Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please (New England Four Seasons Blend) and slide the pie case down here. I notice that our bar and tune tab(s) are being paid for - many thanks! Partly cloudy here and in the upper 20s. No snow. K9 Korps enjoyed it so much he spent all day outside yesterday harassing and all cars (and other vehicles) that ventured onto "his block, his street, his frontage." He can't drive, but...
Let's see what's in the stack of stuff this morning.
Lars stopped by with a Christmas card which was greatly appreciated. Yes, sir - the Giants are in! We will, however, not get to see them play the Patriots as our cable co., who as always knows what's best for us, dropped the NFL Network several months ago - so we are "cut off." Oh well.
Rob - Excellent traction photos which enlarge very well. The Port Dalhousie picture has sooo much to look at. Thank you!
Jan stopped by with a nice collection of SP cab forward pictures.
Eric - Happy retirement. I see you dress for work about the same as I. Only thing missing is the suspenders and heavy boots. Enjoy yourself, lad - hope to see you at the Rendezvous.
Pete has been by as well with comments and pictures. Beth Steel's Lackawanna Plant, where my father-in-law worked, had narrow gauge inside and standard gauge outside. He has all sorts of stories about fitting wheels onto axles for narrow gauge cars - it was all, shall we say, hand work but not of the delicate kind. South Buffalo Ry. served the outside. They were an interesting line that served many industries in the Buffalo area - lots of Alco power.
DD1 Stopped by - Good to hear from you!
Fergie was by as well. Always nice to be "forced" to work on the layout.
Mike visited with one of my favorite pieces of NYC art work - more abt. that below.
OSP has been busy keeping the home fires going with all sorts of nostalgic material. Drumheads - twice yet! Always nice to see those and recall that I did get a chance to ride a few of them. The toy train manuals are a nice collection. The 1900-1942 Lionel one looked as though it would be interesting.
Globe Models! Holy cow! That is truly in the realm of the exotic. I do remember them well. Now, how about Varney? I know there are enough folks at the bar who recall them. It was interesting to see the two different EMD logos you provided. The old symbol was used on bldrs. plates. The newer one was a builders plate - nice pick! I also enjoyed the pictures and the movies. Polar Express was on TV here the other nights - nice to see a PM 2-8-4 even though it was a bit stylized. Last, thanks for the Christmas greetings and that magnificent piece of NYC ad copy - one of my favorites.
Work safe
<"Our" Place Christmas Holiday Train>
Wednesday's Witticism
You cain't hurt a tongue by speakin' softly.
G'day Gents!
The day AFTER Christmas in some parts of this world of ours is BOXING DAY! Perhaps one or more of our crew will drop off their versions of this day for our ED-U-MAH-KAY-SHUN!
Hope one ‘n all had a most enjoyable day . . . we did!
Okay - mid-week at the Saloon by the Siding here in mid-continent USA ‘n time for the resumption of business! Coffee has been freshly ground ‘n brewed - the pastries are freshly stocked in The Mentor Village Bakery case ‘n our <light> ‘n <traditional> breakfasts are ready to be ordered from the Menu Board!
Comments from the Proprietor:
REMINDER: Drinks are "on Jan Olov" ‘til the New Year! So, don't be bashful - order away! PLENTY of holiday "nog" <spiked of course!> so help yourselves!
Again, many thanx for being here ‘n offering a "hand" with the set-up for the party. It all turned out well, eh Kinda nice that our staff get togethers run so well . . . Didn't Cindy look MAH-VEL-US in her "Mrs. Santa" suit And how about Ruth in her . . . exactly WHAT was that <phew> I'm still "warm" . . . <uh oh> Yeah buddy - quite a party! Somehow just cannot get accustomed to Boris ‘n Leon as "elves" . . . <yikes> A nice touch to have the Polar Express shown on the "big screen" . . . love that flick at this time of year! <sweet>
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative)
Monday - Dec 24th:
Jan (JanOlov) at 7:52 AM: A Gaelic toast from our Resident Swede in Scotland! Much appreciated . . .
Fergie (Fergmiester) at 7:52 AM: A heartfelt greeting from our Resident Canadian Maritime Mariner! "Skip" the eggs, eh THAT's the way to do it, Mate!
Lars (LoveDomes) at 12:15 PM: The return of our Manager with a fine upfront ‘n honest piece about this ‘n that!
Glad you ‘n Ru . . . . your friend, enjoyed the deluxe accommodations aboard the Can-Am Railways Trans-Mentor Limited! What's NOT to like, eh Thought you'd get a kick outta the hot tub - the railway agreed to install it at the last minute - but of course only at a price! Fortunately Vito-the-hit is a majority share holder on the board of destructors directors. <grin> <uh oh>
Many thanx for the continuing spate of American Flyer toy train catalogs! All good ‘n all bring back "those" memories ‘n feelings of times long gone. In spite of being a "Lionel kid," surely did like those Gilbert trains "back in
Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth my deAH, here we are again, the day aftAH . . . remnants of a fine day all ovAH the place - here ‘n at home! I'll take a large mugga Joe with a jolt if you please, ‘n no thanks right now on the food. <ugh> Completely wasted from yesterday's feast that Mother LoveDomes put forth. <phew>
Boris, feed the gang those leftovers from the staff party ‘n that LARGE jar of holiday PFF is YOURS! <ugh> And ring the bell for a round of Egg Nog on the house! Yeah I know the drinks are on Jan - BUT the nog has to be consumed!! <grin>
After making the rounds of the huts where all the grandkids dwell, it was back home for meal preparation. An absolute rigid ritual in my digs - keep away from the Chef as she weavers her magic in the kitchen.
Crowd arrived around 4 PM - which is just about right for those still locked in to the toys ‘n "stuff" under the tree. By then, they need to get out for some fresh air ‘n so forth.
Was a good day all ‘round ‘n hope the same for all here at the bar! [tup ]
Just gotta make a comment or three . . . .
For Eric ‘n Pete! Tuff stuff . . . I'd rather trust Atilla the Hun with my personal life than either of YOU. <geesh> Camera ‘n photos In your DREAMS, guyz - in your DREAMS! <ha> Ru . . . . my friend fooled the two of ya - those pix are not "us," just some "centerfolds" taken from Hot Tubs ‘r Us <a subsidiary of Robs Stores ‘r Us, eh?> up in Ontario! <grin>
We've ALWAYS had a few ‘round here who just couldn't "get it" when it came to READING what this place is all about. While it may sound as if "they are being picked on . . . not meant that way. Just is mind boggling when ovAH, ‘n ovAH, ‘n ovAH our Bossman repeats the same stuff in the morning summaries ‘n elsewhere - CLOSED on SUNDAY - CLOSED on CHRISTMAS, ‘n somehow that just doesn't get picked up. One of life's mysteries, huh
I'm just gonna drop off these covAHs from the Larsman Mobile, then get going on the day aftAH. You guessed it! She's out right now hitting the stores . . . fortunately I got a reprieve as it's a "gals thing" dontchaknow! <grin> BUT she'll be baaaaaaaaaaack, ‘n I bettAH have this place squared away, otherwise . . . don't even wanna talk about it! <grin>
Enjoy these guyz - they were all shown last year at this time ovAH at the old bar . . .
Toy Trains & Christmas - Parts 1, 2, 3
Toy Trains Christmas Memories (DVD)
Toy Train Memories
Christmas Trains
All Aboard for Christmas
Ruth my deAH, Why of course I'll be in our favorite place a bit later on! <blush>
Until the next time!
Lars
Keeping to the "theme" for the remainder of this year - some oldies to enjoy whilst we're resting 'n relaxin' over the holiday period . . . .
Christmas train travel NOSTALGIA
CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #1 of 8
<A form of this was initially Posted on 12 Dec 2005, Page 189 on the Original Thread>
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 MEETDartmouth College - University of Washington SUN VALLEY, DECEMBER 29 to JANUARY 1ONLY 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.RIdaho . . . . . . . . . . . . . Omaha, Nebr.
THE PROGRESSIVEUNION PACIFICSERVES ALL THE WEST
Enjoy! Tom
And another . . . .
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
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
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Bathams on this Boxing Day please RUTH
Hope everyone had a GREAT CHRISTMAS.
ERIC. That is so right about not trusting a manager.
I'm afraid BORIS looking at the photos, as had a bad consequence; his new ‘toy' suffered a massive explosion not long afterwards. Fortunately there was no structural damage to his shed or him, although he was very distraught, as the receipt said "Strictly NO returns". I have offered to replace his present and he was so grateful, he gave an interesting piece of information. Apparently the sleeping car on the Can-Am Railways Trans Mentor Limited as had to go into the shops with damaged suspension, as we know the Can-Am track is in excellent condition so the cause is a mystery.
Many thanks for the info on your badge on the hat.
The Jones Train has an interesting history, and it is quite old. It was used in the Jones store in KC in the old days and was not used for many years until it was refurbished and used in Union Station, Kansas City. I took the photos for a former regular Ted who remembered the train in the old days. Tom and I had traveled by Amtrak to KC but the train was late and I just had time to take the photos while the train turned round for the return journey, even so I nearly missed the train but Tom had the conductor to look out for me.
Great photo of Santa.
SVEN Many thanks for the link to Gevalia coffee.
That is very interesting about that restaurant in Seattle using the model railway to deliver the food. It would be great to know if it still in use today. The nearest I have seen is at the old station in Green Bay Wisconsin where the station is now a restaurant and a brewery. They have samplers of the ales they brew and the glasses are in a wooden model locomotive. They brew a very good root beer as well.
Yes AWK's bite is worse than his squawk.
JAN Good to see you in. I hope things get a bit quieter at work after the very busy time you have had lately.
CM3 My factory was all standard gauge but had some very old flat wagons with double curved cast spokes on the wheels. BR locomotives were not allowed in the works mainly because of the sharp curves, I think. We once had a railfan tour of a large steelworks on Teesside in the North East of England, it was very interesting you could feel the heat of the torpedo molten steel cars.A steel works in Lincolnshire used to run tours around its system some weekends, some times with an industrial stem locomotive. I am not sure if they still do this.
It will be great to hear some of your father-in law's stories at the Rendezvous.
LARS I have found that is the best way when the Christmas dinner is being prepared is to stay well clear unless asked to do something not technical.
You will have to let me know the secret of avoiding shopping expeditions.
Many thanks for the books and video covers with a great Christmas theme from the Larsman Mobile.
TOM Yes Boxing Day is still a big day in the UK, a public bank holiday, where there are a lot of sporting events on, including a full soccer program. It is a busy time for the soccer teams as they played Saturday and today, then the Saturday coming and New Years Day and the following Saturday. In the old days before the pubs had the extended opening hours they have today, Boxing Day was one of the rare days that a one-hour extension of the opening hours was allowed, although this had to be applied for. Boxing Day was a holiday when I started work but New Year's Day was a normal working day then, it is a holiday now. It was different in Scotland. Where New Year's Day was the most important day.
It seems as though Molly Throttlebottom's Adult Learning center is going to be busy this semester.
Many thanks for the Christmas RR Travel Nostalgia;
Well good evening Leon. I think a nice rum punch will do wonders for me this evening.No just the drink the pasteries do look tempting and so do the hot greeseballs from the donut machine but alas I havejust about eaten myself to death these last two days.,<uh oh>We must find a suitable name for the donut machine, everything needs a label in this place if it's to be part of the lore.
It seems as though everyone has had a fabulous holiday season which is good to read
Tom-A fine display of holiday cheer from you on Christmas Evethnaks for sharing all those wonderfull shots and drumheads. I fine capper to the season.
Lars -Thanks for the fine selection from the larsmobile,as well as the fine holiday greeting.I myself stayed away from the shopping frenzy that was today. I know that my sisters and mother likely did their fair share of damage today , but for us we just stayed home with teh critters and enjoyed a quiet day. Sounds like your "prize trip" was therapudic.Good for you, in ditching the would be interlopers
Shane-I'm glad that you liked the NS&T shots. I've spent a lot of time when I was a kid enjoying lakeside park where the steamer warf was.The carousel is the only part of the park that's left and is maintained by Brock university and the cities parks dept. Still costs a nickel a ride
Next time I'm in the Hobby shop in St Catharines , I'll have to take a look , he may still have some Varney equipment in his one display case, I know there are some old Silver Streak kits.The hazzards of a hobby shop that's almost 60 years old.
Eric-Sounds like you had a typical first day of retirment , up before the crack of dawn, no rest for the wicked eh If you do go looking for either of those books the John Mills one is the better of the two , if you do find one let me know. John is one of the founding members of the museum we may be able to get it autographed for you.
Loved the latest pictures that you posted up , always nice to see the interior shots of equipment, a look we don't often find.
Sven-Thanks for the info on the coffee, make sure you get the hot fresh donuts from the machine, once they have sat a while they get a bit tough.
Mike-Thanks for the stop by and the holiday greetings Fergie I'm glad to hear that teh mess got a bit of a work out over the holidays
Pete-Hmm Boris's "gift" blew up did it hopfeully the shrapnel damage was limited only to his collection of beer steins and kazoos.
I had wondered why after they were done with me and the dunk tank that they had hurridly emptied it and added the thermal blankets to the inside walls and the outboard motors to it, now we know
Thanks for the pictures of the Holiday layout.From what you are describing to me,I'm tempted to believe that that private car was indeed one of the ex Illinois Central ones.
Rob
Good evening again Leon another Rum punch please.In keeping with the re-runs here's another one from me from the early days of this thread.
THE END OF THE B&O MERGER WITH THE C&O
As with many railroads of the time the 1960's were not good to the B&O. It along with some of the other great eastern roads of the past like the NYC and PRR, started the slide towards mergers to continue theuir existance as viable transportation systems in the ever modernizing world.
THE B&O AND C&O
Going against the unions and most of the wishes of many of the eastern roads, the ICC said yes to the merger of the B&O/C&O on new years eve 1962.It was thought that in some quarters this resulting railroad would end up being the strongest one in the east.On Feb 4 1963, the C&O formalized it's control over it's once rival B&O. This change of power took place one minute past midnight and was the moment the ICC approval became a reality. The knot was tied in the B&O's boardroom, fitting I think of the nation's oldest railroad.
This combined system owned 11,000 miles of track stretching from the Atlantic, to the Mississippi River,and from the Great Lakes to the southern boarder of Kentucky. The B&O railroad obtained loans from C&O's financeers to enhance it's aging locomotive fleet, and to refurbish tunnels , yards and fleet facilities.In march 1968, the ICC approved the aquisition of the Western maryland by the B&O/C&O railway adding this 800 mile regional road to the system.
Over the years after the merger C&O people slowly replaced the old guard at the B&O with Gregory DeVine assuming the dual presidancies on the death of B&O President Tuohy in 1966.By 1970, the B&O Board included six men that also served on teh C&O board and 94 percent of the B&O was in the holdings of the C&O.
END OF PASSENGER SERVICE
The B&O's passeneger service had been a long time loser of money and amny lines had already been cut back.Yet the federal govt still had not allowed the major interurban carriers like the B&O to shed these money losing services.So the B&O like many other roads continued to hemorrhege cash on passenger service.Once the government decided to form Amtrak, the B&O like many of the rest of the nations railways paid out a lump sum and discontinued their passenger services, leaving them to the federally operated Amtrak.A payment of 29.6 milion was made to the National railroad Passenger Corporation in 1970, and thus freed the B&O/C&O to become all freight operations.
CHESSIE SYSTEM
In 1971 Presidient DeVine, retired and was replaced by Hays Watkins, a C&O man since 1949.President watkins had the name Chessie System adopted as the marketing name for the C&O/B&O/WM conglomorate. The C&O and B&O continued to operate separatly but now shared a common head office in Cleveland.
The name Chessie refers to the C&O's cat logo first used in the early 1930's as a gimmick for the then C&O's passeneger sevice.The C&O used the kitten sleeping on a blanket in a Fortune mag ad in 1933 and the tag line sleep like a kitten.Thinking originally that Chessie should have a B&O counterpart for ad purposes as well, they came up with "BESSIE" the cat for B&O, but after a shareholders survey they decided that it was not a good idea, so Bessie died on the drawing board.They did however at the time adopt the now famous "C" with the cat Silhouette used on their locomotives and ads, adding it to the WM as well once the WM was completely absorbed into the Chessie System in 1974. At this time the Blue yellow and Vermillion painted locomotives began arriving on scene , with the only notion of the original owners being a B&O, C&O or WM initial under the cab road numbers.
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, back to work again! No, just a ham sandwich. That will do this time. Coffee, it is way too cold for a Keith's.
Christmas Day passed quickly! Spent a good portion of the day relaxing and eating some good stuff.
Sven – Glad that your coffee was strong enough, but you better be careful not to break the spoon next time. You have a good memory! The Iron Horse is the name of that restaurant where your food is delivered to your table by a model train.The Iron Horse (burgers arrive on a model train), 311 Third Avenue SJanOlov – That was a quick one!CM3 – Thank you, I feel happier already! The photo of me was taken last Friday and Friday is the only day I can (could) dress like that. I’ll certainly attend the 3rd Annual Rendezvous in May (140 days!) and I hope you will be able to go there too! Tom – No, I didn’t want to keep Leon up late Christmas Eve. That is why I tried to visit the bar early. A 1937 UP ad about taking the train to Sun Valley. How about the Valley of the Sun? No, I guess you have to take Amtrak and then ride a bus to get here. Lars – Oh, I didn’t know that you know Atilla the Hun! Perfect DVD cases and book covers for Christmas! Pete – Hmmm, damaged suspension? That does not... or does it? Do they still use Jones Train in Union Station, KC, at Christmas time? The Iron Horse (burgers arrive on a model train), 311 Third Avenue S is the name of that restaurant Sven mentioned. Obviously still in use!Very nice photos from Union Station, KC! A good size layout! Scale 0? Rob – It’s not too hard to get up before the crack of dawn this time of the year. I checked eBay for those books but did not find them. I’ll keep my eyes open.Thanks for the End of the B&O Merger With the C&O story! B&O swallowed by C&O and is now the Chessie System. Interesting!
Eric
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; slide the pastry case down this way, please and thank you. Cloudy here today with seasonable temperatures and rain expected later - maybe.
Let's see what's happening today.
Pete stopped by with comments and KC layout pictures.
Lars visted with toy train material. I saw a Lionel Union Station building like the one on the cover you sent while I was at the train show in Buffalo over Thanksgiving. It was in good shape and not too pricy.
Eric - We get to dress that way all the time. BTW, was that your retirement speech in your hand? No wonder the audience looked nervous (lol).
Rob - Sixty year old hobby stores? Careful, lad. Incidentally, while you are there, look for kits from Ambroid, Red Ball, All Nation, and Magow. There is some truly vintage stuff.
I enjoyed your material on the C&O/B&O situation. The B&O boardroom is most impressive. Tuohy, BTW, was on the C&O side of the house. He had a tugboat named after him which used to work at Newport News. Again, I have pictures of her somewhere. Again, I have plenty of stories abt. all of that which we can share at Rendezvous.
OSP sent some UP and PRR material. UP promoted Sun Valley all over the place. You probably remember their fall and winter ads in the National Geographic.
O.K. I promised Eric some material on Boston-Pittsburgh sleepers service. Here ‘tis, drawn from NH,PRR tts, and ORG from March, 1950. Enjoy - it does get a bit complicated, especially westbound as the P Company was great to combine several trains into one and then split them up again.
Train 46-186 ("New Englander/Quaker") handled an extensive collection of sleeping cars between Pittsburgh and New England destinations.
An 8 section/bar lounge operated between Pittsburgh and Springfield, MA every day except Saturday. Passengers traveling from Pittsburgh to Boston could choose Pullman accommodations in a 12 roomette/2 single bedroom/3 double bedroom car, or a 12 roomette/2 single bedroom/4 double bedroom car. A 12 section/drawing room car was also available. Two Philadelphia-Boston cars were picked up en route. These included a 14 roomette/4 double bedroom car and an 8 section/drawing room/3 double bedroom sleeper. Monday only, a 12 section/drawing room car ran between Philadelphia and Providence. The consist was rounded out with a Pittsburgh-Harrisburg diner and coaches between Pittsburgh and Boston and New Haven and Springfield.
Train 46-186 departed Pittsburgh at 4:00 p.m., picked up cars and departed Philadelphia at 12:33 a.m. with a 2:15 a.m. arrival in New York. It was out of New York 15 minutes later with a 4:01 a.m. arrival in New Haven where the Springfield car was handed off to a connecting train. The Providence car was set out prior to 186's departure for Boston at 6:32 a.m. Train 186 was due at Boston's South Station at 7:45 a.m.
Westbound service was provided by Train 189-37-51, the "William Penn," truly a workhorse that handed a variety of sleeping cars. The Boston-Pittsburgh Pullmans included a 12/roomette/2 single bedroom/3 double bedroom car or a 12 roomette/2 single bedroom/4 double bedroom car. A 12 section/drawing room car ran from Boston as well as the 8 section/bar lounge from Springfield. Parlor cars operated between Boston and New York and Springfield and New Haven. In addition, diners ran between Boston and New York, Springfield and New Haven, and Altoona to Pittsburgh in PRR 51. Coaches ran between Boston and New York, Springfield and New Haven, New York and Harrisburg and Harrisburg and Pittsburgh.
Train 189-37-51 left Boston at 6:00 p.m. The Springfield cars arrived in New Haven at 8:11 p.m. or 9:11 p.m., where they switched out and the 8 section/bar lounge added into the consist. The train left New Haven at 9:25 p.m. with an 11:00 p.m. arrival at Penn Station, New York. This is where things got interesting as the diner and coaches from Boston were switched out, and a New York-Pittsburgh 12 section/drawing room Pullman was added and everything combined into PRR train 37-51. All of this was done in time for the train's 11:20 p.m. departure from New York as Pennsylvania train 37-51, the "Iron City Express," which, in addition to the Boston-Pittsburgh cars four New York-Pittsburgh cars as well as a New York-Birmingham 10 section/2 compartment/drawing room car en route to an interchange with the Louisville and Nashville Railroad at Cincinnati. 51 left Philadelphia at 1:16 a.m. and left Harrisburg at 237 a.m., with a 7:50 a.m. arrival in Pittsburgh.
work safe
A cloudy, gloomy ‘n drizzly kinda day here in mid-continent USA - began yesterday afternoon ‘n we're supposed to remain this way for a few more days. <ugh> Fortunately, it was blue skies ‘n comfortable temps on Christmas ‘n yesterday morning. Now we're in the <glop> once again. Petrol was at $2.70 <rounded> up at Collusion Corner, which really surprised me. Thought fer sure "they" would sock it to us all during this holiday season. BUT it ain't over, is it <groan>
Breakfasts are ready! Coffee ‘n pastries are too - so let's get a move on guys!
Wednesday - Dec 26th:
Lars (LoveDomes) at 10 AM: Can always when things are getting back to "normal" when the Manager helps things along with a morning Post!
Glad you enjoyed your PRIZE aboard the Can-Am Railway's Trans-Mentor Limited! Wise choice to pick the weekend, as you caught at least a couple of guys off-guard! <grin> I trust the accommodations met or exceeded your expectations! The hot tub came from a most ‘curious' source. Yeah - remember that gal you met at the Super Bowl party down in Miami You know - the one who sent you the bar that's up in the Penthouse Suite! Yeah - HER! <uh oh> Does Ruth know about this Hmmmmm, AND you're heading BACK to southern Florida! <double Hmmmmmmmmm>
Hey Mate! Don't be too concerned about those who fail to pick up on the way we do things ‘round here. We've given everyone ample opportunity to discover "us" - if they don't' avail themselves of it <opportunity> - what's left other than to ride it out
Just count our "blessings," at least we're NOT putting up with the character who used to fill up nearly the entire Forum's Page with endless reams of data . . . . ‘n then hardly ever acknowledge comments made in his direction <either here or by Email>. Yeah - count our "blessings"!
Many thanx for the fine reruns of those Christmas trains book covers - keeps the "mood"
Pete (pwolfe) at 4:44 PM: Wondered whether we'd see you on this day - but I shudda known you'd wait ‘til near the end of daylite! <grin> Probably spending your time watching Brit sports, eh Always a treat when our Bar Chandler settles in at the bar!
I finally was able to retrieve those <ahem> fotos that Boris had squirreled away in his shed. My, my - rather explicit I'd say! Surely NOT of Lars ‘n Ru . . . his friend. And they surely weren't train mag fotos either! <geesh>
I recall our KCity trip when you took those Jones Trains fotos . . . seems just like yesterday, but then . . . . ahhhhhhh, another late Amtrak arrival! <grin> Also brings back thoughts of another time at our bar ‘n of guys who are UTBs . .
There's a restaurant in KCity's Crown Center that also uses model trains to deliver food. While it's more of a breakfast-lunch kinda place, there's a train on a shelf-system that stops at the booths from atop. The food gets lowered through a tubing system to your table. Kinda nice . . . IF we ever get TIME when we're in KCity, I'll have to show the place to you . . . <grin>
Thanx for the Boxing Day chat . . . was hoping we'd get a "report" from either of our Canadian Connections too. Also when our Kiwi from Downunder returns, perhaps he'll pick up on our comments . . . and of course, Dan ‘n Jan <sounds like a rock group!>
Ruth my deAH, ‘tis a bettAH day than most now that I've heard the "news" - the JINTS ‘n PATRIOTS game will be on the tube after all! Being the night B4 we leave for the Keys, I've declined the chance to go ovAH to see it in person. Best to remain home - safe ‘n sober! Not a bad idea . . .
Anyway, how about a number 3 from the menu board ‘n a mugga Joe without the jolt! Boris - feed the gang ‘n the small jar of PPF is yours - keep the change my deAH!
Of course a round for the boyz - "on" Jan of course! <grin>
Let me be the FIRST to jump into the CONTEST to name the Donut MoSheen! - I'll call it GreeseMeister!
<special note to Fergie of Fergmiester fame - most times the Germans use the E before I . . . that is IF I recall my German correctly!>
Some fine material provided yesterday by Da Bossman in the form of those Christmastime ads - then Wolfman's photos from Kansas City's Union Station - trolleyBOY's write-up on the Baltimore & Ohio/Chesapeake & Ohio - and today's Boston-Pittsburgh sleeper "stuff" from Shane. All around good stuff!
Gotta kick outta that lady who "found" her husband in Pete's pix!
I refrain from jumping on the bandwagon when it comes to the "history" in my family regarding the B&O - ‘n it goes way back. Just something that I regard as private stuff. Neither of ‘em <grandpa or father> did anything "famous," but they worked their tails off for "da man" ‘n were rewarded with decent retirements. Train guys from the get-go - with all sorts of stories ‘n pix stowed below in the depths of our basement. One day . . .
I too liked the pix from Eric - the cab shot approaching platform. Lucky man you've been to have so many fine experiences . . .
Hey Bossman! Just goes like this for me - I'm no wrist-wringer or "rewarder" for bad behavior. I call's ‘em the way I see's ‘em (Red Skelton!) - ‘n that's just the way it is. I don't miss - for one New YAWK minute any of the long-winded ‘n deeply one-sided data dumps of dayz gone by. No how - no way. I like THIS bunch ‘n perhaps we'll get ‘em all to at least "play the game" accordingly - things work so much bettAH when that happens - dontchathink I do!
<uh oh> Elena ‘n the girls "found me"! How in the world . . . . Are you sure Really! Oooooooooooooooh, here we go again!
Time again for the continuing Christmastime covAHs from the Larsman Mobile Toy & Model Trains Annex, of course!
Thomas Christmas Delivery
The Christmas Train
The Magic Journey (Polar Express)
The Polar Express (selections)
Ruth my deAH, why of course I'll be in our favorite place a bit later on! <blush>
Some more Christmas NOSTALGIA from Pages Past to maintain the spirit of the season!
CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #3 of 8
THE PULLMAN COMPANY
Christmas Cargo
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 ChristmasGo PullmanTHE SAFEST, MOST COMFORTABLE WAY TO GET THERE!
Good Afternoon, Ruth! Really nice to see you back after your Christmas Day off. I'll have my regular Gevalia. Is that a liquid included in the all paid for drinks by Jan? Then I'll pay you for three doughnuts, which I will ease into the Galley to enjoy fresh from "The Halo Creator".
Rob suggested we should give the donut machine a name, and my entry to the name contest is: "The Halo Creator". You know, it creates round rings, shiny yellow, tastes heavenly - The Halo Creator - or is that sac religious?
Tom DaBossman, Thank you for the advice to enroll in Molly Throttlebottom's Adult Learning Centre. "Reading, it's the written word!" The tuition seems steep to me. Is there a chance to get a scholarship from any source known to the patrons of this place?
Eric, don't worry about the spoon. It was only one of those plastic ones they have in the Swedish Bistros (that's what the simplified restaurant cars on Swedish trains are called nowadays). Thank you for verifying my story of food delivered on model trains.
May I, as a body that just came in from the cold, ask what the "3rd Annual Rendezvous in May (140 days!)" is about? Do you all here at the bar get together once a year live and in color?
Pete, thank you for the photos from the Union Station in Kansas City. I think my wife and I took the train from there at one time in the 70-ies. Can have been on our way to or from Tulsa, OK. (Bus Tulsa - Kansas City, train Kansas City - NYC?????). I have to check our old travel albums when I get back home tonight.
Sorry, have to switch out on the main line again to earn my keep.
See you at my next whistle stop.
Sven
Just happened to "over hear" an inquiry from our new friend, Sven the Resident Cheesehead Swede regarding Rendezvous III.
Let me "enlighten" you a bit regarding our get togethers . . .
It all began back in 2005 when I came up with an idea for a get together - live 'n in person - of those willing 'n able to do so. Our first Rendezvous was in Toronto in May 2006 where 3 of us attended. The next was here in St. Louis, again in May, where 4 of us got together. And now we're planning for May of 2008, a repeat in St. Louis, where thus far 4 have signed up.
Here's what we've decided upon thus far:
Arrival will be Wednesday late afternoon - May 14th - for those wishing to attend the Cardinals-Pirates baseball game the following day at noon. Otherwise, arrival is Thursday.
A Rendezvous get together <social hour 'n dinner> is slated for Thursday evening at my Haus. That will be followed by a 'session' in the Can-Am Trainroom 'n Brewroom <aka: basement>
The OH-FISH-UL Rendezvous takes place on Friday 'n Saturday with events to be disseminated via Email once I put the agenda into final form. We begin early 'n end late.
These Rendezvous are strictly for the Customers of "Our" Place with no guests permitted. That's the way we have done it, are planning to do it 'n will continue to do it.
Departure day is Sunday - May 18th.
We keep the majority of our travel 'n personal plans restricted to Email communications - so if you <or anyone else> is interested in participating, send me an "off line Email" - NOT via the Forums PLEASE!!!!
PLEASE use Email for any additonal info, questions or concerns. In other words, use Email! <grin>
There is plenty of "history" contained within the Pages amassed at this Thread <reborn bar> and over on the Original Thread . . . . pictures, stories, etc. All one has to do is take the time 'n make the effort to check it out!
We'd love to have you join us!
Tom
Continuing with Christmas NOSTALGIA from Pages Past to maintain the spirit of the season!
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 theSunfor Christmas
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."
Good afternoon Ruth , I think I could manage a number 3 oh and certainly a large snifter full of the egg nog, what the haek since jan's being soooo generous hows about a round of nog for everybody. Yes Boris I know, his bar tab is already longer than your mothers tail <yikes>
Tom-Another fine "two fer" of Christmas nostalgia posts thanks for re-sharing them with us 5x for all it is that you do for us here at the ole saloon.Thanks for getting the contest up and running,two entries in and the pixels are barely dry on your announcement of it Hopefully the private car will be back on the tracks in time for the prize for this contest.
I didn't know about Bessie either until I read it in a small book on the B&O that I had come accross.Likely a good thing that it didn't make it off the drawing board though,imagine the menagerie the CSX would now have with all the additional railroads that joined Chessie fold in the years since that first merger.
Tom put me down for the "Track Greeser" as my pitifull entry to the contest.
Lars-Perhaps your Giants will give you the thrill of beating the Pats on saturday,that would be a find send off to the sunny south for you.Loved todays book covers BTW.
Shane-Yup if one was to dig deeply into Niagara Centrals lower cabinets and basements I'm sure brand new kits of all those manufacturers would surface.ext time you are up to Buffalo you should nip accross the boarder to St Catharines and do some searching,they have a room full of old Lionel ,and other O and O27 stuff not to mention the brass of all scales etc etc.
Loved the info on the train service that you dug out for Pete as well thanks
Eric-Don't blame you I don't like getting up any earlier than required myself.I have heard as well that John Mills is working on a reprint of his NS&T book with some new info, if it comes out I'll let you know.
Sven-I don't think that was a sac -religious name.The donut is a noble food. ( I say that cause dad was a cop )
Hello Ruth , I think another round of nog on Jan just before you are out for the day. You might as well put your feet up and have one along with us as well.
CLASSIC STEAM #29 THE BAY OF QUINTE RY
This was first posted on page # 364 of the old thread.Please enjoy again !
The Bay of Quinte RY of (BQ),despite it's history and many bits and pieces left behind is little more than a small foot note in Ontario's railway history.
It all began with Edward Rathburn.One of the ambitious entrepreneurs that was spawned by the 19th centuries industrial revolution.Rathburn founded what would become one of the largest and most diversified empires in 19th centruy Canada.From it's large mills in Desoronto Ontario ( the northeastren shore of Lake Ontario ) the Rathburn company expanded in all directions.It's fleets carried lumber and other cargo southward to Oswago NY, while it's trains moved cargo east and west along the Grand Trunk.To the north lay Rathburn's vast timber reserves and his Bay Of Quinte RY.
Like much of Rathburn's empire the railway began as a mishmash of existing lines and unused charters.After building his own link from Deseronto a short distance from Grand Trunks main line west of Napanee Ontario,Rathburn purchased the Napanee Tamworth and Quebec Line, a railway that led north from Napanee.He extended this line northwest to Tweed and later Banockburn,as well as northeast to Syndenham.This gave the company the all-important access to it's timber limits.By 1903 the network of tracks had become known as The Bay of Quinte RR or BQ.
The railway gained it's revenue from more than just Rathburn's timber ventures.a marble quarry at Actinolite,a cement plant at Marlebank, and a pyrite mine at Queensborough all added their piece to the railways profits.In 1910 the expanding Canadian Northern added the BQ to it's national inventory of undervalued lines.The CnoR, was less interested in the timber, mines and quarries than it was in it's completeing of it's mainline from Toronto to Ottawa.The BQ was a valuble link in that route.
Neglected by it's new owners, the cement plant , mines and mills closed one by one,by 1930 only one train operated north of Tweed each week.To no ones supprise the section between Tweed and Banockburn was abandonned in 1935, and from Tweed to Yarker in 1941.The CNR continued service from Napanee to Yarker and beyond to interchange with CPR at Smithville until 1986. Run brieflty as a shortline the Smithville branch was lifted in 1991.The BQ left a colourfull history and many old stone mills and plants along it's ROW many are still to be seen today.
A pint of Bathams on Jan's tab please RUTH.
ROB BORIS is quite pleased with his replacement present, his shed was not in too good a shape before, I feel the next victim of a ‘Tweeting' will get the job of tiding the shed up.
Many thanks for the B&O C&O merger encore; I bet it was hard for the long-term employees of the two roads to come to terms of the merger after being rivals for so long.
I wonder what ‘Bessie the Cat' would have looked like.
Glad you enjoyed the model photos, can't believe you are on Manager Lars side after what he done to poor Eric and I.
Great to see you in the bar this afternoon, yes the donut-naming contest is very popular.
ERIC It is good to know that restaurant the Iron Horse in Seattle is still in operation and still delivering burgers by model train.
Glad you enjoyed the photos of the model layout at Union Station in KC it is a good-sized layout, they were setting it up when we arrived back from California, which was in September. I am not sure of the gauge though I think I recall reading that the Jones train was going to at the station this year. Tom and I was hoping to have a look round at the layout this year, but the Amtrak was running late and I afraid all we saw of Union Station was the Amtrak platform.
I am going to Kansas City for the New Year and hopefully will be able to call in at Union Station although I am not sure when the layout is taken down.
Thanks for the photo of the rare gauntlet track.
CROWGR8DAUGHTER Really glad you enjoyed my photos from that great layout at Union Station and many thanks for posting at Our Place to thank me, much appreciated..
I have a couple more photos taken on that day.
CM3 Many thanks for the very interesting Boston Pittsburgh sleeping car service. I guess the switching at Penn station New York was done by an electric locomotive.
LARS I see your visit to the warmer weather at the Keys is getting nearer, I am sure you will have a great time there. I wonder what gift you will return with this time; the Penthouse Suite Private Bar certainly looks very classy.
Many thanks for those great Christmas time covers. I think the Polar Express will become a firm Christmas favorite and will be shown on TV around this time for many years to come, I hope so at least.
SVEN I bet the Union Station in Kansas City was a lot busier with trains in the 1970s I have only known the station since 2001. When I boarded a train there,that year, it was from a small cabin along side the Union Station, at least nowadays you board the train from the main station building. I believe I am right in saying there are just 6 trains that use the station now. The Southwest Chief to Chicago in the morning about 7 45 AM and the Chief heading for Los Angeles about 11pm. Then there are two trains departing towards St Louis, the morning train is a through train to Chicago and the afternoon 4pm train runs to just St Louis. The 2pm arrival is from St Louis and the evening train is a through train from Chicago via St Louis.
I see Tom as given you details about the Rendezvous it really is a great time.
TOM Getting those photos from BORIS must have been quite a challenge; he was getting very fond of them.
It would be great to go to that restaurant in the Crown Center with you, perhaps they will change the schedule on Amtrak next spring like it was this year, where we have over 4 hours scheduled in Kansas City.
Good afternoon again Leon, Whats that oh yes this is the first time I've seen you today must be all of the eggnog speaking of which oh yes I see that you have loaded up my favourite beer stein for me, thank-you. Yes I know that Boris likes spit-polishing the beer steins , not to worry I never drink the bottom fifth of the glass.
Pete-Good afternoon sir,some more wonderdfull pictures of the Christmas layout.I hope the young lady that visited does come back, but we shant hold our breath,mind you having another female in the bar will hopefully "class" up the joint. No Boris H&H don't count ( certainly not as far as class goes at any rate )
Perhaps "Bessie" would have been black and whiteI think that your your name for the donut machine is as far as I can tell the best so far, an early lead at any rate.Have fun in KC,don't do anything that Tom wouldn't
Just struck me that this new and improved version of Pur Place is rapidly approaching it's one year aniversary,seeing as New years day was the relaunch after the original closed down.Sounds like a good excuse for a shindig or a hootnanny at the very least. what say you goodHeck I'll even spring for the decorations and hors'd'ourves.
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
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
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
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!! Okay, Leon, tonight I would like one of my favorites, Rumpsteak Café de Paris! You should try it yourself some time, it's is very good! I have to go back to Solothurn, Switzerland, and try the original one again one day.
The cold weather continues here in the desert, but the forecast for next week looks pretty good.
CM3 – No, it was not my retirement speech in my hand. I don’t remember what it was, but I had not prepared any speech. I guess the audience thought it was my speech, that’s why they look nervous. Thanks for the Boston - Pittsburgh sleeper info!! I would say those trains were leaving Boston/Pittsburgh at right time and arriving to their destination just in time for breakfast! Maybe 4:00 p.m. for train 46-186 was a little bit early. But at least you could sleep all night!Pittsburgh. No sleeper in this train.Tom – It is a gauntlet track you see in that picture from New Carrollton outside Washington D.C. If you give each rail a number 1-4 from the left, number 1 and 3 are used by all “normal” trains. That will take you close to the platform in case it is a passenger train that is going to make a stop. Rail 2 and 4 are used by freight trains with wide loads so they won’t hit anyone or anything. The photo below shows a gauntlet track through Baltimore. Baltimore.I’ll remember to check into National Geographic data archives when I get a chance. Travel by Pullman! Just wish it was still possible. But I guess Santa Fe was a better choice going to Phoenix! Sun for Christmas! New York Central? Naeh, can’t get to Phoenix with them. Lars – Elena ‘n the girls? Does Ruth know? She will find out and then you are in big trouble! Have a nice time down in the Keys! We will take care of Ruth. More nice covers! The same book as a book and as 6 CD’s! I’ll pick the book! I prefer to read it myself. Sven – I noticed that Tom already told you about the Rendezvous! We had a very nice Rendezvous last May and I am looking forward to the next one! I certainly can recommend it!I am glad to learn that it was just a plastic spoon you broke. Coffee is free if you order something to eat at the same time. That was one of the first things I learned when I started to stop by at this place. Rob – Sounds interesting if John Mills is going to reprint his book! I am very interested. Thanks for the story on The Bay of Quinte Railway! Obviously a foot note in Ontario’s railway history, but an interesting one. As most of those small railroads it did not last very long though. But I guess the part of it that became part of Canadian Northern’s main line is still alive. Pete – At least you recognized a gauntlet track when you saw it!! You can find them at a few places along the North East Corridor.Thanks for the KC photos! Eric
Wow!!This thread is something else - wish I could have discovered it sooner.....
Well, I think I've got the hang of the "R&R," so one tankard of 151 {Nuclear} Eggnog please, Innkeeper? A quick "Hello" to my neighbor siberianmo {I'm down in Lemay, by JB!}
Let's see - Christmas train stories? Well, my Dad's Cousin Dan worked for the MoPac for 35 years, and he loved telling my brother and me stories about his early exploits as fireman, and later engineer. One of his favorites was the Christmas mail and express runs {in multiple sections} the Mop laid on every year about Thanksgiving through the end of the holidays. He was lucky enough to catch a few runs with his favorite class of power, the #5339-44 series of MT-73 heavy Mountains:
Danny preferred the oil-burners over the coal-burners - "Less stress for me," as he put it. He said that they had no problem getting a twelve-to fifteen car consist up to 90, but the first time he ever experienced it himself "it scared the hell out of me!!" He was on the eastbound run one December night, and the hogger was really on a tear -
"We had the 5342 which was fresh out of Sedalia after Class 3's {general overhaul}. She was right and tight, and ran like a scalded dog, which my hogger took every advantage of. We slogged our way up Kirkwood hill, and since we were a non-passenger Third Section, we didn't have to make any of the suburban stops - we sailed over the top, and flew down the east slope. By the time we hit Webster Groves, I quit looking at the newly-installed speed recorder; it was pointing to'five o'clock' and heading for six {90 miles per hour}!! Why we didn't fly right off the rails on the Maplewood curves I'll never know, but I've never had such a fast - and smoth - ride on any engine as that one."
As for myself, I can still clearly recall the lovely sight of a then-new MoPac short-bay window "transfer" caboose, complete with lighted Christmas wreaths on both ends!
Quite often the old Amtrak National Limited would also be "wreathed" at both ends during November and December - I've got some ancient Polaroids somewhere of an SDP40F posing at Kirkwood, festive wreath on it's poited snout, with another one on the rear of the last coach. 'Twas the Season, after all!!!Cheers!
Friday's Grin
Reason "things" happen!
Law of Close Encounters:
The last Friday of 2007 has arrived ‘n with it another opportunity to partake in the offerings from our breakfast menu - our freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee ‘n pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery of Mama ‘n Papa Grundledink!
Name the DoNut Machine CONTEST underway!
<closes on Fri, 07 Jan 2008 at NOON (CST)>
Lars . . . . GreeseMeister (27 Dec)
Sven . . . . The Halo Creator (27 Dec)
Pete . . . Holey-Moley (27 Dec)
Rob . . . . Track Greeser (27 Dec)
<Participants may "vote" for any of the above by sending me an "offline" Email - NOT via the Forums pu-leeze!>
Thursday - Dec 27th:
Lars (LoveDomes) at 10:26 AM: Elena ‘n the girls those are the names I couldn't recall! Well, Elena called here ‘n wanted to provide you with something ‘special' for your railway excursion. She "follows" the events right here on the Forums! Anyway, I told her about your "therapeutic" use of the hot tub while you were feeling low - so she said "her connections" with the Track Gangs ‘n the "suits" of the Can-Am Railway would be put to "good use." That's how it unfolded . . .
Repeated for what it's worth: Mine is to initially respond to all who frequent our establishment. Beyond that - I'm totally ‘with you' regarding any "reward for bad behavior." Ain't gonna happen . . . We've got a fine group of guys here ‘n if we are fortunate enough to keep the "nucleus" in tact, we'll do fine. We surely don't need "saturation" in terms of material being Posted. Those days are OVER - RIP!!
Thanx for entering the name the Mo-Sheen contest!
Nicely done spate of Christmastime book covers ‘n good to see "the Manager's bar" again!
Sven (Sven Olov) at 12:17 PM: A mid-day Post from our Resident Cheesehead Swede!
Tuition at Molly Throttlebottom's Adult Learning Centre doesn't cost our customers anything other than the willingness to participate. When recommended - you're "in"! <grin> Question is - can you handle it Remember - it's the Adult Learning Centre AND Mud Wrestling Emporium! <uh oh>
You are correct about a train from KCity to NYork City back in the 70s . . .
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please and slide the pie case down here.
Weather here is clear for the moment although it is supposed to rain later today. We had a real heavy frost and lots of fog in between the hills.
Rob stopped by with comments and BQ material from days past.
Eric - The passengers could remain on the sleepers until a "civilized" hour. It's hard to believe how much different things were back then.
Sven - Good to hear from you, sir.
Lars - Could not believe that the football gods smiled upon us. Gotta love it! Anyway, we'll be TV-side on Saturday. I am just anxious as to which or our Jints team will show up - you know what I mean, I'm sure. Also, thanks for the inclusion of more Christmas train material.
Pete - Yes, switching was done with electric power.
Mopac - Good story. I was interested to read about the "Non passenger 3d Section." As you mentioned, the train did not have to make stops but maintained its tt rights. Put another way, you ran on a schedule with a "slot," but didn't get all hung up with being an extra.
IMHO, MP had some of the most elegant looking steam power of any road. For those interested, they had four sets of 4-8-2s which were classified as MT73.
5308-5312 were blt at Schenectady in 1921.
5313-5316 came from Schenectady two years later.
5335-5339 were blt by Brooks in 1927.
5340-5344 were blt by Schenectady in 1930.
They shared some common dimensions: 27x30 cylinders and 73-inch drivers. Steam pressure varied from 210-250, depending on date of construction. And tractive force ran between 53,475 and 63,665, again depending on when constructed.
OSP has been cleaning the vaults of advertising material from Pullman, ATSF, and NYC. Well, I did some looking as well and here's some material (again from 1950) re transcontinental sleeping car service. Enjoy.
In 1950, the Pennsylvania Railroad provided coast to coast sleeping car service on four different routes. Passengers between New York and Los Angeles could travel every day on either the Overland Route or the so-called "Santa Fe" route. Service ran very other day on the Golden State Route. Riders between New York and San Francisco could travel every day on the Overland Route or every other day on the California Zephyr Route.
Let's look at each route.
Overland Route service to Los Angeles was coordinated between PRR Train 49, the "General" and UP Train 1, the "Los Angeles Limited." Transcontinental passengers rode in a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car which left New York at 5:00 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 8:00 a.m. the next morning. The "Los Angeles Limited" departed Chicago at 1201 p.m. and ran via the C&NW/UP with a 10:40 a.m. arrival in Los Angeles two days later.
Eastbound passengers traveled via UP Train 2, the "Los Angeles Limited" to Chicago where the through car continued east on PRR Train 2, the "Pennsylvania Limited." The train departed Los Angeles at 1201 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 2:00 p.m. two days later. Eastbound from Chicago, PRR 2 departed at 630 p.m. with an 11:59 a.m. arrival the next day in New York. Service here again was in a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car.
Overland Route Service to San Francisco operated via the PRR-C&NW, SP, and SP. PRR Train 55, the "Gotham Limited" handled a 10 roomette 6 double bedroom car to Chicago, and it continued west on C&NW, UP, SP Train27, the "San Francisco Overland." This car left New York at 11:40 p.m. and arrived in Chicago Union Station at 3:40 p.m. The car was moved to Northwestern Station where it departed on Train 27 at 8:00 p.m. It reached San Francisco at 6:50 p.m. two days later.
Eastbound the 10 roomette/6 double bedroom San Francisco car ran on SP-UP-C&NW 28, the "San Francisco Overland," and on PRR 70, the "Admiral." SP 28 pulled out at 11:00 a.m. and arrived two days later at Northwestern Station, Chicago at 1:00 p.m. PRR 70 departed Union Station at 5:30 p.m. with an 11:45 a.m. arrival in New York the next day.
The cars were transferred between Northwestern Station and Union Station at Chicago.
The Santa Fe Route westbound was covered by PRR 29, the "Broadway Limited," and ATSF Train 19, the "Chief." This service operated a 4 compartment/2 drawing room/4 double bedroom car. Passengers paid a $10.15 extra fare surcharge to ride the "Chief." Westbound service departed New York at 6:00 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 9:00 a.m. the next morning. The car was switched from Union Station to Dearborn Station for a 1:30 p.m. departure on TSF Train 19. Arrival in Los Angeles was at 8:30 a.m. two days later.
Eastbound, ATSF Train 20, the "Chief" departed Los Angeles at 12:30 p.m. and arrive at Dearborn Station Chicago at 11:30 a.m. two days later. The car was moved to Union Station where it departed at 4:30 p.m. on PRR 28, the "Broadway Limited," which arrived in New York at 9:30 a.m. the next day.
The "Golden State" route carried a 4 compartment/2 drawing room/4 double bedroom car between New York and Los Angeles on a PRR-Rock Island-SP routing. Passengers paid a $10.15 extra fare surcharge to ride the "Golden State." Westbound travelers rode the Pennsy's Train 55, the "Gotham Limited" to Chicago to connect with RI-SP Train 3, the "Golden State." Train 55 departed
New York at 11:40 p.m. and arrived at Union Station, Chicago at 3:40 p.m. the next afternoon. The car was moved to LaSalle St. Station where it departed ay 10:15 p.m. with a 5:15 p.m. arrival in Los Angeles after a two day trip.
Eastbound, SP-RI Train 4, "Golden State," handled the cross country sleeper to Chicago. It finished its eastbound journey on PRR 48, "The General." Train 4 departed Los Angeles at 12:30 p.m. with a two day later arrival at LaSalle St., Chicago ay 11:30 a.m. Train 48 departed Union Station at 3:30 p.m. and arrived in New York at 8:30 the next morning.
Travelers using the California Zephyr Route did not have to have their cars switched at Chicago as all arrivals and departures were at Union Station. This route was covered by a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car which left New York westbound on PRR Train 1, the "Pennsylvania Limited," at 6:45 p.m. It arrived in Chicago at 10:25 a.m. the next day. CB&Q-DRGW-WP Train 17, the "California Zephyr" left Chicago at 3:30 p.m. with a two day later arrival in San Francisco at 4:50 p.m. Eastward, WP-DRGW-CB&Q Train 18 departed San Francisco at 9:00 a.m. with a two day later arrival in Chicago at 1:30 p.m. PRR Train 48, the "General," handled the eastbound car. It left Chicago at 3:30 p.m. with an 8:30 a.m. arrival the next day in New York.
Ruth my deAH, fill up the coffee mug wudja ‘n I'll check out the pastry case . . . My, my - you are lookin' mighty fine ‘n I'm wonderin' HOW I can manage to get you down to the Keys ‘n maintain my <discreet nature> while doing it! <uh oh>
Boris, treats for the crittAHs ‘n the small jar of PPF is for YOU!
Well, this is my next-to-last day for posting at the bar for awhile. Not quite sure when I'll get "up" once we get settled in the Keys . . . surely hope to be back before the New Year! I'll try . . . which of course is all we can ask of any of the guys who frequent this joint. Speaking of which . . .
Sorry if this disappoints anyone, but I've "seen" a couple of guys who occasionally stop by the bar. Fergie has been rathAH active on "his" forum - the model railroader one, which I think is "normal" for him. However, the guy called marthastrainyard (Per) was active yesterday ‘n today on a different forum than ours. Thought he said he'd be back here in late November??? Has he too decided to give up on us WITHOUT even a fair-thee-well??? Hope not . . .
We've been down this road B4 with guys who are now UTB's . . . gets really OLD thinking one thing ‘n then realizing another. <barf>
Good to see the possibility of getting another customer at the bar. Like the way the guy from Lemay handled his first visit with us. Now to see if he'll be back . . . to "Our" Place - MoPacBarrettTunnel - there's gotta be a "name" attached to that monikAH! In absence of one - I think what Shane dubbed him will 'work' - MoPac!! yeah, that "sounds" right. So UNLESS you tell us otherwise - YOU, Sir are MoPac to us.
Really a great looking Mountain loco ‘n the transfer caboose! Enjoyed the "story" too . . . Fine way to get going at the Watering Hole by the Wayside!
Since I'm the Manager ‘round here, let me know if there's anything I can do to help make you feel at home . . . we pride ourselves on being a small but interactive group. HARDLY the <crap> that goes on elsewhere with the HIT ‘n RUN posts, etc. Nope, we acknowledge the other guy - as you'll find out when you review the pages recommended by Da Bossman!
I see the "beat goes on" with Eric ‘n Pete still stirring the proverbial "pot." Can't get me going guyz - just ain't gonna happen! <grin>
Hey Rob! Some fine "stuff" from our southern Ontario guy . . . good idea about a New Year's blast - BUT I think Cap'n Tom hit it on the head. We're really not "flush" with people as once upon a time. Let's see - New Years Day means all those who are "work day only postAHs" will be gone - then there are those who are away from home (me - Allan in NZ - Pete) and B4 you know it - who is left???? Might be a tough road to hoe - but give it a TRY! If I'm online then, I'll surely participate! [tup
Want to wish Shane a Happy Birthday (29th of Dec) just in case I can't get "in" tomorrow!!
OKRA (Dec 22 - Jan 20) Are tough on the outside but tender on the inside. Okras have tremendous influence. An older Okra can look back over his life and see the seeds of his influence everywhere. You can do something good each day if you try. You go well with most anyone.
Ok - time for another spate of reruns from the Larsman Mobile of Classic Trains "stuff" . . . these are "for" our new friend from Lemay, MO - MoPac! <grin>
MoPac Color Guide to Freight & Passenger Equipment
MoPac Diesel Power
MoPac in Color, Vol 1 - The Era of the Eagles
MoPac in Color, Vol 2 - Screamin' Eagles
Ruth my deAH, another jolt in the coffee mug if you please! <grin> Back with a few more covAHs for MoPac ‘n the crew!
The RETURN of the Larsman Mobile . . . <grin>
MoPac - River & Prairie Rails
Route of the Eagles - MoPac in the Streamlined Era
Four-Eight-Fours on the MoPac
Cabooses of the MoPac Lines
1975-1976 MoPac Annual
The Missouri Pacific Lines in Color
Note: Just a reminder that we try to keep our postings reasonable by NOT overloading the page . . . so six photos is pretty much our "norm" . . . exceptions on Saturdays!
Ruth my deAH, you KNOW where I'll be . . . . <blush>
CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #6 of 8
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.
Go PullmanCOMFORTABLE, DEPENDABLE, AND-ABOVE ALL - SAFE!
CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #7 of 8
<A form of this was initially Posted on 12 Dec 2005, Page 190 on the Original Thread>
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!
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 CentralThe Water Level-Route - You Can Sleep
Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!
Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter