ENCORE! Saturday - and - Photo Posting Day!
from Page 151 (30 Oct 2005) on the "original" Thread
"These are a few of my favorite things!" Click to enlarge! VIA Rail's "Ocean" and Revelstoke Park Car at Central Station, Montreal, QC, Canada Eastbound "Ocean" and Chateau Argenson Bedroom Car at Moncton, NB Eastbound "Ocean" and Revelstoke Park Car at Moncton Eastbound "Ocean" and Tom & Revelstoke Park Car at Moncton Eastbound "Ocean" at Moncton Eastbound "Ocean" and Kent Dining Car w/Eddie the Attendant at Moncton Eastbound "Ocean" ready for departure at Moncton Between Moncton and Sackville, NB (spent the night in Sackville at the Marshlands Inn) This turned out to be "Our" Place's 3000th Post!
Enjoy!
Tom
Hi Tom and all. Back again RUTH, another beer please and I,ll have some Steak later.
This weeks pics are from Alan,s recent trip to Germany. This is at the start of the trip on the HARZ railway. they were taken at Quedlinberg. I,m afraid I do not know about the locos.
They should enlarge.
Pete.
Hi Tom an all.
A pint of the Winter's Bourbon Ale please RUTH on this rather chilly day.
ERIC Thanks for the answer to the picture quiz and the photo of the train with the X2000. As you say a great way to travel.It looks as though the train is by a locomotive depot as there are locos in the right background.
Great pic of the Chinese steam loco, it seems the run down of steam in China was very rapid with I believe nearly new locos not seeing hardly any use.
DOUG I am real sorry to hear about the problems you are having caused by the weather to your house.We are waiting for a company to dig up in front of our house and waterproof the basement.
Many thanks, despite the problems you are having, for posting the last part of the very interesting posts on the Penn State Coal, It is amazing really that the Bellafonte RR still continued to supply the Penn state with other goods for as long as it did. I wonder how many trucks it takes to supply the 70,000 tons they use now,Surely if the rail line was still there today they would go back to getting their coal by rail today.
I wonder if it is the same loco in the two pictures although the photos were taken 16 years apart, they look simular, but in a different paint scheme.
Those questions do make one think before one answers and thanks for the drink.
LARS Great words forTOM and DOUG. I remember your basement problems, it seems like yesterday but I suppose it is quite a while since it happened now.
I can claim the ORACLE status too. I think I will confess the one I got wrong to Tom.
Yes Isambard Kingdom Brunel was a remarkable engineer indeed. Many of his structures can still be seen today having stood the test of time. Like the bridge over the River Tamar which separates Cornwall from Devon at Saltash,near Plymouth and the bridge over the River Thames at Maidenhead west of London on the Great Western Main line which carries trains at 125 MPH a speed that could only be dreamt off when it was constructed.
Brunel did not want to have to grade the railway over the bridge to get the height required to give the clearance over the river, so he used very flat arches on the bridge. Other engineers at the time said the bridge would collapse when the wooded supports used in the bridges construction was removed. The bridge had been in use for some time before the supports were due to be removed. On that day a crowd gathered to see if the bridge would collapse when the supports were removed or when a train passed over it. What they did not know was that the supports were no longer in contact with the bridge and it had stood on its own since it was completed. Class or what . A bit more on IKB in my post later.
It is great to see those classic dome cars again Many thanks
TOM I guess it is the Winfield locks on the Mississippi that has the swing bridge on it It would be good to see a pic of it..
Last year was the 200th anniversary of Brunels birth and there were some celebrations in the UK. Not only did the great man build railways he was a pioneer with iron ships.One of his ships as been rescued and is being renovated in Bristol. I have found a great link that gives a history of the ship.
http://www.ssgreatbritain.org/history/
As LARS says a for the quiz I throughily enjoyed it.Hopefully a few more will have a go I know BK is going to. Well I got 39 out of the 40 questions right, quite why I thought Mountain Man Mike was the President of Our Ladies of the Perpetual Motion 'n Knitting Circle Social Club perhaps I'll never know. But every time I see that title I lose concentration.
Looks like two more good features on at The Emporium this week.I dont believe I have seen ether film, they seem to have good plots. It seems getting into a cream puff fight with the Stooges can be dangerous.
Well RUTH I,ll have another while I get some pics for this week, back in a bit.
ENCORE! Saturday ‘n Photo Posting Day!
at "Our" Place!
We are CLOSED on SUNDAYs!Starting Sunday at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!
. . . Sunday, March 4th thru 10th: Money Train (1995) Starring: Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson, Jennifer Lopez, Robert Blake & Chris Cooper - and - Night Train To Venice (1993) Starring: Hugh Grant, Tahnee Welch, Malcolm McDowell, Kristina Söderbaum, Rachel Rice. SHORT: The Three Stooges - Three Sappy People (1939).
Money Train (1995)
PLOT SUMMARY:
A vengeful New York transit cop decides to steal a trainload of subway fares; his foster brother, a fellow cop, tries to protect him. The two foster brothers (Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes) work as transit cops. While one's life is as good as it gets, the other's is a pit. After losing his job, getting dumped by his brother, and getting the crap kicked out of him by a loan shark for the umpteenth time, He implements his plan to steal the "money train," a train carrying the New York Subway's weekly revenue. But when things go awry, will his brother be able to save him in time?
from: amazon.com
Night Train To Venice (1993)
The Orient Express, on it's night trip from Munich to Venice, is full because of the beginning of the carnival in Venice. Between the passengers are a journalist, an actress and her daughter, an elder dancer, five neo-nazi punks and a strange man that seems to have some kind of influence over them through their dreams.
SHORT: Three Sappy People (1939)PLOT SUMMARY: Featuring Moe, Larry & Curly
Millionaire Rumsford has about had it with his wife Sheri's eccentric behavior. He calls the office of psychiatrists Ziller, Zeller and Zoller to help. The call is taken by the Stooges, who are actually phone repairmen. They assume the doctors' identities and try to cure Sheri, but fail when a cream puff fight breaks out. During the cream puff fight, Lorna Gray, who played Sheri Rumsford, had a cream puff accidentally lodged into her throat. Curly mentioned his wife, Gertie, who was actually Shemp's wife.
During the cream puff fight, Lorna Gray, who played Sheri Rumsford, had a cream puff accidentally lodged into her throat. Curly mentioned his wife, Gertie, who was actually Shemp's wife.
from: threestooges.net
Enjoy! Tom
Afternoon Tom and friends. I'll take the lager from Lars right now, buy a round for the house and chip everyone for their next drink. Got E-mail from Tom, and am in agreement with you on just how much we can expect in this forum. Thanks for your concerns (and Lars') for our little problems over here. We're dry at the moment and the contruction office is closed today anyway, so there's really nothing to do. I've got some catching-up to do here for sure, but wanted you to know that the quizes were really great! I can only claim the "Journeyman" title myself, and don;t want to admit where I might have fallen if the answers (multiple guess) weren't right in my face! My bad. Terrific idea putting the questions and answers together, but the question about the groan-o-meter being "peaked" didn't quite fit. I feel that I have proven on more than one occasion that I don't just "peak" the thing .... I break every industrial-sized spring in it!
Ahoy Cap'n Tom 'n fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth my deAH, how about a "snort" of JD on the rocks and slide the snack tray down my way, wudja please
Gotta a few things to attend to around here but figured I'd best get to the bar B4 events overtake me. Happens all the time, huh
Let me lay claim to the title of ORACLE of KNOWLEDGE at "Our" Place!
I'm almost embarassed to admit to the one question I missed. So, I won't! <grin>
Nice job Cap'n Tom and I'm glad you brought it up first for I am very surprised at the light participation. We've always had one or two who consistently sit these things out, but in comparison to the 10,000th Post Contest, this Quiz thing apparently didn't "do it" for many. But I'm happy you came up with it and it was enjoyable to do. Thanks! A five- for you, Sir!
Another accolade for our leader as the B'day Watch List looks GREAT with those horoscopes included! Thanks for pickin' up on my suggestion. Not sure I agree that mine "fits" but then again, we all proabably are wonderin', huh
Nice to see Doug this morning but feeling rather glum for our chum from the Land of Lincoln. New home problems added to by storm damage. <yikes> <double yikes> Don't even REMIND me about basement and attendant water problems. That's a nightmare continuing in my dreams on a regular basis. <arrrrrggggghhhhh> Wish you the best to over come all of this, Doug and I surely hope that this latest set back doesn't impede your participation with us further. Surely need to have you here. BUT we all understand the deal. Hang in there, mate! Enjoy a lager on me - Ruth give the man whatever he prefers!
Pete 'n Eric, good stuff from you as always and I'll tell ya this, you guys really are keeping the fires burning here at my favorite pub. Always find some super interesting material from both of you. That "sunshine" through the tunnel story is quite amazing, Pete. Thanks for it!
Eric, I too was a bit confused by the pix questions. I either missed one or just didn't quite "get it." No matter, the pix are good to look at!
X2000 is a great sight anytime, anywhere and any place. Just wish the place could be here in North America, specifically near where I live!
Some "blasts from the past" from me. This goes way back to early 2006 from a Photo Posting Sunday . . . page 220 on the "old" thread:
GN #1320 GN #1321 GN #1322GN #1323Don't you just love those domes?
GN #1321
GN #1322
GN #1323Don't you just love those domes?
and from the following page . . .
Wabash #200 (1956, Moberly, MO) #200 as Amtrak #9560 (1972, Newport News, VA)Former Wabash #201 as N&W #1611 Former Wabash #201 as Amtrak #9561
Former Wabash #201 as Amtrak #9561
Ruth, I see that the Penthouse Suite is available for tonight . . . Why no, I was just making "small talk." Ahhhhh errrrr, another "belt" then I better skedaddle . . . <grin>
Until the next time!
Lars
Answers for the "Our" Place Knowledge QUIZ!
PART I - Skill level: NOVICE
(1) Four letter word for the Red Head who tends bar during the daytime at "Our" Place? RUTH
(2) Cloven-footed Cyclops who watches over "Our" Place? BORIS
(3) Night bartender at "Our" Place? LEON
(4) Pizza Nite & Steak ‘n Fries Nite at "Our" Place? FRIDAY
(5) Steak ‘n All The Trimmings Nite at "Our" Place? SATURDAY
(6) Fish ‘n Chips Nite at "Our" Place? THURSDAY
(7) Flying Circus at "Our" Place? AWK
(8) Ankle Biter at "Our" Place? TEX
(9) Wears a tuxedo all of the time? FROSTBITE
(10) First mascot of "Our" Place? JUNEAU
PART II - Skill level: APPRENTICE
(1) Site for the 1st Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous? TORONTO, ON, CANADA
(2) RR Theme Day at "Our" Place? TUESDAY
(3) OPTIONAL Toy ‘n Model Trains Day at "Our" Place? WEDNESDAY
(4) Only remaining Charter Member at "Our" Place? trolleyboy ROB
(5) What "Our" Place customer "digs" the Milwaukee Road RR? JAMES
(6) Who at "Our" Place lives in central Missouri and is from Rugby, England? pwolfe PETE
(7) What "Our" Place customer resides in England? DL-UK
(8) Site for the 2nd Annual Classic Trains Rendezvous? St. LOUIS, MO, USA
(9) Challengers for the "Our" Place Annual DARTS Tournament? 2ND CLASS SALOON
(10) The name for the Mentor Village Theatre? EMPORIUM
PART III - Skill level: JOURNEYMAN
(1) What "Our" Place customer can "relate" to the Central Vermont Railway (CV)? wanswheel MIKE
(2) Who at "Our" Place provides "chapters" of nostalgia on the railroads terminating in Boston? coalminer3 CM3
(3) What "Our" Place customer can "relate" to the Baltimore & Ohio RR? LoveDomes LARS
(4) Who at "Our" Place ‘loves' RDCs? siberianmo TOM
(5) What "Our" Place customer routinely "peaks" the Groan-O-Meter? barndad DOUG
(6) Who at "Our" Place was a railroad engineer outside of North America? EricX2000
(7) What "Our" Place customer claims dual-citizenship of the U.S. & Canada? BudKarr BK
(8) Erstwhile companion of Inspector Clueless of the Local Constabulary? Mr. DOYLE
(9) Chairman of The Mentor Village Second National Bank? VITO THE HIT
(10) President of the Our Ladies of Perpetual Motion ‘n Knitting Circle Social Club? CINDY
PART IV - Skill level: ORACLE
(1) Who are the "Three Horsemen" of "Our" Place? BK - LARS ‘n TOM
(2) Who are the original "bookends" of "Our" Place? BK ‘n LARS
(3) trolleyboy Rob ‘loves' these diesels (manufacturer)? ALCO
(4) siberianmo Tom ‘loves' these locomotives (type)? GG1
(5) coalminer3 CM3 has a "nickname" - what is it? SHANE
(6) pwolfe Pete has a "nickname" - what is it? WOLFMAN
(7) The URLMeisterMonster has a second "nickname" - what is it? SILENT MIKE
(8) City ‘n State for our "Desert Swede"? PHOENIX, ARIZONA
(9) Island where LoveDomes Lars resides? STATEN ISLAND
(10) Canadian Province where BK lives? ALBERTA
So, how did you do
Here's the way to determine what level you've reached:
Passing grade for each part is 80% - therefore, no more than 2 misses are permitted.
In order to claim the "title" of ORACLE, you would have had to "pass" the previous three parts; for JOURNEYMAN - the previous two and so forth.
Example: "passing" Parts I, II and IV results in achieving the title of APPRENTICE because th
Courtesy: http://www.viarail.ca/
"Our" Place is CLOSED on Sundays!
G'day Gents!
A brisk walk in the falling snow, temps in the mid 20s (F) and winter has returned to mid-continent USA. Awwwwwwwright! However, there'll be a warm-up and all of this shall pass . . .
Today is ENCORE! Saturday - and - Photo Posting Day!
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
Pete at 9:53 PM yesterday: Was hoping to see ya as the flurry of activity for most of the week seemed to have diminished at week's end. Another informative AND inclusive Post from the Wolfman!
I should have clarified something for you in my comments regarding the Locks ‘n Dams. Winfield is the name for TWO of ‘em - #25 on the Mississippi and #24 on the Kanawa. Two separate ACoE (Army Corps of Engineers) Districts and of course, two different river systems. However, in my "former life" part of what I was responsible for included both of them for security purposes on the water.
That "box tunnel" elaboration is fantastic as is the way it was engineered. Imagine THAT! Sun shining thru it annually, but only on the construction engineer's birthday - simply amazing!
Good scoop on the naming of the locomotives!
Have been a bit surprised at the rather "quiet" response to the 4-part QUIZ. Really appreciate your enthusiastic support!
Eric at 2:00 AM today: I'm totally confused regarding the photo "quiz" question.
Thought I too was talking about the same one that CM3 honed in on. Anyway, thanx for the "scoop."
The Pix with the labeling is great - what a consist!
Those Southern Horoscopes are a great "fit" for the B'day Watch List - good suggestion from the Larsman, eh Glad you ‘n Pete enjoy the incorporation.
Night person, Moi
Well, once upon a time . . . no more. And it hasn't a thing to do with early rising. ALWAYS been up at the "crack of dawn" and way before at times. But now if I make it past 10 PM, THAT's something to "crow" about!
Doug at 6:16 AM today: Good Grief! Another "set back" for you - basement problems surely can ruin a guy's day! And roof problems too. <geesh> No rest for the weary, eh
Surprised, but pleased, that you made it in - you surely have "bigger fish to fry."
We've had lotsa "stuff" these past weeks, not to mention the 4-part QUIZ. So IF you find free time, be sure to check back through the Pages for what you've missed.
Hope there'll be sufficient interest in all the work you put into your continuing epoch! Especially since Saturdays are pretty much relegated to ENCOREs and now Photo Posting. Then again, come Monday, our "nucleus" will pick up on "what's what" - that's one great thing about having guys who take the time and make the effort to read what's happened ‘round here.
Received your Email . . . I think there's two different subjects; not at all surprised at the response given the 'tude regarding these 'open forums.' Take heart, we're not abusers!
Cute "funnies" . . .
QUIZ answers will be Posted before NOON . . . watch for ‘em!
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing. Tonight is Steak ‘n All The Trimmings Nite! Serving begins at 5 PM!
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
Good morning Tom and friends. I'll have a light breakfast and then need to be running to the stable to take care of horses and stalls. On a side note, this weather is not being kind to my new home. I had to come home early Thursday to move boxes in the basement after a six-foot crack in one of the corners started letting water in! You could see and hear the water coming down! That's pretty much stopped now with the colder weather, but needs fixin'. Fortunately the bride caught this early, so we did have too many boxes get wet, and have already dealt with soggy contents. The other bad thing is that these high winds are ripping the shingles off some of the roofs in the neighborhood, and we're included in that too. We've lost a substantial size area above one of the kids, rooms. Nice eh?
I'll be back later after taking care of some business, but here's the last segment of my Penn State coal posts:
Battle Over Coal by Michael Bezilla
A three-car consist on the daily-except-Sunday freight to State College in 1963 attests to the absence of coal traffic.
Bellefonte Central management, which had little taste for PRR's clandestine tactics, nevertheless joined PRR as a co-complainant. A PUC examiner presided over three days of hearings in Bellfonte. A local newspaper, the Centre Daily Times, observed that "most of the truckers' violations, if any, seem to rest in the more remote realms of PUC regulations."
A parade of truck owners testified that either they held common-carrier certifications (which PRR's embarrassed lawyers conceded they had overlooked during a review of the commission's Harrisburg files), or had ceased hauling coal to the university once they suspected they were violating the law.
After the examiner dismissed complaints against those parties, the dispute came down to an issue with Davidson Brothers Trucking Co., based in nearby Wingate. The Davidsons, who had won the bulk of Penn State's coal business, explained that they had subcontracted some haulage to owner-operators that were not certified as common carriers, under an assumption that such status was not required because the consignee was a state institution. The PUC later declared that assumption to be wrong and fined the brothers $100. The Davidsons themselves were not certificated - but neither were they fined for hauling Penn State coal on their own.
The committee said that title to the coal belonged to the brothers until they actually unloaded it on campus. The coal did not pass into university ownership at the mine load-out, contrary to the railroaders' contention. Since the Davidsons owned the coal that was in their own trucks and in their subcontractors' trucks, they (unlike their subcontractors) were not acting in the role of a common carrier and thus need not be certificated. The PUC dismissed the railroads' complaint.
Making a case rested on obscure interpretations of arcane commercial law was impossible. Patchell and the "brickyard specialists" on the board who he had rallied to his cause admitted defeat.
The university promptly paved over the Atherton Street grade crossing and cleared land on the eastern edge of campus for a coal stockpile that would be accessible only to trucks. The stockpile contained more than 5,000 tons of coal by summer of 1961, a year in which the power plant burned approximately 42,000 tons. Penn State reported it had spent $71,400 on trucking coal in 1961, $37,500 less than it would have paid the railroads to haul it.
As McClellan and Patchell had foretold, the loss of Penn State coal doomed rail service to State College. The end came with agonizing slowness. Trains continued to run to the community for another 15 years, although Bellefonte Central lost money on these operations every year after 1959, as measure by its own calculations and an ICC formula.
Revenue from National Gypsum's huge lime and limestone plant in effect subsidized the railroad's service to customers on the west end. The "Gyp," as the plant was known locally, loaded as many as 4,000 cars annually. The railroad maintained State College service in hopes of landing another big customer or persuading the university to reverse its stance on coal. A number of enterprises - most notably a glass plant and a building-supply distribution center - considered sites along BFC but ultimately went elsewhere.
The prospect of recapturing the Penn State coal business surfaced briefly. In the late 1960s, the university planned to use more low-sulfur coal to meet increasingly stringent federal air-quality standards, but was concerned that the relatively small producers of central Pennsylvania might be unable to meet its needs. Rail delivery of coal would not allow Penn State to buy from larger, more distant producers.
The Walker administration ordered a study of the issue.
By then, the track leading to the power plant had been torn out, so new rail delivery arrangements would have to be made. One plan called for a railroad-served stockpile to be created on the western edge of campus, and the coal trucked in from there.
PRR successor Penn Central and the National Coal Association teamed up to study the feasibility of using a system of conveyors to send coal over Atherton Street from hopper cars stored in the State College yard. The latter plan also included a larger, all-weather stockpile at the plant, and new unloading equipment to reduce smoke and noise.
But in March 1970, McClellan received a letter from National Coal Association field engineer Fred Callowhill summarizing the study's conclusion. "There is little doubt that rail delivery of coal to Penn State is out of the question," Callowhill wrote. "First, coal delivered by rail is $8.30 per ton versus truck delivery at $6.90 to $7.20 per ton. Add to the rail figure the coast of unloading, which is not a factor with truck. Second, the area planned for the new coal handling equipment has been allocated for a new chilled water plant. We are sorry to report this but rail is just not practical."
Instead of using rail, the university chose to increase its trucked-in stockpile, building it up during periods of low demand for low-sulfur coal while it reached nearly 60,000 tons, enough to supply the power plant for more than a year.
That was the end, as far as McClellan was concerned. "In view of the apparent permanent loss of the coal traffic," he wrote to President Walker on April 3, 1970, "we will be compelled to make more realistic appraisal of the matter on continuing rail service into the State College area." McClellan pointed out that the State College end of the line accounted for 5.5 percent of the railroad's gross operating income in 1969, and concluded: "It is economically illogical that we have been maintaining approximately 75 percent of our total track mileage to serve an area that produces these percentages of our revenue."
The number of carloads BFC brought to State College had steadily declined throughout the 1960s. In 1970, only 189 carloads were delivered, including approximately 30 cars carrying mostly food and paper products to the university. The railroad posted a net operating loss that year of about $5,600 (the fifth consecutive year of deficit operations), which it attributed to having to maintain State College service.
BFC started ICC proceedings to abandon 13.5 miles of track leading to State College, and ran its last train over that segment in 1974. Thereafter, the short line's fate was tied exclusively to the National Gypsum plant. That facility closed in June 1982 after losing many of its core customers d
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Friday night! Yes, Leon, it is time for a Rumpsteak Café de Paris! Medium! The usual to drink. Thank you!
Little bit of a quiet day here today, but still interesting reading!
Tom – Let the bandits shoot each other!The pix that you don’t know the location of was taken in Boone, IA. Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. That is the one that bought a brand new steam locomotive from China 1984 for $350,000. See picture below.
Nice ad for Southern Pacific! Take the Golden State to Arizona! Those were the days! I bet the station in Palm Springs doesn't look like in that picture any more. If it still stands.Tonight I learned a lot about the travelers at this bar by reading the Birthday Watch List! I wonder if you really are a night person? I have a feeling that you get up early in the morning taking Juneau out for a walk! BK – Don’t worry about the video tape. Our manager is very discrete and would never sell it to any outsider! Lars – Everything below 75° F is too cold for me. We will finally be back in the 80’s next week! Only 66° F today. Thanks for the nice pictures. A pretty recent picture of the X2000 heading north and a Great Western High Speed Train! CM3 – The picture you can’t identify is from Windsor, Canada. The cars are three sleepers from C&NW and two private cars. They were part of our tour in Canada with the X2000. See picture below of the complete train set. I am sorry the text is in Swedish but I think you can identify all locomotives and cars.I had my compartment in the first car, Lake Bluff. In Canada did we run demo runs during daytime and traveled to the next city during night. Every evening at seven we were served dinner in the private cars. Very nice way to travel!
Interesting facts about C&O coal stations. I wonder how much coal they burned an average day? Pete – I don’t know where the airport is at in Windsor, Canada. I should know since I flew from Washington D.C. to Toronto and then to Windsor. Thanks for the info on the naming of locomotives! Naming was used in Sweden in the 1800’s. I don’t know when they quit naming them but it was probably in the 1880’s. My guess. Some dmu’s and emu’s in Sweden have names today (and numbers). Interesting about the Box Tunnel and the sun shining through it!
Eric
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Bathams and I,ll have the Steak and Fries later please RUTH.
It is a bit windy here in Mid-Mo but nothing like the bad weather JAMES and the people of Duluth are and have been suffering.Keep safe James and I will look forward to when the weather settles down and you are able to get to the bar again.
ERIC Thanks for the photo of Stockholm Central station, it will be good to read Tom,s 'feature' on the station. Liked the quiz photo but if CM3 doesn't know the location I have not a chance, my only guess is it perhaps near an airport just by the tower in the background.
That is a very interesting question on the naming of British locomotives. At the start of steam locos they carried a name and not a number. I guess this carried on from the stagecoaches and ships. In the Victorian and the Edwardian times some railway companies named some of their passenger locos whereas some companies did not. After the 1923 grouping all the big 4 companies named their large express passenger locos built after 1923. I believe this was for publicity purposes. I guess a part of this was that in the 20s and 30s the railways in Britain were always in the eyes of the main stream media and a named loco would be more remembered than if it just carried a number. I think that there are people all over the world who have heard of the Flying Scotsman but I bet not many would know her number(s)( 4472, but she also carried 1472,103, 60103,by the way[:))]).Also on some classes there would be a naming ceremony which would bring publicity to the railway
I must admit that I dont know if other countries apart from Britain and Ireland that went into the wholesale naming of locos, it would be interesting to find out..
I did notice on Tom,s and my trip to Chicago some of the Metra locomotives carried painted names of towns around Chicago, although I gather that not many locomotives in North America carried names, although I recall a pic posted at the bar of a locomotive named City Of St Albans.
I will do a longer post on the names on locomotives of the big 4 and the BR Standards, also the names of the BR diesels. there was a period in the late sixties when the naming of locos was banned by the BR board and this was overturned and today many locos and units carry names.
BK Sorry to hear about the computer problems, but it is great to see you in during this very busy time for you.I am sure you will have a great amount of fun with Tom's quiz.
Sounds you are hosting a great party and I am sure you will have a great time.
LARS I have made sure the Private Bar was well stocked in the Penthouse but it seems BK cannot make it this weekend, oh well it it is all ready.
Thanks for the kind words and the pics.
The one of Box Tunnel with the HST is on the London to Bristol line of the former Great Western Railway. Isambard Kingdom Brunel was the engineer who was in charge of building the line. Box tunnel, although very hard to construct is known, for the fact that the sun only shines directly through the tunnel on one day a year, and that day is Brunel's birthday. The tunnel was built in the 1830s for the Great Western who at the time ran on the broad gauge where the track gauge was 7 feet 1/4 inches.
CM3 Real glad your house and you are OK after those high winds and rain, it seems as though 2007 as started off with real bad weather all over North America, lets hope it settles down soon.
I had to do the google search, as you suggested, to get the link to the lock and dam but it was well worth it thanks. It is good to hear that the railroads on both sides of the Kanawha River are still very busy with traffic,
I hate to show my ignorance,, but was the ' coal stations'( it is not a term I have heard of) for use of the C&O locomotives.If so it were they all of the same basic design and method for coaling the locos.
On British Railways at some of the large loco depots there were two different coal bunkers with a higher grade coal to be used by the express passenger locos and the other bunker for the frieght locos I wonder if there were different coal used for the two types of traffic over here..
TOM Real glad the worst part of the storm skirted around you. I feel real sad for those people of Alabama who felt the full force of that tornado.
Glad you liked the link to Blue Peter as you say the A2 class were handsome looking locos, the 8 wheel tender also adds to their apperance in my opinion.Hopefully it wont be too long before Blue Peter is running again. They are building from scratch a A1 class locomotive. This class were designed by the same designer as the A2s and of a simular appearance, the main difference being that the A1s had 6ft 8in driving wheels against the A2s 6ft2in driving wheel diameter. There were no A1s saved and Blue Peter is the only surviving A2.
Those swing and lifting bridges, while marvels of
2007 BIRTHDAY WATCH LIST
(rev. Mar 2nd)
January 14th (Eric - 64)
OKRA (Dec 22 - Jan 20) Are tough on the outside but tender on the inside. Okras have tremendous influence. An older Okra can look back over his life and see the seeds of his influence everywhere. You can do something good each day if you try. You go well with most anyone.
March 13th (Doug - 51)
BOLL WEEVIL (Feb 20 - March 20) You have an overwhelming curiosity. You're unsatisfied with the surface of things, and you feel the need to bore deep into the interior of everything. Needless to say, you are very intense and driven as if you had some inner hunger. You love to stay busy and tend to work too much. Nobody in their right mind is going to marry you, so don't worry about it.
March 31st (Lars - 67)
MOON PIE (March 21 - April 20) You're the type that spends a lot of time on the front porch. A cinch to recognize the physical appearance of Moon Pies. Big and round are the key words here. You should marry anybody who you can get remotely interested in the idea. A Chiltin would be a good mate but it's not going to be easy. You always have a big smile and are happy. This might be the year to think about aerobics. Maybe not.
May 18th (Tom - 69)
POSSUM (April 21 - May 21) When confronted with life's difficulties, possums have a marked tendency to withdraw and develop a don't-bother-me-about- it attitude. Sometimes you become so withdrawn, people actually think you're dead. This strategy is probably not psychologically healthy but seems to work for you. You are a rare breed. Most folks love to watch you work and play. You are a night person and mind your own business. You should definitely marry an Armadillo.
August 11th (Pete - 56)
CATFISH (July 24 - Aug 23) Catfish are traditionalists in matters of the heart, although one's whiskers may cause problems for loved ones. You Catfish are never easy people to understand. You run fast. You work and play hard. Even though you prefer the muddy bottoms to the clear surface of life, you are liked by most. Above all else, Catfish should stay away from Moon Pies.
September 8th (Rob - 36)
GRITS (Aug 24 - Sept 23) Your highest aim is to be with others like yourself. You like to huddle together with a big crowd of other Grits. You love to travel though, so maybe you should think about joining a club. Where do you like to go? Anywhere they have cheese, gravy, bacon, butter, or eggs and a good time. If you can go somewhere where they have all these things, that serves you well. You are pure in heart.
October 18th (BK - 67)
BOILED PEANUTS (Sept 24 - Oct 23) You have a passionate desire to help your fellow man. Unfortunately, those who know you best, your friends and loved ones, may find that your personality is much too salty, and their criticism will affect you deeply because you are really much softer than you appear. You should go right ahead and marry anybody you want to because in a certain way, yours is a charmed life. On the road of life, you can be sure that people will always pull over and stop for you.
December 29th (CM3 - 61)
Not on the list Send me an Email with your birth date (month-day-year) Corrections too!
Tom (Siberianmo)
Proprietor of "Our" Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!
Good afternoon barkeep and all present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Sorry for the delay today, but we have to do stuff to keep the diner running. We had some visitors from the mysterious east (Virginia) today. The house is still standing although we had some fearsome winds last night and it rained so hard it sounded as if we were in a carwash. Beautiful here today, though, with temps in the 40s. Gas is at $2.60, but I have not been outside since I got here this a.m.
Lars was by with comments and kind words - thank you. May all your domes be full. I appreciated your comments re ocean-going jobs - some of us have spent our lives underground - still rather do that than be in a flying machine.
Pete - That link worked in other places, but not on this page - go figure. Anyway, I'm glad you found the pictures, etc. The railroad in the shot you mentioned is on the north side of the Kanawha River - it is former NYC line which you have probably read about in previous posts. This is now NS and is still active; coal and chemicals are the main commodities hauled. The C&O (CSX) is on the south side of the river, out of the picture; it's very busy. Also enjoyed your wide range of comments. No, Boris, it's not a big stove; leave the kitchen staff alone.
James - thundersnow is always fun - we get it a lot here in the winter because the atmospheres gets all stirred up - it'll scare the !@#$ out of you if you're outside.
Eric sent a picture that's a puzzlement - I blew the image up as large as I could and said to myself. "Hmmm. C&NW cars, but what are the heavyweights at the end of the train - CP, SOO? The "wine red" color could be from either road. Then I looked around some more and there's a yard office. The tough part is the pair of office towers in the background - my guess is it might be some kind of shipper's train, but the hw cars, as I mentioned are a bit confusing.
BK stopped in as well. Forum gremmies are not as bad now as they were before, but every so often, something will appear - hang in there.
OSP provided all sorts of neat stuff for review/consideration. Golden State - yowsah! E-mail rec'd and thank you. B4 I forget, a buddy has gone to DC to see the Caps and Islanders play this evening. He's never been to a hockey game before and asked me what to expect. I told him, it's a whole lot faster (and a lot more fun) in person than it is on TV. I also told him it was an opportunity to consume expensive mass quantities, participate in fights in the stands (if he desired), and possibly see one or two on the ice. I also told him to keep an eye on the flat black thing as it can fly up suddenly and do REALLY bad things to you if you are not paying attention. I think he's ready.
Now, let's railroad.
The other day, while prowling the east wing, I found something interesting in the stack of stuff from the C&O in the immediate postwar period. It was a list of coaling stations.
The C&O mainline in WV had coal stations at the following locations:
Ronceverte
Hinton (2 stations) - mainline and yard
Quinnimont
Thurmond
Handley
Charleston
St. Albans - This was across the mainline until it knocked down in a wreck in the early 50s.
and
Huntington
Other facts and figgers for the Captains of Industry at the bar.
Largest WV installations were at Hinton (800 tons) and St. Albans (500 tons); average car capacity back then was approx. 40 tons, so do the math. IOW, there were lots of carloads required just for those facilities.
Biggest one on the system was at Russell, KY - 1000 tons.
Some places had joint coal service; for example (check out these Fallen Flags)
Potomac Yards - RF&P
Waynesboro, VA - N&W
Louisville - Big 4
Muncie, IN - NKP
Stony Island, IN - NKP
Wellston, OH - B&O
Ludington, MI had a pair of coal stations; one for the railroad and one for car ferries.
As a nod to the Canadian contingent, C&O had four coal stations in Canada - all, as you might expect, in Ontario
Sarnia
Chatham
Blenheim
St. Thomas
Have a good weekend. Glad you enjoyed the southern horoscope.
Work safe
'Tis the Larsman with a powerful thirst on this rainy day here in "paradise." Yeah right! Set 'em up Ruth my deAH and I'll take a frosty mug of whatever brew is featured on tap for the day!
I see my "bookend" has made it in and has found things at home to be just a bit on the hectic side.
Took us awhile to get through "it" all upon our return from the Keys, even though our absence was in weeks whereas BK's was months. Things pile up. Take your time, there's surely no rush to get through all of the material and the best part is that it will be waiting for you whenever you have the time!
So, young James is digging out up there in Duluth, huh That area of the "lakes" surely gets more than a fair share of heavy snow. Bet Cap'n Tom and Juneau would love it there! When the stuff comes down in feet as opposed to inches, that's where I draw the line. I'll take the Keys thank you very much!
Nice Southern Pacific ad and associated material from Cap'n Tom!
I see that you are "reworking" all of those Nostalgia 'n Fallen Flags submissions, which of course means TIME 'n EFFORT. I appreciate what you put into your posts, makes 'em far, far better in many respects than simply clicking on a link. Just my
Urls are fine if they are supplementing something. I like seeing the material up front and personal. Which of course makes it PERSONAL. Thanks!
I shudda made a copy of my note to "Bergie" but didn't think to do it. Thanks for the "heads up" from BK. Looks like the same response that Pete got. Well, at least he's giving off more of a postiive vibe this time than in past communications. When I sent mine in I got back an automated reply about him being out of the office. I'm guessing he finally got to it.
No CM3 I'm NOT Shane! today Now that's a bit odd for our Monday-Friday West Virginia connection. Perhaps we should come up with a <tweetable> offense for that, huh
Good seeing the continuing and interesting appearances from Eric 'n Pete. You guys are really providing some fine material and helping the bar to roll along while doing it. Fine jobs, mates!
Wonder if Rob got away for his Via Rail trip to Toronto
Heard that much of southern Ontario got swacked with a nasty winter storm and there were all kinds of power outages.
Here's a couple of pix for the day, then I'm gonna have to skedaddle.
I'll take one more, Ruth! And buy the house an end-of-the-week round on me. Boris, ring the bell loud 'n clear!
Sweden's X2000 (photo credit - unknown)
First Great Western HST at Box Tunnel - credit: Ian Britton/FreeFoto.com
Ooooooooooooops, I see Shane has appeared! Posted directly after me!
Have a "splash" on me, mate and it's good to see ya!
Another fine post from you and I liked that hockey game description. I looked in on the Islanders game last night and neglected to mention to Tom that the ending was "out of this world." The Blues looked like a team possessed. The Isles are fighting for a playoff spot but the Blues are totally out of it and guess who won
Happens. I'm ready for BASEBALL! Let's go METS!
Greetings Captain Tom and fellow sophisticates!
It appears that the gremlins of the forums have not departed from our area of the mountains and things are somewhat as annoying as they were before our trip.
Very, very displeased with this as it has taken far too many atttempts to log in, then only to find that all of the pages would not load, followed by signal strength difficulties and so forth. We may very well have multiple issues to deal with, so I will refrain from placing all of the blame on the host for this thread.
Well, having gone through all of that drivvel, I think it is time for a hot mug of coffee with just a "splash" to make it interesting. Nothing substantial for me to eat today, perhaps one or two of those Danish . . . thank you, Ruth!
Must report that I have not made any further progress with my review as events have overtaken my free time. You would think that once retired all time is free. Not so, as I believe Sir Tom and Sir Lars can attest.
We have had a veritible deluge of phone calls, emails, faxes and visits since our return to the mountain retreat. This weekend we will be hosting an "in house" which translated means: party for those we call close friends. Should be a grand time.
Drawback for me is all of the preparation and repetitive trips "down the mountain" to get this or that. Should be a grand time. I think I said that! <grin>
Took note of the postings since my last visit and see that all of the "new" regulars have made an appearance this week. I have gathered that there has been quite a drop off in participation over the past several months. However, it is pleasing to note that an appreciable number of you still remain active.
Thank you to Sir Tom and Sir Pete for the elaborations on the Canada rail trips and also the status of some of the guys I had inquired about.
I did manage to get over to the "original" thread and began to back track the pages there too. Perhaps that is what has caused a bit of confusion for me. TMI - too much information along with TLT - too little time!
Thank you to those who have welcomed me back. Nice to know that I have been missed. I did notice that Boris has kept good care of my stool and things around here are looking in good order. Insofar as the Penthouse Suite goes for this weekend, we will have to postpone that until the following Saturday night. Far too busy to get away from our retreat in the Rockies for a trip to Mentor Village. Please do not cancel us out, we surely want to experience it. However, the mention of video tape does conjur up some disturbing thoughts. <hmmmmmmm>
Do you know that I have not read a newspaper since our return If not for the satellite TV, I would not have a clue about events here in Canada or the rest of the world. That is not all so bad. Preoccupation with this and that will do it every time.
Lydia and I are determined to "do" the Quiz, and have agreed to not look at the answers until we complete the questions. She has made copies and all we need is the time.
Best wishes to all for a fine weekend of rest and relaxation. I think the idea of closing up the bar "tighter 'n a tick" (as Sir Tom says) is a fine idea and long over due. Sundays were intended to be a day off. After all, the mail slots are always available for anyone needing to "talk" on Sunday.
Ruth, a refill please, then I will be heading out.
BK in Alberta, Canada's beautiful high mountain country!
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #20
Intially Posted on Page 156 of the original Thread
Here's something to enjoy regarding the Southern Pacific (SP) from a 1951 advertisement in my personal collection.
Did you hear what the Cowboy said about the "Golden State" "WHAT A RIDE FER DUDES! SHE'S THE SMOOTHEST AND PURTIEST THING ON WHEELS FROM CHICAGO TO ARIZONA OR CALIFORNIA! ANOTHER OF SP'S WONDERFUL WAYS WEST!" We think, you'll enjoy our "Golden State," especially if you're an experienced traveler. We have many friends who repeat, winter after winter, "chasing the sun Southwest" on this smooth, extra-fare S.P. & Rock Island streamliner. It's convenient. Takes you via El Paso and Southern Arizona's winter resorts to Palm Springs & Los Angeles. She's been re-streamlined, too, from stem to stern. We've issued a folder to celebrate the event and would like to send it to you. Helps you choose your accommodations, whether Pullman (Drawing rooms, Compartments, Bedrooms, Roomettes) or Chair Car (economical; Coffee Shop). By the way, the "Golden State" is extra fast, too - 44 ¼ pleasant hours, Chicago-Los Angeles or vice versa. Fine connecting streamliners. Perhaps you'd like to try another great S.P. route, going home. That way you see twice as much, usually for no extra rail fare. The little map shows how. Why don't you plan on the "Golden State" for this winter or next summer? And meantime, let us send you that folder? "GOLDEN STATE," Chicago-Los Angeles, via El Paso, Douglas, Bisbee, Tucson, Phoenix, Palm Springs, 44 ¼ hours. Through Pullmans, Minneapolis and St. Louis to Los Angeles. Through Chair car, Minneapolis-Los Angeles. Connecting service to San Diego.
SP AMERICA'S MOST MODERN TRAINS
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Golden State drumheads
Golden State route map
Train No. 4, the Golden State, makes a station stop in Palm Springs, California in 1948. (from: www.wikipedia.com)
*Idiot of the Week #6
A pair of Michigan robbers entered a record shop nervously waving
revolvers. The first one shouted, "Nobody move!" When his partner
moved, the startled first bandit shot him.
This guy doesn't even deserve a sign
STAY ALERT!
They walk among us .. and they REPRODUCE ..!!!
The high yesterday was 68 (F) during the morning hours - less than 24 hours later, we begin the day at 28! Quite a storm front passed thru this part of mid-continent USA, fer sure, fer sure! Fortunately, we were spared the wrath of it in the area where I'm located. Wasn't too far off though where the "funnels" were sighted - not sure of any confirmed "touchdowns." So, it must be spring, eh
Time for a freshly ground ‘n brewed mug of coffee, breakfast from the Menu Board's <light> or <traditional> selections and pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery case.
Fantastic finish to the Blues 'n Islanders hockey game last night. Blues were down 2 - zip with 2 minutes 31 seconds remaining. They scored two goals in 38 seconds to tie it and then won it in overtime in 25 seconds. Unbelievable comeback. Sure, the team isn't going anywhere, but there's 'hope' for the future as they've really come a long way since the new "broom" arrived. Clean sweep works!
CM3 at 8:24 AM yesterday: The Southern Horoscope is an absolute "hit" for "Our" Place and will be retained for use in the future - that is, with your concurrence of course! Hilarious and I'm sure there will be "applications" for use in the weeks to come . . .
The Winfield Lock ‘n Dam URL didn't come thru for me, however, I'm familiar with it along with pretty much ALL of ‘em between St. Louis and Minneapolis. In my "previous life" I had professional reasons to visit ‘em all from the security standpoint. Fascinating examples of engineering and equally fascinating people who operate ‘em.
I would expect nothing other than EXCELLENCE from you with regard to the QUIZ!
Many thanx for the quarters ‘n round!
Lars at 1:57 PM yesterday: Appreciate the early afternoon visit - kept RUTH from "bonking" her pretty red-head on the bar while falling asleep on her feet! <grin>
Amtrak, the Congress and what used to be. Perhaps I'll write a book . . . nah, the only people who would read it are those who already know what the problems are and have been. Doubt that there are sufficient numbers of citizens in this land who really give a Rat's Patoot about passenger rail issues, much less Amtrak.
Lars the ONLY way to get along with the H&H "gals" is to make sure "Mama bear" is mollified, cajoled and otherwise kept sweet talked in order to keep things on an even keel back there in the galley (kitchen for the landlubbers). The younger one (and ONLY Rob has the "names") seems a bit more hostile, but does have a "thing" for a certain customer. No names dropped here . . . "Mama bear" and Leon are an "item" in case you didn't know. <ooooooooh>
Mets beat my Red Birds 4-3 in an exhibition game down in Port St. Lucie, Florida. But, the Birds smacked three homers. Are you ready for some baseball
I'll give some thought to a Part V, but I'd like to see some "interest" generated before putting it together . . .
B'day Watch List AND the Southern Horoscope is a "natural fit." Will do.
Thanx for the Pix!
Pete at 5:58 PM yesterday: A truly interesting URL on the "Blue Peter" - many thanx for it!
Locomotives have a certain "charm" don't they
You were very fortunate to have been able to make those trips behind such an illustrious machine. Perhaps one day, the money will come forth and she'll travel the rails again.
"Wheel slip" at the rate you described definitely could be HAZARDOUS to one's well being, not to mention the locomotive.
Regrading "Winfield" - Many of the locks ‘n dams are co-located where railroad bridges are. A definite pain in the patoot for the barge industry. Swing or lift bridges result in delays for the trains as strings of barges pass beneath. On the other hand, the barge operators get irritated by not only the time it takes to "lock through" only to have to wait for the bridge to be made ready for their passing. And the beat goes on . . . .
Many thanx for the "Winston Churchill" Pix - coach too!
Figured you'd ENJOY the URLs on the "Ocean" and other Canadian "named trains" . . . there's SO MUCH great railroad history in North America and Canada surely has it's share.
James at 10:57 PM yesterday: Sounds just like MY KINDA WINTER! Figured the wrath of winter in Duluth had pretty much stopped everything up your way. Appreciate knowing you and yours are okay . . . When you begin to "catch up" try the "backwards" method (most recent first) - it seems to work better t
Good morning Captain Tom and all present!!
Leon, you look great tonight! I'll have some Steak and Bisquits tonight! I haven't had any for three weeks now, so it is about time. Yep, coffee.
Some interesting posts tonight! i had trouble with one link though. But I am used to suffering so that is okay.
Tom – I’ll keep my eyes open for that book, RDC The Budd Rail Diesel Car. Reminds me, I am expecting an old book by mail any day now. WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE~1911 RAILROAD ENGINE BOOK. Won it on eBay, $7.Part IV of the Quizz was kind of tough, but I think I got it right the first (!?!) time. Thanks for the info on London Victoria Station! I have been outside that station but did never go inside for some stupid reason. I might have a picture of though.Of the linked stations I have been to #1, 3, and 4.
The picture below shows Stockholm Central Station in 2004.
CM3 – My Southern Sign is obviously Okra! Tough on the outside, tender inside. Hmm. Have to check with the Mrs. At least my sign is not Boiled Peanuts or Butter Bean! Lars – No, don’t worry, I will not reveal the whole story about those trains before the Rendezvous. I agree with you and Tom, Amtrak has been mishandled by the government since day 1. Let me know when you are going to watch those tapes from the Penthouse video system! That could be very interesting. Nice picture of the X2000. It seems like that picture was taken in the early 90’s. Maybe it is me you can't see in the cab? Also a nice picture of the Blue Peter. Interesting that BR and other railroads in the UK had names even in “modern” time. Maybe Pete and/or DL knows more about that? Pete – Glad you didn’t get hit by any tornado! I have to ask you, do you know the reason (steam) locomotives had names in UK even in modern time? Just curious. I can understand that the valve gear was destroyed if the wheel slip was anything close to waht you mentioned, 140 mph! It is amazing how slippery the rails can be in the fall when all the leaves are falling off the trees. Add some very light rain and you will easly get into big trouble starting or stopping your train. James – Stay inside is the best advice I can give! I’ll see you next time! Thanks for the round!!
Where the heck are we?
G-day Tom and all present!
Leon- Could I get a coffee please, Thanks.
Well, most of you have probably heard about the storms that have been rattling the United States. Record Tornados and Record snow fall. Here in Duluth, we are in the heart of it. The Whole city was shut down today (except for emergency vehicles). We had 50 to 60 mph winds and snow along with it. We are having one of the worst blizzards since 1991. There have been problems along with it. Many power outages in Duluth, resulting in some of the reason I wasn't on. Believe or not we are also getting lightning anf thunder in this nasty storm. I haven't seen anything worse than this. Just to let you guys know that me and the family are still battling the winds and the snow. In about a week we have gained 4 or 5 feet of snow and still expecting 2 to 3 more feet.
So I will get back on probably tomorrow or Saturday.
I'm really sorry for all of this and I will make it up. Starting with a round on me.
Happy railroading
James
Another good day at the bar so I will try one of Rob's Keith's ales out of the large keg please RUTH and some of H&H's delicious Fish,N,Chips for a bit later.
ROB Really great to see you in .Thanks for the kind words.The reason the inventory is going well is all down to your trainingYou are right, it really pays to keep on the good side of H&H I saw what happened when one of the track gang dared to criticised one of their meals.
Thanks for the RDC pics and I hope your bride and you have an enjoyable trip to Toronto.
ERIC There were some reports of tornados in Missouri but I dont think there was a lot of damage in our area according to the local news.We had about an hour or so of a loud and bright thunderstorm around 4:30 AM.
That was great list of the railroads in Missouri, one to keep.. The Missouri and Northern Arkansas RR looks a interesting line, with the short bit of line in Springfield MO not connected to the rest of the M&NA system.
CM3 Many thanks for the link to the Winfield Lock and Dam.. I see in the photos there seems to be a railroad track along the shore on the side the lock is on.
Really enjoyed the Southern Star Signs but can't help but feel a liitle sorry for the Moon Pies, as quite a few of the other signs are advised to steer clear of them..
LARS So you want an even harder part 5 of the quiz, well I'm game if Tom wants to do it . Think I am OK with todays answers,I have not looked up the one answer I am doubtful of, I will wait until Tom publishes the answers, but I will be honest if I got it wrong, I wonder if it is the same question that tripped you up.
Many thanks for the pics. The picture of Blue Peter looks as though it was taken at Loughbourgh on the preserved Great Central Railway. Blue Peter was on the line for a while, on one occasion Flying Scotsman was visiting the line and on a train I was on the two engines double headed the train quite possibly for the first time ever. I was fortunate to travel behind Blue Peter a few times on the main line, including one fantastic trip from Crewe to Carstairs (a town south of Glasgow Scotland) with some great running over the northern fells and a record breaking run up Beattock Bank.
Unfortunatly the loco suffered very severe damage on a main line trip when it went in to a very severe wheel slip. in which the locomotives motion was wrecked, I have heard that the wheels were spinning at about 140 mph but the loco was standing still, apparently there is a video of this happening but I have not seen it I have found a link telling the history of the locomotive, it mentions the wheel slip in the text
http://www.nelpg.org.uk/A2/history/index.htm
TOM Hope the bad weather avoided where you are.
Many thanks for the RDC pics and link, the more I see of them the more I would like to have a ride in one
Enjoyed the link to the Ocean and the second link by Don Scott is a great piece on the Candian railway in that part of the world in WWII and how they handled the many extra passengers during that time, especially for the RAF personel.It was interesting to read about the Lady Class CN steamships and their war service,sadly three of the five ships in the class were lost in the war.
MR Scott also saw the Southern Railways Merchant Navy class locomotives when they were new when his ship took him to Southampton England. Many thanks for sharing this site Tom.
Great post on Victoria Station, although the station as not got the charm of,perhaps Paddington, to me it seems to have a good atmosphere. That is a good picture of the Underground station, everytime I have used it it is teeming with people it must be one of London Transport's busiest stations.
It is hard to imagine nowadays the Great Western Broad Guage trains using the station although you can quiet regularly depart and arrive from the 'Chatham' side of Victoria with a full 1930s Pullman train hauled by a steam locomotive, not bad for 2007.
As requested Tom a pic of # 34051 Winston Churchill in York Museum
Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!
‘Tis the Larsman on this fine day with affection in abundance for our fair lady, Ruth!
A stein of German lager, whatever happens to be convenient and a Lars special hero - ham, Swiss, mustAHd ‘n buttAH along with two large pickles from the barrel. Yes, yes, snacks for the critters - a saucer of brine for Tex (who seems to have been rather active ‘round the ankles of our WVa connection!) - tray of seeds for Awk - bucket of ice cubes for Frostbite and a LARGE jar of pickled pigs feet for Boris, resident cloven-footed-Cyclops and man about town! Ah yes, a round for the house and the change is for YOU my deAH! <grin>
I'm a bit early today, but there are "things" happening around here. Translated: I'll probably get the call to "do" something B4 too long . . .
What a great week this has turned out to be. Perhaps not in the "records book" for numbers of posts, but surely sufficient amounts of quality material to keep us all "off the streets." <grin> Nice work one and all. Especially meaningful to see that our "core" group has made appearances, thereby bringing some hope to the group that we're not about to sink beneath the stormy seas.
Hey CM3, I really got a kick out of the Southern Horiscope. That's a "keeper" for sure!
Maybe Cap'n Tom will incorporate it into the B'day Watch List! Nicely done!
Enjoying the continuing story from Eric regarding the Acela, Talgo, X2000 and ICE trains. If you don't watch it, the whole thing will be revealed B4 the rendezvous!
No complaints from me, I'm always "up" for the inside scoop.
Afraid I'm in the category of super skeptic when it comes to government involvement in pretty much anything called business. That opinion crosses all international borders. I'm for letting the entrepreneurs do their thing, with government's only role being that of ensuring that no one gets mightily screwed because of it. Make sense? Probably not. <grin>
Government created Amtrak once government caved in to the demands of the railroads that government was trying to micro-manage. At least that's the kind of "take" I got from listening to my grandfather and father at the dinner table when the subject came up.
Neither of them saw the passenger side as a losing proposition, only that freight was far more lucrative with far fewer resources (people ‘n things) needed to run it.
Anyway, this government thing called Amtrak wasn't properly funded from the get-go and to this day our Congress has pretty much avoided the subject of a national transportation plan. That's a subject near ‘n dear to Cap'n Tom. He's said it and I support it - Congress could and still can get off the dime by creating such a plan that will once and for all put national passenger rail as a priority for the receipt of federal bucks in line with airports, airlines, trucks, highways and the waterways. Ooooooops, time for me, huh
Back to the posts: Really enjoyed the Victoria Station submission from Cap'n Tom. Also checked out the Urls for the previous ones over on the "old" thread. Some truly interesting stuff in ‘em all!
A five- Salute to you, Cap'n Tom!
The RDC "parade" continues and I'll vouch for the RDC book too. An all encompassing masterpiece in my opinion. Just should have an update insofar as the "where are they now" portion is concerned. But as far as history, engineering and photos are concerned, top shelf for sure!
The return of trolleyMAN Rob to the bar! Well, I'm thrilled to see him back, but not so pleased with his dismal work record ‘round here.
Pete has done a commendable job, given that he is still in the learning stages. Hmmmmmm, come to think of it, Pete also disappeared for a bit - said he wasn't feeling well. Yeah right. I better run that video system we have hooked up at the entrance to the Penthouse Suite! <uh oh> Just the entrance - nothing INSIDE! We do have scruples ya know!
H&H gals are simply incorrigible. They need "mastering" big time!
I've been away from anything gainful insofar as work is concerned that at times I wonder if I ever had a career. But seriously, whatever it is you do up there in Ontario is obviously something you do well and is within your sights for bigger ‘n better things. So keep at it. Just take the time to come up for air now ‘n then.
Cap'n Tom ‘n I had far different situations from most of you land lubbers - I spent the vast majority of my adult years aboard ship. When we went to "work" we were gone for weeks, sometimes months, at a time. Of course, when we were back in port, I had some wonderful times on the beach (translated: at home). The "merchies" have a far, far better in port situation than do the Coast Guard or Navy, right Tom
Perhaps I'm impetuous or simply impatient, but I was hoping we'd see some "sign" that our plea for help is being answered. As I said yesterday, I'm a skeptic and time will tell.
Been paying $2.49 (call it two ‘n a half!) for gas at my "favorite" Gulf station. Prices are ridiculous here too, and we have all those refineries right across the creek in New Joisey. Fortunately, we use the buggy very infrequently and whe
Railroad Stations - Terminals & Depots
Number Six - London Victoria Station
Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements.
London Victoria Station
Location
Place
Pimlico
Local authority
City of Westminster
Coordinates
51°29′45″N, 0°08′39″W
Operations
Managed by
Network Rail
Platforms in use
19
National Rail
Station code
VIC
Annual entry/exit
48.046 million *
Transport for London
Zone
1
History
Key dates
Opened 1862
Victoria station is a London Underground and National Rail station in the City of Westminster. It is in Travelcard Zone 1.
The National Rail station is officially named London Victoria, a name that is commonly used outside London, but rarely by Londoners. The eastern (Chatham) side, comprising platforms 1-8, is the terminus for services to Kent, and the western (Brighton) side, comprising platforms 9-19, is the terminus for lines to Surrey and Sussex, including Gatwick Airport and Brighton. Although this split is still generally held to, there are various crossovers allowing trains to access any platform. As the Brighton side is the busier of the two, disruption on that line sometimes results in some of its suburban services using the eastern side. Victoria also serves as the London terminus for the Venice Simplon Orient Express, from Platform 2, the longest platform.
Early history
Its origins lie with the Great Exhibition of 1851, when the West End of London and Crystal Palace Railway came into existence, serving the site of the exhibition, which had been transferred to Sydenham from Hyde Park. The terminus of that railway was at Stewarts Lane in Battersea on the south side of the river. In 1858, a joint enterprise, the Victoria Station and Pimlico Railway, was set up to take trains over the river, 1.25 miles (2km) in length. The railway was owned by four railway companies: the Great Western (GWR); London & North Western (LNWR); the London, Brighton and South Coast (LBSCR); and the London, Chatham and Dover Railways (LCDR). It was incorporated by Act of Parliament in 1858.
The station, opened in 1862, was in two parts: the western side, occupied by the Brighton company, with six platforms, ten tracks and a hotel (the 300-bedroom Grosvenor); while the Chatham company occupied a less imposing wooden-fronted building. The latter's station had nine tracks and was shared by broad-gauge trains of the GWR, which arrived from Southall via the West London Extension Joint Railway through Chelsea. The GWR remained part owner of the station until 1932, although its trains had long since ceased to use it. Each side of the station had its own entrance and a separate station master; a wall between the two sections emphasised that fact.
A plaque marks the arrival of the body of The Unknown Warrior at platform 8 at 20:32 on 10 November 1920.
Rebuilding
"Our" Place QUIZ
Here's PART IV of the "Our" Place Knowledge Quiz! (Part III was Posted yesterday!)
Each part has an "answer key" lettered from A thru P (more answers than questions, of course!) Simply place the LETTER of your answer next to the question (printing the Quiz will really help!).
Answers for all 4-parts will be Posted on Saturday morning!
(1) Who are the "Three Horsemen" of "Our" Place?
(2) Who are the original "bookends" of "Our" Place?
(3) trolleyboy Rob ‘loves' these diesels (manufacturer)?
(4) siberianmo Tom ‘loves' these locomotives (type)?
(5) coalminer3 CM3 has a "nickname" - what is it?
(6) pwolfe Pete has a "nickname" - what is it?
(7) The URLMeisterMonster has a second "nickname" - what is it?
(8) City ‘n State for our "Desert Swede"?
(9) Island where LoveDomes Lars resides?
(10) Canadian Province where BK lives?
Select answers for ORACLE group:
A. BK ‘n Lars I. Eric - Pete ‘n Tom
B. Staten Island J. DL ‘n Pete
C. Shane K. "silent Mike"
D. GG1 L. Long Island
E. BK - Lars ‘n Tom M. British Columbia
F. Alberta N. Wolfman
G. Alco O. Santa Fe, New Mexico
H. Phoenix, Arizona P. RDC
<Sorry 'bout the formatting!>
So, are you an "Our" Place ORACLE
Good Morning Barkeep and Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Nice sunrise this a.m was followed by increasing clouds and a promise for some heavy weather later today - we'll see what happens. Temps are in the mid 30s here today. Now let's see what's going on today.
Lars visitied with pictures - appreciate the LV item and thank you.
Rob came by also! Yesterday's Buffalo Whizbang had a long story about refineries and the gasoline situation in Canada. The excuse they use around here is that gasoline tankers have to go uphill to get here - jeez - show me any part of WV that's not uphill in at least one direction. Anyway, you drop south of the border into the Old Dominion and gas is abt 30 cents a gallon less than around here. It's alright Tex, quit gnawing on my boots - I'm not going to say anymore. PGE is one of my favorite roads; thanks for the picture.
Eric paid a visit as well. The NEC has a history of harboring all sorts of lightweight/ experimental trains - many of which, of course, operated on the New Haven. The UA Turbo was one of my favorites as you could sit in the forward dome right behind the engineer and see exactly what he was seeing - lots of fun riding down to NY. - although it was noisy, cramped, and smelled of kerosene - all part of the experience. I have not forgotten your GG! Request - I'm getting enough questions from folks tat I can focus what I'm researching.
Pete - this URL should give you the information you need. If it doesn't work, Google Winfield Lock and Dam and you should be able to open it up. I love the forum - sometimes embedded links work and other times they don't - Tex! Stop it!
http://www./rh.usace.army.mil/projects/locks/win/
OSP sent along more Canadian information and additional RDC items. BTW, I have been doing o.k. on the quiz (I'd better, right?)
Some "roundhouse reading" for y'all.
WHAT'S YOUR SOUTHERN SIGN? Some of us Southerners are pretty skeptical of horoscopes and the people who read them. If we are to ever fully understand all the star signs and the people they represent, we need symbols that all true Southerners understand:
See the list below... OKRA (Dec 22 - Jan 20) Are tough on the outside but tender on the inside. Okras have tremendous influence. An older Okra can look back over his life and see the seeds of his influence everywhere. You can do something good each day if you try. You go well with most anyone. CHITLIN (Jan 21 - Feb 19) Chitlins come from humble backgrounds. A Chitlin, however, will make something of himself if he is motivated and has lots of season-ing. In dealing with Chitlins, be careful they may surprise you. They can erupt like Vesuvius. Chitlins are best with a Moon Pie but Catfish or Okra is O.K. too. BOLL WEEVIL (Feb 20 - March 20) You have an overwhelming curiosity. You're unsatisfied with the surface of things, and you feel the need to bore deep into the interior of everything. Needless to say, you are very intense and driven as if you had some inner hunger. You love to stay busy and tend to work too much. Nobody in their right mind is going to marry you, so don't worry about it. MOON PIE (March 21 - April 20) You're the type that spends a lot of time on the front porch. A cinch to recognize the physical appearance of Moon Pies. Big and round are the key words here. You should marry anybody who you can get remotely interested in the idea. A Chiltin would be a good mate but it's not going to be easy. You always have a big smile and are happy. This might be the year to think about aerobics. Maybe not. POSSUM (April 21 - May 21) When confronted with life's difficulties, possums have a marked tendency to withdraw and develop a don't-bother-me-about- it attitude. Sometimes you become so withdrawn, people actually think you're dead. This strategy is probably not psychologically healthy but seems to work for you. You are a rare breed. Most folks love to watch you work and play. You are a night person and mind your own business. You should definitely marry an Armadillo. CRAWFISH (May 22 - June 21) Crawfish is a water sign. If you work in an office, you're hanging around the water cooler. Crawfish prefer the beach to the mountains, the pool to the golf course, and the bathtub to the living room. You tend not to be particularly attractive physically but have a good heart. COLLARDS (June 22 - July 23) Collards have a genius for communication. They love to get in the melting pot of life and share their essence with the essence of those around them. Collards make good social workers, psychologists, and baseball managers. As far as your personal life goes, if you are Collards, stay away from Crawfish. It just won't work. Save yourself a lot of heartache. CATFISH (July 24 - Aug 23) Catfish are traditionalists in matters of the heart, although one's whiskers may cause problems for loved ones. You Catfish are never easy people to understand. You run fast. You work and play hard. Even though you prefer the muddy bottoms to the clear surface of life, you are liked by most. Above all else, Catfish should stay away from Moon Pies.
GRITS (Aug 24 - Sept 23) Your highest aim is to be with others like yourself. You like to huddle together with a big crowd of other Grits. You love to travel though, so maybe you should think about joining a club. Where do you like to go? Anywhere they have cheese, gravy, bacon, butter, or eggs and a good time. If you can go somewhere where they have all these things, that serves you well. You are pure in heart. BOILED PEANUTS (Sept 24 - Oct 23) You have a passionate desire to help your fellow man. Unfortunately, those who know you best, your friends and loved ones, may find that your personality is much too salty, and their criticism will affect you deeply because you are really much softer than you appear. You should go right ahead and marry anybody you want to because in a certain way, yours is a charmed life. On the road of life, you can be sure that people will always pull over and stop for you. BUTTER BEAN (Oct 24 - Nov 22) Always invite a Butter Bean to a party because Butter Beans get along well with everybody. You, as a Butter Bean, should be proud. You've grown on the vine of life, and you feel at home no matter what the setting. You can sit next to anybody. However, you, too, shouldn't have anything to do with Moon Pies. ARMADILLO (Nov 23 - Dec 21) You have a tendency to develop a tough exterior, but you are actually quite gentle and kind inside. A good evening for you? Old friends, a fire, some roots, fruit, worms, and insects. You are a throwback. You're not concerned with today's fashions and trends. You're not concerned with anything about today. You're almost prehistoric in your interests and behavior patterns. You probably want to marry another Armadillo, but a possum is another somewhat kinky mating possibility.
A new month and it's Thursday and the FINAL DAY for the QUIZ!
Also time for a cuppa Joe, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery along with a <light> or <traditional> breakfast!
We're battening down the hatches in these parts as some nasty fronts are zipping through, pretty much following the Missouri River from central Missouri (where Pete is) to where we are. Tornado watch up ‘til noon, with warnings all 'round this area. <barf> Fortuntely got the walk "in" for Juneau as we headed out a tad earlier than usual, just to ensure his day began properly!
DL at 9:07 AM yesterday: A surprise, but welcome visit from our "UK Connection"!! Sorry that you only had a few minutes, as there's all kinds of things we're hoping you'll find interest in.
Problem with getting so far behind is that it does require a bit of time ‘n effort to catch up. Suggest you just take it in "chunks" and you'll be up to speed in no time.
Not to worry, no <tweetable> offense noted!
Love that "conversion" scale you came up with!
BK at 11:37 AM yesterday: Ya know it's going to be a good day when we hear from our "Alberta Connection"!! Appreciate the visit and progress with the "catch up."
One drawback about reviewing missed material in the backwards mode is that it's hard to follow certain topics (ie: trip to Canada, etc.). Nevertheless, it is also my preferred way to do it as well.
I see that Pete has addressed the Canada itinerary. We're going to cover quite a bit of territory in our 5 day/5 night trip. The round trip rail trip to Halifax aboard the "Ocean" unfortunately will be within the Renaissance (Chunnel Chuggers) equipment. <boo hiss> Really would've preferred the Budd streamliners with the Park car (obs dome). But that's life these days with VIA Rail in Eastern Canada. After a full day at the Canadian Railway Museum (just south of Montreal, near Delson) we'll then board the "Chaleur" for Gaspe, Quebec (at the mouth of the St. Lawrence Seaway) for another round trip. That train will feature Budd equipment! <yay> but a rather short consist with NO Park Car (obs dome) <boo hiss>. We're really looking forward to this getaway.
Regarding Doug's presence at the bar: He's had to trim back on his activities here due to demands on his personal time. Weekends are pretty much the only times left for "guaranteed" Posts. However, he has been really good at surprising us with some fine contributions at other times.
Concur with your thinking regarding Rob, one of the "mainstays" of "Our" Place. I received an Email from him yesterday and he sounded far more "upbeat" than in the previous one. Apparently he's taking a bit of time away from his hectic work-life - which isn't all that bad. Don't count him "out" just yet.
Rendezvous itinerary is set and we're going to have a full slate of activities to keep us going, fer sure, fer sure! Would be great if you could make it - especially IF the Larsman is able to be here.
With Lydia alongside, I can't imagine you doing poorly with the QUIZ! The 4-parts were designed to be fun and are just a bit more difficult as one progresses thru ‘em. Heck, the answers are right there!!
Enjoy the Penthouse Suite. Boris will be your waiter, just ring the bell and he'll attend to your culinary requirements. Insofar as the bar goes, "The Manager's Bar" is self -serve and of course is fully stocked. Glad to know you'll be the first couple to "test" it out!
CM3 at 2:37 PM yesterday: Two days in succession with a mid-afternoon appearance! Thanx for keeping us in mind and of course the round ‘n quarters!
I see the "splash" request is catching on!
Now we'll see if the "OSP" gets equal recognition! <grin>
Lars at 2:46 PM yesterday: Having you back in mid-day is a "pressure relief" for yours truly. Thanx! Makes all the difference to KNOW there are dependable guys at the bar!
Don't get me started when it comes to the "advice Dept." regarding adult offspring. Been there done that and don't wanna do it again!
I know we've seen those diesels before, but they "do it" and helps to keep the focus on what we are all about - Classic Trains!
Pete at 5:51 PM yesterday: Once again, a pleasure speaking with you today - especially given the "feedback" you provided!
The "Ocean" operated by VIA Rail is the oldest continuous passenger route in north America. Check out this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean_(passenger_train)
As I understand it, the "Scotian" also operated over the same route, perhaps with a different spate of stops, but that train vanished decades ago. It was instituted during WWII as a sleeper-coach train operating between Halifax ‘n Montreal by CNR. The "Ocean Limited" in those days was all sleeper. Also was another CN train using that route called the "Maritme Express." Check out this link:
http://www.trainweb.org/canadianrailways/articles/CNInTheMaritimesPart3.html
I think we've seen "Winston" before, but it would be nice to enjoy another full view!
Email awaits you!
A roast beef sandwich, please! Thanks Leon! You know exactly what I like!
Another late evening/ early morning. Don't ask me where time goes! I have no clue.
Mike – Sorry I did not include you in my post last night. I had a senior moment! I type my posts in a WP and then paste the text. Last night when I was ready (had copied the typed text) to post it I reloaded the page and your post showed up. “Aha, Mike”! I added more text and then forgot to copy it and I didn’t notice that until tonight. Interesting info on Blackstone canal! Fortyeight locks and 450’ rise in elevation. Nice pictures, especially the one of Chicago & Great Western’s locomotives!Tom – The big problem with Acela is that it did not exist when Amtrak ordered it and it was supposed to be constructed, built, tested and adjusted in three years!! It took four years and that train has had a lot of problems, which doesn’t surprise me at all. One don’t develop a new train to a finished product in four years. That is asking for big problems. And that is what Amtrak got. The older X2000 in service in Sweden have now rolled more than 3 million miles each! They have been extremely reliable. Part III of the Quiz had a couple of tough questions, but I think I have it right now (the 3rd time). Interesting facts about CNR from yesteryear! One day (hmm, several days) I have to travel across Canada by train! That picture of the CNR train is beautiful!!Thanks for the RDC pictures and info!!! 398 RDCs built 1949-1956! Boston and Maine RR had the largest number of them!DL – Nice to see you again, Sir! Looking for books is always intersting. Remember a some real nice book stores in London from the late 70’s! BK – You are right, I am very much looking forward to the Rendezvous in St. Louis! Too bad you can’t make it! I’ll be more than happy to share stories about the old country any time! Good to have you back!CM3 – I am interested to know what PRR did to their GG1s to “snowproof” it. Snow creates many different kind of problems for the railroads and that is one good reason I don’t like it at all. Thanks for the info on South Station!! I have seen a few recent pictures and it really looks different today. Lars – Nice pictures of an E7 and a F7!Pete – I am afraid I don’t have any picture of the switch at the beginning of the Gauntlet track. To make you feel better considering the weather in your part of the country I just want to say that we will have nice spring weather in the 80’s early next week! I saw on the news that Missouri was hit by a couple of tornadoes today (?). Take cover!
I saw that you are interested inthe railroads in (western) Missouri. I found a list over all railrioads in MO:
http://www.answers.com/topic/list-of-missouri-railroads
Rob – Glad to see you again! Two nice lookig RDCs. The more I see them the better I like them!
Well here's some meger add in's for the gang. A couple of RDC's for the Boss and everyone else to enjoy, hopefully as the weeks roll by I can get a few new new things posted up to add to the morning reading.
Pacific Great Eastern RDC at a sattion stop at Quesnal BC
BC Rail RDC's at North Vancouver yard.
I don't know the photographer ID on the shots. They were found in the HCRY archieves.
Rob
Leon my good man , good to see you I'll need a rather large keg of Keith's openned for the gang. Least I can do for being unable to spend as much time as I would like around here.
Still it's good to see that with some perserverance we are still getting most cylenders firing on most days 5x for the corps of regulars ( and in Boris's case the irregulars od the saloonn by the siding )
Tom-Thanks awfully for the Quizzs or should that be quiz- I At any rate I didn't have to go at numbers two and three more than once , I actuallt had to read through number one three times chalk it up to "brain-rust" Just from you over this last three or so days I've seen multiple posts worth reapeating, between the fine synopsis on the Frisco to repeated rounds of RDC material to the CNR passenger encore and the VIA and CN pics to support it, not to mention the quiz posts, I must say more than proving that you are the glue that binds
I'll be taking a day trip on the VIA to Toronto with the bride on friday hopefully rekindling my oassion for rail and rail related things that have been forced on the back burner by the work load. the ligth is at the end of the tunnel though ( hopefully not a runaway freight train )
BK-Nice to see that you have returned from your latest rounds of wandering. I've been wandering myself but only in my home province and on work not fun we shall catch up togehter I suppose .
Lars-I'm glad to see that you have been rallying the troops in all our most darkest hours of MIA's and lost members. It is appreciated let know one say that you don't care.
Eric-Nice to see our late night rock is still comming in day after day. Not to worry, with any luck I'll be able to give you some late night company. Not that Leon isn't a fine conversationalist. great phot's and insights from you over the last weeks.
Pete-What can I say, you are a trooper here at our place I must say that the inventory is more organized than when I went away. Hopefully you have recieved good cooperation from H&H. I;'m glad to see that you sent the emails to the upper eschelons,I would say an encouraging responce at the very least.
CM3-Nice to see your continued support and information, steady as it gose as it were day in and day out. The only thing I can say about the gas prices is that it may be inadvertantly Ontarios falt. Our two main refineries bith suffered fires in the last month and a half, CN's conductors strike slowed shipmnets of finished product and well lets just say many a pump is dry in my area giving rise to $1.00 a litre gas again ( not that Imperial oil would kick the consumer when he's down or anything )
Nice to see Doug popping in with his caol stroy in three parts and even DL's occational run through.As Dabossman once said. We takes what we can gets.
Leon another Keith's if you would be so kind sir.
Evenin' Gents!
Special for Eric: Sorry that I missed your question last night, so here's some RDC "stuff" for ya . . . .
BC Rail RDC1 BC-15 (http://www.budd-rdc.org)
Alaska RR RDC1 (http://www.budd-rdc.org)
New Haven RDC1 (http://www.budd-rdc.org)
Cape May Seashore RDC1 (http://www.budd-rdc.org)
Here's a link that may help you with the RDC question(s) you posed:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_Diesel_Car
Catch y'all in the AM!
Seeing as DL is getting the beer in I had better have a pint of Kimberley Bitter please RUTH
DOUG Many thanks for the latest installment in the Penn State coal dispute; the latest one is full of political intrigue.
Good picture of the loco and car and time table of the Bellefonte Central service on the 18 mile trip to State College.
MIKE Thanks for the round and for the great links. Interesting text on the Blackstone Canal, it is good to see that part of the canal survives in the State Park. At my home town they have made a countryside walk beside what is known as the ‘old arm' of the Oxford Canal that was disused when the canal was straightened in the 1830s,but is still in use as a feeder supply from the River Swift to the existing canal. It is a very pleasant and quiet walk with a lot of wildlife.
That looks quite a powerful loco on the Notre Dame & Western a contrast to the delightful small switcher on the St Mary's.
Great pic of Winston Churchill in Jefferson City, on his way to that historic speech in Fulton MO. I wonder if a photo survives of the Presidential train in Jeff City.
A pic of the nameplate of the Battle Of Britain class 4-6-2 loco named Winston Churchill in the NRM at York England.
When the Queen in Britain travels by her special train the locomotives are always turned out in immaculate condition. When it was hauled by diesel traction there is usually two locomotives after a very embarrassing diesel failure in the mid 60s when the train had to rescue by a rather scruffy steam loco.
ERIC Glad to see you doing well in the quiz. I am beginning to think my missing answers is sabotage, defiantly a case for Inspector Clueless.
Great photo of Boston South station. When we were there about 2 years ago there were some very interesting locos working on the MBTA, unfortunately I did not get any photos of them.
That Gauntlet track is most interesting too. I have only seen a picture of it being used on a bridge before. It would be good to see a photo of the switchwork at the start of the gauntlet.
DL Really pleased you found Decline Of Steam even more pleased you enjoyed it. Loved the conversion in pints of beer. I hate to think when it first came out in 1966 how many pints you would have got for the 3 pounds 3 shillings (3 pounds15p in today's money) the book cost then (nearly 50 I bet). The last album Colin Gifford done called ‘And Gone For Ever, was 25 pounds when new, I had a quick look and I thought it had came out fairly recently but I saw the book was published in 1994 over 12 years ago, my how time flies.
Yes, it is quite amazing how paper quality and printing as come on since the 1960s,I guess the improvements were so gradual it is only by comparing the two that the difference is really noticed.
Really hope you can get a break from the heavy workload and are able to call in at the bar as we are missing you.
BK Great to see you in again. It seems you are doing well with the catching up, a lot faster than I was when I came back from England.
I think the trip Tom and I are going on as been expanded since before you went on your trip. We are departing in May for Montreal then going on the "Ocean" to Halifax Nova Scotia then back to Montreal to visit the Canadian Railway Museum, all being well, Then a trip to Gaspe and back on the "Chaleur" before flying back.
CM3 It would be good to hear about the GG1s troubles with the snow and how they cured them. I guess it was early on in their careers and the locos they were replacing were still around to replace them on trains while they were being modified.
I will look forward to the info on the Kanawha Locks.
Many thanks for the info on Eric's photo of Boston South, having been there and really hoping to be able to get there again.
LARS Yes the e-mail this morning cheered me up as well. Another ace on the quiz, I will be honest with the answer I am not sure about to today and promise not to look it up and change it. Really having a great deal of fun with the quiz.
Great photo of the MKT E7 on what looks like The Texas Special, the silver painted trucks really set off that great paint scheme.
TOM Good to talk to you again. I have sent the e-mail.
Yes it wont be long until the Canada trip and it will
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