Good eveing Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Cindy! Nice to see you again! Surprise me with a good drink before my meal! I am going to have that juicyFIlet Mignon tonight with mushrooms!
Kind of quiet Saturday hera at the Bar today! I think I will add some mixed pictures.
Tom – 116° on the 4th might not be correct. The latest forecast is 117° F. Our air conditioner is working pretty well so that should not be a problem. Last year we installed an air conditioner for the dog house and the dog (Taylor) is really appreciating it. You are correct about the snow on Mt Mentor. There is some snow there! I made a quick trip up there and some pictures from the trip are shown below. Interesting history to read, the Northern Alberta Railways! I think I have seen that name, J. D. McArthur, in earlier posts about Canadian railways!? NAR also tried RDCs but with no success. I wonder what went wrong? Two for me unknown movies at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre next week! I don’t even remember the Stooges’ An Ache In Every Stake! It will be an interesting week at the Theatre!Lars – Wow, you are really paying for your gas! $3.49 for regular gas? In Phoenix it is down to $2.79 today. Scandinavian 4th of July? Never thought of that. Norwegian menu in Norwegian and all! I think I’ll stick to the burgers though. I have been to Norway many times, both in business and on vacation and it is a beautiful country! Lots of mountains and fjords. Don’t tell the Captain, but one of the pictures below is actually from Norway (from 1974). Guess which one. Nice pictures from Canada with snow and everything!
First a few pictures from my very recent trip to Mt. Mentor to check the snow depth. I took the train and shortly before getting up there to Can-Am land I found the ground being partly snow covered.
At the Mentor station some people were waiting for the train to arrive.
I rented a car and drove up towards Mt. Mentor and in this picture you can see that there are some snow on the side of the mountain.
I made it, climbing through the snow, halfway to the top before giving up. Too much snow and way too cold for me. Since there was snow in the Mentor Village I drove on to the next station to catch the train going back. While I waited for the train I was observing how CPR and CN worked together switching cars.
Tonight, when I got to the bar I saw this Dining Car sitting outside on the siding! Makes me wonder if our Manager Lars is planning to remodel "Our Place" and let us use that dining car meanwhile?
It made me think about the last eveing of the 2nd Annual Rendezvous when we had a farewell dinner at this place, Erio's! A very nice place indeed!
Have a nice weekend!!
Eric
Gentlemen,bar staff,dart players and other neer`do`wells`s-again a brief missive-the weather is closing in again and I dont want the `puter to get fried by lightning.....Leon (or is that Cindy-my dear girl,please lay off the steroids....... ) more of that evil fermented apple juice for all--starting to catch up on the weeks submissions-wild for those museum shots from our gracious host-the A4 and terrier are superlative-the FP9a in VIA colours is a dream come true,the RS10 from the Northland could only be improved by a return to its original colours...........LARS-those C.P `f` unit pix are a treat.Brief note on `Terriers` (Waddon et al)-I know of at least 3 still in regular service-`Stepney` on the Bluebell line,2 on the Isle of Wight line and possibly another 2 on the Kent & East Sussex lineWill keep the bulk of holiday pix for the 4th but here is a taster.... " border="0" />
Gentlemen,bar staff,dart players and other neer`do`wells`s-again a brief missive-the weather is closing in again and I dont want the `puter to get fried by lightning.....Leon (or is that Cindy-my dear girl,please lay off the steroids....... ) more of that evil fermented apple juice for all--starting to catch up on the weeks submissions-wild for those museum shots from our gracious host-the A4 and terrier are superlative-the FP9a in VIA colours is a dream come true,the RS10 from the Northland could only be improved by a return to its original colours...........LARS-those C.P `f` unit pix are a treat.
Brief note on `Terriers` (Waddon et al)-I know of at least 3 still in regular service-`Stepney` on the Bluebell line,2 on the Isle of Wight line and possibly another 2 on the Kent & East Sussex line
Will keep the bulk of holiday pix for the 4th but here is a taster....
And here is another:-
[img]
[img/]
Eric-wonderful Can-Am pix-glad someone was on the case there
O.K fella`s-I`m outa here its getting ugly outside-a pleasant w/end to one and all,
take care,be lucky,Nick
Good Morning Captain Tom and Company!
I bring you greeting from the not so sunny offshore waters of Canada this Canada Day!
Yes the Ship's BBQ will be red hot this afternoon!
However to tie me over to that event I think a feed of Muscles is in order. served in a Black Bean and Marinara sauce with a side dish of Garlic Butter, please and thanks.
Anyway I must run as I have Captain's Rounds in one minute!
Later All Fergie
I'll be back for the Muscles!!
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
Canada Day at "Our" Place!
140th Birthday!
We're celebrating the annual event - but on Monday! So be sure to swing on by when the bar opens at 6 AM (all time zones - don't ask how we do THAT!!)
Enjoy the holiday and weekend . . .
Tom
Ahoy Cap'n Tom 'n fellow travelers waiting for the bar to open!
A most HAPPY CANADA DAY to my "bookend" BK (Bud Karr 'n Lydia in Alberta) - Rob (trolleyMAN 'n his Mrs. in Brantford, Ontario) - and Fergie (Fergmiester from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia - who is current at sea). A 5- Salute to our friends north of the 49th! And of course to Cap'n Tom's Mrs. (from Ontario and points east 'n west!)
Here's a few "keep sakes" for those who appreciate 'things RR' !!
- AND -
CPR Selkirk locomotive No. 5915
CN #6071 4-8-2 (from: www.yesteryeardepot.com)
CN #6307 4-8-4 (from: www.yesteryeardepot.com)
and there are so MANY, MANY MORE!!
Until the next time!
Lars
Hi Tom and everyone, Happy Canada Day
One-quarter Canadian makes me a loony. Grandfather from Prince Edward Island. CV engineer at St. Albans, 20 minutes from Canada as his train flew. Drove up there to PEI in 1994, very beautiful island. Crossed the border into New Brunswick and sign said speed limit 100 mph. Or maybe it was 100 miles per hour-and-a-half. I did slow down when all those headlights came at me in broad daylight. Figured they were warning me of a Mountie on a very fast horse. Way home was though Pictou, Halifax and Yarmouth, then 11-hour boat ride to Portland. Longest ever at sea. Saw dolphins.
http://www.cvrma.org/pictures/MISC/dfrr4013_canadian_pacific_spiral_tunnel_(one_train).jpg
http://www.cvrma.org/pictures/MISC/dfrr4027_canadian_pacific_trans_canada_ltd_field_bc.jpg
Off topic pix for DL
http://pro.corbis.com/images/RT001083.jpg?size=67&uid={858d5d79-a61f-44d4-b455-c0557e71a78f}
http://www.geocities.com/silverspade66/gem26.jpg
Big Muskie
http://static.flickr.com/122/301323670_725ffb1fc3_o.jpg
http://www.vincelewis.net/diggers.html
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/29/59062053_4ce0a38fde_o.jpg
Lars was up for shirtless darts until Ruth asked how to get to Carnegie Hall
http://pro.corbis.com/images/MI-064-0255.jpg?size=67&uid={9099c23f-db6a-486f-ad94-d6f9c9aefd8c}
Mike
<w/permission: http://www.scenic-railroads.com/>
A smile to begin the week!
Shut up and talk.
<A Yogi-ism!>
<legal observance>
G'day Gents!
The first Monday of a new month and the countdown to the END of summer begins for me - and it can't come too fast! <ugh> While I'm moaning ‘n groaning, I must say that we've been "blessed" by unseasonably cool ‘n comfortable temperatures for the past several days. All supposed to end by the 4th, but "we takes what we gets!" eh
Galley crew says the breakfast <light> ‘n <traditional> selections are ready - coffee's fresh ‘n hot - pastries are awaiting you in the Mentor Village Bakery case. Let's get with it!
Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative):
Lars at 11:08 AM Saturday - June 30th: Youse guyz are taking a whooping at the gas pump - just noticed our prices are at $2.86 (rounded) - that's quite a difference AND you've got all of those New Joisey refineries. Gotta figure that one out, eh
Thanx for keeping the daylight portion of our ENCORE! Saturday ‘n Photo Posting Day alive ‘n well. Nice to know the guys have things to do ‘n places to go - but for those who cudda stopped by and didn't, well it's surely their loss, eh
While a trip back to ExpoRail would be a treat - I'm not excited about the prospects of flying to New YAWK, fighting the way to Penn Station, taking Amtrak northward for an ALWAYS late arrival in Montreal then having to repeat it all for the return trek. Sorry, Lars, but that's not my idea of fun. Would be far better to simply fly to Montreal and "get ‘er done!" Just my two cents worth!
I like your idea of "help" on the 4th from the "internationalists" amongst us. Perhaps they will come through . . . if not, we'll muddle through, eh
Interesting menu from Norway. I remember some of those "names" from my childhood friends in the neighborhood I grew up in. "Fiske" this ‘n that was something I recall. Not so sure Eric would've enjoyed THAT! <grin> I'll have to admit to not being a huge fan of fish-dishes either - I'm more along the lines of shrimp, lobster, scallops and halibut. Used to love ‘n devour steamed clams ‘n oysters - but that was way back when the oceans weren't such frightening places for pollution and the like. No more -semi-raw anything from the sea for me. <yikes>
I do concur with your thinking on language, but will let it remain there . . .
Nope, the RDCs were shut tight as was the VIA Rail Park Car (obs dome) so there was no opportunity to board ‘em.
All of my "visits" to Cuba were in connection with "Gitmo" - did make it to Havana in 1958 though as a "poor" sailor boy . . . quite the place, but way too expensive for the likes of Moi in those times. I think there were some other "short comings" too . . . <grin>
You are on the mark with the comments on the RDCs and the "vintage" automobiles still running down there. Gotta give credit where credit is due and the guys who have found ways to keep ‘em running are to be commended - BIG TIME. I believe Cuba had quite a successful passenger rail system . . . don't know now.
Cuba purchased 11 RDC-1s and 5 RDC-2s in 1951 for operation on their Cuba Railroad, Guantanamo & Western Raiload and Cuba Northern Railways.
Then in 1956-57, 4 RDC-1s and 6 RDC-3s went into service on their Western Railways <Occidentales>.
All rail systems were nationalized in 1960. <source: RDC The Budd Rail Diesel Car>
In 1998, five RDCs from VIA Rail were sold to Cuba: 3 RDC-1s, 1 RDC-2 & 1 RDC-3. <sources: numerous>
"Cute" comment on the Kiwi's and the America's Cup race . . . saw it in our local paper <aka: bird cage liner> too. <grin>
Appreciate the effort you've put into your visits and of course, giving me a break at watching things at the bar!
Eric at 8:40 PM Saturday - June 30th: Loved the foto-spread ‘story' - well done, Mate! 5 Salute to our Resident Desert Swede!
If I recall, the CP ‘n CN diesels wound up that way due to a switching error on MY part! <grimace> <grin> The foto came out quite well and shows quite a bit of detail . . . thanx!
Found it a bit unusual that YOU would travel to a place where there is SNOW! I mean that speaks loud ‘n clear about your "roots" and TRUE inner desire to be A-deep in the white stuff! <grin>
The shot of Erios is a "keeper" and I've added it to my collection. Of course it's on the disk set you sent, but I'm glad you provided it here. For s
Canadian Railways of the Past Number Three:British Columbia Railways (BCR) PART I of II
<Initially Posted on Page 261 of the Original Thread>
Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources. BC Rail Locale British Columbia Reporting marks BCOL, BCIT (formerly PGE and PGER) Dates of operation 1912 - 2004 Track gauge 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) (standard gauge) Original track gauge Headquarters North Vancouver, British Columbia BC Rail (AAR reporting marks BCOL and BCIT), known as the British Columbia Railway between 1972 and 1984 and as the Pacific Great Eastern Railway (PGE; AAR reporting marks PGE and PGER) before 1972, was a railway that operated in the Canadian province of British Columbia between 1912 and 2004. It was a class II regional railway and the third-largest in Canada, operating 2 320 km (1,441 miles) of mainline track. It was owned by the provincial government from 1918 until 2004, when it was sold to Canadian National Railway. Chartered in 1912, the railway was acquired by the provincial government in 1918 after running into financial difficulties. A railway that ran "from nowhere, to nowhere" for over 30 years, neither passing through any major city nor interchanging with any other railway, it expanded significantly between 1949 and 1984. Primarily a freight railway, it also offered passenger service, as well as some excursion services, most notably the Royal Hudson excursion train. The railway's operations were not always profitable, and its debts, at times, made it the centre of political controversy. History 1912-1948 Pacific Great Eastern Railway logo The Pacific Great Eastern Railway (PGE) was incorporated on February 27, 1912, to build a line from Vancouver north to a connection with the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (GTP) at Prince George. Although independent from the GTP, the PGE had agreed that the GTP, whose western terminus was at the remote northern port of Prince Rupert, could use their line to gain access to Vancouver. The railway was given its name due to a loose association with England's Great Eastern Railway. Its financial backers were Timothy Foley, Patrick Welch and John Stewart, whose construction firm of Foley, Welch and Stewart was among the leading railway contractors in North America. Upon incorporation, the PGE took over the Howe Sound and Northern Railway, which at that point had built nine miles (15 km) of track north of Squamish. The British Columbia government gave the railway a guarantee of principal and 4% interest (later increased to 4.5% to make the bonds saleable) on the construction bonds of the railway. By 1915, the line was opened from Squamish 176 miles (283 km) north to Chasm. The railway was starting to run out of money, however. In 1915 it failed to make an interest payment on its bonds, obliging the provincial government to make good on its bond guarantee. In the 1916 provincial election campaign, the Liberal Party alleged that some of the money advanced to the railway for bond guarantee payments had instead gone into Conservative Party campaign funds. In the election, the Conservatives, who had won every seat in the legislature in 1912 election, lost to the Liberals. The Liberals then took Foley, Welch, and Stewart to court to recover $5 million of allegedly unaccounted funds. In early 1918, the railway's backers agreed to pay the government $1.1 million and turn the railway over to the government. When the government took over the railway, two separate sections of trackage had been completed: A small section between North Vancouver and Horseshoe Bay, and one between Squamish and Clinton. By 1921, the provincial government had extended the railway to a point 15 miles (24 km) north of Quesnel, still 20 miles (32 km) south of a connection to Prince George, but it was not extended further. The track north of Quesnel was later removed. Construction of the line between Horseshoe Bay and Squamish was given a low priority because there was already a barge in operation between Squamish and Vancouver, and the railway wanted to discontinue operations on the North Vancouver-Horseshoe Bay line. However, the railway had an agreement with the municipality of West Vancouver to provide passenger service that it was unable to get out of until 1928, when they paid the city $140,000 in support of its road-building programme. The last trains on the line ran on November 29, 1928, and the line fell into disuse, but was never formally abandoned. For the next 20 years the railway would run from "nowhere to nowhere". It did not connect with any other railway, and there were no large urban centres on its route. It existed mainly to connect logging and mining operations in the British Columbia interior with the coastal town of Squamish, where resources could then be transported by sea. The government still intended for the railway to reach Prince George, but the resources to do so were not available, especially during the Great Depression and World War II. The unfortunate state of the railway caused it to be given nicknames such as "Province's Great Expense", "Prince George Eventually", "Past God's Endurance", and "Please Go Easy". 1949 t
Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth my deAH you are as radiant as the morning sun! <blush> A mugga Joe with a jolt, some pastries and that will do for now. Ah yes, Boris feed the crittAHs their due - tray of seeds for Awk, saucer of brine for Tex, bucket of ice cubes for Frostbite and the small jar of pickled pig's feet is YOURS!
A round for the house and the change is for you my deAH!
An interesting weekend in that we had far fewer Saturday visitors in the daylight than expected, then a couple of suprises in the evening. Was pleased that Sunday had a bit of a return to the "old dayz" with the slipping of the messages through the slot on the door. That used to be the "norm" for months ‘n months . . . wonder why we let that go?? Oh I KNOW - too busy! <grin>
Got a kick outta Mike's Url of Ruth and me . . . thought that photo had been long destroyed!!?? Reminded me of my Navy daze - never go outside without your "cover"!! Remember the ‘dixie cup,' Cap'n Tom??!! Youbetchaboots we both do! <grin>
Cast iron "gut" of the sailor, huh, Fergie???!!! The things consumed out of the ship's galley . . . Gotta keep ‘em content at dinner and in between!
Thought my Norwegian fish selections would get a "rise" outta Eric! <grin.
Check out these all-encompassing tastes from Sweden:
Ärtsoppa - Pea soup Blodpudding - Black pudding Falukorv - Sausage originating from Falun. The lifts and pumps at the Kopparberg copper mine in Falun were, before the introduction of steam engines, powered by oxen. When these oxen died from strain or old age, the skin was turned into leather ropes used in the mine, and the meat was turned into sausage - Falukorv. Gravad lax - Salmon, salted, and cured Isterband - Sausage made of coarsely ground pork, barley and potatoes Janssons frestelse - Grated potatoes, onion, anchovy and cream - the anchovy here is not the genuine anchovy but a quite different species and is also spiced. Julbord - Christmas smorgasbord Julskinka - Christmas ham Kaviar - Swedish caviar comes in tubes and is typically made from cod roe. Kåldolmar - Cabbage rolls Köttbullar - Swedish meatballs Köttsoppa - A rustic beef and root vegetable soup Kroppkakor - Boiled potato-dumplings, filled with pork Lutfisk - Stockfish Palt - Potato-dumplings with a filling of pork Inlagd sill - Pickled herring Pölsa - Hash Raggmunk - Potato pancakes Stekt fläsk och bruna bönor - Pork and brown beans CMSTPP Member sinceAugust 2005 From: Along the old Milwaukee Road. 1,152 posts Posted by CMSTPP on Monday, July 2, 2007 12:30 PM G-day Tom and all present!Ruth- Nice to see you today. Could I get an OJ and a turkey sandwich. ThanksWell, gone a couple of days and then back. But I see I am just in time for the fun. Canada day is here!!! And I see some good stuff out there. Time to go through it!Eric- If it's not family then it's books and, if in the world there isn't a book on it (ya right!) then the internet. But the information can be endless, making the fun endless. When you start waving at the simulated person, then you know it's getting to ya. The train bug has bitten!!! The simulators they have today have become very real. But realism comes at a price. Some of these simulators are very expensive, almost a Million dollars. The simulator here at the museum was $300,000 brand new, and that was almost 20 years ago. But it does pretty good for itself. But if you can find a pic of that simulator, that would be great.I see some good shots of Tom's Can-Am layout. It's always good to see some layout photos, and some nice ones too. I really like that station with all of the snow on it. It really looks real. Thanks for all of the great photos.DL- It's been a while since I talked to you. Some good info on the Hayling Island station and the line. A neat looking station in deed. I'm glad they kept the station. Unfortunately the U.S.A is not as forgiving when it comes to keeping train stations. When they rip down old stations like that it takes away from the area. When Duluth took down the Soo Line Depot, I thought they had made the biggest mistake. The Depot we have now is impressive, but couldn't even come close to how impressive the Soo Depot was. The interior was all marble!! And they ripped down one of the neatest depots around. Big Mistake!!!! So I'm glad they keep there's still alive for people to see. Neat stuff. Thanks.Tom- Glad you liked the Stock Wood fill article. When I drive along the line there are areas where you can still see the old bridge. The rock tunnels have long been gone but there are still large rocks laying around the area where the tunnels were. The bridges that cross over the roads are still wooden and are holding strong to this day.... But I have a feeling they will be replacing them soon since some bridges have been replaced along the line. But I copied down the address to the site and will be showing it periodically. Its such a good article I don't want it to disappear. Well it sounds like they will have a bigger and even better museum at the Exporail in Canada. Glad they have a trolley going. They might even expand to have a train running. That would be neat. Also thanks for remembering about the St. Louis railway museum question. My goodness, I even forgot about that question..... How did you ever remember it???? But thanks for answering. See, knew I could trust you guys!!Ah and some railroad "stuff" that I have not seen before or heard about. The New Zealand railways are quite nice looking. Well, I have seen some pictures and the trains are really roaring along.. Thanks for the history on the railroad. I was quite surprised to learn that there are over 2000 bridges!!!! That is a lot of bridges to inspect. Some cool stuff! I have a question, when the article said that the NZRL was sold to these companies, why was the Wisconsin Central mentioned Did they purchase a portion of the railroad It just seems a little odd. What is the relationship Thanks for sharing!And some more great pics from the Exporail museum in Canada. They just have the neatest stuff from MLWs to little GE 70 toners. What don't they have? Thanks for the pics!Thanks for the Canadian railways of the past. Some I have not heard of. Of course there are many railways I have not heard of here in the U.S. Are most of the railways that you mentioned, shortlines? There are some that are Predecessor roads but where they also Shortlines or were they larger railroads? Some of the lines did not last very long. Some great information and a lot to learn off it. Thanks!Some good stuff on the British Columbia railway. A lot of information and goes perfect with Canada day. And some good stuff on the Pacific Eastern Railway. All very good. I am was a bit sad to see those BC rail units being dismantled. They were a neat looking locomotive with the look of the Cowl unit. I did see some BC rail units come through Duluth, Superior and "YES," I did get pics of them! I will get the pictures on soon.Pete- Glad you liked the article on the Stock Wood fill. As said before, I have saved so I can post again here later in the year, just for fun. Some these things are just worth saving.Your explanation on how to couple up those links was a bit interesting. If you had a bad engineer, it would be a "fun" time trying to hook those up. The Milwaukee Road From Miles City, Montana, to Avery, Idaho. The Mighty Milwaukee's Rocky Mountain Division. Visit: http://www.sd45.com/milwaukeeroad/index.htm siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment! Posted by siberianmo on Monday, July 2, 2007 1:44 PM G'day Gents!Appreciate seeing Lars our Manager 'n James our Duluth Connection "in" today . . . Some interesting material in both Posts and hope the guys check 'em out! Continuing on with Pix from Day Four: Sunday - May 27th, 2007 - ExpoRail Canadian Railway Museum at Delson/Saint-Constant, Quebec, Canada Inside Building #1Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR #4744) M-640 - Built by Montreal Loco Works (1971) Canadian National Railway (CNR #55361) Rotary snow plow - Built by Montreal Loco Works (1928) Stealthy Pete in the Coffee Shop Sydney & Louisbourg (S&L #4) Combine - Built by Rhodes, Curry (1894) Canadian National Railway (CNR #6765) FPA-4 - Built by Montreal Loco Works (1955) Canadian National Railway (CNR #63) "CANADA" business car - Built by Wagner (1897).This car was built for the Grand Trunk Railway (GTR) and was RR President Charles M. Hay's business car until his death aboard the Titantic in 1912. Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR #2850) Royal Hudson - Built by Montreal Loco Works (1938).This loco powered the Royal Train of 1939 has been declared a National Historic Site by the Government of Canada. Montreal Transportation Commission (MTC #350) streetcar - Built by Brownell (1892) Too bad trolleyMAN Rob is no longer with us - he surely could describe these! To be continued . . . Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment! Posted by siberianmo on Monday, July 2, 2007 4:06 PM Canada Day at "Our" Place!140th Birthday!<legal observance> Canadian Railways of the Past Number Three:British Columbia Railways (BCR) PART II of II<Initially Posted on Page 262 of the Original Thread> Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources. The sale of BC Rail Looking to retire BC Rail's debt, on May 13, 2003, British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell reneged on promises to the contrary and announced that the government would privatise BC Rail (by means of a 999 year lease), while retaining ownership of the right-of-way. On November 25, 2003, it was announced that Canadian National's (CN) bid of $1 billion would be accepted over those of several other companies. The transaction was closed on July 15, 2004. Many opponents, including the Canadian Pacific Railway, accused the government and CN of rigging the bidding process, though this has been denied by the government. It has also recently surfaced that Dave Basi and other upper-echelon aides may have been unsuccessfully bribed by OmniTRAX, another bidder, in exchange for skewing the process in that company's favour. Freight services The railway transported a wide variety of products, from resource traffic to intermodal freight. Forest products are one of the main products transported by the railway. Before its sale to CN, the railway transported over 120,000 carloads of lumber, pulp, woodchips, and other forest products per year. The railway served several lumber and pulp mills in the province. Between 1983 and 2003, the railway hauled coal in unit trains from the Teck and Quintette mines near Tumbler Ridge to to Prince George, from where CN would haul the trains to Prince Rupert for shipment to Japan. The Quintette mine, the larger-producing of the two, closed in 2000 and the Teck mine closed in 2003. Starting in the 1960s, the PGE operated an intermodal service that transported truck trailers between North Vancouver and Prince George, and to places further north. Unlike most of the railway's other traffic, most of the intermodal traffic was northbound. In April 1982, the railway combined its piggyback and LCL services to form a new Intermodal Services Department. BC Rail halted its intermodal services in 2002. Starting in 1958, the railway started to haul grain from the Peace River District, serving grain elevators at Dawson Creek, Buick, Fort St. John, and Taylor. With an amendment to the Western Grain Transportation Act in 1985 that included the railway in the Act, it became economical for the railway to transport grain, and it also carried grain from Northern Alberta bound for Prince Rupert, interchanging with CN at Dawson Creek and Prince George. From the 1920s to the 1960s, the railway also carried gold concentrate and bullion from the Bridge River goldfield towns of Bralorne and Pioneer Mine, which were trucked out of the goldfield area over 3500' Mission Pass to the railway at Shalalth. The main freight company operating out of Shalalth was Evans Transportation Co., which grew to be one of the biggest transportation companies in the province. In addition to gold concentrate and ore, Evans and other companies based in [[Shalalth, British Columbia|Shalalth carried passengers, heavy equipment, and supplies of all kinds over 3500' Mission Pass. Interchanges Between 1928 and 1952, the PGE did not interchange with any other railway. Connections were made to other railways when the railway expanded during the 1950s. The main connection to the North American rail network was in North Vancouver, where there was a connection to CN. There was also a rail connection to deep-sea terminal operator Vancouver Wharves, and some interchange occurred with the Union Pacific Railroad through the Seaspan railbarge link between North Vancouver and Seattle, Washington. The railway also interchanged with CN at Prince George, and with Northern Alberta Railways (acquired by CN in 1981) at Dawson Creek. CN's line between Dawson Creek and Hythe, Alberta, fell into disuse in 1998, but CN agreed to reopen it as a condition of purchasing BC Rail. Reporting marks BCIT 871027 in interchange service on the BN in 1992. [Creative Commons] (photo: Sean Lamb) Reporting marks are a system intended to help keep track of rolling stock and financial transactions between railways. The Pacific Great Eastern Railway used the reporting mark PGE. It later adopted the reporting mark PGER in 1971 for freight cars in international service. When the railway was renamed to the British Columbia Railway, it adopted the reporting mark BCOL, as well as the BCIT reporting mark for freight cars in international service. Passenger services Since the line opened, the PGE had provided passenger service between Squamish and Quesnel (as well as between North Vancouver and Horseshoe Bay until operations were discontinued there in 1928). When the PGE reached Prince George and North Vancouver, daily service was extended to these cities. Service between Lillooet and Prince George was cut back to three times weekly in the 1960s. In 1978, the McKenzie Royal Commission recommended that the BCR eliminate its passenger services, which were losing over $1 million per year, unless it received government funding for them, but the BCR did not do so. However, facing large losses and an ageing fleet of Rail Diesel Cars, it reduced passenger operations to three trains weekly to Lillooet and once weekly to Prince George on February 16, 1981. This service reduction led to public outrage, and the British Columbia governm Happy Railroading! Siberianmo pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Monday, July 2, 2007 6:34 PM Hi Tom and all.A pint of Bathams bitter and around for the interesting posts over the weekend please RUTH.Great to see NICK in after the break in Devon. It seems as though the rain is still soaking England and Wales.Looking forward to the photos after the GWR 0-6-0 Pannier tank and HST tasters, those clouds do look angry at Dawlish. ERIC I don't know if Waddon is in running condition. I doubt she is though as I would have thought that the loco would have been in use somewhere as the boiler ticket would be running down and the loco could be earning some money.Yes it can be said that Marmite does have a unique aroma I will let DL describe the taste, if it is possible.Thanks for the photos. You were very brave climbing Mount Mentor to get those great photos for us. There are many wild animals, including bears living on the mountain. I think the track gang would be at home in the UP MOW Dining car although the notice on the bottom right of the van may upset them.Yes Enro's was a great restaurant.FERGIE Great to hear from you on Canada day. Safe Voyage.LARS They are forecasting Thundershowers for the 4th here as well.Talking of Cuba they run tours from the UK for the sugar harvest as they have, at least until very recently, had steam locomotives serving the sugar mills there. I believe they are mainly locomotives built in the U.S some of which are over 100 years old now.Enjoyed those photos of the CP FPA9s and I am sure our Canadian friends will enjoy those Book covers and photos. It is amazing how those Selkirk locos fit in with the mountainsThanks for the Swedish Dishes. I never knew there was Blodpudding in Sweden, it is a found in the Midlands and North West of England, also known as ‘Black Pudding'. A staple at our darts and skittle matches.Great list of the Canadian sayings and meanings, some I recognized but others I had not seen.MIKE Thanks for the links. Brutus certainly is an impressive machine. Loved the last pic.JAMES Glad you liked the photos, that conductor on the streetcar certainly looked the part. I have sent your link to the Stock wood fill to a Civil engineer friend.Reading your post reminded me about how little it seems has been written about the railroads that used to work in large factories and steel mills etc. From places that, perhaps, had just on or two locomotives to do the switching, to large steel mills, that had a large fleet of locos that worked 24 hours a day over quite a large system.TOM I had another look at the Schedule for UP 844 at Union Station K.C. although it should arrive at 11.am today it only due to be on show at the station Tuesday and Wednesday, so It was not worth the risk to go over to KC even if I had not had to stay here to see someoneI would be great to go to Exporail with Eric and Lars. As you say it would be a good museum to volunteer for, perhaps we could get 60010 running again.Great Canadian Encores for Canada Day. With the N.A.R. and parts I and II of the Pacific Great Eastern and B.C Railways. It seems a long time now, since I first asked you about the BC Rail center beam car for carrying timber products, that I had seen in Jeff City.Great photos from inside Building #1 at Exporail That MLW FPA4 looks superb. That surely must be the best view from a café for anyone interested in Classic Trains, although it appears I have frightened the other customers away. Two films I have not seen on at the Emporium this week. They look good films to watch, and of course, the Stooges up to their usual mayhem..For a contribution for Canada Day I have some pics taken at Exporail EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 2:02 AM Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!Leon, just a black cup of coffee! Did you? Okay, I'll have that danish too then.Well, I better start wishing a belated Happy Canada Day!!!Nick – So there are still some “Terriers” alive and well! Nice picture of the GWR #578! I love the picture of that modern train (I am trying to remember the class). Kind of dramtic feeling in it!Fergie – I hope you got to eat something you liked! Coming home soon?Tom – My apologies! I missed 6 AM this last morning. That stupid alarm didn’t sound. What? Set it? I don’t remember, but it didn’t sound.The END of summer!!??! I saw you will only have 89° for high Tuesday! That is the end of summer (October) for us in Phoenix (114°, Tuesday). So pretend you live in Phoenix and you can say the summer is gone!I read something about train trips from Montreal to the Canadian Railway Museum this summer. July 8, August 19,and September 16 you can take a train to the museum. No way, I don’t have any desire to go to a place with snow, but sometimes I have to in order to check the facts, in this case about Mt. Mentor and its snowcap. OK, you are right. That picture is from Norway, but it looks exactly like Mt. Mentor! Interesting to read about PGE! What is also interesting is that they have a picture of a freight train on the timetable for their passenger trains! Something went wrong there. An embarrassing train derailment by the inaugural train to Fort Nelson! Nice looking RDCs! 999 year lease!? Wow, that is a long time. $ 1 billion for 999 years? Hmm. How do we know that CN will return BC Rail to the government after so many years? I just wonder. Anyway, I have copied both part I and II for future refereces! More nice pictures from ExpoRail! I think Pete forgot his coffee... sorry, tea. Or didn’t you eat and or drink anything at the museum? I agree, too bad trolleyman Rob isn’t here to tell us more about those streetcars. The more I see of that museum the more I would like to go.Lars – Some very nice Canadian book covers and pictures of steam locomotives! What kind of Pea soup (Ärtsoppa) do you mean? Green or yellow? I would recommend Yellow Pea Soup! Every Thursday, in the old country, for lunch (or dinner) people eat Yellow Pea Soup and when that is finsihed they have some Pancakes with Strawberry Jam (or some other kind of jam). Very good!! I never heard that story about Falukorv! Brown beans!!! That is good stuff! Tuesday food! I skip the pork and eat more brown beans instead! Thanks for the Canadian English/slang! Mike – Those pictures of the train going through the spiral tunnel are classic indeed! Interesting machine, Big Muskie! Too bad they scrapped it.Thanks for the picture showing Lars and Ruth!! Now we know for sure!!!James – I saw my pictures of the simulator not long ago. I’ll find them one of these days! I don’t remember the price tag on that simulator, but it was expensive. Pete – I Pass on the Marmite! If it is that hard to describe it I am sure I wouldn’t like it. Do you think the track gang want to hump the dining car? That is okay after we have used it. I saw quite a few wild animals climbing Mt. Mentor. There were some bears on the mountain who were packing their suitcases. Tired of all that snow they are going to Florida for the summer. Nice pictures! RDCs and... wait, did the Captain ever leave that observation/dome car? Or did he spend the entire day by its side? For Captain Tom and Juneau! Eric siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment! Posted by siberianmo on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 7:09 AM HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the U.S.A.! . . . Wednesday, July 4th - MATINEE ONLY: . . . 1776 (1972) starring: William Daniels & Howard Da Silva - and - The Patriot (2000) starring: Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger & Joely Richardson. CARTOON: Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner in Beep, Beep (1952) 1776 (1972)The film version of the Broadway musical comedy of the same name. In the days leading up to July 4, 1776, Continental Congressmen John Adams and Benjamin Franklin coerce Thomas Jefferson into writing the Declaration of Independence as a delaying tactic as they try to persuade the American colonies to support a resolution on independence. As George Washington sends depressing messages describing one military disaster after another, the businessmen, landowners and slave holders in Congress all stand in the way of the Declaration, and a single "nay" vote will forever end the question of independence. Large portions of spoken and sung dialog are taken directly from the letters and memoirs of the actual participants.from: imdb.com The Patriot (2000)The movie takes place in South Carolina in 1776. Benjamin Martin, a French-Indian war hero who is haunted by his past, is a patriot who wants no part in a war with Britain. Meanwhile, his two eldest sons, Gabriel and Thomas, can't wait to go out and kill some Redcoats. When South Carolina decides to go to war with Britain, Gabriel immediately signs up to fight...without his father's permission. But soon, Colonel Tavington, British solder infamous for his brutal tactics, captures Gabriel and sentences him to be hanged. As Gabriel is taken away, Thomas tries to free him, only to be killed by Tavington, in front of Benjamin. Now, seeking revenge for his son's death, Benjamin leaves behind his 5 other children to bring independence to the 13 colonies. from: imdb.com Enjoy! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment! Posted by siberianmo on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 8:11 AM <w/permission: http://www.scenic-railroads.com/> G'day Gents! The temperatures here in mid-continent USA are in the hi-60s (F) this morning and it has been a splendid start to July! So very hard to believe, fer sure, fer sure! Humidity is low and that's the "secret" to the daytime comfort zone. Ahhhh but, things are about to change as both indices are on the rise. Been wunnerful! Even petrol dropped to $2.76 (rounded) which is astounding in these times and especially right before a major holiday. Go figure, eh Time for a mug of coffee, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and perhaps a <light> or <traditional> breakfast to start the day. Tomorrow is the 4th of July and Independence Day here in the U.S.A. - so for all who frequent our establishment in Can-Am County, stop by in the late afternoon - after the matinee over at the Emporium Theatre! The "big tent" will up - entertainment, food 'n drink out back - fireworks once it gets dark! And of course, watch for Boris 'n Leon in their Uncle Sam suits! Ah yes, the gals of "Our" Place will be taking orders too . . . Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative): Lars at 10:27 AM Monday - July 2nd: A super-fine Post from our Manager! Swedish food ‘n Canadian English slang - what more is there to life, eh Good selections, fer sure, fer sure! Odd isn't it that the "getting there" part of a get-away is always the worst. It's the "being there" that we look forward to . . . feel the same way. I think you'll find things down Marathon way quite to your liking! <envy>Nice suggestion regarding making Posts in advance. However, I think while your intentions are honorable, the outcome will be pretty much as usual - same-ol, same-ol. Droughts will continue and only the relative few who really give a Rat's Patoot will keep the bar uppermost on their minds through their visible works. Having said THAT - I appreciate everyone's contributions to the bar, as long as they are within the parameters we've all come to appreciate ‘round here. Hope I didn't throw a damp rag on your <idea> regarding a trip to ExpoRail. Fully understand the concept - but for me, the reality of Amtrak's poor on-time-performance these days makes it far, far simpler to fly direct. The fall sounds good - let's see if we get any serious "takers," then we can begin planning. I'm for it.Thanx for the visit, Post ‘n round! James at 12:30 PM Monday - July 2nd: A fine Monday inclusive Post from our Duluth Connection! There's no doubt about it <doot aboot it> ExpoRail IS expanding . . .Canadian Railways from the Past that have been Posted are hardly trunk or short lines. These were bonafide major railways, fer sure, fer sure.Wisconsin Central was part of the ownership group with reference to the railways in New Zealand. Perhaps our friend Allan can shed some additional "light" into this . . .While there's no one more saddened than I when grand RR structures from the past come tumbling down, the reality simply must overtake nostalgia. These former "palaces," most times empty and in dire need of repair, cost ‘someone' big bucks just to keep ‘em standing. There's taxes, there's security (maybe), utilities, and so forth. Take the cost of maintaining one's home and multiply that by a factor of perhaps ½ zillion and you'll see where I'm going . . . BC Rail was indeed a "might fine road," and one that many people in British Columbia are still upset about regarding its demise. The RDCs were in terrific condition, the route up to Prince George was in a word - picturesque - and there were many who depended upon those trains. Oh well, time marches on and I'm very happy to have experienced a "sliver" of the passenger run . . . Thanx for dropping by! Pete at 6:34 PM Monday - July 2nd: Good to see ya, Mate and thanx for the Pix too! Given the PP on-time-performance these days <daze> to KCity, MO, I'd be rather skeptical of trying to take in an exhibit at Union Station 'til things get back to some semblance of normalcy for Amtrak on the Union Pacific tracks. Probably would be far better to drive it, at least that way you control the comings 'n goings . . .ExpoRail in the fall could be a distinct possibility for me. However, I am most seriously looking into a trip up to Churchill, Manitoba aboard VIA Rail from Winnipeg. That's a run I've spoken about "forever" and as I "push" old age <ha> I want to "do this" while I still have the ability . . . We both know what traveling to 'n from Montreal can be like, so it isn't something I relish. However, if the guys were to get serious about such a trip, I'd be for it. Rounds most appreciated. Now THAT's the way to spend your earnings! <grin> Eric at 2:02 AM today - July 3rd: Let's see if I get this right: Pretend I'm in Phoenix insofar as temps are concerned then it would be FALL already! Do the scorpions, snakes and other not-so-friendly critters know???? <ugh>Speaking of snakes, I see that my Red Birds dropped the Diamondbacks on their backs last night at Busch Stadium. Another meaningless contest for the throngs of people who delight in such things. Ahhhh, that used to me MOI! <grin>There is "regular" train transportation from Central Station in Montreal to ExpoRail (don't know precisely where the station is or how one gets from it to the museum) - and it is operated by AMT. Unfortunately, it doesn't run all year ‘round and I believe Sundays are "out." As you've found, there are also Happy Railroading! Siberianmo LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 10:40 AM Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!Ruth my deAH, time for another mug of hot coffee with a jolt if you please. Treats for the crittAHs and a small jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris after he feeds ‘em! <grin> A round on me and the change is yours! By the way Cap'n Tom, nice photo for the July "header" . . . RDC's always look mighty fine, especially in such a great setting. I think you did a great job at promoting the Canada Day! holiday here at the bar. 5 Salute for all you do! Sorry to say that the guy who we all hoped would emerge, didn't. Even over a holiday weekend. So, look, it goes like this - he's gone, gone, gone and the sooner we accept it the bettAH for all. So sez I. We need a new category of customers, "UTB" <used to be> . . . Realism raises its ugly head once again, huh?Two of my "boys" and their families are making ready to depart for the Keys. First "set" leaves this weekend - the next 2 weeks later. They'll have the place hummin' ‘til mid-August as the 3rd son will be going down in early August to "relieve" the watch. The Mrs. and I are making a "quickie," just to calm her concerns that the place is "ready" for ‘em. Good Grief Charlie Brown, this woman can find all sorts of reasons to support the airlines! <arrrrgggghhhh> Maybe we should buy some airline stock . . . <nah> <nah> <nah> Some super fine "stuff" yesterday and many thanx for the ‘skinny' on those RDC units that went to Cuba. Kinda wondered about that . . . Saw some photos of those machines in the library out in Sacramento that I forgot to mention. They came out of that great book you're always talking about "RDC - The Rail Diesel Car" - anyway, the pix from Cuba looked fine and seemed that those RDC's back in the 50's were put to good use. Guess they continued using ‘em ‘til they just wore out, huh?? I see that Expo Rail does have a fall schedule - September 6 to November 18: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Don't know how this fits into anyone's plans, but with some long term planning, I could "do it." After that it's November 19 to May 2008 : Weekends and holidays, 10 am to 5 pm.Count on the Cap'n to not only keep things movin' here at the bar, but to continually come up with "themes" and well thought out material for nothing more than our ENJOYMENT! Speaks highly of the MAN, sez I!! Amazin' - we JUST viewed the movie, "The Patriot." A real "keeper," in spite of the gore. Fictitious, but one of those stories where it makes one wondAH what it must've been like back in the times when breaking away from the mother country was more than quiet talk. Anyway, we enjoyed it. We saw the musical, "1776" on Broadway many years ago and in fact saw it a few years back at a summer theater - but right now can't recall where we were! It's a good one too and from what I recall, much is based on fact. Nice selections for our 4th of July celebration! Let's GO Roadrunner! Yo Eric! Yellow is fine with me, however, I'm a bit on the "reserved" side when it comes to pea soup. Yeah I know, strange for a Scandinavian to admit to that, but just the way it is. My mother and grandmother would be most displeased to hear that . . . <grin>Yo Pete! Some of those steam locos from the past were indeed "monsters" <as the Cap'n sez> and just marvelous machines. I may LOVE DOMES - but I surely LOVE STEAM LOCO's too! Much more "romance" involved with ‘em when considering just how they're engineered and then to watch ‘em in operation. Wunnerful, huh Yo James! Yeah, the Canadian Pacific's maroon ‘n grey livery with those beaver heralds was "it" for me too. I liked the script lettering as well. However, when it comes to just the beauty of a diesel paint job, I'll take the Santa Fe or Delaware & Hudson any time - love that war bonnet scheme and particularly on Alcos. There was a time when the passenger railroads really gave a rat's patoot about things like paint jobs and so forth. It all went into the advertising of their trains. Anything pleasing to the eye just might get a potential passenger, which of course equated to dollars. There was a reason for it all. Ah, but those times are long gone. No competition anymore - you either take Amtrak or . . . . same for Via Rail in Canada. Pity.All's ready for our 4th of July BASH and it appears as if the Town Council from Mentor Village is "blessing" this year's event with a paid-for performance by the Can-Am County Scrub Board, Spoon Playing ‘n Jaw Harp Philharmonic Band! These guyz work for money??? Don't miss it, if you can! <grin>For those who are curious pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 3:55 PM Hi Tom and all.A pint of Bathams please RUTH.ERIC The train in Nick's photo is called HSTs or High Speed Train. The have two power cars and usually 7 or 8 trailer cars. The power cars are class 43 in the TOPS system of BR numbering. They have a Paxman engine and are rated at 2,500 HP per car; some now are be re-engined with MTU 4000 diesels. They were introduced in 1976 and have given BR great service and did give a great boost to British rail travel with their 125 MPH capability.I would put nothing past the Track Gang.The sight of a bear wearing a bikini is a sight not seen very often.I not sure which was the hardest to separate Tom from Sibley Park or me from the A4 steam loco.Looking at your photo a thought came to me. I wonder why calendar makers always have snowy scenes in January and hot scenes in July it would make better sense to have a cold scene to look at in the hot weather, at least it may make you seem a bit cooler looking at a cold scene.LARS You are right about the steam trains. It is great when I was on a Steam special to go through a station. Of course the railfans knew it was coming and had their cameras ready but the look on the faces of the ordinary public, especially the young folk, who never knew the steamer was going to be there was priceless. As one of my old mates said "People look at a steam loco and can't help but smile".Enjoyed the link to the playing the spoons and the jaw harp, loved the advice " Keep your tongue out of the way". I only hope BORIS does not play the spoons with the pay ladles with his dexterous touch they will finish flattened bits of metal.TOM I do hope I can call in tomorrow to the big tent, although I think the bride's moms computer is till feeling poorly. As it sounds a great afternoon, I would like to see BORIS and LEON in their Uncle Sam suits and no doubt the mascots will be dressed up as well.Good films for the matinee. I don't believe I have seen 1776 although I have seen The Patriot. Just one question why did they have an Australian to play an American Patriot, a question I ask Scots about Braveheart. Anyway a good selection of films for the 4th .No doubt I shall probably weaken and take a trip to KC on Amtrak while the present schedule allows, at least on paper, a 4 ½ hours stop there, but it not so bad to here in Jeff City if it is late, but it is no fun when there is at LEAST another 2 hours on to Kirkwood arriving at who knows what time of night.Well we are off to South WEST (got it right this time) Missouri in a bit, so RUTH a KEG of Sam Adams for my American friends..Pete. pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 4:18 PM Hi Tom and all.In case I don't get in tomorrow A few of Alan's pics. OK RUTH a quick Bathams then. Thses were taken on the East Lancs preservered railway. The line runs from Bury(a Town about 12 miles north of Manchester) to the town of Rawtenstall. These two of of the ex Souther Railway class LN it is the pioneer loco of the class and the only surviver of a class of 16. the loco is No 850 Lord Nelson. The loco has just been restored to working order after a long overhaul by volunteers.Please enlarge the 2nd photo to see the fantastic paint finish. These are of Sir William A. Stanier's Jubilee 5XP 3 cylinder class of 4-6-0s.This is No 5690 Leander in LMS livery, the fine looking loco was one of a class of 191 locos The Loco is in Bury Bolton Street station.I hope you enjoy the photos Pete. Gunneral Member sinceSeptember 2002 From: NZ 242 posts Posted by Gunneral on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 5:32 PM Hi Tom and all on deck, HAPPY BIRTHDAY U.S.A.!A salute to the U.S.A on it`s Independance Day celebrations, it`s 231st birthday today so a big toast to that.Tom. Congrats on your very comprehensive coverage of NZ railways, I learned a quite a lot of statistics from your info. I am pushed for time at the moment so I will answer some of the crews queries in the near future.We have mainline steam hauling the "Overlander" on a section from Feilding to Ohakune, this is on Saturdays only for about 3 months. The Loco is a WAB tank based on the AB Pacific, it was preserved by the Feilding Loco Society, they ran it last year and it was so popular that Toll continued it this year. I hope to get across to have a ride on it in the next couple of months!At the moment NZ is in mourning over the America`s Cup loss this morning, but as the old saying goes over here "She`ll be right mate"!HAVE A GREAT DAY, Allan wanswheel Member sinceNovember 2005 4,190 posts Posted by wanswheel on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 8:03 PM Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the houseHappy 4th! James, Soo Line Depot looks substantial, too bad it's gonehttp://www.duluth-mn-usa.com/Duluth_Postcards/mckenzie_photo_a-20209_soo_line_passenger_station.jpgDuluth Union Depot, historical pictures slow to load but I saw a train shedhttp://www.duluth-mn-usa.com/Duluth_Postcards/mckenzie_photo_7563_union_depot.jpghttp://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=120&REC=1 http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=172&REC=2 http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=182&REC=3http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=122&REC=4http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=884&REC=5 http://www.railpictures.net/images/l/Lineup2.jpg.23003.jpgThis just in by iPhonehttp://www.railpictures.net/images/images2/1/192-2.jpg.84045.jpgAllan, cool scenery down there http://pinker.wjh.harvard.edu/photos/new_zealand/pages/Mt%20Cook%20&%20Lake%20Pukaki.htmhttp://pinker.wjh.harvard.edu/photos/new_zealand/pages/Tarzan.htmMike EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 2:21 AM Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!! Leon, still awake! I feel like having a Rumpsteak Café de Paris! Samuel Adams, please! Yeah, you know!Good to see all the creatures, including Boris, celebrating 4th of July this early! USA!!! Tom – I’ll be at the Emporium today to see my favorite cartoon! I actually have some of them on tape! And of course the other movies, 1776 and The Patriot!We have the same gas price here, $2.76! It is amazing, but it almost sounds cheap!Don’t pay any attention to the scorpions and snakes, the fall is here, sorry I mean, there (in St. Louis)! We were supposed to get 114 yesterday but reached only 113. Today it is 117° though. I wonder who dropped who last night at Busch Stadium? 7-1 or something? You better have a closer look at your bears at Mt. Mentor. They do not even wear any bikinis!!!My long Holiday break is getting close to its end, but I have enjoyed it so far.Lars – Yellow Pea Soup is very good. If you have any IKEA store in the neighborhood you should be able to get a can or two there at thier food department. Just add water, heat it and enjoy! It’s kind of salty, so it is perfect for a sailor!!!Pete – HST, that is it! For whatever reason I couldn’t remember it last night. Do you know what kind of acceleration they have, how long it takes to reach 125 mph from 0? As I told Tom, those bears do not even care wearing any bikinis! They are na..., you know.From my point of view calendar makers don’t have to have any snowy scenes at all! But you are right, who wants to see more snow in the wintertime when it is outside (not in Phoenix)? Very nice, steamy, pictures from Alan!! The paint finish on the loco is outstanding! Say thank you to Alan!Allan – America’s Cup? Is that taking place now? I haven’t seen or heard anything on the news! I have to check that. Hope to see a report from your trip if you get to ride the “Overlander”! Mike – A whole bunch of pictures from Duluth! Good size station and yard! I understand that the train shed is gone but the station building is still standing. Like that lineup with the diesels! A fantastic picture from NZ! Mt. Cook and Lake Pukaki!! Beautiful!!! Tarzan left the djungle for New Zealand!!The right colors for today!!! Eric DL - UK Member sinceAugust 2006 280 posts Posted by DL - UK on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 5:43 AM Hello all Well, Happy 4th of July to you statesiders! Hope you enjoy the day and all your holiday activities (incidentally – sorry I missed Canada day to those of you north of the border!). I’m not sure what food is on offer this holiday day, but if there is any I’ll have a breakfast and some coffee and juice please. Anyway – first of all – lest answer the Marmite question – kind of an acquired taste admittedly – but you can’t beat it – it sort of looks like tar / bitumen – and has a rather salty taste. You can spread it on bread thinly (as Pete mentions) or indeed stir it into cooking on occasion. It is made from a by product of the beer making process - see http://www.marmite.co.uk/love/history/ “It seems that Marmite first appeared around the time of the Industrial Revolution. That's right. We paid a heavy price for railways and combustion engines in the form of this foodstuff. Ever taken a good look at engine grease? Like a real up-close look? Ever compared the two? A pot of Marmite and a thick scraping of burnt oil? Exactly” Anyway – Tom – back at my last post I noted you were on line – I think we posted pretty much the same time, hence you missed my post – just co-incidence – no gremlins I don’t think – Lars was being pessimistic there. Thanks for your comments on the Sunset Limited (and indeed to Eric who added to that). Planning a trip up to Churchill? – that has to be an ambition I hope you can realise – looks like an interesting route and I for one will look forward to the trip report! I’m sure others will too. Amtrak delays are depressing – you would think the ‘host roads’ might have more of a sense of pride in letting the passengers get through on time – I suppose we live in an era where pride is all well and good – until it interferes with profit…. Nick – look forward to hearing more about your Devon expedition. Still raining here too. East Coast route seems to still have problems in the Doncaster area with flooded tracks. Eric – you misunderstood me about the bus doors – they only have one door – at the front – no rear boarding – so in other words you have to wait for passengers to alight before you can get on – hence the delay at stops – this was the beauty of the old London buses with the rear access platforms which avoided this problem. See this link (a heck of a lot of pictures, but you’ll get the picture!) http://www.nctx.co.uk/Enthusiasts/Enthusiast%20Photos/NCT%20Fleet%20Photos/index_5.htm HST 125 – I ‘m not sure of the acceleration stats (Pete might be able to locate that) but it is not bad – however, not as good as an electric or as some of the new distributed power trains (which are 25 years younger of course) – the HST strong point is consistent high speed running with limited stops, and the better ride quality compared with distributed power. Just adding to the New Zealand information I think the BR Mk2 carriages for NZ are being converted into commuter cars (with extra doors added) which is quite a change as they were originally built for long distance inter city use in the early 1970s. They must have been well built to have a new lease of life ahead of them. Lars – you mentioned situation in Cuba – information on the current railway network is here: http://www.seat61.com/Cuba.htm And about half way down the page is a shot of one of the RDCs – inside and out. “Some services (shown in the timetable above as 'Note R') are provided by railcars, either ex-Spanish Railways or stainless steel Budd railcars bought second-hand from VIA Rail Canada (shown below). The latter are comfortable, carpeted, air-conditioned single-coach railcars with reclining seats, hostess service and refreshments” Mike – thanks for the excavator pics – impressive stuff – just the sort of info I was looking for! James - - I certainly agree with you about the old Depots – a real shame in some cases – Mike’s pics of Duluth illustrated exactly the point you were making – it seems that the only chance of survival for many of them was that the real estate was not worth enough to make it worth demolishing them – and with that in mind we have some superb architecture left with us – more by luck than judgement of the ‘powers that be’. The situation is the same this side of the Atlantic – although it is good when a new use can be found – a good example being the Gare D’Orsay in Paris which is now a very famous and large art museum in what was once one of the City’s stations. Pete – marmite and crisps is of course a classic sandwich combo – with the crisps added just before consumption of course, not at the time the sandwich is made. Maybe Nick will do a round of these next time he is in the kitchen? – although his regular staple is rather more ‘high falutin’!! Thanks for the extra info on the giant excavator – must have been very interesting. Such large bits of equipment are unusual in the British landscape, it must have been remarkable. The Rutland museum had tried to get money in the 90s to restore the cab and wire it up to the model excavator so you could get a feel for it – but this had obviously not happened and in all honesty I fear the kit had gone beyond the point of no return. I have only made the run along the North Wales coast once – when I had to go to a conference in Llandudno – I took the train to Holyhead for the ride – it was interesting and scenically attractive. I’ve not been to the Liphook museum – in fact I’ve not heard of it – you will have to give me more information. I’ve been looking out for more Colin Gifford books following your recommendation – but not located any in my travels beyond the one I got at the GCR. Trent station must have been an interesting place, but the book explains that when the stations up the Erewash valley were closed – and some of the ones to the south and east and west, the need for it was limited so it was closed. There is a story of US troops being disembarked there during the war and having to wait several hours for a connection at night wanting to check out the local town only to be told there was no town there! It reminds me of the junction station in the film Brief Encounter (Carnforth in real life) – although that is in the town. http://home.clara.net/gw0hqd/brief/locations/locations.htm#carnforth Tom – is this film well known in the US? – it might make a possible screening for the Mentor Village picture house. The station here has been very well restored recently – to recreate the atmosphere of the film – and you can still get there by train as I did a couple of years back. See: http://www.carnforthstation.co.uk/centre.html Enjoy your holidays! DL siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment! Posted by siberianmo on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 7:21 AM Happy Independence Day to the U.S.A.!!! <from: Wikipedia.com><from Wikipedia.com>1947--Freedom Train--1949126 Historic Freedom Documents American Heritage FoundationThe Freedom Train was on Tour for 413 days,visited 322 Comunities in all 48 States and traveledover 37,000 miles during its historic Journey.Over 3.5 Million Visitors touredthe Freedom Train with one in every 500,000receiving a special gift. Each visitor signed the "Freedom Scroll," which was presented to President Harry S. Truman. Note: All Freedom Train images and relevant information obtained from http://www.lincoln-highway-museum.org/FT/FT-Index.html. There is no intent to misuse, profit or otherwise denegrate the use of these materials. Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 9:50 AM Good morning one and all! Is it too early for a celebratory adult-strength drink?Quite the compilation of 4th of July well-wishing going on here. Amazing work from Eric, to be sure! Thanks for the birthday wishes from across the pond too DL.Ya know, it hardly seems like just 50 years ago from yesterday, that the CA&E abruptly abandoned its electric line, leaving 3,000 commuters stranded in downtown Chicago. I sure hope they all found their ways home by now. Anyhow, to commemorate the event, the IRM took willing participants on a reinactment to an isolated spot on the museum grounds and left them stranded, to be rescued by the Chicago and North Western Railroad.Can't believe the temperatures across the country recently. Don't know how Eric tolerates 114+ degrees, but I see highs near 120 on the left coast today. Sure am glad I live in ice and snow territory, where our temps will be in the 80's. Neighbors started bringing out their oridinance last night, only to be doused by rain.Today is Trolley Pageant Day at IRM. Unfortunately for ya'll, none of the web cams will cover the track they will be using, or you could see it from your homes. Also, the Fox River Trolley museum is running their 4-mile round-trip for the incredible cost of $1 today, for what they call their "Red, White and Blue Dollar Day. I imagine other rail museums have special programs going today as well.Anyhow, ya'll have the best of days! Edit siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment! Posted by siberianmo on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 11:21 AM <w/permission: http://www.scenic-railroads.com/> HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY 2007! (Click to enlarge) G'day Gents! It's nearing lunch time here at the Saloon by the Siding - so check out the buffet table layed out just for the 4th of July! For anyone interested, here's the link to last year's 4th of July at the Saloon by the Siding:http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/370/991587/ShowPost.aspx#991587 Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative): Lars at 10:40 AM Tuesday - July 3rd: Many THANX for the continuing support for the bar and what we do! No need to "beat a dead horse" when it comes to who is and who isn't ‘round the Bar by the Ballast. Best to simply move on down the line . . . Y'all KNOW my thoughts and it's far better just to leave it at that. RIP to those in the "used to be" - UTB - category! <grin>Email received and responded to - thanx! If you can't make it in today - don't sweat the small stuff. Surely hope your travels are safe and without the hassle associated with air travel these times. Round appreciated! Pete at 3:55 PM Tuesday - July 3rd: Only reason I can come up with for an Aussie playing the part of an American 1776 patriot is that all of ours are deceased! <grin>We can talk about a fall trip to KCity aboard Amtrak - before the change back to standard time of course. Four nice Pix from your Mate, Alan - many thanx! The man surely knows HOW to take some fotos with clarity! Thanx for the KEG! Allan at 5:32 PM Tuesday - July 3rd: (but the 4th in NZ!!) Many thanx for the visit and well wishes! Most appreciated, fer sure, fer sure. We've gotten used to having you aboard and it's nice to know you're still interested in this place . . . the more the merrier, eh Amazin' to me how the "national pysche" can rise ‘n fall with the outcome of a sporting event. Ask any Canadian when it comes to their teams in hockey competition, especially when they are global in nature. In parts of South America it's worth one's life ‘n limb should a soccer team fail to do what's expected. The U.S. lays "claim" to baseball in the "World Series" and football's "Super Bowl," and so it goes on and on. So why not the America's Cup and the NZ team, eh <grin> Mike at 8:03 PM Tuesday - July 3rd: Some fine URLs and "stuff" from our Resident URLMeisterMonster. That Liberty Bell poster and "1776" loco helped to make our celebration step off smartly. Thanx! Thanx for the round! Eric at 2:21 AM today - July 4th: What's to say other than for the opening graphic to your Post! Terrific job with the critters and "things" that identify with "Our" Place. Boris looks to be a "mirror image" - why not!?!? <grin> Nicely done and THANX! 5- Salute to our Resident Desert Swede! This just in: Cardinals bitten by snakes in the grass at Busch! <uh oh>This from Lars on 30 June - page 75 Read that New Zealand has had a rough go of it in the America& Happy Railroading! Siberianmo LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 11:59 AM Happy 231st Birthday to the U.S.A. Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!Ruth my deah, I'll have a double belt of JD on the rocks while I sample the buffet table . . . looks like a winnAH as always from The Mentor Village Deli! Just couldn't let this day pass by without wishing my friends at "Our"Place a most HAPPY 4th of JULY!! I've always loved this day and am still taken in by the celebrations, the music, the hoopla and fireworks. A great day for all who call themselves Americans! 5 Salute to the good ole U.S.A. My, my Ruth, you do look absolutely stunning in that Red, White ‘n Blue outfit! Something from the "Not So Secret Store" over at the Mentor Mall ‘n Soil Sampling Depot You surely "fit well" into it! <blush>Nice spate of "stuff" from Da Boss - as always - you surely do keep us entertained! A round on me - DOUBLE treats for the crittAHS and of course a LARGE jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris, all decked out in his Uncle Sam suit. Great looking piece of work from Eric today in that lead in graphic. <double wow> Nicely done, mate! Thanks to Allan ‘n DL in the UK for "answering the call"!! Thought we'd see Fergie - but the day isn't over yet . . . Hello's to Pete - Eric ‘n Doug - hope youse guyz are enjoying this holiday! I'm being bellowed beckoned . . . gotta run. <groan>Until the next time! Lars Fergmiester Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Out on the Briny Ocean Tossed 4,240 posts Posted by Fergmiester on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 4:40 PM siberianmo wrote: Happy Independence Day to the U.S.A.!!! Ladies And Gentlemen Have a very Festive and Safe Independence Day!!!And since I'm here, a round of Keith's for Everyone!!!!! FergieI realize after reading back a few posts I have some answer backs for a few of you. My apolagies!A what the heck a bowl of of your finest Wings 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 « First«48495051525354»Last » SUBSCRIBER & MEMBER LOGIN Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more! Login Register FREE NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter Submit More great sites from Kalmbach Media Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy
Blodpudding - Black pudding
Falukorv - Sausage originating from Falun. The lifts and pumps at the Kopparberg copper mine in Falun were, before the introduction of steam engines, powered by oxen. When these oxen died from strain or old age, the skin was turned into leather ropes used in the mine, and the meat was turned into sausage - Falukorv.
Gravad lax - Salmon, salted, and cured
Isterband - Sausage made of coarsely ground pork, barley and potatoes
Janssons frestelse - Grated potatoes, onion, anchovy and cream - the anchovy here is not the genuine anchovy but a quite different species and is also spiced.
Julbord - Christmas smorgasbord
Julskinka - Christmas ham
Kaviar - Swedish caviar comes in tubes and is typically made from cod roe.
Kåldolmar - Cabbage rolls
Köttbullar - Swedish meatballs
Köttsoppa - A rustic beef and root vegetable soup
Kroppkakor - Boiled potato-dumplings, filled with pork
Lutfisk - Stockfish
Palt - Potato-dumplings with a filling of pork
Inlagd sill - Pickled herring
Pölsa - Hash
Raggmunk - Potato pancakes
Stekt fläsk och bruna bönor - Pork and brown beans
G-day Tom and all present!
Ruth- Nice to see you today. Could I get an OJ and a turkey sandwich. Thanks
Well, gone a couple of days and then back. But I see I am just in time for the fun. Canada day is here!!! And I see some good stuff out there. Time to go through it!
Eric- If it's not family then it's books and, if in the world there isn't a book on it (ya right!) then the internet. But the information can be endless, making the fun endless.
When you start waving at the simulated person, then you know it's getting to ya. The train bug has bitten!!! The simulators they have today have become very real. But realism comes at a price. Some of these simulators are very expensive, almost a Million dollars. The simulator here at the museum was $300,000 brand new, and that was almost 20 years ago. But it does pretty good for itself. But if you can find a pic of that simulator, that would be great.
I see some good shots of Tom's Can-Am layout. It's always good to see some layout photos, and some nice ones too. I really like that station with all of the snow on it. It really looks real. Thanks for all of the great photos.
DL- It's been a while since I talked to you. Some good info on the Hayling Island station and the line. A neat looking station in deed. I'm glad they kept the station. Unfortunately the U.S.A is not as forgiving when it comes to keeping train stations. When they rip down old stations like that it takes away from the area. When Duluth took down the Soo Line Depot, I thought they had made the biggest mistake. The Depot we have now is impressive, but couldn't even come close to how impressive the Soo Depot was. The interior was all marble!! And they ripped down one of the neatest depots around. Big Mistake!!!! So I'm glad they keep there's still alive for people to see. Neat stuff. Thanks.
Tom- Glad you liked the Stock Wood fill article. When I drive along the line there are areas where you can still see the old bridge. The rock tunnels have long been gone but there are still large rocks laying around the area where the tunnels were. The bridges that cross over the roads are still wooden and are holding strong to this day.... But I have a feeling they will be replacing them soon since some bridges have been replaced along the line. But I copied down the address to the site and will be showing it periodically. Its such a good article I don't want it to disappear.
Well it sounds like they will have a bigger and even better museum at the Exporail in Canada. Glad they have a trolley going. They might even expand to have a train running. That would be neat. Also thanks for remembering about the St. Louis railway museum question. My goodness, I even forgot about that question..... How did you ever remember it???? But thanks for answering. See, knew I could trust you guys!!
Ah and some railroad "stuff" that I have not seen before or heard about. The New Zealand railways are quite nice looking. Well, I have seen some pictures and the trains are really roaring along.. Thanks for the history on the railroad. I was quite surprised to learn that there are over 2000 bridges!!!! That is a lot of bridges to inspect. Some cool stuff! I have a question, when the article said that the NZRL was sold to these companies, why was the Wisconsin Central mentioned Did they purchase a portion of the railroad It just seems a little odd. What is the relationship Thanks for sharing!
And some more great pics from the Exporail museum in Canada. They just have the neatest stuff from MLWs to little GE 70 toners. What don't they have? Thanks for the pics!
Thanks for the Canadian railways of the past. Some I have not heard of. Of course there are many railways I have not heard of here in the U.S. Are most of the railways that you mentioned, shortlines? There are some that are Predecessor roads but where they also Shortlines or were they larger railroads? Some of the lines did not last very long. Some great information and a lot to learn off it. Thanks!
Some good stuff on the British Columbia railway. A lot of information and goes perfect with Canada day. And some good stuff on the Pacific Eastern Railway. All very good. I am was a bit sad to see those BC rail units being dismantled. They were a neat looking locomotive with the look of the Cowl unit. I did see some BC rail units come through Duluth, Superior and "YES," I did get pics of them! I will get the pictures on soon.
Pete- Glad you liked the article on the Stock Wood fill. As said before, I have saved so I can post again here later in the year, just for fun. Some these things are just worth saving.
Your explanation on how to couple up those links was a bit interesting. If you had a bad engineer, it would be a "fun" time trying to hook those up.
Appreciate seeing Lars our Manager 'n James our Duluth Connection "in" today . . . Some interesting material in both Posts and hope the guys check 'em out!
Continuing on with Pix from Day Four: Sunday - May 27th, 2007 - ExpoRail Canadian Railway Museum at Delson/Saint-Constant, Quebec, Canada
Inside Building #1
Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR #4744) M-640 - Built by Montreal Loco Works (1971)
Canadian National Railway (CNR #55361) Rotary snow plow - Built by Montreal Loco Works (1928)
Stealthy Pete in the Coffee Shop
Sydney & Louisbourg (S&L #4) Combine - Built by Rhodes, Curry (1894)
Canadian National Railway (CNR #6765) FPA-4 - Built by Montreal Loco Works (1955)
Canadian National Railway (CNR #63) "CANADA" business car - Built by Wagner (1897).
This car was built for the Grand Trunk Railway (GTR) and was RR President Charles M. Hay's business car until his death aboard the Titantic in 1912.
Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR #2850) Royal Hudson - Built by Montreal Loco Works (1938).
This loco powered the Royal Train of 1939 has been declared a National Historic Site by the Government of Canada.
Montreal Transportation Commission (MTC #350) streetcar - Built by Brownell (1892)
Too bad trolleyMAN Rob is no longer with us - he surely could describe these!
To be continued . . .
Canadian Railways of the Past Number Three:British Columbia Railways (BCR) PART II of II
<Initially Posted on Page 262 of the Original Thread>
Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources.
The sale of BC Rail Looking to retire BC Rail's debt, on May 13, 2003, British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell reneged on promises to the contrary and announced that the government would privatise BC Rail (by means of a 999 year lease), while retaining ownership of the right-of-way. On November 25, 2003, it was announced that Canadian National's (CN) bid of $1 billion would be accepted over those of several other companies. The transaction was closed on July 15, 2004. Many opponents, including the Canadian Pacific Railway, accused the government and CN of rigging the bidding process, though this has been denied by the government. It has also recently surfaced that Dave Basi and other upper-echelon aides may have been unsuccessfully bribed by OmniTRAX, another bidder, in exchange for skewing the process in that company's favour. Freight services The railway transported a wide variety of products, from resource traffic to intermodal freight. Forest products are one of the main products transported by the railway. Before its sale to CN, the railway transported over 120,000 carloads of lumber, pulp, woodchips, and other forest products per year. The railway served several lumber and pulp mills in the province. Between 1983 and 2003, the railway hauled coal in unit trains from the Teck and Quintette mines near Tumbler Ridge to to Prince George, from where CN would haul the trains to Prince Rupert for shipment to Japan. The Quintette mine, the larger-producing of the two, closed in 2000 and the Teck mine closed in 2003. Starting in the 1960s, the PGE operated an intermodal service that transported truck trailers between North Vancouver and Prince George, and to places further north. Unlike most of the railway's other traffic, most of the intermodal traffic was northbound. In April 1982, the railway combined its piggyback and LCL services to form a new Intermodal Services Department. BC Rail halted its intermodal services in 2002. Starting in 1958, the railway started to haul grain from the Peace River District, serving grain elevators at Dawson Creek, Buick, Fort St. John, and Taylor. With an amendment to the Western Grain Transportation Act in 1985 that included the railway in the Act, it became economical for the railway to transport grain, and it also carried grain from Northern Alberta bound for Prince Rupert, interchanging with CN at Dawson Creek and Prince George. From the 1920s to the 1960s, the railway also carried gold concentrate and bullion from the Bridge River goldfield towns of Bralorne and Pioneer Mine, which were trucked out of the goldfield area over 3500' Mission Pass to the railway at Shalalth. The main freight company operating out of Shalalth was Evans Transportation Co., which grew to be one of the biggest transportation companies in the province. In addition to gold concentrate and ore, Evans and other companies based in [[Shalalth, British Columbia|Shalalth carried passengers, heavy equipment, and supplies of all kinds over 3500' Mission Pass. Interchanges Between 1928 and 1952, the PGE did not interchange with any other railway. Connections were made to other railways when the railway expanded during the 1950s. The main connection to the North American rail network was in North Vancouver, where there was a connection to CN. There was also a rail connection to deep-sea terminal operator Vancouver Wharves, and some interchange occurred with the Union Pacific Railroad through the Seaspan railbarge link between North Vancouver and Seattle, Washington. The railway also interchanged with CN at Prince George, and with Northern Alberta Railways (acquired by CN in 1981) at Dawson Creek. CN's line between Dawson Creek and Hythe, Alberta, fell into disuse in 1998, but CN agreed to reopen it as a condition of purchasing BC Rail. Reporting marks BCIT 871027 in interchange service on the BN in 1992. [Creative Commons] (photo: Sean Lamb) Reporting marks are a system intended to help keep track of rolling stock and financial transactions between railways. The Pacific Great Eastern Railway used the reporting mark PGE. It later adopted the reporting mark PGER in 1971 for freight cars in international service. When the railway was renamed to the British Columbia Railway, it adopted the reporting mark BCOL, as well as the BCIT reporting mark for freight cars in international service. Passenger services Since the line opened, the PGE had provided passenger service between Squamish and Quesnel (as well as between North Vancouver and Horseshoe Bay until operations were discontinued there in 1928). When the PGE reached Prince George and North Vancouver, daily service was extended to these cities. Service between Lillooet and Prince George was cut back to three times weekly in the 1960s. In 1978, the McKenzie Royal Commission recommended that the BCR eliminate its passenger services, which were losing over $1 million per year, unless it received government funding for them, but the BCR did not do so. However, facing large losses and an ageing fleet of Rail Diesel Cars, it reduced passenger operations to three trains weekly to Lillooet and once weekly to Prince George on February 16, 1981. This service reduction led to public outrage, and the British Columbia governm
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Bathams bitter and around for the interesting posts over the weekend please RUTH.
Great to see NICK in after the break in Devon. It seems as though the rain is still soaking England and Wales.
Looking forward to the photos after the GWR 0-6-0 Pannier tank and HST tasters, those clouds do look angry at Dawlish.
ERIC I don't know if Waddon is in running condition. I doubt she is though as I would have thought that the loco would have been in use somewhere as the boiler ticket would be running down and the loco could be earning some money.
Yes it can be said that Marmite does have a unique aroma I will let DL describe the taste, if it is possible.
Thanks for the photos. You were very brave climbing Mount Mentor to get those great photos for us. There are many wild animals, including bears living on the mountain. I think the track gang would be at home in the UP MOW Dining car although the notice on the bottom right of the van may upset them.
Yes Enro's was a great restaurant.
FERGIE Great to hear from you on Canada day. Safe Voyage.
LARS They are forecasting Thundershowers for the 4th here as well.
Talking of Cuba they run tours from the UK for the sugar harvest as they have, at least until very recently, had steam locomotives serving the sugar mills there. I believe they are mainly locomotives built in the U.S some of which are over 100 years old now.
Enjoyed those photos of the CP FPA9s and I am sure our Canadian friends will enjoy those Book covers and photos. It is amazing how those Selkirk locos fit in with the mountains
Thanks for the Swedish Dishes. I never knew there was Blodpudding in Sweden, it is a found in the Midlands and North West of England, also known as ‘Black Pudding'. A staple at our darts and skittle matches.
Great list of the Canadian sayings and meanings, some I recognized but others I had not seen.
MIKE Thanks for the links. Brutus certainly is an impressive machine. Loved the last pic.
JAMES Glad you liked the photos, that conductor on the streetcar certainly looked the part.
I have sent your link to the Stock wood fill to a Civil engineer friend.
Reading your post reminded me about how little it seems has been written about the railroads that used to work in large factories and steel mills etc. From places that, perhaps, had just on or two locomotives to do the switching, to large steel mills, that had a large fleet of locos that worked 24 hours a day over quite a large system.
TOM I had another look at the Schedule for UP 844 at Union Station K.C. although it should arrive at 11.am today it only due to be on show at the station Tuesday and Wednesday, so It was not worth the risk to go over to KC even if I had not had to stay here to see someone
I would be great to go to Exporail with Eric and Lars. As you say it would be a good museum to volunteer for, perhaps we could get 60010 running again.
Great Canadian Encores for Canada Day. With the N.A.R. and parts I and II of the Pacific Great Eastern and B.C Railways. It seems a long time now, since I first asked you about the BC Rail center beam car for carrying timber products, that I had seen in Jeff City.
Great photos from inside Building #1 at Exporail That MLW FPA4 looks superb. That surely must be the best view from a café for anyone interested in Classic Trains, although it appears I have frightened the other customers away.
Two films I have not seen on at the Emporium this week. They look good films to watch, and of course, the Stooges up to their usual mayhem..
For a contribution for Canada Day I have some pics taken at Exporail
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, just a black cup of coffee! Did you? Okay, I'll have that danish too then.
Well, I better start wishing a belated Happy Canada Day!!!
Nick – So there are still some “Terriers” alive and well! Nice picture of the GWR #578! I love the picture of that modern train (I am trying to remember the class). Kind of dramtic feeling in it!Fergie – I hope you got to eat something you liked! Coming home soon?Tom – My apologies! I missed 6 AM this last morning. That stupid alarm didn’t sound. What? Set it? I don’t remember, but it didn’t sound.
The END of summer!!??! I saw you will only have 89° for high Tuesday! That is the end of summer (October) for us in Phoenix (114°, Tuesday). So pretend you live in Phoenix and you can say the summer is gone!
I read something about train trips from Montreal to the Canadian Railway Museum this summer. July 8, August 19,and September 16 you can take a train to the museum. No way, I don’t have any desire to go to a place with snow, but sometimes I have to in order to check the facts, in this case about Mt. Mentor and its snowcap. OK, you are right. That picture is from Norway, but it looks exactly like Mt. Mentor! Interesting to read about PGE! What is also interesting is that they have a picture of a freight train on the timetable for their passenger trains! Something went wrong there. An embarrassing train derailment by the inaugural train to Fort Nelson! Nice looking RDCs! 999 year lease!? Wow, that is a long time. $ 1 billion for 999 years? Hmm. How do we know that CN will return BC Rail to the government after so many years? I just wonder. Anyway, I have copied both part I and II for future refereces! More nice pictures from ExpoRail! I think Pete forgot his coffee... sorry, tea. Or didn’t you eat and or drink anything at the museum? I agree, too bad trolleyman Rob isn’t here to tell us more about those streetcars. The more I see of that museum the more I would like to go.Lars – Some very nice Canadian book covers and pictures of steam locomotives!
What kind of Pea soup (Ärtsoppa) do you mean? Green or yellow? I would recommend Yellow Pea Soup! Every Thursday, in the old country, for lunch (or dinner) people eat Yellow Pea Soup and when that is finsihed they have some Pancakes with Strawberry Jam (or some other kind of jam). Very good!! I never heard that story about Falukorv! Brown beans!!! That is good stuff! Tuesday food! I skip the pork and eat more brown beans instead! Thanks for the Canadian English/slang! Mike – Those pictures of the train going through the spiral tunnel are classic indeed! Interesting machine, Big Muskie! Too bad they scrapped it.Thanks for the picture showing Lars and Ruth!! Now we know for sure!!!James – I saw my pictures of the simulator not long ago. I’ll find them one of these days! I don’t remember the price tag on that simulator, but it was expensive. Pete – I Pass on the Marmite! If it is that hard to describe it I am sure I wouldn’t like it. Do you think the track gang want to hump the dining car? That is okay after we have used it. I saw quite a few wild animals climbing Mt. Mentor. There were some bears on the mountain who were packing their suitcases. Tired of all that snow they are going to Florida for the summer. Nice pictures! RDCs and... wait, did the Captain ever leave that observation/dome car? Or did he spend the entire day by its side?
For Captain Tom and Juneau!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the U.S.A.!
. . . Wednesday, July 4th - MATINEE ONLY: . . . 1776 (1972) starring: William Daniels & Howard Da Silva - and - The Patriot (2000) starring: Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger & Joely Richardson. CARTOON: Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner in Beep, Beep (1952)
1776 (1972)
The film version of the Broadway musical comedy of the same name. In the days leading up to July 4, 1776, Continental Congressmen John Adams and Benjamin Franklin coerce Thomas Jefferson into writing the Declaration of Independence as a delaying tactic as they try to persuade the American colonies to support a resolution on independence. As George Washington sends depressing messages describing one military disaster after another, the businessmen, landowners and slave holders in Congress all stand in the way of the Declaration, and a single "nay" vote will forever end the question of independence. Large portions of spoken and sung dialog are taken directly from the letters and memoirs of the actual participants.
from: imdb.com
The Patriot (2000)
The movie takes place in South Carolina in 1776. Benjamin Martin, a French-Indian war hero who is haunted by his past, is a patriot who wants no part in a war with Britain.
Meanwhile, his two eldest sons, Gabriel and Thomas, can't wait to go out and kill some Redcoats. When South Carolina decides to go to war with Britain, Gabriel immediately signs up to fight...without his father's permission. But soon, Colonel Tavington, British solder infamous for his brutal tactics, captures Gabriel and sentences him to be hanged. As Gabriel is taken away, Thomas tries to free him, only to be killed by Tavington, in front of Benjamin. Now, seeking revenge for his son's death, Benjamin leaves behind his 5 other children to bring independence to the 13 colonies.
Enjoy! Tom
The temperatures here in mid-continent USA are in the hi-60s (F) this morning and it has been a splendid start to July! So very hard to believe, fer sure, fer sure! Humidity is low and that's the "secret" to the daytime comfort zone. Ahhhh but, things are about to change as both indices are on the rise. Been wunnerful! Even petrol dropped to $2.76 (rounded) which is astounding in these times and especially right before a major holiday. Go figure, eh
Time for a mug of coffee, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and perhaps a <light> or <traditional> breakfast to start the day.
Tomorrow is the 4th of July and Independence Day here in the U.S.A. - so for all who frequent our establishment in Can-Am County, stop by in the late afternoon - after the matinee over at the Emporium Theatre! The "big tent" will up - entertainment, food 'n drink out back - fireworks once it gets dark! And of course, watch for Boris 'n Leon in their Uncle Sam suits! Ah yes, the gals of "Our" Place will be taking orders too . . .
Lars at 10:27 AM Monday - July 2nd: A super-fine Post from our Manager!
Swedish food ‘n Canadian English slang - what more is there to life, eh Good selections, fer sure, fer sure!
Odd isn't it that the "getting there" part of a get-away is always the worst. It's the "being there" that we look forward to . . . feel the same way. I think you'll find things down Marathon way quite to your liking! <envy>
Nice suggestion regarding making Posts in advance. However, I think while your intentions are honorable, the outcome will be pretty much as usual - same-ol, same-ol. Droughts will continue and only the relative few who really give a Rat's Patoot will keep the bar uppermost on their minds through their visible works. Having said THAT - I appreciate everyone's contributions to the bar, as long as they are within the parameters we've all come to appreciate ‘round here.
Hope I didn't throw a damp rag on your <idea> regarding a trip to ExpoRail. Fully understand the concept - but for me, the reality of Amtrak's poor on-time-performance these days makes it far, far simpler to fly direct. The fall sounds good - let's see if we get any serious "takers," then we can begin planning. I'm for it.
Thanx for the visit, Post ‘n round!
James at 12:30 PM Monday - July 2nd: A fine Monday inclusive Post from our Duluth Connection!
There's no doubt about it <doot aboot it> ExpoRail IS expanding . . .
Canadian Railways from the Past that have been Posted are hardly trunk or short lines. These were bonafide major railways, fer sure, fer sure.
Wisconsin Central was part of the ownership group with reference to the railways in New Zealand. Perhaps our friend Allan can shed some additional "light" into this . . .
While there's no one more saddened than I when grand RR structures from the past come tumbling down, the reality simply must overtake nostalgia. These former "palaces," most times empty and in dire need of repair, cost ‘someone' big bucks just to keep ‘em standing. There's taxes, there's security (maybe), utilities, and so forth. Take the cost of maintaining one's home and multiply that by a factor of perhaps ½ zillion and you'll see where I'm going . . .
BC Rail was indeed a "might fine road," and one that many people in British Columbia are still upset about regarding its demise. The RDCs were in terrific condition, the route up to Prince George was in a word - picturesque - and there were many who depended upon those trains. Oh well, time marches on and I'm very happy to have experienced a "sliver" of the passenger run . . .
Thanx for dropping by!
Pete at 6:34 PM Monday - July 2nd: Good to see ya, Mate and thanx for the Pix too!
Given the PP on-time-performance these days <daze> to KCity, MO, I'd be rather skeptical of trying to take in an exhibit at Union Station 'til things get back to some semblance of normalcy for Amtrak on the Union Pacific tracks. Probably would be far better to drive it, at least that way you control the comings 'n goings . . .
ExpoRail in the fall could be a distinct possibility for me. However, I am most seriously looking into a trip up to Churchill, Manitoba aboard VIA Rail from Winnipeg. That's a run I've spoken about "forever" and as I "push" old age <ha> I want to "do this" while I still have the ability . . . We both know what traveling to 'n from Montreal can be like, so it isn't something I relish. However, if the guys were to get serious about such a trip, I'd be for it.
Rounds most appreciated. Now THAT's the way to spend your earnings! <grin>
Eric at 2:02 AM today - July 3rd: Let's see if I get this right: Pretend I'm in Phoenix insofar as temps are concerned then it would be FALL already! Do the scorpions, snakes and other not-so-friendly critters know???? <ugh>
Speaking of snakes, I see that my Red Birds dropped the Diamondbacks on their backs last night at Busch Stadium. Another meaningless contest for the throngs of people who delight in such things. Ahhhh, that used to me MOI! <grin>
There is "regular" train transportation from Central Station in Montreal to ExpoRail (don't know precisely where the station is or how one gets from it to the museum) - and it is operated by AMT. Unfortunately, it doesn't run all year ‘round and I believe Sundays are "out." As you've found, there are also
Ruth my deAH, time for another mug of hot coffee with a jolt if you please. Treats for the crittAHs and a small jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris after he feeds ‘em! <grin> A round on me and the change is yours!
By the way Cap'n Tom, nice photo for the July "header" . . . RDC's always look mighty fine, especially in such a great setting.
I think you did a great job at promoting the Canada Day! holiday here at the bar. 5 Salute for all you do!
Sorry to say that the guy who we all hoped would emerge, didn't. Even over a holiday weekend. So, look, it goes like this - he's gone, gone, gone and the sooner we accept it the bettAH for all. So sez I. We need a new category of customers, "UTB" <used to be> . . . Realism raises its ugly head once again, huh?
Two of my "boys" and their families are making ready to depart for the Keys. First "set" leaves this weekend - the next 2 weeks later. They'll have the place hummin' ‘til mid-August as the 3rd son will be going down in early August to "relieve" the watch. The Mrs. and I are making a "quickie," just to calm her concerns that the place is "ready" for ‘em. Good Grief Charlie Brown, this woman can find all sorts of reasons to support the airlines! <arrrrgggghhhh> Maybe we should buy some airline stock . . . <nah> <nah> <nah>
Some super fine "stuff" yesterday and many thanx for the ‘skinny' on those RDC units that went to Cuba. Kinda wondered about that . . . Saw some photos of those machines in the library out in Sacramento that I forgot to mention. They came out of that great book you're always talking about "RDC - The Rail Diesel Car" - anyway, the pix from Cuba looked fine and seemed that those RDC's back in the 50's were put to good use. Guess they continued using ‘em ‘til they just wore out, huh??
I see that Expo Rail does have a fall schedule - September 6 to November 18: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Don't know how this fits into anyone's plans, but with some long term planning, I could "do it." After that it's November 19 to May 2008 : Weekends and holidays, 10 am to 5 pm.
Count on the Cap'n to not only keep things movin' here at the bar, but to continually come up with "themes" and well thought out material for nothing more than our ENJOYMENT! Speaks highly of the MAN, sez I!!
Amazin' - we JUST viewed the movie, "The Patriot." A real "keeper," in spite of the gore. Fictitious, but one of those stories where it makes one wondAH what it must've been like back in the times when breaking away from the mother country was more than quiet talk. Anyway, we enjoyed it. We saw the musical, "1776" on Broadway many years ago and in fact saw it a few years back at a summer theater - but right now can't recall where we were! It's a good one too and from what I recall, much is based on fact. Nice selections for our 4th of July celebration!
Let's GO Roadrunner!
Yo Eric! Yellow is fine with me, however, I'm a bit on the "reserved" side when it comes to pea soup. Yeah I know, strange for a Scandinavian to admit to that, but just the way it is. My mother and grandmother would be most displeased to hear that . . . <grin>
Yo Pete! Some of those steam locos from the past were indeed "monsters" <as the Cap'n sez> and just marvelous machines. I may LOVE DOMES - but I surely LOVE STEAM LOCO's too! Much more "romance" involved with ‘em when considering just how they're engineered and then to watch ‘em in operation. Wunnerful, huh
Yo James! Yeah, the Canadian Pacific's maroon ‘n grey livery with those beaver heralds was "it" for me too. I liked the script lettering as well. However, when it comes to just the beauty of a diesel paint job, I'll take the Santa Fe or Delaware & Hudson any time - love that war bonnet scheme and particularly on Alcos.
There was a time when the passenger railroads really gave a rat's patoot about things like paint jobs and so forth. It all went into the advertising of their trains. Anything pleasing to the eye just might get a potential passenger, which of course equated to dollars. There was a reason for it all. Ah, but those times are long gone. No competition anymore - you either take Amtrak or . . . . same for Via Rail in Canada. Pity.
All's ready for our 4th of July BASH and it appears as if the Town Council from Mentor Village is "blessing" this year's event with a paid-for performance by the Can-Am County Scrub Board, Spoon Playing ‘n Jaw Harp Philharmonic Band! These guyz work for money??? Don't miss it, if you can! <grin>
For those who are curious
A pint of Bathams please RUTH.
ERIC The train in Nick's photo is called HSTs or High Speed Train. The have two power cars and usually 7 or 8 trailer cars. The power cars are class 43 in the TOPS system of BR numbering. They have a Paxman engine and are rated at 2,500 HP per car; some now are be re-engined with MTU 4000 diesels. They were introduced in 1976 and have given BR great service and did give a great boost to British rail travel with their 125 MPH capability.
I would put nothing past the Track Gang.
The sight of a bear wearing a bikini is a sight not seen very often.
I not sure which was the hardest to separate Tom from Sibley Park or me from the A4 steam loco.
Looking at your photo a thought came to me. I wonder why calendar makers always have snowy scenes in January and hot scenes in July it would make better sense to have a cold scene to look at in the hot weather, at least it may make you seem a bit cooler looking at a cold scene.
LARS You are right about the steam trains. It is great when I was on a Steam special to go through a station. Of course the railfans knew it was coming and had their cameras ready but the look on the faces of the ordinary public, especially the young folk, who never knew the steamer was going to be there was priceless. As one of my old mates said "People look at a steam loco and can't help but smile".
Enjoyed the link to the playing the spoons and the jaw harp, loved the advice " Keep your tongue out of the way". I only hope BORIS does not play the spoons with the pay ladles with his dexterous touch they will finish flattened bits of metal.
TOM I do hope I can call in tomorrow to the big tent, although I think the bride's moms computer is till feeling poorly. As it sounds a great afternoon, I would like to see BORIS and LEON in their Uncle Sam suits and no doubt the mascots will be dressed up as well.
Good films for the matinee. I don't believe I have seen 1776 although I have seen The Patriot. Just one question why did they have an Australian to play an American Patriot, a question I ask Scots about Braveheart. Anyway a good selection of films for the 4th .
No doubt I shall probably weaken and take a trip to KC on Amtrak while the present schedule allows, at least on paper, a 4 ½ hours stop there, but it not so bad to here in Jeff City if it is late, but it is no fun when there is at LEAST another 2 hours on to Kirkwood arriving at who knows what time of night.
Well we are off to South WEST (got it right this time) Missouri in a bit, so RUTH a KEG of Sam Adams for my American friends..
Pete.
In case I don't get in tomorrow A few of Alan's pics. OK RUTH a quick Bathams then.
Thses were taken on the East Lancs preservered railway. The line runs from Bury(a Town about 12 miles north of Manchester) to the town of Rawtenstall.
These two of of the ex Souther Railway class LN it is the pioneer loco of the class and the only surviver of a class of 16. the loco is No 850 Lord Nelson. The loco has just been restored to working order after a long overhaul by volunteers.Please enlarge the 2nd photo to see the fantastic paint finish.
These are of Sir William A. Stanier's Jubilee 5XP 3 cylinder class of 4-6-0s.This is No 5690 Leander in LMS livery, the fine looking loco was one of a class of 191 locos The Loco is in Bury Bolton Street station.
I hope you enjoy the photos
Hi Tom and all on deck,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY U.S.A.!
A salute to the U.S.A on it`s Independance Day celebrations, it`s 231st birthday today so a big toast to that.
Tom. Congrats on your very comprehensive coverage of NZ railways, I learned a quite a lot of statistics from your info. I am pushed for time at the moment so I will answer some of the crews queries in the near future.
We have mainline steam hauling the "Overlander" on a section from Feilding to Ohakune, this is on Saturdays only for about 3 months. The Loco is a WAB tank based on the AB Pacific, it was preserved by the Feilding Loco Society, they ran it last year and it was so popular that Toll continued it this year. I hope to get across to have a ride on it in the next couple of months!
At the moment NZ is in mourning over the America`s Cup loss this morning, but as the old saying goes over here "She`ll be right mate"!
HAVE A GREAT DAY, Allan
Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house
Happy 4th!
James, Soo Line Depot looks substantial, too bad it's gone
http://www.duluth-mn-usa.com/Duluth_Postcards/mckenzie_photo_a-20209_soo_line_passenger_station.jpg
Duluth Union Depot, historical pictures slow to load but I saw a train shed
http://www.duluth-mn-usa.com/Duluth_Postcards/mckenzie_photo_7563_union_depot.jpg
http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=120&REC=1
http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=172&REC=2
http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=182&REC=3
http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=122&REC=4
http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=884&REC=5
http://www.railpictures.net/images/l/Lineup2.jpg.23003.jpg
This just in by iPhone
http://www.railpictures.net/images/images2/1/192-2.jpg.84045.jpg
Allan, cool scenery down there
http://pinker.wjh.harvard.edu/photos/new_zealand/pages/Mt%20Cook%20&%20Lake%20Pukaki.htm
http://pinker.wjh.harvard.edu/photos/new_zealand/pages/Tarzan.htm
Leon, still awake! I feel like having a Rumpsteak Café de Paris! Samuel Adams, please! Yeah, you know!
Good to see all the creatures, including Boris, celebrating 4th of July this early! USA!!!
Tom – I’ll be at the Emporium today to see my favorite cartoon! I actually have some of them on tape! And of course the other movies, 1776 and The Patriot!We have the same gas price here, $2.76! It is amazing, but it almost sounds cheap!Don’t pay any attention to the scorpions and snakes, the fall is here, sorry I mean, there (in St. Louis)! We were supposed to get 114 yesterday but reached only 113. Today it is 117° though. I wonder who dropped who last night at Busch Stadium? 7-1 or something? You better have a closer look at your bears at Mt. Mentor. They do not even wear any bikinis!!!My long Holiday break is getting close to its end, but I have enjoyed it so far.Lars – Yellow Pea Soup is very good. If you have any IKEA store in the neighborhood you should be able to get a can or two there at thier food department. Just add water, heat it and enjoy! It’s kind of salty, so it is perfect for a sailor!!!Pete – HST, that is it! For whatever reason I couldn’t remember it last night. Do you know what kind of acceleration they have, how long it takes to reach 125 mph from 0? As I told Tom, those bears do not even care wearing any bikinis! They are na..., you know.From my point of view calendar makers don’t have to have any snowy scenes at all! But you are right, who wants to see more snow in the wintertime when it is outside (not in Phoenix)? Very nice, steamy, pictures from Alan!! The paint finish on the loco is outstanding! Say thank you to Alan!Allan – America’s Cup? Is that taking place now? I haven’t seen or heard anything on the news! I have to check that. Hope to see a report from your trip if you get to ride the “Overlander”! Mike – A whole bunch of pictures from Duluth! Good size station and yard! I understand that the train shed is gone but the station building is still standing. Like that lineup with the diesels! A fantastic picture from NZ! Mt. Cook and Lake Pukaki!! Beautiful!!! Tarzan left the djungle for New Zealand!!
The right colors for today!!!
Hello all
Well, Happy 4th of July to you statesiders!
Hope you enjoy the day and all your holiday activities (incidentally – sorry I missed Canada day to those of you north of the border!).
I’m not sure what food is on offer this holiday day, but if there is any I’ll have a breakfast and some coffee and juice please.
Anyway – first of all – lest answer the Marmite question – kind of an acquired taste admittedly – but you can’t beat it – it sort of looks like tar / bitumen – and has a rather salty taste. You can spread it on bread thinly (as Pete mentions) or indeed stir it into cooking on occasion. It is made from a by product of the beer making process - see
http://www.marmite.co.uk/love/history/
“It seems that Marmite first appeared around the time of the Industrial Revolution. That's right. We paid a heavy price for railways and combustion engines in the form of this foodstuff. Ever taken a good look at engine grease? Like a real up-close look? Ever compared the two? A pot of Marmite and a thick scraping of burnt oil? Exactly”
Anyway – Tom – back at my last post I noted you were on line – I think we posted pretty much the same time, hence you missed my post – just co-incidence – no gremlins I don’t think – Lars was being pessimistic there.
Thanks for your comments on the Sunset Limited (and indeed to Eric who added to that).
Planning a trip up to Churchill? – that has to be an ambition I hope you can realise – looks like an interesting route and I for one will look forward to the trip report! I’m sure others will too.
Amtrak delays are depressing – you would think the ‘host roads’ might have more of a sense of pride in letting the passengers get through on time – I suppose we live in an era where pride is all well and good – until it interferes with profit….
Nick – look forward to hearing more about your Devon expedition. Still raining here too. East Coast route seems to still have problems in the Doncaster area with flooded tracks.
Eric – you misunderstood me about the bus doors – they only have one door – at the front – no rear boarding – so in other words you have to wait for passengers to alight before you can get on – hence the delay at stops – this was the beauty of the old London buses with the rear access platforms which avoided this problem.
See this link (a heck of a lot of pictures, but you’ll get the picture!) http://www.nctx.co.uk/Enthusiasts/Enthusiast%20Photos/NCT%20Fleet%20Photos/index_5.htm
HST 125 – I ‘m not sure of the acceleration stats (Pete might be able to locate that) but it is not bad – however, not as good as an electric or as some of the new distributed power trains (which are 25 years younger of course) – the HST strong point is consistent high speed running with limited stops, and the better ride quality compared with distributed power.
Just adding to the New Zealand information I think the BR Mk2 carriages for NZ are being converted into commuter cars (with extra doors added) which is quite a change as they were originally built for long distance inter city use in the early 1970s. They must have been well built to have a new lease of life ahead of them.
Lars – you mentioned situation in Cuba – information on the current railway network is here: http://www.seat61.com/Cuba.htm
And about half way down the page is a shot of one of the RDCs – inside and out.
“Some services (shown in the timetable above as 'Note R') are provided by railcars, either ex-Spanish Railways or stainless steel Budd railcars bought second-hand from VIA Rail Canada (shown below). The latter are comfortable, carpeted, air-conditioned single-coach railcars with reclining seats, hostess service and refreshments”
Mike – thanks for the excavator pics – impressive stuff – just the sort of info I was looking for!
James - - I certainly agree with you about the old Depots – a real shame in some cases – Mike’s pics of Duluth illustrated exactly the point you were making – it seems that the only chance of survival for many of them was that the real estate was not worth enough to make it worth demolishing them – and with that in mind we have some superb architecture left with us – more by luck than judgement of the ‘powers that be’.
The situation is the same this side of the Atlantic – although it is good when a new use can be found – a good example being the Gare D’Orsay in Paris which is now a very famous and large art museum in what was once one of the City’s stations.
Pete – marmite and crisps is of course a classic sandwich combo – with the crisps added just before consumption of course, not at the time the sandwich is made. Maybe Nick will do a round of these next time he is in the kitchen? – although his regular staple is rather more ‘high falutin’!!
Thanks for the extra info on the giant excavator – must have been very interesting. Such large bits of equipment are unusual in the British landscape, it must have been remarkable.
The Rutland museum had tried to get money in the 90s to restore the cab and wire it up to the model excavator so you could get a feel for it – but this had obviously not happened and in all honesty I fear the kit had gone beyond the point of no return.
I have only made the run along the North Wales coast once – when I had to go to a conference in Llandudno – I took the train to Holyhead for the ride – it was interesting and scenically attractive.
I’ve not been to the Liphook museum – in fact I’ve not heard of it – you will have to give me more information. I’ve been looking out for more Colin Gifford books following your recommendation – but not located any in my travels beyond the one I got at the GCR.
Trent station must have been an interesting place, but the book explains that when the stations up the Erewash valley were closed – and some of the ones to the south and east and west, the need for it was limited so it was closed. There is a story of US troops being disembarked there during the war and having to wait several hours for a connection at night wanting to check out the local town only to be told there was no town there!
It reminds me of the junction station in the film Brief Encounter (Carnforth in real life) – although that is in the town. http://home.clara.net/gw0hqd/brief/locations/locations.htm#carnforth
Tom – is this film well known in the US? – it might make a possible screening for the Mentor Village picture house.
The station here has been very well restored recently – to recreate the atmosphere of the film – and you can still get there by train as I did a couple of years back. See:
http://www.carnforthstation.co.uk/centre.html
Enjoy your holidays!
DL
Happy Independence Day to the U.S.A.!!!
<from: Wikipedia.com>
<from Wikipedia.com>
1947--Freedom Train--1949126 Historic Freedom Documents American Heritage Foundation
The Freedom Train was on Tour for 413 days,visited 322 Comunities in all 48 States and traveledover 37,000 miles during its historic Journey.
Over 3.5 Million Visitors touredthe Freedom Train with one in every 500,000receiving a special gift. Each visitor signed the "Freedom Scroll," which was presented to President Harry S. Truman.
Note: All Freedom Train images and relevant information obtained from http://www.lincoln-highway-museum.org/FT/FT-Index.html. There is no intent to misuse, profit or otherwise denegrate the use of these materials.
Good morning one and all! Is it too early for a celebratory adult-strength drink?
Quite the compilation of 4th of July well-wishing going on here. Amazing work from Eric, to be sure! Thanks for the birthday wishes from across the pond too DL.
Ya know, it hardly seems like just 50 years ago from yesterday, that the CA&E abruptly abandoned its electric line, leaving 3,000 commuters stranded in downtown Chicago. I sure hope they all found their ways home by now. Anyhow, to commemorate the event, the IRM took willing participants on a reinactment to an isolated spot on the museum grounds and left them stranded, to be rescued by the Chicago and North Western Railroad.
Can't believe the temperatures across the country recently. Don't know how Eric tolerates 114+ degrees, but I see highs near 120 on the left coast today. Sure am glad I live in ice and snow territory, where our temps will be in the 80's. Neighbors started bringing out their oridinance last night, only to be doused by rain.
Today is Trolley Pageant Day at IRM. Unfortunately for ya'll, none of the web cams will cover the track they will be using, or you could see it from your homes. Also, the Fox River Trolley museum is running their 4-mile round-trip for the incredible cost of $1 today, for what they call their "Red, White and Blue Dollar Day. I imagine other rail museums have special programs going today as well.
Anyhow, ya'll have the best of days!
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY 2007! (Click to enlarge)
It's nearing lunch time here at the Saloon by the Siding - so check out the buffet table layed out just for the 4th of July!
For anyone interested, here's the link to last year's 4th of July at the Saloon by the Siding:
http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/370/991587/ShowPost.aspx#991587
Lars at 10:40 AM Tuesday - July 3rd: Many THANX for the continuing support for the bar and what we do!
No need to "beat a dead horse" when it comes to who is and who isn't ‘round the Bar by the Ballast. Best to simply move on down the line . . . Y'all KNOW my thoughts and it's far better just to leave it at that. RIP to those in the "used to be" - UTB - category! <grin>
Email received and responded to - thanx! If you can't make it in today - don't sweat the small stuff. Surely hope your travels are safe and without the hassle associated with air travel these times.
Round appreciated!
Pete at 3:55 PM Tuesday - July 3rd: Only reason I can come up with for an Aussie playing the part of an American 1776 patriot is that all of ours are deceased! <grin>
We can talk about a fall trip to KCity aboard Amtrak - before the change back to standard time of course.
Four nice Pix from your Mate, Alan - many thanx! The man surely knows HOW to take some fotos with clarity!
Thanx for the KEG!
Allan at 5:32 PM Tuesday - July 3rd: (but the 4th in NZ!!) Many thanx for the visit and well wishes! Most appreciated, fer sure, fer sure.
We've gotten used to having you aboard and it's nice to know you're still interested in this place . . . the more the merrier, eh
Amazin' to me how the "national pysche" can rise ‘n fall with the outcome of a sporting event. Ask any Canadian when it comes to their teams in hockey competition, especially when they are global in nature. In parts of South America it's worth one's life ‘n limb should a soccer team fail to do what's expected. The U.S. lays "claim" to baseball in the "World Series" and football's "Super Bowl," and so it goes on and on. So why not the America's Cup and the NZ team, eh <grin>
Mike at 8:03 PM Tuesday - July 3rd: Some fine URLs and "stuff" from our Resident URLMeisterMonster. That Liberty Bell poster and "1776" loco helped to make our celebration step off smartly. Thanx!
Thanx for the round!
Eric at 2:21 AM today - July 4th: What's to say other than for the opening graphic to your Post! Terrific job with the critters and "things" that identify with "Our" Place. Boris looks to be a "mirror image" - why not!?!? <grin> Nicely done and THANX! 5- Salute to our Resident Desert Swede!
This just in: Cardinals bitten by snakes in the grass at Busch! <uh oh>
This from Lars on 30 June - page 75
Read that New Zealand has had a rough go of it in the America& Happy Railroading! Siberianmo LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 11:59 AM Happy 231st Birthday to the U.S.A. Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!Ruth my deah, I'll have a double belt of JD on the rocks while I sample the buffet table . . . looks like a winnAH as always from The Mentor Village Deli! Just couldn't let this day pass by without wishing my friends at "Our"Place a most HAPPY 4th of JULY!! I've always loved this day and am still taken in by the celebrations, the music, the hoopla and fireworks. A great day for all who call themselves Americans! 5 Salute to the good ole U.S.A. My, my Ruth, you do look absolutely stunning in that Red, White ‘n Blue outfit! Something from the "Not So Secret Store" over at the Mentor Mall ‘n Soil Sampling Depot You surely "fit well" into it! <blush>Nice spate of "stuff" from Da Boss - as always - you surely do keep us entertained! A round on me - DOUBLE treats for the crittAHS and of course a LARGE jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris, all decked out in his Uncle Sam suit. Great looking piece of work from Eric today in that lead in graphic. <double wow> Nicely done, mate! Thanks to Allan ‘n DL in the UK for "answering the call"!! Thought we'd see Fergie - but the day isn't over yet . . . Hello's to Pete - Eric ‘n Doug - hope youse guyz are enjoying this holiday! I'm being bellowed beckoned . . . gotta run. <groan>Until the next time! Lars Fergmiester Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Out on the Briny Ocean Tossed 4,240 posts Posted by Fergmiester on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 4:40 PM siberianmo wrote: Happy Independence Day to the U.S.A.!!! Ladies And Gentlemen Have a very Festive and Safe Independence Day!!!And since I'm here, a round of Keith's for Everyone!!!!! FergieI realize after reading back a few posts I have some answer backs for a few of you. My apolagies!A what the heck a bowl of of your finest Wings 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 « First«48495051525354»Last » SUBSCRIBER & MEMBER LOGIN Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more! Login Register FREE NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter Submit More great sites from Kalmbach Media Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy
Happy 231st Birthday to the U.S.A.
Ruth my deah, I'll have a double belt of JD on the rocks while I sample the buffet table . . . looks like a winnAH as always from The Mentor Village Deli!
Just couldn't let this day pass by without wishing my friends at "Our"Place a most HAPPY 4th of JULY!!
I've always loved this day and am still taken in by the celebrations, the music, the hoopla and fireworks. A great day for all who call themselves Americans! 5 Salute to the good ole U.S.A.
My, my Ruth, you do look absolutely stunning in that Red, White ‘n Blue outfit! Something from the "Not So Secret Store" over at the Mentor Mall ‘n Soil Sampling Depot You surely "fit well" into it! <blush>
Nice spate of "stuff" from Da Boss - as always - you surely do keep us entertained!
A round on me - DOUBLE treats for the crittAHS and of course a LARGE jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris, all decked out in his Uncle Sam suit.
Great looking piece of work from Eric today in that lead in graphic. <double wow> Nicely done, mate!
Thanks to Allan ‘n DL in the UK for "answering the call"!! Thought we'd see Fergie - but the day isn't over yet . . .
Hello's to Pete - Eric ‘n Doug - hope youse guyz are enjoying this holiday!
I'm being bellowed beckoned . . . gotta run. <groan>
siberianmo wrote: Happy Independence Day to the U.S.A.!!!
Ladies And Gentlemen Have a very Festive and Safe Independence Day!!!
And since I'm here, a round of Keith's for Everyone!!!!!
Fergie
I realize after reading back a few posts I have some answer backs for a few of you. My apolagies!
A what the heck a bowl of of your finest Wings
Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!
Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter