"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[siberianmo]

G'day CM3 - Tweeeeeeet, tweeeeeeeeet, Rule Violation - Rule Violation! Rule #1, failure to greet the barkeep! [tdn] Oh, I see - you're ALREADY buying a 'round - oh well .... gotcha anyhow! [swg] Boris RIng the bell! [yeah]

The differences in heralds (or initials as in the case of NH and B&M) are interesting to me. I've seen the RDC's with variations - sizes and color schemes. It's one of those things about we anal types, I suppose - just note that kinda stuff and log it for whatever it's worth.

If you would, please check out the B&M route that went through Melrose from North Station and list the stations north to terminus. Really would like to have that. The era I'm referring to was 1968-1970. Moved down to Dedham after that .......

That photo of Mt. Robson was taken from the Strathcona Park car dome, through the always cloudy "glass" and it still turned out well. It was taken with a Sony digital, 3.3 megapixel with nothing special insofar as settings - just landscape. It was just one of those fantastic picture taking moments, something that many travelers miss because of snow squalls, low ceiling, rain, mist, etc. We just hit it right.

Insofar as the illness was concerned - a real killer for sure. I've never felt so bad - ever. Took about 96 hours overall in order to start feeling human again.

You're welcome regarding the Silver Throttle Award - long overdue and well deserved! [tup]

Catch ya later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[CFournier]

Good day all,
Tom, a Pineau des Charentes will be just fine.
Trolleyboy, aren't you forgeting the "famous" Oberon sub? or was it the name of the O class?
[?]CHRIS

[CFournier]

[:D]BOY O BOY, WE MADE IT TO 100!!![:P][bow][C):-)][D)][bday]
cHRIS

[CFournier]

[?] where IS EVERYBODY[:(!][?][bday]. Champagne for all, on me...
CHRIS

[siberianmo]

The 100th Page at "Our" Place [yeah][wow]

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WHO HAVE MADE IT POSSIBLE TO SURVIVE ON THE FORUMS WITH ONLY A RELATIVE HANDFUL OF CONTRIBUTORS!

Al – Chris – CM3 - Dan – Dave – *** - Doug – Jeff – Kevin - Nick - Pete - Rob – Russell – Ted, have one on me! [tup]

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

[siberianmo]

G'day Chris

Only the best - a fine Marnier Cognac just for you! [tup]

Well, we made it and now it's a matter of keeping things going. We'll be coming up on our 5th month on the Forums on the 12th ... can you imagine [?] Time flies ......

While hardly a Birthday let the party roll ........... [yeah][wow] Thanx for the Champagne .........

No Boris you don't have to ring the bell 100 times! No, no, argggggggggggh....

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

A round of your favorite on me . Mr. Barkeep bring out the good stuff. We need to celebrate and not have any more of the rot gut. Congratulations to all in reaching the century mark.

Tom, I think I heard your tale of ralphing across the continent before. It is not fun to be sick especially on a train trip that we all want to enjoy so much. Fortunately it did not have lasting effects on you (or maybe it did).

I got sick overseas a couple of times with a prostate abscess. Not a lot of fun. You are goine every 30 seconds and only pass a few drops (literally) of very painful red fluid. Had a doctor visit me in the hotel (Yes they still do it in Europe). He got me well enough to get home and see my regular doctor. Had to go visit his office in London and that was an experience. It was in an old brownstone office with a bird cage elevator to the second floor exam rooms. He still had the glass cabinets with the white porcelin trim which we have not seen in years. I swear that in one examining room there was a guy on the table with two electrodes sticking out of his neck. Oh well, he did get me well enough to get home.

New Orleams is a real mess. We have 25,000 to 50,000 displaced persons in Dallas. The number here depends on who you listen to. Houston has a bunch in their convention center as does Dallas. Houston has unilaterally cancelled all conventions for the near future and has said to sue us if you want. No jury in the country would agree to throwing these people out of the center for your convention. Dallas, on the other hand, said they are going to work around the conventions. I wonder about the APTA convention scheduled for Dallas the week of September 26. So far the convention has not been cancelled. I do not see how all of these people can be resettled by then. Only time will tell. We are hearing reports, all unsubstantuated, of some robberies and killings by our "guests". I question this.

I was doing some reading about the Pittsburgh & West Virginia railway this week and it brought back fond memories. Their main line crossed the Ohio river just south of my home town of Follansbee WV. This was Gould's line to connect the Western Maryland in Connellsbille PA to the Nickle Plate at Pittsburgh Junction Ohio thereby giving him a transcontinental line in corporating the WM, P&WV, NKP, Wabash, MP, D&RGW, and WP. Unfortunately his plans came crashing down during the depression. Before its collapse the P&WV was known as the Wabash Pittsburg Terminal (no "h" on Pittsburgh) They built a grand station in Pittsburgh a few blocks east of the point that burned down in 1947. I remember the fire as we were in Pittsburgh a couple days later and saw the smoldering ashes. It was rumored that the fire was started by the mighty Pennsylvania, as they did not want any competition in their sacred stronghold of Pittsburgh. This allegation was never proven. I think the origonal plan was to tie up with Vanderbilt and Mellon's South Penn railroad, on which the current Pennsylvania Turnpike was built. The tunnels on the turnpike were the original railroad tunnels. Fortunately cooler heads prevailed and there was not a financially devistating rail war in Pennsylvania. The P&WV had black passenger cars. My Mother would catch their train at the Ohio river bridge and ride it out Cross Creek a few miles to her family's homestead. Passenger service was dropped in 1937+/-

All for nile. Better get back to work.

Cheers,
***

[siberianmo]

G'day ***

Surely you jest, Sir! Rot gut - not 'round here. We don't serve anything but quality booze, brew 'n wine. Rot gut - indeed! Now - thanx for the round. That bell you are hearing is Boris - he thinks it is supposed to be rung 100 times this afternoon ....... Arggggggggh!

Wondered where you've been lately. Ah yes - you do WORK for a living! [swg]

I checked the original date on my report of the Cross-Canada report and you are correct in your belief that you read it before. You, Rob and Al were all participants in my former efforts over on the Trains forum and the Canadian Passenger Railroads - Let's Talk! thread .....

I used to travel the PA turnpike regularly from the eastern most entry to the New Stanton, PA exit. That was in the early 60's when I was visiting my true love In Cincinnati, Ohio. Long, long drive and if memory serves me correctly, there were seven tunnels on the Pike back then. Used to know 'em by name and in order - I traveled it that much. Yes - I'm aware of the route being orginally layed out for a railroad which accounts for the grades - 2 percent. Was the first such turnpike in the nation .... lots of history and a beautiful route in those days, in comparison to the alternatives. Used to also know each 'n every Howard Johnson's along the way too. Loved those fried clam platters ...... [swg]

Unfortunately, those who have been relocated to Houston, Dallas, etc., represent the spectrum of society - some good and others not. So, crime is bound to occur - it's a sad reality when one deals with human kind. This is an area that I hope our governmental officials will quickly recognize and work to support law enforcement efforts, rather than sugar coat it over in order to mollify those who seemingly scream the loudest in their feigned indignation over this 'n that.

I hope you've had an opportunity to go through the Posts since we last saw you in here .... lots and lots of good exchanges, along with an award or two.

Catch ya later.

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[pwolfe]

HI TOM and all.

CONGRATULATIONS 100[yeah][wow].Break out the BATHAMS XXX. I know it is a Christmas brew but this a special occasion. Nick's Zeppelin dropped a keg off and I think it is in the car in the siding,I had better have an ordinary Bathams as a chaser(I tried this once at the RAILWAY'S ARMS on the Severn Valley Railway) [wow], and around for the house please.[tup]

TOM I'm glad you survived that Canadian trip it makes waiting a couple of hours with a loco failure into perspective.Thanks for the words to New Orleans I have only been able to catch the chorus next time I hear it I will have to get near the speakers.

ROB Thanks for the info do you know if the generators were repaired in Canada or sent back to the U.K.

Thanks EARLYDIESELS I have chcked the web-site, got the map and just a case of getting the misses to go [tup](Is there a shopping mall nearby.)
[:-,][:-^]

THEODOREBEAR I dont think there was any Petrol-Electrics in the U.K. The first generation of railcars were mostly diesel-machanical of which the last ones were withdrawn from passenger service last year NICK described the class 101 in a recent post.

The Southern region of B.R. however went for diesel-electric railcars for the relatively few non-electrified(third-rail) lines. On the HASTINGS LINE they were 6-car units with two power cars,

On the other lines they were 3-cars with one power car. The generator took up about half a car.
The Hastings units were built with a narrow body as when the line was built the contractor skimpted on two tunnels at the Tonbridge end forcing more bricks to be added so reducing the loading guage . English Electric provided the engines and electrical equipment. The 3-car units got the nickname of THUMPERS owing to the sound they made. There were some similar units operating in Northern Ireland.
Perhaps NICK can add more.

Anyway lets look forward to the next 100and may I thank ALL for educating a British railfan on the railways this side of the pond[tup]

Go on TOM let BORIS ring the bell 100 times[bday]

[Trainnut484]

Hello Tom and everyone [:)] I'll have a cup of java please.

Hoorayy we made it to 100 [bday][{(-_-)}][wow][yeah]

Just two days shy of my Sept 9th prediction.

Now we have 1,987 replies....2000 coming soon [8D]

I've been burying my nose both in school books and Santa Fe research books. Both my nose and head hurt LOL.

Round o' drinks on me [:D]. Boris just ring it once [:(!].

Russell

[siberianmo]

G'day All!

[wow] Is this a new guy, Trainnut484 Russell[?] Looks a bit familiar, but surely can't be one of our Regulars, or is he [?] Hmmmmmmmmm. [swg] Thanx for the round - Boris lay of that &^%%# bell! ........ Argggggggggh.

Hello Al -Regarding Post on previous page......

Suggest you two catch up on what's been going on these past few days ........ makes it a bit easier to join in on the conversations ...... [tup]

Hi Pete Appreciate your inclusive Post ... that's the idea! [tup]

Hate to correct you guys - started with Chris - but this isn't a Birthday .... Geesh!

Gotta run ...... Catch ya later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Congratulations Tom and all my friends at Our Place for creating the little thread that could .... that really makes the grade! The round's on me!

[siberianmo]

Hi barndad Doug,

THAT's a little engine that could [?] [swg]

Appreciate the round and support!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

WELL I`VE DELETED THE WHOLE BLOODY LOT AGAIN-I DONT BELIEVE THIS $%£^&*&!!!.....right,from the top again boys ....1,2,1234-TOM-Canadian pass books-try Broughdale Hobby,London Ontario @ WWW.RRhobby.CA-they were showing them as in stock recently.................CM3-Bristol/Boston architecture-most of the early colonists setsail from Bristol-guess the local builders worked away on contract........ROB -nice link-"Winnie" looks good in that livery !-quick question whats that HUGE yard up at Steeles & Rutherford called ? FARKUS-revenge is sweet..............Golden Fishplate award for plausible alliteration to manager TED.........will discourse on gas electrics later,-DAN if the line you have in mind is the Tal-Y-Lyn then scroll back,I posted a quick-sketch portrait of the line some time ago,right thats me up to date with where I was yesterday,now lets have a look at today....[C=:-)]nick

[siberianmo]

Nick - Nick - Nick m'boy! It ain't that difficult .... compile your response in a word processor format - then copy 'n paste it onto the thread. It works - really does. When it comes to the smilies and the like, you can always copy them directly to your word processor document by highlighting the bracketed version, copy it - paste it to your creation. C'mon - relieve the stress and go for something different! [swg]

Thanx for the tip regarding Canadian Passenger Rail books. [tup]

Too bad your a proverbial day late 'n dollar short, otherwise you'd KNOW what's going on tonight! [swg]

Email has been sent to you!

As we used to say aboard ship, see ya when the wind shifts!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Good evenig Tom and the gang. Happy 100th [tup][yeah][:p] A round of fine conjac and virtual cigars for everyone[^] And we are close to having 2000 practically ,perfect ,posts. Cudos to the barkeep and all of the regular and in Boris's case irregular[alien] members and sundry! Nick I beleave that would be MacMillen yard or "mac" yard that you are referring to. It is immence regular loco running repair intermodal hump yard s you name it the whole enchalada. would have been full steam servicing roundhouse the whole nine yards at one point as well.[bb] Tom I remember that story as well back in the day on the Old BYOB thread, before the amtrak complainers took over. No worries on the subs, more likley as not our govt wanted new equipment at the time. The O class eneded up cheaper and longer lasting than most of the guppy rebuils of old WW2 boats. Many a guppy conversion was sold to amd used by smaller navies though. Turkey , greese and Taiwan come to imediate mind.[V][:(!] Chris Oberon was a brit boat, but was the name ship of the class. Canada had three built, Austrailia 6 Pakistan and India had three or four each and I beleave it was either 18 or 24 for the Royal Navy as well. They were well built, and one of the quietest diesel classes built. pwolfe Not sure which generators you were wondering about , but all "O" class refitt and repair work was done by St Johns shippbuilding in NB or by MIL davie in Montreal. Thanks to you and Nick as well for the continuing info on rail calssics from over'ome.[;)][:p] Ted [/b] No thanks necceassary, not a problem helping you out with your photo delemma's I was glad to be of assistance,[:)] Fairly qiet nite so I'm heading out for now . Have some atual birthday stuff to do with Heather's family tomorrow so I shall see everyone later in the evening. Rob

[Gunns]

Hi Tom
Coffee please,
Great 100 pages
more later,
Gunns

[siberianmo]

Evening Guys!

Rob Gotta ask - what's the background regarding your extremely keen interest and information regarding subs [?] Trolleys and underwater vessels, [wow]! [swg]

[yeah] We've made quite a bit of headway 'round here, eh [?] The 100th page is symbollic of longevity and I suppose a bit of success as well. I recall reading of our demise and the futility of threads that are of the open forum types and the like. There are more than a few out there who absolutely detest what we do 'round here. Always makes me wonder why [?] in that one really has the option of not checking in! Oh well - I suppose if the Kalmbach folks took issue with cyber bars, coffee shops, etc., we'd be out of business. Thankfully, they don't and here we are - heading toward 2000 Posts. Now that's something else. [tup][tup][tup][wow][yeah]

[bday] to YOU from the Boyz at the Bar! 34!


Thanx for the round ....... Boris, I'm almost afraid to say - Ring the bell - just once! [swg]

Gunns Short, sweet, and to the point! Thanx .......

See y'all later ......... [zzz]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

THURSDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS



The 100th Page at "Our" Place [yeah][wow]

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WHO HAVE MADE IT POSSIBLE TO SURVIVE ON THE FORUMS WITH ONLY A RELATIVE HANDFUL OF CONTRIBUTORS!

Al – Chris – CM3 - Dan – Dave – *** - Doug – Jeff – Kevin – Nick - Pete - Rob – Russell – Ted, have one on me! [tup]

News of the Day:

(1) Repeat Consider helping those who are suffering from the effects of Hurricane Katrina.

(2) No winners in the 100th Page Contest! Chris, our First Customer and Charter Member, put us over the top at 13:12:28 (Central) on Sep 7th! [yeah][wow]

Chris said September 5th
Russell said September 9th
Nick said September 11th
Al said September 5th (by Noon!)
Doug said September 5th (by 6 PM!)
Rob said September 8th Almost – good guess! [tup]
Dave said September 5th
Pete said September 12th
Dan said September 3rd
Ted said September 16th

Thanx for participating!

(3) [bday] to Rob [bday] to Rob. 34! [wow][yeah]
Reminder! Birthday Bash for trolleyboy Rob Saturday, Sep 10th at 10 PM (Eastern).

(4) Tonight is Fisn ‘n Chips Nite along with whatever else Chief Chef [C=:-)] Nick puts on the Nick’s Picks Menu Board ……. [dinner] begins at 5 PM (all time zones! Don’t ask how we do that ……. [swg])

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 00:21:46 (99) Wednesday’s News & Summary

(2) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 02:12:50 (99)

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 07:08:15 (99) reply to trolleyboy

(4) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 07:12:13 (99)

(5) earlydiesels Dan Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 07:22:27 (99)

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 10:32:57 (99) reply to Theodorebear

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 10:45:11 (99) reply to early diesels & City of New Orleans

(8) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 12:22:15 (99)

(9) passengerfan Al Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 12:37:39 (99)

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 12:40:28 (99) reply to coalminer3

(11) CFournier Chris Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 13:12:28 (100) 100th page

(12) CFournier Chris Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 13:13:47 (100)

(13) CFournier Chris Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 13:15:42 (100)

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 13:27:40 (100) 100th page

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 13:31:43 (100) reply to Chris

(16) wrwatkins *** Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 15:39:10 (100)

(17) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 15:56:27 (100) reply to wrwatkins

(18) pwolfe Pete Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 16:25:51 (100)

(19) Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 16:25:59 (100)

(20) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 17:00:46 (100) reply to passengerfan – pwolfe – Trainnut484

(21) barndad Doug Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 19:57:08 (100)

(22) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 20:11:13 (100) reply to barndad

(23) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 20:42:11 (100)

(24) siberianmo Tom Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 20:51:00 (100) reply to nickinwestwales

(25) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 22:56:53 (100)

(26) Gunns Kevin Posted: 07 Sep 2005, 23:34:10 (100)

(27) siberianmo Tom Posted: 08 Sep 2005, 00:22:13 (100) reply to trolleyboy & Gunns

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

[siberianmo]

G'day All,

Just a couple of thoughts before we turn to page 101:

Why not rethink the way you browse our bar 'n grill [?] That is, if you don't check the Summaries, why not [?] It's a great way to find out what's going on 'round here - check out who has been in and look for possible responses to your Posts.

Why not maintain a degree of awareness with regard to what's happenin' in "Our" Place[?] It's rather obvious when a Post is made that makes no reference to questions asked - or events taking place (parties, celebrations, etc.). Why embarrass yourself [?]

The idea is to enjoy this thread and to try and improve where we can. All of us can help!

See y'all later! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good morning Tom et al

I think I will have a mug of strong black coffee. It still is pretty early in the morning to break out the good stuff. Besides in Texas yhou cannot sell liquor before 10 AM. I guess they want you to sober up before going on another binge. Tom-No offense meant regarding rot gut. I always order a call drink rather than a generic one which is made from well liquors. Some of the stuff that bars have for well liquors I use at home for cleaning out old paint brushes. So no offense meant as I was unaware of the premium well liquors we have behind the bar. Speaking of good wine I have a couple that I like. The secret is to find a good wine without spending the next paycheck on it. Two of my favorites are Brown Brothers and Santa Alica. Both are Cabernets with Brown Brothers coming from Australia and costing about $11 per bottle. Santa Alica comes from either Chile or Argentina and costs $8 per bottle. Our local store has both, although they may be hard to locate everywhere. Nothing beats a good cab, a loaf of good bread, and some stilton cheeze. We make this our supper often while sitting on our boat dock. As I say "I am not under the alfluence of incohol as some feeple pink I am"

Oh, I digress. Our mission here is classic trains and Tom I will go to your favorite area-the Maritime provinces of Canada. VIA used to have the Bras d Or train between Montrael and Sydney that ran once per week during the summer months. Sadly VIA dropped the train last year in a cost cutting measure. While in Sydney last month I looked for the station. All I could find was a small platform near a road crossing with the "SYDNEY" sign on a post. I hope this is not the station that you arrive at in Sydney if you were riding the Bras d Or. The Sydney area reminded me of the Pittsburg-Wheeling area where I am from (FAR FROM). The houses were 1920's vintage basic boxes with tacky front porch enclosures. I am sure that there were better areas of Sydney that we did not see. The steel mill has been closed about five years and removed. All that remains are some slag dumps that are being cleaned up. Along the Esplanade there are several new hotels which surprised me. They said now their business is tourism, which is very seasonal.

Boris, ould you get me a plate of bacon and scrambled eggs with toast. I am a tad hungry. Thanks

I was wondering about Canadian Pacific's operations in the Maritimes, which they withdrew from several years ago. From what I have been able to locate they had their line from Montrael across Maine to St John then a ferry to Nova Scotia. On Nova Scotia they had a line north to Tuoro, south to Yarmouth, and east to Halifax. I do not think they went to Moncton unless on CN tracks. I know CP sold their line across Maine to a couple of short lines, but what happened to the lines on NS? Are they all abandoned or sold to short lines? Was their only way to NS the ferry from St. John or did they have trackage rights on CN for a total rail connection? I know the Intercolonial railway was built by Ottawa to connect the Maritimes to the bulk of Canada as most of their trade was south to the US. It is reported that it never made any money which could be the reason for CP pulling out. All of the CN tracks we crossed on our travels in NS looked to be well maintained and capable of good speed service. It is interesting that a few years ago thet CP made an overture to purchase all of the CNlines east of Winnipeg. It would be interesting to know the whole story around this offer. Why pull out then plan to come back a few years later.

PWEBER (any relation to you Tom?) commented on the direct drive RDC type of cars in GB. I remember them running from Staines to Windsor. They did not appear to me to be mechanical marvels as when the were starting it sounded like grinding of gears on a mechanical transmission. Perhaps Coalminer3 can shed some light on this.

Another passing is the removal of the coaches with individual doors for each compartment. I have ridden on this type of car several times in the UK and Europe. Sadly they will be missed although they were falling into a state of disrepair over the last few years. It was always fun to lower the window and reach outside to open the door of your compartment. I guess it will go the way of the steam locomotive and GG1. I also can see the safety concerns with this type of car and the lawyers in the UK are becoming more like their USA counterparts even advertising on the telly in the UK.

The bacon and eggs were TERRIFIC. My compliments to the chef. Better get to work. Will be back later. I will be out of the country the better part of the remainder of the month so if you do not hear from me too often in the next 2-3 weeks I have not fallen off the end of the earth. As MacArthur said in the Phillippines: I shall return.

Thoought for the day: The leadership in New Orleans have done the impossible: They made me appreciate the leadership in Dallas.

Cheers,
***

[siberianmo]

Howdy ***[C):-)]

That's the price one pays for being a Texan ... Howwwwwwwwwwwwdy! [swg]

Okay - 'nuf of that. Check out this URL regarding the train called the Atlantic:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_(passenger_train)

GO TO THE DISAMBIGUATION button - CLICK - then scroll down to Atlantic (passenger train) - CLICK.

There's far more info in this write up than I could possibly do justice to herein.

Regarding the VIA Rail Bras D'Or excursion train: Keep in mind that this train was just that - an all first class excursion running from Halifax to Sydney (Cape Breton) on Tuesday's in the warmer months (May thru end of September, originally - then extended into October). There had been no passenger service between Halifax and Cape Breton since the early 90's when the RDC's were layed up. So, this venture was put together by the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism folks up in Sydney and the Cape in order to kick-start a sad economy. The numbers of people riding the train simply didn't justify the expense - sad to say. It was a great trip - left Halifax around 7:30 AM and arrived up at the platform in Sydney about 11 hours later. A slow, but very scenic and enjoyable ride. Breakfast and lunch served at the seats - excellent menu selections. Singers, dancers and story tellers aboard for the entire trip. A hand picked staff from VIA Rail also attending to our needs. If I recall, there were 22 total staff, and 17 passengers on the trip we made! That was early in the 5 years of existence .........

There were some not-so-good features of this trip. The most significant for us was that the return left the following morning at 7:30 AM. That surely didn't provide for any time in Cape Breton. Bad scheduling. Of course, many people stayed up there for a week - went on to Newfoundland by ferry - then caught the return trip by train. For us, we rented a car - toured the area - and drove back to "home" in Bedford/Halifax. VIA Rail picked up the tab for the rental car drop off - it was all part of the inducement to try the Bras D'Or ....

The reason for the discontinuance had more to do with funding from Ottawa than low ridership. VIA Rail's opeating expenses had been slashed and they had to trim ship where they could. Expect other cut backs ........

So, yes - the 'station' was really a let down and I can't tell you if this was the original site when the RDC's were making their way back and forth, or before when regularly scheduled passenger trains made it into Sydney and North Sydney. I believe passengerfan Al can enlighten us on this ..........

The only time I had the pleasure of riding in the 1st class carriages in Europe was back in 1971 when I traveled from Ulm, West Germany to Paris. After a 3 day stay, it was on to Brest in order to meet up with my ship. The trains were fantastic and I really liked those compartments. Of course, one could get a bit claustrophobic, so I took full advantage of the dining car and standing in the passageway, looking out the windows.

As far as I know, I'm the only living Weber from my branch on the evolution bush, aside from my offspring that is.

Sorry we didn't see you 'round here for the Picnic nor for the 100th Page celebration.

Appreciate your taking the time to stop in ..... [tup]

Catch ya later .......

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Big 100 and a worthy century mark if ever there was one. Tom, lets all have "one by each" of whatever and a double "rot gut" for ***. Let's see, that would be 3.2% Jax Beer if memory serves. [aside: Say, what is that odor? Oh, just another Ford 150 pick up truck burning to the ground. Wonder if it has had Friestone tires?] Its great to have so many "Regulars" pop in to "wash down the old and ring in the new." CLANG...not yet Boris...not yet![:(!] As I was saying: Here's to the next 100 pages and may they be as informative and meaningful as the last; hear hear.[:D]

CM 3, yes the old Essex was a "trip" to be sure. I entered my hotel room to find a local Pigeon in residence (no screens). Still, I had a good view over looking S. Station and the attendant hustle and bustle. However, I wish we could have remained on our Pullmans as we did on other rail movements. For memories sake, I "ankled" over to North Station and took the B M to Beverly, MA. where I did "Summer Stock" in 1959. Saw some old friends, returned and had a great lobster at Durgan (Sp?) Park.[dinner][^]

Pete, thanks for the reminder of Nick's previous post on the Class 101's. I may have caught a glimpse of a few "Thumpers" when I did a "run out" to Belfast from Dublin. Not really sure what I was looking at, however. Say, that is one fast train (Belfast Express non-stop). I had a pleasant conversation on the return with a native born Londoner. BTW, no offense (I hope) to present company, but Belfast was the only city on that Island that made sense to my provencial U.S. habits.[#oops]

Barndad, now wouldn't that 4-14-4 make a great restoration project?[:O] Glad to hear the "promotional" rides, food and entertainment, etc. has been succesful. All of us, I'm sure, appreciate the budget limitations on museum's aquisitions and maintaining shops, tools, et al. "Thomas the Tank Engine," outdoor model R.R.'s, T-shirts, souveniers and a lot of things that may seem "busy work," are certainly essential for survival. My hat is off to all of you folks perserving our "Golden Age" of rail transportation and, in my opinion, the greatest era of both Canada and the U.S.[tup][tup][tup]

Rob, a very happy chronologicaly "official" Birthday. Of course, we will "do it up brown" on the Tenth.[:D] You missed the 100th by a whisker but Saturday will eclipse any thought of minor losses. We are so close to the 2000 mark, perhaps we should have both observances at one "Bash?" Right Nick[C=:-)], nearly an alliteration but no "fish plate" unless you count this evening's repast. The "Our" Place Archives of "Nick's Picks" Menus always has open space for your next culinary adventure.[tup]

Okay Boris, I know you have Bell Pealer's Cramp but duty calls and neither "snow, wind, hail..." shall prevent the 'Pail' from going through. OOOH![:I]

[CFournier]

Happy Birthday ROB![bday][;)]You may have any cyber drink you like on me.
I'm wishing you the best my young friend!
I will not be online on the 10th on account of my still troublesome internet connection at home...
Good day TOM, you always do a fine job as barkeep around this place.
See you later, CHRIS

[siberianmo]

The 2000th Post at "Our" Place belongs to Theodorebear Ted[yeah][wow]

Congrats! Drinks on the house! Boris - NO - not 2,000 times - just ring the bell once, puleeeeeeze! [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

G'day Guys!

Nice to see ya this AM Ted 'n Chris

Looks like you nearly had a double there, Chris - missed the 2,000th by ONE! Congrats to you Ted .... we're on a roll 'round here these days it seems! [swg]

I'm sure Rob appreciates the [bday] wishes and I don't expect we'll see him 'round here until late tonight - that's kinda been his routine as of late. Anyway, he'll be here on Saturday for his 34th Birthday Bash!. [yeah]

Nice inclusive Post, Ted [tup][tup]

I'll have to check with my friend and neighbor regarding his '98 Ford 150 - undoubtedly on the way in for the recall. My oh my - what did we ever do before the recalls [?] Hey! I know - pay the repair bills, over 'n over 'n over ........ these things may be aggravating, but I like the fact that someone is in fact looking out after us, since if left to the manufacturers, we'd be paying through the nose ......

My thanx to all of you who took the time to acknowledge our 100th Post and thus far, wishing Rob a [bday]!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[coalminer3]

Good Morning all (In front, of, behind, and under the bar). 100 pp. EXCELLENT! As always, a round for the house, quarters for the jukebox, and coffee for me. Beautiful here today; gas has dropped to $2.99/gal. for regular. Got my regular vehicle out of the shop this a.m. and gassed up on the way to work - it would have been a lot worse last week.

I'll go through the stack of stuff and get the North Station routing you requested.

I do, however, have the Lexington Branch stations memorized. North Station, North Cambridge, Lake Street Arlington, Arlington Hts (Back in the day), East Lexington, Monroe, Pierces Bridge, Lexington, North Lexington, and Bedford (most of it's a bike trail now). I recall 2-6-0s. 2-8-0s, and 4-6-2s in days of steam; later replaced by gp7s or RS3s on the passenger trains, then by the RDCs. I am working on a piece abt. all of that which I hope to share with everyone in the not too distant future.

work safe

[siberianmo]

Mornin' CM3

Thanx for the round and roll of quarters for ole Juke ... appreciated! [tup] Boris do it again! Just once ....... [yeah], that's it!

Gas last time I checked, was $2.97 and projected to drop perhaps a dime over the weekend. Still far 'n away bad news for those who depend on fuel prices for a living ... can't win for losing.

Thanx for the pending research into my request. Really appreciate it! [tup] Funny, in the years I rode that line, I never took it to the end and back. Have no idea why not - just didn't. It was only a shorta hual from Melrose to North Station - but a great trip it was. I especially liked it in winter - those RDC's were fantastic. Of course, the plow up ahead, helped a lot! [swg]

We've had a few milestones this week, eh [?] 100 pages - 2,000 posts and of course, trolleyboy Rob's 34th Birthday. Never a dull moment in front of, behind and under the bar! [;)]

Catch ya later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Tom-If you would have a dollar bill changer installed on the juke box I would gladly feed it a few greenbacks. I have a 1940 vintage mechanical quarter slot machine from the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas in our great room. I save all of my quarters to feed it. Whenever I get the urge to go to Vegas I pull out a tube ($10 worth) of quarters and run them through the machine. The slot is set to about an 80% payout over time. If you start out with 100 quarters after running them all through you will have 80 quarters. Run these through and you have 64 quarters. Following this logic you will have 51, 41, 33, 26, 21, 17, 13, 11, 9, 7, 5, 4, 2, 1, and ZERO. This is called the rule of gamblers ruin, although I have fun for 20 minutes loosing my money. The good thing is that I have a key which permits me to recycle the quarters. For some silly reason the casinos in Las Vegas frown on me using my key. Cannot understand why. I am fond of the slot machine as it is a Mills brand. I remember them from my youth in WVa as my father wuld go to the American Legion hall and play the slots. Lots of times I would go with him and shoot a little pool. Could not play the slots myself as they said I was too young. Do not know what difference that made as slot machines were illegal in West Virginia. Oh, the fond childhood memories that we have.

How does this all tie into Classic Trains? The main line of the Pennsylvania between Pittsburgh and St. Louis was just across the Ohio River from my home town. (I realize this is a little stretch for trains).

I will finish with a real train story. As you know I have ridden trains all over Europe. One of my favorite rides was on the Scandanavian-Holland Express. The train started in Stockholm Sweden, crossed from Helsingborg Sweden to Helsinger Denmark on a ferry then to Copenhaven where I boarded it. It was a fast 45 minute rut to Rodby where the engine was uncoupled from the front, a switch engine coupled on the rear and pushed the coaches to Rodby Havn and on the Dansk Staats Bahn ferry to Putgarten Germany, It took less than one minute from the time the coaches entered the ferry until it was underway. The ferry ride was 2 1/2 hours and I had the Angleterre Hotel in Copenhaven pack me a sandwich. Their definition of a sandwich is a little different than mine, but it was good. In Putgaten the ferry stopped and the road engine was already backing onto the ferry to retrieve the coaches. If I ever decide to write a book I have the perfect title: Rodby Putgarten. Off and running we were across Germany.

The conductor/customs officers were unique. I was in a compartment with five other passengers. The compartment was similar to the English campartments discussed in an earlier submittal, except there was no outside door. In Denmark the conductor opened the door and said in a very pleasant voice "Good morning. May I please see your tickets and passports? And "Thank you, have a nice trip". In Germany the door was slammed open and "PASSPORTS" was heard in a loud unfriendly commanding voice. No thank yous were given. I almost jumped up, clicked my heels together, and gave the Nazi salute. (That would not have been a cool move)

Each station in Germany was interesting. Some were very ornate and some were very modern. You could tell which ones had been bombed in WW2. At each station a coach or two would be removed and a couple more added to the train. The removed coaches were going to different destinations in Europe. We even had a coach that started out in Vladivostok Siberia five days earlier, although it had a truck (bogie) change at the Soviet Union-Poland border. (This trip was before the break up of the Soviet Union).

On the train there were a bunch of drunk English Soccar fans coming back from a match in Stockholm. At every station in Germany they would open the window and sing "Hail Britannia" or "We Won the War". I really felt sorry for the good German citizens on the station platforms, who probably had no part in the war, who had to put up with this tirade. As the train went on they got drunker and drunker and louder.

At Bentheim, near the German-Dutch border the red German locomotive was cut off and replaced with a yellow Dutch locomotive. Run through power would not work as there was a voltage difference between the two countries. The drunks kept up their noise. As we entered the second station in the Netherlands there were about 20 police officers on the platform. They boarded the train, hand cuffed the rowdys, and locked them in the baggage car. At the next station was a bus to haul them off to the jail. I always thought the Dutch were a quiet easy going people, but remember about 4 months prior to this ride the Dutch police broke up the Moloccan Terrorists who hijacked a commuter train. Guess they had practice with such a problem.

We finally rrived at Centrum Station in The Hague where I disembarked. Stayed in a hotel across the street from the station andthe next day took the KLM flight back to reality. The train went on to Hoek van Holland where it again boarded a ferry to the United Kingdom (In the days before the Chunnel).

I have taken this ride (or oart of it) from Lingen Germany to Schipol Airport. There is a station under the airport with escallators from the train platform that terminate at the check in counters for the plane. Talk about a great mode change.

All for now.

cheers,
***

[siberianmo]

G'day ***

Twice in one day! Whatillyahave [?] Didn't catch your order ....... I'll withhold the Rules Violation - Rule #2 - failure to order a drink - given that your Post was extremely interesting ......... [swg]

Your very own working vintage slot machine! What I would have given once upon a time for something like that. No longer have the interest nor the space, but when I did - man that would have been something indeed. The basement is all train room now, or most of it. No free space for any more toys!

Given that you've had a career taking you to Europe, Africa and other places, undoubtedly you've got more stories to share with us! Always appreciate what you have to Post and there is relevance to our subject of Classic Trains. They don't have to be just U.S. or Canadian to qualify ..... [tup]

By the by - surely you Posted that story as a [bday] gift for Rob's 34th!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]