G'day Gents!
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #5
Initially Posted on Page 133 of the "original" Thread . . . . Here's something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with Classic Trains. Check this poster out regarding the Canadian Pacific from 1886: A Red Letter DAY For - Canada June 28, ‘86 ... WHEN THE ... CANADIAN PACIFIC Railway OPENS to the PACIFIC OCEAN .......... TRAIN LEAVES DAILY: .......... Toronto, - - - - - - 5.00 p.m. Montreal - - - - - - 8.00 " Ottawa, - - - - - - 11.45 " .......... except Sunday .......... OUR OWN LINE .......... FROM THE .......... ATLANTIC to the PACIFIC NO CUSTOMS - NO DELAYS - NO TRANSFERS - LOW RATES - QUICK TIME for further particulars apply to any Agent of the Company, or to W. D. HUGHES, Traveling Passenger Agent W. R. CALLAWAY, District Passenger Agent .......... 110 King Street West, Toronto .......... W. C. VAN HORNE, Vice President GEO. OLDS, Cust. Traffic Manager D. McNICOLL, General Pass. Agent .......... MONTREAL.......... Enjoy! Tom
foto credit: www.viarail.ca
Wednesday's Witticism
One guy said that our coffee tasted like dirt. Well it should, it was ground right before it was brewed!
Last day of a loooooooong month! <yay> Another cold start here in mid-continent USA, 8 (F) - it IS winter! A great way to begin your day is to check out The Mentor Village Bakery case, a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from the Menu Board and of course a mug of our steaming hot, freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee <unleaded> ‘n <regular>! Ummmmmmmm.
For awhile it appeared as if I was talking to myself yesterday, about the only hi-light during the daytime was getting "silent Mike" to square away the Rat's Patoot Room!
Acknowledgments:
Doug at 5:00 PM yesterday: A near-cameo appearance by the barndad! Old habits are hard to break, eh
Glad that someone appreciated the WP&Y material! It was a fun-time putting that one together as I learned more than not regarding a little known railway running between Alaska ‘n Canada's Yukon. Good stuff if I say so myself!
Exciting times in your neck of the woods, eh Groundhog's Day Gala, et al! Enjoy.
Pete at 5:21 PM yesterday: Yours was the final Post of the day - once again! Nevertheless, always good to have you on board and found your comments on point, as usual.
Nice visibility in the cab for the DMU! The URL wouldn't load straight away, had to cut ‘n paste to get it. Nice material!
Glad I was able to call up Sir Nigel Gresley and the 7 coach train - most interesting!
Wellllllllllllllll, "silent Mike" wasn't really <tweeted> for Posting the Tweety Bird . . . Did you note the appearance of the Rat's Patoot Room
I think your Titanic rivet answer was for the Starboard side - I had asked for Port! <grin> Nice try!
Today is our OPTIONAL Toy 'n Model Trains Day! for anyone interested in sharing Pix and narratives . . .
10,000th Post CONTEST update (in order of submission):
Feb 14th - BK
Feb 15th - Lars
Mar 12th - Pete
Jan 1st - James
Jan 28th - Eric
Jan 18th - DL
Feb 8th - Doug
Jan 31st - Rob
Mar 15th - CM3
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
Tom
Hi Tom and all
A nice winter ale for this chilly day please RUTH.
ERIC There is some really good exhibits in the Museum of Transportation. I have been there a couple of times and it's amazing how quick the time goes.
Glad to be of help with the TOPS numbering.
Thanks for the details on the Mc Cormick Railroad Park. I had a look at their web-site it looks a great place to visit. That is a good-looking loco in your pic and what a great name for a railroad Paradise & Pacific.
DL I had not heard of the "Warm Beer" reason before and this is a great little book in the link.
I wonder if the DMU Buffet car on the GCR was the only surviving vehicle from the Swindon Built class 120 DMUs These were known as Cross-Country units having more comfort than the usual DMUS. They were reconisable by having two larger square windows at the front of the unit instead of the three rectangular windows on most of the other first generation DMUs. They mainly worked on the Western Region when new but most later moved to the London Midland Region. They were a very common sight in the East Midlands as quite a number were allocated to Derby Etches Park depot some others were allocated to Manchester's Newton Heath Depot.
Another batch was around Inverness in Scotland these were of a later batch that had the four-caracture headcode panel beneath the windows. I recall using the buffet on one on the Aberdeen to Inverness run. I don't think the buffets were in use when the units were at Derby. Some of the units worked there last days on the Glasgow to Ayr line just before that line was electrified. I founds the 120s very comfortable units with some caracture to them, all in all my favorite DMUs.
A pic of a 120 DMU.
http://tonyhunter2814.fotopic.net/p2937563.html
The Keighly and Worth Valley Railway had a class 101 DMU Buffet car that used to serve real ale on draught. I can remember, just about, drinking Old Peculiar on tap in the hot summer of 1976 in the units buffet. I had a look at their stock list but could not see it, perhaps the car has moved.
Another units I thought that had a good buffet was in some of the Southern Region main line Electric Multiple Units which have been replaced over the last few years. As far as I know none of the new units have a buffet counter. Perhaps you can confirm this for me.
Great pics of the Coronation Scot train and the beaver tail cars. The Severn Valley Railway and, I believe, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway run rakes of Gresley teak coaches on their railways
A pic of an A4 on Gresley coaches on the NYMR
.http://www.well-hill.demon.co.uk/lnerca/
The Steam Railway editor has just recently taken over as editor it is good to see him going out and meeting enthusiasts. The current issue has a 20 page special on the A4s hopefully it will arrive here soon. Steam Railway first came out in 1979
The other magazine I have on subscription sent over here is The Railway Magazine. I have been having this magazine for over 40 years, with just a gap in 1969 to 1971 when I lost some of my interest in railways after steam finished on BR. Later I got a set of bound volumes from 1950 to 1963 the year when the RM changed to a larger format. They are over here now. My father used to get me the Trains Illustrated from the late 50s to the early 60s.
I have noticed with the two mags on subscription that they apparently come via Germany, (it was Switzerland) according to a sticker on the plastic envelope they come in. The E-mail I got back from the Steam Railway publishers tried to say the problem was this side but as my mate sends my a parcel, with Rail mags in he has read,and it arrives here in 4 to 7 days usually, which is not bad at all. Although I have to say the price I charged by SR and RM to send them here is not bad. It sounds the service you get from Kalmbach with Classic Trains is 1st class. As you say you can see Trains on sale in some of the shops but Classic trains is a lot harder to find over there.
MIKE Oh dear being Tweeted for showing Tweety Pie
Great set of links again. Some marvelous black and white pics and many thanks for the Great Central link. I ran it in slide show and felt very nostalgic from the early days of preservation. Also there are some great pics of the semaphore signaling the volunteers have built. I wonder if any one spotted the United States Army Transportation Corps loco at Loughbourgh shed.
TOM Yes learnt my lesson, for a while, and using WP. Although we are down in numbers at the moment I agree there are some great posts and someone to clean out the Rat's Patoot room as well.
If it is all righ
Good evening Tom and friends. I'll have a tankard of dark ale, buy a round and front the quarters for some tunes. Got a few minutes to scan the posts, and was mightily impressed by the efforts of the few who have taken their time to impart such terrific reading for us all. Loved the English wartime material DL, and the White Pass and Yukon info was incredible, Sir Knight Tom. Good shows to Pete and CM3 as well. Pretty impressive that Lars finds time to post during his travels.
Mike got tweeted! How scandalous!
Here at the homefront in blustery Chicagoland, we're still mighty busy. Got some major Groundhog celebrating commencing this Friday in Woodstock. Nothing like the festivals in Punxsutawney PA, but we do pretty well. The bride and I have tickets for the breakfast at the courthouse after the prognostication ceremonies, as well as the dinner/dance at the Moose lodge in the evening. Both locations were used in the Bill Murray "Groundhog Day" film.
Sunday of course is Superdee-Duperdee Day for my Bears. I say it's anyone's game, but of course will be supporting a hometown win. I'm hoping to find a little time in the morning to put together some pix for ya'll. It's been too long since I contributed.
Have a great evening and another round on me!
Little Known Operating Railroads #1 The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway (WPY)
Intially Posted on Page 283 of the "original" Thread . . . Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources. Reporting marks: WPY Locale: Alaska, northern British Columbia, Yukon Territory Dates of operation: 1898-1982, 1988 - present Track gauge: 3 ft (914 mm) Headquarters: Skagway, Alaska The White Pass and Yukon Route (WP&Y, WP&YR) (AAR reporting mark WPY) is a narrow gauge railroad linking the port of Skagway, Alaska with Whitehorse, the capital of Canada's Yukon Territory. An isolated system, it has no connection to any other railroad. The railroad is operated by the Pacific and Arctic Railway and Navigation Company (in Alaska), the British Columbia Yukon Railway Company (in British Columbia) and the British Yukon Railway Company, originally known as the British Yukon Mining, Trading and Transportation Company (in Yukon Territory), which use the trade name White Pass and Yukon Route. Construction The line was born of the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897. The most popular route taken by prospectors to the gold fields in Dawson City was a treacherous route from the nearest port in Skagway or Dyea, Alaska across the mountains to the Canadian border at the summit of the Chilkoot Pass or the White Pass. There, the prospectors would not be allowed across by the Canadian authorities unless they had a full ton of supplies with them. There was a need for a better transportation scheme than the pack horses used over the White Pass or people's backs over the Chilkoot Pass. This need generated numerous railroad schemes. In 1897, the Canadian government received 32 proposals for Yukon railroads, most of which were never realized. In 1897, three separate companies were organized to build a rail link from Skagway to Fort Selkirk, Yukon, 325 miles (525 km) away. Largely financed by British investors, a railroad was soon under construction. A 3 foot (914 mm) gauge was chosen; the narrower roadbed required by a narrow gauge railroad made for big cost savings when that roadbed had to be carved and blasted out of the mountain rock. Even so, 450 tons of explosives were used to reach White Pass summit. The narrow gauge also allowed for a tighter radius to be used on curves, making the task easier by allowing the railroad to follow the landscape more, rather than having to be blasted through it. Construction started in May 1898. On July 21, 1898, an excursion train hauled passengers for four miles (6 km) out of Skagway, the first train to operate in Alaska. On July 30, 1898, the charter rights and concessions of the three companies were acquired by the White Pass & Yukon Railway Company Limited, a new company organized in London. Construction reached the 2,885-foot summit of White Pass, 20 miles (30 km) away from Skagway, by mid-February 1899. The railway reached Bennett, British Columbia on July 6, 1899. In the summer of 1899, construction started north from Carcross to Whitehorse, 110 miles (178 km) north of Skagway. The construction crews working from Bennett along a difficult lakeshore reached Carcross the next year, and the last spike was driven on July 29, 1900, with service starting on August 1, 1900. However, by then, much of the Gold Rush fever had died down. "Drumhead" logos such as this often adorned the ends of observation cars on the WP&Y. Operations before World War II However, serious professional mining was taking its place; not so much for gold as for other metals such as copper, silver and lead. The closest port was Skagway, the only route there was via the White Pass & Yukon Route's river boats and railroad. While ores and concentrates formed the bulk of the traffic, the railroad also carried passenger traffic, and other freight. There was, for a long time, no easier way into the Yukon Territory, and no other way into or out of Skagway except by sea. Financing and route was in place to extend the rails from Whitehorse to Carmacks, but there was chaos in the river transportation service, resulting in a bottleneck. The White Pass instead used the money to purchase most of the riverboats, providing a steady and reliable transportation system between Whitehorse and Dawson City. While the WP&YR never built between Whitehorse and Fort Selkirk, some minor expansion of the railway occurred after 1900. In 1901, the Taku Tram, a 2½-mile (4 km) portage railroad was built at Taku City, British Columbia, which was operated until 1951. It carried passengers and freight between the S.S. Tutshi operating on Tagish Lake and the M.V. Tarahne operating across Atlin Lake to Atlin, British Columbia. (While the Tutshi was destroyed by a suspicious fire around 1990, the Tarahne was restored and hosts special dinners including murder mysteries. Lifeboats built for the Tutshi's restoration were donated to the Tarahne.) The Taku Tram could not even turn around, and simply backed up on its westbound run. The locomotive used, the Duchess, is now in Carcross. In 1910, the WP&YR operated a branch line to Pueblo, a mining area near Whitehorse. This branch line was abandoned in 1918; a haul-road follows that course today but is mostly barricaded; a Whitehorse Star editorial in the 1980s noted that this route would be an ideal alignment if the Alaska Highway should ever require a bypass reroute around Whitehorse. While all other railroads in the Yukon (such as the Klondike Mines Railroad at Dawson City) had been abandoned by 1914, the WP&YR continued to operate. During the Great Depression, traffic was sparse on the WP&YR, and for a time trains operated as infrequently as once a week. World War II With the outbreak of World War II, things took a distinct turn for the busier. Alaska became of strategic importance for the United States; there was much worry that the Japanese might invade it, as the nearest part of the United States to Japan. The US Army took control, bringing some newly built and many used steam locomotives (such as the USATC S118 Class) from closed US narrow gauge lines to the railroad. There are two persistent myths that show up in almost every book or article whi
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #4
first Posted on page 129 Here's something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with Classic Trains. Check this out (from The Official Guide of the Railways - 1956) Did you know that the Canadian National Railways also owned and operated hotels in major cities along their main lines Check these out: CANADIAN NATIONAL HOTELS, LTD. City......................Name......................Rooms.......Open Ottawa, ON........... Chateau Laurier......... 550......... All year Winnipeg, MN....... The Fort Garry........... 265.......... All year Edmonton, AB....... The MacDonald......... 480......... All year Saskatoon, SK...... The Bessborough....... 260......... All year Vancouver, BC....... Hotel Vancouver........ 560......... All year Halifax, NS........... The Nova Scotian...... 150.......... All year Charlottetown, PE.. The Charlottetown...... 110......... All year St. John's, NL....... Newfoundland Hotel... 140......... All year Montreal, QC........ Queen Elizabeth......... ----......... Under construction Note: Hotel Vancouver operated jointly by CNR and CPR. Enjoy! Tom
G'day!
Oh what a tangled web we weave when trying to decieve! A near-quote attributed to someone with far greater use of the vernacular than I. But, the point is: <tweeeeeet> <tweeeeet> Rules Violation! Rules Violation! Using the "edit" feature to disguise a Previously Posted PhooooPar (P3) - and - Using the "edit" feature indiscriminately thereby causing viewers to see a Previously Posted Post Posted at a Time Not Indicative of the Most Current (P4TNIMC)! <phew>
No hiding now, "silent Mike!" You Sir, have the responsibility for cleaning the Rat's Patoot Room for these two flagrant violations. One would think you as a newcomer, rather than a member of our "Order of the Stools!" <geesh>
Nice "Tweety Bird," though . . . clever, really clever! <grin>
Tom, Proprietor and Chief <tweeter> of "Our" Place!
Back again and this time with a bit more time to share . . .
Expanded Acknowledgments!
Pete at 9:40 PM yesterday: Can't even begin to count how many "lost" Posts have occurred while trying to prepare them directly onto the Forum's "window." Far, far safer to use the WP - "saving" frequently - so that "if" things go wrong, at least your efforts can be retrieved. Sorry! <grin>
Honestly don't have a "clue" about taverns in Sedalia, but there has to be at least ONE, eh Used to have a huge Levis-Straus plant there, but they pulled out years ago and left the "shell" of yet another manufacturing building behind. Between the demise of the passenger railroads and manufacturing, I don't really know what Sedalia depends upon for employment, aside from farming and ranching that is. Yeah, there has to be at least ONE bar left! <grin>
Figuring on spending at least a half day at the Museum of Transportation here in St. Louis County when the gang arrives for the Rendezvous. So either you communicate with the people who can perhaps set up something for us, or I will. Just keep me in the "loop" - thanx!
Oh <heck> <darn> <drat it all> I KNEW the answer to your "quiz" - just had a memory lapse at the moment! Yeah, right! WHERE do you come up with these Kinda like wanting to know how many rivets there were in the port side forecastle of the Titanic! <geesh>
Must presume the signals along the UP mainlines between here and KCity are all "standard" now that MoPac is long gone. Once upon a time, each major railroad had free run in terms of how they wanted to design and use signals. Of course "standardization" soon came into being amongst the "giants" and now, my guess is they are all "pretty much" the same, aside from an oddity here ‘n there. But, I'm speaking from absolutely no knowledge whatsoever of the subject. Perhaps we have someone remaining here at the bar who will be able to enlighten us . . .
Eric at 10:59 PM yesterday: I think that should my travels take me out to your part of the country, I'll "pack my heat," just to stay on the "safe side." The "wild west" LIVES in Phoenix! <grin>
Union Station in Can-Am City will indeed have a subway station beneath it. Precisely where though will depend upon the obstructions beneath the board. As you may recall, the entire layout was constructed using varying sizes of plywood base supported by folding metal "card table" legs. These legs provide all kinds of "challenges" for anything beneath the board. However, I've deduced that there is sufficient room for two simple ovals of track - one for the "Red" line and the other for the "Brown" (or GREEN as Pete would have it!!). Station platform will have a train on either side in opposite directions. As indicated, the materials are on hand - just a matter of getting a ROUNDTUIT! <grin>
Crowds at Union Station Well, that really depends on one's vantage point. Once you see the layout, I think you'll find there is plenty of activity amongst the "little people" who frequent the terminal!
I believe all of the former CPR hotels and lodges are still in operation, but of course under varying ownerships. Some of those structures are truly magnificent in design and most probably could not be replicated in today's world - far too costly, plus the artisans would be difficult to find for the special touches and so forth.
DL at 5:20 AM today: Outstanding info on the WWII "info" provided to American troops arriving in Great Britain. Whether promulgated by the Brits or Yanks, the idea was a good one and although "lost" on some, I'd like to think it helped a great deal to knock down a barrier or three for the arriving forces. The "Over paid, over sexed and over here" mantra lives on to this day! <grin> An awful lot of those gals returned with their Yanks to this country following the war. All "contributions" to a healthy society most welcome! <grin>
UK visit: If I were to make the trip alone, it would be a simple affair for the scheduling and I'd love to coincide it with the running of significant steam excursions. However, the bride has a schedule - called work - and our "windows" will be limited to those times when (the) university is not in session (including summers). That plus the trip will include other aspects aside from railroading (perish the thought!! <grin>) Anyway, appreciate the recommendations and all of the "stuff" is now a part of my "heap" of "things to know about GB passenger rail trips."
Figured YOU'd have Pete's "quiz" wired! You guys are in cahoots, fer sure, fer sure! <grin> I should <tweet> the lotofya! <ooooooh>
Wonderful URLs - that "Coronation" looks magnificent! Too bad these fine Pix have to contain all of the "protection" of this ‘n that - as if it really prevents use by others in the Ether! But that's for another day!
Mike at 6:40 AM today: The shots of Matewan surely depict a rather lonely spot nestled in the "hills" of West Virginia. Only black ‘n white can bring out the "feel" for the place. Thanx for finding ‘em!
Only thing missing behind those KATY Alco's are passenger cars! <geesh> But they are beauties and love to look at em!
That steamer departing Cincinnati's Union Terminal is impressive as well. But for me, it's the structure. Having called that area "home" for a large part of my military career, I can "relate."
Awesome FMs!
Sooooooooo, that should catch me up with "youse guys"! Hope we hear from Lars soon, but if not, it's understandable. I think being away should mean just that - AWAY! Doesn't mean he isn't missed, for he is.
Catch y'all later!
A blue sky morning here in mid-continent USA, although "they" say some snow has fallen just a bit north of where we are, nothing substantial - a "dusting." Temps are once again in the <brrrrrrr zone> 15 (F) at walk time with Juneau. The wind was rather "cutting" which made the trek all the fraster! <grin> Couldn't wait to get that hot cuppa coffee upon arriving at the Haus.
I see the Menu Board still shows some fine selections for <light> ‘n <traditional> breakfasts and of course The Mentor Village Bakery case is chock full ‘o pastries. So, check ‘em out with a hot mugga Joe to wash it all down!
Appears is if we're in that strange period of "musical stools" here at the Saloon by the Siding. No more Doug - no more Rob (again ‘n again!) - absolutely no more Nick (he's now a Permanent Member of the Legion of the Lost - with several clusters!) - BK in the land "down under" and Lars in the Keys - that "band of ten" who indicated willingness to keep the bar going this past summer has significantly dropped in numbers. Oh well . . . .
Good to see Pete last night, Eric later, DL from the other side of the Pond and"silent" Mike (who by the by should've received a <tweeting> for failing to greet the barkeep!) Where's there's activity, there's HOPE! THANX guys for helping to keep the place moving forward! ]
It's Tuesday once again and in healthier times we would've scheduled a "Theme for the Day!" As indicated some Pages ago, I've put that feature on hold until we see evidence of increased participation.
Really some fine musings in the Posts this day and I'll get to ‘em again a bit later on. A few things have come up to preoccupy the Proprietor! Nothing grim, just the "stuff of life"! <grin> Always fine contributions from all! Especially want to recongize Pete - Eric 'n DL - you three (along with CM3), who have now taken over as the "nucleus" for the dialogue at "Our" Place. Awesome "responsibility," eh <grin>
Did want to make comment on our Rendezvous in May: We ARE "on" and there's no change to that. With or without the bar remaining open, there WILL be a Rendezvous. Can't say the same about 2008 for Chicago. Much too early for definitiveness for that idea, although those of us who attend the St. Louis gathering will "vote" for the site of the next one.
Of course any time there's talk of a train trip by the guys, it peaks my interests and I'm sure those of the Wolfman. So, IF there's interest in "between Rendezvous" sojourns to here ‘n there, let's communicate by Email!
THANX again for the contributions, Gents and I'll be back a bit later with some more "stuff" to Post!
Good morning Tom, a round for the house
Great Central Railway
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/89/278042268_507883991c_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/loose_grip_99/sets/72057594071511546/?page=2
No trains at Matewan
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/imagebase_new/norfolksouthern/full/ns201.jpeg
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/imagebase_new/norfolksouthern/full/ns200.jpeg
Katy 4-4-0
http://photoswest.org/photos/00012751/00012868.jpg
Katy Alcos
http://photoswest.org/photos/00012876/00012908.jpg
Cleveland & Marietta RR hauling Standard Oil
http://worlddmc.ohiolink.edu/mrsid/bin/OMPview.pl?client=Sanborn&image=/Bdg/Hist1MDS/d118/1021622829159.Om1269_010.sid&x=1701&y=1010&width=3403&height=2022&originx=0&originy=0&fullheight=2022&fullwidth=3403&w=999&h=573&levels=4&lastlevel=2&win=max&level=1
C&O George Washington leaving Cincinnati
Milwaukee Road new Fairbanks-Morse 1947
http://www.philsp.com/data/images/r/railroad_194712.jpg
Hello Tom
Can I have a full cooked breakfast please, I'm hungry today, coffee and fruit juice too please.
CM3 - thanks for the Matewan location info. I'm not familiar with the east of the USA at all, but many pics I see suggest superb scenery - are those pics on the links typical of the area? Are the places near where you are like that?
Tom, I enjoyed the links on the Matewan loco, nice Pizza story! Yes, I was hopping my trip report might stimulate some commentary and information from Pete and indeed it did, I yield to his knowledge (and more important, personal memory) of some of the steam designs too!
Warm beer - I think it is probably the case that years ago bar keepers were under strict instruction to heat up beer to be served to US citizens, this was a hang over from world war two days when many US forces members came to the UK, and whilst mostly welcomed with enthusiasm, there were certain incidents where US forces members got into ‘fraternising' with UK females, the idea of heating the beer was to stop them getting too fond of the country <grin, grin>. This did not work however, since quite clearly many US citizens demonstrate some fondness and affection for ‘merrie old' and now hopefully beer is served as it should be!
Actually, as you think about a UK visit you might be amused by this:
"Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain, 1942: Reproduced from the Original Typescript, War Department, Washington, DC (Instructions for Servicemen)"
http://www.bodleianbookshop.co.uk/bodleian/display.asp?K=510000000183538&aub=Bodleian%20Library&m=8&dc=25
This book has been re-printed in facsimile - and although some of the stuff in it is very old fashioned and of the period, some points are just as relevant today. Here are some excerpts I have seen on the web:
"...When you see a girl in khaki or air-force blue with a bit of ribbon on her tunic--remember she didn't get it for knitting more socks than anyone else in Ipswich...""...The British don't know how to make a good cup of coffee. You don't know how to make a good cup of tea. It's an even swap..."
"AT HOME in America you were in a country at war. Since your ship left port, however, you have been in a war zone. You will find that all Britain is in a war zone and has been since September 1939. All this has meant great changes in the British way of life.""Every light in England is blacked out every night and all night. Every highway signpost has come down and barrage balloons have gone up. Grazing land is now ploughed for wheat and flower beds turned into vegetable gardens. Britain's peacetime army of a couple of hundred thousand has been expanded to over two million men. Everything from the biggest factory to the smallest village workshop is turning out something for the war, so that Britain can supply for herself, for Libya, India, Russia and every front"But more important than this is the effect of the war itself. The British have been bombed, night after night and month after month. Thousands of them have lost their houses, their possessions, their families. Gasoline, clothes, and railroad travel are hard to come by and incomes are cut by taxes to an extent we Americans have not even approached. One of the things the English always had enough of in the past was soap. Now it is so scarce that girls working in the factories often cannot get the grease off their hands or out of their hair. And food is more strictly rationed than anything else.""You are coming to Britain from a country where your home is safe, food is still plentiful, and lights are still burning. So it is doubly important for you to remember that the British soldiers and civilians have been living under tremendous strain. It is always impolite to criticize your hosts. It is militarily stupid to insult you allies."
I wonder if these books raised a smile back in the day. I certainly don't forget that for some guys, their stay here would have been the last time they were on ‘friendly soil', a long way from their own families and friends. I seriously doubt in those days they could get any type of cold beer.
Come to think of it Tom it would be a good idea to try and steer a UK visit to be over a time period when one of the larger steam railways is running a gala event - most of them run 2 galas a year at least, and from your perspective it would be best to select one that had easy access to the main UK rail network (eg a platform interchange allowing no sweat access) - there are several that meet the bill and no doubt we can advise. If you are in the country anyway it kinda makes sense, would be my view. You would typically get a lot of steam trains running all day, with plenty to see and do, as Pete mentions.
Pete. Thanks for the TOPS answer, I knew the system was US in origin, but did not know the link with the SP.
They seem to have 3 Class 101 sets at the GCR, but only one was looking smart and serviceable. Also parked out of action (and in need of renovation) looked like one of the intermediate buffet cars from these units. Strange to think of them having a buffet, as they ended their days very much on branch lines and secondary routes, but reading that link shows they were first introduced on runs like Newcastle to Carlisle or West Riding routes, which now would not even justify a refreshment trolley! In fact I note that First Great Western are to remove buffet cars from some of the London to Bristol inter city journeys and simply provide a trolley, quite disgraceful IMHO.
They seem to have a good number of teak coaches at the GCR too, but mostly in need of very extensive renovation, which is very sad. At first I was disappointed that the Beaver Tail was not going back to 1937 style, but when I heard that another one would be restored that way I was very pleased. I look forward to ride when it is back in action on the GCR - happy to pay the supplement. (Last year I was on the KWVR and they had a v nice teak directors saloon, supplement included afternoon tea with scones, very nice - always worth the investment since this keeps the other half tolerant of the prolonged visits to the rather more down at heal environment of the sheds!)
I believe the Super D restoration was paid for by Pete Waterman - so all those pop record purchases have been in a good cause.
I make a point of travelling on the last train if at all possible, for the reason you say, not thought about going down to the shed at the end though - good idea which I'll have to do next time.
The Steam Railway editor was a nice chap, in his late 30s or perhaps early 40s, there were 4 of us in the saloon at that point, and the 4th gent was a subscriber so of course that was something he was keen on. I wonder why they take so long to reach you - perhaps they go to some postal forwarding section - no doubt distribution is probably sub contracted. What other journal do you have sent over from UK? I have no problems with Kalmbatch coming the other way - and in fact I note WHS Derby Station even stock ‘Trains' magazine.
Eric - just on your point about the Beaver Tail Observation saloon - I quite agree with you the 1937 design is much more stylish, but apparently is was less good for looking out of - only those seated right in the rear window area getting a good view, so the re-build was done to increase the glazed area when the cars were sent to Scotland to run on the scenic Scottish lines in the Highlands in the late 1950s / early 1960s.
Here's a nice poster of the train
http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?image=10173036&wwwflag=2&imagepos=1
here are the cars being built
http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?image=10459953&wwwflag=2&imagepos=3
and a pic of the actual train after construction - outbreak of war in 2 years caused the end of this prestigious train, I'm not sure what happened to the rest of the specially built carriages
http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?image=10459957&wwwflag=2&imagepos=5
Cheerio
DL
Good evening Captain Tom and all present!
Leon, nice to see you! I'll have my Sugar Cured Ham Sandwich tonight! Yeah, cold! Coffee, please! Thank you! Ruth? Oh, she is? Yeah, I guess she is missing her friend, Lars. Is that right? Hmm.
A beautiful Monday! 72° F. Nice! It is also nice to get a bite here before it is bedtime.
Tom – It’s a good question, what is going on here? OK Corrall? I haven’t seen anything in the news yet, but today I drove by the place where I saw the helicopter had its floodlight aimed at for a long period of time and there are a lot of flowers and stuff against the trunk of a big tree. Looks like some kind a memorial, like they put up on location when people have been killed. It happened so late last night so it was nothing in the newspaper. I’ll keep my eyes open. Yes, I misread your comment regarding the RDC-3. I have many books about railroads and everything connected to it and I keep finding incorrect info in several of them just by comparing the books. I like your Union Station, but obviously did not take the pictures during the rush hours. Too few people! Are you going to place the subway station under Union Station? I have to print out the list over CP’s Hotels and Lodges so I can locate those cities. Are all those hotels still open/in service? Thanks for the link about “The Early Years”. Read about Matewan. I have to see that movie. I think WV could be a good place for a rendezvous.DL – I am glad that you don’t drink warm beer. That would be terrible! Cellar temperature sound more like it! The Beavertail observation car is really different! I wonder why they the rebuilt the end of it? I think it looked better before being rebuilt. I am sure you had a very nice weekend! CM3 – Reading your comments about the movie, Matewan, makes me curious about coal mines. Maybe I should make a trip there next year and visit one of those mines? Rendezvous?
Pete – Thanks for the info on the MTL steam loco! Hopefully we will be able to see it in May!! I have saved a copy of your post so I have the info about the numbering system whenever I need it! My picture was taken at McCormick Railroad Park in Scottsdale, just east of Phoenix. It is still open and they have live steam trains offering rides. See the picture below.
Eric
Hi Tom and all.
Back from the dentists and had done my post when I lost it, can't blame the forum just my own stupidity. So I will have a large Navy rum please LEON.
ERIC.
The only MKT steam loco to survive according to the St. Louis Museum of Transportation is a 4-4-0 of the American-Type #311. She was donated to the museum, along with some cars that form the Katy Flyer, in 1952. Hopefully we should see her in May. Another loco I would like to see there is General Electric #1 which was the "first electric main line loco in the U.S." This loco is kept in a shed, I was told but the volunteer I spoke to. He said that if I could let them know in advance I should be able to view the loco. We should be able to see Kirkwood station as well as the famous Saloon in the pic.
The answer to the quiz is: When British Rail computerized their system for locomotives it was the SP system they used. Under this system known as TOPS, locomotives were renumbered with a 5 numbers. The first two numbers donated the class of loco. They were 01 to69 for diesels, 70 to79 for DC electrics, 80 to91 for AC electrics 97 for departmental locos and 98 for steam locos registered to run on BR lines.
The third number was often the sub-class the loco was in. For example.
The Brush type 4 2,700 HP Diesel-Electrics were originally numbered D1500 to D1999 and D1100 to D1111, a total of 512 locos, these be came class 47 with sub classes under TOPS.
47/0 locos able to provide steam heat
47/3 locos not able to provide train heat.
47/4 locos able to provide electric heat or duel heat
47/7 locos with electric heat and fitted to allow push-pull operation. (47701to47716)
47/8 locos with electric heat fitted with long-range fuel tanks.
With the phasing out of steam heat on BR the 47/0s lost their boilers or had them isolated, they still retained their 47/0 numbering. The 47/0 sub class was numbered 47001 to 47298.
Great pic from 1981. Is the museum it was taken at still in operation there seems to lines of different gauges there.
As Tom says keep safe.
DL Good description of how British beer should be served. The last few years have indeed been a bad time for the medium sized brewers, it is like the late 60s and 70s when so many good brews were lost.
Thanks for the description of the Great Central gala and for the link to the DMUS. The old dmus, especially the Metro Cammell class 101, were a favorite of NICK. I do hope he will return to Our Place as he is sorely missed, as is his knowledge of BR both steam and diesel.
It is great to see the beaver tail car coming on in its restoration. When the 1937 style car is restored, what a sight it could be with an A4 at the head of a set of Gresley teak coaches and with the beaver tail at the rear. It is marvellous in the 21st century such a sight is possible thanks to the hard work of the preservationists.
A few years ago, quite often, Alan and I would go off to the GCR on a Sunday afternoon. In wintertime it was wonderful to travel on ‘the last train of the day' in the dark with steam heat and the gaslights on at Rothley station. Then to walk down to the shed and watch the locos having the fires thrown out after a weekends work. There is something magical about a steam railway at night.
What a great trip in the LMS saloon. I have not seen a Super D in steam since the 1960s although I did see her being worked on in York Museum. They were a common sight at Rugby in the late 50s early 60s, instantly reconisable by not having their number on the smokebox. After the early 50s I think they were unique in this respect on BR.
That must have been a good conversation with the editor, I wish I could have been there. Steam Railway is one of the two British railway magazines I have on subscription sent over here, although they seem to be taking longer to get here than they used to do. Steam Railway magazine was involved in raising money for the 04 and the Brit's restoration as well as other projects. After I have read them the mags they have a good home.
CM3 It seems mighty cold where you are, we are supposed to get another cold front this weekend.
Yes indeed I am certain I would enjoy the railroad scene in West Virginia especially the Shays at Cass. The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley RR looks another great line. How far is line from the Cass line.
I believe the line between here and Kirkwood is signaled bi-directional, with a couple of short single track over two large rivers. The Amtrak very often switches track to overtake freights. The signals where the cross-overs are seem to be two signals mounted on the same post. In the UK where there are switches on the main line there is a set of 5 lights on top of the signal at an angle. These are known as ‘feathers' to the railwaymen. At a busy junction there can be numerous feathers on one signal to show the different routes I will have to find a pic of one.
TOM Thanks for the Matewan info from CM3 and yourself. Enjoyed the links to the filming with 765, loved the pizza story and the loco certainly looks great in that scenery
Avast Me Hearties!
A day at the Saloon by the Siding just wouldn't and couldn't be complete without an appearance from DL in Merry Olde and CM3 in Almost Heaven! Great to see the two of ya and hope you've enjoyed a restful weekend and are back in full swing at your respective endeavors!
Before I totally forget this, check out: http://www.765.org/FWRHS_Movies.htm for some inside scoop on the Nickel Plate Road's Berkshire featured in the movie Matewan. CM3 was "spot on" - as always.
Also: http://www.gottrains.com/nkp765.htm for some fine shots of the loco and scenery!
Aside from being envious of such an experience, I can only yield to Wolfman Pete for commentary on DLs insights for his steam tour.
Just being able to view 5 operating steam locos in this day and age must've been a treat fer sure, fer sure!
Regarding our UK trip: Yes, we also hope the day isn't too far off. Especially with the "situation" being as it is these days regarding security and so forth. Can't avoid the reality of the times, which will factor in as the time approaches. Insofar as the 'warm beer' "thing" goes, I can handle brew at temps found in the chill of a basement. That's hardly what was served up in Southampton many, many decades ago! <grin> <ugh>
CM3 - Methinks we could spend considerable quality time in the places you've mentioned in WVA. Seems a "right place" for a Rendezvous. HOWEVER, and this is a biggie - I'm not looking beyond this year. Reality (again) - if this place survives the absences planned for May, I'll be very surprised. Having said that, there's still Email, phones and Instant Messenger for those desirous of maintaining contact - so who knows what the 'morrow may bring
Ruth, serve 'em a drink on the house and Boris, ring the bell!
Good Afternoon Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Five degrees here this a.m. with wind chill of -15 or so. Naturally they send us outside (it was also snowing) for awhile. But, we're back inside now; it reminded me of the scene in the movie "Christmas Vacation" where the Griswolds venture out into the wilderness to find and cut the family Christmas tree, the daughter's eyes froze. "It's all part of the experience."
Lots of material posted so here we go (in no order, believe me).
Pete sent some interesting pictures - come over here and ride the Shays at Cass - you'd enjoy the trip; logging and geared locomotives.
Rob(?) is back with pictures. Thank for sharing.
Pete and Rob - Great PCC material. Yes, they are still operating on the Mattapan Line on Boston.
Lars - Have a safe trip and enjoy the warmer weather.
James - Sounds as though we are starting a "zignal zeminar." C&O's here are all red until something is happening; this can be as much as an hour before the train appears. As I may have mentioned, we listen as you hear stuff coming long before it shows up. Dwarf signals govern switches in most cases. You want to have some fun, deal with bidirectional signaled double track - not for the fainthearted; then we'll throw in some crossovers...
Mike sent some pictures.
I think the electric helping the steam locomotive may have been taken near Elkhorn Tunnel.
The first Arrow shot was made along New River, probably near Narrows; if you look carefully you will see that there is no head end equipment on the train; typical practice for this particular N&W operation.
Nice shot at Williamson - One of my late (and sorely missed railroading friends) lived on the hillside overlooking the station at Williamson. Great view from his porch.
The Y6B picture was made not too far east of Blue Ridge.
Eric - Thank you for your pictures, too.
Our ‘Steamed Proprietor, as always, led the way. First, thanks for the dispensation. As Curly once said, "It was very hospital of you." MKT diner - let's go. Also thanks for the rerun of the CPR items.
The FEC material was interesting. Some of the extension is used as a highway today. Seth Bramson's book on the FEC has been reprinted and is a good survey of a fascinating railroad. There are also a couple of books available about the Key West Extension and another book on the hurricane which destroyed all of it.
Glad to see the subway cars on tour. There's a prototype for everything as the last time I went up to Buffalo, I saw two MARTA cars riding on lowboys. First time I ever passed a subway on the Interstate (sounds like a tune for the jukebox).
Harlan County, USA - Interesting film.
I appreciated your comments on Matewan. The real town of Matewan has lots of brick buildings, etc. Much of the movie was shot at Thurmond, WV (on the C&O), as it has some old structures and so on. Many of the buildings were dressed for the movie. The train scenes were shot around a place called South Side Junction. It is on the south side of New River across from Thurmond. They used NKP 765 in the movie, IIRC. Anyway, they moved the train back and forth across the South Side Bridge several time to get the pictures they wanted. BTW, the road into Thurmond is "attached" to the side of the bridge - at least you don't have to drive down the track to get to town. Just don't look down when you drive across. The line on the South Side is the old C&O Loup Creek Branch. R.J. Corman operates on this line today to handle traffic into and out of the G-P mill which I have mentioned in previous posts.
The underground scenes were shot at the Exhibition Coal Mine in Beckley, WV. This is well worth a visit as you ride mine cars through the mine and get an idea of what it was like.
The WV Mine Wars and the whole history of UMWA organizing in southern WV is a fascinating story. There are several good publications that can give you an overview of the story. First is by Lon Savage, Thunder in the Mountains, Second is edited by David Alan Corbin an titled, the West Virginia Mine Wars; An Anthology, last is a relatively new one by Robert Shogan titled The Battle of Blair Mountain.
Work safe
I'll have some of those pastries with a coffee please.
Interesting to read of your review of Matewan, I agree with you. I had it on video and watched it not so long ago and then looked up the real events on the web, found some interesting stuff, although I can't recall the page link. The film took some liberties with the historical facts, but that is often required in these things. Reminds one that so soon after the 1917 revolution in Russia such movements were seen as highly dangerous to certain people. Troops were sent into part of the coal industry here in the UK around those same times I believe.
Good to read your UK trip thoughts, hopefully you can make it before too long. I must say to Pete thought that whilst I think there will be no trouble getting you on UK rails, I'm not putting my money on getting you on to UK beer! Incidentally, where is Nick these days?
On the subject I should mention Eric's comment - (I know you are trying to rib me friend, but...) - no British beer should be drunk warm - but it should be drunk ‘cellar temperature' - that is slightly cool - imagine the cool of a cave compared to a hot summer day, then you have it.
CM3 - thanks for your greeting, acknowledged friend, enjoyed your contribution.
Rob, must greet you too, nice to see you managing to get through the snow and in the door - virtually speaking that is!
Mike - enjoyed those links, esp the Powhatan Arrow, and the Roanoke Shed shot.
Pete - nice link to the AC loco info - I always like the original pale blue livery they were turned out in in the 1960s. Shipstones was not a bad brew but by the time I lived here it was (according to the locals) well passed its prime in terms of quality of production. A micro produces a ‘reproduction' which is very good, and tasty. The other local breweries were Home Brewery and also Mansfield. These 4 local giants all closed between 1991 and 2006, very sad indeed.
Well, I did make it to the Great Central winter gala so this calls for a TRIP REPORT:
The Great Central (GCR) is a preserved steam line in the centre of the UK - they run on 8 miles of former main line capable of taking heavy locomotives on a line originally built for high speed.
The gala was a good one with 5 locos in steam, 2 hauling demonstration freight trains (a van train and a open wagon train). Some were being hauled by an LNWR ‘Super D' freight engine nearly 100 years old, also in action was a Class 8F loco, a GWR Large Prairie, a Stanier Mogul, and a GCR Class 04 from 1912. Also in action was a Class 20 Diesel Loco, a class 08 Diesel Shunter (Switcher as some might say) and a Class 101 Diesel Railcar like this:
http://www.railcar.co.uk/his100-109/101liv.htm, Recently repainted into the original 1950s green paint scheme and looking very smart (although rust underneath the paint looked a bit worrying)
The event was 2 day, but we went on Sunday (sadly the weather was more overcast that day). They do run a good event and some trains were packed out with people. We tried to get down early and stayed most of the day from 10 am ish to 5.30pm (riding the last steam train of the day after dark, which is very atmospheric, sitting in a warm compartment in the steam heated coaches).
There was certainly plenty of activity with 5 locomotives in action plus the diesel trains.
Pete had asked about this, so I went to search out the Brittania locomotive undergoing restoration for a report back - well - it looks much like a kit of parts at the moment - the frames were in the shed with no wheels and no boiler or cab, but all the parts look like the majority of the restoration is complete or near complete / underway - so reassembly should happen sooner rather than later. I understand the objective is to get it ready for the end of 2007 early 2008 so it can recreate the journey in made in summer 1968 hauling the last BR steam train.
Also of interest was the advanced state of restoration of the LNER Beaver Tail observation car as seen here (scroll down the link)
http://www.geocities.com/rvp_ltd@btinternet.com/
This dates from 1937 with a 1959 rebuild, and it the 1959 condition that it is to be restored to. The final stages of the interior are to be fitted, but we could go in and look at progress. This is a step change from when I saw it in Doncaster works a few years back prior to the start of restoration. The interesting thing is that the progress with this has persuaded someone to buy the other such car in a very derelict state and bring it to the GCR for restoration to the original 1937 style rear design (more stylish in my view but less good for views!) - which I understand will happen before too long - more details are on that link for anyone interested.
They also had the Railway Post office vehicles open for interior inspection, which was interesting.
One train in service had a LMS design managers inspection saloon - built 1951 (allowing rearward viewing from special large windows) attached on to it all day (sorry, can't find a pic of this), for a 5 pound supplement one could take a full round trip (about 1 hour in time) and enjoy tea in these luxurious surroundings. This did not seem to be well used, but for me this was too good to miss - 2 x 5 quid being handed over we were able to enjoy the peace and comfort of this very special carriage away from the crowds - one way looking over the line, the other with the Super D loco buffered up against the glass window - very nice! For one leg of our journey a friendly chap was on board who introduced himself and explained he was editor of Steam Railway magazine - I don't take this magazine but I think it is the main journal of the preserved railway movement here in the UK - it was interesting to chat to him for a short time.
Anyway, all in all a good day with plenty to see and do.
Regards
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #3
first Posted on page 121 on the "original Thread" . . .
Here's something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with Classic Trains. Check this out (from The Official Guide of the Railways - 1956) Perhaps no railroad anywhere rivaled the Canadian Pacific in terms of world wide excellence in serving the traveling public, whether by air, rail or sea. How many of you are aware of the CP's great hotel and lodge network These proprieties were built by and for CP according to their requirements and were situated at the key rail stops and vacation sites along their main lines. CANADIAN PACIFIC HOTELS AND LODGES City...................Name.........................Open Kentville, NS.......Cornwallis, Inn.............All year McAdam, NS......McAdam Hotel.............All year Quebec, QC.......Chateau Frontenac........All year Toronto, ON........Royal York Hotel..........All year Winnipeg, MN.....Royal Alexandra Hotel...All year Regina, SK.........Hotel Saskatchewan.....All year Calgary, AB........Hotel Palliser...............All year Victoria, BC........Empress Hotel.............All year Kenora, ON........Devil's Gap Lodge.........June to September Digby, NS..........The Digby Pines............June to September Yarmouth, NS.....Lakeside Inn................June to September St. Andrews, NB..The Algonquin Hotel......June to September Banff, AB............Banff Springs Hotel.......June to September Lake Louise, AB..Chateau Lake Louise.....June to September Reached from Lake Louise: .......................Moraine Lake Lodge.......June to September Hector, BC.........Lake O'Hara Lodge........June to September Hector, BC........Lake Wapta Lodge.........June to September Field, BC..........Yoho Valley Lodge.........June to September Vancouver, BC...Hotel Vancouver............All year Enjoy! Tom
A smile to begin the week!
If I didn't' wake up, I'd still be sleeping.
(A Yogi-ism!)
Monday at the Bar at the Ballast and the start to a new work week (for many!). Time for a mug of freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee <unleaded> ‘n <regular>, some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and of course a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board!
It's 19 (F) here in mid-continent USA and the trek throughout the wilds of our subdivision was brisk, and that's an understatement. Juneau, the Wonder Husky loved every step. Even I must admit to "levels" of cold. Yesterday at 12 was <brrrrrr> - this AM was <chatter - chatter> and there's a 9 (F) forecast for mid-week, and that's downright <coooooold>! <grin>
Response to Emails:
(1) MOVING THE BAR: Unless ‘n until I receive at least one "how to" regarding the move of the bar to a "pay as you go" site, I'm not planning on any further discussions. All who responded to the initial round of dialogue - THANX!
(2) ONE WAY POSTS: The policy is clear - let's avoid acknowledging those who are simply "hopping" from Thread to Thread, Forum to Forum with "one liners" and really nothing of substance to offer. Even if a direct comment is made, the intent for many is NOT to engage, but simply to do the "hit ‘n run thing." The Proprietor reserves the right to "serve" those who demonstrate willingness to join in. Thanx!
Movie report:
Watched MATEWAN (pronounced Mate <pause> Wan) last night. It turned out to be a flick that I had seen parts of many years ago, most probably on the tube. Anyway, a few good shots of a fine looking steam loco and heavyweight passenger cars. Of course never long enough to drool, etc. <grin> Thought the story was compelling enough to hold one's interest and surely struck a chord with me. The setting was back in the times when socialism, communism and unionism somehow all were lumped into the same basket here in the U.S. Lots of strong arm stuff against those even thinking about organizing labor. Was a well done production with some fine scenery of WVA and one I'd watch again. Good recommendation from CM3 . . .
Good to see a bit of activity for Sunday Photo Posting Day! When looked at over a 24 hour period, it was a diverse offering throughout the period. Of course it surely is going to take quite a bit of adjustment to get accustomed to "no Doug Sundays!" But, we've been there before and we'll muddle through. <yup> Thanx to all!
Pete at 5:50 PM yesterday: Only problem with Sedalia is Sedalia. Best to drive there for the 5 minutes it will take to check out the station. Hardly worth spending hours in and around it ‘til the return train shows up. Anyway, to each his own! <grin> And the State Fair IS in the heat of the summer with temps expected to be at or near 100 (F). Lotsfafun - NOT! <groan>
Several of the communities with old time stations still standing were trying to find uses for them other than serving passengers. For example, local Chambers of Commerce and Tourism organizations have helped to restore a few and have set up offices within them. Sedalia had been on the docket for restoration, even though the building is rather large and hardly appropriate for the level of activity through there today. As we discussed by phone, I've been away from the group I used to meet with in JeffCity for about 8 or 9 years and not in the loop anymore.
By the by, you may wish to check your prescription - those R17s are BROWN!
Many THANX for the Pix from your friend, Alan! Still waiting for this guy to stop by . . .
Eric at 1:03 AM today: A report from the OK Corral! What in the world is going on out there Gun shots in residential areas are definitely hazardous to one's well being. Now I know the Desert Swede has adjusted to the climate, however surely not to this situation. Bullets have a way of finding their way through walls. Be careful, Mate!
I think you may have misread my comment regarding the RDC-3 of the MKT. It IS in the book - I failed to pick up on it when first reviewing that fine listing of motive power. However, I do concur about "sources" within bindings not always being precise. Happens and sets up all kinds of disputes, especially here in the Ether where we have soooooooo many resident experts on just about every topic imaginable. <grin>
Glad you like the Union Station set-up. No plans to incorporate subway station service above ground. When I finally get a ROUNDTUIT, there will be a sub-surface station - have the materials, just a matter of doing it.
Great Pix of your "first ride on an American train"!!! Time flies, eh Youbetchaitdoes! <grin>
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Still closed! I guess both Leon and Boris are asleep even though I heard some strange noice from the shed in the back.
Here we are having an exciting evening/night. About an hour and a half ago we heard some shots (again) fired pretty close to our house. I went outside to check if I could see what was going on. At the same moment the first police car arrived and within minutes there was several cars and a police helicopter in and over this neighborhood. I think they caught one guy but they are still looking for one or two more. Better stay inside for a while. Now over to our normal business.
Pete – Those UP diesels were runing on the Sunset Route when my Mrs took the picture two years ago. I wonder if there are any MKT locos preserved? I guess I have to find out. I also have to find those pictures of the roundhouses I promised you some time ago. They are on my list of what to do. The quiz question beats me. I am sure the answer is not what I might think. Thanks for the url’s!! Who is by the door? You know, it is hard t tell but I think I have seen him a few times at the bar! I will know for sure in May!I think Kirkwood station looks real nice! Those stored steam locomotives were pulled out of storage every so many years (I think it was every 5 years) for some maintenance and test run before being put back into storage. Nice small narrow gauge stean locomotives on your pictures! 2 1/4 mile long! Thanks for the pics! Rob – I learned something new again! I didn’t know that the doors on newer PCC’s were electrically powered! What is the advantage? All streetcars I have worked on had air powered doors and air brakes (+ dynamic brake). The air brakes were used only to bring the streetcar to a complete stop and hold it while stopped. Tom – The missing RDC-3 in your book just proves one thing, one has to remember that all the sources available on the net and all books are not guaranteed to be 100% correct. Something might be missing or be incorrect. But there is a lot of onformation out there!You are absolutely correct about putting together a model railroad. What you finally get is not necessarily what you planned from the beginning! True, very true. Two interesting movies on the Mentor Village Emporium Theater this week! I have not seen them but I am sure they are good! I know the Stooges’ film is good, that one I have seen.Nice pictures from Kirkwood! I understand that Kirkwood is the Amtrak station closest to your place, right? I really like your Union Station! But watch out for those subway cars!! Very nice layout!!!Mike – Thanks for all the url’s!! A good mix of nice pictures. My favorite is the one from Roanoke! But also the pictures from Kansas City with streetcars and electric trolley buses.underworld – I think you can get some good quality pictures using digital cameras for less that $10,000 today. That is if you don’t blow them up too much. But in most cases you have to do some work on them before you print them. Are you actually running the old Märklin loco in the snow? What scale is it?
Finally, a picture showing me getting my first ride on an American train in 1981.
It was a nice guy who offered me a ride on his train when he heard I was an engineer.
Back in now and I'll post this through the mail slot.
Great set of pics today ALL.
MIKE Great set of links. From the back cab of an Electric Helper thanks.Loved the shots of the N&W steam working hard and good to see the pics of when the streetcars were workng on Route #56. My favourite this week has to be that marvellous pic of Roanoake loco depot with all those steam locos.
ERIC Those steam locos being stored was so like British railways depots in the mid sixties. seeing the sack over the chimneys brought it all back,.very often the locos never steamed again. Loved the pic of the single wheeler in the Black Hills .
TOM. Yes as you say it would be even longer wait in Sedalia now the Amtrak schedules have changed, but I would still like to see the depot we saw in close up. Don,t know about the State Fair though,it always seems to be held when the temperature is around 100 degrees.
Look like some different but very good films on at the Emporium this week.I would like to see them both, then the Stooges for some light entertainment .
It was a busy day on my trip to Kirkwood we were held outside the station for quite a while great pics of the trains there.and great to see the Green R17s getting a run out on the CAN -AMLove the pic through the station fence of the cars.
This weeks pics from Alan are from the Narrow gauge South Tynedale Railway, built on part of the former standard guage branch line from Haltwhistle( on the Newcastle-On-Tyne to Carlise line) to the market town of Alston.
Here is a link to the railway
http://www.strps.org.uk/
The pics were taken in October 2006
Pete.
Even though the bar at "Our" Place is
CLOSED on SUNDAYs -
We do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day!
This time some Pix many of you saw over at the "old" Thread . . . R17 Subway Cars on the Can-Am RR . . . (Red Birds were shown a couple of weeks ago.)
Not again - MORE subway cars!
View of Union Station platforms!
R17 subway cars moving out!
R-17 subway cars crossing Can-Am Gorge!
R17 subway cars at Can-Am Gorge!
R17 subway cars at Land-Between-the-Lakes!
R17 subway cars at Our Place!
Enjoy! Catch y'all in the 'morrow . . . .
P.S. Sorry, but it's nearly impossible to carry on dialogue with anonymous folks and those who enjoy the "hit 'n run" stuff. We're just not that kinda Thread . . .
Looks like my Marklin is making it through today's snow without a plow.
underworld
EricX2000 and siberianmo Great pics!
As our "regulars" and "irregulars" know, we reserve this day for the Posting of Pix. Regualar dialogue resumes on Monday . . . use the mail slots in either set of front doors to drop off your Posts if you find them locked! <grin>
THANX for the Pix, Eric! and also the URLs from "silent Mike" - good to see the both of you "out" this fine day! <grin>
On January 11th Pete came to town in advance of our Chicago trip, which culminated in a rather long weekend thanx to a series of ice storms in these parts. Anyway, here's a few unedited shots snapped at the Kirkwood, MO Amtrak Station (formerly MoPac) while waiting for the Wolfman!
UP passing through Kirkwood, MO
Amtrak with Pete arriving Kirkwood, MO
Amtrak #36 at Kirkwood, MO
Amtrak departing Kirkwood, MO
A busy day at Kirkwood!
After these Pix were taken, it was off to the TrainWreck for just a 'few" . . . Pete's Pix tell the story!
Enjoy!
Good morning Captain Tom and all present!!
Sunday = closed. Forgot what day it is, I'll see if I can get these pictures squeezed in somewhere. It 's a little mix of photos, some steam engines waiting to be put into storage. A small loco in the Black Hills, and a picture of something you don't see on the major roads anymore, a caboose (Nebraska 1981).
I'll be back later tonight.
trolleyboy Great pics!!!
wanswheel Thanks for the links!!!
EricX2000 Yeah, I think that every little bit of resolution is worth it. I'm a film photographer for the most part. It will be nice when a film quality digital will be less than $10,000!!!
Even though the bar at "Our" Place isCLOSED on Sundays - We do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day!Now playing at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!
. . . Sunday, January 28th thru February 3rd: Matewan (1987) Starring: Chris Cooper, James Earl Jones, Mary McDonnell, Will Oldham & David Strathairn - and - Harlan County USA (1976) Starring: W.A. 'Tony' Boyle, Basil Collins, Carl Horn, Lawrence Jones & John L. Lewis. SHORT: The Three Stooges - A Ducking They Did Go (1939).
Matewan (1987)
PLOT SUMMARY:
A labor union organizer comes to an embattled mining community brutally and violently dominated and harassed by the mining company. Mingo County, West Virginia, 1920. Coal miners, struggling to form a union, are up against company operators and gun thugs; Black and Italian miners, brought in by the company to break the strike, are caught between the two forces. Union activist and ex-Wobbly Joe Kenehan, sent to help organize the union, determines to bring the local, Black, and Italian groups together. Drawn from an actual incident; the characters of Sid Hatfield, Cabell Testerman, C. E. Lively, and Few Clothes Johnson were based on real people.
from: amazon.com
Harlan County USA (1976)
A filmed account of a bitterly violent miner strike. This film documents the coal miners' strike against the Brookside Mine of the Eastover Mining Company in Harlan County, Kentucky in June, 1973. Eastovers refusal to sign a contract (when the miners joined with the United Mine Workers of America) led to the strike, which lasted more than a year and included violent battles between gun-toting company thugs/scabs and the picketing miners and their supportive women-folk. Director Barbara Kopple puts the strike into perspective by giving us some background on the historical plight of the miners and some history of the UMWA.
SHORT: A Ducking They Did Go (1939)PLOT SUMMARY: Featuring Moe, Larry & Curly
After unsuccessfully stealing a watermelon, the Stooges get jobs as salesmen for the Canvas Back Duck Club and end up selling phony memberships to the Mayor and the entire Police Department. When they discover that there are no ducks at the Duck Club, Curly steals a flock of domesticated ducks and the laughs really start.
from: threestooges.net
Enjoy! Tom
Brunch for the house Tom and welcome back Rob
Pete, to answer your question...
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvnjpeg_img_rec.php?objno=RVN12677
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN12678.jpg
Norfolk & Western electric help
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/imagebase/norfolksouthern/full/NS2960.jpeg
Diesel train
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/imagebase/norfolksouthern/F1/ns3177.JPG
Roanoke
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/imagebase/norfolksouthern/full/ns1222.jpeg
Powhatan Arrow
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/imagebase/norfolksouthern/F1/NS3959.JPG
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/imagebase/norfolksouthern/full/NS3029.jpeg
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/imagebase/norfolksouthern/full/NS2966.jpeg
Steam trains
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/imagebase/norfolksouthern/full/NS2927.jpeg
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/imagebase/norfolksouthern/F1/NS3580.JPG
Streetcars
http://www.kclibrary.org/lhimgs/kcpl/regular/10007169_reg.jpg
http://www.kclibrary.org/lhimgs/kcpl/regular/10007372_reg.jpg
Kansas City 1/18/49
http://www.kclibrary.org/lhimgs/kcpl/regular/10013939_reg.jpg
http://www.kclibrary.org/lhimgs/kcpl/regular/10013940_reg.jpg
Tom, twice Dave had mentioned the possibility of transfer to Iraq. I hope not.
Mike
A brisk morning here in mid-continent USA temp at 12 (F) for "walk time" - expected to reach low 20s. Just to think, it was 60 (F) here on Friday!
If it hadn't have been for Wolfman Pete at 7:06 PM, we may have been "shut out" yesterday. But the "man of the hour" didn't let us down! Then a great surprise with the arrival of trolleyboy Rob at 11:50 PM & 11:58 PM! Hopefully this means a return to something resembling our normal state of affairs ‘round the Saloon by the Siding! Great to see the both of you.
Eric provided an early beginning to Sunday with his 1:16 AM offering, replete with inclusiveness, as always!
Appreciate the Pix from Pete of our next-to-most-favorite watering hole, the TrainWreck Saloon in Rock Hill, Missouri. Getting Wolfman into the place is not a problem - getting out is a different matter!
Good to see ya Rob and your Pix came through here, but NOT over on "my other Thread." You may want to check those out, time permitting of course. Thanx for swinging on by both Theads!
Enjoyed that MKT roster of motive power you provided, Eric! Found an RDC-3 on it. Didn't know THAT! However, I SHOULD have, as my "favorite" RDC book addresses this car . . .
Pete, a very nice ENCORE! from our permanent member of the "Legion of the Lost" - West Coast S Dave. Sure do miss him ‘round here and I suppose we'll never know what happened. Isn't that the "way" with so many who frequent these Forums
Speaking of THAT - sorry, but no acknowledgments go out to those who simply use this place for a "stop ‘n drop" kinda Thread. As stated many, many times on these Pages and over on the "old" Thread, we don't operate that way and that's that. If the shoe fits . . . Apparently the offering to join us and encouragement to read Page One has been LOST on some. So be it.
Pete, take my advice and don't plan on spending too much time in Sedalia, unless you are going to attend the State Fair. Otherwise, it's a looooooooong wait ‘tween trains! Sedalia used to be quite the railroad town and had some fine "stuff" to observe. No more. Even the remnants of what used to be are disappearing from the landscape. Except that great depot of the MKT! I recall pointing that out to you at the cross-tracks enroute KCity. It's on the southside of the mainline, off a bit in the distance but visible.
Eric, don't know if you've ever had the experience, but drive down to Key West from the mainland has many, many interesting sights. Least of all are the remains of the Overseas Railroad. Lotsa history down there. Hope Lars and his Mrs. are enjoying their getaway . . .
Also, thanx for the compliment . . . Don't know just what kind of architecht I may have been, but it surely takes quite a bit of talent to transpose something from the "minds eye" to paper then to reality. Anyone who has put together a model railroad knows all about that! <grin>
So, we have a "mind bender" from Pete!
"What part of SP is seen on the side of every British Rail locomotive?"
Okay boyz . . . enjoy the breakfast - brunch - lunch ‘til 2 PM. Let's get some Pix Posted!
Reminder for Monday: 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 OJ they can handle!
A while back I told of a newspaper report about a car arriving at the Union Station in Kansas City. I took this pic and ROB has kindly added some details sent to me by E-Mail while Rob was having the problems with the forum.
The car looks to be in fairly good shape, I'd say that as long as all it's internals are intact it could be made to run quite readily. Standard PCC, a later model so it would be an all electric car. Doors, brakes and controls would be all electrically powered. The first PCC's from 1938-1944 were air electric in that they had electric motors for propulsionn but the doors and brakes were air powered.That cars a spitting image of the last cars Toronto's TTC purchased new. That order was 1951 from Canadian car and Foundry.I'd say that the car is of similar vintage. If it were bought and built in the US which is likely. It could be either built by Pullman Standard or St Louis Car Company. By it's looks like I said it's a later model built in the late forties or early fifties. The earlier air electric cars had a more Art Deco look to their streamlining . The PCC's all started to get the simpler streamlinning satrting in 1944 when the all electrics started in construction. Well Pete thanks for the offer of posting this, hopefully it helps with the explinations.
Rob .
I am going out for a while but hope to back later. Pete
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