"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[Anonymous]

Well i typed out another wordy reply and a second before I hit the submit key my time ran out and I lost it all. After lunch and after I cool off I will retype it.

Cheers,
***

[siberianmo]

Good Morning Gang!

Yes - it IS Sunday Photo Posting Day! -and- of course, the bar 'n grill is CLOSED on Sundays!

FIRST ORDER of BUSINESS: wrwatkins *** sent us a Post from England. However, he cannot read what we're sending back .... kinda like "transmitting in the blind," as we used to say in the military - so it's rather pointless to make pointed responses! Nice of *** to think of us .... but unless and until it can be a two-way conversation - we'll just read 'n enjoy! [swg]

SECOND: For: daveklepper I welcomed you some time ago to "Our" Place - with no reciprocity. You are still welcome - however - keep in mind that we are an interactive - no hit 'n miss Posts; we acknowledge one another. We have only one agenda here and that is to have fun while discussing Classic Trains.

There's a wealth of information on these pages regarding how we function - check 'em out!

THIRD: Thanx for the pix - Rob - Somehow I just knew you'd not only be our FIRST for the Sunday Photo Posting but your pix would center on trolleys! [swg] ....

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

G'day All!


Here are some pix from NICK for the SUNDAY PHOTO POSTING .....

You can view his ablum at: http://photobucket.com/albums/b222/siberianmo/Nicks%20pix/












Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good morning Y'all.
Another post from the old country. I will have internet access until about noon tomorrow or 6 AM central standard time so you can all pick on me for a while. I noticed that you really have been running up the bar tab. Certainly am glad that I am on the swindle sheet, correction: Expense account.

Have done a little training here. We took the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station, the First Great Western from Paddington to Reading, and the Heathrow Express from Paddington to Heathrow airport. Had to go to Heathrow yesterday to have Lufthansa revalidate our tickets since our plans changed. Their intown ticket office is closed on weekends. Fortunately my rail pass from First Great Western was accepted for all train rides. My poor companion had to fork out 78 pounds ($144) while I rode free. I guess my travel savings can be applied to the bar bill you are running up.

Nick, I enjoyed your pictures of the UK trains and the ON trains. I have seen them all in person except the steam locomotive and the narrow gauge yard. Great pics. Keep them coming.

Over the years I have seen almost every touristy and a few non touristy places in London and its environs. I counted up and this is 108th entry into the United Kingdon. I know my way around downtown London better than downtown Dallas. Of course there is much more to do in London than in Dallas.

Being a naturalized Texan one of my favorite places is off Pall Mall. Next to the Bally Brothers and Rudd liquor store is a small passageway where the Texas embassy was. This is not the Tex-Mex restraunt by that name near Trafalger square that is run by Gene Street from Dallas. This is the original Texas embassy. In the entrance to the passageway is a plaque that reads: "In this building the Republic of Texas had its embassy to the Court of St. James, 1842-1845. Erected by the Anglo-Texas Society". Just reading this plaque brings a tear to my eye. I took a photo of the plaque which I will post when i get the film developed. The liquor store, Bally Brothers and Ruud, has been there since the 1700s. There must be at least 100 coats of paint on the doors and window sills with the prior coat never being scraped off. Inside the wait staff are dressed in tails, vests, spats, and stove pipe hats. They work from stand up desks that were popular 100 years ago. I have bought some "snake bite medicine" here on occasion. Also took a picture of it which I will post. Next to BB&R is a hat store that has a royapl warrant for selling hats to the Royals since the 1600s. Down the street is the St. James palace with a Beefeater guard in red dress marching guard duty. When they do march it looks like a mechanical tin solder. They will not make any eye contact with you or answer any questions whilst (good English word) on duty. Running parallel to Pall Mall is Jermyn Street, where every upscale mens store you can think of is located such as Thomas Pink, Dunhills, Harvey Hudson, Turnville and Asser, plus many more. You really can unload some serious money here in a hurry. I looked into buying a sport jacket for about 150 pounds, but fortunately they did not have my size.

Went to Witherspoons, a 5 story book store and bought some reading literature for the trip to Nigeria including the book "The Bus We Loved" which is about the double decker bus with the rear entry. They are being phased out save a few they are keeping in the high tourist areas. They are expensive to operate as they require a driver and conductor to collect the fares. The new buses are like ours where the driver also collects the fare. Guess nothing is sacred. They pulled out the red phone booths a few years ago and sold them to a lady for 10 pounds each. She painted them up and was selling them for 1,500 pounds. Briti***elecom even bought several from her to put in the tourist areas.

What does all of this have to do with trains? Nothing, but it is an interesting respit. As to why I am using a throw away film camera instead of my digital one. I do not want my good camera stolen or confiscated in Nigeria. A five dollar throw away is no great loss, but a $400 digital is a big loss.

More later,
***

[siberianmo]

My contributions to Sunday Photo Posting Day!

Farewell, Nova Scotia! May 11th, 2005


Canada Day 2005 (July 1st) at "Our Place


U.S. Independence Day (4th of July) 2005 at "Our" Place


TRE's RDC's at Irving, Texas facility, Aug 16th, 2005


Tom & David (Engineer) in cab of TRE RDC for round trip to Dallas, Aug 16th, 2005


More later on .... Enjoy!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Just noted another Post from *** [C):-)] .... While I know he'll never see these words, we're happy he's thinking about us!

Always enjoy his trip reports - even if he's "transmitting in the blind."

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

SUNDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

The bar is CLOSED on SUNDAY’s however, you may drop off your Posts by putting them through the mail slots in either set of front doors.

This is PICTURE POSTING SUNDAY, our new feature at “Our” Place and something to look forward to on this day of rest.

News of the Day:

Other than to hope for the best regarding the victims of Katrina and Rita – no news today.

INDEX

Index pages for Fallen Flags , Heralds of the Fallen Flags and Passenger Train Nostalgia Posts: (click the URL to go directly to the page!)

106 – SP
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=106&TOPIC_ID=35270

108 – MoPac
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=108&TOPIC_ID=35270

109 – WP
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=109&TOPIC_ID=35270

110 – Frisco
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=110&TOPIC_ID=35270

112 - CNR (fallen only as a passenger carrier)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=112&TOPIC_ID=35270

112 – CNR Super Continental Time Table
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=112&TOPIC_ID=35270

112 – Heralds of the Fallen Flags
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=112&TOPIC_ID=35270

113 - Passenger Train Nostalgia #1 “Start ups” in the 1800’s and early 1900’s
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=113&TOPIC_ID=35270

114 – ACL
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=114&TOPIC_ID=35270

115 – SCL
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=115&TOPIC_ID=35270

116 - D&RGW
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=116&TOPIC_ID=35270

117 – Passenger Train Nostalgia #2 California Zephyr’s Budd Co. Vista-Dome sleeper observation-lounge
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=117&TOPIC_ID=35270

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Sep 2005, 01:00:27 (117) Saturday’s News & Summary

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Sep 2005, 09:34:46 (117) Passenger Train Nostalgia #2

(3) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 24 Sep 2005, 10:32:48 (117)

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Sep 2005, 11:22:36 (117) reply to trolleyboy

(5) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Sep 2005, 11:58:23 (117) Birthday Watch List

(6) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 24 Sep 2005, 13:30:58 (117)

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Sep 2005, 13:56:41 (117) reply to Theodorebear

(8) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 24 Sep 2005, 18:38:48 (117)

(9) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 24 Sep 2005, 20:32:36 (117)

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 24 Sep 2005, 22:22:44 (117) reply to Theodorebear & nickinwestwales

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

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

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone. I know OUR PLACE is closed on Sundays but due to my absence I will slip this in the slot. Was at the Midland last weekend where I got sick. Either a lung infection or bronchitis. Started new job on Monday and when I get home I just collapse. Been sleeping in the recliner because the lungs fill up when I'm horizontal. Last night was first night slept thru in the bed. Feeling better today. So far none of this has really affected my asthma(knock on wood).
Too much to comment on so I'll just say it's good to be back and will see everyone later.

[siberianmo]

Hey earlydiesels Dan

Sounds like you've had a rough way to go. Take 'er easy so that you can fully recover.

Enjoy the conversations that have been Posted - lots 'n lots of interesting info along with some mighty fine photo's .... so sit back, and try to enjoy the day! [tup][tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Just popped in to make sure all is in readiness for tomorow. Couldn't leave before sending get well wishes to earlydiesels Dan. Hey Buddy, sounds like that coal and diesel oil soot in the air has taken its' toll. My Uncle in K.C., MO had bronchitis and nearly "took the count" while at Ft. Leonard Wood near Rolla, MO. The barracks were coal fired and led to a severe attack. Put your feet up 'til you can see a Doc and let us know, okay? Tom, no need for a reply. This is Sunday and I'm enjoying the fine pix from Rob, Nick and yourslef. Will check in again bright and early tomorrow, unitl then.

[siberianmo]

What's not to like about these [?]







(all from the VIA Rail web site: www.viarail.ca}

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Back again for some more trivia on the old country. Keep the free booze flowing even though it is Sunday. I will extend my free offer through Monday.

One of my favorite places to visit in London is Westminster Abby. I have a very distant relative, Dylan Thomas, buried in there. He was poet lauret of the United Kingdom. Do not remember when he died, but have seen his grave. (Not on this trip). One time while touring the Abby they were tuning the organ. I asked permission to visit the organ loft as I enjoy organ music. Permission was granted and I was soon in the loft. After about a half hour of tuning the organ master said he was done and asked if there was any particular piece I would like to hear. I was grinning from ear to ear. Quickly I requested Bach's Prelude and Fugue in D Minor, which is a great organ piece. You have not heard this piece until it is played in all of its majesty in Westminster Abby!

Another time I was in Philadelphia at the APTA convention and we had a reception in the Crystal Terrace on the top floor of Lord and Taylors. L&T formerly was Wannamakers Department Store. The store has an open atrium that rises 6 stories. In the atrium is an organ that John Wannamaker purchaced at the close of the St Louis Exposition around 1902. Organ recitrals are held daily at noon and 6 PM. We were going to the reception and upon hearing the organ I bid farewell to my group and said I would be there soon. Again I was given access to the organ loft on the second floor, however, this time there were no requests honored. This organ was built for $25,000 on a fixed bid and bankrupted the American Organ Company. Wannamaker bought the organ for his store and it took 10 box cars on the Pennsylvania to transport it to Philadelphia. Wannamaker set up an organ manufacturing room on the top floor, employed master organ makers from around the world to expand the organ which took three years. Pipes were built that ranged from 1/4 inche in diameter to 10 feet in diameter. We have one of the larger organs in the Morton Myerson Concert Hall in Dallas. This organ has 4,412 pipes and is a joy to hear. Wannamaker made his organ slightly larger with 14,438 pipes (yes 0ver 14,000). It is the biggest musical instrument in the world and is insured for $50 million. Most organs have 4 manuals. The Wannamaker organ has 10. Wannamaker would routinely move the show cases from the main floor, set up chairs, and hold recitals for civic and business leaders. All the renound organists in the world at that time have played the organ. Even presidents of the US have attended recitals there. I consider it an honor to have heard it play and be in the loft.

Now how does this fit in with classic trains? The Pennsylvania Railroad hauled the organ from St. Louis to Philadelphia.

More from the old country later.
Cheers,
***

[siberianmo]

In keeping with the policy of "Our" Place, I want to acknoweldge ***'s "reports" from England. I had been under the impression that he wasn't able to read our thread and recent Posts - however, I just saw his response to the information on the TRE (another Forum). So, if you are "out there" - what's up [?].

Thanx, *** for the "report" - but you need to clarify for us how we're supposed to respond - if at all. [%-)][%-)][%-)]

Ted Also aprpeciate your stopping by this rainy day here in mid-continent USA. Nothing severe - just a slow, all day steady rain. We have the outer bands of Rita along with a cold front coming in from the northwest - finally getting more of the rainfall we sorely missed in July & August.

Glad you enjoyed the Pix on this Sunday Photo Posting Day. Only a few of us, nonetheless, the PIx are fine! [tup]

See ya!

Tom[4:-)][oX)][%-)]

[trolleyboy]

Good evening again gentlemen. First of I/m glad to see that *** is enjoying himself over'om and on the tab at that good stuff[tup][;)] Also Tom I'm hurt that you think I'm soooo predictable[;)] I'll just have to find some other classics[:D] These next couple are fallen flags photographed in Chi town area during my 1995 summer trip(s)[8D] Yes I went twice that year once on business once for fun. BTW I've enjoyed the other contributions today as well [tup][tup][:D].Rob

[Anonymous]

Good morning Tom et al. It is morning in jolly old England and the sun is beginning to illuminate the town. I will have a strong coffee and Dani***o get the morning started. As long as I have an email connection I can send and receive messages or work on the forums. All I have to do is to type in www.trains.com and I am in business just like at home or the office. Today we fly to Frankfort then get a final report on how the natives are acting. If ok we will go to Port Harcourt on Tuesday, otherwise we take the Lufthansa nonstop to Dallas on Tuesday. I will be able to access the net from Frankfort, but do not know about being able to do it from P H. If you do not hear from me after Frankfort it is because the lack of internet form P H.

Lets spin a train story. I have taken the Flying Scotsman fron Kings Cross station in London to Aberdeen several times. This is a six hour train ride. From London to Edinbourgh the train is what they call an intercity 125 since it goes 125 MPH. They do not have speedometers in the coaches, but when you time the mile posts to be 25 seconds apart the speed is 125. North of Edinbourgh the train only goes about 60 MPH due to the curving track. At Edinbourgh you cross a magnificant bridge over the Firth of Forth. The train looks lost on this massive bridge. Just south of Aberdeen the train goes through St. Andrews the site of the great golf course and club. Some day I plan to play it.

A small point of golf trivia. Do you know the meaning of the word GOLF? It stands for Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden. Quite well named. Too bad it did not hold to its roots.

Several years ago there was a program on PBS about a group traveling to Kyle of Lochnish on the western coast of Scotland. While there they bought the Kyle of Lochnish sign from the station. We have driven to Kyle of Lochnish and there is a small sign on the station, not the large one the group picked up. On one of my trips to Aberdeen by train I met a group of rail fans who were reenacting the trip that was on PBS. Sadly I had to inform them that the station sign was long gone.

Lets jump to the other side of the world-Thailand. In Tahiland, Malyasia, Singapore, and Cambodia the gauge is meter which is slightly wider than our narrow gauge. In some of the remote areas they still have steam engines. One day I had some time to kill so I took a train west from Bangkok to the end of the line at Katchanburi (sp?). There was an iron bridge over the river Klong Trip (again sp?). You probably remember this river as it was made famous in the movie "The Bridge at the River Kwai". The track ended a couple of miles past the bridge. Yes, it is steel today, not the wood version seen in the movie. At the bridge there was a crowd of European and oriental visitors walking around. Tourist I thought. The next day on my flight from Bangkok to Hong Kong I sat next to one of the "tourists" who was at the bridge the previous day. They were not tourists, but it was the 30th reunion of the liberation of the labor camp that built the bridge. Both the British prisoners and Japanese guards were present. My seat mate told me what happened in the camp. By comparison the movie made the camp appear like a tropical resort. Again tears were brought to my eyes as he told the stories of the camp.

The line was never completed to Rangoon and the section beyond Katchanburi has been reclaimed by the jungle. There are plans to build a second transcontinental railroad from Europe to Asia through Iran and Bangkok. They have stated that the section built by the Japanese (really the British under the direction of the Japanese) will NOT be the chosen route. No reason for this was given.

Time to go get breakfast.
Cheers,
***

[siberianmo]

Hi Rob

Well, that VIA Rail car was a bit of a suprirse ..... okay, so, you're only a little predictable! [swg] Nice shots ..... by the way! Thanx for participating in our [red]Sunday Photo Posting Day!" [tup]

When the door opens at 6 AM, the drinks will be on *** for the rest of the day! We'll see how his expense account can handle that! Must be nice, eh [?] I never had the pleasure of such a thing - always came out of my pocket, or the purse of whoever said, "Buy the sailor a drink." [}:)][:-,]

Oh, I see *** has made another Post .... he's been quite active these past several hours, must be lonely in that hotel room! [swg] I will say this though, he's been thinking about us and it's very nice to know that even from thousands of miles across the sea, "Our" Place means something a bit special to him .... [yeah]

Catch ya later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

MONDAY’s NEWS & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

Good Morning! Hope you’ve had the opportunity to check out the pix from our Sunday Photo Posting Day. Although the participation was a bit on the slim side – I expect we’ll develop a core of guys who will keep ‘er runnin’ on Sundays.

News of the Day:

No news is good news!

INDEX

Index pages for Fallen Flags , Heralds of the Fallen Flags and Passenger Train Nostalgia Posts: (click the URL to go directly to the page!)

Here’s a tip for the adventurous amongst you:

If you copy the URL that appears at the top of your screen for this thread (or any of the URL’s below) and simply insert the PAGE NUMBER you desire, you can “go” anywhere on our thread you wish much faster than “scrolling” back thru ‘em a few pages at a time. Suppose you want to go page 79 – delete only the page number in the URL and replace it with 79. Be sure to leave everything else as is – including the spaces or lack thereof. So, for example,
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=106&TOPIC_ID=35270
becomes
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=79&TOPIC_ID=35270
It works!

In the future, I will be eliminating the redundancy of the URLs below, with just a “generic” URL for page insertion, or of course – use the URL at the top of the thread.

106 – SP
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=106&TOPIC_ID=35270

108 – MoPac
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=108&TOPIC_ID=35270

109 – WP
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=109&TOPIC_ID=35270

110 – Frisco
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=110&TOPIC_ID=35270

112 - CNR (fallen only as a passenger carrier)
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=112&TOPIC_ID=35270

112 – CNR Super Continental Time Table
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=112&TOPIC_ID=35270

112 – Heralds of the Fallen Flags
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=112&TOPIC_ID=35270

113 - Passenger Train Nostalgia #1 “Start ups” in the 1800’s and early 1900’s
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=113&TOPIC_ID=35270

114 – ACL
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=114&TOPIC_ID=35270

115 – SCL
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=115&TOPIC_ID=35270

116 - D&RGW
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=116&TOPIC_ID=35270

117 – Passenger Train Nostalgia #2 California Zephyr’s Budd Co. Vista-Dome sleeper observation-lounge
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=117&TOPIC_ID=35270

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 25 Sep 20905day, 00:26:08 (117) Pix

(2) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 25 Sep 2005, 00:35:35 (117) Pix

(3) daveklepper Dave Posted: 25 Sep 2005, 04:56:06 (117)

(4) wrwatkins *** Posted: 25 Sep 2005, 06:51:13 (117) from England

(5) wrwatkins *** Posted: 25 Sep 2005, 07:17:23 (117)

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Sep 2005, 08:54:33 (118) reply to: trolleyboy – daveklepper – wrwatkins

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Sep 2005, 09:12:04 (118) Nick’s Pix

(8) wrwatkins *** Posted: 25 Sep 2005, 10:05:44 (118) from England

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Sep 2005, 10:25:09 (118) Pix

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Sep 2005, 10:30:38 (118) acknowledged wrwatkins

(11) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Sep 2005, 10:34:01 (118) Sunday’s News & Summary

(12) earlydiesels Dan Posted: 25 Sep 2005, 12:08:20 (118)

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Sep 2005, 13:03:08 (118) reply to earlydiesels

(14) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 25 Sep 2005, 13:31:57 (118)

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Sep 2005, 14:49:25 (118) Pix

(16) wrwatkins *** Posted: 25 Sep 2005, 17:06:30 (118) from England

(17) siberianmo Tom Posted: 25 Sep 2005, 18:37:26 (118) reply to: wrwatkins & Theodorebear

(18) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 26 Sep 2005, 00:14:41 (119) Pix

(19) wrwatkins *** Posted: 26 Sep 2005, 00:28:51 (119) from England

(20) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Sep 2005, 00:29:46 (119) reply to trolleyboy & wrwatkins

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

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

[Anonymous]

Good Morin' folks, Tom, the Sunday photo thing may be off to a sluggish start but I think it will "fly" when others appreciate the quality. I'll grab a English Muffin, a cuppa Twinning's with a pat of that fine English Orange Marmalade. ***'s narratives of London have prompted me to go European. As much as I enjoy reading of his travels, twenty years of "on the road" doing "one nighters," brings back a few bad "vibes."

Hope everyone has "topped off" in anticipation of a temporary hike in gas prices. I don't want to think about heating costs just yet. 'Course, mine won't be too bad, just a few days in December and January. All of us should be taking a fresh approach if you operate on a budget. It ain't going to be the same! Already, I scoped the InternetTrains site for their "big blow out" sales. The prices "on sale" are higher than M.S.R.P. this time last year (G guage).

Greetings Nick, your thoughts on the "Old Sod" are appreciated.[tup] I can't claim Ireland as me "Mother Country." You see, my Mother's ilk go back four generations to Erin's Isle. My Father's lineage, more then seven generations here and originally from Sachs Weimar, aus Deuthchland. Nope, I'm just just another "...Yankee in King Arthur's Court."[:D] The pix you've sent are really appreciated, keepers.[^] The bell pyre boilers (steam) remind me of Pennsy's Chuffers of old. Rob, be patient with Tom, he still remembers traction as a traffic hazzard...don't we all?[:O]

Local media, hereabouts, are starting to encourage public transportation which is something new. Now, all we need is "public transportation!" I think even the most skeptical of us can now see that efficient "people moving" looms very close in our future. Florida has twice voted for light, high speed rail from Tampa to Orlando, FL but was shelved due to budgetary short falls. Maybe when S.U.V. owners need to hitch hike to their jobs, something will click?[banghead]

Okay, speaking of "rides," a couple of Seniors need chauffeuring "out and about" today. I'll try to get back but will probably be a late arrival. Hope earlydiesles is feeling better since his bout with lung congestion. Tom, at least something good came from Rita with the rain needed 'round St. Louis, eh? Boris, I see Awk now has your ear ring as a play thing. Be grateful it wasn't your nose ring. Thanks *** for the open tab. I see a case of Johnny Walker Black is on your slate.[}:)] Hmmm, who do we know.....??? G'day everyone.

[siberianmo]

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

Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific (The Rock Island)

Headquarters: Chicago, IL

Mileage in 1950: 7,579

Locomotives in 1963: Diesel – 539

Rolling stock in 1963: Freight cars – 26,690; Passenger cars – 646

Principal routes in 1950:

Chicago-Omaha, NE
Omaha-Colorado Springs & Denver, CO
Davenport, IA-Tucumcari, NM
Bureau Junction-Peoria, IL
Minneapolis, MN-Kansas City, MO
Manly-Burlington, IA
Cedar Rapids (Vinton), IA-Sioux Falls, SD
Keokuk, IA-Bear Lake, SD
Tucumcari-Memphis, TN
Herington, KS-Houston, TX
Little Rock, AR-Eunice, LA
Kansas City-St. Louis

Passenger trains of note:

Choctaw Rocket (Amarillo, TX-Memphis)
Corn Belt Rocket (Chicago-Omaha)
Des Moines Rocket (Chicago-Des Moines, IA)
Golden State (Chicago-LA; joint ops w/SP)
The Imperial (Chicago-LA)
Kansas City Rocket (Minneapolis-Kansas City)
Peoria Rockets (Chicago-Peoria)
Texas Rocket (Ft. Worth-Houston; then Kansas City-Dallas)
Twin Star Rocket (Minneapolis-Houston)
Quad City Rocket (Chicago-Rock Island)
Rocky Mountain Rocket (Chicago-Colorado Springs & Denver)
Zephyr Rocket (Minneapolis-St. Louis; joint ops w/CB&Q)

And a little something extra ....... (press R8 on the Juke!)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Rock Island Line
Lonnie Donegan

The Chorus is the only part sung
The rest is spoken

Now, this here's the story about the Rock Island line
Now, the Rock Island line is a railroad line
And it runs down into New Orleasn
And just outside of New Orleans is a big toll gate
And all the trains that go through the toll gate
Why, they gotta pay the man some money
Less of course, they got certain things on board
Then they okay, then they don't ever have to pay the man nothin'
And right now, we see a train
She's comin' on down the line
And when she got up here to the toll gate
The-a depot, he shout down to the driver
He want to know what he got on board
So he say a
What you got on board there, boy
And the driver, he sing right on back
Down to the depot agent
Tell him what he got on board
The got a way of singing

I got sheep, I got cows
I got horses, I got pigs
I got all livestock
I got all livestock
I got all livestock

And the man say, well, he say
Your alright there, boy
You don't have to pay me nothin'
Just get 'em on through
So the train go through the toll gate
And as it go through
It got up a little bit of steam
And a, a little bit of speed
And when he sees me
On the other side of the toll gate
They, the driver shout back
Down the line to the man
'Course you don't hear what he say now
But home down the Rock Island line

I fooled you, I fooled you
I got pig iron, I got pig iron
I got all pig iron

He said, tell you where I'm goin', boy
Goin' down the Rock Island line, yes, yes
She's a mighty good road
Oh well, the Rock Island line
She's a mighty good road
Rock Island line is the road to ride
Ya, the Rock Island line
Is a mighty good road
And if you want to ride
You gotta ride it
Like you find it
Get your ticket at the station
On the Rock Island line
Well, I may be right
I may be wrong
I know you're gonna miss me when I'm gone

Ya,the Rock Island line
She's a mighty good road
Rock Island line is the road to ride
Ya, the Rock Island line
she's a mighty good road
And if you want to ride
You gotta ride it
Like you find it
Get your ticket at the station
On the Rock Island line

A B C, W X Y Z
Cat's in the cupboard
But he don't see me

Now, the Rock Island line
She's a mighty good road
Rock Island line is the road to ride
Ya, the Rock Island line
She's a mighty good road
And if you want to ride
You gotta ride it
Like you find it
Get your ticket at the station
On the Rock Island line

Hallaluah, I'm safe from sin
The good Lord's comin'
For to see me again

Keep it goin'

And the Rock Island line
She's a mighty good road
Rock Island line is the road to ride
Ya, the Rock Island line
She's a mighty good road
And if you want to ride
You gotta ride it
Like you find it
Get your ticket at the station
On the Rock Island line

The Rock Island line
She's a mighty good road
Rock Island line is the road to ride
Ya, the Rock Island line
She's a mighty good road
And if you want to ride
You gotta ride it
Like you find it
Get your ticket at the station
On the Rock Island line
------------------------------------------------------------
Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

G’day Gents!

The bar bell has been restored to normalcy [?] with the old clapper reinstalled. Now what to do with the gold plated monster clapper [?] I’m thinking of donating it to a religious group, or at least to an organization who will put it to good use. As long as it is far, far away from Mentor Village! There’s a town over on the other side of the mountain range – I’m sure we’d never hear it go Boooooooooooong, Gwooooooooooong again! <geesh>

Cindy just told me that she’s affiliated with a group of ladies [?] who call themselves Our Ladies of Perpetual Motion and they’d love the new clapper to signal the beginning and conclusions to their – ahem - sessions. However, they are located right here in the village – so that’s out. Perpetual Motion – oh [yeah], I wish! [}:)][:-,]

Just got a call from the Search ‘n Rescue boys over at Can-Am peak. They’ve requested the clapper for use in avalanche abatement program. <huh> [?] They intend to install it on a bell found in the remains of a fire at one of the local churches. I suppose that Gawd-awful noise would trigger a snow slide for sure. Now, there’s a thought. Boooooooooong, Gwooooooooong, watch out below! [swg]

Well, I’ll just store it in Boris’ Shed until we can decide what to do with it. It’s useless to try and take it back to the Bell ‘n Borsht Shop – they do not accept returns on either line of goods! [swg] Used Borsht [?] [yeah] Right.

Okay, Boris ring the bell, just for effect ….. bong, bong, boink, bong, bink, bong. Ahhhh, just like old times! [tup]

Hiya Ted Nice to see ya so bright 'n early. Things 'round this part of the continent are clear 'n drying out. Fall is coming, temp-wise, so they say. Can't get here soon enough; 80's today, then a drop into the 70's expected .... [yeah]

For those of you who haven't taken the time to check out the Posts and SUMMARY wrwatkins *** has been kinda on a one-way communications with us from England - quite active yesterday. Anyway, the drinks are on him (or his expense account!) for all of today! [yeah][wow][tup]

Ted First time I remember trolleys was in Brooklyn, NY when I was a little guy back in the WWII years. Used to visit my grandparents house - they lived rather close to Ebbets Field - home of the BROOKLYN DODGERS (formerly called the TROLLEY DODGERS - no kidding!). Honestly don't remember much else about 'em - as elevated tains, subways, ferries and buses were the modes of transportation used by my family back then.

When I get into conversations regarding traveling, which I did quite a bit of in the latter years of my career. The reality hits home that it surely all wasn't that good. Hotels, restaurants and killing time really can wear you down, not to mention the hours spent involved getting to and from airports, et al. To the listener, the only part that settles in are the accountings of the "good times" and "interesting places." [yeah] Been there, done that .....

Cindy will have the bar a bit later on.

Enjoy the day! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

Well howdy nightowls-family out sightseeing so time for a quickie-[4:-)]TOM a full breakfast and a couple of pints of tea please-many thanks for hosting pix, a key for each at the end of this. ROB-nice pix Love that car #7 & crew[^] -Aware of Sylvan Models through O.N web site-they do good work but are beyond my price range (nicks trains coming between pet food and slug bait on the family budget sheet.........) DAN,welcome back ol buddy,take it easy now,that sounds like a rough one ! ***-a delight to hear from our Touring Texan about Town..!! What about that Heathrow Express..? Quite a smart little bit of kit--the `buses you refer to are `Routemasters` and are as iconic an image as the classic Austin FX4 black cab-I am informed that the Westminster abbey organ is now matched for fullness of sound by the newly installed instrument at St Davids Cathedral,but can`t comment. Your revered ancestor Dylan Thomas was born Cwmdonkin terrace in Swansea,a steeply sloping row with a small park opposite and glorious views of the bay and Mumbles head, Later moved to The Boathouse,Laugharne on the coast west of Carmathen where much of his writing was done. died in New York during a recital tour-last words reputed to be " I have just drunk 18 large whiskies,I believe it is a record !"--coroners report-death caused by a "massive insult to the brain".....By the by-St Andrews is only `near` Aberdeen in Texan terms[swg] about 200 miles !!...the nearer city is Dundee,although the nearest rail stop is Leuchars-formerly the northern junc. of the Fife coast line,which served the town directly,glad you are enjoying Our fair land-travel safe ! O.K-as promised,captions to pix 1-first batch of 4, top left & right cont. Brit equivalents of R.D.C`s (R) at Aberystwith & (L) units crossing at Haverfordwest btm right earlier (60`s) unit -poss. Cravens,preserved an in service at West Somerset Rly,Minehead btm left, a power unit from one of th I.C 125`s that *** mentioned,here shot through a carriage window at Newport Gwent-"swallow" livery long defunct. 2-this is a montage shot of Staner `black 5` on staem railtour at Fishguard ferry terminal-these were used on the `Mallaig steam run mentioned by WOLFMAN PETE, and were the most numerous class of 4-6-0 in Britain 3-one for the slim-liners...the loco works of the Welsh Highland Rly(1964) co ltd ( complicated story) at their H Q-Gelerts siding Porthmadog,this shot chosen for atmosphere,plenty more with trains in ! 4-this one was lifted from the O.N.R site and shows the `Nothlander` in full cry,on the point is one of the 3 FP7`s retrofitted at North Bay Works with 2000hp CAT prime mover,hence the extra grille on the front of the carbody,the `b` unit is one of a fleet owned by O.N.R,all with traction motors removed,used to provide train power-since withdrawl of the `cats`, this turn is handled by GP38-2`s 5-this one was sent to me by Frank Vollhardt,author and O.N.R expert sans pariel ,for a modelling project and is included `cos it`s such a little beauty,I also have some of vans in the earlier dev. rd. ,red and T&N.O orange,again little beauts [^] right,thats me,thanx to all for slide show-ROB`s Chi-Town excursion and [4:-)]TOMS VIA & TRE portraits very welcome--NOTE father in law has fitted machine with new security program,so machine currently locked down tighter than Leavenworth,cant currently access E-Mails,so if there are any out there,I WILL get back to you,as & when. O.K. out the door and on with the day,take care guys,speak soon,nick[C=:-)]

[coalminer3]

Good Morning All:

Round for the house and more quarters for the jukebox. Weather here is cloudy with a chance of rain - we really need some - and, of course, we're getting a roof put on the house starting today. Gas is $2.79/gallon, unchanged from last week.

So now we have a new clapper. Reminds me of the old take off on Dragnet, "Who copped the copper clapper?" Was reading the summaries and I'll confess, yes I remember 759 in Golden Spike celebration activity. Now, how many of you remember the GG! that was painted for Golden Spike Centennial. Also, I recall seeing 759 pulling the Freedom Train on the Boston and Maine. Now, I am realllly reaching back here, but IIRC, the NKP engine did the honors because the RDG T1 was too big. Anyway, it was a long time ago.

Boris's shed? I know, we can use it for our Halloween party - sorta like a haunted house.

Herewith something that includes trolleys, Teddy Ballgame and the Boston and Albany. I found this under a pile of other train stuff. I think I did this one back in the early 60s as best as I can recall. This was before the Red Sox became the force that they are today.

After getting off the streetcar, you would ride the clacking wooden escalator up to the street and exit like a mole from the underground into the bright air above. What sights there were to see, looking for all the world like a Breughel painting come to life. The sounds and the smells and the light and shadows cast by iron fire escapes off the fronts of the old brick buildings around Kenmore Square.

The Italian sausage carts with their smells of charcoal and sizzling meat and peppers and onions, and just beside them other people selling pizza, grinders, and slushes. Balloon sellers, T-shirt vendors, and closer an old black man who had been working the same corner since Walter Johnson and Smokey Joe Wood locked up on a summer afternoon when the world was young.

He had a wooden pushcart filled with small paper bags of peanuts. His mantra was, "Peanuts a dime, three for a quarter; peanuts a dime, three for a quarter." Go the games often enough, and you got to know these people after awhile, and you felt like one of the chosen when the old man nodded at you as you walked by.

And then nearer to the ballpark just beyond where the Boston and Albany's four track main passed under the bridge, was an old nun, dressed in black, sat on a camp stool. She had a small basket in one hand where people dropped change as they walked by. She was always there before the game but never afterwards.

The nun never acknowledged anyone, probably because she had her thoughts on a more celestial plain, although many of the nuns I knew were devout baseball fans who could discuss the efficacy of the sacrifice bunt with as much as facility as they could tell the Rosary.

Then into the crowd and by the printing plant, the office supply place, and the engravers and the tavern on the corner opposite the main gate. A quick check to see if your wallet was still there, and also to make sure your ticket was in your pocket and then through the gate, hand the ticket to the tired looking man by the turnstile and quickly into the green cement catacombs below where it was dark and it took your eyes a little while to get used to the lack of light.

There were other vendors below who sold scorecards, yearbooks, pennants and other souvenirs for little kids. Then there were glorious smelling stands where hot dogs were sold.

There was nothing fancy about the hot dogs sold then, and although they later came to be called Fenway Franks, they still stood one step above road kill on the food chain.
The hot dog of old did not pretend to be anything else than what it was supposed to be; indeterminate animal parts ground up, liberally laced with salt and other chemicals, cased and sold in bulk. The dogs were then unloaded at the ballpark, boiled and served up on untoasted rolls and slathered with Gulden's mustard which the patrons pumped from glass jars were on shelves attached to the structural pillars which held the place together.

Beer was available, too, in paper cups which were white with green decorations. The signs on these stands were to the point; one said "Hot Dogs" and the other said "Beer" so it was all pretty simple. There were many local breweries in New England then and one of them, Narragansett, sponsored the baseball games on the radio and also kept the patrons afloat when they attended the games. Narragansett was not the best beer in the world but people drank a lot of it because it was locally made and cheap. The general opinion of the ushers who worked at Fenway was that the only thing good about 'Gansett was that, "it cleaned out your pipes."

You, of course, had memorized the layout of the ballpark years ago and knew where you were going to sit long before you got there. It always gave a feeling of superiority to be able to direct the people from "up country" who only came to one game a year and wandered around trying to find where they were supposed to sit. You would go up the ramp and there, spread before you would be the field.

It was the greenest grass you had ever seen and it looked even greener at twilight when the shadows got long and the late afternoon sun would shine through the back of the stands and cast silhouettes on the field. And down below would be the lattice and net batting cage with several players standing around watching somebody else hit. The batting practice pitcher would stand there behind his safety net and lay them in and the hitters would get loose and pop a few off the left field wall or maybe rope one down the right field line into the corner or into the bullpen in right field.

If you were lucky you got to see Ted Williams. It was true that people would stop what they were doing on the field to watch the old man hit. There would be not much of a stride but the arm and bat speed was incredible. The most amazing thing was that he would wait until the last second and then seem to snap the ball right out of the catcher's glove and hammer it into right field.

The Red Sox were not that good at the end of Ted's career but he was a link to the past and that seemed to make it all right. Other players would be in the outfield, catching fly balls or running wind sprints as the coaches would hit sharp grounders to the infielders to keep them loose and ready. In many ways it was more satisfying than the game itself as it gave you a chance to study the players more at leisure.

Just as a heads up; my attendance may be sporadic over the next 10-14 days. More instruction scheduled, then a trip to the frozen north. I will try and stopy by if I can.

work safe

[siberianmo]

Mornin' Nick!

Good seeing ya 'round here so bright 'n early (for us) ...... full breakfast [?] Well, go right on back and prepare it, my man! You are employed here, ya know! [swg]

Seems that *** has been engaged in what has become a "thing" for him - one-way conversations from England (and Texas, and North Africa, and .....)! [swg] I had hoped that you'd catch up with him in cyber space, for I know that if anyone in this place could relate quite well to what he's Posting, it's you - and of course, Wolfman Pete.
Alas, methinks your response will linger on in Cyber Land.

Appreciate the explanations for your pix ... although I must admit I'm having just a bit of difficulty sorting 'em all out. For now, I'll not change the captions on the pix. When you have the time - take a look at the album - http://photobucket.com/albums/b222/siberianmo/ (click on Nick's Pix). Then check out your album from the beginning. For each photo, we should have a brief caption - something like "Staner 4-6-0 at Porthmadog, Sep 26, 2005" .... If you don't know the date, something like "Spring 2005" would do. Once you assign something similiar to each photo, I'll begin the process or editing them.

The only pending Email from me was to let you know that I figured out what you did to that "black 5" photo ... so no need to retransmit it. [tup]

When it comes time for me to cash it in, I want to be somehow "refitted" into a VIA Rail observation dome car! Those pix of the Budd stainless steel beauties just "does it" for me - love those trains. [yeah]

Did a bit more landscaping yesterday with the S Capades - nothing fantastic, just a slow go. Check out the pix on the photo album when you check out your own .....

Always have some tunes playing while down in the basement traind room - yesterday's "feature" was the "Little RIver Band." My CD player handles 5 and has a great feature called "Spiral," where it will play song #1 from disk #1, then song #1 from disk #2, etc. It's a great feature when you want to mix up the groups - but don't want to listen to an entire album all at once. Anyway, I loaded in 5 disks from "the boyz" and let 'er rip. Secured the operation about song #4 from disk #5. Following this [?] [swg]

Okay, time to get on with the day. Cindy is all "a flutter," thinking that you're coming back. Man oh man, you DO have a way with her, eh [?]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Mornin' coalminer3 CM3!

Just as I was about to turn over the bar to CIndy I caught your Post - same happened with Nick. Perhaps I'm not supposed to leave this morning ..... hmmmm.

Thanx for the round - although today *** is buying ALL DAY! [swg] We'll take the quarters though - always appreciate keeping the jar full for the JUKE! [tup]

I last saw Teddy Ballgame in Yankee Stadium in his last at bat there. I had a seat directly behind home plate - was in my sailor suit as the Yankees always provided great tickets to the guys in the service. This seat was by far the best ever for me, at the time. Anyway, Ted didn't let us down as he blasted one out. Just a treat indeed .....

Of course when living in the Boston area, I had to take in some games at Fenway. In between duty nights and weeks and months at sea, I'd find the time to squeeze in a Bruins, Celtics or Red Sox game. Never did get to see the Patriots, though. As a fan of Ebbets Field and the great memories that ballpark provided, Fenway was of a similiar influence. I didn't have any problems rooting for the Sox, but found that some of the guys got a bit beligerant with fans rooting for the other team. It was really obvious and moreso than anything I'd witnessed in New York City - really. Didn't seem to be that bad at the Gahdens, but surely was evident at the old ballpark.

And here I thought those hot dawgs were really good! A step up from road kill, eh [?] yes, the Narragansett was ever present. Somewhere in my mind's eye I'm recalling another brew, but can't for the life of me remember the name .....

By the by, I do not recall that GG1 you referred to .... I suppose there's a pix out there in cber space; I'll have to check.

Once again, appreciate your taking the time to share your vivid memory with us. One day, perhaps you'll let us know what you do that takes you away to places like the "frozen north" - wherever that is! Also appreciate your "heads up" on your planned absence, that really helps when trying to ensure some continuity 'round the joint. [swg]

Catch ya later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[West Coast S]

Morning Tom and the gang... OK Tom I won't berate all officers, i've actually served under a few that earned my respect, my O9 was in for a snap inspection last week and we get along great, much respect for him. Coffee and scones from the Mentor Bakery if you please.

Spent a quiet weekend away from the puter attending to some chores at the the new house, no puter there, yet, gotta keep my better half happy.

CM3
Ah yes the Reading T1, forgot about that one, speaking of the GG how about that wild Bicentenial job Conrail executed. Interesting anadote, In additional to the T1 & 610 the
SP 5021 a 4-10-2 at the fairgrounds in Pomona was considered for backup duty, it had previously been restored to operating condition in the mid 60s, but never operated.

UP 844 was also considered for AFT duty, UP thought otherwise and was adament that 844 not being leased to the AFT, it neverless, provided possible protection power when 4449 required a visit to the Omaha Shops for driver work. In order to keep the schedule, 844 was activited, but never called upon to power the AFT, except to double head the 4449 to Council Bluffs.

PassengerfanAl, keep them coming, I missed the oppertunity to experience pre-Amtrak by a couple of years, your'e insight brings the great trains of yesteryear to life for all to enjoy.

TrolleyBoy, You should plan a vist to the Orange Empire Railway Muesum if you ever get out this way, I can be your guide! They are devoted to perserving the transit history of Southern California and to that end have restored and the operate the largest Pacific Electric fleet to be found these days.

Nick.. your'e usual stupendous job in the kitchen. well done and executed, hip-hip-hurray and a toast of your favorite, by Joe ,tolerating Boris in your midst should qualify you for the Knights Cross! And that rescue of AWK from the pickle barrel was among the most heroic act i've witnessed to date.

Russ, great doings at KC, so when do you qualify to operate the 261? Ah, the ultimate career. Appreciate the pics. The 261 is on my to experience list before I depart this world. It occured to me that almost all restored steam is the last example extent, by accident or design one must wonder .

Tom, you tapped into the collective conciense with the fallen flag series, Puts in prespective just how many have departed and for a few, recalls fond personal memories.

"Our Place" is indeed where friends meet.


Dave[tup]

[siberianmo]

Hi Dave

First and foremost: I've been trying to contact you by Email through your profile ... doesn't work. PLEASE contact me; 4th request, Sir! [swg]

Nice to see ya this Monday .... understand the freedom from the 'puter while at home.

Undoubtedly the 'puter has become an integral part of everything going on at the work place and elsewhere these days. Not so sure it's all that necessary or beneficial. I recall having to explain to a rather slow administrative "type" that preparing a one paragraph memo on the computer took a hulluva lot more time than typing it. Of course, typewriters today have gone the way of dial telephones.

I remember having the games programs removed from internal computer systems - man oh man did that ever upset the troops! Tough. Also banned internal Email as well ... pointless to be sending messages back 'n forth between cubicles or ships tied to different sides of the pier, especially since the idea of "record communications" was being denegrated beyond repair. Having spent 14 years of my 32 in telecommunications, I shudder at what is compared to what was.

Today, the world has passed me by and I rely on this technology to keep me connected.
Don't know what got me started on that ... .but Boris go ahead and ring the bell (with the old clapper) for being [#offtopic][swg]

Nice inclusive Post from you and it's appreciated. Don't know where you are in your catching up, but we've had some interesting pix for our Sunday Photo Posting Day! along with a few rather insightful "reports" from our roaming friend, ['b]*** presently in England, but shortly en route Germany. A traveling man for sure.

Appreciate the kind comments regarding the Fallen Flags. You summed it up well, the fond memories really is what I've tried to rekindle.

I noted that you haven't made mention of the BELL fiasco, et al! Check the Posts.

Catch ya later - Cindy has the bar!

Tom[/b][4:-)][oX)]

[West Coast S]

Tom, you have a message in your email account .

Tom I still favor my typewriter, had to convince the powers around here not to dispose of the last working example. I, like you can type a statement and arrest report in less time then it takes me to find the program on the system, then you have the problem of someone having possibly deleated your authorization for reasons only known to the gods or some unknown security feature locking you out after extended periods of disuse.
Back when I was a engineering graduate, we did slide rule, calipers and good ol' fashion math, computers, though new to the scene and the size of small apartments were otherwise voodo and the stuff of science fiction[#offtopic].

I owe the house a two rounds for straying so far off topic.

Ah, yes the bellcapades, Boris, what can one say? His attention span is of some concearn to me. Never a dull moment at "Our Place"

Tom, i've got thousands of negatives, all in 35mm, carefully cataloged and stored, one of my long range plans is to scan to disc and edited with a photo program. The Sunday photo feature should prove to be popular among the group, I for one enjoy them immensely


Dave[tup]

[siberianmo]

Hi (again) Dave

Email received and responded to! Thanx ..... [tup]

One day I plan to do some similar editing of my 35mm collection of slides. Been saying that for years ... but I really want to. All of the family photo's and many from my career are on those slides. I understand that there are ways to transfer these things to discs - that's my goal. I have no clue what the purchase price is for whatever "black box" one needs to do these things, but I'm interested in finding out. Just gotta start browsing .....

Sorry, but just can't buy a drink 'round here today - it's ALL on ***'s expense account! So, we'll ring the bell - and charge it to him. Go Boris Go! [swg]

By the by, we've just received a car load of "The Famous Grouse" Scotch whiskey and if you're a Connoisseur of the stuff, have a double on me. [tup]

Man oh man, your mention of slide rules sure brings back some memories. A long time ago, in a land far away (kinda like "On a dark 'n stormy night..... as Snoopy might write) ... I had aspirations of studying Architectural design. Part of the prepartion was an understanding of the slide rule. [yeah] Brings back memories.

There's really something to be said about the "old school." Many a mentor of mine impressed upon me early on that one needs to know where they've been in order to get where you are going. It doesn't do a bit of good to rely on electronic navigation should the power go out when far at sea, and no one knows how to use a sextant.

Okay, I leave you with one last ... Boooooooooooooong, Gwooooooooooooong - just as a reminder to contain yourself when it comes to "innovative" ideas! [swg] What to do with that new clapper, what to do ........ [?]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Gunns]

Hi Tom,
Bier a Marzen bitte, (it is Ocktober fest)
And a Bratwurst unt brochen bitte.

Sorry about the hiatus, but I am up to my eye brows in the Balloon fiesta, my pilot comes in tonight and I will be crewing every day for the next week and a half, you know get up at 0400 to get to the park, doo weather breif, pilot breif, lay it out cold inflate, hot inflate, launch, drive like a mainiac, land, pack up, and do it all over again.........11 days in a row with some evenings thrown in for the Balloon Glow events.
Back to classic trains soon,
so ring the bell,
I'll be back,
Gunns

[West Coast S]

Tom... To transfer slides you should be able to get a quality scanner for under two hundred or so, the actual transfer programs vary by manfacture,features and technical levels from around a hundred to several thousand dollars. One surpirse that could be lurking after your initial outlay, is discovering your computer is memory impared.

Negatives are somewhat easier, different scanner and software. A local photo shop quoted one hundred and forty dollars per every two hundred negatives transfered, this does include any photo touchup, so that's what your'e paying for. Too rich for my blood, I am considering a night class to become familar with the technology, besides were going to one hundred percent digital in the office within six months, some of the cutting edge technology intimidates me to a certain extent, the youngsters know this stuff in there sleep. We oldtimers have some catching up to do!

Mr. Murphy has a way of striking where you least expect him, my only extensive UP DD35 and 40 shots from over twenty five ago are the ONLY negatives that have fade and blemish issues. These locomotives have been gone for many years, so, no second chances at bat with this subject matter.

My one time at shooting slides resulted in complete ruin, within two years fade destroyed them completely. So much for Sherman Hill in 1974, oddly, it was the same year that I shot extensively with Kodak Film, never again, went back to Fuji and never had any further issues.

Ok ***, no resistence, just hand the money over, godspeed and safe passage on your travels.

Dave[tup]