Good evening again folks, things are still working so we'll go with it
Tom-Great shot of the Budd on the plateform I had thought I did post that shot of Ted and S37 before, maybe not, I'm glad that you enjoyed it.Maybe the car was just happy to see Ted
Lars-Nice Chaleur shot , makes you want to run out and by a ticket doesn't it
Well here's another shot for the day.
A Go shot from the Union Station in TO from our May get together.
A shot from the museum archieves. TTC's mail car #28 laater this homebuilt car became a farebox collecting car,running between divisions until replaced by armoured cars in 1958
Rob
G'day Cap'n Tom!
Looks like Budd coach to me! Love train stations shots . . .
Here's a little something from me for the day:
VIA Rail's Chaleur (from: viarail.ca - photo credit: unknown)
Until the next time!
Lars
G'day!
First, a special to Blackie for the inaugural Post - and - the Email. Appreciate both! Hope you find things to your liking here and feel free to jump right in with any topic relating to the subject of this Thread; Classic Passenger Trains - including TRACTION!
Thanx, Rob for swinging on by. How do you get that trolley pole to direct you to wherever it is you want to go <grin> One of those Pix of yours is most reminiscent of our 2006 Rendezvous in Toronto, a shot I hadn't seen before.
A continuing THANX to Lars for keeping things alive 'n well over here. Appears to me that we have sufficient numbers to keep things going, at least for the time being. Enthusiam is said to be contagious, and you should bottle yours for sale!
SPECIAL for passengerfan Al: PLEASE send me an Email via the Forums. Need to resume our comms. Thanx!
Also, "Hello Dave"???????? Blew our minds on that one! But, what's new when it comes to 20 Fingers Al! <grin>
A Pix from Toronto's Union Station shortly after our arrival aboard VIA Rail from Brantford, Ontario
Enjoy!
Tom [oX]
Hi Dave,
You were right about the observations being the place to ride. Some of the finest I remember were the GN MOUNTAIN series cars built for the Mid Century Empire Builder that were soon relegated to the Western Star. They were the finest ever built for the GN. Several of these beautiful cars still survive today.
The Milwaukee Road Observations assigned to the Olympian Hiawatha were also among the finest I personally had the pleasure of riding. I was fortunate enough to ride these cars under two owners their original Milwaukee Road and later on the CN Ocean.
Did ride the the Park cars of the CN from Toronto to Vancouver on several occasions and once rode the Rio Grande Zephyr in Silver Sky but the car was no longer providing sleeping car service as the rooms were opened up for additional lounge space.
Rode the Twentieth Century just before it was discontinued and was fortunate to experience one of the two Observations but my notes were in fountain pen and am unable to read what car it was.
Enough of my rambling time to let someone else relate their experiences.
TTFN AL
Well good evening gentlemen. Seems as though all things are well again with my formatting difficulties, so I figured that I might as well pop in here again and add my 2 cents or two pictures worth.It's nice to see that Pete and Doug popped by to help move things along, always a good sign.Indeed wonderfull to make Blackies aquaintence as well sir.Most refreshing to meet another who "gets" this sight. So in honour of our latest northeasterner, I'll pop a couple pictures in and leave it at that today.
A shot of our museums double truck snowsweeper S37. Of possible interest to our NYC members,this unit and it's 10 sisters were built by the Russell snowplow company in 1927. They were built for NYC's Third Avenue Railway, sold to Boston's MBTA in the early 40's and intern sold to Toronto's TTC in 1951 where all 11 remained in service until the early 1970's S37 is the only survivor of the class and came to us in 1973, where she remains operational doing what it was designed for.
A shot of the newly restored interior at the A end of S37
Hello Blackie!
Let me be the first to you to this humble thread of ours! Another northeasterner, huh The more the merrier I say! I'm sure you've made Cap'n Tom's day! <grin>
Congratulations on the answer to my "quiz" question! Surely does bring back the nostalgia, doesn't it THAT's the idea here on the Classic Trains forum and something we've always tried to maintain around here.
Surely hope you will visit the bar as things are far more lively in that environment than here. Either way, good to have you aboard and enjoy your "active duty" on the Forums!
Hello,
I chose this site to make my inaugural run on the forums because it is an open forum devoted to the discussion of the classic trains. While it may appear that I am a novice because this is my first post, let me assure you that I have been around the block a few times in life.
I'm a vetern of a couple of this nation's wars, although they weren't called that. People died nonetheless. I am one who strongly practices good maners and decorum, and therefore appreciate those who do.
Finally, I dearly love the discussion of the trains of old. Coming from the northeast U.S. and being rather familiar with the great rail palaces in New York City (Grand Central Terminal & Penn Station) I find a site like this to be a breath of fresh air when wanting to simply get away from it all.
I recently created this account to use one day. My travels have been quite extensive in the world of cyber space, touring this and that forum and joining in discussion groups here and there. I have thoroughly enjoyed the goings on over at the bar called "Our" Place and plan to stop by there in the not too distant future. Here though, I enjoy the serenity and opportunity to check out the many fine photos and materials put together for no other purpose than for the enjoyment of it. That speaks volumes as far as I am concerned.
So, let me jump right in with the ANSWER to the question from Lars: That's Penn Station in New York City - which was torn down. Looks like the 7th Avenue view if my memory is correct.
Appreciate the efforts here and I hope you plan on keeping this fine information exchange going.
"Blackie"
A lonely vigil here at "your other thread," but as promised, I'll keep 'er runnin' as long as you wish.
For any of you who are "looking in," suggest you check out page 1 of this thread to get an idea of what it's all about. Love to have ya join us in conversation about "classic trains."
Mystery photo: What is (was) this and where is (was) it
Here's a sample of what I just dropped off at the bar - something from the "old country"!
Norwegian State Railways Class 73 EMU high-speed train - photo credit: Ian Britton from www.freefoto.com
(c) FreeFoto.com
I figure you're still pondering whether to keep this thread up 'n running. So, until you decide, I'll try to swing by daily with a little something. Can't catch a thing unless you bait the hook, huh
Westours #1056, former Auto Train #510 (credit: unknown)
HAPPY NEW YEAR Cap'n Tom!
Thought I'd swing by with a greeting and also a pix for this 1st day of 2007. Not planning to stick around in the ether over this holiday, but couldn't let too much time pass without at least an appearance on both of your Threads!
Check these out:
Budd's first stainless steel rail car - The Lafayette (fair use)
RDC in Cape May, NJ (GNU Free Doc.)
Counterfeit subway tokens, now who in the world would think of something like that???? <grin> Interesting piece from Doug! I too have a bunch of authentic subway tokens from back when it was a dime to ride under the city.
Just thought I'd drop this by from over at the bar . . .
A most HAPPY NEW YEAR to you Cap'n Tom and all of you who have particpated in this Thread during 2006!
G'day Gents!
Somewhere 'round this place I have a few of those early NYC subway tokens . . . . Interesting Post from Doug - thanx!
The finale for the Christmas travel by rail ads . . .
Christmas train travel NOSTALGIA. . . . . . . . . . CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #8 of 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THE PULLMAN COMPANY . . . . . . . . . .
Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1948 advertisement in my private collection: Happy holiday homecoming by Pullman! This year let your trip itself be a holiday! make it A pleasure all the way - by Pullman. No driving tensions or weather worries . . . no time-wasting stops for meals or lodging. The miles slip by safely and swiftly. You and your family enjoy the peace, quiet and relaxation of your private Pullman "living room." This very holiday season, take the greatest trip on earth. Home for the holidays by Pullman! A full night's rest! For dad, mother and every young member of the family - sleep just comes naturally in soft, king-sized Pullman beds. Next morning everyone's fresh and rested . . . ready for a busy day. Your local Ticket Agent will help: 1. Provide information on routes and fares. 2. Help you plan stopovers. 3. Furnish rail and Pullman tickets. 4 Reserve a "rent-a-car" at your destination. . . . . . . . . . . YOU'RE SAFE AND SURE WHEN YOU TRAVEL BY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PULLMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . the travel service of comfort, privacy and sleep! . . . . . Tom
Good morning Tom and friends. Speaking of the NYC, here's a little article from the July 1947 Railroad Magazine called Subway Slugs
Although the New York subway system offers a pretty good ride for a nickel, too many passengers continue to use slugs or foreign coins instead of paying their fare. Frank Quin writes; "In 1939 some 284,000 slugs found in Independent Line turnstiles were taken out to sea and dumped. The following year vigilant inspectors kept the number down to 118,700 (a loss to the taxpayers of $5,935). Since about a million and a half persons a day passed through the turnstiles of the Independent Division, that loss is relatively small."
"Let's skip a few years and examine the situation for 1946. Last year 194,517 slugs or foreign coins, including nearly 64,000 Canadian nickels, were dropped into subway slots. Subway employees will tell you that slugs and odd-looking coins are likely to rain on any turnstile. A slugger may drop a phony nickel into the slot, watch it pass the bull's-eye magnifying lens and brag to his friends how he put it over."
As we wind down the week, here's another bit of nostalgia . . .
Christmas train travel NOSTALGIA
. . . . . . . . . . CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #7 of 8 . . . . . . . . . . Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1953 advertisement in my private collection:
Christmas Window on the Water Level Route Watch New York Central trains roll past this time of year. You'll see Christmas windows by the hundred . . . bright with the most precious of all gifts. People! Couples taking their children to see Grandmother (on money-saving Family Fares). Older folk, off to spend Christmas with married sons or daughters - enjoying ever minute of New York Central comfort. Youngsters from school or college getting a first taste of holiday fare in the dining car. Fathers, away on business, taking it easy in the club car . . . sure that New York Central will get them home "weather or not." Those are the year's favorite jobs for New York Central men and women. So whether you ride with us or meet the train . . . here's wishing you a MERRY CHRISTMAS! Give Tickets - The Gift that Brings Them Home! . . . Ask any Central ticket agent how easy it is to . . . send rail and Pullman tickets as your gift . . . to someone you want with you at holiday time. . . . . . . . . . . New York Central . . . . . . . . . . The Water Level-Route - You Can Sleep Enjoy! Tom
Love those Christmas travel ads . . .
Check this out!
Thanx Lars for the NYC book cover!
Here's another installment of the Christmas RR travel ads . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #6 of 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THE PULLMAN COMPANY . . . . . . . . . .
Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday retyped taken from a 1950 advertisement in my private collection: . . . . . 3 questions to ask when you plan your Christmas trip . . . . . 1. "How safe?" - The weather is something you do not worry about - when you go Pullman over the Christmas holidays. Throughout your trip your peace of mind is as weather-proof as your Pullman Accommodations. You know you're even safer in a Pullman crossing the country than you are in your Own home. . . . . . 2. "How comfortable?" Your mind is as carefree as . . . . . a child's as you sleep deep and undisturbed on your . . . . . Pullman bed. And in the morning you freshen up . . . . . and dress at your leisure. You have complete toilet . . . . . facilities, hot and cold running water, everything . . . . . you need to prepare for a welcome Santa himself . . . . . would envy. 3. "How dependable?" You get where you want to be when you want to be there . . . when you go Pullman. and you're the very spirit of Christmas as you arrive in the center of town - rested, relaxed, Rady for fun. (Christmas season or any season,) Go Pullman - the safe, comfortable, dependable Answer to all your travel questions.) . . . . . It won't be Christmas without you. So plan . . . . . now to go home for the holidays. And for railroad . . . . . travel at its best, plan to go Pullman. To be sure . . . . . of getting the reservations you want, see your . . . . . ticket agent early. . . . . . . . . . . . . Go Pullman . . . . . . . . . . . . . COMFORTABLE, DEPENDABLE, AND-ABOVE ALL - SAFE! Enjoy! Tom
Some terrific input from Doug 'n Pete since my last visit, along with those great Christmas travel posters from Tom! Nicely done, all!
Just popped in on my way home from the bar and thought I'd check out the 'theme' - and of course drop off my own contribution. We spent a lot of time with the NYC, but for my money, we could do that all of the time! <grin>
Great Pix from Pete - many thanx!
Continuing on with the Christmas RR travel ads . . .
. . . . . . . . . . CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #5 of 8 . . . . . . . . . . Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1950 advertisement in my private collection:
. . . . . . . . . . Merry Christmas from all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . on your New York Central overnighter . . . . . . . WHEN GOING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, Delay you can't afford. So take the train. For, storm or rain, I'll still say, "ALL ABOARD!" Your N.Y.C. Conductor . . . . . SEASONS GREETINGS!" Come in and dine. . . . . . No other travel has meals as fine. . . . . . The varied, fresh-cooked food's a treat, . . . . . And you can sight-see while you eat! . . . . . Your N.Y.C. Diner Crew MY GIFT TO YOU is perfect rest. Your big, soft bed's the very best. So sleep, and wake up fresh next day. You're traveling world's safest way! Your N.Y.C. Pullman Porter . . . . . THE BEST OF HOLIDAY GOOD CHEER . . . . . And sociability are here. . . . . . Enjoy refreshments, relaxation . . . . . Aboard your Central observation. . . . . . Your N.Y.C. Club Car Steward WHITE CHRISTMAS in a song is swell. But when you plan to travel - well, If you'd be certain to arrive, Best go by train, and let me drive! Your N.Y.C. Engineer PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY HOME-COMING ON NEW YORK CENTRAL'S GREAT FLEET OF DIESELINERS . . . . . . . . . . GIFT IDEA! A TRIP HOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ask your New York Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ticket agent about arranging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tickets and reservations as . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . your gift to a parent or youngster, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . brother or sister away from home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New York Central . . . . . . . . . . The Water Level-Route - You Can Sleep Enjoy! Tom
Hi Tom
Just popped over from the bar, glad I did. there are some great Christmas posts from Lars, Doug and yourself.
Although they are not winter scenes, I thought I would post a couple of pics of some German locos taken this year.
They should enlarge.
Pete.
Nice Milwaukee Road selection for us all - Thanx Doug! Appreciate your stopping by and helping to keep things "alive" on this rather lonely, but WELL check-out, Thread! <grin>
As we wind down the year, here's another Christmas travel by rail ad . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #4 of 8 . . . . . . . . . . Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1949 advertisement in my private collection: . . . . . . . . . . Give your family the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . for Christmas . . . . . . . . . . Go Santa Fe to Phoenix, Wickenburg, Palm Springs and Southern California You've promised yourself to take the family on a winter vacation sometime. This is the year! Why not make it your Christmas present to them? The resorts and ranches in sunny Arizona and Southern California are beckoning and Santa Fe's famous fleet of fine trains to those "sun spots" offers schedules and accommodations to suit you to a "T." Enjoy! Tom
Merry Christmas Tom and gang from Chicago. Here's my gift for this thread:
In the 1950's, the railroad capital of the world attended to its traveling public at a number of stations, each with a unique combination of size, personality, and diesel paint schemes. They were all worth a visit, but at Union Station you knew you were the very center of all that was good about train travel. The classic waiting room, the concourse echoing with train announcements, maroon, and orange all put the Union Station on the top shelf.It may have seemed odd that three companies had to share one side of the station while the other side was home to trains of just a single railroad. But that railroad made its own Beaver Tail observation cars, could claim more than a few technical "firsts," and once had a standing rule for engine crews to slow to 100 mph at a Roundout crossing. The Milwaukee Road seemed to easily fit the space allotted to it.
The Milwaukee's side of the station was almost always busy, and this afternoon scene reveals a 4-6-4 on an inbound commuter run and the E-7 of a freshly-arrived mainline train. Behind them, the Olympian Hiawatha's six-double-bedroom Skytop Lounge glistens in the shadowy depths as passengers begin to board.
A young man from Glenview Illinois will soon finish his brief chat with the commuter train's fireman and go over for a closer view of the Olympian. He'll marvel at the spotless windows, the shining paint on each car, the chant of the three idling FP-7's at the head end. Soon, the old fashions already being enjoyed in the lounge of the Skytop won't show a ripple as 4,500 horses imperceptibly ease the No. 15 into motion, building speed as coach after Super Dome after sleeper accelerate, gently swaying through the switches and out into the sunlight.
For a while, the north side will be quiet, a light summer breeze coming in from Lake Michigan to mix the smell of coal smoke and diesel exhaust with the lingering aroma of today's dinner preparations in the Olympian's dining care. An Alco switcher will reshuffle some express refers and storage mail cars on the far tracks. The automatic pen at the information desk will scribble the track line-up for this evening's commuter departures.
Here in the darkness, a dozen bumper pots will guard the Chicago end of a rail line that carries passengers all the way to the Pacific Ocean. At least for now.
This will be "it" for me 'til Tuesday - so, lemme wish you and those peeking in, a MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Nice one (again) from Lars!
Continuing on with the nostalgia from Christmas travel by rail . . .
. . . . . . . . . . CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #3 of 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THE PULLMAN COMPANY . . . . . . . . . .
Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1948 advertisement in my private collection: . . . . . . . . . . Christmas Cargo . . . . . . . . . They'll be home for Christmas! There are miles of snow and mountains ahead. But this family will spend their night before Christmas snug and secure in their Pullman compartment. They bring gifts for her folks back home. But his greatest gift to that proud Grandfather and Grandmother will be the sight of their first grandchild. He'll be home for Christmas! He's a hard working trouble-shooter for his company, and business almost kept him away for Christmas. But there'll be no disappointments in this father's house tomorrow morning. Traveling Pullman, he and his presents will arrive safe and sound right in the heart of town, just a stones' throw from Christmas at home. She'll be home for Christmas! "Dear Mother and Dad," she wrote. "I'll be home for Christmas with a straight "A" for the quarter. Don't you think that deserves going Pullman?" It does and it did. But more important, her mother and father will sleep as soundly tonight as she will, knowing she's traveling the safest, most comfortable way to be home for Christmas. . . . . . To be sure you'll be home for Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Go Pullman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THE SAFEST, MOST COMFORTABLE WAY TO GET THERE! Enjoy! Tom
'nother nice one for the Christmas holidays!
Here's one of my own to keep it going . . .
A fine Post, Lars - something you should consider providing to the guys over at the bar!
Continuing on with Christmas RR travel nostalgia . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #2 of 8 . . . . . . . . . . Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1948 advertisement in my private collection: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOLIDAY HOMECOMING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . There's nothing quite so pleasant as coming home again . . . Especially when it's "home for Christmas" . . . and when you take the train! This is the happy season when Pennsylvania Railroad's great fleets of trains between East and West, North and South, assume a particularly festive air. By Pullman, by coach, joyous families are going to visit the folks at home - carefree, or comfortable, relaxed as they speed on their way. For your holiday travels Pennsylvania Railroad offers a wide choice of daily trains . . . . conveniently scheduled to fit your plans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pennsylvania Railroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Enjoy! Tom
Thanks Pete for those fine Brit-pix! Way to go, mate!
Ah yes, traveling by train during the Christmas season sure does bring back some great memories of my long ago youth.
As I've said over at the bar, my grandfather and father both had long careers with the B&O and trains were literally everywhere and in most conversations as I grew up. Aside from the fact that I became a career below decks sailor with the merchant marine, the family was pretty much steel rail oriented.
Trips in the winter, with snow on the ground, brings to mind some of the most fantastic journeys out of Grand Central Terminal northward up the Hudson to Albany and sometimes even further. Loved the New York Central and so did my father. Even though he had a retirement travel pass for the B&O in later years, he surely liked traveling the competition. When Amtrak arrived on scene, it broke his heart to see what had happened to U.S. passenger rail. 'Nuf said . . .
On our trips to Montreal, the cars would be chock full of people with all sorts of stories to tell while us kids found things to occupy us. With noses glued to the windows or checking out the assorted "lounge" areas, until my father or an attendant caught us, seemed like great fun. Someone always managed to come up with "goodies" and "treats" for us and I even recall some homemade Egg Nog in a huge bowl back in the observation car. Memories are made of this, huh You bet!
Well, I digress and it doesn't really seem that anyone over here has much interest in these type things - but your Christmas ad just brought it all back - thanks!
Catch ya over at the bar!
Many thanx, Lars 'n Pete for your contributions!
Now for something just a bit different, from now thru Saturday . . .
. . . . . . . . . . CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #1 of 8 . . . . . . . . . . Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1937 advertisement in my private collection: Enjoy the Christmas Holidays at SUN VALLEY Opening of the New Challenger Inn Combining economy with all the Winter Sports of Sun Valley. Modest rates for rooms - popular prices for meals - accommodations for 400 - all in a "mountain village." Warm water swimming pool - motion picture theatre - two restaurants including unique night club - shops for all your needs. Sun Valley Lodge Living at its best! Continental service and comforts. A matchless cuisine. Rooms for single or double occupancy, and suites. Accommodations for 250 guests. American plan. Nothing like it anywhere else - long, timber free ski runs, deep "powder" snow, brilliant summer sun - skiing stripped to the waist - sleighing in bright moonlight, skating, swimming in warm water open-air pools - the perfect Christmas holidays. . . . . . . . . . . INTERCOLLEGIATE SKI MEET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dartmouth College - University of Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SUN VALLEY, DECEMBER 29 to JANUARY 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ONLY UNION PACIFIC SERVES SUN VALLEY . . . . . For information and Union Pacific representatives in principal cities or write or wire . . . . . . . . . . K.M. SINGER . . . . . . . . . . W.S. BASINGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gen'l Mgr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.T.M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sun Valley, . . . . . . . . . . . Union Pacific R.R. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Idaho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Omaha, Nebr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THE PROGRESSIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UNION PACIFIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SERVES ALL THE WEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Enjoy! Tom
With the British railway advert from TOM and the Steam and diesel pics from BK and Lars I would like to add a couple of my BR pics.
An ex LMS class 5 4-6-0 # 45407 The Lancashire Fusileer.on a steam special this year.
Standard 2-6-4 Tank loco # 80105 at Loughborough.
Class 156 diesel multiple unit at Dumfries, Scotland.
New class 185 DMU at Huddersfield.
Stickin' with the Brit stuff, huh Ok - I've got a couple more . . .
British: 6998 GWR modified Hall Class "Burton Agnes Hall" (GNU Free Documentation)
British: 60532 Peppercorn Class A2 "Blue Peter" (Wikimedia Commons)
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