Louis County - and of course the Illinois side of the river - things become rather convoluted and most difficult to manage. Not impossible - but difficult. I've got over a decade of my life invested in this stuff and can see the forest for the trees - too bad those paid to do the job cannot. Okay - 'nuf of that. Ring the bell again, Boris my turn! [swg]

Be seein' ya later and by the by - your Email was received.

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

G'day Duke!

Been quite awhile, hasn't it[?] You were one of the early customers for sure - and this is your 4th post (who's counting[?] [swg])

Thanx for the kind words, we seem to have developed a good nucleus with which to keep this place of ours hummin'. Sorry I haven't been 'round The Coffee Shop but it's really too much to keep on top of for me - this is filling my plate for sure. [tup]

If you would - give my regards to the crew over there - meaning the ones from my days in the spring ....... especially the guys from Nova Scotia. I've browsed through a few times and simply can't tell the players without a score card! [swg]

Catch ya later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

Well good evening [4:-)][oX] TOM--and gentleman all-*** :-Welcome to the sleazy end of the bar-now,if memory serves that will be an extra-large Plymouth gin,although the accompaniment escapes me for the moment,and a round for the rest of the renegades,now,TOM-the full Brains beer order should be with you in a day or two-depending on head winds,--added two `11`s of mild when I heard about Gunns Grandma-bound to be loads of ex-pats in Can-Am country who would walk over hot coals for a good pint of dark-especially on a sunday lunch-time,with a couple of bags of crackling to sharpen the appetite for the big roast dinner later.....Also stuck in a half dozen cases of the green label bitter in imp pint bottles...by the bye--was that Duke`s Honda Goldwing I tripped over on my way in...? .anyway,a warning note,-treat these Welsh beers with respect-You will find them thicker,darker,richer & much,much stronger than anything short of Thunderbird Wine ( that old `hard times`favourite) and inclined to catch up with you when you least expect it. .........Well,since it`s some weeks since I made any rail-related submission,the guilt has finally become to much to bear,I will attempt a thumbnail sketch of one of the great little trains of Wales-the Tal-Y-Llyn,same time tomorrow,night all,nick[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Nick

Thanx for stopping by and of course welcoming *** to the group. Sleazy, you say[?] Well, perhaps - but for some reason, the Gals of "Our" Place seem to buzz around those stools ....... [}:)][:-,]

[yeah] That was Duke in the cyber flesh a bit ago .... nice of him to stop in. I haven't frequented his hangout in weeks and weeks - just can't handle this 'n that. Far too much for me and I'm honest enough to admit that once I'm committed to something - well that's just the way it is. I'm anal that way ...... One cyber place is more than sufficient for me. [tup]

Appreciate your order in Imperial measures - that's the way to do it! [tup] Many years ago - when Moby *** was a minnow - we used to buy our allowance of liquor in ports of call such as St. John's, Nfld - Halifax, NS - Guantanamo, Cuba - St. George's, Bermuda and Kingston, Jamaica. They were always in 40 oz. bottles and if I told you what the prices were (circa mid 1950's-60's), you'd be green with envy! Believe it or not - I STILL have some of those purchases sitting in the basement .... really do. [yeah] We were allowed a gallon per man per trip. So over the years of my service, they added up. Wasn't a big liquor drinker in those days - exception, gin in the summer and perhaps some VO now 'n then.

First time I ever came across Thunderbird Wine was in Seattle back in 1959. There was a bar in the sailor's part of town that actually gave it away! That's not all one could get in those bars on the old Pine & Pike Streets! [swg]

No, no Boris don't ring the bell. This is a bar and we can talk about booze 'n beer without being [#offtopic]. Geesh!

We'll be looking forward to another of your British Isles railroading narratives .... [tup]

Catch ya later ......

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[passengerfan]

Good Evening Tom Guess I'll have my usual CR and a round for the house.
Welcome to the Permanent Order of Stools ***, I.m sure you will enjoy all that entails. Have to keep it rather short as I am just going out the door to one of the outlaws (inlaws) for the evening and probably need a couple of double CR before I go should get me through the evening.
Bye for now.

[siberianmo]

Evenin' passengerfan Al

Sorry you can't stick around and regale us with some Classic Trains info .... but you've logged quite a few pages on this thread to justify a night off. [swg]

Appreciate your taking the time to welcome *** into the fold .... I had hoped for 100% of you guy in the permanent category .... oh well, came close.

Thanx for the round! Boris ring the bell! [tup]

Catch ya in the 'morrow. Leon the Night Man has the bar. [zzz]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Good evening gentlemen. I think a draft of keiths is on hand thank-you. I'm too timid to attempt the welsh brew maybe during my birthday bash as I will still be on vacation so I'll be able to sleep off any ill effects. *** Thank-you for the kind words. I suppose i am a certified juice jack. certifiable at any rate Comes from the genes i think my dad's uncle was an NS&T man and then the wifes family put me over the edge in a good way. I just enjoy operating the old cars. I do hope you can make it in the spring,we should have a few more of the usuual cast of characters operational. Bertha aka large Whitt 2424 is about to be painted as all her mechanical and electrical repairs are complete. Her biggest bugaboo was the need to replace tthe govener that controls all the air and electrical systems and her heaters. L&PS 8 or the Queen of the fleet should be running again next year once the overhead issues that have sidlined her are delt with in the fall. Like you folks we have a fine line when it comes to operating costs. in our case we are all volenteer so we tend to make dollars stretch in many different directions. yes old parts can't be had at the local parts store . we've managed to hord bits and bobs over the years,you never know when you need that 100 year old gizmo over there. By the bye if you make it up in the spring hopefully Gord our master mechanic will be around, you and he could have some interesting conversations I'm sure. You'll have to refresh my memory are the TTC cars you have the rebuild 4600's or are they the older 4400 or 4500's? If they are the older sets (4400's or 4500's)keep a close watch on them as they suffered many a Toronto winter of road salt and all it's evils. Left to there own devises they may corrode right before your eye's. We've also found that the mg sets have an annoying habit of failing to work or charge the batteries if they are left unused for long periods of time.Tom sorry to have snuck that post in plain sight , must have thrown you off posting in the am like that.[:D]Your personal bar sounds like my parents they still have booze left over from their wedding in 1959!!! I do hope the cost guard didn't expect you to drink the gallon of booze on each trip cause man o man talk about the floating liver syndrome. Well gents i'm away for now. Rob

[siberianmo]

Howdy Rob

A rather early start to the day for me .... university is back in session (yesterday) which means house-husband must get movin' with the chores before the bride trudges off to earn some bucks to keep me in the lifestyle that I've grown accustomed! [yeah][wow][tup][swg]

Didn't catch any sneak of a post[?] Better watch that stuff you're consuming m'boy - it'll do ya in for sure! [swg]

Can't say that I've followed allof your talk regarding those trolleys - but I'm getting there! Good thing our May Rendezvous provides for an extra day - methinks you'd throw yourself on the Earth in a rant (or sorts) if we didn't make it to your museum! [swg]

Catch ya later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

TUESDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

Good Morning Guys!

As always, there’s a fresh supply from The Mentor Village Bakery – some freshly brewed Joe (regular ‘n decaf) and of course the light breakfast menu. Enjoy! [tup]

A rather uneventful Monday it was – very surprised by the inactivity on the part of those we call regulars. Once again the phenomenon of the Ghost Browsers seemed to apply – customers signed in, but nothing to say. [%-)]

I thank those of you who took the time to welcome *** into the Order of the Permanent Stools. [tup][tup]

News of the Day:

No news is good news!

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 06:20:34 (83) Monday’s News & Summary

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 09:44:03 (83) Selection Committee report

(3) Gunns Kevin Posted: Aug 2005, 09:49:15 (83)

(4) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 10:29:20 (83)

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 10:32:11 (83) reply to Gunns

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 10:42:19 (83) reply to trolleyboy

(7) wrwatkins *** Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 11:32:33 (83)

(8) CFournier Chris Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 11:46:44 (83)

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 13:17:45 (83) reply to wrwatkins & CFournier

(10) wrwatkins *** Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 13:44:47 (83)

(11) bjdukert Duke Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 14:53:02 (83)

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 15:08:59 (83) reply to wrwatkins

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 15:13:17 (84) reply to bjdukert

(14) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 19:51:45 (84)

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 20:12:21 (84) reply to nickinwestwales

(16) passengerfan Al Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 20:26:10 (84)

(17) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 21:38:08 (84) reply to passengerfan

(18) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 23:54:20 (84)

(19) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Aug 2005, 06:05:11 (84) reply to trolleyboy

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

[Trainnut484]

Good morning Tom and everyone [:)]. Tom I'll have a big cup of java and a danish from the Mentor Bakery please.

[bow][bow] Congrats to you *** on your promotion to Permanent Stool status [tup].

I've checked out the Museum thread. Doug, Rob and Kevin have it hummin with all their latest accomplishments [tup][yeah]

Gotta go for now

Russell

[Anonymous]

Good Mornin' all, My "Yesterday" shouldn't happen to a Bedouin who cheats on his favorite two hump Camel. It began with a funeral for a long time Legionairre, a "Wake" follwing the ceremonies and then a trip to the Largo Live Steam R.R. (7-1/2" gauge) to "shake" the dreary mood. Predictably, I got "tied up" with some members of the Club and the after operations "social" turned into a soiree that would make Atilla the Hun blush.[:O] Today, holds little more promise as the aftermath of said "social" has taken "Its" toll all the way down to my Argile sox.[xx(]

***, although I couldn't be the first to congratulate you at this auspicious event, rest assured I certainly celebrated it in absentia.[tup] Great discussions between you and Rob on a subject near and dear to yours truly...Trolleys. I wi***o return to several points both of you have brought up a little later. But, for now, I must get my "act together" for visitors due here in half-n-hour. Tom, just checking in for now, please set up a round for the bar and a double for *** until I can return for a proper toast and official recognition of ***'s stahlwart membership in "The Order of the Permanent Stools." The engravers are just now finishing the enscription on the brass buckle for your saftey belts. OOOps! Here they come now. Back a.s.a.p.!

[siberianmo]

G'mornin' Guys!

Still AM here in mid-continent USA ....... skies cloudy and some distant rumblilngs. Perhaps a bit of rain [yeah] - at least the temps are finally tolerable. Not so for Dallas these days - 100 (F) again! Glad I'm here! Sorry, ***[swg]

Thanx for popping in Trainnut484 Russell When your graphics exceed the comments - man oh man, it's time to regroup! [swg] Love that Santa Fe, however! [tup]

Ted So you are in dire straits this day, eh[?] A hair of the dog, perhaps[?] Maybe in your case we'd require a kennel given the description you provided of your day. I'm rather unsure whether my aging body could handle one of those kinds of days - but then again - bring it on! [swg][tup]

Sorry 'bout your friend. Nice of you and your buddies to stay connected through the Legion. I'm a Llife Member (meaning only that I've paid up the dues .....) and don't participate except for maybe a trip down to the VA cemetary on Nov 11th - but that's on my own - not with the Post. Just support 'em financially. Not much on the "good old days" kinds of stuff - they all weren't THAT good! When I retired I paid up several of my veteran's group memberships and figured that would be my contribution.

Ran into a guy one day over at the Commissary - a fellow that in many an opinion had difficulty walking and chewing gum. Nice enough guy, mind you, just not one you'd want to go ashore with in a port away from home. Anyway, this guy retired as an 0-6! And without any sea duty since he was an Ensign/LtJg. I couldn't believe my ears as he chronicled his career while I was trying my best to look interested all the while stocking the shopping cart with the things my bride ordered me to bring home. [swg] Go figure, as the kids used to say ........

Looking forward to your comments later on - and - thanx for the round and double for *** [tup] Boris ring that sucker! Twice for Ted once for my [#offtopic]!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good morning Y'all. Again thanks to everyone who congratulated me upon my elevation to the permanant bar stool. I think I will celebrate by having a double Plymouth gin over ice with a lemon peel. Do not want to destroy the flavor with tonic water or other stuff. Nick, Plymoouth is made in Plymouth Devon, which is a little south of Wales. However, it is closer to Wales than where the Scotch is made in the Grampian Highlands.

For Trollryboy. I think the PCCs we got from Toronto are the 4600 series. They are numbered 4613 and 4614 so I think we are safe. I am going to do my best to get to Toronto next May, but I cannot plan that far ahead at this time. As things solidify here I will be better able to look into the future.

Like a good military commander I always keep a few assets in reserve. Tom, I did not take you to the service and inspection facility for the light rail or the Age of Steam Museum. (I am technical advisor to the museum). These two places are less than a mile apart in the Fair Park area of East Dallas. Perhaps the next trip we can hit these. In all reality we did not have time to get there last week. The Age of Steam Museum has several static displays including a GG1, which I know you will like. To my knowledge the Pennsy's rails or wires never reached Dallas, but we got one of these great locomotives anyway. We also have a big boy and a Santa Fe gasoline powered type of RDC (Forget the D in RDC). This unit still operates. There is quite a story of the delivery of the GG1 to Dallas. Naturally it wis put in a freight and hauled dead to Dallas. Along the was it got "lost" and it took the railroads a couple of weeks to locate it. I suggested using an airplane as it would ceretainly stand out in a yard, however, finances precluded this option. Alas, it finally arrived in Dallas. The big boy is the best maintained one remaining and was considered briefly for rebuilding as part of a movie documenting the rebuild. The movie fell through due to lack of funding. The museum correctly demanded that $1,000,000 be set into a reserve fund to insure that the engine would not be disassembled then the project abandoned. Somehow a warehouse of locomotive parts is not too impressive. We even have a Santa Fe stainless coach, which I believe is Budd vintage, so Tom, we cover all three of your loves.

Better be getting back to work.

Cheers,
***

[siberianmo]

G'day ***

Ring the bell, Boris in keeping with the long-standing tradition - just begun today - the man is buying a round, as all new inductees to the Order of the Permanent Stools should! [swg]

I just checked out The Age of Steam Museum site at http://www.dallasrailwaymuseum.com/collection.html
Nice collection - HOWEVER what's with the GG-1 in Amtrak livery[?] Good grief, that's tantamount to declaring war on those of us who revere the PRR! Arggggggggh. [tdn]

Next time[?] Are you implying that I should start pinching my pennies for another trip to Dallas for a day of trains[?] Sounds good to me - but ......... [;)] Well, should there be a next time, yes - let's check out those other places we surely didn't have time for as you ran my little aging butt ragged! [swg]

Back to the museum - I've seen pictures of that Brill Doodlebug in one or more of my modest collection of hard cover RR books. Interesting cars for sure. Never travelled in any of them, although many U.S. and Canadian RR's ran the Doodlebugs for those connectors to the mainlines. I'm getting INTERESTED ............. Whoa, boy - whoa. Can't be spendng the dog's food allowance on airline tickets! [swg]

I would have asked, How does one lose a GG-1[?] had you not elaborated. Fine, fine machines indeed and extremely durable. I wonder if the manufacturer ever envisioned how long a life these monsters would enjoy[?]

Okay - gotta get going on some chores 'round here. Leon came in for some lunch, so - he's got the bar! [tup]

Enjoy your gin and thanx for the post! [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone! I'm feeling frisky so I'll take one of those Welsh beers Nick was talking about. And some peanuts,too. I checked out the action yesterday but did'nt add anything, Tom. Just want to stay abreast of all the happenings.
***, congrats on the promo to Order of Permanent Stool. I raise my ice cold mug in a toast. I liked the insight on the operation that you provided. Those are truly words to live by provided by a graduate of the school of reality! If memory serves, the Age Of Steam has a Frisco Northern that is an oilburning sister to our coalburner here in Spfld. I also seem to remember that it is probably the only loco that had its headlight lens changed by a licensed optician!
Gunnskevin, one of our new members at the Midland will be taking a trip on Amtrak in October with Albuquerque as the endpoint. I told him about your work on the 2926 and he requested directions so he could view your progress. I believe he will leave KC on the 11th of Oct.
Westcoast Dave, 1522 is owned by the Museum of Transport, which is part of the local parks operation. The St. Louis Steam Train Association restored her and operated during her second career. Skyrocketing insurance costs, aging volunteers, and new FRA rules concerning steam locos are what caused the group to retire her again. The group has since disbanded but the 1522 still is at the MOT. What a beautiful lady she is! Long legged, graceful and loud-the perfect woman!!!
Sunday was able to actually let my trainee run the loco. I stood next to him at the runarounds and let him get the feel of a light engine. He was on pins and needles on the way down but by the end of the day he was beginning to feel more at ease. My wife closed the gift shop early and rode the last trip. She took plenty of photos. When we get these developed, we will ask for them on a disk and will try to figure out how to post them so all my friends here at Our Place will see them. If it isn't a train or a truck, I have trouble with it!!!
My trainee has brought me something to read from his collection. It is a John Norwood book from his days on the D&RG narrow guage. It is quite the read. Instead of the normal dry, boring stuff of normal books, this explores rring from the human angle. As Midland's book reviewer, I have read enough of those!
I like that Welsh beer. Despite Nick's warning about its ability to catch up to you all at once, I'll have another. Then I'll stumble over to the jukebox to see if it is really repaired or if Tom should have to call the repairman again. Still want to hear C.W. McCall's Silverton Train and whatever the B side is.

[siberianmo]

Hello earlydiesels Dan

Things aren't quite the same 'round here without ya and that's quite a Post you left us with! [tup][tup][tup] Lots to read and good stuff at that! Appreciate your taking the time for us .........

Here' s a little something for ya from Boris 'n Leon
The Silverton

By Bill Fries & Chip Davis

She was born one mornin' on a San Juan summer
Back in eighteen an' eighty an' one
She was a beautiful daughter of the D & RG
And she weighed about a thousand tons
Well it's a fourty five miles through the Animas Canyon
So they set her on the narrow gauge
She drank a whole lotta water, and she ate a lotta coal
And they called her The Silverton (Silverton train)

Here comes The Silverton up from Durango
Here comes The Silverton, a shovelin' coal
Here comes The Silverton up from the canyon
See the smoke, and hear the whistle blow

Well now listen to the whistle in the Rockwood Cut
On the Highline to Silverton town
An' yer gonna git a shiver, when ya check out the river
Which is four hunderd feet straight down!
Take on some water at the Needleton tank
And then ya struggle up a two-five grade
And by the time ya git yer hide passed the Snowshed Slide
Ya had a ride on The Silverton (Silverton train)

Here comes The Silverton up from Durango
Here comes The Silverton, a shovelin' coal
Here comes The Silverton up from the canyon
See the smoke, and hear the whistle blow

Now down by the station, early in the mornin'
There's a whole lotta people in line
An' they all got a ticket on the train to yesterday
An' it's a gonna leave on time
Well it's a fourty five miles through the Animas Canyon
So they set her on the narrow gauge
She drinks a whole lotta water, and she eats a lotta coal
And they call her The Silverton (Silverton train)

Here comes The Silverton up from Durango
Here comes The Silverton, a shovelin' coal
Here comes The Silverton up from the canyon
See the smoke, and hear the whistle blow

{Repeat Chorus}
===================================
This great song is from C.W. McCall's album, Black Bear Road which featured:
First Side

Black Bear Road
The Silverton
Lewis And Clark
Oregon Trail
Ghost Town

The Other Side

Convoy
Long Lonesome Road
Green River
Write Me A Song
Mountains On My Mind
==================================
Sorry, but I'm unable to help you with the flip side of Silverton, right now. Check out this URL - http://www.cw-mccall.com/works/singles/

See ya!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

At last things are back to normal chaos. Right Tom, I too respect "tradition" but institutionalized burial isn't one of my favorites. Our local Legion Post is more "community service" related: blood drives, scholarships for needy families, "Meals on Wheels" (elderly), "Toys for Tots" (young), food collection (needy), et al. If it were a bunch of old croanies hanging on to "past glories" or wallowing in mindless "latrine talk," I wouldn't be remotely interested.[tdn] How's about a round for all and a Molsons in a tall frosty for me?

Al, your selfless contributions to "Our" Place have certainly earned you this coveted award. We all know that you will never allow the gravity of the position "go to your head." Speaking of "gravity," that's the reason for the safety belt and engraved buckle stating "A Gentleman and a Scholar of R.R. Vision and Virtuosity" [Its a big buckle!][swg] I must ask for an opinion from you and Rob. What do you think of altering vintage cars to accomodate for air conditioning? I've seen both the Pearly Thomas (New Orleans) and the Birnies (here in Tampa) "after the fact" and was unimpressed in both cases. The original roof contour is utterly disfigured. Second question: is there any feasible means of mounting the A.C. under the car, perhaps duct and vents under the floor? I'm not deaf to the "ring" of the fare box from tourist's dollars but I wonder if some integrity to the "original" couldn't be spared somehow?[tup]

[C=:-)] Nick, thanks for the warning. Now I'm salivating for a "first thirst" trial of this brawney brew.[:D] Say, you don't imagine the undulating motion of the Zepplin might cause some unfortunate chemical reaction within those wooden casks?[:O] We don't need another Hindenburg [8] over Mentor Village.

Earlydiesels Dan, glad you're "Back in the Saddle Again."[^] Just the thought of being "at the throttle" of one of those goliathan living breathing creatures gives me a "rush." Hope your aprentices appreciate how lucky they are. If I ever get back to K.C., MO, I'd better have a week for all the haunts where you, Russell, Jeff, Pete and Tom (occasionally} "hang ye'r hats."[tup]

Rob, passengerfan Al has now entered the gas electric domain that I can relate to for interurban (radial) pass. service. The South West (U.S.) was criss crossed with these unique and nearly forgotten "work horses" on the short lines. I have a Walthers model in HO and Aristo Craft in G gauge (both Santa Fe). They were replaced with the R.D.C.'s which were grayhounds compared to the noisy gas fired 12 cylinder Chrysler and Packard "Gatling Guns" of yore. Some R.R.'s built them in their own shops and there is quite a variety on offer. They were ungainly, awkward, uncomfortable, deafening and I love them all.[(-D] I use mine in its' typical fashion, mixed pass. and light freight. Gentlemen, these consists come straight from the "bowels of haydes" and are guaranteed to prompt questions from all with eyes to see.[:O] More on this later.

I must begin preparing [dinner] soon and haven't a clue which way to go. Leon please, a parting quaff for all present. Did you see that? Leon crushed the ice for that Tequila Sunrise in one hand![alien] Trouble is: the ice was already in the cocktail glass. Happy rails everyone.

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all a pint of Brains bitter if it is in yet please
Was just about to call in yesterday after catching up but a t-storm popped up so I thought I had better get off line .
TED Yes I think skittles would be a great game for the back room it is a bit noisy and involves throwing things. I can explain more if you want.
[tup] *** ON YOUR ELEVATION TO THE STOOL[^] The piece on running the railroad was one the best I have seen.Maybe just maybe there is another golden age of railroads round the corner for passenger travel.In Europe with the new high speed lines they are taking passengers off the airlines I read recently that there are only two flights between Paris and Brussels now. They are hoping for similar when the new Chanel tunnel high speed link opens in 2007 each Euro star van hold 750 passengers.Perhaps it could happen here.
In the U.K.travel numbers are up to they were up to in the mid 1950's which considering the massive rise of car-ownership and the motorways is remarkable.
As for the BIG BOY I have been lucky enough to see 3 of them Denver, Kirkwood and Green Bay how many were saved [?] they are awe-inspiring locos
[C=:-)]NICK thanks for the Brains what does Bread of Heaven taste like as I have not had the pleasure of trying it yet[?] Quite afew years ago now we had a railfan trip to CYMBARGOED open cast mine after there was a 3 hour break in Cardiff which we spent in the Brains brewery tap[wow][tup] Anyone who could have S.A.with breakfast is a better man than I.
Well TOM I'll have Batham's for the road and hope to call in again soon. PETE

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom, Time for a double CR and a round for the house.
Dave the Age of Steam 3197 passenger car is indeed historically significant. It is one of only two Santa Fe Streamlined observations to survive intact as built. The other is NAVAJO at the Colorado RR Museum.
The 3197 was one of those Budd built cars that almost never got constructed as work began on the car in January 1942 just after WW II began and Budd was already gearing up for war production that did not include rail cars. The war Department permitted work to continue on the car but not to interfere with wartime production. The car was finally outshopped in May 1942 and featured 50 seats in pairs and two facing seats in the rounded observation end facing each other these two seats were not sold but were for the enjoyment of anyone who could find one empty. The forward part of the car was occupied bgvy two large long distance bathrooms. The car was first assigned to a third EL CAPITAN that gave the train every other day service throughout WW II. In 1947 all three prewar EL CAPITAN Observation cars 3197-3199 were rebuilt with 38 Heywood Wakefield Leg-Rest Seats replacing the 50 reclining back seats. The 3197 was the only one of the three cars to retain its observation end with 3198 and 3199 becoming regular 36 seat leg rest seat coaches in November and December 1960 losing their Observation ends at that time. Both of these cars were later sold to NJ Transit where they ran out their remaining years.
The 3197 operated with the M-190 and M-160 between Clovis and Carlsbad. N.M. for the remainder of its operational career on the Santa Fe. It was stored at Clovis following the takeover of passenger services by Amtrak and today is at the Age of Steam Museum. I visited the car a couple of times at the museum and found it still looks great.
Ted you asked a question about converting older cars to A/C and does it always alter the roofline. Unfortunately the P/S built cars with clerestory roofs in all instances I have seen were altered. But I don't know why with todays A/C available that it couldn't be hung beneath the car and the air ducted under the cars and up through the floors. It certainly would not destroy the shape of the roofline. But please whatever you do don't do what Princess Tours did to three of the former Milwaukee Road Super domes and hang what looked like RV A/C units along the top of the dome.
Well that is enough from me for now anyway.

[siberianmo]

Evening Gang!

Quite a gathering since my last Post and it's good to see. [tup]

Ted - Pete and Al always appreciate your participation and insightful thoughts.

Ted Don't know if you misread something into what I commented on regarding my opinion of the Vet's groups [ belong to insofar as meetings and the like are concerned. Whether they be ceremonial or community active types of organizations, God love 'em all. I'm just not into that degree of socializing any more ....... and I don't knock those who are. Amen.

Pete I'm assuming you saw the list of Welsh brew that I posted yesterday that Nick has shipped to you. It will be stowed (sailor talk for sotred) within our private reefer car located over on the CP siding just 'round the bend. For now, it's Bathams ....
That's pretty good info you've passed regarding the ridership numbers in the U.K. My guess is that once we see gasoline prices hitting the $4 per gallon mark, one will need ear protectors - at $5, Congress is going to be descended upon like the locusts do in the plains states ........ Unfortunately, we've lost so much rail infrastructure, that to quickly do anything to relieve the traveling public simply ain't gonna happen. A significant difference between North Americans and Europeans is the reliance on automobiles vs rail. One need not guess which is which.

Al You are indeed blessed with your very own personalized belt buckle to keep you perched on your Permanent Stool. How innovative of Ted, wouldn't you agree[?]

Boris ring the bell twice for the rounds on Ted and Al! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]