G-day Tom and all present.
Leon- Could I get a turkey sandwich and a coffee please.
Now I'm starting to feel like an idiot. This is going to be a little
I thought we had our internet all set out and ready. I found out that our internet died on Monday. We have been trying to get it back. So we have slowly checked off with our cable company with what is going so bad in the house. So right now the internet is on and off untill we get set back up. Our modem has gone bad "again."
Just a heads up. I am truely sorry for all the problems and I feel really bad at the moment.
I will try to get on as soon as possible.
Happy railroading.
James
Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house.
Excerpt from Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society article by Eugene L. Huddleston:
Today, there is essentially no system. The model in use on a particular railroad is given its manufacturer's designation, which is often very awkward itself, as "C44-8W" Class designations for steam revealed more information about them. For example, on C&O the alphabet was followed straight through; all Consolidations (2-8-0) were "G"; all Mallets were "H". ("I" was skipped because of confusion with "1".) Hence, we know that the J-1 and K-1 arrived after the first Mallets; that they were the first in their class; and that the J-1 was built before the K-1. The names designating the types, independent of the companies they were built for, developed with little logic but always with an interesting association. The K-1, a 2-8-2, was a Mikado, the name derived from the fact that the first important order for 2-8-2s came from the Japanese Imperial Government for its Nippon Railway in 1897. It is said that the name "Mikado" owes more to the Gilbert and Sullivan light opera, "The Mikado," than to the Emperor himself. During World War II some railroads tried to change the name of the type on their roads to "MacArthur" but the name change never caught on.
The name "Mountain" has more logic to it, for the type originated as a passenger locomotive designed for mountain service in 1911. According to Alco's Bulletin no. 1011, the C&O's Superintendent of Motive Power, J. F. Walsh, "christened" the three new locomotives the Mountain type because they would go in service over C&O's Mountain and Allegheny Subdivisions. (C&O and Alco officials could confer closely on the new engines, for they were built in Alco's Richmond, Va., works.) The name is not so appropriate when one considers that on most roads that eventually ordered the type they were considered dual-service machines and operated in freight service over fairly level terrain. That must be why the New York Central, which called itself the "Water Level Route," changed the name of its 4-8-2 type to "Mohawk," for most of its 4-8-2s, first ordered in 1916, went into freight service. C&O, as long as it ran passenger trains, never, as policy, mixed its passenger with its freight power. (Of course, while the "American Standard" type 4-4-0 ruled American rails through most of the nineteenth century, it served in both capacities.)
C&O 316 (540)
http://www.chessieshop.com/gallery/photos/cohs7721.jpg
B&O 5594
http://www.railroadheritage.org/slideshow/images/8.jpg
CV 601
http://imagescn.technomuses.ca/railways/index_view.cfm?photoid=-865848423&id=55
http://imagescn.technomuses.ca/people/index_view.cfm?photoid=-861835690&id=28
http://imagescn.technomuses.ca/people/index_view.cfm?photoid=775793097&id=26
http://www.divisionpoint.com/photos/CV_U1A/CV_601b.jpg
Florida East Coast oldies
http://mikes.railhistory.railfan.net/imfile/01130.jpg
http://www.catskillarchive.com/rrextra/flkeys03.jpg
http://www.keyshistory.org/rrltarchbrg.jpg
http://www.keyshistory.org/rrloco429.jpg
http://www.keyshistory.org/rrloco431.jpg
http://www.keyshistory.org/rrltfirstkw.jpg
http://www.keyshistory.org/rrltno153.jpg
http://www.keyshistory.org/wcbosses.jpg
http://www.keyshistory.org/flagler.html
Railroad Magazine
http://www.philsp.com/data/images/r/railroad_193711.jpg
http://www.philsp.com/data/images/r/railroad_193909.jpg
http://www.philsp.com/data/images/r/railroad_193904.jpg
http://www.philsp.com/data/images/r/railroad_194209.jpg
http://www.philsp.com/data/images/r/railroad_194211.jpg
http://www.philsp.com/data/images/r/railroad_194210.jpg
http://www.philsp.com/data/images/r/railroad_194401.jpg
http://www.philsp.com/data/images/r/railroad_194509.jpg
http://www.philsp.com/data/images/r/railroad_194510.jpg
http://www.philsp.com/data/images/r/railroad_194704.jpg
http://www.philsp.com/data/images/r/railroad_194803.jpg
http://www.philsp.com/data/images/r/railroad_194808.jpg
http://www.philsp.com/data/images/r/railroad_194902.jpg
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http://www.philsp.com/data/images/r/railroad_195212.jpg
http://www.philsp.com/data/images/r/railroad_195301.jpg
Mike
Hi Tom and all.
I see you are a lot happier today RUTH so I 'll have a Bathams Bitter and the Fish 'n' Chips later please.
DOUG Hope the cold is getting better. Thanks for sharing those great models.
Another great story from the Railroad Magazine , what a cliffhanger to finish this installment definatly looking forward to the next part.
LARS Glad you are able to visit the bar again from Florida.RUTH seems a lot better after you have been in.The private bar is causing a lot of interest among the track gang.
Thanks for the book covers with the Florida theme, the 'Last train to Paradise' looks a good read.
ROB It will be a pleaure to asssist you in the Chandeling . You will have to teach me the Our Place secret on getting the beers and spirits exactly the right temperature for every customer.I would hate to get it wrong for any of BORIS's clan.
I shall look forward to your pics of those unusual trolley cars.
ERIC Very glad it is quiet again in your neighbourhood .Thanks for the pic of the feedwater heater, they were not common in the UK espcially in the later years of steam.
The model is one I brought over.It is one of a limited edition of 2000 produced by Hornby it was a present although I can't recall what year I got it.
That does sound right about the Coronation stopping just at York, no doubt it was to change the loco crew, as York is roughley half way between London and Edinburgh. The LNER was running a non-stop train between the two capitals using the corridor tender fitted to certain A4 locos,why they did not do this with the Coronation I do not know. I read that the loco was not changed at York.
After the railways were nationalised in 1948 the Eastern Region of British Railways re -introduced a non-stop service between London and Edinburgh which lasted into the early 1960s when diesels took over the main services. They made a British Transport film of the train .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabethan_Express
CM3 Any chance of hearing more about that night with the Welsh Miners, if it can be published that is
TOM The bride is still not too well and is thinking about the JD cure. We are getting some work done to the basement wall and hopefully it will be the start of making it fit for other uses.When we are ready to have the layout there your help will be much appriciated. I got my friend in the UK to send over a Brit modelling mag and there are some good ideas in it.I bet those snow covered mountains on the Can-Am are very refreshing in the Mid-Mo summers.
With the loss of the frieght train crew, in the locos, the reason why the train passed those signals causing the Hinton Collision disaster will never be knownThanks for the encore from a year ago today.
I found a book called Red For Danger in my stuff from England it details the major railway accidents in Britain up to 1958, and how they affected the improvements made to railway safety over the years. I will have to let you borrow it. Recently in one of the railway mags they looked into an accident in England that happened in 1906 and the cause of which has been a bit of a mistery, but looking at evidence that was not told at the enquiry it thinks they are pretty sure what the cause was.
The bar chandelers hours don't seem that bad,at least it could have been 8 days a week, as someone sang about
Glad you had some joy with the Dell people. Is it just me but trying to get good service nowadays is getting harder and harder, when you want something doing as opposed to buying something .
I think you have won CM3's quiz, I wonder what the prize will be
G'day Gents!
Hardly a soul in sight, but Ruth tells me CM3 was in around noon . . . Saw where parts of WVA had considerable snowfall and the ski slope operators are in "heaven." Dropping temps though are taking "tolls" - stay warm Shane!
Ah, a quiz! Let's see . . . the first of the Mountain type locos went to C&O #316 in 1911. The last went to the B&O #5594 in 1948. Do I "win," <huh> <huh> <grin> Source:
www.steamlocomotive.com/mountain/
Pretty much everything one might need to know about the Mountain steamers!
Would've Posted some Pix of a few 4-8-2s, but PhotoBucket is experiencing some problems . . . <geesh> Is there anything regarding 'puters that isn't
Later (maybe)!
Tom
Good Afternoon Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please (with a splash), more bricks for my boots, round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Lovely day today - five degrees with a beautiful red sunrise (all former naval persons knows what that means). K9s ran a QUICK plow extra and then back to their appointed crates, blanket piles, etc. Dog's life indeed. We are still fighting the dreaded winter cold.
Now for comments and some additional material.
Thanks to all for Florida material, and for Canadian items as well.
Lars posted fine report from the Super Bowl. Food and drink? Miners can handle that just fine. One of the toughest nights I recall in a long time was when we partied hard with a bunch of shaft sinkers from Wales. Oh well. BTW, I like the fine piece of furniture; next to arrive will doubtless be the ceiling mirrors. The Mentor and Southern Narrow Gauge folks are having a lot of fun deciphering the waybills.
Eric - keep your head down, buddy!
We have been talking a bit about FEC 4-8-2s. All of them were acquired between 1923 and 1926. FEC 301-315 were blt. at Richmond in 1923. They were the smallest of the FECs 4-8-2s, with 25x28 cylinders and 68-inch drivers. FEC 401-452 were blt. at Schenectady between 1924 and 1926. All of them had 26x28 cylinders with 73-inch drivers. The final batch, FEC 801-823 came from Schenectady in 1926. They had 28x30 cylinders with 69-inch drivers. FEC 4-8-2s wandered far afield. For example, FEC 4-8-2s wound up on the Western Pacific, Cotton Belt, and a bunch went to the NdeM.
The FECs 4-8-2 were not the only ones to "travel." Most know about the B&M 4-8-2s that went to the B&O. Here's something way more ORO. The New York, Ontario and Western sold some of their 4-8-2s to the Savannah and Atlanta in 1945. Other NYO&W Mountains wound up on the Bangor and Aroostook, also in 1945.
Now for our trivia question for the day. Which railroad got the first 4-8-2s built, and which road got the last? Extra points (and another bottle of your choice for bldr dates.
Work safe
On this day, February 8th, in
Canadian Railroading history:
Posted: 08 Feb 2006, page 241 of the "original" Thread . . .
Hinton train collision
Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements.
The Hinton train collision was a railway accident that occurred on February 8, 1986. Twenty-three people were killed in a collision between a Canadian National Railway freight train and a VIA Rail passenger train. It was the most lethal Canadian rail disaster since the Dugald accident of 1947.
The vicinity of the accident
The accident took place on a stretch of Canadian National Railway's transcontinental main line, near the town of Hinton, Alberta, west of Edmonton. Nearby towns are Jasper to the west and Edson to the east. Passenger service on the line was provided by VIA Rail Canada. Slightly over half of the 100 mile (160 kilometre) stretch of track between Jasper and Edson was double-tracked, including 11.2 miles (18 kilometres) of trackage from Hargwen siding west to Dalehurst siding. Traffic on this line was controlled with Centralized Traffic Control (CTC)
Prelude to the accident
On the morning of February 8, 1986, VIA Rail's No. 4 train, the Super Continental, was travelling from Jasper east to Edmonton on its transcontinental journey. It consisted of 14 units in the following order:
1. Diesel locomotive
2. Diesel locomotive
3. Baggage car
4. Coach
5. Dome car
6. Sleeping car
7. Sleeping car
8. Diesel locomotive (inoperative)
9. Steam generator car
10. Baggage car
11. Coach
12. Lounge car
13. Sleeping car
14. Steam generator car
The unusual make up of the train was the result of two separate trains being joined together in Jasper. The first seven units had originated in Vancouver, and the next six units had originated in Prince Rupert. The last unit, the steam generator car, was added in Jasper on its way to Edmonton for maintenance. One hundred fifteen people were on the train; 94 passengers, 14 stewards and seven crew.
Canadian National Railway's westbound train No. 413 consisted of three locomotives, followed by a high-speed spreader, 35 cylindrical hoppers loaded with grain, seven bulkhead flat cars loaded with large pipes, 45 hoppers loaded with sulphur, 20 loaded tank cars, six more grain cars, and a caboose; a total of 118 units. It was 6,124 feet (1,866 metres) long and weighed 12,804 tons. In the front locomotive were engineer John Edward (Jack) Hudson, aged 48, and brakeman Mark Edwards, aged 25. In the caboose was conductor Wayne Smith, aged 33.
The freight train left Edson at 6:40 am, and took the siding at Medicine Lodge to allow two eastbound trains to pass. It departed Medicine Lodge at 8:02 am and reached Hargwen at 8:20 am, where a section of double track started. The remote dispatcher at Edmonton had set the switch so that the train was routed onto the north track. At the same time, the Super Continental stopped at Hinton. It left on time, five minutes later, at 8:25 am.
At 8:29 am, the dispatcher set the switch at Dalehurst, where the section of double track ended, to allow the Super Continental to take the south track. This switch setting would have caused the freight train to see signals indicating a stop. A two-light signal 13,600 feet (4.15 kilometres) east of Dalehurst showed yellow over red (meaning slow down and prepare to stop). As the train approached this signal, it was already going full throttle at 59 miles per hour (96 kilometres per hour), faster than the 50 mile per hour limit on this stretch of track. It did not slow down after passing the signal.
Further west, there was a three-light signal, 490 feet (150 metres) east of the switch at Dalehurst that showed three red lamps, indicating a stop. The freight still did not slow down, instead jumping the switch and entering the section of single track occupied by the Super Continental. Had the Super Continental been even a minute early, it would have been past the switch at this point, but unfortunately it was not. Seconds after the freight jumped the switch, at 8:40:52 am, the two trains collided, 1,270 feet (387 metres) west of the switch. As the freight train's momentum was greater than that of the passenger train, it ploughed through the first few cars of the passenger train.
The aftermath
After the crash, diesel fuel spilled from the locomotives and ignited, and the locomotives, the baggage car, and the day coach were engulfed in flames. The two crew members in each of the locomotives were killed.
Eighteen of the 36 occupants of the day coach were killed. The death toll might have been higher except that the contents of a grain car were propelled on top of the car, helping to smother the fire somewhat. Had the sulphur cars, for instance, been at the front of the train, the death toll might have been higher.
The observation dome car behind the day coach suffered serious damage, and was also hit by a freight car. One of its occupants was killed. The others were able to escape either through a broken window in the dome or through the hole left by the freight car. The two sleepers following the dome car derailed and were thrown on their sides. There were no deaths in these cars, but there were several injuries. The three passenger cars at the rear of the train did not derail, but there were some injuries.
Denali Star - from my personal collection
Another FA cold day here in mid-continent USA with the temps in the teens for the AM trek with Juneau the Wonder Husky. Expected to reach the mid-20s (F) today . . . Petrol up at "Collusion Corner" is not at $2.18 rounded as the price jumped from $1.98 in the blink of an eye. Then again, thanx to the speculators and the extortionists who run the cartels, world prices are nearly back to the $60 per barrel level. It was nice while it lasted, but this nationwide cold snap has the markets "atwitter" over it all, eh Sickening, just sickening.
Had an unusual experience with Dell ‘puter company that I'd like to share with those of you who are interested in these sorts of things. I've been having a "running gun battle" with D-Link over problems with my wireless capability for the laptop I like to use. Seems that the card bus adapter makes the system crash more times than not. When it isn't plugged in, the laptop works just fine. Plug it in, and zap - there she goes. D-Link said my operating system must be "corrupt.' I said the only thing "corrupt' is the manner in which D-Link handles things like this - and it went down hill from there.
Got a Dell tech on line and we discussed the situation. He transferred me over to another tech who diagnosed my laptop with a remote link up. Amazing. Anyway, Dell says they are sending me a new motherboard which should take care of the problem with the card bus adapter! I said "huh," and they supported their contention that although the device in question isn't theirs, they want to ensure that I am pleased with the Dell product. So replacing the motherboard should do just that. Amazing, eh Very happy with Dell - and very happy that I have an extended warranty to cover all of this!!
Yeah, I know
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS!
Pete at 5:52 PM yesterday: Congrats and many thanx for taking on the awesome responsibility of Full-Time Part-Time Assistant Bar Chandler!
This shouldn't require any more than 25 hours per day of your time on Thursdays thru Saturdays! <grin> Anyway, I DIDN'T know we had any warm English brew in the place. We've got to put a stop to THAT practice. What have I done Kinda like hiring the wolf to guard the hen house, eh
Sorry to learn that your bride is not feeling well. Seems like she's had a wintertime perennial cold, eh Perhaps you should introduce her to "my friend Jack!" That ALWAYS works for me! But then I have to be reintroduced to another friend called "Ty" from the Tylenol family!
That's a mighty fine model you have there, Sir Pete and my offer to help you construct a layout is still valid. Models like yours "deserve" a place to be run . . .
Doug at 6:52 PM yesterday: A rare early evening visit from our Illinois Connection! Great to see ya and of course we appreciate the business! Nyquil ‘n Jack - what a great way to shake loose a cold! <yeeeeee haw!>
Really some fine looking steamers, Doug! You too NEED a train room and NEED it NOW! C'mon, it's ONLY money! So the college fund takes a "hit" - your kids will understand! Yeah, right. <groan>
A GREAT lesson in that story! Now that's one to pass ‘round . . .
Lars at 7:33 PM yesterday: An even rarer appearance by our Manager during mid-week! Also great to have you stop by and liven up the joint!
Don't quite know what to make of your "story" and the bar and the gals in Florida, etc.
Not to worry, Mate - your bar will be safeguarded by Boris. It has been put back in the crate and will be here for you whenever you're ready to set it up. I should mention that ALL of the accutrements are included in the crate - when set up, it will look exactly as the Pix shows. It's really rather "rich" for this place.
Yeah, I think the corner back where it's dark is a good spot for the "Manager's Private Bar." It will brighten up that area and all I ask is that "whoever" you invite to share it with you, keep in mind that exclusion is not what we do ‘round here. So, should the guys wish to be "served" at it, make it available. If agreed, we have a deal!
Me, travel to construct someone's layout
I don't think so. Not what I'm "into" - Pete of course is an exception if he wishes my services. Tell Phil that there ARE people who do this very thing. They actually build other people's layouts, to "specs" and then some. They charge accordingly, as I've heard this ‘business' gets into the 5 figures! Can you imagine that
Well, I can - for I KNOW what my layout and room cost me - and I did all the work (well most of it - the bride helped here ‘n there, and I did have the services of a contractor friend for the drop ceiling. Anyway, if there's a buck to be made, there's a line up of people out there to make it! That's the American way, eh
Nice book covers, Mate! Hope your voyage to Key West is a pleasant and safe one . . .
Rob at 10:24 PM yesterday: He lives! He's baaaaaaaack! The man from Ontario who swings so well from the trolley wire has returned! <yay> Never know what's happen' with our Canadian C
Good morning Tom and gang. I only have time for one light breakfast this morning. It's too eary for me to figure out exactly what manager Lars is saying. Is he confessing or what? Anyhow, we all get to carve our initials in the fancy-schmancy bar, right?
Great to see Eric and Rob this morning. Here's a little something to read with your morning cofees:
Hobos and Hot Cotton by Charles A Roach Railroad Magazine Mar. 1947
Facts prove that strikes invariably cause railroads plenty of trouble. It doesn't make any difference what industry the strike involves, it displaces employed men and they, in turn, are soon broke and restless. So they head for the railroad to ride somewhere. Oft times to seek a job in other places, or just get away from where they are unable to find employment.
I well remember how the country was swarming with train riders back in 1894. That year coal mines throughout the United States were on strike. Then the Pullman strike helped put more men on the unemployed list. When A.R.U. men joined in, one of the worst unemployment situations I believe this country has ever had was caused. It cost the railroads millions from looted cars alone.
I was in the A.R.U. strike myself. And I wandered over several states looking for a job without finding one. Then, in one of fate's off moments, I struck a job. Under a fictitious handle of course.
Like thousands of others, I had wandered through the great wooded regions of Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana and part of east Texas, where a man could build a jungle fire and keep warm.
Thus, I rode into Hornbeck, Louisiana one night and discovered brakemen were needed - if they were not Union men and from some other road. I had no trouble explaining I had never made a trip on a train and was perfectly green at the duties. At four a.m. that very morning, I went out as a brakeman.
The Kansas City-Pittsburg & Gulf, later the Kansas City Southern, was a new road then, and braking on that pike was no easy job. There were plenty of merchandise cars in each train, and it was my duty to keep those merchandise cars from being broken into and their contents stolen by the wandering fraternity of which I had just been a member.
Jungle fires burned at each station. And in between and the men, being husky and determined as well as hungry, thought nothing of raiding a boxcar for food. There were no yard bulls then except at large terminals and no cops riding the merchandise trains. So it was all up to the three shacks and the conductor to keep cars from being broken into and the contents taken. If we failed, the road paid heavy damages to owners of the merchandise; in addition, there was a loss of reputation as a reliable carrier.
At that time air brakes were not in universal use, and the three brakemen on each train set brakes by hand, using a big stick for leverage to stop a car or the whole train. These brake clubs came in quite handy whenever a tough gentleman who did not have much regard for a brakeman's authority had to be handled.
One night shortly before I had mu most exciting experience on a railroad, I was designated as the swing man, or middle brakeman. We rolled out of Hornbeck on an extra about 9:30 p.m. with Bill Tanner as head man. By the glare from the firebox door as the fireman shoveled in coal, I saw that Bill was having a controversy with a couple of riders. It often took two men to make a good job of getting smart and tough men off, so I began to move forward. When I was almost about six or seven car lengths from Bill, I saw his lantern make a sudden circle and go out. I figured he had struck at one of the men with the lantern. That meant they had grabbed his brake club. Just as I got to them a big savage fellow hoisted Bill to throw him off the top of the car. I dived in. A sudden, well-placed smash of my club felled the big guy. Teetering on the edge of the car top, Bill yelled at me, "Look out, Slim. The other guy has a pistol." In a second, he moved and I could see by the light of my lantern a face glaring out from under Bill's right ar. The gun barrel came up, pointing at me.
I could almost feel the leaden slug entering my body. I swung my club and dived at him, all in a split second, without any spoken warning to Bill to side step. The pistol barked just as my brake club met bone. Bill had jumped aside in perfect timing. As the bad actor slumped unconscious to the bouncing car roof, I grabbed up his pistol.
Bill spoke first. "Gosh, Slim, that was a close one." I handed him the gun. The two slug-boys were out until we reached Leesville, where we rolled them to the edge of the car and over the cinders. The next trip north I saw them both, their heads bandaged, standing on the depot platform at DeQuincy, some twenty miles from where we had put them off.
It was out policy to search the train together. Two men could handle most any group or pair, except when they swung under on the rods as the train pulled out from the station. These smart guys could crawl half-way out from under the car while it was speeding along, reach up, break the seal on a merchandise car and climb inside. Once in , they'd gather what edibles could be found, and anything else they could sell or trade. Then before the train stopped on entering a station, they'd hit the ground and then be out of sight of any trainman hoping to catch them. No usual hoboes, those men.
Once in a while a lone rail encountered a tough pair.. Such a situation was thrust upon me one night as our train highballed it for Beaumont, Texas. We had stopped at DeQuincy to pick up some cars and set out others. There were no signs of any sneak artists up to this point and the road seemed clear for a peaceful ride into Beaumont.
Bill, the head brakeman was up on the engine, as I started to walk back to the caboose for a cup of java. About half way back, I glimpsed two men sitting on the running board as unconcerned as if the train belonged to them. Neither made a move to get away as I approached. Sensing trouble from the indifferent way they acted, I growled in my harshest manner, "What the hell are you men doing on here?"
The man nearest me chuckled boldly, "Riding - can't you see?"
"Well, you're not riding far," I said.
"We stop about three miles down the line. You get off there and stay off."
The two huskies rose to their feet. One, I observed, was quite short in spite of his breadth. The other wore a bunch of black whiskers on his chin. Above the whiskers his face was that of a young lad not over twenty.
He said, "We have to get to Beaumont tonight, and you can't keep us from riding on this train." His voice seemed rasping, and a little nervous, like a man getting up his nerve. Yet he spoke as if he had some way of making the trip, regardless of whatever action I took.
A scuffle on top of a moving box car at night is not a safe thing to undertake, no matter how sure-footed you are. I moved a step or two just as the short fellow dived at me. At the same instant the whiskered lad flashed a knife. With a good grip on my brake club and with my left hand holding my lantern, I was ready to slug it out with him, knife or no knife.
But before I could get in a lick, the short lad jumped on my back. He was a husky, strong-armed fellow and clung so tight I could not shake him off. All the time he was trying to get his fingers around my throat. Seeing I was in a difficult situation. I dropped on my back hoping to be able to stay on the running board, and smash the short man's head against the hard boards. But as I went down, the whiskered lad lunged with the knife. My club had dropped as well as my lantern and I was using both hands to prevent being choked, which put me practically at the mercy of the whiskered fool.
As I fell, I drew my feet up, and kicked out at whiskers, striking him in the mid section hard enough to set him back on his heels. Before he could regain his balance, one of his heels struck a raised ridge of the car roof. He kept going backward, letting out a wild screaming yell as he went off the car top.
That left just one more to get rid of. I began to claw at the short fellow to get him around in front where I could smash his face with my fist. No good. His ..... (to be continued)
This is strange! Why didn't I see these last posts, before I posted? I reloaded the page before I posted, nothing new showed up and now they are there! Beats me!
Since I have to get up early tomorrow morning I will respond to the missing pieces tomorrow evening!
Good night Gentlemen!
Eric
Good evening Captain Tom and all present!!
Leon, glad to see you again! How about my regular Sugar Cured Ham Sandwich? Good! On rye, please! Yeah, coffee.
Another beautiful day today! Like a real nice day in spring!
Tom – No gun shots last night, just a bunch of cops and a helicopter. sometime after midnight they all left. Before that they searched our carport. In the 2007 edition of a book called “Where to live in Arizona” our part of Phoenix is listed as a nice part! But one mile south of us a there is a bad area. I am afraid it will take until next week before we know what happened when the gun shots were fired a week and a half ago. Tonight it is quiet and nice around here. When I win the Powerball I promise I’ll fund at least an “Our Place” private car for trips around the country for the gang! A real nice car! When are you going to install that nice marble top bar? Elena must be a very nice lady! But I think Lars will be back soon to see Ruth. Don’t worry, be happy! But I think we should be careful not to say anything to his “Mrs.”Nice pictures of a very nice layout! It seems like the cold weather hit parts of your layout! I can see snow and that means very cold weather! At least we had 79°F today. No snow.Mike – Thanks for the interesting article on FEC’s locomotives, steam and diesels. Flagler Station in Key West is a must if and when I get there! Worthington feedwater heater was mentioned in the article so I thought a picture of one would be in place.
CM3 – I don’t think we have to worry about LLL. He will be back pretty soon to see Ruth!Pete – I spent about ten minutes tonight trying to find some info about the Coronation timetable but did not have any luck! After a quick look in a book, “History of Railways”, I think the Coronation made only one stop between London and Edinburgh, York. It says that the Coronation “was booked to run Kings Cross and York at an average speed of 71.9 mph — Edinburgh, the next stop, was reached in six hours from London”. Do you think that is correct? Nice model of No 70000 Britannia! Is that your model?
Good evening Leon, I'll releave you of a Keith's or two, mind you I'm staying on this end of the bar so to avoid the contaiminated menbers of the crew. I just got over the cold from H-E-double hockey sticks and don't wish another.Sorry 'bout the missing three days (daze) I got called off to help out our store in lower armpit Ontario ( sarnia ) at least the company payed the hotel tab
first off it was nice to have so much to read upon my return 5x for all the great pics and info, nice to see fer sure fer sure.
Tom-Great info on the ole FEC and all the Florida passenger posters on Sunday were a real treat, I can't say as I've ever liked the Citrus scheme on the Seaboard or the Purlpe n silver of the ACL but one thing can be said, I blind person would feel the heat from those paint schemessorry bout the hockey game last night ( not really ) my guys are on a role of late,looks like they may have another 90+ point season and still miss the playoffs the eastern conference is that close. I thought it was a fairly decent game from all sides, bit tentitive but whachagonnado I hear that St Loo is planning on lowering season's tickets prices next year ( I know we'll beleive it when we see it )
Doug-The three parter was definatly a keeper 5x a great read. I have perhaps a few pictures of some of those odder cars, Montreal funeral cars etc, I'll have to dig em up and scan them in over the next couple o weeks.nice to see so much of you these last few days ( even if you are coughing all over the bar )
Pete-Interesting steam pics, loved em as always. I would love top have some help "Chandlering" not sure that's a word but it is now It's been hard keeping up with all the orders for strange brews that the track gangs and the members of Boris' clan order when the pass through.I had heard that the local costabulary had lifted their ban on the bath tub but you'll have to check with Da-Boss first.
Mike-great batch of urls and a great read on Flaggler great to see you type one up once in a while.
Lars-Sounds like you are being truly spoiled in the sunshine state and why not I like the idea of your fancy bar gear being set up in the corner of the main room, hopefully the boss will concur.
eric-A fine sampling of shots both old an new sir Liked the shot of Amtrak at west Palm Beach the warmer side of railroading to be sure.To answer your question from a ways back. The Toronto Hamilton and Buffalo ceased to exist as a real railroad in 1987 when CP assumed full control ( they had bought out all the old NYC and it's susidiaries shares in the early 70's ) but had left TH&B people in charge, their own paint schemes on locomotives etc. By '87 the took over the daily ops and that was that. I'm sure that the TH&B survives on paper but it's refered to as CPR's Hamilton and Grimsby Subdivisions now. 90% of the trackage is still in daily use, even the old Art deco Hunter Street sattion in hamilton was restored three years ago and sreves as Go transit's Hamilton Bus and rail terminal.
Well Leon another round and I'll be off.
Rob
Evenin' Cap'n Tom & fellow travelers at the bar!
Leon, I'd like something STRONG tonight - make it a double hit of JD on the rocks! A round for the house too and give the critters some treats along with a small jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris!
Guilty without so much as a hearing, huh
Just because I received a "gift" shouldn't imply anything other than above board behavior! As I recall from my younger days, anything beneath the board most times resulted in lotsasand (re: boardwalks).
Anyway, I do recall meeting a gal named Elena, along with a few others. BUT you must keep in mind, my Mrs. was with me the whole time (well, most of it . . . .) <uh oh>
References to "domes" surely must mean passenger cars and not mine! <ditto uh oh>
Surely hope Ruth isn't sore at me over this. I'll be sure to "make it up" to her just as soon as I return. <awwwwright!>
A mighty fine looking bar and I can't wait to see it up close and personal. For now though, I'd appreciate keeping it in the crate 'til a suitable place can be found for it. I've been thinking about that corner in the back where it's rather dark. Would be a natural for the Manager's Private Bar! Yeah, that sounds just about right. How about it Bossman, will you permit it
Welcome to the Legion of the Full-Time Part-Time Employees of "Our" Place by the tracks, Wolfman Pete! I'm sure you'll do quite well filling in for Bar Chandler Rob as his assistant. I'll have to check to see whether there's still funds in the upstairs tub, but then again, Da Bossman would know better than I, as he's in sole control of that department.
In spite of the day being rather slow, the Can-Am pix are always a welcomed sight for me. It's a fine looking enterprise you've put together and I never get tired of viewing those shots. It will be a treat to see it all up close & personal this May for the Rendezvous.
Nice model from Pete and those from Doug are just begging for a "home," as in train room!
Not much to tell y'all from here as Phil, his Mrs. and I have been simply living the life of leisure. Not to worry CM3 I'm NOT Shane! about my being restored to reality. I'm still the same guy and will always consider myself as well grounded, in spite of this immersion into a lifestyle that I could most assuredly become fully accustomed to!!
Phil wants Cap'n Tom to know that he thinks those layout shots are terrific and wonders whether you'd consider yourself for "contracting out" to build layouts for others Now there's a thought! A monster layout for Elena and the girls . . . . <ooops> wrong topic!
On a more serious note, he passes his admiration for the guys who have provided so much material on the FEC railway. Says that it's hard not to become engrossed in the stuff. Maybe there's HOPE for him yet!
Not sure about the rest of the week, thinkin' about takin' the boat down to Key West in the morning. So, I'll drop these off for your enjoyment . . .
Until the next time!
Manager Lars
Good evening Tom and gents! I'll have whiskey and NyQuil, the same for CM3 and buy a round of real booze for the patrons who don't have a cold. I only have a minute, so this has to be fast.
Most impressive silent Mike on your Flagler submission. Those old Railroad magazines are great, aren't they? I have some related pix to share this weekend, and as usual, thank-you for some mighty fine URLs.
What's all this fancy bar equipment about, sir knight Lars? I don't even want to speculate what's going on, so how about it? If you don't give us the dirt, you know we're going to make it up!
Here are a few pix of some models I actually own. It's nothing in comparrison to any of your collections, but I'm just getting started. Seeing all those great pix of the CanAm layout is fueling the desire for the creation of my train room!
Gotta run for now, and will comment on the many other fine posts as soon as I can!
According to a news report, a certain private school recently was faced with a unique problem. A number of middle school girls were beginning to use lipstick and would put it on in the bathroom. That was fine, but after they put on their lipstick they would press their lips to the mirror leaving dozens of little lip prints.Every night, the maintenance man would remove them and the next day, the girls would put them back.Finally the principal decided that something had to be done. She called all the girls to the bathroom and met them there with the maintenance man. She explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the maintenance man who had to clean the mirrors every night.To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean the mirrors, she asked the maintenance man to show the girls how much effort was required.He took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it in the toilet, and cleaned the mirror with it.Since then, there have been no lip prints on the mirror.There are teachers, and then there are educators.
NO RUTH HONESTLY I don't know anything about that ornate bar or what LARS as been up to in Florida. What's that you say you thought I was in on it and you have put the English beer through the COOLER. I'll just have a look in the unrefridgerated reefer and see what is there.
Look what I found .
You wont give me the bottle opener.BORIS whip the top off with your teeth and OK you can sniff the empty bottle.
Well TOM as you can see the "little gift" as caused no little consternation at the bar. I wondered why VITO THE HIT's cousin's sandwich van was outside the Mills Lumber Yard. I only hope LARS calls in soon and puts things right, and what the track gang will make of it I shudder to think.
I'll have a go at Assistant Bar Chandeler while ROB is having the computer or power supply troubles, but I thought the upstaries bath tub was still impounded by Inspector Clueless
It seems as though the Our Place regulars are being attacked by this cold bug that is around at the present, first DOUG and now CM3, also the bride has caught it, I suppose its me next, anyway I am hoping for a quick recovery for all..
As you say the Rendezvous it getting closer and we will have to fit in an Amtrak before then.
Great to see the pics of the Can-Am . The pic of the Domes crossing the Can-AM Gorge is brilliant.
ERIC Looking forward to the roundhouse pics and the Swedish signalling details .
I am notting having much luck on finding the stops the LNER Coronation made. I guess the train only ran for 2 years but I thought it would be a lot easier to find out details of the train.
Anyway Keep Safe.
MIKE Great post on the Motive Power of the Flagler System.Great links as well. It is good to see that the Over-Sea Railway is commemorated by that 1999 plaque.
I found the last link on David P.Morgan very interesting. I had heard of him before in Trains Magazine.It was good that the Kalmbach people kept faith with the magazine during the lean times of the 1950s and finally making a profit in 1962. I would love to hear more of the discussion between Mr Morgan and Mr Beebe. I have tried to find out more on the Railroad Magazine but have had no luck on the net, apart from some pics of some covers of the mag..
A model of the first of the British Railway Standard locomotives. No 70000 'Britannia' with a white roof it carried when on a Royal Train duty
Well LEON I am glad to see you, with the mood RUTH is in, so another Bathams and a round please.
Pete.
Time for our OPTIONAL Toy 'n Model Trains Day!
Some scenes from my Can-Am HO layout and the Can-Am Trainroom . . .
Enjoy!
Just back from round one of my appointments and found a delivery waiting for me out back . . . check this out:
The invoice shows a return address of Miami, Florida - Attn: Elena. Is made out to LoveDomes Lars c/o "Our" Place, Mentor Village, Can-Am County, etc.
Couldn't help but see the note attached to the bar (marble top with what appears to be the finest teak wood finish!)
We'll never forget our time together at the pre-Super Bowl party and afterwards. Now we KNOW what "Love Domes" really means, as you have one of the finest - domes - we've EVER seen! Hope you enjoy this token of our appreciation and each time you "visit" it, think of us! /signed/ Elena & the girls!
Now WHAT in the world
Do you suppose the Larsman has developed a following
Does his "Mrs." KNOW
How will this effect Ruth, with whom the Larsman is surely "smitten"
How does this play out now with him being in the Keys and "her" back in NYC
And, what of the fancy-schmancy bar
These and other questions are sure to create fodder for discussion 'til we receive clarification from the Larsman! <oooooooh>
Good to see this AM, CM3 and sorry that you are also suffering from the ravages of winter sub-freezing temps, et al. Dedication to duty is what keeps you with us, eh
Well, perhaps . . . we Do appreciate the quarters 'n the round. Hope you'll be back with us in full form before week's end. Have a steaming mug of Joe with a "splash" - guaranteed to knock the "bugs" outta ya! <grin>
Later!
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; hot bricks for the boots; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. 17 degrees this a.m.; 15 degrees warmer than it was all day yesterday. We have lotsa snow on the ground, thought not as much as the Northern Division does up around Buffalo - gotta love it when area towns make the Weather Channel. First, my apologies for not stopping by yesterday, but I have had the cold from !@##$; not doing that great today, but had things that had to be done for classes tomorrow.
I will try and post more later today, but am not sure if I will be able to do so. I do have one question, How are we going to get LLL (Lap of Luxury Lars) back now that he's "been to the mountaintop?"
work safe
Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house
Silent Mike in rare typing mode to transcribe this gem from 59 years ago. I was a baby then. Time flies.
Flagler System Motive Power by David P. Morgan (Railroad Magazine, January 1948)
If you're tired of cold weather and freight hogs decorated with Coffin feedwater heaters, domes built to carry sand for a Mallet and not a 2-8-4, and Pennsy banshee whistles, then pack your grip and climb aboard the Florida Special to the land of waving palms and eternal sunshine. Not only that, brother, you'll be in the home country of some of the finest 4-8-2s that American Locomotive ever assembled. Big jobs, with graceful boilers on 73-inch drivers, Worthington feedwater heaters, and long, trim 12-wheel tanks. All this plus a guarantee of no soot, no cinders.
The Line? Florida East Coast. The prime mover? 400-series Mountains. Together, they're the perfect cure for all the railfan's winter season blues. For there is no greater sight in railroading than one of these handsome dual-service Alcos wheeling a fruit block north along FEC's double-tracked speedway at sixty-five per, under an impressive exhaust of oil smoke and shattering sound. Wet, sticky snow may spoil your chances of capturing a Pere Marquette Mike on film in the yards at Grand Rapids, but that won't prevent you from getting a clear print of a husky Flagler 0-8-0, shuffling cars in the sun-drenched garden at New Smyrna Beach. Diesels? Yes, FEC has a bountiful supply of them. But in the winter season you'll find plenty of varnish trade still geared to the flashing rods of reciprocating steam power. And Electro-Motive hasn't yet captured the freight traffic.
If you have the pioneer urge to be another Jim Hill (or should one say, another Henry M. Flagler?), you might be able to ride the hack of a way freight over the road's brand new 29-mile cutoff, connecting Ft. Pierce with the shores of inland Lake Okeechobee.
Everyone is familiar with the system's bold fight to send its line across the ocean to Key West, a plan executed only after a terrific expenditure in lives and cash. Still surprisingly few know much about an equally fascinating branch of FEC lore, its motive power. The supreme and amusing fact about the Flagler System prime movers is that of the existing engines, built originally for FEC, most are now working for somebody else. You'll find them thundering up through the Feather River Canyon out on the Western Pacific and rolling passenger traffic on the West Point Route. Still others are turning in mileage for the Cotton Belt, and can be seen easing into the Union Station in Dallas with the Morning Star. Across in Georgia, FEC Pacifics are to be found working freight and passenger traffic over the iron of such lines as the Atlantic & St. Andrews Bay, Georgia & Florida, and what was once the independent AB&C--now the Coast Line's Western Division.
Travel down into Old Mexico, and you can focus your Graflex on FEC hogs now working for the National Railways. Fourteen 400-series 4-8-2s went to the NdeM in 1945 alone. Replaced by Diesels in the United States, they're doing much to revamp Mexico's rail network.
Naturally, the Flagler System would like to be operating with a traffic level that required the use of all these engines. If the fabulous Florida boom had never exploded, such might be the case in 1948. But the magic bubble of fortune was pricked, and "The St. Augustine Route" found itself in the unhappy position of being loaded with brand-new motive power--much of it unpaid for--with only a trickle of traffic to support it. Hence, the depression years found FEC selling almost-new locomotives to a score of roads, both domestic and foreign. Introduction of Diesel power crowded more of the 4-8-2s off its books.
The road's current roster represents a well-balanced fleet of steam and Deisel power. It includes two extremely graceful old Pacifics, a single 0-6-0, fifteen Mikes, and twenty-five 0-8-0 yard goats. The popular dual-service 4-8-2 comes in three series of varying dimensions: seven of the light 300-series; seventeen of the 73-inch drivered 400s; and twenty-one of the heavy, husky 800-series.
Twenty-one 2000 horsepower Electro-Motive passenger deisels carry the FEC's tropical color scheme of red and yellow hues. They are made up to A-B-A 6000-horsepower combinations when necessary, to handle the heavier trains that run with twenty cars. When FEC first purchased Diesels, it pooled its units with the Coast Line in through Washington-Miami Champion service. This resulted in Flagler locomotives parading into the nation's Capital and ACL purple-silver power plants easing across downtown streets of Greater Miami. Now each system restricts even the Diesel's long-winded jaunts, and all power is changed during a stop at Jacksonville.
A traffic problem, more or less peculiar to the Florida East Coast, has made the road's neat timetable look more like an enlarged Blue Island folder of the Rock Island's comprehensive Windy City suburban service.
Even the schedule of the Chicago streamliner, hottest daily scheduled train over FEC's 346-mile main line, looks more like the timecard of semi-weekly CNR local. The reason for this type of service (City of Miami, Dixie Flagler and Southwind all make sixteen regular stops down the coast) is simple: each of these intermediate stations does a thriving tourist trade.
The southbound Gulf Stream usually carries racefans for Daytona, folks who want to see the greyhounds sprint at Hollywood, and perhaps a few passengers for the super-exclusive Boca Raton Hotel. To make all these stops, and still keep time, was a problem that brought the Diesels in force. In this motive power, FEC found a prime mover that could accelerate rapidly, maintain high speeds for short distances, and then make the next inevitable resort stop. Some of the Diesels are running up better than 20,000 miles a month. All are shopped at Miami's Buena Vista roundhouse.
Even though Flagler steam power is rather standardized for a road its size, the careful observer will find enough re-builds among almost any class to keep his camera busy. Numbers 819-822, for example, have been equipped with bundle-type feedwater heaters, giving them a sharp similarity to New York Central Mohawks. Another of the series, Number 803, has been equipped with Timken roller bearings on the rear delta trailer and on all tender axles. This big 4-8-2 is now known as the Holy Roller.
But you'd better hurry on down, or by the time you get here FEC may have done a vanishing act, along with the AB&C. With the St. Augustine Route now in process of reorganization, two groups are fighting for control--the connecting Coast Line, and the duPont Estate. Florida East Coast proudly advertises itself as "A Florida Industry and Institution," and the local Brotherhoods and most Floridians want to keep it just that.
Meanwhile, the Atlantic Coast Line points out that greater economy of operation would be achieved by the merger. And naturally ACL would like to enter Miami on its own rails, right along with its jazzed-up rival, Seaboard Air Line.
For the present, Florida East Coast remains one of the South's finest railroads. Its motive power is exclusively oil-burning. it operates a fleet of reclining seat, modern coaches, both streamlined and heavyweight. And it has just finished laying new 112-pound rail down its double-tracked main line, which is protected by automatic color block signals.
But head south, yourself, and view this A-1 carrier firsthand. The road that went out to sea and failed, has done pretty well on the land.
4-8-2
http://photoswest.org/photos/00011626/00011631.jpg
4-6-2
http://photoswest.org/photos/00011626/00011628.jpg
Flagler Station
http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2006120209080929873.jpg
http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2006120209165217498.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/pan/6a03000/6a03100/6a03127r.jpg
DPM
http://rlhs.org/rrhistry/rrh188/jacklin.html
Wednesday's Witticism
Save the whales, collect the whole set.
Back to the frigid digits as we're near the single ones here in mid-continent USA this AM! Supposed to reach the low 20s (F) during the day. Time for a hot mug of coffee, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board!
Hard as we tried, no luck in luring trolleyboy Rob out of his barn. Even with his Toronto Maple Leafs here in St. Louis to take on the Blues - which they did by winning 2 to 1 on just 16 shots - no Rob. <geesh> Guess he's no longer our full-time part-time Bar Chandler . . . gotta begin looking for an assistant. Also, we're without a full-time part-time Chief Chef as well, now that Nick has joined the Permanent Legion of the Lost! <geesh>
Have an appointment to keep this AM, so I best get straight to work here!
Pete at 7:53 PM yesterday: Good to see ya, Mate! We should be thinking about our Amtrak trip, eh Let's start the Emails . . . Perhaps while you're here, we can head over to the University for a "recon" on the RR library . . . The time is rapidly approaching to put together the final itinerary for the Rendezvous. Speaking of which, I'll be sending an Email to all involved with the motel location ‘n reservations.
Can't make comment on the changing of a loco's ID, but perhaps others know . . .
Yes, Juneau is WAITING for the white stuff. As you undoubtedly recall, he's made for it!
Interested in being our Assistant full-time part-time Bar Chandler
All it takes is the commitment to be ‘round here during times when we have meal service (Thurs - Fri - Sat) and of course keep the stocks "up," which includes our reefer and tank cars over on the private siding. You draw your pay from our upstairs bath tub, 2nd door on the left . . .
Eric at 1:12 AM today: Not again!! You definitely are living in a dangerous place fer sure, fer sure. But, I'm not telling you something you don't already know. Gunshots - police helos - sirens - flashing lights - loudspeakers blaring, what next I shudder to think . . . Take care, Mate!!
A request: When you WIN the Powerball, perhaps you could find it within yourself to fund our private train! You know - the all dome, Budd streamliner that some of us simply <drool> over just at the thought! <GRIN>
Mike at 7:12 AM today: Looks like "Not-so-silent Mike" has reappeared with a rare narrative 'n URL extravaganza to continue with the FEC 'n Flager "stuff." Way to go! I'll save it for my return . . . Thanx!
Well, that was indeed a rather short round of "talk" - so I'm off to face the day!
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Just a cup of coffee Leon! I have to leave in a few minutes! Thank you, keep the change!
Because of what is going on outside now I'll make this a quick one.
Doug – Thanks for the info on Punxsutawney! What a name! And thanks for the story on Canadian streetcars! As a former streetcar conductor I love streetcars! Smart to paint the words Royal Mail on the sides and get the right of way! Interesting to read about Toronto’s streetcars! Strange gage though and strange reason to have it! Most interesting to read about all those Canadian Trolley Oddities!Never let an attorney fetch your coke!Tom – Believe it or not, but right now, as I am typing this, the police helicopter is again circling over our house and there is a police car parked outside with all the lights flashing. Now I can hear that they are using a PA-system, talking to somebody on the ground from the helicopter! I did not hear what they said though. I still don’t know what happened last time, almost a week and a half ago. This is a crazy world! Lars – You better not tell Ruth about those babes you met in Miami! You certainly had a Super Super Bowl!!! It really sounds like the way to live!! Maybe I’ll try it when I win the Powerball Jackpot! It shouldn’t be long. Thanks for the complete report!!! And the book cover! DL – We are looking forward to your next visit!Pete – Thanks for the resonse to my question about those low semaphore signals! I’ll try to put together something about the different signal aspects used in Sweden. I have not forgotten the promised pictures of the roundhouses! I just have to find them. It will be a short post tonight. The helicopter is still flying around over the house, they have checked our backyard at least three times, and the police car still has all the lights on. I have to check what is going on.
Well LEON, not only fine posts by DOUG but a offer of a round so a pint of Winters ale please.
ERIC Great pic of the X2000 at Palm Beach.
It must have been a hard job to have been in a busy signal box, like one of those at Clapham Junction, on the Southern in steam days, and indeed before the modern signalling, came in. I wonder if one of the signalmen has ever written an account of his days in a busy SR signalbox.
The reason I can think of for the semaphore signals being so low, was to give a good sighting of them below the canopy of the station buildings,this being a mainly single track line with passing loops at the stations even a non-stopping train would be travelling at fairly slow speed to pick up the single line token so there wasn't the need to see the signal at a far distance.
On some of the main lines with higher speeds a signal that was obstructed by a bridge or station canopy would often have a two signal arms on a tall post worked by the same wire, so the top signal could be seen at a far distance and the lower signal for an easy view if the train was pulled up at it.
Today with the colour lights( and some were used with semaphore signals ) a banner repeating signal is placed before the obstruction to the signal, giving an indication to the driver of the aspect of the signal he is approaching.
Thanks for the info on the signal in your pic from the cab. I would be intersted to know what other aspects the signal like that could show and their meanings.
LARS There I was watching the Superbowl and feeling sorry that you was getting wet watching the game, and all the time you was in a Private Suite .Many thanks for sharing the great account of your day at The Superbowl,what truely great memories. The only thing that could have been better was if the Giants had been playing.
I see that in Week 9 of next season the Giants are away to the Miami Dolphins in London England, perhaps we could get an Our Place trip up to go to it, although I doubt if the tip jar would cover the trip..
DOUG I think if the Bears quarterback had been on the same form you have been at the bar the last couple of days, the result Sunday could have been different .
The price the Zephyr renovation is going to cost shows how expensive restoring old equipment is nowadays.
That Railroad Magazine must have been a great magazine in its day. Mike had a link to a cover of one recently.I am sure ROB will enjoy those great trolley stories I certainly did.There are some railfans in the UK who would probably get them selves 'nabbed' to get a ride in one of the Prison cars although I think not too many would be as keen on the Funeral ones.
That was indeed a strange tale of the track gauge in Toronto, although in York England there is a side street that has stone blocks set in to the cobble stones for the wheels of carts still.
I wonder what year the St Jean De Dieu narrow gauge railway closed, perhaps Rob will know.
The pic of the kids in front of the rotary snowplow is a bit scary though. I can't imagine what the Health & safety would say today.
My favorite is the image of the St Catherines 4- Wheel trolley lifted off the rails and parked by the pub while the passengers and crew were inside having a drink.
DL Hope you are able to be back with us soon, sorry you could not see the pic but it showed BR Standard tank No 80154 at the Bluebell.No 80154 not longer exists, the loco in the pic is actually no 80151. I am not sure why they have changed the locos identity but I think 80154 was the last loco built at Brighton Works.
TOM I am not too sure about changing a locos identity as above. I wonder if this happens to preserved locomotives in North America.
What a difference round here with the weather from yesterday from bitter cold to quite reasonable. Don,t tell Juneau, but the weather people are saying we may get a sizeable amount of snow when the very cold front finally moves away.
We have had two great day
Ruth, serve 'em up whatever they'd like and Boris ring the bell!
An outstanding contribution from the Larsman. An unbelievable adventure fer sure, fer sure which has most probably garnered the envy of all! What an experience. Thanx for sharing some of the insights with us.
Enjoyed the book cover!
Good seeing Doug here for two successive week days - almost like a retired guy, eh
Those Canadian Trolley Oddities are most interesting. Found some things in 'em that brought back a memory or two, but not necessarily connected with the story.
For example, there was mention of a place I know in Quebec Province called Levis (pronounced levee). It is situated pretty much across the St. Lawrence Seaway south of Quebec City.
It used to be a wonderful stop on VIA Rail's "Ocean" heading east to the Maritimes. The train used to spend about 20-30 minutes there and it was always at night - probably around 10:30 PM if memory serves. Anyway, you could sit up in the dome and look out at the lights from Quebec City and it was one of the most scenic of sights to take in - all for the price of a ticket aboard the train in Easterly Class (bedroom). There was a ferry connection for those traveling to 'n from Quebec City. Ahhhh, those were the days! I say that because CN, the owner of the right of way, sold off that portion several years ago to the locals who turned it all into condo's. No more rail stops there. <frown>
Now the train stops in further to the south - too far from the Seaway and the great "show" put on by Quebec City, the ramparts, et al. Sad.
I'm sure Rob will enjoy your efforts with that great three-parter - but trying to flush him out doesn't seem to have worked. Guess he's about as gone as gone can be these times. Expect only to see him, occasionally at that - late at night. But, that's better than not at all, eh
Nice selection of "funnies" for us too . . . .
I noted that DL popped in for a "quickie." Must be a busy lad these days - but one has to do what one has to do in order to keep the bills paid!
Can't believe the turn in temps where I am. My guess it has reached the mnid-40s(F) today - all remnants of snow are gone. Juneau and I sat outside on our stone wall, just watching the world pass by. Hardly winter - but earlier this AM, it was. Go figger!
See ya in the morning . . ..
Howdy again Tom and gang. I'll have hot-spiced grog please, and buy a round for whoever is here. It's been snowing lightly in Woodstock all day, but the accumulation is only 3 or so inches. Here's a picture taken February 16, 1936. The temperature is 18-below and wind gusts of 40 mph. The C&NW's northbound moves after a 5-day stoppage.
And now, here is the final installment of my juice article.
Canadian Trolley Oddities by Andrew Merrilees Railroad Mag. Nov 1943
How many rail lines do you know of that have supplanted bus companies? Canada has at least one, the Montreal & Southern Counties Railway. This is an electric subsidiary of the Canadian National. Prior to 1909 a rather primitive bus service operated between Montreal and the town of St. Lambert, on the opposite shore of the St. Lawrence River. The busses were solid-tired, shaky vehicles which did not provide comfortable service. In addition, they aroused the wrath of Montreal's City Council for "unnecessarily battering the pavement and despoiling it with dropping oil." Permission was given for an electric railway to supplant the buses, using the Victoria Bridge to cross the St. Lawrence River into St. Lambert. This line is running today - perhaps the only interurban that ever replaced bus service! But instead of stopping at St. Lambert, the M&SC continues fifty miles beyond, to Granby, Que.
Several winters ago this same railway demonstrated once again its superiority over bus competition. It hauled several stalled busses, trucks and highway plows into Montreal on M&SC flat cars, having picked them up where they had stalled in snowdrifts on the highway between St. Cesaire and Abbotsford. Fortunately for the busses, the interurban line paralleled the highway at this point. Winter in old Quebec is severe, and most people are wise enough to use rail transportation.
Various flimsy pretexts doomed most of Canada's interurban railways, until today there are a bare half-dozen left. These six, we confidently expect, will continue running at least "for the duration."
Heavy steel interurban 453 wheels out of the Quebec Railway, Light & Power Company's St. Paul Terminal.
Two physicians board a flight out of Seattle. One sits in the window seat, the other in the middle seat. Just before take-off, an attorney sits in the seat by the aisle. The lawyer kicks off his shoes, wiggle his toes, and starts to settle in, when the physician in the window seat says, "I think I'll get up and get a coke." "No problem," says the attorney, "I'm by the aisle. I'll get it for you." While he's gone, one of the physicians picks up the attorney's shoe and spits in it. When he returns with the coke, the other physician says, "That looks good, I think I'll have one too." Again, the attorney obligingly fetches the drink. While he's gone, the other physician picks up the other shoe and spits in it. The lawyer comes back and they all sit back and enjoy the flight. As the plane is landing, however, the attorney slips his feet into his shoes and realizes immediately what has happened. "How long must this go on?" he asks the physicians. "This fighting between our professions? This hatred? This animosity? This spitting in shoes and urinating in cokes?"
Hello Tom, quick beer for me please.
Various things have prevented me calling by recently, but hope to have a chance to reveiw the recent posts soon enough - one thing I did not is Pete's question on the engine pics - Pete I can't see the pics at the mo so I can't guess - so you may want to reveal all to the anxious visitors (inc myself)
Regards to all
DL
Good morning again Tom and friends. Too late for the 3rd light breakfast? Sure is good to see that Lars survived having too much fun. What an incredible story, and thanks for sharing it with us! Sounds to me like the party is still going on too! Just amazing. Thanks for the condolances on the poor performance of the Bears, but it turned-out pretty much the way we expected it to in light of the fact we have so little talent in the quarterback position.
Yep, Tom, I specifically chose a Canadian juice piece today in hopes of flushing our boy Rob from his hiding place. Hope it works! Speaking of which ..here's part II
No work today! Loud were the laments of French-Canadian operators and shop workers when the Haute-Ville car barn of the Levis County burned to the ground in February, 1921.
Now a few words about Toronto, the capital of Ontario, our richest province. It is not generally known that the streetcar system of this city is not standard gage but the outlandish width of 4 feet 10 7/8 inches. To discover the reason for this we go back to the year 1861. Toronto at that time was known as "Muddy York" on account of the poor condition of its unpaved streets. Huge ruts ran along the middle of each thoroughfare, and wagons had to follow these ruts or run the risk of getting hopelessly mired.
With this in mind, Alexander Easton, projector of the Toronto horsecar lines, strongly advised against the use of standard gage (4 feet 8 ½ inches). Instead, he recommended 4 fett 10 7/8 inches - the distance between the wheels of an old English cart. This gage, he argued, would not oblige wagon traffic to run with one wheel in a rut and the other in the mud, eventually forming a new rut just inside one of the rails. City officials foolishly agreed, and the line was laid to this gage, providing a permanent pair of iron-railed ruts for the use of vehicular traffic as well as for the railway.
As you might have expected, complications arose. In course of time suburban branches of the same freak gage were built from Toronto to Mimico and Scarboro, while a standard gage interurban linked Toronto with Newmarket and Sutton. In 1904 all three of these suburban and interurban lines came under the same management and one of the odd-gage lines was converted to standard. To transfer cars from one division to another the Toronto & York Radial Railway had to get permission from the Toronto Railway Company, owners of the city transit system, to run its cars in the dead if night, slowly along the grooves of the freak-gage city track for five or six miles to the terminus of the other division.
In 1920, when the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario took over operation of the three T&YR divisions, it changed the remaining odd-gage Port Credit line to standard. Seven years later the City of Toronto acquired these lines and at once began changing them back to the peculiar gage, in order to make them conform to the municipal system. This meant no more freight revenue from hauling steam-railway freight cars over the lines - except for about three miles in Aurora, where a three-rail arrangement was set up and a standard-gage freight motor was stationed to haul cars to and from industries and a nearby steam railway interchange. The Metropolitan Division was converted from standard to freak-gage at a cost of $28,000 - only to be abandoned less than two years later!
The foregoing is a record of reversing the usually accepted procedure of standardization. But now we come to something that happened the right way.
The rule of the road in Saint John, New Brunswick, as well as in Vancouver and Victoria, B.C., was changed from left to right in 1921. This necessitated rebuilding the door arrangements of all the streetcars and interurbans in those cities. The cars in question originally had been built for "keeping to the left," in accordance with the English practice.
For those with a bent for history, here are a few facts about the start of "juice" railways in Canada. The country's first electric car ran in Windsor, Ont. - opposite Detroit, Mich. - in October, 1886. This car operated under the Van Depoele system, a system which was introduced in St. Catherines, Ont., in September, 1887, when several similar cars began operation there.
These primitive cars were only 16 feet long. Single motors were located where the front vestibule would otherwise be, and were connected by chain and sprocket to the wheels and axles. The cars frequently went off the track, deep into the mud. All the make passengers thereupon would have to get out and lift the car back onto the track. The men also had to get out and lift a car off the tracks to let a fire engine pass, later shoving it back on the track again.
Since these cars could not be reversed, turntables were provided at each end of the line to turn the cars. Another reason for this practice was that the trolley connections were not removable from the wire, as they are today. In winter these cars, like most horse and early electric cars in Canadian cities, were provided with pea straw on the floor to keep the passengers' feet warm. Needless to say, most of the cars were open-vestibuled. Both motormen and conductor were exposed to the elements. It was nothing to see one of these light four-wheelers jerked off the rails and parked beside a tavern while passengers and crew got liquid fortification against the cold Canadian winter.
Religious fervor of the Ontario pioneers was shown by the fact that not until 1895 did traction companies in Ontario secure the right to operate Sunday. Until then the trolley car was probably too new and enjoyable a thing to find a place among the approved Sabbath activities for young people of the Victorian Era. Even today some Ontario companies adhere to ancient laws that prohibit them from ringing gongs, blowing whistles, or making other unnecessary noise while passing churches during service. In one case, as condition of the sale of a piece of church property to the railway it was provided that the company should agree to coast its cars through the property past the edifice at certain hours on Sunday.
Until about 1925, both single and double-truck open motor cars were a common sight in Canadian cities and towns, operating either singly or hauling open trailers.
During this year the Ontario Railway and municipal boards prohibited the use of open cars in regular service, and they began to disappear rapidly thereafter. Today not a single open car is left in service in the whole Dominion. The last line to use them was the Niagra Gorge Route, operating a popular scenic line in the vicinity of Niagra Falls. A rock slide interrupted this service in 1935, and it was not resumed.
Probably the only interurban that ever replaced a bus line is the Montreal & Southern Counties, a subsidiary of Canadian National.
End of part II
Things to know
G'day Cap'n Tom & fellow travelers at the bar!
What's to say other than "I've been to a Super Bowl" <grin> What a day and night. Just a fantastic experience all around and with a friend like Phil to take care of all the details, all we needed to do was enjoy it all. We did!
Ruth, let me have one of those number 3s from the menu board, a steaming mug of Joe with one of those "splashes" you give to BK and I'll be ready to begin with my "report."
First would just like to mention that I think Cap'n Tom's idea of folding the Sunday pix day into Saturday and the Encores is a great idea. I'm all for it! Makes much more sense. Just close the joint on Sundays - totally. Go back to sliding messages through the mail slots and so forth. Who cares about those who are using our bar to rack up "points" for themselves But more importantly, it IS a lot of work to prepare those "things" for Sunday and Tom is absolutely correct. We've fallen way, way down in terms of participants. I say GO FOR IT, mate!
Second thing is to offer my condolences to our friend Doug in Chicago-land. It hurts fella, I know THAT. My Mets caved in during the playoffs to the Cardinals (actually, the Birds beat ‘em soundly and fairly!) and my Jints looked like sandlot football for the 2nd half of the season. So all I can offer is "Wait ‘til next year!" The cry of the old Brooklyn Dodgers!! <groan>
Third thing is to say that the stuff provided on Saturday, Sunday and Monday was terrific and those who put it all together should be thanked! So - THANK YOU!
Now to my "report" of the trip to the Super Bowl.
It was a dark and stormy night . . . . . No, actually, it was an overcast morning as we headed up the highway to Miami. There was a full day ahead of us as Phil warned us "This would be our Longest Day!" Hmmmmm, sound familiar Anyway, we checked into a hotel where we'd spend the night. Haven't the foggiest how he arranged that, but he did. Hotels in Miami simply aren't that easy to come by. However, Phil is a "connected" kind of guy and still has all sorts of "markers" he uses for payback. So, we were set for the night. Then we attended an afternoon cocktail party in a company suite that rivaled something straight out of Hollywood. There was more food & drink there than a Navy could've handled along with a bevy of fantastic looking babes. <ooooops> Sorry if that offends anyone! <grin> Yes, the Mrs. was right by my side throughout! She must have had that extraordinary perception many wives have when it comes to "Should I let him go with Phil - ALONE - or should I go too??" Anyway, it was a grand time and I met up with a couple of guys who sailed with me way back when. Was kind of like a reunion of sorts for those of us who remember when this country really had a Merchant Marine!
The Dolphin's stadium was jammed when we got there and it was raining rather lightly. First thing the women mentioned was their hair. Phil commented that he GUARANTEED it wouldn't get wet nor would we. I don't think anyone really took him seriously. Anyway, we proceeded to an elevator and the next thing you know, we were heading to a PRIVATE SUITE, all glassed in and as comfortable as one could imagine. TVs on the walls and a great view of the field. A bar (of course) and food just waiting to be eaten. Good Grief Charlie Brown! Was this a first for us Youbetchaboots!
So, as the rains intensified, we were as snug as bugs in a rug, just taking it all in. Before too long, it became apparent that THIS IS the way to live! Then again, reality always lurks "back there" sort of as a reminder to remain grounded. This too shall pass!
I'd say that at any one time there were perhaps a minimum of two dozen people in that suite with so many coming and going that it was hard to keep track of them. Honestly was surprised that so many could've cared less about the spectacle taking place below them on the field. Phil and I watched the game and so did a couple of other "merchies" - but the others, well - who knows (and who cares!). It was perhaps the absolute best experience I've ever had at a sporting event, bar none! Just one of those "You gotta see it to believe it!" experiences in life. I'm forever in Phil's debt for this, although he says he really doesn't want our ‘first born.' <grin>
No point in dropping "names" of those we were introduced to, but I will say that I met more former and active NFL players & coaches than I could possible remember along with a score of other people who "move & shake" the places they came from. Just an amazing assortment of people. Had no idea we'd be treated to such a full day of fantasy land.
That night we went to dinner! Can you believe it The Mrs. and I didn't think we could've consumed another thing, but there we were, ordering from a menu in a fine restaurant. We picked up the tab much to the chagrin of Phil, but a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do, huh
Off to beddy-bye and we were "out" by midnight, and I mean OUT. Put the bride on a plane yesterday bound for Newark and she'll fly back to Marathon on Friday. Looks like we'll stay at least one more full week after that, then pack up and skedaddle. Was concerned about getting her off given the cancellations of some flights in the NYC area due to the severe cold. She's gonna be mighty unhappy with those temperatures! But, there's no stopping the Mrs. when she's got her "head set" on doing something. So, one of the boys will pick her up and she'll be fine.
The stadium, as you guys know, is one of those multi-purpose jobs where baseball and soccer is also played. I understand some rennovations have taken place to include the construction of additional seating, super large screen TVs in the end zones and of course the luxury suites for the fortunate few. Not a bad place to watch a game, especially given the history of those great Dolphin teams and so forth. I personally prefer Giants Stadium! Wonder why
The game
A cloudy winter's day here in mid-continent USA, but warmer! Temps are about 14 (F) and supposed to get near the freezing mark by afternoon. A light snow on the ground, just enough to make things look "right" for this time of year. Sure wish we'd get "that" snow we're overdue for . . .
Coffee's fresh ‘n hot, pastries are ready for the pickin' from The Mentor Village Bakery and our Menu Board selections for <light> ‘n <traditional> breakfasts need only to be ordered! Whatchwaitinfer
Monday was definitely a reminder and a clear example of how one guy CAN and DOES make a difference at this bar. Contrary to what I've seen in Emails and here in the Ether that "one guy" shouldn't make the difference regarding whether we "sink or swim." Just check the "stuff" from yesterday. There was a time when we had quite a few "one guys" - but we're down to "if ‘n when" and it was nice to see the activity on Monday.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
Doug at 4:44 PM yesterday: A continuation of the "unofficial" Theme for Monday - Florida's Passenger Railways - a sure fire winner! Lots of good stuff for our crew to pick up on.
Those open ended heavyweight observation cars are terrific to travel in. Had the pleasure some years ago on a trip from St. Louis to Kansas City. The car was a "hybrid" in that it was a heavyweight frame but "smoothsides" in design. That's about as "technical" as it gets! Anyway, that particular train also had a dome car and it was one of those rail experiences I'll not forget.
Nice Pix - Thanx!
Pete at 7:09 PM yesterday: Another "typical" inclusive Post from the Wolfman! Glad you enjoyed the "stuff" and "evidence" that one guy DOES make a difference - as we've discussed from time to time. Without guys like you ‘n Doug ‘n Eric ‘n . . . . well . . . . <groan>
Eric at 12:57 AM today: Also glad to learn that you too appreciated the wealth of info provided yesterday. Mr. Flagler certainly made his mark in Florida railroading, and I dare say, world railroading. I've read through all of the material - twice - just to ensure that it "sunk in." Lots ‘n lots of terrific history . . . .
Always a pleasure to have you aboard and thanx for that Pix of X2000 in Florida!
Doug at 7:45 AM today: GREAT to have you back with us during the work week - just too bad it's under the cirucmstances of not feeling well. Best to be at home though, no point in chancing things getting worse. PLUS we enjoy having you with us! Canadian Trolley Oddities . . . interesting name. Are you speaking of trolleyboy Rob
I'll save that "light reading" for a bit later on . . .
Finally, in the "WHO CARES " Dept." Why would anyone go into a bar where all the guys know one another and freely interact. Order nothing - greet no one - contribute zilch, zero, zip - and begin talking to one's self
Plenty of other Threads to pile up the "points" in Posts other than ours.
Good morning Tom and friends. I'll have a few light breakfast while I take another day off from work because of this lousy cold.
Good to see Pete, and in answer to your question, the only time the Zephyr hits the main line is for something extra special, like when it was supposed to be at Union Station in Chicago for filming "Flags of Our Fathers". The "special maintenace" needed mostly is because of our accident, which played havoc with the trucks and other structural damage. Look for a bill of about two milion smackeroos.
Eric, Punxsutawney is located in west-central Pennsylvania, about 330 miles from me. I know that because I'm thinking about going next year.
Here is some more stuff to read with your morning paper:
Every railfan has heard of freak locomotives, but relatively few are familiar with odd streetcars or unusual uses to which trolleys have been put. Up here in Canada we have many such cases.
Suppose we begin with Montreal's prison cars. These were two grim-looking, all-steel, jet-black vehicles which brought prisoners from the local jail to the courthouse and took them back. Both bore the crest of the city of Montreal and the word Prison on both side. Almost every day at noon, one of these "Black Marias" could be seen waiting on a special track outside the courthouse on the Champ de Mars while the court was in session. After a time, guards and their glum-faced captives would emerge from a private door and enter to car for the journey up St. Lawrence Boulevard to Bordeaux Prison, a huge stone structure shaped like an asterisk. These cars had well-upholstered seats for the guards but hard wooden ones for the "passengers." They were replaced in 1927 by rubber-tired vans.
Montreal, like some cities in the U.S.A., also had funeral cars. These had special sliding panels which could be opened from the outside to remove the casket. Trolley hearses, like prison cars, were painted a somber black. For years an electric hearse was used in almost every internment in Hawthorne Vale Cemetery, which was then well outside the city limits. You see, in those days highways were not well paved, and few people wanted to ride on them, even to funerals.
French-Canadian children shriek with laughter when the rotary comes down the street in Levis, Que. This is one of the most tortuous trolley lines in the Maple Leaf Dominion
Both Ottawa and Quebec had mail cars at some time during their period of operations. However, these were not the ordinary mail cars such as used to run along the streets of many cities in the States around the turn of the century. For the Ottawa cars, taking advantage of their mail contract, had the words Royal Mail painted on their sides; and under Canadian law any vehicle so lettered had the right of way over others. The Ottawa Electric found this privilege very useful. In fact, the company painted Royal Mail even on equipment that was not used for mail delivery, in order to take full advantage of its position.
Until very recently a trolley car bore the British royal coat-of-arms and the names Duke and Duchess of Cornwell and York. Any passenger inquiring the reason for the embellishments would be told proudly that he was riding in the very same car that the Duke and Duchess of Cornwell and York (later King George V and Queen Mary) had occupied on their official visit to the Dominion in 1901.
This may have been the only time that visiting royalty used a Canadian streetcar, and for that reason the names and crest were carried on the vehicle until the day it was burned at the Rockcliffe carhouse fire in 1937. The car was fitted up with upholstered easy chairs and potted palms for the royal occupancy, but the luxuries were removed later and regulation seats were installed for public service.
Ottawa also had some other curious double-truck cars which were made of two single-truck car bodies spliced together on one underframe. This trick was imitated in some other Canadian cities, but not with marked success. And now, in considering Canadian car curiosities, we might mention two lines belonging to the Roman Catholic Church.
Deep in the French-populated eastern side of Montreal is a large tract of church-owned land on which is situated St. Jean de Dieu Hospital, the largest insane asylum in Quebec Provence. The sisters who run this institution aim to maintain themselves and the hospital as much as possible on revenue derived from produce grown an their many acres of farm land. This area is, to all intents and purposes, a world apart. It is surrounded by a high iron fence. English is rarely spoken there.
Until a few years ago, Sunday visitors to St. Jean de Dieu could see one of the few church-owned railways in North America. This line traversed the entire length of the grounds. It was used for hauling steam railway coal cars from the rail connections on the river front to the hospital boiler house, as well as farm produce from field to barn. St. Jean de Dieu also still has an extensive narrow-gage electric railway running through the wide passageways in its buildings, the electric locomotives of which bear the names of various saints. For many years this railroad has carried passengers, dishes, laundry, and other loads.
Another outdoor asylum railway is operated at Villa Mastai, a few miles east of Quebec, in connection with a church-owned institution of that name situated near Montmorency Falls.
Turn to a third Canadian electric railway with a religious background. Although not owned by the church, this pike probably has the distinction of being the only such line blessed by a Roman Catholic cardinal. Upon its opening from Quebec to the shrine at Ste. Anne de Beaupre on August 15th, 1889, the Quebec, Montmorency & Charlevoix Railway and all its belongings were blessed by the Cardinal of Quebec. This carrier is now operated by the Quebec Railway, Light and Power Company and does a big summer-tourist business.
How many readers have visited Ottawa and observed that not one streetcar in the Canadian capital carries the digit 7 in its number? If you did so, and asked Ottawa citizens the reason for this, they probably told you that they hadn't noticed it themselves.
The truth is, there has never been at any time in Ottawa a streetcar bearing the number 7. Why? Because Thomas Ahearn, owner and projector of the Ottawa Electric Railway, just didn't like that number and so he forbade it to be used on his cars. When Ahearn and Soper of Ottawa electrified Quebec street railways in 1897 they carried on the superstitious practice of omitting sevens, and for a time it was perpetuated in Quebec as well as in the capital. The custom has been followed in Ottawa up to this day.
Mr. Ahearn also had a foible about changing the numbers of streetcars that got into an accident. Thus, when car 38 killed two children about the turn of the century its number was promptly changed to 58, and so on.
End of part I
A man is at his lawyer's funeral and is surprised by the turnout for this one man. He turns to the people around him. "Why are you all at this man's funeral?" A man turns towards him and says, "We're all clients." "And you ALL came to pay your respects? How touching." "No, we came to make sure he was dead."
Leon, good to see you again! You have had two days off, that must have been nice! No, no, no cobbler tonight. You know what happened last time. But I would like a Sugar Cured Ham Sandwich and coffee! Thank you!
A lot of activities here at the bar this Monday! And a lot of good stuff to read and nice pictures to view!
Tom – I am glad you liked the way I polished the brass rail! Of course it is the northern Europe work ethic coming thru. As you already have figured out, that is one of few ways to stay warm around the Arctic circle. If I had tried to polish the rail here in Phoenix today it would have looked much different. We had 82° F here today! Not 40 below like in Minnesota! Brrr.More good movies at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre! I have not seen any of them but I have heard a lot about them!Thanks for the pictures of the different paint schemes for the Streamliners to Florida! Reading Doug’s post I wondered about Florida East Coast Railway and here you gave me a map right away + a lot of more info! Thank you Sir!!At least I can say I have been to some of those railroad stations, like Osceola, by train.I am trying to forget yesterdays Super Bowl! I don’t know what the Bears tried to do? James – Flagstaff is about 50-60 miles from Grand Canyon. Next time you have to ride the train from Williams to Grand Canyon! A nice train ride!Nice pictures of soem good looking diesels!Doug – I am glad you didn’t see Willie’s shadow! The spring can’t come soon enough! I am sure your horse agree!I must say that Willie is a good size Groundhog! Where is Punxsutawney at? I bet the Groundhog breakfast was a good one.The Victorian Palace reminds me in a way about the House on the Rock in southwest Wisconsin! There is a big building in connection to the House and it is full of organs of different kinds. From small ones to gigantic ones! But the Victorian Palace is certainly a much more Classic place.Too bad if we will miss the Nebraska Zephyr! A real Classic train!!Thanks for the Henry M. Flagler’s history! Did he really have a thousand Pullman cars in service? That is amazing! I like the red carpet for the passengers! That is class!Florida Special was obviously a special train. Too bad it is too late to ride those trains today! A map of West Palm Beach from yesteryear! I can’t help adding a picture from the same place below. Pete – I tried to find more info on that 0-6-0 switcher but didn’t find anything, yet. I am sure there is info somewhere though. The signal aspect showing 2 greens means Slow Clear, in this case max 40 km/h which is lowered to 30 km/h just beyond that particular signal. Nice pictures from Kingscote! I am surprised that the semaphores are mounted so low! Is that normal? Nice Pullman cars!It seems like a complicated system Southern Railway used to donate the route the train was taking. I am sure the sigb\nal men were happy the day they changed to numbers. I am also sure tyhey sent trains the wrong way a few times! Thanks for the info!CM3 – You better come to Phoenix and you can skip putting hot potatoes on your pockets! 83° F for Tuesday! Mike – Wow, Lots and lots of url’s., includig nice mucis!! Among othersI like the picture from St. Louis Union Station on the track side. I also like the streetcar from Stockholm. Route 7. I actually woked as a streetcar conductor on that route several times in the early 60’s. Pictures for everyone!!
Super cold again for tomorrow....high of 9....wind chill of -22!!! Supposed to be a balmy 19 on Wednesday!!!!!
underworld
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