QUOTE: Canadian Rail Journey, Part IV and final (initially Posted on page 16) Wednesday, May 11th, a glorious morning in Bedford (Halifax) Nova Scotia and the time has come to bid adieu to family and friends. Arriving at the VIA Rail station in Halifax, we checked in at the Easterly Class kiosk with plenty of time to spare for our 12:40 PM (ADST) departure for Montreal. The familiar sight of Train #15 and its all Budd consist once again rekindled that feeling of anticipation as we checked our luggage into Bedroom D of the Revelstoke Park car (observation dome). “Claude,” our attendant greeted us with his typically warm and friendly manner and we settled in to our seats up in the dome – front right. Our train was made up of 13 cars and 2 F40PH locos (#6419 & 6418). The consist: one baggage, three coaches, one Skyline dome car – one dining car – six Chateau series bedroom cars and the Revelstoke Park observation dome car. After snapping off a few more photos, we began our journey along the winding trackage from the station to the shoreline of Halifax Harbor and Bedford Basin. Before to long, the dome filled with travelers as we left Halifax behind and headed up to Truro. The countryside is a pretty sight, replete with large farms, lakes, and lots of new construction. Makes one wonder just where are all the people moving from? Since there are no departures from Montreal (or Halifax) on Tuesdays, there was no passing train to view as we cleared Truro on the way to Amherst, the last station stop in Nova Scotia. {Back at the Halifax there was another Budd consist sitting across the platform that would become Train #15 on Thursday. This is the same train I came in on Monday late afternoon with the Evangeline Park observation dome car.) A thought occurred to me as we wound our way through some really great looking scenery, that this may very well be the last time my wife and I travel the “Ocean” in Budd cars, if at all. As I’ve indicated in previous “reports,” VIA Rail will be shifting all the Budd equipment to western service by January 1st thereby making the “Ocean” an all Renaissance equipment train. Having experienced Renaissance in October of 2004, I doubt that I’ll be spending any of my retirement dollars for a repeat performance. As always seems to be the case, we arrived in Moncton, New Brunswick rather quickly, although “Claude” told us we were running about 10 minutes late. With the elegant depots of Amherst and Sackville behind us, the idea that we were heading home settled in. Another 15 minute stop at New Brunswick so we stretched our legs, took some pix, and checked out the dining car menu. Oh no! Not again – same menu as every trip thus far since leaving home! With just two entrees on the menu, the selection does become rather limited when one has been traveling the route for 4 evenings since May 5th. “Claude” told us that the Chaleur, VIA Rail’s train to Gaspe, Quebec, may have a schedule change to permit it to make the trip in daylight. Operating on a three day per week departure in each direction, the “Chaleur” is part of the “Ocean’s” makeup at Montreal, with the separation occurring at Matapedia. That same stop is where “Chaleur” meets the Montreal bound “Ocean” as well. For the first time in many, many trips, we did not have the “Chaleur” with us, nor did I on my “solo” round trips earlier in the week. Anyway, they say the scenery along the route to Gaspe is really something. Perhaps some day, unless someone decides to put Renaissance on the line for that as well. Rogersville – Miramichi – Bathurst (with some snow still visible) – Petit Rocher – Jacquet River – Charlo and Campbellton (last stop in New Brunswick) all were stops where it appeared more passengers boarded than departed. The Campbellton stop also was our signal to call it a day …. Which we did. Thursday morning found me sitting in the dome at about 5 AM (EDST) as the train backed into the station at Charny, Quebec. I guess I’ll never get used to this backing in, backing out business – and yes, it is railroading – but somewhere in my “socialization” regarding railroads, trains are supposed to pull in and pull out. As I thought about this quirk of mine, it occurred to me that even my model railroad “empire” requires backing in or out amongst the 8 consists of passenger cars accommodated at my Can-Am Union Station. Oh well ….. In a perfect world, it surely would be different! With no full breakfast to look forward to in the dining car nor a continental breakfast in the Park car (both discontinued by VIA Rail as cost cutting measures (?)) the day began a bit differently than we were accustomed to. The Park car does offer juices, coffee, tea and hot chocolate along with apples and oranges for the Easterly Class folks. Fortunately, I still had some cookies left from my “solo” trip, so we survived on those until reaching Montreal’s Central Station at 8:05 AM (10 minutes early). Once we reached Saint-Lambert, it was time to get our things together as the journey was about to come to an end. This was a bittersweet conclusion for us in that 15 years of travel along the Montreal-Halifax-Montreal round trip route may very well have ended. Once inside the station, we had breakfast at our favorite “sidewalk café” table. Again, each breakfast of two eggs, sausages/bacon/ham with toast and coffee/tea cost $5 (Cdn) each. Had VIA Rail offered the full breakfast, it would have cost us $9 apiece and we would have gladly paid it if for no other reason than to have the ambiance of the dining car along with the views along the way. Alas, change is all about ……. So, that concludes my “report” of our rail experiences in Canada 2005. The intention of these “reports” has been to share my experiences with those of you who appreciate trains – and the “Ocean,” with over 100 years of operation, is a “Classic” in every definition of the word.
QUOTE: Originally posted by trolleyboy Okay now for the next installment of ...[i] Classic Juice... The Peter Witt Story As previously disscussed . Mr Mitten's nearside car improved the continents ( NA) street railway system,by instituting the PAYE or pay enter way of collecting fares. This improved rider safety by where the cars would stop and improved the street railways bottom lines by #1 getting fares ( in the daysof the conductor walking up an down the side running boards with the "coffee canb" fare box was not only inefficient but many a rider could and would jump on or off woth out paying. And #2 by having a fixed farebox the conductor could conduct there by giving better service to the riders, transfers stop information etc etc. In 1912 a young man by the name of Peter Witt was elcted to the possition of Traction Commissioner for the Cleveland Railways. He was always seeking ways to improve ridership and ruder satisfaction. The one major drawback of the PAYE cars was that they tended to have very long dwell times at stops. With passengers entering amd exiting the cars via the same doors paying the conductor etc. Some people were still amaging to not pay and the exsessive wait times slowed down the flow of traffic and the shcedules of the transit system. So he devised a car design which modifed the cars in that the rear doors were moved to the center of the car. Passengers would enter the front move back to the conductors position just in front of the centre doors where he collected the fares. The conductor controlled the center doors which were the exit. Thus pay as you pass came to be. It sped up the dwell times, and ensured that all fares were collected and transfers meeted out. Peter Witt supervised the first cars construction at the Cleveland railways Lakeview shops in 1914. The first of these new cars came into service on Dec 1 1914. As built they had longitudinal seats in the front section , followed by cross seats in the rear. Thes cars were also built as single ended controls with two man crew operator and conductor. As more and more of these cars enterd service officials from the other street railway systems came to look at them and quickly began producing simialr cars for their own systems. These cars came to be known as "Witt" cars on the major systems of North America. In Cleveland they were known simply as the "Car Riders Car " Many street railways built there own cars to this design and Brill , Can Car Ottawa car Company , Preston Car and Coach, Kuhlman and others began producing this type of car under license. Peter Witt recieved a royalty of $10 per car built outside of the Cleveland shops. Thes cars served all the Major and some of the minor systems. Including Detroit ,Chicago,Kansas City,Providense, Toronto ( 375 cars 75 trailers ),Baltimore,Cleveland, Buffalo , Rochester NY ,Toledo,Birmingham,Kitchener waterloo (ex Cleveland Cars) Regina ( EX KW cars ! ),aand likley several others. Witts came in two sizes. The Large or standard Witt were 53'0" long 8'5" wide and 12' tall ( rail to trolleyboards ) these cars were lower geared and had strait pipping for trailer hauling. They could and did run solo as well. Few street railways used the trailer cars. The small Witt was 47'0" same height and width but were geared for higher speeds. Single service cars( hauled no trailers) used for rush hour and lighter use lines. From what I can gather Toronto was the only company to have the two types of Witts ( as an aside our museum has 4 toronto witt's two large and two small ) The Witt cars ran for years in Cleveland from 1914 to the early 50's in Toronto from 1921 to 1966. Similar life spans were enjoyed else where. Not untill the PCC car came about in 1936 was there such a universal streetcar design. The PCC continued the Pay as you pass method of fair collecting which is still in use today. Most Witts were converted to single man operations in the 30's and 40's with the farebox moubted bus style beside the operator. Rear tredle doors were installed as well as operator control of the rear doors once they were converted to single crew. As with Birney safety cars the tredles or operator center or front door controls could not be operated while the car was moving. Deadman switch controllers were also part of the safety package as well. So there you have it the Peter Witt, the car and the man. If you got to my railimages account you can see several pictures of our museums Peter witt's. Large witt 2424 ( lovingly refered to as Bertha or the beer car ) and small Witt's 2786 and 2894. Rob
QUOTE: Originally posted by nickinwestwales Hey,Tom-another of those cold Molsons please and as it`s payday a round for the house,as and when they straggle in!! Well it`s a day off for me(the best sort-everyone else is working) and blowing a gale out there so time to sit a while. So,Ontario Northland,classic or not?...discuss....[takes me back to schooldays] Well ,first a disclaimer,I`ve never travelled on any of these lines,so all this is "received wisdom" picked up from the (un)official O.N. railfan site,but they caught my imagination. In part because of the manageable size of the outfit (in modelling terms) and partly the off the beaten track,frontier feel of the place. So,the trains, The Northlander runs daily from Toronto up to Cochrane via North Bay ( C.N. trackage to N.Bay ) Normal formation seems to be G.P.38-2,A.P.U (converted "B" unit for car heating ) 2 coaches and a food service car ( coverted G.O.cars ) until fairly recently,power was any one of the last 3 F.P.7a`s dating back to `51 or 2 but retro-fitted with 2000 hp Caterpiller prime movers. Also seen on this service although not sucessful and long withdrawn ,were a number of Dutch built Werkspoor T.E.E units. This service meets bus connections along the route serving the various `branches ` although It`s predecessor the Northland sleeper carried connecting portions and could include virtually anything. Heading north from Cochrane we have the Polar Bear Express,a summer-only tourist run up to Moosonee up in the arctic circle--this is usually a twin G.P38 lashup although Cochrane shed will happily use whats available,usually a dozen plus cars including domes,food service etc ( think these came from B.C.Rail and C.P.R . The Little Bear is the 3-times-weekly mixed to Moosonee--Beyond Cochrane you are in the tree line and the track is the only land route in or out so this is a community lifeline, The little bear runs about a dozen freight cars(lots of flats with big plant,containers etc,fuel tanks,general stores. According to season,a "canoe car" ( bulkhead flat with special racks fitted) and a "moose car" (50` box for dressed carcases) are available. so a thumbnail essay. Thats left me thirsty so same again and i`ll just perch over here at the end of the counter,take care now,nick
QUOTE: Originally posted by trolleyboy Okay Classic Juice #10 The changes in car design and crewing and the comming of the safety car' A lot of you will remember the Saftey car or the Birney from your own cities systems. Next to the Witt Birney's were likely the most common streetcar type out there, with most major and alot of the minor systems operating them,they came in two main forms the single or double truck models. They were designed for singleman operation as well, hence the safety car moniker. First a bit of run up back history to the avant of the one man car. To the uninitiated,the general appearance of trolley'sappearse tio have chaged little before the 1930's. One however can find many subtle changes beginning in the 20's. Monitor roofs , with their small openable clerestry windows, gave way to the arched roof with ventilators around 1910. Rear plateforms were enlarged for the new Pay as you enter PAYE fare system , and doors started to appear more commonly in the centre when Paye as you pass started with the Witt cars. More common use of bright colours, and the abandonment of fancy lettering and striping in the 20's also occured. Likley the biggest change was construction methods, in the 20's steel replaced wood as the construction medium. At the turn of the century (approx 1906 ) steel was used as an underframe, with a wood body previous to that cars were generally all wood. The first NA manufacturer tp do steel bodies was the pressed steel company of Pittsburgh which delivered it's first all steel cars to Montreal in 1907. Most companies however beleaved that heavier wood bodied cars ( steel underframe ) gave a smoother ride,some going even as far as to insist on concrete floors for extra added stability ! Nevertheless steel offered more strength ,was less fragile for external panel use, and could be more easily repaired with rivetting or welding. It was also more fireproof and held together better under vibration. As steel's advantages became better known and hardwoods became more scarce,the tide of opinion changed and by 1912 the star of the changeover took place. Wood interiors and wood framed canvas covered roofs remained in vogue for many years yet but after 1917 the all wood car was obsolete. While double truck cars became increasingly more popular after the turn of the century ,single truck trams continued to be built to the 1930's. Because they were shorter and lighter, and took up less street space,required less maintenance and consumed less energy.They were better suited to single man pay as you pass operations as well for smaller cities and less travelled routes. Money savings were the prime motivation in the 30's to single man cars as well. The unions of coarse were not happy with the loss off two man crewing. The main crux was what if the motorman passes out ot dies with no conductor who would save the passengers, this is a death trap etc etc. Enter the safety car ( and better motorman wages/ sorry conductors the union got less jobs but, more money for the remaining members ) Significant technical improvements / advances happen just prior to WW1 making 1 man operation safe and practical. With the "safety cars " the first was built by St louis car in 1913 for the illinois traction ( later terminal , thought you would like that Tom ). It featured a combination brake,sand and door mechanism plus a deadmans handle. The latter became the main feature to overcome the objections to one man operation should the operator become unconscious or dead.The handle has to remain depressed,otherwise the brakes and would automatically apply amd the doors would be made openable only by hand. Doors could not be openned while the car was moving nor could the car move if the doors were open. Hence the "safety car" name. This system was designed by J.M. Boisenbury ( Illinois Traction's superintendant of motive power ) he worked in conjunction with westinghouse. A foot positioned deadman's button which had to be stood on at all times was also developed at this time.( PCC's use these ) Safety cars of all shapes and sizes were built to double and single truck models.The most popular was the Birney designed by Charles O. Birney of Stone & Webster. his car standarized on a 28 foot 16,000 pound car first produced by Brill in 1916 ( The KW picture I posted on Sunday ) This was a rougyh riding but cheap to produce car essentilally the model T of the transportion systems.They were no frills minimal heating with rataan seats. The latter double truck models rode better but were still rough 47 feet long 40,000 pounds. The later still witt's and PCC's are also safety cars in that their safety appliances are the same ( deadman handle on the Witt , floor pedal on the PCC ) they were just more civilized to the ride characteristcs and of coarse they wer faster. Rob
QUOTE: Posted by siberianmo Posted: 20 May 2005, 14:21:48 Canadian Rail Journey, Part III (initially Posed on page 15) The trip back to Montreal on Monday, May 9th, was aboard a similar VIA Rail consist to the one that brought me to Ottawa (4 LRC coaches powered by a Genesis P42 loco). The car was only 1/3rd full, whereas the morning train was packed. My only gripe with the outbound train to Montreal is that there was no opportunity to snap off a few pix …. Boarding call, followed by a “march” to the cars, very structured and organized to say the least. Departing the Ottawa station at 3:10 PM, Train #34 began the scheduled nearly 2 hour trip to Montreal. The ride was smooth and comfortable. Before I knew it, we were approaching Place Bonaventure and Montreal’s Central Station. Our early arrival (10 minutes) provided me with a little over an hour before boarding call for the “Ocean” and my return trip to Halifax. One thing of note on the way back from Ottawa was my observance of a N. de M. electrified locomotive sitting at one of the shops near downtown, on the south side of the mainline. This loco didn’t look “well” and my guess (since corroborated) is that it was there for maintenance. I didn’t have the time to snap off a photo, for before I knew it, there it was – and there it went! I still have to look twice when I see the N. de M. markings on rail cars – seeing more of ‘em these days as CP’s and CN’s empires expand. Once again, sitting within Montreal’s Central Station, listening to the sounds of the train announcements – chimes – bilingual announcements – the hustle and bustle of a real live train station all around me. Yes – this was and remains a special place for me and those of us who appreciate all aspects of passenger rail travel. The boarding for the Ocean took place precisely at 6 PM for those holding Easterly Class tickets (bedrooms). Proceeding down the escalator to the awaiting train, gleaming in the station lights, I found myself mesmerized once again with just how great those Budd stainless steel cars look and how well VIA Rail has maintained them. (Sure, some may find fault here and there, but my take on that is these very same people probably have “issues” with most things in life – perhaps even Santa Claus!) My single bedroom (Roomette) this time was at floor level and once getting my gear stowed, I proceeded to the next car, the Evangeline Park observation dome. The 11 car train was the same that brought me to Montreal in the morning – 2 FP40’s (#6441 & 6405) – one baggage, two coaches, one Skyline dome car, one dining car, five Chateau series bedroom cars and the Evangeline Park observation dome car. Car attendants were the same as well, “Joanne” in the Park car and “Al” in the Chateau Brule bedroom car adjacent to the Park car. Sitting up in the dome – front seat on the right side, I engaged in my familiar “routine” of watching the procession of commuter trains leaving with their cars full, heading off to their suburban destinations. On the right side were the electrified loco’s (out of sight as they had backed in) and on the far left were the trains powered by F40PH’s of Montreal commuter rail system, “AMT” – translated: Montreal Agency of Transportation. During my time in the dome, I did see on LRC consist arrive, powered by a Genesis P42 in that great VIA Rail livery. 6:30 PM arrived and the Ocean slowly left the station behind as once again daylight enveloped the train, giving new perspective to it all. Crossing the St. Lawrence on the Victoria Jubilee Bridge is always special. The Seaway below, with the ships heading off to their destinations, the automobiles, trucks and buses on the bridge, a passing commuter train to the left and of course the structure itself with a turnout to the right, over the water no less. Really is interesting to take it all in. On this evening, I decided to forgo the dining car experience for two reasons. First, the menu was the same as our Thursday, May 5th trip to Halifax and my Sunday, May 8th trip to Montreal. Enough! Second, I just wasn’t all that hungry – so a sandwich in the Park car dome, with a couple of Alexander Keith’s pale ales “worked” well for me. VIA Rail is about to undergo several changes to what many of their regular passengers have taken for granted. I posted a separate thread regarding these changes on two forums, and provided Email’s to several people who requested this insight. So, for anyone interested in what these changes are all about – check the previous posts on this thread, and you’ll find them.] Remaining in the Park car’s dome until about 10:30 PM, I finally gave in to the urge to sleep, and called it a day – a long, enjoyable day. I had accomplished that which was to be done – once again enjoyed the “light show” of the loco’s headlight playing games with the shadows of the night along with the assorted reflections of color bouncing off the rooflines of the cars before me. The signal lights changing, the illumination within the structures within view of the tracks and the occasional highway vehicle racing along in the night. Always captivates my interests ……. Tuesday morning, May 10th and the last leg of my “solo” rail trip would be coming to and end this day. The day began a bit on the overcast side, no rain, just somewhat gloomy. Up at 6:30 AM Atlantic Daylight Savings Time, and directly to the Park car dome. A couple of “shots” of juice, coffee and cookies (purchased at one of the shops within Montreal’s Central Station), provided me with the “start” I needed. “Joanne” was provided with her remuneration in the form of a new cookie supply for being so kind to me the day before.] More than one passenger asked about the “Continental breakfast,” only to be told it no longer is offered (as explained in one of my previous trip reports.) Unfortunately, it appears VIA Rail didn’t do a good job in keeping the passengers informed, especially those accustomed to this particular feature. Breakfast in the dining car was enjoyable, as always. Several people were commenting aloud with regard to the “missing” continental breakfast in the Park Car’s bullet lounge. It appears that good public relations was not enhanced by this move. At Campbellton, New Brunswick – about a 15 minute stop - two VIA Rail engineers boarded the train as passenger. They were operating Train #15 on Monday night heading towards Montreal when, according to the senior Engineer, a woman apparently committed suicide right in front of their locomotive. A 42 year old woman stopped her vehicle on the tracks at Nigadoo, NB and waited for the train to hit her. The Engineers were taken off the train for return to Moncton on our train, somewhat somber to say the least.. Needless to say, she died at the scene. If you’ve never witnessed the scenery in that part of New Brunswick, I find it to be worth the view. Lots of water – the Bay of Chaleur, rivers, inlets and lots of wooded areas, punctuated by a building or three now and then. Stopping at Miramichi, at Miramichi Bay, always perks my interests too. Formerly, Newcastle, the name change apparently was attributable to the mergers of several communities into what it is today. Anyway, for the duration of the stop, there always seems to be lots to look at. Arriving at Moncton, NB at 11:45 AM, it was time to stretch the aging legs, take some photo’s (again!) and just enjoy what looked like would be turning into a blue skies day after all. The best part of the trip, insofar as my choice in scenery was yet to come. Passing through Sackville, NB with the Bay of Fundy to the right, the prison to the left and then the historic Sackville Station to the right brought back many fond memories. Sackville happens to be the home of a good friend of mine and at least annually, I try to visit with him on a “turn around’ VIA Rail trip from Montreal. There’s about a 4 hour opportunity for a get together, then the westbound pulls in – thereby giving me a “two nighter” on the train, coupled with a brief reunion with my friend. Works well every time! Next stop was Amherst, NB – first station stop in Nova Scotia. That is followed by Springhill Junction (flag stop) and I always look for Anne Murray – but somehow our schedules just don’t ever coincide! Traveling eastward to Truro, the scenery is simply beautiful as the train takes to the ridge line of the mountains (“hills” to those of you in western provinces and states!). On this day, Train #15 passed us on the right, an all Renaissance consist heading to Montreal. From Truro to Halifax, nothing but blue skies and signs of lots of flooding from the torrential rains of recent days past. Passing by “Mom’s” house at Bedford Basin, my wife and mother-in-law were on the front porch, waving as the Park car zoomed by. Another picture taken and another “signal” given to fire up the Buick for the trip to the station in order to pick me up. Works every time! So, that’s about it. Leg #3 of my 4 part VIA Rail adventure came to an end at 4:45 PM ADST – 25 minutes late – but once again, as far as I’m concerned – on time! To be continued ……….
QUOTE: JOHNNY CASH LYRICS "One Piece At A Time" Well I left Kentucky back in '49, and went to Detroit workin' on a 'ssembly line, The first year they had me putting wheels on Cadillacs. Every day I'd watch them beauties roll by, and sometimes I'd hang my head and cry 'Cos I always wanted me one that was long and black. One day I devised myself a plan that should be the envy of 'most any man. I'd sneak it out of there in a lunchbox, in my hand. Now getting caught meant getting fired, but I figured I'd have it all by the time I retired. I'd have me a car worth at least a hundred grand. I'd get it one piece at a time, And it wouldn't cost me a dime, You'll know it's me when I come through your town. I'm gonna ride around in style, I'm gonna drive everybody wild, 'Cos I'll have the only one there is around. So the very next day when I punched in with my big lunchbox and with help from my friend, I left that day with a lunchbox full of gear. I've never considered myself a thief, but GM wouldn't miss just one little piece, Especially if I strung it out over several years. The first day I got me a fuel pump, and the next day I got me an engine and a trunk. Then I got me a transmission and all the chrome. The little things I could get in my big lunchbox, like nuts and bolts and all four shocks. But the big stuff was snuck out in my buddy's mobile home. Now up to now my plan went alright, 'til we tried to put it all together one night, And that's when we noticed that something was definitely wrong. The transmission was a '53, and the motor turned out to be a '73, And when we tried to put in the bolts all the holes were gone. So we drilled it out so that it would fit, and with a little bit of help from an a-daptor kit We had that engine running just like a song. Now the headlights they was another sight, we had two on the left and one on the right But when we pulled out the switch all three of 'em come on. The back end looked kinda funny too, but we put it together, and when we got through Well that's when we noticed that we only had one tail fin. About that time my wife walked out, and I could see in her eyes that she had her doubts. But she opened the door and said 'Honey, take me for a spin.' So we drove uptown just to get the tags, and I headed to ride on down main drag. I could hear everybody laughing for blocks around. But up there at the courthouse they didn't laugh, 'cos to type it up took the whole staff, And when they got through the title weighed sixty pounds. I got it one piece at a time And it didn't cost me a dime You'll know it's me when I come through your town I'm gonna ride around in style I'm gonna drive everybody wild 'Cos I'll have the only one there is around Uh, yeah red rider, this is the cotton mouth in the psycho-billy Cadillac come on, ho. This is the cotton mouth and nugatory on the cost of this mo-chine there, red rider You might say that I went right up to the factory and picked it up, it's cheaper that way. Er, what model is it? Well it's a '49, '50, '51, '52, '53, '54, '55, '56, '57, '58, '59 automobile. It's a '60, '61, '62, '63, '64, '65, '66, '67, '68 [to fade]
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