Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, I would like a ham sandwich, please! No, no mustard. I want it cold and on rye!
Some more info on Baltimore & Ohio today! There is always something new to learn.
CM3 – Seems like you had a hell of an evening at the theater! Too bad I couldn’t go. I found some more info about the Heisler locmotives.Charles Heisler built his first locomotive in 1891. It was built by the Dunkirk Engineering Co. of New York. Regular production started 1894 at the Sternes Locomotive Co of Eire, PA. That company was liquidated 1904 and became the Heisler Locomotive Works in 1907. Heisler Locomotive Works built engines until 1941. Altogether approximately 625 locomotives. The Heisler locomotives were considered being the fastest of the geared locos.I don’t know if I am prepared to spend close to $400 on that book.Tom – I can’t see any reason for you to apologize for a late start! It’s like you are telling James and have told me, "A man has to do what a man has to do!" And I would say that your health is much more important than a late or missing post! The mile post does not show the distance to Houston or Kansas City. That track is old SP-territory and it shows the distance to San Francisco. In order to get to San Francisco from Globe you first have to travel south to Bowie, AZ. There you will hit the old Sunset Route. “Turn” right and you are on your way to Los Angeles and then north to SF. Thanks for the mail!! The plans for the Rendevouz look just great! Will respond in a day or two. It would have been fun to travel in a B&O Strata-Dome with the floodlights on in the dark! Those floodlights remind me of something that happened when we were on the tour with the X2000 on the way Washington to Chicago (like the Strata-Domes). Somewhere in the late evening we traveled along a highway (freeway I believe). We came to a place where the track went in a curve around a rest area on the left side. We saw probably about twenty cars parked facing the track and t people standing around them The same moment we came to the first car all the headlights were turned on illuminating the train and people started taking pictures of the train when we passed.That painting of the B&O EM-1 is outstanding! B&O had 30 EM-1’s built by Baldwin 1944-45 and retired 1960. Freight can certainly look ghood!
Lars – Thank you for the greetings from BK!! Hawaii and Australia! Wow! I hope he doesn’t go to Scandinavia too early in the spring. The weather might not be so nice then. Nice pictures of the two B&O steam locomotives! #2444 is a Class K-17 built by Lima 1917 and retired 1954. #1474 is a Class A-2, Schenectady 1903. The last one retired 1947. Have a real nice break!!! That is important! Family first!!Pete – I think I read about test runs with the A4 and a diesel engine between two cities and A4 proved to be the faster locomotive. The mile post shows the distance to from Globe San Francisco. See my repsonse to Tom! A very nice Bell for King George! I bet it sounds nice as well. Rob – Yes, I know much more about the museum now and I will go back to their site soon and find out more. I don’t mind wet weather that much but I hate cold and snowy weather. I was born in the wrong part of the world! As a matter of fact, your guess is much closer ttan Tom’s! San Francisco is the correct answer. See my response to Tom!
1214 miles from San Francisco! The mile post is behind my back.
Eric
Good evening Leon , I think I will trouble you for a couple of fingers of Crown Royal this evening. Oh and here's a sack of quarters for Herr Wurlitzer. A round of the Canadian Railroad Trilogy, followed by Rainy Day People and the Ballad of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I'm in a Lightfoot mood tonight
Tom-Thanks for enjoying the B&O stuff, some nice hot new stuff. I didn't drag that off with the ole cut in paste. I gave up those attempts and typed those in all by my lonesome Loved seeing the B&O ad that touched off the great Headlight vs Flodd light debate again.Wonderfull painting as well. I'm glad the artist allowed it's use 5x for that fer sure fer sure.
Lars-Great photo's sir. Nice to know that the family ties to B&O are still strong.Have no fears about your well deserved time away, we shall keep the lights burning here. next time you corespond with BK give him a happy merry new year from us as well. We'll keep his stool polished for him.
CM3-Ah winter drivers, I know them well. We finally got our first snow of the year an eighth of an inch, yet still the SUV drivers managed to put em in the ditches If you don't know how to don't drive them.Great info on the Heislers I'm still trying to digest the price of that book though ,good gawd gertie but that's steep. I have photo's somewhere of Heather sitting in the cab of one of Cass's shays. I'm wondering did they get the bridge that colapsed rebuilt yet or are they still running a shorter run without it
Eric-Your welcome for the link hope it helped "splain" the museum.I guess your right anout the English weather, I was referring to the wetness as opposed to the cold and snow of your homeland. I think that you would have enjoyed the winter we have had this year so far , no deep deep freeze yet.I'm intrigued by your question as well. My useless stab would be Los Vegas, I'm likely way off , I have a feeling that Tom's guesses were much closer.
Well Tom and Pete enjoy Chi -Town
Rob
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Holdens Bitter please RUTH as a hair of the dog after yesterday night's celebration of the Emporium's anniversary.
ROB It was good to be with you in the bar last evening.Enjoyed the post on the B&O and C&O merger.
ERIC Apprently in the 1930s the LNER management were very impressed by the new diesel train in use in Germany which was putting in fast runs. Sir Nigel Gresley went to view the train. When he came back he told the LNER board he would design them a steam loco that would equal or beat the diesel train. The locos were the A4s.
I will be interested in the 1214 milepost answer.
CM3 Many thanks for information and links to the Heisler locos. That is a very informative link to the Craig Mountain Lumber co from the university and another link to some great photos of the railroad and a pic of #3 at work.
I guess you must have travelled on the Cass Scenic Railroad. It must be a great experience with the 11% grade and those Shay locos.
Are there any logging lines still in use in WV.
I am glad I had that stiff drink before I saw the price of that book, but I bet is a marvellous book.
It will be good to read the report of last nights celebrations as my memory is a bit hazy today
TOM Glad you liked the B&O encore I borrowed from AL. The pic from LARS of the car with the lights reminded me of it. I know I was fascinated by the lights on the cars roof at the time.
Many thanks for the two posts on the lit Strata Dome from the Official Guide to Railways.
I must admit I do like good railway art, and that is a great painting of B&O # 7621 in the snow. Thanks for sharing it with us.
I have a link showing the bell that was presented to the Great Western Railway(UK) King class locomotive No 6000 King George V which attended the B&O centennary celebration in 1927.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GWR_6000_Class_6000_King_George_V
No 6000 carried the bell all through its service with the GWR and British Railways and the loco as been preserved. It is now in the museum at Swindon on the site she was built. The loco also hauled the first train on BR after the steam ban, when it ran a special in 1971.
A photo below is of a class mate of the locomotive that carried the number 100 before the TOPS renumbering on BR, when the loco became 45060. The class of locos were known as the 'Peak' class after the first 10 locos which were named after mountains in England and Wales.
Some of the other locos recieved names and No 100 was Sherwood Forester. The loco was shedded at Derby and Toton in the East Midlands of England and would have worked trains on the Midland Main Line and trains on the North East - South West route to Bristol.
I have posted it as a tribute to Our Place 2 reaching 100 posts.
LARS Just caught your post. I did not know of the family connection to the B&O.
Hope you both have a quiet and relaxing break for a few days. See you when you get back.
Thanks for passing on the greeting from BK, sounds as though they are having a good time.
Great pics of the B&O locos. The 4-4-2 looks as though she was a loco that was capable of a fair bit of speed
Well RUTH to celebrate the 100th post I'll have a SMALL tot of the 100 proof Woods rum., and a round for the house please.
Pete
G'day Cap'n Tom & fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth, a tankard of Keiths Ale if you please and slide the snack trays down my way, wudja!
What a fine outpouring of B&O material these past couple of days! My grandfather and father would be proud to view it all. They had long careers with the B&O, but not at all in any position of prominence. Working "stiffs" who earned their keep by being dependable and competent in the work place. Something we all used to take pride in, huh
Some 'super fine' stuff from Cap'n Tom, as always, AND that painting is absolutely wonderful! A 5- Salute for sure!
Want to mention that I will be scarce from now 'til perhaps early next week. Going to take the Mrs. away for the weekend and hope to be free from phones, TV, computers, etc. Looking forward to the break, I know she deserves it!
Received your Email on the Rendezvous and it looks excellent to me. Just being together with some of the gang will make for a good time as far as I'm concerned.
Good to see the guys pick up the slack yesterday, especially Rob! Now that was quite a bit of material you put together and in spite of it being late at night, it "resides" here for one and all to enjoy!
Thought I'd share a bit of "news" regarding my "bookend - BK." Seems they are heading to Austrailia sometime next week. Right now they are in Hawaii, enjoying all that one can find to do with the surf 'n sun. Then "down under." So, I don't expect we'll be seeing 'em 'round these parts for some time to come. That's not good news. Anyway, BK passes on New Years greetings to all and said he'd try to swing by to at least let us know we haven't been forgotten. He also mentioned that trip to Europe (Scandinavia) that he mentioned some time back. Looks like they are really "into" the traveling mode. <envy>
Now for my humble B&O offering:
B&O 2-6-0 Loco #2444 (from: www.yesteryeardepot.com) photo: Robert H. Kennedy)
B&O - 4-4-2 #1474 (from: www.yesteryeardepot.com - Photo: Paul Eilenberger)
Ruth, set 'em up with a drink on the Larsman!
Until the next time!
Lars
G'day Gents!
And yet another for the B&O, but this time, some very different AND special.
Check this out!
Baltimore & Ohio EM-1 7621 on Mance Curve, Mance, PA. (with permission from the artist: Gary Bennett - www.xmission.com)
Now whadyathinkabout THAT Wunnerful, eh Sometimes even freights look good!
Enjoy!
Tom
Something from the "hopper" for yesterday's "Theme for the Day!"
first Posted on page 127 More on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (B&O) of the Fallen Flags from The Official Guide of the Railways - Aug 1956
Thrilled travelers tell us "There's nothing like the view from B&O's STRATA-DOME" ..... Route your passengers via B&O and they'll sing your praises too Passengers traveling in a B&O Strata-Dome marvel at the thrilling panorama and natural beauty of the ever-changing scenery. FLOODLIGHTS AT NIGHT Powerful floodlight beams provide a novel view of the landscape after dark. This exclusive B&O service between Washington and Chicago is offered at no charge! Strata-Dome Dieseliners between CHICAGO - AKRON - PITTSBURGH - WASHINGTON The Capitol Limited (All Pullman) - The Columbia (Deluxe-Coach) - The Shenandoah* (Pullman and Coach) THROUGH SERVICE TO AND FROM BALTIMORE, WILMINGTON, PHILADELPHIA AND NEW YORK. *On the Shenandoah, Strata-Dome is operated on alternate dates. Available only to Pullman passengers on the Shenandoah. BALTIMORE & OHIO RAILROAD Enjoy! Tom
foto credit: www.viarail.ca
Mid-week in mid-continent USA, skies are blue, temps are on the lo-side of the 20s, a "brisk" walk with Juneau, life is good! Petrol dropped from $2.19 (rounded) to $2.10 (rounded) up at "collusion corner" when I filled the wagon. Half a tank of gasoline has a "sting" to it for the wallet! What's new! <groan>
If you missed the gala 1st Anniversary of the Grand Re-opening of the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre, all I can offer is: you really missed something special. A night to remember for those of us who are on this side of the bars (steel ones!) that is! <grin>
Apologize for the very late start today, had yet another interruption to the serenity of retired life. Yes, another early morning appointment. Health care is just wunnerful! Actually, it IS and I'm thankful in so many ways that the "things" in life that can and do happen can be competently handled by those I've been seeing.
Yesterday turned out to be "more" than I had anticipated, and today has the "makings" of a similar event. However, there's some B&O material in the "hopper" that I'll try to get out before day's end.
Appreciate seeing those of you who stopped by, as always, and there was some fine "stuff" for the Tuesday B&O Theme for the Day!
Acknowledgments:
CM3 at 8:40 AM yesterday: Some fine B&O material, good conversation, a round ‘n quarters for Herr Wurlitzer's Coal Scuttle. Can't get much better, eh Also, the possibility of a "report" on last night's festivities at the Emporium has put the a high degree of anticipation into whatever you have in mind!
DL at 11:06 AM yesterday: Another fine contribution to the matters at hand - URLs always "right on"! Unfortunately there will be little time for very much other than some photos at Union Station in Chicago, then we board the Texas Eagle for our return to St. Louis. If everything is on time, the turn around time is just a bit over an hour. Next time, fer sure, fer sure!
Lars at 3:55 PM yesterday: Some fine Pix from the Larsman to help along the B&O theme. Love that Sky Dome car with the flood lights - in fact, I have an "ad" that I'll provide a bit later on with this as a feature.
Not to worry, Mate - I'm not a believer in running a good thing into the ground. You pitched in quite well for me two days in succession. Can't let the "well" run dry! Thanx for the thought!
Pete at 6:01 PM & 10:19 PM & 11:18 PM yesterday: And the Wolfman didn't disappoint as there's some B&O material too, via the archives of passengerfan Al (Legion of the Lost)!
I recall that Post of his as he and I disagreed regarding the terminology used - he says "headlights," I say "flood lights" - neither of us budged. Just going by B&Os terminology. <grin>
Seems you were at the ‘puter rather late. Hmmmmm, sets the mind to wonderin'
Yes, Frostbite does have a "built in" tuxedo appearance, eh
Looking forward to our Chicago adventure!
Rob at 9:33 PM & 10:07 PM & 10:32PM & 11:36 PM yesterday: Outstanding contributions for our "Theme - B&O" Looks like you got the copy ‘n paste thing to work, or developed a way around it. Whatever, truly appreciate your picking up the slack AND no way have you let us down.
You certainly outdid yourself last evening and have earned a gold 5- Salute!
James at 9:48 PM yesterday: There's a saying, "A man has to do what a man has to do!" So, establish your priorities and go with them. The bar will be here when you're able to spend some time with us. Just try to catch up on what's been Posted - no need to repeat each ‘n every accolade the guys have put forth. Being inclusive doesn't mean being repetitive to the works of others. Just be you, that'll work just fine for us.
Eric at 1:10 AM today: I've been "hooked" on that "Globe thing" you Posted. Since Globe is to the east of Phoenix - about 65-75 miles - and not knowing the specific direction of those tracks, my guess is the city located 1214 miles from that mile post could be Houston, TX or Kansas City, MO. What say you
Yes, those figures for the B&O locos does appear a bit skewed. However, I did verify it (Classic American Railroads, Vol I) and that's what the "source" shows. Of course they are referring to diesels, so total locos doesn't really factor in. Does appear to be an error. Good eye!
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Here is some information re Heisler which was pictured a little while back.
The Heisler was a geared locomotive; their plant was in Erie, PA. The Heisler came along after the Shay and Climax engines were already in production.
The Craig Mountain Lumber Co. was located in Winchester, ID. Search Craig Lumber Company of Google and you will find several good sites; some with pictures.
Craig had four Heislers.
#2 was blt. In 1913
#3 was blt in 1917
#4 was blt in 1923
#6 was blt in 1928
The Cass Scenic Railroad (in WV) has a Heisler in its collection. This beastie belonged to the Meadow River Lumber Co. You can go to the Cass site and see some pictures of it; you can also read all about their Shays as well.
A Google search on Heisler will turn up many sites; again some with excellent pictures.
The best book out here is titled the Heisler Locomotive, 1891-1941. It is long o/p and command premium prices when you can find a copy. Bartender, three fingers of the good stuff for this one; last price search I did on this one (B&N site) showed four copies available at between $346 and $393 per copy. You can exhale now.
Before I forget, the book title Tumult on the Mountain (readily available) is about the best one out there re logging operations in WV.
I hope this helps - enjoy the sites and save your $ if you want the book.
Work safe
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; coal for the snowplow, round for the house, and $ for the jukebox. Clear and cold this a.m. with about 5-6 inches of "locally isolated flurries" on the ground this a.m.; the K9 Korps is in their element. What is normally a short trip home from work took over 2 hours last night; 18 wheelers all over the place, etc. Well, driving in this part of the world is not for the faint hearted; even in good weather as we share the roads with all sorts of BIG trucks.
Thanks to all for Baltimore and Ohio related material. The C&O/B&O merger made for some interesting changes on both railroads. A look at a public timetable from back then will illustrate what I mean as passenger services truly became "interline." I remember well that C&O and B&O engines began showing up in each other's territory. Coal cars also became mixed a lot more than before. This got better as time went on so we saw coal cars from "all over." Good quarry for photographers.
I'll try and post more later. Before I forget, I am on the hunt for the Heisler which was pictured awhile back. I think I have found the information I was looking for at the house. Now it needs to be put it together in a coherent format.
BTW, I'm glad the crowd at the Theatuh last night brought bail $.
Good morning Captain Tom and all!!
A quick stop on... just a black cup of coffee Leon! A quick stop on my way to bed! Why are the evenings so short?
I found a lot of interresting info on Baltimore & Ohio tonight! I have tocome back later an read it all over again!
Tom – A lot of interesting facts and info on B&O!! I have to read it again later this week, when I have more time. I noticed that B&O was incoporated into Chessie System in 1973! Now it is CSX. Considering the mileage, 10,000, in 1963 I am surprised they didn’t have more than 491 locmotives.CM3 – You are right, OSU really screwed up last night’s game! I don’t know what they tried to do. I have a feeling that you are (or have been) working at the railroad. The Power bureau? “Late trains get later”, very true indeed! I loved the job as Road foreman. Thanks for the B7O info! Too bad it is just history today.DL – Interesting link to the Mainline Steam Tour Programme 2007! A lot of alternatives! No chance to get bored.Lars – You are right, I forgot to refresh/reload before I sent my post last night and when I was done I found Rob’s two posts. Nice pictures of B&O locomotives ans Dome car! Plus the book covers! Hope you had a nice evening at the Emporium! Nice place indeed! Pete – I learned something new again! I didn’t know that the design of the A4 was inspired by a Bugatti rail-car. You are right. BR had a number of bad accidents in the 80’s and wanted to do something about it. They came to Sweden and studied the new ATC-system that was being installed there. They liked it and decided to install it on their own lines. But they did not manage to raise enough money to do it. Interesting with those flood lights on the dome cars! I bet the passengers liked it, being able to see in the darkness. Rob – Thanks for the link to the museum! The climate in England is not worse than in Sweden so that would have been okay. I found in your info on B&O that they had 1129 diesels in 1960. That seems more like what they needed for 10,000 miles of tracks.
The milepost outside Globe, AZ shows 1214 miles! To what city?
LEON, Set ROB and I up with two Holden's Golden Glows please.Enjoyed the piece on the Dieselisation of the B&O. I wonder what would have happened on the British railways if they had not been nationalised if some of the companies would have gone for diesels a lot earlier
Oh well I had better get some s
Pete.
I have just seen the latest post I will have a read
THEME OF THE DAY THEME OF THE DAY THEME OF THE DAY
THE END OF THE B&O MERGER WITH THE C&O
As with many railroads of the time the 1960's were not good to the B&O. It along with some of the other great eastern roads of the past like the NYC and PRR, started the slide towards mergers to continue theuir existance as viable transportation systems in the ever modernizing world.
THE B&O AND C&O
Going against the unions and most of the wishes of many of the eastern roads, the ICC said yes to the merger of the B&O/C&O on new years eve 1962.It was thought that in some quarters this resulting railroad would end up being the strongest one in the east.On Feb 4 1963, the C&O formalized it's control over it's once rival B&O. This change of power took place one minute past midnight and was the moment the ICC approval became a reality. The knot was teid in the B&O's boardroom, fitting I think of the nation's oldest railroad.
thios combined system owned 11,000 miles of track stretching from the Atlantic, to the Mississippi River,and from the Great Lakes to the southern boarder of Kentucky. The B&O railroad obtained loans from C&O's financeers to enhance it's aging locomotive fleet, and to refurbish tunnels , yards and fleet facilities.In march 1968, the ICC approved the aquisition of the Western maryland by the B&O/C&O railway adding this 800 mile regional road to the system.
Over the yeasr after the merhger C&O people slowly replaced the old guard at the B&O with Gregory DeVine assuming the dual presidancies on the death of B&O President Tuohy in 1966.By 1970, the B&O Board included six men that also served on teh C&O board and 94 percent of the B&O was in the holdings of teh C&O.
END OF PASSENGER SERVICE
The B&O's passeneger service had been a long time loser of money and amny lines had alraady been cut back.Yet the federal govt still had not allowed the major interurban carriers like te B&O to shed these money losing services.So the B&O like many other roads continued to hemorrhege cash on passenger service.Once the government decided to form Amtrak, the B&O like many of the rest of the nations railways paid out a lump sum and discontinued their passenger services, leaving them to the federally operated Amtrak.A payment of 29.6 milion was made to the National railroad Passenger Corporation in 1970, and thus freed the B&O/C&O to become all freight operations.
CHESSIE SYSTEM
In 1971 Presidient DeVine, retired and was replaced by Hays Watkins, a C&O man since 1949.President watkins had the name Chessie System adopted as the marketing name for the C&O/B&O/WM conglomorate. The C&O and B&O continued to operate separattly but now shared a common head office in Cleveland.
The name Chessie refers to the C&O's cat logo first used in the early 1930's as a gimmikc for the then C&O's passeneger sevice.The C&O used the kitten sleeping on a blanket in a Fortune mag ad in 1933 and the tag line sleep like a kitten.Thinking originally that Chessie should have a B&O counterpart for ad purposes as well, they came up with "BESSIE" the cat for B&O, but after a shareholders survey they decided that it was not a good idea, so Bessie died on the drawing board.They did however at the time adopt the now famouc C with the cat Silhouette used on their locomotives and ads, adding it to the WM as well once the WM was completely absorbed into teh Chessie System in 1974. At this time the Blue yellow and Vermillion painted locomotives began arriving on scene , with the only notion of the original owners being a B&O, C&) or WM initial under the cab road numbers.
Good evening again Leon. Can I grab a Holden's for myself and Pete as we sit and relax in the afterglow of the Emporium's aniversary. Hopefully that glow isn't torches of townsfolk out to linch poor Boris again.
James'I see you snuck back in while I was formatting my B&O piece. Hopefully you won't be away long,but don't come here at the detriment of your marks. We will be here long after you graduate.
Pete-Thank's for that link, I'll check it out in a bit.Keep everything crossed ( eyes fingers etc ) that one of those cars will be running that day. delson tends to be more of a look at then watch run museum, at least it was the last time I was there.I too am looking forward to CM3's report on the red carpet affair down at the emporium. I noticed that the Mentor fusiliers were on hand again. ( crowd control I would imagine )
CM3-I failed to mention you earlier. I enjoyed the B&O dinner report posted this morning. Mea Culpa for not mentioning it before. allow me to but you breakfast tomorrow to make up for the gaff.
ROB I'll join you in the round after the nights entertainment at the magnificent Emporium and will look forward to CM3's account of the proceedings.
It would be great if one of those Trolleys we talked about was operating on the day we are there.
If I recall correctly,by the A4 loco in Green Bay there is story of how the loco came to Green Bay. Apparantly they offered to buy the loco in 1959 but it was refused by British Railways, not surprisingly, as it was still in main line service on the East Coast Main Line of BR then.
I have found this link to the loco and cars in the NRRM at Green Bay.
http://www.nationalrrmuseum.org/collections-exhibits/collections/eisenhower/index.php
It mentions in the text of the link that the loco was painted back into Garter Blue after it was named after Dwight D. Eisenhower, after its spell in wartime black livery, I would love to see a colour picture of the loco in the blue livery..
JAMES Good to see you in. Best of luck with the Finals.
Well LEON I,ll try a Bathams XXX , while I read ROB,s Diesels of the B&O
THEME FOR THE DAY THEME FOR THE DAY THEME FOR THE DAY
CLASSIC DIESELS # 36DIESELIZATION OF THE B&O
AS with many of the big railways. The B&O grudgingly headed into the era of no steam and all diesel, piece meal in the early days but by the time the 50's arrived they were full bore into dieselizing all their passenger and freight operations. Covered wagons and early RS's became the mainstay , thought the B&O at least in the early years tended to sample the wares of most of the major manufacturers. Here's a brief run down of those formative years.
THE DIESEL ON THE HORIZON
From the early 1920's until the diesel era, the B&O passenegr engine of choice was the 4-6-2 Pacific.While the actual number of locomotives on the B&O declined by 274 units between 1920-29, the tractive power per engine slowly increeased by 10,000 pounds in the same time period, they were trimming down their fleet but revamping it at the same time, quite an undertaking in those early years of the depression.
The mid twentieth century saw the apex of steam power, with the modern engines putting out more tractive force per pound than ever before,the engines themselves were bigger and more complex, and there in lies the difficulty. The cost of maintaining the "super power steam" was beginning to make less and less ecconomic sence. I imagine had the depression not happened steam power may indeed have hung on longer.Thus the mid yeasr of the 20th century also saw the dawning of the age of the diesel locomotive.
The B&O's first diesel was a 60 ton , 300hp switcher bought for east Coast yard work, it arrived in 1925.The years bewteen 1930-40 saw an increase in diesels on the B&O.That decade also saw the B&O buy the fewest new locomotives in their history only 44. The difference was the breakdown 7 steam vs 37 diesel.
The B&O bought their first road diesel in 1935, for use on the newly inagurated air conditioned streamlined passenger trains. This locomotive replaced the Lord Baltimore on the Washington-NY Royal Blue Passenger train, alternating runs with a streamlined Pacific.This diesel was a two unit locomotive ( boxcab ) from EMC, it worked out so well that the B&O bought two more sets to operate their Capitol Limited. The other diesels bought in the 30's were yard engines to replace aging warn out steam switchers.
The war yeasr saw the B&O continue along with dieselization, with 40% of the 150 locomotives bought during the war being diesel engines.Nine more passenger engines ( EA's and E1's ) and the first of the 5400hp FT sets from EMD, making them the first eastern road to operate the new cab units.
Throughout these early yeasr of diesilzation the B&O saw the advantages of the diesel vs steam,lower maintenance cost less infrastructure to support them, the ability to reverse power to aid in braking, and the better adhesion for greater speed on curves. Not to mention te highter starting tractive effort and horsepower from satnding starts, all factors that made up for the higher initial purchase cost of them vs steam engines.
In 1945 , B&O steam units still outnumbered the diesels by a 15 to one margine. In 1958, the then B&O President Simpson proclaimed that all operations were now dieselized, and by years end 1960,there were 1129 diesel locomotives on the roster, and no steam engines.All manufactureres EMC/EMD , ALCO , Baldwin were plying their trade on the B&O.
G-day Tom and all present!
Leon- make it a OJ please, Thanks
Just came in quick to check. Just wanted to let you know that you guys haven't lost me. I have been very busy with the finals coming up in school and work "Crawling" all over me. It's a real pain.
So I will get back here as soon as possible.
Happy railroading
James
Good evening Leon, I think a Keith's and a solid round for the house now that the shouting done over at the emporium ( Oh the Movies were wonderfull as well ) <grin>Bit of a slow tuesday but some good info was shared.I had intended to re-run a B&O bit I did on the old forum put the ole cut n paste didn't work ( most likley my skill level ) so I will attempt to do something else.
Pete-Thanks for the A4 link.They do seem to be the most commonly photographed locomotive from England that I've seen over here, sort of like NYC Hudsons on this side of the pond.Thanks for clarifying the identity of that pacific for me as well.Nice to see that you brought over one of Al's bits on the B&O , makes it feel like old times around here again. Both of the MTC's Golden Chariots shuold be on display in their streetcar and street railway building. Both cars are operational and they do run some of the electric equipment on occation. Hopefully you and Tom will get lucky and see them in action when you get there.
Tom-Two wunnerfull B&O Pieces as always your leaing the charge, hopefully we haven't let you down.
Lars-As always some fine photographic contributions to the theme railway
Dl-Thanks for the continued disscucssions of the Eisenhower train. Neat info to be sure, it really is hard to say where that train set belongs, seeing the history shared between both countries. I hope the B&O info shared today was helpfull.
Eric-yes we do baby our streetcars. Seeing as they really are irreplaceble.Too bad your stink in England didn't pan out, mind you the climate there would not be as much to your liking as your current desert digs are to you. The museum does indeed have a website , it attempts to fully explin the collection the museum and it's membership and it's history.
http://www.hcry.org
A pint of Holdens Mild please RUTH as I had better take it easy before this evening's bash.
ROB The loco in Green Bay No 60008 is a class mate of Mallard, and a shed mate as both were allocated to London's King's X shed, both being Sir Nigel Gresley's A4 pacifics of the London & North Eastern Railway. 60008 was originally numbered 4496 and was named Golden Shuttle in LNER Garter Blue when new. Her name of Golden Shuttle was a tribute to the big wool industry of West Yorkshire at the time( late 1930s) and the loco would be used on the expresses from London to the the "Wool" cities of Leeds and Bradford. The loco was renamed Dwight D. Einsenhower in 1945. As far as I know 60008 is unique in that she is pared with a Non- Corridor 8 wheel Gresley tender, which as far as I am aware is the only example preserved.
I have a great link to the A4s
http://www.lner.info/locos/A/a4.shtml
I am glad the Halloween nights at the Museum are getting more popular.
I hope I shall be able to see the stadium styled open trolleys at Delson when Tom and I visit as well as the A4 Dominion of Canada.
ERIC Yes at that time BR was in a bad way as regards to new investment I believe.That looks a great C&NW sleeper to spend some nights in.
DL The MK1s were certainly a great and long lived design.I have very fond memories of the MK1 corridor compartment coaches which were in the overnight trains in the 70s when I was on the All Line railrovers.
The Coaches at Green Bay are I believe in the condition as they were when they were in the wartime control train and they are kept inside in a great exhibition hall.
Very interesting on the diagrammatical maps of Rugby. Before the Leamington line closed in the late 50s there were 7 lines diverging at Rugby on the LMS, 4 north of the station and 3 to the south, with the ex Great Central line crossing the LMS at the south of the station. There is only 4 lines left now, with a siding on part of the Leamington line..
Thanks for the link to the 2007 main line steam tours, I have added to my favourites.
Really enjoying the B&O day. Many thanks TOM, CM3 and LARS for the Great posts, pics and covers, on one of the first North American Railroads. For my contribution I have "borrowed" a piece from PASSENGERFAN AL from page 233. on B&O Domes.
Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) The B&O purchased a pair of Pullman Standard 8-car coach streamliners following WWII for Baltimore-Chicago service. The two trains were delivered to the B&O in May 1949 and entered service as the COLUMBIANS May 5, 1949. The fourth car in each consist of the COLUMBIAN was a Strata-dome coach.
All cars in the COLUMBIAN trains were numbered and named the two Strata-dome coaches were 5550 HIGH DOME and 5551 SKY DOME. These cars seated 42 on the main level of the cars 18 forward of the dome and 24 aft of the dome. Beneath the dome was a pair of comfortable lounges for passengers to relax in; one of these lounges seated 6 the other 11. The domes were only 15' 3" above the rails giving these two Strata-domes the distinction of being the lowest height short domes operated in North America. Upstairs in the dome of the two Pullman Standard built Strata-domes were 24 seats arranged in six pairs on either side of the center aisle. The backs of the seats were lower than those found in any other dome cars. One feature found on the B&O Strata-Domes not found on others was on the forward bulkhead of the car above the aisle was located a speedometer, clock, altimeter and barometer.
In December 1950 the B&O purchased three Strata-dome sleeping cars from the C&O and after updating these virtually new cars that had never entered service for their original owner assigned them to the CAPITOL LIMITED and SHENANDOAH. These Budd built cars dated to August 1956. After purchase by the B&O before entering scheduled service the cars made a brief visit to Pullman for upgrading for sleeping car service. At the short end of the car forward of the dome on the main level was 5 roomettes. On the main level to the rear of the dome were 3 drawing rooms. Beneath the dome was a single bedroom, car attendants quarters and conductors office Upstairs the dome seated the usual 24.
The CAPITOL LIMITED received a pair of these Strata-domes one for each train set. The SHENANDOAH with a single car provided every other day Strata-dome service between Chicago and Washington. The B&O numbered and named each of the cars as follows: 7600 MOONLIGHT DOME originally C&O 1850 7601 STARLIGHT DOME originally C&O 1851 7602 SUNLIGHT DOME originally C&O 1852 The B&0 7600 MOONLIGHT DOME to the SHENANDOAH, while 7601 STARLIGHT DOME and 7602 SUNLIGHT DOME were assigned to the CAPITOL LIMITED. In 1952 all five domes were shopped and after having lights mounted on the right side roofs forward of the domes became the first and only dome cars that could light up the countryside at night. These floodlights were nothing more than locomotive headlights with each putting out 250 watts. They were mounted on the roofs at angles of 60, 70, 80 and 85 degrees from the cars centerline. A breaker was mounted ahead of the lights to protect them from hanging icicles in tunnels and at stations having overhead platforms. The lights were used outside of the major towns and turned off when passing through heavily populated areas.
The three Strata-dome sleeping cars were leased to the Atlantic Coast Line between December 1965 and April 1966. After return from the ACL the cars were leased to the Canadian National from May 1966 to March 1968. The CN assigned the three cars to service in the SUPER CONTINENTAL between Edmonton and Vancouver.
After return from the CN in March 1968 the B&O assigned the cars to the CAPITOL LIMITED until July 1968 when the three Strata-dome cars were once again leased out. This time they were leased to the Seaboard Coast Line who purchased the three domes in July 1969. During this period they operated in the FLORIDA SPECIAL during the winter season and SILVER METEOR at other times. In
Ruth, a frosty stein of Rheingold if you please and treats for the critters along with a small jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris. Slide the snacks down my way wudja!
Hey bossman, if you need someone to help out today, I didn't get an e-mail! Hope all's well. Did note that you got two fine "Theme Day" B&O posts out B4 departing.
For what it's worth: I've noticed lately that unless I use the REFRESH/RELOAD feature, I'm NOT getting the most current information when I log in. Seems some of you are experiencing that problem as well, At least it looks that way when reading the stuff being posted, appears that there's an absence of mention for the posts immediately before the ones being provided.
With some of the guys not being able to get the "tool bar," some others unable to view all of the pix; and yet others not seeing the most current stuff, there's definitely something screwy going on here on the forums.
G'day to CM3 I'm NOT Shane! and DL from the other side of the pond!
Let me provide a bit of support to the call for B&O material for our "Theme for the Day" . . .
B&O #5551 Sky Dome (from: www.trainweb.com)
B&O - 4-6-4 #2 First Run, B&O "The Royal Blue" 1935 (from: www.yesterdepot.com - photog: unknown)
B&O P7 4-6-2 President series "Cincinnatian" Pacific loco (courtesy: Cincinnati Railroad Club collection)
B&O book cover
B&O video
Gotta cut this a bit short, as I've got to get home in order to make ready for the evening's festivities over at the Emporium. The Mrs. and I have ringside front row seats! Should be a grand time at the most elegant theatre this side of Mentor Mountain! Nice touch with the searchlights! Made some of the track gang duck for cover. <grin> Hmmmmmmmmm
Hello Tom
Pint of bitter please. I look forward to reading about the B&O in today's theme day.
Lars - thanks for the book cover links - I could look them up on the web then and there are some good ones. The BR Mk 1 coach book looks like a definitive work. Some info on the trusty BR MK1 - a design that was started in the 1950s and the last examples were only withdrawn from regular service a year or so ago - is here
http://www.semg.org.uk/coach/brmk1_1.html
Rob - yes, it would be good if they could bring that stock back to the UK, but those UK saloons from Eisenhower's train were obviously donated to the USA to mark his work in our country in the run up to D-Day - and I guess they are also a good way of drawing attention to the fact that so many US troops and support staff (not to mention aircrew and navy people) were based here during those years, and good to see they are over in the US as far as I can see. So long as they can look after them it strikes me that this is a great place for them to be.
Eric - yes the diagrammatic maps were and are good, for obvious reasons.
Something that will be of interest to Pete is that the chap the map book is about (the author's father) went on to be head of publicity for the BR LMR - as such he commissioned diagrammatic maps if the whole LMR from the early 1950s onwards - there is a great map of the Rugby area for example, showing many lines that went on to be closed under Beeching. Shows at least 5 or 6 routes radiating from Rugby for example. It intrigues me to see such a modern method of presentation juxtaposed against lines I know are now long closed.
Pete - yes the Leander is, I think, the only Jubilee passed for main line use at the mo - but I don't see any tours scheduled for it to haul in 2007 yet. I use this link which gives the run down on all planned tours in the UK - worth book marking in case you need to compare it with any planned UK visit schedules you may have in your diary!
http://www.uksteam.info/tours/trs07.htm
This is a list of all scheduled charter trains that involve steam haulage on the main line in the UK - week by week, for those who may find the link unclear at first.
Chicago trip (Pete and Tom) will be a good one. Chicago is one of my favourite cities. I think there is a great diner just down the side of Union Station (Doug will know it I expect), and then of course a quick tour of the Loop on the L is a must if turn round time is available!
Now to learn all about the B&O (looks like a few of the posts have beaten mine up there so I'll scroll back over them)
All the best to all
DL
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
It's snowing here today and a lot colder than it has been for the past month or so.
My, my, I am sure some folks lost a chunk of $ on OSU last night; that was one ugly performance; I shut it off at halftime.
I have heard rumors that the Mentor Gazette Society page (aka police blotter) will have gavel to gavel coverage of the Mentor Theatuh's annual anniversary extravaganza. In fact, there may be a report from high atop Mighty Mt. Mentor.
Pete - Craig Mt. Lumber - I'll start looking around and see what I can find.
Rob - Thanks for the open car info.
Eric - Road foreman - at least you got away from the office every now and then. Power bureau jobs were always crazy, if only because of road failures, inspection problems, etc. Also "late trains always get later" which creates different problems as well. I remember that crews often preferred certain equipment to be on point, etc., etc.
B&O diner ad from back when.
B&O Is Famous for Its Good Meals
You'll enjoy a meal to remember as a highlight of your trip, for fine meals are a tradition on the B&O. They are prepared by skilled chefs and served in pleasant surroundings by courteous waiters at moderate prices.
Visit the Diner On Your Trip (4/61)
Enjoy These Modern Travel Pleasures
Go By Train - at Low Rail Fares
Comfort - Relax in reclining coach seats, Slumbercoaches or modern Pullmans
Convenience - Depart and arrive in the center of town - near hotels, business offices and stores
Dependability - Fine, fast dependable service...in all kinds of weather
Good Meals - Dining is a pleasure - selection of reasonably priced meals, a salad or a sandwich
Relaxation - Highway strain and hazards are avoided p and lunges offer a club-like spot for sociability
Our employees invite you to ride with us - and enjoy B&O's Courteous Service
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (4/61)
This last is a piece relating to long haul RDC trains on the B&O. NOTE: Have to keep our ‘steamed proprietor happy.
Daily Travel Bargain
On Trains 21-22
NOW You pay only one way fare for the round trip
Daylight Speedliner
Between Pittsburgh-Connellsville-Cumberland-Martinsburg-
Harpers Ferry-Washington-Baltimore
Soft reclining coach seats, adjustable arm and foot rests
Wide picture windows, controlled air conditioning
Refreshment-diner service, smooth diesel power
Train 21 departed Camden Station (Baltimore) at 9:40 a.m. and left Washington at 10:30 a.m. with a 1:28 p.m. departure from Cumberland. It left Connellsville at 3:32 p.m. with a 4:50 p.m. arrival at the B&O Station in Pittsburgh.
Train 22 left the B&O Station in Pittsburgh at 11:40 a.m. and departed Connellsville at 12:56 p.m. Departure from Cumberland was at 3:00 p.m. with a 6:10 p.m. departure from Washington and a 6:50 p.m. arrival at Camden Station (Baltimore).
The fine print in the B&O timetable mentioned that Pittsburgh had "...connecting service via P&LE/Erie-Lackawanna." The P&LE station was less than ½ mile from the B&O Station.
THEME for the DAY! - THEME for the DAY! first Posted on page 127 of the "original" ThreadHere's another Fallen Flag for the gang from Classic American Railroads:
Baltimore & Ohio (B&O)
Headquarters: Baltimore, MD Mileage in 1950: 10,000 Locomotives in 1963: Diesel: 491 Rolling stock in 1963: Freight cars - 59,152 Passenger cars - 654 Principal routes in 1950: Jersey City, NJ (New York)-Baltimore, MD-Pittsburgh, PA-Chicago Washington, DC-Point of Rocks, MD Cumberland, MD-Cincinnati, OH-St. Louis, MO Detroit, MI-Toledo, OH-Cincinnati Hamilton, OH-Beardstown, IL Pittsburgh-Buffalo & Rochester, NY Akron-Cleveland, OH Midland City, OH-Columbus, OH-Pittsburgh Passenger trains of note: Ambassador (Baltimore-Detroit) Capitol Limited (Jersey City-Washington-Chicago) Cincinnatian (Detroit-Cincinnati; later, Baltimore-Washington-Cincinnati) Columbian (Washington-Chicago) Diplomat (Jersey City-Washington-St. Louis) Metropolitan Special (Washington-St. Louis) National Limited (Jersey City-Washington-St. Louis) Royal Blue (Jersey City-Washington) Shenandoah (Jersey City-Washington-Chicago) Enjoy! Tom THEME for the DAY! - THEME for the DAY!
THEME for the DAY! - THEME for the DAY!
Now arriving on Track #2
RR THEME for the DAY - Number Ten
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad
first Posted on page 233 ("original" Thread)
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O)
Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources. Locale: New York City, New York via Baltimore, Maryland to Chicago, Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri Reporting marks: B&O Dates of operation: 1830 - 1963 Track gauge: 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) (standard gauge) The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) is one of the oldest railroads in the United States, with an original line from the port of Baltimore, Maryland west to the Ohio River at Wheeling, West Virginia and Parkersburg, West Virginia. It is now part of the CSX network, and includes the oldest operational railroad bridge in the world. The B&O also coincidentally included the Leiper Railroad, the first permanent railroad in the U.S. The railroad's former shops in Baltimore, including the Mt. Clare roundhouse, now house the B&O Railroad Museum. History Chapter 123 of the 1826 Session Laws of Maryland, passed February 28, 1827, and the state of Virginia on March 8, 1827, chartered the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road Company, with the task of building a railroad from the port of Baltimore, Maryland west to a suitable point on the Ohio River. The railroad, formally incorporated April 24, was intended to provide an alternative, faster, route for Midwestern goods to reach the East Coast than the seven-year-old, hugely successful, but slow Erie Canal across upstate New York. Construction began on July 4, 1828, and the first section, from Baltimore west to Ellicott's Mills (now known as Ellicott City), opened on May 24, 1830. Further extensions opened to Frederick (including the short Frederick Branch) December 1, 1831, Point of Rocks April 2, 1832, Sandy Hook December 1, 1834 (the connection to the Winchester and Potomac Railroad at Harpers Ferry opening in 1837), Martinsburg May 1842, Hancock June 1842, Cumberland November 5, 1842, Piedmont July 21, 1851, Fairmont June 22, 1852 and its terminus at Wheeling, West Virginia (then part of Virginia) on January 1, 1853. On July 20, 1877 there were bloody riots in Baltimore, Maryland from Baltimore and Ohio Railroad workers. Nine rail workers were killed at the hands of the Maryland militia. The next day workers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania staged a sympathy strike that was also met with an assault by the state militia; Pittsburgh then erupted into widespread rioting. The Pennsylvania Railroad acquired the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad in the early 1880s, cutting off the B&O's access to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The B&O chartered the Philadelphia Branch in Maryland and the Baltimore and Philadelphia Railroad in Delaware and Pennsylvania and built a parallel route, finished in 1886. The Baltimore Belt Railroad, opened in 1895, connected the main line to the Philadelphia Branch without the need for a car ferry across the Patapsco River, but the cost of its Howard Street Tunnel drove the B&O to bankruptcy in 1896. The Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad took control of the B&O in 1963, and incorporated it, along with the Western Maryland Railway, into the Chessie System in 1973. In 1980, the Chessie System merged with the Seaboard System Railroad to create CSX. In 1986, the B&O finally went out of existence when it formally merged with the C&O (which itself formally merged with CSX later that same year). At the height or railroading's golden age, the B&O was one of several trunk lines uniting the northeast quadrant of the United States into an industrial zone. It marked the southern border and corresponded to the New York Central's marking of the northern border. The Pennsy and the Erie railroads worked the center. The corners of this map are Baltimore in the southeast, Albany in the northeast, Chicago in the northwest, and St. Louis in the southwest. Early engineering When construction began on the B&O in the 1820s, railroad engineering was in its infancy. Unsure of exactly which materials would suffice, the B&O erred on the side of sturdiness and built many of its early structures of granite. Even the track bed to which iron strap rail was affixed consisted of the stone. Though the granite soon proved too unforgiving and expensive for track, most of the B&O's bridges have survived until the present, and many are still in active railroad use by CSX. Baltimore's Carrollton Viaduct, named in honor of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, is North America's oldest railroad bridge still in use. The Thomas Viaduct in Relay, Maryland was the longest bridge in the United States upon its completion in 1835, and remains in use as well. Branches Washington In 1831 a law was passed in Maryland, enabling the B&O to build its Washington Branch, connecting Baltimore to the national capital of Washington, D.C. This opened in 1835, and later served as a terminus for the Annapolis and Elk Ridge Railroad to Annapolis. Mount Airy Frederick The Frederick Branch was built as part of the original line, opening on December 1, 1831. The continuation of the main line from Frederick Junction opened April 2, 1832. Metropolitan The Metropolitan Branch was opened in the early 1870s. It leaves the District of Columbia and proceeds northwest through Montgomery County, joining the B&O main line at Point of Rocks. It serves as a bypass around Baltimore and is still in active use. Georgetown The line was operated in some manner from 1889 until 1985 when it was proposed for abandonment; it served basically as a minor freight spur carrying coal and building materials to local outlets in Chevy Chase, Bethesda and Georgetown. It was originally built with the intention of connecting to southern railroads to compete with the Pennsylvania Railroad's Long Bridge, but no bridge across the Potomac River was ever built. The abandoned right-of-way is now used as the Capital Crescent Trail. Trivia
Tuesday and a heavy schedule of "things to do, places to go and people to meet" for Moi. So, I'll make this brief!
Coffee's fresh ‘n hot; bakery goods are ready and our <light> ‘n <traditional> breakfasts are ready for servin'! <grin>
Good to see CM3 at 10:36 AM - DL at 12:17 PM - Lars at 3:24 PM - Pete at 5:40 PM - and Rob at 10:38 PM yesterday! Then Eric popped in for his nite-cap at 1:12 AM today! Good to have ya all on board and appreciate the ongoing dialogue ‘n Pix!
Those Pix of the Emporium are really from the St. Louis Fox Theatre. An elegant place to view live theatre these days after having undergone a massive restoration through private endeavors a few decades ago. Always enjoy going there!
Tonite's Gala at the Emporium should be a sure fire winner! All seats are "reserved" and I expect that the balcony will have more than a fair representation of the Mentor Village misfits (aka: customers of "Our" Place!). <grin> It's a black tie affair, so be sure to wash up, dress up ‘n show up! Festivities begin at 7 PM sharp.
Today is Tuesday Theme for the Day - Baltimore & Ohio! Stand by for some good stuff coming down the tracks . . .
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
Leon, I would like Steak and Bisquits tonight, please! Yes, the usual to drink. Thank you!
I agree with Rob, kind of slow today. But there is always something to read and learn!
Tom – We had a real nice day here in Phoenix today with sunshine and 75°. 77 tomorrow (Tuesday). The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre looks great! I wouldn’t mind seeing Von Ryan’s Express again!CM3 – The Power bureau job was, hmm, kind of fun. To be honest, I liked it but my stomach didn’t. I got my ulcer back after a year and went back to my job as a road foreman for another year before I got a technical job at the head office.
Yes, leaves can really create a lot of problems. In the fall when you are running a train and have to apply the brakes alittle bit and all the sounds from the track goes quiet you better release the brakes again right away. No fun at all. DL – I would say that railroad diagrammatic maps are very common today. Very clear and easy to read.
The summer is great in northern Sweden. Midnight sun and mosquitoes! In the winter the mosquitoes are gone but instead you have almost 24 hour darkness and a lot of snow!I have been running some test runs with the X2000 on that railroad in the winter but I have never been to Narvik. Lars – It has been quiet for a long time since we heard shooting from that apartment complex last time. But there are always idiots around. Yes, I am very much looking forward to my spring vacation this year! Pete – Yeah, I like that top picture, but don’t tell Doug! I never worked for BR. It was planned that I was going to UK and assist people from BR when they were going to install an ATC-system made in Sweden and used by the Swedish State Railways. But BR never got the money to buy that system so I never went. Nice pictures! I really will try to make it to Green Bay this year. Rob – Does your museum have any website? I would like to learn more about what kind of equipment and activities you have. I fully understand if you hesitate to run those old streetcars in wintertime.
Finally, a Classic sleeper in which I spent several nights:
Good evening Leon. Just a Keith's for me this evening. I'll leave some spare change for a round once the good stuff starts flowing tomorrow.Bit slower today but it is Monday and some of us were back at the ole grind .
Tom-The old Emporium looks as wonderfull as ever I love old theaters like that, we have a beauty here in Brantford called the Sanderson Centre, Great vnue for music and live acts opera you name it they do it.
Lars-I'm looking forward to a return to normacy around here for me ( whatever that means )I'm looking forward to the first new theme day of tthe year.The B&O should bring out some good info. I myself will try to dredge something up as well. it will be latter on in the evening though as I'm working the early swing tomorrow.
Eric-This year we did not run a Holly-Trolley night. The last few years have had so-so turn outs so we felt it might be better to give them a rest for a couple of years.December tends to be very busy for the public and the vollenteers.The last three yeasr we have given more emphasis to our Halloween night shows which keep getting busier !Thanks for solving the car dilema. Tom was right on it twaS A cHRYSLER PRODUCT
Pete-Interesting extra couple of pictures. That musuem is really something. Am I wrong in guessing that the one locomotive is The MallardThe xmas shows were fun , but as I said the crwds weren't worth the risks. people slipping on frosty track or the track even breaking ( our mainline is all "used" track , most is 100lbs but some is still 90Lbs.)Toast racks is a very apt name for an open car. There were several built in canada over the yeasr that featured raised stadium style seating, these were built from the get go as tour cars in downtown cores. Montreal calgary and Edmonton all operated those types. The four Montreal ones all still exist in museum's. Two at Delson, one a Warehouse Point Museum and the other at the Seashore Trolley Museum in Maine
CM3-Yes the LSR car is very similar to those beauties from the Connecticut RR. They had 12 of them all ran from downtown to Springbank park. #23 was actually rescued from Springbank park where it had resided for 40 yeasr as the Boys change room for the pool. Two other sisters made up a refreshment stand and the girls changeroom. We had hopped to save all three. In the end only 23 could be lifted intact, the other's had succombed to dry rot ( 23 wasn't great either )That was 1984. She first ran at the museum in 1998, not bad timmming concidering how major a project it was.
DL-Thanks for the link and the clarification on the Churchill car. Hopefully it may make it's way home at some point as well.
1st Anniversary of the GRAND Re-opening of
The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre The Lobby Views from the balcony Tomorrow night! : DOUBLE FEATURE: Von Ryan's Express (1965) starring Frank Sinatra & Trevor Howard - and - The Great Locomotive Chase (1956) starring Jeffrey Hunter, Fess Parker & Slim Pickens. And a "live" stage show in between features! Plan to be with us tomorrow night, as Mentor Village's Gentry mingles with the "balcony crowd" and Track Gangs at the newly refurbished Emporium! Tom
I'll join DL in a pint if Holt's Mild please RUTH and a round for a great photo day.
DOUG Enjoyed the last part of the Chicago area pics.It is sad to see the photos of the 'last run' of trains, like the one showing The Laker. I was sitting in the observation car of the Empire builder last week at the KC Union Station rail experience while a volunteer described the history of the car. Tom has a photo of the inside of the car. Good pics of the early Amtrak days and their RDCs.
The Packers ground is not too far from the NRM in Green Bay and I must admit we had our lunch in a restaurant in the stadium. DONT LOOK AT THE NEXT PIC..
JAMES Thanks for the pics. I agree that is a great bridge and the tower. They are called Signal Boxes in Britain. I see some are called Towers some Interlocking over here. I wonder what the difference is between the two.
ROB Real good to see the Trolley pictures from the Museum. I have missed them.
The open cars like #327 are known as 'Toast Racks' on the Isle of Man where they still run in the summer months on the Manx Electric Railway.I bet it is a great atmosphere during the "Holly Trolley" event with the cars running at night.
I am hoping that showing GG1s and PRR photos will make the boss forget how many beers I owe him.
ERIC. Hope you like the pic above
Thanks for the info on the locos at the Mid-Continent and Green Bay Museums in Wisconsin. It would be really good to hear of your times working with BR
Here are two more locos at Green Bay in their great exhibition hall
CM3 If you have some more info on the Heisler loco from the Craig MTN Lumber CO, it would be great. I guess the Heisler system was a rival to the SHAY..
DL. The semaphores on the Oban line attached to the wires to detect a rock fall were there after the line was converted to radio signalling but I am not sure if they are still there.
Very interesting info and a great link on the coaches left in the U.S. after the Scotsman tour. The coaches in Green Bay are two of Gresley's teak coaches and were used as a mobile control post during the war for General Eisenhower in Britain.These control coaches were stored away in quiet locations for many years after the war. I think in some cases until the 70s, when it was decided they was no need to hold them in reserve any more. I dare say it is these teak coaches that have be restored to their original condition and used on preserved lines.
I will check up on the Bachmann site to see about their Irish shops, thanks.
I well remember the Hornby CO-BO model I must admit I found it a strange choice to model at the time although I dare say they are worth a fair bit on the collectors market today .That is a great Hornby Master Cutler set. The loco in the set No 60052 Prince Palatine is the right loco for the Master Cutler at the time, as the train ran on the former Great Central line from Sheffield to London Marylebone. The loco was shedded at Leicester Central 38C and would have worked through Rugby on the GC line,it was before my time unfortunatly.
Glad you enjoyed the info on the Jubilee locos they were indeed great locos, they were common through Rugby with some being shedded there in there later years, although the Midland Main line Jubilees were very rare. Jubilee no. 5690 Leander is running on the main line,I had a trip behind her last June from Birmingham to York via Nuneaton, Leicester, Toton and the Old Road avoiding Sheffield station. I don't know what tours she is running this year but here is a link.
http://www.vintagetrains.co.uk/tlw_5690.htm
LARS Good to see you in., thanks for the kind words .
I,m afraid I agree with you about some of the 'sportsmen' and the unbelieveable money they get nowadays.
Looking forward to Tom and my railtrip to Chicago.We will have to try and stay out of the bar during the daylight hours .
TOM Yes it was a great photo day yesterday.
It looks like the weather may be more to Juneau's taste starting next weekend with a cold spell although they are not sure how much snow we are going to get around here yet.
I'm getting ready for the Emporium anniversary tomorrow with the live entertainment as well as the two films, it should be a
2007 BIRTHDAY WATCH LIST
(rev. Jan 8th)
January 14th (Eric - 64)
March 5th (Nick - 47)
March 13th (Doug - 51)
March 31st (Lars - 67)
May 18th (Tom - 69)
August 11th (Pete - 56)
September 8th (Rob - 36)
October 18th (BK - 67)
December 29th (CM3 - 61)
Not on the list Send me an Email with your birth date (month-day-year) Corrections too! I'll ensure that Doug gets the "word" . . . .
Tom (Siberianmo)
Proprietor of "Our" Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!
Ruth, I'm ready for a tankard of Keiths Ale, a Larsman special (ham ‘n Swiss, buttAH ‘n mustAHd ‘n two large pickles from the barrel) along with treats for the critters and of course a small jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris!
New York City is now without an entry in the next round of the NFL playoffs as the Jets ‘n Jints bit the dust. I really expected the Patriots to win their game, but honestly believed we could overcome the Eagles. Not to be. What a huge disappointment this season has been for those of us who have followed the Giants from the Polo Grounds to Yankee Stadium to the Meadowlands. Bothers me to no end to think about the extraordinary measures it must take to MOTIVATE bizillionaire atheletes with the world by the short hairs. Can you imagine Sickening, just sickening. Well, they're gone and my "prophecy" came true - Eagles in without the "trouble maker," Cowboys out "with the troublemaker." About the only thing that brings a smile to my face! Now, let's go Chicago. I see it as the Bears vs Chargers and I really think the Chicago guys can win it all in February.
A rather nice Sunday as Tom said with all sorts of info from the stalwarts of "Our" Place. I too echo the sentiments of Rob ‘n Tom directed to Doug, ,you most certainly outdid yourself yesterday! A gold-star 5- Salute to you, Sir!
Truly just like reading a book! <grin>
DL, here are the titles of the book covers I provided:
The Last Years of British Rail - 1980-84 by John Stretton
British Rail - Northern Scene - A 1970s Railway Album by Andy Sparks
British Rail - 1974 - 97 - From Integration to Privatisation by Terry Gourvish
British Railways Mark 1 Coaches by Keith Parkin
British Railways Brakevans and Ballast Ploughs by Eric Gent
Brunel's Cornish Viaducts by John Binding
Highland Railway Liveries by Howard Geddes & Eddie Bellass
Sorry that they wouldn't "load" for you. What do you suppose the hang-up is? I'll have to remember to spell these things out in the future so you aren't left in the dark.
Eric, sounds like quite the itinerary you've got carved out for yourself this spring. BettAH take cover from whatever in the world is going on in your area. Gun shots in residential areas sounds more like the middle east than Phoenix! I should "taWk" - this is New York City - blam, blam, blam! <gotcha>
Nice work from our somewhat wayward Bar Chandler, Rob! You really have come back in fine fashion and I hope it's for keeps. Hate to be such a stickler about things like PAY, but if you can't be here for our Thursday, Friday ‘n Saturday events, well . . . . that equates to little or no pay. <grin>
Good to see Pete around on Sunday for it isn't quite the same without our resident Brit on board! Hope you ‘n the Cap'n have a great trip to Chicago and back. Sounds like all kinds of fun and from what Tom passed to me via Email, the Texas Eagle for the return should be TERRIFIC! Be sure to sit in the sightseer lounge and not down below in the bar! <grin>
Really liked those trolley shots AND the appearance over on Tom's other thread! Looks as if it is staying alive thanks to some of the guys from here. Also, have you noticed that the "old" Thread has disappeared from page one Yup, finally got pushed off, largely by all of those posts for toy and model trains. I don't understand what is so confusing about the Classic Trains forum to some people. Guess they don't understand the correlation between the Kalmbach magazines and the respective forums. Then again, my bet is a huge number of those frequenting these forums probably don't buy the magazines. But that's another story and not my problem.
Nice to see CM3 I'm NOT Shane! on board today. Always miss our WVA friend and enjoy the banter from the hills.
TOMORROW's theme is the Baltimore & Ohio. Let's make this a winnAH by finding something to contribute!
One more, Ruth, then I'm gone . . .
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