"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[siberianmo]

G'day Al

Appreciate the info and the round! [tup] [tup]

I stand corrected regarding some earlier references to the VIA Rail use of the Ultra-Domes on the Skeena route to Prince Ruppert from Jasper - they are indeed single levels. I've seen 'em and shudda known better! My apologies . . .

Here's a Pix of one of the three former BC Rail single level domes now assigned to VIA Rail's Skeena at Jasper, Alberta. . . (courtesy: www.trainweb.org).



So, the "issue" of the ARR double-deck domes is closed. They were built in 2005 - as the manufacturer's plate indicates and they were built for the ARR The "rest of the story" is as passengerfan Al states . . . .

An interesting URL on the Colorado Railcar single and double level domes:
http://www.trainweb.org/ultradomes/roster.html

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

Catch y'all in the AM . . . .

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[passengerfan]

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

A little more information on the Utradomes. Those single level cars are owned by Rocky Mountain Railtours, Via Rail Canada and the Alaska Railroad. They were built by Colorado Railcar using former CN Baggage Cars. The very first Ultradomes built for Princess Cruises and those Bi-Level cars you see in the other ARR trains were former SP Bi-level commuter cars rebuilt. But those built in the last few years are new from the rail up. The other Railroad cars built by Colorado Railcar are the DMU commuter cars. Available in both single level and double deck and are available as powered or trailers in both versions. These should be near and dear to your heart Tom as they are more modern RDC type. Via Rail operates their single level Ultradomes on the SKEENA between Jasper and Prince Rupert. Those operating on the Alaska Railroad were built for the Florida Fun Train and when that operation went bust the ARR aquired them at Auction. The interior of Bi-level cars from the Florida Fun train were decorated in South Pacific Decor with Palm Fronds and one is named a TIKI Lounge. The ARR operates them as they received them with just a new exterior paint job. The Ultradomes built for Celebrity Cruises were the highest Railroad passenger cars built when delivered at 18' they were also the first of the Ultradomes equipped with elevators so wheelchair bound passengers could enjoy both levels.
The latest design is those built for Holland America and are also being purchased by Rocky Mountain Railtours.

Have to get back to the Office so will drop by later.

TTFN Al

[siberianmo]

G'day!

You were correct, Lars - "good stuff" happening over on "my other Thread!" Thanx! [tup] Doesn't appear that Art will join us here - but he sure is a "fixture" over there. [tup]

Appreciate the additional info on those Ultrra Domes from the Coloroado Railcar people. Nice work from them and good to realize that we still produce quality railcar products in the U.S.A. (a wee bit of nationalistic pride showing on this Flag Day!

Not much going on 'round the place this afternoon - the doldrums have returned. But, with the "Hit 'n Miss Bar 'n Grill" - one just never knows! <grin>

There's a display of Märklin HO trains out in KCity at the Crown Center mall. A really professional layout with some interesting rolling stock. For anyone interested, it is located on the 3rd level and is called Halls Station - a somewhat upscale hobby storre.

Glad you made it in Lars and I appreciate your resumption of the PM time slot! [tup]

Given your dialogue regarding the 2007 Rendezvous in St. Louis are we to expect your presence in the spring [?] Hope so!

Catch y'all later! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[LoveDomes]

Hiya Cap’n Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!


And so two things remain constant: my Mets remain winning and in 1st place and it’s Toy & Model Train Day! at the bar! [swg] [tup] Set ‘em up barkeep – here’s a ten spot to cover it. If you need more, take it out of “The Lars Box!” <grin>

Ok – so what’s up ‘round the watering hole today [?] Some early visits but nothing since. Mid-week blahs perhaps [?]

I’ll be heading out on Monday for my business upstate – the lawyer has everything set for our hearing on Tuesday. Should be a no-brainer, but then again – I’m not counting any chickens if you know what I mean!

B4 I totally forget, you gotta check out a pix over on “your other thread” – Art provided a very interesting RDC shot and I’m awaiting your comments! [tup]

You should be proud of me – I refrained from overloading my mouth yesterday after observing not one, but two “fopars” here at the bar. Grin ‘n bear it is the saying these days. Just irritates me that this stuff continues – thread after thread, forum after forum and now here at the best of ‘em all. <groan>

Between you and Shane I’d say the idea of Toy & Model Trains Day! has been saved. I’m sure not the one to look at as being a resource. My archives are running on empty . . . [swg]
However, I do appreciate both of your efforts and enjoyed browsing through the URLs from Shane – the baseball one is a sure-fire winnAH! But oh so time consuming!! <grrrrrr>

Those people over in Germany sure know how to put together some fine looking model trains, huh[?] I used to drool at some of the professional layouts that Marklin displayed at the more upscale department stores in “the city.” Always liked the look and the way the third (center) rail was concealed. Very well done. Didn’t know they had branched out into U.S. rolling stock – but why not [?] We’re the largest market in the world for just about everything! Nothing but the best for us in the U.S. – keep that trade imbalance working, guys! <groan>

Thanx for adding me to the Rendezvous in St. Louis 2007 list! I’m looking forward to the exchange of ideas as we move through the planning stages. Actually I was just kidding about the ball game – we won’t be there for anything but trains – beer – trains and more beer! Hmmmmm, perhaps a ball game would be appropriate! [swg] To be discussed elsewhere! [tup]

Those Alaska RR locos are mean looking machines – SD70MACs, huh [?] Well, whatever – they sure look like they could pull quite a load from the specs on that URL. Mighty fine stuff. [tup]

I had to do some research regarding those Alaska RR domes you were discussing with Al. You are absolutely correct, no where in the literature provided by the RR do they refer to them as “Ultra Domes,” and I don’t doubt for a second that perhaps the manufacturer may very well keep to that descriptor. But the point is – if the RR elects to call them something else, that’s what we all should call ‘em.

Here’s what the Colorado Railcar people offer on their website:


Alaska Railroad Double Deck Domed Open Platform Railcar



Colorado Railcar Ultra Dome - Celebrity cruise lines


Note: This type car is also used by Princess and Holland America cruise lines in their Alaskan runs.

Also found some newer type Ultra Domes – without the open vestibules:





From what I could determine from Tom’s pix, all of the double-deck cars had the open vestibules – cruise ship versions on the bottom – Alaska RR on top.


That’s it from the Research Dept.!!

I’ll take a frosty cold mug of R&H then I gotta boogie . . . .


Until the next time!


Lars

[siberianmo]

G’day!

Another Toy ‘n Model Trains Day! here at the bar. So, let’s jump right in with this offering from a Euro model maker:


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


Märklin



Märklin-Schlafwagen "Mitropa", Spur 0

Märklin (or Maerklin) is a German toy company, founded in 1859. Although it originally specialised in doll house accessories, today it is best known for model railways and technical toys. In some parts of Germany, the company's name is almost synonymous with model railroads. Recently, the third game in the Ticket to Ride board game series was named in their honour.

History

From 1914 to 1999, the company produced mechanical construction sets similar to Meccano and Erector. Between 1967 and 1982 a slotcar system called Märklin Sprint was in production.

Märklin released its first wind-up train with cars that ran on expandable track in 1891, noting that railroad toys had the potential to follow the common practice of doll houses, in which the initial purchase would be enhanced and expanded with more accessories for years after the initial purchase. To this end, Märklin offered additional rolling stock and track with which to expand its boxed sets.

Märklin is responsible for the creation of virtually every popular model railroad gauge or scale, with only noteworthy exceptions being N scale and Wide gauge. In 1891, Märklin defined gauges 1-5 as standards for toy trains and presented them at the Leipzig Toy Fair. They soon became international standards. Märklin followed with O gauge (by some accounts as early as 1895 or as late as 1901), H0 scale in 1935, and the diminutive Z scale in 1972 — this is the smallest commercially available scale, 1:220.

Today, Märklin manufactures and markets trains and accessories in Gauge 1, H0 scale, and Z scale. In 1994 Märklin acquired a Nuremberg based model train manufacturer Trix. Today Trix is another brand of Märklin Holding and covers N-scale and DC operated HO scale. Märklin's older trains are considered highly collectible today, and Märklin's current offerings enjoy premium status among hobbyists.

The Märklin System

The so-called Märklin system is Märklin's technique of using a third rail concealed in the roadbed with only small studs protruding through the ties of the track. The two outer rails are connected electrically. This provides the simplified wiring enjoyed by larger gauges — such as reverse loops — without seriously detracting from the realism of the track because only two of the rails are visible. Because the two outer rails are not electrically isolated from each other, however, some do not consider Märklin's system to be a true three-rail system.

The Märklin system has some incompatibility with other manufacturers' H0 trains. Because the wheels on Märklin's cars are not insulated, it causes shorts if its cars are used on other manufacturers' H0 track without modification. Additionally, for many years Märklin was the only brand that used AC for its H0 scale trains, although recently also Roco has started producing trains for the Märklin system. Some people convert Märklin locomotives to DC for use on DC layouts, and Märklin has begun offering a line of DC locomotives as well, first under the name of HAMO and, after buying Trix under that name.

Märklin System is the brand name for Märklin's new version of proprietary Märklin Digital train control system for H0-scale and 1-scale model trains introduced in 2004. Like Märklin Digital it is used for controlling trains and accessories digitally. The difference is that it has more available addresses, programmable decoders and a feedback-function from the mfx-decoders that helps the control unit identify the locomotives.

Märklin Digital

Märklin was among the first model railway companies to introduce a digital train control system. The Märklin Digital system was introduced in 1984 and jointly developed with Motorola. However, Marklin's system is not compatible wth DCC (Digital Command Control), which was developed by a number of different people and companies and standardized by the NMRA (National Model Railroad association) in the 1990s. Marklin now also offers DCC powered locomotives, however.

Products and Collectables

Over the years, the Märklin marque became valuable to model train collectors, some of the very early models fetching impressive prices on auction. In January 2005, the Märklin museum in Göppingen, Germany, was burglarised and more than 100 pieces, with an estimated value of more than 1 million Euros, were stolen. The items, which included one-of-a-kind prototypes along with pieces that dated back to 1891, were recovered in March 2005.

The range of products is extensive, and collectors also pay attention to the packaging that were used for the products.

The Märklin toy company systematically included a print run number on almost all their printed material, including the boxes in which their products shipped. These print run numbers indicate the printer and also the month and year of printing. This is very useful for dating an item that is known to be associated with some printed material. The second group of digits indicates the catalogue number. The last set of numeric digits in the print run number indicates the month and year that the item was printed. The last group of letters identifies the printer.


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

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

Diesel Photo Gallery from other sources


Märklin (AC) 36790 – AUSTRIA - DGTL CL 2016 "HERCULES" LOCO(E)06 NI




Märklin (AC) 37612 - U.S. - DGTL ALCO TYPE PA-1 LOCO (E) 06 NI




Märklin (AC) 37667 - Denmark -DGTL MY 1100 DIESEL LOCO (E) 06 NI




Märklin AC) 39800 - Germany - DGTL V 200.0 DIESEL LOCO (L) 06 NI




Märklin (AC) 37746 - Italy - DGTL FS CARGO DIESEL LOCO (E) 05




Märklin (AC) 37271 - Belgium - DGTL CL 59 DIESEL LOCO (E) 06 NI


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



Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]


REMINDER!
PLEASE read the Daily Summaries!

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

A beautiful start to the day here in mid-continent USA with clear skies and comfortable temps – should reach the low 80s (F) today. But watch out – end of week and weekend we’ll be back in the 90s. Humidity has been oddly low, which makes things around here kinda like San Diego, for those of you who KNOW! [swg]


2007 Rendezvous in St. Louis preliminary info:
The Email “distribution list” now includes: Rob – Ted – Pete - Doug – Lars ‘n Eric. I’ll probably get something going next week. Anyone interested in getting “in” on this only needs to let me know!


We had a very interesting and successful Tuesday ‘round the place and the diversity of Posts were very interesting to say the least. Missed our “traditional” input from 20 Fingers Al – although he did “drop” one on us over on “my other Thread!” [swg]
Appreciate the return to “normalcy” guys!


Thanx for the night time visit, Doug – took a break from getting your temporary digs squared away, eh [?] Well, this is THE place to do it! [tup]

With the mounting interest in the IRM I see that “extra” day becoming a distinct possibility for our 2007 Rendezvous in St. Louis!


Wonderful spate of URLs from you URLMeisterMonsterMike and perhaps you can share some LIRR observations with us. Been so long since I’ve ridden the route that I’ve pretty much reduced those memories to “foggy.”

I enjoyed the URLs, especially those you found for the MEC. Good stuff! [tup]


Once again, appreciate your taking the time to stop by, Eric and we’ll keep a light on for you if early, early AM is your preferred time. Leon the Night Man enjoys the company! [swg]

You are correct regarding the St. Louis Union Station in that it is NOT a rail hub or any kind. The only ‘activity’ we once had has departed for KCity and that was an excursion train operated by Rail America for dinner trains, parties and the like. Amtrak departed the place in 1978 as a “condition” of renovation.

The folks who put the station back together, Rouse Company., did a marvelous job in restoration. They brought in artisans from Europe for the mosaics, tile work, glass, etc. Really did a fantastic job. Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston, South Street Seaport in New York City, Harborplace in Baltimore, Maryland, Waterside in Norfolk, Virginia, Downtown Portland's Pioneer Place, and the Riverwalk of New Orleans are other examples of Rouse’s urban renovation and revitalization projects. They don’t come cheap and prefer the “upscale” approach to what they do.

Here’s a URL some may find of interest regarding St. Louis Union Station:
http://www.explorestlouis.com/factSheets/fact_unionStat.asp?PageType=4


Good to see Ted swing by with his AM cheerfulness. So you’re running late – volunteers are ‘authorized’ to do that! Last time I looked, volunteer pay hasn’t gone up in a long, long time! [swg] Anyway, glad you enjoyed the MEC a most interesting road and every bit a part of American railroading as the big guys were. [tup]

And – of course you are on the “distribution list” for the 2007 Rendezvous in St. Louis! You’re an “original” . . . in more ways than one, I might add! [swg]


G’day to you, CM3 and a fine Post you’ve provided the crew on this mid-week morning. [tup] Don’t know whether to praise you or bemoan you regarding that baseball URL! [tup] [tdn] I can see where MY TIME will be spent! [swg]

Appreciate the round and quarters, as always! [tup]


I’ll be behind the bar for the day! So, whatillyahave [?]


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[coalminer3]

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

Dave – Nothing like equipment “sharing” and equitable “car distribution.” Of, course nobody does that sort of thing today (LOL). The Kaiser train was a reminder of past glories, for certain.

Lars is here – My boys get to play the Mets pretty soon. Wonder what chances are for a Pedro-Schilling match up? The one between Santana and Schilling last night lived up to advance billing (more than they usually do). Tom knows I am a Red Sox and a Cards fan.

Tom – Thanks for the ARR information on the SD70s. The cab interior is quite something and the EMD demo shot was a good one!

Mike gave us some URLs on the Maine Central. A few words of amplification (that's my one big word for today!)

The shot of MEC 302 is an example of the black/white/red scheme I mentioned in my post (the picture had a slight color shift). Then they added a modern herald under the cab.

MEC 334 and 335 picture along the river – (now, assume proper Maine accent) – they ain’t no Alcos; them are EMDs.

The picture titled Scenic Rte was shot on the Mountain Division. Train RY2 was a Rigby-St. Johnsbury job. The lead unit is a U18B.

Today is modeling day and here are two sites worth a visit.

The first one is abt. the Gorre and Daphetid. Some of you may remember this road being used as background for Varney ads back in the day; also John Allen was a prolific contributor to MR. The photo galleries have a lot of interesting items which you can enlarge in the usual way.

http://gdlines.com/

The next is for the N scalers in the crowd. It covers the Cumberland Valley. Click on the links and see a most interesting layout. For those of us who model railroads form that part of the world, it is a most interesting site

http://hometown.aol.com/bjdento/index.htm

Finally (this one will kill several evening’s time) I commend the following baseball-related site to you. I beg our ‘steamed proprietor’s forbearance, but this is one of the best I have ever seen. Follow the links and enjoy!

http://www.ballparktour.com/

work safe

[Anonymous]

Good Wednesday moring to each and all. Tom, I'll grab a jar of Joe and one of those Boston Cream Puffs in hono(u)r of the MEC and the 50 or so short lines that comprised the final roster. CM3 did a fine job of "breaking the ice" and this from personal "hands on," "real life" encounters of the "third kind."[^] ZOUNDS! I started this excersize at 5:00 a.m.; here it is 7:34 a.m. and guess what? I still haven't covered all the URLs, Links or full text posts![tup] Tom, did you know Main Central would have broken the levees? Starting at the end and in reverse order: Eric was "burning the midnight oil" in order to say hello and give a vote of confidence on next year's Rendesvous possibilities. Good to see you again Sir. Waneswheel Mike, lot'sa good follow up on the C.N.S. & M. via URLs and nice pix of MEC locos. I still don't know how you do it...DUH! Doug, don't feel "out of sync" with a lack of data on some New England Roads. In the scope of U.S. R.R. Lines, this a microcosom but a most interesting one considering MEC's place in R.R. development of early years to the present. Glad to hear favorable thoughts on Rendesvous 2007. Dave...half a tunnel? This is what happens when bureaucratic management collapses under its' own weight. That W.W. II story addresses the question of what was the original explosion on board? A ME-262, 20 m.m. canon perhaps? Any road, I agree the A.R.R. SD-70.s never looked better. Lars, maybe I'll "hang out" at Union Station while the Cards and Mets settle old scores. Good luck "up-state" when the time comes.[tup] Going back a few years to the "missing rolling stock," I seem to recall a flap involving the H. N.Y. and N.H being involved with bogus record keeping on their inventories. Rob, as always when the "ball is in your court" you always come through. The MEC is no exception. Now finally, Tom, I have learned more in 3 hours than 68 years previous on the background of so many different Roads in the total mix of the venereable Main Central...good pick! With that said, I'm late getting away even now, so I bid you thanks for the thoughts on Alberto's brief scare in the media.[swg] [You don't suppose they are trying to sell newspapaers, do you?] Please include me in the e-mails for next year's Rendesvous. In the meatime, I can't be in tomorrow a.m. but will try later. More coming in on the "reverse mortgagae" concept. So long for now, yes you too Boris, especially if you are walking them.[alien]

[siberianmo]

WEDNESDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS


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


Mid-week has arrived! C’mon in – enjoy a cup of freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee – a <light or <traditional breakfast from the Menu Board and of course one or two goodies from The Mentor Village Bakery!


Daily Wisdom


What time is it? You mean now?
ENCORE! Yogi-ism



Info for the Day:

* Weekly Calendar:


Wednesday: Toy & 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


[:I] Finally sick of the stress Tom quits his job and buys 50 acres of land in Alaska as far from humanity as possible. He sees the postman once a week and gets groceries once a month. Otherwise it's total peace and quiet.

After six months or so, of almost total isolation, there's a knock on his door. He opens it and a huge, bearded man is standing there.

"Name's Lars, your neighbor from forty miles up the road. Having a Christmas party Friday night... Thought you might like to come. About 5:00."

"Great", says Tom, "after six months out here I'm ready to meet some local folks. Thank you."

As Lars is leaving, he stops. "Gotta warn you......be some drinkin'."

"Not a problem" says Tom. " I can drink with the best of 'em."

Again, the big man starts to leave and stops. "More 'n' likely gonna be some fightin' too."

"Well, I get along with people, I'll be all right. Thanks again."

"More'n likely be some wild sex, too,"

"Now that's really not a problem" says Tom, warming to the idea. "I've been all alone for six months.

I'll definitely be there! ........... By the way, what should I wear?"

"Don't much matter ..... Just gonna be the two of us." [: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

Double Features and Three Stooges Short Subject!

NOW SHOWING:

. . . Sunday, June 11th thru June 17th: Major League II (1994) starring: Tom Berenger & Charlie Sheen –and- Mr. Baseball (1992) starring: Tom Selleck, K. Taukura & A. Takanashi. SHORT: Hoi Poloi (1935).

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

. . . Sunday, June 18th thru June 24th: 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).



SUMMARY

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

(1) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 00:39:32 (352) Count Robulla’s Inclusive Post ‘n 2 Lancaster Pix! [tup]

(2) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 06:07:54 (352) Inclusive Gulf Coast report!

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 06:17:51 (352) Tuesday’s Info & 11-Post Summary

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 07:11:32 (352) RR from Yesteryear Announcement!

(5) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 07:58:16 (353) WVA report ‘n THEME: MEC

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 10:00:04 (353) RR from Yesteryear – Maine Central (MEC)

(7) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 11:39:33 (353) Daylite Inclusive Post!

(8) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 11:56:23 (353) THEME: MEC

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 13:16:00 (353) Acknowledgments ‘n Comments

(10) West Coast S Dave Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 13:49:37 (353) Left Coast report!

(11) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 14:24:07 (353) Larsman Report ‘n THEME URLs

(12) passengerfan Al Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 15:46:32 (353) Brief visit

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 17:08:30 (353) THEME: Fallen Flag: MEC

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 17:44:09 (353) Comments & Pix

(15) West Coast S Dave Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 18:28:12 (353) Left Coast Report, part deux!

(16) siberianmo Tom Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 20:04:11 (353) Comments

(17) barndad Doug Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 21:28:44 (353) Barnyard Chat ‘n Joke!

(18) wanswheel Mike Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 21:32:31 (353) THEME URLs, etc.




That’s it! [tup][;)]


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

[EricX2000]

A very quick note, it is past bedtime. But I am trying to become a regular regular so I'll take a few minutes now. The place is empty, all smart people are asleep.

Thank you Mike for that old picture from Sweden. Where did you find it? That station looks about the same today as it did back then. But now they are running electric trains and some diesels.

Rendezvous in St. Louis in 2007 sounds very interesting. Union Station in St. Louis is not much of a station anymore, but it is still a very interesting place. Tom, please add me to that distribution list. I am very interested.

Have to go, I'll try to be back earlier tomorrow night with some comments.

Eric

[wanswheel]

Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house

Okay, here's a plan:

Day 1: Tour St. Louis, plus an evening at Busch Stadium, where this rich guy who owns an observation car accidently spills his beer on one in our party. We get to talking, and soon he cellphones to get some strings pulled by a railroad mogul chum who owes him on an unpaid poker debt.

Day 2: We set a new record for speed on a St. Louis to Chicago train.

Day 3: Illinois Railroad Museum in the morning, Wrigley Field in the afternoon.

Yesterday I rode a train for the first time in 10 years. Long Island Rail Road. Yes, 2 separate words, rail and road. The best part was arriving at Penn Station just in time to gawk at a beautiful Acela one platform over, and watch it soundlessly disappear into the distant little spot of sunlight west of the post office. How I wished it could have been a "classic train" of the Pennsylvania or Seaboard, but for what it is it's pretty to look at.

Doug, the Chicago tunnel loco in its natural habitat
http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/04000/04008r.jpg

Electroliner
http://206.103.49.193/cnsm/htm/cnsm327.htm

Buck and a quarter Electroburger
http://northshoreline.com/diner.html

Eric, here's an old locomotive at Malmo, Sweden
http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/27100/27106r.jpg

Otto Perry photo MEC engine 412 type 4-6-0 at Portland, August 15, 1937
http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?00012592+OP-12592

4-6-2
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2006060321360622528.jpg&byrail%3A19%3AMaine_Central

Alco
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2006061017372832028.jpg&byrail%3A5%3AMaine_Central

More Alco
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=200310232103157637.jpg&byrail%3A91%3AMaine_Central

Boxcar
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=200606121921044056.jpg&byrail%3A1%3AMaine_Central

Scenic Route
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2005072417140614888.jpg&byrail%3A45%3AMaine_Central

Train Watching
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2004011720522221881.jpg&byrail%3A84%3AMaine_Central

Track Gang
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=200310232120368875.jpg&byrail%3A91%3AMaine_Central

Employees Magazine
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2003110800125212768.jpg&byrail%3A89%3AMaine_Central

Bar Harbor Express
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2003110800115812735.jpg&byrail%3A89%3AMaine_Central

Special stop, reminds me of a song: Enjoy yourself it's later than you think
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2003110800113712718.jpg&byrail%3A90%3AMaine_Central

Jonathon Livingston
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=200312122307361844.jpg&byrail%3A87%3AMaine_Central

Dope
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2003110800131612790.jpg&byrail%3A89%3AMaine_Central

Say When, put a caboose
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=200606071923402048.jpg&byrail%3A12%3AMaine_Central
Mike

[Anonymous]

Good evening Leon ...and can I just tell you I really don't love this DSL connection? It gets maddenly slow, and, oh yeah, I'll have a bottomless draught please. Wish I knew where all my train books and magazines were, 'cuz the closest I got to finding info on today's topic was the Massachusetts Central, which is close, but no cigar, and I can only play cheerleader today.

hanks for your comments Ted, and glad to hear you're interested in the IRM. Thanks for the MEC info Shane3, as well as the web sites! Nice MEC info from our fearless leader Tom as well, and I agree with you (as did Lars) that our youth can't begin to appreciate the difficulties earlier generations overcame to truely work miracles. I'd love to see the diving equipment these guys were using in 1910 to put in the Detroit-Windsor tunnel! I clicked on your SD70MAC link, and really liked what I saw! Great stuff! As for the expanded IRM visit for the 2007 rendevous itenerary, whatever you guys want to do is fine with me. Thanks for putting me on the list, as I will surely attend!

Thanks for your comments Rob, and the MEC passenger info. Nifty SP employee storie from Dave today, and the "SP tunnel1/2" story. Thanks for your comments Lars, and it looks like you're planning to attend the next rendevous. It will be my pleasure to meet you.

Once again it's time for me to make like buffalo chips ... and hit the trail ... but before I do ..........

[:I] One Sunday, in counting the money in the weekly offering, the pastor of a small church found a pink envelope containing $1,000. It happened again the next week. The following Sunday, he watched as the offering was collected and saw a little old lady put the distinctive pink envelope in the plate. This went on for weeks until the pastor, overcome by curiosity, approached her.
"Ma'am, I couldn't help but notice that you put $1,000 a week in the collection plate," he stated.
"Why yes," she replied, "every week my son sends me money, and I give some of it to the church."
The pastor replied, "That's wonderful. How much does he send you?"
The old lady said, "$10,000 a week."
The pastor was amazed. "Your son is very successful; what does he do for a living?"
"He is a veterinarian," she answered.
"That is an honorable profession," the pastor said. "Where does he practice?"
The old lady said proudly, "In Nevada. He has two cat houses in Las Vegas and one in Reno." [:I]

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Gents!

Back for a second "go," eh Dave [?] Have one on me! Boris ring the bell and we'll get some pitchers back to the pool room for the track gang! [tup]

As always, another interesting tid bit from our Left Coast Connection - scalped in Germany! Now that's gotta be a first.

Your other story regarding those SP rebuilds just goes to show that for everyone with honest intentions, there's a lineup of people waiting to snooker you!

In both cases, always learn something new and interesting 'round this place! [tup]

An Email has been dispatched to you.

For Lars - Given that we hold our Rendezvous at a time when the Cards are playing at home that can always be an optional "thing." As for the Mets being in town, much less "beating up" on my team - we'll just have to wait 'n see. <grin>

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

Time for me to get back to watching the Cards and Pirates - 2-zip in the 8th, my team is ahead.

Catch y'all in the AM . . . .

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[West Coast S]

Afternoon Tom, is it just me or do those 70's look sharp in yellow and blue? It seems taylor made for thse units....I believe those bilevels to be conversions of former commute equiptment of C&NW, SP orgin.. whatever the orgin, the conversion was done first rate, I can see why you and misses want a repeat, heck, think I could even get my wife to go for a sojurn to the great north to experience it firsthand.

Doug, great tunnel article, at least they didn't do like SP and number it incorrectly, seems that while building the the route over the Techappi the contractors under estimated the number of tunnels required, they were off by one, but due to direction and SP practices simply could not use the next number, so tunnel number one half came to be.


Ted, I have a sober WWII survival story from a retired AAF Colonel I know. While on a bombing run to Frankfurt, the B17 was shaken by a unknown force, AA or was there a German fighter hiding in the clouds nearby, nobody was sure, flight control was momentarly lost, a second explosion occured, this time inside the aircraft, shapranel was spred throughout the interior, a moment later he was unable to see and passed out, that's all he recalls, except for waking up in POW camp, seems he had been scalped by some unknown forces, just a small scrap of flesh holding onto the skull was all that remained. Crewman attended to the wound, gave Morophine, and dropped him out of the aircraft by parachute, he was accompinied by a second crewman, they were the only survivors. Except for a nasty scar about the head, he appears to be doing well in his senior years, he has never forgiven the Germans for rendering him hairless!!!


Dave

[siberianmo]

G'day!

Well, there are times when I must admit to being a bit confused by the comments or the lack thereof! [%-)]

Appreciate seeing Dave - Lars 'n Al stop by . . . [tup]

Thought I'd provide just a wee bit of amplifying info regarding those great looking locomotives featured on the daily Summaries this week:

Alaska RR EMD SD70MACs #4324 & 4324 Denali Star at Anchorage


Now click this URL for a treat!
http://www.alaskarails.org/glance/sd70macs.html

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Theme for the Day ! - Theme for the Day!

Here’s another Fallen Flag for the gang from Classic American Railroads: first Posted on Page 141

Maine Central (MEC)



Headquarters: Portland, ME

Mileage 1950: 981

Locomotives in 1950:

Steam: 74 - Diesel: 57

Rolling stock in 1963:

Freight cars: 4,593 – Passenger cars: 42

Principal routes in 1950 (all within Maine, other than noted):

South Portland-Bangor
Bangor-Vanceboro
Bangor-Bucksport
Bangor-Calais & Eastport
Brunswick-Rockland
Portland-St. Johnsbury, VT
Quebec Jct., NH-Beecher Falls, VT
Lees Jct.-Farmington & Rumford
Newport Jct.-Dover-Foxcroft

Passenger trains of note:

Bar Harbor Express (Washington, DC-Ellsworth, ME)
Down Easter (New York-Waterville & Rockland, ME)
Flying Yankee (Boston-Bangor)
Gull (Boston-Halifax, NS)
Katahdin (Boston-Bngor)
Kennnebec (Boston-Bangor
Mountaineer (Boston-Littleton, NH)
Penobscot (Boston-Bangor)
Pine Tree (Boston-Bangor)
Skipper (Boston-Bangor)

Note: B&M handled trains west of Portland to Boston. CN handled trains east of Calais, ME to Halifax,NS. The Mountaineer was a B&M train handled by MEC between Intervale & Whitefield, NH.


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a quick CR and a round for the house. Back at work and slipped away for a few minutes so thought I would drop by for a minute or two. Love the continuing coverage of the ARR from our leader.

I will get bacfk in the swing in the next day or to but for now I have a City Council meeting I will be speaking at tonight and still have work to do on my speech.

Will have more time beginning tomorrow.

TTFN Al

[LoveDomes]

G’day Cap’n Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!


I’m still about the decks, haven’t shoved off yet . . . looks like I’ll either head out Thursday or Monday; still pondering . . .

Time for a Lars Special and a frosty mug of Kokanee Light if you please! [tup] Here’s a ten spot for the next round . . . [tup]

Nice input from the guys today and the Theme idea is perking along. Another great idea from our leader, I should mention. [tup]

I read your comments, Tom and think there is a 4th category of ‘contributor’ around here: the one who “wings it” – just pretends to have read what’s going on, but it doesn’t show in attendant comments. Of course that isn’t really a contributor, is it [?]

Enjoyed that “Detroit River Tunnel” story that Doug dropped on us. You are so correct, Tom in your assessment of the opinions held by the younger set. No sense of history or accomplishment – for the most part. Every now and then a surprise pops up and gives you hope! [swg]

Dry and well in FLA, sounds good to me Ted. Rode out my share of storms in more than a few of the world’s oceans, seas and gulfs. Ain’t no where to hide – but I’d rather take my chances aboard ship than on the beach anytime. Good to know all’s well . . .

Jokes [?] What jokes [?] Less said, the better the chance to rid the place of ‘em! [swg]

An impressive war machine Rob – that Lancaster looks great! Wondered what the *** thought when they spotted them and all the other allied bombers dropping their loads on the “fatherland” [?] I think we know the answer to that one! [tup]

Rendezvous in St. Louis in 2007 sounds fine to me. Maybe the Mets will be in town to clobber the Cardinals! <yuck yuck> Anyway, a side trip up to the IRM would be a fine option for those wishing to partake. Please add me to your list of email rendezvous people! [tup]

West Coast S Dave is “in” – good to see ya! [tup] Have you taken the time to check out the pix from Sunday [?] If not, you are surely missing out! They begin on page 351 . . . [tup]

I read your post and can only say that perhaps the best way to get away with anything is to be obvious about it. <groan> Not a good deal – and my thinking is that the MEC wasn’t involved with the scheme. Not based on anything other than the ethic of the area and so forth.

Ok – my turn to steal a page from the UrlMeisterMonster – check out these URLs for today’s Theme:

http://www.kenanderson.net/aroostook/mcnr.html

http://www.trainweb.org/trains/mec.html

http://home.sprynet.com/~jwhite07/mec/mec.htm


Until the next time!


Lars

[West Coast S]

Good Tuesday, had to take a siesta thse past couple of days, that old Dodge of mine was screaming for some attention, judging from what I had to repair I suspect Boris and that blasted armadillo have a midnight auto repair someplace.

Good to be among you Tom, Rob, CM3, Lars, AL Round of the Moca Sensi cadeva???

Reading of the Main Central and railroading in the Northeast in general, brings to mind a tale I once heard for a retired SP traffic department employee. Seems as the railroads in the Northeast were faltering in the sixties and early seventies, so did operable freight equiptment, Shippers were concearned about recieving the correct cars of the correct type when needed. when to cars arrived,shippers then complained about the rundown and deplorable condition of the cars that were given to them.

To improve customer service and reduce delays and the cost associated with bad ordering and other roads refusing interchange, it occured that perhaps there was a way to have your cake and eat it too. A trade publication of the time featured a article featuring the massive rebuilding the Southern Pacifc boxcar fleet was undergoing, if they could get shippers on the west coast to route east, they could retain these boxcars for their own use, the eastern roads involved in the scheme would use deception and out right lies if the SP traffic department inquired as to the location of the cars and by what date they could be expected back on home rails. They got away with this for several years, eventually the Santa Fe set the SP to the truth, as they too were the victim of a failed attempt to highjack rolling stock.

SP investigators pounded the pavementand and discovered that indeed the involved roads were playing fast and furious with the truth as to use and movement of SP property. In the end the roads involved denied any such knowledge to defraud the SP, the ICC and the federal courts became involved awarding SP millions of dollars for revenue lost and mileage not paid and dammages to the equiptment. To add to the ordeal, the once prestine boxcars regained home rails in less then prestine condition, the effected cars showed lack of eve minimal maintaince and several had evidence of having been put on the ground, it was found necessary to reshop a vast majority of the fleet at the time of year when SP carded vast amounts of lumber and other goods suitable for boxcar loading.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Odd ball power combos continued;

Two Rio Grande Tunnel Motors and three Amtrak F40's on the Kaiser unit train, train orginated on RG rails, ran daily to deliver coal for the massive Kaiser blast furnances, restricted to 125 cars, UP set of SD40-2 rear helpers over Cajon. And, Santa Fe GP30's normally assigned to the Oro Grande Turn and local road/helper service, pitch hitting for MIA Amtrak power on the Southwest chief on one vist to Cajon Pass, For HEP capability, a Santa Fe power baggage car was in the consits.


What in tarnation is that blasted critter hiding under the juke??

Dave

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

A bit of activity today, just enough to keep me awake! <grin>

Rob As always, good late nite contributions! [tup] Nice to way to cap the day . . . .

When living in New England (Connecticut for 3 years - Boston for 5) seeing those "different" roadnames on the loco's and cabooses always got my attention. Most of the passenger cars still held to the PRR and New Haven, and of course Boston & Maine RDCs - but the other "stuff" surely turned my head. Used to see the MEC a lot during my frequent forays "down east." I wasn't a railfan in the sense of the term, nor did I go out of my way to follow or wait for the trains. But when the opportunity arose, I'd take the time to take in the sights. Great looking stuff in an era where it was all coming to an unglorious end insofar as passenger travel was concerned.

Nice shots of the Lancaster! Kudos to your friend from siberianmo in Missouri! [tup]

Ted certainly glad to learn that all's well with you. As expected, the TV networks and cable outlets surely overplayed this "event" as if the world would surely end for all in the path of the storm. I supposed the "FEMA syndrome" willl now take its place alongside the 'round the clock "alert" brought on with the OJ case. To my recollection, that's where all this crap began - the continuous nonsense running across the bottom of the screen, et al. Used to be that only the Headline News used that feature until OJ came along. Oh joy! <frown> Anyway, good to know the "powder is dry," never know when you'll need it!

Drop me an Email and I'll provide you with the amplifying info you are interested in . . . also, a web check of the Alaska RR site at www.alaskarailroad.com will get you headed in the right direction too. It truly is the only remaining full service railroad in America - although there is an area open to dispute: no overnight trips, therefore no bedroom cars. But it is a state owned and operated railroad, profitably I should add, and they surely give a Rat's Patoot in ensuring that the passengers come first.

CM3 Your "kick off" of the Theme for the Day! hit the spot. Nice work! And thanx for the round and quarterrs not only for today, but for the past couple of weeks. [tup]

Doug Enjoyed the Detroit River Tunnel feature and it never ceases to amaze me just how much work has gone into our rail infrastructure over the years. At times, I get the impression that many of our younger set pretty much have convinced themselves that innovative design and engineering marvels are restricted just to those that took place (or are taking place) in modern times. When one travels this old world of ours, there's so very much to marvel at. The Egyptian Pyramids come to mind . . .

The talk of our 2007 Rendezvous in St. Louis shows me that the interest is there - which all spells out the word: SUCCESS! [tup]

I'll be putting together the first in many Emails regarding this subject and those of you who have expressed interest in the next get together will of course be on the "list." Anyone else out there wanting "in" - just let me know.

Right now the "distribution list" for the 2007 Rendezvous in St. Louis includes: Rob - Ted - Doug & Pete.

The policy is and will continue to be: keep the planning discussion off the net. We proved it worked better that way for our 1st Rendezvous.

Now, having said all of that - we could certainly crank in an "extra day" for the IRM as we did up in Toronto for the visits to the Trolley and Air museums. A drive from here (Chesterfield) to the Chicagoland area takes about 6 hours. Going by Amtrak is longer when one adds the preboarding time and getting from the station to the ultimate destination.

I'm willing to head up that way as an "extra" trip any time. In fact, Pete and I have seriously discussed this a few times, but want to arrange it for cooler months - leaving the summer for remaining comfortable - indoors! [swg] Anyone out there who doesn't understand mid-west summers, just check the weather forecasts during July-August for the oven we live in! [swg]

Lars I received your Email and not to worry, Mate - do what must be done. We'll be here when you return! [tup] Appreciate the resumption of your Posts and contributions to our discussions - rounds too! [swg] [tup] ][tup] [tup]

I think I've said this once or thrice on these Pages . . . we have three types of contributors at this bar of ours: (1) those who provide substantive material (2) those who provide substantive material AND discussion and (3) those who discuss. All are welcome and all are essential to the make up of our group. [tup] [tup] [tup]

Speaking of BK - mentioned by Lars yesterday - I haven't heard from him since the B'day card from Hawaii. Last word I got is the same as everyone else, returning in mid-June. My crystal ball hasn't been that accurate, but I do concur with you Lars if they did indeed extend their time away. From what I know of them - why not [?]

Back to Rob Good stuff on the MEC and many thanx for the quarters! In case you may not have picked up on it, Herr Wurltizer has been "modified" - no NOT that way! They DON'T reproduce! <geesh> - I had an additional coin slot installed for Canadian quarters - just with you in mind! [swg]

Hope everyone has taken the time to check out the Posts - I'll be getting things back to "normal" as we progress through this and next week. Original matrerial all over the place and it would be a pity if some of our number doesn't pick up on it.

Enjoy the day! [tup]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Okay back with some passenger train facts for the MEC. The MEC ended it's mainline passenger train service in late 1963. They did however still run a couple major trains during the last three years of passenger operations. September of 1960 to the fall of 1963.

They ran even at this late date two pairs of mail / merchandice trains, #1 and # 8 between Portland and Vanceboro and #2 and #9 bewteen Bangor and Portland. These trains ran on express scheduales and handled storage mail, Railway express and milk. They were powered by the 4 E7's that the MEC retained specifiacally for this service. A year after 1964, milk traffic was no longer and all these former high speed mercahndice / passenger speacials were discontinued. Milk and potatoes and other produce were long mainstays of the MEC and it's NE counterparts, that and of coarse the forest products which still feed what's left of the B&M and the MEC now that Guilfod has it's claws into them,sad shadows of what were once grand railways cutting through some of the most beautifull and at times difficult areas of the eastern seaboard.

Rob

[trolleyboy]

Good morning fellow varflies. Tom I think a Lars speacial sandwich for me today and a BK coffee with the extra speacial something [swg].Oh and heres a sack of quarters for Herr Wurlitzer as well ( I even separated the CDN ones from the US one so that they can be fed into the right slots [tup][:D]

Ted I'm glad that you survived your little blow, with just some slightly wet feet.I know exactly which vital organ that you were refering to i was just keeping everything PG donchaknow [:O][;)]. I have seen some of the fliable equipment the Confederate airforce operates at Toronto Air Shows over the years another spot for me to visit at some point for sure. Oh an interesting site for you to maybe concider is the RCAF Musuem at Trenton Ontario, they have restored the only whole Halifax VII Bomber in the world. It is not flyable nor will it be, it was recovered from a fjord in Norway almost ten years ago where it had been shot down on a mission.It has now been beautifully restored ( was dedicated last september )The original pilot was on hand and he got his thermos of tomato soup back that was found in the cockpit once the plane was brouhgt up from the bottom of the lake. He was told not to drink the contents however [xx(] I don't think that campbells soup has a 60 years self life, even if it was stored at the bottom of a northern fjord ! I'm glad to hear that the Dday musuem survived the storms in 'Norlan's that can't be said of too many things unfortunatly.

Doug Loved the tunnel article, it's good to have our contrubuting article edditor back with us once again. [tup]

CM3 Wonderfull reminicances of the MEC sir. [tup] I've always had a soft spot for the NE railways.I would have given my vital body parts to have seen those wonderfull Alco's and Geeps in live service in the northwoods all resplendant in what were some of the nicest railroad paint schemes. Live CPR E8's would have done it for me as well, espeacially since they were wading through deep snow.Thos were interesting urls as well CM3, they will require some extra perusing.

Tom This should prove to be a good railway tuesday, there is an absolute ton of good MEC info out there. I can't wait to see what Mike does with it. Good choice as per always sir, thank you 5x[tup] .

Back in a bit I have to hit my research material.

Rob

[siberianmo]

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


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

Maine Central Railroad



Reporting marks: MEC

Locale: central Maine with lines to New Brunswick, New Hampshire, Vermont and Quebec

Dates of operation: 1862 – 1981 (subsumed by GRS, continues as subsidiary in name only)

Track gauge: 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) (standard gauge), converted from 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) in 1871

Headquarters: Waterville, Maine


1923 map

The Maine Central Railroad was a railroad in central Maine. It was chartered in 1856 and began operations in 1862. It operated between Portland east to the Canada-U.S. border with New Brunswick, west to Vermont and north to Quebec.


Charter and creation

The Maine Central RR was created initially through the merger of the Androscoggin and Kennebec Railroad and the Penobscot and Kennebec Railroad, resulting in a line from Danville (northeast of Portland) to Bangor. The line connected with the Grand Trunk Railway on its Portland-Chicago mainline at Danville and with the Bangor and Piscataquis Railroad in Bangor. As a result of its connection with the Grand Trunk, the Maine Central was initially running with a track gauge of 5 ft 6 in (1676 mm).

Expansion

The Maine Central purchased the Portland and Kennebec Railroad, which ran from Portland to Danville and was built to standard track gauge, since it connected with the Boston and Maine Railroad at Portland. By 1871, the Maine Central completed its conversion to standard gauge to facilitate interchange of cars.

In 1882, the Maine Central leased the European and North American Railway (E&NA) between Bangor and Vanceboro.

In 1888, the Maine Central purchased the Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad, which ran from Portland, through the White Mountains via Crawford Notch, New Hampshire, and into St. Johnsbury, Vermont, where it connected with the Southeastern Railway (owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway). The railroad also purchased several narrow-gauge branch lines used for the logging industry, such as the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad in 1911 and the Bridgeton and Saco River in 1912.

In 1889, the Canadian Pacific Railway purchased trackage rights from Maine Central on the portion of the former E&NA from Mattawamkeag to Vanceboro. This Maine Central trackage formed part of the CPR's Montreal-Saint John mainline, upon completion of the International Railway of Maine. This line was an important rail route for Canadian war materiel heading to the port of Saint John for shipment overseas to Europe. In the months before the United States entered the war, a German saboteur attempted to blow up the railway bridge which crossed the St. Croix River at the international boundary.

The Maine Central also built a line southeast from Bangor along the coast through Machias to Calais, with branches to Bar Harbor and Eastport.

The Maine Central was at its height by 1917 when it became nationalized during World War One, having trackage which extended over 1358 miles. It ran from Vanceboro, Calais and Eastport in the east, to Portland in the south, St. Johnsbury in the west, and to Lime Ridge, Quebec in the north. It also operated resorts and coastal steamships and ferries.

Retraction

Following World War One, Maine Central began retracting. It sold or abandoned lines such as the narrow gauge logging systems, as well as its ferries and steamships. In the 1930s it began to change its locomotives from steam powered to diesel powered. Beginning in 1933, the Maine Central entered into a "joint management" agreement with the Boston and Maine Railroad, with which it shared the Portland Terminal Railroad (a switching railroad in Portland).

In 1955, Maine Central completed a purchase of the E&NA line from Bangor to Vanceboro which it had leased in 1882. The deal consisted of $125 per share or $3,114,500 payable in cash or bonds at the election of the E&NA shareholders.

Faced with increased competition from cars, trucks and buses, Maine Central Railroad operated its last passenger train on September 5, 1960 and continued to reduce its freight business to reflect changing traffic. On December 17, 1974 Maine Central sold its trackage between Mattawamkeag and Vanceboro to Canadian Pacific for $5.4 million while retaining trackage rights from CPR over the section of line.

Guilford

In 1980, the railroad was purchased by U.S. Filter Corporation and was then sold in 1981 to Guilford Transportation Industries, which also purchased the Boston and Maine Railroad. Initially Guilford operated the system intact, although the system now permitted run-through traffic between central Maine and Boston. By the mid-1980s, Guilford began to rationalize its system and fully one-third of Maine Central's trackage was eliminated, including: the "Mountain Division" from Portland to St. Johnsbury, Vermont; the "Rockland Branch" from Brunswick to Rockland, the "Calais Branch" from Bangor to Calais, and the "Lower Road" from Augusta to Brunswick. Guilford also forced many management and salary changes, resulting in a major strike against the company in 1986.

One of the instigating factors which led to the labour strife at Guilford relates to a corporate reorganization at one of the company's former Maine Central properties. After the Calais Branch was abandoned, a small portion of trackage between Calais and Woodland remained in service to a pulp mill. It was joined to the rest of the North American rail network through a connection with the Canadian Pacific Railway at St. Stephen, New Brunswick and operated through New Brunswick territory for several miles between Calais and Woodland. Guilford renamed this operation "Springfield Terminal" and reorganized it to avoid union agreements that the rest of the rail system was forced to follow. Eventually, the corporate reorganization under Springfield Terminal would extend to the full extent of Guilford operations.

The former Maine Central locomotive shops in Waterville continue as Guilford's main repair shops. Other traditions of Maine Central have continued into the 1990s and 2000s, although Guilford and its subsidiary Springfield Terminal now dominate in the painting of locomotives.

On November 1, 2003 the Morristown & Erie Railway took over the former Maine Central "Lower Road" (main line) and Rockland branch routes (aided by significant public funding from the state government). Other groups are seeking to have the Calais Branch and Mountain Division routes reactivated for use by short line or tourist rail operations.

Mainline

The Guilford Rail System's Boston and Maine Railroad comes into the state of Maine in South Berwick, through the town's southwest corner, continuing northeast through North Berwick, Wells, the Kennebunks, Arundel, Biddeford, Saco, and Scarborough, before coming to Rigby Yard in South Portland. Rigby is the historic junction point for the end-to-end MEC and B&M systems.

The MEC main line's western terminus is at Rigby and runs northeast through Portland, Falmouth, Cumberland, and Royal Junction (in Yarmouth). The "Back Road" main line continues northeast through North Yarmouth, New Gloucester, Auburn, Danville Jct., Lewiston, Leeds Jct., Readfield, Belgrade, Waterville, Pittsfield, Hermon, Northern Maine Jct., Bangor, Orono, Old Town, and ends at its eastern terminus at Mattawamkeag.

GRS's Maine Central main line interchanges with the Eastern Maine Railway at Mattawamkeag, the Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway at Northern Maine Jct., and the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad at Danville Jct.

Branch lines

Maine Central under GRS has several branch lines still under Guilford ownership.

Brunswick

The Brunswick branch splits off the mainline at Royal Junction and continues through the center of Yarmouth, before meeting the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad (ex-Canadian National Railway, nee-Grand Trunk Railway) at Yarmouth Junction. The tracks meet at a 90 degree angle, and then the branch line continues through Freeport, where the line crosses under U.S. Route 1. After going through the center of Freeport, the line ends in Brunswick, where the eastern part of the line is now owned by the Maine Coast Railroad.

Rumford

The Rumford branch splits off the mainline at Leeds Junction and continues northwest up the Androscoggin River valley, passing through Livermore Falls, terminating at Rumford.

Bucksport

The Bucksport branch splits off the mainline at Bangor and continues south down the Penobscot River valley, passing through Brewer and terminating at Bucksport.

Calais

The Calais branch is a short, isolated section of former MEC trackage at the far eastern edge of Maine, running from a pulp mill in Woodlands to the city of Calais. Once part of a much longer line that ran from Bangor to Calais, it has been cut back to the present trackage and for part of the way it runs through the neighbouring province of New Brunswick, Canada where it interchanges with the New Brunswick Southern Railway.


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

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

Photo Gallery from other sources


Maine Central (MEC) F3A #672 - Bangor, Maine (foto: Larry Goss)




Maine Central (MEC) GP7 #580 - Bangor, Maine (foto: Larry Goss)




Maine Central (MEC) E7 #708 mail train - Bangor, Maine (foto: Larry Goss)




Maine Central (MEC) GP7 #573 - Bangor, Maine (foto: Larry Goss)




Maine Central (MEC) S4 #571 - Mattawamkeag in 1979 (foto: W. Calloway)




Maine Central (MEC) RS-11 #801 – Bangor, Maine (foto: Larry Goss


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


Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]



Did you miss any of the previous nineteen[?] 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

[coalminer3]

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

Doug - Thanks for the Detroit tunnel article

Rob - Lancaster pictures were excellent

Theodorebear - Keep paddling!

Maine Central is our theme for the day. There is so much to relate about that operation, that I’ll just touch on some of the things I recall about MEC.

The MEC and the B&M were close partners when I was growing up. I used to see MEC passenger power frequently at North Station in Boston. These engines had a maroon and gold scheme similar to the B&M’s maroon and gold paint.

The MEC had a mix of EMD and Alco power as I remember. They acquired some GE power (U18Bs) later on, but their road power was pretty much EMD F units and later geeps. Their Alco units were switchers, and some RS types. Their RS11s probably have attracted the moist attention over the years. MEC power had a bewildering series of color schemes. Through the years I recall seeing and photographing the following liveries on B&M engines: black/white/red, maroon and gold; green and gold; green and yellow, yellow and green and green and yellow. This is why MEC is a challenge to modelers because you need to do a fair amount of research to accurately depict the time period in question.

The MEC covered a lot of territory in southern Maine, and did get as far north as Vanceboro.

Their line in New Hampshire was probably the one that interested me the most (not just because I lived there) because it had some very tough mountain country. The Mountain Subdivision, as it was called, ran west out of Portland and then crossed into New Hampshire near North Conway. Then up and over the White Mountains through Bartlett and Fabyans via the Frankenstein Trestle (this was/is the structure’s name – not a nickname). The trestle reminded me of bridges in Colorado and places like that as it was sort of tied into the side of the mountain. The Conway Scenic operate trains on this line today – fall foliage trips are a highlight of the season

Quebec Junction was next. Whitefield was a bit further west and the MEC crossed the Boston and Maine there at a plant governed by, so help me, ball signals! Then through Gilman and on to St. Johnsbury, VT where it connected with the Canadian Pacific and the St. Johnsbury and Lamoille County (aka the St. Jesus and Late Coming). St. Johnsbury was a most interesting spot as it was full of all sorts of CP power and equipment (mostly MLW). The CP would, in sugaring season, run a “Maple Sugar Special” down from Montreal behind their two E8s. One of my all-time favorite shots was made of the Es with the Maple Sugar train. The snow was waist deep, but my that red was pretty against the landscape.

A branch broke off at Quebec Jct. and ran north through Waumbek Jct. (connection with CN), Lancaster, Groveton, No. Stratford (another CN connection), Columbia Bridge, Colebrook, and on to Beecher Falls. I had a good friend from Colebrook when I was at UNH. He took a job in Buffalo after graduation because he wanted to move to a “warmer climate with less snow.”

The MEC’s shops were at Waterville. This was always an interesting place to visit as I had a lady friend who was from there. Trips to Waterville also meant a home-cooked meal (My kind of people - all entrees where shot by her father. Her mom knew about 3 zillion recipes for cooking moose, deer, rabbit, squirrel, etc.)

My dad tells stories about the MEC back in the day. He used to travel to Maine (usually in the winter) as part of his work. Departure would be from North Station via sleeper and the next a.m. he would awaken often with the snow even with the phone lines along the ROW. As I said at the beginning, there is just too much to cover here; if you have any questions, I’ll be happy to try and answer them for you.

There are many good websites on the MEC. Here are a few with links to other reading material.

MEC steam

http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/steamtown/shs2k.htm

General MEC history

http://www.btinternet.com/~ucrs/ucrs/rl/rl471.html

MEC prototype and modeling information with many pictures.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/mikemcnh/flatcar/mec.html

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 –

Maine Central (MEC) –

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



Daily Wisdom


90% of the game is half mental.
ENCORE! Yogi-ism



Info for the Day:


Railroads from Yesteryear –
Maine Central (MEC)
Arrives TODAY!


* Weekly Calendar:

Wednesday: Toy & 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 very successful lawyer parked his brand new Lexus in front of the office, ready to show it off to his colleagues. As he got out, a truck came along, too close to the curb, and completely tore off the driver's door of the Lexus.
The counselor immediately grabbed his cell phone, dialed 911, and it wasn't more than 5 minutes before a policeman pulled up. Before the cop had a chance to ask any questions, the lawyer started screaming hysterically.
His Lexus, which he had just picked up the day before, was now completely ruined and would never be the same, no matter how the body shop tried to make it new again.
After the lawyer finally wound down from his rant, the cop shook his head in disgust and disbelief. "I can't believe how materialistic you lawyers are," he said. "You are so focused on your possessions that you neglect the most important things in life."
"How can you say such a thing?" asked the lawyer.
The cop replied, "My God, don't you even realize that your left arm is missing? It got ripped off when the truck hit you!!!"
"Oh My God!" screamed the lawyer. "My Rolex!!!!!" [: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 11th thru June 17th: Major League II (1994) starring: Tom Berenger & Charlie Sheen –and- Mr. Baseball (1992) starring: Tom Selleck, K. Taukura & A. Takanashi. SHORT: Hoi Poloi (1935).

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

. . . Sunday, June 18th thru June 24th: 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).


SUMMARY

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

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 00:38:18 (352) Monday’s Info & 15-Post Summary

(2) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 06:52:37 (352) Inclusive Gulf Coast report!

(3) passengerfan Al Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 07:13:58 (352) Ultra domes info, etc.

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 07:29:01 (352) 12th Month Anniversary!

(5) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 08:26:38 (352) Inclusive WVA report!

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 08:42:44 (352) Acknowledgments ‘n Comments

(7) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 10:42:44 (352) Incluisve Larsman report!

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 13:20:19 (352) Top 10 Contributors

(9) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 15:18:53 (352) Larsman report, part deux!

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 16:33:13l (352) B’day Watch List!

(11) barndad Doug Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 21:59:53 (352) Barnyard chat, Down the Tubes ‘n Joke!



That’s it![tup][;)]


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

[Anonymous]

Come on in Gents, the water is fine.[:O] Seriously folks, we have so far, gained far more than any losses with Alberto's visit. The rain is decperately needed and any wind event has been minimal.[:D] Tom, just a quicky #3 if you please. The compilation of figures on past posts before and after p. 300 took some time and calculations. It kinda reminded me of the "efficiency reports" we would dread doing in the days of Khaki Tan.[swg] The ongoing pictoral report from the 49th has convinced me that for awesome scenery and "top shelf" passenger trains; Alaska "is where it's at!"[^] At some later date, I will have the gaul to ask what sort of tariff such a dream trip might involve. However, my blood pressure is running a little high and I can't risk lapsing into a coma just now.[V] From the fantastic menu alone, the old adadge: "If Ya gotta ask; Ya can't afford it" probably applies. But then, so does the saying: "People know the price of everything and the value of nothing!" You and "the better half" definetly know the "value" of things.[tup] Hey Bandad Doug, the Detroit River tubes article is a keeper. I don't know why a "run out" to Chicago from St. Louis couldn't be a logistical possibility. However, it is worth bearing in mind that to do justice to both, perhaps they should be 2 seperate Rendesvous sites, just a thought.[banghead] Lars, glad to see things are coming together into easier focus on the domestic front, good luck to you. Yes Rob, although the "eye teeth" were not the "vital" part of the anatomy I had in mind, certainly I would have thrown them in as well. The closest I have come to any of the Axis war birds was at Davis Motham (Sp.?) near Dayton, OH. Then there is the JU 87 "Stuka" in Chicago and JU 88 at the Confederate Air Force Museum in Texas. Oh BTW, the D-Day Museum in New Orelans was undamaged, phew!

I wish I could stay longer but as Leon once said: "You don't have to leave but you can't stay here!"[:O] I'll check in whenever possible, so Boris just hand me the Mae West and oars please. No, you may not give the Mae West to Ruthy, she doesn't need it anyhow.[swg] I'm casting off until next time...Happy rails.

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Leon a cr to wind the day day if you will sir. Nice to see things settling back into it's norms around here. A quite busy and colourfull picture day on sunday
5x[tup] for all the contributors. [:D]

tom Loved the spread of shots covering your trip,looks to be a place that I need to visit somehow someday. It would make and interesting of not exotic rendezvous in itsself [:-^][:-^]. I remember some peaks of sun on our return trip, but he very well could have slipped me the wrong shot, I'll have to investigate further, that or I keyed in the wrong railimages ID # also not beyond the realms of possibility.I'll have to do some digging for tomorrows rairoad of the day, I'm sure that I can find something.The airshow was fabulous,we have seen the Lanc fly many times but seeing it in air is a treat to be sure,I'll get the film roll in tomorrow, so here's hopping that it turns out well.
That was some menu on board train, makes the Canadian's fare look plain.[:O]





Two shots of Warplanes lanc in flight about three years ago. Our friend Dave took the shots, he has a better lens for capturing things in flight than I do.

Doug Great spread of shots from the IRM,my complimenst to the paint chipper, your locomotive should look top notch once iot gets it's green and black back again.

Lars loved seeing the "pre-shots" of Tom's Aklaska trip posted once again. truly is some beautifull and rugged country. ( The train ain't bad looking either ) LOL [swg]It's good to hear that your upstate problems sound as though they will be solved quickly and satisfacteraly. It shouldn't have had to come to that though.[:(]

Eric Thanks for the great spread of shots from Sweden. That castle looks like something out of one of Grimm's fairly tales. Wonderfull castkles like that one are the thing that's missing from the North American scene. loved the shots of the electric service as well. [;)] <go figure>

Ted You would have given your eye teeth for the planes at that air show. Heck even if nothing was flying it was worth seeing them all. The BF109 is apparently just as rare as the lancaster it's also one of only two flying ( there aren't many in static display either ) The WW1 planes ( all replicas ) which wree doing their thing there as well were something to see as well. An SE5a, a Sopwith Camel, a Nieuport Scout and Two Fokker triplanes. They are an "air combat group " that flies out of Brampton Ontario, puit on an entertaining show as well.

Well folks I'll bid you all adieu for tonight. [zzz]

Rob

[Anonymous]

Good evening Tom and gents! I'll have a long-overdure bottomless draught please. I'm afraid I packed-away my Michigan Quarters somewhere, but I'll be locating them soon. I lost a lot of jokes too, but I know where I can find more! And remember, the louder you groan, the worse the jokes will get!

I haven't quite caught-up on all the reading I missed the past few weeks, but, WOW ... did you guys ever do a great job of keeping the place filled with lively banter and lots and lots of incredible train information! Well done, hardly covers it. Y'all were amazing. Special congratulations to Mike for a well-earned stool the bar! You definitely deserved it, as our resident king of URLS and pertinent daily information.

Glad to read so many of you are interested in visiting the IRM. I was hoping that Chicago would be a rendevous site in the future, and would be most pleased to entertain. I'm sure you all know that Chicago has a lot of train sites to visit, not just the IRM in Union, which, by the way, you can almost get to by train. Woodstock (where I now live)station on the northwest line is about 5 miles from the museum. Speaking of which, I've got some surprize pix from the IRM coming your way this Sunday. Many of you also know I belong to the 20th Century Railroad Club, which meets in Chicago. They are having their 35th anniversary meeting this Wednesday, so hopefully there will be something extra special that evening to share with ya'll.

Yesterdays' photos were great as usual, and I sure did enjoy seeing the pix from our newest contributor Eric. Posted like a pro, and top quality stuff sir.

This old man needs to "hit the hay", so I'll say good night andleave you with the 1st part of a new series:

Down The Tubes – Vol. 17 Rail Classics – John Uckley

The Detroit River Tunnel has swallowed many trains since it was dedicated in 1910. Puff smoke accompanies SD45, emerging at Windsor in 1977. The date on it reads a hopeful 1909, but the tunnel was not completed until 1910.


To the casual visitor lingering on a grassy hillside in Windsor, Ontario, it begins as a barely discernable noise seemingly from nowhere and yet surrounding you with its all-encompassing presence. This noise soon transforms into a low rumble which gathers ever more strength and gradually swells into the brutal magnificence of approaching thunder. Peering down at the twin concrete portals, you can see a restless glow dancing on one set of glistening tube rails within the murky enclosure. Then a headlight stabs through the curtain of gloom and a pair of fuming diesels spill out of the tunnel dragging a swaying, serpentine string of freight cars into the morning sunlight. The charisma of the Detroit River railroad tunnel is almost overwhelming. But there is more …

In 1867, the Michigan Central Railway and the Great Western Railway of Canada (a CNR predecessor) began interchanging rolling stock via a Detroit-Windsor carferry service. The two companies commenced excavations for a new underwater tunnel during 1872, but soon abandoned the project when sulfur gas deposits were unearthed and several workmen died on the job. The year 1876 found the MCR acquiring control of the Canada Southern main line extending across Southern Ontario between the Niagra Frontier and Gordon (later Amherstburg). In 1883, the Essex cut-off was completed from Essex to Windsor and a section of the original route (Essex to Amherstburg) was downgraded to branch line status. Throughout these years and into the first few years of the new century, Michigan Central carferry service across the Detroit River was plagued by severe winter conditions, heavy ice floes, and limited carferry capacity, resulting in severe monetary losses and the rerouting of much freight traffic over other lines.

The long dormant tunnel project took on a new vitality in 1904. One of the principal drawbacks to a tunnel was inadequate ventilation. If steam locomotives had to be used to haul trains through an underwater passage, the public and railroad employees faced the constant threat of asphyxiation from poisonous gases created by coal smoke and a lack of oxygen. Grand Trunk Western had built a single-track bore under the St. Clair River between Port Huron and Sarina in 1890 and began operations with steam power. Various fatalities occurred as a result of smoke inhalation. (GTW later electrified the bore). Although an electrified tunnel would involve a huge outlay of capital, proponents of such a system (including W.S. Kinnear, Chief Engineer of the MCR) pointed to the successful application of electrified tunnel operation at New York City in conjunction with the building of the new Grand Central.

In early 1905, an MC subsidiary, the Detroit River Tunnel Company, was organized to oversee construction of the twin tubes. Preliminary property surveys were started in February, 1905. The locations where the subaqueous tubes would line up with the dry land tunnel approaches would be situated at the MC ferry slips in Detroit and the MC’s waterfront depot in Windsor.

The business of preparing a set of workable blueprints had started in August, 1905, and the completed drawings were placed in the hands of the contractor a year later. The contract was awarded to the Butler Brothers, Hoff and Company of New York on August 1, 1906, with all work to be concluded (hopefully) by June, 1909. A construction crew of some nine hundred men and a dependable contingent of tough-as-nails underwater divers and tugboat operators was poised for action. Actual excavations began October 1, 1906. Tunnel work was divided into three areas: A 3,669 foot long western approach at Detroit, which included a 1,150 foot long open cut with a two percent gradient; a 2,668 foot long underwater section; and the 6,449 foot long eastern approach at Windsor, which included a 2,900 foot long open cut with a 1 ½ percent gradient. The total length of the underground/underwater tunnel came to 8,376 feet.

The underwater section of the tunnel was excavated according to the open trench concept of digging. An open trench was dug in the river bottom, deep enough to allow the top of the tunnel to be slightly below the river bed in most areas. This V-shaped channel was 25 feet wide at its base. The depth of the dredged trench was from 60 to 80 feet below the top surface of the river itself.

The contract for dredging was awarded to the Dunbar and Sullivan Company of Buffalo and most of the underwater excavation was completed by using steam shovels placed on barges. These shovels were equipped with 60-foot booms, steel cables, and clamshell buckets with a three cubic yard capacity. Tugboats towed them into position in the river.

In the middle of the river divers discovered a 45-foot-deep cavity in the river bed. Tunnel engineers turned this depression into a cache basin which would hold surface water and any seepage which might find its way through weak points in the tunnel.

The all important twin tubes were fabricated at the Great Lakes Engineering Works in St. Clair, Michigan; 60 miles north of Detroit. Eleven steel sections were built. Ten of the sections were each 262.5 feet in length, with overall inside diameters of 23 ft. 4 inches. The eleventh section was a shorter closing piece. At a distance of every 11 feet, sloping steel diaphragms were installed so as to conform to the shape of the riverbed trench. A timber plug was inserted in the ends of each tube section. Tugboats floated the whole strange flotilla down the St. Clair River and then the Detroit River to the construction site.

The tunnel is composed of steel tubes encased in concrete. Elevated walkways are on both sides of the tracks. Conduits for telegraph, telephone and electricity are built in the walls. Ditch between the rails leads drain water to the five sumps. Every fifth rail is five feet long to support the electrified third rail which was removed in 1953. Early postcard view from the collection of John Uckley.


[:I] A man takes his Rottweiler to the vet and says, "My dog's cross- eyed, is there anything you can do for him?"
"Well," says the vet, "let's have a look at him."
So he picks the dog up and examines his eyes, then checks his teeth. Finally, he says "I'm going to have to put him down."
"What? Just because he's cross-eyed?"
"No, because he's really heavy." [:I]

[siberianmo]

[bday] 2006 BIRTHDAY WATCH LIST [bday]
(rev. Jun 12th)


March 5th (Nick – 46)
March 13th (Doug – 50)
March 31st (Lars – 66)
April 18th (Al - 63)
May 18th (Tom - 68)
May 27th (Dave - 47)
June 3rd (John) – 47)
[tup] August 11th (Pete – 55) NEXT UP!
August 16th (Ted – 68)
September 8th (Rob - 35)
October 18th (BK – 66)
December 29th (CM3 – 60)


Not on the list [?] Send me an Email with your birth date (month-day-year). Corrections too!


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