Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, just a cup of coffee, please! I am in a kind of hurry tonight! Keep the change!
A lot of interesting stuff today! A lot to read and to look at. Have to sped some more time doing that Friday night.
Tom – An AEM-7 in Chicago could be on its way to or from the Transportation Technology Center, Inc. outside Pueblo, CO. They have test tracks with catenary and can supply the right voltage for an AEM-7.
http://www.aar.com/welcome.htmAfter I started to use the new browser for Kalmbach I have only had problems once and that was last Sunday. SP paid for the California part of the X2000’s tour in 1993 and I talked to quite a few people working for them. From conductors and engineers to one of the vice presidents. All of them (including the VP) were very positive about SP. But there will always be people that don’t like their employer for a good or bad reason. I don’t know enough about SP to say if they were a good or bad employer. Interesting info on start up years for those railroads. I made a copy for myself. Nice collection of Classic Toy Trains! Wish I still had mine. I have been looking at pictures from my childhood to see if I could find any showing my train, but no luck. Especially I like the picture of Lionel #8471, the PRR NW2 switcher! Looks real nice!Pretty good jump, from $1.87 to $2.10!!! Oil went up 5% yesterday and down somewhat today. Good reason to increase the price 12%!!Hope you don’t get any scanner problems now! Thanks for the link to John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library! I found a nice picture from St Louis Union Station in the 1940’s! DL – Too bad you are having those problems with viewing the posted pictures. I have always been able to see all pictures so far. The only exception was some links from Mike that did not open last fall. CM3 – I am looking forward to your memories of GG1!! Lars – I would say a cruise in warm waters in the winter is next to perfect!! Watch out for all those viruses found on different ships though. Pete – Since I have a manual for AEM-7 I can give you some more facts about them.Weight: 205,700 lbs; length over pulling faces: 51’ 1-25/32”; max height: 14’ 10”; width over body 10’; Driving wheels diameter: 51” continuous rating 4320 kW; maximum Diesel--Equivalent Horsepower: 7000: max short time Tractive Effort: 42,000 lbs; max speed 125 m.p.h.29 of Amtrak’s AEM-7 have been rebuilt to AC traction (AEM-7AC). Yes, the picture shows a very narrow gauge train, 600 mm.Nice layouts at Union Station Kansas City! Are they on display year round or only at Christmas time?James – Thanks for the info on those model railroad companies!! Some real nice models! I have to take pictures of some of my models for Wednesday next week.
Eric
foto credit: www.viarail.ca
G'day Gents!
A word or two before checking out for the evening . . .
Noticed that petrol prices jumped from $1.87 (rounded) to $2.10 up at Collusion Corner. Happened right before my eyes while waiting for the traffic signals to change. Just like that - up goes to the price without so much as a tanker truck in sight. Petrol was already in the tanks, presumed paid for when delivered - so the price goes up! <grrrrrrrrr>
Getting to be a bit on the chilly side again and the forecast is for a continued dropping of the temps with some really cold stuff coming in for the weekend - teens. <brrrrrrrrrr>
Acknowledgments:
CM3 at 3:02 PM today: A rare late afternoon Post from our West Virginia Connection!
Kinda figures that if any place would have a mechanical cash register it would be a barber shop! Makes sense!
My Lionel PRR gondola came with barrels, whereas the NYC one that I purchased from a "used trains" hobby shop did not. Perhaps originally it did.
Matewan flick is to be delivered tomorrow, I suspect we'll view it over the weekend - report to follow!
Lars at 3:14 PM today: What!! A cruise No way, Jose! You ain't leavin' the bar for two weeks, that just can't happen. <arggggggggggggggggghhhh> Perhaps we should all go with you. Now there's an idea - an "Our" Place cruise to the warmer climes. Ahhhhh, yes - Boris, Leon, Ruth, Awk, Tex, Frostbite, et al, would surely enjoy it. <grin>
Well if you MUST, then you must. Should all of this come to pass, we'll do our best to keep the place open ‘til your return.
Dittos on the recommendation for ALL to ensure that the most current Internet Explorer browser is downloaded to at least ensure optimum compatibility with the Forums requirements. Good suggestion!
Pete at 5:34 PM today: Nice spate of Pix just in time for our "Toys ‘n Model Trains Day!" here at the bar.
On scanners, Canon puts out a nice series and they do the trick too. Mine came in at under a hundred bucks and has been operating quite well for 3 years. Now that I've said that . . . <groan>
Colin Gifford's Pix are something else, fer sure, fer sure! Reminds me a bit of Ansel Adams work with black ‘n white photography. I'll have to spend a bit more time with those links you provided - thanx!
Yes, the library we will visit during the Rendezvous is located on the campus where my bride teaches (also my alma mater) and the campus has two MetroLink stations. Should be really convenient for us.
Check out this URL: http://www.umsl.edu/barriger/
I like the idea of a "Rare Sight Seen on the RR" theme! Something we can DO - but, must first wait ‘til we get sufficient numbers to participate.
James at 7:00 PM today: A rare "hit ‘n run" from you! But, you DID greet the barkeep and order something, so you escaped the Wrath of the Wretched Tweeter! <grin>
You selected two fine manufacturers of HO model trains - Atlas & Athearn. Always figured Atlas to be a bit on the "upscale" side of things until Athearn was bought out and jumped into the fray for more bucks. Happens, eh Nevertheless, some good info for our "Toys ‘n Model Trains Day!" - thanx!
Boris, ring the bell - Leon drinks on the house!
Tom
G-day Tom and all present.
Leon- Could I get a coffee and a sandwich, please. Thanks
Tonight, I'm going to give a couple of articles on some model railroad companies and leave the other posting for tomorrow.
Atlas Model Railroad Company, Inc. makes scale models in N scale, HO scale, and O scale. The company is based out of Hillside, NJ. They produce a wide variety of locomotives, rolling stock, and vehicles. Atlas is well known for their flex track and codes 55, 80, 83 and 100 track. Atlas also makes structures and bridges.
In 1924 Stephan Schaffan Sr. founded the Atlas Tool Company in Newark, NJ. In 1933 his son, Stephan Schaffan Jr., came to work for his father at the age of sixteen. Steve Jr. built model airplanes as a hobby and frequented a local hobby shop. Being an enterprising young man, he would often ask the owner if there was anything he could do to earn some extra spending money. Tired of listening to his requests, the hobby-store owner threw some model railroad track parts his way and said, "Here, see if you can improve on this".
In those days, railroad modelers had to assemble and build everything from scratch. Steve Jr. created a "switch kit" which sold so well, that the entire family worked on them in the basement at night, while doing business as usual in the machine shop during the day.
Subsequently, Steve Jr. engineered the stapling of rail to fiber track, along with inventing the first practical rail joiner and pre-assembled turnouts and flexible track. All of these products, and more, helped to popularize model railroading and assisted in the creation of a mass-market hobby. The budding entrepreneur quickly outgrew the limitations of a basement and small garage operation. Realizing they could actually make a living selling track and related products, Steve and his father had the first factory built in Hillside, New Jersey at 413 Florence Avenue in 1947. On September 30th, 1949, Atlas Tool Company Inc. was officially incorporated as a New Jersey company.
Visit there website at: http://www.Atlasrr.com/
Atlas Alco RS-11 locomotive.
Athearn is an American manufacturer of model railroad equipment, produced and distributed by American hobby manufacturer Horizon Hobby of Champaign, Illinois, USA.
The story of Athearn really began in 1938, when its founder, Irv Athearn, started an elaborate O-scale layout in his mother's house. After placing an ad selling the layout, and receiving much response to it, Irv decided that selling model railroads would be a good living. He sold train products out of his mother's house through most of the 1940s. After becoming a full-time retailer in 1946, Irv opened a separate facility in Hawthorne, Ca in 1948, and that same year he branched into HO for the first time.
Irv Athearn died in 1991. New owners took control in 1994, but Irv's commitment to offer high-quality products at reasonable prices remained.
Athearn was bought in 2004 by Horizon Hobby Inc. Athearn was then moved from its facility in Compton to a new state-of-the-art facility in Carson, California
Visit there website at: http://www.athearn.com/
Articles from: www.Wikipedia.org
Photos from: www.Atlasrr.com and www.Athearn.com
Enjoy
Happy railroading
James
HI Tom and all.
As the snow is still hanging about round here, I will have a Winters Ale please RUTH and I will stand a Kwispel beer for the mascots.
JAMES Glad you like the smaller locos in the pics. Nearly all the preservation sites in Britain started their operations using the smaller industrial steam locos. There are still quite a few lines which feature these great little locos.The Foxfield Railway in the Midlands, The Middleton Railway in Leeds and the Bowes and Tanfield Railways in the North East of England to name some.
Enjoyed the signal art.
ERIC Thanks for the info on the AEM-7 electric locos.
I have been looking at scanners and it looks like there is an Epson one that will do the job. It says on the box it does slides and prints. We will have to work out where to put it and I will probably get one.
Great pic of the Narrow Guage steam loco.
DL Sorry to hear that you are still having problems with the pics on the forum. I have not changed the way I post mine.
I have found a couple of links to some of Colin Giffords photos. There was even a set of Royal Mail postage stamps that had his railway photos on.
http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?txtkeys1=Gifford,+Colin+T
http://www.newcastle-arts-centre.co.uk/colin_gifford_photographer.htm
http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0860935264/002-2126663-3538439?SubscriptionId=1VSKFQ1XD6PZCE1ET682%26tag%3Dearth-searchresults-20
The last link shows his the last album he has done I have included it as it shows some of the pictures in the book. The one through the waiting room window in Derbyshire includes so many things that were common place at the time but now gone,like the ornate window,the gas lamp and the BR totem.
CM3 Now you mention it I think My barber in Mid- Mo still has an old style cash register, I will have a look next time I go.
I will look forward to reading more of the GG1s, I have seen a couple of them on static display in museums, I would have dearly loved to have seen and heard them in action.
LARS Have a English Beer on me.
So a sea cruise to warmer waters in on the cards. If you go I hope you have a great time, but will you be able to be away from Ruth for that long.
Yes I use the Photo bucket for my pics. There format seemed to have changed a bit lately, I am going to post a couple of pics later it will be interesting to see if DL can view them.
TOM Thanks for the kind words and many thanks for the Lionel Trains from your youth. I think the PRR Switcher and the Bucyrus crane are my favorites but they are all great models and accessories.
Great list of the old passenger railroads and their dates. I suppose some of the lines were merged with other RR companies a long time ago but their names are still well known.
Looking forward to the visit to the Mercantile Museum. Is this at the University that is served by the St Louis Metro.
The 5 plays for a quarter on Herr wurlitzer is certainly good value. It reminds me of a pub back in my home town that had a simular priced Juke-Box, unfortunatly that pub as long gone.
Readind about the AEM-7 you saw at Chicago, perhaps we could have a Rare Sight Seen on the Railroad mini theme one day. I am sure there would be some interesting posts.
G'day Cap'n Tom & fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth, my deAH a pint of whatever the European special is today! Snacks for the critters, pickled pig's feet for Boris 'n a round for the house! Keep the change you lovely lady!
Tom, you've done "it" again. That's quite a compilation of your Lionel Trains that you put together for a pretty empty house. Lots of effort and not lost on the likes of me. In spite of having seen most (not all), they ALWAYS bring back "that" feeiling from my childhood. Great to see 'em and many thanks from your friend on "the island."
DL, may I suggest that you download the latest revision to the Internet Explorer browser I'm hardly a 'puter kinda guy, however, it just may be part of the problem you're experiencing with some of the pix. Tom 'n most of the guys are all using the same "storage" service - PhotoBucket - so there really shouldn't be any "difference" in the manner in which those pix are posted. Anyway, IE is now at an iteration of revisions in the "7.0" series. I'd think it would be worth the while.
Tom, many thanks for the Email regarding the forum problems. With Bergie in the loop, perhaps we'll see something postive come of it.
Eric, great to see your contribution, along with James 'n Pete from yesterday evening 'n night. Keeping Leon busy is a wise thing to do given the way Boris likes to "play" when things get slow. When the two of 'em get going, it's "Katy bar the door!" 'round this joint!
Still haven't gotten 'round to do any serious browsing for "stuff" to contribute. Been pretty much in the doldrums myself these days. Generally get this way in January 'n February. Hate this time of year, for some strange reason. The Mrs. and I have been seriously discussing a cruise. She loves 'em, I am neutral. Figure I did my sailing for a living, why would I want to return aboard one of those gimmicky "love boats" However, once the Mrs. begins talking this way, that can only mean, cast off! <grin> My sons are pushing for it to happen and it's just a matter of when and to where. One thing though, IF we go, I'm for the long version. These foolish "less than a week" getaways really makes no sense to me. I'm looking at nothing less than 2 weeks aboard and of course in warm waters. Problem we had last time was there were so many ports o' call that the at sea time was greatly diminished. So, I'll be checking out what's what in the next few days.
Sure is lonely 'round here - Ruth, can you DO something about that
Just caught the post from CM3 I'm NOT Shane! So, at least the day hasn't been a total "wash," as they say. An operating cash register!! Now, THAT would be worth the trip to WVa to check out. Well, maybe not. <grin> Wonder if I could get to where you are from where I am by train Hmmmmmm. Good to see ya! Have one on me.
Until the next time!
Lars
Good Afternoon Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please, round for the house and $ for the jukebox. In from the outside finally; it's damp and coolish here today, it may snow or it may not - take your pick as we have five different forecasts for the area. The K9s don't care as long as they can get outside and run around.
Lars - Thanks for the comments and pictures.
Pete - I almost wound up working for the MP back in the day; an interesting property with its own way of doing things.
Eric - I'll sit down before long and write up some more about the GG1s as I remember them. They were truly something special.
James - Signals, signals - where's the train - oh, man - if I'm reading the display correctly, it's right behind me (LOL).
For our ‘steamed proprietor - I can show you a mechanical register (operated by hand crank, yet) at my local barber shop. It's his pride and joy; it does sound great. Ka-ching, ka-ching, and then BANG as the cash drawer opens.
Thanks for the classic Lionel stuff. I have the PRR version of the WP car, also have the refrigerator car. The NYC gon you showed came with barrels; had that both in black and in red with white lettering. BTW, will be interested to hear what you think of the Matewan movie. I have several stories to bring forward about it, but I'll wait until you get a chance to see it. IMHO, James Earl Jones "did good."
Well, time to put equipment away. I think I'll be around tomorrow. B4 I forget, C&O ran a couple of BIG coal trains by the house last evening. Wind was right and the second one sounded like it was going through the living room. Big GEs, lots of crossing signals, etc. Probably abt. 120 cars.
Work safe
OPTIONAL Toy 'n Model Trains Day!
Here is the 3rd installment for the trains from my youth:
More "add ons" to my Lionel Empire!
Lionel #8471 PRR NW2 switcher
Lionel #3474 WP operating box car (1952-53)
Lionel #2458 PRR auto box car (1946-48)
Lionel #6472 refrigerator car (1950-53)
Lionel #6002 NYC gondola (1950)
Lionel #6019 remote control track (1948-66)
Lionel O-27 switches (post war)
Lionel #364 conveyer log loader (1948-57)
Lionel #395 floodlight tower (1949-56)
Lionel #26 illuminated bumper (1948-50)
Lionel KW 190 watt transformer (1950-65)
That's was IT!
Hello Tom and all in
I just wanted to get back to Lars on the forum problem he kindly asked me about. Lars, will you join me in a beer?
It was kind of you to offer regarding my pic glitches, but there's no obligation to report them, but if you are minded to here goes:
I've never had problems logging in to the forums, never had formatting problems, never had probs seeing posts.
Only probs are with certain pictures.
Eric's pics always display. James' pics used to display, don't now. Rob's pics display. Lars pics and Doug's pics never displayed.
Tom and Pete's more recent pics do not display, so I went to check the ones from before that I could see to see if they were still displayed (they were).
SO: Tom's pics of Mentor Village Theatre and Pete's pics of A4 at Green Bay Museum, on Page 4 of this thread, still display to me, but Pete's pic of an A4 on P9 does not show (nor ever did to me). Tom's Via Credited dome car picture on p5 (with the Moose) did display, now does not show (Tom's small pic next to Park Car under his log in always shows, as in fact does Lars' domes pic by log in name on LHS). James' pics on p7 still show, but new pics on p11 does not.
I'm using Internet Explorer version 6.0
The only thing that occurs to me is that if someone posts a picture in a slightly different way (eg Pete or Tom) it is not visible to me, if they do it another way it shows (?). If that is not the case hard to assume it is not a matter for the forum IT - however, could be IT my end of course - I simply don't know.
I don't expect anyone to do anything about this - just kind of ‘for the record'
Best wishes for now
DL
Pete - looks like you must have seen the same O.W.Link TV programme I saw, not see Colin Gifford books, but know of him of course, will watch out for them following your recommendation.
Railroad lyrics: Trans Europe Express (by Kraftwerk), Night Train (by Visage) - both 1980s synth pop bands not to everyone's taste, but songs never the less, and chart toppers at the time as I recall.
Here is the 2nd installment for the trains from my youth:
These are Pix of the "add ons" to my Lionel O-27 trains from many decades past! The trains, sad to say, are long gone, but "live" here in the Ether!
Lionel #2402 Chatham passenger car (1948-49)
Lionel #2400 Maplewood passenger car (1948-49)
Lionel #2401 Hillside observation car (1948-49)
Lionel #115 City Station
Enjoy!
As our "regulars" have become accustomed, Wednesday has been set aside for the Posting of Pix 'n narratives relating to the hobby that has drawn us to Kalmbach and their magazines. Our intent here is to NOT take away from the Forums and Threads set aside for the display of Toy 'n Model Trains, but rather to share with one another - under one roof, so to speak - some tangible signs of our continued interest in Toy 'n Model Trains - all in the Classic sense!
This installment shows Pix of the trains I had in my youth. These are NOT my trains, for they are long gone, however their images "live" in the Ether!
Lionel 2020 (O-27) PRR 6-8-6 S-2 turbine (1946-49)w/smoke & MagneTraction
Lionel #6020 I(O-27) tender w/whistle (1948-49)
Lionel #3451 operating log car (1947-48)
Lionel #6452 PRR gondola w/barrels (1948-49)
Lionel #2456 LV hopper (1948)
Lionel #2460 Bucyrus Erie Crane Car (1946-50)
Lionel #6420 DL&W work caboose /w searchlight (1948-50)
Lionel #1033 90 watt transformer (1948-56)
These trains are "classics" in every sense and represent to many an era as important as those we discuss here at the bar involving the real trains of days gone by . . .
G'day All! PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #1
Initially Posted on Page 113 of the "old" ThreadHere's something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with Classic Trains. Check this out ....... Many of the passenger railroads we've heard of and perhaps traveled aboard, had their start up in the 1800's and early 1900's. Check out these names of perhaps the best known: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (1863) Atlantic Coast Line (1900) Baltimore & Ohio (1827) #1 Boston & Maine (1835) Canadian Pacific (1881) Chesapeake & Ohio (1867) Chicago & Northwestern (1859) Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (1855) Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul ("The Milwaukee Road," 1874) Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific (1866) Erie (1859) Great Northern (1889) Illinois Central (1851) Kansas City Southern (1900) Lehigh Valley (1855) Louisville & Nashville (1850) Missouri Pacific (1879) New York Central (1914, although the formal adoption of that name came later) New York, Chicago & St. Louis ("Nickel Plate Road," 1881) Norfolk & Western (1881) Northern Pacific (1864) Pennsylvania Railroad (1846) Seaboard Air Line (1900) Southern Pacific (1884) Southern Railway (1887) Union Pacific (1862) Wabash (1877) Western Pacific (1903) [source:] The American Passenger Train Enjoy! Tom
Mid-week in mid-continent USA once again! Temps are at 30 (F), forecast is for continued dry weather, rather <blah> thru the week. Liven up the start to the day with a cuppa freshly ground' n brewed coffee, a selection from our Menu Board for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast and of course our recently arrived pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery!
The evening hours surely surpassed those of the daylight and it was good to see some familiar faces ‘round here. Leon reports all went well with the evening crowd.
Lars at 3:06 PM yesterday: Nice to be able to count on you for the mid-day visit. No matter how long the Post, it's the idea of it all and the fact that you participate in an inclusive way. Makes all the "diff"!
Appreciate your willingness to help get our guys back online with the reiteration of what needs to be done. Yes, Kalmbach needs to know. So c'mon guys, send the Forum's Manager an Email direct or through either Lars or Moi. We'll be happy to help get things restored for ya!
Nice MoPacs!
Pete at 5:00 PM yesterday: And you WEREN'T LAST this time!! Good to see ya, Mate and your inclusive Post is good readin'!!
When we visit the Mercantile Museum at the University of Missouri - St. Louis to check out the railroad section, you'll see maps of the rail lines that "used to be." Quite impressive.
I'll put the "Six Five Special" and "The Runaway Train" on my list of things to research - THANX!
Yes, we ARE going to get a supply of KWISPEL "beer" for the Mascots of "Our" Place. As a non-alcoholic beverage, my guess is we'll have to restrain Boris from lapping up the "suds" from their bowls! <grin>
Regarding the Pix of Herr Wurlitzer ‘n Coal Scuttle, I reduced them as far as I could to preserve the details. Of course in reality, Coal Scuttle is quite a bit smaller. Holds plenty of quarters though, mainly from CM3! Thanx for your contribution! Remember guys, the music at "Our" Place is FREE - just pick up a quarter or three and pop it into Herr Wurlitzer - 5 plays for a quarter and the list to select from is limitless!
James at 8:08 PM yesterday: A fine Post from you, Sir and I really am impressed with your talents. Those signals look terrific and while I have no clue regarding how one goes about doing such things, I'm awed by the realism! A gold 5- to you!
While I'm at it, I must say that you have become quite a welcomed sight ‘round here. Contrary to the start, you've gone overboard with your willingness to be part of this group (such as it is!) and exemplify what we try to do ‘round here. Truly appreciate your enthusiasm and sharing of the classic RR info with us. Thanx!
Want to say that I too saw an Amtrak electric in Chicago. Yes I did. It was sitting idle on the right side approach to Union Station, where all of the Amtrak locos are. Anyway, this particular AEM was not in an area where pantographs existed and I wondered when it came into view whether it had been "deadheaded" west for some sort of maintenance problem that the Chicago folks had the expertise with. Or perhaps a transfer to another area. Don't really know, but I do recall seeing it. Was about 10 years ago, give or take a year or so.
Having said all of that, Eric is correct, those locos did not and do not operate in the mid-west. Kinda reminds me of the NdeM loco I saw sitting outside of a shop in Montreal several years ago. One never knows just what one will "discover" while taking in the sights from a moving train!
I'm sure the guys would really appreciate viewing the Pix of Fred Soup's model RR - perhaps on a "Toy ‘n Model Trains Day!" would be a good idea!
SPECIAL for: underworld at 10:01 PM yesterday: Hope you enjoyed the sandwich ‘n brew! Thanx for the business!
Your Posts have been noted by the guys. You've been "invited" to participate by reviewing Page One for the ground rules, etc. We've not had much success at "Our" Place with those who are anonymous (in the profiles) or keep to the "one way" Postings. To get acknowledged ‘round here, one has to climb aboard! Hard to maintain dialogue with hit ‘n run type visitors.
Eric at 10:59 PM yesterday: A great way to wind down the day with an epistle from the sand! <grin> Our "resident desert Swede" hasn't let us down, in spite of the pratfalls of the Forum Gremlins! <arggggggggghhhhh>
Thanx for the clarification on yesterday's Post - I knew it "wasn't there" when I first logged in and used the Refresh/Reload feature. Then later on, there it was. Crazy!
I used to know a guy who was a former SP employee. He was more the "office type" than operational. Anyway, he had a long career with ‘em, 29 years I think. Didn't have one positive word about his experiences. I always wondered why in the world would someone put up with misery for that long, especially when no one forced him to work for the company To his credit, and only because he brought it up, I later on did a bit of research on the SP and found that there was indeed ‘smoke' to be looked into insofar as management was concerned. Too bad we don&#
Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, a Sugar Cured Ham Sandwich, please! Cold!
Managed to make it to the bar kind of early tonight! I will try to go to bed before midnight tonight! Does not happen too often.
CM3 – Glad you could make it to the bar today! The only GG1 I have seen is the one in Harrisburg. I guess it is still there. I just wish it was operational. Tom – No need for apologies! My post was the last on page 10 last night and sometime this morning it showed up on page 11! That is why you didn’t see it. My Sunday absence was because I couldn’t get to the forum at all, trying different browsers. All other websites I tried showed up right away, but not Kalmbach’s. I agree, Phoenix is kind of an artificial habitat. But normally we never see snow and the tempertature is decent. Little bit on the hot side in the summer but nothing is perfect. The bad part is that Phoenix is not really a railroad town. The good thing is that the governor wants to start running passenger trains between Phoenix and Tucson. I don’t know if I feel fortunate about the snow. Personally I never saw it. But the windshield was covered by frost/ice the second morning in a row today. DL – Phoenix is different. Most of all, it’s warmer!! Besides the forest I miss my railroad job and I regret I didn’t start working for Southern Pacific when I was offered a job back in 1994. Lars – Don’t worry, I would never tell anyone! Ruth is a nice lady! Two nice pictures of steam locomotives when they were pulling real trains!Pete – 65 AEM-7 were built plus 33 ALP44. The difference between them is basically that AEM-7 was built here in the US and ALP44 built in Sweden. AEM-7 is geared for 125 mph and ALP44 100 mph. I rode in the cab of AEM-7 from Washington D.C. to Baltimore once and it was a smooth ride. Thousands of people turned out to see the X2000 wherever we went! It was unbelievable. James – If you mean the picture from Washington D.C., it’s an AEM-7. I must say I have hard to believe you would see one in Chicago though. As I said before, AEM-7 runs on 11 kV / 25 Hz, 12.5 kV / 60 Hz, or 25 kV / 60 Hz and that is not what they have in Chicago. I like the pictures! I guess there will be a second track to the left. Good job! Are you drawing it for fun or for a special purpose? Hello underworld, hope it tasted good!
I'll have a grilled cheese, a couple of dill pickle spears and a Heineken!!!
underworld
G-day Tom and all present!
Leon- Make it a coffee with a sandwich, Please.
Tom- OHH!!! Sorry there Tom, I must have missed the message where you would take over for the day.
I like how your layout looks. I know a guy who you would probably get a long with quite well. His name is Fred Soup, and he has probably the largest model railroad I have ever seen. He models Metra and Amtrak. He has modeled Chicago Union station with all 26 double slips. It's nuts. I will have to get some pictures of it for you when I go to Chicago in March.
I liked the colors of the Orange Blossom Special. That had to be quite a passenger train.
Mike- That is one of the biggest selection of pictures that I have seen from you. I really enjoyed it. The Hiawatha passenger trains where some wounderful looking passenger trains. Thanks.
Eric- That's the electric line I saw in Chicago. That electric locomotive you had picture was the exact locomotive I saw from the bridge. They look pretty cool. Thanks for picturing them. Do you know what they call those locos?
Barndad- You had some good pictures over this past weekend. Glad you got on. I really liked the inside of the Mount Royal depot. I wish the depots that were still around today were restorred to there original colors and look. That would be cool. I also liked the train going over the Roosevelt road bridge. That bridge is a classic. Made completely of wood and a passebger train going over it. What more would you want?
I also liked the picture of the Baltimore and Ohio Cincinnatian. That is one classy looking passemger train.
Pete- I liked the 0-6-2 Tanker steamer that you posted. I really like little switching steamers. Especially little steamers like that. Thanks.
DL- Glad you learned a little more about the Big Boy steamer. I have heard that this steamer is a world renouned steam locomotive. Glad you also liked the Hiawatha info. I liked it too.
Lars- Liked the steamer pics you had. Those locomotives are really nice looking. Thanks.
I wanted to see what you guys thought about one of my works in progress. I have been drawing this picture on the computer. I also do drawings. Just learned to do this with my technical drawing class. This is an actual picture that I am drawing. This is located out in North Dakota, in Casselton. This is located right outside of Fargo, ND. This was once the Northern Pacific. But, most know it as the BNSF. These signals still stand and are looking good. See what you think.
I have just added on to the orginal photo. I am now beginning on the back ground.
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Holdens Mild please Ruth to keep Tilla and the Cashinator in full working order.
ERIC
Great pic of # 953. We had the class of loco on our trip from Providence to Boston, do you know how many locos there are in this class.
Glad you liked the picsI dont know of any movie No 29 was in, but as it has done a lot of work on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, especially in the lines early days so it may well have been featured in a film.
It is good to see how many people turned out to see the X2000. Springfield does look a good town to spend some time in as did Lincoln a bit further up the line towards Chicago.
CM3 Sorry you had problems with the forum yesterday.
Glad you liked the pics. I meant to ask yesterday, have you been to the two museums in Roanoake. It would be good to hear your impressions of them .
DL.I seem to recall seeing a documentary on O. Winston Link, as you say quite a few years ago now.If I recall right in the documentary, they used to last of O.W.L.s flashbulbs to recreate one of his classic night photos. I agree it is more than photography and it is art.
Have you seen the books by the British photographer Colin T Gifford..His Decline of Steam from 1965 along with Each A Glimpse from 1971 are regarded as two of the best British steam photo albums.
In those 1960s TIs I dare say some of the adverts for Transacord records are for the EPs they done as well as the LPs. A friend of mine had the EP titled 'D for Diesels'. It must have came out in the early or mid 60s and featured the early classes like 10000, 10201 and D200s. I dare say the record is worth a fair bit of money today.
In the days of the Taw Valley trip, the water stops at Derby meant the loco had to go to a hydrant at the siding the north end of the station, opposite the Brunswick, so the loco had to go up the line and reverse back on to the train do a brake test and wait for the road.Still it there was a bit of a risk of missing the train.Still what better way to spend time than in a warm pub with good ale, snow falling outside and the sight of steam condensing in the cold air from a steam loco you were about to carry on your ride behind.
LARS Many thanks for the pics of those mighty Missouri Pacific steam locos.It was the Missouri Pacific that ran through Jefferson City before the line was taken over by Union Pacific.It must have been a wonderful sight to see one of those locos starting a heavy train out of the yard here or, better still, seeing one on a fast frieght at speed along side the Missouri River at Hermann. What price a time machine .
At the risk of tempting fate I am not having any problems with the forum at the moment, any probs I have been having is with the web and e-mail in general.. If I do get problems with the forum I will follow Tom and your advice and send a e-mail.
TOM I will be getting a complex if I keep being the last customer of the day.
It will be good to see the other railroad songs. I dont think there were that many songs that featured the railways of Britain. Although I can remember in the late 1950s or early 60s there was a music programme on TV that was on a 6:05 PM on a Saturday night whose theme music was called "The Six- Five Special" and showed some great railway scenes in steam days including in the cab of a loco going over the Forth Bridge. There was also "The Runaway Train" but I think this was an American song, although very popular in the UK.
Looking at the RR atlas I have, there is indeed at lot of railroad infrastructure that as gone in St Louis.
Are we going to get some of that Kwispel beer for the mascots. It is a good job it is non-alcoholic, imagine the ruckus. if it was about 6%ABV, after AWK, TEX and FROSTBITE had been on it for a while.
Great pics of Herr Wurlitzer and the Scuttle has a large quarter capacity.
In the encore of your poster I posted, on the pre WW1 West Coast train services to Scotland, which had the timings. I meant to add that after the 'Railway Races to the North in 1892 the West Coast and the East Coast lines came to an agreement to have 8 hours as the minimum time between London and Glasgow/Edinburgh. After the 1923 grouping of the British railway companies the LMS and the LNER kept this agreement until the early 1930s.
G'day Cap'n Tom & fellow travelers the bar!
Ruth, a tankard of Keiths Ale if you please along with treats for the critters and a small jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris! Nice looking "juke" - Herr Wurlitzer is looking mighty fine as is the Coal Scuttle! Fine additions to the images of "Our" Place!
Not to worry Bossman, haven't had the time to do much perusing today, so those Orange Blossom Special books are yours for the taking!
Before I totally forget, I have a recommendation for ALL who are or who have recently experienced problems on the forums. Send your info to Bergie, the Forum's Manger. Tom is absolutely on the money with this. Relief can only come if they know of the situations, even if the notices have to be repeated. It's only e-mail, so what's the big deal, huh <grin>
I'm using the most current Internet Explorer ver. 7 with all updates loaded. To find out what yours is, simply use the "help" button on your browswer and you'll find it.
Glad to see that Eric made it back for an early, early morning appearance. CM3 I'm NOT Shane! came by (I too thought about a Monday Holiday! <grin>) and DL with a "nooner," so all's well at the Saloon by the Siding.
DL, surely would be a shame to lose you should we in fact pull up stakes for a move elsewhere. Don't know what the "deal" is with e-mail, but I'm sure your reasons are valid and of course personal. Just wish you'd consider opening up a "freebie" if not just for this thread. That way we could get the word out to you. Anyway,on a different mattter: If you are experiencing any kind of problems with the forums - let us know here, and I'll send Bergie an e-mail. I recall your telling us some time ago over on the "old thread" that you couldn't view all of the pix. Is that still happening? If so, whose?
Nice pix from you, Eric and I'll take the "5th" on any comments regarding Fair Maiden Ruth and the allegations linking me with her on her day off. You guys are a tough crowd. <grin>
Just wanted to drop off a blurb or three, if for no other reason than to keep things movin' today!
Here's a couple of steamers, just for nostalgia's sake:
MP #5308 4-8-2 (from: www.yesteryeardepot.com) (photo: Paul Eilenberger)
MP #1420 2-8-2 (from: www.yesteryeardepot.com) (photo: Paul Stringhamn)
Here's something to consider for our beer stock:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/22/ap/strange/mainD8MQBT000.shtml
I see DL has made it "in" today. Just as we were getting accustomed to his early AM visits, he's changed to noon-ish! Either is perfectly fine with us - just keep Tilla & Cashinator making those wonderful sounds! <KaChing KaChing> A thought! That term is used here in 2007, but when was the last time anyone actually heard a cash register make it Further, when is the last time anyone has actually seen a mechanical register in use Hmmmmmmmm. Kinda like making reference to "dialing a number" when we all push button these days! <grin>
The last time a stranger "wandered in" to Mentor Village was when Leon arrived. Hired him on the spot! Labor is rather scarce in these parts!
We have one road in 'n out, two mainlines and a Zeppelin terminal - that's it! <grin> Used to have a ski lift up to Majestic Mount Mentor, but it was short lived as it seems the 'slopes' are more like sheer drops into the abyss below. Not "user friendly" at all! <oooooh> Another ill fated project undertaken by Vito the Hit 'n his Boyz from New YaWk.
Just ordered Matawan from amazon.com - sounds like the kinda flick we'd enjoy in our Haus.
Moving of the bar: Nothing will occur until everything at the other end is firmed up. Not planning on any general referrals from this site as we're more inclined to establish a "pay as you go" Forum - details will be via Email.
Forums problems: I've shipped off an Email to the Forum Manager in hopes that someone may be able to look into these problems our crew has been putting up with. Surely other Forums must be equally impacted. I specifically made mention of four of our guys having an assortment of problems (no access - no tool bar - no viewing of photos - formatting problems, etc.) So, guys - ensure you are telling Kalmbach about the problems and not just venting. Really - as exasperating as it is, keep the info flow going to them.
JUST IN: Received a response from "Bergie" - he wants to know if those of you experiencing difficulties are using the "new Internet Explorer 7" . . . So, be sure to let him know! Thanx!
Thought you'd all enjoy these two additions to the imagery 'round the joint:
Herr Wurltizer!
Coal Scuttle! (holds the quarters for Herr Wurlitzer)
Ruth, give 'em a drink on Moi! Boris, ring the gong!
Well, the flag stop must be handy if people want to get off here Tom, so surely some strangers wander into town from time to time, like myself for example, and make use of it!
Anyway, pint of bitter please, and a cheese sandwich if possible.
Thanks for your comments Lars, yes I think I've read through all the posts (although I confess to only scanning over the ones about US sports as they seem to be written in some sort of code I can't understand <grin>). Yes, I see you have been discussing the move to another place off the ether - and I'm not part of that due to the failure of my e-mail to be working. I'm sure you guys will have weighed up the pros and cons of that - I suppose the only thing would be to try it for a while (maybe in parallel) just to check the alternative is actually better than the present option with regard to access, missing posts, formatting, picture viewing, etc. What, you say you have discussed all that already - fair enough, didn't think it would take me to think of that first!
Eric - Phoenix must feel very different to Sweden!
Pete, yes, I'd like to make it to the Roanoke museum some day - it looks good. I recall Channel 4 made a good documentary about O W Link some years back, which was very interesting (I have both of his 2 books), in that documentary I seem to recall it explained that the famous picture of the drive in movie scene with loco in the back ground was ‘set up' in that the couple in the picture were his assistant and a friend, and the aircraft on the screen was added in later in the studio (the actual film image not being very interesting) - I make no complaint about that - I think the picture is superb, great photography, great art in fact.
I can't recall the exact title of the S&C sound CD, I'll have to look it up. It is one of series no doubt recorded by the same chap. I recall one was a recording of trams in some city in the north of England, and another steam at an NCB colliery I think. I see looking on the web there are quite a few such CDs available, some re-issues of the old ‘Transacord' Vinyl records that I note are advertised in the early 1960s Trains Illustrated magazines I have been reading which my pal leant me.
Yes, Bateman's is still available at the Alexandria - I think it is the ‘house beer' of the Tynemill chain who run a number of pubs across the area. That was a tight one on the steam special at Derby, I don't think I'd have risked it!
Cheerio
PS CM3 - I was watching Matewan on TV not so long ago - as you say, film has its limitations but it tells a story of interesting events, and the scenery is good too.
Profound apologies to Eric! Absolutely did NOT see your Post when I logged in this AM - even used the Refresh/Reload feature (as I ALWAYS do!!). These oddities with the Forums are designed to drive us all mad, if not away. Surely wish those who made these "improvements" would look into whatever in the Ether is screwing up what used to be relatively easy access, etc. <groan> <double groan>
So, you made it "in" after all, and your 1:12 AM Post is a welcomed sight, fer sure, fer sure! Figured your absence on Sunday had to do with the ongoing nightmare a few of the guys have been experiencing.
Ever think of it this way, regarding where you now reside, it's a totally ARTIFICIAL habitat for humans. Meaning, deserts pretty much are arid and unfit for the way of life we've all become accustomed to. So, the creation of cities, infrastructures and the like for those of us who walk upright depends totally on altering climate and the delivery of water not otherwise found in these places. Phoenix is such a place. May very well be a wonderful place to reside, but no thanx for Moi! <grin> Snow! Aren't you fortunate!!
I prefer good ole American hot dogs to brats, and I prefer ‘em WITH sauerkraut! <burp>
Really some wonderful shots - Amtrak electrified, cab shot ‘n X2000 in Springfield, IL - many THANX! Pete ‘n I have been discussing a trip to Springfield for a "turn around" on Amtrak from St. Louis. Would be a great destination for us all during the Rendezvous too. However, would chew up the greater part of a day plus would require a very early reveille! More by Email in "next" report . . .
Thought you had already seen the Can-Am HO layout Pix over on the "old" Thread. Hmmmm. No sweat - I'll be providing some ENCORE! material here ‘n there as we proceed onward over here. Subway cars were simply "demos" for Pix taking and not a permanent feature for above ground operations. There will be a subway constructed beneath the area that is encompassed by my "city" scene. Have all the materials, but not the "get up ‘ go." Motivation seems to be coming in bits ‘n pieces these days (daze)! <groan>
CM3 at 8:45 AM today: Thought maybe the "feds" had come up with yet another Monday holiday! <grin> Et tu Shane The Cyber Gremlins from Kalmbach are EVERYWHERE! There's no escaping ‘em. Boris, haul out the cannon, prepare to repel boarders, man the rails, splice the mainbrace (now THAT's a good idea!!) and take no prisoners!
Your wish is my command, Sir! Check this coming Sunday's Emporium bill o' fare! Thanx for the recommendation - helps!
My guess is that Lars will beat me to the punch with those book recommendations! However, I'll surely look ‘em up. My modest collection of hardcover RR books are all focused on passenger equipment, with one RR Station - Depot - Terminal book "allowed." However, my guess is I'll become addicted to this facet of the hobby as well, primarily due to associating with you guys! <grin>
Any help you can muster up with regard to the Email conversations flying around concerning the moving of the bar will most definitely be appreciated. We've got the consensus - all we need now is the green light for a destination. Email, if you please.
Good to see the both of you this AM - and Boris will rustle up breakfasts of choice for ya. Just place the order . . .
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
Tom =
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Sorry about the silence yesterday, but the forum would not let me view pictures or post for that matter. Pictures were either blank or 1/4" wide and filling up the page. It seems to be doing much better today.
Mike sent some interesting pictures. The FA demonstrater was a keeper and I enjoyed the shot of the CN FPA4 in original paint. The first H8 picture was probably shot between Deepwater and Mt. Carbon, WV. The VGN crossed over the C&O at Deepwater on a bridge to its interchange with the NYC on the north side of the river. IOW, the photographer was at the far north end of the VGN. The second shot (overhead) was, I think taken at Russell, KY. There are larger versions of that shot around, but I don't have my C&O stuff with me. The last picture was just west of Thurmond, WV. Maybe our 'steamed propritor will show the movie "Matewan" at the Theatuh; not the best mining movie in the world, but a lot of it was shot in and around Thurmond which will give you a flavor of the area. Well worth a visit if you have never been there.
Bardad's Brats (what a concept - served out of the back of a DeSoto; the franchising possibilities are endless. Good B&O material, too.
Pete - Thanks for the comments and the pictures.
Eric - The AEM7 shot in DC brought some memories back. I always liked the combination of E8s from different ropads mixed in with PRR GG1s, and the WUTs RS1s.
Our 'Steamed Proprietor provided some cogent sporting commentaries, and a good selection of football-related movies; I think the first version of the Longest Yard (presently showing) was the best of 'em. Before I forget, see if you can find a copy of the ACL/SAL Historical Society's book on Orange Blossom. It's on one of the shelves in the east wing - good material -you'd enjoy it, I think. Also, Richard Prince's book on SAL Power has a lot on the Orange Blossom as well.
Again, my apologies for not "vistin" yesterday - let's see if this will post.
work safe
A clear day emerging here in mid-continent USA as Tuesday begins in earnest. Why not join us here at the Bar by the Ballast for a start-up cuppa Joe, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from the Menu Board
What a day we had yesterday, ended rather early as the customers seemed to be elsewhere - the drought continues.
However, accentuating the positive, there were some who frequented our premises:
DL at 11:12 AM yesterday: The proximity of "Our" Place to the dual-main lines of the Can-Am Railway makes us an ideal spot to relax while waiting for the next train. Of course, there is NO station stop here, just a "flag stop" and that hasn't been used in ages! Wonder why
There are remnants of what once was in this part of Missouri insofar as housing, taverns and bawdy houses for the railroad employees. A friend of mine who is a walking-talking encyclopedia when it comes to streetcars and railways in St. Louis took me on a driving tour of places I never knew existed. Pointed out this ‘n that structure with all kinds of inside information about them. There's not much left to the infrastructure of rail that once rivaled that of Chicago. Torn up and sold for scrap. Sad.
Lars at 1:55 PM yesterday: The return of the LarsMan! You were missed while gone for your long weekend. No "bookcovers" for Sunday, no encouraging words and of course, no banter at the bar from one of our favorite customers! But that was then, and this is now!
You ‘n Ruth I could believe it! However, I gave her the day off well in advance - unless of course she contacted you to arrange for . . . . Hmmmmmmm. The keys to the Penthouse Suite were missing for the day. Hmmmmmmmm. <grin>
Yes, there are four more subway cars for the "system" I have yet to construct. Those Pix were put forth some months back. All of the cars are on display within one of my wall mounted cases. Someday I'll just have to get a ROUNDTUIT!
Wondering now if Eric's absence has anything to do with the crap that Rob is putting up with. Haven't checked the AM Email yet . . . . Really need to get outta here and onto a site whereby we can have dependability when it comes to access and the like. Has been most discouraging . . .
Pete at 4:45 PM yesterday: Yours was the final Post of the day! Good to see ya, as always.
Glad you enjoyed the latest in my "series" of stuff. Feel free to drop off suggestions and I'll see if I can dig up info for a future submission. Only criteria is to find a "visual" to go along with the narrative. I've got three of ‘em put together and there are many others waiting . . .
En joy the day!
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
Leon! Still awake!? No, just a cup of coffee! Thank you! Keep the change.
After missing the Sunday, busy during the day and couldn't get to the forum in the evening, it is nice to be back at Our Place! A pretty good Sunday I would say!
Phoenix was real cold yesterday. Snow fell and covered the ground in several locations throughout the Valley. Brrr. Freeze warning until 9 am Tuesday morning.
Doug – You worked hard this weekend!! Thank you!! A lot of interesting reading and nice pictures! Interesting reading about B & O! I like the picture of the interior of Tower K in Washington. The interior looks different now but I guess the outside has not changed much. See picture below. B & O had real nice looking diners. Too bad they are not in service these days. Van Buren Street depot in Chicago certainly was a different kind of building! They should have saved it (maybe moved it to a different location. Brat-wurst is not my favorite. But it is much better tasting than sauerkraut.
K-Tower at the end of the platform.
Tom – Ruth ‘n Lars? Hmm, I don’t know. We’ll see what kind of story he has to tell next time. Arizona needs a refinery! They talk about building one but there is also a lot of opposition. The movies this week are unknown to me except We Want Our Mummy. But I am sure they are good!
Wow, are you running subway cars on the Can-Am Railrod? Does FRA know it? I can see that those cars stopped next to Our place! Did Boris get a ride?Very nice layout!! I am afraid I will not win the 10,000th Post Contest. I am for Chicago Bears!!Thanks for the Orange Blossom Special! I always learning something new! Not the song, but the background! Pete – Maybe you are right. Milwaukee Road decided not to attempt any speed records because they wanted to be nice to those crazy Brits!? But they certianly had very fast service between Minneapolis and Chicago! Nice pictures of those steam locomotives! I wonder if I have seen the first one in a movie? I kind of recognize it. DL – Yes, there is a lot of forest in Sweden. I used to live in a small loghouse in the forest and that is what I miss the most here in Phoenix, the Swedish forest! Lars – Rumors? No smoke without fire you know. Or was it just some dust? But I won’t say anything (if I find out).
Next stop Fort Ticonderoga, NY (on the way to Plattsburgh)!
A place known to Tom and Pete, Springfield, IL.
A pint of Bateman's Bitter please RUTH.
I see ERIC as well as ROB is having problems with the Forum . At least ROB can still view the posts but it is not the same without you two.
DL Thanks for the link to the O.Winston Link museum, a great website with plenty of information and well worth reading. The photo of the steam loco passing the drive in cinema named "the Hotshot Eastbound" must be the most well known steam railroad photograph. There is a print of this on the wall of the TrainWreck Saloon.Roanoak looks well worth a visit with the Virginia Transportation Museum as well as the Link Museum.
What is the Settle & Carlisle CD called. I had a LP with some of the recordings from the S&C as well as some on the Lickey Incline. Great Sounds.
Is seems as though are getting good service from Kalmbach with the delevery of the Classic Trains mag. I have a couple of British Magazines on subscription here but they seem to be taking longer and longer to get here, it seems 14 days at least is the norm. I see they go through Switzerland or Germany to get here. There is not a lot wrong with the mail service between England and the U.S. as my friend has sent me a magazine sized parcel which took only 5 days to get here. GRRRRR.
Yes it is good that there are two good pubs next to each other at Derby. Is the Alexandria still selling the Bateman ales The Brunswick pub is indeed an interesting building with small rooms off the bar area.
One one steam trip with ex Southern Railway West Country Pacific No 34027 'Taw Valley', the loco took water at Derby on a north bound run. We could see the loco from the Brunswick and as there was a problem taking the water we stayed in the pub until we saw the loco move off to couple back on to our train. A quick dash back to the station and we made it. It was a winter day and as we left Derby it started snowing and by the time we reached Sheffield it was a blizzard. The train was due to go to Leeds but it was decided to stop at Sheffield where the steam loco was left as it had to go further north and we returned home by diesel which had been sent from Leeds where it had been waiting for us. Despite missing a part of our trip it was still a great day travelling by steam through the snow and having extra time in the Brunswick.
Thanks for the info on the scanner, it will be good to get some of the slides on disc and be able to share them.
LARS Great to see you after the weekend. I must admit I thought the Pats v Colts was a good game. I see the U.S soccer team had a good 3-1 win against Denmark on Saturday .
As you say they were some great posts by DOUG.
TOM As Lars says a really great idea on the "Named Trains Living In Song", a worthy arrival on Track #1. There was a local band near my home town who used to play the song as an instrumental on the guitar at the end of the night. It is good to see they used the correct name on the box-car on the album sleeve, in the UK this detail more likely would have been missed.Great history of the train too., although the train stopped running in 1953.
Great posters for the Superbowl finalists. I wonder if the Union Station in Indianapolis is still there, it looks a fine building.
There is still a fair bit of snow about here although the roads were kept clear. The bride thought that we had twice the amount of snow here than where she was in St Louis.
Talk of the Superbowl made me try to look up some info on the special trains that were run to London in connection of the (soccer) F.A. Cup Final in the last years that they would have been steam hauled around the early 1960s, but have not
Ruth, you are looooooooooooookin' mighty fine! I'll have a Piels with a Lars special, ham ‘n Swiss - mustAHd ‘n buttAH, two large pickles from the barrel and a saucer of brine for Tex, a seed tray for Awk, a tray of ice cubes for Frostbite and a small jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris! And yes, keep the change my deAH!
What's THIS Rumors abound regarding fair Ruth and I, man of virtue! <grin> I'll have you know that I was in the clutches grip hold grasp loving care of the Mrs. all weekend and have WITNESSES to prove it! <geesh> Anyway, what in the world would a lovely young thing such as Ruth want with a mothballed relic such as I Far better pickin's to be found. <groan>
Football has one more Sunday to go with a week "off" until the overly hyped "thing" we call the Super Bowl. I must be really old, for I still recollect "the" game of the year being the NFL Championship, which was played in December. Now we wait ‘til February to find out who is the "winnAH"! <double groan>
Thought the Chicago game was really a disappointment, although the outcome pleased me - a Jints fan. Didn't think much of the quarterback and thought for sure he was going to lose the game for ‘em. The Indy game was a surprise in that I really thought the Pats were going to take ‘em. As with Tom, I have no particular "dog in the hunt" but figured New England to win it. Actually, they could have had not some ‘dropsies" entered the game. That guy should be sent packing - dropped a sure touchdown and also one that would've been a sure-fire 1st down at a critical time. So, not to denigrate the Colts, but the Pats gave it away in spite of your fine efforts! Just my not-so-humble take on it. <grin>
Looks as if I didn't miss too much since my last visit, although there were some exemplary efforts put forth by Doug to keep things moving on Saturday ‘n Sunday. A five- Salute to you, barndad!
Very good to see you about the decks and hope that in absence of a Monday thru Friday routine, we can look forward to the weekends with you.
Nice work, as always, Tom, in keeping us on course. We have an outstanding support cast of Pete ‘n Eric to keep things alive ‘n well during these puzzling times of drought.
Sure a strange thing with Rob, but happy to know he's at least able to view us. Thought that he was totally "locked out." Nice of Tom to keep him in the "know" and providing the relay services.
Been quite a few e-mails flying about and I've made my thoughts known. Let's go for the move! This stuff has gone far enough.
Tom, that new feature of yours is 4.0! Outstanding, Cap'n - simply outstanding. Classic Trains in songs! Yes, there have to be many out there. Like the idea. A 5- Salute to you Sir!
Nice way to kick off a Monday . . . Orange Blossom Special! Old Johnny Cash had a big hit with that one; can still hear him singing it . . .
Those subway cars of yours are terrific to look at. You also have a set of "brown" ones if I recollect, huh You're going to have to get a move on to construct that subway of yours B4 the Rendezvous! Otherwise, you'll nevAH live it down! <grin>
I see that DL has been aboard on this day and I'm not quite sure just how much he's viewed. Nevertheless, this place wouldn't be the same without our ‘cross the pond Brit being with us to kick off the week!
Tom, also liked those two Pix of yours in tribute to Chicago ‘n Indianapolis. Quite innovative of you, but then again, we already knew that! Also, fine selections for the movies at the Emporium! Saw 'em both and they're a good "fit"!
Doug, those spreads of yours on the vintage photos and accompanying details were simply terrific. For a guy operating on limited time, you surely went a bit overboard for us. I appreciated and enjoyed it all; hope the others have as well.
Not sure whether we have two new guys or not, but we'll see how it plays out. All it takes is to review page one to get the gist of how we operate, then go from there. Also noted some activity over on Tom's "other thread" - especially from Doug and the two "new" guys. Could it be . . . .
‘Nuf for now . . . one more Ruth - make it a Schaefer!
Now Arriving on Track #1
Named Trains Living in Song!
Number One - The Orange Blossom Special
Orange Blossom Special (passenger train)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I'll have coffee and a pastry please.
Seems to have been quite busy over the last day or so round here. My latest copy of Classic Trains appeared with the mail on Saturday - some good reading matter there.
Anyway, enough sport, back to the matters in hand!
James - liked the Milwaukee Road Baltic pictures, a machine with a stylish profile, interesting stuff on the Big Boy too - they are famous here as Pete mentions, but I didn't know much about them - I do now!
CM3 - thanks for the info on the O W Link sound recordings, maybe I'd better get saving. I've enjoyed browing the museum website:
http://www.linkmuseum.org/
This is what it says about the CDs:
"O. Winston Link's "Sounds of Steam Railroading, Volumes 1-6" series has been digitally re-mastered and restored. The five CD box set includes Sounds of Steam Railroading (1957), The Fading Giant (1957), Thunder on Blue Ridge (1958), 2nd Pigeon and the Mockingbird (1961), The General (1962, 45rpm), and Mainline to Panther (1977). Each CD has an enclosed booklet describing the track sounds and many Link images."
I've got a CD of sound recorded on the famous Settle to Carlisle railway line in England in the late 1960s, much from Dent Station and the area around there in what are called the Pennine Hills ("The backbone of England"). Sounds good when you put it on the stereo!
Eric - yes the Uppsala to Narvik via Kiruna run was a long haul - we overnighted in a couchette car as I recall. There is a lot of forest in Sweden was my conclusion from that journey! Plenty of interest to see though. Weather been bad though, that airliner film you mentioned was on our news too. I don't think I would have wanted to have been on board.
Doug, good to read your weekend submissions, with a welcome return to action of the ‘groan-o-meter'!
Mike, some great colour pictures there, Long Island RR pics were especially good I thought.
Tom, thanks for the update on the posting date competition, I had a feeling I was going to miss out!
Lars - yes, when the power is out you don't need to worry with proper English beer, as it is pumped from the cellar by hand powered pump, and the cellar should stay cool naturally - no need for refrigeration (or if you are really lucky it comes straight from the barrel by gravity) - no power, no problem!
Pete - I don't know much about scanning slides, but a pal of mine said he thought you could just put them on the glass scanning panel (so you need a ‘flat bed scanner') and it would work, he offered to do this for me for a slide I needed scanned and the results were rather good. Of course it has the advantage of ensuring that problems like photographic dies fading / degrading are overcome, but the disadvantage that future ‘improvements' in computer software etc might make current digitally made files incapable of being read by computers in the future. However, it certainly seems to be a way of giving new life to old slides that otherwise don't get seen by many people.
Driving your burning railcar under a water column is smart thinking! Nowadays no doubt the whole area would be evacuated with commensurate inconvenience to all and sundry.
The Brunswick in Derby is a fine pub, and for other readers has, I believe, the status of being one of the first purpose built railway pubs, having been built to serve the housing that was built for workers at the original Midland Railway Locomotive works. The whole area was derelict by the 1970s and scheduled for demolition but luckily people lobbied for the restoration of these houses and the pub and it is a fine achievement (can't find a photo to show you). I also like The Alexandria just beyond the Bruswick. This pub has some interesting railway memorabilia (signs and official photographs etc) up on the walls. Both pubs serve an excellent range of beers and I usually call in if I need to change trains at this junction station. Of course sometimes I miss the first connection....
That is a minor problem I expect happens for some customers at Our Place too...
Regards
Cheers to the victors!
For Chicago 'n the Bears!
For Indianapolis 'n the Colts!
Monday and "it" begins all over! Take the time to have a hot mug of coffee with us, some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and perhaps a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from the Menu Board!
Not the most active Sunday, but not all that bad either. The NFL playoffs had to factor in, along with our reduced numbers. Thanx in large measure to barndad Doug and his vintage Pix ‘n narratives, we were treated to another special spate of Classic Trains info from our Illinois connection.
Good stuff from Wolfman Pete as well and then - we were truly CLOSED!
From trolleyboy Rob via Email:
I was quite impressed by Doug's and Lar's and your's and Pete's recounts of the recent train trips etc. Let the gang know that I've been enjoying reading along with the eurorail and steam that you and Pete and DL have been chating back in forth about. Looks like you've had a fairly productive week post quality wise at the very least.I'll head off for now. Not to worry I'll keep trying to access the forum. I've actually tried a few other peolples computers with no luck, so it must be a file issue at Kalmbach or something.maybe I've po'd them some how. Gotta runRob
I've actually tried a few other peolples computers with no luck, so it must be a file issue at Kalmbach or something.maybe I've po'd them some how. Gotta runRob
Question asked by a "browser" regarding my Pix: those station platforms are kit bashed from a Walthers Cornerstone series offering. Although not in that particular Pix, there is a Union Station structure as well. Thanx for the kind words, "underworld."
It's history now - Da Bears ‘n Da Colts will square off in Miami for Super Bowl XLI on February 4th. I never "bet" with my "heart," so I'm picking the Colts. Sorry Doug - they've got the better quarterback and that's about "it" from where I sit. Was really surprised at the Patriots collapse yesterday, especially after racking up such a large lead. Again, it was NOT my "heart" speaking, simply what I would've put money on. I like the match ups for the "big show" and it's good to see "new blood" in it. Then it will be OVER, as in DONE, aka: FINISHED!
The walk around the mean streets of our subdivision was quite different this AM than yesterday. What's left of the snow is on the grassy areas, the rest is water. Juneau found each ‘n every patch of white stuff to romp through. Ah, the joys of an early morning trek with the Husky from Hades! <grin>
10,000th Post CONTEST update (in order of submission):
(to reach ten thousand, we take the final number of Replies (Posts) - 9013 - on the "old" Thread and add the number on the "new")
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
I had better have something from BORIS and then one of DOUG's Sheyboygan Brats.
MIKE Another great set of links. starting with LMS No 10000, Long Island steam locos, early Alcos and those wonderful old pictures of the B&O. Not forgetting the Rocket RDC and that great pic looking down on the 2-6-6-6 loco on the turntable.
ERIC Thanks for more details on the scanner. I am surprised that one of the American railways did not attempt a speed record with steam traction. I guess they though it was better left to the mad Brits.
May I say a to DAVE.
DOUG Three great picture posts and brats as well.
It is not much talked about nowadays but as you say the depression in the early 30s was a terrible time to live through on both sides of the Atlantic. I have heard tales of a Grandfather who cycled 20 miles each way in the hope of half a days work, we are very lucky today.
With the great distances in North America the railways cannot compete with the airlines for the long distant passenger, but it stands a far greater chance in Europe.It will be interesting to see when the High Speed link from London to mainland Europe opens this year if it will take over the vast majority of passengers from the airlines as they are predicting. It will depend on the cost, no doubt the airlines will offer very cheap fares when the line first opens.
Many thanks for the posts on the B&O. Great photos with great descriptions, with some gems like the hand-switched mainline points,the insides of those great cars. It is hard to believe that the bar in the Panama is on a railroad car.Good to see a pic on the inside of that busy tower and you a.can almost hear those double-headed steam locos in a snowy Chicago in the second selection.
GO BEARS.
TOM. Time does seem to have flown by since this time last week we were getting ready to watch the football at your house..
It seems the weather this year is saving itself for weekends. We had little more snow than St Louis it seems but I have shovelled the path and made a landing pad on the road for the bride when she gets back. The dog enjoyed going out this morning and wanted to go much farther than I thought she would, still it wasn't cold.
It really would be great to go to Alaska and ride the rails with you two.
I am looking forward to the two Football films on at the Emporium this week as I have not seen either, they sound great films.The Stooges sound their usual entertaining selves, loved the Rutentuten and Queen Hotsy Totsy names of the Mummies..
Great to see the Can-Am photo encore. It seems it was only last week I saw it running, although we did not have the Subway Cars in action they certainly seem to look at home on the Can-Am.
For Alan's pics this week.The two locos featured spent their working life hauling what the railways were first built for, hauling coal. A thank you to CM3 for the report of the Emporium bash.
The loco in the first two pics was built by Kitson's of Leeds in 1904 an 0-6-2 tank loco for the Lambton Collieries in the North East of England. On the nationalization of the coal industry after the second world war it worked for the National Coal Board. The NCB had running powers over the BR line from Penshaw to the colliery's own staithes at Sunderland Docks.After they closed the loco stayed on NCB metals until saved for preservation.
T
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