"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[siberianmo]

Good Evenin' Gents!

Been an interesting day - not overwhelmed with Posts, but for the most part those who have come in, have had something to say! [tup]

West Coast S Dave Glad you accomplished something on the domestic side of your life. Kinda figured you were "over your head" when we didn't see you for OKTOBERFEST Saturday! After all - YOU didn't want me to discontinue it! [swg]

Enjoyed your POST and appreciate the inclusiveness of it - really do - thanx! [tup]tup][tup]

In reading about your Metrolink, thoughts come to mind about our MetroLink (note the "L" differences). The costs per mile are sky rocketing to the point where I serioiusly doubt we'll see any expansions - at least with local tax dollars. Our MetroLink is being audited by the State Auditor regarding an 8 mile expansion that is nearly $200 million over budget and growing. It's is now somewhere between $750-800 million for a bit less than 8 miles. Terrible, absolutely terrible. There is a serioius tax payer resistance movement afoot - property taxes, transporation taxes, et al. I'm doing my part to stir the pot in favor of responsible government spending. Sounds pretty much like an oxymoron to me. [swg] Anyway, I enjoyed your essay. The phrase, "Everything old is new again," really rings true 'round these parts too. Makes one wonder how and why did WE ever let it get this out of whack [?]

Before the baseball playoffs began, and the Cardinals had "clinched" a berth, I said that it would be an interesting World Series should the Angels make it. If for no other reason than to watch Eckstein and Edmonds play against their former team. Also wouldn't mind a White Sox matchup either, given the somewhat natural rivalry we have with Chicago. When I was living in San Pedro in '86-'88, I'd drive down to Anaheim to catch some AL action and always enjoyed the place. Prefer NL baseball though ......

Free lunch! [swg] Awwwwwwright .......

passengerfan Al Email received and responded to - thanx!

Nice supplement on the SP&S .... that's the idea of the [i[]Fallen Flags series[/i] - to stimulate conversation.

I never thought it would happen in my lifetime - but methinks America will soon regret losing so many rail rights-of-way. Once those rails and ties go to the scrappers, those routes are gone, gone, gone insofar as rail use is concerned. St. Louis still has many left - but the hikers 'n bikers are making serious inroads ....... There are those who claim coexistence works - I don't believe it for a second. These people have been hugely successful in not only getting their way, but also in having any vestage, other than perhaps a name (ie: Katy Trail) removed forever more.

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

6th Month Anniversary Tomorrow!

[West Coast S]

Tom...Yeh' the little lady won't be put off, rewire and replace two light fixtures in the kitchen, ditto for the bathroom, shampoo the living room rug, oh and while you've got your tools handy, can I have new fence and outdoor lighting? As if my week isin't busy enough, my son and his wife flew into town this afternoon. I suppose he'll, once again offer me the oppertunity to run his accounting office in Honolulu ( have to think that one over carefully) and so it continues, i've been desginated to escort some visiting brass from the Pentagon tomorrow, but, I will be in to offer my congradulations and a proper toast on our anniversy. Where are my manners? Round of Wild Turkey if you please.

A common theme regarding light rail and the rail industry in general is the "not in my backyard" crowd. The three mile extension needed to connect the Green Line to LAX is a partial victim of this mentality, tax payers want to know why it wasn't included from the get go and now the county is seeking around 12 million to correct their lack of planning.. Your 8 mil seems cheap in comparision.


Since no one obliged themself of my lunch offer, were on for Thrusday, in the meantime, rounds for the house unti 23:00 hrs. on me. Ok Boris your'e ozzing with anticipation..Bong..bong..bang, chug, chug .

Dave [8D]

[siberianmo]

Hi ya Dave

Well I'll tell ya this - it ain't cheap when it's comin' out of my tax dollars! But undoubtedly there are places where our exhorbitant per mile costs for light-rail will look pale in comparison. Surely doesn't justify it though. [tdn]

Thanx for the round! Boris ring the bell! [tup] Apparently the time difference may have factored in regarding your free lunch offer (check my response - above!) [swg]

Only been to Hawaii twice during my career - had an opportunity to visit all of the islands via CG helo. Can't imagine living there - really isn't my kinda lifestyle nor would I want to be that far removed from the contiguous 48. Whatever floats your boat, as they say! [swg]

Back to the saga of light-rail and the NIMBY crowd. That's precisely why our community doesn't have a link to MetroLink. I was addressing a Chamber of Commerce gathering back when we had a coalition of 400 active citizens trying to get light-rail here. One of the "uninformed," but well heeled attendees made mention of the trains being nothing more than a way for the criminal element to "come to our community." My response [?] When was the last time you ever heard of the bad guy making his get-away aboard a train [?] That's the mentality that destroys logic .......

On that note .... have a good evenin' and hope to see you in the 'morrow! [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

6th Month Anniversary Tomorrow!

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Tom. Your email "thots" were recieved and responded to [tup] I'm gald I took you up on the juice mini summery. The S&PS was anither good choice. Confirmed alcophiles like myself really loced the centuries and old smokers on the S&PS and a double flick for me with their background in the electric interurban field. Your second tidbit was also interesting and an electric line to boot as well. Makes my heart to the flutter flutter. No Boris no electrodes arrrrgh[:O] [XX(] Tom and Dave I concur with the glacially slow progress towards re-envigorating light rail or rail in general. Too many brain dead lobbists like the one you delt with Tom. I still say we need to start are own trails to rails group [tup] Tom I figured that november woiuld be a wash for you unfortunatly[sigh] at least you and Carol have some time off together. I will most likely take you up on your offered hospitality at some point. it's truly appreciated. I just need to convince some one that flying and travelling south of the boarderare a good thing. Heather tends to be a homebody. You are sooo right about CP rail. They still are a classy org. [tup] Here's hoping that they stay free and clear of takeovers which would dimini***heir spot in tthe dwindling constellation of big railroads. i've heard too many rumours of CP/UP mergers. That would not be good for our national pride, or the railroading world. Alot of the classic posters are preserved in their historic archeives in Calgary. I have seen them run some mini versions of them as souvineer type items sold through their CP store.have any wall space left in your train room ? Dave at least you have two proposals for light rail as oposed to one that is for and the other definatly against. This at least bodes well in that at some point the money will be well spent. Up here what would likely happen is a royal commision followed by a judicial enquiry as to which is the best bang for the buck. Likely they would decide that to keep everyone happy we'll build both but just not now one needs more studies etc etc [sigh] And to think that at one point in the late twenties early thirties there was 30 or 40 proposed or active interurban lines criss crossing Ontario. It even looked like a resergance was going to happen in the 40's but unfortunatly we all know how it turned out. Same thing in the US as well, I've said it before and will keep saying it, we need to become more European in at least the need and desire for public transit. There are many other toys that we can spend till our hearts content on.[2c] Ted Message recieved and one's been sent back "atcha" I'm looking forward to the tails from the rails tomorrow. I'm still [de]composing mine. My rail travels aren't as extencsive as some here but the stories that Pete and *** and Al , CM# Tom and you put out let me live pricariously in the past when things were right, and most trade and transit glided along on steal wheels and rails. Boris I've strayed a bit [#oftopic] so line up the shots for the few and sundry bwooong gwooong [ HE He ] I slipped the new clapper back in the bell for the speacial occation of tomorrows Our Place 6 month bash. Till tomorrow gents. Rob

[Gunns]

Evening all,
Coffee and a danish,
Personal rail story, when I was 9 I recived a ride on the SP for my birthday, we went from Phoenix to Goodyear, with the whole Birthday party and toured the Warplane boneyard. the cars were smoothsiders not stainless, and the conductor was very kind to all us shorties.... As I rember it we rode in the club car, as we were only going a stop or two. Return was by auto.
As for light rail/ comuter rail, the Rail Runner cars have arrived here and our new Locos will arrive soon. The biggest hold up is that the contractor has yet to compleat the station platforms. We should soon see transport through the valley and the lin will eventually extend to Santa Fe.

Lastly we had our first snow last night, it was on top of the "Sandias" at about 9000 feet, but the white stuff is on the way.
Gunns

[trolleyboy]

Hello again. Here is the first installment of the lesser known radial lines. classic juice #4

The Brantford and Hamilton B&H


The B&H ws one of the smallar interurban's or radial lines built in Ontario. As the name would suggest they conected the city of Hamilton to the City of Brantford approx a 30 mile run.It was first proposed in 1896 as the Hamilton Chedoke& ancaster Railway. The federal govt guarranteed a $15,000 subsidy once the railway made it to Ancaster.


Anyone familiar with this part of Southern Ontario will know that this line would fight up grade and cross the top of the Niagara escarpment. despite the promissed fed funds no work was started. In 1900 the line came under the control of the Haines bros of New york who were putting together radial lines conecting Niagara- Hamilton-Brantford.They changed the name to the Hamilton Ancaster and Brantford and by early 1904 they had aquired most of the ROW.They ran into problems with money on their american lines in NY state and lost their interest in the Hamilton line and the Niagara St Catharines and Toronto which they owned at the time.( This is why the NS&T never reached toronto by rail )They sold their interest to the Von Echa company in 1904 and by 1906 they started to build the line now known as the Hamilton and Brantford.


Grading began in july of '06and the line was built to high standards ala the L&PS.A short piece of street track from the Hamilton terminal station followed a ledge cut into the face of the escarpment, and ran on a long continuous 21/2% grade up to Ancaster 600kw substations were built for traction power at Ancaster langford,and Murray street in Brantford. Each building had two 300kw gens with room to add one more for future expansion. Power was brought in from the Decew falls hydro plant.The line was opened to ancaster ion Dec 21 1907,and to Brantford in may of 1908. The initial runs to Brantford ended until a crossing of the Grand trunk line in the city was constructed. Other than two short street lines into Brantfords market street Union station and the short stretch in Hamilton outside of terminal station the B&H ran on entirly private ROW.


Total cost of the line was estimated at $800,000.Between 1911 and 16 they looked at expanding to Galt and Preston but this line extension was never built. Instead interline tickets were sold for conections with the Lake Erie and Northern Radial and the Grand River Railway. They also sold tickets in conjunction with the Hamilton steamboat company so passengers could connect to Toronto. The interchaange with the LE&N ws interesting in that the LE&N ran on 1500v. Therfore the market street stations power could be switched over from 600 to 1500 to accomadate both lines cars. This resulted in a 35 min layover for B&H cars which had to lower their poles while the LE&N was using the station.Light frieght and express mail was also carried but the B&H after the war fare increases were required to make up for revenue losses. In 1925 the B&H ws almalgamate dinto the Hamilton Radial railway so cars would run through from Burlington and Stoney creek.

This also brought busses into the picture. In 1930 Dominion power the overall owner sold their bus and rail lines so abandonement occured in 1932. To show the lines viability ( most people beleved the B&H could have run anothetr 15 or 20 years } Their first year 1908 they moved 247,200 passengers there was an upward trend until the peak in 1920 of 836,100 fares. after which the numbers dropped in half on average.In 1929 thought with the bus lines fares went back up to just over 800,000.,but in 1930 that dropped to 228,300.


The line ran with a dozen cars built by kulhman ( brill ) these were wooden monitor roofed railway style cars dt de The designed speed was 50mph Non-stop test runs covered the thirty mile line in 37 minutes! not bad for 1908! 6 express motors built by ottawa 3 cars and preston 3 cars these rounded out the fleet. In the last 4 years of operation most of the Dominion powers cars could be seen on the B&H.

Of a non important note my house is about 500 yards from the old Grand river barge canal in Brantford. The canal bank carried the private ROW of the B&H!

[siberianmo]

WEDNESDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

Good Morning All!

How about a mid-week <light> breakfast, some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and a cuppa of our freshly ground and brewed coffee [?] Nice way to begin the day, so c’mon – whatillyahave [?] [swg]

Cindy will be taking the bar from about 9 AM ‘til my return in mid to late afternoon. Be kind, Gents! [swg]

Info for the Day:

(1) HAPPY 6th Month Anniversary of ”Our” Place to all!

The idea today is to post a PERSONAL story of a rail experience you have had (passenger or freight will do just fine) – it just has to be PERSONAL!

(2) An Email was sent to all who have expressed interest in our Rendezvous in Toronto, May 2006. Responses requested.

INDEX

Generic URL: Just insert the index page in place of “106,” copy ‘n paste ‘n “go,”

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

-or- insert the index page in the address portion of this page (at the top).

Fallen Flags (passenger ops)

106 SP ..………. 106 MoPac ……. 108 WP ………… 109 Frisco
112 CNR ………. 112 Heralds …… 114 ACL ………… 115 SCL
116 D&RGW ….. 118 RI .………… 119 D&H ………… 120 PRR
122 NYC ………. 124 UP.………… 125 AT&SF …….. 127 B&O
128 CM&StP.…. 129 CB&Q .……. 130 Soo Line ....... 133 C&NW
134 SP&S

Passenger Train Nostalgia

112 ………. CNR Ad - Super Continental Time Table
113 ………. Passenger Train Nostalgia #1 ”Start ups” 1800s & early 1900s
117 ………. Passenger Train Nostalgia #2 Ad - Vista-Dome sleeper observation-lounge
121 ………. Passenger Train Nostalgia #3 Ad - CP Hotels & Lodges
124 ………. A tale of Classic Trains BC Rail RDC trip
127 ………. B&O Ad - Strata-Dome
127 ………. B&O Ad – Encor!
129 ………. Passenger Train Nostalgia #4 Ad - CN Hotels, Ltd.
130 ………. Great Britain Nostalgia #1 Poster - East Coast Route
133 ………. Passenger Train Nostalgia #5 Poster - CP 1886
133 ………. Passenger Train Nostalgia #6 Poster - CP 1950s
134 ………. Passenger Train Nostalgia #7 Poster - Washington & Old Dominion Railway

Classic Juice by trolleyboy ROB

116 Classic Juice #1 (The London & Port Stanley L&PS)
123 Classic Juice #2 (The Niagara St. Chatharines Toronto Railway NS&T)
131 Classic Juice #3 (The Montreal & Southern Counties Railway –MS&C)
134 Classic Juice #4 (The Brantford and Hamilton B&H)

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 00:15:42 (133)

(2) Gunns Kevin Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 04:05:31 (134) He’s baaaaaaack!

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 06:11:30 (134) Tuesday’s Info & Summary

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 08:15:38 (134) Fallen Flag SP&S

(5) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 08:15:59 (134) Inclusive Post!

(7) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 08:26:55 (134) He’s baaaaaaack!

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 09:58:01 (134) reply to trolleyboy – Gunns – Theodorebear – coalminer3

(9) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 12:58:33 (134) Nostalgia #7

(10) West Coast S Dave Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 14:29:58 (134) Inclusive Post! Future of light rail in LA

(11) passengerfan Al Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 14:48:45 (134) info on SP&S

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 19:13:44 (134) reply to West Coast S & passengerfan

(13) West Coast S Dave Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 20:22:45 (134)

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 20:51:44 (134) reply to West Coast S

(15) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 22:56:50 (134) Inclusive Post!

(16) Gunns Kevin Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 23:24:20 (134) Personal story

(17) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 23:58:19 (134) Classic Juice #4

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

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


6th Month Anniversary Today!

[siberianmo]

Good Morning!

A toast to the continued health and success of "Our" Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment! [tup][tup][tup]

Who wudda thunk it, eh [?] Still here and rollin' allong thanx to those of you who make it happen. Our "core" of regulars along with the rest of the gang deserve this toast! Cheers! Boris ring the bell! Bwooooooooong Gwoooooooooong! Wha - what was That [?} Bwooooooooong, Gwooooooooong! WHO put that gold plated clapper back in the bell!![?][?] Wait a minute - looks like an "inside job." Awk's perch is missing, and Rob has been "at it" again! This shall be NOT be forgottgen! [swg]

I see Gunns Kevin was just a bit early with his Personal story - however, we'll give him "credit" for being our first to Post the 6th Month Anniversary Personal Post!

Rob] I'm sure the guys will all appreciate the INCLUSIVENESS of your late night Post, I know I do along with the great Classic Juice #4 contribution. Keep 'em comin' - but how about some during daylight [?]

Catch y'all later - busy day ahead for me - as I'lll be a travelin' man for most of the day. Cindy will tend to your every wish, want, and whim! [yeah][wow]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

6th Month Anniversary Today!

[siberianmo]

Good Morning Gents!

My contribution to our 6th Month Anniversary Celebration of ”Our” Place’s founding - an adult cyber bar ‘n grill!

The train they called The Canadian


There is a rather large, beautifully frame, lithograph print on our living room wall, of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s passenger train “The Canadian” at Morant’s Curve in Alberta, Canada. It is a winter scene and one that carries with it the images of what railroad travel must have been like when rail artist, Max Jacquiard, first painted it from his vantage point overlooking this rather famous “train watchers” overlook.

(his work may be viewed at: http://www.islandnet.com/~pacific/steam1.html)

The print in our living room:


This then, is my story of a personal reflection of a trip that takes place each and every time I view that picture – a birthday gift from my friend, traveling companion and wife shortly after first viewing it in a shop in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Gather ‘round train lovers ‘n give a listen to a “snippet” of information from long ago when the mighty and proud Canadian Pacific traveled the main line on the banks of the Bow River at a place known as *Morant’s Curve in Alberta, Canada.

Best viewed on a winter’s day, with the snow and ice capped peaks against the brilliance of a blue sky, the scene of the streamliner winding its way along the Banff-Lake Louise segment of the Canadian Pacific Railway was (and is) perhaps one of the most photographed of all the “rail watchers” sites. Following the steel ribbon of rail, the FP7A #1425 and F7B #4459 maroon & grey diesels with their gleaming Budd stainless steel beauties follow in perfect procession: baggage – coach – coach – coach – Skyline dome – diner – bedroom – bedroom – bedroom – Park observation dome.

Did you catch those Beaver heralds of the CPR [?] This train called The Canadian is making its way up to the Spiral Tunnels, thence over the Canadian Rockies into Golden, where there’s a Depot awaiting. Did you know the Kicking Horse Pass is 5,340 ft. [?]

Inaugurated on April 24, 1955, The Canadian heralded in a new age in passenger railroading for the CPR with what was to become the last of the North American “built from scratch” streamliners. The train offered a “dome” experience covering a distance of nearly 2,900 miles across the land called Canada.

It’s a winter’s day and inside the train, the conversation flows as freely as the beverages back in the Banff Park car. Named after the National and Provincial parks of Canada, these observation dome cars of the Budd Company are so well appointed that one only wishes the journey could last longer, if for no other reason than to fully take in and appreciate the full fledged ambiance of Budd’s creation on steel wheels. An apéritif in the bar-lounge, or perhaps just sitting in the lower level of the rounded rearmost lounge. Then of course there are the 24 seats awaiting the wide eyed traveler up in the dome. Ah, what a splendid experience while traversing the area known as Morant’s Curve! For those fortunate enough, the car also contains three double-bedrooms and a drawing room suite (triple). Ah, to be “booked” in the Park car is considered a “coup” in timing. For this trip, we’ve got the drawing room suite!

First serving for the evening meal in the dining car, forward of the sleepers, will be announced by the attendant. Three seatings and always a fine selection from the menu’s sumptuous offerings. Perhaps some Salmon tonight – or Prime rib. Amazing how much of an appetite one can acquire while sitting aboard a train! And those menu selections change each night of the 3 day-night journey from Toronto or Montreal.

After dinner it will be a drink or two in the rearmost lounge, then back to the dome for some nighttime viewing in the mountains. Of course the car attendant is “savy’ enough to ensure that the dome lights are out, with just the soft glow of the emergency lighting providing that ambiance and comfort only dome travelers can recognize. Amazing what one can see on a crisp, clear winter’s night!

Now, then – the morning will bring ……………


* Nicholas Morant (1910-1999) Special photographer for the CPR./i] He began working for the railroad in 1929 at $9 per week in their “PR” department. His photo’s appeared in the leading magazines of the day, including: The Saturday Evening Post, National Geographic, Life, Look and Time. During the war years, his photos were on the backs of $10, $50 and $100 bills in Canada and on postage stamps. In June 1981, he retired.


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

6th Month Anniversary Today!

[siberianmo]

For Ted

SILVER THROTTLE AWARD

Introduced by Theodorebear – Ted, Manager of ”Our” Place for outstanding achievement in quality of Posts on our thread. Ted requests that we not refer to it as the Teddy Bear Award! [swg]

Criteria [?] Sustained excellence, relevance and personal warmth reflected in Posts regarding Classic Trains at ”Our Place.

First – West Coast S – Dave – 27 Aug 2005

Second – coalminer3 – CM3 – 06 Sep 2005

Third – siberianmo – Tom – 06 Sep 2005

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[coalminer3]

Good Morning All: Coffee please, round for the house ,and quarters for the jukebox.

I am finally caught up with summaries and have learned a lot of Canadian history in the process. Re West Coast's "honey do list." Thus far mine has included new back door and new roof. Last project is chimney work b4 the winter sets in. All should be done by next week (I hope). Our dogs really like the contractors as they "do lunch" together. Tom, it's interesting how pictures will evoke memories, etc.

O.K. Since the price of admission for the 6th Month's Anniversary is a personal story, here's one for you. It's another Boston and Maine piece whcih is in a similar vein to the one I posted awhile back. This time, we get a cab ride out of the deal.

Schenectady’s Last Stand

The branch is different in the fall and the winter as frost and early snow have combined to smash down the summer’s vegetation and leave it yellowed and withered. The crickets are gone and silence and cold have replaced the noise of birds and the warmth of the summer wind. It’s a cold and gray day a little before Thanksgiving, the air damp and smelling of rain and maybe sleet, and I’m out walking the branch again.

I hear the sound of a diesel horn blowing for the crossing. This horn is deeper and more melodious. An Alco for sure, but the question is what kind? Well, we’ll find out pretty soon. I can see maroon and gold paint; a little closer and it turns out to be a battered RS3.

The Boston and Maine over the years had bought several kinds of Alco switchers; among them a number of RS3s. They had arrived painted in maroon and gold with the Concord Minuteman herald. Some of them were repainted blue and white, but a few had managed to keep their original colors. As an engineer told me once, “You can’t kill ‘em. They’ll run until they fall apart.”

Whatever their paint or condition, clearly their time is short. It won’t be long until they’re white lined and busted up for parts, their skeletons sitting in the deadline behind the Billerica shops. But right now, the RS3 is still running; pulling a handful of freight cars trailed by a blue and white B&M buggy; handling a branch line local freight like it has thousands of times.

They had set out and picked up some orange PFE refrigerator cars down the road and now here they are, getting ready to set out a car at the lumber yard. The weather is turning colder now, fog comes up off the meadow, and I hunker down into my field coat – trying to keep warm.

The engineer cracks the cab window and yells down, “What the hell are you doing down there? Come up and ride with us where it’s warm.” Up the steps I go, hanging onto the rails. Then down the short hood, open the door, and step into the engine cab. The interior is painted a light green. It’s dirty and reeks of diesel smoke and oil, but he’s right, it is warmer and out of the wind. “We’re gonna leave the train here, and go up the road first to get some cars and then come back and drop this car,” the engineer says. I fish in my pocket and hand him a cigar – coin of the realm, and the price for my ride. I’ll pass out more to the rest of the crew when I see them. The brakeman joins us having cut off the engine from the rest of the train. He gets a cigar too.

The engineer kicks off the air and opens the throttle. Nothing happens for a bit and then we start to move. The engine shudders and then digs in making the characteristic Alco “chompa-chompa-chompa” sound. Smoke drifts back over us, and I can hear the sound of the traction motors and feel them vibrating through my feet. We don’t go too fast which is just as well given the questionable track conditions on the branch.

Sleet slats against the cab windows and the sky is getting grayer. It gets dark quickly in New England on a November afternoon.

There’s the cars we’ll get - two CN boxcars. The brakeman unloads, walks up ahead, leaning into the wind, unlocks and opens the switch. He flips a hand signal and catches the footboard of the RS as it moves ahead. We couple onto the cars with a “c-lunk” followed by a short back-and forth motion.

Now it’s time to pull the cars out of the siding, stop and wait for the brakeman to reline the switch. We move ahead again and pick up the brakeman. This crew has been together for a long time and they don’t say much to each other, but the engineer’s not going to let the brakeman ride in the sleet and fog.

Back we go down the branch. There’s the rest of our train and we couple onto the car to be set out at the lumberyard. This one’s a Milwaukee Road boxcar with horizontally ribbed sides – they always did things differently on the Milwaukee. The slogan on its side says, “Route of the Olympian Hiawatha.”

It’s quick work to couple on, pull ahead, get the switch and make the set out. The crew wants me to ride back to Boston with them, but I can’t this day, so I thank them, unload and watch the Alco head back toward the siding down the road where it will put its train back together again. I don’t know it, but it’s the last time I’ll ride an RS3 on the B&M.

work safe

[Anonymous]

Well, I think I'll go with coffee today as the old tum tum isn't up for anything heavier, please Tom. This was the second "leg" of a Baltimore to Tulsa X-mas trip. The B & O Shenandoah was late getting into Grand Central in Chicago. The weather was abominably cold and I needed to get to Dearborn St. station a.s.a.p. My original itenerary was not shot to hell bercause of the late arrival. Also, the V W micro shuttle buses were were swamped with people cursing and swearing trying to make connections. It reminded me of the "Out of Towners" movie. As cold and windy as it was, I elected to "hoof" it to Dearborn...hate waiting, hate crowds. Pedestrian ropes had been put up along the side walks and it wasn't long before I found out why. When I rounded a corner exposing myslef to the north south winds, I began gliding free style much like para sailing. My Duffle Bag and trombone case acted much like a spinnakar on a yacht at sea. It only took seconds before I hit a "dry spot" and down I went duffel bag and all. I looked up only to see a shuttle bus treking passed. There were no taxis cruising, so there was nothing for it but to carry on. In two more falls I was inside Dearborn Station waiting in line to check for trains to K.C. MO and thence to Tulsa. Just behind me was a salesman for La Choy Chinese foods who had a extra ticket on the Super Chief. I redeemed my ticket value and paid the difference between coach and "extra fares" ticket on the Chief. The train departed in less than a hour and I was grateful to share a bedroom just to be on my way.

It was no time before the "glamour gal" Super Chief was easing out of the yards and steady gaining speed. "Dinner on the Diner, nothing could be finer," rang true. I was on a limited budget so ordered a open face hot Turkey sandwich with all the trimmings, thence a hasty hike to the Club Car. Geeze was it nice to feel like a human being again. I was so tired from the previous days ordeal on the B & O that after 2 miniatures of J & B Scotch, it was "sack time." I naturally took the upper bed and instantly fell into La La Land. The next thing I heard was the Conductor barking "Kansas City, all off for Kansas City." I had a 2 hour layover for The Tulsan so I called an old college chum who was working at Hallmark cards at the time. His name is Russell Myeres of the old comic strip fame "Broom Hilda." We had a good chat "under the Clock" until train time.

My parents met me on the platform in Tulsa and 2 weeks went by like a "shot." The return trip was uneventful, except for meeting some great folks in the Capitol Limited Lounge Car. I guess, in all, I'll never forget how for just a few bucks more "first class" is a far greater value than the discomfort and annoyances in coach class. Once and only "once," I travelled by bus and can assure you that it will never happen again. Our Army Band busses were relatively comfortable compared to the Trailways Eagles. And, I don't have to tell you that bus terminals have earned their reputation as havens for the wierdest society has to offer, not to mention atrocious food.

That's a rap for me on this, the 6 month observance of "Our" PLace. Glad you joined in and CM3, you never dissapoint with that easy style and yet exceptional insight for things that most of us fail to see.[tup] I sense a "second cluster" award for your "Silver Throttle Trophy" in the air. Tom, I'll have a J & B on this ocassion for "old times sake," thanks. Boris, I can't leave without making a toast to all of our members of "The Order of the Stools." Hit it! BRINK I see, you are using a rubber hammer until we can find the original, right?:[(!] Happy rails to all and happy anniversary.

[trolleyboy]

Good afternoon everyone. Boris please wrinng up a round of CR for everyone ,and for Awk who graciously allowed us to borrow his perch for the day[swg] Tom.Ted,CM3 and Kevin how is one to follow such moving and oozing with railway(road)' iana ?I've had a small measure of passenger train riding. Mostly the local variety Go transit commuters from Oakville to Toronto union for a baseball or hockey game or to the CNE. My via travells have been limited to the shot hop type trips Brantford to Toronto usually for a day out with my bride shopping and museums along the TTC subway lines. All of these coach only's lack the punch of full meal service with a smile type runs. I have experianced two long run trains 8 hour trips on the Algoma central to the agawa canyon and back. The first when I was twelve was the most rewarding in that the train was pulled by a matched set of GP7 high hoods decked out in the ACR's wonderfull marroon gey and yellow paint job. Food was excellant with linch and breakfast served in one of the two dinning cars on the train. An 8 hour cruise through some spectacular scenery, the canyon was a blaze with fall colours, crimsons and orangesand yellows of more breathtaking scope that one could ever imagine. A return 15 years later with my wife was not as spectacular in that CN zebras pulled the train but the staff was still warm and the colours were still vibrant. In the newest incarnation the ACR canyon run is punctuated by a pair of dome cars brought in by the Wisconcin Cental. The extra fare was well worth it. One half of the trip you were seated up top the second have bellow. My next forray to ACR territory, I think will be for the tour of the line an over nighter from the Sault to Hearst. Rail travels aside, myself being a rail enthusiast in general, I never thought that anything but riding in the trains could be more rewarding. In august of 2003 I proved myself wrong. On that fatefull day in august was my first time sitting in the operators seat, of small witt 2894. The first moment when my right hand realeased the brake lever and my left hand apllied preassure to the deadman and notched the witt into motion, I was hooked. The first aknowloging of the conductors sinal to start off with two solid rings of the signal bell I was hooked. The first time a grandfather with his grandkids at the museum took time out to thank me for the trip back into his first trip on a streetcar with his grandfather ensured the hook was set. Somehow that clarity of moment will stay with me, perhaps it will come into focus again when I take my grandkids on their first streetcar trip. Rob

[Anonymous]

Helo everyone and welcome to the "Our Place 6 month observance. We are off to a slow start but I'm on the East Coast and one to three hours later than most of you. I do hope there will be more arrivals as the day wears on. We already have a few entries, all of which will be interesting to our members. So, let's all do "our thing" and not wait for just a few to "go it alone." Model Rairoad News has some S gauge new listings. One , of which, is a 2900 Class Santa Fe(4-8-4 Northern) and another a EMD NW-2 American Models and S-Helper Service Inc respectively. Prices on the Northern begin at $369.95 to $449.95 and the EMD begins at $199.95 to $289.95 I'll have more on this Issue later on. For now, I'll leave the place in Cindy's capable hads and bid you a good afternoon.

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

A pint of Bathams bitter and a Bathams XXX. With perhaps A SMALL glass of NICKS rum later. I think the gold bell ringer is most appropiate for the Anniversary .WELL DONE TOM.[tup][bow].

The wirless mouse stopped working yesterday so I missed a good day at the bar but with new batteries I have caught up now.GREAT POSTS ALL.

Well having read TOM CM3 GUNNS ROB and TED's excellent railroad tales there is no chance of me winning the Silver Throttle Award maybe we could have a Rusty Shovel one[:)].[?].

It is strange when TEd suggested this theme I thought of this trip, then out of the blue NICK mentioned Tenby and this morning the conditions. with the light fog, were the same in Mid-Missouri as they were in West Wales so many years ago.

It was Mid September an the start of the 70's a bunch of us had been to Tenby by car and stayed in a friends caravan earlier that year. Having worked a week of the shut-down my friend and I had a weeks vacation owing to us.

WE decided to go down overnight and armed with a few cans outside and a few beers inside we duly left Rugby Station when most people were heading home. OUR first change was at Birmingham New Street a semi underground station with 12 platforms and no soul. Luckily it wasnt too long before a steam heat Peak a2500 hp diesel- electric loco arrived to take us to Gloucester. On the train we managed to stay awake to make the connection from the now defunct Eastgate via a short walk toGloucesters surviving station Westgate.

Now feeling the chill of the September night the sight of the Swansea train, hauled by a ' Western class a 2700hp diesel-hydralic wreathed in steam from the train heating boiler was a most welcome sight. On the overnight trains at that time the passenger cars were mostly of the Compartment type with a corridor running down one side of the car and 8 compartments each seating 6 with retractable arm rests. To find an empty one was heaven. You could dim the lights and with the steam heat it wasnt hard to drift into a pleasent sleep.

After passing the Dantes Inferno that was Port Talbot Steelworks we arrived in Swansea where someone directed us to a cafe which opened early and fortified with a mug of tea and a egg and bacon buttie it was back to the station for the Carmathan train. This was worked by a Swindon built Cross-Country D.M.U.(DRC).to my mind the finest first-generation DMU there was. Getting a seat behind the driver it was a perfect view ahead not too long after leaving Swansea a morning fog appeared with an almost magical scene as the train passed a shrouded woodland.

After a change of train at Carmathan heading west we turned on to the single-track Tenby branch. Our stop was a request halt at Penally about 2 miles past Tenby.We informed the Conductor who said "I'll let the driver know" and dropped the vacuum. I think they wern't getting on too well. As we left the train we could hear the engine revving as the driver restored the pressure.Futher along the branch the Conductor had to manually operate set of Level-crossing gates so if it was raining the driver could get his revenge.

After a wonderful vacation the trip back was not anthing too special apart from seeing the pioneer Western D1000 "WESTERN ENTERPRISE" on Landore shed and Buying Ian Allans Locomotives Combined Volume after two years of going off railways after the end of steam .Although the climb of the Lickey Bank with a locomotive was always interesting.

GONE now is nearly all of the overnights.
GONE now is the newspaper and other traffic which made the overnights viable.
GONE are BR compartments
GONE is steam heat
GONE is the 120 dmu.
BUT I still have the memory and the Combined . PETE.

[Trainnut484]

Hello Tom and everyone [:)]. Happy 6th month anniversary [yeah] to "OUR" Place. I'll have a ML and a round for the house on moi.

Finals are here for me, and just registered for fall '05 semester, which begins Nov 1. I'll cheri***he time in between.

Ted, looks like that rubber mallet is working out for Boris. Damage should be kept to a minimum.

I've already told my AFT story, so this one will have to do. About ten years ago I was trackside, and just about to leave due to traffic dwindling down. A good sign of that is when the local yard job hauls a cut of empties out to the grain mill. The yard and grain mill are on opposite sides of the mains, so the yard crew has to quickly cut across and into the mill. I knew the engineer (now retired) on the local yard job. On that evening, he called "Hey Russell" on my scanner, and I looked across and he motioned me to come on over. I thought he was wanting to shoot the bull while waiting for the green signal out of the yard. Instead he invited me up in the cab and a ride to the mill and back. It was my first cab ride, and it was fun.

Oh, Okay Boris you want to use your old hammer, go ahead and ring the thing. BWOONNGG GWOONNGG! Sheesh, I guess Tom hasn't changed it back yet. Here's another round for the house...ok Boris, now with the rubber hammer...BRINK BONK Ahh yes that's better.

Another ML please.

Russell

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Guys!

I'm baaaaaaack, finally! Cindy you've "done good," and I appreciate having you 'round here as my relief bartender! Too bad that sabbatical you are on is only for one semester! Anyway, I can handle it from here on 'til Leon the Night Man ambles in. [swg]

First and foremost, a hearty THANX! to those of you who have participated on our 6th Month Anniversary Personal Posts!. It's a great idea, Manager Ted, and given the track record we've had lately with these celebrations I'd say all's well. Just a bit surprised we haven't seen Dave , but he's on the "left coast," so there's still ample time ........ Let's not concern ourselves with those who are seemingly always "too busy" or simply do not read.

I want to assure one and all that these Personal Posts are in no way designed to be a competition. That's not at all what Ted had in mind. Just a sincere outpouring of one's personal experiences with real trains. Nothing more. So, let go of any thoughts of winning this or that .... if you've Posted, you've already won (the respect of us all)! [tup][tup][tup]

For all who have bought the house a round - many thanx! And by the by - Boris change out that bell and do it NOW! Put that gold plated clapper back in Awk's cage and let's get back to normal 'round here. Bwooooooooooong, Gwoooooooong - there it goes again! Argggggggh. [swg]

Regarding today's Posts, I'll make my comments tomorrow in that perhaps we've got some others yet to come ..... [yeah]

Thanx very much, Ted for pickin' up the slack .... And to those of you who have responded to my Email regarding our Rendezvous in Toronto, they are interesting and we'll be communicating further .... [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[BudKarr]

Good evening and I will have one of those Moosehead Ales please. I recall seeing that your food service is sandwiches on Monday thru Wednesday, so perhaps a hoagie – ham and swiss, butter and mustard should do it, on a hard roll. Oh yes – how are you barkeep? It seems that your Anniversary celebration has fizzled, but I concur with your accolades for those who took the time to participate.

And yes - my Scandanavian trip was aborted with most of what I had to do handled by teleconference. Makes more sense, but hardly any pleasure.

I am not one for the type of story you may be looking for, but here is something I recall from several years ago – too many in fact.

It was a dark and stormy night ….. no, actually it was a very clear and star filled night crossing the plains in Saskatchewan Province en route Vancouver. I had boarded the train in Winnipeg, having completed my business there and decided to kill off my free weekend by taking CP Rail’s “The Canadian” to the west coast. The train in those days was in the livery of the CP “Pacman” logo and in that “action red” color. Did not care for either very much, but the cars were what was important to me (and for you too Tom, as I understand it!). My bedroom was in a Chateau series sleeping car and I wound up with a double at no extra fare. I had requested to know what the fare was for a double room for single occupancy and the ticket agent simply booked one and that was that. Nice gesture I thought.

During that era it did not seem as if the tourist trade had taken over the route the way it has since VIA Rail entered the picture. Cutting back those trains to 3 departures per week has added to the crowded trains. But I digress.

I spent a bit of time back in the Park car (Strathcona seems to ring a bell) and was having a rather spirited conversation with two RCMP officers who were on holiday, having come down from Churchill and also en route Vancouver. Well, by the time the last call was sounded, we had pretty much emptied the inventory of the “spirits” we preferred. That did not dampen the enthusiasm for my new found companions, as they begged their leave, to indicate they would return shortly. And that they did – with each holding an Imperial quart of Canadian Club and VO whiskey. Where did it come from and how? Why from the baggage car, where else?

It was a grand time in the lounge until the wee hours, as one of them furnished a guitar and the other a banjo. Before too long a crowd gathered and the “song fest” began with all in attendance joining in. The car attendant and train conductor re-opened the bar, as we were in need of ice and “chasers.” I could go on with this, but I think you get the message.

It was a grand time aboard “The Canadian,” one perhaps never to be experienced again anywhere else. Times and people are far, far different these days.

Best of good times to all at Our Place.

BK

[nickinwestwales]

Hi Guys,[4:-)]TOM-beer for all if you please,a tray of shot glasses and that bottle of rich golden Jamaican nectar tucked away on the top shelf,behind the domino trophy shield...good man,right lets get `em filled,..well as its a special occaision,better give Boris a small mug of something fairly innocuous-judging from the faintly glazed look of him,He`s either met H & H socially or we`ve got the "blue pill" dosage right at last[swg]--Gentlemen all,please be upstanding and raise your glasses-the toast is,-Captain Thomas Weber U.S.C.G,for outstanding hard work,tolerance,hospitality,enthusiasm and all those things that make a good bar great,in whatever medium....also,whilst we`re about it,I think an appreciation for MANAGER TED Kramer & BAR CHANDLER ROB Austin and ,I suspect,PASSENGERFAN AL,who as "first footers" got the place moving is in order....Gents-we thank you for providing a small space free of the wider world-we all need somewhere to go sometimes...........nice one guys,long may we continue-Happy half-birthday to one and all [^][bday][tup][swg].....................O.K-I`m going to go straight for the "Tales from the pool room" train story before responding `cos there`s so much good stuff there I`d get bogged down and run out of steam before getting properly started.......O.K-Is everybody sitting comfortably,...then I`ll begin--My thinking here is that most of you will have main-line journeys to describe,overnight trips on the high iron and such,so It occurred to me that something a little more bucolic might make an interesting contrast--Thus it was--An unexpected offer from missisnick to take a trip up the coast from Pembrokeshire to Merioneth to ride on the Tal-Y-Lyn Rly ( a long-term strategy that resulted in Hannah ,age 4 & a half..............) brought us to Tywyn,where the line connects with the former Cambrian Rlys (later G.W.R ,B.R,etc) std gauge line from Dovey Jn to Pwehelli,For those who have neglected their studies of Welsh narrow gauge lines of late,[swg],scroll back,a description of the line has been posted on a (much)earlier page-so,where was I-right,arrived at wharf station,eager & ready,train waiting in platform-loco #7-Tom Rolt 0-4-2t (Andrew Barclay 1949 for 3` gauge,rebuilt Pendre works 2`3"),train included original 1865 coach stock,plus former Glyn Valley Tramway 1st class car(supplement payable). Also in the yard,former Corris Railway #4 "Edward Thomas"-0-4-2t-Kerr-Stuart "Tattoo" Class(1921),in Corris Railway livery,waiting to rotate with next down train -onto train and away,through the impossibly narrow bridge at the top of the yard and into a deep,dark but mostly damp cutting,between slate slab fences held together with baling twine,climbing up between the cottage yards to to Tywyn Pendre (Town ) stn-the main depot of the line..here we found #2 "Dolgoch" ( 1865,Fletcher-Jennings) in light steam at the end of the headshunt,diesel shunter#5 " Merseysider" and others on the shed roads,off quickly-As you leave Tywyn,you are following the right side of the valley of the avon Fathew,on a gentle rise to Rhyd-Yr-Onen,steepening up to Dolgoch Falls,then turning across the watershead into the Dysinni valley,up to the new terminus at Nant Gwernol,about a half mile beyond the old pass. stn at Abergynolwyn.At the first passing point (Brynglas) we crossed with #1 " Tal-Y-Lyn" (Fletcher-Jennings,1864) and at the next (Quarry siding) #3 "Sir Hadyn ( ex -Corris 0-4-2t,Falcon wks,1888 ) Arrived at Nant Gwernol (one-engine-in-steam on extension) and decided to"do the tour" of nature walks etc and get the following train down ( a secret plot to get a ride behind "Tal-y-lyn"-a little beauty of an engine) arrived back at staion to find #4 "Edward Thomas" on the point,but managed to get my all-time favourite pic on the run back down-#1 "Tal-y-Lyn" pulling into the bottom of the loop at Abergynolwyn--have sent pixs to [4:-)]TOM-may well appear on sunday,gentlemen its been a joy to read the tales from the poolroom so far-PETE-that was the most recent line I travelled on,and yes,I do remember the old Metro-Cammells-in fact, I used to ride them from Edinburgh to Leuchers in Fife before they were cascaded down,--I`m sure you will be pleased to hear that large amounts of the route west of Swansea are still controlled by lower-quadrant semaphore signals,including the principal junction at Whitland--COALMINER 3-You got the MoJo my friend,no doubt about it-I found myself wanting to wander over and offer to help out,guys,I`m fading fast here,will catch up with you`all later-Boris has a couple of trays of light snacks and delicacies to tempt the jaded palate,although for a night as momentous as this I feel that only wild and irresponsible drinking will do..on which note.............[4:=)]TOM..same again for the stools,the band are ready to go,there is a Fender Telecaster over there with my name on it,if I might be excused from duties for the next hour or so................................................................................." I was born in a cross-fire hurricane,and I smiled at my Ma in the driving rain---but it`s all right now,in fact it`s a gas-Yeah it`s all right. I`m Jumping Jack Flash it`s a gas,gas ,gas "---happy half-birthday guys,lets keep doin` it ! sleep well,nick[C=:-)]

[passengerfan]

Good Evening Tom and the rest of the gang.Time for a CR and a round for the house.
There were only two dome carrying trains in North America prior to Autotrain that carried both a full length dome and at least one short dome they were the GN EMPIRE BUILDER and the CN SUPER CONTINENTAL. The latter was only between Edmonton and Vancouver and the former was between Chicago and Seattle. The SUPER CONTINENTAL operated with one of the former Milwaukee Road Super Domes and one of the leased B&O sleeper domes. At the same time as the SUPER CONTINENTAL was operating with domes between Edmonton and Vancouver the PANORAMA the CN's other transcontinental was operating with former Milwaukee Super Domes between Winnipeg and Vancouver. The PANORAMA was not a true transcontinental as the SUPER CONTINENTAL was, as the PANORAMA was actually two separate trains one operating between Montreal/Toronto and Winnipeg the other operating between Winnipeg and Vancouver. There was no through cars between the eastern PANORAMA and the western PANORAMA and their was several hours between arrival of one in Winnipeg from the east and departure of the other to the west. In any case the six former Milwaukee Road Super Domes spent little time at rest.
The train's that operated with the most dome seats in their consists were the Auto-Trains. They also operated with full length domes(ex AT&SF) and short domes (Ex UP and WP) in their consists on their nightly runs between Lorton, Virginia and Sanford, Florida.
Today the train with the most domes is the DENALI of the Alaska Railroad during summers. This train operates with former UP short domes and a growing number of Ultra Domes on the rear of the regular train. These Ultra Domes are actually owned by different cruise ship companies and operate summers only. Winters the Ultra Domes take a lesson from the Bears and hibernate until the next summer cruise season.
The Ultra-Domes some of which stand 18' from top of rail are the only new domes being constructed today and the factory is located in Colorado. These seem to be growing in popularity and even the Alaska Railroad received a pair this year.
Enough of my rambling will say goodbye for now.

[BudKarr]

Not to be a damp rag, but what in the world do domes have to do with the celebration of the Sixth month anniversary of this bar and grill ? I am astounded. It is good information but not at all even close to the theme for the day. It is no wonder Tom gets frustrated.

Sorry Mr. Tom, but this must drive you crazy.

BK

[siberianmo]

Gentlemen!

The last first - BK it is quite simple, you just don't let the "wonkers" getcha down. It's really that simple. You can lead a horse to water ..... One can provide all of the hints, directions, instructions, et al ...... There just are those who will not participte fully. It is not in keeping with our policy to chase people away - unless of course they are absolutely out of line, rude, insulting, etc. We have more than one who prefer to make their statements and leave ... no matter how many tiimes I make mention of "hit 'n run" posts, it just doesn't sink in. My guess is that rather than reading the Posts - these people skim to where they think the interests are, then Post - if even that. So, BK, chill m'boy chill. But, thanx for your support - that is APPRECIATED. [tup]

Oh [yeah], I enjoyed your Personal Post! Thanx! [tup]

Nick I have been away for most of the day and your Emails were read within the hour. Sorry, just don't have the energy to pursue them tonight .... I'll post your pix on our Sunday Photo Posting Day! if that's okay with you.

Thank you for being so supportive of "Our" Place and participating in our 6th Month Anniversary Personal Posts! [tup]

As I said earlier, I'l respond to today's Posts in the 'morrow. Rather tired and it's time for me to check out for the night. Leon the Night Man has arrived! [yeah]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Good evening again Tom, and Leon I'll help you with the cleanup i need to do an inventory anyway. Tom I.ve personally seen to the replacement of Awk's perch, least until the next "big event" [swg] Thanks for adding the classic juice to your summery. I'll try to occationally post them at more normal hours of the day. BK [tup] loved your recollection of what seemed to be a memorable trip minus the ugly paint scheme. For myself as well the Pacman and action red never should have happened. [sigh] Still it was nice to see that CP still was doing their darndest for good customer service [tup]. By the way have you kept in touch with the singing mounties, could be a new career there for all of you ! [swg] Pete& nick thanks for the toasts and wonderfull stories of travel from the old country ! Nick I'm looking forward to the pictures on Sunday. Russell Nice story as well, I've not had the pleasure of a cab ridein anything but the cars we operate at the museum, you must admit that the veiw from inside really completes the p[icture for railfans, Sadley in the times we now live in this is a practice that's pretty much extinct. Well folks Boris wring up another chime for another round for the stools and all who posted in line with this six month aniversary. Here's to another six months of solid rail fun. Rob

[siberianmo]

THURSDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

The bar closed at midnight and will reopen at 6 AM

Good Morning Guys!

Well, the 6th Month Anniversary is history and the next time we gather for an ”Our” Place Anniversary will be at the one year mark. We’ve pretty much run the course on these things. The positives: Manger Ted had a great idea [tup][tup][tup] and we were treated to some interesting Personal Posts. The negatives [?] No need to expound on them – if you have followed the commentaries, you KNOW where to look and to whom.

Time for some coffee, pastry and a <light> breakfast! [swg]

Info for the Day:

(1) Tonight is Fish ‘n Chips Nite plus whatever our Chief Chef has for his Nick’s Picks Menu Board [dinner] Dinner begins at 5 PM!

(2) An Email was sent to all who have expressed interest in our Rendezvous in Toronto, May 2006. Responses requested.

(3) Remember Sunday Photo Posting Day!

INDEX

Generic URL: Just insert the index page in place of “106,” copy ‘n paste ‘n “go,”

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

-or- insert the index page in the address portion of this page (at the top).

Fallen Flags (passenger ops)

106 SP ..………. 106 MoPac ……. 108 WP ………… 109 Frisco
112 CNR ………. 112 Heralds …… 114 ACL ………… 115 SCL
116 D&RGW ….. 118 RI .………… 119 D&H ………… 120 PRR
122 NYC ………. 124 UP.………… 125 AT&SF …….. 127 B&O
128 CM&StP.…. 129 CB&Q .……. 130 Soo Line ....... 133 C&NW
134 SP&S

Passenger Train Nostalgia

112 ………. CNR Ad - Super Continental Time Table
113 ………. Passenger Train Nostalgia #1 ”Start ups” 1800s & early 1900s
117 ………. Passenger Train Nostalgia #2 Ad - Vista-Dome sleeper observation-lounge
121 ………. Passenger Train Nostalgia #3 Ad - CP Hotels & Lodges
124 ………. A tale of Classic Trains BC Rail RDC trip
127 ………. B&O Ad - Strata-Dome
127 ………. B&O Ad – Encor!
129 ………. Passenger Train Nostalgia #4 Ad - CN Hotels, Ltd.
130 ………. Great Britain Nostalgia #1 Poster - East Coast Route
133 ………. Passenger Train Nostalgia #5 Poster - CP 1886
133 ………. Passenger Train Nostalgia #6 Poster - CP 1950s
134 ………. Passenger Train Nostalgia #7 Poster - Washington & Old Dominion Railway
134 ………. Personal RR journey CPR’s “The Canadian”

Classic Juice by trolleyboy ROB

116 Classic Juice #1 (The London & Port Stanley L&PS)
123 Classic Juice #2 (The Niagara St. Chatharines Toronto Railway NS&T)
131 Classic Juice #3 (The Montreal & Southern Counties Railway –MS&C)
134 Classic Juice #4 (The Brantford and Hamilton B&H)

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Oct 2005, 01:04:03 (134) Wednesday’s Info & Summary

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Oct 2005, 05:50:36 (134) reply to Gunns & trolleyboy

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Oct 2005, 05:52:21 (134) Personal Post! CPR “The Canadian”

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Oct 2005, 07:43:43 (134) Silver Throttle Awards

(5) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 12 Oct 2005, 07:48:38 (134) Personal Post! B&M’s RS3

(6) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 12 Oct 2005, 11:06:55 (135) Personal Post!

(7) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 12 Oct 2005, 14:17:58 (135) Personal Post!

(8) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 12 Oct 2005, 15:52:28 (135)

(9) pwolfe Pete Posted: 12 Oct 2005, 17:10:19 (135) Personal Post!

(10) Trainnut484 Russell Posted: 12 Oct 2005, 18:18:58 (135) Personal Post!

(11) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Oct 2005, 18:56:17 (135) comments

(12) BudKarr BK Posted: 12 Oct 2005, 20:33:34 (135) Personal Post!

(13) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 12 Oct 2005, 20:39:33 (135) Inclusive Post! Personal Post!

(14) passengerfan Al Posted: 12 Oct 2005, 20:55:26 (135) domes

(15) BudKarr BK Posted: 12 Oct 2005, 21:07:05 (135) uh-oh!

(16) siberianmo Tom Posted: 12 Oct 2005, 21:23:50 (135) comments

(17) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 12 Oct 2005, 21:49:15 (135) Inclusive Post!

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That’s it! [tup][;)]

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

[Anonymous]

G'mornin' to all and a "hats off" to the fine posts made in response to our little "fireside" chat. Tom, I think just buttered rye toast and a cuppa Folger's Dark Roast this A.M. BK, that is one of those stories that can only happen on the right train at the right time. Imagine this on a commercial bus or flight? Sorry your trip to Norway was cancelled but "Our" Place was the richer for it, thanks.[^] We can look forward to next April for our "full" Birthday and , hopefully, more personal vignettes will be forth coming by then.[tup] Well Nick, that rail sojourn from Pembrokeshire to Merioneth turned out to be a "double dividend" indeed. Is there anything quite as euphoric as the undulating motion and measured tempo of a pullman sleeper on high iron? Pwolfe, "...12 platforms and no soul" and other "mental imagery" you skillfully employed drew us into the scene you portrayed. Indeed, all of those images are now "GONE" save the ones in your "mind's eye." Thank you for bringing those "images" to our "mind's eye" as well. Rob, your narrative would have been excellent if you had ended it with the Algoma Central trek but you "out did yourslef" relating your encounter with the Peter Witt. I know all who read it, thanks you.[^] Trainnut, there is nothing like the first time in the cab of any locomotive, bar none. You brought back vivid memories of my own at about age 12. Mine was a 0-6-0 yard switcher but I'll never forget it and the decent R.R. people I've met in general over the years.

Finally, thanks to everyone who participated and we look forward to another 6 months of enjoying our friends at "Our" Place. Oh, the "Silver Throttle?" As you know, that is an honorary award more like a "honorary" Doctorate from a college. Certainly it isn't a prize or "instant winner" sort of gimmick. Thought must go into choosing and that won't be easy with these fine entries. So, for now, let us return to our erstewhile activities and "business as usual."[tup] Happy rails to all.

[siberianmo]

Mornin’ Guys!

Another step forward to the end of the week, which isn’t all that bad for most of us. Most of my career, weekends and holidays were largely for “others,” as the days just seemed to meld into one another. Now as a retired senior citizen, I find that the days all seem to meld into one another! <geesh> The more things change, the more the stay the same! [swg]

In retrospect I think yesterday was a winnah! [tup] Some comments:

Quick on the trigger (submitted a wee bit early) Gunns Kevin kicked off the 6th Month Anniversary Personal Posts! with an accounting of a Southern Pacific trip from Phoenix to Goodyear at age 9. Too brief, but much appreciated! [tup]

The Proprietor offered some nostalgia in the form of a “snippet” from an all too familiar trip aboard CP Rail’s “The Canadian” back in the 50’s thru Morant’s Curve. (Apparently went over like a lead balloon!)

coalminer3 CM3 Treated us all to last (first too?) ride in the cab of a B&M RS3 on a gray late November day. As always, when reading his accounts, it is easy to propel one’s self into the surroundings presented. Well done! [tup]

Theodorebear Ted Entertained us with a rail sojourn involving his going home on military leave by way of the B&O and AT&SF with talk of upper bunks, the diner and of course the club car. [tup]

trolleyboy Rob Talked of his 8 hour round trips on the Algoma Central to the Agawa Canyon. Punctuated by a separation of 15 years, these trips represent much to him in terms of locked in good memories riding long distance trains! [tup]

pwolfe Pete Provided us with a very well done piece concerning an overnight rail trip in England . Talk of compartments, the sounds of the train, the warmth generated by the steam heat, and the mystique of the fog all lent itself to a very warm and thought provoking story! [tup]

Trainnut484 Russell Told of his first cab ride on a yard switcher. Shows that surprises come in many forms and situations! [tup]

BudKarr BK Set up a great accounting of a portion of a CP Rail trip through Saskatchewan Province in Canada. Images of singing Mounties and Imperial quarts of CC & VO danced in our heads! Great job! [tup]

nickinwestwales Gave us a personal story he called, “Tales from the pool room.” Done in only his style, one can easily understand why this guy is one of our most popular of regulars at the bar! Pix will be posted on Sunday Photo Posting Day! Thanx! [tup]

So, we had 9 submissions! How can that be viewed in any other light other than POSITIVE! [?]

Many thanx to all for not only participating, but being attentive enough to know what’s going on ‘round here! [tup][tup][tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[coalminer3]

Good Morning All: Coffee and a round for the house and more for the jukebox. Gotta have some tunes first thing in the a.m. Foggy here today and drizzle; gas is $2.86/ gallon.

I enjoyed reading all of the personal posts. To Theodorebear - you can also get to Union Station in Chicago by skating up Adams St. if the wind's right - I have the scars to prove it after an exciting walk/hockey game from the Berghoff to CUS one December evening. Also "Broom Hilda" Excellent! I remember that strip quite well. BTW for Calvin and Hobbes fans, some papers are reunning some of those old strips. Calvin (God help me!) reminds me of my son. Trolleyboy: There's always something that sets the hook; for me it was when I was real small and being exposed to steam locomotives.

I got my copy of the SP Historical Society's Trainline in yesterday's mail. My, my, they do produce a fine publication. The main feature is a 25+ page article on the the switch from coal to oil fuel on the SP. It is excellent nuts and bolts information and well worth getting a copy of the magazine. Also for the diesel folks in the group, there's a well done piece on the Krauss-Maffei locomotives with some interesting insights on why and how they did not work out on the SP. As I tell my folks now and then, ease of maintenance and good engineering counts for a lot.

work safe

[nickinwestwales]

Afternoon chaps,-nothing for me [4:-)]TOM-just popped in to check the fridges for tonight-suspect that turkey leftovers may feature heavily. Caught up with all the various `journeys` gentlemen all-magnificent !!!-quick note for ROB-Nov Continental Modeller ( Brit mag,published by PECO ) has extensive feature on Nyon-St Cergue-Morez line in Switzerland -overhead electric trolleys up in the mountains. Happy to scan in and forward but runs to about 10 pages with 30+ pix and some line drawings of cars-could be a bit of a machine crasher-Missisnick used to ride this `little red train`as a child and father-in-law has some super-8 cine film somewhere. Anyway,gotta run, all manner of little jobs to attend to,catch you all later,nick[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

G’day All!

GREAT BRITAIN PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #2 from multiple sources

Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains, this time from Great Britain! Check this pre-WWI poster out!

LONDON & NORTHWESTERN and CALEDONIAN RAILWAYS

London (Euston) ……………… 8h. 0m.
Birmingham …… To ………… 6h. 45m.
Liverpool ………. Glasgow ...... 5h. 10m.
Manchester ….. (Central) ….. 5h. 5m.
Bristol .………………………… 9h. 35m.

London (Euston) ……………… 8h. 0m.
Birmingham …… To ………… 6h. 35m.
Liverpool ……… Edinburgh … 5h. 0m.
Manchester …. (Prin. St.) …. 5h. 10m.
Bristol .………………………… 9h. 45m.

London (Euston) ……………… 9h. 55m.
Birmingham …… To ………… 9h. 25m.
Liverpool ……… Dundee …… 7h. 15m.
Manchester …. (West) …….. 7h. 20m.
Bristol ………………………… 12h. 20m.

London (Euston) ...…………… 11h. 15m.
Birmingham …… To ………… 11h. 0m.
Liverpool ……… Aberdeen …. 8h. 20m.
Manchester …………………… 8h. 15m.
Bristol ………………………… 14h. 20m.

LUNCHEON and DINING CARS
for the accommodation of FIRST and THIRD CLASS PASSENGERS are run on the undernoted Trains:

………. From London (Euston)
To ..……………………….. a.m. …. p.m.
Glasgow (Central) ………. 10 0 …. 2 0
Edinburgh (Princes St.) … 10 0 …. 2.0
… Perth ..…………………. 10.0 … 2*0
… Aberdeen .…………….. 10.0 …. 2*0

*to Carstairs

………. From Liverpool
To ...………………………. a. m. …. p.m.
Glasgow (Central) .……… 9^50 …. 5 50
Edinburgh (Princes St.) ... 9^50 …. 5*50
… Perth ..………………… 9^50 …. 5*50
… Aberdeen ..…………… 9^50 ….. 5*50

*to Carstairs; ^Luncheon Car, Manchester (Victoria) to Glasgow,
Liverpool Passengers join at Preston.

……….. From Manchester
To ...……………………… a.m. …. p. m.
Glasgow (Central) .…….. 9 50 …. 5 45
Edinburgh (Princes St.) .. 9*50 …. 5^45
… Perth ..……………….. 9*50 …. 5^45
… Aberdeen ..…………... 9*50 …. 5^45

*to Carstairs; ^Luncheon Car, Manchester (Victoria) to Glasgow,
Liverpool Passengers join at Preston.

New and Improved SLEEPING SALOONS
………………. between …………………….
LONDON (Euston) & SCOTLAND by Night Trains.

(Note: Sorry for the misaligned columns; format differences make it so [censored][banghead])


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[BudKarr]

Good morning to you Mr. Tom and patrons of Our Place. Today I think just a cup of coffee with a dash of Amaretto di Saronno would be nice. Nothing to eat thank you.

In browsing the pages I see once again that the responses are rather thin regarding your efforts, Mr. Tom. Quite surprised, given how much effort you put into this idea of yours. That posting on the Washington & Old Dominion Raliway is quite interesting and reflective of those times. Nicely done. Also appreciated your efforts with the CPR's Canadian yesterday. That is quite a picture you have and hopefully everyone had a chance to enlarge it.

My take on this thread is that once posted, quickly forgotten. One of the major drawbacks to communicating in this fashion. Your summary idea keeps things in perspective, but unless read they simply occupy page space.

Thank you for the comments regarding my efforts to participate in your sixth month celebration yesterday. I still keep contact with those mounties - both now long retired, and both still engaging folks. We talk of a reunion aboard the Canadian, but quickly da***he idea, given we would all probably wind up in a lock up somewhere. As I mentioned, different times with far different types of people.

I will have another - just skip the coffee.

BK