G-day Tom and all present.
So I see there has been some activity going on and some nice pictures stuck in there also.
Now it's time for some more pictures.
This is one of the more impressive pictures I found. The B&O's complicated signal system is in the back ground. I don't know what the signals are telling me except for the red.
Here is an operating switch tower. These are armstrong type levers used in the tower. This is located along the B&Os line at the Viaduct junction. This photo was taken shortly before operations ended in the tower in the fall of 2001.
Happy railroading
James
Hi Tom and gang. Here's a little something ya'll might find of interest:
The Secret Paris Subway ... An elderly couple waltz to carnival music from an organ grinder on the dingy platform of a Paris subway station. It's nearly 3 a.m., and the station has been closed since World War II.
They are part of a traveling nocturnal party that barrels through the tunnels of the Metro long after the passenger trains have been tucked away. These riders are on a monthly all-night Metro history tour.
The ADEMAS association, dedicated to restoring old trains and preserving the Metro's history, has been around since 1992. (ADEMAS stands for Association D'Exploitation du Material Sprague; the Paris Metro's Sprague-Thomson model cars date to the early 1900s.)
Until recently, the group was as mysterious as the phantom stations it visits. Rumors about the all-night Metro rides circulated, but details were almost impossible to track down until June, when ADEMAS launched a Web site. But even that lacks specific times and dates.
Association president Julian Pepinster says its with good reason. There are just 2,400 spots available each year. The tours are so popular, there's a six-month wait list, he said.
It begins before midnight in the northern outskirts of Paris. The guides, all railway enthusiasts from ADEMAS, explain historical changes in voltage and how different wheels connect to the rails. As midnight approaches, the Metro prepares to close, clearing its tunnels of trains and making way for the tour. The night travelers clamber onto a vintage model from 1930. On seats and enamel decoration in cream, mustard and burgundy. Original maps showing Line 2 stops and streets are posted overhead, and iron baskets hang above the seats for small luggage.
The train departs with a surprising jolt. Passengers smile, grip seat-backs, and laugh as high-pitched whirring and chugging noises accompany the train into the tunnels. From the loudspeakers, banter emerges from the night's hosts, veritable tomes of history on the Paris Metro.
The train travels through the city center between the last two passenger trains, called the Sleeve and the Sweeper. Bewildered late-night Metro riders watch from the platform as the 1930s-vintage train rumbles through the station without stopping.
After changing Metro lines via a shortcut, the train makes its first stop" Croix-Rouge in southwest Paris, one of the Metro's "phantom stations." The economic stresses of World War II forced Paris to close many stops. Much of the population had left, and energy needed to be conserved.
Four of the stations that closed in 1939 - Arsenal, Champ de Mars, Saint-Martin and Croix-Rouge - never to be reopened. After the war, the two Metro companies combined to form the RATP agency, which decided those two stations were not needed.
Everything is oddly familiar as the train pulls into the grime and dust-covered platform of the abandoned station at Croix-Rouge. Like other, still operating stations designed in the 20th century, Croix-Rouge has tile-covered vaulted ceilings and large frames for advertisements. The doors open, spilling almost 200 onto the platform, and a 20-minute party begins.
The organ grinder begins cranking out music and singing along. People rush to the bar in the first-class car for coffee or beer. Some dance. Others explore.
Soon, guides usher the crowds back on board, and the group is off to explore other phantom stations. At 3:30 a.m., the group gets champagne and pastries.
The evening ends in western Paris, where guides provide hot chocolate and croissants before the crowd heads home, many on the first Metro of the new day.
If you go ... Signing up: Dates for 2007 have not been announced. The best way to book is to sign up for the mailing list on the ADEMAS Web site, at http://ademas.assoc.free.fr/ (the site is in French), or join for $31.
Costs: A ticket will cost $57. Included is a map with directions on how to get to the railyard.
What to bring: Flashlight, water and money for items at the bar. Dress comfortably.
Language: Tours are conducted in French. Groups can arrange to bring a translator.
1930's vintage Paris Subway car's interior
G'day!
Many THANX to the boys from the bar who have provided some very intersting and diverse Pix and "stuff" for this lonely Thread!
For some reason, I have Florida on my mind today. Wonder why <grin>
ACL poster "The Champion" Streamlining through wonderful Florida
(from: www.getcruising.com/rails)
FEC poster - "Henry M. Flagler" Streamliner on the Florida East Coast
(from: www.getcruising.com)
Enjoy the game! Go Bears! (But place your bets on the Colts!)
Tom
G'day Cap'n Tom!
Ohhhhhhhh boy, are YOU in deep kimshee barndad Doug. Posting three times over here but NOT at the bar! WHERE are your priorities Good grief Charlie Brown, Da Boss is gonna be all over YOU!
Anyway, nice photo and probably should share that with the boys at the bar!
Good to see James, Rob & Pete make a stop too. This thread was supposed to be all about attracting some "new blood," but it seems like we're attracting one another! So be it. Sure beats the H out of the nonsense I've been noticing on the Classic Trains forums with toy and model stuff. Guess there are lots of browsers out there who just cannot figure out how Kalmbach has organized this freebie. Oh well, just an observation.
See ya at the bar!
Until the next time!
Lars
Hi Tom and Gents.
Some great Classic Steam and diesel pics and talk.
A German Narrow Gauge Steam loco.
.
And Standard Gauge steam loco
And a German unit.
Pete.
Awww... don't tweet me. I'm working on some stuff for the bar, you can be sure. Seems to me that another appropriate station might also be the one at Punxsutawney PA, where Groundhog Day festivities are still in progress!
Did you know you can also find Groundhog Day cars for your layout on E-Bay?
Hey Doug . . ."rules" only apply to those at the bar! Speakiing of which, how come you ain't there Hmmmmmmm - do I sense a <tweeting> comin' up
Something for the day in terms of an appropriate Classic Trains Pix!
Toronto Union Station (GNU Free Documentation)
Enjoy!
Ok, no fair!
Rob's site said 1912, so that was supposed to be the answer. Still, I have a hard time disputing actual facts. You're right about taking this over to the bar though. I think we have a rule about misleading the patrons ... right?
Anyhow, I checked the postcards on E-Bay and your link. Sure is a nice-looking station!
Nice! Some input from James - Rob 'n Doug over here on the "lonely Thread!"
Spent a bit of time checking out the available "stuff" regarding Brantford's railway station and here's what I found:
Built in 1905 by GTR (source: http://home.primus.ca/~robkath/statbran.htm)
Noted that Rob's Pix site lists it as 1912 (sorry, Doug!!), but I also noted that there are post cards for sale on eBay showing a 1910 photo date. Soooooooo, I'm going with 1905!!
I suppose this Thread isn't really the place for such things as we're just feeding ourselves. Best to run 'em over at the bar, where at least we'll get some additional (and timely) responses!
Pix are ALWAYS appreciated!
Thanx!
Hi Rob and all! I'll take a shot at the quiz question.
Could the answer possibly be 1912?
... and did ya'll know that Alexander Graham Bell was lived in Brantford in 1876 when he made his first successful experiment in the transmission of sound by electric wire?
Well no takers for the quizz , oh well I'll let it go for another day or so. Interesting shots of some big power as of late good stuff. Here's a semi-classic in That only CN had locomotives like this built. A CN SD50F full cowel freighter with the classic draper taper car body. Seen popwering a train through Brantford last year.
here's another classic car body locomotive an ATSF F45 I shot at Joliet ILL in 1995
enjoy
Rob
Well, I would have tried to answer Tom's question but I was out with "net problems."
But I am back and it seems Tom has brought out the big guns. A Turbine! So here goes.
What about the DD40XA? This locomotive can put out 6600 horsepower. There is only one that runs today. Most were scrapped, but.. There is one located at the IRM (Illinois railway museum) and another is located out in California on another tourist line. I can't remember the name of the tourist line off the top of my head. I wil find out.
Infact, here is the locomotive that the UP runs it's passenger excursions with. It ran last year on a speacial employee run and it came to Minneapolis. So it was closer then I thought.
How about a UP caboose. I like to see cabooses, but unfortunately they aren't used at all now-a-days. But it's sure good to see them in mseums and photos.
Good evening gents, I see Lars got the answer right. The Brantford VIA station it is, looking soooo much better after it's million+ dollar reno three years ago new tile roof upgrades to the waiting room etc. Now here's a question how old is that station ( Originally built by the Grand Trunk as a replacement for the old Great Western Station )
Hmm stations are a nice them and fit in well with all the steam shots here's a couple more classics .
The Michigan Central Station in St Thomas Ontario. Currently empty but plans are to build a seniors complex and boutiques inside this building keeping it's herritage exterior intact.
Another shot of Brantford Station
CP Rails Station at North Bay Ontario ( now and antique market )
G'day Tom!
Thanks for letting me use your "log in" - but I've finally gotten "on" using my own. Figured it was just a matter of time.
So, I'm down in the Keys and enjoying it! What's NOT to like, huh
Hey! I KNOW the answer to your "where is it?" question. Figured no one would respond over here - you'd get a much better interaction at the bar. But then YOU know that, huh The station was shown in your "report" of the Toronto Rendezvous last May. Looks like the Via Rail station in Rob's town of Brantford, Ontario. Yes
Here's a little something to reflect the "geography" for my current location . . .
Drumheads from the Florida East Coast Railway
A change from steam to turbo . . .
UP Turbo #80 (courtesy: donsdepot.donrossgroup.net)
And still no takers on the "mystery Photo"!! Oh well . . . .
A couple of more steam locos from the distant past . . .
AT&SF 2-10-4 #5000 (foto credit: unknown - from: yesteryeardepot.com)
AT&SF 2-10-2 #3860 (foto: Fed C. Stoes - from: yesteryeardepot.com)
No takers on the "quiz," eh Oh ye faint of heart!
Back to some steam of the Nickel Plate Road!
NKP 2-8-4 #760 (from: Paul Eilenburger collection/yesteryeardepot.com)
NKP 2-8-4 #718 (from: Paul Eilenburger collection/yesteryeardepot.com)
Appreciate the visits from James 'n Rob! Good to see the two of you here.
Nice selection of steamers for us from James along with the descriptions (which always help!).
Sorry, Rob , your shots didn't "take" . . . but it IS the thought that counts, eh
"Mystery" train station! Where is this located I KNOW, but do YOU
Well gents , nice to see that steam is still King over here on the lonlier of Captn' Tom's two threads. Here's my latest addition to the subject matter ( a few weeks over due unfortunatly )
Shot this past summer on my vacation to Ontario's North Country
Two shots of Temmiskaming and Northern Ontario's ( Now The Ontario Northland RR ) Consol # 503, sitting in a park along North Bay Ontario's Waterfront.
enjoy Rob
I have looked over some of the last few pctures and they are pretty cool. Steam pics are always a good sight to see. I liked the Milwaukee road Hiawatha Atlantic that Tom had posted.
I myself, have found some really nice shots of some steam locomotives.
The first ia a milwaukee road, what looks like, a Camel back. This little steamer is really cool. A little 0-6-0 switcher. I didn't know that the milwaukee had any of these steamers. So it came to a surprise when I saw this locomotive. Still cool though.
Here we are. Now you can see the difference in size. The S3 to the left dwarfs the little camel back in size. The S3 is the other steam locomotive I like a lot. An NP yellowstone is good, but I hope to have one of these as a model someday. They are such nice looking steam engines.
S3 is a northern 4-8-4 locomotive and was used exclusively for passenger service on the Milwaukee. This locomotive was an improvement from the 4-8-2 and 4-6-4. The locomotive got the extra two driving wheels. The locomotive has a bigger fire box than the other two so the locomotive got the bigger four wheel trailing set. This bigger fire box alloud the locomotive to get up to speed faster than it's counterparts.
Now you're talkin' my kinda language - domes!
California Zephyr - Post 1960 obs dome lower level lounge (courtesy: www.calzephyr.railfan.net - Public Domain)
California Zephyr - Pre 1960 obs dome lower level lounge (courtesy: www.calzephyr.railfan.net - Public Domain)
A break from the steam loco's and time for something else! Appreciate the visits, Lars 'n Pete and of course those Brit machines!
California Zephyr passing trains (foto: Otto Roach)
D&RGW #1145 Silver Sky "California Zephyr" (? 1994 Corel Corp)
Hi Tom
Thought I would pop over from the bar. Glad I did some fine pics and posts.
A couple of Tank locomotive pics.
A Great Western Railway 0-6-2 tank loco which like No 5224 in Lars pic that would have worked hauling coal trains in South Wales
A 5 feet 3 inch gauge loco from Ireland 2-6-4 No 4
They should enlarge
Looks like I made it in B4 ya today! Anyway, here's another Brit loco for the continuation on our classic steamers . . .
British: 6998 GWR modified Hall Class "Burton Agnes Hall" (GNU Free Documentation)
I'll probably run out of material way B4 you do if we keep to the steam locos! <grin> But, here's another from me . . . .
British: GWR 5224 Winchcombe (GNU Free Documentation)
Note the change in the "subject" - let's go with "Classic REAL Trains - including TRACTION . . . "
Good to see ya yesterday, Lars! So, it's more steam . . .
C N #5045 4-6-2 (1951) (from: www.yesteryear.com)
C&O 2-8-2 #2342 (from: www.yesteryeardepot.com)
A couple more steamers to add to the list!
Chicago Great Western 2-10-4 #854 freight - photo: Fred C. Stoes (yesteryeardepot.com)
Chicago Great Western 2-10-4, #851/frt - photo: Fred C. Stoes (yesteryeardepot.com)
Good to see ya Lars! I think we've pretty much done all we can with the Orange Blossom Special - especially with what has been provided over at the bar! Many thanx to all . . .
Continuing on with more steam loco's from days gone by . . .
CN #6071 4-8-2 (from: www.yesteryeardepot.com)
CN #6031 4-8-2 (early 1940s) (from: http://www.yesteryear/)
I see we've had some activity here at the lonely thread . . . that's a good sign! Orange Blossom Special "worked" - thanks to Doug 'n Tom!
Never had the chance to travel that train, but always enjoy reading the accounts form those who have the experiences. Mine were primarily trips with the family up to Montreal, New York State or generally in the northeast. Then later my wife and I traveled the Zephyr from Chicago to left coast on a few occasions, the "real" one included. Amtrak in later years - last year was probably the last. Anyway, for a sailor (me) train travel is the way I manage to attain the relaxation sought. We don't travel with cameras in hand, recorders or note books. Simply like to sit in the dome, enjoy the views, some adult beverages and snacks, and simply chill out.
Can still hear old Johnny singing the "Blossom," he had a way with those tunes, huh Especially those connected with trains!
I had that record album. Yup, had it for many years, but it got warped and pretty much mildewed over in our formerly wet 'n dank basement. Had to deep six it. Seeing the cover again brought back a smile or three.
Appears as if the "Orange Blossom Special" evoked some responses!
Sorry to say, "No," I don't have that album - but have the song on several compilations on vinyl - tape and CD. Thanx for asking, "underworld."
Actually traveled aboard the "Special" eh I think it is great to have such memories of trips gone by, especially when those fine trains are now encassed forevermore in the archives of assorted media! GG1s surely bring to mind some of my favorite images . . . Thanx, Dave!
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