"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[trolleyboy]

Okay I did find a tidbit of NKP passenger train info that is general enough that it shouldn't impune 20 fingers more traditional heavy info laden pasenger posts. In fact hopefully he will be able to further expand and improve upon my small token for the day.

NKP PASSENGER SERVICE

The Nickel Plate was not normally assosoiated with major passenger service. During the yeasr of NYC control, the Nickel Plate's modest mainline passenger schedule consisted of three Buffalo to Chicago trains, known on the railroad as thee Peerless Trio.Beginning in 1893, Nickel Plate passengers had the option of through sleeping cars to New York City VIA the West Shore Railroad from Buffalo. Theior longest running sleeper car service began in 1897 when cars were forwarded between Buffalo and Hoboken New Jersey via the Delaware Lackawanna and Western RR.

Nickel Plate's premier train, the Nickel Plate Limited , provided overnight service in both directions between Chicago , Cleveland and Buffalo, and through car service between Buffalo and Hoboken. The Buffalo-Chicago day train with overnight throuhg cars from Hoboken via the Lackawanna, was known as the Westerner. The eastbound counterpart remained nameless until the 1950's when it became known as the New Yorker .

Supporting the NKP's mainline trains were the accomadation runs and mixed trains, but these were gradually withdrawn after WW2 as the automobile became more prevalent in the midwest. The first to go was the Commersial Traveller , a Toledo-St Louis train ingerited from the Clover Leaf , which made the final run in 1941.

The Berkshire type locomotives enabled the NKP to perform all it's wartime passeneger and freight functions, but by the end of WW2 the NKP found itself with worn out abd obsolete passenger and freight equipment. Still under the influence of Robert Young's C&O, the NKP was caught on the outside looking in during the postwar passenger train reequipmnet boom.Young placed an order in November of 1946 for 287 stainless steel sheathed Pullman- Standard cars for the C&O, the NKP added 25 of it's own to this order. When they arrived on the railroad in 1950, they went into service behind 11 Alco PA 1 passenger locomotives which had been on the property since 1947-48.NKP's prewar and wartime Pullman green passenger fleet now became a sparkeling Stainless steel and dark Blue sight for sore eyes, interupted by the cars still in the old green scheme or cars from the Lackawanna.

Following this upgrade, the St louis trains recieved new names known as; westbound Blue Arrow and eastbound Blue Dart The changing traffic patterns and all the merger talks amongst eastern railroads in the late 50's had become clouds on the NKP's horizon. The same 1957-58 recession that finally eneded the steam locomotive use on the NKP also effected their passenger operations.After april of 1952, the NKP's passenger schedule was limited to just six daily trains.A day train and night train in each direction between Chicago - Buffalo ( still with the connections to Hoboken ) and an overnight Cleveland-St Louis service. The economic downturn ended trains 9 and 10 between Cleveland and St Louis, which were cut back a piece at a time as the states invoved allowed the discontinuance of service. The last of the NKP
's clover leaf services over the former LE&W dissapeared on October 17,1959.

Chicago-Buffalo trains faired somewhat better, but were still fighting a loosing battle with growning airline and highway travel postwar. The PA1's, were replaced by steam generator equiped GP9's and RS36 hood units after 1962. In june of 1963 the Westerner and the New Yorker , trains 7 and 8 were discontinued.These trains discontinuance, left only the former Nickel Plate Limited , now known as the City of Chicago as the only westbound and it's running mate The City of Cleveland the only eastbound passenger train on the schedule.Thes trains ran coach only and ran on an overnight schedule.In the end these trains were a single GP9 a beaten up baggage car,a nd one light weight coach. They didn outlive the NKP itself as they ran just beyond the 1964 NKP / NW merger.

Rob

(sorces) Great American RR vol 2

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

A “steamer” here in mid-continent USA with temps heading into the mid-90s (F). <ugh> Got the “south forty” mowed early this AM – began at 7:30, which is early for outside work – but just gotta beat the heat! <groan>


And so the “hockey wars” have come to a conclusion with the Hurricanes victorious for Lord Stanley’s cup. Congrats to all who supported that bunch . . . [tup] Hockey in mid-June doesn’t “compute” in my aging brain. [tdn] Anyway, if anyone has ever visited the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto (whether the new or old digs) it is a treat for hockey fans. I have some Pix of the “sweaters” worn by the old WHA teams – and it’s a kick to see all of those names and logos from days gone by. It was mentioned by Rob that two former WHA teams squared off last night. Well, perhaps it should be phrased just a tad differently – the franchises did, the teams are long gone. The New England Whalers who became the Hartford Whalers against the Edmonton Oilers. The latter surely occupies a special place at the “Hall” given their successes in the Gretzky era. A URL for nostalgia:
http://www.geocities.com/Pipeline/5206/


Some acknowledgments are in order:

Count Robulla has returned with not one, but two Posts! [tup] [tup] [tup] Good to see ya! The place just isn’t quite the same without you . . . . Email sent.

I can relate more to the “stickers” feature in your WTB #4 – fighting on trolleys [?] Not me – never, ever! Fighting in bars [?] Absolutely! [swg]

My sympathy to the horse! <groan> A “man hole,” how about a “horse hole!” <snicker>


Eric Always good to have you with us – even though you seem to thrive on coffee! By the by, did you know we charge $5 per cup if that’s all one drinks here at the “tavern by the tracks” (a new moniker picked up from BK!!) Sorry – but if one drinks coffee with a meal – it’s free. If one orders only a soft drink or coffee – five bucks. We gotta keep those registers (Cashinator ‘n Tilla) ka-chinging away! [swg]

We did take a tour into Denali, it’s really the only way one is permitted to get into the wilderness – other than back packing. The restrictions are many and the control is great. The park is larger than the state of Massachusetts and only has 90 miles of paved road. So there’s no way any tour is going to get one to everything and every place within it.

There are off-road tours and helicopter and fixed wing tours. Ours was a relatively short (4 hour) excursion, but certainly well worth it for the experience. An awesome place.

First railroad in Canada [?] This may be of some help:

QUOTE: 1832, February 25 - Incorporation of the Champlain and St. Lawrence Railroad to build from Dorchester, now St-Jean, to a point on the St. Lawrence River at or near Laprairie. This is the first Canadian railroad charter.
1836, March - Incorporation by the Legislature of New Brunswick of the St. Andrews and Quebec Rail Road Company to build from St. Andrews to lower Canada. This is the oldest charter of a Canadian Pacific constituent. Operation was not commenced until spring, 1851.
1836, July 21 - Champlain and St. Lawrence Railroad opened. This was Canada's first public railroad. The inaugural train was pulled by the locomotive the "Dorchester". In 1857 the Champlain and St. Lawrence became part of the Montreal and Champlain Railroad which was leased to the Grand Trunk in 1864 and now forms part of the Canadian National system.

from: http://www.railways.incanada.net


And another reference to sailors fighting in Doug’s Post! What is this, a conspiracy to drag down the image of “sailorhood” [?] Watchitbuster, the ACLU will be knockin’ at your door! <ooooooooooooooh>

Good to see ya this fine day and I appreciate your THEME: NKP input! [tup]

Can’t even begin to think about biking 12 miles one-way to work. Now that’s a new definition to pedaling one’s posterior! [swg]


CM3 “Shane” always appreciate your visits and that is a fine contribution you’ve made to our THEME: NKP for this day! [tup] [tup] [tup] Quarters and round “helps” too! [swg] Hope you make it back . . . .

In one of those ads you provided, I can just imagine ANY company today urging the public to make sacrifices for the war effort. Ha. Different times, different society, different values. We ARE at war, our Armed Forces members are dying and wounded, but aside from the naysayers in the media, it seems life goes on. Hardly any mention of “war” where I live. Almost as if it is a TV “event” . . . Albeit from a far different era, appreciate the reminder! [tup] [tup] [tup]


BK Two days in succession after such a lengthy absence takes a bit of getting used to!! [swg] Good to see you and Lydia jumping right in. Sorry about the Oilers but only one team emerges as the winner! <grin> It was indeed a good game – perhaps a great game as these things are measured. The intensity was there from start to the end. The fans got their money’s worth – well perhaps NOT – but that’s the cliché of the day! [swg]

Many THANX for those NKP schedule covers and info – a nice “fit” to what’s going on ‘round the joint today! [tup]

Your Email has been received and responded to . . . . thanx!


Finally, just caught your afternoon Post, Rob! Appreciate the visit, the business and of course, the information exchange! [tup] [tup] [tup]

Some of these Railroads from Yesteryear are indeed rather obscure in the sense that they do not fall within the well known parameters of passenger roads like the Santa Fe – Pennsylvania – New York Central – Baltimore & Ohio – Southern, and so on. Any and all contributions gladly accepted – even if it’s no more than a comment or two! That’s the idea, eh [?] [tup]



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


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Good afternoon gentlemen. Tom I think I'll go for a lars speacial sandwich in the meantime, I will just say that I'm quite impressed by Tom's marvelous array of NKP info and CM3's aand Dougs contributions as well. Even BK's timetable covers are right on tact for what we all hope to accomplish around here. Like BK I have not alot to offer to the disscussion of the NKP. Truly ojne of the remarkable midwest / eastern roads however. Their signature Berkshire Locomotives were truly one of their key additions to heavy mainline railroading. Imn canada the only railroad that rostered these beaste were the two 201,and 202 that the TH&B stabled. They were also a heavy alco diesel user over the years as these beautifull PA's that Tom posted the shots of can attest to. No doubt our resident passenger guru will hopefully lower some "bluebird " information upon us to round out the festivities for today.

BK Thanks for the contribution, most likley more than I will be able to come up with on the NKP proper. Many a railfan will agressibvly collect the old paper colectables of their favourite railways. be them timetables rulebooks you name it. I always though that the artwork was generally iof high quality that the railroads placed on the covers of these documents, indeed some like the CPR had an official photographer to provide these services. An example of the pride in the job now for the most part lost to the new generation of superrailways <ugh> As I said yesterday I'm not sure how much time I will miss around here over the upcomming weeks, perhaps none, I just wanted to warn my group of friens here at th bar that I may be somewhat scarce and that no search parties are required ( unless they are composed of a Swedish bikini team eh Eric )

Tom A masterfull presentation as always,even covered the rapid transit and interurban connections through Cleveland [tup] The Shaker heights line was a thing of beauty, in the end it was train coupled PCC's usually running in three unit sets, and over a mostly private ROW which has a garden like setting truly wonderfull.

CM3 Ah yes I knew that you would be drawn to the flame of the NKP and you did not disapoint sir. Great on theme and on topic information. It was interesting to note that the NKP had some freight only districts right from the get go. A lesson the other railways could have learned. Perhaps it would have saved the mainline passenger trains of each company, if they all had not wasted time and money on lines with little if no passenger revenue. I wonder how many railroads's passenger revenues or at least the books for the passenger money pool were adversly affected by poor planning. I know I'm off on a tangent in coulda shoulda woulda land sorry. Boris ring up a round for my transgression [tup][:D]

I will se if I have anything extra to add to the NKP discussion. I shall pop back in a bit.

Rob

[BudKarr]

Good Morning Captain Tom and all assembled (wherever you may be!) –


I would like a tall cold OJ, a #3 from the Menu Board and a large mug of hot java, if you please! Chop, chop Boris! <grin>


Some are in mourning here in Alberta and perhaps some have contemplated drastic measures. When a Canadian team goes to the 7th game of the Stanley Cup finals and does not win it – well that is cause for concern in the land north of the 49th (even though much of the population is below that parallel . . .). Lots of grimacing, wrist wringing and the like on the tube and radio . . . almost comical (oooops) – hope Lydia does not see THAT! [swg]

Hockey in North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Arizona and southern California surely makes no sense to me. But what do I know [?] It is all pretty much the same once it becomes a television sport. However, I can well imagine what it must be like attending a game in shorts when the outside temperatures are in the triple digits! <groan>

So, June 19th marks the END of the NHL activities for 2005-06 – some say RIP. I can understand that.


Yes, Eric – I do understand your comment regarding your homeland – sex and trains! <grin> One day we shall have to compare notes on two out of three! [swg]


While I have no primary, secondary or tertiary information regarding the Nickel Plate railroad, I have enjoyed the information provided thus far. As always, a fine effort from our leader and very appropriate follow-up from the man in West Virginia! [tup]


Good to see the return of our friend in Ontario. Only reason I bought it the absence up is that I am so accustomed to seeing your “signature trolley” that when pages go by without it, something surely shows up as “different.”

Sorry to learn of your impending absence and the bar will be the worse for it. No doubt it will survive, but as the core dwindles, so does the continuity. I wish my contributions could be more on point and certainly more often. That just is not in the cards, sad to say.


While I am here, however, I will do my best to be an active contributor:

Something for the crew from my lady. Lydia came up with the following offerings to bolster your “THEME DAY” here at the tavern by the tracks: (she says they do not enlarge)


Nickel Plate 1934 schedule cover




Nickel Plate 1944 schedule cover




Nickel Plate 1948 schedule cover




Nickel Plate – from the 1956 schedule




Nickel Plate – from the 1956 schedule




Nickel Plate 1961 schedule cover]



Enjoy the day, Gentlemen and I will try to return tomorrow.


BK in Alberta, Canada’s high mountain country!

[siberianmo]

Now arriving on track #1 …..
Railroads from Yesteryear! Number Twenty One


Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources.


New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad – Nickel Plate Road (NKP)




Reporting marks: NKP

Locale: New York to Chicago, IL and St. Louis, MO

Dates of operation: 1881 – 1964

Track gauge: 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) (standard gauge)

Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio


The New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad (AAR reporting mark NKP), abbreviated NYC&St.L, was a railroad that operated in the mid-central United States. Commonly referred to as the Nickel Plate Road, the railroad served a large area, including trackage in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Its primary connections included Buffalo, New York, Chicago, Illinois, Cleveland, Ohio, Indianapolis, Indiana, St. Louis, Missouri and Toledo, Ohio.

The Nickel Plate Railroad was constructed in 1881 along the South Shore of the Great Lakes connecting Buffalo, New York and Chicago, Illinois to compete with the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway. In 1964, the Nickel Plate Road and several other mid-western carriers were merged into Norfolk and Western Railway and the Nickel Plate Road was no more. The N&W was formed to be a more competitive and successful system serving 14 states and the Canadian province of Ontario on more than 7,000 miles (11,000 km) of railroad. The profitable N&W was itself combined with the Southern Railway, another profitable carrier, to form Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS) in 1982.


History

Background

The 25 years after the American Civil War more than doubled the existing American railroad track miles, changing the face of America forever. American railroads allowed products made in the East to be shipped to the expanding West less expensively than previously. This allowed for an economy of scale - larger, more efficient factories. The agricultural heartland of America was no longer confined to a market of single day's trip by wagon. Railroad and railroad construction became one of the largest industries during that era. By 1881, one out of 32 people in the United States was either employed by a railroad or engaged in railroad construction.

Starting about 1877, two great railroad developers, William H. Vanderbilt and Jay Gould, began competing for the railroad traffic along the south shore of the Great Lakes. By 1878 William Vanderbilt had a monopoly on rail traffic between Buffalo, New York; Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; and Chicago, Illinois, because he owned the only railroad between those cities - the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway. In addition, he was the richest man in America at that time. By 1881 Jay Gould controlled about 15% of all U.S. railroad mileage, most of it west of the Mississippi River and he was considered the most ruthless financial operator in America. Gould's major railroad east of the Mississippi River was the 3350 mile (5400 km) Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railway (Wabash). The Wabash mainline ran from St. Louis, Missouri to Toledo, Ohio where it was forced to deliver its railroad traffic to William H. Vanderbilt's Lake Shore Railroad for deliver to the eastern United States.

Jay Gould and William Vanderbilt together oversaw all east-west rail traffic in the mid-west. The owners (the Seney Syndicate) of a 350-mile (560 km) railroad, the Lake Erie and Western Railroad, were interested in tapping new sources of revenue. The stage was set for the creation of the New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad.

Early years

The Seney Syndicate met at Seney's New York bank and organized the New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railway Company on 3 February 1881. The original proposal for the NYC&St.L was a 340-mile (550 km) railroad west from Cleveland, Ohio to Chicago, Illinois with a 325-mile (525 km) branch to St. Louis, Missouri.

On 13 April 1881 the New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railway Company bought the Buffalo, Cleveland and Chicago Railway, a railroad that been surveyed from the west side of Cleveland, Ohio to Buffalo, New York running parallel to Vanderbilt's Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway.

The idea of an east-west railroad across northern Ohio was very popular with the people of Ohio. They wanted to break the high freight rates charged by Jay Gould and William Henry Vanderbilt. No one was less popular in Ohio than William Vanderbilt since the 29 December 1876 collapse of Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway's Ashtabula River trestle, where 64 people had been injured and 92 were killed or died later from injuries.

Another reason for the popularity of the New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railway was the positive economic impact on cities that any new railroad went through at that time. During a newspaper war to attract the New York, Chicago and St. Louis the Norwalk, Ohio Chronicle Newspaper referred to the New York, Chicago and St. Louis as "... double-track nickel-plated railroad." The New York, Chicago and St. Louis adopted the nickname and it became better known as the Nickel Plate Road.

It was decided to start building along the surveyed route between Cleveland, Ohio and Buffalo, New York rather than build the branch to St. Louis, Missouri. Five hundred days later the Nickel Plate's 513-mile (825 km) single-track mainline from Buffalo, New York to Chicago, Illinois was complete. The railroad was estimated to require 90,000 long tons (80,000 metric tons) of steel rails, each weighing sixty pounds per yard (30 kg/m) and 1.5 million oak crossties. Additionally, the railroad required forty-nine major bridges. It was characterized by long sections of straight track, mild grades and impressive bridges. The Nickel Plate ran its first trains over the entire system on 16 October 1882.

During construction, Vanderbilt and Gould had watched with great interest. If either of them could acquire the Nickel Plate, they could end the threat to their railroads. If the Nickel Plate remained independent it would be able to create a substantial dent in both entrepreneurs' railroad earnings.

Vanderbilt tried to lower the value of the Nickel Plate by organizing a campaign to smear its reputation before a train ever ran on its tracks. If Vanderbilt was successful he could scare the Seney Syndicate into selling to him or drive the railroad company into bankruptcy. However, Vanderbilt's plan came with two important risks. If he slandered the line he risked chasing the Seney Syndicate into an alliance with Gould. The other risk was that his plan to smear the Nickel Plate's reputation might fail and it could quickly grow. Vanderbilt claimed the road was being built with substandard materials and it would use unsafe practices once completed. He succeeded in creating long-standing rumors about the line, but failed to devalue the company or scare the investors.

The cost of construction was higher than expected and the Seney Syndicate began to negotiate with Gould to purchase the railroad, but unlike Vanderbilt, Gould lacked the capital. Frustrated at the failing talks, Gould broke off negotiations and gave up on his attempt to break Vanderbilt.

The Lake Shore and Michigan Southern era

In early 1881, Vanderbilt could have had the New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railway (or Nickel Plate) for one million dollars. He realized if he allowed Jay Gould to gain control of the Nickel Plate his monopoly on rail traffic from Toledo, Ohio - east would be broken. He decided he would do anything to keep the Nickel Plate out of Gould's hands.

On 25 October 1882 (a few days after the first trains ran) the Seney Syndicate sold the Nickel Plate to Vanderbilt for 7.2 million dollars. Vanderbilt transferred it to his Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway. However, Vanderbilt had a problem: he could not run the business into the ground or it would fall into receivership and someone else would buy it. He could not close the Nickel Plate either because it cost a fortune to buy. So, the Nickel Plate Road did business, but just enough to keep it solvent. By the advent of the 1920s the Nickel Plate was an obscure line that earned its keep through the transfer of freight from other rail connections. During the same period Vanderbilt's Lake Shore and Michigan Southern prospered and expanded.

Vanderbilt kept most of the rail traffic on his Lake Shore and Michigan Southern. Fewer trains on the Nickel Plate meant that they could move faster, so that is the railroad traffic they went after. By 1888 the Nickel Plate had been dubbed "The Meat Express Line." Observers at Fort Wayne, Indiana reported six long meat trains every night and a couple of fruit trains during the day.

Vanderbilt consolidated many of his railroads into the New York Central Railroad. In 1915 Vanderbilt was found to be in violation of the federal antitrust laws because the New York Central had a controlling interest in the Nickel Plate. Over time the Nickel Plate had been reduced as a serious threat to competing lines and in return for operating concessions and access to certain stations, the New York Central sold the Nickel Plate to the Van Sweringen brothers of Cleveland, Ohio.

The Van Sweringen era

Oris Paxton Van Sweringen and his younger brother Mantis James Van Sweringen were real estate developers who constructed a rapid transit from their development at Shaker Heights, Ohio to downtown Cleveland. As early as 1909 the Van Sweringen brothers proposed a stub-end terminal on Public Square in downtown Cleveland. The Cleveland interurbans and traction companies were in favor of the new terminal and right-of-ways leading to it.

The Nickel Plate was the key. It transversed Cleveland from east to west, had a high level crossing of the Cuyahoga River Valley, and it was adjacent to the proposed terminal. The Nickel Plate also provided natural route to the proposed terminal for the Van Sweringen's rapid transit and the other traction lines.

Between 1890 and 1913 Cleveland had a four fold increase in population. Cleveland wanted to clean up the city and started many civic projects. Cleveland wanted to consolidate all of its railroad stations. The Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway, Pennsylvania Railroad, and Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad shared a crowded lakefront Union Station. The Erie Railroad, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Nickel Plate Road, and Lake Erie and Western Railroad all occupied separate stations on the north bluff of the Cuyahoga River, just south of downtown. The city also encouraged the railroads to build grade separation throughout the city. The Nickel Plate started a grade separation project on the East Side of Cleveland in 1909 and finished in 1913. Cleveland approved a bond issue in 1910 to "depress" the Nickel Plate through the most congested part of the West Side.

The Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway was controlled by the New York Central Railroad's Alfred H. Smith, a close friend of the Van Sweringens. He had guided the Van Sweringens and even financed their rapid transit to Shaker Heights. The Attorney General of the United States advised the New York Central that its control of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern and the Nickel Plate was in violation of the Federal antitrust laws in late 1915. Alfred Smith called his friends, the Van Sweringens on 1 February 1916 and offered them the Nickel Plate. They bought it for 8.5 million dollars on 13 April 1916. They only put up a little over half a million dollars but they controlled 75% of Nickel Plate's voting stock.

The Van Sweringens had no intention of running the Nickel Plate. Alfred Smith was happy to give the Van Sweringens a vice-president of the New York Central, John Bernet, and some of his top men. Smith wanted to show that the Van Sweringens were not New York Central puppets, and the Nickel Plate needed to earn money to retire the $6.5 million in notes owed to the New York Central.

The end of an era: merger with N&W, Norfolk Southern



As the financial situation of American railroading continued to decline after World War II, the Nickel Plate Road together with the Wabash and several smaller carriers merged with the profitable Norfolk and Western on October 16, 1964.

N&W had merged with long-time rival Virginian Railway in the Pocahontas coal region in 1959, and grew through the mergers with other rail carriers including the Nickel Plate and Wabash railroads with operations in adjacent areas of the eastern United States to form a more competitive and successful system serving 14 states and a province of Canada on more than 7,000 miles of road.

The profitable N&W was itself combined with the Southern Railway, another profitable carrier, to form Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS) in 1982.

Chicago terminals

By 1897 the Nickel Plate had obtained trackage rights over the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway from Grand Crossing to its own terminal on the east side of the LS&MS line to LaSalle Street Station, just north of Roosevelt Road (12th Street). By 1928 it used LaSalle.

Origin of the Nickel Plate nickname

The following is an excerpt from the book The Nickel Plate Road, A Short History of the New York, Chicago & St. Louis R.R. printed in 1954. The book is a record of an address given by Lynne L. White (a former president of the Nickel Plate) to the Newcomen Society of the United States, held in the ballroom of the Hotel Lawrence, Erie, Pa., November 11, 1954. Mr. White was guest of honor at this "1954 Lake Erie Dinner".

Through northern Ohio, already served by four railroads, location of the line developed intense rivalries among cities. Three routes were surveyed and communities along each proposed route vied in the raising of public subscriptions to donate rights-of-way. The road's general offices at Cleveland frequently were besieged by delegations hoping to bring about the routing of the line through their communities. During these inter-city rivalries was born the nickname for the New York, Chicago and St. Louis - The Nickel Plate Road - which rapidly became the name most commonly used.

Numerous legends have grown about when and how the name "Nickel Plate" was first applied. The accepted version is that it appeared first in an article in the Norwalk, Ohio, Chronicle of March 10, 1881. On that date the Chronicle reported the arrival of a party of engineers to make a survey for the "great New York and St. Louis double track, nickel plated railroad."

Later, while attempting to induce the company to build the line through Norwalk instead of Bellevue, Ohio, the Chronicle again referred to the road as "nickel plated" - a term regarded as indicative of the project's glittering prospects and substantial financial backing.

In 1882, the Nickel Plate recognized F.R. Loomis, owner and editor of the Norwalk Chronicle, as originator of the term and issued him Complimentary Pass No. 1.
Thus Norwalk named the road - but Bellevue finally got it.

References

• Hampton, Taylor (2001). The Nickel Plate Road: The history of a great railroad. Circulation Publishing and Marketing. ISBN 1928551173.

• Holland, Kevin J. (1999). Berkshires of the Nickel Plate Road. TLC Publishing, Virginia. ISBN 1883089395.

• Rehor, John A. (1994). The Nickel Plate story. Kalmbach Publishing Co., Waukesha, WI.

• Lynne L. White (1954) The Nickel Plate Road, A Short History of the New York, Chicago & St. Louis R.R. Newcomen Publication: Exton, Pennsylvania


Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****


Information from Other Sources



Main Line Nickel Plate

It is said that the New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad Company was probably the only railroad in the United States built for cash in advance of the issue of stocks and bonds. The subscribers to the founding syndicate agreed to furni***he money in ten percent calls as fast as required. It was February 1881, that a party of aggressive men met in the office of George I. Seney, President of the Metropolitan National Bank of New York City. Among those in attendance was Columbus R. Cummings of Chicago, the first NKP president, Walston H. Brown, Calvin S. Brice, General San Thomas, and John G. Kennaday, who formed what was known to be the financial world as the Seney Syndicate. Later, others who participated included General D.W. Caldwell, Dan P. Ellis, and Hon. William Flemming.

In 1880, a survey was made from St. Louis to Fort Wayne, Indiana, to connect with the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, of which Mr. Brice was President. The survey was purchased by the Syndicate and two new surveys made, one from Chicago to Fort Wayne, the other from Fort Wayne to Cleveland, originally intended as an eastern terminus of the road. It was finally determined to temporarily abandon the St. Louis branch and instead build from Cleveland to Buffalo.

Early in April 1881, Major Henry L. Merill, an experienced railroad builder, assumed charge of construction. Contracts were let for 45,000 tons of steel rails at $65.00 per ton. Right of way was secured as fast as the surveys were made. The first rails were laid between Arcadia and McComb, Ohio, and the road was practically finished by September 1882. The first train was run over the road October 22, 1882.

The Lake Shore & Michigan Southern, later a part of the New York Central System, quickly realized the value of the Nickel Plate Road as a competitor, purchased the road and held controlling interest in it until July 1916. The Van Sweringen brothers were looking for ways to expand their real estate business in Cleveland and bought the Nickel Plate to acquire a right-of-way for a new traction line. The Vans soon found how nice railroading was and in a matter of a few years became very powerful railroad barons.

On July 1, 1922, the Nickel Plate Road was operating 523 miles of track between Chicago and Buffalo. On this date the NKP secured control of the properties formerly operated, managed, and controlled by the Lake Erie & Western Railroad Co. The LE&W added 707 miles of track reaching from Sandusky, Ohio to Peoria, Illinois, with two branches in Indiana.

On July 15, 1922, another 453 miles were added to the system by affiliation with the cloverleaf (TStL&W RR) reaching from Toledo, Ohio to St. Louis, Missouri. Thus, the Nickel Plate became a 1683-mile system of trackage serving the industrial, agricultural, and distributing region between the Mississippi River on the west, the Great Lakes on the north, and the Niagara Frontier on the east, with close traffic arrangements and service to the New England States and the Atlantic Seaboard reached through connecting lines.

The Nickel Plate purchased its first fifteen Berkshire (2-8-4) steam locomotives in 1934. Until that time the NKP had never had a locomotive that was out of the ordinary. With the Berkshire, the NKP acquired an engine perfectly suited to its needs and virtually every 2-8-4 locomotive built afterwards was based on the very successful design of the 700's.

The 1940's found the Nickel Plate setting record after record with the Berkshires. An additional fifty-five were built during the War. In 1947, the Nickel Plate received its first diesel road engines from American Locomotive Co. . The streamlined diesels were affectionately called BLUEBIRDS and were the only motive power on the post 1900 Nickel Plate not painted black.

In 1949, the Nickel Plate leased the long sought Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway, which it had controlled for a number of years. The Wheeling gave the Nickel Plate a financially stable railroad that was a consistent money maker. With the addition of the W&LE, the stage was set for Nickel Plate's spectacular operational and financial performance of the 1950's.

from: www.nkphts.org/history.html


Photo Gallery from other sources


NY,C&St.L 2-8-4 #718/freight 1956
(courtesy: www.yesteryeardepot.com - foto credit: unknown)




NY,C&St.L 2-8-2 #749/freight, 1956
(courtesy: www.yesteryeardepot.com - foto credit: Paul Eilenburger)



Nickel Plate Alco PA #181 (foto credit: Howard W. Ameling)




Nickel Plate Alco PA #183 pulling train #8 eastbound out of Cleveland
(foto credit: Howard W. Ameling)



Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]



Did you miss any of the previous twenty[?] Click the URL:

#1: Baltimore & Ohio (B&O
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=233&TOPIC_ID=35270
#2: Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=234&TOPIC_ID=35270
#3: Pennsylvania (PRR)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=237&TOPIC_ID=35270
#4: New York Central (NYC)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=240&TOPIC_ID=35270
#5: New Haven (NYNH&H)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=242&TOPIC_ID=35270
#6: Santa Fe (ATSF) (Two Parts)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=246&TOPIC_ID=35270
#7: Southern Pacific (SP)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=253&TOPIC_ID=35270
#8: Northern Pacific (NP)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=259&TOPIC_ID=35270
#9: Coastline/Seaboard (ACL – SCL – SAL) (Two Parts)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=267&TOPIC_ID=35270
#10: Southern Railway (SOU)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=276&TOPIC_ID=35270
#11: Denver and Rio Grande Western (D&RG)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=282&TOPIC_ID=35270
#12: Great Northern Railway (GN)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=287&TOPIC_ID=35270
#13: Missouri Pacific (MP)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=293&TOPIC_ID=35270
#14: Illinois Central (IC)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=299&TOPIC_ID=35270
#15: Boston & Maine (B&M)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=307&TOPIC_ID=35270
#16: Western Pacific (WP)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=313&TOPIC_ID=35270
#17: Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=320&TOPIC_ID=35270
#18: Burlington Zephyrs (Two Parts)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=326&TOPIC_ID=35270
#19: Delaware & Hudson (D&H)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=332&TOPIC_ID=35270
#20: Maine Central (MEC)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=353&TOPIC_ID=35270

[coalminer3]

Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please;round for the house; and $ for the jukebox.

I'll be in and out today, so will try and post more later. Here's some NKP material from 1943 which will give you a snapshot of the railroad at that time.

CURRENT FACTS ABOUT TRAVEL

Passenger travel on the railroads is now twice what it was a year ago, and four times what it was in 1939. The railroads are doing their best to meet this great and sudden increase in the demand for service although they have just about the same number of passenger cars and engines which they had in 1939. The demand for steel and other materials essential to the war effort, practically precludes the construction of new equipment at this time.

Two million service man and women travel each month under military orders, This vast army requires more than half of all the sleeping cars and about one-third of all the coaches.

With the remaining equipment the railroads must mover service men traveling individually or in small groups; soldiers and sailors on furlough; families visiting service men in camps; business men and other workers traveling on urgent missions.

TO THOSE WHO FEEL THE NECESSITY OF TRAVEL

Plan trips for the less-crowded days of the week. Mid-week trains are preferable.
Carry a minimum a mount of baggage to conserves seating space.
Cancel reservations of Pullman space promptly if travel plans are changed.
Stagger vacations to avoid seasonal travel peaks.
Make room in dining car promptly after finishing meal, as others may be waiting.

The comforts of peacetime travel are of necessity subordinated to the needs of a nation at war and every true American faces this condition just as other wartime problems are met – with firmness and the resolve to do everything necessary to win the war and establish a victorious and lasting peace.

Nickel Plate Road - 1943


Nickel Plate Road Passenger Service – 1943
(Eastbound)

Train 6: Nickel Plate Limited: Chicago-Cleveland-Buffalo-Scranton-New York
Sleeping Cars
Chicago – Cleveland (3 cars): Single bedrooms, 18 roomettes, 14 sections
Chicago – New York: 12 section/drawing room (via DL&W Train 10; Buffalo – Hoboken)
Coaches (Ladies lounge): Chicago – New York
Diner Lounge: Chicago – Buffalo
Diner: Buffalo – Elmira

Dep. Chicago (La Salle St.) 1120 p.m. (CST) (NKP Train 6)
Arr. Cleveland 800 a.m.
Dep. Cleveland 815 a.m.
Arr. Buffalo 115 p.m. (Lackawanna Terminal)
Dep. Buffalo 545 p.m. (DL&W train 10)
Dep. Elmira 957p.m.
Dep. Scranton 125 a.m.
Arr. Hoboken 530 a.m.

Train 8: Chicago-Cleveland-Buffalo-Newark-New York
Sleeping Cars
Chicago – New York: 10 section/drawing room/2 compartments
Buffalo – New York: 12 section/drawing room (in DL&W Train 2)
Diner Lounge: Chicago-Buffalo
Diner: Scranton-New York
Coaches: Chicago – Buffalo; Chicago – New York

Dep. Chicago (La Salle St.) 940 a.m. (CST) (NKP Train 8)
Arr. Cleveland 600 p.m.
Dep. Cleveland 610 p.m.
Arr. Buffalo 1010 p.m. (Lackawanna Terminal)
Dep. Buffalo 1030 p.m. (DL&W train 8)
Dep. Elmira 125 a.m.
Dep. Scranton 405 a.m.
Arr. Hoboken 809 a.m.

Train 10: St. Louis-Lima-Findlay-Cleveland
Sleeping Car
St. Louis – Cleveland: 8 section/observation lounge
Dining Service: St. Louis – Cleveland
Coaches: St. Louis – Cleveland

Dep. St. Louis 540 p.m. (CST)
Arr. Cleveland 935 a.m. (EST)
Nickel Plate Road Passenger Service (West) – 1943

Train 5: Nickel Plate Limited: New York-Scranton-Buffalo-Cleveland-Chicago
Sleeping Cars
New York – Chicago: 12 section/drawing room (from DL&W Train 3 at Buffalo)
Cleveland – Chicago (3 cars): Single bedrooms, 18 roomettes, 14 sections
Coach (Ladies Lounge): New York – Chicago
Diner: New York – Buffalo
Diner Lounge: Buffalo – Cleveland; Cleveland – Chicago

Dep. Hoboken 900 a.m. (DL&W Train 3)
Dep. Scranton 110 p.m.
Dep. Elmira 402 p.m.
Arr. Buffalo 705 p.m. (Lackawanna Terminal)
Dep. Buffalo 725 p.m. (NKP Train 5)
Arr. Cleveland 1159 p.m.
Dep. Cleveland 1215 a.m.
Arr. Chicago (La Salle St.) 733 a.m. (CST)

Train 7: The Westerner: New York-Newark-Scranton-Cleveland-Chicago
Sleeping Car
New York – Chicago: 10 section/drawing room
Diner: New York – Scranton
Diner Lounge: Buffalo – Chicago
Coaches: New York – Chicago (from DL&W Train 7 at Buffalo);
(Ladies Lounge) Buffalo – Chicago

Dep. Hoboken 700 p.m. (DL&W Train 7)
Dep. Scranton 1113 p.m.
Dep. Elmira 157 a.m.
Arr. Buffalo 450 a.m. (Lackawanna Terminal)
Dep. Buffalo 515 a.m.
Arr. Cleveland 930 a.m.
Dep. Cleveland 945 a.m.
Arr. Chicago (La Salle St.) 455 p.m. (CST)

Train 9: Cleveland-Findlay-Lima-St. Louis
Sleeping Car
Cleveland – St. Louis: 8 section/observation lounge
Dining Service: Cleveland – St. Louis
Coach: Cleveland – St. Louis

Dep. Cleveland 545 p.m. (EST)
Arr. St. Louis 825 a.m. (CST)


“Passengers holding tickets to or from New York City have a choice of five routes for arrival at or departure from Manhattan Island as follows: By ferry to or from West 23rd St., Christopher St., or Barclay St. without extra charge.

Hudson Tunnels to or from 33rd and 6th Ave (fare 10 cents), or to or from Hudson Terminal Building, Cortland St.) fare 8 cents.

Christopher St.; 14th St. at 6th Ave.; and 23rd St. at 6th Ave. may also be reached directly by tunnel. Trains are operated at frequent intervals, day and night.”

The NKP operated additional services.

Train 11 was a daily except Sunday mixed which departed Charleston at 550 a.m. with a 1037 a.m. arrival in East St. Louis.

Train 12 was a mixed train which ran daily except Saturday. It departed East St. Louis at 253 p.m. with an 815 p.m. arrival in Charleston.

Train 21 operated daily except Sunday between Lima and Peoria via Frankfort. This was a coaches only train which left Lima at 955 p.m. with a 515 p.m. arrival at Peoria. Box lunch service at Frankfort was available “on advance notice to the conductor.”

Train 22 ran daily except Sunday between Peoria and Lima via Frankfort. Departing Peoria at 7:30 a.m. it arrived in Lima (326.9 miles distant) at 645 p.m. Box lunch service at Frankfort was available “on advance notice to the conductor.”

The following NKP lines were freight service only.

Michigan City, IN – Indianapolis via La Porte, Kokomo, and Tipton.
Ft. Wayne, IN – Connersville, IN via Bluffton, Muncie, and New Castle.
New Castle – Rushville, IN
Sandusky, OH – Fostoria via Fremont
Frankfort, IN – Toledo via Kokomo, Bluffton, Delphos, and Maumee.

work safe

[siberianmo]

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


Railroads from Yesteryear –

New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad – Nickel Plate Road (NKP) –

Arrives on track #1 at 10 AM today –


WATCH FOR IT!


Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


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

[siberianmo]

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


TUESDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS


Tuesday once again! C’mon in – 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!



Daily Wisdom


If you ask me a question I don’t know, I’m not going to answer.
ENCORE! Yogi-ism



Info for the Day:


Railroads from Yesteryear –
New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad – Nickel Plate Road (NKP)
Arrives TODAY – watch for it!


* Weekly Calendar:


TODAY: 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] There is this magician on a cruise ship, and every night he performs a show. After a couple of nights, the captain's parrot, who is always in attendance, has caught on to many of the tricks. He then begins to heckle the magician during the show by yelling out what's really going on. "It's in his sleeve, it's under his hat, his assistant has it." Well one night during the show, the ship hits an iceberg, and the only two survivors are the magician and the parrot, and both of them end up on the same peice of drift wood. For days they do nothing but eye each other angrily without speaking. Until one day the parrot looks at the magician and says "Okay, I give... where's the boat?" [:I]


[:I] Mr. Smith goes to the doctor’s office to collect his wife’s test results.
The receptionist says “I'm sorry, sir, but there has been a bit of a mix-up and we have a problem. When we sent the samples from your wife to the lab, the samples from another Mrs. Smith were sent as well, and we are now uncertain which one is your wife’s. Frankly, that’s either bad or terrible. One Mrs. Smith has tested positive for Alzheimer disease and the other for AIDS. We can’t tell which is your wife.”
Mr. Smith says “That's terrible! Can we take the test over?”
“Normally, yes." Says the receptionist, "But you belong to an HMO, and they won’t pay for these expensive tests more than once. The doctor recommends that you drop your wife off in the middle of town. If she finds her way home, don’t sleep with her.” [: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 18th thru June 24th: A League of Their Own (1992) starring: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis & Madonna – and – Memphis Belle (1990) starring: Matthew Modine, Eric Stoltz, Tate Donovan. SHORT: Three Little Bears (1935).

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

. . . 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. [teal] Ants in the Pantry (1936).


SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 Jun 2006, 07:14:19 (357) Monday’s Info & 19-Post Summary

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 Jun 2006, 07:16:20 (357) Something Special notice

(3) passengerfan Al Posted: 19 Jun 2006, 07:41:54 (357) AM Comments

(4) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 19 Jun 2006, 07:58:15 (357) Bearman’s Inclusive Gulf Coast Report!

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 Jun 2006, 08:11:30 (357) Acknowledgment ‘n Comments

(6) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 19 Jun 2006, 09:44:14 (357) WVA Report ‘n Inclusive Post!

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 Jun 2006, 10:28:19 (357) Significant Events in Canadian RR History – June

(8) BudKarr BK Posted: 19 Jun 2006, 11:57:08 (357) He’s baaaaaaaaaack – the Mountain Report!

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 Jun 2006, 13:15:03 (357) Acknowledgments ‘n Comments

(10) BudKarr BK Posted: 19 Jun 2006, 16:02:35 (358) Pinch Hitting

(11) siberianmo Tom Posted: 19 Jun 2006, 19:06:41 (358) for BK ‘n comments

(12) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 19 Jun 2006, 23:21:55 (358) Count Robulla’s return ‘n Late Nite Inclusive Post!



That’s it![tup][;)]


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

[Anonymous]

Good morning gents, and I'll please have have two light breakfasts. Did I ever mention that for the most part, I bike to work? Now that I've moved to Woodstock, my commute is about 12 miles instead of the 3 1/2 miles when I was in Lake in the Hills. That's why you see me here so early, if I get in at all.

Great photos at the end of Sunday Eric, and thanks for the significant Canadian rail events yesterday Tom. Good to see Rob pop in with a few tales from the barn, and believe me, I know what it can be like to see drunkin sailers in Chicago. Every once in a while, the Great Lakes Naval Training Base releases a few hundred of the trainees, who catch the train and pour into Olgilvie Station for a night on the town. They start the night pleasant, polite and sober, but hours later, many are completely smashed and fighting with each other. Al, you are completely right about that dining car belonging to the East Coast Line. It only has the Burlington name on it now because it was used in a film recently. But have no fear, it will be re re-named in the near future with its proper owner.

I still don't have a handle on where most of my train material is, but here's a small contribution to today's theme:





[:I] One night, a police officer was stalking out a particularly rowdy bar for possible violations of the driving under the influence laws. At closing time, he saw a fellow stumble out of the bar, trip on the curb, and try his keys on five different cars before he found his. Then, sat in the front seat fumbling around with his keys for several minutes. Everyone left the bar and drove off. Finally, he started his engine and began to pull away.

The police officer was waiting for him. He stopped the driver, read him his rights and administered the Breathalyzer test. The results showed a reading of 0.0. The puzzled officer demanded to know how that could be. The driver replied, "Tonight, I'm the Designated Decoy." [:I]

[EricX2000]

Good evening Leon, a cup of strong coffee please. Need something before I go to bed and make some short comments.

Ted - Snow is always a concern when you run a railroad and snow is what I miss the least after moving to Phoenix. Normally they use special snowplows to keep the track clean, but many times they need a snowplow on the regular trains, for instance when they hit snow and ice across the tracks at grade crossings put there by snowplows cleaning the roads. That Michelin Rail Car was on a demonstration tour in Sweden in the 1930’s but no railroad was interested. Like you they prefered steel-on-steel.

Tom - The Swedish Class Ra was indeed designed with F7 in mind. It was the first and, so far, only streamlined locomotive built for the Swedish State Railways. I saw your pictures from Denali (beautiful country) and I guess my question should have been if you took a tour into the park.

About the Canadian RR History, when was the first railroad opened in Canada? Was that the Windsor Branch Railway 1856?

BK - Nice meeting you, Sir! I am the new guy on the block. You know how Swedes are about that topic (the “meassage” on the passenger car)! I haven’t changed even after almost 14 years in Phoenix. Sorry about Edmonton’s loss tonight.

I am not sure if I will be able to make it here tomorrow night, but I should be back on Wednesday.

Eric

[trolleyboy]

Well gentlemen,( and ladies ) it's time for another dose of the semi sureal.

WIERD TALES FROM THE BARN # 4 MISSHAPS ON THE MTC

As we all know streetcar companies by their nature have often had derailment or other problems that would effect their day to day operations. Here's a few examples of soem of the miscues that slowed down services on the MTC ( Montreal Tramways Co )Thesea are all old excerpts from the Montreal Gazette.

Enjoy Rob

Automobile didn't get the blame this time

Westbound tramway traffic on St James street near the intersection of Inspector was delayed 20 minutes yesterday morning when a horse, drawing snow for the city,partially slipped down a large manhole. Traffic and work was delayed while a Montreal Tramways Company towing car equipped with a hoist was pressed intio service and the horse lifted out.

Montreal Gazette Wed , January 12, 1944.

Someone is attaching stickers to posters advertising woman's wear so that part of the models body is covered. Attached mostly to the sweater- girl type of advertisement, the stickers are in French. Their message translated ; "Respect Womanhood" , " She is your wife " , "She is your sister" , " She is your mother " , " she is your fiancee ".
A spokesman for the Canadian Advertising Co, said last night; " Yes we know about it.There haven't been many stickers. Some crackpot I guess. There is nothing offensive about the cards. We promptly replace any that are defaced. "
Officials of the Sacred Heart League here could not be reached for comment. The stickers bear no identification as to their sponser or printer. It is believed that the person applying the stickers has placed his own interpretation on Quebec regulations that frown on nudity or semi nudity pictured or otherwise.

Montreal Gazette Fri January 14,1949

and one more for this installment. I figure that Tom and Lars will apprecaite this one.

Rene Richard of 6708 Cartier ST and Charles M Tremblay of 3604 Rouen St, both Montreal Tamways employees were admitted to St Luke hospital early yeasterday morning. They were suffering from cuts and other injuries alleged sustained during a streetcar fracus.
Police said that at the intersection of St Catharine St West and Atwater two unknown sailors refused to pay their fare and became abusive.No arrests were made. Constables Coupal and Poitras investigated and Pichard and Tremblay were able to return home after treatment.

Montreal Gazette Monday Nov 13, 1944


Rob

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Leon, I see that everything is functioning adequatly so I'll just grab meself a Keith's and pull out my stool for a moment or two.

Doug and Tom Wow what a photo spread yesterday gentlemen. a 5x[tup] does not begin to express what a wonderfull cross section of photo's those were.Always nuice to see the interior shots Doug, I do indeed know how difficult they are to come by, and have them turn out any where as near as good as yours did. [tup]

lars I greatly enjoyed rereading the RDC and Budd encores, thanks for resharing them with all of us here again. Leon a doantion to the lars box to allow the "domeman" several rounds once he returns again to the fold from his latest upstate andventures.

Speaking of returning to the Fold. Welcome back BK It's good to read the reassuring banter of our resident mountainman and his new bride. Sounds like a wonderfull trip was had, and a trip to game six as well [tup] truly a crowning glory to your honeymoon. Unfortunatly the Oilers did not fare so well tonight, still I will have to say that this yeasr final was the best I've seen for a good many years ( even though I don't believe the deep south's got much hope of sustaining the league indefinatly ) Nice to see two WHA rivals have at each other agian however. To put all fears asdide I have not had any technical difficulties ( knocking on my head to ward off any ) I've had a busy weekend giving full measure to both father's. I may however be a bit scare the next 3 weeks or so. I'm on vacation the first week of july and we will be spending sometime in the North Country. My return from the north the second week of July will find me eyeball deep in store renovations. At the moment I do not know how much how long or if it will impact my presance here. time unfortunatly will tell. Thanks for missing me however.

Tom Todays Canadian railway History was as always greatly appreciated. Covered alot of ground from tanks to record steam runs ( by my favourite locomotive type ) to the last steam on the old ONR ( an entire day run between timmins and North Bay [?][wow] ) times have a changed fer sure fer sure.

Ted Not to worry my friend more juice is a comming. I realize that it's the medacine that keeps you going <wink> Hopefully your friend Jack can be convince to join our merry band here. What instrument does he play [?][;)]Speaking of instruments, our local formal theater here in Brantford ( The Sanderson Centre ) Is bringing in Guy Lombardo's Royal Canadians in this October, we are endevering to get some seats for it.


Rob

[siberianmo]

G'day!

Hey BK not to worry - you're doing just fine! Appreciate the effort to help out whenever the time permits. [tup]

Your observations are "spot on," we are indeed a changed and changing place. As in real life, change "happens!" [swg] I seriously doubt that we'll ever witness a return to those days when we had morning, noon, afternoon, evening and nighttime customers. Just isn't that way. So, again, don't worry about it and know that anyone who takes the time to make the effort is much appreciated 'round the best cyber bar in the Ether! [tup]

I checked the upstairs bathtub - the ca***ub - and it's still "functioning." [swg] So, wherever our Bar Chandler has disappeared to, hope he's enjoying himself. [swg]

Game Six, eh [?] Now that's something to envy! [wow] We made it to a Stanley Cup Playoff game a few times here and in Montreal - however, never the finals. What a treat! [tup] Game seven, pre-game show, is now on the tube - so I'll be curtailing this discussion in favor of that pretty soon!

We need to get passengerfan Al back on board to infuse some Classic Trains info into the joint . . . . [yeah]

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

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[BudKarr]

Hello Captain Tom and all assembled!

The best of intentions seemingly may go to waste on this Monday, for I do not see a soul in sight! Nothing to comment on, nor anything to contribute. Perhaps I am the wrong person to fill in for my "bookened" Lars in "his" timeframe. [%-)]

Actually, it is getting close to 3 PM where we are - 2 hours difference from the place where Lars is - and I just may have to adjust my checking in a bit, for generally we are out of the house in the afternoons. Today being an exception!

Should have mentioned it earlier, but did not think to. We were at game #6 of the Stanley Cup Finals in Edmonton the other night. What a raucus crowd and stunning comeback for the "Oilers" in the series. Tonight it gets settled down in Raleigh, NC - hard to envision hockey there! The old Hartford Whalers as I have been reminded several times. [swg] Back to Edmonton - Lydia has many, many friends and contacts there and we were given an opportunity we could not turn down - and took it. I can easily become a hockey fan - but of course ONLY with the outstanding seats we were provided with! <grin> Fineopportunity also for me as I got to "use" my pilot's license for real. Lydia was rather frightened . . . but settled in as long as things did not get "bumpy" - which of course they do in mountain country! [swg]

Did a bit more reviewing and came to the conclusion that trolleyboy Rob has either absconded with the "funds" from the upstairs bathtup (established by our former Chief Chef [C=:-)] Nick when Tom took his leave last year) OR he is suffering that malaise caused by a balky computer and/or connection. It does seem rather odd that the absences I have noted in my reviews seem to be weekend oriented. Undoubtedly the guy hanging from the trolley wire is missed around here . . So, Sir Rob wherever you may be - come on back! [tup]

Captain Tom I will have a nice tall gin & tonic with a twist and so will Lydia as we enjoy the surroundings of this fine place of yours.

Hope business picks up . . . .

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

[siberianmo]

G'day!

Well, wattyano! The return of BK to the mountains of Alberta and the bar! [yeah] Good to have you back amongst us and glad to know that your wedding trip was such a smashing success! Note that I've refrained from using the term, "Honeymoon," I do recall your thoughts on that . . . [swg]

Interesting run down on your thoughts and I'm sure the guys appreciate the fact that you took the time and made the effort to review the Posts before making comments! [tup] That's the way to do it! [tup] Regards to Lydia too! [swg]

Can't let the day pass without mention of our resident Monday thru Friday morning guy - coalminer3 CM3 "I'm not Shane! <grin> Good to see ya! [tup]

I'm not at all surprised at the numbers of people who model the ARR - it's a fantastic railroad, fer sure, fer sure! [tup] While waiting to board the southbound Denali Star in Fairbanks, we noticed a layout in progress occupying a portion of the Depot. I snapped a few Pix of it and will Post 'em at a later date - nice work and had some interesting conversations with a couple of the builders.

Regarding baseball in old New York City - in "my day" I used to watch the Giants at the Polo Grounds, especially when playing MY Dodgers from Brooklyn.

Saw some epoch games back then and was treated to watching perhaps the best three center fielders in the game at that time - Mantle with the Yankees - Mays with the Giants and Snider with the Dodgers. These guys 'did it' every day, time in and time out. Just super talented players - well before the term "super star" entered into the vocabulary.

Anyway, back to the hated Giants - Leo the Lip was the manager back then and he had quite a lineup. Alvin Dark at shortstop was no slouch, but compared to the competition - Rizutto of the Yanks and Reese with the Dodgers, he never quite topped them. Don Mueller (from St. Louis), a right fielder, was a "Dodger Killer" in those days - could always count on him to knock one out, especially in the Polo Grounds. Then there was the all-time despised Giant - Bobby Thomson (from Staten Island - born in Scotland) who destroyed the Bums of Brooklyn with one mighty swing in the 1951 NL playoffs. The famed "Shot heard 'round the world!" <arggggghhhhhhh>

Good to see ya and THANX for the round and quarters! [tup]

BK good eye! Nice to know some guys are actually reading the captions for the Pix! [swg] [tup]

Later!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[BudKarr]

Good Morning Captain Tom and all assembled!


Yes, the mountain man returneth! It’s been awhile, but we are back in our mountain retreat and settling in to the domestic side of life. Rather than bore all of you to tears with the personal accounts of where we were, what we did and the like – suffice it to say that we covered a lot of ground, sea and air during our travels and my guess is that the our bank in Canada, along with one or two in the states, experienced a sudden drain on “their” resources! [swg] Well what’s savings for other than to spend it on something – or someone – else [?] Surely cannot take it with you!


Surely missed the banter at the bar and all of the fine postings. I have availed myself of the opportunity to reacquaint myself with much of what I missed. We returned last week and since then have been attending to all sorts of things requiring same. I finally got to the web on late last week and have spent far too many hours locked in to the enormous amount of reading material and photos presented by the assembled gathering. Fantastic! [tup]


Ah, I see that it is time for me to order something – still morning up here, so I will have a number three from the menu board and Lydia has her eye on the Mentor Village Bakery case! [swg] A mug of coffee for me and a “spot of tea” for my lady!


I notice that Boris has been giving me the “eye” – that Cyclops look of his does take some getting used to. Do you suppose he somehow actually remembers me [?] No matter – go ahead and ring that gong of yours, I am overdue to spring for a round! [tup]


The Hawaiian Islands are indeed a magical, mystical and marvelous place for one to put aside the cares of life in order to settle in to the splendors all around. What a magnificent paradise – cannot do justice to my feelings using my limited lexicon. We managed to spend considerable time at Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the “Big Island” of Hawaii, Molokai and Lanai. Rather than entangle ourselves with any organized tours, we avoided them as best we could and orchestrated our time accordingly. Somewhat similar to what I read you did in Alaska, Tom. We prefer it that way as well. Certainly a most memorable and great way to experience a new life with a new wife and of course, retirement! [swg]


There will not be a chronology of comments from me as a result of my protracted absence, but I would simply like to offer a WELL DONE to those of you who have kept the place afloat – you have earned the respect of many and it is well deserved! [tup]


Captain Tom those photos of the Rendezvous in Toronto are splendid and tell quite a story! You three surely made the most of a long weekend and it is apparent that the idea of an annual get together is off and running. I would love to make plans for the St. Louis gathering, however it is a bit premature for me to lock in to anything other than reacquainting myself to the whereabouts of the domestic water closet! [swg]


Also enjoyed the photo album of your Alaska adventure, Captain Tom! We would relish experiencing such a trip and just may orchestrate a similar getaway. Although, Lydia wants to sail from Vancouver up to Anchorage. Thanks to your sharing your vacation, we too are “hooked.” [tup] Wonderful photos and certainly looking forward to more. [tup]


Another WELL DONE directed to those who kept the bar running in absence of the Proprietor! A hardened nucleus of rail enthusiasts and masters of the bar banter did an exemplary job indeed! [tup]


Belated best wishes to those who had Birthday Bash parties! [bday] to Tom – Dave and John! Also sorry to learn of your health issue, Al, but most pleased to see that you have recovered and are back to full form! [tup] Also, congratulations to the man with the URLs – wanswheel Mike and your selection as our newest member of the “Order of the Stools!” Welcome aboard! [tup]


According to the “notes” I took while checking the back pages, it appears that the “new nucleus” of this wonderful cyber tavern now centers about Tom – Lars – Doug – Rob – Al – Ted – Mike and CM3 Once Pete returns from Great Britain, that will increase the number, which makes it nine. I will do my best to help out, however, nothing has changed with regard to my knowledge and experience with railroading. I will simply have to remain on the sidelines for a bit, until the training wheels can be removed (again!). [swg]


I see that my friend and “bookend,” Lars cannot seem to shake loose those irksome pratfalls of life. This latest episode surely sounds as absurd as the first (basement flooding, etc.). I may have to rethink my invitation to you and your lady to visit us here in Alberta! Lord only knows what kind of a black cloud will descend upon us! <grin> All the best for a successful and final conclusion to the matter you are attending to with your cottage. [tup] I will try to help out during “your time slot,” but may be off an hour or so.


Finally, Tom, we really got a kick out of that photo you posted yesterday with the “message” on the outside of that passenger car. A classic and a most fortuitous “snap” of the shutter. Surely no one could have planned for such a shot from trains moving in opposite directions. Great timing! [tup] (I noted that our new friend from Sweden, Eric, picked up on it . . . .


A refill on the coffee and then we must take our leave.



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

[siberianmo]

Significant events in Canadian RR History during the month of June.


Caveat: Much of the information appearing was gathered from internet sources, with credit to “Colin Churcher’s Railway Pages” at http://www.railways.incanada.net/


* June 3rd, 1856: Opening of Windsor Branch Railway from Windsor to Windsor Jc., N.S. by Nova Scotia government. This was the oldest constituent of the Dominion Atlantic Railway.


* June 29th, 1864: 1864, June 29 - A railway accident on the Grand Trunk Railway at Beloeil, Quebec, takes ninety-nine lives when a special passenger train carrying German immigrants went through an open drawbridge. This was Canada's worst railway disaster.


* June 29th, 1864: - Ceremony of turning the first sod on the Canadian Pacific Railway on the left bank of the Kamistiquia River in the townsite of Fort William about four miles from the river's mouth.


* June 1886: - Contracts are let for the construction of the Chignecto Marine Transport Railway, a 17 mile railway to carry ships across the Chignecto Isthmus between Tidnish on Northumberland Strait and Fort Lawrence on the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia. Work on this double track, standard gauge railway, conceived by New Brunswick engineer Henry George Cloppers Ketchum, commenced in 1887 but was abandoned, three quarters completed, when the funds ran out in the summer of 1891.

* June 11th, 1888: - Canadian Pacific opens the "Sault Branch" from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie where connection was made not only with the American railway system but also with the CP steam ships.


* June 3rd, 1889: - The first CP train arrives in Saint John, NB from Montréal marking the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway as a coast to coast railway.


* June 29th, 1898: – First through passenger train across Newfoundland leaves St. Johns at 19:20 and arrives Port aux Basques at 22:45, June 30.


* June 18th, 1899: – The CP line from Lethbridge through the Crows Nest Pass to Kootenay Landing is opened for traffic. This was built with subsidies afforded by the Crows Nest Pass Agreement of 1897 which also set fixed rates on grain traffic.


* June 22nd, 1909: - Canadian Pacific completes the viaduct on the Crows Nest Pass Line at Lethbridge, 5,327 feet long and with a maximum height of 314 feet above Oldman River. This is the highest railway bridge in Canada. The bridge was opened to traffic on 3 November 1909 although it had been used by construction trains before this.


* June 2nd, 1913: - first train runs across the Canadian Pacific high level bridge between Edmonton and South Edmonton.


* June 1st, 1915: - The National Transcontinental Railway is completed between Moncton and Winnipeg via Edmundston, Quebec and Senneterre. Because of the high cost, the Grand Trunk refused to lease the line which was operated from May 1, 1915 as a component of the Canadian Government Railways until the formation of the Canadian National System.


* June 6th, 1919: – Canadian National Railway Company is incorporated.


* June 26th, 1929: – The following railways are jointly acquired by Canadian National and Canadian Pacific and operated under a newly incorporated company, the Northern Alberta Railways:
Edmonton, Dunvegan & British Columbia Railway (447 miles)
Alberta & Great Waterways Railway (286 miles)
Central Canada Railway (98 miles)
Pembina Valley Railway (26 miles)
A total of 857 miles.


* June 19th, 1930: – Canadian Pacific Hudson (4-6-4) No. 2808 makes a record continuous run from Fort William to Calgary, 1,251 miles and return with the Toronto to Vancouver train. It left at 08:20 on June 19, arrived in Calgary at 07:00 June 21. It returned from Calgary at 14:50 on June 22 and arrived Fort William at 05:35 June 24.


* June 1st, 1931: – Coincident with the first docking of the Empress of Britain,CP opens a line through a tunnel under the Plains of Abraham to the Wolfe's Cove Harbour Terminal in Quebec City. The first shot was fired on 5 April 1930, the break through was made on 16 February 1931, and the first train, locomtive and 13 cars carrying railway officials, ran through on 26 May 1931.


* June 30th, 1941: – as part of the war effort, the M-3 (Modified) Cruiser tank is produced at the Montreal Locomotive Works.


* June 1st, 1951: – Canadian Pacific discontinues rail service to Place Viger station, Montreal.


* June 11th, 1956: – The Pacific Great Eastern Railway opens between North Vancouver and Prince George, BC. A formal opening ceremony took place on August 27.


* June 24th, 1957: – Last steam run on the Ontario Northland Railway, no. 701 leaves Timmins and arrives at North bay the following day.


* June 4th, 1961: – Canadian National Turcot Yard closes. The 56 stall roundhouse was closed the following year.


* June 16th, 1964: – Canadian Pacific opens a new automated hump marshalling yard at Agincourt, Toronto, ON.


* June 1965: – Canadian National officially opens its Macmillan marshalling yard, Toronto.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


Did you miss the previous five “Significant events in Canadian RR History”[?]
Click the URL:

(1) January, page 215:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=215&TOPIC_ID=35270
(2) February, page 243:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=243&TOPIC_ID=35270
(3) March, page 271:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=271&TOPIC_ID=35270
(4) April, page 298:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=298&TOPIC_ID=35270
(5) May, page 331
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=331&TOPIC_ID=35270




waving flags credit to:www.3DFlags.com

[coalminer3]

Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. !@#$% I love Word! I think I got the problem solved, so to begin.

Let’s start off with something from the poetry corner. The title of the poem is “Baseball’s Sad Lexicon,” a wonderful piece of doggerel from a more innocent time.
These are the saddest of possible words:
"Tinker to Evers to Chance."
Trio of bear cubs, and fleeter than birds,
Tinker and Evers and Chance.
Ruthlessly ***ing our gonfalon bubble,
Making a Giant hit into a double-
Words that are heavy with nothing but trouble:
"Tinker to Evers to Chance."
I am sure there are a few of us at the bar who remember when the Giants were in New York. Sorry Tom, I know you went to the other borough.
Now for some comments.
First – the GG1 material was excellent. I only wi***hat 4800 was under warps instead of outside. Now, I’ll have to do a piece on the G motors as I remember them. I was fortunate enough to be around electrification on the NH, NYC and the PRR. The interesting thing abt the Gs is that, after Amtrak, they ran as far north as New Haven. It was something to see them in the old “motor park” which just west of the New Haven station.
Tom – Lovely Alaska pictures. You’d be surprised how many Alaska RR modelers are out there.
Barndad the Pullman interior shots brought back more than a few memories. The basic 10/6 was head and shoulders above the Viewliner, IMHO.
IRM material was fascinating as well. The Shay will be a nice addition to the collection.

Also enjoyed the drop table material pictures.

Eric – Thanks for the pictures.

Movies look good: League of Their Own is outstanding, not just for the “No crying in baseball” scene.

Memphis Belle is not bad either.

I see that we are doing NKP tomorrow. I’m about ready for that.

work safe

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

A beautiful, but rather warm (90s F predicted) day here in mid-continent USA with continuing clear skies. Had some rain over the weekend, but hardly sufficient to give the things that grow the drinks they need! Last look at the petrol prices up at “Collusion Corner” has ‘em holding at $2.68 (rounded) per gallon.


Hope all the Dad’s out there enjoyed “their day!” I did. [tup]


We had quite a Photo Posting Sunday but not quite what we’ve seen in the past. With a total of 19 Posts – 8 of ‘em were from barndad Doug alone! [tup] Also, just he and I posted series of Pix, with Lars providing an Alaskan map. So, the totals were way “up,” as were the numbers of Pix, but the people contributing seems to have dropped off over the last couple of months. Nothing ominous here, just an observation.


Of all the Pix provided by Doug yesterday, I was most heartened to note that the GG1s restoration sure beats the daylights out of the photo I found! Hate to see any of ‘em in such sorry states of deterioration – same for the RDCs! [tdn] Nice work! [tup] Just gotta get up there to see “your” museum – and I don’t want to wait a year to do it! [yeah]

I see that Eric swung by in the late nite hour with his comments and Pix! [tup] Good to see ya and enjoyed your photos from the old country. Also, those brews I provided are NOT the export variety – at least according to the web site they came from. [swg] And yes – we stayed at Denali – there are a couple of Pix in the spread from yesterday. It’s a place we’re definitely going to visit again – this time for at least 3 days. So much to see . . .

That Swedish Class Ra electric sure has a “face’ like an F7 diesel or similar model from the U.S. Any connection [?]

One of these days I’m going to compile a submission regarding that wreck at WashDCs Union Station. One of the more notorious rail disasters in America.


Happy to know my Pix from our Alaska trip pleased those who made comments. There are some others on the way for our next Sunday Photo Posting Day! Keeping out the “personal,” and focusing on the trains and scenery.

I’ve provided page numbers for anyone interested in reviewing ‘em all – the trips from Anchorage to Denali – Denali – and Denali to Fairbanks.

I see Al has stopped by this AM – regarding your comments: Yes, we did walk through all of the cars. Of the three trains we traveled, all of the Alaska RR consists were the same in terms of makeup: baggage – ARR double deck dome – streamlined diner – coach (from Korea?) – two streamlined domes – streamlined coach. At some point down the track I’ll probably provide some interior and exterior Pix . . . . Thanx for the round ordered up yesterday! [tup]

And Ted has arrived to begin the day with his Gulf Coast Report! All’s well with the world! [swg] Good to see ya . . . highly recommend the Alaskan rail adventure. Something to plan for – what a great Rendezvous that would be – but oh so costly!

Always appreciate your commentary and look forward to the wit, wisdom and wily ways of our Wascaly Wizard in FLA! [wow]


APB: Where’s ROB!! [?] [?]


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


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[Anonymous]

And a healthy, hearty good Monday morning to one and all. Tom, I now have no appetite for anything heavier than a cuppa Joe. Your "heaping helping" of the Alaska Railroad's gorgous scenery, rolling stock and vital stats heve sated my apetite indefinetly. And, to think there is more on the way.[^] Hey, I still haven't fully recovered from the fantastic G.C.T. pix 'n' hits back on page p. 354. Seriously, I have seen "professional" magazine releases that don't measure up to that remarkable quality...just outstanding.[tup] X a google!!! I'm surprised the Topic hasn't brought more acclaim from more viewers like me. Lars, "on target" comments and a neat map for frame of reference. Best of luck with the Summer real estate issues. Barndad Doug, I.R.M. is now a landmark for all of us, if there was any doubt before. What a "Lucky Strike Extra" that "run out" would make for the St. Louis Rendesvous 2007.[^] The G.G.-1 and R.D.C. take on a "before and after" profile. That was a nasty "ding" above the pilot on the electric Godzilla, wasn't it? Somebody did a great face lift for her. You didn't contract the R.D.C. out to Maaco, did you? Looks like they ran out of masking tape before the final coat.[:O] If [C=:-)] Nick saw the Galley of that Pullman Dining Car, he would have kittens on the spot.[(-D] Boris' shed is "standing tall" compared. Maybe one of the house wives could "touch it up" a bit? My bedroom on the F. de Mexico (ex B. & O. smooth side Pullman) seemed like a Antebellum mansion in conttrast to the former A.C.L. 4 birth sleepers. One "social indescretion" in that size compartment would guarantee the perpetrator a "single" for the night, I dare say.[:O] Somehow, I knew Al could not let the ambiguous origins of these cars go by undetected.[tup] That and the C.B.Q. Zephyr will probably find him at the I.R.M. with a Sherlock Holmes eye glass, "dusting" the fixtures for any traces of previous owners. Al hang on until Spring and maybe I could "stand-in" for Dr. Watson.[:D] Eric those Swedish electric Beasties are a feast for the eye indeed. Snow is obviously a consideration with the units sporting those sexy plow/pilots? Before I "cash in," I intend to "do" Northern European rails when things are more settled, if you know what I mean.[V] I'll probably pass on the Michein rail bus. I'm a steel-on-steel chauvinist pig. Hey Rob, can't wait for a "juice fix" when time and tide permit.[tup]

Okay, enough for one days ramblings, Boris, get ready...get set...BROOONG...Okay, who swapped the Mentor Village Cathedral bell for "Old 99?" Happy rails all.

[passengerfan]

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

I see the photos of Swedish rail from Eric gives us a real International flavor. Maybe someday we will have more electrifiction then just the NE corridor. Certainly will cut fuel consumption.

Tom I have a question about photo #10 you posted yesterday. The two car roofs directly behind your car are Budd cars the one obviously a Budd Dome from either GN, SP&S or NP. The closest car appears to be a dining car or dining lounge my guess based on the exhaust stack through the roof. Did you venture into any of the other ARR cars in your train.

TTFN Al

[siberianmo]

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SOMETHING SPECIAL arrives on Track #1

THIS morning![tup]

Watch for it BEFORE NOON!


Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


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

[siberianmo]

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


MONDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS


Monday has rolled around again! C’mon in – 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!



Daily Wisdom


We have a good time together, even when we’re not together.
ENCORE! Yogi-ism



Info for the Day:


Railroads from Yesteryear –
New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad – Nickel Plate Road (NKP)
Arrives Tuesday – 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] A Catholic man was struck by a bus on a busy street. He is near death lying on the sidewalk a
s a crowd gathers.
"A priest. Somebody get me a priest!" the man gasps. Minutes drag on and no one steps out of the crowd. A policeman checks the crowd and finally yells,
"A PRIEST, PLEASE! Isn't there a priest in this crowd to give this man his last rites?"
Finally, out of the crowd stepped a little old Jewish man of at least 80 years of age. "Mr. Policeman," says the man, "I'm not a priest, I'm not even a Christian but for 50 years now I'm living behind the Catholic Church on First Avenue, and every night I'm overhearing their services. I can recall a lot of it, and maybe I can be of some comfort to this poor man."
The policeman agreed, and cleared the crowd so the man can get through to where the injured man lay. The old Jewish man knelt down, leaned over the man and said in a solemn voice: "B-4 I-19 N-38 G-54 O-72" [: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 18th thru June 24th: A League of Their Own (1992) starring: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis & Madonna – and – Memphis Belle (1990) starring: Matthew Modine, Eric Stoltz, Tate Donovan. SHORT: Three Little Bears (1935).

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

. . . 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. [teal] Ants in the Pantry (1936).



SUMMARY

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

(1) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 05:00:58 (356) 6 IRM sign Pix ‘n Joke!

(2) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 05:02:37 (356) 6 more IRM sign Pix ‘n Joke!

(3) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 06:34:14 (356) 7 IRM Pix ‘n Joke!

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 07:08:35 (356) Sunday’s Info & 15-Post Summary

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 08:08:13 (356) Now Playing at the Emporium!

(6) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 08:13:33 (356) Happy Father’s Day!

(7) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 08:25:57 (356) Barnyard Report, 4 IRM Pix ‘n Joke!

(8) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 08:32:50 (356) 6 IRM Pix ‘n Joke!

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 10:18:26 (357) 12 Alaska Pix!

(10) passengerfan Al Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 10:38:45 (357) AM Comments

(11) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 12:42:16 (357) Larsman’s Comments ‘n Alaska map!

(12) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 13:46:04 (357) 8more IRM Pix (GG1 ‘n RDC too) plus one!

(13) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 14:12:14 (357) 6 more IRM Pix plus one!

(14) barndad Doug Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 14:22:48 (357) 4 more IRM Pix plus one!

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 16:43:11 (357) 12 more Alaska Pix!

(16) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 18:40:42 (357) Larsman Comments

(17) passengerfan Al Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 19:21:34 (357) PM Comments

(18) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 21:20:21 (357) Nite Cap!

(19) EricX2000 Eric Posted: 18 Jun 2006, 23:32:11 (357) Arizona Report ‘n 6 Pix from Sweden!



That’s it![tup][;)]


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

[EricX2000]

Good evening gentlemen. Sunday evening, photo evening. Quite a few of them today. Alaska and Illinois Railway Museum.

Tom - Interesting reading about the GG1. The GG1 crash happened 2 or 3 days before the inauguration of president Eisenhower, that took place at Union Station. There was no time to get the wreck out of the building before the big event so they built a temporary floor on top of it. I was told this story by Amtrak people because X2000 was always sitting on track 16 when not in service. I think it is too bad there is no GG1 in operating condition any more.
About Sunday movies, I have Memphis Belle on tape. Its a good movie but I haven’t played it for a long time. Never time or whatever it might be. I am saving all my movies until I have retired.

I have never tried Blå Gul (Blue Yellow), the Swedish Light Lager. Not even heard about it. But I know Pripps and Spendrups. “Fem komma tvåan” and “Sju komma tvåan” (The Five point two and The Seven point two) are also unknown. But that doesn’t mean anything, some of them are probably made for export only.

I guess you are right that the extra service announced at the lower right corner of the dome car is not included in the fare. Very nice pictures from Alaska, Tom. It is very beautiful up there. Did you go to Denali National Park?

Mike - I checked all the linked pictures using the URLs you provided. I like those older pictures . I don’t know if it is because I am getting older myself or what. It is hard to explain. Thank you!

Lars - Thanks for the article about the Budd Rail Diesel Car. I had heard about the run with the jet powered RDC but did not know any details about where and when. I guess it would be more correct to call it a Budd Rail Jet Car (RJC). It must have been something else to run that thing at a speed of 184 mph. The fastest I have been travelling on a railroad is 155 mph.

barndad Doug - All your pictures and information about IRM makes a visit more and more important to me. Hopefully I will have time to go next year. I especially liked the pictures of the dining car. I am involved with a Swedish forum and their theme this weekend is dining cars.


Since it is Sunday and Photo time I thought I should show some pictures from the old country (again). Most of the pictures are from the 60's showing some locomotives no longer in service.



Swedish State Railways Class F, built 1942-49. No longer in service. Photo: Gustaf Wadsten.




Swedish State Railways Class Ra, built 1955-61 No longer in regular service. Photo: Gustaf Wadsten.




Swedish State Railways Class Rc2, built 1969-75. Still in service. Very similar to Amtrak's AEM-7. Photo: Gustaf Wadsten.




Former Swedish State Railways Class Dm3, built 1953-70. Still in service. Now owned and operated by LKAB, a mining company.




Swedish State Railways Class T44, built 1968-87. Still in service. EMD 12-645E engine.




Michelin Motor Car with rubber tires from the 1930's. Photo: my Grandpa.


Eric

[siberianmo]

”Our” Place is CLOSED on SUNDAY’s

G'day Gents!

Just a few comments before checking out for the nite . . . .

A HUGE THANX to barndad Doug for what certainly must be a "record" for his Photo Posting Sunday activities. While you've only missed a few of our Pix days - and have always provided many interesting contributions - you've exceeded all of your past activites this time! [tup] [tup] [tup]

I can understand the absence of our Ontario Connection - Rob - my guess is he's been engaged in Father's Day activities this fine day. Although, we did miss him on Saturday! Hmmmmmmm. [%-)]

So, I concur with Lars - today indeed was BARNDAD DOUG DAY! [yeah]

Thanx to Doug - Lars 'n Al for the nice words regarding my Alaska Pix! I'll be putting together another couple of sets for next week . . .

Lars Hope you and the Mrs. have a safe and rewarding trip upstate. We'll surely miss your presence at the bar . . . .

Al I did notice a few rather new looking long structures in one of the yards that ARR uses in Anchorage. They surely look large enough to store several consists of passenger equipment for the winter. You can bet that if any RR in North America knows about winterizing, it surely would be them! [tup]

Appreciate the support from Lars 'n Al for stopping by "my other Thread" today! [tup]

Another THANX to all for the Father's Day best wishes! [tup]

Catch ya in the AM! [zzz]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a double CR and round for the house soon as "Our Place opens in the AM.

Crawdad festival great. Probably overate but what the heck. At my age if I can't overindulge once in a while life wouldn't be worth living.

Doug You have really arroused my curiosity with that dining car picture. Obviously the car is a Pullman Standard type yet it is lettered Burlington who never owned such a beast. The name Birmingham on the car side would lead me to believe it might possibly have originally been a ACL car built in March - April, 1950 as a 36 seat dining car for Champion and Florida Special assignment. Any way of confirming this Doug.

Tom the pictures of the ARR are magnificent. The Alaska Railroad really comes to life in the summer months, winter service very sparse. Must be a costly undertaking to winterise the cars and store them for the winter. All liquids would have to be drained and water lined would have to be blown out , Any exposed electrical wiring would have to be wrapped to protect the plastic covering from becoming brittle from the extremely cold temperatures and i'm sure there are many things in addition I haven't even thought of. As I recall the shops in Anchorage don't have a lot of indoor space so the cars would all be stored outside. Those rubber diaphragms would also need protection when sitting idle through the cold winter months. At least they must be greased or something.

Enough of my rambling .

TTFN Al

[LoveDomes]

Hiya Cap'n Tom and fellow travelers waiting for the bar to open! [swg]

Made it back in tme to enjoy your 2nd installment of those great Alaska pix! [tup] Don't mean to sound like a broken record - but well done, mate! [yeah] And there's more for next week!! [wow]

Looks like the day can be called BARNDAD DAY! What a display of pix, and great effort to keep things going 'round here. Without a doubt, these Photo Day's seem to be "owned" by you! [tup] [tup] [tup] I wonder how many "babes" that guy "attracted" in your pix [?] <ugh>

As I mentioned a few times on other posts - we're leaving for upstate tomorrow,. I expect to be back at the bar by Thursday, for sure by Friday. So, still looking for some HELP on "my time" during the afternoons between 4 and 5 PM (Eastern) . . . how about it guys [?] Anything WE can do to give Tom a break from keeping things going will surely be appreciated. [tup]

BTW, I stopped over at "your other thread" and made a "deposit!" [swg]

Mets win! Mets win!

Until the next time! [tup]

Lars

[siberianmo]

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

Here are some more Pix from our Alaska Rail Adventure!


Click to enlarge


(13) ARR Denali Star northbound arrival at Denali Depot
EMD SD70MACs #4317 & 4323




(14) ARR Denali Star northbound arrival at Denali Depot




(15) ARR 75th Anniversary logo




(16) Lodging outside Denali & the Nenana River – from the northbound Denali Star




(17) Nenana River canyon – from the northbound Denali Star




(18) Nenana River canyon & Windy River bridge – from the northbound Denali Star
Windy Bridge is the highest highway bridge in Alaska at 215 ft (66 m)




(19) Nenana River canyon, Windy River bridge, tunnel entrance & rafters – from the northbound Denali Star




(20) Nenana River rafters – from the northbound Denali Star




(21) Nenana River rafters – from the northbound Denali Star




(22) ARR Denali Star en route Fairbanks




(23) Nenana River canyon – from the northbound Denali Star




(24) Nenana River canyon – from the northbound Denali Star



That’s IT for this fine day . . . . a total of 48 Pix over the past two 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]

The hallways in the sitting and sleeping cars are about as wide as my shoulders, and I’m not a big guy.


Tight quarters for sleeping, in this cabin for four

[Anonymous]

Here ya go Rob … pix of the innards of the cars you asked about. As you probably all know, it’s really difficult to get pictures inside a train car, because the quarters are so tight! I have the opposite problem when taking pictures of cars in the barns, as I can’t get far enough away!





Something tells me that the galley needs a little more renovation








Remember the good ol’ days?