"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom. Guess I'll have a cuppa coffee and maybe a diest pastry or two from the Mentor Bakery.
Was just watching the morning news (insomnia again) and apparently the governemnet was told that Amtrak could be little or no help in the Gulf evacuations. So short is Amtrak of equipment that they can barely operate the regular routes they have and during peak travel periods such as summer they could probably use an additional three to four hundred cars of all types. The reservation centers are turning away hundreds of potential passengers daily in some cases and on certain days the numbers top a thousand.
After seeing this on the early AM news and President Bush wants to get rid of Amtrak I hope his own Congress and Senate give him a wake up call. I'ts time to fire Mineta as transportation secretary and get someone who understands a balanced transportation plan. I see where the government is negotiating a deal with one of the large cruise ship lines to bring ships near the disaster area to house the homeless until such time as we can get mobile homes and other resources into the area to house the homeless. Since the US doesn't have any US Cruise lines we are going to be leasing the ships from a foreign government. Their is no American Merchant Marine today and the same is fast becoming true of the passenger trains in the US. To have held old cars in mothballs at military bases such as we did in the past would have gotten emergency evacuation equipment to the scene much faster than they are able to do now depending almost solely on buses and aircraft. The roads are flooded and all airfields in close proximity are badly damaged and only a limited number of flights can be handled. Apparently rail service is as close as a walk across the Huey P. Long bridge. When are we going to learn that passenger rail service in this country is not ready to go the way of the DoDo bird. Even two hundred extra Amtrak cars could have evacuated thousands of the poor before the storm even struck far more efficiently than the buses they are using now.
Watching and listening to the reports from the Big Easy no wonder many of those people are wondering where is FEMA when it is needed most. the head of FEMA should resign immediatly and a military man put in charge to get the badly needed help into the area now.
Well enough of my ranting and raving this AM Boris ring the bell I'll gladly buy the next round.

[Gunns]

Morning Tom
Coffee, n danish please.
Saw this on line and thought Trolleyboy might get a boost from it.
http://www.metronews.ca/column_in_transit.asp?id=10559&cid=634
Gunns

[siberianmo]

Morning Guys!

barndad Doug I'm assuming you are referring to Metra (commuter trains) and the opening of a 2nd station in Crystal Lake [?] Are all of the cars bi-level [?] Anyway, you are so fortunate to have even one station close to where you live. How long of a ride is it into downtown Chicago [?]

By the by, I found the rest of the bar dice. Sorry 'bout that soup episode! For some reason, Boris thinks of those dice as Bouillon cubes! [swg]

Enjoy the day! [swg]

passengerfan Al Hey - I understand the frustration, but of course on a totally different scale than those poor souls in New Orleans. What a mess.

I'm simply not going to get into the shuddua, wudda, cuddas. I won't blame the President - I won't blame the administration - I won't blame Congress and I won't blame God. Nature's wrath has been flexing it's muscle since time began. Things happen and there are simply no measures that can prove effective to totally combat the effects. That's my view. I'm sorry that so many refused to leave the city when notice was given. I'm sad for those who couldn't get out, but perplexed over those who simply stayed put. I've seen some of that in my past career - of course, not at the magnitutde of the Gulf States. Just consider this: if even half of those who remained in the city had gotten out when they could have, perhaps the strain on relief efforts wouldn't be so terrible. No excuses here - just a dose of reality.

So, the blame game is on and in full gear. Figured. That seems to be the way it goes in America these days.

You are so right, of course, when it comes to the demise of the U.S. passenger trains, our virtually non-existent Merchant Marine and attendant ships, and the required infra structures to maintain 'em all. But that's all wudda, cudda, shudda talk .... this is now and we've got to play the hand we've been dealt.

I'm not reading anything about those people who are engaged in the rescue and relief operations and THEIR families. Many of those Coast Guard people who have been pulling folks out of the drink or off roof tops and elevated roadways have lost their homes too. We've got a contingent of 50 or more up here in St. Louis running their emergency ops center from downtown .... all of their families are elsewhere. This isn't just about the poor people - as in people without material wealth - this is about all the people - every single blessed one of 'em.

One thing remains constant, however - our right to complain - which we all do quite well - including me. [#offtopic] Boris ring the bell - OJ all 'round! [tup]

Time to get off of this and back to what we're trying to do 'round here. Have a bit of fun with Classic Train talk! [yeah]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

G'mornin' Gunns Kevin

That's a rather brief Post - but good to see ya anyway! [swg]

trolleyboy Rob will be gone for awhile on vacation, along with West Coast S Dave. So, I'm hoping some of you guys will pick up the slack 'round here ....... thanx!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[coalminer3]

Good morning. Coffee please and fill up the thermos, too. Clear and sunny this a.m. with a little haze. Gas is $3.19 - not too many folks buying from what I saw en route.

Our primary topic this a.m. is beer. Budweiser and Wheaties - Breakfast of Champions!

"Mabel, Black Label," that rolls back the tape! I have always had an interest in "regional breweries," and (ahem) have done my best over the yrs. to support them. Here are a few slogans, etc. which may or may not bring back some memories.

In her later years, my maternal grandmother lived close to the Narragansett brewery in Cranston, RI. Lovely big brick buildings, rail sidings, etc. Just the sort of thing I like. Narragansett sponsored the Red Sox back before the Olde Towne Team morphed into what it is today. Curt Gowdy (one of the best) broadcast the games. The slogan was, "Hi, neighbor, have a 'Ganset." Horrible stuff, too. Carling was a player in New England. There was also a concoction called "12 Horse Ale," locals believed that the horses portrayed on the package were actually where the product came from.

Gennessee was (and is) big in Buffalo, but another one a little more to the east was Utica Club. Herewith a line from their jingle "Utica Club, U.C." Anyway, their spokespersons were a pair named Shultz and Dooley.

IIRC, did not Rheingold sponsor the NY Mets. Ballentine (obviously) sponsored the other NY team that shall not be named.

When I moved to WV, Strohs, Iron City (ee-hah!) and Falls City were the brews of choice. I do recall and photographed Miller Beer reefers on local trains here.

Sorry abt. mentioning the PC. Folks know I am a follower of the NYC, but I did spend a lot of time around the Great Tuscan Father.

Passengerfan - Amen abt the Merchant Marine. Donb't get me started. The other night I finished rereading for the fortyeleventh time a Naval Institute Press book titled Convoy. All abt merchant shipping in the Atlantic in WW2. Enough to make you weep. That book plus Morison's 2 vols. on the Battle of the Atlantic will give you a good sense of what went on. The other side is covered well by Clay Blair's two books on U-Boats.

Oh - almost forgot, the "big game" is West Virginia vs. Syracuse, right? (Move over Boris, so I can get under the pool tables).

Work safe

[siberianmo]

When will we reach 100 Pages [?]

Chris says September 5th
Russell says September 9th
Nick says September 11th
Al says September 5th (by Noon!)
Doug says September 5th (by 6 PM!)
Rob says September 8th
Dave says September 5th
Pete says Sepember 12th
Dan says September 3rd
Ted says September 15th, 16th or 17th***

***Sorry, but to be eligible for the PRIZE, only one date may be selected!

CONTEST CLOSED!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good morning Tom. I see that you are logged on now. I will have a HOT coffee and Danish please. Our coffee pot in the office has a leak and had to be shut down. So, no coffee here. I think I will start a work protest.

New Orleans and the Gulf coast gets worse by the minute. I really do not want to watch the evening news as it is so depressing. I think it will be years before New Orleans returns to its former self, if ever. Although we have never gone to the Marti Gras (don't like the growds) we have visited N O several times and really enjoyed the town. Ate at Brennans, Commanders Palace, Cafe Du Monde and several other great places. We are thankful that we were able to visit these places as there is a possibility that we may never be able to do it again.

I am thankful that in our life we have done a few things that can never be repeated again due to the things not being there now. A short listing would include:

New Orleans
World Trade Center
B&O railroad between Clarksburg and St. Louis (Track lifted)
Pennsylvania railroad south of Wellsburg WV to Wheeling (track lifted)
Southern Pacific train between Bakersfield and Victorville (track still in use over Tahachapi sp?), but no passenger trains)
Pacific Electric Red cars
Tennessee Pass
B&O through Morgantown WV (track lifted)
Pulled by a GG1
Cooperative Transit orange trolleys in Wheeling WV

The list could go on, but it makes me sad to think of these.

We all do not like the high gasoline prices due to Katrina. Although I work in the energy industry I do not like some of the things that big oil is doing. Record profits are being recorded. Dividends increasing (personally, as an investor, I like this). Does big oil need to gouge us for a precieved shortage. I think not. We may see a reserrection of the winfall profits tax as we had under Nixon. Does big oil need to make the huge profits just to appease Wall Street or should they be content with lower profits and help out the consumer? This week I have noticed a significant drop in traffic in Dallas and crowded trains. Is this the result of high gasoline prices? Perhaps our government will finally realize that we need a significant rail passenger system and quit jerking around with Amtrak.

The good thing is that reports from the gulf is that minimal damage was sustained at the offshore platforms. They should be able to be returned to production shortly if not already. The concern is what happens to the oil and gas once it reaches the shore? Are the receiving facilites, tank farms, refineries, pipelines, etc operationable? I do not know. We are beginning to see fuel shortages. Perhaps dark days are coming.

I have been on my soap box long enough and better simmer dow, Boris, could you refill my coffee as I better get to work.

Cheers,
***

[Anonymous]

Morning all. Tom, I'll have a bottomless cup of Joe and something from the Mentor Village bakery. Why is it so hard to get plain cake donuts? Surely, I am not alone in liking them.
Been up trying to write the book review. Started last night but lost my train of thought after the cell rang. For those interested, John Norwood, who was a long time D&RGW employee, wrote a series of books about his life on the railroad. I borrowed what is supposed to be the first in the series and it is called NARROW GUAGE RECOLLECTIONS. I'll will take it back and exchange it for the next one. That way I'll get my narrow guage fix and the Midland gets a book review.
Tom, about that doodlebug wreck. A book called the NORTH ARKANSAS LINE came out 69-70 that discussed this railroad. I have never seen a copy but would imagine it would have info about that wreck. What I know about it is references to the wreck in local histories and newspapers.
More coffee, please-and an OJ,too. Been trying not to watch any news on the web or tv because it is simply too depressing. How the US could get itself in such a predicament and why the international community is slow on helping. Coul not sleep much night before last worrying about things. Boris, don't even think about ringing the bell-it's too early and I'm not in the mood for my ears to ring.

[siberianmo]

Good Morning coalminer3

Thanx for righting the ship and getting us back on some sort of even keel! [tup][tup][tup] Just goes to show that we do have some guys 'round here who enjoy the banter at the bar ....... [yeah]

Beer and beer cans. Well, I once had a collection of cans that numbered over three thousand. Yes - that's correct. I've since trimmed it down - by getting rid of the extras - and it now numbers about 1/3rd of what I once had. They are on display in the basement and I'll have to Post a pix or two one of these days. I can relate to those labels you mentioned. Narragansett - Ballentine - Rheingold (remember the Miss Rheingold contests [?] - and yes, they were early sponsors of the Mets) and one you didn't mention, Schaefer from Brooklyn, NY - long time sponsor of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Man oh man, does that take me back. I remember Mel Allen of the Yankees broadcast fame, talking about Ballentine. The Narragansett in the red or green label - yeah - I remember. Thanx for the nostalgia. [yeah]

U.S. Merchant Marine - [yeah] family connection with me. My father was a Merchie before, during and after WWII. I've posted some info on previous pages regarding my trip with him back in the 40's from Baltimore to Long Beach, CA ..... [yeah] I remember when this nation had merchant ships.

Catch ya later and thanx again for the fine Post! Have an enjoyable long weekend ...

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Good Morning ***

Appreciate that Post - really do! Quite a bit to reflect upon and informative as well. Thanx! [tup][tup]

That list of yours is quite poingant and makes me think about one of my own. Many of those items you listed, I have also experienced - and while some sadness exists, I also have to smile too - especially when thinking of those marvelous GG-1's pullling the cars I sat in. [yeah]

Over a span of about 8 years, my travels to New Orleans took place about 3 or 4 times a year. So, I'm rather familiar with the place - or what it once was. Even had the pleasure of watching a football game in the Superdome - Jets vs Saints - sat so high up I thought for sure I'd have a nose bleed. Wonder if ........

Always stayed downtown within walking distance of the places I liked to frequent in the Quarter and out of it. Just always enjoyed my business trips to the Big Easy - made them something to look forward to.

Gotta run - hope the weekend is relaxing and pleasant for you and yours! Hope you can check in with us and of course, attend Mondy's picnic! [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Good Morning earlydiesels Dan

Good to see ya again - and we've got plenty of those plain do-nuts you prefer. You are correct, they are difficult to find - fre***hat is.

Couldn't agree more regarding the depressing nature of the news. But then again, how else can you look at it all - it is so sad. Reality is like that.

Sounds like you are deeply involved with your book review. Those kinds of projects really take time and of course, the review can't be a book in and of itself! [swg] Good luck! Thanx for the additional info on that Doodlebug wreck .... I haven't started looking into this yet, but will.......

See ya later and hope you'll check in with us over this long weekend. See ya at the picnic [?]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[CFournier]

Hi guys, OJ for me.
ROB and NICK, The Ontario Northland RS-10 # 1400 is sitting right here in the Delson museum! I have some pics I can send by Email, (if you provide your Email).
#1400 looks in good order too and in the blue-yellow lightning scheme.
Chris

[Anonymous]

Good morning again. Need another fix of coffee as the office pot is kaput!. Thanks Passengerfan for your comments re the railroads providing evacuation trains. I know they do not have fleets of passenger cars sitting around and Amtrak is really scraping the bottom to just meet daily train send out. The railroads do have some "executive" trains for visiting firemen and these could be pressed into emergency service. Perhaps they were not positoned in the proper parts of the country to get to N O in reasonable time period. I do not know. The railroads, as you point out, could be hauling in tank cars of drinking water, box cars of meals ready to eat, cots, FEMA emergency housing, etc. Our news last night showed a field full of FEMA housing in Fort Worth and there were no plans to utilize them. Why? Perhaps there is no dry ground to put them on.

Like Tom I get tired of those who are complaining on the news about the slow response. The emergency staff is trying to care for the sick and eldery first, which is correct. We have 50 children from NO hospitals who recently were admitted into Baylor and Presbyterian hospitals in Dallas. I am happy to report that all 50 children are doing well. Dallas already has 25,000 displaced people with an additional 25,000 on the way. Houston and San Antonio are also hosting similar volumes along with other cities outside of Texas. Schools and colleges in Dallas are accepting students from N O so they can continue their education. I assume that other school districts and colleges in towns where the refugees are will be doing the same. What really is bad is that some criminals are shooting at the helicoptors that are trying to rescue people. What is wrong with the sick minds of people who do this? Do we need martial law and 10,000 national guard troops with orders to shoot all looters? Heard about one neighborhood in N O that has posted signs "If you loot we shoot". I do not think anyone would complain about taking food and water to survive. After all without electricity the fresh food will spoil so let people have it so they do not starve. What I am mad about is the looters who are taking microwaves and televisions. There is no electricity so why? My only reason is that criminals always will be criminals.

***

[siberianmo]

Morning Guys!

Chris Tweeeeeeeeet, Tweeeeeeeeet! Rules Violation! Rules Violation! Rule #1, failure to greet the barkeep! [tdn] Boris Clang the clapper - Chris is buying the OJ this AM! [swg]

Why not simplify the process and send me a couple of those pix, I'll post 'em with the others [?]

See ya!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Morning (again) ***,

Appreciate your 2nd Post too .... [tup]

I remember one time after a rather routine rescue of a guy and his family aboard a cabin cruiser out in weather conditions for only the foolish - his comment to us was, "What took you so long?" And he was serious! A couple of the guys wanted to heave him over the side ......... wonder why [?] That's just the way it is with some people ... can't do enough, quickly enough or often enough.

More [2c] from me! Boris do it again!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good morning a third time. The boss is in the Friday morning managers meeting and as the saying goes "When the cat is away the rats will play." Pass the cheeze please.

I will try to be a little upbeat with this posting for a change. The Bush library (Bu***he elder, #41) at at Texas A&M in College Station in conjunction with Union Pacific will be running a special called "The 4141 Express" between College Station and Dallas and back. to commerate the opening of the Bush Presidential library. UP will be providing a specially painted locomotive (#4141) commerating the library. Cost is $250 per person and up depending on the type of seat selected. the ticket also includes the over night hotel in Dallas. If you really have money to burn you can purchace the Rail Barron class at $35,000. This includes tickets for 40 people and an on board caterer to prepare meals and an open bar, the Walter Dean lounge/dome car. The Rail Barron group will be treated to the pinnacle of luxury and comfort aboard two of UP's finest cars from their Heritage fleet. The trip will leave College Station on Saturday November 19 at 9:00 AM and leave Dallas on Sunday at 4:30 PM. The trip will be 4.5 hours each way. More information can be obtained by calling 979-691-4016 or at http://bushlibrary.tamu.edu/trains/index.php and selecting the "Excursion" link.

Sounds like fun. Any takers in building up a consortium to buy the Rail Barren ticket?

***

[siberianmo]

Hey ***

Fine! Now ya tell us about the "4141 Express" ..... why not before I made my trip to Dallas [?] [swg] Rail Barron class, of course! What else IS there afterall [?]

[yeah] Sounds just like something that would fit neatly into my budget ......... [:D]

Catch ya later, gotta get going for my quarterly visit with the Doc ........

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[CFournier]

Hello, again,
About the CN’s F unit picture Tom posted for me, It doesn’t look like a FP-9, they were a few feet longer and I don’t see a longer body here. The number is not right for an F-3 so that leaves us with an F-7…Some FP-9 are still pulling trains around Montreal. There is one on commuter trains for the AMT in the blue-silver scheme that serves the Blainville to Windsor station line every day. I sometimes take this train to go to work. There is also a strange looking loco, a GP-9 long hood and trucks rebuilt and fitted with an Alco-MLW type of cab and short hood…Ugly? Not really but interesting to say the least. This one pulls the Dorion to Windsor station commuter train helped by a rebuilt F7-B unit. Most AMT trains are powered by F-59PH locos. Athearn sells one in the right AMT blue and silver paint scheme.
Chris

[CFournier]

Hi TOM,
I saw a CN unit train, the TANK-TRAIN this morning on my way to work. You know, the tank cars are all connected together for loading and unloading. I think they must be 33,000 gals per tank car. At $6.00 CDN a gal, that makes $198,000 a car. The train had around 100 cars! So we have a $19,800,000.00 cargo of gas going by me at 70 kms an hour.

[*^_^*][censored]CHRIS

[Anonymous]

IMMENSE! There has been such a volume of posts since yesterday a.m., one hardly knows where to begin. Tom, let's "begin" with a Crown and soda w/lime twist. Oh, first order of business: page 100 will be reached on the 16th of the month, not the 15th or 17th...the SIXTEENTH ALREADY![banghead] Last thing I need is winning the "finger of suspicion" for being a party to a "rigged" contest[:O]

The consensus on the N.O., La debacle seems to support a logistical vacuum at the local level. When you see 2 or 3 hundred school buses and the whole inventory of City Lines buses under 6 feet of water; HELLO! Did someone say bad weather tomorrow?[:I] Not to worry, our "mainstream media" will see to it that all blame is affixed to the current Administration...case closed![:-^] What a time for Americans to worry about that wonderful Labor Day "getaway" and high fuel prices. Oh Nick, the Department of Interior (U.S.) hasn't yet completed a direct line to Poseidon's offices. It should be "in place" by the eleventh at the latest.[(-D] BTW, last night's menu shall be preseved in our archives as a "Classic," just incredible.[bow]

There is so much data, memorabilia and a pot pot-pourri of ideas ahead of me, that a single posting would surely bring us to page 100 this very day. Let me start with Pwolf by saying, yes. I would be most grateful for the speed record data...mail you a.s.a.p. Chris, really appreciate the commentary on the pix, makes them "come alive." coalminer 3, I'm still in "left field" over the "Fish" and "Pig" trains. I'm probably the only ignoramus here but could you humor this old duffer with some remedial lessons? I'm down right fascinated for more, more, MORE!

Okay, Boris, I'm hoarse from all this palaver. Hit the laniard and we hear "ding dong" go BINK??? Gadfrey, not again![:O] Please, somebody else take a look what's in there. Last time it was panty hose.[alien] Happy rails to all.

[Anonymous]

Almost lunch time. Being Friday I think I will twist off a little and have a brewsky. Tom your comments on fallen flag beers brought back fond memories. I remember Carlings Black Label from my college days. That was the drunk of chioce then. I dissapeared off the market in the US about 1965. Do not know why. They still sell it in London. Perhaps Nick in Wales can send us a case. I also remember the three local brews from Pittsburgh-Duquesne, Fort Pit, and Iron City. Fort Pit had an advertising slogan "Fort Pit-thats it". Since I am long removed from the Pittsburgh area I do not know if they are still around. One of the breweries (do not remember which one) bottled spoof beer at Christmas. They called it Old Frothingslo***he pale stale ale with the foam on the bottom. On TV they would turn the camera upside down and show the beer streaming out of the "upright" bottle. TV was good in the days before they pulled a lot of the good ads. We have a couple beers in Texas. One is Shiner bock-a dark beer brewed in Shiner (where else) Texas. It is a dark beer. The brewery was started about 100 years ago by the Spoetsel (sp?) family from Germany. It has a good following. Another one mainly sold along the Gulf coast was Dixie. I think it originated in New Orleans. It had a little edge. I used it mainly to clean old paint brushes. Now I drink very very little beer. Maybe a six pack per year (yes, year). I like a heavy beer and do consume a lot of Guinness stout while in the old country, but that is about it for beer consumption on my part. Tieing this into trains I have a car on my G scale railroad that is a Coors reefer.

Sorry I did not get the info on the 4141 out sooner. I only learned about it yesterday evening when I received my monthly newsletter from the local NRHS chapter.

Time to go to lunch. I WILL be back this evening as it is Pizza night. Bring in an extra oven as I really love it. Pizza is like wemen and wine-there is no bad ones. Some are just better than others. My wife accuses me of being able to live on pizza. We had one for dinner along with a bottle of cabernet last night.

Later,
***

[Anonymous]

Quick question Tom. What gives with the counter for the postings. My last three all have the same sequence number-299. Perhaps this one will also have 299. Cannot find out until I post it.

***

[Anonymous]

For some reason the postings have been sequenced to 300 including the last one. they are not giving me credit for all of my ramblings.

[siberianmo]

G'day Guys!

Back from the Doc with a clean bill of health (relatively speaking .....) until my next quarterly visit. Looks like the hum is all about us today, as it has been lately, nice to see so many of you making conversation! [yeah][tup]

Chris So, detour one of those tank cars and you'll be set for the remainder of your working days ....... [swg] By the by, YOU are soooooooooo into the hole with rule violations, that I think you'll need to establish a "tab" just to keep your head above water!

Ted Hope all went well yesterday at the VA .... Yes, we've had one hulluvua lot of activity 'round here lately. Seems like the guys wanna talk ....... [tup]

This nauseating coverage of what's not going on in New Orleans is nothing more than an extension of what we've been listening to since W became President. Can't win for losing. There ARE many things that haven't gone quite the way we all would like. But good Gawd Gertie, this disaster wasn't, and isn't, anything to easily put a rope around. One POSITIVE aspect as far as I'm concerned is that when it comes to reliance - we should rely on one another and ourselves, and not government. Used to be that way once upon a time - kinda like what made America great. Wonder how many of us are truly capable of holding up during the most severe of circumstances [?] Heaven help us if we were to experience multiple wide spread destruction to our cities.

Okay - you're in for the 16th and here are the final guesstimates:

When will we reach 100 Pages [?]

Chris says September 5th
Russell says September 9th
Nick says September 11th
Al says September 5th (by Noon!)
Doug says September 5th (by 6 PM!)
Rob says September 8th
Dave says September 5th
Pete says Sepember 12th
Dan says September 3rd
Ted says September 16th

CONTEST CLOSED!

Appreciate your Post - as always - and hope to see ya 'round this long weekend. Festivities on Monday .........[tup]
Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Howdy ***[C):-)]

I like the sound of that ... after all, you ARE in Texas!

Speaking of brewskies - I have cans from every one of those brews you mentioned. I'll have to take some pix for sure and post 'em ........ The Old Frothingslosh, with the babe the label can only be consumed right before closing time! [swg]

I've got a few reefers with beer adverstisements in one of my retired HO freight car wall mounted display cases. They are the older wood braced, ice box cars. Never did add any to the more modern fleet ........

Glad to hear that you'll take advantage of our Pizza Nite. The way it works is like this - one free draught with every large pizza. Pizza is precisely as you described and I long for the taste of the pies from my youth. Right after WWII, the pizza craze hit NYC, perhaps way before the rest of the nation. The pizza was wonderful - hardly anything like the embellished nonsense of today. Really simple concoctions that were sooooooo good. We frequent an Italian family ristorante that comes as close as I've found to authentic 1940's NYC pizza. When we introduce our friends to this - they simply cannot believe how good it is. They've only known the chains across the land and haven't a clue to what real pizza is supposed to be like. we know! [tup]

I'm hungry - gonna go back in the kitchen and fire up the oven! [swg]

See ya!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Hey Guys,

Here's a URL you may find of interest from CNN - "World leaders offer sympathy, aid"

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WEATHER/09/02/katrina.world/index.html

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

***

Surely you are not interested in numbers counts!![?] However, this is how it works - with each new Post you make, all of your previous Posts will reflect the new number. So, if you scrolled back to the first time you ever visited a Forum, that number would be your most current one. Sometimes, the system takes a bit of time to catch up - minutes really - with sequential Postings.

The numbering system is not sequential as such - so there's no way to keep track of what you've Posted by that number. The whole idea is to amass the required numbers in order to gain another star.

Not to worry, you'll get the credit ........

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[pwolfe]

Hi TOM and all.
Seeing it is after noon Can I have a pint of Bathams and allow me to get around in for the wonderful conversations since yesterday please [wow][yeah].

The talk of bygone brewerys started by COALMINER 3 is great each beer with its own advertising slogan one of ours was LOOKS GOOD, TASTES GOOD AND BY GOLLY IT DOES YOU GOOD.

May I be allowed to also regret the decline of the merchant fleet but for theNorth American and British fleet World War II would have been lost early on. There must have been many a U.S. SAILOR who risked his life suppling Britain before the U.S.was at war.
It always made my father mad that the merchant sailors were not given the appriciation they deserved having been on convoy escort duty in the Atlantic (and the Med) he had a great deal of respect for them.
On a lighter note in 1941 the SOUTHERN RAILWAY OF England built a class of locos which they named the MERCHANT NAVY class There were 30 engines named after Shipping fleets.they were rebuilt in the late 50's and quite a few survived mainly thanks to BARRY scrap yard. Has NICK told you about Barry yet.

TOM Thanks for link it looks like the some the other countries are showing some humanity at last

Can I have one for the road and is any chance of hiding some Steak n Fries from BORIS tonite so I can have them with the game tomorrow
[:-,] PETE.

[siberianmo]

G'day Pete

Nice to see ya again! And a pint of Bathams comin' your way .... [swg]

It's a senstive chord that is struck with talk of the Merchant Marine crews who met their fates in Davey Jone's locker thanx to the U-Boats and other perils of the sea during WWII. My dad was one of those who made those north Atlantic runs and while I was just a kid - I recall the telegrams - only to find out that he wasn't missing after all! Twice torpedoed and struck a mine in the North Sea shortly after the war ended. Not a scratch on him - in drink all three times. The U.S. only recently finally recognized these men for what they contributed - so did Canada. Only wish he would have been alive to receive the acknowledgment .......

We've really had some interesting stuff these days, eh [?] Gotta get back to TRAINS, as in Classic! [yeah] I think that I have some pix of those loco's you referred to in one of my books - Railroadds Around the Wolrd, or something llike that.

Catch ya later and if you can't make it in over the weekend, be sure to come to the picnic on Monday! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Hey Guys,


Check out this URL:

http://photobucket.com/albums/b222/siberianmo/

It's a photo album I created for Chris' pix from the Delson RR Museum near Montreal .....

I just opened an account with PhotoBucket and haven't quite figured out all of the nuances yet - but these pix should be a good start.

Enjoy!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]