"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[siberianmo]

G'day Dave

The accounts of the Alpine Tavern & Inn should be put to film - I'd love to see the construction phase, and of course what it looked like during its better days. Just amazing stuff, eh [?] Thanx! [tup]

Hope you had a chance to read what Russell had to say .... this isn't new to the Forums, and there are many valid points with regard to "policing" the threads - but we all know what a difficult line that is to walk! Especially in this day and age of virtually "anything goes." Hope we haven't transgressed over the edge .....

That senior agent being sent to Iraq as some sort of a remedy surely was a "p/poor" way of handling it. Thought that kinda stuff went out with the draft. Don't get me wrong, sometimes these "actions" are very much necessary - but given what's going on with us in that part of the world, the media, etc., man oh man - a bit on the "wild side" I'd say.

Okay - catch ya later. I'm working on my photo's for the Sunday Photo Posting and just found out I've exceeded my "limit" with PhotoBucket for a free account. Soooooo, I sprung for the $25 to keep it going with more "memory" provided. Ahhh, the things I do for my "customers!"

Catch ya later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[West Coast S]

Tom, A&R Productions, Mt. Lowe, the railway in the clouds is the video you seek. I believe A&R to be out of business, but the tape has been reissued by several sources who's names i'm unable to recall. A google search should prove positive. The footage was filmed during the heyday of the operation, film time is around 30 or so minutes.

Indeed sad that a few flamers and trolls would jepordize the forums, there was one indvidule in particular that posted several times on the same subject in the TRAINS forum that was scathing and ranting in his opinion of railfans and railroads, these types we do not need, nor do we have use for the
anti-Bush, anti- war poltical debate, what does that contribute to the forums? I sincerely hope MR can find a sucessfull process to eliminate or restrict those responsible while not penalizing those who do not abuse the priviledge.

Round for the house, you're call

Dave[:D]

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

A pint of the usual and a ham sub please.

Thanks for another great flag TOM.

Great info on the railroad owned hotels TED WESTCOASTSDAVE AND TROLLEYBOY ROB. We often used to stay at the Midland Hotel in KEIGHLEY West Yorkshire which was railway owned many years ago although well past its prime it still has the ornate ceiling moldings and with some imagination it is possible to think of it in its hayday.It costs about only 38 Dollars a night last time I stayed there.

My home town Rugby must be one of the very few British railway stations where it is not possible to see atleast a bar from the depot entrance.There used to be an ex L.M.S canteen on a hill opposite the depot mainly for the train crews they used to sell a massive steamed dessert for 6 old pence( about 4 cents). It has gone now and like a lot of old railway property is now a car-park[V].

Latest HILDA news . She was assisting the local pick-up crew by pushing the boxcars after the loco failed. it was O.K. until she demanded payment in beer. It was quite a sight to see her in the middle of the bar while the locals were huddled in a corner, her drinking straight from a pitcher. Unfortunatly she became irate when the two bar-men could not keep up with demand. It took 10 officers and 2 dogs to take her away. [:-,]
They have had to release her this morning as she was bending the bars of her cell for morning work-out so we may see her tomorrow[swg]. A match for BORIS[?] PETE.

[pwolfe]

Hi tom and all.

I have just read RUSSELL s post. It would be a great shame if we were to lose this wonderful forum.I know from being a railfan from across the pond I have learnt a great deal about N.American Classic trains from some very knowledgeable and kind folks. If the worse sould sould happen please lets keep in touch. PETE

[Anonymous]

G'afternoon all, maybe a lollipop and a glass of decaf ice tea this time Tom. I hope all is well with our (maybe) "too much fun gang of Li'l Rascals." I don't wi***o be unduly paranoid given the quasi adomishments for "Garden Railways, Classic Toy Trains and Model Railroader Forums." I'm sure any of us who have visited some of these Forums realize that some really bitter rancor does appear from time to time. There have even been (rare) cases of personal threats made between individuals who participate.[tdn] Personally, I'm quite willing to leave the "all in fun" anecdotes to personal e-mail between "Our" Place members. Its not a "big deal." Poor old Boris will just need to find temporary housing from one "addy" to the next, I suppose.[:(]

In today's climate of gratuitous libel and character assassination for the most trivial of humo(u)r, one realizes how "mole hills can become mountains." It is regrettable that a few Iconoclasts and tortured Egotists have come to have such a strangle hold on, heretofore, well intentioned satirical humo(u)r and self parody. Folks, that is the way things are in our modern literal, mundane society.[V]

There needs to be more input here, don't you think? I, for one, would like to hear some other thoughts on this "wrinkle" (real or imagined). In any case, thanks Russell for "a word to the wise."[tup] See all of ya that can make it tomorrow under the big Maple near the Diet Pepsi Tap.[V] Happy rails everyone.[:D]

[siberianmo]

G'day Dave & Pete

Glad you've decided to "roost" a bit, can't think of a finer place to do it at! [swg]

My thoughts on this business that Russell brought to our attention is that it really isn't anything new. I'm hardly an "old timer," but I do read, and I've read many an account of the "history" of these Forums and of the abuses and how they were handled - or not handled. There are many threads that are running on the various forums containing all kinds of "open topics." We're not really the exception so much and I'll tell ya why. We are structured and seemingly find our way back to the idea of the forum - Classic Trains. I hope that Kalmbach recognizes just how disciplined those of us who participate in this thread really are and of course how much fun we have while sharing some great stories, information and photo's of our love for railroading (real or model). If we were to be arbitrarily shut down - it would truly be surprising.

Now should we launch some sort of a "campaign" to "save" us [?] I say no - let's not do that. Not unless and until we've been warned. We all know of the absolute tra***hat is being submitted all over the forums - the people running up their numbers count, and it's not just the juveniles - adults seem to be impressed with how many stars they can accumulate. Anyway, let's continue on and we've been put on guard. Nothing wrong with that as long as we stick to the theme of "Our" Place - Classic Trains.

Finally, let's not jump the gun with this - okay [?]

Dave That's terrific news about the existence of film for the Alpine Tavern & Inn up on Mt. Lowe. I'll begin my search ... .Thanx! [tup]

Thanx for the round! [tup] Boris ring the bell! [yeah]

Pete I kinda figured you'd be in "contact" with Hilda and her goings-on out your way. So, she's taken a liking to the Jeff City taverns, eh [?]. That should go over like a lead balloon with your bride, don't ya think [?] [swg] Perhaps we should get Boris to take her out on a date! [yeah] Let's work toward that ..... [:O]

It's nice to see the continuing dialogue going on with the Fallen Flags and the other inputs. The hotels 'n resorts info that I Posted yesterday are getting some great mileage and yours is appreciated as well. While many railroads throughout the world probably were involved in that sort of thing, I seriously doubt that any - not a one - could come close to the "empire" that Canadian Pacific Railways put together. Just a fantastic approach to it all. [tup][tup][tup]

Catch ya later! Gotta get back to those pix ... time consuming for sure.

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Hello Tom and the rest of the Classic Trains gang,

I just noticed that all of the Model Railroader forums have been LOCKED![:O]

I hope this is only a temporary thing, while they figure out what to do next...

-ken

[Anonymous]

I hope y'all mind me dropping by for a bit...

I never frequent the Classic Trains forum, but with the MR forum locked, I have nothing else to do.

Well, that's all for now I suppose..

[siberianmo]

Hello to you displaced model railroad fans!

Ken You surely haven't been 'round here since shortly after we opened up .... perhaps things at Kalmbach have gotten to the point where some of the "issues" you and I discussed back then are getting some attention. I know we didn't view them the same way - but quite frankly, the abuses on the Forums seems to be getting really out of hand. I just entered a couple of threads on MRR and had no problems ......

uspscsx I won't go thru my standard welcoming stuff, in that it appears you may not be back! Anyway, suggest you check us out from page 1 - then look at the Summary pages to get an idea of what this adult cyber bar 'n grill is all about. We discuss Classic Trains here and have some fun while doing it. You are most certainly welcome to return .... although you may find us a bit more structured than the other threads ........ [swg]

TomProprietor of "Our" Place, an adult eating 'n drinking establishment!

[TrainFreak409]

Howdy y'all. Since the MR forum is down, I'm not sure what exactly I am going to do. I really hope that they do not decide to delete it. That has been a great place for me to talk with fellow model railroading enthusiasts, since no one of my age in whatever area I am in seems to be, with the exception of Cheese3.

I feel like I've lost a home.[:(]

[railroadyoshi]

I think all of us who like to hang at MR have lost a home. but, we do have ClassicTrains!

[TrainFreak409]

QUOTE: Originally posted by siberianmo

Now should we launch some sort of a "campaign" to "save" us [?] I say no - let's not do that. Not unless and until we've been warned. We all know of the absolute tra***hat is being submitted all over the forums - the people running up their numbers count, and it's not just the juveniles - adults seem to be impressed with how many stars they can accumulate. Anyway, let's continue on and we've been put on guard. Nothing wrong with that as long as we stick to the theme of "Our" Place - Classic Trains.

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

Woah, I should have read that more closely. It seems to me that everyone usually blames inappropriate posts on teens. It's good to see that someone is defending us, and pointing out that adults to it as well. Thanks for sticking up for us Tom![:D][tup]

Heh heh, I'm page leader. What do I win?[:p] Or do I have to buy a round of drinks for everyone here, like in the MR Coffee Shop?[8D]

[railroadyoshi]

Oh no! Terry, please dont!
Sure, there are some jerks out there, but without these forums i'd be nowhere in this hobby, and a lot of other people would be nowhere too. Please keep the forums, even if that means you have to be more vigilant and delete more threads!

[railroadyoshi]

[#ditto] to Scott
Tom, thanks!

[West Coast S]

Afternoon Tom and the gang, a warm howdy to our new visitors.

PWolf, a shay you say? Lima had a prolific export trade, given the geographic location, is indeed a bit odd, I would reason something to do with WWII, sounds like you have a mystery on your hand.

Tom: Not a problem, you'll enjoy the film, i'm aware on no other film footage on the Mt. Lowe. Its addictive, next you'll have to invest in the Pacifc Electric trilogies Vol. I, II, III from Cantanery Videos, par excelence

As for the future of these forums what will be, will be, only MR knows the future, it is futile to spectulate at this point.

Ok Boris i'll permit you to ask Hilda out. Bong..bong..bong. Round of the usual, I believe mention of a certain brand of Scotch several days ago.
Dave[:D]

[siberianmo]

Hi Dave and regulars!

Another Friday night here at the BAR 'N GRILL - Pizza Nite - so let's get crackin' guys! The beer is cold and the mugs are frosty ....... [yeah]

To reiterate, let's keep conducting the conversations on our thread as we have been since this all began back on April 12th. The talk is about Classic Trains and we encourage lots of dialogue AMONGST all who contribute, plus have a bit of fun while doing so. This isn't a "coffee shop" nor is it a place to run up numbers counts, and it surely isn't for those who cannot take the time to figure out what we're all about!

So, Dave I appreciate your taking the time to stop by - buy a round - BUT - when it comes to Boris - well HE belongs to Nick.

Oh yes, thanx to those who commented on today's Fallen Flag - NYC. When looked at in the era of greatness, one can only wonder in bewilderment how these giants simply vanished from the rails. I'm happy that I had the opportunity to at least travel on some of them and have my memories to bring 'em back! [tup]

Catch ya later! [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[espeefoamer]

Guten abend everyone( I think that's how it's spelled).I'm all ready for Oktoberfest tomorrow[8D]. I'll have plenty of root bier( I don't drink alcohol).mit bratwurst!
I must have missed something, as I missed whatever post made the schize hit the fan!

[siberianmo]

Hi Ted and Regulars,

Didn't see your Post back on #122 - anyway, don't fret. Our Oktoberfest goes off as planned. [tup][swg] I do not envision us having to change the way we interact - we're not part of the problem, at least thus far.

Some Emails have gone to the Permanent Stools and to the Inner Circle. Business as usual is the bottom line.

Sorry for the long delays between respones - I'm up to my ears trying to upload my photo's from the KCity trip with Pete. Interruptions on the net and here at home ain't helpin' much! [swg]

Enjoy this Friday night and let's keep "Our" Place hummin' as it was designed to be - Classic Trains and some good times while we're at it.

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

Good evening gentlemen all,and a warm wecome to all our visitors-havn`t the faintest idea what`s got everybody stirred up,and to be honest,I`m not sufficiently concerned to go and look-this place works,if Kalmbach are not prepared to host it,someone else will,or we set up on our own----no problems here.....O.K-Lets sort out the post-[4:-)]TOM-I do sleep,usually 3-8<get up,take daughter to school,go home,back to bed>9-12,unless day work available---Can I contribute to the fund for photobucket,as you are hosting my pix I feel it is the least I can do............AL-love the idea of that elevator-now that is thinking big...! ROB-I`ll settle for the `Northlander` return trip,-by-the-by,welcome to the payroll of the most dissolute "Adult Beveridge" premises this side of the border [^]...MANAGER TED..how about that 3/4 with a Jamaican twist-hang the drums upside-down,bass on the back of the beat, guitar with loads of echo/repeat..........DAVE-thanks for covering bar weds. P.M,had intended to cover shift but machine had other plans...N.B-Bilston Shay pre first war-1900-12--now I realise that the blue pills are doing Boris a world of good,but do you really think he is ready for dating just yet-quite aside from anything else,we must consider the prospect of him accidently breeding-an ugly thought...O.K chaps,get your submissions ready for sunday slide show,sleep well,nick[C=:-)]

[DavidJ611]

Hello Tom and gang,

I--like a few other familiar faces I see here this evening--found myself hungry and lonely after I discovered Bergie's chained the doors over at Zoe & Chloe's "Coffee Shop" and everywhere else on their block (the whole MR Forum). [:(] Hopefully that will only be a temporary situation, and hopefully the same won't happen here. (It's a shame how it only takes a few bad apples to ruin things. [V] --Just my [2c])

Mmmm... That pizza sure smells good! [:p] I'll take a large with pepperoni and a cold draft of the house brew, please. [dinner]

The discussion on the RR hotels is interesting. I'm an N&W fan, and their crown jewel was the Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, VA, the home the N&W's headquarters. After a number of years of it sitting idle after the N&W closed it's doors [I'm not exactly sure when.], NS Corp. donated it to Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, (a.k.a. =Virginia Tech= http://www.vt.edu). Under the ownership of the Virginia Tech Foundation, the hotel http://www.hotelroanoke.com/ was restored and reopened circa 1992 as the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center under the management of Doubletree Hotels. It's a beautiful, grand old hotel, and it's location is a railfan's dream. [8D]

I'm way too young to have stayed there in it's former glory days under N&W ownership, but I am happy to say that I had the pleasure of staying there 7 years ago with my wife. We had a room with an awesome panoramic view of downtown Roanoke, including to the east--the N&W East End Shops (birthplace of my namesake all-time favorite locomotive J611), to the south--the adjacent N&W passenger station and, in the distance, Mill Mountain which since 1949 has been adorned with an 88' tall neon star overlooking the city (where I proposed to my wife [:D]) and to the west--N&W's Roanoke Yard. [8D] ...Oh yeah, did I mention we were staying there on our wedding night??? [;)][;)][:p][^][tup][tup]

For your viewing enjoyment, here is a picture of J611in Roanoke in October 1994. The Hotel Roanoke is the stately Tudor-style structure up the hill to the left, and the East End Shops are visible in the far background. [Follow the train back and look for the two tall smokestacks in the distance.] The station is obcured by the train.


Thanks for the eats and the company, guys. (Tom, please let me know how/with whom to settle up.) I hope you enjoy my picture and ramblings, and I look forward to returning.

-Dave

[icmr]

Good evening all. This is my first CTT post. I like so many others have been evicted from my home( MR ). I guess I will be here and on TRAINS. Thanks for keeping Terry's post on here.



ICMR

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[siberianmo]

Hi Nick

Having read that Post of Russell's again (with the Kalmbach info) I can fully understand where they are coming from. One of the primary reasons this place is here is because of what was going on elsewhere. Not the fun part - but the rudeness, the completely off the wall crap and blatently obvious thirst for "stars." Really turned me off. The only reason I joined this thing was to have some intelligent interaction with fellow hobbyists. I quickly found out how this "social order" works. So, I exited from the "open topic" place I used to Post at and formed this one. I also gave up on my Post on Railroads Forum too - because some guys just couldn't stay away from the political and the U.S. bashing. Really was out of hand then, and apparently those few are still at it.

We've had a good run, and I concur with you - we'll find a place to gather once again should we get the axe. I've got the Email addresses of those who make this place successful, so unless and until we're cut off - let's keep on keepin' on!

I received two pix today from you - is that it [?] Somehow, I was expecting more. Really, only two. You may want to recheck that Email. Absolutely will not hear of it when it comes to money for the PhotoBucket upgrade. When we meet in Toronto (some day!) or West Wales (some other day!) the drinks are on YOU! [swg] Back to PhotoBucket - I apparently overloaded my "quota" for freebie pix - no sweat. If I didn't give it to them, I'd more than likely give it to RailImages. PhotoBucket is just easier to navigate and I like the feature of being able to create sub-albums. So again, ain't no way I want your Crown Sterling (or whatever currency is "in" over there!). [swg] Thanx for the offer, though. [tup]

See ya in the 'morrow!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Hi DavidJ611 Dave

Appreciate your Post and [#welcome] to "Our" Place! I hope you've taken the time to check out what we're all about. I normally Post all kinds of "stuff" to help the new guys along, but tonight has been rather hectic - in the real world and cyber space too.

Nice pix too. You will find that we have a Sunday Photo Posting 'round here. That's simply to maintain focus and keep some structure to this thread.

Essentially, this is a thread I began for adults to discuss Classic Trains and have some fun while doing it. I say adults only because the theme here is a bar 'n grill, not a soda shop or something like that. Sorry if that offends anyone - but that's the way I designed it.

Suggest you check out page 1 of this thread and then find the Summary pages later on .... that will get you up to speed.

In time you'll get the hang of it all and fit in quite nicely. By the by, I used to live in Chesapeake, VA. One day we should compare notes - best by Email though.

You'll also note that I'm not responding to anyone who has failed to provide some insight through the Profile mechanism of the Forums. My profile is "out there," and it should be reciprocal insofar as that kind of info is concerned.

First drink in this place is on the house! Enjoy ....

Tom, Proprietor of "Our" Place

[Paul W. Beverung]

Well I'm another refugee from the coffee shop. I guess I'll hang around and see what's going on. It is a shame that we have to suffer for the few jerks that seem to crawl out of the wood work.

I'll submit a fallen flag for your amusment. The Iron Range and Huron Bay. I don't think that they were around long enough to get a flag. They only ran one train. It turned over about 20 minutes out of Huron Bay and the railroad was scrapped.

See you alll later.

[siberianmo]

Okay Guys! I'm checking out for the night .... Leon the Night Man is here and has the bar 'til closing.

For all who have no clue what this is all about, perhaps a bit of time researching our thread will help a bit. Otherwise you really are wasting your time here ... sorry.

Once the dust settles, and it will, I will welcome those of you who really want to participate in our thread. It will be evident who you are should you return with some meaningful stuff meant for all of us to enjoy concerning the topic of Classic Trains!

Hey Paul Didn't catch your Post "hiding" up there! [#welcome] To "Our" Place and in deference to the hour and my inability to stay awake, I'll defer you to the commentaries made this evening regarding how this place "works." Nice having you stop in and hope you'll return. That's quite a Fallen Flag story! Suggest you check out the Summary pages ..... and my Fallen Flags.

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

[trolleyboy]

hello Tom and the gang. Thanks for adding me to the payroll. [tup][^]Fittingly we have a wonderfull Butcher / meat processor in town that makes their own cuts etc from their own stock,and they just happen to be german by decent as well. Expect a riegth motor at the cabam yard dragging a couple reefers of food and brew for the weekend.[:D][:)] Tom i'd never not invite you along on the polar bear express it wouldn't be fun with out you. Nick The Northlander is fun too but the Polar Bear is the nice looog ride to the tip of James Bay. Our other just have t5o do trip is the tour of the line on Algoma Sentral S.S. Marie to Hawke JCT.[^][tup]Dave Seeing as how a larrge fan of the PE you are have you seen or picked up the morning sun books on the Topic.To my mind the PE was the true interurban system closest thing to it in canada would have been the NS&T. Speaking of which it shall be my next installment on Classic Juice S the NS&T or Niagara St Catharines and Toronto Railway. Served The Niagara Peninsula Interurban lines ran freom Port Colbourne on Lake Erie down through Welland and thorold Ontario to St Catharines ending off at Lakeside Park in Port Dalhousie on lake Ontario. From there one borded steamships to Toronto. There was plans to rail connect TO and the Niagara peninsula but the depression stopped those plans as so many interurbans were starting to fail. In edition to the interurban routes the NS&T ran the city street railways in St Catharines and Niagara falls ontario. One could transfer at the Niagara falls station on bridge street to the Niagara gorge electric railway that ran on the us side of the falls. The NS&T also operated the frieght switching in Thorold st Catharines Port Colbourne and fonthill. Their original charter was 1886 as a horse car line in St catharines . In 1893 Mackenzie and Mann of Canadaian Northern fame bought them and started to expand the system electrifing it in 1893. When the Canadain Northern failed in the 1920's the NS&T came to be owned by the new Candain National railway. The city lines in ST Kitts and the falls stopped operating in 1953 the interurbans and frieght lines soldiered on. The last PT Colbourne to ST Catharines( PT Dalhousie interurba) ran in late 1956. Charters continued for another 6 months.Electric frieght operations ended in 1960 when CN dieselized ( still run today on the old 90lbs girder rail in most places) The NS&T had a varied car and locomotive fleet most bought used some home built. At one point they operated somewhere in the nieghbourhood of 300 pcs of rolling stock. Severak pictures of which you can see in my rail images account. This is a simple history two good books have been written about the NS&T One by Andy Panko the other by John Mills one of our museum's founders. Morning sun books Great lakes trolley's Published last year also has some great pictures on the NS&T the little railway that could ! Have a good evening gentlemen. Rob

[trolleyboy]

Hello again. Tom Thamks for your latest fallen flag post. The NYC was the olny US railroad I seriously concidered modelling. The double grey ligthening strip scheme was the cats butt[;)][:D] I was partial to the black cigar band scheme as wel/ only on some locomotives though. Cliners,FM switchers,GP20's and GP30's No where else could you see such an eclectic all encompassing locomotive fleet. truly something for everybody[:p] And they had electrics too [^][tup][tup]. I remember driving through Buffalo oh 15 years ago anyway adn the one Conrail yard (blech[V][xx(] ) had several strings of D&H I love NY painted boxcars remember the blure and white ones? and several old slooowly rusting away Pace maker service boxcars. You could barely make out the lettering on them and the nice red and grey livery. I never got close enough to check but do any of you know did those Pacemaker High speed service cars have express trucks on them or just regular freight trucks[?] Have a great evening. Rob

[Anonymous]

Hi all

MR forum is still locked (hope they reopen without altering anything - I feel it works pretty well on the whole and charging or restricting it to subscribers will lose a lot of contributors) so I'm now over here. In the event of that happening I'll probably be over at G Scale Mad - it's a UK-based forum devoted to large scale, though we also talk about the prototype and pretty much anything else "clean". Hopefully the powers that be will decide to put things back the way they were, as they have a great resource in these forums.

Bye for now

[Anonymous]

G'Day all, I've never seen this volume of traffic in the Bar before. Happy Oktober Fest to all, the festivities begin 'round noon today. Tom, make mine a wee dram of the Baily's, please (just a "eye opener", don't cha know?) Rob, great stats. on the NS&T and I echo your "take" on the N.Y.C. R.R. being "something there for everyone." I would drive from Monticello, N.Y. to the Harmon Beacon Ferry across the Hudson to catch the first train to Grand Central on my days off. Always made for a great get-away and a shot of adrenalin at the City's tempo.[^]

Nick, thanks for the mail, good "common sense" which isn't so "common" anymore. After the Fest, I'll be more "in touch" but you and Tom have your hands full preparing pix for Sunday.[tup] I don't wi***o interupt the work as I'm looking forward to this feast for the eyes also.

Looks as if there will be much to sort through for finding pertinent contributions that are relevant to "Classic Trains", for awhile anyway. As it happens too often; let us hope the predators from one thread don't follow their prey to "Our" Place.[:-^] Without a "live" host, parasites will generally seek another.[xx(] This has been a very healthy, positive environment for the past 6 months. Hopefully, all who participate will have their vaccinations up-to-date and "share the wealth and the health."[tup]

Okay, there is still much to do before the "down beat." I'll be checking back in for putting out any last minute fires. Right Boris, ring Old 99's bell for a "nip" all 'round, if you will. Ding-ding-ding-ding-ding. Gadfrey Daniel, who brought that 2005 pneumatic "ding dong" in here? CLANG, ahh, that's better. Aufwiedersehen bis spaeter. [(-D]

[siberianmo]

G'mornin' Gang!

Just a few quick responses before the SUMMARY and a comment or two:

Rob Received your Email and appreciate your thoughts. Thanx for the cooperation. It was never a problem with the guys we KNOW, it's the interlopers .....

Yes, the NYC Fallen Flag brings to mind some great passenger railroading nostalgia. Great equipment - great livery - and great herald(s). Always enjoyed watching those lightning bolts .... [yeah]

Also, appreciate the reassurance that you won't foget little old me sitting here in mid-continent USA when it comes to that planned Polar Bear Express run. That would be a great experience and even moreso should we be able to pry Nick loose from West Wales, UK! [swg]

Railroading_Brit Matt [#welcome] To "Our" Place! I've read your profile and appreciate the up front information! So many do not reveal anything other than their cyber names - for the most part, we ignore 'em here. There is an exception now 'n then.

Since you are no stranger to these Forums, but new to our thread, perhaps you may want to check us out by looking at page 1, then locate our Summary pages in order to get a "handle" on what we're all about. Up front, this is a cyber bar 'n grill for adults, designed to talk about Classic Trains - real or model - while having some doing it. We are INTERACTIVE and INCLUSIVE here - no hit 'n run Postings ... so, if this is something you may find of interest - c'mon back.

By the by, nickinwestwales Nick is a regular and our Chief Chef [C=:-)], so perhaps you've "met" elsewhere - but he's a "fixture" here. [swg]

Ted Good seeing you this AM, as always. Your Emails have been received and appreciated! Thanx ... [tup] We are all on the same page with this, so let's just do our "business as usual." I'll continue best I can with the recognition, when warranted, and the rest will have to "roost" elsewhere. [swg]

The chill is in the air here in mid-continent USA, ain't fall just a splendid time of year [?]. I think so! [tup]

Well - gotta get crackin' on the Summary, but first .....

COMMENTARY
The OKTOBERFEST will begin today at Noon as planned. However, I urge all of our regulars to ensure that we maintain our connection with Classic Trains - let's not fall victim to those who have caused this latest dilemma on the Forums to adversely impact us. Just use some good judgment when it comes to osting and we'll be okay! [tup] Thanx!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]