Hi Tom and all.
A pint of something strong please LEON and a round please for a great theme day.
ERIC I am about to read an article on the Hartz railway hopefully I have some more info when I have read it.
I did not know before there was a problem with objects being dropped on or placed in the way of trains here in North America.It reached terrible proportions on British lines in the 80s and 90s. I hope the situation as got better lately as I have not heard of any incidents. There as been a fortune spent on erecting high fences to help stop this and trespassing. A great problem was young morons throwing stones at trains. I dare say the penalty for anyone caught throwing stuff off railway bridges is very severe over here as it should be.
A great Milwaukee Road Theme Day ,
Started by JAMES with the Road around the Chicago and Terre Haute division. It is good that it is still possible to travel over ex Milwaukee metals on the Chicago Metra.
DOUG Interesting reading on the 4-6-0s on the North Woods Hiawatha. They must have been good locomotives as they were 36 years old when the streamline casing was fitted.
After running the North Woods it is a pity one of the two locos could not have been saved for a museum.
According to your chart I have burnt at least 350 calories(see later).
TOM Many Thanks for your post on the Milwaukee.It does make very sad reading though in the lines later days espcially how the electrified line was handled. I wonder how a east to west electrified line would be appriciated today if the gas prices keep rising.It seems a lot of unfortunate decisions were made regarding railways in the 1970s
CM3 It would be interesting to know how much track still serves the brewing companies in Milwaukee. I guess some of the ingrediants still arrive by rail even if the finished product goes by truck.Although I was reading that the Coors brewery in Colorado still ships a lot of beer by rail.
Thanks for the 'Piggyback' container frieght on the Milwaukee.
For the books can I go with E. Hemmingway and The Great Gatsby..
Great book covers LARS and BK. Really wonderful photographs and art work. Those electric locomotives were some impressive locos the seem to portray their power very well indeed. Many thanks for getting such a fine set of covers together.
Well I shall have to go into the Rats Patoot room for a while. As usual on the theme day I try and 'Borrow' something from the old Our Place, but the I found SEARCH feature to be impossible. I found the post I wanted and the date, OK it takes some time to find the page it is on by trial and error but I don't mind that. Eventually I found the page the date was on and not a thing on the Milwaukee, we were talking about another road altogether on the date shown. I tried another date and exactly the same, yet Tom's post shows up with todays date.
Anyway let me get a round in please LEON. for another good day at the bar .
Pete
Good Morning Captain Tom and fellow sophisticates!
I see the Milwaukee Road theme is well underway and my reading list is growing as these lines are typed! <grin>
Ruth, time for a hot mug of coffee with just a "splash" to make it interesting. Nothing from the menu today, but I will check out the pastry case.
My bookend, Lars, has made his appearance today with some fine book and video covers. Lydia has held up on providing what she has found until we saw what our friend had to provide. Surely would not want duplicates, would we <grin>
As the pages on this "reborn" thread are also growing, it seems that Sirs Pete and Shane have really done a remarkable job with their guesswork for the 10,000th post contest. While Sir Wolfman is "out," surely he is deserving of an "honorable mention." Same for Shane should he fall short, but he is still in the hunt, as is said.
My memory of the works of Hemingway and Fitzgerald is very hazy and I therefore will not hazard a guess in reference to the questions posed by Shane. Literary works at the bar
I suspect Boris and Leon are scratching their respective heads on that one! <grin>
Noted that Via Rail was disrupted in the "corridor" service as a result of a freight train derailment. I believe things have returned to normal. A shame we are absent our Ontario Connection to keep us apprised of these "newsworthy" events!
Also saw that Sir Tom's St. Louis Blues were in Calgary last night and lost a tough one in a shootout. As many may recall, I have not been much of a pro-sports fan over the years, but now beginning to fall into the abyss. The Flames are trying to ensure a slot in the playoffs whereas the Blues are striving to end their season with a degree of respect in building for the next year. (Nearly a quote from one of the papers!) At any rate, we will be attending at least one playoff game and are rooting our teams on; Flames and Oilers.
Enough of my chatter, it is time for my contribution to the Theme for this Day!
BK in Alberta, Canada's high mountain country!
Ahoy Cap'n Tom 'n fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth, you look simply MARVELOUS this morning. Makes me want to return to the days of my raging youth. But then again . . .
How about a hot mugga Joe with one of those "BK splashes" and that should hold me for awhile. I'll take a couple of Bavarian Cream lo-cal pastries to go along with it!
Shane, let me take a crack at your Milwaukee Road quiz: (1) Ernest Hemingway and (2) This Side of Paradise. How 'bout it <grin>
So, today IS the return of our Tuesday Theme Day, and I see that James started things off as promised with a Monday nightsubmission.
Good stuff has followed from Doug, Tom and CM3, so I suppose it is now my turn, huh
Ok then, check these out!
That is IT for me! One more, Ruth, then I'm gone-zo . . . .
Until the next time!
Lars
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Egad, how did I miss the anniversary? I slipped the barmaid a little extra $ this a.m. and, by way of apology to the group, asked her to break out the "good stuff." IOW, something from a bottle without a skull and crossbones on the label; enjoy, gents.
Pete was here - the Beer Line was the nickname given to a MILW branch line in its namesake city that served a bunch of breweries. IIRC, some of it still operates, although I have not been in Milwaukee in a long time.
James also stopped by, and in addition to his comments, has given us an interesting piece of his favorite road.
Barndad - GE; don't you love it when that happens.
Eric - The NEC was always fun around Baltimore. A little north of there, the sport was to suspend object from bridges - I'll leave it at that, but that's why many locomotives had grates over the windshields. I am on the track of the air mask reference. One place with a good size tunnel was Hermosa.
Barndad visited with some history and a fine shot of a MILW Ten-Wheeler. Incidentally, I had to meet earlier this a.m. with a bunch of folks who burned up a ton of calories (LOL).
OSP has provided a nice capsule history of the MILW. The picture of the Pioneer shows a set of E7s in the as-delivered color scheme. I also liked the shot of the Hiawatha which was truly "getting it." Focal plane shutter on cameras back then added to the effect.
Incidentally, Derleth's book on the Milwaukee was r/p not too long ago.
Here's a citation: Derleth, August. The Milwaukee Road: Its First Hundred Years. Foreword by H. Roger Grant. Iowa City, University of Iowa Press, 2002. (Reprint of 1948 ed.)
Derleth was, himself, an interesting character as he was a prolific writer in a variety of areas.
Milwaukee Road today, so here is some freight-related information.
The MILW offered what they called "Piggyback Container Service" in the 1960s. Advertising copy mentioned that they had "Mechanical Lifting Devices" such as Piggy Packers and/or Overhead Cranes at Franklin Park (Chicago), Twin Cities, and Seattle.
Ramps were at 52 different locations throughout the system. The railroad also boasted of their so-called "Fast Track" service to 13 states including: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, No. Dakota, So. Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Most followers of the MILW are familiar with their two premier freight trains, the "XL Special," and the "Thunderhawk." These trains operated (under a series of different numbers) between Chicago, Milwaukee, Twin Cities, Duluth, and the "Pacific Northwest." In this case the Pacific Northwest meant cities such as Spokane, Marengo, Seattle, and Tacoma.
A little less known was the "Roaring 90s," billed by the railroad as the only all piggyback and container train between Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul, Minneapolis. They ran on the following schedule.
Train 99 departed Chicago at 730 p.m. with a 530 a.m. arrival in Minneapolis
Train 98 departed Minneapolis at 545 p.m. with a 430 a.m. arrival in Chicago.
Additional MILW freight routes included:
Chicago-Marion (Cedar Rapids)-Sioux City, Council Bluffs, Tri-Cities, and Kansas City.
Milwaukee- Marion (Cedar Rapids)-Sioux City, Council Bluffs, Tri-Cities, and Kansas City.
St. Paul-Kansas City-Council Bluffs
Chicago-Milwaukee-Green Bay-La Crosse
Now for two Milwaukee Road trivia questions.
Name the author of the following. "The smoothest roadbed I have ever known on an American railroad in the velvet line of the Milwaukee into Chicago."
This one's for the literati passed out under the pool tables (appropriate, considering the author in the question.).
F. Scott Fitzgerald mentioned the Milwaukee Road in one of his novels. Name the title of that novel.
Work safe
THEME for the DAY! - THEME for the DAY!
Now arriving on Track #2
RR THEME for the DAY - Number Eleven
Milwaukee Road (CMSTPP)
Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements
Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad
Former Milwaukee Road system. Solid red lines are trackage still operated by CP Rail; purple lines are trackage now operated by other railroads; red dotted lines are abandoned. This map suggests a rail crossing between Iowa and Wisconsin; this is incorrect, rather the map indicates routes north and south to rail crossings.
Reporting marks
MILW
Locale
Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin
Dates of operation
1847 - 1985
Track gauge
4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) (standard gauge)
Headquarters
Chicago
The Milwaukee Road, officially the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (CMSP&P RR) (AAR reporting marks MILW), was a Class I railroad that operated in the midwest and northwest of the United States from 1847 until its acquisition by the Soo Line railway on January 1, 1986. The company went through several official names and faced bankruptcy several times in that period. While the railroad does not exist as a separate entity anymore, it is still commemorated in buildings like the historic Milwaukee Road Depot in Minneapolis, Minnesota and in railroad hardware still maintained by railfans, such as the Milwaukee Road 261 steam locomotive.
History
The Milwaukee Road appeared as the Milwaukee and Waukesha Railroad when incorporated in 1847, but soon changed its name to Milwaukee and Mississippi. After three years, the first train ran from Milwaukee to Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and the first passenger train ran on February 25, 1851. In 1874 the name was changed to Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul. By 1887, the railroad had lines running through Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Former Milwaukee Road depot in Austin, Minnesota.
Expansion
In the 1890s, the Milwaukee's directors increasingly felt that they had to extend the railroad to the Pacific in order to remain competitive with other roads. A survey in 1901 estimated costs to build to the Pacific Northwest as $45 million. In 1905, the board approved the Pacific Extension, now estimated at $60 million. The contract for the westernmost part of the route was awarded to Horace Chapin Henry of Seattle. Construction began in 1906 and was completed in 1909. The route chosen was to be 18 miles shorter than the shortest competitor's, as well as better grades than some. It was an expensive route, however, since the Milwaukee, receiving few land grants, had to buy most of the land or acquire smaller railroads. In addition, the five mountain ranges that had to be crossed (the Saddles, Belts, Rockies, Cascades, and Bitterroots) required major
Courtesy: http://www.viarail.ca/
G'day Gents!
It's TUESDAY and a return to our "Theme for the Day!" which has already begun with some fine "stuff" from James on the Milwaukee Road.
Why not enjoy the reading with a cuppa Joe, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and perhaps a <light> or <traditional> breakfast while you're at it
Not a bad turnout for our 23rd Month Anniversary as more "toasts" were offered than not. So, all in all, a fine tribute to those who make this cyber bar flourish in the Ether!
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative):
Pete at 4:25 PM yesterday: The Assistant Bar Chandler - soon to be promoted IF we don't hear from Rob - arrived with a fine afternoon "slot" Post!
Drumheads really "make" the passenger train, in my not-so-humble-opinion. VIA Rail still uses ‘em on the Budd observation domes (Park Cars), although they are rather generic with no name of the train. Nevertheless, it looks "cool"!
What WE need to do is begin planning for an Aussie rail adventure - the four of us. Take off for several weeks and do it RIGHT!
James at 8:11 PM ‘n 9:17 PM yesterday: A fine INCLUSIVE Post and the kick-off to our Tuesday Theme for the Day! - Milwaukee Road . . . nice work.
Thanx for the elaboration. Just wonderin' about that site you mentioned (SD45.com) as I've seen ONLY quality stuff and so much of it. Whoever put that together surely has done quite a job and knows how to do it! I can only wish that my photography abilities could even come close to what this guy does!
Doug at 9:06 PM yesterday: Interesting Pix - fire in the hole! <uh oh> A good "fit" with the one from James! [tupp]
Eric at 1:17 AM today: The anticipated "report" from our "Resident Desert Swede" is the ONLY way to begin a new day!
Email received - and the "offer" still stands should you decide to fly.
A nice shot of the X2000 in Milwaukee, BUT rather lonely looking! <frown> Shudda been a crowd. But I suspicion "day was done" for that particular photo . . .
At the stage of life that I'm at, it is very doubtful that I'll ever cross the arctic circle again. Never did while aboard a train, so that would be a FIRST! Time does have a way of passing by so quickly that before one realizes it, the "things" one planned to do wind up being on the "I wish I wudda" list. <groan>
No complaints though, for I've been extremely fortunate to have amassed the rail miles these past 17 years AND to have a traveling companion (bride!) who enjoys it all too!
Doug at 4:46 AM today: A fine offering for the Milwaukee Road "theme" from the birthday boy and as always, good reading material with the Pix!
In looking at that "calories list" I think it depends on where one is at that will determine the burning of them. If you're a "worker bee" then many of those apply, however, if you are a "boss bee," then that's something else, eh I had to look at it from two perspectives - nearly half of my career as a "follower" and the other half as a "leader" - no aspersions intended guys, just the way it was!
Thanx for the early AM Post - but don't get too "cozy" with Da Boss - he IS the fastest <tweeter> in Can-Am County!
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
Tom
Good morning Tom and friends! I'll have a light breakfast please. I think we did pretty well celebrating our anniversary yesterday, and got the Milwaukee theme going too (thanks James!). Glad you liked some the RDC stuff Eric, and yes, we still have some snow on the ground. Today's near 70 temps should take care of that though.
I never had a "part I" idiot story that precluded number II Tom. It was just another isolated groaner snatched from the ether. Thanks for backing me up on the tweeting call yesterday. Made my heart go pitty-pat. Here's some theme-related material.
The streamlined era on North American railroads arguably began in 1934, when Union Pacific's M-10000 and Burlington Zephyr were delivered. When the Burlington announced that they would introduce Zephyr-type trans in Chicago-Minneapolis service, a competitive, high-speed route, both Milwaukee Road and Chicago & North Western responded in 1935 with streamlined steam locomotives and upgraded trains.
The Milwaukee trains were named Hiawatha, after the Longfellow poem, and stylist Otto Kuhler designed engine shrouds of the basis of American Locomotive's wind-tunnel tests, giving rise to the early "bathtub" streamlining style. The first locomotives were large, modern Class A "Atlantic" 4-4-2's, followed in 1939 by Class F7 4-6-4's, all with broad orange and maroon stripes carried forward from the cars, and light gray bodies.
Shown here is No. 10, Class G, one of two antique, low-drivered 4-6-0's selected to be streamlined for the new North Woods Hiawatha. Unlike its big brothers, the "North Woods Hi" was not a creature of a 100-mph main line, but instead crept north from New Lisbon, Wis. On progressively lighter rail of the Wisconsin Valley line, ultimately ending in the woods and weeds at Star Lake, a lonely place then, and all but a ghost town now.
To meet the required low axle loadings of this line, and to save money (a Milwaukee specialty), this 1900-built locomotive was selected in 1936 for application of Kuhler's Hiawatha shrouding. In 1937, another 4-6-0, No. 11, was also shrouded. Both resembled the road's famous streamlined Atlantics, but the styling of the 4-6-0's did not have individual differences. They also burned coal instead of oil (note the rather small tender).
The train was very popular for North Woods vacationers, and the increasing loads with time overwhelmed the small locomotives. They were replaced by 4-6-2 Pacifics and then in 1947 by Alco RSC-2 road-switchers. Their Hiawatha name was dropped in 1956.
Although streamlined 4-6-0 steam locomotives were common in Europe, these obscure Milwaukee Road veterans were the only such locomotives to be so treated in this country. No. 10 was scrapped in May, 1951, and No. 11 in September, 1951. Photo by Harvey Ueker for the Milwaukee Road in 1936, at Milwaukee Shops.
Although the following is technically more from an article on Canadian cars, they used to be the property of the Milwaukee!
Purchased from Milwaukee Road in 1964, CN's Skyview cars became prominent in the railroad's advertising and were popular among riders. They ran systemwide until they were retired in 1977.
CN acquired its first domes when it purchased six Milwaukee Road Superdomes in 1964-65. The upper levels were later converted by CN from coach seating to an expansive lounge.
Here's the activities guide to burning calories at work and the number of calories they consume per hour... Beating around the bush... 75 Jumping to conclusions... 100 Climbing the walls... 150 Swallowing your pride... 50 Passing the buck... 25 Throwing your weight around... 50-300 Dragging your heels... 100 Pushing your luck... 250 Making mountains out of molehills... 500 Hitting the nail on the head... 50 Wading through paperwork... 300 Bending over backwards... 75 Jumping on the bandwagon... 200 Balancing the books... 25 Running around in circles... 350 Eating crow... 225 Tooting your own horn... 25 Climbing the ladder of success... 750 Pulling out the stops... 75 Adding fuel to the fire... 160 Wrapping it up at the day's end... 12 Opening a can of worms... 50 Putting your foot in your mouth... 300 Starting the ball rolling... 90 Going over the edge... 25 Picking up the pieces after... 350 Counting eggs before they hatch... 6 Calling it quits... 2
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
A little bit belated Happy 23rd Anniversary!!! I am blaming the time difference, now an extra hour, that I couldn't make it in time for the festivities!
Leon, tonight is a perfect night for Steak and Bisquits! No, just coffee to drink! Free? Okay, I'll have a drink then. Thank you Captain!
This is a very busy week at work. We are deeply involved in an expo, Bits, this week so I might miss a day or two. Early mornings and late evenings.
A lot of interesting posts today! RDCs and Milwaukee Road! And an exciting train trip across Australia!!
Doug – I think I am getting hooked on RDCs just like Tom! Interesting reading about those Railiners! 87 RDCs in Canada plus 19 used ones! Today it seems like only five are still in service in Canada. Thanks for the article!Also like the extra RDC pictures! They clearly indicate that Lars is wrong about bribing! I think. Maybe. I can see you have snow on the ground.Also very interesting is the info about (the book) Milwaukee Road’s electrification! A very interesting book! I’ll keep my eyes open. It is time to buy a new GM car! Maybe I’ll be the winner! The chance to get involved in a serious crash on Interstate 17 through Phoenix is pretty good, maybe as good as 1 in 2! You mention the “jokers” who drop things on passing trains. We had an incident with the X2000 somewhere along the NEC. Close to Baltimore. Some stupid idiot dropped a refrigerator but missed the train, it hit the ground before we got there. We ran over the thing and it cut some air hoses for the braking system on one car. The Amtrak police came to the place quickly and I think they got them. Charles Tyson Yerkes certainly qualified as a robber baron! Interesting, I did not know that he was involved in developing the Underground in London! Smart guy, James Burns! Wrapped in the drive shaft!Interesting picture of the flash over! I have seen that once live, many years ago in the old country. James – You are right, there was a “few” inches of snow on the ground. And very cold! Not for me. I am afraid the SP car is not really in service, it belongs to a museum. At least it is still able to move around with people in it. I think the Amtrak train was moving along pretty good. Using the horn is a must! Nice picture of those B&O E7As!Milwaukee Road! I better show a picture from Milwaukee. I am afraid this will be all I have about Milwaukee. A lot of interesting info to read! Thank you! I love the pictures, especially the blue and white FP45! Vey nice, clean looking paint scheme!
Milwaukee, June 1993.
Tom – Going to the Arctic Circle while it is buried in snow? I guess the snow will melt away in early May and will be back in October. Your choice! I guess Juneau is really the one who decides!? Recevied email and responded. Pleasure Dome!? Was that something different or was it the service level that was better? Nice book cover! If (I mean when) I win the Powerball I will spend a fortune on all the books (and Our Place Private Car). SF had some nice looking drum heads!Lars – To make sure that the bar remains open is also creating job security for Ruth! I know it was something!Gasoline $2.73? We are catching up, I saw $2.72 here tonight!. Just heard on the news the price is up to $2.95 at some stations!!! Travel by train!BK – Glad to hear that you had a nice weekend at the Penthouse Suite! It must have been something else!You must have had a real nice train trip across Australia!! I think you did the right thing, staying on the train for the duration of the trip. Looking forward to more to read and some pictures! CM3 – I thought you meant air masks for Big Boy! The question is, was there any long tunnels between Ogden and Cheyenne where air masks would have been necessary?Thanks for the info on Coal stations! I wonder if there is any statistics on how much coal the railroads used per day those days?Pete – Thanks for the info on London to Edinburgh traveling times! The 60’s was tough on the railroads in Sweden too. Quite a few miles were lost during those years. Now they are building new lines! We made just a short stop at La Crosse. At least enought to let me off to take that picture.Hartz Railway!? I think you are right, that it is in the eastern part of Germany. I have heard a lot about it but never been there.
Eric
G-day Tom and all present!
Leon- Could I get a refill on the coffee, Thanks.
Here it is! The Milwaukee Road
Amid the Urban Sprawl.
Chicago Terminal & Terre Haute Divisions.
Chicago, the hub and the headquarters for the railroad's operations. Ladled out its big-city personality on the Milwaukee Road, coloring the railroad from it's beginning to its final days. Chicago was the railroad's headquarters and its principle point of interchange. Here the railroad gathered up manufactured goods from eastern connections and classified them for trains to forward west. In return the Milwaukee road handed over lumber from the Pacific Northwest, paper from Wisconsin, Copper from Montana smelters, and grain from its sprawling Midwestern branch lines.
For many years Chicago held sufficient importance to rank as its own division, the Chicago Terminal Division, which encompassed the terminal operations from Bensenville Yard in the western suburbs to Chicago Union Station. The nerve center was Bensenville Yard, a large hump yard on the west side of the city, built in 1953 to speed the classification of cars moving in all directions. The Milwaukee's three principal routes radiated from Bensenville yard, spokes across the midsection of the continent: the mainline to the Pacific Northwest via Milwaukee and Minneapolis/ St. Paul: the Omaha line, which functioned primarily as a connection to the Union Pacific at Council Bluffs, Iowa/Omaha, Nebraska; and the Mainline to Kansas City.
The Terre Haute Division was until 1973 a secondary line that ran south to Terre Haute, Indiana, branched to numerous coal mines, and ended at the hamlet of Westport, Indiana. It was built by the Chicago, Terre Haute & Southeastern (CTH&SE), and the three predecessor roads, and accordingly, was often called the Southeastern. The CTH&SE was leased to the Milwaukee Road for 999 years in 1921; the $20 million cost of buying it, absorbing its debts, and fixing it up were major factors in the Milwaukee's 1925 bankruptcy. Its purchase was consummated in 1948.
The Southeastern primarily role was to haul coal to Chicago from the southern Indiana's coalfields, these mines also providing much of the railroads locomotive coal. In a sense the Southeastern was also a through route to its numerous junctions with Eastern carriers. The Milwaukee promoted these connections vigorously, as the Southeastern was an Eastern road for the purpose of rate divisions and thus it was to the Milwaukee's advantage to the interchange long-haul traffic on the Southeastern instead of in Chicago.
By the mid-1950s, most of the many underground coal mines served by the Southeastern were defunct and their spurs abandoned; the east end of the division was trimmed back 26 miles into senescence, its track gradually reclaimed by the countryside. However, this sleep status changed on March 1, 1973, when it was extended from Bedford, Indiana, to Louisville, Kentucky, with acquisition of trackage rights over the former Monon mainline. These trackage rights were mandated by the ICC in 1970 as a condition of the L&N takeover of the Monon, but were held up while the L&N fought the award in court. By virtue of these rights the Milwaukee had the longest line-haul in the country and was the only western carrier to actually reach through Chicago to a major eastern City.
At first the trackage rights to Louisville weren't of much use, since in 1973 the Southeastern was in great disrepair, and the Milwaukee did not have the required reconstruction capital. To solve this dilemma in 1979 the Milwaukee forsook it's own rails north of Terre Haute, Indiana, in favor of trackage rights over Conrail's former New York Central "Egyptian" line, which ran the length of the Indiana/ Illinois border from the south side of Chicago to Terre Haute. Actually Conrail's track, north of Danville, Illinois, wasn't much better than the Milwaukee's, but the two railroads could at least split the maintenance expenditures. The Milwaukee Road trackage between Spring Hill tower in Terre Haute and Bedford was substantially rebuilt to complete the Chicago-Louisville route.
In the eye of the public, it wasn't the freight but the Milwaukee Road's passenger operations that indelibly defined the railroad, both its well-run commuter trains and its long-haul name trains. The Milwaukee's passenger service originated at Union Station (where the Milwaukee's corporate headquarter were located), the commuter service radiating in two different directions: north, to Fox Lake, Illinois and Walworth, Wisconsin, via Rondout; and west, to Elgin, Illinois. The Milwaukee ran several long-haul trains to and from Chicago until "Amtrak Day," May 1, 1971: the morning Hiawatha to Minneapolis; the Sioux to Madison, Wisconsin (it quit the previous day and was not restarted by Amtrak); and the three Chicago-Milwaukee round trips daily (two on Sunday)
Weekday mornings and evenings saw fleets of commuter trains-scoots in Milwaukee parlance-arriving and departing Union Station. The division employee timetable in 1973 contained 10 pages just to cover there schedules between Chicago and Elgin. The scoots were pulled a variety of motive power. In the early diesel era Alcos and Fairbanks-Morse locomotives predominated, later GP9s were used. E-units, including six built for commuter service in 1961, and a few yellow FP9As no longer needed in the long-haul passenger fleet, worked on the scoots as well in the twilight of there careers. In the 1970s, as the Milwaukee's financial condition deteriorated, local railroad districts stepped in to assist the railroad with capital expenditures it could not itself afford. Gradually the Milwaukee's units were replaced, by unique F40Cs built in 1947 for two separate mass transit districts, and by the universal F40PH. These latter units also owned by commuter districts. The Milwaukee's Chicago commuter operations today are operated by Metra.
The Milwaukee was a road with many regional personalities. The Urban Chicago Division, coupled with the small-town feel of the Southeastern, contrasted with the flavor of divisions. The divisions was the anchor of the system during the course of the Milwaukee's history, a role which it maintains today under the Soo line ownership.
Article from the book: The Milwaukee Road, by Fredrick W. Hyde
This book is full of colored pictures of the Milwaukee road. An excellent book if you thought about buying one.
A few of the E-units used in the Commuter service in Chicago looked like this. It wasn't untill the F40PH came out that the colors really showed. picture taken on October 13, 1963, in Bensonville, Illinois.
A newly delivered FP45 #47 leads a commuter train out of Union station in Chicago on September 22, 1975.
One of
Good evening Leon and gents! Could I get one last drink and buy a round for the house?
Way back when, on a thread I started a longggggg time ago (8-4-2005), I posted the following picture, and an explanation
BNSF 1010 and a flaming B30-7A lead a southbound train on the Joint Line at Acequia, CO. Description : GE's are known to "flash over" when uncombusted fuel enters the exhaust manifold. This usually occurs when throttling up due to the "turbo lag" inherent with GE locomotives. Location : Acequia, Colorado on the Joint Line.
Maybe this also was the cause of the fire in James picture?
Leon- Time for a coffee and a Turkey sandwich please.
Alright, I will be posting the first Milwaukee road portion of the Tuesday's theme of the day later this night. So look for it.
Doug- Started off nicely with a Milwaukee road book I am very familiar with. Very nice little article. I do enjoy looking at the book but I have one that impressed me more than this one. I will post an article from it, tonight.
Also nice article on the life of Charles Tyson Yerkes. Very cool how he went from jail time, to the railroad. Kind of like a rags to riches case. BTW: Mr. Burns was a man with less than three brain cells. He threw his life away.
Also some nice pictures of those RDCs. Like I say, I'm glad I get to listen and ride them once in awhile. They are fun to ride.
Tom- Well, the fire shot was on a CP train in Canada. I don't know when or where in Canada. But I have a friend from Winnipeg who sent that picture by e-mail. But there was barely any info on it. Sorry.
SD45.com is a really nice cite for pictures. They allow you to use there pictures which is nice and they have some nice photos. So I go there for my picture needs. You might want to look it over. It's a nice picture cite.
Really enjoyed all the Nostalgia on the Santa Fe's Super Chief. Some pretty cool stuff you posted, thanks.
Pete- Ya, it can be a real problem with "fire" rolling out the stack. Also, I will have a good time in Chicago. Can't wait to see those Metra trains. Thanks for the acknowledgement.
Happy railroading
James
A pint of Holden's bitter please RUTH, and a round to celebrate the 23rd month of Our Place.
It turned out a good Saturday afternoon with visits from Lars, Doug James Eric and of course Tom, A busy Monday too.
LARS Many thanks for the use of the Medium Sized Dipper with the new camera system in operation I wont take too much.
I wonder in what year the first pic of the UP dome car lounge car was taken, I suspect it was in the early 1950s, you don't often see young lads dressed as well on today's trains.
It is good to see that UP has kept those classic domes for business use it would be interesting to know how often they are out and about on the rails. I think it was part of that train hauled by the Heritage F diesels I saw at St Louis Union station last year.
ERIC I have looked up the London to Edinburgh times on the East Coast route. The usual time for faster trains is 4 hours 30 minutes, with 4 stops. This time is both by the class 91 Electrics and the diesel HSTs.
I am pretty sure the route mileage in Britain is about the same now as it was in 1991, in fact the passenger lines have grown and will increase some more when the new Channel Tunnel high speed link opens later this year. The freight only mileage may have shrunk a little but I cannot think of any long freight lines closing in that time. Of course it was the 60s and the Beeching Plan when Britain lost a great deal of railway lines.
Many thanks for the photos. But for the signal on the left in the first pic it is hard to know there is a track there under the snow.
Those SP Daylight colors certainly look well on locomotives and cars, although it must have been a job to keep them clean
The station at La Crosse WI seems to have a German style look about it to me. Talking of Germany I think the Hartz Railway is in the east, I have a map of the system although I am having a problem to get it to load.
DOUG. Great to see you this weekend. Very interesting post on the RDCs in use in Canada. It seems they got the second hand ones from quite a few different roads in the U.S. The RDC in the photo seems to fit in with that great scenery. I think the photos of the ex MBTA RDC at the IRM will put you in Tom's good books as well as making a visit to The IRM even more anticipated.
That does look a great book on Charles Tyson Yerkes. I knew I had heard his name and later in the post it mentioned his part in the growth of the London Underground system.
Loved the part when the mod carried guns and nooses to influence the Alderman's meeting.
I have been missing the parts at the end of your posts.
JAMES. Glad you liked the German Mallet photos. It would be interesting to hear what it sounded like when it was being worked hard. That is a spectacular pic of the fire on the diesel loco. I imagine that if it happens on the rear loco on a long coal train it could be real trouble.
Great photo of the B&O E7As.
Looking forward to your Milwaukee Road Theme Day posts, and have a great time in Chicago.
BK Great to see you in the bar again and even better news you will be still coming to the bar and many thanks for the kind words.
Many thanks for that great post on your trip on the Indian Pacific surely one of ‘The Great Train Journeys of the world' as a famous TV series was named. Reading the link I had not realized that the route of the Indian Pacific was all converted to standard gauge. It was a great vote of confidence in Australian Railways as was completing the Ghan to Darwin. Those NR82 locomotives must be very reliable as in the link the heavy train is trusted with just the one engine.
I shall look forward to the description of your return journey.
If the private bar in the Penthouse was stocked to your satisfaction can you please tell my boss LARS, as it can determine the size of ‘dipper' I am allowed to use to get my pay.
CM3 Thanks for the info on the C&O coal stations. The mention of the ‘Beer Line' caught my attention it will be good to hear more about it.
TOM Good movies on at the Emporium this week. I have seen Mission Impossible on the small screen lately and it will be good to see it on the big screen. Like Doug I was wondering about what was on the ‘Night train to Munich' review.
Yes that is a great picture Alan took on the Hartz train on the curve you can almost smell the smoke and steam and hear the locos.
Doug at 8:43 AM ‘n 12:02 pm today: A reading man's Post with the "Robber Baron." Also, would've enjoyed that presentation on the RDCs that you attended. I wonder if the Budd people had any notion of just how long those cars would remain operational
I must've missed your Stupid People Award #1. Kind of a nice "fit" for my Friday Idiot of the Week stuff . . .
Simply fine RDC shots - although it does "distress" me to see any of ‘em in other than operating and in good material condition. Those that are still running in Dallas - Fort Worth (Trinity Rail Express) are outstanding examples of what can be done, given the resources to keep ‘em rehabbed!
You WOULDN'T be bribing Da Bossman, now wudja
Good to have you aboard - THREE TIMES - thus far today and of course remembering our 23rd month of existence in the Ether!
Lars at 8:56 AM today: Okay, ‘nuf of this stuff, otherwise YOU get <tweeted>! As the Proprietor and sole "operator" of the <tweeter> it is MY decision regarding WHO get's the <tweeting> and YOU are lookin' mighty good right now!
I do concur though that our barn weevil did appear to jump the gun, HOWEVER, that article COULD be taken to include other roads. Therefore, he's "safe"! <grin>
Appreciate the early AM visit and of course, TOAST to "Our" Place!
BK at 11:19 AM ‘n 1 PM today: Good to see ya again and was hoping that you'd make it "in" for our Anniversary! Thanx for the TOAST!
That was a fine "report" you provided and those URLs "worked" quite well. Lotsagudstuff on ‘em. Much appreciated!
Surely sounds like one of those "trips of a lifetime" to me! Just like the Alaska adventure was for us, but yours included much, much more train time. I've heard that the Aussies really run a fine system of passenger roads and would love to hear MORE! Thanx again.
Glad to know that you 'n Lydia enjoyed the Penthouse Suite! I will have to ensure that Boris gets a double ration of pickled pig's feet for his above 'n beyond service!
CM3 at 2:01 PM today: Surely an omission, and even perhaps something to do with the Forums - but NO MENTION OF OUR ANNIVERSARY??
But, a fine Post nonetheless as you've hit the hi-lites once again!
Ahhhhh, go ahead and mention Penn Central if you MUST. <frown> Never was a REAL railroad anyway! <grin> <grumble> <mumble>
I have a friend up in Syracuse, not that far from the Oneida incident . . . things happen, eh Exploding propane cars ain't a good thing . . .
Appreciate the round, quarters, business and visit!
Ruth, give 'em a drink on me - Boris, ring the gong! <bwooooooooong gooooooooong>
Good Afternoon Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house, and $ for the jukebox. Weather is halfway decent today, although more snow is forecast for later this week. It is March, of course, so we get a little of everything.
Speaking of that, I saw a fine set of pushers on a coal train on the old VGN last week. Two BNSF locomtives in orange with an NS running third. They looked nice in the snow, and, of course, I did not have my camera. I do hardly any photography anymore, but that would have been a good one!
Lars stopped by with book covers and some most enjoyable UP material, along with a little CNW.
Dave also paid us a visit. Equipment scams are not new as you suggest. One of the all time greats was when the rod which OSP won't let us mention, shall we say, "absorbed" a bunch of boxcars which became property of the LS&BC.
Eric was here, too. I motioned air masks on Big Boys, not stack extenders. I know I have seen that UP item somewhere not all that long ago - as Gollum would say, "Must find it!" Incidentally I enjoyed the picture you made in the Far North. Also, I have been to Havre a few times; fascinating place.
Barndad provided some fine PGE material along with a summary of The Electric Way Across the Mountains. I let the first edition get away somehow, so bought a copy of the second edition. The book on Yerkes may find its way to the 20' high "gotta read" stack. Also, thanks for the MBTA RDC shots.
James - Thanks for the shot of the pair of B&O E8s; I recall seeing both of them in Washington, DC back in the day.
BK has stopped in as well - I have bookmakred the travelogue.OSP sent along SAL items, UK nostalgia, ATSF items, and a promo for "Night Train to Munich." I'll be there for the late show. Yeah, I'm still standing; if you don't look too hard, you can't see the props (LOL).
Today, we continue with our material on C&O coal stations in West Virginia. These were on different lines in the coalfields. A C&O system map will allow you to find most of these places.
Marlinton - 200 tons - Coal trestle (Cars were pushed up a trestle and unloaded by gravity)
Rainelle - From cars - Direct coaling machine (See previous post for description)
Raleigh - 300 tons - Elevator
Ansted - As desired - From mine chutes
Dry Branch - As desired - From mine chutes
Cane Fork - 50 tons - Elevator
Whitesville - 500 tons - Elevator
Sproul - 200 tons - Elevator
Danville - 300 tons - Elevator
W. Hamlin - 300 tons - Elevator
Peach Creek - 500 tons - Elevator
Looking forward to MILW day tomorrow - how about a tour of the Beer Line? I heard a rumor that Boris was a car cleaner there back years ago.
Almost forgot - not classic stuff, but CSX had a good one at Oneida, NY this a.m. Go to CNN's website and you can read all about it.
G'day All!
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #25
Initially Posted on Page 163 of the original Thread
Here's something to enjoy regarding the Santa Fe (AT&SF) from a 1952 advertisement in my personal collection.
a trip
you'll always
remember
The comfortable way to see
the most colorful part of America
is on anyone of Santa Fe's
five famous trains between
Chicago and California - through
the Southwest Indian Country
Super Chief - Chief - El Capitan - Grand Canyon - California Ltd.
Santa Fe
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Enjoy!
Good Afternoon Captain Tom and fellow sophisticates!
A return visit, but for a single purpose! Ruth, a round on me in commemoration of this, the 23rd month of business for the bar called "Our" Place!
Hoist your tankards, Gentlemen and let us drink to the continued good cheer that comes from the banter at the bar!
It appears as if one "barn weevil" has made his case!
BK in Alberta, Canada's beautiful high mountain country!
Howdy again Tom and crew! Is it too early for a 23rd month celebratory round for the house?
I can't believe that Manager Lars could ever imply that I, the barn weevil, would stoop so low as to "bribe" his way past a tweeting
or expect any special favors for posting RDC related materials
or "jump the gun"
or violate the sacred rules of this bar!
Great to see BK in this fine day, along with a wonderful submission on Autralian rail. If you haven't clicked on the link provided, check it out!
By the way .... the above pictures are of the IRM's RDC-1, built in 1950. Like many RDCs, this one changed hands several times. MBTA had purchased this car from the B&O in 1984. B&O got it from C&O, who purchased it from C&NW. I took the pictures a few hours ago (and now the sun is out, wouldn't you know it), so this is how it looks today!
http://www.funnyjunk.com/movies/599/Awesome+Bowling/
Morning in the Canadian Rockies and we are happy to have made it back to our mountain retreat after a most enjoyable stay at the Penthouse Suite! I must commend the staff at "Our" Place for providing Lydia and I with such a fine weekend to ourselves. From the plush appointments of the suite to the manager's bar to the superb audio and video entertainment console to Boris delivering our meals attired in his tuxedo, we were treated to a degree of elegance that was most unexpected, but thoroughly appreciated. A very enjoyable time and our profound thanks to the Proprietor!
Not sure whether I will EVER catch up! However, I am at a point where I recognize who is and who is not a regular at the bar. Surely am most surprised at the continuing absence of Sir Rob. That has been going on for months, and perhaps back to before we left on our trip. I shall miss the gentleman from Ontario. Also appears that the chap known as DL-UK is not appearing on a regular basis either. Although he is comparatively new to us, I have enjoyed his contributions. A true rail aficionado in all respects and a fine "match" for our own Sir Pete!
Captain Tom, as has been stated, you surely put quite an effort into this place and it shows. Without what you do, I dare say we would be nothing but a memory. Ah yes, add my "dittos" to the commentary regarding "looking into it." Sure! Our thread will carry the blemish(es) for as logn as Kalmbach refuses to recognize the errors of THEIR ways. Pity, but somewhat expected.
My best wishes to Sirs Eric, Pete, Shane (seems to have caught on!) Lars and Doug for doing as much as you have in order to keep this fine establishment functioning! I should add that Sir James has shown considerable enthusiasm as well, and tomorrow should be a "banner day" with the Milwaukee Road featured.
Noticed a bit of banter regarding my continued participation. Not to worry, I'm not bailing out. My plans are to support this place until our Captain decides it is time to put her on the beach.
Thought it time to share a bit of our Australian holiday with you. We have yet to organize the materials collected, or pour through the photo collection amassed by Lydia. However, there are a few highlights readily available.
As I had mentioned, we arrived in Sydney from Hawaii. After a few days there, we decided to take the cross continent railway to Perth. This route is depicted on the map - just click the link.
http://www.railaustralia.com.au/trains.htm
Also, Wikipedia has some amplifying information you may wish to browse:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Pacific
The train is called the Indian-Pacific for obvious reasons. It connects with both oceans. We opted for the Gold Kangaroo class of accommodation (deluxe cabin), which essentially provided us with the bedroom space and amenities for our three night journey of 4352 kms (2704 miles) from Sydney to Perth.
From departure to arrival, we were treated to blue skies and starry nights. To say that the Australian landscape is something to behold is simply an understatement. The service aboard the train was excellent and totally devoid of any annoyances whatsoever. Further, our attendant seemed bent on spoiling us through his diligent attention to our comfort and traveling needs. Very impressed with it all.
So many of our fellow travelers remarked in favorable terms how this "trip of a lifetime" was something they had planned and saved for. Lydia and I felt as if we were interlopers of sorts, as we really did not put very much thought into the journey, other than thinking it would be a nice thing to do. Which it surely was! In retrospect, we were indeed fortunate to come up with the Gold Kangaroo accommodations at our relatively late stage of decision making. We found the personnel with whom we interacted to be extremely friendly and most willing to meet our needs.
We had decided to remain aboard the train for the duration of the trip rather than disembark for tours and the like for further connection with following trains. The schedule is such that this particular route is served by twice weekly trains in either direction. Our return was a combination of air and motor coach, with overnight stays at the lodges located in and near the places we decided to visit. More on that at a later time.
The train was in good repair with cleanliness very evident throughout. We spent some time sitting in the coaches, just to break up the routine of going from our bedroom to the lounge car to the diner. If there is one regret it is that the train does not offer dome cars. What a pity. What an absolute pity. The domes of today, used by the Alaska RR for example, would be perfect for such an adventure.
Tom would dearly love the resemblance of the cars to those manufactured by the Budd Company and in use by Via Rail. Quite similar in appearance. But alas, no domes.
This journey would be the absolute dream for a true rail fan (aka: fanatic) in that there is so much to view. Railroading of all sorts and type going on. Locomotives and cars that appear ‘close' to north American design, and yet distinctly different. Color schemes that catch the eye and of course the ever present Kanagaroo logo. Yes, a very fascinating experience.
As with most trips we have taken, there are some new found acquaintances to add to our "list" and we hope that friendships may blossom from those meetings. We have been invited to return, and have extended offers for stays at our home. Time will tell.
Ruth, I think that it is time for me to have my coffee now, with just a "splash" to make it interesting. I will have two of those apple turnovers if you please! Ring up a round on me and keep the change!
Monday it is and Ruth is back in her familiar spot, brightening up the joint on this the 23rd month of existence for "Our" Place! Best cyber bar this side of the ether!
A toast to the continued success of the bar and to the good health of our small, but active group of customers. CHEERS! <urp> A refill if you please . . .
Weekend is history and here we go again, huh
Used to be a time when all the days pretty much were the same to me while aboard ship and down in the bowels of the engineroom. Sunday or Thursday, all pretty much were the same. Now I'm retired and guess what?? They still all the same!
What have I missed?? I thought the Tuesday Theme was Milwauakee Road and here I noticed that the barn weevil decided to jump the gun. THAT surely must be worth a <tweet> or three. How come?? Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaad boy, Doug.
Really enjoyed that piece you provided on the rail diesel cars for Cap'n Tom. Very well done and a nice gesture. Maybe THAT will keep you on the good side of "management" 'round here. <grin>
Man oh man, Pete really came close with his "pick" for the 10,000th post contest. Perhaps CM3 I'm NOT Shane! will hit it on the head. Those two guys really put some thought into it, which of course was the idea, huh
Just read where a Via Rail train wiped out a car up in Ontario, in a place I think that isn't too far from a guy we USED TO KNOW. Rob, are you there?? I think not.
Anyway, read that a child was killed in the car and two women injured. No one aboard the train was hurt. Apparently the driver of the car was at fault. Not trying to be glib about this, but how many times do we hear of these situations? What a shame.
Cap'n Tom, appreciate the continuing efforts to keep things movin' along at the bar. I see that you were your typcially busy self on Saturday, providing us with a fine movie slate, Encore posts, and some acknowledgments. Guess there isn't much more you can do - wash some glasses perhaps? <grin> Nice work!
Gasoline at our favorite Gulf station is at $2.73 - rounded off - and it wouldn't surprise me at all to see the three dollar level reached before we get into summer.
Also, the weather report from here is looking promising. 40's right now, and expected to get into the 50's today - 60's tomorrow and perhaps even higher as the week progresses. Some spring rains on the way in mid week too. It ain't Marathon, Florida, but things are lookin' up!
Gotta few errands to run today and thought I'd pop in to kick off this day. I'll do my best to return . . .
Ruth, set 'em up on me - Boris, ring it!
Howdy again Tom and friends! It's still too early to order a drink, so howabout more of that spiked OJ? Nifty Santa Fe stuff from the Captain this A.M. Don't think I mentioned that I finally attended another meeting of the Locomotive and Historical Society last Friday. We were treated to hundreds of slides taken in the upper East coast from the 60's to present. I saw many an RDC, and watched their gradual degradation over the years. When the motors stopped working, they were simply push/pulled by diesel engines as passenger cars, but they kept on rolling! Another interesting thing about the locomotive power on the East coast was that most locomotive cab glass was protected by iron grill work, to protect the windshield and engineer from jokers who would suspend shopping carts from overhead bridges which the locos would smash into. I'd love to be the one to catch someone doing that!
Thanks for the kind words concerning my spuradic contributions here. I try to find things that might be of interest, just as so many others have done for the past 23 months. Speaking of which, here's another book review that may be of interest:
Robber Baron: The Life of Charles Tyson Yerkes by John Franch, University of Illinois Press, 2006, 384 pp. $45 hardbound.
In late 19th-century America, the powerful captains of great corporations were leaders of an unfettered capitalism that was building the nation. Jay Gould, J.P. Morgan, Edward Harriman, Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and others amassed huge fortunes in a time when limits and controls on personal wealth were minimal. But even among such men, Charles Tyson Yerkes stood out.
Born at Philadelphia in 1837, Yerkes completed high school, then went to work as a bookkeeper, showing a remarkable aptitude for financial matters. He soon went on his own as a stock trader, becoming a power in Philadelphia finance until the great Chicago fire of 1871 brought a financial panic. Caught short in some highly questionable transactions, Yerkes was ruined financially. He was tried and convicted on four counts and sent to prison at the Eastern State Penitentiary. With political help, he was soon out on pardon, but his reputation was permanently damaged at Philadelphia.
Yerkes decided to begin again at Chicago, where he soon developed a sizable business as a stockbroker. Interested in the boundless opportunities in public transportation that he saw in the fast-growing city, Yerkes first invested in a hansom car company, which soon failed. But in 1886 he got an opportunity, with others, to gain control of the North Chicago City Railway, and he made the most of it.
The company then hauled something like 20 million annual passengers. The old management had invested as little as it could in the company, still operating horse cars and obsolete equipment. As the new president, Yerkes equipped the huge system with cable railways, brought in new equipment, and refurbished the tunnels under the Chicago River to avoid delays for open bridges.
Yerkes had the even bigger objective of combining all of Chicago's street railways under a unified system, which never was achieved in his time. But he succeeded in gaining control of the Chicago West Division Railway, and quickly moved to equip it with cable traction. Yerkes and his partners made huge sums from selling stock for the lines and cable car improvements, and promoting real estate development along the streetcar lines.
The businessman was heavily involved in planning for Chicago's World's Columbian Exposition in 1893, which demonstrated the capability of electric cars for the Intramural Railway installed on the Exposition grounds. He became one of the developers of the new electrified Northwestern Elevated Railroad and managed to gain the necessary approvals required to build the city's Union Elevated Railroad, which made the downtown connections for all of the elevated lines and defined the city center as it still does today.
In building his traction empire, Yerkes became notorious, too, for his skill at financial sleight-of-hand, political bribery, and legislative manipulation. Yerkes finally met defeat in the late 1890s, when he set out to safeguard his traction interests by gaining long-term, 50-year street railway franchises. A thoroughly aroused public would have none of it, and a mob carrying guns and nooses surrounded the aldermen meeting at Chicago's City Hall. The aldermen wisely decided not to pass the legislation that Yerkes wanted.
He began to sell out his Chicago holdings in 1899 and turned his attention to London, which was badly in need of improved public transportation. He began to assemble both existing and new subways into a London underground system, beating rivals J.P. Morgan in one contest for control. Yerkes was well along toward the development of the London system when he died in 1905.
Yerke's career had henceforth been told only in a fictionalized form by Theodore Dreiser's trilogy, The Financier (1912), The Titan (1914), and The Stoic (1947). Happily, John Franch has now brought the biography that this rich subject deserves, and he has done the job thoroughly and well. Franch's carefully researched and entertaining account places Yerkes somewhere in the moral middle between unprincipled buccaneer and great builder. - William D. Middleton
It is once again time to vote for-the Darwin Award nominees for 2007. As you may already know, the Darwin Awards are for those nominees who will not be contributing to the gene pool (thankfully).NOMINEE No.2 [Kalamazoo Gazette] James Burns, 34, of Alamo,Mich., was killed in March as he was trying to repair what police described as a "farm-type truck." Burns got a friend to drive the truck on a highway while Bums hung underneath so that he could ascertain the source of a troubling noise. Burns' clothes caught on something, however, and the other man found Burns "wrapped in the drive shaft."
G'day!
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #24
Initially Posted on Page 162 of the original Thread
Here's something to enjoy regarding the Santa Fe (AT&SF) from a 1951 advertisement in my personal collection.
Enjoy the Pleasure Dome
only dome car between Chicago and Los Angeles
new Super Chief
The restful observation lounge
"top of the Super, next to the stars"
is only one of many features you will enjoy on the
new Super Chief, the train that sets a new world standard
of travel. Daily between Chicago and Los Angeles.
A smile to begin the week!
It was hard to have a conversation with anyone, there were too many people talking.
(A Yogi-ism!)
Another Monday and another week of toil (for many). A good place to fortify yourself is right here, with a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board, a few selections from The Mentor Village Bakery pastry case and of course a hot mug of coffee to put a ‘cap' on it!
Today is the 23rd Month Anniversary of the opening of this cyber bar ‘n grill called "Our" Place! Way back on April 12th, 2005, this idea was sprung on the unsuspecting and guess what? We're still here! We've seen some fine people come ‘n go, we've had some great times and some not so, but through it all, there still remains a bunch of guys who are determined to keep us "up on the Forum Page." To those who fit that category, I hoist my "spiked OJ" in recognition of YOU - Cheers!
10,000th Post CONTEST update (in order of submission):
When will we reach the ten thousand mark in Posts at "Our" Place
<9,013 was the final count on the "original" Thread - 620 is this morning's - add ‘em up and that's how we get the winner!>
Feb 14th - BK
Feb 15th - Lars
Mar 12th - Pete
Jan 1st - James
Jan 28th - Eric
Jan 18th - DL
Feb 8th - Doug
Jan 31st - Rob
Mar 15th - CM3
And only Shane remains "standing"! Nice work from Wolfman Pete - you surely came CLOSE - but as they say, "no cigar"!
Eric at 7:57 PM Saturday: Enjoyed your comments, whether directed to me or the guys. Pix also really "good stuff" - ESPECIALLY that fantastic shot from the cab at the Arctic Circle. Yes, yes - I'm ready, when do we leave
Enjoyed ALL of your Pix, but especially liked the one at LaCrosse, WI - and - the Southern Pacific chair car - sweet! No doubt Dave will get a kick out of it.
An Email has been sent . . .
Doug at 8:20 PM Saturday: What a nice "tribute" you put together on the RDCs - really appreciate it and many THANX!
How in the world did you KNOW that I like those cars
Speaking for the like-minded ‘round here, we all miss having you as a "regular," but we're equally impressed by your continued dedication to this joint and the guys in it! Thanx!
In that "list" of yours, I like #14 ‘n #17! <grin> Nicely done!
James at 10:07 PM Saturday: Some interesting Pix and I'll be the first to ask for some elaboration on the smoke ‘n fire shot. Where, when, etc.
Also curious about any "connection" you have with SD45.com, where it appears you use so many fine Pix. Appreciate the chance to view ‘em here . . .
Doug at 5:51 AM today: A pleasant surprise and good start to our Monday here at the Tavern by the Tracks! THANX for the Anniversary recognition!
In conclusion, our Tuesday Theme for the Day is the Milwaukee Road and James has offered to kick things off with his Post. So, let's WAIT for him to begin the event, then we can follow along. I believe he will begin this evening . . . . no problems! We're looking forward to ‘em all!
Good morning Tom and gang! I'll have a light breakfast please.
Let me be the first to congratulate everyone on keeping this most excellent thread running for the 23rd month! Way to go guys!
I see we have some new movies at the Emporium and my personal favorite, a Stooge flick! Did ya'll notice the censor at work on the "Night Train to Munich" summary? Interesting. Fine pix from Eric, who has been so good about posting terrific stuff on a regular basis. Looks like James is warming up for the Tuesday theme, which I am very much looking forward to. Here's a little book review to read with your morning coffee.
The Electric Way Across the Mountains, 2nd edition, by Richard Steinheimer, Signature Press, 2005. 192 pp. $65 hardbound
"Little Joes" E20-E21 slog up the 2 percent grade at Pipestone Pass east of Butte, Mont., in 1973
Covering the history of the Milwaukee Road's electrification, this book first came out in 1980. This edition follows 25 years later with 20 more Richard Steinheimer photos, 12 of those being in color. An endpaper map depicts the entire Milwaukee system and identifies the locations of the two disconnected electrified sections - the Rocky Mountain Division, 440 miles from Harlowton, Mont., to Avery, Idaho, and the Coast Division, 216 miles from Othello, Wash., to Seattle and Tacoma.
While many observers tend to think of the road's electrification as being confined to the mountains (the line crossed five ranges - Belt, Rocky, Bitter Root, Saddle, and Cascade), that notion is dispelled by a stunning photo taken from the cab of a Bipolar electric unit in the 1920s. It looks down a flat tangent that stretches to infinity, with a snow-covered field to the side.
This photo is representative of the unexpected kinds of views that illustrate the chapters covering the early and midlife stages of the electrification. Especially pleasing are views showing the inside of substations, where electricity is fed out to the railroad. Construction shots range from building substations and stringing wire to assembling and delivering the road's first electric units. Particularly poignant is a 1916 view of tiny Roland, Idaho, where steam helpers were based, but which would begin to vanish when electrics started rolling through.
Another section gives meaning to the book's subtitle, Stories of the Milwaukee Road Electrification. One of the first stories, "The Race," shows a neck-and-neck contest one day in 1941 between an electrically powered Olympian and a steam-powered Northern Pacific Railway North Coast Limited. Another tale describes how MUing, or multiple-unit operation, between electric and diesel units came about, holding off the demise of the electrification system until the early 1970s.
Soon the reader is immersed in Steinheimer's own spectacular photos. Stark black-and-white photos illustrate how, even in this remote area, electric railroading was a 24/7 operation. The author ranges widely - snow shots, mountain panoramas, tales of his adventures in getting to good photo locations in winter, the inside of a substation, cab interiors, shops, and, above all, the railroaders who kept it all running for so long. Color shots capture the orange and black on box-cab and Little Joe units against threatening skies.
The book appeals to an audience wider than just the Milwaukee Road fans or those who find the road's electrification fascinating. Those who enjoy the author's photography, mountain railroading, and early electric technology will find the book a worthwhile addition to their library - Frederic H. Abendschein
Airbag Contest a Success!
DETROIT -- With third-quarter sales sluggish and its share of the domestic market down 11 percent since 1993, General Motors unveiled a new instant-win airbag contest Monday.
The new airbags, which award fabulous prizes upon violent, high-speed impact with another car or stationary object, will come standard in all of the company's 2007 cars.
"Auto accidents have never been so exciting," said GM vice-president of marketing Roger Jenkins, who expects the contest to boost 2007 sales significantly. "When you play the new GM Instant Win Airbag Game, your next fatal collision could mean a trip for two to the Super Bowl, or a year's worth of free Mobil gasoline."
Though it does not officially begin until July 1, 2007, the airbag promotion is already being tested in select cities, with feedback overwhelmingly positive.
"As soon as my car started to skid out of control, I thought to myself, 'Oh, boy, this could be it--I could be a big winner!'" said Cincinnati's Martin Frelks, who lost his wife but won $50 Sunday when the Buick LeSabre they were driving hit an oil slick at 60 mph and slammed into an oncoming truck. "When the car stopped rolling down the embankment, I knew Ellen was dead, but all I could think about was getting the blood and glass out of my eyes so I could read that airbag!"
"It's really addictive," said Sacramento, CA, resident Marjorie Kamp, speaking from her hospital bed, where she is listed in critical condition with severe brain hemorrhaging and a punctured right lung. "I've already crashed four cars trying to win those Super Bowl tickets, but I still haven't won. I swear, I'm going to win those tickets--even if it kills me!" Kamp said that as soon as she is well enough, she plans to buy a new Pontiac Bonneville and drive it into a tree.
GM officials are not surprised the airbag contest has been so well received. "In the past, nobody really liked car wrecks, and that's understandable. After all, they're scary and dangerous and, sometimes, even fatal," GM CEO Paul Offerman said. "But now, when you drive a new GM car or truck, your next serious crash could mean serious cash. Who wouldn't like that?" Offerman added that in the event a motorist wins a prize but is killed, that prize will be awarded to the next of kin. According to GM's official contest rules, odds of winning the grand prize, a brand-new 1997 Cutlass Supreme, are 1 in 43,000,000. Statistical experts, however, say the real chances of winning are significantly worse. "If you factor in the odds of getting in a serious car accident in the first place--approximately 1 in 720,000--the actual odds of winning a prize each time you step in your car are more like 1 in 31 trillion." Further, even if one is in an accident, there is no guarantee the airbag will inflate. "I was recently broadsided by a drunk driver in my new Chevy Cavalier," said Erie, PA, resident Jerry Polaner. "My car was totaled, and because it was the side of my car that got hit, my airbag didn't even inflate. But what really gets me is the fact that the drunk driver, who rammed my side with the front of his 2007 Buick Regal, won a $100 Office Depot gift certificate. That's just wrong."
Leon- Could I get a coffee and the Steak please, with all of those trimming. Thanks.
Sorry for my, being gone all-day, but we are getting ready for our trip to Chicago. We are cleaning the house for the arrival of all our friends who tag along. So I had to wait until now.
Lars- To bad the forums doesn't have an "adequate" search. I have tried to look things up in the past and I get things I never asked for. What a shame.
Anyway, thanks for all the pictures. I really like the front of that Atlantic Coast line E7. A very nice looking paint scheme indeed. Also, thanks for the pictures of the Union Pacific Passenger train. I can't believe how many dome cars are on that train. Someone or the railroad spent some money keeping those in tip top shape. Great photos.
Tom- Ah, yes, the Seaboard air line. What a great looking railroad. That paint scheme is really quite pretty looking. That E-unit looks good. To bad there on the fallen flags.
Also liked the Passenger Nostalgia on the Great Britain passenger trains. Some pretty cool stuff. I enjoyed it.
West Coast Dave- You're back! Good to hear from you. I hope things are going okay for you. Thanks for stopping by.
Pete- Ya, it isn't good sometimes to get coal dust in the stacks of the locomotives. Infact, I have a picture for you. Now for this to happen, most of the time it's creosote build up in the stack but other factors like coal dust and problems with cylinders can cause this. But it can also happen when you don't keep the engine clean.
Well, if you say the Hornblower books are good, I will have to pick them up sometime and read them. Also, I don't think the BNSF will be painting any new locomotive in the warbonnet livery. But you might still be able to find some locomotive in the Livery.
BTW: Nice pictures of the German Narrow gauge railway. Those are some interesting looking steamers. A couple of 0-4-4-0s. I don't think I have seen anything like it before.
Eric- Glad you liked the map. I thought it was a pretty cool map myself. I did like you're pictures of the Santa Fe steamer. It has been nicely restored, but it's sitting outside were the elements can get to it. They might want to think about moving it inside. Also nice interior picture.
Also some more nice pictures of the X2000. In the picture looking out of the wondow, there seems to be a little snow on the ground. Maybe a couple of "inches."
Great shot of the AT&SF caboose and the SP car. Good to see the SP car still in service.
Doug- Nice little article o the Budd RDCs. I really enjoyed reading about them. I always liked the RDCs and I'm glad the NSSR in Duluth still has one that operates. It's pretty cool.
Now for some pictures!
http://www.sd45.com/SandPatch2003/pages/015amtrak.html
First off, I have a video clip of Amtrak's Capitol limited cruizing at a reasonable speed. You may notice that the train is blowing the horn quite a bit. This is due to the fact that a week before the video was shot a person was killed at the grade crossing.
Here's a picture of a couple of B&O E7As. Now I need to see them on a passenger train and then it's all good.
Good evening Tom and friends. Busy days these days. I've only time for a quick beer and buy a round for the house, and please forgive this hasty submission. As I quickly scan through the material, there were many great posts and pictures from the usual supporting cast. I want ya'll to know that I've been rounding up material that I believe will reflect the personal favorites of the patrons of "Our Place." Here's a little something for our Captain: (Got some for Lars and James forthcoming)
RDCs: In service from the mountains to the coast.
Mountain Goats. Four RDCs acquired in 1956 by Pacific Great Eastern were placed in service across the rugged Coast Mountains. The southbound RDC set changes crews at Lillooet, B.C., in 1957
The self-propelled rail passenger car has been a fixture across Canada, where a myriad of rural branch lines made its operations especially economical. At the end of World War II, CNR operated 39 internal-combustion "doodlebugs," while CPR employed eight Electro-Motive Corp. gas-electric cars.
Neither company, though, seemed especially enthused when the Budd Co. rolled out its self-propelled stainless-steel Rail Diesel Car prototype in 1949. Canadian National played host for RDC demonstrator No. 2960's first trip to Canada in February 1951, but no orders were forthcoming.
A three-week follow-up visit in 1953 by the same Budd demonstrator, however, stirred both railways to order RDCs: CPR contracted for three RDC-1s (all-passenger-carrying cars) and one RDC-3 (a combined passenger, baggage-express, and mail car) in September of that year, and CPR signed up for an RDC-3 just two months later.
A third Canadian RDC operator emerged in 1956, when Pacific Great Eastern Railway began using four RDC-3s the three RDC-1s on its mountainous 466-moile line between North Vancouver and Prince George in British Columbia.
By the time the CPR flett had been christened "Dayliners" and the CNR xars were known as "Railiners." Not to be outdone, PGE named its RDC trains Cariboo Dayliners and offered complimentary meals and steward service for passengers.
In all, 87 RDCs were built new for service in Canada: 53 on CPR, 27 on CNR, and seven on PGE. In Addition, Canadian National purchased 19 RDCs from U.S. owners in 1964-66. One of these was Budd's well-traveled RDC-1 demonstrator, leased by CN before its 1965 purchase and notable in Canadian service for its Pioneer III outside-disc-brake trucks.
CN's remaining secondhand RDCs came from Chicago & Eastern Illinois (one RDC-1), Chesapeake & Ohio (one RDC-3), originally a Missouri-Kansas-Texas car), and Boston & Maine (eight RDC-1s, one RDC-2(a combined passenger and baggage-express car) and seven single-engine RDC-9s referred to as "RDC-5" by CN). An RDC-3 built in 1956 for Duluth, Winnipeg & Pacific was also transferred to parent CN.
Beginning in 1965, CN upgraded and reconfigured the interiors of many of its RDCs. Reclining seats replaced the original walkover fixtures, and compact snack bars were installed at the cost of four seats. Aboard one RDC-2, conventional seating in the forward coach section was replaced with eight swivel parlor chairs, CN's RDC fleet was bolstered in 1973 by four RDC-2s purchased from CP Rail.
In 1958, Canadian Pacific acquired one used RDC each from Lehigh Valley (RDC-2) and Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic (RDC-1). For many years, two RDCs were lettered for CPR's Nova Scotia subsidiary, Dominion Atlantic Railway.
Silver Swan. CN train 679 glides past the 100-foot-high Montmorency Falls in June 1971 on the final leg of its run from Clermont, Quebec, to Quebec City.
When CN and CP passenger operations were turned over to VIA Rail in 1978, VIA inherited 80 RDCs running on multiple routes. Only two of the RDC operations survive in 2006 - one between Victoria and Courtenay on British Columbia's Vancouver Island, and the other between Sudbury and White River in northern Ontario. Five cars, rebuilt in 2001-02, serve these routes.
PGE, which changed its name to British Columbia Railway in 1972, supplemented its RDC fleet with seven secondhand cars of carrying heritage in the mid-1980s - one former Amtrak (ex-Great Northern) car, three former Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (ex-Reading Co.) cars, and three former VIA (one ex-CN and two ex-CP Rail) cars. They continued in service until regularly scheduled passenger trains were discontinued in October 2002. - Kevin J. Holland
Here are some pretty solid reasons why alcohol should be served at work...
It's an incentive to show up.
It leads to more honest communications.
It reduces complaints about low pay.
Employees tell management what they think, not what management wants to hear.
It encourages car pooling.
Increase job satisfaction because if you have a bad job, you don't care.
It eliminates vacations because people would rather come to work.
It makes fellow employees look better.
It makes the cafeteria food taste better.
Bosses are more likely to hand out raises when they are wasted.
Salary negotiations are a lot more profitable.
Employees work later since there's no longer a need to relax at the bar.
It makes everyone more open with their ideas.
Eliminates the need for employees to get drunk on their lunch break.
Increases the chance of seeing your boss naked.
Employees no longer need coffee to sober up.
Not having to worry about your wife being mad when you come home wasted - it's your job!
Any sick days taken would be completely genuine.
You can take longer and more frequent bathroom breaks.
Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, I try that Filet Mignon again tonight! Add a lot of mushrooms! Medium, please!
After a busy Saturday it is nice to get some time to relax here. I spent over two hours in line at the landfill today to get rid of a lot of junk. I think half of the 3 million people living in the Valley had decided to do the same. But now it is done!
Tom – It makes me mad every time I think about the gas prices. Last night I checked to see if I should fly to St. Louis and rent a car and then fly back home later instead of driving all the way. But even if the gas price in May is $3/gallon the trip will cost me about $400 more if I fly and rent a car. So I am driving!The temporary platform you saw in the Stockholm picture can be explained by the fact that they had elections in Sweden two weeks after I took the picture. In other words, the platform had a political purpose. It did not help though, that party with that platform lost the elections.I will not talk about 90 degrees, promise. But that is what we will have all next week! I am sure you were meant to live next to the Arctic Circle. The picture below is taken at the Arctic Circle.
The desert in bloom is beautiful! This year will most likely not be that good because we have had too little rain and snow. Great Britain had (and has) a lot of railroads! I wonder how many miles they have today? British Rail had 10,304 miles (16,583 km) in 1991. A lot of facts, travleing times and open times for the dining cars! Thanks!!The movies of next week at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre look very interesting! I have not seen Mission Impossible (even though that is what I am assigned almost every evening when I get home from work) but I saw Night Train To Munich many, many years ago. Don’t remember much of it.
Here are two pictures connecting to James' post yesterday about the Burlington Northern Merger.
La Crosse, WI. BNSF track.
Havre, MT. Still BNSF track.Pete – The cord sounded the whistle. Everyone I heard pulling the cord just blew two short ones. The second cab is the Big Boy. I looked for air masks but couldn’t find any. #1774 is in pretty bad shape, I am afraid. It has been sitting there for many years and I don’t think anyone is taking care of it. Thanks for the extra info on train travel in UK! What is the traveling time between London and Edinburgh today? Thanks for Alan’s pictures! Always interesting to see! Do you know what part of Germany those pictures are from?
Lars – Some nice pictures of UP’s domes, etc! But I think there are a couple of C&NW cars in picture 2 from the top. #1 and 3 from the rear end. Thanks!
Last, but not least, for Dave:
ENCORE! Saturday 'n Photo Posting Day!
"Our" Place is CLOSED on Sundays.
Winding down the day for me with TWO acknowledgements . . .
Pete at 1:42 PM & 2:10 PM today: Two afternoon visits; the Pix from Alan provided some interesting perspective to rail journeys. Liked the one "on the curve."
Only YOU ‘n Shane remain in the 10,000th Post Contest . . . Yes, you surely came close - update this Monday!
Lars at 2:29 PM today: Wunnerful UP material. Never a favorite RR of mine - and I really don't know why - but those Pix bring back an era exemplifying what we like to discuss: Classic Trains!
Many THANX to you ‘n Wolfman for taking the time and making the effort to stop in!
Ruth, give 'em a round on me and Boris, ring the bell! I see Leon is just about ready to take the bar . . . REMEMBER, dinner at 5 PM for Steak 'n All The Trimmings Nite!
Enjoy the weekend - see ya Monday!
ENCORE! Saturday ‘n Photo Posting Day!
at "Our" Place!
We are CLOSED on SUNDAYs!Starting Sunday at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!
. . . Sunday, March 11th thru 17th: Mission Impossible (1996) Starring: Tom Cruise, Jon Voight, Emmanuelle Béart, Henry Czerny & Jean Reno - and - Night Train to Munich (1940) Starring: Margaret Lockwood, Rex Harrison, Paul Henreid, Basil Radford & Naunton Wayne. SHORT: The Three Stooges - You Nazty Spy! (1940).
Mission Impossible (1996)
PLOT SUMMARY:
Movie based on the television series finds Jim Phelps and his team charged with stopping a traitor from stealing and selling classified material. Everything was going well until the man they are following and all of the team are inexplicably killed except for Ethan Hunt. Ethan then calls the Director and goes to meet him when he discovers that the whole mission was to ferret a mole that they have been suspicious of for some time. The Director shows evidence that hints that Ethan's the one they have been looking for but Ethan knows that he is not, so he escapes. Ethan then arranges to meet the buyer and whom he warns against using the material he has and when they meet he offers to get what he paid for in exchange for telling whom the mole is. Ethan, along with Phelps' wife Claire recruits two disavowed agents to help him which won't be easy.
from: amazon.com
Night Train To Munich (1940)
The unofficial sequel to The Lady Vanishes (also scripted by Frank Launder and Sidney Gilliat) attempts to recapture the thrills of Hitchcock's charming confection of espionage and romance with generally fine results. Margaret Lockwood reprises her role as the flighty heroine, now the daughter of a Czech scientist captured by the *** as her father leaves the country. She escapes from a concentration camp with the help of a defiant male prisoner (Paul Henreid) and rejoins her father, only to be kidnapped back by the Germans. Rex Harrison costars as a seaside crooner who turns out to be a resourceful British Secret Service agent, whose stiff upper lip and school wit are handled with smiling aplomb. Basil Radford and Naunton Wayne re-create their roles as blasé British tourists (when Britain declares war they, deep in the heart of Germany, worry about cricket and their golf clubs left behind in Berlin: "I'll never replace those," Radford mourns). Reed would find his stride after the war with such accomplished thrillers as Odd Man Out and The Third Man. In light of those classics, Night Train to Munich is an inconsistent but wholly entertaining lark.
SHORT: You Nazty Spy! (1940)PLOT SUMMARY: Featuring Moe, Larry & Curly
Set in the country of Moronica, three men plot to overthrow their king and appoint a dictator. Their choice is a paperhanger named Moe Hailstone. With Curly as his Field Marshal and Larry as his Minister of Propaganda, the boys take control of the country. The citizens are unhappy and drive Hailstone out of power.
from: threestooges.net
Enjoy! Tom
'Tis the man called Lars with a fistfull of cash 'n a powerful thirst!
Ruth, set 'em up, Boris ring the ding and let's have a round on the Larsman!
A better day today than yesterday, but hardly spring. We'll get there, I know, I know!
ANOTHER visit from West Coast S Dave!
Looks like "Brit Day" here at the bar by the ballast! Some interesting ads from Da Boss, as usual.
Surprised we haven't heard from Doug the barn weevil. Wonder what's UP
Yeah, you're right, if a guy WANTS to be here and there's nothing physically preventing him from doing it, then I guess it does come down to priorities. Just another example of that "favorite" word of yours - CHANGE! <groan>
Pete's been a busy guy what with the late night posting and two thus far today. Trying to get on my "good side," huh
Not to worry, Wolfman, no "docking" of the pay - take the mid-sized dipper and draw your money from the tub - you've earned it!
Should make mention of Eric and the consistent night time posts. Really keeps us going and always look forward to them. Also enjoyed the steamers.
Thought I'd go back a bit to just abou this time last year for my Encore & Photo Posting for this Saturday. Here's something from March 12th on page 273 of the "old" thread:
Ok - time for my humble submission: Union Pacific: Lounge area in dome car (from www.trainweb.org) Union Pacific mostly business fleet domes (www.trainweb.org) Union Pacific "special" being made up with business domes (www.trainweb.org) Union Pacific 7001 Columbine (from: www.trainweb.org) Union Pacific 7003 (from: www.trainweb.org)
Ruth, one more, then I'm heading upstairs to check out the Penthouse Suite - THIS is the weekend that BK 'n Lydia are using it! <oooooooooh> Wanna join me
Back again with the pics RUTH so another Bathams and can you save me a Steak for later as I had better keep my strenght up for tonites chandelling.
TOM Was the 10,000th contest for the number of views at the New Our Place,as I think I said March 12th( you can't blame me for trying)
This weeks pics are from Alan on his trip to the Hartz Narrow gauge railway in Germany.
These should enlarge.
Pete.
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