"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[Anonymous]

Good morning Tom and friends. I'll have a light breakfast please. I just have a few minutes, so I'll upload my little contribution and then be off to work. If the pictures don't load, I will fix that later. Have a terrific day!

Van Horne of the C.P.R. by Charles F. Carter, Railroad Stories Aug. 1935

William Cornelius Van Horne, Railroad Builder


Van Horne says he is going to build five hundred miles of the Canadian Pacific this year. That’s a lot of railroad, what? “Ridiculous! The braggart knows it can’t be done.”

That was the way a great many Canadians talked about the plans of William Cornelius Van Horne, who had arrived in Winnipeg in January, 1882. He was under contract as general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway, at the biggest salary ever paid a western railroad man up there to that time, to build the transcontinental line the Dominion Government had promised British Columbia to complete in ten years if the province would join the Eastern Federation.

While the transcontinental railroad had been talked about for nearly half a century; while nearly four million dollars had been spent in surveys; and while three attempts by a private corporation and by the government had been made to get work under way, no substantial progress had been made.

The famous James J. Hill, then a stock-holder, recommended Van Horne as the best man to put the scheme through.

Dominion pride was somewhat mortified by the importation of an “alien” to boss the great national undertaking Antagonism to the “alien” was keenest within the organization. But Van Horne had had experience with office politicians and that did not worry him. Any man who knew his job and attended to it could get along fine with him.

Then the task of assembling material and supplies for the short summer season went faster. Steel was ordered in Europe and sent around by way of New Orleans and forwarded by solid trainload. Contract for 900 miles west from Winnipeg was let to the firm of Langdon & Sheppard, of St. Paul. The day after the contract was signed the firm advertised for 3,000 men and 4,000 horses. Sub-contracts were let for the grading. All season long graders trod on the heels of locating engineers, tracklayers crowded graders off the dump. When bridge building lagged behind, night crews were put on.

Even at that, it became evident as the weeks wore on that the stint of 500 mile would not finish before the cold weather stopped work. Van Horne called a conference of engineers and contractors. “Impossible to hurry any faster,” protested the contractors. “If that’s the way you feel about it I’ll cancel the contract and get somebody who can work up to the schedule,” replied Van Horne. On second thought, the contractors conceded that it might be possible to speed up a bit. They were working on open prairie which offered no exceptional difficulties.

Before that season with the general manager, 5,000 men had been employed. The force was doubled. All night and all day trains of wagons rumbled from rail head to graders’ camps. Sub-contractors on finishing their jobs moved by night to the next one, sometimes passing engineers’ camps before location had been completed.

Van Horne was all over the map all of the time. He would step from his shabby office car to a buckboard and drive from camp to camp. Nothing escaped his eye, particularly food for the men. It had to be ample and good. Poor food, poor work, he argued.

At Winnipeg he saw that materials and supplies moved to the front as fast as they could be used. Each supply train carried material for one mile of track – ties, rails, fastenings, telegraph poles, wire, bridge material. No track-laying machines were used. Everything was done by hand. Soon the Canadian Pacific was creeping across the prairie at the rate of two or three miles a day.

When freezing ground ended construction for the season the “braggart’s” score stood: miles of railroad built, 508; miles of telegraph line finished, 897; miles of line located, 620; station building erected, 32.

After snow slices had carried away in succession seven wooden bridges like this, the C.P.R. got mad and spanned this rocky mountain gulch with a steel arch. There has never been a snow slide in that place since!


Railroading in the Canadian Rockies. The middle of a 4500-ton Canadian Pacific freight train crossing Stoney Creek Bridge in the Selkirk Range. The train was headed by multi-pressure engine No. 8000 (2-10-4 type), largest locomotive in the British Empire, centered with two of the 5900 series (shown in the photo – also 2-10-4 types), and pushed by one of the 5300 series (2-8-2) type)

[Anonymous]

Good evening Leon, I'll take a frosty brewsky, and kindly set-up a round for my friends. Finally got an opportunity to get online. Woke up late (5am), biked to and from work today for a change. Ted, I too noticed the weathering on many of Ted Voss' models, and neglected to ask him how he did that. I think I'll make another trip and ask how he did it, as well (and I already thought about this Tom) find a way to persuade him to open for a private showing for the 2007 Rendevous. Thanks for te Erie streamlined car post sir Al, and also to Rob for his Quinte Railway post. You just never know what you'll find when you drop by "Our Place."

Ya know, I was thinking it was best to use my RailImages site rather than photobucket. I still have another 50 or so model RR shots ya'll haven't seen! I'll get them moved soon enough. Grrrrrrrrrrr. And Tom, I pay them too ... just like you ... and they do this? And now here's ..............

One Way of Protecting Trains in Wartime Railroad Stories Aug. 1935

An old document, just come to light, indicates one of the problems of railroading in the South during the Civil War, and how it was solved. This proclamation was issued by a commanding officer of the Union forces:

Headquarters District, West Tennessee, Memphis, July 6, 1864.
WHEREAS, Railroad trains from Memphis to Saulsbury have been fired into frequently by Confederate soldiers and guerrillas within the last few days; and
WHEREAS, There are many persons along the line of the railroad and at Memphis who approve and encourage such murderous proceedings;
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, That forty of the most prominent and better class of Secessionists in and between Memphis and LaGrange be arrested, and that twenty of them each day be placed upon cars, in most conspicuous positions, one being placed on each side of the engines; and no train will be allowed to leave Memphis without a “secesh guard” until this murderous practice is desisted from.
IT IS KNOWN, That several citizens of Memphis have publicly applauded this firing upon trains. They will be given prominent position on cars, and quarters will be fitted up for them at White Station, where they will be tenderly cared for while not on duty on trains. Brigadier-General Hatch, commanding the cavalry division, is entrusted with the execution of this order. By order: MAJ. GEN. C.C. WASHBURNE.


And now skipping ahead a few hundred years ..........

[:I] Get a glimpse into life far into the future, in the year 2056...

Ozone created by electric cars now killing millions in the seventh largest country in the world, Mexifornia, formally known as California.

Couple petitions court to reinstate heterosexual marriage.

Last remaining Fundamentalist Muslim dies in the American Territory of the Middle East (formerly known as Iran, Afghanistan, Syria and Lebanon).

Iran still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels.

George Z. Bush says he will run for President in 2058.

Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesdays only.

85-year, $75.8 billion study: Diet and Exercise are the keys to weight loss.

Average weight of Americans drops to 250 lbs.

Japanese scientists have created a camera with such a fast shutter speed, they now can photograph a woman with her mouth shut.

Massachusetts executes last remaining conservative.

Supreme Court rules punishment of criminals violates their civil rights.

Average height of NBA players now nine feet, seven inches.

New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly swatters and rolled-up newspapers must be registered by January 2057.

Congress authorizes direct deposit of formerly illegal political contributions to campaign accounts.

IRS sets lowest tax rate at 75 percent.

Spotted Owl plague threatens northwestern United States crops and livestock.

Baby conceived naturally . . . scientists stumped!

Florida voters still don't know how to use a voting machine [:I]

[siberianmo]

G'day!

Been a good day for relaxing - and some fine conversation 'round the old bar 'n grill. [tup]

While it has been a few years since I did my serious research on the railways "down under," I do recall reading in more than one place that New Zealand was NOT recommended for passenger rail travel due to poor condition of equipment and questionable maintenance practices on rights-of-way. Perhaps this has changed - for the better.

Met a couple of Aussies aboard the Denali Star who were quite convinced that their rail system will one day go the way of ours here in North America. Unless, of course, petrol prices truly go off the scale. Otherwise, it's a world wide love affair with the gasoline powered cars. More money being spent on highways than on other modes of transport - sound familiar [?]

Would really be nice to get an Aussie or three to check in with us. Great people and from presonal experience, quite the beer drinkers! [tup] [swg

Here's a nite cap for the traction crowd . . . .

IT #101 (courtesy: donsdepot.donrossgroup.net -
foto credit: Don Ross)

QUOTE: 101 was built by American Car in 1917 as AG&StL 61. In 1926 the car became StL&ARy 61 and in 1930 it became IT 101. On March 9, 1956, it was sold to the Illinois Electric Railway Museum and is now at Union, IL.

REMINDER:
Leon the Night Man takes the bar at 9 PM (Central)!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a CR and a round for the house.

Read your comments on the proposed trip to Down Under. Sorry you missed it. Having ridden the INDIAN-PACIFIC from coast to coast I came away throughly impressed even though they don't know what a dome is. Now they have a new trip I would like to take going from North - to - South. Recently saw a travel Channel report on this train and it too was well worth the trip. Visited Darwin in the Navy and remember the people were extremely friendly and truly enjoyed their beer. Believe I read somewhere a few years ago Darwin went through a Typhoon and the first thing they requested of rescuers was beer. Sounds like my kind of place.

Did not get a chance to sample the RRs of New Zealand when I visited their but have also seen travel logs on some of their trains and was quite impressed by what I saw.

Enjoyed the Sunday Pics from everyone and believe it to be one of the best sunday photo days ever.

Enough of my ramblings for one day

TTFN Al

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

Amazin' change from the weekend insofar as business is concerned - well, the guys have to earn livings, eh [?] [swg]

Nice to see ya BK and that's quite an ambitious travel list you have! Why not just set aside the rest of the year and "go for it!" <grin>

A few years ago I researched the Australian rail scene and found it to be quite interesting. Lots and lots of info available on the web and as always, pictures too! [tup] We had entertained thoughts of spending 4 months "down thataway" - with stays in each of the major cities so that we could get a "feel" for the way things are done there. The objective was to take the train from place to place to place until we achieved the cross continental trip. Then fly over to New Zealand - and home. Never did it, as this was a MOST ambitious thought and would have required a leave of absence for my bride, etc. Now with Juneau the Wonder Husky on scene - we can fahgedaboudit! [swg]

Rob About PhotoBucket - I have had similar experiences and found that you need only to reload those balky Pix - not delete them - just recopy the URLs from the Pix that are on your album and put 'em back in. They will come up again in another place - but will work and will NOT skew the others. I've done it. Don't have a clue why PhotoBucket is soooooooooo strange about this nor do I know why they NEVER answer Emails - and I have a paid account at that. Go figure.

I'm kinda letting things go 'round here today - giving the guys a chance to play catch up - far too much stuff has been on these pages that occupy lotsa memory. Heard from Lars by Email and he can't even get to the Thread! Something is up. I haven't had problems with the volume of stuff - although loading those pages where Dougs Pix reside took longer than usual - but my high speed is doing well (knock wood!).

BK Thanx for the reminder about Saturday and Canada Day - which we do recognize 'round this joint. Did last year and will again this . . . [tup] HOWEVER, nationalistic BS must be checked at the door in order to partake in the spirit of the bar - that goes for July 4th as well. One thing to be proud, quite another to be a JO about it.

Thought you fully understood VIto the Hit! and the way he operates. He's a hands on kinda guy - you don't do what he wants, and you'll find hands on you! <grin> His boyz take care of business while he explores new ventures. Has to keep the green fluid and in the system, if you nowutImean! <chuckle> Yep, a hand's on kinda guy, fer sure, fer sure.

Eric Received your Email and responded - thanx! [tup]

I think BK may have not seen your question because of difficulty in loading those pages he mentioned - hand in there - the guys are pretty good about responding, for the most part that is. [tup]

A few years ago while getting off the train in Vancouver, we were on oppostite sides of the platform from the Rocky Mountaineer excursion train. It was a great looking line of modern Ultra Domes - loco's were rather "freight looking" though. Anyway, the line of passengers awaiting to board was impressive. There were 2 "kids" positioned at each car door to "greet" those boarding. Just seemed to me to be about as plastic as the cards used to pay for the experience.

Now of course, we had just arrived after 3 days and 3 nights aboard VIA Rail's finest - the Canadian and in the triple bedroom of the Park car at that. So, there's no way the day trips of the Mountaineer could rival what we experienced. Of course, it all has to do with what one expects for their money, doesn't it [?]

More activity on "my other Thread" than here. What have I created!! [?] [swg]

Catch y'all later . . . .

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[BudKarr]

Good Day Captain Tom and all assembled (wherever that may be!),

Hope one and all had an enjoyable and relaxing weekend - we did. We are still adjusting to living in a home as opposed to a resort hotel - a bit of a return to reality, cannot call for room service! <grin>

It has been quite a weekend of activity, so I see. Our computer has experienced a bit of a set back with the loading process - alluded to by Tom in this day's comments. We have had a devil of a time trying to load pages 362 and 363 - seemingly takes forever. For what it is worth we are high speed, however, the interface leaves a lot to be desired as we discovered some months ago. Cannot accurately assess where the hang up is, but my resident "geek" seems to think it has to do with too much data being stored for those pages. Most times they simply "come up" with no problems. Not this time.

The talk in these parts about Chris Pronger has set the air waves on fire insofar as the sports wonks are concerned. No details have been let out - at least none that I have heard to convince me that any of this is contrived or factual. Perhaps something to deflect the sting of the 7th game loss. If indeed the man has made the request on behalf of his lady, that is commendable. HOWEVER, in the things we do to earn our living, one must go where the job requirements are - OR - get another job. I can well imagine that you Tom were assigned to places where no one was ecstatic about the move or the area. No sympathy from me.

Lydia and I have been seriously discussing a rail journey and while Alaska looks terrific, we are more inclined to look for something where sleeping cars are part of the makeup. We have traveled to Vancouver from these parts for an overnight in each direction and enjoyed it. She looked into the Rocky Mountaineer and in fact knows someone "in" the organization. We have so many brochures, maps and the like, that it our dining room looks like a travel agency! [swg] Our conclusion is that the experience would be marvelous, but far too "plastic" in the sense that we would prefer an operating railroad as opposed to a tour train, plus they too lodge you in hotels and not onboard the train. Extremely costly for the packages we have looked at.

Actually, we just may wind up in Australia - where we have interests other than touring. They operate a cross continental train and it just may be something to pursue. No firm time frame, but it is something to explore further.

Then we have an outstanding offer to return to Sweden (listeing Eric [?]) but it would be moreso a work-pleasure situation, which I believe has been touched upon on these pages. Not interested in resuming my career. However, we will return to "the continent" and spend a few months visiting the places that I have become familiar with over a large part of my working life. The one thing that has not changed for me is the desire to travel.

Please permit a comment from me regarding what Ted and Tom touched upon this day. There should be an economy cranked in to what is being so marvelously done on these pages. The enormous volumes of material could easily be sandwiched between hard covers and sold as books. There is just that much in quality and quantity to draw from. The pictures are outstanding as well.

I wonder aloud what the rush is on the part of a few to 'dump' everything they may have at one or two sessions [?] Why not spread out those volumes over days or weeks as suggested [?] Save up some for the periods of inactivity, which of course provides somewhat of a relief valve for those of us who would like to devour the information posted, but simply do not have the time - right then and there - to do it. Once put off on the back burner, we all know that getting back to it perhaps simply does not happen. Such a waste of material.

Url's also provide an excellent vehicle to explore material - however, they too are time consuming and many times lead to diveregent paths - some so far off the subject that one simply gets overloaded.

Gentlemen, it is indeed a fine place to enjoy one another and the material provided. Let us not saturate the pages with those long winded "data dumps" or postings for the sake of postings.

I will now order one of those Lars foot long sandwiches - a "Kokanee Light" and my lady will have the strawberry scones and tea. A round for the next crew that arrives!

We may be a bit sparse this week, as we have some activities 'down the mountain," but nothing that should take us away for too very long.

Finally - July 1st is Canada Day and an event that is a mixed bag for some. Being of dual citzenship, I enjoy the absolute best of both "worlds" so to speak. Had nothing to do with my efforts, just my parents being in the right place at the right time for me! [swg] Anyway, we are going to be attending a celebratory event in Calgary over the next weekend. Lydia wants to drive - I am pushing to go by air. She is still not totally comfortable with "that little plane!" <grin>

BK in beautiful Alberta, Canada's high mountain country!

[trolleyboy]

Good morning Tom and the bunch. No Boris I don't want a banana. [sigh] I think a BK coffee and a #3 sir Tom if you don't mind.

Tom I had noticed that the "bucket" ate those pictures, but I figured why go back and edit and attempt the fix, as that does through off the page loading on the thread.Besides as far as I can figure the addresses for the pictures were typed out correctly. [tdn] to the "bucket" again [sigh]I'll retry the missed ones next week, who knows it may let them come through.So Vito thinks that there's gold in them thar hills does he [?] Who's going to run the family bank, the family,laundrmat,the family mortuary business, the family loan payment councelling service ( WE be Knuckles ). And so on and so forth, even he doesn't have that many cousins does he,perhaps he's been cloned, a job for our worthy mentor :Private sluth I would think.

Eric I forgot to thank you for looking into finding the bikini team photo's [;)][tup] I'm sure that the track gangs will appreciate that effort. You are most liely correct, lite rail of one sort or the othetr will start seeping back into the larger city centre's I would think. I don't think we wll ever see the whole sale cities of all sizes mass electric transit that we saw last century though. The infrastructure is getting way too expensive for the smaller urban area's. Unless of coarse the governments wis up and start giving the rail industry the same kind of breaks roads and airports get ( I know a big big if )

Ted His track weathering and general weathering and detail is absolutly supurb on that layout.Coarse model railroads left to their own devices can sometimes take on that "aged" and weathered look all by themselves. [:O] They just don't run well when that happens,nothing 24v can't fix though. [:P][:-^]

Everyone go look at that website url Tom put up, it's a different. [tup] The CBC does seem to have gotten to the ah bottom of that story. LOL

Al A fine streamliner on the Erie to be sure sir [tup]Is this a forshadowing of tuesdays railroad of the day [?]
Rob

[siberianmo]

G'day!

I want to make mention of a comment from Ted regarding "breaking up submissions over a longer period . . . ." This is something I have "harped" on for months and months, especially with the seemingly never ending looooooooooong narratives.

It IS time to start thinking about the impact these lengthy submissions have on the other guy's capability to receive them. "Loading" times are different for us all and depending on the type service one is using (dial-up, high speed, etc.) it can provide a bit of frustration that can and should be eliminated.

Same for the "batch Postings" - shotgun method, if you will - of "stuff." For example, why in the world do that when it is rather doubtful that anyone will pick up on the info right then and there (especially if provided during the wee hours or late at night or Saturday or Sunday). At least put some time between the Posts - perhaps separate them by an hour or two.

Finally, why Post a zillion Pix in one session, when they could be spread over a few hours, or even better, a few Sunday's [?] By doing this a bit more judiciously, the "loading" times will be sped up (for some) and the "inundation effect" will have been eliminated.

Gentlemen, it IS time to be a bit considerate of the other guy.

Thanx for your understanding! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

A great Monday mornin' to all. Tom, I need a bowl of Wheaties (breakfast of champions) to begin the day, thanks. The 24th and 25th met with industrial volumes of posts, Pix, URL's, and commentary. There is far too much for me to acknowledge at this time but hope to "bring up the rear" in future posts. I was wondering if breaking up submissions over a longer period might take the "curse" away? Never ungreatful, let me just thank each and every one for this avalanche of material which, if book marked, will nearly over load my storage limits.[(-D]

All points bulletin gents, please take a closer scan of the absolutely perfect weathering and detail of Mr. Ted Voss' track work. Barndad, I can only think Ted must've applied this rustic treatment before laying each section. If there is a short cut for gaining this effect after the rail is fastened down; I would happily donate an organ to learn the method. Rob, if Al is "20 fingers," you and Doug surely must come in at 30 fingers collectively.[:D] Eric I'm surprised you haven't mentioned beig a street car conductor before now. Your pix were surely timely and greatly appeciated from this side of the bar.[tup] Hey Rob, I smell future input from the "wired bunch" hereabouts, no?[swg] Juice #24 and #20 brought back good "vibes" and I will get "into" #29 a.s.a.p. Right Mike, great to see those meanigful and "on target" URL's back. They dovetail so appropriately with all the going's on hereabouts.[^] I can't make this a proper, inclusive post due to scheduling today but will make a return effort very soon. Tom thanks againd fro running some traction pix from your other thread, the choices are very disciminating (if I may use the term accurately).[:O] Okay, it's the Kamakazi run to the cliffs of Tampa now, so Boris don't do anything...it is a lot safer that way![alien] Happy rails all.

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom and the rest of the early risers. Time for a coffee and a crumpet from the Mentor Village Bakery.

Great photo day enjoyed all of the contributions.

ERIE
Streamlined Sleeping Cars
By Al

The Erie owned a total of thirteen lightweight streamlined sleeping cars all built by Pullman Standard. There were three different types of sleeping cars purchased by the Erie. First to arrive on the Erie were four AMERICAN series 6 Section 6 Roomette 4 Double Bedroom Sleeping cars from Pullman Standard. These were part of a large order for these cars that went to Union Pacific, Chicago & North Western, Southern Pacific, Santa Fe, Rock Island, Missouri Pacific and Illinois Central. The four cars received in June 1942 were assigned to the ERIE LIMITED between New York and Chicago.

6 SECTION 6 ROOMETTE 4 DOUBLE BEDROOM SLEEPING CARS Pullman Standard June 1942 Plan: 4099 Lot: 6669 (Built for and assigned to ERIE LIMITED & LAKE CITIES)

AMERICAN LIBERTY

AMERICAN LIFE

AMERICAN UNITY

AMERICAN WAY

It would be 1949 before additional lightweight streamlined sleeping cars would join the Erie. In May-June 1949 Pullman Standard delivered seven 10-6 sleeping cars named for persons who had influenced the Erie. These cars were assigned to the ERIE LIMITED, LAKE CITIES and ATLANTIC EXPRESS.

10 ROOMETTE 6 DOUBLE BEDROOM SLEEPING CARS Pullman Standard May - June 1949 Plan: 4129A Lot: 6797 (Built for and assigned to ERIE LIMITED, LAKE CITIES and ATLANTIC EXPRESS)

BENJAMIN LODER

CHARLES MINOT

DANIEL CRAIG McCALLUM

ELEAZAR LORD

JAMES GORE KING

MARVIN KENT

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

After the delivery of the 10-6 sleeping cars the sleeping car assignments on the Erie were as follows.

ERIE LIMITED #1

New York - Chicago
10-6

Salamanca - Chicago
6-6-4

Akron - Chicago
10-6

ERIE LIMITED #2

Chicago - New York
10-6

Chicago - Salamanca
6-6-4

LAKE CITIES #5

New York - Chicago
10-6

New York - Cleveland 6-6-4

LAKE CITIES # 6

Chicago - New York
10-6

Cleveland - New York
6-6-4

ATLANTIC EXPRESS #8

Chicago - Akron
10-6

The Erie purchased two 10-5 Sleeping cars from Pullman Standard that were delivered in June 1954 that were nearly identical to the 10-5 sleeping cars purchased by the Canadian National about the same time. The two Erie 10-5 Sleeping cars were assigned to service between Chicago and Youngstown overnight in each direction. The eastbound car traveled in the ATLANTIC EXPRESS and the westbound car traveled in the ERIE LIMITED.

10 ROOMETTE 6 DOUBLE BEDROOM SLEEPING CARS Pullman Standard June 1954 Plan: 4186B Lot: 6946 (Built for and assigned to Chicago - Youngstown service in ERIE LIMITED and ATLANTIC EXPRESS)

PRIDE OF YOUNGSTOWN

SPIRIT OF YOUNGSTOWN

The Erie merged with the Delaware Lackawanna and Western in October 1960 creating the Erie - Lackawanna.

ERIE
LACKAWANNA
Streamlined Sleeping Cars
by Al

The merger of the Erie and Delaware Lackawanna and Western gave the combined Erie - Lackawanna a total of 22 lightweight streamlined sleeping cars.
The one major change to take place after the merger was all trains west of Buffalo operated over the former Erie.
The Erie - Lackawanna resurrected the PHOEBE SNOW and instead of being a daytime New York - Buffalo train it became a New York - Chicago train operating west of Buffalo over the former ERIE LIMITED route. The merged railroads had more cars then was necessary to operate the remaining passenger services and sold five of the former ERIE 10-6 Sleeping cars to the Canadian National.

TTFN Al

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

Petrol dropped to $2.75 (rounded) up at “Collusion Corner,” and haven’t figured out a reason – what’s new! [?] Rather comfortable this past weekend, no oppressive humidity and temps in the low to mid-80s (F) – good for outside work, which we did! Supposed to continue on for the rest of the week. [tup]


And the beat goes on – Cardinals are in trouble as they dropped their 6th in a row – all to American League competition. I cannot recall a more dismal road trip for the team in recent times . . . <ugh> Oh yes, sports news ‘round here is the #1 draft pick for the Blues – whoopdeedo – that goes the last place team in the NHL (most times)! Things aren’t looking good at the moment here in River City. <groan> “Hot” rumor going ‘round is that Chris Pronger has asked to be released from Edmonton (traded) – his wife is from this area and supposedly wants to come back. Wonder if the new owner of the Blues will depart with the money it will take to bring him back – IF the Oilers let him go that is . . .


ENCORE! Saturday was quite a pleasant surprise, as the guys who contribute most of the reading material did so in fine fashion! Good job, guys and maybe we’ve turned a page with the reluctance we’ve seen to get on board with the “program” ‘round here. For anyone who watches these things – we had a 24-Post day (9 were mine), and 5 customers. Of those, all but one provided multiple submissions. Not bad – not bad at all! [tup] [tup]


As previously noted, an Email regarding our initial planning for the 2007 Annual ”Our” Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis went out the the “distribution list” yesterday. Anyone interesting in participating only needs to let me know and I’ll add your address.


We had a banner day yesterday with 23 Posts on Sunday – a day when the bar is CLOSED! Between the Pix, URLs and “notes,” those mail slots got a workout! <grin>


To the acknowledgments, picked up after my final Saturday Post:

barndad Doug
Posted: 24 Jun 2006, 20:58:32

A successful ENCORE! Saturday of interesting “stuff” capped off with your Four-part series . . . lots of reading, but chock full of good info! [tup] [tup]


trolleyboy Rob
Posted: 24 Jun 2006, 21:11:14 & 21:19:00 & 21:29:45 & 21:50:24

Quite a Saturday nite time flourish – big finish as they say! [tup] ENCORES!, your Index and an Inclusive Post! Nice job! [tup] [tup]

By the by, there was absolutely no collusion between 20 Fingers and I regarding the “playing” back ‘n forth with the ENCORE! material – we seem to do that quite well here and over on “my other Thread.” [swg]


And now . . .


Sunday Photo Posting Day! Pix contributors: barndad Dad – 78 photos! [wow] [tup] [tup] [tup] – then, EricX2000 Eric – 7 “Big Boy” Pix! – and – Extra special Inclusive Post! [tup] [tup] [tup] and trolleyboy Rob with his air show Pix! (4 didn’t come thru . . . but 5 did!) [tup] [tup] [tup]

. . . That’s one hulluva model RR, Doug and dontchajustwish it was your own [?] <grin>

. . . Nice spread of Pix of the “Big Boy,” Eric! We’ll get to see Union Pacific’s “Big Boy” # 4006 up close ‘n personal at the St. Louis Museum of Transport when we gather for our 2007 Rendezvous in St. Louis!

. . . Good to see ya Rob – looks like PhotoBucket strikes again! <frown> Surprised you didn’t notice . . . And, why wouldn’t Vito the Hit! have “interests” in Alaska [?] There’s gold in dose hills! [swg] We had a fine dinner in that place – as with most things in Fairbanks “proper” all within walking distance from the sites we wanted to check out . . .

. . . And, the return of the URLMeisterMonster Mike with URLs – what else [?] [swg] [tup] [tup] [tup]

. . . Pix day observers: Ted ‘n Al (several times) – good to see ya and appreciate your comments! [tup] [tup]


Thanx for the nice comments regarding my continuing “series” of Alaska Pix! [tup]

Al - If you think Anchorage ‘n Fairbanks look a bit different now than when you last saw it – imagine when I first saw them back in 1959-60. What stays the same [?]



That’s it for now. I’ll be behind the bar for the days! So, whatillyahave [?]


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

We open at 6 AM.
(All time zones - Don’t ask how we do that!)[swg]


MONDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS


Monday – another week to excel for the boss! Enjoy a cuppa freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee – a <light or <traditional breakfast from the Menu Board and one or two pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery!

YOU GOTTA CHECK THIS OUT!
http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2006/06/24/goat-sat.html



Daily Wisdom


This is very poorly unorganized.

ENCORE! Yogi-ism



Info for the Day:


Railroads from Yesteryear –
Arrives TODAY – watch for it!


* Weekly Calendar:


Tuesday: RR Theme for the Day!
Wednesday: Toy ‘n Model Trains Day!
Thursday: Fish ‘n Chips Nite!
Friday: Pizza Nite! & Steak Nite!
Saturday: Steak ‘n Trimmin’s Nite! – and –
ENCORE! Saturday



MVP Award Winners

April 2006 . . . LoveDome Lars
May – June . . To be announced


[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]


Comedy Corner

Yarns from the Barn
(from barndad Doug’s Posts)


[:I] Two elderly gentlemen from a retirement center were sitting on a bench under
a tree when one turns to the other and says: "Slim, I'm 83 years old now and
I'm just full of aches and pains. I know you're about my age. How do you feel?"
Slim says, "I feel just like a newborn baby."
"Really!? Like a newborn baby!?"
"Yep. No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants." [:I]


[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]



The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre


NOW SHOWING:
Double Features and Three Stooges Short Subject!

. . . Sunday, June 25th thru July 1st: Blazing Saddles (1974) starring: Gene Wilder, Cleavon Little & Slim Pickins – and – Fierce Creatures (1997) starring: John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline & Michael Palin. SHORT: Ants in the Pantry (1936).

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

. . . Sunday, July 2nd thru 8th: 1776 (1972): starring: William Daniels & Howard Da Silva – and – The Patriot (2000) starring: Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger & Joely Richardson. SHORT: Movie Maniacs (1936).



SUMMARY

Name …..…………… Date/Time …..…..………. (Page#) .. Remarks

(1) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 04:46:26 (362) 7 Model RR Pix!

(2) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 04:48:41 (362) 9 Model RR Pix!

(3) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 04:52:24 (363) 7 Model RR Pix!

(4) passengerfan Al Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 07:19:52 (363) Comments

(5) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 07:30:31 (363) 6 Model RR Pix!

(6) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 07:34:57 (363) 8 Model RR Pix!

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 08:10:09 (363) Sunday’s Info & 24-Post Summary

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 08:43:35 (363) Now Playing at the Emporium!

(9) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 08:45:51 (363) Comments

(10) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 09:03:32 (363) 9 Model RR Pix!

(11) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 09:17:14 (363) 8 Model RR Pix!

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 11:53:42 (363) 12 Alaska Pix!

(13) passengerfan Al Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 14:52:55 (363) Comments

(14) EricX2000 Eric Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 14:54:47 (363) Extra special Inclusive Post ‘n 7 “Big Boy” Pix

(15) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 16:20:34 (363) 7 Model RR Pix!

(16) barndad Doug Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 16:26:04 (363) 7 Model RR Pix!

(17) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 17:06:00 (363) 12 more Alaska Pix!

(18) passengerfan Al Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 17:42:14 (363) for Eric

(19) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 18:17:34 (363) 5 out of 9 air show Pix!

(20) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 18:40:25 (363) 2006 Sunday Photo Posting Day! INDEX – Jan thru Jun

(21) wanswheel Mike Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 18:43:07 (363) URLMeisterMonsterMike returns with URLs, what else [?]

(22) passengerfan Al Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 19:03:07 (363) Comments

(23) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 23:06:33 (364) Count Robulla’s Nite Cap!




That’s it! [tup][;)]


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

[EricX2000]

Ooops - passed midnight already. Just a short 2nd visit before bedtime.

Al - Thanks for the answers to my questions! I have seen a little bit of Glacier National Park from the train. It was late and getting dark though. Shot some video. Beautiful! I will find those pictures of the rebuilt NPK cars. I have not checked that website yet, but I will.

Tom - Thanks for the nice words! I have been enjoying your Alaska pictures again. You really had a nice view from your seats!

Doug - I am looking forward to see AT&SF 2903 at IRM, but Big Boy is bigger. Big Boy is 132 ft 10" long, 2903 is 120 ft 10" long. Total weight: Big Boy 1,189,500 lbs, 2903 961,000 lbs. But 2903 is also a very impressive engine, by all means.

Rob - I can only agree with what you write. I think more and more cities will bring the streetcars back. But now they call them light rail. I'll certainly try to make it back to Toronto soon. Thank you for the offer!

That is it for now. Good night gentlemen!

Eric

[trolleyboy]

Okay folks, and early for Monday bit snuck through the mail slots so that the breakfast crowd have some reading material. So Tom I will leave a 20 to cover some of the early coffee and muffins crowds eye openers. [tup]

CLASSIC STEAM # 29THE BAY OF QUINTE RAILWAY

The Bay of Quinte RY (BQ) despite it's importance to the area it served, and by the numurous relics and buildings left behind has had little info written about it.Or it's legendary builder.

It's a route that you can still trace today, sometimes drive over, and in the process you will pass old stations ( many converted to homes ) , bridges and even turntables and engine houses. Many of these relics have survived the lifting of the rails over 50 yeas ago> Many of the mills in the towns it once served and the country landscapes it passed through have by and large escaped the wild destruction and modernization that has occured to rail properties in the more developed parts of the province.

It all began with Edward Rathburn. One of those ambitious entrepeneurs that came from the 19th century, Rathburn founded what would become one of the largest and most diversified industrial empires created in Canada during the 19th century.From his large mills in Deseronto on the NE shores of lake Ontario, the Rathburn company expanded in all directions.It's flets carried lumber and other cargo to Oswego, it's sister port on the New York side of Lake Ontario, while it's trains moved cargo east and west along the grand trunk. To the North lay the vast Rathburn timber limits and the Bay of Quinte Railway.

Like much of the Rathburn empire, the railway began as a mishmash of unused charters. After building his own link from Deseronto a short distance to the Grand Trunk's main line west of Napanee,Rathburn then purchased the Napanee Tamworth and Quebec line, a railway that led northward from Napanee.He then extended the line northwest to Tweed and later on to Bannockbun,as well as Northeast to Sydenham.This gave the company the all important access to it's timber limits.By 1903 the network of railway tracks had become known as the Bay of Quinte Railway.

The railway gained it's revenue from more than just Rathburns timber limits.A marble quarry at Actinolite,a cement plant at Marlbank, and a pyrite mine at Queensborough all contributed to the BQ's proffits.In 1910 the expanding Canadian Northern RY added the BQ to it's national inventory of undervalued lines. The CnoR, however, was less interested in the timber, mines and quarries, thaan it was in completeing it's main line from Toronto to Ottawa. The BQ was a valuble link in that route.

Thus negleted by the new owners who's dream was a third transcontinental line, the various mills, quarries and plants slowley closed down.By 1930 only one train operated north of Tweed each week !To no-one's supprise the secction between Tweed and Bannockburn was abandoned in 1935, from Tweed to yarker in 1941. The CNR continued train service along the section from Nappanee to yarker and beyond to Smith's Falls unitl 1986.The line up the shoreline to Belleville and Kingston, including bits of Rathburn's Thousand Island RY at Gannanoque are still in use though somewhat rerouted as past of the TO-Montreal corridor.

Sadly for all Rathburn's wealth and drive, his is a forgotten legacy, even in his adopted home of Deseronto. Nor formal museum's exist to him as they do to his more famous, industrialist rival, JRR Booth of the Ottawa Arnprior and Parry Sound fame.

Rob

[trolleyboy]

Good evening again gents. I must say a decent turnout for the ole sunday photo day[tup] By in large a day of Doug to be sure[tup]

Doug That is an absolutly stunning model railroad.it's sad to hear that he is shutting down his private viewings but with his age and I'm sure pther personakl reason's it's for the best. Hopefully steps have been taken to save it for posterity,unlike many other famouse model RR's.

Tom Sooo Vito has expanded North,I wonder if his flight plan is on the Mentor Zepplin routing [?] LOL Wonderfull shots again sir, truly a stunning state,I can see why you loved it upe so much .

Eric Hi glad that you made it back in. Thanks for reading along with and enjoying my trolley / streetcar system ramblings. The sad ending to well over 90% of North American streetcar systems is a sad historical fact. At one time in the teens to the 30's over 1000 cities and towns had a streetcar line or two now only a mere handfull do. Progress is not always a good thing. Nice to hear that we have a retired streetrailway man in our midst however. Should you ever make it upto Ontario, email me and we will get you into the musuem p[tup]Those were some wonderfull shots of that Big Boy BTW as well. Certainly the most properly named locomotive that I can think off.

Mike Hey glad you made it to the photo party sir [tup]

Rob

[passengerfan]

Good afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang.

Nice seeing the URLs from Mike.

It really has been a super photo sunday.

TTFN Al

[wanswheel]

Penmanship
http://memory.loc.gov/mss/mal/mal3/435/4356500/001.gif

Gettysburgh
http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/cwpb/00800/00831r.jpg

Gettysburgh 1913
http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/13800/13848r.jpg

White Pass & Yukon
http://content.lib.washington.edu/hegg/image/718390312002_196.jpg

Penn Station
http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/02300/02323r.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/02300/02324r.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/02300/02325r.jpg

The Champion
http://fpc.dos.state.fl.us/reference/rc11957.jpg
http://fpc.dos.state.fl.us/general/n038718.jpg

Henry M. Flagler
http://fpc.dos.state.fl.us/prints/pr09204.jpg
http://fpc.dos.state.fl.us/reference/rc09823.jpg

Empire Builder
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN12576.jpg
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN12562.jpg
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN12558.jpg
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN12571.jpg
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN12570.jpg
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN12664.jpg
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN12654.jpg
Mike

[siberianmo]

”Our” Place is CLOSED on SUNDAY’s


Ever wonder about those fine pix that have been Posted during past Sunday Photo Posting Days! [?] The guys who took the time and made the effort to provide one and all with some enjoyable Pix deserve to have their work preserved. So, here’s something you may want to “bookmark” for future use: [tup]

UNFORTUNATELY some of the Pix have disappeared, especially those stored with PhotoBucket. [tdn]


INDEX:
January – June 2006 Sunday Photo Posting Days!

Begins on: . . . . . click on the URL

(1) Page 214, 08 Jan 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=214&TOPIC_ID=35270

(2) Page 220, 15 Jan 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=220&TOPIC_ID=35270

(3) Page 227, 22 Jan 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=227&TOPIC_ID=35270

(4) Page 232, 29 Jan 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=232&TOPIC_ID=35270

(5) Page 238, 05 Feb 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=238&TOPIC_ID=35270

(6) Page 244, 12 Feb 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=244&TOPIC_ID=35270

(7) Page 251, 19 Feb 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=251&TOPIC_ID=35270

(8) Page 257, 26 Feb 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=257&TOPIC_ID=35270

(9) Page 264, 05 Mar 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=264&TOPIC_ID=35270

(10) Page 273, 12 Mar 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=273&TOPIC_ID=35270

(11) Page 280, 19 Mar 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=280&TOPIC_ID=35270

(12) Page 285, 26 Mar 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=285&TOPIC_ID=35270

(13) Page 291, 02 Apr 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=291&TOPIC_ID=35270

(14) Page 297, 09 Apr 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=297&TOPIC_ID=35270

(15) Page 306, 16 Apr 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=306&TOPIC_ID=35270

(16) Page 312, 23 Apr 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=312&TOPIC_ID=35270

(17) Page 318, 30 Apr 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=318&TOPIC_ID=35270

(18) Page 324, 07 May 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=324&TOPIC_ID=35270

(19) Page 330 14 May 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=330&TOPIC_ID=35270

(20) Page 337, 21 May 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=337&TOPIC_ID=35270

(21) Page 343, 28 May 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=343&TOPIC_ID=35270

(22) Page 347, 04 Jun 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=347&TOPIC_ID=35270

(23) Page 351, 11 Jun 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=351&TOPIC_ID=35270

(24) Page 354, 18 Jun 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=356&TOPIC_ID=35270

(25) Page 362, 25 Jun 2006
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=362&TOPIC_ID=35270



With my compliments![tup]

See y'all on Monday . . .


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Good evening gents. I'm just popping in quickly to drop a few photo's off through the mail slots. Then we are dashing out again for a bit so I'll check out the rest of the days photo's later this evening.

As promissed here's the land based shots from that marvellous little airshow Heather and I stumbled upon on father's day weekend. All classic warbirds on a grass strip, just like they were made for. Enjoy Rob



B17 Bomber painted as the Memphis Belle. This was the plane from the movie made a while back.



P51 Mustang





Two shots of the Spitfire taxing out for another loop of the field



Mk 12 Hawker Hurricane (truly a rare beast ) this one was built by Victory Aircraft at Malton Ontario ( now Pearson airport ) This plane flew in Burma with RCAF 242 sqd, and had 50 combat sorties under it's belt., and 15 kills between two different pilots.



BF109E model, one of only two fliable examples left in the world.



Dauntless dive bomber also one of only two fliable examples left.



CWH museum's Beechcraft wrieless operator and airgunner training aircraft.



Lincoln and Welland Reg musuems M113 APC it and a bren gun carrier were also on display at the airshow. A good thing too as the Memphis Belle got one of it's mainwheels caught in a rut and the M113 helped pull her out.

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang.

Eric you asked a question about Going-To-The-Sun Mountain Yes its actually exists in Glacier National Park and their is also a lodge in the park by the same name.

As to those pictures of the rebuilt NKP cars. Yes I would imagine they are available from the Nickel Plate Historical Society. I have a book in my collection that shows pictures of these cars that has been out of print for years.

TTFN Al

[siberianmo]

Even though ”Our” Place is CLOSED on SUNDAY’s –
We do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day!

G'day!

Since we are CLOSED, I'll just touch on a couple of items . . . more narrative from me on Monday!

And the barndad Doug Show! continues! [tup] [tup] [tup] Thinking out loud - it would be a wonderful thing to get the fellow who put all of this together to consider a "private showing" for our Rendezvous trip up to the IRM . . . . again, thinking out loud! Respond by Email if you wish! [tup] Great stuff today, Doug simply fantastic!

Also, a treat to see EricX2000 Eric with his "Big Boy" contributions . . . that and the fine Inclusive Post . . . just goes to show that it's quality over quantity every time, eh [?] [tup] [tup] [tup]


Continuing with some more Pix from our Alaska Rail Adventure!


Click to enlarge


(13) ARR Denali Star southbound at Fairbanks
EMD SD70MACs #4324 & 4322




(14) ARR Denali Star car #651 southbound at Fairbanks




(15) ARR Denali Star loco #4324 southbound at Fairbanks




(16) AAR Fairbanks Depot




(17) AAR Denali Star diner #323 Yellowstone Park at Fairbanks




(18) AAR Denali Star upper level interior car #651 at Fairbanks




(19) AAR Denali Star final boarding at Fairbanks for southbound trip




(20) AAR Denali Star en route Anchorage – view from our seats




(21) AAR Denali Star en route Anchorage – track scenes at Fairbanks




(22) ARR Denali Star en route Anchorage – track scenes at Fairbanks




(23) ARR Denali Star en route Anchorage – track scenes at Fairbanks




(24) ARR Denali Star en route Anchorage – track scenes at Fairbanks



That’s IT for this fine day . . . . a total of 72 Pix over the past three Sundays . . . more next Sunday Photo Posting Day!


If you are browsing, how about letting the guys know that you’ve enjoyed their efforts!


Enjoy![tup]


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]



REMINDER!
Sunday Photo Posting Day! is a “sunrise to sunset” event!

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

Good evening one and all. Wonderful trip pictures Tom! I had no idea that Vito the Hit had expanded business beyond the Mentor layout. Thanks for your words, and those from Eric as well. I surely enjoyed the Big Boy pix. That's one of the engines we don't have at IRM, but I believe our AT&SF 2903 is actually bigger, if you can believe that. Visit my site at Rail Images (hot link is at the bottmo of all my messages) for complete inside and outside pix.

I got most of what I planned to do, done today. I did clean out the breezeway between the garage and kitchen, and did get paint for it. We went food shopping and picked up some tomato plants, which are now planted It'll only take about 15 minutes to clear the rubble from the dining room, so I guess I should be happy! Here are moe Valley View Model RR pix:

[EricX2000]

Good afternoon, Gentlemen! Glad I could make it a little bit earlier than normal today. The weather is on the warm side with some dust storms. A lot of posts with a lot of interesting reading last week. Spent a few hours reading them last night. No one was in so I saved my comments until today.

Cm3 - Interesting reading about traveling by railroad (Nickel Plate) during the war, or more exactly 1943, the year I was born. Nickel Plate is probably the railroad I know the least about among the more well known ones.

Tom - The 83 years history of NKP and now a part of Norfolk Southern. Too bad it wasn’t allowed to operate as an indenpendent railroad. Vanderbilt certainly did his best to hold it back. I’m impressed they could build 531 miles of railroad in 500 days! Thanks for the information about the first railroad in Canada, 170 years ago! Interesting story about British Rail. The privatisation of the railroads did not turn out as expected and I don’t think we have seen the end of that chapter yet. Very interesting though and I know that several other countries are following the development in England closely. Great Northern has a very interesting history and so do (of course) Union Pacific. UP and BNSF are the two railroads in Phoenix today. I am going up to the high country next Saturday to have a closer look at BNSF. Nice pictures of CP FP7A and FP9A, thanks! And more beautiful pictures from Alaska. If it wasn’t for the winter season I would love to live up there.

BK - Are those Nickel Plates time tables part of your collection? Maybe you have the same habit as I do, never throw things away. You never know when you are going to need them. Fleischmann model trains. When I grove up in the old country there was basically only Fleischmann and Märklin to choose from. I picked Märklin because Fleischmann’s models at that time (mid 50’s) was not to the correct HO-scale, 1:87, but more like 1:76 (I don’t remember the exact number). Beautiful models though. Thanks for the pictures!

Rob - I’ll try to get a picture of the Swedish Bikini Team for you! But I have never seen them on a timetable. After reading your post about NKP’s passenger service it seems like NKP never was a major passenger service railroad. Like they always were one step behind. Correct me if I am wrong. Interesting though. Classic Juice #29 Hamilton Street Railway and #30 The Cornwall Street Railway are kind of sad stories to read. Too many street car systems have been replaced by buses in too many cities around the world. As a former street car conductor I feel strongly about street cars. We will get light rail in Phoenix in 2008! Great stories on the Thousand Islands Railway and the Drowned Railway. I think it is very common among railroads world wide to tear down old buildings when they don’t use them any more. In this particular case it did end well when VIA took over the passenger service.

Al - I was looking for your post! So many posts about NKP and when I read that they bought some streamlined cars I thought that there must be one from you. And I found more than one! Do you know if there are any pictures available of those NKP rebuilt cars? B&O had many more streamliners than NKP. I found one familiar name on one of those cars, John Ericsson. His brother, Nils Ericson, was leading the design and construction of the Swedish state owned railway system in mid 1850’s. Great Northern had a streamliner called GOING-TO-THE-SUN-MOUNTAIN. Is there really a mountain with such a name and if so, where? After reading about UP I understand that you must have spent half your life finding all those facts, Al! Thank you for all the information (and time)!

Mike - Thanks for all URL/pictures. Perfect addition to all the information about NKP.

Doug - NKP Safety Rules, interesting reading. I found General Notice B kind of hanging in the air. “The Railroad does not expect its employees to take any risks, when they can protect themselves by using care and good judgment.” Did NKP expect the employees to take risks when they couldn’t protect themselves by using care and good judgment? Model trains as a hobby is also something I like. The problem is space for a layout. All my models are packed in boxes since many years but hopefully I will be able to do something about it after my retirement next year. Thanks for the story about the Model Builder! Interesting information about the railroad telegraph and communication development. In the mid 80’s I was sent to Ascom (Communication System manufacturer) in Switzerland for four months when the state owned railroads in Sweden and Norway ordered a new track-to-train communication system. I thought that was a very advanced system, but today there are much more advanced systems around. Interesting story about The Great Strike of 1877. I have heard about it but did not know any details. Now I know. Glad I wasn’t there when it happened.
Valley View Model Railroad, a very nice model RR indeed. To say that I am impressed is not enough. More like extremly impressed. The RR seems to have all kinds of train movements (and street cars). When I saw your pictures of the Circus cars I remembered I have som pictures from World Circus Museum in Baraboo, WI, when they are loading those cars. I have to find them. Very nice pictures Doug, thank you!

Ted - I agree, I have read everything about NKP posted at least twice. I read the Safety Rules three times. Interesting to compare with the rules I had to memoraize and follow. I am afraid I don’t have that much to report from the old country today. But I am going there late August, early September this year and should have some new pictures to show when I get back.

Lars - Glad to see that things are coming to a solution. DCC certainly sounds like something about Direct Current. But DCC is kind of a gray area for me. Never checked it out.

Dave - Very interesting story about SP and their SD 7-9. I have special feelings about SP for a number of reasons, one is that SP is the only American railroad (except Amtrak) that offered me a job many (12) years ago. Phoenix is old SP territory.

---

Photo Sunday! I thought I should show some pictures of a very Classic steam locomotive. In fact one of the most well known steam locomotives in the world, Big Boy. Sorry I can’t show any old pictures of this locomotive in action but i have some pictures I took last year at
Southern California Chapter
Railway and Locomotive Historical Society
Los Angeles County Fairplex, Pomona California
Their Big Boy #4014 is in pretty good shape and well worth a visit.

It certainly is a BIG engine!




The front.




The rear.




68” drivers.




Hmm, which one did you say?




The engineer’s side.




A large grate area (150 sq. ft.)




Eric

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang.

Enjoyed the Fairbanks photos from the looks of things the place hasn't changed much since my last visit in 1989. Did see a building or two I did not recognise but most hasn't changed at all. Try taking the same pictures in December when daylight hours are at their shortest. And the snow is knee deep to a tall Eskimo.

Anchorage on the other hand is a far more thriving community.

TTFN Al

[siberianmo]

Even though ”Our” Place is CLOSED on SUNDAY’s –
We do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day!

G’day!

Well, it’s the barndad Doug show! once again! The undisputed “King” of the Sunday Photo Posting Days! [bow] [tup] [bow] [tup] [bow] [tup] [bow] [tup]

Great spate of Pix from that wonderful model railroad! The creator of that magnificent layout surely is a talented guy! [tup] Enjoyed them all . . . . THANX!


Continuing on for the past two Sundays with two more sets of Pix from our recently concluded Alaska Rail Adventure!
See Page 351-352 and 357 for others.


Click to enlarge


(1) Fairbanks main “drag”




(2) Vito the Hit’s Fairbank’s Annex! [swg]




(3) Bridge across Chena River, Fairbanks - Immaculate Conception RC Church




(4) Fairbanks mile marker




(5) Chena River , Fairbanks




(6) Sculpture: The First Unknown Family - Fairbanks, Golden Heart Park




(7) Alaska RR Fairbanks Depot




(8) Tanana Model RR Club (HO) - Fairbanks Depot




(9) Tanana Model RR Club (HO) - Fairbanks Depot




(10) Tanana Model RR Club (HO) - Fairbanks Depot




(11) Bridge at Hurricane Gulch - Fairbanks Depot




(12) ARR Denali Star at Fairbanks




If you are browsing, how about letting the guys know that you’ve enjoyed their efforts!


Enjoy![tup]


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]



REMINDER!
Sunday Photo Posting Day! is a “sunrise to sunset” event!

[Anonymous]

Looks like we've got some great movies at the Mentor Emporium this week ... thanks Tom! Blazing Saddles is one of my favorites! Who can forget Gabby Hayes' famous geniune western gibberish line, "The Sheriffs' a (Bong) ...which is misinterpretted as "The Sheriffs' near"? Or the sweet little old lady who apologizes to the sheriff, by saying, "Sorry about the up yours .... here's an apple pie I baked. I hope you will have the good sensibility not to tell anyone I came by". (or something close to that)> Never saw the John Cleese and Jamie Curtis flick, but enjoyed them in "A Fish Called Wanda". The Stooges film sounds top-rate!

And now ... batch seven in todays' pix series!

A little bit of car trouble, and lots of help




The Chicago police are looking for someone


I found him!


Whoops, a car gets pulled from the river


This was a really nifty trick. Streets ended into a mirror, giving an extended appearance

[Anonymous]

Good morning again gents, and thanks for your comments Ted. I've got another batch or two ...or maybe three to share with ya'll today. I've been working on some stuff to share during the week as well, but soon I must get myself busy around here. I've got some box moving/ move-in related work so we can better enjoy this place. Here's another humble offering of pix:

Let’s see what the people are doing
















Hey …is that Rob on the trolley?

[Anonymous]

Wow! What a "knock-out" model railroad Mr. Voss and friends have created, superb! Doug, thanks for sharing these excellent pix with all of us. MEMBERS: I'm sure this "heads up" isn't neccessary but remember to scroll left and right, up and down to see all parameters of the pix. Otherwise, you will miss half of the details pictured. Tom, The Alaska R.R. livery just seems "made" for modern Diesels. I'll drop this in the letter slot for now. Thanks again gents.

[siberianmo]

Even though ”Our” Place is CLOSED on SUNDAY’s –
We do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day!


NOW PLAYING at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!

. . . Sunday, June 25th thru July 1st: Blazing Saddles (1973) starring: Gene Wilder, Cleavon Little & Slim Pickins – and – Fierce Creatures (1997) starring: John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline & Michael Palin. [teal] Ants in the Pantry (1936).


Blazing Saddles (1973)

QUOTE: PLOT SUMMARY: The Ultimate Western Spoof. A town where everyone seems to be named Johnson is in the way of the railroad. In order to grab their land, Hedley Lemar, a politically connected nasty person, sends in his henchmen to make the town unlivable. After the sheriff is killed, the town demands a new sheriff from the Governor. Hedley convinces him to send the town the first Black sheriff in the west. Bart is a sophisticated urbanite who will have some difficulty winning over the townspeople.

from: www.imdb.com



Fierce Creatures (1997)

QUOTE: PLOT SUMMARY: A massive corporate conglomerate, Octopus Inc., run by a shrewd and cruel tycoon named Rod McCain, purchases a UK-based leisure company, and also the failing London Marwood Zoo. To bring more business to the zoo, Octopus hires a new manager, Rollo Lee, who promptly comes up with a way to increase profits-do away with all the animals except for the ferocious ones. This new Fierce Creatures Policy shocks the Marwood zookeepers, led by the unendingly talkative Adrian "Bugsy" Malone. Eventually, Rod McCain's son Vince, along with the up-and-coming business executive Willa Weston, take control of the zoo and revoke the Fierce Creatures Policy. Vince instead comes up with many under-handed and vicious schemes to attract customers-unauthorized celebrity endorsements, shoddy, overpriced zoo merchandise, and using robotic animals instead of real ones. However, Vince is also stealing from the zoo's funds, and when his father finds out, he rears to turn the zoo into a Japanese-owned golf course. Meanwhile, Willa has grown to love the zoo and its animals, and, along with her newly-reformed love interest Rollo, plot with the zookeepers to save the zoo from the McCains.

from: www.imdb.com



Three Stooges Short Subject: Ants in the Pantry (1936)

QUOTE: PLOT SUMMARY: Featuring Moe, Larry and Curly
Herman Mouser, the owner of the Lightning Exterminating Co. is behind on his bills, and is about to fire his three employees, the Stooges. The boys beg for one last chance, and Mouser sends the Stooges out with instructions of, "If they don't have ants, you GIVE them ants". The boys get the point, and sneak into a swanky party and bug the house with insects, reptiles and mice. The Stooges then appear at the door, and the butler, thinking that heaven has sent him a miracle dresses the Stooges as partygoers and sends them in. They manage to sabotage the party when Curly puts a bag of cats into the piano, and Larry is thrown inside to retrieve them. When the host of the party feels like she is ruined, one of her guests rescues her by saying that the "entertainers" were the hit of the party, and suggests they come along on the foxhunt. Curly encounters and brings in what he thinks is his fox: a skunk.

from: www.threestooges.net



If you are browsing, how about letting the guys know that you’ve enjoyed their efforts!


Enjoy![tup]


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


REMINDER!
Sunday Photo Posting Day! is a “sunrise to sunset” event!