This is ENCORE! Saturday - and - Photo Posting Day!
Remember: "Our" Place is CLOSED on Sundays.
G'day Gents!
Many thanx to our Manager, Lars for the interesting Post and spate of book covers for our ENCORE! Saturday . . .
Here's the final segment of the 4 parter on my May 2005 Canadian Rail Journeys . . .
from back on Page 16 of the original Thread.
Canadian Rail Journey, Part IV and final Wednesday, May 11th, 2005 - a glorious morning in Bedford (Halifax) Nova Scotia and the time has come to bid adieu to family and friends. Arriving at the VIA Rail station in Halifax, we checked in at the Easterly Class kiosk with plenty of time to spare for our 12:40 PM (ADST) departure for Montreal. The familiar sight of Train #15 and its all Budd consist once again rekindled that feeling of anticipation as we checked our luggage into Bedroom D of the Revelstoke Park car (observation dome). "Claude," our attendant greeted us with his typically warm and friendly manner and we settled in to our seats up in the dome - front right. Our train was made up of 13 cars and 2 F40PH locos (#6419 & 6418). The consist: one baggage, three coaches, one Skyline dome car - one dining car - six Chateau series bedroom cars and the Revelstoke Park observation dome car. After snapping off a few more photos, we began our journey along the winding trackage from the station to the shoreline of Halifax Harbor and Bedford Basin. Before to long, the dome filled with travelers as we left Halifax behind and headed up to Truro. The countryside is a pretty sight, replete with large farms, lakes, and lots of new construction. Makes one wonder just where are all the people moving from? Since there are no departures from Montreal (or Halifax) on Tuesdays, there was no passing train to view as we cleared Truro on the way to Amherst, the last station stop in Nova Scotia. {Back at the Halifax there was another Budd consist sitting across the platform that would become Train #15 on Thursday. This is the same train I came in on Monday late afternoon with the Evangeline Park observation dome car.) A thought occurred to me as we wound our way through some really great looking scenery, that this may very well be the last time my wife and I travel the "Ocean" in Budd cars, if at all. As I've indicated in previous "reports," VIA Rail will be shifting all the Budd equipment to western service by January 1st thereby making the "Ocean" an all Renaissance equipment train. Having experienced Renaissance in October of 2004, I doubt that I'll be spending any of my retirement dollars for a repeat performance. As always seems to be the case, we arrived in Moncton, New Brunswick rather quickly, although "Claude" told us we were running about 10 minutes late. With the elegant depots of Amherst and Sackville behind us, the idea that we were heading home settled in. Another 15 minute stop at New Brunswick so we stretched our legs, took some pix, and checked out the dining car menu. Oh no! Not again - same menu as every trip thus far since leaving home! With just two entrees on the menu, the selection does become rather limited when one has been traveling the route for 4 evenings since May 5th. "Claude" told us that the Chaleur, VIA Rail's train to Gaspe, Quebec, may have a schedule change to permit it to make the trip in daylight. Operating on a three day per week departure in each direction, the "Chaleur" is part of the "Ocean's" makeup at Montreal, with the separation occurring at Matapedia. That same stop is where "Chaleur" meets the Montreal bound "Ocean" as well. For the first time in many, many trips, we did not have the "Chaleur" with us, nor did I on my "solo" round trips earlier in the week. Anyway, they say the scenery along the route to Gaspe is really something. Perhaps some day, unless someone decides to put Renaissance on the line for that as well. Rogersville - Miramichi - Bathurst (with some snow still visible) - Petit Rocher - Jacquet River - Charlo and Campbellton (last stop in New Brunswick) all were stops where it appeared more passengers boarded than departed. The Campbellton stop also was our signal to call it a day .... Which we did. Thursday morning found me sitting in the dome at about 5 AM (EDST) as the train backed into the station at Charny, Quebec. I guess I'll never get used to this backing in, backing out business - and yes, it is railroading - but somewhere in my "socialization" regarding railroads, trains are supposed to pull in and pull out. As I thought about this quirk of mine, it occurred to me that even my model railroad "empire" requires backing in or out amongst the 8 consists of passenger cars accommodated at my Can-Am Union Station. Oh well ..... In a perfect world, it surely would be different! With no full breakfast to look forward to in the dining car nor a continental breakfast in the Park car (both discontinued by VIA Rail as cost cutting measures (?)) the day began a bit differently than we were accustomed to. The Park car does offer juices, coffee, tea and hot chocolate along with apples and oranges for the Easterly Class folks. Fortunately, I still had some cookies left from my "solo" trip, so we survived on those until reaching Montreal's Central Station at 8:05 AM (10 minutes early). Once we reached Saint-Lambert, it was time to get our things together as the journey was about to come to an end. This was a bittersweet conclusion for us in that 15 years of travel along the Montreal-Halifax-Montreal round trip route may very well have ended. Once inside the station, we had breakfast at our favorite "sidewalk café" table. Again, each breakfast of two eggs, sausages/bacon/ham with toast and coffee/tea cost $5 (Cdn) each. Had VIA Rail offered the full breakfast, it would have cost us $9 apiece and we would have gladly paid it if for no other reason than to have the ambiance of the dining car along with the views along the way. Alas, change is all about ....... So, that concludes my "report" of our rail experiences in Canada 2005. The intention of these "reports" has been to share my experiences with those of you who appreciate trains - and the "Ocean," with over 100 years of operation, is a "Classic" in every definition of the word. Final pictures will be posted separately ........ See y'all later!
Fotos of these journeys are Posted on the original Thread - scan beginning on Page 12 . . . Here's the URL to get started if you're interested . . .
http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/12/991587/ShowPost.aspx#991587
Later!
Tom
ENCORE! Saturday ‘n Photo Posting Day!
at "Our" Place!
We are CLOSED on SUNDAYs!Starting Sunday at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!
. . . June 24th thru 30th: Murder On The Orient Express (1974) Starring: Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, Martin Balsam, Ingrid Bergman & Jacqueline Bisset - and - Welcome To Mooseport (2004) Starring: Gene Hackman, Ray Romano, Marcia Gay Harden, Maura Tierney & Christine Baranski. SHORT: The Three Stooges - I'll Never Heil Again (1941).
Murder On The Orient Express (1974)
PLOT SUMMARY:
Just the name "Orient Express" conjures images of a bygone era. Add an all-star cast (including Sean Connery, Ingrid Bergman, Jacqueline Bisset, and Lauren Bacall, to name a few) and Agatha Christie's delicious plot and how can you go wrong? Particularly if you add in Albert Finney as Christie's delightfully persnickety sleuth, Hercule Poirot. Someone has knocked off nasty Richard Widmark on this train trip and, to Poirot's puzzlement, everyone seems to have a motive--just the setup for a terrific whodunit. Though it seems like an ensemble film, director Sidney Lumet gives each of his stars their own solo and each makes the most of it. Bergman went so far as to win an Oscar for her role. But the real scene-stealer is the ever-reliable Finney as the eccentric detective who never misses a trick. --Marshall Fine
from: amazon.com
Welcome To Mooseport (2004)
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b222/siberianmo/Movies/51DXPG9GM8L.jpg
Cast your ballot for big laughs when Gene Hackman and Ray Romano find themselves in a hilariously heated race for mayor of Mooseport, Maine. A local plumber (Romano) is plunged into the national spotlight when he takes on the former President of the United States (Hackman), who can't believe he's running against the man installing his toilets! To make matters worse, the ex-prez is trying to steal the election -- and the affection of the handyman's girlfriend (Maura Tierney). Whoever wins, one thing's for sure: this town isn't small enough for the both of them!
SHORT: The Three Stooges - I'll Never Heil Again 941)PLOT SUMMARY: Featuring Moe, Larry & Curly
The Stooges are the same positions they were in YOU NAZTY SPY! and they are still ruling the country of Moronica. The three men of the cabinet who betrayed the king before have turned good and want to help rid of Moe Hailstone, his Field Marshall (Curly) and Minister of Propaganda (Larry). So the king's daughter is sent as a spy and she gives the Stooges a bomb that is inside a cue ball. She tricks them into believing that rulers of other countries are plotting against them, so the rulers and the Stooges play football for a world globe that Moe owns. The Stooges win and end up knocking out all of their opponents. In anger against Moe for not letting him have the globe, Curly throws the explosive cue ball on the ground and it explodes. The Stooges wind up as trophies for the king in the end.
from: threestooges.net
Enjoy! See y'all on Monday . . . Tom
Good day to all from the coaster on my auspicious return to the good ole' US of A!!! Round for all. What have we been up to around the bar of late? I see several unfamilar faces, greetings Gunneral, Allen and Fergimester as well as many familar ones, Sir Tom and the gang seems to have kept Boris accountable for his actions! And, Cindy you're just as lovely as I remember, I see Nick is among our midst, must say that menu looks tempting.
Well here goes some acknowledgements:
Tom, Excelent recollections of your Canadian adventures, not too many oppertunities to travel of late, (I mean, travel unteathered from flak vest and such) I do have a 30 day TDY to Arizona pending, perhaps catch some local rail action, schedule permitting of course. Good job with the acknowledgements, a primary source of getting back up to speed in my case..
CM3:
Never experienced a locomotive simulator, sounds like a blast. I did attend a simulator for the agency I work for, how was I to know it was rigged? Not only did I get my partner and numerous civilians killed I also mannage to permit my vehicle to be blown up. I felt lower then a slugs belly until someone put me wise that this was standard modus-oprandi for newbies!!
Where's Rob been hiding? Howdy Pwolf good, diverese topics as usual, our man of England indeed.
Lovedomes:
Great contributions, We have about 300 MHC cars stored north of us, any takers regarding their ultimate fate...perhaps they could be the solution to the car shortage, a few windows and doors and viola revamped equiptment at a fraction of new!! Speaking of honeydo list you should see mine!! A new residence is not too far in the future as the misses is disgusted with the extensive repairs necessary on the current abode...ye money pit indeed!!!
Hate to run, but duty calls, until then keep the libations and classic railroading conversations flowing.
Dave
l
SPECIAL for West Coast S - Dave
Back, Mate! Great to know that you made it back home from Iraq safely! Won't comment on the 'sound' part, given that we never figured you WERE!
Very sobering to read your reference to what must've been THE single most devastating event in your tour . . . and perhaps your experiences to date. As these weeks progress, I'm sure you'll fill us in on this 'n that . . .
Things are pretty much the SAME in the way we operate the bar - but DIFFERENT in that we've lost several of the "faces" you remember. It won't take you very long to figure out who's remaining and I see you've picked up on several of the new "faces."
Great to have you aboard once again and hope that it won't be too long before we'll be seeing that familiar "West Coast S" popping up on the Forums!
Cindy give the man a "chit" for free drinks 'n lunch for the remainder of the summer! Boris, keeping ringing the GONG - Dave LOVES that!
Tom, how rude of me, did I forget to mention that I got Boris a special gong? You remember my donation of the bell from hell several years ago? Well, wait till Boris gets his paws on this one!!! Must admit it feels odd not being shot at or on constant guard. I'll tell you that doctor that did our medical exams upon our return assumes were all in an advance state of PTSD or are 5150, had to inform him i've been a bit odd my entire life!! My mind is clear, I did what had to be done to the best of my abilities. However, wouldn't have made it without the help of the Clergy, a refreshing inspiration in times of extreme terror, stress and confusion , matter of fact I had one order me to stand down for a week, first time i've had a man of the cloth address me in such a sharp/firm yet reassuring tone.
Well gotta run again, seems we have a major flood somewhere under the kitchen sink that requires my immediate attention, then that issue with the back door needs to be addressed...........Thanks for the chit and all enjoy my welcome back rounds!!
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Bathams please LEON and a round to celebrate DAVE's safe return.
Really late today but I have been doing 'Honey-Dos' all day..I though I would post some photos from Alan and catch up with the replies to the posts Monday if that is OK.
The pictures are from a recent trip Alan went on. One of the places visited was Stratford on Avon in the Midlands of England.The motive power was two of the rapidly deminishing class 37 Co-Co Diesel-Electrics left in service with EWS.
This is 37411 arriving at Stratford.
These two are close ups of 37411. The loco has been painted in BR green which the loco was delivered in, it is also wearing its original number D 6990. The name 'Castell Caerfili' is a recent naming. This is the Welsh Spelling of Caerphilly Castle.
The next two pics are taken at the preserved East Lancs Railway at the Rawtenstall end of the line.
The loco is one of the BR Standard class 9F 2-10-0 frieght engines. This was the last class of steam loco built for BR. The last example No 92220 'Evening Star' was turned out from the ex Great Western Railway works at Swindon in March 1960.
These should enlarge.
Quick Quiz." What on this day 50 years ago disappeared from the streets of Kansas City.
Well LEON another Batham's and the Steak please.
Pete.
Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers waiting for the bar to open tomorrow!
A message slipped through the mail slot this Sunday for WEST COAST S (Dave) - Back to the fold, mate! A five Salute to our Left Coast man of mystery, Dave!
Here's a little something from the archives to make you feel at home:
Until the next time!
Lars
Ahoy Mates!
Another message slipped through the mail slot . . .
'tis the Larsman again - hey, Pete! Aside from Maisie Mayweather no longer "strolling" the streets of KC, I'd say the trolleys gave way to buses 50 years back . . .
Nice spate of pix from your mate, Alan. He must be living the life most of us 'round here dream of having!
Good movie selections, Cap'n Tom - that Orient Express flick brings back many, many memories (in the balcony!) <hee hee> Anyway, never saw the Mooseport movie - might just take it in later in the week.
Hope youse guyz all have a relaxing Sunday - stay cool!
Ooops, now that stupid light is out again! Hard to find the slot. Wait... did I hear something? Let's see. No, the building is all dark, but I can swear I heard a voice that sounded a lot like R... No, can't be. What would she do here this time a Sunday evening. The only one here on a Sunday is Manager La... Hmm. I better drop this and get away. Where is my notebook?
Fergie – Congratulatons to the perfect approach! I bet it is not easy to control a boat in the sea with wind and currents doing their best to get you in the wrong spot at the wrong time. Tom – Gas prices have not jumped here yet. They actually came down to $2.88 (rounded) a few days ago. Why don’t you combine the drive to the dinner train in Nebraska (Fremont?) with a visit at the UP museum in Council Bluffs, IA? It’s on the way. Then you have the Santa Fe museum in Atchison!Your explanation about the guy in the dining car sounds reasonable. Continental Breakfast is usually good enough. Especially if your description of the alternative is correct. Yes, I consider myself lucky when it comes to my job for the railroad. I would do it all over again! Read your final segment of your 2005 Canadian trip! Backing in or out of a station is somehing one prefer not to do. In Europe they usually replace the locomotives with new ones at the other end of the train so they will be able to pull in and pull out.I think there was a mishap about the movies of the week at the Emporium. The plot summary for “Murder on the Orient Express” is about another good movie, The Dirty Dozen. "Welcome to Mooseport" is correct though. I have never seen that movie but it sounds like one worth seeing! Good movies!
Lars – I agree with you about Mike “the Url Guy”! I don’t understand how he can find all those url’s with the perfect pictures and infon on what we are discussing. Must be very time consuming. I always check each and every one of those url’s. Thanks for the link to all the California Zephyr pictures! It must have been something else to ride those train with dome cars! Nice book covers again! I actually remember some of them! Especially the rusty one, Rites of Passage. When I see that case for the SP DVD I remember that SP took a lot of video of the X2000 when it was in California (SP sponsored that part of the tour). I wonder if that video is available today? They had a helicopter taking a lot of footage when we were heading down to Santa Barabra from Oakland. Dave – Good to see you back again, Sir! For you I’ll post a pix of a good looking SP loco, Class SP-2 from Pomona, CA. I have shown it before but it is a good looking locomotive.
Since you are the SP expert here I am asking you if you know of any place where one can find SP-videos?Pete – Some very nice pictures from Alan! I have actually visited Stratford-on-Avon once in the late 70’s. Didn’t see any trains though. It is kind of strange to see the old locos without any headlights at all.
Hooters is not there any more. Union Station St. Louis.
Swedish State Railways Class S1.
Eric
<w/permission: http://www.scenic-railroads.com/>
A smile to begin the week!
Grammy has so many clothes, she never wears the same outfit once.
<A Yogi-ism!>
What's to say other than it's MONDAY! <ugh> Look on the bright side, begin your new week right here by starting off with a freshly ground ‘n brewed mug of coffee, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and perhaps a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board selections! [yeha]
What a week last week was, ,eh We had the return of long-lost Nick - our Manager Lars made it back to ‘work' - and West Coast S Dave is home safely from Iraq! Now that's a sure-fire-winner for us all!
Was a busy, busy week for me at the bar, which isn't all bad, fer sure, fer sure. Just a tad more time at the keyboard to ensure that I've not left anyone out in my acknowledgments . . . after all to preach inclusiveness is to practice it, eh
Observation: One of "our own" has been observed on-line for several days - but NOT here! He's been MIA for several days 'round here . . . It's easy to figure out who is has logged on - just "go" to the FORUMs main Page -scroll to the bottom and click the "options" box - that will show whos "on" . . . also can do that with the Classic Trains (General Discussion) Page - those who aren't signed in are shown as "guests" . . .
Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative):
Lars at 11:02 AM Saturday - July 23rd: A super-fine Post from our Manager, capped off with BOOK COVERS!
Don't quite know what's "with" Boris and the outfit he was wearing on Saturday - he hasn't let anyone "in" on what that was all about. Hmmmmmmmm.
That "teaser" into your early travels aboard the California Zephyr has the makings of a fine "report." Sure, memories of this ‘n that fade over time, but my guess is you've retained sufficient amounts to put together a captivating rail adventure! Also, the URL was "right on" and the Pix tell a great story of what must've been a remarkable experience back in the day . . .
Got a kick out of your comments regarding the dome car and "how to" enjoy the view. Funny, I've thought pretty much the same thing at times. But then again, to each his own, eh But I do concur, the dome was created for views in the panorama mode, not the "directed" view of "side looking."
Thanx for the round!
Dave (West Coast S) at 4:03 PM ‘n 6:21 PM Saturday - June 23rd: Special recognition ‘n comments in my Saturday Post . . . Back, Mate (again)!
Hope you'll be able to review the Pages since your last Post from Iraq . . . the guys asked several questions, but more importantly, they appreciated having YOU back with us - need I say more Take your time, but the Pages are full o' great stuff, especially the fotos from our 2nd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis, and the Pix from the Canada Rail Adventure with Pete. Surely worth the effort . . . plus it will put your mind in a place that you may enjoy being - right HERE at the Saloon by the Siding!
Round appreciated - new bell, welllllllllllllll <groan>
Pete at 8:50 PM Saturday - June 23rd: A fine array of Pix from your friend Alan. What a life this guy leads (echoing sentiments from Lars)! I've "threatened" spending my last 6 months of life doing nothing but traveling aboard Budd stainless steel observation dome cars! <grin>
Round ‘n visit appreciated!
Lars at 7:50 AM ‘n 8:02 AM Sunday - June 24th: An appropriate visit ‘thru the mail slots' from our Manager in tribute to the return of our Left Coast Connection West Coast S Dave!
Nice spate of SP book ‘n video covers to brighten up Sunday for anyone out ‘n about <ooooot ‘n aboooot> for our friends north of the 49th. <grin>
Eric at 11:27 PM Sunday - June 24th: THANX for the ‘correction' - honestly missed that one!
Not a bad thought regarding the "extras" for our very tentative trip to Fremont, NE. HOWEVER, gotta consider the bride's wishes too - she's good about putting up with my eccentricities when it comes to trains and in return, there's gotta be reciprocity! <ooooohhh> <grin>
Of careers and work: There are no "do overs" in life - just "do better"! So, when I look back upon my experiences in what I did for most of my adult life, I can honestly say I'd do it again. It surely wasn't all "fun" and there were times when I surely wished I was elsewhere . . . but as a whole, it was a fine career for me and something that fell into place with the help of "mentors" along the way, if you know what I mean.
Continuing on with Pix from Day Four: Sunday - May 27th, 2007 - en route Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Crossing the St. Lawrence Seaway on the Victoria Jubilee Bridge to Montreal
VIA Rail train at maintenance facility in Montreal
Alstom rail works in Montreal
Train board in Montreal's Central Station - we have arrived!
Montreal's Central Station early Sunday morning
To be continued at the ExpoRail Canadian Railway Museum at Delson/Saint-Constant, Quebec, Canada . . .
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present: coffee, please; round for the house, and $ for the jukebox.
Dave - Welcome back.
OSP - Sent more travelogue pictures. And there is a fine selection of movies for this week. We need to see if we can find the movie "It Happened to Jane," and run that with the original "Out of Towners" for a New Haven double feature. Also, thanks for the rerun of trip report. BTW, the snowplow scenes in "Murder on the Orient Express" were great.
Fergie stopped by - Fish cakes and beans - excellent. We used to have that for breakfast sometimes on Sunday morning - Mom made them up from what was left in the refrigerator. Saturday was dinner was often franks and beans with brown bread. What one of my buddies used to call "Brown beans on brown plates, served in the dark." Baked beans (made from scratch). Good stuff! Glad you "hit the mark," too.
Lars stopped by with the bookmobile and the video van. The B&M book was written by a good friend of mine. Both he and his son worked for the B&M. Nice to see the home folks in your post.
Appreciated your comments on domes. One of my favorite dome trips used to be on the Lake Shore Limited when they had domes. Go up there at night when the dispatcher was weaving the train around a variety of freights and the view was tremendous. Sometimes you could see four+ trains at once. Also have fond memories of the former Wabash dome on the Pocahontas going through the coalfields early in the morning. A couple of GP9s on point, a flock of baggage and express car, and then the rest of the train - with PRR style position signals. There are some other ones as well, but I need to find the right notebook.
Pete - Thanks for the kind words and pictures of the home ground on my mom's side. We had family who worked at Swindon (looong time ago).
Eric - Pentrex is a good source for SP videos. The C&O 4-8-4s were beasts; with 66,450 lb. tractive effort. The 4-8-2s had TF of 58,000 pounds. I will have to dig up some more information for you. Incidentally, they also used 2-8-4s on passenger trains just about everywhere. The 4-8-4s did not run west of Hinton very often, usually when heading to or from Huntington. The 2-8-4s were real runners. I remember a friend's story about moving along the highway heading east from Charleston and being passed by a 2-8-4 with a passenger train. It had made a station stop at Charleston and as he said, it was accelerating when it passed him like "He was nailed to the highway."
614 ran New River Trains between Huntington and Hinton not all that long ago and I was fortunate not only to ride behind it (in a full length dome, yet), but also to get lots of pictures of it at ground level. The domeites would have enjoyed that ride. Yes, Boris, I'll bring pictures to the rendezvous. A magnificent piece of machinery that ran like a watch.
Work safe
Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth my deAH, it's time for a Lars special hero sandwich - I'm hungry for something to put my hands around! So, make it a ham ‘n Swiss, mustAHd ‘n buttAH with two extra large ‘n crunchy pickles from the barrel please. Ah yes, treats for the crittAHs - a saucer of brine for Tex - a tray of seeds for Awk - a bucket of ice cubes for Frostbite and of course a small jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris! I'll have a stein of Rheingold if you please, a round for the boyz and the change is yours!
An interesting weekend and I'm struck by a comment made by our leader. I've noticed over the years that there are those who seem to avoid this place for awhile, then come back with gusto, then are gone again. Such is life, huh? Wouldn't give it too much energy, for it does tend to . . . . <arrrrrggggghhhh> I should know better than to dole out compliments! NevAH mind!
Great to see the return of West Coast S Doug and my hope is we'll be treated to his Southern Pacific (SP) "stuff" once things settle down for him personally and professionally. Best to you, Dave!
Seems like I'm always saying this, but our Cap'n is surely providing the gang with quite a panoply of pix from Canada. Really fine stuff, mate! Looking forward to those Canadian RR museum pix . . .
Yeah, Shane, there's just nothing quite like sitting up in a dome car, especially at night. Every now ‘n then we'd get a car attendant who couldn't figure out that the interior lights needed to be extinguished in order for the full "flavor" of it all to be enjoyed. Eventually he or she would "get it." <arm twisting!> I liked the forward most seats for night viewing - in the daytime it didn't matter to me where I sat, but up forward was great to watch the "dancing" headlight" and all of the landscape, dark notwithstanding. Made for some truly memorable times that I'll nevAH, evAH forget.
The newer versions of those domes, like the Superliner sightseer lounges and the more recent Ultradomes by Colorado railcar (like the ones Tom traveled aboard in Alaska), really have taken that kinda thing to a different level. I've never quite understood the rationale behind putting so few in a consist of long distance trains. To me, those cars are the SELLING POINTS! Good grief Charlie Brown, it ain't "rocket surgery"! <grin> Yeah, Boris - I KNOW it should be . . . oh nevAH mind! <frown>
Hey Eric! Was that YOU sneaking a peak UNDER the door to the Penthouse Suite?? We I heard a <bump> when I opened the door, but the hallway was dark. You wouldn't have a <bump> on your forehead now, wudja???
Figured I'd give it another "go" at the admin "stuff" then I'm gonna have to take off for a bit. We've got some things to take care of . . . Should mention that I was at the Mets game yesterday. SWEEP! Number two son gets the greatest seats . . . anyway, first game for me this year and I'm getting "warmed up."
Cards are in town for a series - I doubt it will be anything like the playoffs of last season! Let's Go Mets!
One more Ruth, then WE must get to <ahem> business . . .
G-day Tom and all present!
Ruth- Could a get a "cold" glass of OJ and a turkey sandwich, Thanks... Oh and a round for the guys to make my time up for the days I was gone.... Make a special one for our friend Dave. Thanks again.
<phew> I tell ya, it's been a busy week for all here in the northern part of the states and HOT!!! I think it reached 90 yesterday with 100% humidity. Now that's hot...... I did get my new camera though.!!! Ooh it is nice. I will post some pics here later on. I see we have had a return from one of our members. Welcome back Westcoast S Dave!!! Good to see you back in the US of A.
Okay on to some acknowledgements starting from the most recent.
Tom- Thanks for the story about the return trip from Halifax. You certainly know how to spruce a story up. Now I need to go back and thoroughly read the first three so I can see how it was spent. Also thanks for the link to the pics from your Canada trip. Much appreciated.
One of these days I would like to go see a station that is actually in use. Your pics from the Montreal Central station just make me want to go. I did get to see the Milwaukee Road's depot in Minneapolis and it has its great hall still intact from the time it was built. There's nothing like going back in time inside an old train station. It's hard to imagine in some of those stations that many people came through at one point in time to ride a train... All I can say, is that, it's a feeling like no other... Thanks for all of the pics from the rendezvous. Always a good sight to see.
West Coast Dave- Well I'm glad you pulled through and came home safe and sound. But I've got a question for you now. I have heard that you know quite a bit about the Southern Pacific.. I found a picture of the Daylight steamer... except... it was all Black and had the southern Pacific logo. I thought all of the steamers that ran the daylight had the sunset scheme, or am I wrong It just seamed odd. Lars has a pic of it on one of his movie covers. I'm guessing it was used for freight, right Anyway, glad to have you back.
Pete- Good to see some pics from across seas. I have a question about those Class 37 diesel electrics. Where were they built and by who And do you know what kind of an engine they have in them Just curious to see if they resemble any of the locos over here with what they use for a prime mover. Also thanks for the nice pics of that 2-10-0 steamer. I would like to see some more steamer here in the U.S. It would be cool to see steam more often. Also, to try and answer your quiz, I remember an article back in the thread about a tram line that had fallen and had completely disappeared, but they had planned on restoring one of th trams. but I don't remember if it had disappeared 50 years ago in Kansas City.. Am I getting close
Lars- Thanks for all of the great looking book covers. I'm glad you chose to show those. I was quite anxious to ask about that steamer. You always seem to come in at the right time, which is a good thing. Thanks again. Well to answer your question about Sunday... I wish it was relaxing... It was to Hot to do much. I would like that lake to kick in soon with it's breezes...
Eric- Good to see another pic from the St Louis museum and a few others to make this place interesting. As I have probably said, that museum does phenomenal work when it comes to restoring pieces of railway history. I'm sure they have quite a few other to restore but what they have done still blows me away. Also thanks for the neat little Swedish steamer pic. I always like seeing those little steamers chugging away down the line. Thanks again.
Happy railroading
James
EricX2000 wrote: Fergie – Congratulatons to the perfect approach! I bet it is not easy to control a boat in the sea with wind and currents doing their best to get you in the wrong spot at the wrong time. Eric
Fergie – Congratulatons to the perfect approach! I bet it is not easy to control a boat in the sea with wind and currents doing their best to get you in the wrong spot at the wrong time. Eric
Well it wasn't too bad a gentle breeze, slight swell and 4 ALCO's. Ya Baby Ya!!
Hudson has 44 year old train engines in her. KISS I'd say
Well not much out here today just clear skies and some Thunderstorms in the forecast.
Love to stick around but had the Fisherman's platter for lunch
Later All
Fergie
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959
If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007
Thanks Ruth but I'm good for now... But if the guys want another get'em one. I'll pay, ThanksWhen I was thinking about what pics I would like to show you, I thought about the museum here in Duluth. I don't think you have seen it yet. And thinking there were plenty of pics from Tom's homestead I thought I would join in.
So here goes. These are all taken with my new camera. I am still learning how to use all the functions on the camera but I thought these turned out best.
Here is a pic of the first NP steamer. An the William crooks next to that.
Here is our Northland Business car. The thing about this car is that it was made of complete metal and yet when you go inside it looks like wood. Some painters spent more time than I wish to count and handed painted all the metal to look like a fine grain mahogany wood. And it fools anybody everytime. I will see if I can get a pic of the inside.
Here are our two snowplows. The first plow to the right is called a wedge snowplow. It just pushes the snow to the side. The second plow is a rotary snowplow and blows the snow away from the tracks. It's pretty cool.
This SD45 is one of the last Wisconsin Central SD45s to ride the rails of Wisconsin. When the CN took over the WC 4 years ago they had decided to scrap all of the SD45 due to there voracious appitite for fuel. So the last one came to the Museum. Now there is a reason why we picked this one to come to the Museum here in Duluth. Can anyone tell me why?
And a few of our volunteers getting the SOO Line GP30 #700 ready for the Pizza train. Just a neat shot.
Enjoy!
Continuing on with Pix from Day Four: Sunday - May 27th, 2007 - ExpoRail Canadian Railway Museum at Delson/Saint-Constant, Quebec, Canada
Entering ExpoRail
Old Sydney Collieries (OSC #25) - Built by Baldwin (1900)
Canadian Pacific (CP #7077) S-2 - Built by Montreal Loco Works (1948)
"In" ExpoRail
Streetcar built by Canadian Car & Foundry (1928)
Pix aboard the trolley!
To be continued . . .
Hi Tom and all
A pint of Holden's please RUTH.
ERIC Great photo of the Second Class Saloon. I see the patrons are wearing ties; it must have been a special occasion. Does ‘Eastern Beers Only' mean that no Coors Light.
There are a good number of freight cars behind the locomotives on Amtrak 42.
Half right in the quiz is the best yet.
With the Leyland Railbuses I am sure I read there was one on a preserved line over here, thanks for the link. I have wracked my brains but can't think where I saw it; perhaps it will come back to me. I am pretty sure some of the Leyland National buses did have a set of doors half way down the vehicle to help with unloading, although the ones in my area only had the front doors. It would be interesting to know many Nationals were sold, as they seemed to be everywhere at one time.
As Tom says I am not so stealthy aboard train, but a quick chance of a cigarette break at a station then.
The station at Stratford On Avon is a little way out of the town center. There have been a regular steam train run from Birmingham to Stratford on Sundays during the summer. There are usually two trips generally with ex Great Western Railway engines supplied by Tyseley museum.
As it was law from the start that railways in the UK had to be fenced so locomotives did not carry headlights, even the early diesels and electrics. All the locomotives and units now carry a high intensity headlight.
Great photo of the S1
FERGIE I have not had a fish cake for ages. They were a staple diet of the school dinner; we did not know what was in them, which was probably just as well. There were also on the menu of a lot of Fish and Chip shops in the UK, some were very good. Tom and I also had a good ‘Chowder' in Halifax.
Some of the best Chicken Wings I have had for a while was at the TrainWreck Saloon during the rendezvous.
Sounds a great bit of ‘Boat Driving'
Safe Voyage.
LARS Great words in your post. As you say, there is such great material back at the old Our Place. Unfortunately it is very seldom I do go back there but when I do I get engrossed and it is usually well over an hour before I emerge again.
Enjoyed reading your experience of riding the California Zephyr in C&O days and with dome cars in the train. Owing to the loading gauge in the UK there is nothing like them there and having had an experience of traveling in one I can imagine what a great experience it must have been to travel through the scenery the Zephyr went through in a dome. Thanks for the link it gives a good idea of traveling through the Rockies in a dome.
Good to see the book covers encore. Looking at the ‘Rites of Passage' cover I still wonder how long that wagon as stood in that same spot by the state of the rail.
Great words and book covers for Dave.
YES it was 50 years ago Saturday that the last Kansas City Streetcar ran. As a prize I will stock the Manager's Private Bar with some Bathams
There may be a small problem with the Our Place Admin, I caught BORIS feeding TEX some invoices while you was away. TEX was doing a good impression of the Aflac goat.
DAVE Really great to have you back, many thanks for the kind words.
Looking forward to some SP material when you can.
CM3 Did any of your family work at the Great Western railway works in Swindon. It was the town's largest employer for many years.
Many thanks for sharing those great Dome car memories.
Panic sets in with me when we get down to the last can of beans
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, good to see you. A ham sandwich, please! On rye, of course. Coffee!
Quite a few things going on here today, sorry, yesterday.
Tom – I agree 100%, there was times when I wish I was somewhere else, for sure! But all together it has been very interesting and fun! See pix below. Two of the train crew is enjoying a break. So I know exactly what you mean. Nice pictures as always! I have been to Montreal by train but we did not stop at the Central Station. We stopped somewhere next to a closed station, don’t remember the name.Was train 696 to New York replaced by a bus?Was that steam locomotive (OSC #25) sitting on a piece of a bridge or turntable? I understand why you mentioned earlier that the Exporail was something for Rob! CM3 – Fish cakes? I heve never been big on fish. We had fish (herring) once a week when I grew up and that was enough for the rest of my life. I have checked Pentrex, but they do not have the video I am looking for. I don’t know what SP did with that video. Maybe the tape is sitting in a dusty corner in a closet. Who knows? Lars – Me sneaking a peak? No, I would never do such a thing. At least not very often. The bump is almost gone now. James – St. Louis Museum of Transportation has a lot of cars and locomotives to restore. I just hope they have money enough to be able to do it. That Swedish steamer is kind of new, built 1952.Very nice pictures from the museum! I tried to figure out why you picked SD45 #7495 to come to Duluth. I checked population of Duluth, position (latitude, longitude), roads, etc. but I just don’t know. Fergie – How many engines? Four? 44 year old, does that mean that Hudson also is 44 year old? If I recall correctly you should be back in Halifax late next week, right? Questions, questions.Pete – "Eastern Beers Only" means (among other things) no Coors Light, so I don’t think you would like to go there, right?I’ve tried to find out about any remaining Leyland RailBus in the US and it seems like there is one. It has been in West Virginia 2000 and later at Connecticut Trolley Museum. But according to their website they don’t have it anymore. http://www.metropolitanrailway.co.uk/pacer2.htmFinally a reminder. What is this?
Answer tomorrow.
What better way to begin the day, even if it's Tuesday, than to have a fresh cuppa Joe, some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and perhaps a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board
CLARIFICATION may be in order: The Double Standard really is NOT alive ‘n well here at the bar insofar as Pix are concerned. "Batch" Posting of Pix is encouraged for Saturdays - the day set aside for that sort of thing. However, Pix are ALWAYS welcome during the week - supplemental to a current or on-going topic of discussion.
Bottom Line: Where possible, let's keep in mind that DIALOGUE "rules" - followed by Pix ‘n URLS . . .
DID YOU KNOW The last time we saw trolleyMAN Rob at the bar was May 12th and June 16th was the last time we were visited by barndad Doug - the Barn Weevil. Also - passengerfan Al (20 Fingers) was logged on last evening - imagine that!
Cards 8 - Mets 3! But wait a second . . . that's the number of HITS. Score turned out different in 11 innings. <groan>
CM3 Shane at 9:02 AM Monday - June 25th: As always, a well-rounded spate of dialogue capped with a round ‘n quarters for Herr Wurlitzer!
Always look forward to beginning the week with Shane at the throttle! <grin> Movie suggestions appreciated and will be researched . . .
Enjoyed the "dome" references . . . while I've not traveled those routes in a dome car, I can "relate" to your observations from elsewhere. It's THE way to go . . .
Doesn't appear that we're getting very many ‘takers' for the 2nd installment of our Grudge Match Dart's Challenge with the Second Class Saloon goons. Thus far I've "counted" only Lars as "in" - but we have plenty of time. The trophy we won is "good" ‘til the fall . . .
Lars at 11:35 AM Monday - June 25th: The Larsman returneth with some wit, some profundities and as always, that tempting bit about <ahem> admin work . . .
Appears as if you started something with the "dome dialogue" - good going! Still would like to read a bit more about your California Zephyr experiences - old ‘n new would be just fine.
Thanx for the Email . . . and Let's Go Cardinals!
James at 11:40 AM Monday - June 25th: Didn't know who you WERE, ‘til it dawned on me that it's our Duluth Connection! <grin>
Hot up your way doesn't bode well for the rest of summer. A strange world we're living in these daze, especially when it comes to climate . . .
The Montreal Central Station seems to be always busy, although there are "lulls" - between train arrivals. That station has access to the Montreal metro (subway) system as well as the commuter trains. VIA Rail trains and the one Amtrak rail arrival per day rounds it out. Great place to "people watch" . . .
Good luck with your camera, and thanx for the round!
Fergie at 11:58 AM Monday - June 25th: The sailor returns! Now, I'm wonderin' about ya, Mate. This IS the Ether - this IS a CYBER bar ‘n grill - AND this isn't REALITY, as such. Sooooooooo, just because one eats and/or drinks in reality doesn't mean one cannot imbibe here in the X ‘n O dimension! <grin>
Four locomotive engines runnin' that vessel of yours, eh Sounds like she has LOTSAPOWER!
Appreciate the visit . . .
James at 12:28 PM Monday - June 25th: Five "new" Pix <with descriptions> from your "new" camera!
Great looking SD45 in the Wisconsin Central livery - but I have no clue regarding the answer to your question . . .
Pete at 6:18 PM Monday - June 25th: Good to see ya, Mate and glad the ExpoRail Pix came thru okay . . .
Yeah, that was a "test" regarding the mix-up with the movie descriptions.
Driving a ship is an expression that applies more to the person giving the orders than to the person at the helm. That's in the "for what it's worth" department. <grin>
I think the reason the pro-sports guys of old were indeed more in touch with the public because they lived a lifestyle more in tune with the economics of the working man. For example, it was COMMON to go into the local bars near Ebbets Field in Brooklyn and find a player or two - perhaps even the manager, sipping a cool one after a game. Try that in your local pub these days . . . yeah, right.
Regarding the wide page phenomena - just use a smaller font with any URLS that appear to take up an entire line. It works - Lars "proved" that . . .
Hey! A pix of Moi aboard the ExpoRail streetcar! Good memories, eh
The advertis
Ruth my deAH, you are the bright note in this fine day and let me join the list of admirers in saying so! <blush>
Let's see, perhaps just a mugga Joe with a jolt should do it for me along with a cuppla crullers from the Mentor Bakery case. <grin> Ah, I see the crittAHs are all lined up, paws extended - so it's time again for TREATS! Boris, you of course get the small jar of pickled pig's feet AFTER you fill the seed tray for Awk, saucer of brine for Tex and bucket of ice cubes for Frostbite!
Mets won! Mets won! Mets won! A walk-off blast by Green and the Red Birds are Dead Birds! <grin> Only three more to go for the "sweep"!
What's to talk about this day aside from those marvelous pix dropped off by our leader - twice - yesterday! Now we're "into" the Expo Rail museum with some fine looking machines to check out. I've checked the web site a few times and aside from a bit of navigating difficulties, have found the place to be one well worth visiting. Of course I can't imagine getting my aging stern section up to Quebec anytime soon - but nevAH say nevAH.
Speaking of Quebec, I used to ship out with a couple of guys from that part of the world. Great sailors and fine shipmates. Used to tell stories that would keep you in stitches and they had ‘that' quality about ‘em that just made you appreciate having ‘em aboard. Wonder what happened to . . .
For Eric: Now THAT's a fine looking lady, my friend! Sure didn't have "crew" like her when I was "working" for a living. Youse guyz in Sweden KNOW how to take a break. <grin> Figured it was YOU at the door . . . next time watch out for the "trap" that will be set. <uh oh>
For Pete: Beans on toast?!?!? Hmmmmm, you definitely are in need of some help. Figured that pix of you aboard the trolley had something to do with perhaps a great looking steam loco from the UK. But, maybe the Cap'n hit the nail on the head!
The Bathams isn't such a bad brew - just "sneaks" up on ya! <grin>
For James: I see you made it back and not too soon either, as the ‘wrath' of Manager Lars was just about to make an appearance. It's not the idea of one having other things going on in life - we all do - it's being on the Forums and NOT spending even a few minutes that "bugs" the likes of me and others. We saw that far too many times with a few guys who are no longer around the place - RIP. Well, that's over ‘n done for now.
Your new camera appears to be doing what it's supposed to do. Although I never found reason to find fault with any past submissions. Nice to add the narratives - helps.
Don't have a "clue" regarding the answer to your question.
For Fergie: I see you're on-line this morning . . . Anyway, 4 Alco's, huh Can you be a bit more specific with the details??? Powerful loco engines "work" quite well especially in the rather stressful shipboard environment.
Fish cakes used to be a "staple" of diet aboard many a vessel I've signed on with. Of course, there's NO particular recipe - NO one-size-fits-all. A "cake" is a "cake" is a "cake" ISN'T. It's really what "cookie" has left around in the reefer . . . Sounds far worse than they taste.
Time for me to get going with the day routine. Hope youse guyz are all doing well and I'm looking forward to the next ‘round of submissions!
Ruth, set ‘em up and Boris, ring the bell!
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Shaping up to be a warm one today in the coalfields. Gas is at $2.95 and holding, until someone sneezes in Moronica. I am trying to remember which Stooges short took place in "Vulgaria." I do remember the slogan - come on Boris and join in - "Viva Vulgaria, Viva Vulgaria, A Vivo - A Vyvo, A Vivio, a Vivo, Voom!" The mascots love that one as they all get to participate.
Lars stopped by - Glad you got to see a game. We can't afford to see the Sox play. Tickets+travel makes it prohibitive. I saw some of the construction on the new stadium. The guys on ESPN said it's to be called "Citi" Park; I assume for the bank? "Cards be dead," much as I hate to say it.
James visited with comments and pictures. The Northland is a fine looking car. The snowplows are always interesting beasts. RRs up home had a bunch of different ones. Which railroad did the wedge plow come from? As for the SD45, I'll try a guess. It can't be the first one as that's already preserved (and nicely, too); so I'll guess that maybe it's the last one built.
OSP sent some fine pictures and comments. The S2 brought back lot's of memories, especially in the correct paint.
Pete - I believe they did work at Swindon. One I recall hearing about made steel. Svereal others took large pieces of metal and made useful objects from them. Reminds me of the old shop guy saying, "It's really simple - start with a block of metal and chip out everything that doesn't look like a locomotive."
Eric - Which SP video are you hunting for?
Well, I'm off to the frozen north (yeah, right at this time of year). See you all abt. July 16.
Say it isn't so CM3!! Gone 'til mid-July. Well, a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do, eh Enjoy your vacation!
Great having you 'n Lars on board this morning . . . Although I need to remind myself about being a "sore loser" <groan> <mumble> <grumble>
Canadian National Railways (CNR #5550) 4-6-2 - Built by Montreal Loco Works (1914)
SNCF (France) 030C841 (0-6-0) - Built by S.A.C.M (1883)
British Rail (BR #60010) 4-6-2 Dominion of Canada "The Flying Scotsman" - Built by Doncaster (1937) - Pete's in "heaven"!
Canadian National Railways (CNR #5702) Hudson 4-6-4 - Built by Montreal Loco Works (1930)
Narrow passageway!
A pint of Bathams XXX and a round please to celebrate Tom's great photos of No 60010 and the other locomotives at the CNRM.
ERIC Many thanks for the link to LEV 1 and its sisters. They were I suppose a reasonable attempt to provide a service on lightly used branch lines, but with the single cars on BR now the class 153 (which were originally 2-Car class 155s, also built by Leyland, but with two 4 wheel bogies per car) at busy times can be coupled together and have a corridor connection at the ends of the cars.
I see it says in the link that all 5 cars have survived. Also in the link it mentions the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum at Cultra not too far from Belfast Northern Ireland, this is an excellent museum too often overlooked by the railfans of mainland UK. It has an example of the largest class of steam loco to work in Ireland' no 800 Meadbh (named after an ancient Queen Of Ireland and also a Northern Counties Committee 4-4-0 locomotive Dunluce Castle resplendent in LMS Maroon, a very similar loco motive to the Midland Railway class 2Ps but of 5' 3" track gauge.
With the picture, is it part of the secondary suspension I don't know which car it is on so, when in doubt I will say Aerotrain.
As to the photo at the start of the post, as Tom says Tell us more Tell us more
LARS Actually I think that the ad on the Streetcar concerned La Madames de la Motion Perpetuale a' la Quartier Chaud.
When we were talking to the chap at the museum in Quebec he said that they may be expanding quite soon, it is a good size now. Their main hall is a great building, as Tom's photos will show.
Are you sure you have never tried Batham's that is exactly the effect the bitter does have, the Christmas time ‘Special', the XXX, though is strong tasting right from the start but still with the distinctive Batham's taste Alan tells me he is off to the two Batham's pubs in the Stourbridge next week, no doubt calling at the Brewery Tap in the Delph if time permits, all by bus and train.
CM3 I think the Stooges in ‘Vulgaria' was on at the Emporium a few weeks back.
Yes those were the days when the big railway works and large manufactures produced nearly every thing in the works from bolts to main frames and wheels of all sizes from the basic steel. I guess there are not many factories in the West that do that now.
Just a question if I may, with some relatives working for the Great Western Railway I believe you said you was, like me, an LMS fan.
Have a great vacation..
TOM You are right about the sportsmen compared with yesterday and the present, on a radio programme there was an old soccer fan who could remember players catching the same tram as some of the early fans to the ground.Times have indeed changed
It is a shame that the guidebook is not up to date. It would not hurt just to have a loose page telling of the additions and the equipment that as moved away since the main book was published.
Great photos of 60010. I had forgotten you had taken a photo of the inside of the corridor tender. It was hard to take photos in that shed where no 10 was,but yours have come out really well. I took a few of the loco but only a couple are worth showing
Almost a drivers eye view of Dominion of Canada.
A bit out of focus, I'm afraid but it shows the controls of 60010
After Tom and I had been through the corridor tender. In the footsteps of the Top-Link crews on the East Coast Main Line of British Railways.The crew from Haymarket Depot, Edinburgh would change over from the London King's Cross crew just north of York at the Half- way stage of the 393 mile non stop journey of The Elizabethan train. The first compartment in the leading car was reserved for the enginemen. The non stop run was made possible by water troughs( I believe they are called 'Pans' over here) so the loco could pick up water without stopping, through the 'scoop' which is mentioned in Tom's last photo.
The paintwork on the loco is the original that was applied, no doubt to the disgust of LNER fans,at the ex LMS works at Crewe in the mid 1960s before the loco was shipped over to Canada.
Tom Despite Eric saying that the Second Class Saloon doesn't sell Coors
Afternoon all: pint of the house special. I see Boris is enjoying his exotic gong...Dang that thing has more of a, how does one desribe it? Appreciate the saluations offered by all.
Nuff, let's talk trains, especially those of the SP variety, but first some acknowledgements:
Tom: Enjoyed the Rail Expo tour, the most unremarked and forgotten expo in my humble opinion was the one presented by the Southern Pacific in 1915, in conjunction with the Pan-Pacific Exposition, amazing that a key featured locomotive, a 4-4-2 survives yet today and until the end of the steam era, one on the display halls was in use as a enginehouse in Gerber, CA., far removed from the exposition site!! Sunday photo (those that would load) are amazing, we have some talented folks among us!!
Eric: SP video? More information please, I should be able to help in your search..Ah yes, the 5011 one of ten 4-10-2's on the system, the only steam locomotive to recieve class four repairs after total dieselization (overhauled at the Santa Fe's San Bernadino shops in 1960 for a possible SP steam excursion program that never came to be) and the only survivor of her type. Hard to imagine such massive machines ending their days in commute and local passenger service, but such was the case.
CMSTPP: I suspect you have seen that much circulated photo of a GS6 "War Baby", Lima delivered six to the SP in 1943 (an additional six were diverted to the Western Pacific), they were unadorned to satisfy the War Production Board, they never wore Daylight or recieved skirts and other trim as displayed by other GS classes. There are two prevailing thoughts of how this non standard lettering came to be: It was done for economy reason, possible, SP had begun to phase out tender lettering during the war and the fact all GS6's were delivered, by oversite in obsolete 1937 lettering , never the less, SP was in no hurrry to correct this, many ran out their days as delivered. I have have also heard this tale: That it was done by a West Oakland paintshop man who was curious how the standard freight stencil would fare. He acquired such a stencil from the car shop and completed the job. A SP photographer, who was present for a unrelated event, captured this never authorized lettering arraignment. After the photo shoot, the tender was quickly restored to standard. Written evidence also suggest the possibility that a GS6 was done with the freight stencil by the shopman in Portland, but there is no photographic evidence to prove it. Either way it makes for the extremely rare and most interesting might have been.
The former Daylight engines ended their days in black, stripped of skirts, the last as built examples operated in modified Daylight colors and full side skirts until early 1955 or so before being demoted to commute and freight duty,wherupon the bright plummage was discarded, some retained their skirts for a short time however. GS-5 4458 concluded long haul steam passenger operations on the southbound (Eastbound per SP timetables)San Joaquin Daylight in September 1957, in black I might add.
Greetings Mr. Domes, Sports casting today is but one example of our failed education system, I swear I need the services of a ten year old to translate!! Guess its a generation thing, all the greats are long gone!!!
Afternoon, CM3, PWolf and our resident interurban expert Rob and the extensive writings of Mr. Lars.
What, I have to go back to work? dang, i'd much rather remain where I am, but those billls don't pay themselfs.
Until my return, keep the conversation and libationsflowing
Leon- Could I get a small turkey sandwich and a coffee. Thanks!
Okay, It seems we have had a lot of people on and didn't show up.... I think that included me........ hmmm. Well I.. I can move on now... To some great acknowledgements.
I am going to do the most recent then work on the other pages tomorrow morning.
But before any of that, the answer to my question. CM3 was the closest. Even thought it wasn't the last one built, it was the first one built for a certain railroad. The WC's SD45 came from the Burlington Northern and those came from either the Northern Pacific, or the Great Northern. The 7495 was the first SD45 the Northern Pacific purchased. The spotting features on it are hard to tell apart since the locomotive has gone through some extensive rebuilding. But if go back through the History of the WC you could find it. Leon, get CM3 a round of his choice please.
Tom- Thanks for the great pics. I am actually wondering why the OSC #25 was sitting on a bridge portion. Is this so it can be moved easier without the steamer having to be taken apart But it was an interesting photo. Oh and thanks for the great pic of the S-2... but it wasn't built by the ALCO company. I see it was built by MLW which I sometimes get confused with the Milwaukee's reporting marks.. MILW. But a cool photo none the less. I love seeing those old locomotive still around. Neat photo, thanks. Thanks for the other great photos.
I was quite surprised to see a British locomotive in Canada. And a question just popped in. Why are there bumpers on the British locos I have always wondered what they did with them. Anyway, thanks for all of the great photos from the museum. To me it looked like a treasure cove for railway artifacts. Neat stuff.
Pete- Well, it seems that the class 37s weren't all that similar to our locomotives. Thanks for the good explanation about them.
90 MPH!! Watching a steam engine doing 90 would be a very impressive sight indeed. I have yet to see that...... If I ever see it, that is. Thanks for all of the great info. And when it came to the street cars... I took an educated guess. I just remembered someone on here talking about them and how they were all but lost except one and the city or some group had plans on restoring it.. But I am quite happy I have retained some of the information that I have learned here. It really has helped!!
Also thanks for the interior shots of that 4-6-2. To me it's a little less complicated than what I have seen. I have seen some cabs so full of knobs and doodads that you'd think the thing would blow up if you touched one... Thanks again.
Eric- Well I have to say you did put in sometime trying to find out my question so have a drink on me. I just can't let you hang there for trying.. Thanks. Okay, before I look at your answer in your next post, about, "what this is," I want to guess. That would be the side frame of the locomotive truck. You can see the wheel and the traction motor under the loco. I can also see the bolster where the locomotive sits on the truck. Does that sum it up a little? But I'm not to sure what locomotive this would be. Just by the looks I would say it's an Amtrak P42... But, I'm not sure.
Lars- Well, I'm glad I wasn't gone for two weeks... But, your right, I think if we have the time to come on, we could at least check up and say, "Hi." It would be a courteous thing to do. I will keep it in mind the next time. I'm glad you liked the last pics before the new camera's photos. This one just gives a more clear photo. It is nice indeed. Thanks for mentioning.
CM3- The Northland is indeed a fine car. I just need to get some photos from the inside to show you. It really is stunning. The brass railings pop out in the museum among the older less stylish equipment... Well it is all pretty stylish.. Both the snow plows came from the Northern Pacific. And you are able to walk inside both of them. That's what really attracts people, the walk in tours. It's pretty neat stuff.
Dave- Thanks for answering my question. I'm glad we have some steam guys around. For I am not one to know about steam engines even though they are some of the neatest locomotives, especially the articulated steamers. Your explanation was very informative and in depth. Thanks again. If I have another SP question (more than likely will happen on this thread) I will be sure to ask you.
Well, I better be on my way, until tomorrow.
Leon, I think it is the right time for a coffee and a big Cheese Danish!
Kind of quiet day today at the Bar. But some nice pictures from ExpoRail!
Tom – If you need a guy for the Dart team I’ll be happy to volunteer. I’ll start some practicing this next weekend. Victoria Station? Could be. I have a picture that shows the station building in the background. I’ll scan that and show it later. We trained all on board personnel for the X2000 the first year and among them there was a great number of very nice girls! One of the girls from the very first gang is in that picture. I think #25 is on a piece of a bridge. Interesting pictures from ExpoRail! Especially the inside of the tender with a built in passage way! I have never seen that before. Pete looks relaxed and at home in front of that locomotive! Lars – Breaks are important as you can see! Trap? There is no need for a trap. Leave the door open instead! Just a little bit.CM3 – When we were in California with the X2000, Southern Pacific sponsored that visit. During our run from Oakland to Santa Barbara SP had leased a helicopter with a photograhper who filmed while following the train all the way to Santa Barbara. I don’t know if SP had that video published or not, but if it is available I would like to get a copy of it. Have a nice vacation! Or is it work related? Have a nice time anyway!!Pete – Is that name of the Irish Queen mispelled or is that how it is spelled? Sorry, but your guess is wrong. Both what it is and where it is located. What you see is what is leading the air from the traction motor blower under the hood down to the traction motor in the truck of a DD40AX. I guess the cab on the Flying Scotsman was closed and locked? No, you got that picture from the inside of the cab, so it must have been open. I wonder what the Captain was thinking about in your picture? Nice pictures! More, please!Dave – As I told CM3 above, Southern Pacific sponsored the X2000 visit to California. During our run from Oakland to Santa Barbara SP leased a helicopter with a photograhper who shot a video while following the train all the way to Santa Barbara. I don’t know if SP had that video published or not, but if it is available I would like to get a copy of it.I love #5021! A beautiful locomotive. But shouldn’t the smokebox be painted silver?
James – Thanks for the drink! Then I’ll buy you one! You are right about a truck and traction motor. But you are wrong about what locomotive. It is an UP DD40AX! The one they have at St. Louis Museum of Transportation.
Wednesday's Witticism
Important comes in two sizes - yours and mine.
Cards 12 - Mets 6 <ooooops> did it again - those are the hits. Cards won in 11th, 5 to 3. No sweep for the MonsterMets! <grin>
And so another md-week in mid-continent USA has arrived. Enjoy a cuppa Joe, a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board and of course a few pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery!
It's gonna be rather lonely ‘round here without CM3 Shane for the next few weeks - but at least we KNOW he'll be back amongst us once his vacation comes to an end. Soooooo, if there's anyone out there willing ‘n able to pick up on the morning "slot" - feel free!
Lars at 9:09 AM Tuesday - June 26th: Really a treat having our Manager back on a regular basis! There are guys who I really depend upon for help ‘round here to keep the place up ‘ running and you, Sir, fall into that category along with Pete - Eric ‘n Shane - regulars in word ‘n deed, fer sure, fer sure!
Cards finally won a game against your Mets - first one this season. No doubt in my mind that the New York NL entry should once again be right up there with the best of ‘em. Cards are a mere shadow of what they should ‘n could be.
Thanx for the visit ‘n round!
CM3 Shane at 10:28 AM Tuesday - June 26th: Say it isn't so! Gone-zo ‘til mid July! <ugh> What's the bar gonna do without those Monday thru Friday rounds ‘n quarters
That reference to "Moronica" comes from The Three Stooges 1940 flick, "You Nazty Spy!" which was shown over at the Emporium Theatre on March 11th thru 17th, 2007.
In this satire of the *** the stooges are paperhangers in the country of Moronica. When evil cabinet ministers overthrow the king, they decide to make Moe the new ruler as he'll be stupid enough to follow their orders. Moe becomes Dictator, Curly is a Field Marshal and Larry becomes Minister of propaganda. After successfully preventing a female spy from committing mayhem, the boys are run out of office by a mob and eaten by lions.
"Vulgaria" is a fictional European barony visited by the Potts family and Truly Scrumptious in their amazing flying car, in the classic children's film/stage musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. <source: Wikipedia>
And yes, the Stooges also had a flick using that "place" - "Dutiful But Dumb (1941) which viewed recently - June 3rd thru 9th!
Three dimwitted photographers get sent to Vulgaria to take pictures of a new death ray machine. Unknown to the stooges, the penalty for snapping pictures in Vulgaria is death. The stooges manage to escape a firing squad but get carried away(literally) by the Vulgarian army in the end.
Enjoy your well earned vacation . . .
Pete at 4:51 PM Tuesday - June 26th: You're "down" for the next Grudge Match Dart's Challenge with the Second Class Saloon - which I heard has stocked up on <Coors Light>!
Great to see those Pix from our visit to ExpoRail! Aside from the one with the blur, they look just fine. While I've only been to a few rail museums - the 1st was up in Vermont at Steamtown in Bellows Falls, but I believe the inventory has since relocated - I have to say that ExpoRail is by far the best I've seen. What a place and one could spend two full days enjoying the collection . . .
Figured you'd "emerge" once that fine looking BR Dominion of Canada loco showed up! The added details are most appreciated and perhaps DL ‘n Nick will pick up on them as well . . .
Eagle Eye Pete picked up on "Vulgaria" - what's new The man just doesn't miss a word! And the memory ain't bad either! <grin>
Dave (West Coast S) at 5:55 PM Tuesday - June 26th: A most surprising, but welcomed visit from our Left Coast Connection!
Significant events in Canadian RR History
during the month of June.
<Initially Posted on Page 357 of the original Thread>
Caveat: Much of the information appearing was gathered from internet sources, with credit to "Colin Churcher's Railway Pages" at http://www.railways.incanada.net/ * June 3rd, 1856: Opening of Windsor Branch Railway from Windsor to Windsor Jc., N.S. by Nova Scotia government. This was the oldest constituent of the Dominion Atlantic Railway. * June 29th, 1864: 1864, June 29 - A railway accident on the Grand Trunk Railway at Beloeil, Quebec, takes ninety-nine lives when a special passenger train carrying German immigrants went through an open drawbridge. This was Canada's worst railway disaster. * June 29th, 1864: - Ceremony of turning the first sod on the Canadian Pacific Railway on the left bank of the Kamistiquia River in the townsite of Fort William about four miles from the river's mouth. * June 1886: - Contracts are let for the construction of the Chignecto Marine Transport Railway, a 17 mile railway to carry ships across the Chignecto Isthmus between Tidnish on Northumberland Strait and Fort Lawrence on the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia. Work on this double track, standard gauge railway, conceived by New Brunswick engineer Henry George Cloppers Ketchum, commenced in 1887 but was abandoned, three quarters completed, when the funds ran out in the summer of 1891. * June 11th, 1888: - Canadian Pacific opens the "Sault Branch" from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie where connection was made not only with the American railway system but also with the CP steam ships. * June 3rd, 1889: - The first CP train arrives in Saint John, NB from Montréal marking the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway as a coast to coast railway. * June 29th, 1898: - First through passenger train across Newfoundland leaves St. Johns at 19:20 and arrives Port aux Basques at 22:45, June 30. * June 18th, 1899: - The CP line from Lethbridge through the Crows Nest Pass to Kootenay Landing is opened for traffic. This was built with subsidies afforded by the Crows Nest Pass Agreement of 1897 which also set fixed rates on grain traffic. * June 22nd, 1909: - Canadian Pacific completes the viaduct on the Crows Nest Pass Line at Lethbridge, 5,327 feet long and with a maximum height of 314 feet above Oldman River. This is the highest railway bridge in Canada. The bridge was opened to traffic on 3 November 1909 although it had been used by construction trains before this. * June 2nd, 1913: - first train runs across the Canadian Pacific high level bridge between Edmonton and South Edmonton. * June 1st, 1915: - The National Transcontinental Railway is completed between Moncton and Winnipeg via Edmundston, Quebec and Senneterre. Because of the high cost, the Grand Trunk refused to lease the line which was operated from May 1, 1915 as a component of the Canadian Government Railways until the formation of the Canadian National System. * June 6th, 1919: - Canadian National Railway Company is incorporated. * June 26th, 1929: - The following railways are jointly acquired by Canadian National and Canadian Pacific and operated under a newly incorporated company, the Northern Alberta Railways: Edmonton, Dunvegan & British Columbia Railway (447 miles) Alberta & Great Waterways Railway (286 miles) Central Canada Railway (98 miles) Pembina Valley Railway (26 miles) A total of 857 miles. * June 19th, 1930: - Canadian Pacific Hudson (4-6-4) No. 2808 makes a record continuous run from Fort William to Calgary, 1,251 miles and return with the Toronto to Vancouver train. It left at 08:20 on June 19, arrived in Calgary at 07:00 June 21. It returned from Calgary at 14:50 on June 22 and arrived Fort William at 05:35 June 24. * June 1st, 1931: - Coincident with the first docking of the Empress of Britain, CP opens a line through a tunnel under the Plains of Abraham to the Wolfe's Cove Harbour Terminal in Quebec City. The first shot was fired on 5 April 1930, the break through was made on 16 February 1931, and the first train, locomotive and 13 cars carrying railway officials, ran through on 26 May 1931. * June 30th, 1941: - as part of the war effort, the M-3 (Modified) Cruiser tank is produced at the Montreal Locomotive Works. * June 1st, 1951: - Canadian Pacific discontinues rail service to Place Viger station, Montreal. * June 11th, 1956: - The Pacific Great Eastern Railway opens between North Vancouver and Prince George, BC. A formal opening ceremony took place on August 27. * June 24th, 1957: - Last steam run on the Ontario Northland Railway, no. 701 leaves Timmins and arrives at North bay the following day. * June 4th, 1961: - Canadian National Turcot Yard closes. The 56 stall roundhouse was closed the following year. * June 16th, 1964: - Canadian Pacific opens a new automated hump marshalling yard at Agincourt, Toronto, ON. * June 1965: - Canadian National officially opens its Macmillan marshalling yard, Toronto.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Did you miss the previous five "Significant events in Canadian RR History"
Click the URL:
(1) January, Page 6:
http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/6/1153186/ShowPost.aspx#1153186
(2) February, Page 21:
http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/21/1153186/ShowPost.aspx#1153186
(3) March, Page 37:
Ruth my deAH, it's time for a <sanGwich> - New YAWKese, for sandwich! I'm ready for a Lars special hero of ham, Swiss, mustAHd ‘n buttAH with two extra crunchy large pickles from the barrel. The crittAHs are lined up once again for their treats, so Boris my man <?> set ‘em up - tray of seeds for Awk, saucer of brine for Tex, bucket of ice cubs for Frostbite and of course the small jar of pickled pig's feet is YOURS! <phew> I'll take a tankard of Keiths if you please and set the boys up at the bar. Change is for YOU!
A day without Shane is like a day without . . . well like a day without . . . oh well, like a day WITHOUT! <grin> So when is it that Pers is to come back?? Thought he mentioned the end of the month . . . got kinda used to having him around. Surely filled in quite nicely, huh?
So, the Birds took care of my Mets last night. Was bound to happen, the way my guys are NOT hitting the ball and so forth. But to be absolutely fair about it, the Cards have had two fine starts for their pitchers along with some hitting from the lesser amongst the offense. Tonight's another opportunity . . . Surely looks like the Yanks are in the "tank" and I'm surprised that Joe hasn't been shown the door way B4 now . . . It's the Red Sox for sure this year in the AL east.
In viewing those pix you took up in Quebec, it makes me realize just how much fun there is "out there" when it comes to railroads and all that goes with it. I've nevAH really considered myself as anything other than a guy who appreciates riding trains <in the dome!> and that's about it. I have no appreciable amount of artifacts <stuff> to fall back on when it comes to researching this or that. I don't have a layout and I'm wondering if I evAH will. There are two sets of electric trains stored away, which I've told youse guyz about a few times - a Lionel and Gilbert American Flyer from back in the days when Tom ‘n I were "into" the hobby.
My Mrs. and I have visited the RR museum in Sacramento, which has been discussed also on these pages. We've also stopped by a few other sites in our travels, but never specifically to do that, kinda sorta came along with the territory if yanowutImean . . . In viewing those pix from Quebec, I'm tempted to make the drive - especially after viewing their web site.
You surely evoked a memory or three with that reference to Steamtown in Bellows Falls, Vermont. Took the kids up there many decades ago while vacationing in New England. As the link will attest, the collection was dispersed as the Bellows Falls location fell into hard times. Check out:
http://www.steamlocomotive.com/pennsy/steamtown/bellowsfalls/
Another chapter of Canadian RR history provided to us by our semi-Canadian, Cap'n Tom! <grin> Was thinking that we've lost our Resident Canadian Connection now that Rob is gone, gone, gone. Call it what you will, Mate - he says he'll stop by, but doesn't. In my book, he's in the Legion, big time. Anyway, with Fergie popping in ‘n out, we probably should "anoint" him. Oh, I see you did that!! <grin>
So have I missed something with Doug?? Has he just dropped off the earth too?? Hope not. And if so, what does that do for the Chicago plans in 2008??Good stuff with the history "lesson" for June!
For Eric: Phone number??? Hmmmmm, how to do this WITHOUT Ruth finding out??? Hmmmmm. <grin> Nice looking gal!
We have photos! Would you like ‘em full size and in color?? Nah. I'm going with the "trap" - it's a looooong way down to the ground level once that "spring has been sprung." I'd be very careful next time you're peeking . . . <uh oh>
For Pete: So they have Ladies of Perpetual Motion in Quebec too!?!?!? <grin>
If I've consumed your favorite brew, it most probably happened at a point where I couldn't have hit my stern section with both hands <if yanowutImean> . . . Bathams or Coors Light, it all tastes the same to me at "that" point . . . <double grin>
Tom looks "guilty" of something in that photo you took! Hmmmmmm.
For Dave: Great to see our Left Coast Connection stop by during the week. We kinda got used to Saturdays from you, way back when. Anyway, those 10 year olds have it way over us in so many respects. I have grand children who are much more savvy with ‘puters than I'll evAH be. <groan> As for translations, once they begin that text messaging crap, it begins a whole "nuther" avenue for me. One that I'll gladly sit out, thank you very much.
For James: Everyone has a real life and this cyber stuff can <and does> drive one to distraction if left unchecked. All I was getting at is that to be one of "us" means that some time in the ether needs to be dedicated to the bar IF you are online at all. Otherwise it shows . . . glad you picked up on it. Some guys never did and they're GONE.
I think you must've read something that Tom ‘n I haven't. Still can't figure out what the "deal' is with the S2 comment. Oh well - doesn't matter, Tom's pix are what it's all about for me.
Ok, gentlemen, it is time for me to skedaddle. Sorry, Ruth, there's no time for <ahem> admin work this day as I've got to attend to matters of the home. <ugh> Is that my name being bellowed called??
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