"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[Gunns]

Evening all

Coffee and Ham and swiss, please
and a hand full of what ever pain meds youf got, I over did it a bit today at the "Work site".
As for Fallen Flags, How about the San Jaun extension of the D&RGW, All steam never did have a Deisl prme mover on it.



route; Atonito Colo to Farmingto NM, branch to Silverton Colo

Name train "The silverton" (still running on the D&S)

Main line train was the San Juan Express

Power were the K series, K27, K28, K36, and K37s all 2-8-2 Mikes with inside frame drivers and counterwieght at the rods.

Mixed frieght, Silver ore, and cattle

Reminents are the C&TS, and the D&S both still running The heaviest Narrow gage steam in the world.

Gunns

[siberianmo]

Hi Gang!

Just some quick replies before the SUMMARY goes out .....

passengerfan Al Thanx for the round! [tup] I'm outta the discussion ... said just about all I can on the subject! [swg] To do otherwise is to turn this thread into what I detest so much about the other Forums with the incessant Amtrak bashing .... no thanx! Some interesting points of view have been put forth and all opinions respected. [tup]

pwolfe Pete I've traveled aboard trains powered by steam, back in the '40's. Not that many as I recall - but the coaches were hot, hot, hot and the windows, dirty, dirty, dirty. All wasn't really that "charming," however, in looking back, somehow it takes on a totally different perspective. Now I'd be willing to travel great distances and pay some real bucks to ride 'em again! Strange, this fascination with steam loco's! [swg] Thanx for the info! [tup]

I've never had the opportunity of watching very many steamers in operation, as you described. Now that would be great fun too.

By by the by, I'm heading downtown this AM to purchase my tix for our Amtrak trip. [tup]

trolleyboy Rob Condolences to your wife and family regarding the loss of her grandmother.

I don't consider Amtrak a Classic, however when one turns back the pages of time to explore the beginnings and the impacts on other passenger roads - then it "fits." So, in that regard, there's agreeement. We both witnessed what occurs when this subject gets out of hand - no fun.

S-Helper makes some nice "stuff" for S-gauge/scale. While my railroad - now called S Capades thanx to Nick is saturated insofar as additional equipment is concerned, that S-9 more than likely will be well done. For me, I stick to the roadnames that apply to my pike - S-Capades is represented by MoPac and IC - that's it. Undoubtedly there are those who just snap up whatever is offered and wind up with a hodge podge of loco's & cabooses (they HAVE to match!). Not me .... anal that way! [swg]

Gunns Kevin Stay tuned - I've got a Fallen Flags segment coming up on the D&RG .... The name, Silverton should ring a bell for earlydiesels Dan as it happens to be included in the name of his favorite song by his favorite singer - The Silverton sung by CW McCall ........ Thanx for the info! [tup]

Time for the SUMMARY!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

THURSDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

Mornin’ All! Time for a hot cuppa Joe, something special from The Mentor Village Bakery pastry case, and perhaps a light breakfast ……. [tup]

We still have two regulars either away for awhile, or iffy, so for those of you who have stepped up to the plate – THANX! [tup][tup][tup]

COMMENTARY Again, we’re looking to ensure some regularity with our Postings, so these are the times that will greatly help us remain “up” on the Forum:

6 AM – Noon – Noon – 6 PM – and 6 PM – Midnight. If each of our regulars were to make at least one Post in any one of these slots, we’d continue to maintain our “health.”

News of the Day:

(1) Tonight is Fish ‘n Chips Nite along with our anticipated special on the Nick’s Picks Menu Board. Check it out – [dinner] Dinner begins at 5 PM (all time zones – don’t ask how we do that! [swg]

(2) Index pages for Fallen Flags Posts:

106 - SP
108 - MoPac
109 - WP
110 - Frisco
112 - CNR (fallen only as a passenger carrier)
114 – ACL

Additionally: Heralds of the Fallen Flags are on page 112 and Passenger Train Nostalgia #1 on page 113.

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 21 Sep 2005, 00:49:23 (114) Wednesday’s News & Summary

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 21 Sep 2005, 06:56:37 (114) Fallen Flag – ACL

(3) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 21 Sep 2005, 08:09:17 (114)

(4) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 21 Sep 2005, 08:43:25 (114)

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 21 Sep 2005, 10:02:11 (114) reply to coalminer3 & Theodorebear

(7) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 21 Sep 2005, 12:01:09 (114)

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 21 Sep 2005, 12:33:51 (114) repy to Theodorebear

(9) passengerfan Al Posted: 21 Sep 2005, 15:07:17 (114)

(10) pwolfe Pete Posted: 21 Sep 2005, 15:08:02 (114)

(11) siberianmo Tom Posted: 21 Sep 2005, 16:08:10 (114) reply to passengerfan & pwolfe

(12) West Coast S Dave Posted: 21 Sep 2005, 17:12:36 (114)

(13) Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 21 Sep 2005, 18:02:26 (114)

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 21 Sep 2005, 19:07:37 (114) reply to West Coast S & Trainnut484

(15) passengerfan Al Posted: 21 Sep 2005, 19:14:04 (114)

(16) pwolfe Pete Posted: 21 Sep 2005, 22:00:29 (114)

(17) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 21 Sep 2005, 22:44:28 (114)

(18) Gunns Kevin Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 00:45:45 (114) D&RGW info

(19) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 07:24:45 (115) reply to: passengerfan - pwolfe - trolleyboy - Gunns

=======================================
That’s it! [tup][;)]

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

[coalminer3]

Good Morning All; Round for the house, coffee for me, please. Let me know when we need quarters for the jukebox. Weather here today sunny and warm - going to be in the upper 80s. I love it because the furnace sleeps quietly in the basement. Enjoyed reading the recent posts re Scotland, Canada, and points in between. Also appreciated the information on CN/CP RDCs.

There has certainly been some traffic on the forum recently re the Atlantic Coast Line. Those of you that have not read Richard Prince's book on the ACL should try and get a copy. You'll enjoy it.

The train of theirs I recall seeing most was the "South Wind." It carried a bunch of sleeping cars, including a pair of 4 section/4 roomete/5 double bedroom/1 compartment cars between Chicago and Sarasota and Chicago and St. Pete; not something you saw every day.

The City of Miami was not too far behind with a Chicago-St. Pete 3 double bedroom/3 compartment/1 drawing room/lounge car (again a configuration that was not that common).

work safe

[Anonymous]

Mornin' one and all. First, my sincere sympathy to Rob, Heather and Family for your loss. Grans are always very "special" in our memories and affections. These are their parting gifts which they bequeath us for all time.

Tom, I think it will be the decaf Folgers this A.M. and I'll snag a couple of Nova Scotias on a toasted Bagel w/cream cheese. Say pwolfe, is that anything like the (also provencial) breakfast request you made? Good Posts, all about the stuff that bonds folks at "Our" Place into one "heck" of a unique group. Oh Tom, I'll send a qualifying message on the "junque" tack later today. And, while we are at it; I agree there is nothing positive to be gained by "bashing" Amtrak. After all, "its all we have." [tup] For some of us, it is more how it came to be that hurts the most. Your previous suggestion of "safer" climes for a rail jaunt is certainly rational. However, there isn't a thing "rational" about Rita which could impact the S.W. and Mid West as well.[:O] Please everybody, stay safe and "keep one eye to the sky" for good measure.[tup]

Likewise for me on any and all U.K. R.R.ing Pwolfe and Nick.. Gee's, I hope no one feels inhibited in sharing their "Classic Train" lore hereabouts. Aren't there enough prejudiced "barriers" these days?[xx(] There may not be a lot of input on narrow guage but I haven't heard a disparaging word yet. Looking forward to more on those classic "beasts of burden" in future posts.[tup] For sure, the scenic settings alone are real "Topic stoppers."[^]

Okay, afraid this reply hasn't been very informative but the "spirit" is in the right place.[:D] Boris, if you will kindly had me my umbrella, I'll...you were using it as a bellows to start a fire? I see! I'll exit via the Rat's Patoot Room as inconspicously as possible.[:(!] See ya soon.

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

There was a train called the East Wind that operated back in the 40's to the late 50's. The one I'm referring to had mainly yellow livery for the passenger cars although some others were silver and dark blue. It ran from Washington, D.C. up to Bangor ME. This particular train was unique, not only in the color scheme, but in the manner in which the participating railroads joined in. The Pennsy provided certain cars, as did the New Haven, Boston & Maine and Maine Central. There were some changes in later years, but the yellow PRR livery is something I'll never forget - saw one sitting on a siding way back when, and never forgot it. Finally purchased an HO version for my display case. Check out this URL for some great insights:
http://www.nhrhta.org/htdocs/images0701.htm

coalminer3 CM3 Glad the reciprocal info is appreciated. You've provided so much material for us, that our respones should be at least - well, reciprocal! [tup]

Your mention of the "South Wind" brought to mind the comments I made above regarding the "East Wind." This place does that to ya - INFECTIOUS! [swg]

Ted Your Email was received and a reply has been sent. Thanx! [tup]

Frequenting the Rat's Patoot Room eh [?] Nothing that a massage from one of our gals couldn't cure! [;)]

The evolution of how we got from back then to today with passenger railroads does create a bit of anxt for sure. Especially if you happen to be someone who has experienced the pleasure of traveling in those beauties of old.

Perhaps there's still a number of folks who feel that way about the trans-Atlantic passenger liners- The Queen Mary - Queen Elizabeth - SS Constitution - SS Independence - Ile de France - and the "baby" of 'em all, the SS United States, along with so many others. [yeah] Those were the days for sure when it came to traveling "in style."

Catch ya later - and - watch for the next iteration of my Fallen Flags series. I think you'll like it! [tup]

Oh [yeah] - it's Fish 'n Chips Nite and the Manager has duties to attend to! [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Here’s another Fallen Flag for the gang from Classic American Railroads:

Seaboard Air Line

Headquarters: Norfolk, VA

Route mileage in 1950: 4,146

Locomotives in 1963: Diesels – 531

Rolling stock in 1963: Freight cars - 27,560; Passenger cars – 446

Principal routes in 1950:

Richmond, VA-Homestead, FL (Miami) via Columbia, SC & Jacksonville & Auburndale, FL
Coleman-St. Petersburg, Fl
Hamlet, NC-Savannah, GA
Norlina, NC-Norfolk
Hamlet-Birmingham, AL
Savannah, GA – Montgomery, AL
Baldwin-Chattahoochee, FL
Baldwin-Gross, FL (bypass of Jacksonville)
Waldo-Sulphur Springs, FL
Plant City-Fort Myers, FL
Durant-Venice, FL
Hull-Port Boca Grande, FL
Valrico-West Lake Wales, FL

Passenger trains of note:

Cotton Blossom (Washington, DC-Atlanta)
Gulf Wind (Jacksonville-New Orleans)
New York-Florida Limited (New York-Miami)
Orange Blossom Special (New York-Miami)
Palmland (New York-Tampa & Boca Grande, FL)
Silver Meteor (New York-Miami & St. Petersburg & Venice & Ft. Myers)
Silver Comet (New York- & Portsmouth, VA-Birmingham)
Silver Star (New York-Miami & St. Petersburg & Venice & Boca Grande, FL)
Sunland (Washington & Portsmouth-Miami & Venice; formerly Southern States Special, Sun Queen & Camellia)
Suwannee River Special (Cincinnati-Florida destinations)

Of note: SAL passenger trains were handled by RF&P & PRR north of Richmond.
L&N handled the Gulf Wind west of Chattahoochee.

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[West Coast S]

Top of the day Tom, Ted, Pwolf, CM3, PassangerfanAL, Gunns and all the gang, cuppa joe good neighbor

Amtrak as a classic? I suppose one could look at it in that fashion. My first exposure to Amtrak was at the Canyon Diablo Bridge in AZ, power was F units wearing Warbonnet, this was one month or thereabouts after its inception.
I recall that a few cars were repainted and relettered to reflect the change in ownership. My first true SF streamliner encounter was as a small lad waiting at a grade crossing somewhere in the midwest on one of my fathers many transfers between coast.

Heady stuff for someone from Blueridge Va, where N&W black was as good as it got. That may partially explain my fondness for the somber, yet dignified grey and scarlet worn by the SP.

Ok tom you'll love this, can't recall the exact year but the CP Royal Hudson was in the San Francisco Bay area for some now forgotten civic event, the buzz was it would be moved dead in tow while on foreign rails until shipment to the Southern could be arraigned, the timming would seem to conicide with the various Bicentenial events.

Anyhow, a intrepid group of railfans in the know, discovered that the SF was pulling some slight of hand and intended to move it and its matching consits under SF pilot power to stockton.
The appointed day arrived as a small crowd gathered at the depot which hadn't seen this much activity in 40 years. One could not help but notice the presence several of high ranking officals and RR police who denied any knowledge of a special movement taken place.

The more we probed for details the more agitated they became, I generally found SF personal at this location unfriendly, particulary the Station Agent, so there glacial stares and grunts didn't surprise me in the least.

The jig was up when a railfan who had raced from Port Chicago appeared, he had barely made it to the depot ahead of the special announcing to all that indeed it was under steam with no pilot locomotive. Soon headlights appeared in the distance, as it approached the industrial area with its mutliple grade crossings the whistle was discerned. All too soon the moment was over, a magnificient matched consits behind classic Canadian steam with not a diesel in sight.

Post analysis might explain the tight jawed reaction from the officials. It was indeed to be piloted by a lead diesel, but prior to arrival in Port Chicago the pilot engine was removed to deal with a power emergency, it makes sense now, they were as surprised as we were at the last minute change of plans for which they had not been notified or prepared for!

Alas, it was the only time i've seen Candian steam, it remains a event unknown to the railfan community except for the dozen or so of us fortunate to be trackside that day for this unusual movement.
Dave[tup]

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom. Guess I'll have a CR and a round for the house if you please.
You have mentioned the ACL and Seaboard in the last few days and my train experiences with them is after they merged to become the Seaboard Coast Line.
I was fortunate to ride out of Florida on the SILVER METEOR from Miami to New York one January and found the train to be excellent remember the sleeper lounge cars with their glass roofs very well as my Bedroom northbound was located in the same car.
The southbound trip was on the all Pullman FLORIDA SPECIAL complete with fashion show while still running on the PC enroute to Washington. In fact the FLORIDA SPECIAL will always stand out in my mind as its the only train I ever disembarked from with more money in my pocket then I boarded with. I wasted buying a bedroom as I joined an all night poker game in the Lounge and walked away the next AM $1,100.00 richer when the game broke up south of Jacksonville. Never before or since have I been that lucky at poker. Played the game many times while relaxing on the train but never had luck like that January night in 1968. For that reason alone I will never forget the FLORIDA SPECIAL. Do remember that the train was all Pullman and their was only two SCL sleeping cars and the twin unit dining cars all of the other cars were foreign (UP,PC,and SP as I recall. Remember checking into a Miami Hotel and crashing after getting off the train. The only train trip I ever had a bedroom on that I never used. The other thing I remember was the car attendant continued to serve the poker players drinks all night and everyone in the game contributed to a most handsome tip for the all night bar service.
Two weeks later was on an Air Canada Flight out of Miami for Montreal and after arrival in Montreal went immediatly to Gare Montreal and boarded the PANORAMA for the trip to Vancouver to meet my bride to be when her ship arrived from Australia. We honeymooned on the CPR CANADIAN returning from Vancouver to our new home in Toronto. Only thing I ever got away with was buying a new home without the wife seeing it first. What was I doing riding trains to and from Florida in the first place, one last fling at the single life before settling down. Would have taken the train to Montreal from Miami but stayed to long in Florida for that to happen.
Enough of my rambling have to get back to the books.

[siberianmo]

G'day All!

We've had some interesting conversation this fine day and it appears that our forward momentum has a way to go ........

West Coast S Dave In the situation described, it would have been well worth a few bucks just to be there to catch the looks on the collective dour and sour faces .... had a laugh about that. I've never seen Canadian steam up close and personal, although I did catch a glimpse of a couple of great looking loco's sitting in Squamish, BC while traveling northbound on BC Rail's Cariboo Prospector [Yes -that's the way they spelled it!] Anyway, now that passenger rail has disappared from Squamish and vicinity, I seriously doubt whether we'll ever return to the area - great RR museum up there.

Look, Dave you've just got to spring loose with some bucks 'round here if we're to stay open - or perhaps I'll have to jack up the price of coffee! [swg] C'mon, we're talkin' about cyber drinks in a cyber bar! Good Gawd Gertie - even the Feds should be able to handle that! [swg]

passengerfan Al You really stirred the pot with the Amtrak stuff, eh [?] Happens! So, you've acknowledged the Fallen Flags series - albeit indirectly! - but at least you've seen 'em! [yeah]

I never had the pleasure - or opportunity - of traveling on either road, the SAL or SCL. Would surely have loved to, for driving down the coast with NY plates on the car was a magnet for those small town southern deputies! "Get out the car, boy!" Heard that once or twice! [swg] Anyway, good narrative as always.

I recall a card game aboard the Pennsy en route Cincinnati from NYC back in 1960. I played cards, in uniform, all night in the club car - broke even! Better than being a loser, eh [?] Also, didn't buy a drink - not a one. Now, I really did - but when the morning arrived and I counted up what I had in my pocket, it was pretty much what I began with - so breaking even with cards AND the drinking wasn't so bad.

There were two memorable situations during that session - one involved a guy who just had to be a gangster and the other, a great looking gal who just had to be a hooker. Stories for 'nother time and place. Perhaps the May Rendezvous in Toronto!.

You have an Email.

Thanx for the round! Boris ring the chimes! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[West Coast S]

Tom... Round of Johnny Walker to start, Black forest Ham with swiss and light mayo, dill pickle on the side, a real dill, not that travisty in a jar from the local market assembled using those excellent sourdough rolls I saw earlier.


To the business at hand:

You haven't check the funds Jar? oops me bad! My offer yesterday to pick up rounds for the house went unheaded. Have we all gone on the cyber wagon? You know how we Feds are: no glory, no rewards, too much money with no time to spend it. oh sorry, quoted wrong on that last, THAT'S WHAT MY WIFE SAYS!

Ok, I promise to keep up my weekly stiphen, in my professional capacity I suggust Inspector Clueless be tasked to investigate this sudden loss of revenue or is Boris leveraging the till for his Vegas jaunts, Girl's Gone Wild video collection or his ongoing desire to avoid rejection as a canidate for Extreme Makeover?

Here's my twenty for the fund and a additional ten for the clapper caper. Now who among us is willing to step up to the plate? Oh, heck now that i'm so far off topic as to not be able to see center, I renew my offer of a round for the house, which i'm sure Tom will agree with.

In a vain attempt to redeem some measure of my former self. I had a particularly memorable railfan experience with some members of the US Navy I met on Cajon Pass. who's idea of a good time was to consume large quanites of alcoholic beverages and partake in the art of railfanning sans clothing. Crazy times indeed!

Dave [tup]

[siberianmo]

Ommmmigosh! I missed a round [?] Okay, Boris Ring it and put it on the boss' tab! Sorry, Dave. Tell ya whatimgunnado! I'll match your twenty and your ten, and raise you twenty more for the Clapper fund! [swg]

Now to some serious stuff 'round here. We do NOT serve pickels from jars - don't know where YOU'VE been lately, probably some 5-star LA bistro - for our pickles are and have been right over there in the barrel with the brine on the surface! Grab one of those extended tongs and help yourself! [swg] Jarred pickles - sheesh!

Revenue loss has been attrributed to the parties we throw in this place. In case you've been on the dark side of the moon lately [swg] we've had a run of celebrations these past few weeks - Birthday Bashes Anniversary Celebration 2000th Post etc. That stuff comes from the kitty which is at low ebb.

Boris has been to Vegas AND has a video collection too [?][?] We'll have to get his boss, Nick to look into that. I know those dolls of his run into the big bucks, but that's not from our cash stash - it's from whatever he picks up 'round here. [swg]

Catch ya on the rebound!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[West Coast S]

QUOTE: Originally posted by siberianmo

Ommmmigosh! I missed a round [?] Okay, Boris Ring it and put it on the boss' tab! Sorry, Dave. Tell ya whatimgunnado! I'll match your twenty and your ten, and raise you twenty more for the Clapper fund! [swg]

Now to some serious stuff 'round here. We do NOT serve pickels from jars - don't know where YOU'VE been lately, probably some 5-star LA bistro - for our pickles are and have been right over there in the barrel with the brine on the surface! Grab one of those extended tongs and help yourself! [swg] Jarred pickles - sheesh!

Revenue loss has been attrributed to the parties we throw in this place. In case you've been on the dark side of the moon lately [swg] we've had a run of celebrations these past few weeks - Birthday Bashes Anniversary Celebration 2000th Post etc. That stuff comes from the kitty which is at low ebb.

Boris has been to Vegas AND has a video collection too [?][?] We'll have to get his boss, Nick to look into that. I know those dolls of his run into the big bucks, but that's not from our cash stash - it's from whatever he picks up 'round here. [swg]

Catch ya on the rebound!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

Tom... Five star bistro, seesh! How much do you think they pay me[?] [8D] I do frequent a deli on the west side that still maintains a real pickle barrel with brine and additionaly, homemade mayo and coleslaw made to order, only way to go! Me think Tom need a tall, cool drink. [^]

Tom I'll raise you forty, that should improve the operating ratio somewhat.[:D]

Dave[tup]

[Anonymous]

Good early evening Tom. West Coast Dave squeaked ahead of me for the "round all around" gesture, so please give everyone a chip on me for the "next." Really enjoying the "live" encounters of passengerfan, West Coast S, coalminer 3 and Tom's experience while hitting the "high iron" hither, tither and yon. I never do gaming with strangers but can relate to some all night Pullman sessions with the cardboards on a few rail tours. It's really fun when you have your own charter sleepers. I'll admit, however, ankeling (bag and baggage) from cars 22, 23, 24 and 25 down an endless platform to the terminal was like incurring the wrath of Dionysia.

Ah, the East Wind is mindful of the "ski train specials" to New Hampshire and Maine from the urban squaller of eastern cities. That must've been a colorful consist when decked out in each Road's own livery. I noticed our B.&O. or Pennsy cars raising eyebrows when on A.T.S.F. or G.N. lash ups. More than once, autos would keep pace with our train; the people waving to us enthusiastically. I can only guess they were folks originally from eastern states who rellocated in the West. I was never fortunate enough to ride the rails in the "deep south" except for the Auto Train (Largo, Va. -Sanford, Fl.) which hardly qualifies. The choices I made for modeling B.&O. and Southern were based solely on being partial to their loco rosters and rolling stock.

Okay, I've bored all of you long enough.[zzz] Perhaps this will wake everyone up. I just heard on the early news that Florida residents can expect an 80% increase in our heating bills this winter.[:O] Before you reach for the ritual hari-kari kitchen implements, rest assured most of you should not see such increases. Probably, some "averaging" out will occur to ease the disparity between heavy and light usage States. At least I hope this is the case or a whole new dimension may be put on the expression "cool reception."[:-^] So long for now. No Boris, when I said "chip" for the customers...Oh never mind![alien]

[nickinwestwales]

Well howdy boys,apologise for absence-catching up on sleep after hectic few days,[4:-)]TOM-I`ll take up on some of those "rounds for the house" that have been bandied about of late,first- a Toast to Heather`s granny,Barb-Absent Friends,always missed....Right,much catchee-upee needed round here,so-TOM-thanks for C.N. `flag`-my first love so to speak-first pic I can remember seeing of an American train was the A-B-A FP9 combo that AL mentions,pulling out of Montreal done up in that beautiful Zebra livery-a nice little flashback,ta[^]--CM3-You`ve raised the bar this time buddy,that B+M piece is the equal of any Phillip Hastings photo shoot-lets hear it for small doings on the low iron !!!! CHRIS-as anything is possible in cyber-space,how about we try and get the Eagles for the `Our Place` new year bash-as our resident lawyer you had best get their people to talk to our people and they can all talk to the civic people and..................p.s-hope the recovery is progressing well,try a wee dram of The Glenmorangie to warm your bones..PETE.......first,an apology for our host-He doesn`t realise that here in the Old Country , the steam engine,the bacon sarnie & the pint mug of piping hot,over-sweetened and corrosively strong tea are an inseparable triumverate -We mustn`t think too harshly of them,they are raised to drink coffee and know no better,suffice it to say that whilst this house retains an English chef,middle back and stewed darjeeling will always be available---on to trains,Strathspey-is the Caley 0-6-0 a McIntosh 812 class?-if so I have some techie data,Jacobean-are they still using the L.N.E.R K4 mogul and is the 4-6-0 a black`5` if so which one-"Robert Stevenson" was down this way a few years back-looks real weird with that odd (Caprotti ?)valve gear-will post a pic for sunday slideshow. ..p.s. AWKney Ale will be included on the weekly Zeppelin run from now on-as the evenings draw in we could do with a `winter warmer` .........MANAGER TED-this looks like being a great weekend to go to a blues gig --in Chicago---GO NOW dear boy,think of it as a stategic withdrawl-You`re too valuable an asset to lose to stubborness...ROB-Welcome home,wish it were in happier circumstances-thanks for extra heads-up on yard-It feeds into former O.S.H main between University & Rutherford GO stations (N)and into the E-W line that runs parallel to Steele`s Ave and intersects just north of university (S)-there is another line running out N/W which either dead-ends or goes into a tunnel-there also appears to be a big GO train service area just to the east of the main yard--any help ?........DAVE-you present a study in contrasts my friend-Enforcer by day,poet by night,full time evangelist for the most unsupported of the popular scales( almost unknown over here with the notable exception of some rather fine models of Welsh 2ft gauge on 12mm track) RUSSELL-that F-Unit is truly a thing of beauty [^]-post more !!! right,back to the galley to check on the creature and fini***he specials board,back in a bit [C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

And it continues - okay, Dave check the bet - let's add 'em up. Hmmmmm. I'd say we've got sufficient funds for that gold-plated clapper, plus some left over for new Boondockers for Boris and new jump boots for Leon and some gilded bird cage liner for Awk!

[swg] I'll send Boris right over to the Bell 'n Borscht shop first thing in the AM!

Hey Dave drop me an Email ... 3rd request (over a couple of months).

Ted That poker game was my first and only foray into on board train gambling. Most times I restricted that to shipboard amongst those I knew .... this time was a bit different in several aspects. Again, better elaborated upon elsewhere .... [swg]

The one and only time I took a ski train anywhere was to Bear Mt. in New York State. A couple of guys convinced me that this was the "way" to catch up with the gals. So off we went. Not really a long trip - but sufficient for one to get a "glow" started. The skiing [?] I spent the time in the Lodge, by the fireplace, after nearly tearing my knee cap off on the first downhill .... haven't been on 'em since! [swg] Girls [?] I'll tell ya about it at the May Rendezvous in Toronto!.

Now let me see, the wrath of Dionysia, God(ess) of theatre and wine. Given that we don't have any goats to offer up, and Juneau our mascot, along with Awk and whatever other creatures Boris may have in his shed, I'd say we're safe.

Never took the Auto Train, although there were several occasions where I looked into it. By the time it appeared that I could afford it, the kids were adults and gone! Ain't that the way [?] [swg] Good planning on my part, I'd say! [tup] I'm not much on crowds and Orlando spells it out, loud 'n clear. Although, now if my bride and I were to take the train, it would be just for the hulluvit. Sorry to say, Florida isn't her favorite place to visit - and that's from a Canadian! Odd, eh [?] We visited with her mother (mum) in Destin, where the snowbirds were nesting, and had a great time. But that was then and this is now - luster has worn thin and she's not interested in traveling any further south than south St. Louis county.

Natural gas prices [?] We've been told to expect at least a 40 percent increase. Given our winters are a hulluva lot colder than what you experience, it's going to be a budget buster for many. [tdn]

Thanx for the round, as usual and I'll call in the chips now! Ring it, Boris!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Hey Nick! Just saw you sneak one in right before my last! Happens .....

You've covered a lot of ground and I'm not sure that I'll be able to to justice to everything you've hit upon ......

Yes - we Colonialists are somewhat behind the curve when it comes to the customs of the Mother Country. Then again, we're all not connected to that mother of a country! [swg] I'm 1/4 Irish - 3/4 German. Forgive me [?]

Pictures are for our Sunday Photo Day! Let's try to keep 'em saved up for then! Puleeeze, otherwise we water down the effect intended. [tup]

CN's Zebra livery never did much for me - I really liked the older schemes - green & black especially. They had some great passenger consists for sure - the black & white smoothsides looked really nice with the CN noodle. North American streamliners really occupy a special place in passenger railroad lore ... perhaps will never be rivaled. That's not to say there aren't any great trains of distiniction in the world - for there surely are. Just that the "era" long gone, was one that had a captive audience, so to speak, if you follow my drift. [swg]

Wolfman and I will be enjoying an Amtrak trip next week to KCity. Wish you could join us! The consist has a cafe car, complete with a bar (of sorts!) For me the trip will be at least 10 hours on the rails, round trip. For Pete it will be six. We'll rendezvous as the train stops in Jefferson City, Missouri's capital city, then the westward voyage continues.

Time to take Juneau for his evening trek through the subdivsion - about 1 mile of walking - sniffing - etc. He needs it, and so do we - the walking that is! [swg]

Catch ya later!

Tom

[nickinwestwales]

Well,I`ve just had a look through the fridges,stumped across to the M.E.S.S reefer in the C.N yard and even tried the new dry-stores van (nice one boss [tup] )- O.N.90,91 or 92000 series ? ),but all I can find is huge great chunks of various meat,all with various grades of shot deeply embedded-the downside of a weekend away in the high country with the gruesome twosome I guess. However after some hurried negotiations with the Mountain Dew fishing club,those members of the Can-Am Park Rangers not hospitalised by Boris`s fowling piece and a peculier little chap named Farkus,whom I met in the alley behind Keef`s Drugstore in town we are delighted to offer-King Prawns in tempura batter with rice noodles,Crispy Duck with hoi-sin sauce,spring onions & pancakes,Whitebait with lemon wedges and fresh-baked wholemeal roll,traditional York ham with parsley sauce,baby news & green beans,oven-baked baby troutlings with herb & lemon stuffing or for the purists-mushroom, pepper and courgette fuselli with 3-cheese sauce...................ENJOY[C=:-)]......................on a food related note,I was horrified to discover that our pub-of-choice last sat. were offering cockles,bacon & lavabread as their " classic Welsh" pizza topping...repent ye sinners,the end of days is at hand............[4:-)]TOM another of those beers if you would be so kind-E-Mail received by the way [tup]to all suggestions,now here`s a little weekend project for you-just to help shake off autumn lethargy and get you back in harness with the `S`capades-how about a long disconnected spur,saplings growing through the ties etc,running off of the Can-Am `high iron` down to near `Our Place` with the M.E.S.S reefer & the O.N box down at the stop-blocks--cables,hoses etc, running from the reefer to the bar building (poss. with washing hanging on) a tarpaper, plywood & packing-case lean to on the end marked `Boris` in Cyrillic..........................................................................[:-,] back in a bit [C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

Hey Nick You've outdone yourself once again with the Nick's Picks Menu Board selections ... [tup][tup][tup][C=:-)]

90075 is the number for that 40 ft ONR box car .... Now, those chunks of meat you referenced are the doings of Boris. This guy is YOUR responsibility - YOURS. I'm going to pack him up and ship him one way to West Wales! I think he'd fit in quite well with the boyz you hang with. [swg] Anyway, the reefer will be purged of the remnants of the buffalo, elk, cow, sheepdog, moose, brakeman and vagrant retired sailor found along the Can-Am's right of way.

Farkus is back in town [?] Well, lock up the gals and batten down the hatches, for should he stop by "Our" Place it will take the entire Mentor Village Constabulary along with the track gangs to keep him in check. Farkus indeed is persona non grata at this bar 'n grill.

Sorry, mate - but there simply ain't any room on the pike for that siding, as interesting as it sounds. I'm just the type of anal modeler who envisions a pike - builds it to the max, and that's it! [swg] As it is, we have the use of two nearby sidings belonging to CPR - just across the parking lot to the port side (left, for you who know no better!) of the front of the place. [swg]

Thanx for keeping us entertained, Nick and one of these days, I'm going to have to try and convince you to part with some of those Crown Sterling pieces you've horded away in order to get you to Toronto this coming May. [;)]

See ya!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

A pint of Bathams and can you put me down for fish chips for later please [tup],

By the way TED a sarnie is Liverpool slang for a sandwich.

Thanks ROB for the web site on the Hudson. When it was running it made the cover on the British railway mags an impressive loco.

Great Fallen Flags TOM and GUNNS the D&RG was where I saw the first U.S. loco in steam. My wife to be had organised a trip from Durango we woke that morning to the first snow of the season the train only ran to Cascade Canyon a wonderful trip.

Am I right the Orange Blossom Special is the name of a song[?].

May I echo TEDs thoughts on the train riding tales of WEST COST DAVE , PASSENGER -FAN CMS and all [tup].More please.

This weekend is the SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAYS 40th anniversary gala. They are running from Friday morning to Sunday evening CONTINUOUSLY with 12 locos in steam. The S.V R. started in a market town called Bridgnorth in Shropshire and over the years expanded to reach Kidderminster in Worcestershire. Fortuneatly the original stations servived apart from Kidderminster where they have built a replica G.W.R. terminus.
The line runs through rural farm land keeping close to the river.The first time they ran all night trains I was able to go after work on the friday A friend and I visited a small bar at one of the wayside stations, as we left we headed back to the station it was very dark being in the country with the only light coming from the oil lights on the station, it could have been a 100 years ago. As we reached the station they were running a steam hauled freight, the light rain that was falling just seemed to add to the magic [yeah][wow].

NICK it was the Caley 812. I will find out which locos are doing the Jacobian this year and let you know. My mate is going up there.

Time for [dinner] and another pint or two of Bathams( they serve it at both ends of the Severn Valley[^]. PETE

[nickinwestwales]

Open letter to BUDD KARR,if still viewing this thread,I am working on the assumption here that it was my flights of deranged whimsy that caused offense,I would be the first to agree with you that the bulk of my contributions bear little or no relation to trains,classic or otherwise-this is because I`ve come here to aquire knowledge-what I know is mostly food,beer and music-however since the premise behind this message-board is of a bar and grill,I felt I might be able to add some depth and colour to that aspect, TOM and others have been gracious enough to encourage me in this pursuit and between us all we manage to maintain a suspension of disbelief--the same denial of reality that allows us to believe that a small plastic train hauling 2 or 3 cars around an oval of track in front of the fireplace on Christmas morning is really the Chief/Flying Scot/Blue Train/Toytown flier .................So,if you dont like my posts-easy-scroll forward to the next one-you wont hurt my feelings-think of them as the commercial breaks between the real programs-there`s a lot of good stuff going on around here-please dont miss out on my account (or anyone else`s come to that)----have a beer on me as a gesture of good faith nick

[nickinwestwales]

PETE-Caley 812---built 1899,weight (loco) 45tons 14cwt,boiler pressure 180P.S.I,cyls(2)-18.5"x26",driving whls-60", tractive effort 22,690 lbs 35 still in service circa 1962 R.E Jacobean I`m sure they were using what I remember as being a mogul,Darlington green,named "The Great Marquess"-am I confusing this with a V2, I cant seem to find any K4`s with or without names-still looking for the Bilston shay,have another Bathams whilst you think-P.S-Zeppelin service happy to deliver L-C-L lots of H.P sauce,Branston pickle,Radio Times,Vimto,black pudding and all other necessities of civilised lifestyle. right,last can empty,moonlight mile for me speak soon nick[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Guys!

First - Nick you are the 2nd regular who has interpreted BudKarr's last Post as offensive or objectionable in his apparent chagrin over some of the stuff on the Forums.

Without putting myself into the position as defender - let me just add that I've read and reread what he had to say. There may be a bit of confusion with his reference to Forums and Thread. I believe he wasn't directing his annoyance at us - and certainly not you - but moreso to the stuff taking place on the Forums and other threads. Our thread does bother him, but only to the degree that we do have some guys who seemingly cannot answer questions or acknowledge someone's efforts in providing us with interesting and enlightening Posts. That's the way I view it.

Haven't the foggiest if we'll ever have him visit us again - but should we do, perhaps we should simply let it go - we've all vented from time to time - especially yours truly! [swg] I prefer to think of BK as the guy who Posted that bit on his friend the Pullman Porter.

Geesh, I'm upset that you're upset! [tdn] Don't be! [tup]

Perhaps you should try to send him an Email via the Forums - just click on his cyber name over in the left margin ......

pwolfe Pete Picked up my tickets today! I'm good to go - are you [?]

The Orange Blossom Special was the #3 hit on the Country charts in 1965 - Johnny Cash sang it. Of course the referenced railroad was the Seaboard Coast Line.

Check out this URL for the Severn Valley Railways .....
http://www.freefoto.com/browse.jsp?id=24-24-0

Good info and thanx! [swg]

Pete I'm the one who asked about the sarnie! Now we know ... [swg] I'll have to add it to the list: hoagie/grinder/sub/hero/sarnie ...... that'll work! [tup]

Oh, I see Leon the Night Man has ambled in .... time for me to head on out.

Nite! [zzz]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

FRIDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

G’day All! Today is the first full day of Fall! [yeah][wow][tup] ‘Round these parts, not too many are sorry to see Summer go. [tdn] Okay – time to pony up and help with the expenses ‘round here – coffee, bakery goods and light breakfasts! Whatillyahave [?] [swg]

News of the Day:

(1) Tonight is Pizza Nite along with our Steak ‘n fries standard menu option. Check it out – [dinner] Dinner begins at 5 PM (all time zones – don’t ask how we do that! [swg]

(2) Index pages for Fallen Flags Posts:

106 - SP
108 - MoPac
109 - WP
110 - Frisco
112 - CNR (fallen only as a passenger carrier)
114 - ACL
115 - SCL

Additionally: Heralds of the Fallen Flags are on page 112 and Passenger Train Nostalgia #1 on page 113.

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 07:27:38 (115) Thursday’s News & Summary

(2) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 08:00:04 (115)

(3) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 10:22:27 (115)

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 11:34:27 (115) reply to coalminer3 & Theodorebear

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 12:24:07 (115) Fallen Flag – SAL

(6) West Coast S Dave Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 13:02:11 (115)

(7) passengerfan Al Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 14:02:30 (115)

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 14:26:08 (115) rely to West Coast S & passengerfan

(9) West Coast S Dave Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 15:05:13 (115)

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 15:34:38 (115) reply to West Coast S

(11) West Coast S Dave Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 15:56:04 (115)

(12) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 17:27:39 (115)

(13) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 18:40:22 (115)

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 18:49:55 (115) reply to West Coast S & Theodorebear

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 19:06:04 (115) reply to [b[nickinwestwales

(16) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 19:52:04 (115)

(17) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 20:14:32 (115) reply to nickinwestwales

(18) pwolfe Pete Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 20:19:38 (115)

(19) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 20:27:56 (115)

(20) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 20:54:07 (116) reply to: pwolfe

(21) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Sep 2005, 21:08:00 (116) reply to pwolfe & nickinwestwales


=======================================
That’s it! [tup][;)]

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

[BudKarr]

REPLY to nickinwestwales' OPEN LETTER to me:

No offense, partner. My commentary - or rant - had absolutely nothing to do with you, your postings, your heritage, or your sense of humor. Trust me on that.

I am not one given to nonsense in the form freely strewn about on many of the forums visited. This particular topic that your barkeep has begun is an exception in that there is truly an effort being made to converse about the subject - which if I recall is classic trains. He has come up with a hook that enables humor to be injected which all adds up to good times.

Very apologetic if the way I am upsets any of you. Not my intention.

BK

[siberianmo]

Here’s another Fallen Flag for the gang from Classic American Railroads:

Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW) [img]

Headquarters: Denver, CO

Mileage:

1950: 2,413
1995: 2,238 including trackage rights routes

Rolling stock as of 1963: Freight cars – 12,610 Passenger cars – 96

Principal lines in 1950:

Denver-Bond, CO-Salt Lake City, UT
Denver-Pueblo-Dotsero, CO
Pueblo-Trinidad, CO
Walsenburg-Alamosa, CO
Alamosa-Durango, CO
Salida-Gunnison, CO
Mears Junction-Alamosa
Alamosa-Creede, CO
Bond-Craig, CO
Grand Junction-Ouray, CO
Thistle-Marysvale, UT
Salt Lake City-Ogen, UT

Passenger trains of note:

California Zephyr (Chicago-Oakland, joint w/Burlington & Western Pacific)
Colorado Eagle (St. Louis-Pueblo-Denver, joint w/MoPac)
Exposition Flyer (Chicago-Oakland, joint w/Burlington & WP, replaced by California Zephyr in 1949)
Mountaineeer (Denver-Montrose, CO, via Moffat Tunnel)
Panoramic (Denver-Ogden)
Prospector (Denver-Salt Lake City)
Rio Grande Zephyr (Denver-Ogden [later cut back to Salt Lake City], replaced California Zephyr 1970-83)
Royal Gorge (Denver-Pueblo-Ogden)
San Juan (Alamosa-Durango, CO)
The Silverton (Durango-Silverton, CO)
The Yampa Valley (Denver-Craig)

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[Anonymous]

Just another day in Paradise! A splash of decaf and a couple of glazed this morning I think Tom. (Farkus? Farkus, isn't that a character from "A Tale of Two Cities"?)[}:)] I hope you, Pwolfe and any other denizens of KCity have a good "looksee" at the Union Station display, plus a tall "cool one" remembering the rest of us. Great irony Nick[C=:-)], and your last menu is now archived in the "Manna from Heaven" file. BudKarr, ah yes! Syntax is everything, no matter wherever you happen to be. So good of you to drop in again.[:D] Hope you will be gracing us with another post such as your poignant "Pullman Porter" piece.[tup]

[#offtopic] Fair warning to "all ashore who'er going ashore!"[:O] At the risk of lapsing into mountainous waves thoughts of self-pity; the Gulf (Mexico) citizens are reeling from four cat. 4 hurricanes in three years. The worst may be yet to come (Rita). Perhaps this is a good time to consider any monetary boost we U.S. types can render? While these natural tragedies may be a source of sardonic humo(u)r for the "Beeb", al Mond, et al.; its really time to put our compassion where their contempt is. Think of it as a little something for the Indonesians for example.[tup]

Barndad, we haven't heard much more on the D&RGW consortium meeting. Maybe some late info. or review would be timely? I salivate just thinking of the possibilities.[^] Even if I can't attend, "I can dream can't I?" (popular tune of the 1940's)

Rob, I want to thank you again for the Museum Newsletter via snail mail.[tup] Everyone interested in traction should take a peek at the great things happening by visiting their Web Page (see details on Trolleyboys Profile). I want to get to the Midland (outside of Kcity) on my next trip. Family ties in the area may necessitate a "bitter sweet" trip at almost any time.

Oh Tom, Pete was probably referring to my inquiry whether a Bagel breakfast was anything similar to a "bacon sarni."[:-^] It appears that Amtrak is once again "out of the loop" for helping evacuees from dangerous areas. It played no part in the Katrina debacle and it seems ditto for Rita. Have government "pin heads" totally forgotten the massive numbers of people and goods railroads are capable of moving? Seems to me even freight cars could be employed in a "life and death" scenario. Amtrak and private Road "leaders" had a golden opportunity to gain more positive P.R. than the 7th Cavalry "coming to the rescue." "Dumd-de-dumb-dumb" (Dragnet theme, circa 1950's). Seriously, the fallicy of our "freeway" style of living has now come crashing down upon us. When these lessons are ignored, its time for e-mails to our Reps. demanding rail evacuations be included in any national emergency.

Alright Boris, we are going to try this one more time. I say pull and you ring da bell, okay? OUCH! Why did you hit the "ring" on my finger?[alien]

[coalminer3]

Good Morning All:

Round for the house, quarters for the jukebox, and coffee for me, please. Let's also turn our thoughts to our friends in Texas and Louisiana.

Comments re the Seaboard Air Line on recent posts reminded me of my grandmother who used to travel to Flkorida in the winter; she always said it was for warmth and sunshine, but then got really enthusiastic abt. her times at the dog tracks down there; I may have mentioned this before, but she would bet on anything that moved. She always gave the SAL high marks, especially the dining cars. Orange Blossom Special seems to be the song that all bluegrass wannabees around here have to try and play. Finally - TONGS? Egad sir, just reach into the barrel; nothing can live in that brine anyway!

I saw recently where Jim Bistline passed away. As you probably recall, he ran N&Ws steam program for more than a few years. I was on the first 611 trip that operated between Bluefield and Iaeger on a beautiful fall morning back in the last century. I had a ticket for a seat in the observation car and spent most of my time on that trip talking with Jim. I saw him many times after that and he was unfailingly courteous and a gentleman in the best sense.

Today we'll take a ride from New Haven to Grand Central Station. Again much of what's in this piece is gone, paved over, or changed beyond recognition.

South of New Haven (west by timetable), the New Haven operated a bewilderingly complex commuter service to and from New York. A four track main line ran under the wires in most places, except where buildings were too close to the tracks. The commuter trains usually operated on the outside two tracks and the through passenger trains on the inner two tracks.

Add in the through and local freight traffic that operated then, too, and you'll get some idea of the activity that existed on the NYNH&H. It was not uncommon to see four or more trains at one time; all running. Many of the NH's suburban stations were wooden structures, painted red or buff with white trim.

Some of the larger towns, such as Stamford, Connecticut had more elaborate stations. The commuter trains were mostly mu cars that resembled subway cars. There were some stainless steel mu "washboard" cars too, but I remember these as the exception rather than the rule. Arrival at New York was either at Grand Central Station or at Pennsylvania Station.

Going to Grand Central we would swing up and over the New York Central on a magnificent flying junction at Woodlawn. Then we'd drop down on the west side and tie in with the NYC. Here was a stretch of big time railroading for certain as our train shared space not only with other New Haven trains, but with the trains of the mighty Central.

Heading into New York, we'd pass by the Central's Mott Haven yard which was on the right hand side of our train. Mott Haven was a delight as it was always filled with not only with New Haven cars of all types, but also stainless steel New York Central cars, two-tone gray New York Central cars, and visiting sleepers and other equipment from foreign lines such as the Santa Fe and the Union Pacific. Here's where the time spent studying the timetables my father brought home paid off, as I was able to recognize the different kinds of cars when I saw them, and sometimes could even figure out what trains they were from or for. Over there is part of the "Ohio State Limited," those cars are for the "20th Century," and there's a Los Angeles-New York sleeper off the Santa Fe!

The New York Central's Hudson line joined us from the right just south of Mott Haven and from there the procession into New York was on a high elevated track through Harlem. Many times, we stopped at 125th Street, and I was often lucky to see a New York Central run pulled by one of their electric locomotives. The buildings here were different than those in Boston. I could see apartment houses with factories nearby, often on the same block. Many of these building had wooden water towers on their roofs, again something that was not that common in Boston. One other place that had water towers on building roofs was Chicago.

We had TV by then, and I'd watch Jackie Gleason's show, "Live from New York!" He had a series of sketches on the show called the "Honeymooners" which was set in Brooklyn. The buildings I could see heading into New York looked like the ones in the "Honeymooners." Different borough, but same buildings.

We're getting close now and here we go into the Park Avenue tunnel. If I stretched just right I could look up through the openings in the tunnel and see the tall buildings that marked the passage toward Grand Central. The entrance to Grand Central was always thrilling as we crept through the darkness of the tunnel toward our assigned track.

We're going very slowly now, past the underground tower with the lighted boards that controlled train movements in and out of the station. One last shudder and we stop. Now's the time to make sure we have everything we brought along with us - the car attendant has our bags out on the high level platform. Sometimes I carried my bags, but most of the time we used the services of a Red Cap, especially if the family was traveling together.

work safe

[siberianmo]

Good Morning Gang!

Nice crowd this Friday and it looks like The Mentor Village Bakery pastry case has been invaded by locusts. It was full when I opened up the place! [%-)][%-)] Well, try one of our light breakfasts ...... [swg]

Ted Oh, the bacon sarnie ... [yeah] got confused! [%-)]

That Farkus chap is one who very well might have been a tale in his own right over in Can-Am city. The local PD booted him out of there for numerous incidents of disturbing the peace, inciting to riot, resisting arrest and public intoxication, along with a few lesser included charges. Bad apple, this Farkus. We should be vigilant, for Mentor Village simply isn't staffed to handle the likes of him. [tdn]

There's some enlightening information on this URL regarding the Trinity Rail Express and Hurricane Rita - check it out [tup]
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=45726

I'm sure wrwatkins *** will delight in the story once he returns from Merry Old.

Hope that when you make your way to the mid-west it will be under more pleasant circumstances than you anticipate. The offer still stands .... we can "do" the Midland as well. It could turn out to be quite a get together, given the numbers of us who reside in these parts .......... [tup]

Thanx for the round ... and by the by, we should have our new clapper this weekend, thanx to those of you who have contributed to the fund. Somehow, I think West Coast S Dave hornswaggled me on this one ......... [%-)][%-)] Boris will be going over to The Mentor Village Bell and Borsht Shop as soon as they open up .... [swg]

coalminer3 CM3 Well, there you go again - you went and flicked my nostalgia switch, causing me to drift back in time to the days (daze) when I traveled between New London, CT and Grand Central Terminal in NYC over a 6-month period in 1957. Ahhh, the New Haven in that great livery of the McGinnis era (although I believe he had been ousted by then in '56 and was with the B&M) - loved it then and love it now. My HO display cases have quite a representation ..... [swg]

My northbound trips were all at night, but those Friday arrivals in NYC were generally into Grand Central with all of the scenes you so aptly described still etched in my mind. Of course, I must admit there were more than a few journeys where looking out the window was secondary to checking out the scenery - inside the car! After all, I was a 19 year old sailor at the time. [:-,][:-,]

Didn't know of Jim Bistline - however, I have a friend and neighbor with that family name and will have to ask ..... I know he's originally from Utah. Anyway, as time passes by, so do those who helped create the memories many of us cherish. Such is life.

Back to the NH, even Ralph Cramden would have appreciated the sights you described as the train wound its way into Grand Central. Those surely were great times for me and I thank you for bringing them back. [tup][tup][tup]

Appreciate the round and roll of quarters - after our melee last weekend with the track gangs and the pool tournament, the jar of quarters wound up in pieces with the quarters going the way they always seem to do when on the floor. So, we'll start anew with the cleaned out pig's feet jar, right over there by the Juke. Thanx! [swg]

The Selection Committee for the "Order of the Stools" will have an announcement to make this afternoon. Stay tuned!

Oh yes, I'll let my comments echo those put forth by Ted regarding BudKarr BK.

Catch ya later and enjoy the day one and all!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

<bonk> <boink> <bonk> (What kinda gavel is this [?])

Oye, Oye – All Rise for the Order of the Stools Selection Committee

We are rized ….

Quiet!

Who let that parrot in here [?]



Right!

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

You may be seated!

The Selection Committee of the Order of the Stools announces the findings of their September meeting.

Be it known from this day forth that the following customers of ”Our” Place have been distinguished by frequent and on-point Posts along with their willing participation in the banter at the bar:

West Coast S Dave as a member of the Order of the Permanent Stools – and –

pwolfe Pete as a member of the Order of the Reserved Stools.

Both categories of honor carry with them certain responsibilities to the continued success of ”Our” Place. A willingness to pick up the slack when long term absences occur along with participation in the special events, such as Birthday Bash celebrations and the like.

Congratulations to both!

Be it further known that the Committee has formed an Inner Circle to be comprised of members from the Order of the Permanent Stools. Appointment to this level of appreciation for service to ”Our”Place will be made only with the concurrence of the nominee. Members elevated this status will be expected to ensure the continued viability of our cyber bar ‘n grill through participation and suggestions for improvement; ergo the name, Inner Circle. Appointments will be subject to approval by the Committee, upon nomination by the Proprietor.

The next meeting of the Committee will be announced at a later date.

This session is now concluded.

<bonk> <bornk <bonk> (We gotta do better than this!)

All Rise as the Selection Committee departs.

We are still rized …

Confound it!

Awk, Awk, Awk

Quiet!

Drinks on the house! Boris ring the bell, twice! [tup][tup][tup]

Tom, Proprietor of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!