Hi Tom and all.
Am I too early for a bit of hot brunch on this rather chilly Mid-Mo morning.
Great to see you back ROB. I did enjoy the pics of the mail cars. Great pic of the Kitchener Waterloo St car being loaded with parcels.Favourite is the Ottawa Royal Mail car #1, is this the car we talked about a while back and is being restored.
ERIC. I guessed you meant the 91, hoped you enjoyed the 86 link.
Thanks for the MKT diesel roster. I am hoping that in the museum we are to visit in St Louis there may be some pics of the Katy in operation on the Missouri part of the MKT.
You can almost here those UP diesels in your pic..
A quiz question" What part of SP is seen on the side of every British rail locomotive".
I wont tell Lars if you don't.
This week first pics are of a great drinking place. I wonder who is by the door though.
A pic of Kirkwood Station. all pics were taken in December.
They should enlarge. Back in a minute.
Pete.
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, I would like a juicy Filet Mignon, and some good, cold beer! Is it? Hmm, some people seem to prefer warm beer!! Crazy, isn't it?
A very quiet Saturday at the bar. I feel guilty but it was kind of a busy day today. 68° F, not bad. 69° for Sunday according to the forecast.
Tom – Me? We? Oh, no! Never! I think, or do I? I trust CM3 and I saw his fingerprint all over his post, including the very beginning. Or whatever it was. Those drawings were used to describe how to set up that tool to pull contacts into plastic socket bases. Considering how well you designed Our Place I think you would have become a great architect! But i bet you would never have seen so much of the world as you did sailing the high seas.Interesting link about the Overseas Railroad! Amazing they could build those long, long bridges!Also interesting info on MKT! I found a locomotive roster for MKT on this url:http://www.edisaurus.com/trains/mkt_roster.htmPete – Nice of you to take care of Ruth, but I don’t think you should tell Lars. The smaller cab at one end is Class 91. I thought that was what I wrote but I see now I didn’t. At least that is what I meant. I hope you will get a good demonstration of the different scanners you are going to look at and compare. Take your time when you are deciding which one to buy! Interesting Encore you borrowed from page 111 on SP diesels. I am always interested in everything on SP.Rob – Welcome back!!! Glad to see that you could make it tonight!! Your posts look great!Finally some nice streetcar pictures to enjoy!! Street Railway mail cars that is. I like especially TTC mailcar #28! I hope we will see you again very soon!Underworld – I agree with your recommendation.
Eric
Well so far so good , two post in a row and possibly counting figure that I will post a few classic traction shots to get Sunday off on at least one good foot. All phtoo's are from the OERHA achieves, please enjoy.
Kitchener Waterloo Street railway mail car c1940's
Ottawa Street Railway Royal Mail Car # 1
TTC mailcar # 28
Express Motor #1 also used for mail and small package freight.London & Port Stanley Railway
Rob
Good evening Leon, well what an absolute ordeal, I'm not sure if it's over with or not, but at least for the time being I have access. Before anyone asks, I've done nothing new or different and I'm not sure the forum folks have either. Any way you slice it its erie. ( no Boris not the railway ) So without further adieu Leon a large as you can find CR for me and at least several rounds for the poor few that remain inside these hallowed halls. Also I don't want to clean the rats patootroom either
I won't attempt to address all the fine posts these last couiple three weeks I have not been around, suffice to say gentlemen you are still putting out some fine disscussion matter and photograph's, Still top drawer stuff 5x and rouns for everyone.
Pete,Lars nTom-Thanks for offering to post things for me and thanks to the few email excerpts and ifo that you forwarded to me. Made me feel still in the loop at any stretch. Oh Pete feel free to post that info I emailed you, and thanks for letting me send the pictures on to my museu,m friends. I know that the wiener train fans will love it.
I think I have a few pictures to drop off. Everyone hold your collective breath's while I try to get two posts in a row.Surly a record at least for me as of late.
pwolfe wrote: Hi Tom and all. A pint of Kimberley Mild to start with today please RUTH and the Steak and Fries for later.MIKE Thanks for the great links. Good photos of Green Cove, although the horse does not look too pleased to see the approaching train.Great shots of the Empire Builder. I wonder how they got the photo taken from the front of the train. The Shays pics are wonderfully clear. The pics expands and your are able to read the info on the tender..ERIC.It is amazing how much railway stuff I had collected over the years and there is no way I could have brought it all over here My mate in England still has a load of my railway books stored..Here is a pic of a class 91 electric loco( on the left).The first five classes of British 25KV AC electric locos, the AL1-5 later classes 81-86, had flexible drive. then came the 100 class AL6s,these locos when built had axle-hung traction motors. Unfortunatly this led to bogie frame fractures and severe track damage caused by the unsprung weight. To get over this problem a 'Flexicoil' suspension system was fitted, also resilient wheels by Svenska Aktiebolaget Bromsregulator company of Sweden were fitted. By this time the TOPS numering system was in use and the modified locos became class 86/2' and allowed to run at there maximum 100 MPH speed, the locos not modified were classified 86/0 and limited to 80 MPH. Some of the 86/0s recieved the SAB wheels but not the Flexicoils and were classed as 86/3 but were allowed to do 100 MPH.The 86s were introduced in 1964 and have done very good service, there are a few still working for Frieghtliner hauling intermodels.DL It would indeed be good if we can get Tom over to sample the British trains and the British beer.I see you have had the Shippos today a good bitter which I know was very popular with the folks of Nottingham. I must admit though I preferred the Kimberley. it is a downright shame both breweries have now gone.CM3 I know TOM is desperate to get someone to clear out the Rats Patoot Room but looks as though you have escaped this time.as you say that last pic of MIKES of the Shay on the trestle is a marvellous photo. Thanks for the joke,DOUG would have been proud of it.TOM It was great to talk to you hope the DVD gets sorted out. I am working on the Trainwreck Saloon and am hoping for mid to late FEB on a Saturday, I will let you know as soon as I can. Good start on Idiot Of The Week,some people as simply unbelieveable.Many thanks for the California Zephyr pics and info. What a great way to see that glorius scenery than in those Domes.Just seen your latest post Tom and hope LARS as a good time in Florida, yes he will be missed at the bar.A BIT OF ADVICE PLEASE. I have been looking at scanners, as you know, there is one at $100 that has 3200X9600 DPI and one at $150 with 4800X9600 DPI not knowing much about this do you think it is worth the extra $50 to get the dearer one Thanks.To make amends for yesterday's pic( I know how much you want the Rat's Patoot Room cleaned and I don't want to get "Tweeted") This great car was stabled very near yesterday's "Locomotive". Well RUTH I will have another beer that CM3 has kindly offeredPete.
A pint of Kimberley Mild to start with today please RUTH and the Steak and Fries for later.
MIKE Thanks for the great links. Good photos of Green Cove, although the horse does not look too pleased to see the approaching train.Great shots of the Empire Builder. I wonder how they got the photo taken from the front of the train. The Shays pics are wonderfully clear. The pics expands and your are able to read the info on the tender..
ERIC.It is amazing how much railway stuff I had collected over the years and there is no way I could have brought it all over here My mate in England still has a load of my railway books stored..
Here is a pic of a class 91 electric loco( on the left).
The first five classes of British 25KV AC electric locos, the AL1-5 later classes 81-86, had flexible drive. then came the 100 class AL6s,these locos when built had axle-hung traction motors. Unfortunatly this led to bogie frame fractures and severe track damage caused by the unsprung weight. To get over this problem a 'Flexicoil' suspension system was fitted, also resilient wheels by Svenska Aktiebolaget Bromsregulator company of Sweden were fitted. By this time the TOPS numering system was in use and the modified locos became class 86/2' and allowed to run at there maximum 100 MPH speed, the locos not modified were classified 86/0 and limited to 80 MPH. Some of the 86/0s recieved the SAB wheels but not the Flexicoils and were classed as 86/3 but were allowed to do 100 MPH.
The 86s were introduced in 1964 and have done very good service, there are a few still working for Frieghtliner hauling intermodels.
DL It would indeed be good if we can get Tom over to sample the British trains and the British beer.
I see you have had the Shippos today a good bitter which I know was very popular with the folks of Nottingham. I must admit though I preferred the Kimberley. it is a downright shame both breweries have now gone.
CM3 I know TOM is desperate to get someone to clear out the Rats Patoot Room but looks as though you have escaped this time.as you say that last pic of MIKES of the Shay on the trestle is a marvellous photo. Thanks for the joke,DOUG would have been proud of it.
TOM It was great to talk to you hope the DVD gets sorted out. I am working on the Trainwreck Saloon and am hoping for mid to late FEB on a Saturday, I will let you know as soon as I can.
Good start on Idiot Of The Week,some people as simply unbelieveable.
Many thanks for the California Zephyr pics and info. What a great way to see that glorius scenery than in those Domes.
Just seen your latest post Tom and hope LARS as a good time in Florida, yes he will be missed at the bar.
A BIT OF ADVICE PLEASE. I have been looking at scanners, as you know, there is one at $100 that has 3200X9600 DPI and one at $150 with 4800X9600 DPI not knowing much about this do you think it is worth the extra $50 to get the dearer one Thanks.
To make amends for yesterday's pic( I know how much you want the Rat's Patoot Room cleaned and I don't want to get "Tweeted") This great car was stabled very near yesterday's "Locomotive".
Well RUTH I will have another beer that CM3 has kindly offered
The extra 50 will give you more bang for your buck.
underworld
Seeing as you are sad about LARS being away I will keep you company for a while RUTH and a have a beer or two and the Steak later please.
JAMES Not all the Merchant Navys were scrapped.One, No 35028 Clan Line was bought direct from British Railways and has just had a very extensive overhaul as now back on the main line.10 of the class of 30 MNs were taken to the Barry Scrapyard of Dai Woodhams in South Wales and were saved the torch although a couple are in still in scrapyard condition. Two others have steamed and I believe No 35005 Canadian Pacific is working on a preserved line at the moment. Loco No 35029 Ellermanm Lines is a sectioned exhibit at the National Railway Museum at York. Cutaway on one side to show the workings of the boiler, cylinder, valves etc. it is arranged so that the wheels turn.
I am sure if they were allowed to, there is a couple of classes of locos like the A4, Duchess and MN that could reach 100MPH, the locos are probably in the best condition they have ever been.
I had not realized that those new large diesel loco weighed that much With the locos getting heavier I guess the track has to be kept in top condition.
Interesting piece on signalling.. On British Rail the signals are always lit. Away from stations junctions etc they are mainly automatic worked by the track circuits,so they usally show a green aspect. When a train passes a signal it turns to red as the train passes each signal ahead the signal turns through amber, double amber and back to green on a four aspect signal.
Glad you liked the pics.
ERIC The loco with the smaller cab at one end is the class 91.
A link to a pic of an 86 loco
http://www.aclocogroup.co.uk/index.php?page=history86.php.
This seems a good web-site on the AC locomotive Group.
It is very rare to see a class 91 running 'blunt end' first they are limited to 100 mph with this end leading I believe that when they were designed the idea was that the 91s would be used on frieght trains at night although this never happened.
When the drawing you scanned is enlarged it is very clear. and thanks for the pic of the Shay.. I really must try to get a ride behind a preserved one.
TOM A quiet Saturday at the bar, and I am running late. Thanks for Eric and your advice on the scanner, that is a great idea to take a slide and a photo and get a demonstation.
In the pic of the Santa Fe car I posted yesterday in the background is the new footbridge they have erected over the tracks at Union Station.They have made a good job of the bridge which the main part came from somewhere in Kansas City. there was a lot of people using the bridge when I was there.
Well Lars should be in Florida now I enjoyed the links you postedThat Overseas Railroad was a wonderful piece of engineering, with after the hurricane of 1935, was used for Highway 1. The pic showing it broken for yacht traffic was a touch sad though.
Thanks for the KATY Encore. . Every time we travel back from Hermann the road follows what is now the Katy trail with the old bridges standing. I often try to picture what it was like when the railroad was open. I will have to have some time in Sedalia MO which, as you know is still served by Amtrak, as it you pass through the town by road there are signs to the historic Katy depot, also I believe the Katy had a large work-shops there.
For an Encore I have 'Borrowed' this from Page 111 of the old site. I found it very interesting it was a post from WEST COAST DAVE. on SP Diesels
The SP had a love, hate relationship with the American Locomotive Works. The Alco PA was chosen over comparable EMD offerings due to the GE supplied traction motors, dynamic brakes and the power plant being turbocharged, this combination was able to handle the tough Donner Pass and Shasta routes. Eventually 76 would be purchased, SP thought well enough of them to rebuild and upgrade the entire fleet in the early to mid 60s, unlike some roads they were never downgraded to freight service, all would be gone by 1967. Alco days were not done yet, SP that year aquired examples of the C-628 and later the C-630. By this date, the SD45 was the engine that GE and Alco had to chase, massive SD45 purchases quickly made these the dominate power on the system. The SD45 had one major fault, a need for lots of fuel. SP turned to Alco in a attempt to match the reliability of the SD45 but with increased fuel savings. The C- 628/630 delivered the promised fuel economy, but could not deliver on the reliability. It was discovered too late that they did not perform well in heavy, high speed service, changes made to the 251 engine and aluminum wiring resulted in blown cylinders, turbochargers and fires. Still, SP persisted in finding suitable employment and in those great GE traction motors laid the answer, they could substain extended low speed operation and it was noted that several had been assigned to helper and other secondary service duty throughout the system with no failures recorded. The decision was made to rebuild them for humpyard and transfer service between West Colton and Taylor. They performed admiribly along side newer power until the early 80s when all Alco power was set aside. Eugene OR, was the second bastion of Alco power on the SP in the 70s, The only RSD15s (3 total) purc
ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday
PASSENGER RR FALLEN FLAG & NOSTALGIA
first Posted on Page 110 of the "original" Thread . . . Here's another Passenger RR Fallen Flag from The Official Guide of the Railways - Aug 1956: Missouri - Kansas - Texas Railroad (MKT - KATY Lines) On hand reference material does not provide a detailed equipment listing, however there are some items of interest: Headquarters: St. Louis, MO Passenger trains of note: Katy Flyer - The Bluebonnet - Texas Special Slogans: The KATY Railroad - Natural Route Southwest. ..... Only ONE COUPON is required for passage between any two points on MISSOURI - KANSAS - TEXAS LINES. ..... "Texas Special Route - Frisco - M-K-T Lines" from St. Louis to Dallas, Fort Worth, Wichita Falls, Waco, Temple, Austin, San Antonio, Houston and Intermediate points. ..... Specify Katy's New Fast Service - 17 hours - Kansas City to Dallas - Fort Worth. Second Morning Delivery from Chicago Via C.B.&Q. - Kansas City - M.K.T. Advertisements: Route ‘em Katy Southwest ..... On The Famous Streamlined Texas Special Luxury sleeping car and coach accommodations, nationally famous diner meals please every taste, every budget. Friendly, attentive service in an atmosphere of restful comfort. Through sleeping cars to and from Chicago, New York, Washington and the Metropolitan East, via the St. Louis gateway. Daily between St. Louis and San Antonio. ..... On The De Lux Texas Bluebonnet Bedroom and Section accommodations available between Kansas City, Forth Worth, Dallas and San Antonio. Roomettes between Kansas City and Dallas; Diner-lounge car ... traditionally superb Bluebonnet diner meals. Dallas and Fort Worth passengers particularly appreciate the "just right" overnight Bluebonnet schedule. You retire at your usual bedtime, arrive refreshed and rested Short line between Kansas City and the principal cities of Texas (daily). Famous Meals a feature of Katy Dining Car Service! Breakfast .75 to $1.75 Luncheon $1.20 to $2.50 Dinner $1.20 to $5.50 Know Your Pullmans All regularly assigned sleeping cars on Katy-Lines are numbered. Car 16, for example is invariably a 14 Roomette, 4 bedroom cars, operating on the Texas Special between St. Louis and Dallas. Reservations are made accordingly. On these pages sleeping car numbers are featured for your guidance. It is a good idea to check your reservations to be sure your space has been properly assigned. Enjoy! Tom ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday
foto credit: www.viarail.ca
G'day Gents!
Hard to believe the weekend is once again upon us. Draw a cuppa Joe, check out the pastries in The Mentor Village Bakery and order a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board!
Saturday is also our ENCORE! day - so for the few of us remaining ‘round here, let's see what we can come up with to keep this "tradition" moving forward. Also, tomorrow is Sunday Photo Posting Day! Again, with so few left it may be "one of those days (daze). We'll see . . . .
Acknowledgments:
Pete at 3:42 PM yesterday: Nice Pix of those trains in Merry Olde! That "modern look" is something else - makes the trains always look as if they are in motion. Yeah, I know these machines aren't new, but they look it!
Amtrak in February sounds good to me, as does March, April, May, etc.
Don't know how much of a hurry you are in to purchase a scanner, but if you'd like, you can "test" the one I have with some photos before making your decision. Insofar as the imagery specifications are concerned, I'd not be too impressed with the difference cited. The lower end one should do just fine. You could always ask the store people to let you use one of your photos for demo purposes. Then you'll know fer sure, fer sure!
Hmmmmmm, I hadn't thought about YOU to be the recipient of a <tweeting> HOWEVER, now that you mention it . . .
Lars at 4:08 PM yesterday: So, it's "official" eh You and your Mrs. are heading south for a couple of weeks. Well, that's not a bad idea, especially in January! I'm a bit familiar with the Florida Keys as way back in another life, my ship was assigned to a rather long deployment (homeport Boston) to Key West in January-February. I believe we were gone about 7 weeks from homeport. Anyway, had some time to "check out" a few places and Marathon was one of ‘em.
For anyone interested, there's all kinds of info "out there," but here's something to peruse:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathon,_Florida
Also this on the "Overseas Railroad":
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overseas_Railroad
Glad you liked the California Zephyr material AND by the by, we're still WAITING for a "report" from you on the trips you've taken aboard the "originals."
Certainly hope you're able to "connect" in the Sunshine State and we'll be looking for ya! Bon voyage - Safe trip . . .
James at 6:48 PM yesterday: One facet of rail travel that I've always enjoyed is sitting in a dome car, preferably the obs dome at the rear, and being able to check out the signals along the way. Since most of my recent activities on the rails have been in Canada (for the past 17 years or so) I'm more familiar with their set-up than anywhere else. It is a fascinating (to me) thing to observe.
Your "order" caught my eye simply because you didn't specify what kind of sandwich you wanted. <grin> We aim to please ‘round here though, and if you were served what you desired, that's fine with the crew at "Our" Place.
As mentioned in many of my Posts here and at the "old" Thread, one can STILL travel in those wonderful observation dome cars in Canada. VIA Rail operates ‘em and they surely provide a different dimension to passenger rail travel - in my not-so-humble-opinion. As the equipment ages - and they are OLD - I'm not so sure what is in line for the future for trains like the "Canadian" (cross-Canada train), but they aren't going to be available indefinitely as they were constructed way back in the 50s and rehabbed a few times since in Canada. Great cars fer sure, fer sure.
A request: I've noticed you've stopped frequenting "my other Thread" and perhaps you can find the time to drop off a Pix now ‘n then - doesn't need to be anything more. We've had some Milwaukee Road stuff over these past couple of months, but it didn't "draw you out." Thanx!
Eric at 1:17 AM today: So, you're in cahoots with CM3, eh Now HOW would you KNOW that his INITIAL Post was indeed as he stated Unless . . . hmmmmmm. There's a conspiracy afoot! <argggggghhh>
Nice drawings - but of course I have no "clue" of what! Tech stuff is interesting to me. I had taken a few courses in what was called "Mechancial Drawing" way back in time. Thought I wanted to pursue architecture. Found out my talent simply wasn't. Oh well, the call of the sea arrived in the "nick" of time.
Have to agree, the California Zephyr from days gone by was surely a fantastic train.
Thanx for the fine Post!
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing. Tonight is Steak 'n All The Trimmings Nite! Plan to arrive by 5 PM for dinner!
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
Tom
Leon! Nice to see you again! Tonight I would like my favorite, Rumpsteak Café de Paris. After a long Friday I need something real good.
Long Friday, but kind of quiet here at Our Place! But I say what Tom says, A man has to do what a man has to do!
Tom – The idiot of the week certainly deserved your award! Unbelievable!Back in the 80’s I actually rented a Renault of Hertz at O’Hare once. Built in the US. Not that I wanted a Renault, I got it anyway. No, I have never been big on French cars. Not my style!The pictures of the California Zephyr are very nice, especially the first one! Bingo! Thanks for the pictures and the info!I have no problems with Mike’s url’s! Not last night and not tonight. CM3 is correct, he greeted the barkeep in his post.
CM3 – I feel sorry for Bill! He actually fulfilled his wife’s wish! Hm, depending on her weight of course. That was a good one!DL – Do you drink Shipstones Bitter warm too? Pete – If you are going to scan slides or negatives I would recommend the scanner with the higher resolution. My flatbed scanner goes up to 4800X9600 and it gives me good details when I am scanning slides. Class 86 has an interesting design with the smaller cab at the rear end of the locomotive! SAB wheels have been used by many locomotives in Sweden over the years. Thanks for the info!Lars – Have a safe and very nice trip to the Keys! You will be missed but I think the Keys will be better than a cruise! We will try to keep the bar up and running until you are back!James – The drawings I made was for the work instructions used on the production floor where I work. They mainly show how to assemble our products and how to set up the equipment that is being used to do so. But I was also illustrating our product catalog for a few years. Since it was all freehand drawings it took some time to put them together. But it is fun. I scanned a sample to give you an idea.
To compensate for that I'll show a rerun:
G-day Tom and all present.
Leon- Could you get me the Steak n' fries please. Thanks
Pete- The UP AC4400CW model does belong to the UP but the locomotive was leased by the GECX. So yes, you are correct.
I got a kick out of the picture of what looks like Thomas the tank engine sitting on top of a flat car. It caught my attention. There are a lot of lights on that car. I also noticed the CP heavy weight Passenger car to the right in the picture. That car looks really nice.
I'm glad you liked the ME article. I was quite interested in it myself. It had some good information in there.
Steam, 100mph. Thats fast. Those drivers are moving right along. To bad they scrapped them. I would have enjoyed to see a steam engine running at 100 mph.
I liked the latest pictures you posted. The one of the Class 91 electric loco, and the Santa Fe Business car. Some very nice shots. I also cought the word Flexicoil. Most of the newer GE made locomotives have a flexicoil designed truck under them. As you have said, they give the rail a little easier time when the train passes over it. You wouldn't think so, since the locomotives GE is putting out weigh in at 410,000 pounds or 205 tons. Thats a lot of tonnage sitting on a 70 foot piece of track. The EMD SD70ACe, the latest locomotive weighs 420,000 pounds or 210 tons. The locomotives are getting heavier and heavier.
Mike- Thanks for the pictures. The pictures that caught my eye the most was the Wiliam Crooks, since I work around almost every week. I liked the shot of James J Hill coming off the locomotive. I didn't know he had set foot in the loco. Thanks.
Eric- Well. Someone else here who knows how to draw on a computer.
So you made drawings for instructions. How was that for drawing? I would think it would take a long time since there are usually a lot of drawings in one instruction booklet. Thats cool.
Tom- well, usually its the turkey sandwich. There soooo goood. If I may, why do you ask
Anyway, noticed the article about the idiot of the week. wow, is all I can say. How dumb do you have to be to give your daughter ant poison.
Also liked the Passenger Nostalgia. The California Zephyr must have been one of the most elegant passenger trains out there. Just the description of the end car made it sound like a dream to most people. I would have liked to ride a passenger train like that. That is one impressive end car.... I know, lets buy one.
I also see that Tom "almost" pulled a tweeter. But no cigar. But I really don't want to wash out the rat's pattoot, so I'm going to be on Toms good side.
CM3- Ah signals. There are many types. A long the busiset main line here in Minnesota, the Northern Pacific Staples subdivision, the line has ABS. (Automatic Block Signaling) These will only light when a train is approaching the block. Usually the signals will be lit a block in advance, if there isn't another train already occupying that block. So the only way to know if there is a train coming, is if the signal is lit for an oncoming train. Which, usually when it's lit, you have about 3 minutes to get out there and watch the train. They come roaring through.
There is a cut off on that line also. At Casselton, ND there is a cut off for the intermodal and coal trains. In the drawing of the cantalever bridge, you will notice another signal in the back ground. The bridge is always lit, like you had mentioned. It protects the cut off and is usually always red, except in the case of a train. But most of the "High" main lines such as Metra, when 150 to 200 trains may run a-day, the signals will always be lit. That's also a form of ABS signaling.
Happy railroading
James
G'day Cap'n Tom & fellow travelers at the bar!
'Tis I, the Larsman with some news and some cheer. Let's start with the cheer, first! A round for the house, Ruth my deAH, treats for the critters, picked pig's feet for Boris and the change is for YOU!
I see that the Cap'n has informed you of our plans to take off for Florida. It's true. After speaking with our friends who are "wintering" down there, it was a no-brainer to take them up on their offer to join them for a few weeks. Once the Mrs. heard that, it was no stopping her. A done deal, so to speak.
We've been using a travel agent for years and this particular lady is a magician when it comes to finding fares for us. We got an unbelievable "deal" on air fares, which made it even more of a "lock" for the trip. We'll be leaving from Newark tomorrow AM and should be in Miami before 1 PM where our friends will pick us up for the trip to Marathon in the middle keys.
Must say that I too am looking forward to this getaway, as the temperatures have take quite a dip, but moreso, I need a change. This should be a good for the both of us.
So, not to worry, I plan to "connect" with the bar while away as the place we're staying at is one of those more modern homes that is "wired" for today's technology. Just hope the forum's cooperates with us! <grimmace 'n groan> Anyway, once settled in, I'll check back to see how things are going.
Good to see the activity today and it appears that our "normal" routine is holding with Eric in the early, early AM - Tom opening up - CM3 in mid-morning - DL around noon and so forth. At least we're staying "up there"!! PLUS, and most importantly, some fine material from the guys!
Don't suppose that CM3 I'm NOT Shane! might've used the convenient EDIT feature Hmmmmm. <grin> Nah, must've been those dratted gremlins.
Really liked that California Zephyr material and surely brings to mind some fine trips we've taken aboard those trains. The comfort, ambiance, service, well maintained equipment and of course the scenery in the rockies made for one heckofa trip! Nicely done, Cap'n Tom!
Hope y'all have a great weekend, and I'll take one more B4 skedaddling outta here . . . Don't cry Ruth! <geesh>
Just caught your post, Pete! Have one on me . . . I think yours is the reason my first post disappeared, both must've been put out at the same time. That always blows my socks off. But anyway, good to see ya!
Until the next time!
Lars
G'day!
Well, CM3, it seems that perhaps - and I emphasize PERHAPS, you do have a 'case' . . .
When I spotted your earlier Post, it began thusly:
hot bricks for my boots. Lovely here today, lots of snow, approx 8 degrees, etc., etc. K9s ran another plow extra early this a.m. . .
Since you've ALWAYS been an upfront kinda guy, and most generous with the quarters and rounds, I hereby remove the sanctions placed against you and will ensure that your "record' is expunged of any and all aspersions, etc. and so forth! <grin>
Dratted Forum Gremlins - and here we've been looking for someone (anyone) to clean that Rat's Patoot Room! <arggggghhh>
Enjoy the weekend and hope to see ya on Monday!
Heard from Lars by PHONE - seems that they are heading off to FLORIDA in the morning. Yes, they booked a flight and will be staying with friends in the Keys. Same folks who let them use their place up in Plattsburgh a bit ago. Guess the cold just got to Mrs. Larsman and off they will go! He told me that once settled in, that he'll try to log in from down there. Good luck! <groan> Anyway, you'll be missed - BUT, hope the getaway is relaxing and fun for the two of you!
Later (maybe)!
Good Afternoon BArkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Tom - I think the forum gremlins must have gotten you again for, on my a.m. post I did greet the barkeep. As Casey used to say, "You could look it up." I think the Inspector needs to look into this (LOL). Anyway - have another on me. folks.
I did a little more looking re Great Northern E7s as I sorta, mighta, remembered that they did not have too many of them. My idea was correct. They had 13 in all; the first round was built between April and June, 1945. These had a variety of #s when received, but were r# 500-509 in 1950. The second batch carred #s 510-512; all of them were built in 1947. The GN had bunches of F units, but we'll save that for another time.
Also thanks to our 'stemed proprietor for the Zephyr review. I guess the picutre in Classic Trains set all of this off.
Hello, DL.
work safe
Man oh man, the Forum Gremlins must have taken up residence here! There are two 'puters in this Haus, one a laptop (which I'm operating from right now) and the other a desktop - both the same make, both using the same OS, both equipped with the latest Internet Explorer revisions and I'm STILL unable to "see" the most current Posts in spite of using the Reload/Refresh feature! Also, haven't been successful with the URLs Posted by "silent Mike." <groan>
Good to see CM3 at 10:25 AM: Sorry to have to do this BUT . . .<tweet> <tweet> <Rules Violations> <Rules Violations> Rule # - Greet the barkeep upon entering! Rule #2 - Order a drink and/or food! <tweet> <tweet> Your punishment: A cleansing of the Rat's Patoot Room, including assorted receptacles for "chews" and so forth! <ugh> YOU should've known better! <grin>
Having said and done THAT - still good to see ya and appreciate the Friday morning appearance. Cold in your part of the woods, eh Bricks for the boots - we can do that! Unfortunately, Boris doesn't always translate the meanings quite the same way as most of we two legged hominids do! Use caution! <groan>
And similar greetings to DL at 11:14 AM: A nice brew, something we have in stock, but rarely ordered!
No, no, no - we surely haven't scrapped any plans for the trip to your country. Just a matter of getting our acts together in terms of time and so forth. I've copied that fine material you ‘n Pete provided, also some from Nick (remember him???) and once this plan resurfaces, we'll be ready to put it all together!
My bride is on board with train travel, although I know she's not interested in my "grand plan," which is to spend the remainder of my days (and nights) aboard any passenger train equipped with the Budd observation dome cars! <grin>
It is indeed Pizza ‘n Beer Nite here at the Saloon by the Siding as well as Steak ‘n Fries Nite! So be sure to be here at 5 PM sharp! Track Gangs are known to be a bit on the rude side when food is involved! <grin>
G'day All!
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #2
Initially Posed on Page 117 of the "old" ThreadHere's a little something taken from the literature associated with the California-Zephyr and its Vista-Dome sleeper observation-lounge: Rest and Relaxation in the "Vista-Dome" Lounge-Observation Car
California Zephyr passing trains (foto: Otto Roach)
D&RGW #1145 Silver Sky "California Zephyr" (? 1994 Corel Corp)
The spacious and luxurious lounge-observation car at the rear of the train and immediately behind the sleeping cars, furnishes congenial lounging facilities on three different levels for as many as fifty passengers. Modern ingenious designing and expert fabrication combine to make a composite unit of four distinctly separate accommodations in this exquisite car. The ‘main floor" lounge is located within the gracefully rounded end of the observation car. Here, deeply-cushioned occasionally chairs and settees, in shades of sandalwood and brown in a setting of rose-tan and petal beige, invite complete relaxation. Carpeted and individually-lighted steps from the lounge lead to the distinctive air-conditioned "Vista-Dome - tastefully decorated in tones of sandalwood. Here, enclosed in shatter-proof, glare-resistant glass, are twenty-four deep-cushioned seats, where passengers may ride in comfort and enjoy a complete view in every direction. Nestled beneath the Dome is a buffet. Tastefully decorated in rose and gray-green, it provides a delightful rendezvous in which to speed the miles and minutes. At one end of the buffet is a refreshment counter with carved linoleum base and back bar of stainless steel and etched mirrors. Electric refrigeration units assure an ample supply of cool, refreshing beverages at all times. The buffet has a telephone connection with the dining car, over which table reservations can be made. Forward from the buffet are three bedrooms and a drawing room, each having enclosed toilet facilities. Each room is attractively decorated in harmonious shades of rose-tan, petal beige, taupe and ashes of roses. This car is completely carpeted and windows are equipped with Venetian blinds - those in the observation-lounge having drapes of gold and white. From the "American Passenger Train" Of note: The design of these Budd manufactured cars carries over to day with the VIA Rail Canada fleet of Park Car observation domes. With slight modifications, the literature quoted above could be closely associated with the cars still in use in Canada.
Enjoy! Tom
Hello Tom
Can I have a Shipstones Bitter please, just a quick call in, while I reveiw the posts. Some good stuff to look over.
Mike - something serious missing from the modern picture of the Green Cove station - rather sad, but at least the building is there I suppose.
Lars, shame about the land cruise idea. My other half likes the sleeping cars big time - in fact I think if I came home and said 'guess what, I managed to swap the house for a Superliner Sleeping car parked on a private siding' I think the response might be along the lines of 'Oh well, shame you couldn't get one of those Park cars like we saw in Canada but I suppose that was quite a good deal - how soon can we move'. I guess you can get good cruise operations though - although I like the idea of actually going somewhere - eg the Cunard Transatlantic run appeals (bank manager permitting, which is pretty unlikely).
Tom, I already thought you had pretty much postponed the Brit trip in favour of the Canada jaunt in May, but good to know you are still thinking about it. Whenever you find the time some beers will be put on ice! Hopefully you can think of another suitable date in the future some time.
Back in due course - a few other posts to read and digest.
Is it Pizza night tonight, if so I'll just think about my order.
All the best
DL
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house, and hot bricks for my boots. Lovely here today, lots of snow, approx 8 degrees, etc., etc. K9s ran another plow extra early this a.m.
Lots to look at today.
DL stopped by with notes and comments.
Lars - Good to hear from you with wide-0ranging comments as well.
James - I know what you mean about seeing the train long before it gets there. I especially recall times in western NY, Montana, No. Dakota, and Nevada. Around here we hear them before we see them. We do a lot of CG and animation stuff when we are developing DVDs, and web-based material. Lots of fun, but it eats up tons of space. BTW, around here signals stay red all the time until a move is set up. Old NYC used approach lighted signals as did parts of the old L&N. Also, thanks for the overview of IC electrification.
Pete stopped by.
Mike sent along some URLs. The Link photo at Green Cove is one of my favorites of his.
The Empire Builder shots were interesting. The E7s are excellent, but check out the beasties in the parking lot. The last Empire Builder shot with the F units was a good one; if you look carefully, I believe that that is a mix of F3s and F7s.
The Shay pictures were good ones as well; come to WV and see the real thing in action. Anyway, the last shot was a keeper - steam, snow, and mining, what else is there?
Our ‘steamed proprietor provided a good one for idiot of the week; I remember being at a face one time and seeing somebody pull on leg wires and say "What do these do?" Pretty scary.
Almost forgot Eric (how could we do that?) - Your comments re doing something you like to do are on target - it "gets in your blood" and before you know it 30 yrs are gone.
Last, something from the file.
Bill, a loving husband, was in trouble. He forgot his weddinganniversary and his wife was really ticked off at him.
She told him, "Tomorrow morning, I expect to find a gift in the driveway that goes from 0 to 200 in under 6 seconds, AND IT BETTER BE THERE." The next morning, he got up really early. When his wife woke up a couple of hours later, she looked out the window, and there wasa small gift-wrapped box sitting in the middle of the driveway. Confused, the wife put on her robe, ran out to the driveway, and tookthe box into the house. She opened it, and found a brand new bathroom scale. Bill is not yet well enough to have visitors....
Will try and post more later.
Work safe
foto credit: http://www.viarail.ca/
The end of the work week (for many) has arrived along with the promise for a weekend of rest ‘n relaxation ahead! Join us for some healthy conversation about Classic Trains, a mug of freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee, a few pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and of course a <light> or <traditional> breakfast!
As promised, here's the first of our weekly "Idiot of the Week Awards!"
*Idiot of the Week #1
A medical student currently doing a rotation in toxicology
at a poison control center reported: a woman called in very
upset because she caught her little daughter eating ants.
Quickly reassuring her that the ants were not harmful and
there would be no need to bring her daughter into the hospital,
she calmed down. At the end of the conversation mention was
made that she gave her daughter some ant poison to eat in order
to kill the ants. She was told that she better bring her daughter
into the emergency room right away!
Here's your sign, lady. Wear it with pride.
STAY ALERT!
They walk among us .. and they REPRODUCE ..!!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
DL at 11:30 AM yesterday: Yes, that current issue of Classic Trains is a keeper! Haven't gotten through it all yet, but I did skim through and picked up on that there's something for everyone in it! Traction shots are outstanding and goes to show that when it comes to the Classics, street cars are definitely included! I really like that Pix on Page 98 of the Coast Line's Wilmington Fleet - fine looking "Fs" fer sure, fer sure! Riding foot plates surely can be hazardous to one's well being! <grin>
Caught your comments regarding the Pix that aren't showing up and it remains a "puzzlement." I'd lean on the side of downloading the most current browser update, which of course in time will impact every site one visits. Seems a shame that you are missing out on so many fine submissions that are supported by photos. Oh well . . . ‘nuf said and that's "it" from here.
Lars at 2:34 PM yesterday: Yes, it was indeed the Norwalk virus that put me down ‘n nearly out on our return from Vancouver aboard VIA Rails' Canadian. Was perhaps one of the most severe episode of "working well at both ends" that I've ever experienced. Hope never to go through that again. Not good. I've noticed that the reference these days is moreso for the "Noro-virus" as it seems this particular strain has branched off into a "family" of ills that spell much doom ‘n gloom for whoever happens to be inflicted. <groan> <double groan>
You can have my share of cruises. My bride and I are of a like mind when it comes to those "vacations." Neither of us are interested and would much prefer riding the rails. However, to each his (or her) own and I feel the same way about the duration. I'd much rather be at sea than pulling into this ‘n that port only to see pretty much the same ‘junk' in the shops, all being sold at "bargain" prices. Yeah, right! <barf> A cruise should be primarily at sea and a couple of weeks wouldn't be a bad way to do it. Unfortunately, my lady feels pretty much about ships the way yours apparently does about overnight trains. Can't have it all, eh
We've pretty much had to delay any plans for visiting Great Britain 'til later on . . . May has filled up and with summer teaching, well, ya know how THAT goes, eh
Yes, it has been difficult without Rob ‘n Doug and I'm not seeing any "light" at the end of the tunnel. Rob's situation is very odd and I'm wondering whether the Email is also "down" as more than one guy has indicated they've offered to "relay" his Posts.
Nice Euro stuff!
James at 4:48 PM yesterday: Just curious, what kind of "sandwich" did Ruth give you <grin> Anyway, good to see ya again. The info on the Metra is most informative and my guess is that when and if Doug picks up on it, he'll make comment.
Seriously doubt that the AEM7 you saw had anything to do with Metra, but I best stop right there, as I'm out of my area of expertise. Eric would know. I think the AEM was destined to or returning from that facility he mentioned. Makes sense to me. Do you recall when you saw that loco Doesn't have to be exact, just curious. I saw it about 9 years ago, and will have to check my "stuff" to get the precise date of the round trip I was aboard.
Pete at 5:40 PM & 6:06 PM yesterday: Good speaking with you last night! I'm beginning to understand EVERY word, which of course means I'm becoming Briticized, or something like that! <grin> Sorry I had to depart, seems that a DVD set I ordered for my bride was "acting up" and only Techie Tom can figure out these things. <grin> The exasperating thing is that this is the 2nd set purchased and the problem is occurring in the very same spot and scene as experienced with the first set. Exasperating. A 7-DVD set at that. Oh well, it too gets returned. Fortunately, amazon.com is good about these things.
If your barber is so interested in the well being of your Queen and Prince, perhaps he should offer his services to the "court"! In the barber shop that I frequent, there are 4 guys who
Leon, Friday morning, I think I would like a ham sandwich! Yes, again. I love ham! Coffee please.
Kind of interesting day at the Bar today! Some real good stuff to read. Today we had real nice weather here in the desert, 72° for high. No snow, no ice!
Tom – Yes, I will send Bergie a mail if and when something does not work properly. I fully agree with you about selling (or giving away) belongings, like a toy train. Okay, it’s nice to get some cash, but when the money is gone, everything is gone. Forever! So I am a keeper, but I started too late. The big problem is that the house is too small for all the things I have. The whole oil industry is a scam! I wrote to some kind of organisation representing the oil industry and asked them why the gas price always have 9/10 of a cent added to it. The only reason I can see is that they want you to believe that the gas is cheaper (less expensive) than it actually is. But no, not according to this oragnisation. The 9/10 was added sometime in the 1930’s because of something about a tax (or whatever)!! Yeah, right! Great Northern! I like the name of that Railroad! Nice way to tell the history of that railroad! I have a bad picture of one of Great Northen’s steam locomotives on display in Minot, ND. When I took the picture I managed to cut off the smoke stack! Burlington Northern Santa Fe is now BNSF. I think it was about a year ago when they declared that their name is just BNSF and that those letters don’t mean anything per seiper se. Maybe it was two years ago, I am not sure. CM3 – I could never stay with an employer if I didn’t like them. I know, sometimes you don’t have much choice, it might be hard to find another job, but still...I think Don Scott (System General Road Foreman, Amtrak) nailed it when he said that “Working for the railroad is not just a job, it is a way of life!” So true! Don was my boss at Amtrak. DL – The Transportation Technology Center, Inc. is a very interesting place! I would love to spend some time there. I don’t know if they welcome visitors. I don’t think so. Lars – I guess AEM-7 is kind of special to me. It is based on, and is roughly the same locomotive as, the Swedish Class Rc4. Amtrak borrowed a Rc4 in 1976 (I believe) and tested it together with a French locomotive. The French loco derailed and the French blamed the “substandard” track. Rc4 did not have any problems with the same track. The French locomotive was sent back to France, Amtrak liked the Rc4 and ordered a number of locomotives built under license by EMD. AEM-7 replaced GG1 and has done a great job keeping the trains running on NEC. I think I have to buy the latest issue of Classic Trains too! No, that of X2000 is not mine. To be honest, I don’t even know where it was taken, can’t recognize that station. James – Then we have something in common! I mean to draw pictures and stuff using the computer. I used to create a lot of pictures for the work instructions where I work. I did that for a few years in the late 90’s. I thought it was Metra Electric Line you crossed over. Thanks for the info on ME! Interestin history! That accident in 1972 was a real bad one. You always have to be very careful backing up a train like that. Pete – Thanks for the info on Class 91! I looked it up in one of my books and found that it has an unusual “feature”. The traction motors are hung under the body and drive through cardan shafts! Interesting!! Unusual is also the “locomotive” in your picture!Mike – Thanks for the url’s! I especially liked the pictures of the Empire Builder! Very nice pictures!
A round for the house Tom
Here's some links I hope you will find of interest.
Green Cove, VA
http://www.rlrouse.com/pic-of-the-day/green-cove-station.jpg
O. Winston Link
http://www.carolinaarts.com/owlink2-999.jpeg
William Crooks
http://collections.mnhs.org/VisualResources/VRDbimages/pf080/pf080452.jpg
James J. Hill at St. Paul Depot
http://www.jjhill.org/gallery/JH386.JPG
http://www.jjhill.org/gallery/JH376.JPG
Empire Builder
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN12558.jpg
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN12563.jpg
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN12562.jpg
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN12570.jpg
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN12664.jpg
http://www.gnrhs.org/CON4.JPG
Lima Machine Works geared locomotives, design patented by Ephraim Shay
http://worlddmc.ohiolink.edu/mrsid/bin/OMPview.pl?client=Sanborn&image=/Bdg/Hist1MDS/d95/1013764702780.Om437_008.sid&x=2193&y=1700&levels=4&lastlevel=1&w=999&h=573&width=560&height=400&fullwidth=4387&fullheight=3400&level=2&win=max
http://worlddmc.ohiolink.edu/mrsid/bin/OMPview.pl?client=Sanborn&image=/Bdg/Hist1MDS/d95/1013764758223.Om437_013.sid&x=2000&y=1593&levels=4&lastlevel=1&w=999&h=573&width=560&height=400&fullwidth=4000&fullheight=3187&level=2&win=max
http://worlddmc.ohiolink.edu/mrsid/bin/OMPview.pl?client=Sanborn&image=/Bdg/Hist1MDS/d95/1013764774472.Om437_015.sid&x=2000&y=1586&levels=4&lastlevel=2&w=999&h=573&width=560&height=400&fullwidth=4000&fullheight=3173&level=2&win=max
Mike
A quick Winters please LEON
JAMES Just caught your post. Having just been to Chicago on the train I am very interested in the railroad system there. Many thanks for the very detailed post you have done on the Metra Electric Line.It as made me all the more determined to spent some time riding the rails there .
In the picture of Colin Gifford's you mentioned I think it was taken between the towns of Working and Basingstoke on the Southern Region's 4 track, fairly straight and fairly level main line. The SR Mechant Navy Pacific locos, as the one in the pic, would very often be near the 100 MPH mark on that stretch. I have a Aunt who lives near the line there and I can remember seeing a Merchant Navy going very fast along the line there.
In the last weeks of Sothern steam in 1966 one was timed at 104 MPH on two occasions. A few weeks later the locos were heading for the scrapyard.
A pint of the usual and a round for the House please RUTH and yes it is Fish 'N' Chips nite.
JAMES Great model railroad post with the Atlas and the Athearn pics and links.That is a fine Atlas model of the Alco RS-11 in Lehigh Valley colors. I see on the Athearn pic of the three models the center loco is in Union Pacific color but it says GECX on the side, is this a leasing company.
ERIC I see you are the same as Tom and I in regretting not still having the train set we had in our youth.
Thanks for the link to the Technology center and the details on the AEM-7 for a comparison here are some details on the class 91 electric locos that work the East Coast Main Line trains for GNER in Britain.
Built 1998-1991 at Crewe works of British Rail Engineering Limited, electrical equipment by GEC.
Continuous rating 4540 kW(6090HP) Maximum rating 4700kW(6300HP) Weight 84 tonnes
Max speed 140 MPH( These locos only run at 125MPH as this is the maximum track speed)
There are 31 locos in the class, all the locos carry names and have been recently refurbished.
As to the layouts at Union Station K.C. As far as I know the large scale layout in the Entrance Hall is just there for the Christmas period, the HO layout in the last 2 pics is in a side room and I think it is permanent. There is also a great N gauge layout on the Rail Experience, still being worked on it has a model roundhouse.
DL It seems as though you feel as I do with the photos of Colin Gifford. He seems to have captured how the railways and Britain was in the last years of steam.
I can still remember the impact his first album Decline of Steam had ,when it first came out.We were trainspotting at Rugby when one of the older lads said about a great book being out, we all got on the push bikes and rode up the hill to the bookshop in town where the older lads turn the pages and we looked at the pics, this was in 1965 it is funny how some memories stick. Although it was quite a few years before I could afford to get one.
One of the albums Each a Glimpse is, I believe, quite hard to get nowadays. Although I could not bring all my books over I made sure the Giffords albums came.
Sorry the pics didn't show.
LARS Glad you liked the pics.There would have been some more pics of the models but for a mistake on my part that must put me in line for TOM's new award.Union Station is a great place to visit to see how they renovated it from the condition it was in is simply amazing and they are keeping a railroad theme there with the Rail Experience . Amtrak is using a part of it now, with a ticket counter and a waiting room.
Great pic of Burton Agnes Hall and the X2000. The Hall is at the Didcot Railway Centre, Oxfordshire about 40 odd miles from London.She is a member of the 'Modified Hall' class 4-6-0s introduced in 1944, a Hawksworth devolpment of the Hall class. She was built in the Swindon Works of the Great Western Railway.6998 was at Cardiff shed for many years and was also shedded at Shrewsbury. In her last years she was near Didcot at Oxford shed. the loco was bought straight from BR for preservation.
TOM I am lucky here in Jeff City to have found an old style barber. He always asks "How the Queen and Prince Charles are"
The visit to the library will be a great time ,enjoyed the link liked the pic of Earl Mountbatten and the Union Pacific to Boulder Dam Poster. I think we could be in there for some time.
In England the saying is "If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride", perhaps the second part got lost in the translation. Still doesn't make a great deal of sense though..
Great way to show the way the Great Northern got to be BNSF today.Looking forward to others in the series.
Must admit waiting with a bit of trepidation for The Idiot Of The Week award tomorrow.
Glad you liked the C.T Gifford links I have the albums here, another reason to come to Jeff City.It seems the latest issue of Classic trains is a good one with the recommendations of DL ,CM3, LARS and yourself I will pick one up from the locally owned book store, if they sent it in an envelope I would get it on subscription as I keep the Classic Trains mags, some have been over the Atlantic twice.
Finally a pic for the young at heart.
Well LEON another beer to go with theFish 'N' Chip
G-day Tom and all present!
Ruth- Could I get an OJ and a sandwich, please. Keep the change.
Eric- The signals that I am drawing, are for fun. I just like to draw, paint, and draw some more. It's quite fun really. I figured out what electric railroad I had crossed over. It is called Metra electric lines. It begins at the Chicago Union station and works it's way out to the Southern Suburbs of Chicago. When I crossed over the railroad, I saw a lot of electric locomotives and passenger cars. All the locomotives run on 1500 volts DC electricity.
Thanks for the comments on my two model articles.
Tom- I especially want to thank you for all of the comments sent my way. It feels good to talk about all of the classical trains. I can show off a lot of classical trains and pictures. It's quite fun. Thanks for the comments on my signal pcture. Ever since I knew I could draw, which was a long time ago, I have kept at it. I am thinking that my next drawing will be of a passenger train. I think the Hiawatha, but I will keep looking.
That was quite an extensive collection of Lionel O-27 gauge trains. I was into the same thing. I had a Lionel train set. To me it was the only "real" toy a kid would want. But, now it's packed away, and I have moved on to HO scale.
Alos liked the Passenger Nostalgia. I didn't know that the Milwaukee Road began there passenger service in 1874. Thanks
CM3- Very funny. Yes the train would be behind me but, The train could be about 5 miles away. Out on the plains of North Dakota, the trains will usually hit the signal detector from about 5 to six miles away. From that distance you can still see the train too. It's a small little light on the horizon. It's really wierd. Believe me.
Pete- Thanks for the Links to Collin Gifford. That guy knows how to take a picture. He takes some really nice pictures. Some of thise pictures look as if the train is traveling at a 100 mph. Thanks
Also enjoyed looking at the layout pics. That last picture with the BNSF train, that is one long train. Nice pics.
DL- Thanks for the comments on the model RR pics.
Thought you guys might want to read about the Metra electrified line.
The Metra Electric Line (ME) is an electrified commuter rail line owned and operated by Metra, connecting Randolph Street Station in downtown Chicago, Illinois with its southern suburbs. While Metra does not specifically refer to any of its lines by a particular color, the timetable accents for the Metra Electric line are printed in bright "Panama Orange" to reflect the line's origins with the Illinois Central Railroad and its Panama Limited passenger train.
The Electric Line is the only Metra line that is powered by overhead catenary. Trains operate on 1500 volts DC, and all stations have high-level platforms. Sharing the main line north of Kensington is NICTD's South Shore Line, an interurban line that runs through northern Indiana to South Bend.
The line was originally built and operated by the Illinois Central Railroad. Commuter service, one of the first outside the major metropolitan areas of the northeastern U.S., began July 21, 1856 between the Illinois Central's downtown station (at the current location of Randolph Street Station) and Hyde Park. Extensions of the commuter service were later made, and part of the line was elevated for the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Jackson Park.
The line predates the Chicago Fire and used to run on a trestle just offshore in
Ruth, is that a tear I see coming down your pretty face Not to worry, the Larsman hasn't shoved off for places far away. Take heart my deAH, I'm still in Mentor Village! A round on me, a frosty mug of Schaefer, treats for the critters, pickled pig's feet for Boris and the change is for you!
Sorry Bossman if I failed to submit my "chit" for a leave of absence. However, the dates aren't selected yet, if at all. I'll be sure to line up someone (unsuspecting "regular'!!) to fill in as Manager should this trip of ours materialize.
For all who've mentioned that <blankety blank> virus, we've considered that, for sure. Tom came down with it aboard the Via Rail trip across Canada and his description convinced me it ain't anything to take lightly. Also, a six-day round trip across ‘n back in Canuck territory would be fantastic for me, but I'd be going alone. The Mrs. can only take so many nights aboard a train and the older WE get, the tougher it has become. When we had our last California Zephyr trip aboard Amtrak, she pretty much had me convinced it was indeed the last.
In general I offer this regarding the forums and difficulties being encountered. Updating, purging old files and so on can only help to ensure that the compatibility issue is a non-issue. It's not fool proof, but pretty much like an insurance policy, it sure helps to do all one can for those eventualities that befall us. ‘Nuf said . . .
That was an interesting "backwards" look at the Great Northern! Leave it to our ‘steamed Proprietor to come up with something like that! It did look somewhat familiar though, think I've seen it either at the former site or on "your other thread," yes/no Still enjoyed it!
Good to see Eric last night, CM3 I'm NOT Shane! ‘n DL this morning!
Eric, those Amtrak electric locos seem to have captivated your interests. Any history with them that we should know about Of course I've seen ‘em in operation and never really thought they were anything other than a box with motive power. Hardly the charm of the GG1, for example. <grin>
CM3, at least you have reason to go to a barber! <groan> Mechanical things make me interested, just love to take ‘em apart!
That's an interesting link you provided for the library at the university. I'm sure we'll all find something to check out while there. Surely looking forward to the "Renezvous in St. Louis!"
Been working on my income taxes, just in a preliminary way and it appears that I won't be writing a check to either the federal or state government. <awwwwright!!> Gotta take it while we can, for who knows what's in store down the road, huh
I noticed that Boris was down on his knees alongside Tex, Frostbite ‘n Awk while they were imbibing in that "Kwispel" faux brew you ordered. The shipment came in last night and Boris couldn't wait to tap the keg! <grin> The guy will consume ANYTHING, I mean ANYTHING.
"The Idiot of the Week" huh Hope I'm not the first recipient! <groan> Better watch it, Cap'n, I run the engines ‘round here, so if you want to remain operational, treat the "snipes" well! <grin>
While I don't subscribe to ANY magazines anymore (gave ‘em all up once I retired) I do pick up an occasional this or that at a local joint where a pretty good spread of ‘em is on hand. I looked through the latest issue of Classic Trains and found it to be "right on" and very enjoyable. Those pix that CM3, Tom ‘n DL mentioned are indeed terrific. I liked the Santa Fe spread along with those great looking steam locomotives. Really an issue worth the while for anyone out there wishing to find some enjoyable material on classic trains!
Oh, I forgot to mention Pete's submission of yesterday! Fine work, mate and liked those links too. Lots to check out, for sure! Also, James with the HO model train manufacturers too!
Pete, the model railroad shots looked fine to me and my guess is that the Kansas City Union Station has a continuing display. Recalling Tom's pix from some time back of the fantastic N gauge stuff, seems like they must rotate amongst several organizations desirous of putting up their stuff. Anyway, that must be a great place to visit.
Sure hope we get Rob ‘n Doug back here. It's really been a tough go these past weeks with just a handful making a go of it.
Something to keep the "interest" going . . .
British: 6998 GWR modified Hall Class "Burton Agnes Hall" (GNU Free Documentation)
Sweden X2000 (SJ AB) (photo credit: unknown - hope it's not yours, Eric!!)
One more Ruth, then I'm heading over to Tom'
Hello Tom and all in
I'd better have a cheese sandwich and some fruit juice to go with that please.
Lars - I suspect your suggestion to upgrade to a more recent version of Internet Explorer would make sense. Unfortunately the ‘puter isn't my own so I can't do that. I don't mind missing pictures too much, as it is the discussion around here that is really interesting, so there we are, as I say, not other problems with the forum to speak of.
Cruise? What you need is a Land Cruise, specifically one on, for example, The Canadian, both ways!
James - your model pics are visible form your latest post - and fine looking models they look to.
Eric - interesting comments about the Pueblo test centre.
Pete - I must say how the heck have I got this far without being properly aware of that superb Colin Gifford photography? Unbelievable - Scrolling through those pic links was a joy - esp. the Science and Society collection. I noted he was art school trained so I guess that helped him learn an eye for the picture. Like OWLink it is the wider landscape he picks up which is so good!
That GWR Branch Line picture or the 8F in Burnley with the terraced street in the foreground is every bit as evocative of ‘merrie old' (or not so ‘merrie') English Landscapes as OWL pics of mid century N&W steam (not that I was in either place but evocative can convey the sense of things even when you weren't there I guess). Superb. The Hayling Island Branch pic is great (near where my grandparents lived and where my dad used to go and watch the first generation of RAF jets doing target practice and low level flying in the Solent from when he was youth). That picture of the Merchant Navy is great - looks pretty standard sort of picture at first and then you notice how he has caught the motion of the wheels at speed - just superb. Nice pic of the WD 2-8-0 crossing the Trent no doubt to or from Colwick Yards.
Looks like I'm going to have to hunt those books down. Obviously they don't have the skill of the night photography that OWL used, but they are art nevertheless. Thanks for that!
By the way, could not see that latest test picture you posted - weird eh? Some pages you seem ‘em, some you don't.
PS Tom - just saw your post - P8&9 Classic Trains - are you talking about the 3 Obs cars waiting to get routes into Chicago? That is one great picture. I really enjoyed the article by the chap who rode footplate in Canada on steam - I bet you liked that too?
In particular, CM3 at 9:07 AM today: Yes, we Posted pretty much "on top" of one another.
Glad you discovered the GN progression . . . I have the latest Classic Trains and you are correct, Sir - that spread is worth the read!
ANYONE out there who appreciates observation cars, with or without domes, check this out on Pages 8 'n 9!! Outstanding Pix.
Lots of railroadin' going on in your part of the world. Best I can offer is a few days with us here at the May Rendezvous in St. Louis. Perhaps one day I'll drag my aging butt to those beautiful "hills" in WVA. Always liked it there, but that was then and here we are, eh
GG1 material will make my day! Lets GO!
Barber shops are quite the places for all sorts of "man stuff"! The place I've been frequenting for about 16 years is on the old fashioned side, but hardly aligned with what you have described. If one wants to know what's happening in the world, immediate locale, or perhaps in your own back yard, one only needs to have the hairs trimmed at Mike's Place!
I checked out that CNR book you mentioned on amazon.com. Seems they only have the soft cover version. I'll keep checking though on other sites 'til I find the hard bound edition. Many THANX! I can see that I'll be spending some time catching up on my reading with the Kalmbach magazines - have fallen behind these past months. <groan>
Good to see ya and thanx for the round 'n quarters!
For all who are experiencing difficulties on the Forums: If you can browse, but cannot log in, you can still participate. Ship me an Email and I'll Post your comments. We're really stretching it 'round here and I'd surely like some relief! THANX.
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Approx. 27 days until pitchers and catchers report and it is pouring down the snow here today. K9 Korps ran a "plow extra" in the yard at abt. 5:30 this a.m.
Gas prices never dropped here - they have been at $2.19 for awhile, but I understand what you mean abt. prices. I try and buy from locally-owned dealer (who, OMG, still has a garage AND a mechanic), and he is at the "mercy" of forces as he says that are "Way beyond my control."
LARS - Be careful boating; viruses out there give a new meaning to being "seasick."
PETE - Thanks for the comments and pictures.
ERIC - We are working on GG1 material even as "we speak." I understand what you mentioned re SP folks. It's tough to have a job you hate. I am blessed in being able to do something I truly enjoy and also feeling as though I can help to possibly make a difference.
To Our ‘Steamed Proprietor - My barber is a great man if only because his shop looks like something out of the 1940s; equipment and all. He is from the beautiful city of Wierton, WV, but moved down here a long time ago. He does bear a cross in that he follows the Pittsburgh Pirates. I managed to hang onto a lot of my Lionel equipment, but did sell some of it to a "good home" in Kentucky where it still runs today; now, about some of those baseball cards. I'll be interested to read your take on Matewan. Oh, almost forgot, there is a new/reprint book out there on Canadian National RDCs and other self-propelled beasties. Herewith a citation. Anthony Clegg. Self-Propelled Cars of the CNR. Thought you might be interested. GN material hit while I was getting this post ready. You want to see something interesting, check out pp. 8-9 in the most recent Classic Trains magazine - my, my!
Following may pique folk's interest in spring railroad activities.
C&O Modelers Weekend - Hawks Nest, WV March 22-25. Including tours of Thurmond, Nuttalburg, and Ansted. Yeah - let's go out and tramp through the woods - in some cases, it's about the best chance to see some of this stuff b4 the leaves reappear. Maybe we can find Hawks Nest if it stops snowing. Go on the net and type in Hawks Nest - it's a WV State Park and a beautiful place with an most excellent overlook to view the C&O and other ways to access the activitiy as well. Also a fiar amount of CW-related things in the area to attract our armchair generals.
"See and Know C&O - Clifton Forge, VA - May 18-20. You can get there by train (what a concept)
A new offering from the C&O Historical Society; from George Washington to CSX and everything in between. The program is an overview of the C&O; history, equipment, personalities, geography, mergers, marketing, passenger, freight, structures, etc - everything you need to know but were afraid to ask. Great for new members as well as more experienced members, friends, and family. The program will include lectures as well as seminars, interviews with C&O veterans, tours of the archives, Smiths Creek Yard, Clifton Forge shops, etc." You can find out more on their website.
Incidentally, the C&O annual convention will be in Charleston, WV, July 11-15. All sorts of stuff including a tour of the Winifrede RR and the Cabin Creek area. Again find out more at their website.
Now arriving on Track #2 -
From NOW 'til THEN #1 -
Great Northern Railway
Something just a bit different for today . . . Let's look backwards at today's railroads to when there was a Great Northern Railway was created on 22 Sep 1995, when merged with Burlington Northern came about after these railroads merged: along with the on March 2nd, 1970. then was added on 21 Nov 1980. Enjoy! Tom
What a great way to begin the day here at "Our" Place! A terrific Post from our "Resident Desert Swede" along with freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from the Menu Board! Bring on Thursday!
Eric at 1:32 AM today: Whenever I read through a Post such as yours, I wonder just what is it with some people who cannot figure out how we "do things" ‘round here Ours is an inclusive place where interaction amongst the guys is key to a thriving exchange of classic trains information. Apparently "lost" on some . . . A fine Post, Eric and much appreciated!
Thanx for the insights regarding the testing center and the AEM. Makes sense and my supposition is that loco was either headed there or had returned. Apparently James saw a similar thing in Chicago. Good link!
Appreciate the "skinny" on the Forums issues. Good that you're fully on board again. However, each ‘n every time something goes haywire, PLEASE ensure that Bergie gets notified.
Yeah, I did a bit of "mental math" myself with those petrol prices and gagged!
The way oil prices are manipulated ‘round the world in these commodity markets is something that all nations with a modicum of common sense should take on and take on mightily. There's no way any country should be subject to the whims of speculators and cartels. Stand up to ‘em in order to bring ‘em to their knees. <arggggggggghhhhhh>
Mine was only a "relay" of thought obtained from a former acquaintance who had a long, and apparently "sorry," career with SP. If I had felt that way about my 32 year career, I'd have jumped ship long ago . . .
If wishes were horses . . . (never did quite understand that saying!) . . . Anyway, I'd love to have my Lionel Trains of yesterday. Oh, how I'd dearly love to have those trains. When I entered the military, they were all discarded with the thinking being that they'd no longer be a part of my life "now that he's a man." <groan> <double groan> Whoever wound up with ‘em - $200 for the lot - wound up with a treasure. I got the money when "boot camp" was over and you can well imagine how quickly those dollars disappeared after 13 weeks of "captivity." <triple groan>
We'll have a fine time at the library and I'll be doing a "dry run" to ensure that all's set up for our visit.
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing. Tonight is Fish 'n Chips Nite! at the Saloon by the Siding! Dinner at 5 PM sharp!
Watch for a new weekly feature tomorrow - The Idiot of the Week Award!
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