Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Warm and rainy here today (53 degrees when the K9 Korps emerged from the kitchen and hit the backyard.) Gas is still at $2.33 when I visited my local truck stop this a.m. on the way to work to pick up the Daily Whizbang (aka USA Today). Must be ships in Norfolk as there were many trucks with shipping containers in the yard today when I stopped.
Lars - Checked in with his daily notes and comments; we'd better be lighting a candle or two for our Gints.
Rob - Appeared with comments and historical material. Mentor, OH - Know it well.
Al visited? Wow!
DSL - Thanks for the trip report
Last (but not least) our ‘Steamed Proprietor is with us! Excellent!
Pete raised a couple of questions which I'll try and address. Engines were changed back in the day.
Power tended to congregate in certain locations. GE power was handled at one location, for example, and EMD at another. The road that our ‘steamed proprietor will not let us mention here, in fact, assigned locomotives to certain terminals, dictated to some extent by the service in which they were used and by the builder. If you had shop queens or orphan units, they were in many cases assigned to one spot so they could be worked on by folks knowledgeable about them.
In the 60s (maybe a bit earlier for that matter), the Burlington started run-through power. Later, different railroads entered into agreements which allowed power to venture off-line. I remember this well on the L&N seeing Missouri Pacific power (and cabs) on freights. One of my favorite pictures is one I shot of a Chessie-painted U-boat followed by a Conrail GE engine on a westbound mty train on the former C&O.
Current practice now is to run power, say from Wyoming coalfields, to power plants in Michigan. A trip along what used to be the New York Central mainline between Cleveland and Buffalo will turn up an amazing variety of foreign power and leased units. Santa Fe in Buffalo, and Union Pacific in Boston; why not? IOW, it's a lot more flexible than before.
That being said, sometimes you will see, for example on CSX, a CSX locomotive on point. This happens for a variety of reasons, in many cases, however, it is because of certain types of signaling equipment or safety devices.
DL had a comment re named freight trains. There were quite a few on U.S. railroads; many of them informal and unprintable. Here are a few that I always liked. "Speed With" (New Haven); "Overnight" (SP); "Buffalo Boxcar" (PRR). One of my favorite informal names was the so-called "Midnight Horror" also on the New Haven.
Last to DL - Thanks for the trip report.
Work safe
Hello Tom
This response is for Pete re earlier query, first of all Pete will you join me in a pint of mild of your choice whilst I outline what we shall call the 'Irish Question'
Called into the model shop here (which is a real great shop, not really a toy shop) anmd asked the chap - he said Bachmann models had at one time done a 00 gauge SR N class in Irish Livery (apparently these locos were shipped from UK in kits of parts to the Republic back in the day) they did soem coaches to match this and sold the thing as a boxed set, no longer in production). he knew of no other irish outline stuff, suggesting the market there was too small to sustain the market and that modellers probably relied on scratch building.
Seems a shame to me, esp since even for modern image outline BR Mk2 and Mk 3 coaches in CIE livery would, you migth think, have a market over there.
I don't know much about Irish railways but pics I have seen show some pretty weird and wonderful designs used over there. I know the more recent GM built locos they use there have a following. I think recently they have bought spanish manufactured designs, which is a shame for the UK industry.
Perhaps some of this Bachmann stuff is available second hand on e-bay?
Hope this helps at least clarify why you did not find much on the web
Regards
DL
foto credit: www.viarail.ca
G'day Gents!
Happy Friday to one and all - been a tough 4-day work week for some, eh <grin> Why not join us this morning for a great start-up from the Menu Board featuring <light> and <traditional> breakfasts. A selection or three from The Mentor Village Bakery case and a mug of freshly ground ‘n brewed "Our" Place special blend just to round it all out.
SPECIAL NOTE for passengerfan Al: Send me an Email through the Forums, PLEASE!
Looks like I'm back to my regular schedule, whatever THAT happens to be, but for now, Larsman, you may stand down! <grin> Many THANX for taking the helm in my absence; much appreciated!
The talk in these parts, through the local newspaper (aka: bird cage liner) is that the Super Bowl finalists will be the Bears vs Ravens with Baltimore winning (2 out of 5 "experts" see it that way) whereas another has it the Saints vs Chargers with San Diego winning and two others see it as the Eagles vs Chargers with San Diego winning. Go figger! <grin> I'm in the "who cares?" department. Let's go Cardinals (baseball variety)! Actually, I'm an NFC kinda guy and hope the Bears pull it off - I like the coach.
On to the acknowledgments:
Lars at 3:15 PM yesterday: Still smiling over that remark you made regarding the Zephyrettes and the Gals of "Our" Place - nicely put! Walkers, indeed! <grin>
Been thinking about some of your commentary these past few days and it occurs to me that you have hit on something we should seriously take to heart. The healthy continuation of this cyber bar depends upon dependable people. We've had so many long term absences and days of veritable quiet, that we surely need to seek out some "new blood." I like the idea of each of us finding at least one customer to add to our number for 2007. That's an objective we could reach if the guys take it to heart.
My hope is to get us to our April 12th Anniversary date and of course the May Rendevzous. Right now that's where my sights are set.
And yes, I noted the visit from "Blackie" over on "my other Thread." Let's see how it works out and perhaps we'll get him to stop by "Our" Place.
Rob at 4:35 PM & 5:04 PM yesterday: You are BAAAAAAACK with a tool bar! You must share the 'secret' with us - what did you do???????
Okay, it's a matter of record - you owe me at least a "few' BLUES! I'll take ‘em aboard a rolling train anywhere anytime!
Did I mistakenly refer to the Es as Fs or were there perhaps one or more of either I'll yield to the "master" on this. Alcos (PAs) for me too, although I must say that matched E8As "do it" for me too! Then there's the GG1, and . . . . <grin
Your Classic Juice #38 certainly is an "eye opener" on yet another facet of the "classics" that I never knew existed. Nicely done!
Pete at 5:05 PM yesterday: I'd NEVER have come up with the answer to your "quiz' question. Methinks you and barndad Doug are in "cahoots" to bend our collective minds! <grin>
Norse night at the Saloon by the Siding is a good idea. We can have the Gals of "Our" Place all decked out in their Viking outfits (from Victor's not-so-Secret, of course!) All we need is some authoritive input from our Scandinavian friends.
Al at 6:48 PM yesterday: If you were 30 years younger, I'd hope you'd have better sense than to run off with a ‘puter geek! <grin> PLEASE send me an Email via the Forums, I want to resume comms with you. Have some ‘things' you need to know.
For the benefit of the guys who are relatively new ‘round here, passengerfan Al is one of the "Charter Members" of this bar. Translated: he Posted on the first day we opened back on April 12th 2005. The other remaining Charter Member is trolleyboy Rob.
James at 8:51 PM yesterday:
DL: appears as if the "pending" matters have been addressed, other than the observation dome question. Those cars were indeed of Budd manufacture and design. So perhaps the "fin" was specific to the Zephyr. My guess is that the major railroads of the day all incorporated their peculiarities in order to make their cars a bit more distinctive. Again, I'll yield to the "experts," of which passengerfan Al is certainly one of when it comes to this subject.
Thanx for the California Zephyr link - it's been "bookmarked." Also enjoyed the others you provided.
Sorry to cut this short, however, some "things" have cropped up that require attending to - be back before noon!
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
Tom
Hello Tom and all in
Thanks for the welcome back from all of you, appreciated. Can I have a light breakfast today please, with grapefruit juice.
Just a few catch ups on recent posts first of all.
Tom, yes, I'd looked through the stuff at the end of the old thread, interesting posts as usual, sorry to muddle up the forum manager with the web develop manager, but yes I see the difference.
CM3 - thanks for the Blue Streak info - sounds like a good freight train. There is not much tradition of naming freight trains here in the UK, although a famous one was the ‘Condor' - which was named after a shortened version of ‘Container Transport Door to Door', which ran overnight between London and Scotland as an express freight. Pete will know of this train I'm sure.
Lars, snow in Denver - explains the situation. Interesting to read of your mention of travelling on the ‘real' C Zephyr - can I tempt you to post some memories of that trip some time?
Thanks to those of you who commented on that Zephyr link (James and Pete), yes the pics are slow to load. I think it is great site, with a wealth of info on it, seems strange to me that whoever ‘owns it' seems to have left it be with no updates going on. Well worth a look though.
Rob, nice classic juice contrib.
Pete - can't see your pics at all at the mo (in fact only pics I can see are those posted by Eric, so keep posting them Eric!) - I just get a blank space in the message, but I think the problem is my end. As a consequence I can't do any loco guess work so you'd better reveal all!
Fred Dibnah book is rather interesting, the biog is written by the film maker who did all the series screened in recent years, which more or less culminated with one last autumn called ‘Fred Dibnah's steam, steel and stone' - which seemed like basically a tribute series using material filmed previously but not in previous progs, then with contributions from various (fairly important) people, like head of collections at V&A museum, head of historic buildings at English Heritage (the govt conservation body, a bit like US National Parks Service but for buildings) etc, talking about the important role Dibnah had played in terms of bringing an interest in steam and engineering and historic construction etc to a wider audience than just enthusiasts, but doing so in a way that enthusiasts would also not feel was dumbed down.
Mind you, the bit of the book about his struggle with Cancer is pretty grim, and certainly would encourage you to keep off the ciggies or take up any other steps to avoid the big ‘C'.
Irish Outline stuff - interesting question - I don't know, but there is a superb model shop just round the corner from me and I'll pop in an ask them. Presumably it was steam outline Irish stuff as opposed to Modern outline you were most interested in?
Al - good to make your acquaintance, as someone who has become a regular in your absence I should introduce myself as DL from the UK, so I'm coming from across the pond, but have been a regular visitor to North America and admire the steel wheels from that side of the pond. I'm a subscriber to Classic Trains, but learn as much if not more from this thread, thanks, of course, to the regulars, who have given me a warm welcome since I first stumbled across one of Tom's threads where he kindly gave me some great info to help me with a planned VIA trip last autumn!
Now for the Swanage Trip report
Got down there for the week by road, but first day there was able to go to the Swanage Steam Railway preserved station in the town (it is right in the centre of this small English Seaside Town, so very convenient) and took a return trip to a village called Corfe Castle (about 4 miles each way), where there is the ruin of a medieval castle. Must be one of the most picturesque villages in England (a hotly contested title I know, but those without steam train service are automatically discounted in my view so the competition is more limited!).
Explored the village with my 3 friends who then wanted to get back to our accommodation, but darkness was falling and there was still another round trip to be had, so I asked the guard and he let me take a further round trip for free on the last train of the day, and it is great to be behind steam after dark with the glow from the engine fire box lighting the night sky.
They had a ‘one engine in steam' operation during the week we were there, and pictures of it are here on New Years Day (some interesting info about the last day before BR closed the line here too, which was 35 years ago to the day)
http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/news337.htm
More info about the loco class is here - it was a 2-6-4 BR standard class 4 tank locomotive, built in 1955 at Brighton Locomotive works
http://www.80072.co.uk/And%20Suckling%20article.htm
It will look quite small by US standards, but I have a fondness for this design as I had a model of one as a child, and it was built in the loco works of the town near where I grew up, Brighton.
Some good clear pictures of this design are on this site here too:
http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/locos/80151/index.html
The good thing about the Swanage railway is that the station is in the town and also serves as a bus station, that means it has public access all the time and you can just call in to watch the trains any day they are operating, by just walking on to the platform at the main station in the town - simple as that, don't even need to buy a platform ticket. The stations are restored to classic era 1950s/1960s style.
People may recall also from prev posts that this road is fundraising to return a UK Pullman observation car that had ended up in San Francisco - well I asked about that and it turns out they still need about £15 k to pay for the shipping costs. They also want to bring back a stowage van used to move the coffin of Sir Winston Churchill to his final resting place, which has ended up in Los Angeles. More info on this is here for those interested.
http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/news319.htm
All in all a good trip, with some great winter steam. Only small down side is that they seem to store their out of use engines and carriages at some place on the line where you can't really visit, so I know they have other interesting things to see there, but since they were not operational at the time of my visit I could not see where they were.
Visit also complemented by drinking the excellent beers of the local Dorset Brewery ‘Ringwood' at a number of local pubs (none of which had 12 TV screens I can re-assure you)!
Cheerio
Special for passengerfan Al:
Send me an Email via the Forums - I need to resume comms with you.
Thanx,
G-day Tom and all present.
Leon- set me up for the special tonight, with a coffee please.
Eric- A good find there in Arizona. Especially a Zephyr trailing car. Good pic
We do have lens for the dwarf Semaphore but, Tim took them out so that they wouldn't get stolen. We have people walk around the museum and we don't want some of the rail buffs to "accidently" take them, if you know what I mean.
Rob- Well I am glad I could get you to think about what was going on with the T.E. Some of those problems would make me go crazy.
About the semaphore. I would think that there would be a green and red lens in there but there might have been a white and red lens for a restricting signal but thats a question for y friend Tim. I always like to read your Classical juice articles. Good read. thanks.
Tom- I like the elk behind the Via rail passenger train. I suppose you would see a lot of those in the mountains up there. Nice shot!
Glad you liked the small accident around the layout. Someone wasn't watching what was going on when the caboose picked the switch and derail 20 feet ahead. But the wrecking crew got out right away and cleaned the mess up in an hour.
Pete- Glad you liked the article on T.E. It was interesting "trying" to figure out some of the mathematical eqautions. The layout at the K.C. union station is quite impressive. I think by just looking at it, that it's S gauage trains, correct?
BTW" The wig wags were used at grade crossings. That was quite a few years ago. They also had Griswald signals too.
Doug- I'm also glad that you liked the T.E. article, and no I didn't mean to hurt your brain.
Good article on the Big dropper. That is one big coal car. Do you thnk it would fit in a rotary dumper?
BTW- I give your joke on the first a page a 4.
Mike- It was sad to hear of her death but things happen that can't be stopped. This was one of them.
Anyway, Good link on the Swedish trains. Do know what they're hauling? To me it looks like Iron Ore cars but I might be wrong.
Lars- A nice set of pics from you. I really liked the Class 73 EMU high speed passenger train. That is an impressive looking train. Do you know what its top speed is? Also liked the picture of the Cresent. Nice pic.
CM3- I liked you little quote to me, "A physics lesson." I suppose the crew learned something new.
DL- Thanks for the link on the California Zephyr. Enjoyed it.
I also liked the link to the Dublo model trains. I am seeing more of the newer steam engines like this, with the realistic steam, in many of the hobby shops. The detail on the steamer is amazing. They run so quite and smoke up a storm. They're really nice looking.
Happy railroading
James
Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang. This is my first message from home in some months. Puter Tech just left if I was thirty years younger I would marry her. She saw all of my train Library and turns out her grandfather was a SP engineer for over forty years. Set up around for the regulars on me and will get back to being a regular myself from now on.
TTFN Al
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Holdens Bitter and can you put me down for some Fish 'N' Chips please RUTH.
JAMES Shame about the de-railment, but that is a good crane to sort it out. Thanks for the pics of the signals, the wig wag signal is very interesting. I see ERIC has posted another pic of a wig wag. I wonder where these signals were used.
Thanks Eric for the link to the loco, were there locos of the same design but smaller, working at the Norvik mines.
CM3 Great to see you back. Interesting part on the rostering of certain locomotives to the different type of frieght train.I have often wondered if the larger locos, say on Union Pacific, are allocated to a depot or do they run over the whole system and get maintenance at a depot they are nearest to when the examination is due. I suppose on a intermodel train from California to the East Coast, or a coal train from Wyoming the trains must be re-engined several times during the journey.
DL Great to see you back as well. Thanks for the link to the California Zephyr, but I will have to go back to it as the computer is being real slow in enlarging the pictures at the moment.
Looking forward to the Swanage report and I was told that the fog in England was as bad as it used to get in the 50s and 60s. I have got the railwaymans fog story on the word proceessor but having a problem pasting it at the moment, not a good day on the puter.
Thanks for the model railway gauge info. The pic on my first post yesterday is of the Irish loco after the derailment luckily there was not too much damage, it seems a tough little loco. the cause of the wreck was a combination of poor track, a coupling coming loose and the driver not paying attention.If the pic of the Irish loco enlarges would you like to have a guess at what the other two BR loco models are.
Maybe you could help me on another modelling problem. Do you know if there is a company in the UK who do Irish engines or coaches etc in ready to run in HO scale. I have looked on the net but with no luck.
They are three great books you got. I got The Age Of Steam book by Fred Dibnah as a present in 2003. Do they show his great TV programmes over there still, he had a great passion for steam and it was a sad to hear of his passing in 2004.
LARS Good to know Ruth is in safe hands while the boss is away.
The answer to the Manchester United question, (" The Most Popular football club in the World", according to their web-site). When they were formed in 1878 they went by the name of Newton Heath F.C. and were made up from the railwaymen at the Newton Heath locomotive depot of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway. The depot is situated about 2 miles North East of Manchester Victoria station. They changed the name to Manchester United in 1902.
TOM Seems it is my turn for computer probs, there is something up with the e-mail again, it as got stuck with an incoming message.
I have asked DL to have a go at guessing the locos and then I will reveal the answer. As soon as Lars or Eric tell us about a Norse bar do you think we can have a Norse night at Our Place.
I did hear that there is to be some more track work on the line between St Louis and Kansas City starting in April again this year with busses being used . Perhaps when it is all done they will put the train back to the original schedule, I hope so. On the new schedule, although I have only seen the train a couple of times it seems to be doing much better keeping to time, at least on the westbound direction.
Well I'll have another RUTH and let me get a round in before the Fish 'N ' Chips then I will try to sort the e-mail prob out.
Pete.
CLASSIC JUICE #38 THE NICOLS-LINTERN A JUICE TECH STORY
Okay a new thread a new continuing story from the "classic" achives,actually this story is as written by our museum's master mechanic Gord McQuat a master of everything electrical and the guru of the technical from our musuem's volenteers.
The Nichols-Lintern company emerged in 1892, being founded by one William Lintern.Shortly thereafter, the company incorporated and for many years supplied steam road and electric railway equipment,ranging from sanders and ventilators to streetcar taillights.Today based in Mentor, Ohio ( gotta love that name eh Tom ) the lintern company is a leading manufacurer of severe duty air conditioners.They also offer a line of traffic signals and industrial signal lights.
The two lamp devise I'm speaking of was manufactured in Canada under license, by Dominion Steel Foundries of Toronto and was used on city streetcars throughout Canada, and to a lessor degree in the USA.The TTC made extensive use of this type of tailight on the majority of it's cars and on most of their work equipment.The former "TR" wooden streetcars sent to Ouebec City Ottawa and Fort william by the TTC during WW2 caried this eqiuipment to those roads and several other Canadian systems also made wide spread use of them, notably the NS&T,Hamilton Street Railway,Ottawa Elelctric railway, and the "80" series Witt cars on the Edmonton Radial Railway.
The primary function of the two lamp "NL" taillight, was to give following streetcarsan indication as to the movement of the streetcar ahead throuhg a display of red and green lights.This was found to assist in maintaining headways and reducing accidents.
The unit consisted of two cast portions. The back housing contained to hexagonal,medium base,lamp holders and was nstalled aprtially recessed, in a rectangular cutout in the cars dasherboard. The outer portion was sloped at the top toshed snow and sleet,normally they contained two Corning four inch diameter optical glass lens red on the right green on the left.Some were convex some were flat depending on when they were made.
The TTC did have some varients, notably on the 409-416 series suburban cars ( 416 currently undergoing full restoration at the museum )these cars were obtained from the Hydro-Electric Power Commision and being double ended and having Westinghouse Electric HL controls, with type 806 switch groups, they featured the standard two lamp fixture on each end,in later yeasr these were changed to double red lights.Both lamps lit to the rear of the car when the reverser was thrown. Normal usage of the lights on the TTC's Witt's and TR cars had the lights only on the rear as they were both single ended cars.When the brakes are engaged the red light is on, when the car is in motion the green light displays. On the 409's with them being double ended tthe aspects were both red for braking as once the cars reached the end of their runs, the operator would change ends and change poles and head back from whence he came so double red for braking was all te aspect they needed to display.
Rob
Well joy and bliss Ruth, tis I the trolleyman er bor er well you know what the heck I mean.What to wondering eyes should appear ..... but a forum tool bar and all it's inherent things and formats and well you gus know what i'm driving at. I did get a response from the forum gurus and they were looking into things so I would say that from the looks of things I'm back in business. So Ruth a round on me and I'll pre-order some of H&H's halibut supprise ( yes my insurance is paid up Boris )
Lars-I'm glad to see things worked out as well for your day two as the bars oppening guy for the help you've given da bossman.It was actually nice to be on the same page and time as you for a change, wierd though, I can't always be the "count". Loved the E's from yestreday, not my most favourite Classic passenger power , but a third place after PA's and C-liners. i know Tom will dispute me on my choice , but I'm and Alcophile to the end LOL.I think it is a noble challenge to drag in some newcommers kicking and screaming, a worthwile bar resolution to be sure.
Tom-Yes i still owe you a blue or two, we just needs to do that Agawa canyon triphopefully alls well with you now that you've gotten your million mile check up
James-Some fine photo's of both the real and sureal of tthe railroading I would think that it would be a red and green lens, if there were three you would have an amber as well. I imagine tough that since it is a dwarf signal it would just be a two aspect absolute stop and absolute go. Though I'm hardly an expert.We have a sometimes functioning Wig wag at the museum and a functional sempahore mounted on the roof edge of our Rockwood station.
Eric-No sweat you can't no all things about all railways,loved the extra wigwag shot sir I have to aggree with you and Tom though what an awfull paint scheme the x200 now has Reminds me of the awfull "tempo" train paint job CN used in the 70's right before the VIA rail takeover,it was something certainly to be forgotten ( and was )Mind you the coaches still soldier on for the Ontario Northland albiet rebuilt as intercity cars ( recieved better suspension )
DL-Good to have you back. I'd have to say that our little band is now complete
CM3-Ah some subsatnce from the coal feilds. To fine post today to be sure.For some unkonw reason I've always been anamoured with ore jenny's speacifially the CN / ONR barrel type ones. Most of which are now long gone or been converted to sand cars or scale test units.great additional wisdom on the TE of locomotives as well. A calculation indeed vital to the mountain dwelling roads of your backwoods.
Pete-Nice to see you in a couple times last evening as well. fine fine shots of KC Union, it's grand hall strikes me as similar to toronto's Union station, if not in design ,in it's breadth and scope.Two truly grand old railway edifaces, oh and the layout wasn't bad either
G'day Cap'n Tom & fellow travelers at the bar!
Hey Tom! Check out "your other thread" - there's an interesting post that I know you'll enjoy!
Nice one from DL and let me add my back to the bar! We missed ya, but you proababy knew that already! What happened in Denver you asked Snow, snow and more snow with quite a bit of ice thrown in. Just crippled the transportation industry - but the trains rolled along.
Couldn't agree more with what you said (pretty much along the lines of what Tom & I said some pages back on the "original" site). People gripe & complain & moan & groan about the rail system, but hardly lift a finger to say or do anything to support 'em. Just ticks me off to the "inth." <grrrrr>
DL, you apparently haven't taken a good look at the gals who work at "Our" Place (info provided on many past pages). For once captured by their radiance, you'd not be looking at those Zephyrettes from decades past! Anyway, methinks THOSE gals are using walkers these days! makes 'em far easier to catch up with, but . . . <grin>
I'm uncertain regarding whether those Zephyr obs domes are indeed different from the Canadian versions. Budd made 'em, at least I'm fairly sure they did. Perhaps a design difference here or there, but the interiors are very much the same. I traveled 'em way back when there was a "real" California Zephyr.
Maybe Tom or another of our resident 'experts' can help us here. I KNOW that if 20 Fingers Al still sailed these waters he'd jump right in. BUT, he's having 'puter problems dontchano! <grin>
Enjoyed the links you provided!
Ruth, make it a JD on the rocks then I'm outta here for this day . . .
Until the next time!
Lars
Once again, many THANX to Manager Lars for taking care of business this morning; much appreciated! Appreciate the "well wishes" by Email . . . . ‘nuf said.
Appears as if we're beginning to see a bit more activity ‘round the Saloon by the Siding with the return of CM3 and DL to the gathering.
Time to catch up on the acknowledgments since my last narrative:
Rob at 4:25 PM yesterday: Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained, eh It was worth a try - but alas, formatting nightmare continues for our Ontario Connection. Good to see ya in spite of it!
Somewhere in my "think tank" there is this unpaid debt and it has to do with BLUE and YOU! Perhaps another time and place, eh
Isn't that VIA Rail Pix the absolute BEST of the bunch Really one special photo and something I'd like to find in a much larger format - suitable for framing of course!
Lars at 4:51 PM yesterday: We made it to PAGE TWO! <grin> In comparison to the "frenzy" of activity going on elsewhere, we're kinda like the tortoise and the hare - but we'll get there just the same, eh Quality of quantity is the rule of thumb ‘round these parts!
Fine "F units" and they all enlarged for Moi. Interesting selection of road names too. Thought perhaps we'd get something going on the "Texas Special" and Lehigh Valley.
Comments regarding our wandering friend, Nick brings to mind that he'll pop up again and resume his place at the bar as if he's never left. Isn't that the mark of a true friendship One doesn't always have to be "in the hip pocket" of another in order to maintain a relationship. Nick reminds us all of just what it is to have other interests and to be human at the same time. Wherever you are, the welcome mat is out for ya here at the Bar by the Ballast!
Pete at 5:40 PM & 6:08 PM yesterday: Nicely done, as always, Wolfman! Some "teasers" in the form of Pix for us along with that table top "layout" of yours. Still awaiting the details on those two ‘display' locos . . .
A Norseman Bar, eh Figured the Larsman or Eric would come up with something to describe what might be found behind the doors of such a place. Conjurs up images for me of rather large, loud and somewhat hairy guys drinking, eating and carousing with the best of ‘em - all in the name of "fun" of course! <grin> Just a bit like "Our" Place on a festive Friday or Saturday night!
Got a kick out of your comments on the "English bar." Yes, I've found those kinds of places to be huge disappointments, especially if one has actually visited the real thing in whatever country name is being "used' to entice customers. Can you imagine how many people there are who actually believe that what they've experienced in the "English bar" is reality KInda reminds me of my first visit to one of the "Outback Steak" restaurants. The guy who waited on us was as far away from being an Aussie as I am from resembling someone from Japan. Yet there are scores of people who "dig" that kinda stuff and pay dearly for the experience. It goes on and on . . .
I surely hope that Amtrak changes the times back to where they were insofar as the "turn around" in KCity is concerned. Makes the return trip for me a rather late arrival and puts the damper on future round trips to KC for Moi. However, the visit to Union Station IS something anyone with an appreciation for the railroad stations of old to take in. A mighty fine restoration job.
James at 9:27 PM yesterday: Interesting semaphore Pix along with the layout shots. Agree that the derailment situation makes for an interesting layout scene. Appreciate the effort to keep the Toy ‘n Model Trains Day! (OPTIONAL) going here at the bar . . . .
Eric at 11:53 PM yesterday: Another chock full o' info Post from our resident desert Swede! You really came through in the clutch with the descriptions for the fine Norwegian train Pix provided by the Larsman. Now that's a tandem operation we haven't seen in awhile ‘round these parts! Nice to experience that effect here at the bar . . .
WHY IN THE WORLD would "they" change the livery of the X2000 to something as ‘drab' as seen in that URL Awful, simply awful. Glad you let ‘em have it by mail. If you don't tell ‘em, they'll not know anyone gives a Rat's Patoot! Although my guess is that the Aficionados out there have done more than whimper about it.
Lars at 8:05 AM & 11:10 AM today: Another fine effort in helping to keep this going in my absence! Many, many THANX, I'm appreciative that you answered "the call." Actually with so many guys being in varying states of absence an
Good Afternoon Barkeep and All Present; Coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the Jukebox.
There most certainly was a Blue Streak Merchandise. It was the pride of the St. Louis Southwestern (Cotton Belt), part of the Southern Pacific. To give you an idea of how fast it was, it offered two-day service from St. Louis to Los Angeles.
Fred Frailey's book Blue Streak Merchandise: 6 Decades of the Great American Freight Train is a full-length study of this operation. It is o/p, but available from Amazon at a relatively reasonable price.
SSW boxcars were painted to promote Blue Streak service; I have several models of SSW cars with the Blue Streak slogan in my collection.
IIRC, Blue Streak service still operates today, albeit under different ownership. Barkeep, three fingers of the good stuff for a toast to the Cotton Belt! Yo're getting me all nostalgic....
work safe
Hello All
Good to be back in the new bar - seems like the same place to me. Assuming the cellar stocks are on good form I'll have a pint of Ringwood Bitter.
Just to catch up on the old 2006 posts and make a few comments on the 2007 ones.
Eric - thanks for your contribution on the Silver Princess Budd car for the UK - as you say it must have been specially contracted to match the UK loading gauge. You mentioned Denver airport - and people switching to Amtrak, then moaning about a 27 hour journey - I can't think of anything better myself, 27 hours of pure pleasure! What was wrong in Denver? Why do people think that getting somewhere fast is important? Often when you get there it's pretty disappointing after all!
Nice pics of the California Zephyr observation dome, with that tail fin it is slightly different from the Via Rail Budd observation cars - anyone got any comments on this?
Anyway, gives me a perfect excuse to post this link on the California Zephyr:
http://calzephyr.railfan.net/
Does not seem to have been updated recently but has some fantastic pics in the Image Gallery and the info and memories of The Zephyrettes is really good - Tom, could we recruit some Zephyrettes to work a few shifts at Our Place do you think?
The scanned pictures of postcards from the trip are also great - take a look:
http://calzephyr.railfan.net/czpc.html
Very much a classic era website I think you will agree.
I mentioned the fog in the UK, and yes rail stepped into the breach, but I noted the industry failed to capitalise on the advantage this gave them, pointing out that internal air fares for short UK distances were both stupid in themselves, and very bad for the environment. Sadly the nature of the atomised UK rail industry means it is incapable of speaking with one powerful voice when the industry needs to argue its corner. All very sad.
We had a call in to the bar from Zoë about a model Blue Streak Freight - I wonder if she got the answer required from the model trains forum, could have been a problem with track connections, or the loco - but it made me wonder what a Blue Streak Freight actually was - any contributions from you North Americans - is it a classic train in real life?
Doug - thanks for the LCL explanation - handy to learn about these jargon abbreviations.
Tom - interesting to read Boxing Day is not a custom in the USA. As the link you posted explained, it is here, although the gift boxes are now given before xmas. A relative of mine is a post man and I asked him about this and he said on his round he only got one Christmas box! I was appalled by this. As we have said before this site is about valuing traditions so I don't mind saying that in our household ‘boxes' go out for mail man, milk delivery man, window cleaner and refuse cart guys, and quite right too in my view.
Mike - some nice semaphore picture links - I must say I always think a semaphore picture helps frame a photo with good interest.
Then an interesting contribution from the Forum Manager - I note he didn't buy us a round, but maybe we should buy him one for providing these forums for us!
Pete - I'll report back on the Swanage trip in due course, but don't forget to post that story about fog in steam days you mentioned. Thanks also for the Silver Princess extra info - it would still be good to know more about that car.
Who broke the coupling on your train set then? Was that a driver error or guard responsibility - or was it due to maintenance shortcomings? Hope nothing was too badly damaged!
Going back to an earlier post I think there is a slight difference in true scale between 00 gauge and HO gauge models but for operational convenience track rail width was kept the same. 00 was of course set out by Hornby Dublo (Double O),
http://www.hrca.net/hornby_dublo.html
which in turn was half 0 Gauge, but I think German toy manufacturers came up with HO (Half 0 gauge) - anyway - no doubt this is a topic easy enough to research somewhere - this is only my memory of the situation.
Hope people go the festive gifts they wanted. I got given a biography of Fred Dibnah (I'm sure Pete will know of this gentleman), but others can see:
http://www.theviewfromthenorth.co.uk/fred_dibnah/fred_dibnah.php
Plus these 2 rather interesting volumes, one about diagrammatic route maps and another about Diesel Electric railcars. Very much UK orientated but others might like a look at these links.
http://www.ianallanpublishing.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=42251
http://www.transportdiversions.com/publicationshow.asp?pubid=4987
Back again, as it is nearing noon where I am (Eastern) so time for a Larsman special! Ruth, a lager of your choice if you please, a round for the house, treats for the critters and of course, keep the change!
I expect we'll see our Proprietor sometime this afternoon, as he indicated today's appointment was not expected to take as much time as yesterday. Speaking for those who give a Rat's Patoot, we wish you well, Cap'n Tom and hope things get back to normal for you PDQ!
Quite a railroading lesson from CM3 I'm NOT Shane! Can always tell when the Coalminer is back amongst the crew. Aside from the quarters for the coal scuttle and the round for the house, the posts are of the highest quality. You are sorely and surely missed during periods of absence.
Hadn't intended to ramble on, but simply wanted to ensure that things are ship-shape at the "Saloon by the Siding." Ruth has things in good shape, and hers isn't bad either! So, I'll just stick around for awhile just in case we get a conversation started.
Enjoy the lunchtime and check out the menu board for the great sandwich selections for the day!
Oh yes, Leon comes in at 5 PM 'til closing and tonight is "Fish & Chips Night!" at the Bar by the Ballast. As always, begins at 5 PM.
Ruth, another brew if you please.
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please, round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Our unseasonably warm weather continues. We have a lot of frost to scrape off the car windows b4 leaving but the ground is bare. In fact, it is warm enough for the K9 Korps to be outside all afternoon. Gas is $2.33 as the Republic of West Virginia slapped a 5-cent increase on our gas tax. State now collects 51 cents a gallon - it's o.k. Boris, I don't need to be escorted to the rat room.
Now for a few comments, acknowledgements, etc. Again in no particular order.
Lars provided some photos for us. I got the LV and MKT units to come up, but no luck with the SOU locomotive. The Giants got in the playoffs despite themselves, but IMHO, Kansas City may surprise a few folks although I don't see them standing at the end. Anyway, that's why they play. BTW, 43 days until pitchers and catchers report.
Pete - Thoroughly enjoyed the pictures of Kansas City Union Station. Ta least it's still standing unlike so many others.
James provided a physics lesson and some layout pictures.
Eric also provided some interesting pictures. I'll bet the lights dimmed downtown when they fired up that locomotive! Iron ore is extremely heavy. I get a kick out of modelers who take coal cars and fill them with "iron ore." The only part of the train that would move would be the drawheads and they'd be on the ground. That's not to say that coal cars were not used to carry ore. They were not filled anywhere near to the top, though. Somewhere I have pictures of ore trains on the PRR with coal cars in use. The ore jennies you see out there were a little more typical. Of course, a lot of ore was transloaded to boats and shipped that way. Zephyr car was lovely.
Barndad - Lots of people with too much time on their hands to count things and "figger" ‘em up. Anyway, the stats were interesting. Wonder how much money was spent on that stuff? Also, thanks for the material on SOU rolling stock.
Our ‘Steamed Proprietor has provided some good movies with which to begin the year; maybe we can get a showing of "The Cruel Sea" and also "Away all Boats" sometime.
A couple of comments re locomotives. Folks who assign locomotives to trains, of course, deal with more than tractive effort. Different power has different tonnage ratings which goes a long way toward determining what power is on a train. The type of train (loads, mtys, cars handled) as you can figure, also affects the power assigned. Other factors include the profile of where the train will be running. IOW terrain plays a big role. As a friend once said, "More hill, more power."
Other things that enter into the equation include weather, winds, etc. The power people have to calculate all of this. So the railroad doesn't just grab what's handy and throw it on the next train out. Another thing that has an impact is traffic flow. For example, many of the roads in New England received more cars than they originated. Therefore you had a lot more mtys heading back home than you had loads. This situation also led to an imbalance of power. That's why you saw lots of cab hops or light engine moves to get power back to where it was needed. It was a little unnerving to hear all of this uproar around a curve and then see seven units (many of them shut down) and a caboose.
Well, I'd better stop here for now.
Ruth isn't in yet, so I'm handling things behind the bar 'til 9 AM. So, whatilyahave There's the Mentor Village Bakery case, our "light" & "traditional" breakfasts, and of course our famous freshly ground & brewed Java, following Tom's "secret" recipe! Of course we have the "leaded" & "unleaded" varieties!
While hardly a super active Wednesday, the posts were of sufficient quality to make the reading light & interesting. Many thanks to all for stopping by!
I figured those pix of the Norwegian trains would spur a bit of conversation. That's the idea, huh Simply posting stuff and running off is NOT what this place is about. Whereas engaging in two or three-way dialogue surely is! Can ALWAYS count on Pete 'n Eric to keep the conversations flowing smoothly. You guys have figured it out!
Many thanks to Eric for the expanded information on my Norwegian train photos! Such a great place this is, huh Drop a question or a topic and someone surely will pick up on it.
Speaking of which, sorry Pete, I haven't a clue regarding that "blurb" you posted on the Mancester soccer club and railroads. Not a clue.
Nice pix from Pete and we look forward to a "bunch" of 'em for Sunday's Pix Posting event!
Looks as if our "optional" Toy & Model Trains Day slipped by without notice - EXCEPT - for James. Nice layout pix and the "accident" is a nice touch.
As excited as I am regarding the prospect of getting together with you guys in St. Louis this May, there is always the reality aspect looming on the horizon. I'll do my best to make it. However, when it comes to planning in the Larsman family, the hurdles and obstacles surely will find a way to make it difficult.
Ya know, there just may not be a "Norseman" bar in the hinterlands of the American mid-west. Perhaps our Viking friends didn't make it that far! <grin> Columbus Day - ha! We KNOW who should be given "credit" for making it to North America from Europe. As far as "discovering" goes - it was there all along; just a poor choice of descriptors I'd say!
Boris, serve 'em up all of the "spiked" coffee & juice they can handle!
Good evening Captain Tom and all present!!
Just a quick stop for a cup of black coffee and one of those free drinks Leon! What do you recommend? Okay, that sounds good!
Back to work today, the first day this year. 73°F and pretty nice outside. And a pretty busy day at the Tavern!
Mike – Thanks for the url to those pictures of class IORE (and Dm3, Rc6, and a Norwegian El13). The advantage with an electric locomotive comparing with a dieselelectric is that an electric can produce quite a bit of “extra” horsepower during a limited time if and when necessary. Lars - No, I certainly don’t like the new paint scheme for the X2000. It is unbeleivable they changed to grey! I don’t get it and I sent them (the railroad) a mail when they introduced it. I also hope that you will make it to the Rendevouz in May!! Even if Tom doesn’t know any Norsemen bar I am sure we will find one!A future Rendevouz in Canada, traveling in one of those Classic cars, would really be something else! Glad you liked the picture. Norwegian locomotives/trains! To be honest, I don’t know too much about them even though I have been working a lot with people from the Norwegian State Railways. Lets see:The first and second pictures show Class 69 EMUs of the latest design. Last ones were built 1994. Max. speed 80 mph.The last picture shows a Class 73 High Speed Train. It is developed from the X2000 and has tilting cars. Max allowed speed 130 mph. Built 1999-2001.Nice pictures of some very good looking dieselelectrics! The top one is LVRR EMD F7 #562. CM3 – Happy New Year. Hope the dust settles soon!! Rob – I am afraid I did not have too much info about the Norwegian trains!
Pete – Could it be the loco in the picture on the below url you saw Ity looks similar to the SSLidJ.
http://www.rail.lu/materiel/lkab62.htmlSwedish railroads have left hand running but they can easily run them right hand and sometimes they do. Norway has right hand running but I ams ure they also can run them left hand if necessary.I tried to find info about the Norwegian “loco” in the 3rd picture but had no luck. It is for track maintenance work that is all I can say. Very nice layouts at K.C. Union Station!! The station itself is very nice. I have to stop there next time I am in the neighborhood. James – That is really a dwarf semaphore! Hope they will find lenses for it. I like those wig wag signals. You don’t see them any more. Hope no one was injured in that nasty caboose accident.
Eric
I only have time tonight to contribute some pictures. I will get back to regular posting tomorrow.
Sorry for the absence otherwise.
Enjoy!
Here it is. The dwarf Semaphore I was talking about. This little thing is at the Duluth Museum and was used to guard a crossover inside the shed. As you can see, the lens are missing. I am going to have to talk ti the director about what color lens were used but I believe they were red and green.
For those that don't know what this is, this is called a wig wag. The center Pendulem swings back and forth and the red light in the middle flashes. Kind of cool.
Now for some model pics.
Small accident in the yard tonight. A caboose toppled over and the wrecking crew is out there taking care of it.
The whole center stage yard at the club.
Lars. Just caught your post. Thanks for the EMD pics The more I see the more I am begining to like the Southern paint scheme on those diesels.
A couple of pics of the model layout at K.C.s Union Station last year.
A picture of part of the station
Well Leon as Lars as set them up I had better have one more.
Set the beers up please RUTH for the unannounced but brilliant Sweeden and Norway railway day, not forgetting DOUG's post last evening on the Southern Big Dropper freight car..
ERIC Great videos.Reading about the Narvik line reminded me of an article in a British trains annual of about 1963 vintage on the line, it must have made an impression as for me to recall it now. If I recall right the was a loco that looked very simular to the SSlidJ loco in your second link( the 2nd from last pic) that worked around the mine.
I see that the railways have left hand running in Sweden, is Norway the same
ALL. In the www. adalm link to those great models, a visit to the RAILWAY HUMOUR item( the 18th item in the menu at the left hand side) is A MUST.Many thanks Eric.
MIKE Those are really great pics on the Sweden link, I ran in the 'slideshow' mode and will have another look later, you can,t beat a railway in a snowy setting.
Good info on the Tractive EffortThe first GM locos to work on British rails was the 1985 built class 59/1 locos, I believe these locos had a traction control system that allowed a certain slippage in starting which increased these locos haulage abilty. The five 59/1s were built in Illinois in the U.S. whereas the other 59s and the later class 66s, now over 400 locos, were built in Canada by GM.
LARS Well done for standing in for the Boss and thanks for the kind words.
I read that if you had bet $10 on Sundays results for the Chiefs to get to the play-offs you would have got $7,000 back.
It would be good if we can get some more info on the Norwegian locos and units. The loco in the 3rd pic looks a very interesting vehicle.
I would love to hear what a 'Norseman' bar is like. On my first visit here I was taken to a "English"bar in KC, although with 12 giant TV screens it was hardly the tradition English village pub, it WAS called The Fox And Hounds though..
They have done a really great job in the restoration of the Union Station in Kansas City..It is a great train ride from here and St Louis to KC on Amtrak the only trouble is with late running, when Tom and I have gone there, only once did we have time at Union Station. With the old schedule the train was due in KC at 1 30pm and leaving at 3:05pm. the new times are, arrive at 2:10pm and depart at 4:30pm if this could relied on there is ample time to look round Union station and visit the Rail Experience.
ROB Great to see you in,sorry you are having the format problem still, anyway we can still read your post which is the main thing.
Many thanks for the info on the power doors. I hope that NICK will find us. I think DL said that he would be away for the Christmas and New Year period and should be back soon.
TOM Good to be back.We are doing well at our new home, and CM3 as called in.
I took some photos at Union Station, although I was using the 35 mm camera( there is a "Trackage Rights" dispute with the digital at the moment) and the light was very poor where the model layout was, very atmospheric but difficult to take pics. I forgot to mention , the Jones Train was giving rides again this year and the Harvey House was open.I did not try it as we had just eaten but it seemed they were doing a good trade.
Thanks for having a go on the Man Utd question, not quite right and I will post the answer soon, I cant get the link for the info at the minute. I think you will like the jokes in Eric's second link, the London Underground ones are a treat.
Great to see Da Bossman return to the bar! Hope all went as well as you had hoped and that tomorrow is positive for you. All I can say is THAT Via Rail pix is the absolute BEST of 'em all! What a great photo - whoever took that pix really got a "good-un"!!
Ruth, set 'em up, drinks on the Larsman! Boris ring the gong!! Is that you, Rob Must be on at the same time, now that's "different," huh Good to see ya in "my time slot" and hope all's well with you up there in Ontario. I presume that "blue" reference was for the brew, huh Good stuff! But then again, ain't no bad beer, just degrees of it! Kinda like women, or so I've heard. <grin>
Nick Where in the world do you suppose our wandering Minstrel is these days He really is somewhat like the whisp of the wind - here today, gone tomorrow. Always enjoy his presence and all he brings to the group. Just wish he'd give a heads up when it comes to the prolonged and unexpected absences. Sure miss ya, mate!
There are times when I wonder whether we'll ever have a full bar again. I really think that to keep this great idea going, each of us should try like "H" to bring at least one new guy to the bar. Just one for 2007, each, and we'd be in fine shape. Otherwise, we're bound to drop one or two and that surely doesn't bode well for "tomorrow." Sorry, just my mellowed-out-meanderings.
Ruth, set 'em up again, and I'll have a double JD on the rocks if you please!
That's about "it" for me on this day and I'll be back in the AM to help begin the day.
Enjoy these . . .
Lehigh Valley (from: www.lvrr.com - photo: Frank Czajkowski)
Southern EMD E8 #6908 (photo: Martin O'Toole)
MKT EMD E7 #101 (courtesy: KATY RR Historical Society)
Many THANX to Manager Lars for taking care of business this morning; much appreciated! Things went a bit faster today than expected, but alas, more of the same in the ‘morrow! <groan>
So, what's up ‘round here Ruth, you seem rather sprightly today, must be the compliments from Lars, eh Always brings a "flush" to that pretty face of yours! Gotta watch those sailors!
Let me try to catch up on the acknowledgments since my last Post:
Lars at 3:40 PM yesterday: The Larsman "came to save the day" - whattaguy! Don't' quite know what this place would be during the daylight hours without having your Posts!
Pete at 5:25 PM yesterday: The Wolfman returneth for 2007! Fooled you, eh A new home and a re-start at that, all while you took off for ANOTHER long weekend. Some guys just live right!
Hope you took a bunch of Pix out there in KCity, especially at Union Station. Sounds like the displays were "top shelf," both real and model. Good material for Sunday Photo Posting Day!
Does your question regarding the Manchester Soccer (football) club and railroads have to do with Manchester having been the first place to be credited with passenger rail???? The fans traveled to/from Liverpool and Manchester to view the games, I suspect. Just a WAG on my part . . .
The 1956 baseball season was not quite the same for the Brooklyn Dodgers as it was in '55. The Dodgers lost to the Yankees in '56 and perhaps the highlight of that series was the perfect game thrown by Don Larson - 27 up, 27 down, no runs, no hits, no walks, no base runners, zip, zero, zilch.
Doug at 7:46 PM yesterday: Many THANX for acknowledging my "entry"! <grin> Actually, I did quite a bit of searching through my modest collection of railroad books, and came across something close to what you provided in an abstract drawing for early propulsion. I think the "difficulty index" on that question of yours probably was off the scale. We're just a bunch of modest folks ‘round here; hardly the resident experts found elsewhere!
Interesting stuff on the Southern "continuation"!
Eric at 12:15 AM today: THANX for the explanation regarding the Swedish electric loco! Nice looking beast and surely was constructed for the long haul (no pun intended!).
Those URLs are terrific additions to our Thread and make for some fine viewing! Nothing like watching a train in motion, eh Well, of course there is - traveling in one! Nicely done, Mate!
All this talk regarding our Rendezvous brings to mind that I'm remiss in getting out the latest "scoop" to those of you planning on attending. Really, no changes to what we've been talking about, but I promise to get moving . . . got kind of side-tracked with some recent personal matters. Sorry.
By-the-by, if anyone wishes to get "in" on the 2nd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis scheduled for this May, now is the time to drop me an Email. I'm going to get some hotel rooms set aside; so let me know if you're interested, ASAP.
Mike at 6:57 AM today: A "talkie" from our Resident URLMeisterMonsterManMike! The earlier Post from you with the URLs didn't "load" for me (either). Anyway, appears as if whatever you were contending with regarding the Forum formatting has gone away. Good!
Lars at 8:35 AM & 11:33 AM today: Nice work, Mate, you "done good" substituting for the old man! Appreciate your help. Like those Norwegian entries, look mighty fine to me and so does the countryside. I checked out that website you got them from (http://www.freefoto.com/) and found they are a bit shy on giving any detailed info, aside from the photographer, date and camera specifics. Sure would like to know more about the trains and locations. But, "we takes what we gets!".
Appreciate your efforts in making things "right" around here, but don't spend a great deal of time getting yourself tied up into itty bitty knots on anything here in the Ether.
Believe me, there's nothing I'd like better than to get our 2008 Rendezvous scheduled for a rail trip. Canada would be fine with me, but an Amtrak trip aboard the Superliners wouldn't be bad either, as long as the lounge and diners are adequately stocked! Rendezvous on the Rails has a nice touch to it, eh
CM3 at 9:36 AM today: Quarters and a round and gone-zo! Good to know you're back, and hope you resume your activities here at the Tavern by the Tracks before week's end.
Reminder: Ruth has the bar until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
'Tis the Larsman back with some pix from the "old country." Check these out while enjoying some pastries from the Mentor Village bakery, one of our "light" or "traditional" breakfasts, and of course our famous freshly brewed "Joe."!
Eric, I failed to make mention of something near 'n dear to my old heart (yes, I actually have one! <grin>) Anyway, that observation dome is terrific. Would love to have it in my back yard. Wouldn't the neighbors just go bonkers Anyway, as Tom said, you must go to Canada to travel in one of those these days and I'm all for it! THAT should be what we strive for insofar as a future Rendezvous is concerned - a Bash on the Ballast, or something like that. Nice photo, mate!
Norwegian State Railways - NSB - photo credit: Ian Britton from www.freefoto.com
(c) FreeFoto.com
Norwegian State Railways Class 73 EMU high-speed train - photo credit: Ian Britton from www.freefoto.com
I apologize for the insufficient background data on these pix, however, with the crew we have 'round this joint, someone just may enlighten us with the details! <grin> As you've noted, these pix are from www.freefoto.com , a most generous site that grants private use as long as proper credit is given.
Ruth, I'll have my customary Larsman hero sandwich of ham 'n Swiss, mustAHd 'n buttAH with two large pickles from the barrel. Set aside a saucer of brine for Tex, a tray of seed for Awk, ice cubes for Frostbite and a small jar of pickled pigs feet for Boris! <phew> A frosty mug of Keiths Ale should do it for me, and of course, my deAH, keep the change! <grin>
Tom had indicated he might be gone for most of the day and perhaps even into tomorrow. So, for those of you just returning from the holiday break, maybe youse guys can step up to the plate a bit. How about it Thanks!
Also, the Tuesday "Theme" for next week is the Baltimore & Ohio RR. Hopefully we'll get all kinds of good stuff on this nation's first operating road.
Happy New Year to all! I will post more later when the dust settles at work. However, thanks to one and all for the birthday greetings.
'Tis I, Larsman the Manager pinch hitting for our Proprietor this morning as he's at the doc's for a follow-up to his surgery. Anyway, I'll try to keep this as organized as he does!
First, I must make comment on something that caught my eye right off the bat this morning:
Rob, you must have memorized the codes for smileys from doing thousands of colorful posts. It sure is good to see that picture of you guys with Ted. Nice way to bring the old thread to a close.
To set the record straight, it was Tom who provided those pix on the final page of the old thread. Gotta give credit where credit is due, after all, "the man" keeps this ship afloat in so many, many ways.
Good to see the guys come out yesterday and into early this AM - Pete - Doug - Eric & Mike. Formatting difficulties aside for some, appreciate seeing youse guys!
That was a most enjoyable post from Pete and we're glad to have you back with us. Kansas City's Union Station sounds like a great place to visit and I'm looking forward to seeing any pix you took during your recent visit.
Can you imagine what the odds must be for the Giants & Chiefs to make it to the Super Bowl?????? Fuh-ged-aboud-it! <grin>
Doug, I know Tom will appreciate the acknowledgment that he got your diagram question answered correctly - in spite of making two attempts! <grin> THAT's what inclusive conversations are supposed to be about, eh You betchaboots!
Nice continuing Southern input . . .
Eric, great URLs of the X2000 and the model train layouts! Can't say that the paint scheme does much for me, I liked the old one better. However, the video clip is entertaining! Thanks, mate!
And yes, the Renedzvous date is approaching and we can now refer to it as being in a matter of months. Surely hope things work out for me to join youse guys! I'd love to hoist a tankard or two at that Train Wreck bar and also the Irish Pub that Tom has mentioned. What, no Norsemen bars <grin>
Mike, good "blurb" on the tractive stuff! With all that has been provided, I'd think most of us should be a heck-of-a-lot more conversant with the terminology than B4.
I had something "special" planned for posting this day, but thus far I cannot get it to "cut 'n paste" onto this window!! <argggggggggh>
So rather than belabor the continuing difficulties with the forums, let me just say - DRINKS ON ME! Ruth, set 'em up 'n Boris ring the ding!
Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house.
Did I say Happy New Year yet? Yes, but not since last year.
Pete, thanks for waiting to see if the semaphore pics would eventually load, and I apologize for the inconvenience.
Doug, the steam locomotives you put Sunday are beauties.
Lars, thanks for putting the CV up there too.
James, I'm sorry that your friend lost his mom, what an awful thing to happen.
Eric, hopefully this link will connect to pictures of class IORE locomotives in Sweden.
http://www.pbase.com/jakobe/mb200504&page=1
Now this from wwwtrainweb.org:
"Tractive effort is the force that a locomotive can apply to its coupler to pull a train. In the US, it is usually expressed in pounds. Tractive effort is not often directly measured. Most locomotive builders calculate tractive effort based on a percentage of the weight placed on the driving wheels. For rod type steam engines, this factor is usually 25% for clean dry rail. It was found through tests that this factor worked quite well because most steam engines have all their drivers locked together so that slippage of an individual wheel is not possible.
Articulated engines could have half of the engine slip, as would often happen, but the 25% factor was still applied. Application of sand could increase this factor considerably.
Diesel engines can slip axle by axle. Over the years, steadily improving motor control systems have been developed to control wheel slip such that the latest batch of large diesels can apply 1000 hp per axle to the rail without serious slip. First generation diesels had trouble applying 400 hp per axle without slippage. The old 25% constant doesn't hold well with diesels, tractive effort as measured by dynamometer cars have shown that the factor can often exceed 35% with the newest AC powered high-power diesels.
In most cases, tractive effort limits the pulling power of locomotives only at very slow speeds. Above a few miles per hour, prime mover horsepower limits usually prevail."
Mike
Leon, just a ham sandwich, please! Coffee, black!
My last day off today! Back to work tomorrow morning. I got kind of used to sleep in every morning last week and a half!
Tom – The electric on the picture is (former Swedish State Railways) Class Dm3 built especially to haul ore trains from the iron mines in the most northern part of Sweden (north of the Arctic Circle) to Narvik on the Atlantic coast of Norway, from where the ore is shipped out to countries around the world. The locomotive is articulated electric locomotive, 9,600 hp and weighs 602,300 lbs. Length 105’10”. They were built between 1960-1970. They are now slowly being replaced by Class IORE (for Iron ore) twin units, 14,675 hp, T.E. 1,350 kN, length 149’5” and weight 793,800 lbs. The Dm3 on the picture below is sitting outside the depot waiting for the next assignment.
Same picture again! I don't have any picture of Class IORE but it can be seen on a video if you click on this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k93s3GpUYIcI guess it has to be a trip to Canada some day to ride a classic train. The picture is very nice, I am glad the deer didn’t try to outrun the train! In the old country the problem is spelled moose, especially in the wintertime. Lars – You are right! Rendezvous II is really something to look forward to! Just a few months away!Pete – Welcome back and a Happy New Year! It seems like yopu a good time in kansas City!The ground signal is also very similar to the ones used in Sweden. Doug – The Big Dropper, an amazing car! 15 seconds to dump more than 100 tons of coal! That is fast! Southern really did a great job developing new freight cars.
When I was looking for a picture/viceo of Class IORE I also found a video of the X2000 in its new paint scheme:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRP4xc0-mSo&mode=related&search=
Finally I found a website about the Swedish State Railways. It is a guy in UK who seems to be very interested in Swedish Railroads and is building some real nice layouts. It is a very interesting site!
http://www.adnalm.org.uk/index.html?photos
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