"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[passengerfan]

Hello All Guess its time for another Crown royal and water back and bartender don't forget the rest of the house give them one on me.One of the finest summer vacations my family ever was on was the summer of 1955 when Disneyland opened.
We left from Seattle on the NP train to Portland. The sleeping car we were on was 9034 a 10-Roomette 6-Double Bedroom SP car we occupied two adjoining bedrooms Mom and Dad in one and my brother and I the other. I think they gave a special rate on 2 bedrooms but not sure. There were four cars that were through cars from Seattle to Oakland. The four cars were all sleeping cars and the train was practically new the cars bore the name Cascade on their sides below the windows. We were the third of four SP sleeping cars all destined for the Cascade in Portland. There was something about the train that always made my dad hungry. We were in the dining car before the train arrived in Tacoma. The NP diner was a newer 48-seat dining car a Pullman Standard built car. Enroute to the diner we passed through the Parlor lounge car belonging to the NP. After lunch we returned to our sleeping car where probably due to the meal and lack of sleep the night before both my younger brother and I were soon fast asleep sitting in the bedroom.
As we crossed the Columbia River the car attendant asked us not to leave the car in Portland as the train was a little late and a switcher would be waiting to switch the sleeping cars to the waiting Cascade. The switcher already had a single sleeping car for the Cascade coupled to it when it coupled on to our four cars for the switching move to the rest of the Cascade.
The departure from Portland was ten minutes late but by the time the SP Cascade arrived in Eugene we were back on schedule. The power was an A-B-A sets of PA's and I did not get a chance to write down the numbers.
The articulated three car Cascade Club was the next stop for dinner. I always remeber being overwhelmed by the size of the dining room later I learned that half of the dining area was actually the lounge used as additional dining space at meal times. Set up as a diner I later learned it could seat 88.
As it grew dark the car attendant asked if we were ready to have our beds made down. We were exhausted I remeber I lost the coin flip by the porter and my brother got the upper bed. I guess being young we were awakened about fifteen minutes before arrival in Martinez. We disembarked at Martinez and within a few minutes were boarding the San Joaquin Daylight for Los Angeles. The train had a triple unit Coffee Shop, Dining Room Kitchen unit. We traveled by coach to Los Angeles on the San Joaquin Daylight and I remember the Coach we were on was part of an articulated pair. Arrival in LA was on time and my Uncle was their to meet us. We spent one day at Disneyland visited Knott's Berry Farm Pacific Ocean Park. All to soon it was time to board the San Joaquin Daylight for the return trip to Seattle. On time we arrived at Martinez where we once again boarded the excact same sleeping car 9034 we had come down on. This time my brother and I got the bedroom ahead of my parents and after dinner we retired early. The next morning right on time we arrived in Portland and the four through sleeping cars were switched into the UP train for Seattle. We ate breakfast in the first dome car I had ever been in unfortunately we did not dine in the dome part a bit of a disappointment for my brother and I. But there were two domes we could sit in on the way to Seattle the dome Parlor car actually a dome sleeping car and the Dome Lounge car an observation car behind our SP sleeping cars. All to soon this part of the trip was over and we arrived at Union Station Seattle across fourth Ave from King St. Station we had departed on our California Disneyland trip from.
Well one more round for eveyone and i have to do something with the wife this evening going to one of the inlaws (or is that outlaws) never quite sure.

[Anonymous]

help no spiken inglish

[nickinwestwales]

The house thanks you passengerfan,and we`ll all take the same again-looks like a new face at the bar -Miguel,take a seat friend,first ones on the house-tell us a tale.....oops,them track gang boys again,back directly,nick

[nickinwestwales]

Well chaps,it`s 2.30 at this end of the bar (it`s a cyber-space thing apparently) and as the lovely Ruth has popped in on her way home from some retail therapy,wracked with guilt and desperate for overtime I shall leave you all in her capable hands (!?!) another round for the house and it`s the moonlight mile for me,take care good people,Ruth-keep an eye on that crew at the other end,lock up when you`re done. see you next shift,nick

[Anonymous]

Hi Miguel, I'm Ted and I guess you have met Nick and Ruthy already. If you get a chance, you might enjoy reading some of the Posts from the recent past. Tom (the owner) put the latest flaps together so new customers can get a "feel" for the friendly interests this crew has in common. I hope your favorite quaff isn't Crown Royal as it seems to moving around here faster than Seagrams can "bag" it. Oh Rob, its "true confessions time!" I had a three night "stand" in Pittsburg, Pa and the third night was "all mine" until a late departure the next A.M. I headed down to the Square and caught a good Jazz group until closing...uh oh! I figured the best "night cap" would be a long round trip on the "incline" trolly to the car barn and return...no problem. That is, until the Motorman left me on the car while he did whatever motormen do before the return "run." In his brief absence, I couldn't resist taking the driver's chair for a closer gaulk at the many toggles on the P.C.C.'s dashboard. Alas, a Transit Authority Cop, who bore an uncanny resemblance to Ernest Borgnine, espied my unauthorized perch and unceremoniously escorted me off the car and into the staff dressing room. After an uneasy explanation and some "trolly talk," I was able to make the return trip without further incident, whew! I never gave a thought to the awkward position I had put the heretofore chatty Motorman in. It was a long glide back to downtown and the "silence was deafening." Just another chapter of "things I would like to change" from my gypsy railroading past. Miguel, I don't even want to talk about another "close encounter" at the Grand Terminal in Mexico (Mexico City). I'll let that "rest" until our next "toot." See ya soon, G'night all.

[trolleyboy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CFournier

Hello Rob.
The Lancaster really flew over Ottawa??? Boy if I had known, I would have made the 2 hour drive to see that! When I was a little boy, my best friend's father told us a story about when he was a sniper in the army (nasty job...). He said that one day, in France I think it was, he was running and fell into an ennemy trench. When he stood up, he was facing 6 or 7 germans in the trench. But they where surprised by his sudden appearance in the trench and decided to surrender! He walked them to the rear in front of his mesmerized commrades!
Chris

Hi Chris yes they indeed took part.From my point of view though it was a real fitting stop over concidering 10,000 Canadians were killed serving in ours and the Royal air force during the war.Our Lanc is really speacial , I'm spoiled I live 25 minutes from the Hamilton airport where she is home based at the warplane Museum so my wife and I get to see her fly three or four times a year. CWH is good to Brantford the Lanc and usually three or four other planes are flown in to our airport each summer for the united way airshow.I hope your friends father got a medal or something out of that wow what a luckey man to be around to tell that story. This is likley the longest flight they've taken the lanc on for a few yearsher four engines burn a ton of fuel so they tend to fly her more locally.They have been known to fly cross country though I know 8 or so years ago she flew out to Alberta at the openning of the Nanton Alberta air museum. They are trying to restore their Lancaster to at least taxing status and hopefully flight status but their bird is missing more bits and pieces. Rob

[trolleyboy]

Good evening all. Nick a thought would be to look up the CN lines Sig group. They will be able to give you the down and dirty on anything on the CNR and it's US possetions right down to the last bolt. If I'm correct parts of the Newmarket sub are still around and used,some bits of it have been torn up and let go to pasture as it were. Ted wow it's a good thing that you didn't hit any of the toggles if some of them arent set properly you can fry the mg sets which me trolley no goey and not a cheap fix either. Hopefully the motorman didn't get any demarits for leaving you unattended. I have to say that PCC's are not my favorite car to operate I prfer the older cars with hand controls and air breaks.Though anyone who has run a PCC for an 8 or 12 hour shift my hats off to them. Balancing the deadman pedal with your left foot is excruciatingly hard on your calf muscles. well folks I'm hear for a bit to spell the girls off,I've had to call the cab co to take the track crew home though as I was tired of their johnny Cash kareoke attempts. Rob

[Anonymous]

Hi Rob, I owe you one from last time. Did you say: "Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 1927, western slopes?" Would you like a rack of lamb with that Rob? If it is in Tom's cellar and Nick and the gals can find it, my Visa will cover it. Have you met miguel roger yet? There is always room for one more if folks will "step to the rear of the car and mind the door." Hopefully, Miguel will help me with my Pigeon Spanish which nearly landed me in the local constabulary outside of Guadalajara a few years ago.

The bad news is that my LHS doesn't have a clue what a P.C.C. is. The good news is that the clerk handed me a gratuitous C.D. of Bowser's HO, N and O guage catalogue. I will be ordering one new version (undecorated) and a re-power for my old vintage car. Yes Rob, the Pearly Thomas, Peter Whitts, et al. cars get my vote over the P.C.C.'s also. There is something about the sounds, smells and motion of the old 2 and 4 "points" cars that is unique. I don't know about the "hands on" experience you have enjoyed. Perhaps some day I may wrangle an invitation to your area and enjoy a second or two at the power and air handles minus the cordial local gendarmerie. Failing the Car's handles, any "handle" (tap) at a local Pub will do.

Your V-E Day must have been a real "winner." The better, by twice, "Lancs" over the "Wellies," with the hum of the Rolls "in lines" would've put me in a altered state of reality. We have superb air shows in my area (McDill A.F.B.) but it is the usual fare of U.S. "prop wash" with few exceptions. Sure, I love 'em but the Lancasters still remain the most "underated" Allied bomber of those days. Hey, looks like "Our" Place is "taking-off" too. Keep 'em flying and chuffing until Tom's "I shall return" promise happens. Regards to all and have a G'day.

[CFournier]

Hello to all the patrons of "Our place", [dinner] A shot of Lagavulin straight for me, please.
Hi Rob, did you ever visited the railway museum at Delson, 15 minutes from downtown Montreal? Nice collection of rail equipment including old tramways.
http://www.exporail.org/musee/musee_crm.htm
Check it out.
Chris[4:-)]

[CFournier]

Me again, and no ice in my drink.
For all the many RDC fans hanging in this joint, I found this fan trip for next weekend.

Nashua, NH The Spring 2005 Convention of the Northeastern Region, National Model Railroad Association - Granite State Flyer - will be held at the Marriott Hotel at 2200 SOUTHWOOD DR Nashua, NH 03063. Friday through Sunday May 13-15, 2005. The convention is sponsored by the Seacoast Division, NER/NMRA, and the Bedford Boomers club of Bedford, N.H. Fan trip on ex-BCRail RDCs, contests, clinics, banquet, tours, operating layouts. Registration: $30.Contact: John J. Campbell, Jr., registrar, 63 Alexander Drive, East Hartford, CT 06118. Telephone: [phone]. Or, e-mail: [e-mail] [8D] [bow]
Can you make it TOM? [C=:-)]

[nickinwestwales]

Well hi,Rob,hows business tonight ?-girls look to be working hard in the lounge,`bout 11 pm this end of the counter,so time for my "little helper"-Molsons for me,lagavulin for Chris,crown royal for Ted and whatever you`re having,fill em up,it will save your legs later. Thanks for the pointer to C.N.lines-they`ve got stuff in there,but so far I`ve been unable to access the relevant pages,will keep trying. Ted-I can see the headlines now...."Jazz crazed youth in midnight trolley heist,local officer gives chase in 2nd trolley,but loses suspect after taking on passengers at 4th & Main".......regarding the house stock of victuals,I believe Tom was lucky enough to obtain a case of the `27 during his navy days,the last remaining one is being held back for a celebration,should a mail-order delivery ever arrive on the appointed day. As to the Lamb,any fool can stick half a torso in an oven and put little hats on it---How about Pan-fried Noisettes with reform sauce,maple-glazed carrots,steamed fine beans and Roesti potatoes(sorry about spelling,no umlaut), a starter portion of button mushroom and baby courgette/zuchini stroganoff should prepare the palate nicely ,with something light ,taken at a gentle pace,from the dessert menu to contrast with the tang of the liquer coffee.......(so tom-do i get the chefs job yet??). Chris,hi-thanks for posting details on convention,I may be able to enjoy it vicariously through the wire. now,Lagavulin-with that you get a clean glass!!! ICE!!!!!!!!! No barman worth his salt would ever put anything in a lagavulin except more of the same unless specifically instructed Right,any requests for the juke box? -I fancy kicking back with some Kentucky Bluegrass with a little John Lee Hooker thrown in-best steer clear of the jazz section or Ted will be out back trying to hi-jack the Can-Am Flyer before we know where we are and after last nights "entertainment" with the kings of karaoke,the prospect of country leaves me very nervous.........Hey-how come I got the glass with a hole in ???-same again all round please Rob,right,juke box..................

[passengerfan]

Good Evening to all. I guess I have time for a double Crown Royal and Water Back and give the house around at the same time.

Tonight haven't had time to think about older passenger trains much, it seems as if California is pushing for more rail service than we have now. That is good news in itself. It is rumored that additional California and Surfliner cars and power will be ordered before the year is out and my source says their is even going to be a least ten double deck sleeping cars these will be the first of the California cars built to that type. My source says the order will total fifty-two cars. It is believed that the new cars will be used to increase frequencies on the Capitol corridor, San Joaquin Valley Line and the additional Surfliner cars will be used to extend at least one train from San Diego to Oakland daily in each direction. The sleeping cars will be used in overnight service to LA from Oakland and Sacramento via the coast line and San Joaquin Valley line. Guess that is the biggest news I have heard on our local rail scene fo quite sometime. Now if it comes to pass we should see Slleping car service intrastate beginning as early as june 2006. Will just have to wait for a confirmation on this latest news but it comes from a very reliable source.

[trolleyboy]

Good evening everybody. Chris I myself have not been to delson but many of our museum members have.We tend to share parts and expetise etc etc. They are certainly on my must see list though my French is shall we say not so good .I might be able to order a hamburger at Mc D's but that's about it.If we get down there we may need to drag you kicking and screaming along to translate. Ted you are welcome to pop down , I'd love to give you the guided tour,and yes after hours we may indeed let you have a go as it were.Chris if you make it down on that charter make sure you get some good pictures to post here all us RDC feinds would love to see them.Speaking of charters,For groups of twenty or more TTC will allow you to charter their historic collection PCC's on the city streets.If you have lots of people you can charter 2766 there last remaining Petert Whitt, the downside is you need to be able to fill three cars though if you want the Whitt you have to charter both of their PCC's as well. Union rules since the Whitt is airbrake only it has to be lead and followed by cars with electric track brakes.Or our museum does chartering as well(groups of at least 20)Well looks like I've got another T-storm moving in so I'm signing off for now. Rob

[Anonymous]

Rob, Nick and Chris, isn't it remarkable that taste in decent cuisine should run parallel with "tastes" in railroadiana? One might expect this juxtaposition on the original Orient Express but in today's world; the two seem anachronistic. A discussion of the subtleties between an R.D.C.-1 through 4 and "bruising'" a 16 year old Scotch with ice, not to mention selecting a six course menu (each course complimenting the next), is almost surreal. When Tom returns, I surely will put in a "good word" for you Nick. Mind you, it won't be easy touting your affinity for John Lee Hooker and Nuits-St-George opposing "Stand by Your Man" and Muscatel. Gentlemen, I will take an oath not to "hi-jack the Can-Am Flyer" if I may be permitted to play the vintage Ella Fitzgerald sides! By the way, aren't those subsonics coming from the "Flyer" as we speak? Passengerfan, the latest news on increasing rail service (intrastate) is incredible. Let us hope the rest of the turf follows California's lead, as is usually the case. I bid all of you a happy tomorrow. Say Nick, have any of the distaff side expressed any interest in "yours truly?" A "good word" from you and Rob would be most appreciated. In the bonds, Ted

[trolleyboy]

Ted i'll certainly put in a good word for you.Do you like red heads?She seems to spend alot of time refilling your drinks etc,you may not need the good word.I hope everyone likes the signature photo I have added.This is a piece of the museums rolling stock.TTC S-37 a russell built snowsweeper dating from 1927.This car was originallu built for Boston then sold to NYC's third avenue railway sold again in the early 50's to the TTC along with seven sister cars.Our museum aquired it and sister S-40 in 1973 when they were retired.We have and are currently working on this car, new roof beams and tongue and groove siding.We sent S-40 to the Fort edmonton museum where it was stripped for parts.This photo's 8 or so years old right now as I said she's in the overhaul barn but is functional.Hopefully by the end of summer she will be finished (woodwork)The truck springs and bolsters will need redoing next year.The heavy salt use in toronto in the 60's and 70's ravaged the origional woodwork but slowley but surely it's getting referbed. Well I'm out for now talk to you all tomorrow. Rob

[Anonymous]

Great "theme" photo of a classic S-37 design. Rob, what is the reason for the term "Radial" for the Museum? I guess a better question is, what is a "Radial" Car? The picture on the opening page for the Museum (hcry.org) shows a double ended car with a high arch roof that is remarkably similar to some cars on Kansas City's roster (1940's). K.C., Mo also ran single ended cars favoring these same clean lines. As a kid, I didn't pay attention to the builder's name, more is the pity. I think some of the heavyweights were of St. Louis Car Company's origin.

I will be looking into the logistics for the possiblity of visiting the Toronto area and luxuriating in street R.R.ing Valhalla. I may not be psychologically prepared to meet the rigors of air transport since my last ordeal flying to Dublin, Ireland (via Gatwick). I actually sat down on arriving at that airport and contemplated "scrubbing" the whole mission. I'm glad I didn't as there was some interesting rail travels all over that tiny Country. On my return to Tampa, two weeks later, it was clear that Father Time was "catching-up" to me. The "spirit" is willing but these old bones may not be! I did feel better when I noticed folks many years my junior were "down and out" in airport waiting rooms.

Its lunch time, so I'll order a Reuben w/***, french fries and a couple of Kosher Dill spears, if you please Ruthy. A good ole Molsins Ale should "hit the spot." Then, I need to go home and tweak the G gauge right-of-way outside and clean-up with my B. & D. palm sander. A Scotch Brite pad on the sander should make this labor go a bit easier. Also, a couple of braces need replacing and two more added for better support. The garage HO layout is over-due for a total "refurb" committment also. When it becomes too hot and humid, I'll move all activities inside (air conditioned) and work on kits (rolling stock and structures). My cat, "Minnie the Moocher," will never know how imminent her demise was when she elected to tear out those pretty color coded 18 and 20 gauge wires under the HO layout. "Satan, get thee behind me...and push!"

I guess Tom is munching some goodies in the Buffett Car about now, thinking how grand it is to be away from the Johnny Cash Kareoke crowd. I hope Tom knows the girls are working out very well and the "track gang" is displaying exemplary behavior. Okay, everyone have a g'dafternoon and perhaps we will see youz later this evening, eh?

[trolleyboy]

Morning everyone. Ted the term Radial is I suppose a Canadian term.It is a name that was given to intercity electric lines.In the US they would have been refered to as Interurban so the term is really interchangeable.The Museum uses radial in the name because our ROW is the old Toronto Suburban Line that ran Toronto to Guelph,an interesting sidebar is that the museum has now operated longer on this stretch than the TSR did.416 is the car on the Musuem's title page it's a double ender built by the Ottawa car Company in 1912.It was built for the Ontario hydro electric Lines and ran in Toronto on the North yonge radial. TTC operated them on the port credit and weston road lines as well.It was retired along with it's sisters in 1949-50 as they were extra cars once the first subway lines started up. This car is also in the overhaul barn at the monment she's just recieved a new roof and restorations are continuing (needs all new wiring and controller rebuilds)concidering that this car spent 25 years as a house we have brought her back along way she's actually run under her own power at the museum! I hope you do brave the airport and come see us.I think I can hear the CLRV's calling to you. LOL Make sure that if you do get down you let me know so we can squeeze you into the museum as well(I'm sure I''ll have to drag you kicking and screaming)Well off to work I go talk to you all later. Rob

[Anonymous]

Good evening my friends. Just came in from the outside and need to wet my whistle. Wind, although hot, has been blowing and it has dried me out. The temporary bar help sure are good and far better looking than our regular guy. Now that I have my martini and a hamburger lets sit and spin a tale or two.

Tonight I will put you asleep with a story of the APTA train from Baltimore to Frederick Maryland. We left Baltimore early in the morning in a MARC train bound for Washington on B&O's Camden line. Scooted around Washington Union Station on the shofly connecting B&O's lCamden line to their line to Point of Rocks. Just before Point of Rocks (we could see the classic station from the train) we branched to the five mile line to Frederick. This is the only track that MARC owns and operates. We arrived in Frederick for a 4 hour layover at 10 AM Sunday. Unfortunately nobody told the town that 1,000 "tourists" were coming to town. Nothing was open. My wife found a coffee shop and planted we ourselves at an outdoor table, sipped coffee, and watch the rest of the tourists wander by. The best part of the trip was the return wherein we went on the original B&O line from Point of Rocks to Baltimore. Most of this line was double track, however there were several sections of single track. I think we were the first passenger train on this line in about 50 years. We did manage to turn heads along the way. This line was very curvey and was like a roller coaster along the South Branch of the Potapsco river. Even though Frederick was not prepared for us it was a fun day.

While at the APTA convention in Baltimore we visited the B&O Museum before the snow collapsed the roof. This is a great museum and well worth visiting.

Well it is time to fill up the glass with another gin and then I will dose off.

Gulp, gulp, snore, snore!

[passengerfan]

Godd Evening All! How about a double Crown Royal with water back and a round for the house.
Here I was worried about where the terminator was going to get the funding for an expanded amtrak California and I only needed to wonder for one day . It was just announced that the Governor has restored 1.8 billion dollars to the states transportation projects. That will look after all of the new Amtrak equipment and the highway projects planned for the next year. Guess that will mean more cars built by Bombardier although their has been talk that Sumitomo a Japanese Company wished to bid on any future Amtrak California cars. The last cars they built were Peninsula commuter service far different than the California cars or the newer Surfliner cars. Just have to wait and see.

[trolleyboy]

Good evening.I'm here till Nick shows up so don't ask for anything but sandwiches or soup I'm not that skilled of a chef.Wr what will you have sir.This past years ARM convention was hosted by the Baltimore museums our guys who went down said that they did one heck of a job on the roof restoration at the old roundhouse.Aparently you can't tell the difference,they are well on their way to finishing the fixes on the exhibits that were damaged in that collapse as well.The guys wre telling me that the Baltimore Streetcar Museum guys were quite freindly and that their operation is getting bigger and better as well.Two good train destinations for anyone travelling to Balt.Nick you will be happy to know that on my way home from work today i say a couple of ONR loco's on the CN today.One of them was one of the SD75's but the other was a GP-38 still in the old lightning bolt scheme.And no before you ask I didn't have my camera with me.They were quite a ways off their home rails likley a power/time trade with CN the 75's were partially paid for by CN so they can request time an millage on them i'm guessing the 38 was just along for the ride. Not too too much to report today other than that oddity.Passengerfan are the Japanese cars a double or single level?I imagine that the Bombardier equipment will be cheaper to purchase but sometimes the Govinator is less than enthused about all things Canadian.Well guys n gals i'm heading back into the pool room let the ladies know if you need anything. Rob

[nickinwestwales]

Well good evening Ann and gentlemen all,how are we all on this fine day ?-splendid!! Just thought I`d stop in for a quickie before stepping through to the kitchen to cover for the night,looks like Passengerfan was in the chair,thank you kindly,I`ll have a Molsons with you. Well, the delivery never turned up so the specials tonight are:- Chicken Maryland,Sea Bass poached in lime,rum and ginger or Vegetable Biriyani ,Ann will be happy to take your orders. Passengerfan-delighted that you`re getting your trains back!!---Dont know if it will affect the outcome of the bidding battle,but Bombardier closed their largest (I think) works over here about 6 months ago....lack of orders,I believe. Rob,thanks for covering the bar,looks like you`re having that storm belt that the coffee shop crew were talking about,good luck...sounds like a LuLu Ted-Lady Ella is always welcome in any bar that has my custom,-whilst pursuing a musical theme,could Minnie The Moocher have been after your CAB control system......( sorry..) Happened to hear Ruth mention your name earlier,think she may have taken something of a shine to you. The private dining room is usually available at short notice and I would be delighted to cook for you.....On your Irish excursion,did you take the trip down to Rosslare-one of the very few examples of "street running" anywhere in the U.K.....will describe further if any interest. ***,nice to see you back,I found that bottle of Plymouth gin we discussed the other night,also that bottle of Booth`s that I may have mentioned..***?.....***???....Ann,could you call a cab for *** please,he seems to have nodded off .....O.K.,looks like that party of 12 has arrived for pre-dinner drinks,better get through and fire up the stove,chop a lettuce or two......welcome back my friends to the show that never ends,It`s good to have you back-please come inside,come inside.........

[Anonymous]

Glad to see you're back in the kitchen Nick. Rob an the gals did a superb job during your absence. Yesterday, for lunch, I endulged in the best Reuben in recent memory. The *** was "alive" but subdued with the addition of thin slices of Jonathan Apples, dry red wine and dark brown sugar. Tom must be applauded for his insisting on only the freshest of breads and meats. Nick, I sould be honored if you would cook for Ruth and me at a future date amenable to all parties. I leave the choice of menu in your capable hands...surprise us. I know that Ruthy shares a preference for French cuisine; let that be the only guideline. I shall gladely advance you any amount needed for market expenditures. Please, simply include your gratuity on the check so as to avoid uneccessary, mundane anxieties.

The Rosslare leg somehow escaped my notice. Yes, I would like to be apprised of what I missed along my whimsical intenerary on "The Old Sod." Frankly Nick, there was a noticable "shortness" in socialbilty except in the Cobh, Galway, Dunleghare [sp.?] and Belfast areas. Apprantly being "born in a stable, DOES make one a jack ***" in some parts of Ireland. But please, no more of this, lest we fall to that provencial trap of "hasty generalization." It is true that Irish rail is the "best kept secret" among travelogues and tourist agencies here. And, that is a shame. I was particularly impressed with the speed and efficiency of their system and that "full service" trains are...just that! My hotel was across the street from Connolly Station (mostly electrified commuter trains) while Heuston Station was a cab ride (mostly diesel over-land routes). I demured from "package" tourists groups and travelled independently, entirely "on my own." It may be impossible to capture the "soul" of a Land whilst languishing among your own, don't you think? I'm glad that I made the trip but cannot recommend it.

I had wished to ride the ferry to Wales from Dunleghare [sp.?] but sudden squalls prevented it. I made the best of it by settling in a friendly local pub for lunch before the next train back to Dublin. Perhaps in later postings, I'll drop a few anecdotes in greater detail but for the present; I would cherish another Crown Royal and fresh soda while Ella welcomes "LuLu back in town." Minnie (the cat) very nearly found herself, not in a CAB, but a hearse Call-o-way to the animal shelter (ouch!). G'dafternoon to one and all and Annie, please take a 'round' for the bar out on me. Happy rails, Ted

[CFournier]

Hello to the regulars.
A cold Rolling Rock for me with Tom's special sandwich of the day. Now guys, any suggestions on wich of the girls I should approach for a night at the movies followed by a midnight run on my motorcycle (usually parked behind Our place near the tracks)?
Are they all taken? I don't want to interfere with any thing going on with the other patrons here. I do like the looks of the redhead ...
Chris

[Anonymous]

Hello, all. I'll take one of those Alexander's Ales, please. I thought I was the only one around here with a weakness for redheads! My compliments to everyone who has helped out in Tom's absence. Good job.
Went to the railroad last Saturday and was the engineer on a high school reunion-class of 1943. Some of the men had clothing designating their military duty during WW2. Fitting for VE Day weekend. All of them are heroes in my view. Also had to redo the south bridge on the line. Shifted over the winter. Had a great turnout for help, got a lot done, and the G.M. played chef and everyone ate well. Going to have a tad bit more work for this Saturday. The wife and I are going to ride some freight mileage on a shortline, then, however. Another group we belong to. I'm supposed to take my conductor's uniform, but being as how my new hat has'nt arrived, I may just try to get by wearing my overalls.
I've been bitten by the gardening bug. It all started when we stopped by a new hobby shop in town catering exclusively to garden railroaders. I wanted to drop off some literature for our excursion railroad and got to looking around while the owner answered the phone. She also gave me some beginning garden rr brochures. Just what I need, another hobby!
Well,got to run. Keep up the good dialogue and the beer cold!

[nickinwestwales]

Well good evening Lucy and gentlemen all,a round for the house and send a tray of cold ones out to the kitchen with my compliments,Ann & Jemima-thank you for covering for me tonight-I owe you!!.....Just back from weekly band practice,for 2nd week running bass player had to work late so instead of the usual Telecasters I got to play my newly restored Rickenbacker stereo bass again-tonights choice of material tended towards Cream,The Who,Michelle Shocked and a lucky dip of classic Ska,plus a load of weird improv. stuff...strangely compelling,although this may be beer-related....So,Who,what &where?--Ted,will give the menu my complete attention-No further mention of gratuity please,preparing nice food for my pals is the upside of churning out "Prawn Cocktail,Steak`n`Chips & Black Forest Gateau" for endless coach parties,--trust me on this !! Now-Ireland,a country in transition....I could spout off at length here about social conditions,politics etc but in brief,`urban` and `rural` Ireland are 2 very different places.. O.K.-the Rosslare route,much reduced now,used to handle large-scale livestock exports across to Fishguard,near me. When we were there,about three years ago,there were 5 trains each way to Dublin plus 2 on the Waterford branch daily. The Dublin trains had "C" class units with 2 1st,rest,4 stds,GUV heating van,the Waterford service had class"B" with 2 stds & a van-all mk 1`s the dublin train is mk 2`s except for the van, they also run steam specials and still have the turntable in place and hooked up at Rosslare Europort. with what looks like an old loco shed on site other trackage is sparse,just a run-around and long stub siding if memory serves,in former times,there was a huge marshalling yard . This is now the queing area for the car ferry. Next up the line is Rosslare Strand,a little beauty of a station...Single track,approacching from the south,you have a Y-point in front of you,with a pair of flourescent orange semaphore signals showing you the way. The right hand track leads under the up-&-over road bridge to an 8 coach platform with the signal box about half way along. The left side platform is only half as long and the Waterford branch peels off to the left at the end of it.The passing track continues to the end of the Dublin platform which also peels off to the left, and so onto Wexford-called in there on a wet and windy sunday morning looking for tea &sympathy.--most of the town faces out onto the river,so we found ourselves wandering up & down the quay,found a "greasy spoon" ordered up and relaxed.......next thing I know,a G.M singing quietly starts getting louder,splilled out the door-Dublin-Rosslare creeping past at walking pace on what I had assumed were abandoned tracks between the parked cars and the moving traffic. please excuse me if I cut out here,pi**ed as a rat,apologies for drop in standards,nick

[passengerfan]

Good Evening everyone Another round for the house and i'll have my usual.
The news for California is even better today it will be $2 billion for the transportation budget. $90 million destined for new highway construction $ 300 million for repairs to existing freeways 600 million to complete highway projects left unfinished such as highway 58 to be completed as four lane diviided in high desert. That leaves 1.110 billion for the railways the already proposed new California and Surfliner cars and the rest is for commuter rail such as ACE and others. They are finally beginning to realize that if they offer good rail service people will ride. And people who commute are waking up to the fact that they sure arrive more relaxed than if they drive. Hope to have a first hand report on the ACE trains later this month.

[trolleyboy]

How's everyone tonight,We are doing the thursday fish and chip speacial all you can eat so don't be shy.Passengerfan it's good to see some real money being spent on rail transit.Lets hope 49 other states and Ten provinces and two federal govt's follow suit!Enough crazy political talk though[soapbox] I'm wondering have any of you riden on or recollect the turbo trains late of CN,Via or Amtrac fame or the Northlanders euro Tee train. I've noted that several of these are showing up as new or new and improved models in our minature world out there. I'm just wondering how accurate that they may be?Our museum looks like we have had some good news.Sometime this summer we should star breaking ground on our new carbarn.At last the subway sets and the rest of our outdoor stock will have a warm dry home[tup]Well I'm a bit tired so i think I'll let ruthy close the place down tonight. Talk to you all later. Rob

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the great input on the Rosslare Nick. I should have done more homework before departing. That sort of railroading is "right up my alley" (no pun intended). Sounds like Rob, passengerfan and earlydiesels had productive days with so much good news; a rarity these days. Lucy, my usual and a round for the guys please. I wish I could "hang" a little longer but domestic chores are nagging me for attention. See there gents, a bachelor's lot isn't all freedom and independence either.

Nick, I may only plead ignorance on some terminology regarding: "1st, rest, std, GUV heating vans, mk-1and mk-2." If you could refer me to a site that offers some detailed data, it would be gratefully accepted. I know you're busy, so I won't ask you to take the time and space for explaining what must be common knowledge for most of "Our" place buddies. Just when I think I have "a handle" on nomenclature, well...the word "ignoramus" comes to mind. Thanks for any "digging deeper" type articles, etc. you may forward. Hope your gig went well and requests weren't too "off-the-wall." I'm afraid the days of "sing me a few bars" for unfamiliar tunes are long gone. When I think of it; just about all of my musical "days" are "long gone."

Chris, as far as I know, the Red Head is "free and clear." Someone did mention her in a previous post, however. If I hear of any complications, I'll let you know. By the way, is it safe to leave your bike in the parking area out back? I've seen any number of colorful characters around and about. One in particular wearing "overalls." Prorbably, just another rail fan hoping for that "perfect shot?" Speaking of "shot," I've procrastinated long enough! Back to the laundering, hoovering, pan handling and if there is any time left, re-wiring after Minnie's (cat) devastating romp through the power harness. Anyone want a charming black and white female (neutered) "Fur Ball"? Nick! Maybe just the the thing for future Asian menu planning? So long, Ted

[M636C]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Ted D. Kramer

Thanks for the great input on the Rosslare Nick. I should have done more homework before departing. That sort of railroading is "right up my alley" (no pun intended). Sounds like Rob, passengerfan and earlydiesels had productive days with so much good news; a rarity these days. Lucy, my usual and a round for the guys please. I wish I could "hang" a little longer but domestic chores are nagging me for attention. See there gents, a bachelor's lot isn't all freedom and independence either.

Nick, I may only plead ignorance on some terminology regarding: "1st, rest, std, GUV heating vans, mk-1and mk-2." If you could refer me to a site that offers some detailed data, it would be gratefully accepted. I know you're busy, so I won't ask you to take the time and space for explaining what must be common knowledge for most of "Our" place buddies. Just when I think I have "a handle" on nomenclature, well...the word "ignoramus" comes to mind. Thanks for any "digging deeper" type articles, etc. you may forward. Hope your gig went well and requests weren't too "off-the-wall." I'm afraid the days of "sing me a few bars" for unfamiliar tunes are long gone. When I think of it; just about all of my musical "days" are "long gone."

Chris, as far as I know, the Red Head is "free and clear." Someone did mention her in a previous post, however. If I hear of any complications, I'll let you know. By the way, is it safe to leave your bike in the parking area out back? I've seen any number of colorful characters around and about. One in particular wearing "overalls." Prorbably, just another rail fan hoping for that "perfect shot?" Speaking of "shot," I've procrastinated long enough! Back to the laundering, hoovering, pan handling and if there is any time left, re-wiring after Minnie's (cat) devastating romp through the power harness. Anyone want a charming black and white female (neutered) "Fur Ball"? Nick! Maybe just the the thing for future Asian menu planning? So long, Ted

While Nick is clearing his head, I thought I'd fill in for a while.

The port for Dublin is Dun Laoghaire (pronounced Dunleary)

Mk2 = 64 ft steel air conditioned car (but some without air later imported from UK)
Mk3 = 75 ft steel air conditioned car

The only Mk 1 cars are heating vans, originally with boilers, now diesel generators

(The "Mark" refers to British Rail car types of which CIE/IR/IE and NIR also have many)

1st = first class, cars with nice seats
2nd = second class, cars with hard, fixed bus type seats
rest = restaurant car
GUV = General Utility Van - really a mail or baggage car

Alphabetic Loco Classes

A = MetroVick built six axle boxcab rebuilt with 1500HP EMD 12-645E (only preserved)
B = first version Sulzer boxcabs (long gone)
second version EMD GL-8 end cab (switcher style) 875 HP (nearly gone)
third version EMD JL-8 dog bone (hood with cab at each end) 875 and 1000 HP
C= MetroVick built four axle box cab rebuilt with 1000 HP EMD 8-645E

I don't know what Nick was drinking or smoking but the last photos I got of a C class working was in 1984 (I recently looked at the shots) A couple were sold to NIR in Belfast and I saw one, not working, in 1997 (my last visit) He may be confusing the GL-8 (121 class) and JL-8 (141, 181 classes) which look different but are both B class.

More recent units have only had numbers

071 = JT22CW dog bone six axle 2250 HP EMD
201 = JT42CW boxcab six axle 3000HP EMD

Two of each of those belong to NIR for Dublin-Belfast trains.

Hope this helps

Peter

[CFournier]

Hi this morning,
A strong black cup of engine oil for me!
Boy what a night! I had planned to take Ruth out for a spin but she objected, saing she had plans involving Ted D and a romantic night at the restaurant! But she did fix me up with Annie [:X], you know , the buxum blonde in the dinning room. Wow, I think I made Annie drink a little too much…[:I]She really loved the little midnight ride on my motorcycle and promised we will see each other soon… Guys, from now on, consider Annie taken. “Love is in the air…”[}:)]
Chris