"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[BudKarr]

Good Afternoon Captain Tom and staff. I surely enjoyed the New Haven fallen flag data and thank you for honoring my request. I am a bit surprised that more of your regular customers have not inundated you with their selections. Nevertheless, thank you.

I cannot imagine that anything coming from me will be either enlightening or informative to those who know the NH. But here are a few tid bits of information regarding that prized railroad:

* Unlike the majority of other railroads, passenger train revenue was largely responsible for the success of the company.

* The railroad was considered to be a compact railroad, connecting virtually all of the towns and cities of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

* The final order for steam locomotives by the NH was in the 1930's for ten streamlined Baldwin 4-6-4's Hudsons.

* The showcase of the NH direct rail link between Boston and New York was called the Shore Line Route. This route covered 229 miles and was the only direct rail link between the largest of the northeast cities.

* In 1938, a new service appeared on NH freights called trailer-on-flatcar (TOFC) and was introduced between Boston and New York City.

* Patrick McGinnis took over the NH in 1954 and changed the livery to the flashy orange, red and black which won immediate acceptance by the traveling public. Unfortunately, the rest of Mr. McGinnis' efforts were not so well received as the railroad began its downward spiral.

* A toy train company owned by A. C. Gilbert in New Haven, Connecticut, successfully marketed their NH replica trains. The GE EP5 electric locomotive was one. Some years earlier, Gilbert's line of trains, called American Flyer, produced the Pullman-Standard "turtle roofed" toy streamliners that became known throughout the region as "American Flyer cars" in the real railroad world. (Life imitating art?)

* Perhaps one of the NH's most successful ventures involved the purchase of Rail Diesel Cars from the Budd Company of Philadelphia in 1952-53. Forty cars were put in use over nearly 920 route miles of service. These self-contained cars, called Shoreliners, quickly ignitied the commuter rail growth for decades to come.

* The NH vanished from the scene in 1969 when a federal court ordered that it be included in the Penn Central, which had previously absorbed the bankrupt Pennsylvania and New York Central railroads. The PC went bust in 1970.

Note: The aforementioned was obtained through internet resources.

I think a nice cold draught is in order, one of those Keith Ales you talk so much about please.

The Union Pacific advertisement is interesting and one only needs to read between the lines to get a feel for the times. That is a well done series that you have put together and I hope you do not become weary of sharing those nostalgia posts with us. It is indeed a shame that one's efforts sometime go completely unheralded or noticed. It just may be that many take them for granted as another sign of the "routine" at Our Place.

BK

[trolleyboy]

Godd afternoon again. Still playing catch up somewhat here and at the museum site.So tom i think a round for the gang on me is required. BK I have to say a fine addition to the New haven saga[tup] the internet is a wonderfull tool , no need to feel it's usage as a bad thing.Sign of the times indeed I had read somewhere ( most likley a long gone copy of trains magazine )that the merger of the New Haven into that monolthic horror of Penncentral was strictly a governmnet decision. That the NH could very well have stood on it's own and continued running in black ink, but alas the merger killed them off along with the rest of it. Now my rather shaking understanding of the post appocaliptic( for north eastern railroads ) period of the 70's that the remainders of the NH still ran and do run most of the NY/NJ commutor rail networks. as i said my knowledge here is limited hpefully some of the others can / will jump in with the missing bits of info. So BK and Tom the NH should i think spark as much info exchange as the afforementinoned GN bits did.[tup] Rob

[trolleyboy]

Well it seems to have been another semi slow day so i figured that it was time to get "juiced up again" So from the vaults of the Brock street railway(road) library I give you ( Nick will be interested in this one )"Nipissing Central" A bit of local history first.


Early last century one could find one of Northern Ontario's most colourfull boom and bust area's around the town of Cobalt Ontario.In 1903 extensiver silver mines were discouvered and the town of Cobalt was built on top of some of the roughest inhospitable portions of the North woods ,and canadian shield one could imagine. The town was literally built ontop of rock out croppings with the roads strewn in and about the rocky terrain.The building of the Temiskaming and northern ontario railway T&NO ( now known as the Ontario Northland )ensured a route out of the mines for the silver producers.

So the town soared to a pop of 10,000 people and 52 silver mines boared into the shield rock.This is where the history gets a bit interesting.The railway decided that an electric rail line needed to be built to provide transportation to the ever growing mining camps in the area.Also beacause the town of Cobalt literally sat on so many of the minning claims no alcohol was allowed in the town for safety reasons and the nearest watering hole was in the next town of Haileyberry about 40 miles away as the crow flies. In 1910 the first cars started carrying thirsty minors from Cobalt to Haileyberry at the first terminal which was fittingly the local hotel the Vendome!


In 1911 the NC was officailly purchased by the T&NO this was to get a federal charter to build into the crown lands in northeastern Ontario and Quebec. In 1912 the NC ws extended to New Liskeard with it's new terminal on the wabi river. From there branches were built at Kerr lake ,and Crown reserve. It was a fairly short livered interurban. In 1917 a fire destryoed the main carbarns and most of the fleet in Cobalt. The Kerr lake branch was closed in 1925 and a new highway was built in 1927 conecting Timmons and Toronto, so the Crown reserve line was closed. By 1935 a new paved highway ( 11 & 17 ) was completed and the TN&O began running bus service ( ONR still does today )In 1924 the disaterous Hailyberry fire destroyed most of the town. Many of the interurbans cars and several hundred retired TTC wood cars were brought into serve as homes and businesses.


After the fire rail ,service ended between the last of the used route between Cobalt, Haileyberry and New Liskeard. The rolling stock was all double trucked built predominantly by Preston Car and coach and Ottawa car co. The line was standard railway guage. None of the equipment still exists todaybut the large "new" carbarns built in North cobalt still stands on Lakeview drive justwest of highway 11B. I'll try to dig up some pictures of the NC cars. More info should be able to be found on the official ONR sites as well. Rob

[coalminer3]

Good Afternoon All:

Not used to seeing the sun on the west side of the building. Great posts today; Watch Hill and Bunker Hill were lovely cars that as passengerfan suggested were "converted" into other uses.

I will dig up some NYNH&H ads for you. My collection of tts for that road goes back into the late 1800s (if we include predecessor lines. Stay tuned.

They are abt. to drop our power for awile (scheduled interruption so I am out of here. Have a good night.

work safe

[trolleyboy]

Hello all again. Tom I'm a bit confused ( I know I can hear the jokes and snickers behind the bar ) VIA still in sists on a dress code for dinning car service ? I thought that practice was banned long long ago except on the Candian seeing as how it is essentially a cruise ship on steel rails. This is just another you learn something everyday type situation. On an interesting museum note, we are now running a train service. To clarify we generally run the cars as single units. We do hacve a PCC grinding train which can be run either individually or in tandem. The shop boys have got L&PS #8 back in passenger service ( been out a year due to a pantagraph snag ) The overheaad has not been reworked yet as many new poles need to be installed so to get this fan favourite car ( and crew favourite ) running again our oshawa line car # 45 has been fitted with train hose babs on it's one end. this allows it to pull #8 as a coach as all the L&PS cars were equipped to run as MU's. I'll try to get some photo's of the pair as it is a unique thing for us to operate this way. CM3 Routine or not hope you are not " off ' for too long. I would hate for you to miss out on the fun ' round here.[tup] Rob

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

it appears that my 4 hour moritorium on Posting hasn't hurt a thing, for several of you have picked up the slack and picked it up quite well indeed! [tup][tup][tup] That's the idea, isn't it [?] Shouldn't be just the barkeep doing the "jaw boning." [swg]

passengerfan Al Appreciate your input on UP's City of Denver. Also the positive vibes and informative stuff on the NH helps a lot as well! Thanx! [tup] Always nice to know that these efforts are not only being read, but picked up on as well.

trolleyboy Rob So you ARE among the living, eh [?][swg] Man oh man, perhaps I should send Vito the Hit to see your boss. Just doesn't seem right that thye actually make you work long hours for your pay. [swg] Vito has a way with woids - and he's a pretty good "shoe salesman," so I hear. A recent

QUOTE: : Youse don't want that I should have to tell ya again about my friend's friend being available, Youse gettin' the message [?]

So now one and all knows that our OKTOBERFEST Saturdays are history. We had two, with perhaps the 2nd being a bit moresuccessful than the first . For all - save the Lederhosen - we do have May Fest comin'! [swg]

Watch for the decision from the Can-Am County Attorney General regarding the decision on whether there will be a legally sanctioned marriage between our cloven footed freiend, Boris and the "fair maiden" from Oooompah Land - Hilda or is it Helga [?] Never get it right ........ [swg]

BudKarr Nice effort with your NH info .... for a guy who initially came across with minimal railroading prowess, you're doing quite well and it's appreciated! [tup][tup] I concur that there's no need to apologize for the source of your informatoin - at least you are TRYING and that makes all the difference. We are a CLASSIC TRAINS thread and keeping with that theme is what we're all about.

Rob Appreciate your interest and added info on the NH. Yes, it should spur a bit of additional dialogue (which it has!) and I look for some great stuff to follow. My readings on the "end" had them at the edge of the bankruptcy clifff. Perhaps coalminer3 CM3 can enlighten us on whether they could have survived without being put into PC. I'm no fan of PC, but they really "needed" NH in order for them to have a fighting chance at keeping the passenger sytem in tact. The New England lines were just that valuable. The U.S. Government was the driving force, but moreso as an arbitrator, as I understand it. There wasn't a strong case from anyone in the railroading world to maintain passenger lines in the northeast.

An observation: You gotta use paragraphs, m'boy! My aging eyes are having a hulluva time pickin' out the salient info on Posts that have info run together. You and Nick must've attended the same school - OR - skipped that part of the course! [swg] <grin>

Good stuff on that Nipissing Central" - it helps to have some helpl 'round here with innovative Posts and yours truly adds to the effort! Thanx - but paragraphs, man -paragraphs!

coalminer3 CM3 Is that you [?] Really! Well, you either forgot something at the bar earlier, or you heard the Siren's call of the NYNH&H! Happens! We look foward to whatever additional stuff you can provide. This road is a cherished part of my "history" and I hated to see it go. A wonderful railroad, in my opinion.

Okay - I'll be behind the bar as usual, but I'm going to let the Posts go to the Customers, with my last appearance for the day being a bit later tonight.

So, whatillyahave [?] This IS a bar 'n grill ya know! Vito, put that away - they'll order without any "help"! <geesh>

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

Yo Rob

Just caught your Post .....

Two points of "order"

(1) Regarding your first "senior" moment - no, VIA Rail didn't press for the discontinuance of the Chicago-Toronto run, nor did Amtrak. It was dwindlling ridership, as I understand it., and I'm hardly an expert with it. The problem, huge delays at the border thanx to Customs.

(2) Nope, a "dress code" isn't in force aboard VIA Rail. The point was, can you imagine what it would do if one were to be implemented [?]

Methinks you need a day's worth of sleep [zzz] m'boy! [swg]

Now back to ViA Rails "Canadian." Thems are fightin' words to call it a cruise ship on steel wheels. It still is a scheduled passenger train no matter who the passengers. [yeah] I understand that it probably comes as close to a blankety-blank tourist train, but the crews are "real" railroaders and there are scheduled stops. There are coach passengers and baggage cars. Having made that round trip twice within the past 5 years, I can see how one could come away with the idea that it is strictly for tourists. But ya know, if someone who lives in Sioux Lookout wishes to travel to Winnipeg, that can be done aboard the "Canadian." Can't do things like that on the "Rocky Mountaineer," for example. So, watch it - buster! This is MY territory you are trodding on! I'm the ViA Rail guy - you're the Troley guy - we CAN coexist! [swg]

Later!

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

[trolleyboy]

Hello Tom and everyone else. Tom I'll happily comply with your request. just one thing though. How the heck does one get paragraphs to work on this forum system. I have attempted just doesn't work.

Vito may not want to let out his sales past i may hire him [:O] The reason for the long day (daze) Was to do the interviews for our xmas staff. BTW only 115 shopping days[:O][xx(] left now whatchya buying me ?

[:O][swg]. update from my research dept. The NC only had cars built by the Preston car and Coach, I've found no hints or inducations of any ottawa products as i had formerly stated. the cars were as follows. # 2.4,6,&8 we built in 1910 #'s10,&12 were trailor cars built in 1912. #'s 14,&16 were built in 1913. First 18, &20 were built in 1914 and second 18,& 20 were built in 1919. the first 18 & 20 and #10 and #'s 2 & 4 were lost in the barn fire in 1917. So long for now make mine a coffee and hoagie to go thanks. Rob

[trolleyboy]

Wow Tom no transgression intended [swg] I just look at the dollar signs for the Cdn and painted it with that wide brush of mine.I sort of figgured it was more the doing of the boarder folks than anything else on the train trip's. Boris ring that bell loud I'm buying fer the house to attone for my crazyness. off fir a nap now I think. Rob

[nickinwestwales]

Good Evening gents-[4:-)]TOM-or is that [C=:-)]TOM-( post-16:48:04) this is causing a bad case of the "little blue pixies"-keep it up and it`s Betty Ford time for me [%=)]--best make mine a large rum with a Staropramen to keep it company and refresh everybodys glasses whilst you`re about it ( yourself also,obviously ). As to paragraphs,this thread is the most `writing` ( other than set lists,menus and food orders ) I have done in 30 years. The triple whammy of spelling,grammer & punctuation is rather more of a challenge than I remember. However,in deference to your eyesight,will attempt to improve.[swg] Nice one on the New Haven-that McGinnis paint very easy on the eye,as was his B+M scheme from yesterday-As a lover of `F` units,was delighted to find an article on the Danbury,Ct. branch using FL9`s on push-pull workings until about 5 years ago,sadly mag. in storage at present but may be able to locate it for pix raid.-maybe AL can expand.....ROB-Nice one also [^] -sister worked in New Liskeard for a while in public health,so a particular `soft spot` for the area-much of her work involved dealing with the nations,many of whose camps & villages can only be reached by canoe-quite a culture shock for a simple South London lass ! Apparently Cobalt & N.L still classic `train towns`,where the depot is still the centre of town BK-Nice submission [tup] looks like the Boss has pre-empted my x2000 search with a direct route,will go and have a look directly MANAGER TED-not sure about A+R man-might you be thinking of Pete Waterman,a record producer,who as part of Stock,Aitken & Waterman was responsible for some of the last decades most grisly `pop` tunes ( Kylie Minogue et al ). He has a large collection of steam & diesel power which is leased out on charter work. As to the A.P.T (tilting train),don`t quote me on this,but I think 3 were built,2 cut up,the 3rd dumped on a siding behind Derby test centre ( PETE may be able to confirm or deny on his return) Ghost of an idea that some stock in a museum somewhere ( York ?) but could still be privately owned-will have a nose around when I have a moment. O.K. fellas,thats my batteries charged for another day,be happy,lucky or better still, both,regards,nick[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Gents,

Last call before I turn the bar over to Leon the Night Man! But first a couple of comments:

Rob Man oh man, you've Posted a bunch after a brief hiatus from the bar. Good to have you back in action! [tup]

Perhaps I've overstepped with my suggestion regarding paragraphs. They are very difficult to achieve with this "forum format." So what to do [?] Just put some space between thoughts, which will have the same effect as paragraphs.

Like this!

You watching this, Nick[C=:-)] - A bit paranoid about that smilie eh [?] [swg] Whatever you're drinking, perhaps you need a double! [tup]

Not concerned a "whit" about the spelling and the like - it's the everything bunched together that gets rough on the Orbs! [swg] But hey, whatever floats your boat ......

Didn't mean to steal your thunder regarding the X2000 - go with what you have, BK will surely appreciate it!

Those "modern" NH and B&M paint schemes really made all the difference for rail watching. The older heralds had more "charm," for sure. But Mr. McGinnis surely did a lot with a couple of block letters in either case.

I think I'm ready to cash out .... Boris be sure the back door is locked and help Leon close up at midnight!

I just took a look at the number of Posts today - hit twenty - but back out mine, then it's down some. Anyway - thanx to all who stopped by - ALWAYS appreciated! [tup] Tomorrow is 'nother day, and I've got a Fallen Flag ready to go with perhaps another Nostalgia for later in the day. Stay tuned!

Catch ya in the 'morrow! [zzz]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Hello Leon. draw me a nice guiness if you please. I see the boss is gone for the day so this will be a short stay


Nick I thought that you would like theNCR bit. Nice to hear that your sis enjoyed her time up in Gods country. My moms uncle had a farm of sorts in NL. I'm not sure what one could really grow up there other than rocks, but he and Aunt Victoria lived there for close to 70 years before retiring to Toronto. At Vick as she liked to be called lived to the ripe age of 102.(passed away in 1998 ) She is actually the reason I got interested in the TTC. Aunt Vick lived in Queen street in Toronto and because she was a stubborn Victorian lady she did all her own shopping till the end. this ment that she jumped onto ( not litterally ) the subway made her way to Younge street and did her weekly shopping at the Eaton Centre.Man I wi***hat if I make it to 102 I have half her strength and charisma ! I thought that I would add a small nostalgia bit myself once in a while. I'll call it classic streetcar manufacturers.The first up will be a very little known one called the Tillsonberg Electric Car Company.They started up in april of 1913 in the town of Tillsonberg Ontario right in the middle of oxford county, which is prime tobacco country still today. For those who know southwestern ontario Tillsonberg is 40 km east of St Thomas.The plant was constructed inside of two quonset huts. There first cars were built in November of 1913 the laast cars were built in 1917.A short life but the advent of WW1 caused streetcar orders to dry up as most of the wood and steel and copper were earmarked for war production. This coupled to the fact that they had set themselves up to build "traditional" streetcars in that they were all wood bodied and framed. it's felt that they didn't have enough money to restart in the 1920's with an all new steel fabrication business.The plant is still in existance today in that the original quonset huts are still there now incorporprated into a larger auto parts plant. Production of streetcars is as follows. In 1913 they built s cars for the Windsor Essex and lake Shore Rapid Railway cars 312 and 313 which were all wood DT De interurban coaches. their second order in 1914 was for two cars for the Dominion Power & Transmission Company cars 173 and 174 which were DT DE all wood express baggage cars. Their final order was for 12 ST city cars for the Saint John Railway Company ( NB ) cars 106-128 ( even numbers only ) One car of this classe's body still exists as part of the Delson railway museum. Here's an exerpt of one of Tillsonberg's newspaper ads run to drum up business for the company. i will directly quote it's text. The Tillsonberg Electric Car Company , Limited. Builders of all kinds of Electric Street Cars,Sweepers , Sprinklers,also all kinds of rolling stock for steam railways. Beg to announce we are now ready for operation and would appreciate the opportunity of submitting drawings and specifications,together with prices on any of yourrequirements for the above lines. Factory is equipped with the most modern and up-to-date machinery. We solicit your enquiries where early delivery is a requisite. This was run in august of 1913 just as the plant was openning for business. well folks it's been a wonderfull day i'll catch you all tomorrow. Rob PS Tom Hope the spacing worked out[tup]

[trolleyboy]

Hmmm well I don't know I left at least three or four lines of spacing between the paragraphs and it still posted together. Not sure what else I can do. Sorry Rob

[Gunns]

Evening all,
coffee please and a bagle.

Tom The "Mine Shaft Tavern" dates back to the opening of the mine in Madrid, and is just a short stagger from the pit head. Coal has been mined there since the early 1800s and was a principle supplier of the AT&SF. Mining stopped in 1959 but the tavern lives on....
http://www.mineshafttavern.com/
Gunns

[nickinwestwales]

O.K. Tom-you win !!!!!!-how are you managing to change them after posting---has anyone else spotted this or am I even more paranoid than I thought ?.......waaah ROB-fine country indeed,sis would be there still if not for a bad outbreak of politics, apparently region was opened up to take advantage of rich glacial deposits which make for good growing, but as soon as that first nugget caught the light of day-well you know how that works... My only memory of Eaton Centre dates back to family visit in July `77-caught in monsoon like downpour,took shelter,thoroughly soaked-air conditioning on full blast,nearly turned blue before getting out ..... MANAGER TED- checked back on A.P.T--original unit A.P.T-E (gas turbine ) preserved at York, 3 A.P.T-P ( electric ), 1 unit currently undergoing restoration at Rugby,other two presumed scrapped,catch you all later,nick[%-)][C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

WEDNESDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

Good Morning! Mid week at the bar ‘n grill and what better time to draw a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a pastry or two from The Mentor Village Bakery and perhaps a <light> breakfast from the menu board. Great way to begin the day! [tup]

Info for the Day:

(1) Thursday is Fish ‘n Chips Nite plus Nick’s Picks.

(2) Friday is Pizza Nite plus Steak ‘n fries.

INDEX Monday’s only!

SUMMARY

Name - Date/Time - (Page#) – Remarks

(1) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 05:44:33 (140)

(2) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 07:06:49 (140) reply to Gunns & Theodorebear

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 07:21:05 (140) Tuesday’s Info & Summary

(4) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 07:22:52 (140) Fallen Flag – NYNH&H; NH

(5) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 08:05:31 (140) NH, etc.

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 11:57:39 (140) reply to coalminer3

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 11:59:06 (140) Nostalgia #10 –UP ad

(8) passengerfan Al Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 13:21:46 (140) UP City of Denver info

(9) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 13:48:05 (140) Inclusive Post!

(10) BudKarr BK Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 14:01:14 (140) NH info!

(11) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 14:13:52 (140)

(12) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 14:52:53 (140) Nipissing Central

(13) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 15:39:10 (140)

(14) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 16:02:52 (140)

(15) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 16:34:49 (140) reply to passengerfan – trolleyboy – BudKarr – coalminer3

(16) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 16:48:04 (140) reply to trolleyboy

(17) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 16:54:00 (140)

(18) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 16:59:39 (140)

(19) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 18:57:35 (140)

(20) siberianmo Tom Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 21:08:54 (140) reply to trolleyboy & nickinwestwales, etc.

(21) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 23:43:24 (140)

(22) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 23:47:33 (140)

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

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

[siberianmo]

Good Mornin' Gents!

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

Maine Central (MEC)

Headquarters: Portland, ME

Mileage 1950: 981

Locomotives in 1950:

Steam: 74 - Diesel: 57

Rolling stock in 1963:

Freight cars: 4,593 – Passenger cars: 42

Principal routes in 1950 (all within Maine, other than noted):

South Portland-Bangor
Bangor-Vanceboro
Bangor-Bucksport
Bangor-Calais & Eastport
Brunswick-Rockland
Portland-St. Johnsbury, VT
Quebec Jct., NH-Beecher Falls, VT
Lees Jct.-Farmington & Rumford
Newport Jct.-Dover-Foxcroft

Passenger trains of note:

Bar Harbor Express (Washington, DC-Ellsworth, ME)
Down Easter (New York-Waterville & Rockland, ME)
Flying Yankee (Boston-Bangor)
Gull (Boston-Halifax, NS)
Katahdin (Boston-Bngor)
Kennnebec (Boston-Bangor
Mountaineer (Boston-Littleton, NH)
Penobscot (Boston-Bangor)
Pine Tree (Boston-Bangor)
Skipper (Boston-Bangor)

Note: B&M handled trains west of Portland to Boston. CN handled trains east of Calais, ME to Halifax,NS. The Mountaineer was a B&M train handled by MEC between Intervale & Whitefield, NH.


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

G’day Guys!

A fine morning has dawned here in mid-continent USA, a wee bit warm, but very nice nonetheless. Ah, fall is in the air! [tup] Paid $2.60 (rounded off) for petrol yesterday at our “collusion corner,” where all the gasoline stations always have the same prices! Can't and won't complain given the prices 'round the world. Costs for the day-to-day are rising and rising fast. Our property tax bill would gag a healthy maggot! (I should "coin" that phrase; another "siberianmoism." [swg]) I see where the utility companies are now predicting a 70% increase for home heating costs this winter (nice) and the prices for veggies and fruits have gone into orbit. Ya know, it's far better to be able to pay and complain, than not be able to pay at all ....... The "Sage" speaks! [swg]

Nothing particular to pass this AM, for that’s what the SUMMARY is supposed to take care of, so I’ll get right to the responses since I checked out last evening.

Oh [yeah], regarding our CLOSING TIME, we still abide by the “last man standing” policy, however, if there’s no one in the place at midnight, we close up.

trolleyboy Rob Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 23:43:24 and 18 Oct 2005, 23:47:33

QUOTE: I thought that I would add a small nostalgia bit myself once in a while. I'll call it classic streetcar manufacturers.The first up will be a very little known one called the Tillsonberg Electric Car Company.

They started up in april of 1913 in the town of Tillsonberg Ontario right in the middle of oxford county, which is prime tobacco country still today. For those who know southwestern ontario Tillsonberg is 40 km east of St Thomas.The plant was constructed inside of two quonset huts.

There first cars were built in November of 1913 the laast cars were built in 1917.A short life but the advent of WW1 caused streetcar orders to dry up as most of the wood and steel and copper were earmarked for war production. This coupled to the fact that they had set themselves up to build "traditional" streetcars in that they were all wood bodied and framed. it's felt that they didn't have enough money to restart in the 1920's with an all new steel fabrication business.The plant is still in existance today in that the original quonset huts are still there now incorporprated into a larger auto parts plant.

Production of streetcars is as follows. In 1913 they built s cars for the Windsor Essex and lake Shore Rapid Railway cars 312 and 313 which were all wood DT De interurban coaches. their second order in 1914 was for two cars for the Dominion Power & Transmission Company cars 173 and 174 which were DT DE all wood express baggage cars. Their final order was for 12 ST city cars for the Saint John Railway Company ( NB ) cars 106-128 ( even numbers only ) One car of this classe's body still exists as part of the Delson railway museum.

Here's an exerpt of one of Tillsonberg's newspaper ads run to drum up business for the company. i will directly quote it's text. The Tillsonberg Electric Car Company , Limited. Builders of all kinds of Electric Street Cars,Sweepers , Sprinklers,also all kinds of rolling stock for steam railways. Beg to announce we are now ready for operation and would appreciate the opportunity of submitting drawings and specifications,together with prices on any of yourrequirements for the above lines. Factory is equipped with the most modern and up-to-date machinery. We solicit your enquiries where early delivery is a requisite. This was run in august of 1913 just as the plant was openning for business.

There – now with the VERTICAL spacing, it’s easier to follow! [swg]

Gunns Kevin Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 00:48:08

Appreciate the URL, now that looks like a place I could enjoy! [tup] The Mine Shaft I recall was called “Baby Doe’s,” if I recollect. Oh well – no harm, no foul. Was just a good watering hole ……

nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 05:35:21

Now you see it, now you don’t! Step right up Ladies and Gents and watch the disappearing Smilie. Watch it come ‘n go, watch it drive the [C=:-)] Chief Chef [C=:-)] bonkers! Just get your ticket for one thin dime and follow the lines into the tent. Be sure to stop by our Ginsu knife display and buy the little lady a lifetime of carefree cutting. These knives ………..

Sorry, Nick but I just don’t KNOW what you are talkin’ ‘bout! [swg]

Enjoy the day and of course today’s Fallen Flag MEC!


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

[coalminer3]

Good Morning All: Coffee, round and qurters as usual. Now we got MEC? Holy Cow!

Since we are doing New Haven, today let's go to New Haven. This is excerpted from a longer piece in one of my notebooks. Apologies if we have run it before. Again, lots of what's mentioned in here is either gone or changed beyond recognition.

Then on to New Haven. The train would approach the city on a fill that crossed over miles of swamps. This was leavened a little by a pair of short tunnels. We could see the mammoth Cedar Hill yard in the distance, dominated by its huge concrete coal dock. Here, truly, was the center of the New Haven. The double track main line passed close to the Cedar Hill departure yard which was filled with all kinds of freight cars. The line from Hartford joined us and swept toward the New Haven station beneath a series of overpasses. We were under the wires now, which meant we were on the electrified portion of the New Haven. It was not uncommon to see three or more passenger trains moving at once, along with a freight train, and sometimes a switcher with a cut of cars.

The postal facility just north and east of the station was always filled with mail cars, green cars from Railway Express and Railway Post Office cars; something I didn't see all that much in Boston, despite my encounters with the mail trains. We were getting closer now and the train was slowing.

The New Haven station was a busy place as it handled lots of through trains and hordes of commuters. As I mentioned, we were now on the electrified part of the New Haven.

Generally we changed from diesel to electric power at New Haven. Sometimes, though, we kept the same engines if we had FL9s for power and were going to Grand Central. The FL9s were hybrids what were diesels, but were also fitted to run off the third rail that was closer to New York.

I have always liked electric locomotives. The New Haven, as befitted its history as the country's first major electrification, had a wonderful collection of electric engines that included everything from ancient so-called "Flatbottoms," to the gorgeous EP5 "Jets."

A typical power change at New Haven went something like this.

It's midmorning at New Haven on a cold day. The wind blows in from the harbor, and makes it seem even colder than it already is. A passenger train, from Boston, is about to arrive - we can see its headlight under the wires off to the north. The big Alco diesels slide by us and brake to a stop in a combination of sound of hissing air, ringing bells, and engine noise. It's going to get busy now, so we'd better stay out of the way.

Men wheel carts of baggage and mail up the open doors of the head end cars. They're hurrying as the train won't be here for very long. Farther back passengers are getting off the train and others are boarding. Car men are busily inspecting each car and the diner is getting refilled with water.

Ahead, two filthy car knockers are down between the second diesel and the head of the first car. Their job is to cut off steam lines and brake lines and uncouple the diesels from the head of the train. This is done through hand signals that are passed ahead to the engineer who leans back out of the cab window. He backs the diesels just a little to give the men enough slack to uncouple.

It's cold today and things are stiff - a shot with the hammer right there will do it. A quick flip of a go ahead hand signal and the diesels snarl and move away. They'll be refueled, sanded, recrewed, and on their way back to Boston soon. A "ba-dump-ah!" sound of switch points moving and escaping compressed air, and in the distance we see an orange, black, and white EP-5 class electric engine threading its way toward us. The engineer gently backs toward the train and stops about 1/2 a car length short. The car men are on either side now and again with casual hand signals tell the engineer to back up slowly, don't jostle the passengers. "Ca-lang!" Now check to make sure she's really coupled by pulling ahead just a little. Everything's O.K.

Now, reconnect the brake lines, electric, and steam lines and check to make sure that everything's working. We'd better hurry back and get on the train, as the head end work is done, and the engines have been changed and we'll be leaving before long. Anyway, it'll be time to get something to eat before too much longer.

The NYNH&H over the years had some interesting interline Pullman routes, including service between Boston and Florida via the Atlantic Coast Line and the Seaboard Air Line. Following is from January, 1930.

The ACL side departed Boston at 4:30 p.m. with the following consist.

Club Car: Boston-Jax
Sleepers: Boston-Sarasots; Boston-St. Pete; Boston-West Palm Beach; Boston-Miaimi. They picked up a Springfield-Miami sleeper at New Haven. These sleepers ran via ACL or FEC out of Jacksonville, depending on their destination
Diner
No coaches
The NB side arrived in Boston at 1235 p.m.

The SAL service departed Boston at 8:00 p.m.

This train had an array of sleepers as well including Boston-Washington; Boston-Miami; and Springfiled-St. Pete
Diner
Coaches: Boston-Washington
This train operated via SAL below Richmond.

An ad in the January, 1930 Official Guide proclaimed "Daily Service Between Boston and New England Points and Florida...Via Hell Gate Bridge Route."

Here's some more verbiage from the ORG re the "Empire Builder."

Consist: Distinctive solarium-observation car between Chicago and Seattle-Tacoma. Sun room, observation room, lounge, buffet with soda fountain, women's dressing room with shower bath, barber shop with men's shower bath ladies maid, valet service, and radio reception." As I said before: style, style, styles

Well, I've gone on long enough for now.

work safe

[siberianmo]

G’day!

A while back, Nick suggested that we use Wednesdays to provide some information regarding our model railroads, perhaps track plans, descriptions, etc. (Pix reserved for Sunday Photo Posting Day!) We haven’t really gotten into the swing of this, so I’ll offer up something from the Can-Am HO layout.

First, an explanation of what you are about to see:

The Can-Am is a rather large layout and I designed it to contain several specific scenes, all independent from one another, but in the synergy of it, connected. If one were to stand at either end of the layout, all of the scenes could not be taken in. Standing directly before the tavern called ”Our” Place for example, will provide the viewer with only the lumber yard and truck terminal to the left, the twin spans over the Can-Am gorge to the right and the cliffs directly behind the bar. Above those cliffs, one may view the RDC’s making their way between the “Land Between the Lakes” on the point-to-point mountain run.

Each of these specific scenes contain vehicles, and I have inventoried them to reflect their locations on the layout. In other words, beginning at a set place, the vehicles listed are in order of their placement within those scenes.

Unfortunately, the formatting of the Forums is quite restrictive, so that my columns are rather run together.

So, without further comment – here it is:

ACTUAL LOCATION of VEHICLES (150)

CITY (41)

Vehicle Description Made by

(01) U.S. Tow truck, dbl axle red Wiking
(02) Pontiac Grand Prix, 2 dr cpe blue Herpa
(03) Ford Crown Victoria, 4 dr sdn, 1997 green Busch
(04) International garbage truck, 2001 orange Boley
(05) Chevy Caprice , 4 dr sdn, 1995 white Busch
(06) VW Bug, 1951 black Busch
(07) International box van, 2001 brown Boley
(08) Ford E350 delivery van red/silver Busch
(09) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997, red/tan Atlas
(10) Ford Expedition, SUV, 1998 green Walthers
(11) Mercedes C-class, 4 dr sdn maroon Busch
(12) Mercedes W123 station wagon metallic blue/chrome Busch
(13) Ford Crown Victoria taxi white/checkered Busch
(14) Volvo station wagon sandstone metallic Wiking
(15) International ambulance, 2001 red Boley
(16) VW Bug green Herpa
(17) Ford Crown Victoria, police AMTRAK, white/blue Walthers
(18) North American tour bus “Wild” Herpa
(19) Ford Expedition, SUV, 1998 red Walthers
(20) UPS Delivery van dark green Walthers
(21) Mercedes C-class, 4 dr sdn blue, sun roof Busch
(22) Ford Taurus, 4 dr sdn, 1996 black Atlas
(23) International, refrig. van, 3-axle, 2001 blue/white Boley
(24) Ford Crown Victoria, police AMTRAK, white/blue Walthers
(25) Ford Crown Victoria, 4 dr sdn, 1998 bronze Walthers
(26) Ford Crown Victoria, taxi white/checkered Busch
(27) North American tour bus “Wild” Herpa
(28) Plymouth Voyager mini-van white/wood trim Busch
(29) Ford “C” van yellow, Coca-Cola, Delicious Athearn
(30) Pontiac Grand Prix, 2 dr cpe blue Herpa
(31) Ford Crown Victoria, 4 dr sdn, 1998 silver Walthers
(32) Dodge Ram, mini van, 1990 red Busch
(33) Ford Escort, 4 dr sdn blue Busch
(34) International box van yellow Boley
(35) 1950’s transit bus green American Precision
(36) 1950’s transit bus red American Precision
(37) Chevy Caprice, taxi Beverly Hills/blue Busch
(38) Plymouth Voyager taxi cream Busch
(39) Ford Crown Victoria, taxi white/checkered Busch
(40) Chevy S-10 Blazer, 1997 black Busch
(41) Audi, A4 dr sdn red Busch


ARLEE – Mountain Depot (08)

Vehicle Description Made by

(01) Ford Expedition SUV, 1998 white Walthers
(02) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 green Atlas
(03) Chevy Caprice, 4 dr sdn, 1995 black Busch
(04) Chevy van, taxi yellow/checker Busch
(05) Ford “C” van white, Coca-Cola, Bears Athearn
(06) Mercedes M-class, ML320, SUV maroon Busch
(07) Chevy Caprice taxi Beverly Hills/blue Busch
(08) Chevy Caprice, 4 dr sdn, 1995 white Busch

FREIGHT & TRUCK DEPOT (19)

Vehicle Description Made by

(01) International stakebed, 2001 orange Boley
(02) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 black Atlas
(03) GMC pickup, step red Trident
(04) Tractor, truck, 3-axle green Walthers
(05) Trailer CP Rail Athearn
(06) Tractor, truck, 3-axle Kohne-Nagel/blue Smart Toys
(07) Trailer Kohne-Nagel/blue Smart Toys
(08) Tractor, truck, 3-axle red Walthers
(09) Trailer CP Rail Intermodal Con-Cor
(10) Trailer CP Rail Athearn
(11) Trailer Lyndon Transport Con-Cor
(12) Tractor, truck, 3-axle silver Smart Toys
(13) Tractor, truck, 3-axle Maersk/gray Smart Toys
(14) Trailer Maersk Smart Toys
(15) Kenworth tractor, truck yellow Boley
(16) Trailer CP Rail Athearn
(17) Trailer CP Rail Intermodal Con-Cor
(18) Tractor, truck, 3-axle silver Smart Toys
(19) Trailer CN Piggyback Accurail

LUMBER YARD & TAVERN (09)

Vehicle Description Made by

(01) International flatbed, 3-axle red Boley
(02) International stakebed red Boley
(03) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 green Atlas
(04) International stakebed, 2001 red Boley
(05) Chevy Suburban black Trident
(06) International box van red/white Boley
(07) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 red Atlas
(08) Ford Crown Victoria, 4 dr sdn, 1997 bronze Walthers
(09) Chevy S-10 Blazer SUV, 1997 black Busch


MOUNTAIN VILLAGE (32)

Vehicle Description Made by

(01) Ford Taurus, 4 dr sdn, 1996 saddle Atlas
(02) Ford mini van blue Herpa
(03) VW Bug cream Praline
(04) Mini Cooper black, w/German flag roof Herpa
(05) Ford E350, delivery van red/silver Busch
(06) Ford Escort, 4 dr sdn, 1997 red Busch
(07) Ford Crown Victoria taxi, 1997 white/checkered Busch
(08) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 black/silver Atlas
(09) Motorcycle w/riders black Galco
(10) Motorcycle w/rider blue Galco
(11) Pontiac Grand Prix, 2 dr cpe blue Herpa
(12) Ford Crown Victoria, 4 dr sdn, 1997 silver Walthers
(13) Chevy S-10 Blazer, 1998 black Busch
(14) Chevy pickup, long bed white Trident
(15) Trailer Lyndon Transport Con-Cor
(16) Tractor, truck, 3-axle white Walthers
(17) Ford Crown Victoria, 4 dr sdn, 1997 green Busch
(18) Ford Taurus, 4 dr sdn, 1996 maroon Atlas
(19) Plymouth Voyager mini-van white w/wood trim Busch
(20) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 red/tan Atlas
(21) International, box van orange/white Boley
(22) International dump truck, 2001 purple/silver Boley
(23) International stakebed, 2001 red Boley
(24) North American tour bus “Wild” Herpa
(25) VW Bug orange Wiking
(26) Chevy Caprice, Sheriff white Boley
(27) Wrecker white Trident
(28) Volvo station wagon sandstone metallic Wiking
(29) VW camper/mobile home white Wiking
(30) International snow removal blue Boley
(31) Cadillac, 4 dr sdn, vintage blue (inside Esso garage) Praline
(32) Buick, 4 dr sdn, vintage maroon (inside Esso garage) Praline

FREIGHT STATIONS (07)

Vehicle Description Made by

(01) Kenworth tractor, truck, 3-axle blue Boley
(02) Trailer CP Rail Athearn
(03) International, box van orange/white Boley
(04) Trailer CN Piggyback Accurail
(05) Chevy pickup white Trident
(06) International stakebed, 2001 orange Boley
(07) Chevy pickup, step black Trident


LOCOMOTIVE SHOPS (14)

Vehicle Description Made by

(01) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 green/tan Atlas
(02) International dump, 3-axle, 2001 orange/silver Boley
(03) Ford Expedition, SUV, 1998 red Walthers
(04) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 black/silver Atlas
(05) International box van green/silver Boley
(06) Chevy Suburban maroon Trident
(07) International flatbed, 3-axle black/silver Boley
(08) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 blue Atlas
(09) Chevy pickup white Trident
(10) Chevy Suburban red Trident
(11) International stakebed black/silver Boley
(12) International flatbed, 3-axle yellow/silver Boley
(13) Ford F150 pickup, ext cab, 1997 tan Atlas
(14) Chevy pickup red Trident

You may take a "tour" of the layout by checking in at:
http://www.railimages.com/gallery/thomasweber

Enjoy!

Tom Owner/Operator "Can-Am" Railroad

[Anonymous]

Good heavens, I'll never be able to cover all that has transpired since yesterday's post. I will catch-up but must spread responses over several insallments. At the moment, Wilma has us all guessing where landfall will be. It takes the better part of a day to place plywood over all my wiondows. I hope you'll understand my sparse contributions over the next couple of days. Tom please, just a bottle of Piels for now and "top off" everyone's favorite. CM3, thanks for your offer for help. I was able to find some good sites on the Net, so all is covered. Another superb narrative of your "rail encounters." I could smell the odors, feel the cold and hear the clutter in the background. Noone could ask for more.[tup] Tom, looks like you are wrapping New England up in one beautiful package. All of the roads, except the Maine Central are fmiliar to me. And, all of them definately rekindle many good recollections. Thanks so much for going to the considerable time and effort.[tup]

Nick, I believe the original inquiry into the X-2000 was from BK. However, my scance input was based on a travelogue for the B.B.C. by (I believe) Michael Palin of "...Python" fame. Indeed yes. Pete Waterman is the curator of the many protoype locos, rolling stock et al. A point was made that the "leaning" train was a victim of terrible "press" as much as anything else. The concept really didn't get a fair trial before entering into service. The humiliation of the train "leaning" when it shouldn't have was over played by the media and met with instant public ridicule. The Company retired the trains and never wanted to see them again. It's a sad story really because the train operated unfailingly later in private ownership.[:(]

Gunns, really enjoyed the Mine Shaft site and it looks like lots of fun. Wish I had known of it when I was in the area. Doesn't look like the Cowboy bars I knew in OK. They were more provencial to say the least.[:O] Hey Rob, many thanks again for the time and trouble. Please feel free to delete them from your railimages account after they have been posted. I'm making some drastic changes in the future so they will be obsolete in short order anyway. By that time I'll have my own account probably with "Photobucket." Thanks again.[^]

Boris? Married? We aren't really sure he was born yet.[alien] Carpathians laid no claim to him when Doyle did a "background." Hilda and Boris? Married? Surely, a match made from the very bowels of Satan's domain. Has anyone given thought to the hideous consequences of such a union?[V] Mary Shelley, in her worse dreams, wouldn't tread on such catastrophic speculation. Nay, I say gentlemen. It is quite out of the question for the sake of humanity if for no other reason.[tdn] BTW, how old will he be on Oct. 31? Must begin preperations again. So long for now.

[siberianmo]

G’day!

Mid day has arrived and looks like we’ve got a bit of business going on in the back room. The local Chapter of Our Ladies of Perpetual Motion Social Club and Bird Waters Association is having their quarterly bash meeting. <Kinda hold it down a bit Gals, you’re drownin’ out Hank Jr. on the Juke!>

coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 08:11:03
Nice to see ya made it in and we thank you for that terrific New Haven. You surely have a marvelous way of threading a storyline all the while getting the reader to magically wind up in the scene! Now, Sir, THAT is indeed talent. [tup][tup][tup]

[yeah] Looks like New England week thus far with the Fallen Flags. Didn’t really intend for it to go that way, but what the heck ….. [swg] Once BK requested the NH, well that made TWO in succession– so why not go for it [?]

Appreciate the round and quarters – as you can tell, we’re “into” some Hank Jr. this fine day, so the quarter jar needs to be topped off!

Theodorebear Ted Posted: 19 Oct 2005, 10:15:53

G’day to ya Sir Ted! I think I’d just leave the house boarded up from the beginning to the end of hurricane season if my location happened to be where you are! <Good Grief> will it ever end [?] Certainly hope that this latest storms tracks well away from your area, but that appears to be wishful thinking, eh [?]

Your commentary regarding the proposed “wedding” between our cloven footed friend, Boris and the “fair maiden” from Ooooompah Land, may very well parallel the findings of the Can-Am County Attorney General. Mankind cannot condone such unions, much less stomach the thought of ‘em! <ugh> Who in the world came up with this idea anyway [?] Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, [yeah] – shudda known it was ROB!. Always trying to throw something a bit different into the game (a polite way of putting it!) [swg] To be determined ……..

Any Birthday Bash for Boris (including a <gasp> wedding goes to Nick ‘n Rob to orchestrate! These two are fast becoming “book ends” with this stuff! [swg]

Glad that you are enjoying the Posts from this end. The effort goes with the territory, as you well know. These submissions of ours may have a small viewing audience, but for those who are taking advantage of ‘em, they are worth the time. It’s only when something gets Posted and absolutely no one picks up on it that I begin to wonder.

Okay, I’m behind the bar all day. Comin’ up next is a Nostaligia piece, then I’m “silent” until late in the afternoon.

So, whatillyahave [?]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

G’day All!


Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains. Check these hotel ads (from The Official Guide of the Railways – 1956) [located on the inside, back cover]

OKLAHOMA BILTMORE

in the heart of Oklahoma City

600 Outside Rooms with Bath
600 Free Radios

MARTIN J. REINHART, President
H.P “Johnnie” JOHNSON, Mgr.

”Where courtesy creates its own welcome”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Where Downtown SAN ANTONIO meets the River

The PLAZA HOTEL
. . . . . . . . . . . Air-Conditioned . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SAN ANTONIO
. . . . . . . . . . . The Venice of Texas . . . . . . . . .

500 Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . TOM L. POWELL, Mgr.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

IN SAN FRANCISCO . . .

KARL C. WEBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 Rooms
President and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . from $5.00 – Single
General Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . from $7.00 – Double

HOTEL WHITCOMB
Market Street at Eighth

AT THE CIVIC CENTER

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

HOTEL LAFAYETTE

LAFAYETTE SQUARE BUFFALO, N.Y.

Buffalo’s Most Centrally Located Hotel

400 ROOMS WITH PRIVATE BATH
. . . . . . . . . . From $2.75 Single . . . . . . . . . .

Delicious Meals at Moderate Cost

KENNETH A. KELLY, President and Manager

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

IN ATLANTIC CITY IT’S . . .

HOTEL DENNIS

Boardwalk at Michigan Avenue
AMERICAN and EUROPEAN PLANS

Walter J. Buzby, Inc.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

PHILADELPHIA’S VERY BEST!
1200 Rooms – 1200 Baths
The finest of food and entertainment

The BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

A GREAT NAME . . . . . A GREAT HOTEL

JOSEPH F. CONLAN, General Manager. . . . . . . . . WAlnut 2-8600

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

THE CONRAD HILTON

C H I C A G O

World;’s Largest and Friendliest Hotel

3000 ROOMS COMPLETELY REFURBISHED

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

MARK TWAIN HOTEL
. . . . . . . . . . ELMIRA, NEW YORK . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . Elmira’s Finest Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . .

250 OUTSIDE ROOMS WITH BATH
Television and Air Conditioning – Four Restaurants
W. C. EMERSON, President and Managing Director

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

IN NEW ORLEANS

The ST. CHARLES
. . . . . . . . A DINKLER HOTEL . . . . . . . .
Completely Air-Conditioned
J. J. (“Mike”) O’Leary, V.P. & Mgr.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

HOTEL ROBERT TREAT
. . . . . . . . . . ”A KNOTT HOTEL . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . NEWARK 1, N.J.

SINGLE - $5.25 Up . . . . . . . . . . DOUBLE - $8.50 Up
STANLEY J. AKUS, Mgr. . . . .ALBERT W. STENDER, Pres.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

One of the world’s distinguished hotels

The WINDSOR

. . . . . . . . MONTREAL, CANADA . . . . . . . .

MAXIME RAYMOND Q. C.
President & Managing Director

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

CHECK THE MONDAY SUMMARY and INDEX PAGES FOR MORE GREAT NOSTALGIA POSTS!

[Anonymous]

Good morning Y'all. Been a few days since I was last in. I will spring for a round for everyone as penance for my absence.

Gunns I enjoyed your discussion of Madrid. It is on the back road between Santa Fe and Alburqu oh well however you spell it. We stopped there and browsed the antique and art shops. The mine there is open for tours, although we did not partake. Since I worked in the coal mines in mt former life I really did not want to reexperience that pleasure. I found it disturbing that many of the used books dealt with growing marajuana. One can only wonder what goes on behing the hills of Madrid.

As for the fallen flags I will fly the Wabash Pittsburg Terminal. (Yes Pittsburg without the "H") This railroad was Jay Goulds attempt to penetrate the Pittsburgh market which around 1900 had more shipping than Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York City combined. Would have love to have lived in those times. Since all of the good ROW into Pittsburgh were taken Gould built a very expensive railroad for the day costing about 1 million per mile. He built an engineering marvel in a straight line railroad that did not detour for hills and rivers. Land was bought sufficient to lay a four track main line, it was graded for two tracks, and one was laid. Gould fought the PRR and Pittsburgh politicians for 10 years before entering the town. Pittsburgh even paid some thugs to tead down several miles of WPT's telegraph lines. Ah, the good old days of politics. Gould was never able to acquire a significant share of the Pittsburgh traffic and after four years went into recievership. In 1917 the Pittsburgh and West Virginia Railway bought the line out of bankruptcy court and operated it ever since. In the late 50's it was leased to Norfolk and Western for 99 years at an annual rate of approximately $950,000 without any escallation clause. NS subsequently spun the railroad off along with some other Ohio lines and it now is part of the Wheeling and Lake Erie railroad. WPT had their probles building into Pittsburgh. A 3,500 foot tunnel was required to breech the hill along side the Monongahela river then a bridge over the river to the Point where they built a station. While hoisting the last section of steel to the center of the span a crane came loose and 10 people lost their lives. An almost identical bridge was built over the Ohio river south of my home town of Follansbee WV to Mingo Junction Ohio. The Ohio river bridge was a little shorter than the one in Pittsburgh, however, they looked identical. Passenger service was discontinued about 1931. The Pittsburgh terminal burned about 1945 and service stopped into the Point after the fire. The bridge was torn down in 1947, however the tunnel remains to this day. Many schemes have been proposed for the tunnel: Sky train, supplimental tunnel to the Liberty tubes, bus storage, light rail, and even the worlds longest bowling alley. The tunnel was finally put to use in 2004 as a reversable lane high occupancy lane. The tunnel being only 21 feet wide was considered a little narrow for two lanes of opposing traffic, so it is single lane directional flow during rush hours. My Mother's family lived out Cross Creek, east of the Ohio River along the WPT track. She told me of taking the street car from Wellsburg WV to the WPT bridge, climbing the steps, and catching a train out to the family farm. Them were the good days. For many years there was a set of wooden steps from the river road to the bridge as many steel workers would walk the bridge to the mills in Mingo Junction. I always wanted to walk this bridge, however, my father wisely said NO. When I got my drivers license -you guessed it- I walked the bridge. The bridge initially had two tracks with one terminating at the WV end of the bridge. A wooden walkway was between the tracks. All of this could be seen from the highway below. When I got there one track had been removed and the other relocated to the center to improve clearances. A walkway was along the north side of the track. I started walking and when about 100 from the Ohio end saw this white spot in the tunnel coming towards me. I did not make it to the end of the bridge and was leaning against the guard rail as the train sped by a mere 2 feet away. Needless to say this cured me of walking railroad bridges. Today the steps are gone and you probable would be arrested for trespassing. Again the good old days.

Well lunbch break is over and I had better get back to work.

Cheers,
***

[trolleyboy]

Good afternoon Tom. I have a drink and pastery order for the "ladies" they said to charge it to tthe bath tub fund. do you know anything about this?Chrissey said that you did unfortunatly the signature looks alot like Boris so I shall have to investigate further so as the right person [alien] or persons gets the bill.A question for you,how did you do that ( vertical spacing ) When I went back to edit the post the spacing Ihad was there just when it gets posted the spacing has filled back in [banghead] Now to today's stuff. Ted You are of coarse right any service for the carpathian monster and his earstwhile lust for the fair Hilda perhaps just a party and we shall employ Leon to keep them appart. As to his age I don't know how to read cirrilic co your guess is as good as mine. Again no problem with the pictures let me know when your photobucket is up and running[tup] Oh and BTW keep as dry as possible. I suppose just be thankfull that there is no Fred following Wilma into your neck of the woods. Are you sure that you don't want me to find a new domicile for you down the street from me. Think of the benefits me as a neighbour and easy access to streetcars real and imaginary. Model and full the fun that we could have.Just think on it. Tom another tour de force on the great New england rail scene and for the hotel piece ! [tup] I for one like to remeber the fgreat New england railways as they were as opposed to the monster's that came out of the Guilford buy outs. I know that in some quarters the meare mention of Mr Mellon and Guilford transprotation is tantamount to a declaration of war ,not unlike comparing the Canadian to a cruise ship [:O][swg][xx(] BTW is the gentleman who was the Manager of the san fransisco hotel a relative of yours? If so you may have some conections should we all decide to desend upon west coast dave at some point in the future. I have driven past tthe Buffalo ediface on several occations, closest that I've come to any of the mentioned Hotels, I must say that the prices listed were probably heady ones in the time frame that theb list was put together in. Nice preamble of the CanAm as well. I encourage all who have not done so to take the virtual tour, it's a well done piece honouring it's creator and owner.[tup] May my efforts eventually approach this level of satisfaction and completeness. Well gentlemen that's it for this hour. I will check back on everyone sometime later. TTFN Rob

[trolleyboy]

Hello *** allow me to entice you to partake in a dramof whatever you like.I'd like to see a piece like your bridge walking story published far and wide to discourage the young or young at heart from taking such horrendous chances.I've seen it around here too many times,our CN yard is at the steps of the VIA station and the mainline in and out of town are a grade separation over major streets,I've witnessed too many close calls with kids and adults alike cutting through the yard with close to disaterous consequences. CM3 Again a wonderfull tour de -force on your New Haven bit. Like Ted I can see hear and smell the sites and sounds that you have described[tup]Nothing beats that unmistakable sound and smell of large electrics doing their thing. Absolute poetry in motion.I would think anither silver throttle may be in the making. What say you Oh manager of the house ( M.O.T.H. ) Hmmm M.o.t.h. that could be interesting comming into this creepy season. But I digress, happy rails everyone. Rob

[Anonymous]

Trolleyboy I did my walking in a time when lots of steel workers were using the bridge with the knowledge and concurrance of the railroad. I did this in 1956 when I was 16 and thought myself to be bullet proof. Since then I realize that I can no longer outrun a speeding bullet and am little more careful. That also was in the days before lawyers were sueing at the drop of a hat. I fully understand why the railroads will prosecute for trespassing and fully support them in this cause. I have told my children (2) and grandchildren (7) about this little act and I think I have convinced them to never try it.

***

[siberianmo]

Good Afternoon Gents!

I see we've had a bit of activity, but my response goes only to those who acknowledge the efforts of others, including my own. That's the policy, has been and will continue to be.

Rob My guess is that you have a "settings" issue somewhere that for some reason is restricting your use of the "Enter" key for single spacing (line feeds). Check the forum settings, which is where the problem may reside.

Interesting taht Chrissy is involved with this too! The group is one that Cindy belongs to. Hmmmmmm. Well, let me know and we just may have to call upon our super sleuths to figure it all out - Inspector Clueless of the Local Constabulary and his earstwhille friend and companion, Mr. Doyle, Private Investigator!

Nope, no relative of mine in the hotel business anywhere. That fellow in San Francisco is more than likely long gone, in more than one respect, since the info came out of a 1956 edition! One day perhaps, we'll have a west coast Rendezvous, but I'd vote for Vancouver! [swg]

Glad you appreciated all of the Posts today, at least someone is reading! You may want to remember that Wednesday is our "model railroad" info day - according to Sir Nick, so perhaps next week someone else (IYOU!) will lhave something to submit! [swg]

If Ted recommends an award of what should be a "cluster" for the Silver Throttle Award it stands a good chance of going through! I have the inside track (so to speak) with the guy who makes the ultimate decision! [swg]

Catch ya later on this evening.

Oh where oh where are you West Coast S Dave sure miss your Posts at this time of day! Been far too long .......

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

I have all my boards and hardware ready to go for tomorrow, so I'll take a break until "further warnings." Tom, that is an incredible inventory of vehicles on the Can-Am. You are right, I never would've guessed from the cyber tour. Excellent use of view blocks for seperating urban from open country scenes.[tup] Basements or attics are the best locations. A garage is too great a compromise for both functions (layout/auto).[tdn] Think I'll try a Miss Pauly's on for size, thanks Tom.

Coincidentally, I have stayed in 4 of the hotels listed. OK City, San Antonio, Philadelphia and Chicago. The prices were one heck of a lot higher of course. *** and Rob, I'll never understand the terrible carnage that plagues so many mid-western towns along the U.P. and G.N. ROW. A colleague of mine lives in DeKalb, IL (Northern Illinois Univ.) and I was apalled to learn that 4 to 6 people a year are regularly killed at grade crossings. I was eye witness to a "hairs breath" incident where a car pulled around a closed crossing gate to clear one train only to barely miss getting hit by another from the opposite direction. I guess we have all noticed that it is terribly hard to judge the speed of an approaching train as well. Let's play it safe, okay?[tup]

Rob and Tom yes, you are "spot on" with the aggravation these summer storms cause people. At best, they are still unpredictable as to final course and severity. Still, I've muddled through 2 serious blizzards, minor tremors and several near misses on Tornadoes through the years. I'm a good distance from the Bay and the Gulf so storm surge (the real "killer") isn't a threat. You, at least, know what is coming with a Hurricane while in the other cases, you really don't. Flooding is everyone's problem from time to time.

Enough of this depressing palaver. Just wanted to drop by to check on CM3's "Second Cluster" to be added to his "Silver Throttle Award." A more opportune time must be scheduled for the presentation of this auspicious accomplishment. Perhaps Saturday would be more convenient. If I'm indisposed due to the wiles of Wilma, I would ask Tom or Nick to do the presentation, if you would please? Okay, since everything I've covered so far has been [#offtopic], give the laniard a pull Boris...Boris? Gadfrey Daniel, he must've over heard my concerns regarding his betrothal to Hilda.[:O] Oh well, its in their own best interests. See ya later.

[siberianmo]

Evenin' Guys!

Before the Cards game thought I'd check to see what's up. Just one to respond to ....

Ted First - HOLD UP ON THE SILVER THROTTLE "thing" until you check your Email please.

I hoped someone would have picked up on that hotel Post of mine from the point of view of having stayed at one of the locations. FOUR of 'em! [wow] Only one I can recall is the Benjamin Franklin in Philly. There's so much interesting "stuff" in those directories of the railroads.

The inventory of vehicles for my Can-Am layout did suprise me in terms of numbers. I have inventoried the entire thing - everything; track, landscaping materials; trees; rolling stock, loco's, etc. Then added it all up <choke>, but what the "H," it's what I like to do and last time I checked, we can spend our time and money the way we wish in this country (that is if we have any money left over after taxes and fuel expenses!). [swg]

I was having a great day until I got completely turned off by one of "our own" today. Still bothers me. Hope I can shake it loose, for quite frankly, that kinda stuff should be left where in belongs - in the Ether! [tdn]

Speaking for the patrons of this fine establishment, we hope Wilma takes a turn away from any threat to you or your neihbors in Florida. Been one hulluva season. [tdn]

If I don't check back in tonight, remember, Leon the Night Man comes in at 9 PM and the "standard" greeting and order still applies. Otherwise a RULES VIOLATION will occur! [swg]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]