<personal foto>
Friday's Grin
Reason "things" happen!
Law of Spectators:
At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle arrive last.
G'day Gents!
End of the work week <for many> and it's called the day after Thursday! <confused Fergie???> Anyway, coffee's ready ‘n so are the pastries in The Mentor Village Bakery Case. Place an order for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board too!
Comments from the Proprietor:
CHANGE is on the way!There may be times when the morning summary will be Posted later rather than at the early time most are accustomed to. Since the majority of the "Our" Place gang <aka: customers> aren't around in the early AM . . . shouldn't be a problem. Won't be all the time - just when there's an abundance of evening-late nite visitors.Of course if you aren't reading ‘em - no problem-O, right Then again, you wouldn't be reading this either! <uh oh>
There may be times when the morning summary will be Posted later rather than at the early time most are accustomed to. Since the majority of the "Our" Place gang <aka: customers> aren't around in the early AM . . . shouldn't be a problem. Won't be all the time - just when there's an abundance of evening-late nite visitors.
Of course if you aren't reading ‘em - no problem-O, right Then again, you wouldn't be reading this either! <uh oh>
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative):
Thursday - Jan 17th:
Page 170 - Dan (DL-UK) at 11:34 AM: I checked out that info on the Settle to Carlisle Line ‘n while it was most entertaining, I have this to offer: Not having the benefit of those "spirits" imbibed by Wolfman Pete at the time of his observations of my Can-Am Railway, I have no "clue" where or how he came up with that comparison! <uh oh> Not being one to have knowledge hallucinations or the like, let's just say - "he's comfortable in his own world," and let it go at that! Perhaps the warm beer may have contributed - detrimentally of course! <grin>
Regarding the 1st class air fares - either you are totally correct OR they are using the seats for crash dummies. In either case, that rules me out! <groan> Once upon a time I'd have dearly loved to experience trans-Atlantic ocean liner service. But that was then ‘n this is now. But you are "bang on" with the suggestion that the booking would most probably come in close to the air fare!
Continuing thanx for the mid-day Posts! Helps enormously ‘round here. [tup ]
Page 170 - Fergie (Fergmiester) at 1:21 PM: I think my 1st Mate (Lars) has pretty well summarized what needs to be said! Say WHAT You danced all ‘round being <tweeted> - that'll cost ya - big time! Totally blew some of us outta the water with that one . . . but, we understand the difficulty in operating with that "delay" phenom . . . <grin>
Email was sent off to your maritime address on Thursday <yesterday> before noon (CST) . . . And what's with the "Thursday" thing . . . Hmmmmmmm.
By the by, the comments provided regarding that steamer at ExpoRail was paraphrased from their information booklet . . . as is the practice 'round here, we provide the sources for info Posted <or try to!>
Wishing you a safe voyage back to the north Atlantic's unpredictable predictableness! <groan>
Page 170 - Lars (LoveDomes) at 2:19 PM: Surprised by the visit, but pleased with the material provided! Those covers keep on keeping on, eh Really fit nicely into what we try to "do" ‘round this place.
That Western Pacific steam is a <keeper>! <sweet>
Not sure how YOU managed to get yourself into ‘another' one of those "things" with divulging personal plans with Ruth - but you did it AGAIN! Pete ‘n Eric will have a field day with this - ‘n so will Rob. <geesh> Can't help ya, Mate!
Not to worry ‘bout your position at the bar. I'm the Proprietor ‘n YOU are the Manager ‘til I say otherwise. Of course, Rob IS coming up fast on the inside . . . . <uh oh>
Any other team ‘n I'd be all "for" your Giants; not so on Sunday. <grin> Gree
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. It's a bit cool here this a.m. with a nice coating of snow and ice on the ground. The K9 Korps was out and after ‘em early this a.m. Let's see, gas is holding at $3.19/gal.
Here's a new item for the Museum of forgotten technology - manual and vacuum-operated windshield wipers.
For those interested in a pretty picture of snow in Greenbrier County, go to the following link. http://www.register.herald.com/ find the story "Here We Snow Again," open it up and then click on the picture. It's a good ‘un of C&O country.
Lars stopped by with comments and some fine New Haven and New England related material, later followed by some more NE and Midwestern items as well.
Pete was by with comments and pictures as well.
Rob - You did good at the LHS. I truly enjoyed that 1958 St. Catherine's picture - that's the time period I model, so it's always interesting to see buildings, cars, background material, etc. as well as the fine looking beastie in the rain.
Allan visited as well.
Eric - Springfield, in addition to being 2nd largest city in Massachusetts was (and still is) a more than busy place on the railroad. Three lines connected there - the Boston and Maine, Boston and Albany (NYC), and the New Haven - all with extensive freight and passenger service. Springfield today is a busy point on CSX and Amtrak. Noted your request for C&IM information - will see what I can find.
OSP has been here as well with some fine CanAm pictures and some 1:1 equipment pictures as well. IMHO, Cards had a better 3d baseman than the one you mentioned - Ken Boyer. Barkeep, speaking of old 3d basemen, a toast - to Frenchy Bordagary. We'll see if this smokes Mike out with some pictures (lol).
Fergie stopped by - be careful, sir.
Here is the last part of KCS material.
KCS Passenger Service 1950 - Part Four - Trains 9 and 10
Train 9, an unnamed run, departed Kansas City at 10:10 a.m. for a leisurely trip to New Orleans. It carried to New Orleans chair cars from Kansas City, a diner lounge, and a 10 section/3 double bedroom sleeper. Train 9 picked up a 14 roomette/4 double bedroom car at Shreveport and took it to New Orleans for a 7:15 a.m. next morning arrival.
Train 10 departed New Orleans at 10:30 p.m. and left Shreveport at 7:00 a.m. after a thirty minute stop. Arrival at Kansas City was at 7:45 p.m. that evening. Train 10 carried chair cars to Kansas City, a diner lounge, and a 10 section/3 double bedroom sleeper. Train 10 set out the New Orleans-Shreveport 14 roomette/4 double bedroom car en route. Passengers could occupy the sleeper at Shreveport until 8:00 a.m.
Work safe
Good morning Captain Tom and Crew
and greetings from the North Atlantic. Since I appear to have this establishment on it's ear's end I will bw more than willing to provide libation in, dare I say it, Liberal proportions.
Weather so far is holding true to the forecasts, so Gods be willing and we are able to fetch a Science Buoy at day break tomorrow I should have the "old gal" in for refit, scheduled to start Monday in St John's, either tomorrow night or Sunday morning.
Yes I acknowledge my "Tweeting" for posting MR photo's on a Monday when it should have been Thursssssday... I will dig for the prescribed time providing Pete will provide libation on demand!!!
Not much else to day besides it would only contribute to my "Tweeting" log. I'm hoping to get photo of the relocated Newfie Bullet now in Downtown St John's, which I will share with you all when posted.
siberianmo wrote: By the by, the comments provided regarding that steamer at ExpoRail was paraphrased from their information booklet . . . as is the practice 'round here, we provide the sources for info Posted <or try to!>
Fully understood, and with most things the source is what most of us have to rely on. And who's to say the commuter service was not on secodary lines. My information was from Magnetic North and now that i think of it "Classic Trains" 1st special feature released approximately three years ago and had a section in it on CPR's Steam Engines. Hard to look it up with my library 120nm off my stern, sorry to cold to start swimming this time of year.
Now if I'm still on good terms with the proprietor I'll have the Mariner's Special, 2 fish cakes, Hash Browns, beens and a couple of runny poached on top. Now that's living!! Lars please pass the HP sauce.
Have a good one
Fergie
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959
If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007
And so CM3 Shane AND Fergie graced our decks with their presence this AM!
And Fergie STILL has it WRONG! Don't know what you're "thing" is with Thursday - BUT our OPTIONAL Toy 'n Model Trains Day is WEDNESDAY - that's the day BEFORE! Hmmmmmmm. Hitting that Kickapoo Joy Juice a bit on the heavy side, eh ? <Lil Abner>
Comments to both in the Saturday summary . . .
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Continuing along with a 2nd installment of fotos from our December 18th visit to the StL Museum of Transportation <Kirkwood, MO>
#7 MARC #66. Built by EMD - 1954. Model E8A, Former CB&Q. 2.250 hp, upgraded to 2,400 hp.
#8 Manufacturers Railway #211. Built by ALCO - 1948. Model S-2. Blunt trucks.
#9 US Army #2002. Built by EMD - 1952. Model SW8. 800 hp.
#10 Fast moving eastbound UP/GATX "short" freight along the UP mainline at the StL Museum of Transportation <Kirkwood, MO>.
#11 There she goes!
#12 Can you spot "FRED"
Enjoy! <we did!>
Tom
Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house
Montrealer changed engines and crew at Springfield, birthplace of basketball and home of The Cat In The Hat. Not to fah from Way-uh. My aunt and cousins live in Springfield. They root for the Pats and the Sox.
CM3, how could you forget Worcester? Here's a picture of Frenchy's mustache
http://books.google.com/books?id=JVv8UIPEJ2kC&pg=PA26&vq=bordagaray&dq=XS-A6HV5Wg_x2TFeaqZ4GibpC3E&ie=ISO-8859-1&sig=XS-A6HV5Wg_x2TFeaqZ4GibpC3E
Boston 22, Worcester 127, Springfield 151
http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/tables/SUB-EST2006-01.csv
Boston 5, Worcester 33, Springfield 60
http://www.census.gov/population/documentation/twps0027/tab14.txt
Old Boys of Summer
http://s2nblog.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/1955dodgers.jpg
Videoclip of Johnny Podres
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imBbnf4nHKk
Hi Tom and all
A pint of Bathams please RUTH.
ROB Glad you enjoyed the photos.
I too am very interested about the Acela story I wonder if the full story about them as ever been told.
CM3 Many thanks for the link. We are supposed to get -4 wind chill temperatures here tomorrow but no snow until perhaps Monday. Good photo of the CSX train near White Sulphur Springs. I wonder if the there was one locomotive on the head of the train or the locomotive in the photo is the helper.
Thanks for the info on KCS trains 9and 10.They seem good trains to see the line between Kansas City and Shreveport in daylight.
FERGIE Now you have got me.The punishment for the ‘Tweeting' we got, cleaning BORIS's shed, as been done, it appears mainly by me. So I guess you wont have to do any digging unless you get ‘Tweeted' again, I think. Anyway should you unfortunately do get ‘Tweeted' in the future I will gladly supply you with the Keith's on demand.
I would like to know which special article appeared in Classic Trains on the CPR steamers when you get back to shore.
MIKE Good to see you in and thanks for the round. Having a bit of trouble loading your links but I will go back to them.
TOM A couple of links to the Settle and Carlisle.
http://www.railwayphotos.net/images/66/sc_bleamoortunsth_66177.html
http://www.railwayphotos.net/images/47/sc_birkett_47757.html
Do you think with some snow and the telegraph wires this could look a little like the west side of Mount Mentor on the Can-Am. perhaps at least there are two tracks
Of course you can add my photos to your archives, I have been adding yours to my album it is quite easy off the bar site and I can get them to go where I want them, not like the struggle I have when I get my photos back from developing on a disc.
Yes RUTH has deserved a vacation she has worked really hard lately especially over the Christmas period and the Florida sun will do her good. I had just sorted out the beer deliveries and made sure we were OK for ale for the weekend, when I decided a Bathams would go down well but Ruth was not behind the bar. I found her in the back room showing the bikini to H&H. I believe Helga is ordering one from ‘Hammocks R Us'.
On British Railways locomotive No 3333 was an English Electric 400HP diesel electric 0-6-0 switcher it seems to have spent most of its life in the Sheffield area at Mexbourgh and Shireoaks. Under the T.O.P.S. numbering system she became 08263 finishing her career in BR service allocated to Gateshead shed, across the River Tyne from Newcastle.
A class 08 look alike in Holland.
I think the problem with a scanner was with copying transparences. By an Our Place co-incidence the model I wanted is back on sale and on special offer.
I will look forward to our February trip; I have already lost count of the pints in the TrainWreck Saloon.
Many thanks for the next selection of your photos from the Museum of Transportation at Kirkwood. I see you captured that short freight that made such a great sound as it climbed Kirkwood Hill, I recall it was traveling quite fast. I think the UP loco was #326. Yes I sp
Hi Tom and all,
Tui`s all round for the crew please Leon!
Pete. Many thanks for your comprehensive write up on your`s and Alan`s rail trip in 1991,, what a great time you had with all the places you visited, you brought back a lot of old memories with some of those place names, one of my Aunt`s lived at Percy Main, and my wife comes from Whickham which is close to Sunniside, small world is`nt it? I remember seeing the Causey Arch in the late 40`s sometime, I suppose it has been fully restored by now? It`s great to see you have kept records of your past rail trips as memory joggers! It`s nice to hear Kevin Keegan is back with the "Toon" again, saw the fans give him a great welcome back to Geordieland on BBC World TV, hope he can get on "al-reet" with Alan Shearer, that loss to Man U was a shocker! Enjoyed all your`s and Allan`s pics, those links to the Settle and Carlisle, and your write up`s. It`s great not having to check for snakes in the "nettie" here at night like we used to have to do in Queensland!
To all. "Nettie" is the Geordie name for the WC, it derives from old Roman.
Rob. Looking forward to seeing that trolley in it`s full glory when you`ve done the paint job, that site that Pete came up with sure brought back a load of happy memories of my youth.
Eric. Nice pics of the Can Am RR and that cute Plymouth Switcher, has all that birthday cake gone now, bet it took a lot of getting through?
Lars. Another great lot of very nice covAHS from the Larsman Mobile down on the Key`s, many thanks`.
Dan. Wish i`d had a camera back in those day`s, but it`s still nice to be able to revive those memories here and share them with all the crew, the internet is a great scource of of history in picture and writing is`nt it? Thanks for that link to the Settle and Carlisle. Here`s a link to a site about the 1947 winter, it`s got some interesting info and pics.
http://www.winter1947.co.uk/
Fergie. Hope you have a FAIR weather trip to St John`s this trip!
CM3. Enjoyed the last part of the KCS passenger train write up on #9 and #10, and your link.
Mike. Nice cartoon of Sir Ed`s Everest achievment as opposed to the rest of the world, thanks for the links too.
Tom. Enjoyed all of your nice writing, like you i`ve found that life rubs off the sharp corners as time goes by and one learns by experience, hopefully! You are a lucky man to have such an agreeing bride about your possible MAC trip, it would be great to have you visit us, if you give me the name of that NZ secretary at the consulate way back when I could clear the "decks" for you! You are so right about "Our place" being a great place for reviving happy memories, could`nt agree with you more about that, it`s really great to be able to share them with a really great crew of like minded guys, long may we continue! Pete and Dan have been doing a really good job at getting my old memory banks working just lately I can tell you, and it`s all thanks to the existance of "Our place" with thanks to you and all the guys! Enjoyed all the pics of your`s and Pete`s trip to the museum at Kirkwood, you had a LOT of snow there then.
See ya, Allan
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, you are still awake? Barely, I can tell. No, don't worry, I'll have an early breakfast. The usual!
Kind of late early morning, but I finally made it. Didn't feel that good last night, but now it's less than a week to go.
Tom – I’ll find the brunette. I think there will be food service on all intercontinental flights even in the future. But domestic flights...? Probably not. The Acela deal was so generous that the congress planned to start an investigation if it actually could a bribe. I don’t know if there ever was an investigation though. Nice to see photos from the Museum of Transportation again! But, as I said before, I don’t like the snow. How about picture #5, is that the flatcar that was sitting in the tunnel last May? It looks like it considering the load.
The flatcar in the tunnel.3,333 cans of beer on the wall? No, it would be too much noise when they are falling down. Would probably trigger the alarm. The photo of MARC #66 is kind of a surprise! I can’t recall I saw #66 last May. It must be a sibling to former MARC #63 that is hauling the train you rode last fall when you went to Branson. I can tell that you used that platform at the Museum of Transportation for picture taking! DL – I was actually upgraded once to 1st class on a flight from Phoenix to Chicago! That is the only time I flew 1st class. Very nice, but I would never pay for it myself. Fergie – Thursday? Maybe in your time zone, but barely in mine. I think. Or was it the other way around? Lars – The info on Amtrak’s Acela order? I read about in some magazines and I heard about from some people I know. I’ll see if I can find those articles again. I know I still have them. Today, Saturday, I am going to “my” Cracker Barrel for lunch. It is their 10th Anniversary this Saturday. I went there the first day they opened, Jan. 19, 1998 and I certainly have to go there today. Hopefully I’ll get the same table as the first time, in front of the fireplace. Very interesting book(s) covers! Hard to pick just one. For some reason I think I would try Trackside around Granger Country! Burlington, Rock Island and Milwukee! Pete – Interesting question, if the waitress on my 3,333rd visit to Cracker Barrel will be a certain brunette? Hmmm, yeah, that is very likely. I’ll talk to the General Manager to give her a job. No rush though, it will take about four more years to reach that number of visits. Scanner? Today there are so many good scanners it is hard to choose. But I like my scanner (Epson Perfection 4490 Photo), it does a very good job. I’ll check what i can find and let you know. Yeah, I saw that ugly looking guy at Mountain Village Station. Better to avoid him.
It’s the guy sitting on the bench, leaning forward. If you see him, pretend you are on your way home. I can tell it was pretty mild weather when you and Tom went to the Museum of Transportation. The first picture shows it all! The Aero Train locomotive is missing next to the Wabash loco. It will be interesting to see what they are going to do to it. Also find out more info on that bus without wheels. I am sure they will put wheels on it again. Nice photo of that Class 08! Rob – Yes, Amtrak’s Acela was built by Bombardier. Looking forward to see the Witt when it is painted! I think you better come to Our Place 3rd Annual Rendezvous in May and I’ll be happy to buy you dinner at Cracker Barrel!CM3 – Thanks for the info on Springfield! I should have remembered. We stopped there with the X2000 in 1993 on the way to Albany. I think I have a picture (or video) from Springfield. I have to check that.Thanks for the final part of KCS Passenger Service! Mike – Thanks for hte links! Interesting to see how the cities have grown over the years. Allan – The cake is gone! Boris helped me finish it off!
Eric
This is ENCORE! Saturday - and - Photo Posting Day!
Remember: "Our" Place is CLOSED on Sundays.
It's Ssssssssssaturday once again - time to relax ‘n enjoy the warm surroundings provided by this Tavern by the Tracks! Begin the morning with a mugga Joe, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery case ‘n place an order for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board!
Friday - Jan 18th:
Page 170 - CM3 Shane (coalminer3) at 8:34 AM: Good one for the <largely ignored> Museum of Forgotten Technology!
Greenbrier link - didn't! <uh oh>
New one on me - never heard of Frenchy! <geesh> "Who are these guys?" <Major League>
Another fine bit of nostalgia from "back in the day" in the form of that KCS material!
Many thanx for the visit, chat, quarters ‘n round!
Page 170 - Fergie (Fergmiester) at 9:09 AM: And the mariner returns to the bar - this time from the rolling <roiling> decks of a ship at sea. Glad you've made it ‘n happy to know you're still thinking of us.
Here's how it works, Mate - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, etc. . . . get it <grin> <geesh>
Won't pursue the <tweeting> that turned to absolute folly - "poor" Pete, he wound up with double duty. <groan> This will be LOGGED ‘n not FORGOTTEN! <uh oh>
There's so much "info" occupying cyber space on pretty much "everything" <guess that's why we call the Ether, "virtual"> that at times it is difficult to sort one "fact" out from another. Best to rely upon proven sources, when possible . . . Still have my "Duttons" . . .
Of course you're on good terms with the Proprietor - eat heartily ‘n drink merrily, Mate!
Page 170 - Mike (wanswheel) at 1:21 PM: Back with a fine spate of URLs ‘n fotos of a most-disappointing memory! <grin> <groan> What "elder" football Giants fan doesn't recall the 1958 NFL championship game! Some still call it the greatest game ever played . . . Yeah, that's Charlie Connerly, #42 throwing that pass . . .
Visit ‘n round appreciated!
Page 170 - Pete (pwolfe) at 2:59 PM: Earlier than usual, but an appreciated visit nonetheless.
Emails received ‘n responded to - thanx!
To settle the Settle-Carlisle "issue" - okay, IF we added snow ‘n IF we added sheer rock formations ‘n a mountain ‘n IF we added the telegraph wires ‘n signal lights, there's a resemblance. <geesh> That warm beer will DO IT every time!
Good comment regarding Helga ‘n the "Hammocks R Us" bikini shopping . . . <grin> I think Lars will "accept" that situation. <phew> <uh oh>
That switcher in Holland is rather "boxy" - but interesting nonetheless!
Another fine < I3 > Post from our Bar Chandler! Round most welcome too . . .
Page 170 - Allan (Gunneral) at 8:50 PM: Our Resident Downunder NZ Kiwi Connection has returned with
Hi Tom and all.
A cup of your famous coffee and a bacon sarnie please CINDY .
ALLAN Really glad those places from my old notes brought back memories for you. There are some great railway museums in the Newcastle and surrounding area. The National Railway Museum has opened a railway museum at Shildon, County Durham to complement York it is called Locomotion and I will have to pay the museum a call.
I was fortunate enough to attend the 150th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway in 1975, which included a cavalcade of locomotives, it really was a marvelous occasion with an estimated 300,000 people attending. I still can recall an announcement over the tannoy for a Japanese speaking person to help out, as some Japanese rail enthusiasts who had charted a jumbo jet to get there, had arrived. We did not have to travel that far but I remember it was a 2AM start on the special train from Rugby and we found the beer tent at Shildon. What could be better than to watch steam locomotives slowly pass by with a Newcastle Brown. The only diesel there was the prototype HST set. I will find my slides from the event and when I get my scanner show a few at the bar.
Another great museum in the area is at Beamish where an old town as been recreated although it is a fair while since I have been there it is another place I would like to revisit, I dare say it has changed and been extended since I was last there.
The Causey Arch did look in good condition when we visited, I will have to ask Alan if he called there on his recent visit.
This is another locomotive normaly in the North East.It is No. 22 from the Bowes Railway at the Foxfield (Staffs) gala in july last year. I recall at the Tanfield Railway they had an electric locomotive that used to work at a local colliery.
On a radio phone-in after the TOON cup match, a fan rang in to say the announcement of Kevin Keegan as the new manager had put an extra 20,000 on the gate against Stoke, it would be great if Alan Shearer was made assistant to learn and take over when the time was right. We have Setanta TV channel which shows live and recorded soccer matches. I was up at 6.45 to see the Sheffield Derby and as I write this I am listening to the Mighty Shrewsbury Town on the Internet(They won 2-0). As our small dog is black with a bit of white the bride as decided she is a Newcastle fan.
Many thanks for the link to the 1947 bad winter. A great description from the gentleman from Halesowen and enjoyed the photos especially the jet engine on a rail wagon to clear the snow. Heard it was not a complete success as it caused some damage. Fantastic link on the same page to the Snow Drift at Bleath Gill film, there are some other great videos on that site including the A4 hauled Elizabethan, I will go back to that site.
Great words to Tom about Our Place
ERIC Great spotting of that flatcar in the tunnel at Kirkwood.
The Epson 4490 is the scanner I have ordered, it was unavailable before and after Christmas but is back in stock again now with $25 off the price. I am looking forward to copying my old slides and photos and putting them on a disc, hopefully I will have enough good ones from the 1970s onward to show at the bar.
Yes the guy on the bench is my opposite number at the Second Class Saloon he stocks the bar there when he is not looking for strangers arriving on the RDCs, you are right he is not a like me.
Next time Tom and I are at the MOT we will have to try to find out more info on the Aerotrain and the bus
Time for a bit o' something from our past Pages . . . just to warm up this rather frigid day here in mid-continent USA where the high isn't going to make it out of the teens <F> Blue sky day 'n makes one pleased to be outdoors. Ahhhhhhhhh! <the man is crazy!>
This from Dan (DL-UK) back on 16 Oct 2006, Page 412 of the Original Thread. Sorry for the length - but at least it's NOT a data dump! <grin> This is meaningful stuff . . .
Hi Tom and crew - any chance of a lecture slot today as I've prepared my Chugger Saga? Drinks are on me for anyone interested in listening. Just on the pics - yes can see Our Place at the foot of your post everytime - I assume that is your Corvette parked outside but correct me if I'm wrong.If a story of poor decison making and shenanigans, missed opportunities and railroad tragedy is not your style leave me in the corner, for this is a LONG POST, but hope all assembled don't mind me setting it out for anyone who is interested. I re wrote this due to losing my text first time round so I hope it still makes sense. Anyway - here we are. A monday lecture slot - doesn't need to be a traditon but i feel the hospitaliy round these parts will excuse me (apologies to anyone who gets too bored!)In this contribution I'll refer to the VIA rail chugger cars as ‘Nightstar Stock' - as this was the name they were built under in the UK and is used in some of the material I have dug out from various places - mostly UK govt papers on the web.Hopefully this ‘lecture' will be of interest to those of you who have followed the conversation Tom and I have had about riding these cars. Basically I think we agree that these are good European cars - and this is where they should be running - In Europe (UK and mainland) - where they were designed. They are clearly no great substitute for traditional North American designed and built stock - but my personal view is that if you want to ride a night or day train in Canada they are acceptable given the circumstances. Enough of the debate - lets look at the history.Draw you chairs around, stoke up the fire - on with the talk (beware there is politics here, but I've tried to confine it to the actions of politicians, not my political opinion):I promised to dig out some information because we had wondered about who took the hit when the cars were sold to VIA at a nock down price. Although they were privately owned I was sure it was the UK taxpayer that took the hit. I'm now convinced of this and what follows is why.To start off with you have to go back to the discussion to build the Tunnel. The then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher made much of the fact that private enterprise was going to build it with no state subsidy. However, this was never realistic (and the tunnel needed high speed links either side to join the network anyway) and fairly early on it was clear the taxpayer was going to pay for those links. That decision had to be got through the UK Parliament and the way that happened (in the late 1980s I think) was to promise Members of Parliament (MPs) that the tunnel would bring benefits to all the regions and this is why they should vote to support it. That benefit would take the form of trains running from the UK regions (inc Scotland and Wales) during the day and overnight. The state owned British Rail (BR) spelt out the details of those trains which would be a variant of the Eurostar sets that run London / Paris / Brussels (so called ‘Regional Eurostar' sets), and a fleet of night trains with both reclining seats and sleeping cars (so called ‘Nightstar' trains). These required heavy power requirements for the modern services aboard and would have toilets and showers in the rooms (a departure from previous British sleeper car practice where the short journey distances make having showers on board impractical in the design of sleeper cars used on other routes (the BR Mark 3 Sleeper - built in the early 1980s, prior to that the next oldest generation of UK sleeper cars were built in the 1950s and early 1960s - The BR Mark 1 Sleeper).Orders for these cars were placed by the then state owned BR, but delays in procurement meant the cars were not really under construction until after BR as an organisation had been destroyed for sale to the private sector. The international services did not fit well in the privatised structure since they required heavy subsidy to build the high speed link to London. However, given the pro privatisation policy of the then Conservative John Major led Govt it was necessary to get a private consortium together to take that job on (it would not have looked good ideologically for the private sector to get all of BR, but the bit getting the most modern high speed link to still be owned by the state).SO - to give the private sector the incentive to build the line all the relevant international train assets were GIVEN, as I understand it, to the private consortium (called London and Continental Rail Services or LCR) in return for a promise to build the London - Tunnel high speed link. SO THEY GOT GIVEN:A whole load of Eurostar high speed trainsA load of part completed ‘nighstar' cars and relevant locomotivesA massive chunk of ready to develop real estate in London (the so called Kings Cross Railways Lands)St Pancras Station (the proposed international terminal in central London)Some sort of guarantee that the taxpayer could underwrite things even if things went belly up This is the kind of risk taking investment the UK private sector like when it does a deal with government - you'd think they could not lose.HOWEVER - the income stream was to come from hopelessly over optimistic ti Happy Railroading! Siberianmo LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Saturday, January 19, 2008 2:03 PM Cindy my sweet, a tankard of your finest Ale ‘n slide that snack tray down my way, wudja please <grin> Treats for the crittAHs (and Boris!> ‘n a round for the boyz! Keep the change my lovely . . .I noted that Cap'n Tom made the 3,400th Post at this reborn Watering Hole by the Wayside! Way to go, mate! 5- salute to Da Bossman! That's a super-fine Encore presentation you came up with today from DL-UK (Dan). Those "chugger" cars have a history ‘n all we need now is to add the info YOU provided to complete "the rest of the story." <grin> Really liked the pix of the cars - very attractive looking paint jobs. My guess is the differences in 'em has to do with the type of car. Good idea. Nice clear day for those pictures! Yours surely do "come out" quite well, mate! TOMORROW is the BIG GAME (don't they ALL seem BIG when in the playoffs???) Anyway, the butt-freezing temperatures should surely separate the men from the boyz, in a New York minute! <brrrrrrrrr> Oh for the warmth of a shipboard engineroom! <grin> LET's GO JINTS! Speaking of ships, I see that Fergie character is back at it. North Atlantic in January has a connotation to it - AWFULLY rough. BettAH man than I, Charlie Brown! <yikes> Good sailing ‘n hope the destination is reached without too much topsy turvey events. <double yikes>. Head for the bowels of the ship where it's WARM ‘n the center of gravity makes for a bettAH ride. <grin>So exactly WHAT IS IT with <tweetings> AND Wednesday toy ‘n hobby postings that you DON'T GET <geesh> Actually, you GOT the <tweeting> but failed to recognize it when it "hit" ya. <double geesh>Visits since my last from Shane - Eric - Pete - Allan ‘n of course Cap'n Tom has kept this place in good order. Really liked those fine words from Allan to Da Bossman ‘n back. Sez a lot as far as I'm concerned. Mike comes up with the most interesting of links, just don't quite know how the man does it! Giants of 1958, still crying in my beer ovAH that one. I liked the NFL games far bettAH back then - far, far bettAH. Don't recall guys running all ovAH the place thumping their chests aftAH making the most routine of plays. The game has really gone downhill in my not-so-humble opinYUN. <geesh> But I could say the same for ALL pro-sports - it's just not the good sportsmanship we used to expect . . . I wondAH how many of the younger set from today even practice that idea Don't wanna know . . . Pete, between you ‘n Da Bossman you've made a "case" for spending time at the rail museum in Kirkwood. Some nifty shots of those trains from the both of you ‘n a place well worth visiting. AND the proximity to the Train Wreck Saloon ain't bad either! Eric, it's SATURDAY ‘n you're going to the Cracker Barrel for lunch Haven't you gotten your ‘fill' of the joint during the work week No kidding, when they remove that gall bladder of yours, they'll probably send it off to the Smithsonian's "junk food" wing - oooooooooooops, probably a gross insult to the Cracker Barrel, huh Seriously though - wish you DA BEST of outcomes on "surgery day" 'n thereafter! Sorry I didn't get back to you regarding a question you asked a couple of days back. The "Order of the Stools" was a special honor given to the customAHs of "Our" Place by Da Bossman when in his opionYUN they demonstrated giving a rat's patoot about the bar. They earned a reserved spot at the bar 'n of course a stool. Memory tells me their were two "levels" - the reserved 'n the permanent. We had fun with it, but the guyz just didn't keep it going. Fell by the wayside where it probably should remain. Speaking "out of turn," I think Cap'n Tom came to the realization that he was more serious about giving the "honor" than many were in receiving it. Ain't that life So, now you know . . . a trip through Fergmiester Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Out on the Briny Ocean Tossed 4,240 posts Posted by Fergmiester on Saturday, January 19, 2008 2:56 PM Good Afternoon Captain Tom and Greetings from the North Atlantic BTW some Siren called Betty was asking about cha Tom!Unfortunately Allen All was not fair last night as we had 40 knot winds on the beam so we rocked and rolled all night I landed up sleeping on the couchThings calmed down this am as we were able to pick up some science gear and now we are heading towards St John's for refit and we should be in before the Nor'Easter arrives late tomorrow. Anyway the satelite is lost in minutes so I must run PS got the e-mail Tom and I will respond in kind. Any old Flames you want me to look up in town???Fergie http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959 If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007 siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Saturday, January 19, 2008 4:13 PM This is ENCORE! Saturday - and - Photo Posting Day!Remember: "Our" Place is CLOSED on Sundays. G'day Gents!Time for some Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS before I pack it in for this day . . . . Saturday - Jan 19th:Page 170 - Pete (pwofle) at 11:44 AM: "In" with a late morning submission to stoke those fires here at the chilly Bar by the Ballast! <grin> Some fine exchanges between you 'n the crew regarding our favorite of subjects 'round here - CLASSIC TRAINS from 'round the globe! As mentioned a time or three at the bar, there are far TOO MANY who think of the Classics as all being in north America . . . not so, 'n thanx to this joint - we know it even MORESO! I can only base my observations on what goes on at the bars these days 'n times on the few that I've been in that past couple of decades. BUT for the most part, they can't hold a candle to the one's I recall from "back in the day." The TrainWreck Saloon is perhaps the closest to what I remember as a neighborhood bar - and even that isn't totally correct. There are times of the day when it too is nothing more than one of those "plastic atmosphere" places, catering to the lunch 'no go crowd. Then it reverts back to what we both appreciate . . . such are the times we live in, eh Many thanx for the visit, chat 'n support for the bar - round too! Page 171 - Lars (LoveDomes) at 2:03 PM: Really a treat to have a visit from our Manager on this Saturday! That is one fine ENCORE! you've come up with. Brings back some rather nice memories of the re-opening of the bar. Although apparently it did stay "somewhat" in operation, in spite of MY wishes. Anyway, that was THEN 'n here we are NOW. Changes Youbetcha - many, many. But somehow I think we've done far better than we could have known back then. I "traveled" back on the URL - glad 'n sad at the same time to see some guys who are now UTBs . . . we'll always wonder. But most happy to have the crew we've got! May the BEST TEAM win tomorrow. Surely hope it is a GOOD GAME, in spite of the elements - for both teams have to "weather" 'em. <grin> 3,400th Post Honestly paid not a bit of attention! This reborn Thread is growing up - faaasssssssst! <grin> Ring the bell, Boris - drinks on the house! Enjoy the "big game"! See when the wind shifts . . . <grin> Thanx for the ROUND too! Page 171 - Fergie (Fergmiester) at 2:56 PM: Our Canadian Maritime Mariner Connection made it baaaaaaaack! No, I hardly recall ANY of those "flames" from St. John's . . . my guess is they've aged <considerably> 'n the few teeth they did have long left the orafice! <uh oh> <grin> Betty Hmmmmmmm. Betty! Ahhhhhhhhhh - nope. Don't remember! <grin>In the "telling tales dept." the only time I spent an overnight in St. John's WITHOUT the ship was when we transported a severly injured merchant seaman to the local hospital. We had removed him from his freighter - the poor guy fell down several levels of decks and was rather "broken" to say the least. Two of us from the ship accompanied the guy aboard the ambulance to the local hospital - I think it was St. Mary's - but that was sooooooo long ago, Lawd knows what the name might be today. Anyway, while we were getting to the hospital, our ship got called out on a SAR mission - no time to retrieve us. We spent two delightful nights in the company of some rather "friendly" gals at the hospital. Of course, neither of us had anything other than the clothes on our backs 'n what few dollars there were in our wallets. Didn't matter one bit for it was one hulluva time, I'll tell ya that! Betty Hmmmmmm. Don't think so . . . Could be . . . <uh oh>Nothing like making a port o' call at St. John's in January. "Beating" the nor'easter only means there's gotta be another just waitin' for ya on the "outside." <yikes>Appreciate the continuing support for the bar 'n updates from the north Atlantic! Happy Railroading! Siberianmo wanswheel Member sinceNovember 2005 4,190 posts Posted by wanswheel on Saturday, January 19, 2008 4:35 PM Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the houseEric, thanks for clicking the census links. Interesting how Phoenix overtook Philadelphia. To me anyway.Lars, a letter to the editor of the NY Daily News says the Jets and the Giants ought to schedule one more home game at Shea and Yankee Stadium for old times sake. Neat idea. But they'd probably black-out the Giants from local TV and everybody would have to take the New Haven up and rent a room for the day in Bridgeport.Ferg, nor'easter and water, too freezing and seasick to contemplate. Good luck and don't arrive in a MESS.Allan, Sir Ed climbing Mt. Everest was just a notch too early for me to remember. I guess he was a superstar like Niel Armstrong. Winter 1947 was a great time to be born but the Winter 1947 website is baffling. If this is the video that Pete is talking about it may disappear by tomorrow. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjmXKlbjfKQTom, stay in a good mood if I gotta wait till Monday a.m. for the up thumbMike pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Saturday, January 19, 2008 5:32 PM Hi Tom and all.A pint of Bathams please CINDYTOM Congratulations on the 3,400th post.Many thanks indeed for the Encore from DL on the history on the Nightstar Stock now Via Rail Renaissance cars. It is well worth reading again. I believe I was over in England when it was first posted but I recall reading it when I got back. Thanks for your great photos of the cars in Via Rail service.I wonder if those Class 92 electric locomotives, which have been stored at Crewe, are still there or have they been put back into operation perhaps DL will know. Had to go into town with the bride and as you say it is quite ‘brisk' out there today. In the freight yard there was 7 locomotives, 6 UP and 1 LLPX. One of the UP locomotives, #613 was originally a MP GP 38-2 I believe. The Eastbound Amtrak the ‘Ann Rutledge' running about an hour late rolled in, it had the horizon cars. Considering what we have talked about lately, the Amtrak locomotive hauling the train was a bit , its number was 33.LARS Thanks for the round.You are right about the profession sports now a days, although I only know much about the UK sports and then not a lot, but it seems, with the astronomical wages the top stars are getting, they have lost all reality with the ordinary guys who are the fans of the game. It would be really interesting to see what would happen if the TV money was suddenly to disappear from these sports.Yes we are very lucky to have the museum and the TrainWreck saloon so near to each other and to still have a train service from here to Kirkwood, It certainly is a good feeling having some good beer under the belt and traveling on the train listening the engine's horn and the bells of the crossings.What a great idea to encore two posts from the re-start of the bar, it is hard to believe that was a year and a half ago now. I think then, if could have looked forward to now, we would have been pleased how the bar is today. Looking back to the pages around the link in your post we don't have some of the guys we had then but we have new people since then who are very good, and I think the quality of posts are as good as ever. I still think of BK from time to time and I hope he is doing OK. The only problem is, when I go back to look at the 'old' Our Place I am there quite a while.FERGIE. Glad thinks calmed down after the 40-knot winds and you are heading back to harbour before the Northwester sets in. This weeks photos from Alan are from England and Wales, the first 4 are taken at the Bluebell Railway's gala on August 11th 2007.The only surviving Great Western Railway ‘Dukedog' 4-4-0. These locos were built using the older Duke class boiler and Bulldog class frames. It is hard to believe they were introduced as late as 1936. They were used on lightly laid lines like the Ex Cambrian Railway in Wales.Unrebuilt ex Southern Railway West Country class pacific No 34023 'Blackmore Vale' with the SR numbering, can anyone guess the meaning of the numbers free beer for a day if you can. These locomotives were nicknamed' Spam Cans'. The signalman is about to recieve the singal-line token from the fireman. These photos at the Bluebell have been taken at HORSTED KEYNES station on a field outside the station there was a collection of vintage tractors. Mainly Fordsons with a Ferguson,an Allis-Chambers and a Nuffield. Another pic of the 'Dukedog' note the old vehicles in the consist.On to the Llangollen Railway in Wales I really like this two photos of BR Standard 2-6-4 tank No 80136 at CARROG. they seem to me almost timeless a pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Saturday, January 19, 2008 6:21 PM Hi Tom and all.A quick Bathams that Mike bought please LEONMIKE Yes that is the video I was talking about, I have just had a look at parts one and two I hope some are able to view it before it is removed from the site especially Allan as it features the A4 Silver Fox. Thanks for finding it..TOM looking forward to seeing what the movies are tomorrow Pete. trolleyboy Member sinceMay 2014 3,727 posts Posted by trolleyboy on Saturday, January 19, 2008 9:25 PM Good evening Leon , it's colder than well lest just say that brass monkeys would not be too happy <uh oh> so I think a very large very spiked Irish coffee and here's some to keep the rest of the gang suitably warm this evening.Tom-,<aarg> Nice pictures of the very ugly renasance cars. Some more interesting shots from the museum yesterday as well. I don't know why but I've always loved endcab switchers like the US army SW8 or that S2. I'm not sure about the women you used to ahng out with, I have always tried to go for the ones with a full set of teeth, mind-you toothless has it's own possibilities I supposeLars-Thanks for posting the grand return of the thread post from last year, seem impossibly long ago.And yes as Tom said this bar has grown up quickly hasn't it 3400+ and counting. Not bad for the group we have not bad at all You should give yourself a 5x salp on the back for all you've done for da bar this past year as well.Eric-thanks for the offer, but I'll have to take the pass on the Cracker barrell this time out , we have a small renovation at the store planned for the time frame of the rendezvous mk 3 which unhappily I'm told I need to be around for With the Acela's built by BBR it makes perfect sence why the Feds offered financing.Pete-Some more great pics from Allan, I don't know why but for some reason I've always had a hard time looking at English diesel switchers with the conecting side rods, don't know why really. Just a quirk I suppose.Fergie-Hey nice to see you in a couple days (daze) in a row. they moved the Newfie bullet to the railroad museum right near downtown St John's. It's right on the waterfront just of the Transcanada.Eric n Allan-Not to worry once the Witt's painted I will post a couple photo's, it may be a while though so don't loose sleep waiting to see it .Shane-Glad that you lied the NS&T shots one of those beasties is still around they have it in maine at the seashore museum. I'm told that they do not run it often as it's a bit of a power hog, but it's there none the less. Thanks for teh final installment to teh KCS passenger cronicles.Rob EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Sunday, January 20, 2008 1:55 AM Good morning Captain tom and all present!!Leon, it's time for my Rumpsteak Café de Paris! Curly fries and a cold Tui! A busy Saturday, didn't have a chance to stop by until now. 64° in Phoenix today and the gasoline is down to $2.82 (rounded). Tom – Me being up late/early? Kind of a habit and kind of a necessity. Had to call my sister in the old country (8 hrs ahead of our time). Mail received and responded to. Thanks!I checked, MARC 63 and 66 are both E9’s. Old MARC #66 territory, Point of Rocks, MD.I understand your problem concentrating on picture taking at the same time you tried to keep track of Stealthy Pete. I remember what happened at the same place last May! Thanks for reposting DL’s old post. I have copied it, very interesting to read again. Nice photos to illustrate DL’s article! The first car (second photo from the top), does it have green blinds/curtains or are the windows tinted green? Pete – I am sure you will like your new scanner! If you ave any questions when you are using it, please ask me.You are an angel? Hmmm, I didn’t know. Acela was built by Bombardier who used some of Alstoms technical solutions/equipment building it. Some parts of Acela is basically the same as what is used on the French TGV. Again a bunch of Alan's nice photos! Lars – I know this Sunday will be a tough day for you watching the Packers smashing the Jints into the snow. But there is always another season coming up in seven months! If the Smithsonian’s “junk food” wing will receive my gall bladder they will probably find some blackberry pancakes in it. If you ever go to CB you should try their Blackberry Pankaces!!!Thanks for the well wishes! I am looking forward to get it done so I can get back to eat what I really like again. I remember the day when Our Place opened again after being shut down about a month earlier! Nice of you to repost Tom’s and BK’s posts! I miss BK, hope he is doing fine. Fergie – Interesting question for Tom, looking up old Flames!!?!?! Any names?Hope the winds calmed down so you could get a good night’s sleep. Mike – I am not surprised that Phoenix overtook Philadelphia considering how many people that are moving here, to the desert. Thousands of them every month. Thanks for the link to the Elizabethab Express! Very interesting video! Shows everything, all aspects of a train journey. Rob – Hopefully we can do it some other time! I promise not to loose any sleep, but I am still looking foward to see the Witt painted. Lights off.Photo quiz! Where?As an engineer you better stop at the right spot to let people off here. Verkhershaus, Lucerne, Switzerland 1986. Some German locomotives on display and, to the right, a full scale model of the ICE train. Eric JanOlov Member sinceDecember 2001 From: GB 376 posts Posted by JanOlov on Sunday, January 20, 2008 7:46 AM Greetings Tom and gentlemen....First an heartfelt apology for my absence from my chair and bar. Even though it has been rather quiet at work, I've been extremely tired for some reason and slept quite alot recently. I blame the dark, wet, windy and cold weather here....I can't wait for the spring to kick in so we get to the summer.....I think that a suitable "punishment" for my AWOL is to pay for all the drinks for the rest of the month (writes a cheque).....this should cover it....here's some extra $$$$ for the cigar box and Mr Wurlitzer....Still a bit sleepy this morning when I write this, but I thought that I had to pass by to dust of my chair, to see how everybody's doing and check out what's been going on....siberianmo 01-07-2008, 4:21 PM: I bet that our much loved doughnut machine will work 24/7/365.....beautiful artwork too!Da Larsman 01-07-2008, 5:02 PM: Nice ARR stuff mate!siberianmo 01-07-2008, 8:16 PM: Great Milwaukee Road material....! Yummy!siberianmo 01-07-2008, 8:47 PM: I can't belive that it's only three days to my 39th birthday....moooaaann....can we all please pretend it's my 29th instead, eh? trolleyboy 01-08-2008, 1:38 AM : The way that I've been sleeping lately....it'll plenty left for my retirement plan....I think that I'll buy a couple of railroad companies and bring Milwaukee Road back from the dead.....EricX2000 01-08-2008, 7:17 AM: You bet I will....thinking of avoiding christmas completely this year....hide in a cave or something similar. Nice pic of the X2000 driver's position...Fergmiester 01-08-2008, 1:50 PM: Sorry to hear that you damaged some of your wiring....pain in the rear end sometimes, eh....? coalminer3 01-08-2008, 2:19 PM:....and again today....made myself a black java here and having a nice and quiet Sunday morning reading my Steam, Steel and Limiteds....Da larsman 01-08-2008, 5:24 PM: Nice covers my good man....as always!pwolfe 01-08-2008, 8:16 PM: Work has been alright, not too busy....still been sleepig alot 8+ hours everyday....probably takes longer than I thought to get back to....well, normal after the Christmas and New Year madness.... Great pic!siberianmo 01-08-2008, 9:26 PM: Great material on KCS....!wanswheel 01-09-2008, 2:42 AM: Nice artwork...will try the links when all this is done....early Monday morning....EricX2000 01-09-2008, 7:36 AM: Too bad that this pic isn't of a fully restored and working Big Boy....siiigh! trolleyboy 01-09-2008, 2:34 PM: Awesome pics matey...!Da Larsman 01-09-2008, 2:43 PM: Nice covers....love the NYNH&H one....trolleyboy 01-09-2008, 2:47 PM: More great pics!pwolfe 01-09-2008, 8:53 PM: Great pics! Is that a CN business car and what is that truck used for sitting on the tracks?siberianmo 01-09-2008, 11:02 PM: Nice drumheads! I wouldn't mind to own a few, hanging on the wall....nice and colorful!MopacBarrettTunnel 01-10-2008, 2:02 AM: Always a pleasure to meet new bar members....looking forward to more goodies! Gunneral 01-10-2008, 3:17 AM: Always nice to see friendly and familiar face mate...!MopacBarrettTunnel 01-10-2008, 6:41 AM: Great pics mate.....and I agree with you about the paint scheme and the Frisco cars.EricX2000 01-10-2008, 7:10 AM: Like those steam pics mate....the 9000's were MASSIVE! MopacBarrettTunnel 01-10-2008, 9:27 AM: I didn't see or hear anything....DL - UK 01-10-2008, 5:45 PM: Good stuff....I hope that you enjoyed it... All the best! Jan siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, January 20, 2008 12:00 PM Reminder: We are CLOSED on SUNDAYs!Starting today at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre! . . . January 20th thru 26th: Stone Cold (2005) Starring: Tom Selleck, Mimi Rogers, Jane Adams, Reg Rogers & Viola Davis - and - The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) Starring: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn, Scott Glenn & Paddy Considine. SHORT: The Three Stooges - No Dough, Boys (1944). Stone Cold (2005)PLOT SUMMARY: Jesse Stone (Selleck) is a New England police chief investigating a series of murders, in an adaptation of Robert B. Parker's novel. In the small town of Paradise, Massachusetts, the experienced Chief of Police Jesse Stone is investigating a murder and a rape case. When a series of murders happen with the same "modus-operandi", Jesse discloses the identity of the killers. However, without the motive, proof or weapon, he has to wait for an opportunity to catch the murderers. <from: amazon.com> The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)PLOT SUMMARY: Bourne dodges new, superior assassins as he searches for his unknown past while a government agent tries to track him down. Bourne is once again brought out of hiding, this time inadvertently by London-based reporter Simon Ross who is trying to unveil Operation BlackBriar--an upgrade to Project Treadstone--in a series of newspaper columns. Bourne sets up a meeting with Ross and realizes instantly they're being scanned. Information from the reporter stirs a new set of memories, and Bourne must finally, ultimately, uncover his dark past whilst dodging The Company's best efforts in trying to eradicate him. <from: amazon.com>Note: As with all Bourne flicks, there are several great shots of Euro trains to enjoy! SHORT: The Three Stooges - No Dough, Boys (1944)PLOT SUMMARY: A "war years" short. This one opens w/the boys dressed as Japanese soldiers on a photo shoot. Sent out to lunch in uniform by the photographer, they are quickly mistaken for real Japanese soldiers by the cafe owner. Fleeing, they inadvertently, land in a house full of Axis Powers sympathizers. Mayhem ensues when the REAL Japanese soldiers arrive to keep a scheduled parlay w/their fellow comrades. However, the Stooges foil the bad guys in typical Stooge manner. <from: threestooges.net> Enjoy the FOOTBALL games and the weekend! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo JanOlov Member sinceDecember 2001 From: GB 376 posts Posted by JanOlov on Sunday, January 20, 2008 1:47 PM Stone Cold looks like a good flick....I really look forward to The Bourne Ultimatum though....Just thought that I'd pop in again to drop of some....eeerrmmm....cough..cough...eehhh water, yeah...water that's right water....*hides a few bottles...*Also to drop something off for Monday morning.... Observation car "Silver Beach" on the "California Ltd.", in Dodge City, Kan., February 22, 1937. Otto PerryBeauty contestant winners (identified from left to right) Elizabeth Foster, Wilma Adams, Florence Collier, Virginia Roper, Beverley Peterson, and their chaperon, Mrs. H.C. Leuty pose in the observation car of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy, Denver Zephyr. UnknownObservation car 1535, "Colorado Club," on its initial run on the Columbine, in Denver, Colo., May 22, 1930. Otto PerryView of Great Northern Railway's Oriental Limited passenger train compartment observation car," "9029,". Lucius BeebeNight scene during record run, about 57 hours from Los Angeles to New York, 5 cars, in Cheyenne, Wyo., October 23, 1934. Otto PerryCB&Q's enclosed observation car, on the Aristocrat, east of Derby, Colo., March 26, 1936. Otto PerryCredit: Photoswest... All the best! Jan LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Sunday, January 20, 2008 10:07 PM MY JINTS WON! Lars JanOlov Member sinceDecember 2001 From: GB 376 posts Posted by JanOlov on Monday, January 21, 2008 5:40 AM Greetings Tom and gentlemen.....May I please have a cup of black Java please....I'll have some of those doughnuts as well thanks... Had a bit of a problem getting this far this morning, "error" and "page do not exist", did anyone else have the same problem?Well, I'll take my coffee and doughnuts, go and sit down to read my book....*puts some more $$$$ in the cigar box and for Mr Wurlitzer*......hmmmm.....feel like playing some 30's and 40's big band music today....let's see....aahh...there we go...nice...Catch you all later.... All the best! Jan siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Monday, January 21, 2008 6:47 AM <personal foto>A smile to begin the week! Complaining that his impending golf shot was going to go in the water, a friend offered that Yogi should think positive. His reply, "Okay, I'm positive my shot is going to go in the water..<A Yogi-ism!>G'day Gents! The beginning of a new work week occurs TOMORROW here in mid-continent USA, as today is a holiday <for many> - or let's just simply tell it like it IS - another day for the Malls of America to rake it in. The intent of these holidays, methinks, has been long overshadowed by the greed of the retailers. RIP MLK! Well it IS Monday ‘n it IS time for breakfast - so let's get a move on! Order up a <light> or <traditional> entrée from our Menu Board - pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery case ‘n draw a mugga freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee while you're at it! What's to say other than GIANTS WON! They really put it to those Packers 'n suprised the world of pro-sports. Give credit where credit is due - nicely done, Giants! Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative):Saturday - Jan 19th:Page 171 - Mike (wanswheel) at 4:35 PM: What "good mood" You obviously have mistaken me for the Larsman! <grin> Anyway, here's a "handful" of those "thumbs ups" for ya - Giants vs Jets in NEW YORK - now that's a thought. You are correct though, the "powers" would "black it out" for those wishing to view it on TV at home. But an interesting idea nonetheless . . . Round ‘n visit appreciated! <oooooops, ANOTHER one!> Page 171 - Pete (pwolfe) at 5:32 PM ‘n 6:21 PM: Appears the ENCORE! of that Post by Dan (DL-UK) was a "hit" with several of the guys - great - that's the idea! So, you've confirmed that the Ann Rutledge does indeed operate with the Horizon equipment whereas the Mules are running Superliners. Guess the freeze up problems occur with the layovers in downtown StL, whereas the Superliners "sleep" in Chicago's Union Station. Makes sense . . . Thanx! Many thanx for that fine spate of 6 fotos - surely fits in well ‘round here with our Classic Trains "theme" . . . in spite of our detractors <and we have ‘em, don't kid yourself!> this Thread of ours <including the Original> contains SO MUCH overwhelmingly meaningful material, that if placed into bound volumes, I'd say we'd be talking of a bookshelf full! Yes, the Larsman provided quite a trip back into nostalgia for those who recall the <dark days> of that summer of 2006. And yes, I think we are far, far better off today than then. QUALITY over QUANTITY should prevail - and for the most part is has. Sometimes the QUANTITY must be accepted when trying to get the material across. But the days of "data dumps" are OVER. Many thanx for your < I3 > Post ‘n support for the bar! Page 171 - Rob (trolleyboy) at 9:25 PM: Checked the weather map ‘n it appears that your area ‘n mine are pretty much in tandem regarding the temps - single digits (F) in the mornings make for BRISK walks with Juneau! <grin> At least we have blue skies during the daylite - so in the absence of the ‘white stuff,' this ain't all that bad, but . . . .Personal tastes being what they are <were> - let's just say that one has to "play the hand that is dealt" in life. <grin> Just accent the positive aspects . . . ohhhhhh those memories of the waterfront dives in St. John's back in the late 50s ‘n thru the 60s. <yikes>Appreciate your thinking of us ‘n providing a fine < I3 > Post for the gang! Happy Railroading! Siberianmo JanOlov Member sinceDecember 2001 From: GB 376 posts Posted by JanOlov on Monday, January 21, 2008 7:16 AM Greetings Tom and gentlmen....Just back to get a refill of my black Java here, nice to see you again Tom....sorry about that. As you put it, let's put the $$$$ into our SPECIAL FUND to defray costs associated with SPECIAL EVENTS....such as...well, you know... I trust that you'll put away the dough immediately in our old but trusted safe.... All the best! Jan siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Monday, January 21, 2008 8:30 AM G'day Gents!Jan, THAT safe is a terrific addition to the "things" at "Our" Place! With your approval, we'll adopt 'n adapt the use of it here at the bar . . . Hmmmmmmm, next a NAME THE SAFE CONTEST! Why not Okay guys, let's get some PARTICIPATION going RIGHT NOW! Name the Safe Contest closes on Monday, Jan 28th! <grin> Thanx Jan! And no, I didn't experience any Forum's difficulties <yet> - but did over the weekend . . . <ugh>Liked those Empire Builder drumheads - especially since we ARE taking a roundtrip this year - shortly after Rendezvous III. Later! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Monday, January 21, 2008 10:31 AM Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!Ruth my deAH, a mugga Joe with a jolt ‘n a number three from the "board" if you please! I'm soooooooooooooooo HAPPY today with being able to see your smiling face AND knowing that my JINTS WON! Who wuddathunkit I did - really BELIEVED they could do ‘n would do it ‘n they DID! Now on to the Super Bowl where they square off against the Patriots, a team they nearly beat at the end of the regular season. Gave ‘em a run for their money, didn't they Youbetchaboots they did! WondAH if "baby Manning" has come of age He sure looked like it yesterday! The entire team showed up ‘n showed up in SUPER style at that! Brett looked very OLD to me, almost as if he didn't want to be out in that coooooooooold. Surely a different Brett than the week before when he looked so strong in the snow! Go figger, huh JINTS WON! Ok, ‘nuf of that for now - how about a round for the house on me Ring it Boris ‘n don't forget to feed the gang! Oh, you DID! Good man <I think> ‘n go ahead - the small jar of PPF is for you. Sorry, we've got to keep you "on" those small jars. <uh oh> For Cap'n Tom: Keep up the fine material that you provide for us all! Movie selections look good for the week! I note that you ARE going to take the Empire Builder across the "top" of our country, huh Have you decided on Seattle or Portland for the destination Seem to recall you leaning toward the Oregon port o' call. Good choice, if that's the one! Email sent to you regarding "that thing" atop our forum page. I got "slam dunked" - oh well, what's new For Mike: I had heard about that Giants-Jets proposal for New York City. I'd dearly love to see ‘em both MOVE BACK to "the city." NevAH, evAH will accept them being in Joisey - just doesn't ring true to me.For Eric: I'm in complete amazement about you ‘n your "thing" for the Cracker Barrel. Good Grief Charlie Brown - you should OWN a stake in the company! Why not You're probably the best customAH ‘n living advertisement for ‘em ANYWHERE! Nothing eccentric about you, huh That's ok, mate - we ALL have our own oddities - mine are . . . . well, bettAH leave that alone! <grin>For Pete: Enjoying your contributions, as always, to the discussions at hand. You seem to be our "pub mastAH." One might come away with the notion that you've spent a wee bit of time in pubs. Hmmmmmm. Got a kick out of the "talk" between you ‘n Da Bossman about the atmosphere in a tavern . . . yeah, I can recall those kinds of places too. It has been so many years since I ‘hung out' in a tavern that I find it difficult to even recall the year! That's not to say I haven't been in any lately, just don't do so on a regular basis. They really have changed, big time. Gotta seek out those with the neighborhood "flavor." Not many left . . . For Allan: You'd be a good fit for a get together with this gang at "Our" Place! I can just see you, Pete ‘n Cap'n Tom <me too!> at the Train Wreck bar . . . Next round on Pete, is what I'd call for! For Jan: Great to see ya back, mate! WondAHd what happened to ya - but I see it was ONLY work. <grin> Nice looking safe! I think I'll try for Nessie the Lock Master! <catch that one for the CONTEST, Cap'n Tom >Some great looking observation cars back in the heavyweight era! Also liked those logos you inserted in that all - inclusive post of yours! trolleyboy Member sinceMay 2014 3,727 posts Posted by trolleyboy on Monday, January 21, 2008 10:40 AM Morning Ruth , I think a BK splash and a number three. I'll leave some quarters for herr wurlitzer as the tabs been covered. Thanks Jan ( BTW feel like adopting me )Tom-Yes we are a tad in teh coolish temps at the moment aren't we. Oh well could be worse it could be 70 degrees and sunny in January ,I wouldn't want that or anything. Lets see, for teh new contest lets take a page from teh old TD bank ads of teh early 80's when they frist introduced bank machines and call it the "GREEN MACHINE or MOSHEEN if you prefer " Good movie choices for the week , I think that the temperance league has gon eup to the mountain village to try and tame the second classers <uh oh > so they won't likey object to the more "loud" movie choices for this week so the theater should have some big crowds Just a quick comment on those waterfront dives,they aera ll still there, thiough George street has undergone a bit of a transformantion,( painting ) and is now infested with kids re twenty somethings instead of the usual suspects though I'm sure they still enjoy a round or two.Lars-Houray for the gints ! They may just upset the Pats yet Great books for the day as well your tempting me again aren't you Jan-Ah yes Our generouis Scotish transplant is back with his bank book again .5x for teh perfect and detailed catch up and the generous offer to stoke the fires of the poarticipants again. Good thing Pete just re-ordered to restock the bar fridges. He must have known thta you were comming. To answer your HO traction question , it's not so mainstream , little s available in pre-made so the diehards must buy brass scratch build the rest so something like that comming out ios just well just the cats behind thanks for the wonderfull passenger shots. Looking at the beauty contest winners photo , I think that the chaperone must be related to H&H , she does not look to be the type I would want to cross.Eric-Great photo's , I'll take a stab as Stockholm as the location of the Quizz shot. thanks for the updatae on the birthplace of the Acsela's, now we know Rob LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Monday, January 21, 2008 10:55 AM Ahoy Assistant Manager!Appears as if we posted pretty much on top of one anothAH . . . <uh oh>No, no, no - the TAB has NOT been covAHd . . . READ the woIds, mate! Cap'n Tom 'splained it 'n Jan agreed to it. <geesh>Good choice for the "name game"! Ruth, I'll take care of his ordAH . . . Manager Lars! Until the next time! Lars « First«111112113114115116117»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! 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Hi Tom and crew - any chance of a lecture slot today as I've prepared my Chugger Saga? Drinks are on me for anyone interested in listening. Just on the pics - yes can see Our Place at the foot of your post everytime - I assume that is your Corvette parked outside but correct me if I'm wrong.
If a story of poor decison making and shenanigans, missed opportunities and railroad tragedy is not your style leave me in the corner, for this is a LONG POST, but hope all assembled don't mind me setting it out for anyone who is interested. I re wrote this due to losing my text first time round so I hope it still makes sense. Anyway - here we are. A monday lecture slot - doesn't need to be a traditon but i feel the hospitaliy round these parts will excuse me (apologies to anyone who gets too bored!)
In this contribution I'll refer to the VIA rail chugger cars as ‘Nightstar Stock' - as this was the name they were built under in the UK and is used in some of the material I have dug out from various places - mostly UK govt papers on the web.
Hopefully this ‘lecture' will be of interest to those of you who have followed the conversation Tom and I have had about riding these cars. Basically I think we agree that these are good European cars - and this is where they should be running - In Europe (UK and mainland) - where they were designed. They are clearly no great substitute for traditional North American designed and built stock - but my personal view is that if you want to ride a night or day train in Canada they are acceptable given the circumstances. Enough of the debate - lets look at the history.
Draw you chairs around, stoke up the fire - on with the talk (beware there is politics here, but I've tried to confine it to the actions of politicians, not my political opinion):
I promised to dig out some information because we had wondered about who took the hit when the cars were sold to VIA at a nock down price. Although they were privately owned I was sure it was the UK taxpayer that took the hit. I'm now convinced of this and what follows is why.
To start off with you have to go back to the discussion to build the Tunnel. The then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher made much of the fact that private enterprise was going to build it with no state subsidy. However, this was never realistic (and the tunnel needed high speed links either side to join the network anyway) and fairly early on it was clear the taxpayer was going to pay for those links. That decision had to be got through the UK Parliament and the way that happened (in the late 1980s I think) was to promise Members of Parliament (MPs) that the tunnel would bring benefits to all the regions and this is why they should vote to support it.
That benefit would take the form of trains running from the UK regions (inc Scotland and Wales) during the day and overnight. The state owned British Rail (BR) spelt out the details of those trains which would be a variant of the Eurostar sets that run London / Paris / Brussels (so called ‘Regional Eurostar' sets), and a fleet of night trains with both reclining seats and sleeping cars (so called ‘Nightstar' trains). These required heavy power requirements for the modern services aboard and would have toilets and showers in the rooms (a departure from previous British sleeper car practice where the short journey distances make having showers on board impractical in the design of sleeper cars used on other routes (the BR Mark 3 Sleeper - built in the early 1980s, prior to that the next oldest generation of UK sleeper cars were built in the 1950s and early 1960s - The BR Mark 1 Sleeper).
Orders for these cars were placed by the then state owned BR, but delays in procurement meant the cars were not really under construction until after BR as an organisation had been destroyed for sale to the private sector. The international services did not fit well in the privatised structure since they required heavy subsidy to build the high speed link to London. However, given the pro privatisation policy of the then Conservative John Major led Govt it was necessary to get a private consortium together to take that job on (it would not have looked good ideologically for the private sector to get all of BR, but the bit getting the most modern high speed link to still be owned by the state).
SO - to give the private sector the incentive to build the line all the relevant international train assets were GIVEN, as I understand it, to the private consortium (called London and Continental Rail Services or LCR) in return for a promise to build the London - Tunnel high speed link. SO THEY GOT GIVEN:
This is the kind of risk taking investment the UK private sector like when it does a deal with government - you'd think they could not lose.
HOWEVER - the income stream was to come from hopelessly over optimistic ti Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
Cindy my sweet, a tankard of your finest Ale ‘n slide that snack tray down my way, wudja please <grin> Treats for the crittAHs (and Boris!> ‘n a round for the boyz! Keep the change my lovely . . .
I noted that Cap'n Tom made the 3,400th Post at this reborn Watering Hole by the Wayside! Way to go, mate! 5- salute to Da Bossman!
That's a super-fine Encore presentation you came up with today from DL-UK (Dan). Those "chugger" cars have a history ‘n all we need now is to add the info YOU provided to complete "the rest of the story." <grin> Really liked the pix of the cars - very attractive looking paint jobs. My guess is the differences in 'em has to do with the type of car. Good idea. Nice clear day for those pictures! Yours surely do "come out" quite well, mate!
TOMORROW is the BIG GAME (don't they ALL seem BIG when in the playoffs???) Anyway, the butt-freezing temperatures should surely separate the men from the boyz, in a New York minute! <brrrrrrrrr> Oh for the warmth of a shipboard engineroom! <grin> LET's GO JINTS!
Speaking of ships, I see that Fergie character is back at it. North Atlantic in January has a connotation to it - AWFULLY rough. BettAH man than I, Charlie Brown! <yikes> Good sailing ‘n hope the destination is reached without too much topsy turvey events. <double yikes>. Head for the bowels of the ship where it's WARM ‘n the center of gravity makes for a bettAH ride. <grin>
So exactly WHAT IS IT with <tweetings> AND Wednesday toy ‘n hobby postings that you DON'T GET <geesh> Actually, you GOT the <tweeting> but failed to recognize it when it "hit" ya. <double geesh>
Visits since my last from Shane - Eric - Pete - Allan ‘n of course Cap'n Tom has kept this place in good order. Really liked those fine words from Allan to Da Bossman ‘n back. Sez a lot as far as I'm concerned.
Mike comes up with the most interesting of links, just don't quite know how the man does it! Giants of 1958, still crying in my beer ovAH that one.
I liked the NFL games far bettAH back then - far, far bettAH. Don't recall guys running all ovAH the place thumping their chests aftAH making the most routine of plays. The game has really gone downhill in my not-so-humble opinYUN. <geesh> But I could say the same for ALL pro-sports - it's just not the good sportsmanship we used to expect . . . I wondAH how many of the younger set from today even practice that idea Don't wanna know . . .
Pete, between you ‘n Da Bossman you've made a "case" for spending time at the rail museum in Kirkwood. Some nifty shots of those trains from the both of you ‘n a place well worth visiting. AND the proximity to the Train Wreck Saloon ain't bad either!
Eric, it's SATURDAY ‘n you're going to the Cracker Barrel for lunch Haven't you gotten your ‘fill' of the joint during the work week No kidding, when they remove that gall bladder of yours, they'll probably send it off to the Smithsonian's "junk food" wing - oooooooooooops, probably a gross insult to the Cracker Barrel, huh
Seriously though - wish you DA BEST of outcomes on "surgery day" 'n thereafter!
Sorry I didn't get back to you regarding a question you asked a couple of days back. The "Order of the Stools" was a special honor given to the customAHs of "Our" Place by Da Bossman when in his opionYUN they demonstrated giving a rat's patoot about the bar. They earned a reserved spot at the bar 'n of course a stool. Memory tells me their were two "levels" - the reserved 'n the permanent. We had fun with it, but the guyz just didn't keep it going. Fell by the wayside where it probably should remain. Speaking "out of turn," I think Cap'n Tom came to the realization that he was more serious about giving the "honor" than many were in receiving it. Ain't that life So, now you know . . . a trip through
Good Afternoon Captain Tom and Greetings from the North Atlantic
BTW some Siren called Betty was asking about cha Tom!
Unfortunately Allen All was not fair last night as we had 40 knot winds on the beam so we rocked and rolled all night I landed up sleeping on the couch
Things calmed down this am as we were able to pick up some science gear and now we are heading towards St John's for refit and we should be in before the Nor'Easter arrives late tomorrow.
Anyway the satelite is lost in minutes so I must run PS got the e-mail Tom and I will respond in kind. Any old Flames you want me to look up in town???
Time for some Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS before I pack it in for this day . . . .
Saturday - Jan 19th:
Page 170 - Pete (pwofle) at 11:44 AM: "In" with a late morning submission to stoke those fires here at the chilly Bar by the Ballast! <grin>
Some fine exchanges between you 'n the crew regarding our favorite of subjects 'round here - CLASSIC TRAINS from 'round the globe! As mentioned a time or three at the bar, there are far TOO MANY who think of the Classics as all being in north America . . . not so, 'n thanx to this joint - we know it even MORESO!
I can only base my observations on what goes on at the bars these days 'n times on the few that I've been in that past couple of decades. BUT for the most part, they can't hold a candle to the one's I recall from "back in the day." The TrainWreck Saloon is perhaps the closest to what I remember as a neighborhood bar - and even that isn't totally correct. There are times of the day when it too is nothing more than one of those "plastic atmosphere" places, catering to the lunch 'no go crowd. Then it reverts back to what we both appreciate . . . such are the times we live in, eh
Many thanx for the visit, chat 'n support for the bar - round too!
Page 171 - Lars (LoveDomes) at 2:03 PM: Really a treat to have a visit from our Manager on this Saturday!
That is one fine ENCORE! you've come up with. Brings back some rather nice memories of the re-opening of the bar. Although apparently it did stay "somewhat" in operation, in spite of MY wishes. Anyway, that was THEN 'n here we are NOW. Changes Youbetcha - many, many. But somehow I think we've done far better than we could have known back then.
I "traveled" back on the URL - glad 'n sad at the same time to see some guys who are now UTBs . . . we'll always wonder. But most happy to have the crew we've got!
May the BEST TEAM win tomorrow. Surely hope it is a GOOD GAME, in spite of the elements - for both teams have to "weather" 'em. <grin>
3,400th Post Honestly paid not a bit of attention! This reborn Thread is growing up - faaasssssssst! <grin> Ring the bell, Boris - drinks on the house!
Enjoy the "big game"! See when the wind shifts . . . <grin> Thanx for the ROUND too!
Page 171 - Fergie (Fergmiester) at 2:56 PM: Our Canadian Maritime Mariner Connection made it baaaaaaaack!
No, I hardly recall ANY of those "flames" from St. John's . . . my guess is they've aged <considerably> 'n the few teeth they did have long left the orafice! <uh oh> <grin> Betty Hmmmmmmm. Betty! Ahhhhhhhhhh - nope. Don't remember! <grin>
In the "telling tales dept." the only time I spent an overnight in St. John's WITHOUT the ship was when we transported a severly injured merchant seaman to the local hospital. We had removed him from his freighter - the poor guy fell down several levels of decks and was rather "broken" to say the least. Two of us from the ship accompanied the guy aboard the ambulance to the local hospital - I think it was St. Mary's - but that was sooooooo long ago, Lawd knows what the name might be today.
Anyway, while we were getting to the hospital, our ship got called out on a SAR mission - no time to retrieve us. We spent two delightful nights in the company of some rather "friendly" gals at the hospital. Of course, neither of us had anything other than the clothes on our backs 'n what few dollars there were in our wallets. Didn't matter one bit for it was one hulluva time, I'll tell ya that! Betty Hmmmmmm. Don't think so . . . Could be . . . <uh oh>
Nothing like making a port o' call at St. John's in January. "Beating" the nor'easter only means there's gotta be another just waitin' for ya on the "outside." <yikes>
Appreciate the continuing support for the bar 'n updates from the north Atlantic!
Eric, thanks for clicking the census links. Interesting how Phoenix overtook Philadelphia. To me anyway.
Lars, a letter to the editor of the NY Daily News says the Jets and the Giants ought to schedule one more home game at Shea and Yankee Stadium for old times sake. Neat idea. But they'd probably black-out the Giants from local TV and everybody would have to take the New Haven up and rent a room for the day in Bridgeport.
Ferg, nor'easter and water, too freezing and seasick to contemplate. Good luck and don't arrive in a MESS.
Allan, Sir Ed climbing Mt. Everest was just a notch too early for me to remember. I guess he was a superstar like Niel Armstrong. Winter 1947 was a great time to be born but the Winter 1947 website is baffling. If this is the video that Pete is talking about it may disappear by tomorrow. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjmXKlbjfKQ
Tom, stay in a good mood if I gotta wait till Monday a.m. for the up thumb
Mike
A pint of Bathams please CINDY
TOM Congratulations on the 3,400th post.
Many thanks indeed for the Encore from DL on the history on the Nightstar Stock now Via Rail Renaissance cars. It is well worth reading again. I believe I was over in England when it was first posted but I recall reading it when I got back. Thanks for your great photos of the cars in Via Rail service.
I wonder if those Class 92 electric locomotives, which have been stored at Crewe, are still there or have they been put back into operation perhaps DL will know.
Had to go into town with the bride and as you say it is quite ‘brisk' out there today. In the freight yard there was 7 locomotives, 6 UP and 1 LLPX. One of the UP locomotives, #613 was originally a MP GP 38-2 I believe. The Eastbound Amtrak the ‘Ann Rutledge' running about an hour late rolled in, it had the horizon cars. Considering what we have talked about lately, the Amtrak locomotive hauling the train was a bit , its number was 33.
LARS Thanks for the round.
You are right about the profession sports now a days, although I only know much about the UK sports and then not a lot, but it seems, with the astronomical wages the top stars are getting, they have lost all reality with the ordinary guys who are the fans of the game. It would be really interesting to see what would happen if the TV money was suddenly to disappear from these sports.
Yes we are very lucky to have the museum and the TrainWreck saloon so near to each other and to still have a train service from here to Kirkwood, It certainly is a good feeling having some good beer under the belt and traveling on the train listening the engine's horn and the bells of the crossings.
What a great idea to encore two posts from the re-start of the bar, it is hard to believe that was a year and a half ago now. I think then, if could have looked forward to now, we would have been pleased how the bar is today. Looking back to the pages around the link in your post we don't have some of the guys we had then but we have new people since then who are very good, and I think the quality of posts are as good as ever. I still think of BK from time to time and I hope he is doing OK.
The only problem is, when I go back to look at the 'old' Our Place I am there quite a while.
FERGIE. Glad thinks calmed down after the 40-knot winds and you are heading back to harbour before the Northwester sets in.
This weeks photos from Alan are from England and Wales, the first 4 are taken at the Bluebell Railway's gala on August 11th 2007.
The only surviving Great Western Railway ‘Dukedog' 4-4-0. These locos were built using the older Duke class boiler and Bulldog class frames. It is hard to believe they were introduced as late as 1936. They were used on lightly laid lines like the Ex Cambrian Railway in Wales.
Unrebuilt ex Southern Railway West Country class pacific No 34023 'Blackmore Vale' with the SR numbering, can anyone guess the meaning of the numbers free beer for a day if you can. These locomotives were nicknamed' Spam Cans'. The signalman is about to recieve the singal-line token from the fireman.
These photos at the Bluebell have been taken at HORSTED KEYNES station on a field outside the station there was a collection of vintage tractors. Mainly Fordsons with a Ferguson,an Allis-Chambers and a Nuffield.
Another pic of the 'Dukedog' note the old vehicles in the consist.
On to the Llangollen Railway in Wales I really like this two photos of BR Standard 2-6-4 tank No 80136 at CARROG. they seem to me almost timeless a
A quick Bathams that Mike bought please LEON
MIKE Yes that is the video I was talking about, I have just had a look at parts one and two I hope some are able to view it before it is removed from the site especially Allan as it features the A4 Silver Fox. Thanks for finding it..
TOM looking forward to seeing what the movies are tomorrow
Pete.
Good evening Leon , it's colder than well lest just say that brass monkeys would not be too happy <uh oh> so I think a very large very spiked Irish coffee and here's some to keep the rest of the gang suitably warm this evening.
Tom-,<aarg> Nice pictures of the very ugly renasance cars. Some more interesting shots from the museum yesterday as well. I don't know why but I've always loved endcab switchers like the US army SW8 or that S2.
I'm not sure about the women you used to ahng out with, I have always tried to go for the ones with a full set of teeth, mind-you toothless has it's own possibilities I suppose
Lars-Thanks for posting the grand return of the thread post from last year, seem impossibly long ago.And yes as Tom said this bar has grown up quickly hasn't it 3400+ and counting. Not bad for the group we have not bad at all You should give yourself a 5x salp on the back for all you've done for da bar this past year as well.
Eric-thanks for the offer, but I'll have to take the pass on the Cracker barrell this time out , we have a small renovation at the store planned for the time frame of the rendezvous mk 3 which unhappily I'm told I need to be around for
With the Acela's built by BBR it makes perfect sence why the Feds offered financing.
Pete-Some more great pics from Allan, I don't know why but for some reason I've always had a hard time looking at English diesel switchers with the conecting side rods, don't know why really. Just a quirk I suppose.
Fergie-Hey nice to see you in a couple days (daze) in a row. they moved the Newfie bullet to the railroad museum right near downtown St John's. It's right on the waterfront just of the Transcanada.
Eric n Allan-Not to worry once the Witt's painted I will post a couple photo's, it may be a while though so don't loose sleep waiting to see it .
Shane-Glad that you lied the NS&T shots one of those beasties is still around they have it in maine at the seashore museum. I'm told that they do not run it often as it's a bit of a power hog, but it's there none the less. Thanks for teh final installment to teh KCS passenger cronicles.
Rob
Good morning Captain tom and all present!!
Leon, it's time for my Rumpsteak Café de Paris! Curly fries and a cold Tui!
A busy Saturday, didn't have a chance to stop by until now. 64° in Phoenix today and the gasoline is down to $2.82 (rounded).
Tom – Me being up late/early? Kind of a habit and kind of a necessity. Had to call my sister in the old country (8 hrs ahead of our time). Mail received and responded to. Thanks!I checked, MARC 63 and 66 are both E9’s.
Old MARC #66 territory, Point of Rocks, MD.
I understand your problem concentrating on picture taking at the same time you tried to keep track of Stealthy Pete. I remember what happened at the same place last May! Thanks for reposting DL’s old post. I have copied it, very interesting to read again. Nice photos to illustrate DL’s article! The first car (second photo from the top), does it have green blinds/curtains or are the windows tinted green? Pete – I am sure you will like your new scanner! If you ave any questions when you are using it, please ask me.You are an angel? Hmmm, I didn’t know. Acela was built by Bombardier who used some of Alstoms technical solutions/equipment building it. Some parts of Acela is basically the same as what is used on the French TGV.
Again a bunch of Alan's nice photos! Lars – I know this Sunday will be a tough day for you watching the Packers smashing the Jints into the snow. But there is always another season coming up in seven months! If the Smithsonian’s “junk food” wing will receive my gall bladder they will probably find some blackberry pancakes in it. If you ever go to CB you should try their Blackberry Pankaces!!!Thanks for the well wishes! I am looking forward to get it done so I can get back to eat what I really like again. I remember the day when Our Place opened again after being shut down about a month earlier! Nice of you to repost Tom’s and BK’s posts! I miss BK, hope he is doing fine. Fergie – Interesting question for Tom, looking up old Flames!!?!?! Any names?Hope the winds calmed down so you could get a good night’s sleep. Mike – I am not surprised that Phoenix overtook Philadelphia considering how many people that are moving here, to the desert. Thousands of them every month. Thanks for the link to the Elizabethab Express! Very interesting video! Shows everything, all aspects of a train journey. Rob – Hopefully we can do it some other time! I promise not to loose any sleep, but I am still looking foward to see the Witt painted.
Lights off.
Photo quiz! Where?As an engineer you better stop at the right spot to let people off here. Verkhershaus, Lucerne, Switzerland 1986. Some German locomotives on display and, to the right, a full scale model of the ICE train.
Greetings Tom and gentlemen....
First an heartfelt apology for my absence from my chair and bar. Even though it has been rather quiet at work, I've been extremely tired for some reason and slept quite alot recently. I blame the dark, wet, windy and cold weather here....I can't wait for the spring to kick in so we get to the summer.....
I think that a suitable "punishment" for my AWOL is to pay for all the drinks for the rest of the month (writes a cheque).....this should cover it....here's some extra $$$$ for the cigar box and Mr Wurlitzer....
Still a bit sleepy this morning when I write this, but I thought that I had to pass by to dust of my chair, to see how everybody's doing and check out what's been going on....
siberianmo 01-07-2008, 4:21 PM: I bet that our much loved doughnut machine will work 24/7/365.....beautiful artwork too!
Da Larsman 01-07-2008, 5:02 PM: Nice ARR stuff mate!
siberianmo 01-07-2008, 8:16 PM: Great Milwaukee Road material....! Yummy!
siberianmo 01-07-2008, 8:47 PM: I can't belive that it's only three days to my 39th birthday....moooaaann....can we all please pretend it's my 29th instead, eh?
trolleyboy 01-08-2008, 1:38 AM : The way that I've been sleeping lately....it'll plenty left for my retirement plan....I think that I'll buy a couple of railroad companies and bring Milwaukee Road back from the dead.....
EricX2000 01-08-2008, 7:17 AM: You bet I will....thinking of avoiding christmas completely this year....hide in a cave or something similar. Nice pic of the X2000 driver's position...
Fergmiester 01-08-2008, 1:50 PM: Sorry to hear that you damaged some of your wiring....pain in the rear end sometimes, eh....?
coalminer3 01-08-2008, 2:19 PM:....and again today....made myself a black java here and having a nice and quiet Sunday morning reading my Steam, Steel and Limiteds....
Da larsman 01-08-2008, 5:24 PM: Nice covers my good man....as always!
pwolfe 01-08-2008, 8:16 PM: Work has been alright, not too busy....still been sleepig alot 8+ hours everyday....probably takes longer than I thought to get back to....well, normal after the Christmas and New Year madness.... Great pic!
siberianmo 01-08-2008, 9:26 PM: Great material on KCS....!
wanswheel 01-09-2008, 2:42 AM: Nice artwork...will try the links when all this is done....early Monday morning....
EricX2000 01-09-2008, 7:36 AM: Too bad that this pic isn't of a fully restored and working Big Boy....siiigh!
trolleyboy 01-09-2008, 2:34 PM: Awesome pics matey...!
Da Larsman 01-09-2008, 2:43 PM: Nice covers....love the NYNH&H one....
trolleyboy 01-09-2008, 2:47 PM: More great pics!
pwolfe 01-09-2008, 8:53 PM: Great pics! Is that a CN business car and what is that truck used for sitting on the tracks?
siberianmo 01-09-2008, 11:02 PM: Nice drumheads! I wouldn't mind to own a few, hanging on the wall....nice and colorful!
MopacBarrettTunnel 01-10-2008, 2:02 AM: Always a pleasure to meet new bar members....looking forward to more goodies!
Gunneral 01-10-2008, 3:17 AM: Always nice to see friendly and familiar face mate...!
MopacBarrettTunnel 01-10-2008, 6:41 AM: Great pics mate.....and I agree with you about the paint scheme and the Frisco cars.
EricX2000 01-10-2008, 7:10 AM: Like those steam pics mate....the 9000's were MASSIVE!
MopacBarrettTunnel 01-10-2008, 9:27 AM: I didn't see or hear anything....
DL - UK 01-10-2008, 5:45 PM: Good stuff....I hope that you enjoyed it...
Reminder: We are CLOSED on SUNDAYs!
Starting today at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!
Stone Cold (2005)
PLOT SUMMARY: Jesse Stone (Selleck) is a New England police chief investigating a series of murders, in an adaptation of Robert B. Parker's novel. In the small town of Paradise, Massachusetts, the experienced Chief of Police Jesse Stone is investigating a murder and a rape case. When a series of murders happen with the same "modus-operandi", Jesse discloses the identity of the killers. However, without the motive, proof or weapon, he has to wait for an opportunity to catch the murderers. <from: amazon.com>
Jesse Stone (Selleck) is a New England police chief investigating a series of murders, in an adaptation of Robert B. Parker's novel. In the small town of Paradise, Massachusetts, the experienced Chief of Police Jesse Stone is investigating a murder and a rape case. When a series of murders happen with the same "modus-operandi", Jesse discloses the identity of the killers. However, without the motive, proof or weapon, he has to wait for an opportunity to catch the murderers.
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
PLOT SUMMARY: Bourne dodges new, superior assassins as he searches for his unknown past while a government agent tries to track him down. Bourne is once again brought out of hiding, this time inadvertently by London-based reporter Simon Ross who is trying to unveil Operation BlackBriar--an upgrade to Project Treadstone--in a series of newspaper columns. Bourne sets up a meeting with Ross and realizes instantly they're being scanned. Information from the reporter stirs a new set of memories, and Bourne must finally, ultimately, uncover his dark past whilst dodging The Company's best efforts in trying to eradicate him.
Bourne dodges new, superior assassins as he searches for his unknown past while a government agent tries to track him down. Bourne is once again brought out of hiding, this time inadvertently by London-based reporter Simon Ross who is trying to unveil Operation BlackBriar--an upgrade to Project Treadstone--in a series of newspaper columns. Bourne sets up a meeting with Ross and realizes instantly they're being scanned. Information from the reporter stirs a new set of memories, and Bourne must finally, ultimately, uncover his dark past whilst dodging The Company's best efforts in trying to eradicate him.
<from: amazon.com>
Note: As with all Bourne flicks, there are several great shots of Euro trains to enjoy!
SHORT: The Three Stooges - No Dough, Boys (1944)
PLOT SUMMARY: A "war years" short. This one opens w/the boys dressed as Japanese soldiers on a photo shoot. Sent out to lunch in uniform by the photographer, they are quickly mistaken for real Japanese soldiers by the cafe owner. Fleeing, they inadvertently, land in a house full of Axis Powers sympathizers. Mayhem ensues when the REAL Japanese soldiers arrive to keep a scheduled parlay w/their fellow comrades. However, the Stooges foil the bad guys in typical Stooge manner.
A "war years" short. This one opens w/the boys dressed as Japanese soldiers on a photo shoot. Sent out to lunch in uniform by the photographer, they are quickly mistaken for real Japanese soldiers by the cafe owner. Fleeing, they inadvertently, land in a house full of Axis Powers sympathizers. Mayhem ensues when the REAL Japanese soldiers arrive to keep a scheduled parlay w/their fellow comrades. However, the Stooges foil the bad guys in typical Stooge manner.
<from: threestooges.net>
Enjoy the FOOTBALL games and the weekend! Tom
Stone Cold looks like a good flick....I really look forward to The Bourne Ultimatum though....
Just thought that I'd pop in again to drop of some....eeerrmmm....cough..cough...eehhh water, yeah...water that's right water....*hides a few bottles...*
Also to drop something off for Monday morning....
Observation car "Silver Beach" on the "California Ltd.", in Dodge City, Kan., February 22, 1937. Otto Perry
Beauty contestant winners (identified from left to right) Elizabeth Foster, Wilma Adams, Florence Collier, Virginia Roper, Beverley Peterson, and their chaperon, Mrs. H.C. Leuty pose in the observation car of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy, Denver Zephyr. Unknown
Observation car 1535, "Colorado Club," on its initial run on the Columbine, in Denver, Colo., May 22, 1930. Otto Perry
View of Great Northern Railway's Oriental Limited passenger train compartment observation car," "9029,". Lucius Beebe
Night scene during record run, about 57 hours from Los Angeles to New York, 5 cars, in Cheyenne, Wyo., October 23, 1934. Otto Perry
CB&Q's enclosed observation car, on the Aristocrat, east of Derby, Colo., March 26, 1936. Otto Perry
Credit: Photoswest...
MY JINTS WON!
Lars
Greetings Tom and gentlemen.....
May I please have a cup of black Java please....I'll have some of those doughnuts as well thanks...
Had a bit of a problem getting this far this morning, "error" and "page do not exist", did anyone else have the same problem?
Well, I'll take my coffee and doughnuts, go and sit down to read my book....
*puts some more $$$$ in the cigar box and for Mr Wurlitzer*......hmmmm.....feel like playing some 30's and 40's big band music today....let's see....aahh...there we go...nice...
Catch you all later....
A smile to begin the week!
Complaining that his impending golf shot was going to go in the water, a friend offered that Yogi should think positive. His reply, "Okay, I'm positive my shot is going to go in the water..
<A Yogi-ism!>
Well it IS Monday ‘n it IS time for breakfast - so let's get a move on! Order up a <light> or <traditional> entrée from our Menu Board - pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery case ‘n draw a mugga freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee while you're at it!
What's to say other than GIANTS WON! They really put it to those Packers 'n suprised the world of pro-sports. Give credit where credit is due - nicely done, Giants!
Page 171 - Mike (wanswheel) at 4:35 PM: What "good mood" You obviously have mistaken me for the Larsman! <grin> Anyway, here's a "handful" of those "thumbs ups" for ya -
Giants vs Jets in NEW YORK - now that's a thought. You are correct though, the "powers" would "black it out" for those wishing to view it on TV at home. But an interesting idea nonetheless . . .
Round ‘n visit appreciated! <oooooops, ANOTHER one!>
Page 171 - Pete (pwolfe) at 5:32 PM ‘n 6:21 PM: Appears the ENCORE! of that Post by Dan (DL-UK) was a "hit" with several of the guys - great - that's the idea!
So, you've confirmed that the Ann Rutledge does indeed operate with the Horizon equipment whereas the Mules are running Superliners. Guess the freeze up problems occur with the layovers in downtown StL, whereas the Superliners "sleep" in Chicago's Union Station. Makes sense . . . Thanx!
Many thanx for that fine spate of 6 fotos - surely fits in well ‘round here with our Classic Trains "theme" . . . in spite of our detractors <and we have ‘em, don't kid yourself!> this Thread of ours <including the Original> contains SO MUCH overwhelmingly meaningful material, that if placed into bound volumes, I'd say we'd be talking of a bookshelf full!
Yes, the Larsman provided quite a trip back into nostalgia for those who recall the <dark days> of that summer of 2006. And yes, I think we are far, far better off today than then. QUALITY over QUANTITY should prevail - and for the most part is has. Sometimes the QUANTITY must be accepted when trying to get the material across. But the days of "data dumps" are OVER.
Many thanx for your < I3 > Post ‘n support for the bar!
Page 171 - Rob (trolleyboy) at 9:25 PM: Checked the weather map ‘n it appears that your area ‘n mine are pretty much in tandem regarding the temps - single digits (F) in the mornings make for BRISK walks with Juneau! <grin> At least we have blue skies during the daylite - so in the absence of the ‘white stuff,' this ain't all that bad, but . . . .
Personal tastes being what they are <were> - let's just say that one has to "play the hand that is dealt" in life. <grin> Just accent the positive aspects . . . ohhhhhh those memories of the waterfront dives in St. John's back in the late 50s ‘n thru the 60s. <yikes>
Appreciate your thinking of us ‘n providing a fine < I3 > Post for the gang!
Greetings Tom and gentlmen....
Just back to get a refill of my black Java here, nice to see you again Tom....sorry about that. As you put it, let's put the $$$$ into our SPECIAL FUND to defray costs associated with SPECIAL EVENTS....such as...well, you know... I trust that you'll put away the dough immediately in our old but trusted safe....
Jan, THAT safe is a terrific addition to the "things" at "Our" Place! With your approval, we'll adopt 'n adapt the use of it here at the bar . . .
Hmmmmmmm, next a NAME THE SAFE CONTEST! Why not
Okay guys, let's get some PARTICIPATION going RIGHT NOW! Name the Safe Contest closes on Monday, Jan 28th! <grin>
Thanx Jan! And no, I didn't experience any Forum's difficulties <yet> - but did over the weekend . . . <ugh>
Liked those Empire Builder drumheads - especially since we ARE taking a roundtrip this year - shortly after Rendezvous III.
Later!
Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth my deAH, a mugga Joe with a jolt ‘n a number three from the "board" if you please! I'm soooooooooooooooo HAPPY today with being able to see your smiling face AND knowing that my JINTS WON!
Who wuddathunkit I did - really BELIEVED they could do ‘n would do it ‘n they DID!
Now on to the Super Bowl where they square off against the Patriots, a team they nearly beat at the end of the regular season. Gave ‘em a run for their money, didn't they Youbetchaboots they did! WondAH if "baby Manning" has come of age He sure looked like it yesterday! The entire team showed up ‘n showed up in SUPER style at that!
Brett looked very OLD to me, almost as if he didn't want to be out in that coooooooooold. Surely a different Brett than the week before when he looked so strong in the snow! Go figger, huh JINTS WON!
Ok, ‘nuf of that for now - how about a round for the house on me Ring it Boris ‘n don't forget to feed the gang! Oh, you DID! Good man <I think> ‘n go ahead - the small jar of PPF is for you. Sorry, we've got to keep you "on" those small jars. <uh oh>
For Cap'n Tom: Keep up the fine material that you provide for us all! Movie selections look good for the week!
I note that you ARE going to take the Empire Builder across the "top" of our country, huh Have you decided on Seattle or Portland for the destination Seem to recall you leaning toward the Oregon port o' call. Good choice, if that's the one!
Email sent to you regarding "that thing" atop our forum page. I got "slam dunked" - oh well, what's new
For Mike: I had heard about that Giants-Jets proposal for New York City. I'd dearly love to see ‘em both MOVE BACK to "the city." NevAH, evAH will accept them being in Joisey - just doesn't ring true to me.
For Eric: I'm in complete amazement about you ‘n your "thing" for the Cracker Barrel. Good Grief Charlie Brown - you should OWN a stake in the company! Why not You're probably the best customAH ‘n living advertisement for ‘em ANYWHERE! Nothing eccentric about you, huh That's ok, mate - we ALL have our own oddities - mine are . . . . well, bettAH leave that alone! <grin>
For Pete: Enjoying your contributions, as always, to the discussions at hand. You seem to be our "pub mastAH." One might come away with the notion that you've spent a wee bit of time in pubs. Hmmmmmm.
Got a kick out of the "talk" between you ‘n Da Bossman about the atmosphere in a tavern . . . yeah, I can recall those kinds of places too. It has been so many years since I ‘hung out' in a tavern that I find it difficult to even recall the year! That's not to say I haven't been in any lately, just don't do so on a regular basis. They really have changed, big time. Gotta seek out those with the neighborhood "flavor." Not many left . . .
For Allan: You'd be a good fit for a get together with this gang at "Our" Place! I can just see you, Pete ‘n Cap'n Tom <me too!> at the Train Wreck bar . . . Next round on Pete, is what I'd call for!
For Jan: Great to see ya back, mate! WondAHd what happened to ya - but I see it was ONLY work. <grin> Nice looking safe! I think I'll try for Nessie the Lock Master! <catch that one for the CONTEST, Cap'n Tom >
Some great looking observation cars back in the heavyweight era! Also liked those logos you inserted in that all - inclusive post of yours!
Morning Ruth , I think a BK splash and a number three. I'll leave some quarters for herr wurlitzer as the tabs been covered. Thanks Jan ( BTW feel like adopting me )
Tom-Yes we are a tad in teh coolish temps at the moment aren't we. Oh well could be worse it could be 70 degrees and sunny in January ,I wouldn't want that or anything.
Lets see, for teh new contest lets take a page from teh old TD bank ads of teh early 80's when they frist introduced bank machines and call it the "GREEN MACHINE or MOSHEEN if you prefer "
Good movie choices for the week , I think that the temperance league has gon eup to the mountain village to try and tame the second classers <uh oh > so they won't likey object to the more "loud" movie choices for this week so the theater should have some big crowds
Just a quick comment on those waterfront dives,they aera ll still there, thiough George street has undergone a bit of a transformantion,( painting ) and is now infested with kids re twenty somethings instead of the usual suspects though I'm sure they still enjoy a round or two.
Lars-Houray for the gints ! They may just upset the Pats yet
Great books for the day as well your tempting me again aren't you
Jan-Ah yes Our generouis Scotish transplant is back with his bank book again .5x for teh perfect and detailed catch up and the generous offer to stoke the fires of the poarticipants again. Good thing Pete just re-ordered to restock the bar fridges. He must have known thta you were comming.
To answer your HO traction question , it's not so mainstream , little s available in pre-made so the diehards must buy brass scratch build the rest so something like that comming out ios just well just the cats behind
thanks for the wonderfull passenger shots. Looking at the beauty contest winners photo , I think that the chaperone must be related to H&H , she does not look to be the type I would want to cross.
Eric-Great photo's , I'll take a stab as Stockholm as the location of the Quizz shot.
thanks for the updatae on the birthplace of the Acsela's, now we know
Ahoy Assistant Manager!
Appears as if we posted pretty much on top of one anothAH . . . <uh oh>
No, no, no - the TAB has NOT been covAHd . . . READ the woIds, mate! Cap'n Tom 'splained it 'n Jan agreed to it. <geesh>
Good choice for the "name game"!
Ruth, I'll take care of his ordAH . . .
Manager Lars!
Until the next time!
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