Even though the bar at "Our" Place is
CLOSED on Sundays -
We do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day!
We're still ice-bound here in mid-continent USA and it surely appears that there's no one moving in Mentor Village either! Perhaps a good day to run an ENCORE! Here's something from the "old" Thread, Page 220 from Lars on Jan 15th, 2005:
Good Afternoon Tom, One more pix posting and then I'm going to settle in for another Sunday of NFL Playoff games! Wabash #200 (1956) (from: www.trainweb.org) Amtrak #9560, former Wabash #200 (from: www.trainweb.org) Amtrak #9561 former Wabash #201 (from: www.trainweb.org) N&W #1611, former Wabash #201 (from: www.trainweb.org) Until the next time! Lars
Tom
Good afternoon Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Since the bar is closed I'll just leave these pictures here, this Photo Posting Sunday! They really don't show any classic trains, but a, hopefully, classic light rail under construction in Phoenix. All pictures from downtown Phoenix about a month ago. I'll be back later tonight!
Below two pictures of the Swedish State Railways Class T43, GM-diesels built by Nohab in the early 60's. The bottom picture is from Hull, Québec.
Eric
G'day Gents!
Been quite the day 'round here - NFL all day inside - pouring rain outside - ice expected later this evening - power is still on - lazy, lazy day! Bears won! Right now the Chargers are "up" - kinda expected that. But the Patriots JUST scored a touchdown. We'll see, eh Pete's still here as Amtrak is "down" here in Missouri. Roads are in bad shape west of here. May claim him on my taxes as a dependent!
Good to see ya, Eric - in the daylight at that !! Thanx for shots of the light-rail construction, etc. "Classic" is indeed in the eye of the contributor, or something like that! <grin>
Another from the Larsman, first Posted on page 221 back on Jan 15th . . . .
Good Day! Here's a few more dome pix for this Sunday Pix Post Fest: Wabash #200 (1956, Moberly, MO) {from: www.trainweb.org} #200 as Amtrak #9560 (1972, Newport News, VA) (from: www.trainweb.org) Former Wabash #201 as N&W #1611 (from: www.trainweb.org) Former Wabash #201 as Amtrak #9561(from: www.trainweb.org) NFL Sunday is about to begin, may or may not return! Lars
See ya in the AM!
Dang ..another day of my being absent here, but couldn't let the day go by without wishing Eric the happiest of birthdays. I'd drink to your health if the bar was opened, but I guess that will have to wait until tomorrow. Sure hope your weather improves in St. Louis and Mo. in general. We got the lightest bit of ice over here, and that's about it. I'm about to melt it off of my grill now. No pix from me today. No time to prepare them, so let's try for next week?
Have a great evening all.
A special Sunday Greeting for Eric!
TO YOU!
And many, many MORE!
Best regards!
Tom 'n Pete
to Eric
http://homepage.mac.com/ericx2000/.Pictures/X2%20and%20ICE%201993.jpg
Navy Zep
http://stlpics.homestead.com/files/oldaerials/oldny3.JPG
New Haven & Pennsy
http://www.knorek.com/RR/Found/PRR/PennStation1.jpg
http://www.knorek.com/RR/Found/PRR/PennStation2.jpg
http://www.knorek.com/RR/Found/PRR/PennStation3.jpg
Jefferson City, Missouri
http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/cph/3c30000/3c30000/3c30600/3c30606v.jpg
Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch
http://imageserver.ebscohost.com/embimages/imh/getty/full/2664096.jpg
Ebbets Field
http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/Duke-Snider-Wall-Jump-Photograph-C12043088.jpeg
http://66.230.220.70/images/post/ny/112.jpg
Hi Tom and all.
Tom has let me look at the pics and links, and I like to say to ERIC .
It was good to see the classic cars that TOM posted from some posted by LARS a while back . I guess it has been a long while since Moberley MO has seen a passenger train
Thanks for the Swedish loco pictures and the Pheonix light rail construction ERIC .
DOUG I was hoping to do some pics too, but mine will have to wait as well, anyway at least the BEARS done good .
MIKE Great set of links, as usual .Tom got a kick out of the Pennsy, New Haven & Brooklyn Dodgers links!!
I really enjoyed the Flying Scotsman against the Romney engine.
I have heard that Amtrak may run tomorrow afternoon which will be a good thing as Tom's beer supply is running low and we may not be able to replenish it!
Pete
Awesome pics everyone!!!!!!
underworld
G-day Tom and all present.
I have finally seen some light in the dark of studying.
I will now beable to come back more regularly.
But to start off. Tom, I'm sure you have heard of some of the frost bite weather that northern Minnesota and Canada is getting. Just the other day, The CN was almost completely shut down here in Minnesota due to temperatures near 40 below zero. They couldn't get any trains out of Winnipeg. I heard Winnipeg had 40 below and was getting close to 45 below. Now thats cold! Here in Duluth, we have been reaching 10 below at night. And we even hit 15 below a couple nights ago.
Anyway I have been catching up on a little reading here and I have seen some good articles from Rob and his classical juice and from Doug and the Pickel disaster. Some good pictures from Lars, Pete and Eric. And some from Tom too. I will give all a through reading and looking through and will come back for some more acknowledgements tomorrow.
But It's that time of night.
Now I realize that the train is not the most classic thing seen around. But the bridge and scenery are absolutely spectacular. Thats Montana for you. You want the coal you need to work for it.
Now I know what you're going to ask, "What does a bunch of grass have to do with classic trains?" Right. Well this "grass" land is a very classic railway moment.
Between the Green bush in the middle of the picture and the telephone poles used to be the Milwaukee roads mainline. This was at one time a 1 percent grade on the Milwaukee. But not anymore. The what use to be road bed, is now nolonger visible.
Now what do you think of this flat land. The last time I saw something this flat was when I was in the state of Kansas. But this Amtraks Southwest Chief. I don't know what state this is but I would guess Nebraska? possibly?
Well, I was happy to see one of these. A pair of Alco FA1's The only places your going to find some of these now-a-days at a museum, or you can find an A-B-B-A set still working for the Grandcanyon railway. They're really nice looking. Got to see the four of them chugging away when I was at the grand Canyon. Also got a picture of them. I will load the picture up sometime for you guys to see.
Pete I must have just missed you. Thanks for the B-day update.
And I would also like to wish Erik a fine .
Happy railroading
James
CMSTPP Great Alco photo!
Good evening Captain Tom and all!
A very cold morning here in Phoenix! The coldest in 16 years! Officially 27° but at our house we had 25°! And it is going to be even colder Monday morning! Brrrr!
Thank you all for all Birthday wishes!!! Times goes fast when you are having fun, so I guess I must have had a very fun life and that I have!
This day started very slow but it picked up in the afternoon.
Tom – A 3rd round of freezing rain? That is at least three too many! Must be nice to have a generator when the power is gone! The Sunday movies seem to be good ones. I have not seen any of them though. Nice pictures of nice dome cars! I think I like the old Amtrak livery better than the new one, including the logo. Doug – Thank you for dropping and the Birthday wishes! Did you get any more ice or snow? Mike – Thanks for the url’s! I like the pictures form Penn Station with those classic electrics from New Haven and Pennsy! The picture of the X2000 and the ICE-train is from August 11, 1993. A close-up of the ICE below.
Pete – Hope you can make it back home tomorrow to your bride!James – Nice pictures! I don’t think the Amtrak picture is from Nebraska. It looks more like northern New Mexico to me.
foto credit: www.viarail.ca
A Holiday Monday (for many) and the bar is OPEN! Try our <light> or <traditional> breakfasts from the Menu Board, some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and of course our freshly ground 'n brewed coffee! A great way to begin the day.
Been noticing a few things 'round here - 1st, some of the "smilies" seem to be getting piled on top of the narrative. Is that so with others Also, an appearance or two from someone who apparently wishes to remain anonymous (nothing in the profile). Always welcome new visitors, but it is a shame to do "hit 'n run" Posts, as we really do not engage in that sort of thing at this cyber bar 'n grill.
Pete is STILL HERE!! Amtrak says the trains will roll tomorrow morning, so he's booked for his return then. Should something change for this afternoon, perhaps we can "deep six" him sooner!
Good to see Eric (twice), Doug, Mike 'n James yesterday. Was beginning to think there was something going on and the word didn't reach me!
It was indeed a full day of football 'round many homes and the results perhaps were surprising to some as they were to me. Figured the Bears would win, but didn't think it would be THAT close! <phew> Figured wrong on the Chargers, and I shudda known better! After all the Patriots are and have been quite the 4th quarter team. Can't argue with success, eh So the "showdowns" are set for next weekend. Will it ever end <grin>
Will try to get back a bit later on, there are things happening 'round here and I have to attend to them. We haven't had too many downed branches and trees, but the immediate area is really hurting from the ice damage. Right now the temps are above freezing, but that's not expected to last. Teens predicted for tonight. Brrrrrrrrrr.
Reminder: Ruth has the bar until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
I,ll have a Holdens Golden please Ruth.
Well it looks a though Tom's guest is being given the bum's rush as I should be on the Amtrak this afternoon .
Good to see Eric and James yesterday evening.
JAMES good set of pictures and I hope the exams turn out ok. Was that picture of the abandoned Milwaukee, the electrified line Great picture of the Alco!
ERIC we were spared the ice from the third front as it was more rain than anything else. Although they are saying it is going to get real cold here into the teens before too long. Hopefully I shall be able to get to Jeff City before it sets in. At least they are running again.
Hopefully I will have some new pictures for next Sunday. I would have had some but for a misunderstanding with the camera. I will let Tom tell you all about it when I'm gone!
Hope all is well with Rob and Doug as things are not quite the same without you both.
Back again for a brief round of comments and then it's early to bed! Been that kinda loooooong weekend.
Pete left Kirkwood at 5:05 PM en route Jeff City aboard Amtrak # 313. Should be home by now, or certainly at least close to it. Was kind of a 3-ring circus trying to get his reservation using the "800" number for Amtrak. First agent told us that service was to be resumed this afternoon, but that the train was full and he'd have to wait ‘til the AM. Second agent told us that there was no service for today and reservations could be made for the AM. Third agent said service was indeed to resume this afternoon and there were 4 seats left. Wonder what the fourth agent would have told us <grin> Well, it's been a rough time of it for the UP, as the route used is theirs and it was heavily hit by falling trees and debris between St. Louis and Jeff City. Lots of freight disruptions and of course nothing moved since very early Saturday morning.
For anyone who has never had the experience to travel aboard Amtrak Superliner equipment, you've missed something special. The long distance trains feature a Sightseer Lounge car, which is really an upper level dome car, full length. Below is a snack bar and seating area for light dining and so forth. Also, a full-service diner with several seatings so that no one goes away without at least having an opportunity to be served. Just an all around nice experience. Of course there were "things" that could've and should've been better, but I'd rather dwell on the positive tonight.
This isn't meant to be a "trip report," and I'm not sure whether I'll put one together. Rather, just a bit here ‘n there on our trip from St. Louis to Chicago and return. More later . . .
Am a bit surprised at the numbers who made it in since we began our trip. Of course, with Lars away too, and the long weekend upon us for some, it illustrates more than ever how this place is down to the precious few. Hardly what it was during our halcyon days, eh
Many thanx to Eric for providing some fine Pix for us along the way, along with an inclusive narrative Post.
Yes, having a generator for times like these does indeed provide a degree of comfort many others do not have. I'd guess we were "down" for about 8 hours, which is a lot less than the 150 thousand who were out of power at any one time in the area where I live. "Be Prepared," something learned a long time ago!
Mike, those were some super fine URLs. Haven't seen or heard from you in awhile and am glad you found your way back! Particularly enjoyed the PRR, NH and the Duke Snider "stuff." Seeing old Ebbetts Field surely brought a fond remembrance as well. Thanx!
Pete, I know that I caused you grief through my brow-beating to get you on-line while here. <grin> But watching how you approach this thing called "typing" it's a wonder that you get out such fine stuff at all! Reminds me of watching a monkey trying to make love to a bowling ball. No offense, Mate - just a bit on the humorous side!
Doug, hope all went well for you this weekend and we'll find you back at the bar soon. Not to worry about hooking up with us in Chicago, there will be another trip! Count on it.
James, fine Pix and appreciate your taking the time to stop by yesterday. Fortunately we haven't amassed that many pages, so it shouldn't be all that difficult to catch up on the Posts.
Let's all hope that we see a return to our "normal" bar when tomorrow arrives. Until then, drinks on me!
Leon the Night Man has the bar ‘til closing.
A pint of the usual please LEON.
Arrived back in Jeff City about an hour or so late, but considering the conditions not too bad at all.It was Superliners and two locomotives. The line was very busy with freight traffic and the dispatchers done a good job keeping us moving..
Very grateful to TOM and bride for looking after me on my extended stay and for sorting out Amtrak for me . It was indeed a great trip to Chicago and the Sightseer Lounge really is a wonderful experience.
With regards to the smillies over the text all mine seem to be OK.
I will post some pics tomorrow to make up for my missing the pics Sunday.
Another pint LEON them off to .
Pete.
Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, just a Sugar Cured Ham Sandwich, please! Coffee!
A very quiet Monday here at the bar! I guess many had today off and/or other things to do.
Pete – Glad to hear that you were spared the ice from the third front. We had the coldest morning (24°) in 17 years this morning! No fun at all. It must be even better (than being spared the ice) to be able to come home again to your bride after the extended weekend away! Tom – Thanks for the drink! It sounds like UP and Amtrak have had a lot of problems thsi weekend and that always create a great deal of confusion. Back in the old country they had a severe storm this weekend with winds of hurricane force and thousands of trees down, many blocking railroad tracks. And creating a lot of confusion. Many trains cancelled, a few running.
Tonight I am having some problems with the text. It is moving around without my help.
Tuesday morning and back to work for many! Why not begin the day with us right here at the Tavern by the Tracks. It's a fine start to the day with some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery, fresh coffee and of course our <light> ‘n <traditional> breakfasts from the Menu Board!
Very much appreciated the late nite visits from Pete ‘n Eric. We can use the revenue as Tilla ‘n Cashinator haven't been "singing" as of late. <grin>
University is back in session beginning this AM, so the bride is off to work. Well, someone has to in order to keep me functioning in the manner to which I've grown accustomed!
Rather frigid on the Juneau-walk this morning as the temps are in the teens, slight breeze and slippery footing. Some very light snow making it's way to the ground which all adds to the charm of it all for people like us - just love the winter!
Eric - I can well imagine what some of the people in Phoenix must be experiencing with this cold wave in the desert. As so many in that area are ‘from' other places, they may be having "flashbacks" to times and locations long ago. Hurricane winds in Sweden or anywhere else, no matter what time of year, is something to take extreme care with. Is that "normal" for your former part of the world
Pete - Glad you made it home safely and thanx for the call. Seems UP routed Amtrak properly this time with no shunting you off to passing sidings. Wonder if we'll ever know just how many freights were lined up in either direction before the service on the line was resumed Something we'll probably never know. You're a "lucky duck" you are - Superliners again !!! I've only managed to travel the route to KCity twice (each way) aboard them and as I mentioned to you, we had a Sightseer Lounge car as well. It was terrific for the scenery is splendid, especially along the Missouri River with the eagles diving for meal service and so forth. Remember those trips vividly. I hated to see the return of the Horizon and Amfleet equipment after traveling in style.
No "Theme for the Day!" this week and I'll resume it once we see some signs of return to normalcy 'round here . . . .
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
Hello all
I'll have a pint of Kimberley plus some food from the bar. Time at last for a proper post so some catching up to start off with.
First of all, I enjoyed the B&O theme day with contributions from most apart from myself! Good stuff.
Mike - enjoyed the picture links - keep ‘em coming!
James - enjoyed your pics - that abandoned road bed gave a good sense of the landscape too. Like Pete said, was that the electrified route?
Rob - thanks for your museum link.
Doug - enjoyed the story.
CM3 & Lars - some interesting stuff from yourselves
Eric - interesting story about the headlight illumination from the lay by on the X2000 tour. Does this suggest there is in fact an appetite amongst the ordinary US citizen for a decent high speed network perhaps - clearly people found your tour something to watch out for. I suppose post 9-11 they would all have been arrested for something or other.
Interesting also to read about the strategic reserve of Swedish steam locos held during the cold war! There was always a myth that the UK govt had done this and the locos were held in a secret location somewhere - away from where the trainspotters could ever find them - alas I think it is just a myth.
Tom - what is the update on the 10,000th post? Good to read about your and Pete's Chicago trip, and the events afterwards. No need for a full trip report but I'd be interested to hear about the scenery on the route. I certainly enjoyed the sightseer lounge when on the Amtrak C-Zephyr - spent most of the daylight hours there (when not in the dining car of course)! Amazing how the miles go by, and the hours pass by with the moving pictures just keeping you entertained - never boring!
Pete - you are right, plenty to do in Chicago. I recall the Museum of Science and Industry has some railroad exhibits - no doubt Doug will outline these.
Rolling back the pages a bit, thanks for your links to the A4 info at Green Bay - looks like they do a good job of keeping the loco in good order - very nice to see - and interesting explanatory stuff on the website too. I'd forgotten some of the names were linked with the wool industry, I'd thought they were all birds. By the way, was there not a smaller LNER design for the East Anglian lines with the same body style as the A4, but a smaller wheel arrangement?
Co-Bo - yes, don't know why Hornby Dublo did not model something that had a higher profile from the period - eg a WR Warship or Western class machine. I always thought it a shame that their Deltic was not quite scale length either. Still, it still looks good in front of a rake of their MK1 carriages. Your comment about All Line roving in the 70s reminded me of a chap I work with who did that - not so long ago he was showing me his note book from the period with all the locos and routes listed. Interesting stuff. Did you do overnights on the compartment cushions then or plump for a sleeper?
Some other updates, I see in my latest copy of Rail that Network Rail removed the old GCR bridge at Rugby over Christmas in an engineering possession - is this the famous bridge near the big semaphore gantry of old?
Took a train trip to Derby the other eve but the other half missed the train so this forced a trip to a decent pub near the station - behind the bar was Kimberley Bitter with a label: ‘Goodbye Old Friend - from the last brew' - so that has probably been the last taste of it I'll get.
Whilst waiting for the return train at about 11.30pm at Derby (in important UK railway town) this special test train ran in to the station - an ultra sonic test train converted out of a 1950s generation diesel railcar - some pics here - although it is now painted all over yellow - unlike in these pictures.
http://www.railcar.co.uk/his100-109/101/50167non.htm
Also - I see Network Rail have put the whole UK national Timetable on the web.
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/3828.aspx
You click on the table numbers adjacent to the station you require and it downloads the relevant pages. In due course the whole timetable will be downloadable. This is since the decisions was taken to no longer publish the paper version as of May 2007. A decent UK rail map can be downloaded too. Being able to print off tables that you want to look at is, in my opinion, better than the journey planner software hitherto available.
For anyone interested - a short history of the UK timetable (dating back to Bradshaw and worth a read, is here (download the word doc - about 4 pages):
http://www.atoc-comms.org/docs.asp?cat=studies
And here is something of no relevance to anything else - a GWR (UK) 1897 sleeping car rescued from part of a house (!) - see B& W pics and restored over 20 year to superb condition - found this link by chance and thought people might be interested!
http://www.wsr.org.uk/903813062006.htm
Anyone need a drink?
Cheers
DL
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
A little ice here this a.m., but all in all, not too bad; escpecially compared to what's going on elsewhere. Just a few comments and I'll try and get back later.
Mike - Pictures of Penn Station were good. The "hole" where the pictures were made is on the southbound side of Penn Station, before you go under the river. Duke Snider? Excellent! Think of it (Lars will appreciate this one) Mantle, Mays, and snider all playing at the same time, albeit in different boroughs. I believe Mays was still the best out of the lot. Tom - I'll bet you remember Abe Stark - "Hit Sign, Win Suit."
James - Thanks for the pictures
Eric - Also thanks for pictures and builder information. Trucks on that diesel were right interesting.
Ton - It's gotta get better re power. IIRC, At least your lines are buried. If your K9 Korps has as much energy as mine, hitch 'em up to a belt line and let them "run" the generator. Mine did "splash and dash" this a.m. and were back inside asleep after I took the Huns to school. Also - excellent movie choices. "Night to Remember," IMHO was probably the best of all of the Titanic films. I agree with the Superliner comment. Had the fortune to ride the "Empire Builder" with those cars; the view is tremendous. "Cardinal" also had Superliners for quite awhile; tight fit going into Washington, but we always made it intact.
Will try and post again today.
Work safe
Anybody I left out, I apologize. Hly smokes, DLs post landed. Most enjoyable; I am going to check out the links a little later.
foto credit: http://www.viarail.ca/
A rare mid-morning Post from the barkeep - used to be the "norm" up until we began our downward glide in terms of numbers . . .
Very much appreciate the return of DL ‘n CM3 to the group. These long absences are killers for us lately. Both of you provide much "fodder" discussion and I hope we get some exchanges going.
DL at 8:38 AM today: Here's a URL that will show you the menu we ordered from aboard The Texas Eagle en route St. Louis on Friday evening.
http://www.amtrak.com/pdf/menus/SampleMenu1_6-1-2006.pdf
Pete ‘n I were both amazed at the enormous amount of food put on the plates. Far too much for me to consume and brought to mind just how different the portions are in this country and elsewhere ‘round the globe. Anyway, the roast chicken (half!) was just fine and so was the "ton" of veggies and rice! <swg>
The route between St. Louis and Chicago is rather flat and not at all as scenic as the one between here and Kansas City. However, there is plenty to remain occupied, and that we did.
Our departure on Friday morning was aboard the Lincoln Service, a newly instituted round trip paid for by the state of Illinois. It departed on a rather nasty early morning, weatherwise, at 6:35 AM. The equipment for our train was a Genesis loco, a Horizon café car w/business class seating (where we were) and 3 horizon coaches. We crossed the Mississippi into Illinois in darkness, but the sights were just fine with both sides well illuminated and the rains rather light thereby keeping our views in tact.
It is flat land into Springfield (capital city of Illinois) a two hour run from St. Louis. The train actually passes through the center of the small city which makes it really nice for access to the wonderful sights and places to visit. Of course, we remained onboard as the "load" of passengers climbed aboard for northerly destinations. The Springfield area has the best of the topography in my opinion, as there are hills, creeks and other elevations to break up the monotony of flat land travel.
Major station stops to Chicago after Springfield are Lincoln, Bloomington-Normal and Joliet ("home" of a Rat's Patoot Room of a "different" sort! )
One of the highlights of the route taken is that quite a bit of the UP right-of-way parallels the old Route 66 highway between Chicago and Los Angeles. You may not know this, but that highway was further ‘storied' in a long running TV series featuring a couple of "yay-hoos" in their Corvette, traveling here ‘n there, etc. Soupy and sappy crap. But, I digress!
As mentioned earlier, I'm not going to put together a trip report as such - maybe Pete will. However, I'll drop off bits here ‘n there when it appears that there is interest. Pix on Sunday, or sooner if I weaken!
We were NOT shunted off to sidings for freights, nor did we see any aside from one and that was close to Chicago. We did pull into a siding for a couple of southbound Amtraks, but that was it. More later . . . Should mention that there are 5 daily round trips between St. Louis ‘n Chicago, of which 2 have been recently added thanx to the generosity of the Illinois taxpayers through their State Legislature and Governor.
Not trying to be glib or cute here, but the 10,000th Post can be calculated thusly: On page one of this "new" Thread, the count is shown for the "old." Final number was 9,013 for replies (Posts). Just take the current number from the "new" and add it. Right now it shows as 138 - so we've got a way to go to make it to 10 thousand. <grin>
CM3 at 8:53 AM today: The Duke - The "Say-Hey Kid" and Mick. Yes, I remember watching them all back in the 50s. Being a die-hard Dodger fan, of course Snider was my guy! I saw Mickey Mantle as a rookie and remember his first of many injuries. The guy was unbelievable in all aspects of the game. He could outrun a stiff breeze, could catch a gnat in mid-flight and when he hit ‘em, they were gone-zo! Willie Mays was the most exciting of the bunch and never let the fans down. He played as if he loved what he was doing and it showed. A terrific player and from what I've listened to and viewed, a fine person too. The Duke was pretty much the hitter, a leftie who seemed to have a knack for coming through in the clutch. Great on defense too, but no where close to Mantle and Mays. The three of them were perennial All-Stars, rightly so. Hard to believe that all this time has passed. I had their rookie baseball cards! Had - as in past tense. In fact, at one time I could have presented the starting line ups for all three of New York's teams for perhaps 5 years running. Alas - long gone, as with my Lionel trains. <sniff> <sniff> The things we give up upon entering ‘adulthood,' eh
I could tell you many stories about the old ballpark - Abe Stark being just one. Good "fodder" for the Rendezvous. Even might divulge some info about Moi in right field at Ebbets Field. Not for release in the Ether!
Yes, of all the Titanic flicks, A Night to Remember is my favorite as well. Having had the opportunity of spending many a month in the cold north Atlantic, including a wreath ceremony at the spot, I'm ever fascinated by the story. This particular movie pretty much chronicles what happened and the way it happened as opposed to intertwining the "stuff" that others blend in.
If I could harness Juneau in order to produce electrical energy, we'd be able to cut loose from the local utility company! <swg> Siberian Huskies LOVE this stuff! Speaking of which, the skies are blue, the winds are slight, the temps are frigid and the walking is a tad difficult with icy spots here ‘n there. But it IS invigorating and makes me want to be outdoors.
Thought we'd not see you this AM, as I read about the latest tragedy in a WVA mine.
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/01/13/miners-killed.html
Figured you might be involved in the follow-up.
Later (maybe)!
Hi Tom
Good morning to you. Please feel free to join me in a drink of your choice.
I thought what you just posted WAS a trip report - certainly enjoyed reading it. Nice to see the Menu - looks like Amtrak have expanded the menu since my last trip, really nice choice. Interesting you should mention protion size as I found portions rather smaller on the train than usual US standards - no problem with that as you don't take much excercise on board of course. In fact one of the amusing 'cultural differences' I've noticed across the pond is about portion size - in the UK one is expected to 'clean the plate', in the US I think the norm is to show a bountiful platefull, and of course you can take a doggy bag if you wish (which would never happen here). Pete will have a view on this I'm sure!
Anyway, we were in this restaurant in Chicago and got a fair size serving, and I ate it all up as we do here - no chance of a second course after that, but of course the waitress wanted to sell me one and looked dissapointed when I said I was full up, and explained if they wanted you to buy pudding they should serve smaller portions! I guess the cultural difference dawned on me afterwards!
As I say, enjoyed your report - and of course to an enthusiast for the North American way - Route 66 needs no introdcution to me - interesting info. I love the way the rail road goes right through the town in some cases - tends not to happen here because the town was there first, wheras in North America I guess there was no town without the railway!
10,000 post - I was more wondering who was still in the race actually. I'm with you on the maths!
Think you re-posted the amtrak link ratther than the mine link for CM3 - but I'd be interested in that story - what with being in what is supposed to still be coal contry here.
All the best
DL - try this: http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/01/13/miners-killed.html
Don't know what in the world happened to the URL, but I checked it before Posting and it came up correctly. Really weird, eh Anyway, thanx for letting me know!
Didn't even think to ask about a "doggie bag" aboard the train. Wouldn't have been my "style" - as what does one DO with a bag of cooked food, if they'd even give you one. Neither Pete nor I were all that enamored with the service in the diner. Found it to be a bit on the abrupt side, and we felt perhaps a bit racial as well. Sorry to have to say that, but it happens. I let Amtrak know my feelings in a communique to them.
That particular rail route passes through more than one small Illinois city. It is a treat to view the sights and jsut a throwback to what America was like many decades past.
So you KNOW about Route 66, eh Did it connect with Great Britain
Last appearance of the 10,00th Post Contest is on Page One - no updates since. Sorry if I misread the point of your question. Surely wondered about you over that one! <grin> We call it arithmetic - math is a higher level. Ya know, like figuring out how to exchange foreign currency at a bar!
Later!
G'day Cap'n Tom & fellow travelers at the bar!
‘Tis the return of the Larsman! Ruth, set ‘em up, drinks all around and Boris you cloven-footed Cyclops of a man go ahead and ring the gong!
Well, we did it! Finally convinced the Mrs. to accompany me on an Amtrak trip to upstate New York and we returned last night. We could call the experience the good, the bad and the ugly! <grin> Actually, I'm not all that happy with our experience, aside from the fact that riding the rails with the sounds and sights of passing things still holds a certain fascination for me. Both legs of the trip brought back many good thoughts of the New York Central and the Water Level Route! <ahhhhh>
I had heard horror stories of the Adirondack train that Amtrak operates between Penn Station in NYC and Montreal. Now we KNOW. But, perhaps I should back up just a bit.
Ruth, you lovely thing, I'd like a Lars "special" if you please along with a tankard of Keiths Ale, a saucer of brine for Tex, a tray of seeds for Awk, ice cubes for Frostbite, and yes, a small jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris! <phew>
We have close friends who are wintering in Florida at the present. They have a home in Plattsburgh, NY. He's a long-time shipmate of mine, we sailed together on many a voyage. The wives get along famously. That all helps. Anyway, they swung by our home en route the southland and somewhere in the discussion the subject of their empty house came up. I should note that some years back, we were in California, and they stayed at our home while vacationing in this part of the state. So, they reciprocated, and offered us the use of their place anytime we wished during their absence.
So, it was the long weekend that appealed to us and the "how to get there" became a topic to dwell upon. I figured that driving would be a pain in the patoot at this time of year given the uncertainty of the weather and so forth. So, it was either flying or taking the train.
It's supposed to be about a 6 ½ hour run to Plattsburgh and all sounded perfect. Actually, we did arrive pretty close to the scheduled time and the on board services, such as they were, lived up to the billing. Certainly glad that we weren't on that train for an overnighter. That wouldn't have been fun. Anyway, the coach cars were nothing to write home about, somewhat vintage Amtrak. Sorry, but I'm not the expert on these things. We sat on the side providing the best views of the Hudson River as we progressed northward and for the return. For anyone who knows the lay of the land, that IS beautiful country. Didn't see the snow cover in years past, but where there was white, it was captivating. My Mrs. insisted that I take the window seat, as she immersed herself in a novel. I don't think 6 words passed between us for hours on end. <yay> Only kidding! Clickety-clack, horn blaring in advance of the crossings, gently swaying coach, ahhhhh, just as I remembered.
Didn't find the on board people to be overly friendly, nor rude. Just kinda impassive to it all. Again, lived up to my remembrances. Don't know what it is about some of these people, but if I was that blasé about what I did for a living, I'd change my job. Again, I'm off track here.
Thought the material condition of the car was fine, didn't see anything that bothered me and the heat worked fine! Not over bearing, as some cars can be, but pretty much just right. Surprised the both of us, as we figured we'd lose weight en route Plattsburgh!
Train arrived, no baggage car, wrestled the suitcases off - Good Grief Charlie Brown, she packs a lot of gear - took a cab to the house. Made ourselves at home and had a great, relaxing time of it. For those who may not know, this area is VERY historic with all kinds of places to visit. Rob would love it as the War of 1812 tourist sites are all over the place. Lake Champlaign is regarded by many as the 6th Great Lake. It is a very large fresh water lake and sits between New York and Vermont. Most picturesque, for sure!
Don't want to bore you with any of the rest of this other than to say our return trip was over 4 hours late getting into Penn Station. That put us home after 2 AM, and we were beat. Fortunately, we did get home ahead of the cold front moving in on this area along with some anticipated bad times with ice.
The good is that we got away and I had a chance to get my "train fix," as Tom likes to put it.
The bad is that we got home so blasted late thanks to whatever delayed us. The train arrived in Plattsburgh just about a half hour late from Montreal. We just had so many 'slow speed' situations moving southbound and stops in sidings seemingly forever.
And the ugly is that we spent an inordinate amount of time searching for my wife's wallet while in Plattsburgh ONLY to discover that she had left it at home on the dresser! <arrrrrrrrrrrrgggggghhhhh> Dontchajust hate it when that happens Never did hear back from Amtrak regarding whether she left it on the train. That was an experience in and of itself. Trying to get in touch with someone who could actually look into the situation. Ya know - today the trains are in radio and telephone contact. There is absolutely no way that I believe Amtrak couldn't have simply communicated to the train conductor directly and had someone check the seating area where we were. But that didn't happen. Pretty much BS over the phone, more listening to nonsense than getting anything done. She discovered her "loss" right after we got into the house at Plattsburgh - after unpacking. It wasn't until we called home to see how things were going and told of her "loss" that my son's wife saw the wallet was on the dresser!
Well, we're back and I'll dig into what I've missed a bit later on. Still recharging the batteries, so to speak.
Until the next time!
Lars
A round for the house Tom
Interesting travelogue Lars, thanks for typing.
Lake Champlain from Amtrak window
http://www.trainweb.com/cgi-bin/photos/showmvc1.cgi?mvc/r990107b/+travel/stevelog/sg990107.html
The old Adirondack was a D&H train
http://www.cvrma.org/pictures/MISC/dfrr5_044_d&h_laurentian_lake_champlain_1969.jpg
and partly New York Central, so it left from Grand Central Terminal
http://images.nypl.org/?id=96642&t=w
and went under Park Ave
http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/3454/ghd9ct.png
These old dudes fought in the War of 1812
http://mdhsimage.mdhs.org/Library/Images/Mellon%20Images/Z5access/z5-0348.jpg
Mike
A pint of Kimberley please RUTH, did DL say any one for a drink.
I was reading the posts and have lost the connection so I will write this in the word processor as far as I was able to read.
ERIC I see you had 24 F temperature, this morning it was 1F here with ice on the sidewalks although the roads are clear. Talking of weather the thing I noticed in England was in recent years it did seem that the wind was a lot stronger than it used to be.
DL Good to see you in. I think when the two Alans went to Kimberley the last brew was going to be December 22 it is a real shame to see another good English range of beers going.
I well remember the talk in the late 70s of a secret cache of steam locos but I believe that enthusiasts have found out data on all the BR locos that were scrapped. I don't know if you remember many years back there was a strike by firemen and the army stepped in with those "Green Goddess" Fire Engines which no one seem to know they existed, so I guess this gave rise to the rumour that steam locos may be hidden away somewhere.
The two locos that were fitted with the streamline A4 outline were Nos 61659 East Anglian and 61670 City Of London; they were of the B17/6 class 4-6-0s introduced in 1937 and de-streamlined in 1951. Their tractive effort was 28,555lb compared to 35,455 lb of an A4. The locos were allocated to Norwich shed. In 1951 the BR Standard 'Britannia' pacifics were introduced on the former Great Eastern main lines and would have taken over the principle expresses like "The East Anglian"
The other locos that had a similar appearance to the A4s were 4 of the P2 2-8-2s that were designed by Sir Nigel Gresley in 1934 for the Edinburgh to Aberdeen line of the LNER. These locos were converted to Pacifics by Gresley's successor and lost the Streamlining in 1943. The 4-6-4 W1 No 60700 also had a streamline casing when it was converted from an experimental high pressure, water-tube loco in 1937.
A4 Pacific No 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
In the days on my all- line rover it was all on the cushions in the compartments on the overnights, there were a lot of overnight trains then. I was much younger then I don't think I could do it now.
Yes the Girder Bridge at Rugby was the site from 1897 to 1939 of the enormous signal gantry. The Great Central was made to pay for this as the girder bridge interfered with the sighting of the signals already there, so the signals were repeated at a higher level. There were 44 signal arms on 26 posts.
Thanks for the links to Bradshaws and the West Somerset Sleeping Car; this does look a superb vehicle. I have added the BR timetable to my favourites.
Got the Internet back.
CM3 Great to see you in. Tom had ME peddling the generator with a can of beer on a pole as incentive. Enjoying the old baseball stories between Tom and you.
DL Yes the portion sizes take some getting used to over here. A good example is when the English folks came over for my wedding, my cousin ordered Baby -Back ribs and was just amazed at the size. She though because they were called baby they would be small. The trouble is the food here is always good I have found and the eat all you want buffets are too big a temptation.
Tom had told me to look out for Route 66, and they have sign posted it when the road leaves the by-pass to a town and along the way where Route 66 runs parallel to the Highway.
LARS Great to see you back. Glad you enjoyed most of your trip and glad the wife's wallet was found OK. Although arriving back 6 hours late at 2 am is no fun at all. I can't help thinking of those poor folks who were without trains and with no substitute road transport this weekend between Kansas City and St Louis, some of which did not have such a good friend like Tom to help them.
There is some thing Magical about the sound of a train horn in North America a different sound to the ones used in the UK.
I heard on BBC World news that a competitive NFL game is to be held in London, The Giants and the Dolphins were mentioned.
TOM Great description of our Chicago trip. One Question I would like to ask DOUG is I noticed that some of the Metro locos carried names, I wonder if there is a web site with the names on.
The Amtrak menu was even too much for the puter it went down as I tried to look at it.The food was good and the ‘Sweet Temptation Chocolate Cake was too much of a temptation for me.
It must have been a great trip with the Sightseer Lounge along the Missouri. On my trip out to Kirkwood I took the side away from the river for a change and was surprised by the old track beds that were visible between Hermann and Washington Missouri, some paralleling the present line and some heading off. As you said some must have served small towns, it would be very interesting to have an old map showing the old lines.
It is very sad news about the miners who lost their lives. We sometimes forget the dangerous jobs some people do so we can enjoy electricity and other things we take for granted.
Well it seems as though this as transferred from the proceesor OK, So a round for all please LEON.
Leon- could you make it a coffee and a sandwich with the works please.
Well I'm back and ready to post!
Rob- Now I'm going to be talking about something way back when. You had posted some trolley pics that were pretty cool. I really liked the trolleys equiped with the plows on the front. Could plow some snow with those.
I have also been enjoying your classical juice on the Dieselization of the B&O and the merger of the C&O and B&O. Some interesting times back then. I sometimes wonder what it would have been like to see some of the new diesel locomotives come out instead of steam. They must have been unbelievable, is all I can say. Diesel.... Whats that?
Eric- From a few pages back you asked when the picture was taken with the E7A in it. It was in the 60s. Don't know the exact date to the picture though.
I also saw the picture of the AEM-7. In Chicago I saw a few of those wandering around. There pretty quite except for the traction motor blower. I wonder if I will see any when I'm in Chicago in March. I usually do. But they are pretty cool. Nice shot
I was looking at the Class T44 and T43 and couldn't help think that they were center cabs. They are in someways. But they are a really cool looking switch engine. Some cool shots there too. I also liked the picture of the heavey weight car sitting on the truck wheels. Red neck style train.
Pete- I was looking at some pics a few pages back and I really liked the Union Pacific Big Boy. I still can't believe how big those steam engines are. And what is this about the Breen bay packers? A building? Well I guess when your in the heart of the cheese head state, you would see something like that.
I liked the A4 steamers also. They are a huge steamer. There like the Pacifics here in America. Really big and powerful.
And to answer both your question and DL's, Yes the line was the electrified portion of the Milwaukee. The Milwaukee was electrified from Miles City, Montana, to pretty much all the way to Seattle and Tacoma. There was a 200 or so mile area in the electrified area that wasn't electrified.
Tom- The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre is Huge!! That is one big theatre. I would like to see a play in there. That would be cool.
Also liked the B&O painted picture. I guess I have never mentioned it before, But I am a painter myself. At the moment I am working on a picture of a set of Box cabs sitting out in Montana. I will have the picture finished in about a month. So I will have to get a picture of it and show you guys. I also did another of the Oliver bridge here in Superior, Wisconsin. That turned out pretty cool.
Also enjoyed the Great Britian steam you presented everybody. Some pretty nice steam locomotives over there in Great Britain.
Lars- Enjoyed the pics of the B&O. I especially liked the smaller steam engines you show up with. The 2-6-0 and the 4-4-2. They are really nice. I have always liked the smaller switching steam engines. Thanks.
CM3- I don't know a lot about logging railroads but when I looked up that Heisler, I didn't know what to think. That is one really odd looking locomotive, just like the shay and climax. But they are some really unique locomotives. All those pistons outside, makes for a cool show of steam.
Doug- I enjoyed reading the Great Pickleworks wreck. That must have been a really nasty wreck. I can't imagine what went through the minds of some of those people. I have a book called, Train wrecks. It shows a lot of the type of train wrecks that you posted about. Many of them look really nasty. They have one were a train derailed in the middle of this town and took out some of the houses with it. The F-units didn't look so good.
Mike-A nice selection of pics from you.But the picture that caught my eye the most was the Zeplin/ Blimp.That thing is the coolest looking floating oblect. I get the shivers looking at that thing float in the sky like that. It's scary to think that thing is full of helium.
DL- I enjoyed all the links you gave us. The history on the Timetable was a good one. I have learned more about the Great Britain railways here than anywhere else. I like learning about the other railroads around the world. Some cool stuff out there. Thanks for all of it.
BTW: Here in Duluth, MN, We are getting about 10 below zero at night and then warming up to about 10 above zeron in the midst of the day. We had a nasty wind coming off the lake this morning..bbbbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Pete, Mike, I must have missed you while I was posting.
Mike- Liked the pictures. That D&H Alco PA1, was quite a picture. Who can't like the Alco PA1 Big Alcos......
Pete- Liked the Great Britain steamer you have there. They are some really big steamers. Thanks for the pic.
Good morning Captain Tom and all present!!
Boris, good to see you again! I'll just have acup of coffee, thank you! Keep the change!
Just stopping by for a few minutes to see what happened today.
Tom – You are right, I am having “flashbacks” when I see the thermometer showing 24° F and have to go outside. No pleasant memories, that is for sure. I got enough during some real cold and snowy winters operating trains. Sometimes I got to a siding and they couldn’t control the switch because it was frozen and full of snow and ice. Then it was my job to get out and try to remove enough snow and ice and crank the switch into a locked position. It was a pretty short train, the Lincoln Service! If it wasn’t so late I would scan a picture of the X2000 in Springfield. It was on display there and one grade crossing was blocked which got the attention of the police. After some discussions between Amtrak and the police they let us stay where we were. Bloomington-Normal is another city where we spent some time. I have to find those pictures!
DL – The X2000 drew a lot of attention wherever we went. Media covered every inch of the tour around the country. A couple of the big morning shows were broadcasted from the X2000 in Washington D.C., and so on. Even I was interviewed on TV and radio a number of times. When I started my training to become a locomotive engineer in the mid 70’s, there was talk about that some of us would also get training on steam locomotives. But it never happened.
CM3 – Nice to see you again, Sir! Those trucks on that diesel, do you mean the ones on the Class T44?Lars – You must have had a great weekend even though some “incidents” happened! I would say that is normal. It happens to me all the time. Lake Champlain is beautiful! We actually traveled that way with the X2000 to and from Canada. We also went to Fort Ticonderoga in May 1993 where the train was on display for a an hour or so. But that is quite a bit south of Plattsburgh.Mike – Thanks for the url’s. Some nice pictures from the area where Lars spent the weekend!Pete – Thanks for the drink! I prefer 24°F any time over 1°F! But I would say that everything below 75°F is too cold. Nice picture of the “Bugatti” steam locomotive!James – Thanks for the info about the picture! No, you will not see any AEM-7’s in Chicago. They are all used on the North East Corridor. It must have been something else you saw.
Time to hit the sack!
Mid-week in mid-continent USA and all's well! Take advantage of our "special" this AM - free pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery with each <light> or <traditional> breakfast ordered from the Menu Board - a new thing for mid-week here at the Saloon by the Siding! And of course, a steaming mug of freshly ground ‘n brewed Joe to wash it all down . . .
Seems like the gang has returned, although Rob ‘n Doug are surely missed and makes the mind go wondering if all's well.
Let's get directly to the acknowledgments:
Lars at 1:10 PM yesterday: Great to have you back on board, Mate! Many thanx for the rundown on your trip to Plattsburgh aboard Amtrak. Sounded okay to me, for these days "We takes, what we gets!" Aside from the fiasco of running ‘round in circles looking for something that isn't lost at all, makes for the kind of stress none of us relish. Bet the bride felt a bit foolish over that one, eh <grin> Hey! It happens to the best of us. How many times have we looked "everywhere" for the car keys that are "right there"!! Or the eye glasses perched on your nose Or . . . . been there, done that, fer sure, fer sure!
I've never been to Plattsburgh nor have I spent any time in the Lake Champlaign area. One of those things I missed out on way back when. Now that I'm a "fixture" here in mid-continent, I seriously doubt that our travel plans will take us to upstate New York ever again. I do have some fond memories of this place and that - mostly visited by car however. I used to ride the NYC from Grand Central Terminal up to Albany and back just for the fun of it. But that was sooooooooo long ago.
Again, many thanx for the "report" and appreciate very much the Email you sent.
Mike at 8:11 PM yesterday: That D&H is a beauty and perhaps next to the Santa Fe "war bonnet" livery, the best for an Alco I've seen. I'll give it at least a "tie" in the siberianmo "ratings"! <grin> Good to see ya back in the place.
Pete at 8:17 PM yesterday: Quite a Post from you and now that I've witnessed the way these are prepared - one finger typing - I can well imagine how much time that took you! Much appreciated and of course, most interesting stuff from our "resident Brit"! Can o' beer on a stick works every time!
As we discussed several times while we were together, things here at the bar are truly feast or famine. Just look at the span of time between Posts during daylight. I'd say we've become an evening pub fer sure, fer sure. Ruth is concerned about being let go, for staffing an empty bar is beginning to drain the finite resources of the upstairs tub o' cash. <grin> We've got to figure out a way to raise some bucks. Fortunately, I hold the title to this place, land included, in spite of Vito the Hit and his 2nd National Bank of Mentor Village forever trying to come up with a way to wrestle it from me. <geesh>
Your mention of the train horns here in NAmerica brings to mind the sounds of the Can-Am train room and the HO layout. Similar sounds, eh Don't quite know how they capture all of those authentic railroad sounds and then put it all on "chips," but they do and it works quite well.
Should make mention that Juneau is still looking for you. He knows something is different and has checked out "your" room only to find it quite lonely since your departure. You two got along quite well and undoubtedly he's "claimed" you as part of his pack.
James at 8:47 PM & 8:55 PM yesterday: Appears as if your "catch up" is nearly complete. In the old days of this bar, we'd have amassed at least triple the number of Pages compared to present times. Actually, it is better this way insofar as trying to keep abreast of this ‘n that, especially after absences.
Glad you enjoyed the B&O offering. Takes a great deal of talent to put something like that to canvas, something I surely don't have. My late oldest son had that ability, he could (and did) paint and draw pictures that were so "real" that it simply amazed us all. Surely didn't get that from me. I recall one time he had borrowed a photo from his mother with me in uniform - looked at it for quite awhile. Returned the photo, then sketched out a most vivid multi-colored 8 x 10 of me which today hangs in a private place here at home. Just amazing. I'm sure the guys will appreciate your work; looking forward to it.
Duluth sounds like my kinda place in the winter. After spending time in the arctic and places far north, there's just something about the winter . . .
Yes, Alco PAs are quite the locos and that D&H livery is indeed one of the very best.
Eric at 1:05 AM today: A visit from our "resident desert Swede" - say that three times fast! - and as always, good to see ya!
Concur regarding the 4 car consist for the newly instituted "Lincoln Service," however sure is far better than no service, eh The days of long trains are long gone in these parts. There is a rather direct route to Chicago by highway which is extremely busy along with a new bus service that I believe provides service every 2 hours or so. The train has 5 round trips and quite frankly I was surprised at the ridership on the day w
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house, and $ for the jukebox.
A few observations.
Lars - Plattsburgh is truly upstate. Wonder if the Giants will be able to win their road game in London next year?
Mike - Enjoyable pictures of PAs at Willsboro and vintage shots of NYC. How did the photographer get that picture of the Mentor Gazette's last staff meeting on the high steel? BTW, the New York Central bldg. is at the left of the picture.
Pete - Thanks for the kind words.
James - AEM7s replaced the G motors (if anything could) on the NEC.
Eric - Yes, trucks on the T44.
A short sidebar on mining for today. The accident mentioned in the link occurred during retreat mining (aka pulling pillars). Definition of this activity (from USBM Dictionary ) is, "To work rooms, rooms-and-pillars to finish coal extraction in any area which has been penetrated to its limits by advance work; workings in the general opposite direction of advance work and which when completed, will permit the area to be abandoned as finished." I think you can see that this is not for the faint hearted.
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