LoveDomes wrote: Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!Ruth my deAH, another jolt in the coffee mug if you please! <grin> Back with a few more covAHs for MoPac ‘n the crew! The RETURN of the Larsman Mobile . . . <grin>Route of the Eagles - MoPac in the Streamlined Era
Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth my deAH, another jolt in the coffee mug if you please! <grin> Back with a few more covAHs for MoPac ‘n the crew!
The RETURN of the Larsman Mobile . . . <grin>
Route of the Eagles - MoPac in the Streamlined Era
{Fine right now, Leon - thanks!}Lars, gonna start throwing a few curves {like my unusual way of replying, held over from the old days}, since you keep tempting me so with these fantastic covers. The cover shot for the above was taken on the inagural of the Eagle - March 10, 1940. The pics I put up a few posts ago were also taken on March 10 {of 1984}. Aside from the Eagle connection, the date has always been special for me - 3/10/1926 is the birth date of my late Father. But it gets even better, as will be seen shortly.
LoveDomes wrote: Four-Eight-Fours on the MoPac
Don't go there, Mate - easy avalanche-trigger, for me!!! Sexy steamers is another topic for another time, but here I'll say that I favor the MoP's 2101-series of Sedalia rebuilds ever-so-slighlty-ahead of their bought-new Baldwin 2201-class sisters.............
LoveDomes wrote: Cabooses of the MoPac Lines
See above; this is easily e-book territory, in terms of what I could write about 'em. {Yes, before anyone asks - the possibility has and IS being considered.........}
LoveDomes wrote: The Missouri Pacific Lines in Color
This one's the "fatal" one, Mate. For you and all the rest here who have the book, turn to page 48, and take a look at the top pic on the page. Aside fom it's amazing rarity, the photographer who took the pic in the first place {credited as "R. Ecoff," for those who don't have it} was none other than MY Great-Uncle Ralph!!!! He was a proud MoP "mud hop" {yard clerk} by calling, and was obviously ahead of his time as a photo-bug {the color pic was shot in October 1939}.
If that's not enough of a mind-blower for you, I've already introduced his son to you, with my debut post here - he's my cousin Danny!!!
Deep Kimchu warning!! Deep Kimchu warning!!
LoveDomes wrote: Note: Just a reminder that we try to keep our postings reasonable by NOT overloading the page . . . so six photos is pretty much our "norm" . . . exceptions on Saturdays! Ruth my deAH, you KNOW where I'll be . . . . <blush>Until the next time! Lars Eagle Expidited Merchandise Service - 'cos DHL, FedEx, and UPS are ignorant of their history.......... MopacBarrettTunnel Member sinceAugust 2006 62 posts Posted by MopacBarrettTunnel on Saturday, December 29, 2007 3:12 AM LoveDomes wrote: Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!Ruth my deAH, fill up the coffee mug wudja ‘n I'll check out the pastry case . . . My, my - you are lookin' mighty fine ‘n I'm wonderin' HOW I can manage to get you down to the Keys ‘n maintain my <discreet nature> while doing it! <uh oh>Boris, treats for the crittAHs ‘n the small jar of PPF is for YOU!Well, this is my next-to-last day for posting at the bar for awhile. Not quite sure when I'll get "up" once we get settled in the Keys . . . surely hope to be back before the New Year! I'll try . . . which of course is all we can ask of any of the guys who frequent this joint. Speaking of which . . . Sorry if this disappoints anyone, but I've "seen" a couple of guys who occasionally stop by the bar. Fergie has been rathAH active on "his" forum - the model railroader one, which I think is "normal" for him. However, the guy called marthastrainyard (Per) was active yesterday ‘n today on a different forum than ours. Thought he said he'd be back here in late November??? Has he too decided to give up on us WITHOUT even a fair-thee-well??? Hope not . . .We've been down this road B4 with guys who are now UTB's . . . gets really OLD thinking one thing ‘n then realizing another. <barf> Good to see the possibility of getting another customer at the bar. Like the way the guy from Lemay handled his first visit with us. Now to see if he'll be back . . . to "Our" Place - MoPacBarrettTunnel - there's gotta be a "name" attached to that monikAH! In absence of one - I think what Shane dubbed him will 'work' - MoPac!! yeah, that "sounds" right. So UNLESS you tell us otherwise - YOU, Sir are MoPac to us. Really a great looking Mountain loco ‘n the transfer caboose! Enjoyed the "story" too . . . Fine way to get going at the Watering Hole by the Wayside! Since I'm the Manager ‘round here, let me know if there's anything I can do to help make you feel at home . . . we pride ourselves on being a small but interactive group. HARDLY the <crap> that goes on elsewhere with the HIT ‘n RUN posts, etc. Nope, we acknowledge the other guy - as you'll find out when you review the pages recommended by Da Bossman! I see the "beat goes on" with Eric ‘n Pete still stirring the proverbial "pot." Can't get me going guyz - just ain't gonna happen! <grin>Hey Rob! Some fine "stuff" from our southern Ontario guy . . . good idea about a New Year's blast - BUT I think Cap'n Tom hit it on the head. We're really not "flush" with people as once upon a time. Let's see - New Years Day means all those who are "work day only postAHs" will be gone - then there are those who are away from home (me - Allan in NZ - Pete) and B4 you know it - who is left???? Might be a tough road to hoe - but give it a TRY! If I'm online then, I'll surely participate! [tup Want to wish Shane a Happy Birthday (29th of Dec) just in case I can't get "in" tomorrow!! OKRA (Dec 22 - Jan 20) Are tough on the outside but tender on the inside. Okras have tremendous influence. An older Okra can look back over his life and see the seeds of his influence everywhere. You can do something good each day if you try. You go well with most anyone. Ok - time for another spate of reruns from the Larsman Mobile of Classic Trains "stuff" . . . these are "for" our new friend from Lemay, MO - MoPac! <grin> MoPac Color Guide to Freight & Passenger EquipmentMoPac Diesel PowerMoPac in Color, Vol 1 - The Era of the Eagles Eagle Expidited Merchandise Service - 'cos DHL, FedEx, and UPS are ignorant of their history.......... MopacBarrettTunnel Member sinceAugust 2006 62 posts Posted by MopacBarrettTunnel on Saturday, December 29, 2007 2:32 AM EricX2000 wrote: MopacBarrettTunnel – Welcome to the Tavern by the siding, “Our” Place! I like your story including a couple of nice photos! MT-73 was a very good looking locomotive. Do you know if any of those MT-73 has been preserved? The Barrett Tunnel.{Leon, Eric's got me hungry again - could I trouble you for another double-cheeseburger and fries? Looks like a "fair stretch" is shaping up.......}Forgive me, Mate - I'm working "backwards" in my replies just now, so don't be too confused with me answering your last post first - I do this sort of thing all the time, when I'm "settling in." Now, to answer your question, no the MoP didn't save any of their MT-73's, sadly. Or nearly every other steam class, save a couple TN-60/67 4-6-0's. Since you've been to the Museum, you've seen one of them, Eric - St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern #635, fka MP#2707. {The other one is #2522, currently rotting away in Paris, Arkansas}.How'd you manage a "downgrade end" shot of the tunnel, Mate? Last time I visited {'04}, it was fenced off. Eagle Expidited Merchandise Service - 'cos DHL, FedEx, and UPS are ignorant of their history.......... MopacBarrettTunnel Member sinceAugust 2006 62 posts Posted by MopacBarrettTunnel on Saturday, December 29, 2007 2:09 AM EricX2000 wrote: I had to come back. Just saw Chris' latest post! Again, most Welcome to Our Place!!! It is always interesting to learn to know a "new" person. It seems like we have one thing in common, late hours! Or, maybe more correct, odd hours. About myself, I came to this country 15 years ago from the old country (Sweden) where I was a locomotive engineer for many years. Here, in Arizona, I am a retiree since one week back. Thanks for the info on the "real" Barrett tunnel! I read about those tunnels some time ago but was not sure about the exact location of the real one. I posted a photo of the tunnel that ends next to the museum. Nice to see you, Sir! Eric {Okay, Leon, I'm ready - another "boiler explosion" please......}Right back at you, fellow Night-Owl!! I can see I'm "in trouble" already - this place is so addictive! Great info, great bunch of regulars, and a worlwide clientele - who could ask for more? Myself, I'd kill to play {or at least become a regular} in a place like this if it were in the "real" world -it's that good!Thanks for the kind comments, Eric - I could go on for months about my beloved "Kirkwood Hill" memories, but I don't want to try and tell them all at one sitting {although this place tempts me to give it a go}. Love the X2000 in your s/n here, Mate - I'm still kicking myself over NOT having my camera with me, when I saw the prototype on my old stomping grounds during it's tour in '92 or '93.......... Eagle Expidited Merchandise Service - 'cos DHL, FedEx, and UPS are ignorant of their history.......... MopacBarrettTunnel Member sinceAugust 2006 62 posts Posted by MopacBarrettTunnel on Saturday, December 29, 2007 1:49 AM coalminer3 wrote: Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please and slide the pie case down here.Weather here is clear for the moment although it is supposed to rain later today. We had a real heavy frost and lots of fog in between the hills.Let's see what's happening today.Rob stopped by with comments and BQ material from days past.Eric - The passengers could remain on the sleepers until a "civilized" hour. It's hard to believe how much different things were back then.Sven - Good to hear from you, sir.Lars - Could not believe that the football gods smiled upon us. Gotta love it! Anyway, we'll be TV-side on Saturday. I am just anxious as to which or our Jints team will show up - you know what I mean, I'm sure. Also, thanks for the inclusion of more Christmas train material.Pete - Yes, switching was done with electric power. Mopac - Good story. I was interested to read about the "Non passenger 3d Section." As you mentioned, the train did not have to make stops but maintained its tt rights. Put another way, you ran on a schedule with a "slot," but didn't get all hung up with being an extra. IMHO, MP had some of the most elegant looking steam power of any road. For those interested, they had four sets of 4-8-2s which were classified as MT73.5308-5312 were blt at Schenectady in 1921. 5313-5316 came from Schenectady two years later.5335-5339 were blt by Brooks in 1927.5340-5344 were blt by Schenectady in 1930.They shared some common dimensions: 27x30 cylinders and 73-inch drivers. Steam pressure varied from 210-250, depending on date of construction. And tractive force ran between 53,475 and 63,665, again depending on when constructed.OSP has been cleaning the vaults of advertising material from Pullman, ATSF, and NYC. Well, I did some looking as well and here's some material (again from 1950) re transcontinental sleeping car service. Enjoy.In 1950, the Pennsylvania Railroad provided coast to coast sleeping car service on four different routes. Passengers between New York and Los Angeles could travel every day on either the Overland Route or the so-called "Santa Fe" route. Service ran very other day on the Golden State Route. Riders between New York and San Francisco could travel every day on the Overland Route or every other day on the California Zephyr Route.Let's look at each route.Overland Route service to Los Angeles was coordinated between PRR Train 49, the "General" and UP Train 1, the "Los Angeles Limited." Transcontinental passengers rode in a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car which left New York at 5:00 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 8:00 a.m. the next morning. The "Los Angeles Limited" departed Chicago at 1201 p.m. and ran via the C&NW/UP with a 10:40 a.m. arrival in Los Angeles two days later.Eastbound passengers traveled via UP Train 2, the "Los Angeles Limited" to Chicago where the through car continued east on PRR Train 2, the "Pennsylvania Limited." The train departed Los Angeles at 1201 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 2:00 p.m. two days later. Eastbound from Chicago, PRR 2 departed at 630 p.m. with an 11:59 a.m. arrival the next day in New York. Service here again was in a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car.Overland Route Service to San Francisco operated via the PRR-C&NW, SP, and SP. PRR Train 55, the "Gotham Limited" handled a 10 roomette 6 double bedroom car to Chicago, and it continued west on C&NW, UP, SP Train27, the "San Francisco Overland." This car left New York at 11:40 p.m. and arrived in Chicago Union Station at 3:40 p.m. The car was moved to Northwestern Station where it departed on Train 27 at 8:00 p.m. It reached San Francisco at 6:50 p.m. two days later. Eastbound the 10 roomette/6 double bedroom San Francisco car ran on SP-UP-C&NW 28, the "San Francisco Overland," and on PRR 70, the "Admiral." SP 28 pulled out at 11:00 a.m. and arrived two days later at Northwestern Station, Chicago at 1:00 p.m. PRR 70 departed Union Station at 5:30 p.m. with an 11:45 a.m. arrival in New York the next day.The cars were transferred between Northwestern Station and Union Station at Chicago.The Santa Fe Route westbound was covered by PRR 29, the "Broadway Limited," and ATSF Train 19, the "Chief." This service operated a 4 compartment/2 drawing room/4 double bedroom car. Passengers paid a $10.15 extra fare surcharge to ride the "Chief." Westbound service departed New York at 6:00 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 9:00 a.m. the next morning. The car was switched from Union Station to Dearborn Station for a 1:30 p.m. departure on TSF Train 19. Arrival in Los Angeles was at 8:30 a.m. two days later. Eastbound, ATSF Train 20, the "Chief" departed Los Angeles at 12:30 p.m. and arrive at Dearborn Station Chicago at 11:30 a.m. two days later. The car was moved to Union Station where it departed at 4:30 p.m. on PRR 28, the "Broadway Limited," which arrived in New York at 9:30 a.m. the next day.The "Golden State" route carried a 4 compartment/2 drawing room/4 double bedroom car between New York and Los Angeles on a PRR-Rock Island-SP routing. Passengers paid a $10.15 extra fare surcharge to ride the "Golden State." Westbound travelers rode the Pennsy's Train 55, the "Gotham Limited" to Chicago to connect with RI-SP Train 3, the "Golden State." Train 55 departedNew York at 11:40 p.m. and arrived at Union Station, Chicago at 3:40 p.m. the next afternoon. The car was moved to LaSalle St. Station where it departed ay 10:15 p.m. with a 5:15 p.m. arrival in Los Angeles after a two day trip. Eastbound, SP-RI Train 4, "Golden State," handled the cross country sleeper to Chicago. It finished its eastbound journey on PRR 48, "The General." Train 4 departed Los Angeles at 12:30 p.m. with a two day later arrival at LaSalle St., Chicago ay 11:30 a.m. Train 48 departed Union Station at 3:30 p.m. and arrived in New York at 8:30 the next morning.Travelers using the California Zephyr Route did not have to have their cars switched at Chicago as all arrivals and departures were at Union Station. This route was covered by a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car which left New York westbound on PRR Train 1, the "Pennsylvania Limited," at 6:45 p.m. It arrived in Chicago at 10:25 a.m. the next day. CB&Q-DRGW-WP Train 17, the "California Zephyr" left Chicago at 3:30 p.m. with a two day later arrival in San Francisco at 4:50 p.m. Eastward, WP-DRGW-CB&Q Train 18 departed San Francisco at 9:00 a.m. with a two day later arrival in Chicago at 1:30 p.m. PRR Train 48, the "General," handled the eastbound car. It left Chicago at 3:30 p.m. with an 8:30 a.m. arrival the next day in New York.Work safe{No, I'm fine right now, Leon.} Eagle Expidited Merchandise Service - 'cos DHL, FedEx, and UPS are ignorant of their history.......... EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Saturday, December 29, 2007 1:32 AM I had to come back. Just saw Chris' latest post! Again, most Welcome to Our Place!!! It is always interesting to learn to know a "new" person. It seems like we have one thing in common, late hours! Or, maybe more correct, odd hours. About myself, I came to this country 15 years ago from the old country (Sweden) where I was a locomotive engineer for many years. Here, in Arizona, I am a retiree since one week back. Thanks for the info on the "real" Barrett tunnel! I read about those tunnels some time ago but was not sure about the exact location of the real one. I posted a photo of the tunnel that ends next to the museum. Nice to see you, Sir! Eric EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Saturday, December 29, 2007 1:15 AM Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!Leon, I would like a Filet Mignon with mushrooms! Before the meal I'll have a large spiked Egg nog! I know, JanOlov will take care of that! This day there will be a big Birthday Party in Boris' shed! CM3 will be there most of the day. Yeah, Boris tied him to that chair so he can't leave. Happy Birthday!!! MopacBarrettTunnel – Welcome to the Tavern by the siding, “Our” Place! I like your story including a couple of nice photos! MT-73 was a very good looking locomotive. Do you know if any of those MT-73 has been preserved? The Barrett Tunnel.Tom – Pete and I trying to derail our Manager? No, no, and no! We are trying to help him in any way we can. Narrow gauge ‘n standard gauge is (was) pretty common. The picture below shows such a “dual” track in the old country. I like the retired life! It is pretty easy to get adjusted to it!A couple of more Pullman Christmas ads! Safe, comfortable, dependable! New York Central wants people to give tickets, the gift that brings them home! CM3 – Happy Birthday!!!! Have a great one!!!I think that is pretty normal in most countries that you can remain in your sleeper until a civilized hour after arriving to the last stop. I know that is still the case in the old country. Thanks for all the info on PRR’s sleeping car service! Very interesting. I like those long trips, staying on the train and just relax!. Lars – Stirring the proverbial pot? I have no clue what you are talking about. We are just a little bit disappointed you left us behind on your trip. But we forgive you! Wow, a whole bunch of MoPac covers! I am curious about MoPac in Nebraska!I know, I have shown this one before. Atchison, KS. Pete – I am afraid I did not take any pictures of the pointwork at the start and end of the gauntlet tracks. Was the last broad gauge in UK abolished in 1892? or was it just that mixed gauge track? Is that KCS Dome Car just on display? Maybe part of a museum? Fergie – Looking forward to some pictures of your new cars when they are running in a M.E.S.S. train.Rob – Sounds good about that new old book! I understand that you have had some bad weather. Lots of snow? Interesting reading about the CSR’s St Clair Branch! Reading it I am kind of surprised it survived until 1960! Eric MopacBarrettTunnel Member sinceAugust 2006 62 posts Posted by MopacBarrettTunnel on Saturday, December 29, 2007 1:12 AM Good Evening, All!!!Leon, I'd like to by the house a round {roundhouse - oh, I bad......} of "Nuclear Nogs" with a snifter of Remy Martin alongside. Y'all have heard of boilermakers, right? Well, my combination's a "boiler explosion {My Nuclear Nog is 151 Bacardi-spiked, remember}!" If Boris is still hungry, I brought some PPF......... Oh, and could I get a double cheeseburger and fries, if the kitchen's still open, please?You all sure know how to make a newbie feel welcome. Lars, Tom, everyone - I'm Chris, and I'm glad to meet you all! Tom, I'll start with you, since we're both in "Gateway." I've actually been banging aound the general forum here and over at Trains for over a year now. I kind of shied away from coming in here for a couple reasons. One, I've been playing drums professionally since 1987, and I've seen more "Pubs, clubs, 'n taverns" than I care to admit - my reticence is sort of a "who wants to hang out in their place of business" - type thing, you know? {Offline, this is indeed the case - I was never one for the bar scene, unless the band was working.} My second reason for being a bit gun-shy is due to some unpleasant experiences I've had on other forums/boards/blogs over the years; I've been a "Web-Rat" since '97, and I've seen {and a few times, been hurt by} things that would put most people off the 'Net for good. So, if at first I might seem a bit "standoffish," please don't take it that way; I'm not, I'm just a little shy and cautious, until I get settled in. Once I do - look out!! This place will be hummin', trust me! And one more thing - whilst I have every intention of becoming a regular here ASAP, don't be surprised if I seem to post at odd hours, or wildly different times of the day/night. My schedule is pretty crazy; in addition to the band, I own my own Internet business, and do the odd temp-job assignment, so I'm pretty unpredictable as to when I might pop in for a mug-n-chat.I think for now, I'm going to do my usual way of "working the room" here and adress you all individually, until I settle in. So, to start off, I'm going to keep our "winter" theme going in appropriate style, with the following:This is a shot taken by me on 3/10/1984. It's looking west on the MoP's Kirkwood Hill; just around the curve is the Barrett Station Road overpass, and the Transport Museum. The other neat thing about this pic is something I've highlighted:The arrow is pointing right at the real MopacBarrettTunnel - the easternmost one, which is not "on" the Museum grounds proper, although they own it. My brother and I practically lived here as we were both growing up; this shot was taken as I was standing under the signal bridge {since replaced, sadly}. This stretch of "The Hill," the Museum, and the nearby Frisco Springfield Sub were regularly haunted by us as youths - and we frequently had cameras with us, as we got older....... Keep the date of this pic in mind - it'll gain significance shortly. Eagle Expidited Merchandise Service - 'cos DHL, FedEx, and UPS are ignorant of their history.......... trolleyboy Member sinceMay 2014 3,727 posts Posted by trolleyboy on Friday, December 28, 2007 10:23 PM All right , I think I'll nab another rum punch from Leon and I'll jot down another encore from the old thread. This will also be one of the former Classic steam series, and also ties in so of our more recent rail topics. this one deals with the Ontario oil belt and it's service by the Canada Southern RY. CLASSIC STEAM #14 THE CSR's ST CLAIR BRANCH This was first printed out onto the old thread around page #226 or so. Up until 1960 people in the "oil belt" of Ontario would have been familiar with trains along the Canada Southern's St Clair Branch right up until it's abandonenment in 1960.Trains of box cars tanks and passenger cars were regulars on this line right up until it's ending. This line of the Canada Southern ( CASO ) was one of several railway lines whose builders saw this area as a convenient short cut between American cities in this case Chicago and Buffalo via Ontario.Yet the difference with this one is that it was launched by Canadians William Thompson and Adam Cooke,although most of their time and effort was spent in the US looking for US intrest and financing. While the Caso's mainline would run arrow straight from Niagara Falls to Windsor ( some of the heaviest rail built in Ontario in fact ), the St Clair branch veered northwestward from a junction just west of St Thomas and continued on through to the St Clair River. Here , at a point on the railroad called Courtright,( named for Milton Courtright the railways principal investor )the railway had hoped to establish a major railway terminus, with a bridge accross the busy St Clair River to the Michigan side.From there trains would make their way to Chicago,and to the rest of the American West. The American link failed however,and the Windsor route with it's tunnel under the Detroit River earned the bulk of the rail traffic from Southwestern Ontario.The grand scheme of a bridge over the St Clair River was then reduced to a barge operation.This operated accross the river from Courtright and St Clair for a few years until it burned and sank. With the sinking sank tio last vestige of this American link to Chicago and beyond. The Caso pinned it's early hopes on a reprieve and revenue on this line with teh oil boom in the 1860's. this put places like Petrolia Ontario and Oil Springs Ontario on the map and provided easier acess to these boom towns. To help boost the revunes on this line a new line called the Chatham Sarnia and Eastern ( CSE ) was created. It began in a town called Shrewsbury on Lake Erie and it was intended that it would pass through Oil Springs and Petrolia and terminate at Sarnia,interchanging with the Pere Marquette & C&O.However this project never went beyond short temporary spurs built from the Caso St Clair Branch north to Petrolia and South to Oil Springs. Later the hub of this oil Industry moved to Sarnia where te Pere Marquette was already established.The CSE was then absorbed into the Canada Southern which bypassed the spurs and built the line to follow the St Clair River to Sarnia Once these short lived oil pockets tapped out the line was given up for abandonement as the ligth agricultural and wood product and the small mixed trains were not enough to keep this piece of the Canda southern viable so in January of 1960 it was abandoned after about 80 years of sporadic frieght rvenues.Rob trolleyboy Member sinceMay 2014 3,727 posts Posted by trolleyboy on Friday, December 28, 2007 10:12 PM Good evening Leon , nice cold rainy night here today wish teh weather would pick what it wants to do <sheesh> I think a hot rum punch on Mr jan's tab will be what teh Dr ordered tonight sir with a Keith's chaserTom-Thanks for passing on the email , it was a good read Nice wind up for the week with the rest of the Christmas passenger posts.You are right a low key meet and greet is likley the best we can manage on the first , still through everything we've had one good year.Perhaps I'll run a tab for the day and treat the bunch, that may drag some participation outWe might just have to run a speacial day later on in January , nothing says the shindig has to be done on the first, most of us won't be up till afternoon anywayLars-Ah yes two fine runs of Mopac books as a send off for your trip.Hopefully it will bring ouit the best in Mr Mopac a 5x for all your tireless efforts this year. hopping you and yours have a fine fine trip and a grrrreat New Year.I'll be in and out myself on the first so perhaps a raincheck for the party later in the month may be better.It is a Leap year this year so perhaps a Feb 29th Luau may be the way to go. I'll have to think on it.H&H could fire up the Zepplin and drag in some Hawaiian treats for us hmmm must ponderEric-As soon as I have anything real on John's new old book I'll let you know. I imagine that they will be an extremely low run so I can pick one up for you and mail it to you perhaps. It will be one we sell at the museum so again I'll keep you posted.Shane-Thanks for all the train info , great info added to the mix as per usual Also a most happy to you tomorrow,be safebut have a blast.Mopac-[welcome] on into the best darn saloon by the siding , an absolutley bang on first post. Hopefully the first of many. Fergie-I'm kinda waddling myself at the moment, hazzards of the season to be sure.Hoep you've got the hatches battened for that snowstrom you are getting or have gotten this weekend. Good reason to enjoy the nog and play on the M.E.S.S.Pete-You can see the strong ties to the old country that we still have here. there are a lot of towns and cities in Ontario and indeed accross the country with English Irish French and Scottish names part of what makes us Canadian. Hope you have a wonderfull trip on the first I'm sure you will come back with some storiesRob Fergmiester Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Out on the Briny Ocean Tossed 4,240 posts Posted by Fergmiester on Friday, December 28, 2007 4:31 PM Good Afternoon Captain Tom and crew siberianmo wrote:G'day Gents!Not a very active week at the Bar by the Ballast - but that was anticipated. But I figure the guys who are around appreciate very much the offerings this week from Lars - Pete - CM3 Shane - Rob - Eric 'n the new guy <if in fact he returns> MoPac <unless he decides to offer up a name - that's IT!> Correction made Pete . . . Es are very important! Email to "a few" received from Lars . . . I'll have a Coffee to go please. Just say NO to Turkey!Hard to waddle up to the bar when you got a full caboose load! I imagine there's a few Trestle Bridges groaning ou there!Speaking of "Pullman" Just bought a Rapido CN Green livery "Hudson Bay" 10-5 Sleeper and ordered a CN Baggage car due out in the New Year.Later AllFergie http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959 If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007 siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts Posted by siberianmo on Friday, December 28, 2007 4:04 PM G'day Gents!Not a very active week at the Bar by the Ballast - but that was anticipated. But I figure the guys who are around appreciate very much the offerings this week from Lars - Pete - CM3 Shane - Rob - Eric 'n the new guy <if in fact he returns> MoPac <unless he decides to offer up a name - that's IT!> Correction made Pete . . . Es are very important! Email to "a few" received from Lars . . . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *The finale for my reruns of train travel at Christmastime! Christmas train travel NOSTALGIA CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #8 of 8<A form of this was initially Posted on 12 Dec 2005, Page 190 on the Original Thread> THE PULLMAN COMPANY Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1948 advertisement in my private collection: Happy holiday homecoming by Pullman! This year let your trip itself be a holiday! make it A pleasure all the way - by Pullman. No driving tensions or weather worries . . . no time-wasting stops for meals or lodging. The miles slip by safely and swiftly. You and your family enjoy the peace, quiet and relaxation of your private Pullman "living room." This very holiday season, take the greatest trip on earth. Home for the holidays by Pullman! A full night's rest! For dad, mother and every young member of the family - sleep just comes naturally in soft, king-sized Pullman beds. Next morning everyone's fresh and rested . . . ready for a busy day. Your local Ticket Agent will help: 1. Provide information on routes and fares. 2. Help you plan stopovers. 3. Furnish rail and Pullman tickets. 4 Reserve a "rent-a-car" at your destination. YOU'RE SAFE AND SURE WHEN YOU TRAVEL BY PULLMANthe travel service of comfort, privacy and sleep! That's it for this day - hope you enjoyed these advertisements from Christmas seasons past. It was my pleasure to present them to you! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Friday, December 28, 2007 3:20 PM Hi Tom and all.A pint of Bathams XXX on Jan's tab please RUTH.ROB Enjoyed reading about the Bay of Quinte Railway. There are some Scottish names like Bannockburn and Tweed served by the railway as well as the English Syndenham.Is the BQ right of way today a trail passing those old mills and plants.Thanks for the kind words on my photos of the model layout at KC, it would be good if the lady does call in to Our Place from time to time, but if not, it is still great to have someone take the time and say thanks.Yes almost a year of the new Our Place. I think if we had a competition a year ago I doubt if anyone could have guessed that we would have around 3,200 posts and 100,000 views a year later, and as often said the posts are of marvelous quality. A5X salute indeed.ERIC I remembered the gauntlet track although, it was very rare in the UK I believe, although on the Great Western Railway for many years there was mixed gauge track with three rails for the GW 7ft ¼ inch Broad Gauge and the 4ft 8 ½ inch Standard Gauge until the broad gauge was abolished in 1892.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_gaugeA link to some mixed gauge lines.It would be interesting to see the pointwork at the start and end of the gauntlet track.Many thanks for the photos.MOPAC BARRETT TUNNEL. Many thanks for a very enjoyable post; I live near the old MoPac line here in Mid Mo although I am a newcomer. Tom and I were recently at the Museum of Transportation at Kirkwood and while we were there a short freight hauled by two of the smaller UP diesels were making a great sound coming up Kirkwood Hill, how I wish it could have been 5342. Thanks for sharing.CM3 to you for tomorrowJust a quick question, how did they keep those sleeping cars heated after they were detached and before the passengers left.Many thanks for the details on Mopac's post and Pennsylvania Railroad's coast-to-coast sleeping car services. It seems the PRR had a good relationship with all the railroads west of Chicago.LARS Hope you able to get in the bar tomorrow, if not, have a great trip down to the KEYS.Many thanks for those great Missouri Pacific bookcovers. I think the 5th one of the first set could be a painting of a Mo Pac Alco along side the Missouri between Washington MO and Jeff City. I wonder if the painting on the cover of ‘Cabooses of the Missouri Pacific Lines' shows the Works in Sedalia, I believe the building is still standing. TOM Another Law of Close Encounters is that, if you have skived off work someone from work will see you.I'm afraid you have missed the ‘E's off my DoNut Machine entry.I was lucky enough to see Polar Express in a cinema when it first came out with the bride's family as you say the film was enjoyed by all ages.You are so right about the photos posted at the bar, it so wonderful that most of them can be enlarged on the web so the full effect of the photos can be appreciated.Good words for Mopac.Many thanks for the Christmas RR Travel Nostalgia. Loved the NYC ones with one in rhyme and another well-written ad from the Pullman Company.A couple of photos.KCS Dome Car at Kansas City.At Jeff siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Friday, December 28, 2007 1:03 PM G'day Gents!Continuing with reruns of train travel at Christmastime - here's another! " border="0" width="15" height="15" /> Christmas train travel NOSTALGIA CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #7 of 8<A form of this was initially Posted on 12 Dec 2005, Page 190 on the Original Thread> Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1953 advertisement in my private collection: Christmas Window on the Water Level Route Watch New York Central trains roll past this time of year. You'll see Christmas windows by the hundred . . . bright with the most precious of all gifts. People! Couples taking their children to see Grandmother (on money-saving Family Fares). Older folk, off to spend Christmas with married sons or daughters - enjoying ever minute of New York Central comfort. Youngsters from school or college getting a first taste of holiday fare in the dining car. Fathers, away on business, taking it easy in the club car . . . sure that New York Central will get them home "weather or not." Those are the year's favorite jobs for New York Central men and women. So whether you ride with us or meet the train . . . here's wishing you a MERRY CHRISTMAS! Give Tickets - The Gift that Brings Them Home! . . . Ask any Central ticket agent how easy it is to . . . send rail and Pullman tickets as your gift . . . to someone you want with you at holiday time. New York CentralThe Water Level-Route - You Can Sleep Enjoy! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Friday, December 28, 2007 11:03 AM G'day Gents!Winding down my reruns of train travel at Christmastime - here's another! Christmas train travel NOSTALGIA CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #6 of 8 <A form of this was initially Posted on 12 Dec 2005, Page 189 on the Original Thread> THE PULLMAN COMPANY Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday retyped taken from a 1950 advertisement in my private collection: 3 questions to ask when you plan your Christmas trip 1. "How safe?" - The weather is something you do not worry about - when you go Pullman over the Christmas holidays. Throughout your trip your peace of mind is as weather-proof as your Pullman Accommodations. You know you're even safer in a Pullman crossing the country than you are in your Own home. . . . . . 2. "How comfortable?" Your mind is as carefree as . . . . . a child's as you sleep deep and undisturbed on your . . . . . Pullman bed. And in the morning you freshen up . . . . . and dress at your leisure. You have complete toilet . . . . . facilities, hot and cold running water, everything . . . . . you need to prepare for a welcome Santa himself . . . . . would envy. 3. "How dependable?" You get where you want to be when you want to be there . . . when you go Pullman. and you're the very spirit of Christmas as you arrive in the center of town - rested, relaxed, Ready for fun. (Christmas season or any season,) Go Pullman - the safe, comfortable, dependable Answer to all your travel questions.) . . . . . It won't be Christmas without you. So plan . . . . . now to go home for the holidays. And for railroad . . . . . travel at its best, plan to go Pullman. To be sure . . . . . of getting the reservations you want, see your . . . . . ticket agent early. Go PullmanCOMFORTABLE, DEPENDABLE, AND-ABOVE ALL - SAFE! Enjoy! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Friday, December 28, 2007 10:09 AM Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!Ruth my deAH, another jolt in the coffee mug if you please! <grin> Back with a few more covAHs for MoPac ‘n the crew! The RETURN of the Larsman Mobile . . . <grin>MoPac - River & Prairie RailsRoute of the Eagles - MoPac in the Streamlined EraFour-Eight-Fours on the MoPacCabooses of the MoPac Lines1975-1976 MoPac AnnualThe Missouri Pacific Lines in ColorNote: Just a reminder that we try to keep our postings reasonable by NOT overloading the page . . . so six photos is pretty much our "norm" . . . exceptions on Saturdays! Ruth my deAH, you KNOW where I'll be . . . . <blush>Until the next time! Lars LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Friday, December 28, 2007 9:09 AM Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!Ruth my deAH, fill up the coffee mug wudja ‘n I'll check out the pastry case . . . My, my - you are lookin' mighty fine ‘n I'm wonderin' HOW I can manage to get you down to the Keys ‘n maintain my <discreet nature> while doing it! <uh oh>Boris, treats for the crittAHs ‘n the small jar of PPF is for YOU!Well, this is my next-to-last day for posting at the bar for awhile. Not quite sure when I'll get "up" once we get settled in the Keys . . . surely hope to be back before the New Year! I'll try . . . which of course is all we can ask of any of the guys who frequent this joint. Speaking of which . . . Sorry if this disappoints anyone, but I've "seen" a couple of guys who occasionally stop by the bar. Fergie has been rathAH active on "his" forum - the model railroader one, which I think is "normal" for him. However, the guy called marthastrainyard (Per) was active yesterday ‘n today on a different forum than ours. Thought he said he'd be back here in late November??? Has he too decided to give up on us WITHOUT even a fair-thee-well??? Hope not . . .We've been down this road B4 with guys who are now UTB's . . . gets really OLD thinking one thing ‘n then realizing another. <barf> Good to see the possibility of getting another customer at the bar. Like the way the guy from Lemay handled his first visit with us. Now to see if he'll be back . . . to "Our" Place - MoPacBarrettTunnel - there's gotta be a "name" attached to that monikAH! In absence of one - I think what Shane dubbed him will 'work' - MoPac!! yeah, that "sounds" right. So UNLESS you tell us otherwise - YOU, Sir are MoPac to us. Really a great looking Mountain loco ‘n the transfer caboose! Enjoyed the "story" too . . . Fine way to get going at the Watering Hole by the Wayside! Since I'm the Manager ‘round here, let me know if there's anything I can do to help make you feel at home . . . we pride ourselves on being a small but interactive group. HARDLY the <crap> that goes on elsewhere with the HIT ‘n RUN posts, etc. Nope, we acknowledge the other guy - as you'll find out when you review the pages recommended by Da Bossman! I see the "beat goes on" with Eric ‘n Pete still stirring the proverbial "pot." Can't get me going guyz - just ain't gonna happen! <grin>Hey Rob! Some fine "stuff" from our southern Ontario guy . . . good idea about a New Year's blast - BUT I think Cap'n Tom hit it on the head. We're really not "flush" with people as once upon a time. Let's see - New Years Day means all those who are "work day only postAHs" will be gone - then there are those who are away from home (me - Allan in NZ - Pete) and B4 you know it - who is left???? Might be a tough road to hoe - but give it a TRY! If I'm online then, I'll surely participate! [tup Want to wish Shane a Happy Birthday (29th of Dec) just in case I can't get "in" tomorrow!! OKRA (Dec 22 - Jan 20) Are tough on the outside but tender on the inside. Okras have tremendous influence. An older Okra can look back over his life and see the seeds of his influence everywhere. You can do something good each day if you try. You go well with most anyone. Ok - time for another spate of reruns from the Larsman Mobile of Classic Trains "stuff" . . . these are "for" our new friend from Lemay, MO - MoPac! <grin> MoPac Color Guide to Freight & Passenger EquipmentMoPac Diesel PowerMoPac in Color, Vol 1 - The Era of the EaglesMoPac in Color, Vol 2 - Screamin' Eagles coalminer3 Member sinceJanuary 2001 From: WV 1,251 posts Posted by coalminer3 on Friday, December 28, 2007 8:40 AM Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please and slide the pie case down here.Weather here is clear for the moment although it is supposed to rain later today. We had a real heavy frost and lots of fog in between the hills.Let's see what's happening today.Rob stopped by with comments and BQ material from days past.Eric - The passengers could remain on the sleepers until a "civilized" hour. It's hard to believe how much different things were back then.Sven - Good to hear from you, sir.Lars - Could not believe that the football gods smiled upon us. Gotta love it! Anyway, we'll be TV-side on Saturday. I am just anxious as to which or our Jints team will show up - you know what I mean, I'm sure. Also, thanks for the inclusion of more Christmas train material.Pete - Yes, switching was done with electric power. Mopac - Good story. I was interested to read about the "Non passenger 3d Section." As you mentioned, the train did not have to make stops but maintained its tt rights. Put another way, you ran on a schedule with a "slot," but didn't get all hung up with being an extra. IMHO, MP had some of the most elegant looking steam power of any road. For those interested, they had four sets of 4-8-2s which were classified as MT73.5308-5312 were blt at Schenectady in 1921. 5313-5316 came from Schenectady two years later.5335-5339 were blt by Brooks in 1927.5340-5344 were blt by Schenectady in 1930.They shared some common dimensions: 27x30 cylinders and 73-inch drivers. Steam pressure varied from 210-250, depending on date of construction. And tractive force ran between 53,475 and 63,665, again depending on when constructed.OSP has been cleaning the vaults of advertising material from Pullman, ATSF, and NYC. Well, I did some looking as well and here's some material (again from 1950) re transcontinental sleeping car service. Enjoy.In 1950, the Pennsylvania Railroad provided coast to coast sleeping car service on four different routes. Passengers between New York and Los Angeles could travel every day on either the Overland Route or the so-called "Santa Fe" route. Service ran very other day on the Golden State Route. Riders between New York and San Francisco could travel every day on the Overland Route or every other day on the California Zephyr Route.Let's look at each route.Overland Route service to Los Angeles was coordinated between PRR Train 49, the "General" and UP Train 1, the "Los Angeles Limited." Transcontinental passengers rode in a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car which left New York at 5:00 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 8:00 a.m. the next morning. The "Los Angeles Limited" departed Chicago at 1201 p.m. and ran via the C&NW/UP with a 10:40 a.m. arrival in Los Angeles two days later.Eastbound passengers traveled via UP Train 2, the "Los Angeles Limited" to Chicago where the through car continued east on PRR Train 2, the "Pennsylvania Limited." The train departed Los Angeles at 1201 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 2:00 p.m. two days later. Eastbound from Chicago, PRR 2 departed at 630 p.m. with an 11:59 a.m. arrival the next day in New York. Service here again was in a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car.Overland Route Service to San Francisco operated via the PRR-C&NW, SP, and SP. PRR Train 55, the "Gotham Limited" handled a 10 roomette 6 double bedroom car to Chicago, and it continued west on C&NW, UP, SP Train27, the "San Francisco Overland." This car left New York at 11:40 p.m. and arrived in Chicago Union Station at 3:40 p.m. The car was moved to Northwestern Station where it departed on Train 27 at 8:00 p.m. It reached San Francisco at 6:50 p.m. two days later. Eastbound the 10 roomette/6 double bedroom San Francisco car ran on SP-UP-C&NW 28, the "San Francisco Overland," and on PRR 70, the "Admiral." SP 28 pulled out at 11:00 a.m. and arrived two days later at Northwestern Station, Chicago at 1:00 p.m. PRR 70 departed Union Station at 5:30 p.m. with an 11:45 a.m. arrival in New York the next day.The cars were transferred between Northwestern Station and Union Station at Chicago.The Santa Fe Route westbound was covered by PRR 29, the "Broadway Limited," and ATSF Train 19, the "Chief." This service operated a 4 compartment/2 drawing room/4 double bedroom car. Passengers paid a $10.15 extra fare surcharge to ride the "Chief." Westbound service departed New York at 6:00 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 9:00 a.m. the next morning. The car was switched from Union Station to Dearborn Station for a 1:30 p.m. departure on TSF Train 19. Arrival in Los Angeles was at 8:30 a.m. two days later. Eastbound, ATSF Train 20, the "Chief" departed Los Angeles at 12:30 p.m. and arrive at Dearborn Station Chicago at 11:30 a.m. two days later. The car was moved to Union Station where it departed at 4:30 p.m. on PRR 28, the "Broadway Limited," which arrived in New York at 9:30 a.m. the next day.The "Golden State" route carried a 4 compartment/2 drawing room/4 double bedroom car between New York and Los Angeles on a PRR-Rock Island-SP routing. Passengers paid a $10.15 extra fare surcharge to ride the "Golden State." Westbound travelers rode the Pennsy's Train 55, the "Gotham Limited" to Chicago to connect with RI-SP Train 3, the "Golden State." Train 55 departedNew York at 11:40 p.m. and arrived at Union Station, Chicago at 3:40 p.m. the next afternoon. The car was moved to LaSalle St. Station where it departed ay 10:15 p.m. with a 5:15 p.m. arrival in Los Angeles after a two day trip. Eastbound, SP-RI Train 4, "Golden State," handled the cross country sleeper to Chicago. It finished its eastbound journey on PRR 48, "The General." Train 4 departed Los Angeles at 12:30 p.m. with a two day later arrival at LaSalle St., Chicago ay 11:30 a.m. Train 48 departed Union Station at 3:30 p.m. and arrived in New York at 8:30 the next morning.Travelers using the California Zephyr Route did not have to have their cars switched at Chicago as all arrivals and departures were at Union Station. This route was covered by a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car which left New York westbound on PRR Train 1, the "Pennsylvania Limited," at 6:45 p.m. It arrived in Chicago at 10:25 a.m. the next day. CB&Q-DRGW-WP Train 17, the "California Zephyr" left Chicago at 3:30 p.m. with a two day later arrival in San Francisco at 4:50 p.m. Eastward, WP-DRGW-CB&Q Train 18 departed San Francisco at 9:00 a.m. with a two day later arrival in Chicago at 1:30 p.m. PRR Train 48, the "General," handled the eastbound car. It left Chicago at 3:30 p.m. with an 8:30 a.m. arrival the next day in New York.Work safe siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Friday, December 28, 2007 6:44 AM <"Our" Place Christmas Holiday Train>Friday's GrinReason "things" happen!Law of Close Encounters: The probability of meeting someone you know increases when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with. G'day Gents!The last Friday of 2007 has arrived ‘n with it another opportunity to partake in the offerings from our breakfast menu - our freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee ‘n pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery of Mama ‘n Papa Grundledink! Comments from the Proprietor: REMINDER: Drinks are "on Jan Olov" ‘til the New Year! So, don't be bashful - order away! PLENTY of holiday "nog" <spiked of course!> so help yourselves! Name the DoNut Machine CONTEST underway!<closes on Fri, 07 Jan 2008 at NOON (CST)>Lars . . . . GreeseMeister (27 Dec)Sven . . . . The Halo Creator (27 Dec)Pete . . . Holey-Moley (27 Dec)Rob . . . . Track Greeser (27 Dec)<Participants may "vote" for any of the above by sending me an "offline" Email - NOT via the Forums pu-leeze!> Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative) Thursday - Dec 27th: Lars (LoveDomes) at 10:26 AM: Elena ‘n the girls those are the names I couldn't recall! Well, Elena called here ‘n wanted to provide you with something ‘special' for your railway excursion. She "follows" the events right here on the Forums! Anyway, I told her about your "therapeutic" use of the hot tub while you were feeling low - so she said "her connections" with the Track Gangs ‘n the "suits" of the Can-Am Railway would be put to "good use." That's how it unfolded . . . Repeated for what it's worth: Mine is to initially respond to all who frequent our establishment. Beyond that - I'm totally ‘with you' regarding any "reward for bad behavior." Ain't gonna happen . . . We've got a fine group of guys here ‘n if we are fortunate enough to keep the "nucleus" in tact, we'll do fine. We surely don't need "saturation" in terms of material being Posted. Those days are OVER - RIP!! Thanx for entering the name the Mo-Sheen contest! Nicely done spate of Christmastime book covers ‘n good to see "the Manager's bar" again! Sven (Sven Olov) at 12:17 PM: A mid-day Post from our Resident Cheesehead Swede! Tuition at Molly Throttlebottom's Adult Learning Centre doesn't cost our customers anything other than the willingness to participate. When recommended - you're "in"! <grin> Question is - can you handle it Remember - it's the Adult Learning Centre AND Mud Wrestling Emporium! <uh oh>You are correct about a train from KCity to NYork City back in the 70s . . . Happy Railroading! Siberianmo MopacBarrettTunnel Member sinceAugust 2006 62 posts Posted by MopacBarrettTunnel on Friday, December 28, 2007 1:06 AM Wow!!This thread is something else - wish I could have discovered it sooner..... Well, I think I've got the hang of the "R&R," so one tankard of 151 {Nuclear} Eggnog please, Innkeeper? A quick "Hello" to my neighbor siberianmo {I'm down in Lemay, by JB!} Let's see - Christmas train stories? Well, my Dad's Cousin Dan worked for the MoPac for 35 years, and he loved telling my brother and me stories about his early exploits as fireman, and later engineer. One of his favorites was the Christmas mail and express runs {in multiple sections} the Mop laid on every year about Thanksgiving through the end of the holidays. He was lucky enough to catch a few runs with his favorite class of power, the #5339-44 series of MT-73 heavy Mountains: Danny preferred the oil-burners over the coal-burners - "Less stress for me," as he put it. He said that they had no problem getting a twelve-to fifteen car consist up to 90, but the first time he ever experienced it himself "it scared the hell out of me!!" He was on the eastbound run one December night, and the hogger was really on a tear - "We had the 5342 which was fresh out of Sedalia after Class 3's {general overhaul}. She was right and tight, and ran like a scalded dog, which my hogger took every advantage of. We slogged our way up Kirkwood hill, and since we were a non-passenger Third Section, we didn't have to make any of the suburban stops - we sailed over the top, and flew down the east slope. By the time we hit Webster Groves, I quit looking at the newly-installed speed recorder; it was pointing to'five o'clock' and heading for six {90 miles per hour}!! Why we didn't fly right off the rails on the Maplewood curves I'll never know, but I've never had such a fast - and smoth - ride on any engine as that one."As for myself, I can still clearly recall the lovely sight of a then-new MoPac short-bay window "transfer" caboose, complete with lighted Christmas wreaths on both ends! Quite often the old Amtrak National Limited would also be "wreathed" at both ends during November and December - I've got some ancient Polaroids somewhere of an SDP40F posing at Kirkwood, festive wreath on it's poited snout, with another one on the rear of the last coach. 'Twas the Season, after all!!!Cheers! Eagle Expidited Merchandise Service - 'cos DHL, FedEx, and UPS are ignorant of their history.......... EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Friday, December 28, 2007 12:15 AM Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!! Okay, Leon, tonight I would like one of my favorites, Rumpsteak Café de Paris! You should try it yourself some time, it's is very good! I have to go back to Solothurn, Switzerland, and try the original one again one day.The cold weather continues here in the desert, but the forecast for next week looks pretty good. CM3 – No, it was not my retirement speech in my hand. I don’t remember what it was, but I had not prepared any speech. I guess the audience thought it was my speech, that’s why they look nervous. Thanks for the Boston - Pittsburgh sleeper info!! I would say those trains were leaving Boston/Pittsburgh at right time and arriving to their destination just in time for breakfast! Maybe 4:00 p.m. for train 46-186 was a little bit early. But at least you could sleep all night!Pittsburgh. No sleeper in this train.Tom – It is a gauntlet track you see in that picture from New Carrollton outside Washington D.C. If you give each rail a number 1-4 from the left, number 1 and 3 are used by all “normal” trains. That will take you close to the platform in case it is a passenger train that is going to make a stop. Rail 2 and 4 are used by freight trains with wide loads so they won’t hit anyone or anything. The photo below shows a gauntlet track through Baltimore. Baltimore.I’ll remember to check into National Geographic data archives when I get a chance. Travel by Pullman! Just wish it was still possible. But I guess Santa Fe was a better choice going to Phoenix! Sun for Christmas! New York Central? Naeh, can’t get to Phoenix with them. Lars – Elena ‘n the girls? Does Ruth know? She will find out and then you are in big trouble! Have a nice time down in the Keys! We will take care of Ruth. More nice covers! The same book as a book and as 6 CD’s! I’ll pick the book! I prefer to read it myself. Sven – I noticed that Tom already told you about the Rendezvous! We had a very nice Rendezvous last May and I am looking forward to the next one! I certainly can recommend it!I am glad to learn that it was just a plastic spoon you broke. Coffee is free if you order something to eat at the same time. That was one of the first things I learned when I started to stop by at this place. Rob – Sounds interesting if John Mills is going to reprint his book! I am very interested. Thanks for the story on The Bay of Quinte Railway! Obviously a foot note in Ontario’s railway history, but an interesting one. As most of those small railroads it did not last very long though. But I guess the part of it that became part of Canadian Northern’s main line is still alive. Pete – At least you recognized a gauntlet track when you saw it!! You can find them at a few places along the North East Corridor.Thanks for the KC photos! Eric siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Thursday, December 27, 2007 4:50 PM G'day Gents!My finale for this day - another flashback to yesteryear 'n travel at Christmastime by train . . . . Christmas train travel NOSTALGIA CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #5 of 8<A form of this was initially Posted on 12 Dec 2005, Page 189 on the Original Thread> Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1950 advertisement in my private collection: Merry Christmas from all on your New York Central overnighter WHEN GOING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, Delay you can't afford. So take the train. For, storm or rain, I'll still say, "ALL ABOARD!" Your N.Y.C. Conductor SEASONS GREETINGS! Come in and dine. No other travel has meals as fine. The varied, fresh-cooked food's a treat, And you can sight-see while you eat! Your N.Y.C. Diner Crew MY GIFT TO YOU is perfect rest. Your big, soft bed's the very best. So sleep, and wake up fresh next day. You're traveling world's safest way! Your N.Y.C. Pullman Porter THE BEST OF HOLIDAY GOOD CHEER And sociability are here. Enjoy refreshments, relaxation Aboard your Central observation. Your N.Y.C. Club Car Steward WHITE CHRISTMAS in a song is swell. But when you plan to travel - well, If you'd be certain to arrive, Best go by train, and let me drive! Your N.Y.C. Engineer PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY HOME-COMING ON NEW YORK CENTRAL'S GREAT FLEET OF DIESELINERS GIFT IDEA! A TRIP HOMEAsk your New York Central ticket agent about arranging tickets and reservations as your gift to a parent or youngster, brother or sister away from home. New York Central The Water Level-Route - You Can Sleep Enjoy! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo trolleyboy Member sinceMay 2014 3,727 posts Posted by trolleyboy on Thursday, December 27, 2007 4:29 PM Good afternoon again Leon, Whats that oh yes this is the first time I've seen you today must be all of the eggnog speaking of which oh yes I see that you have loaded up my favourite beer stein for me, thank-you. Yes I know that Boris likes spit-polishing the beer steins , not to worry I never drink the bottom fifth of the glass.Pete-Good afternoon sir,some more wonderdfull pictures of the Christmas layout.I hope the young lady that visited does come back, but we shant hold our breath,mind you having another female in the bar will hopefully "class" up the joint. No Boris H&H don't count ( certainly not as far as class goes at any rate )Perhaps "Bessie" would have been black and whiteI think that your your name for the donut machine is as far as I can tell the best so far, an early lead at any rate.Have fun in KC,don't do anything that Tom wouldn't Just struck me that this new and improved version of Pur Place is rapidly approaching it's one year aniversary,seeing as New years day was the relaunch after the original closed down.Sounds like a good excuse for a shindig or a hootnanny at the very least. what say you goodHeck I'll even spring for the decorations and hors'd'ourves.Rob pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Thursday, December 27, 2007 4:10 PM Hi Tom and all.A pint of Bathams on Jan's tab please RUTH.ROB BORIS is quite pleased with his replacement present, his shed was not in too good a shape before, I feel the next victim of a ‘Tweeting' will get the job of tiding the shed up.Many thanks for the B&O C&O merger encore; I bet it was hard for the long-term employees of the two roads to come to terms of the merger after being rivals for so long.I wonder what ‘Bessie the Cat' would have looked like.Glad you enjoyed the model photos, can't believe you are on Manager Lars side after what he done to poor Eric and I.Great to see you in the bar this afternoon, yes the donut-naming contest is very popular.ERIC It is good to know that restaurant the Iron Horse in Seattle is still in operation and still delivering burgers by model train.Glad you enjoyed the photos of the model layout at Union Station in KC it is a good-sized layout, they were setting it up when we arrived back from California, which was in September. I am not sure of the gauge though I think I recall reading that the Jones train was going to at the station this year. Tom and I was hoping to have a look round at the layout this year, but the Amtrak was running late and I afraid all we saw of Union Station was the Amtrak platform.I am going to Kansas City for the New Year and hopefully will be able to call in at Union Station although I am not sure when the layout is taken down.Thanks for the photo of the rare gauntlet track.CROWGR8DAUGHTER Really glad you enjoyed my photos from that great layout at Union Station and many thanks for posting at Our Place to thank me, much appreciated..I have a couple more photos taken on that day.CM3 Many thanks for the very interesting Boston Pittsburgh sleeping car service. I guess the switching at Penn station New York was done by an electric locomotive.LARS I see your visit to the warmer weather at the Keys is getting nearer, I am sure you will have a great time there. I wonder what gift you will return with this time; the Penthouse Suite Private Bar certainly looks very classy.Many thanks for those great Christmas time covers. I think the Polar Express will become a firm Christmas favorite and will be shown on TV around this time for many years to come, I hope so at least.SVEN I bet the Union Station in Kansas City was a lot busier with trains in the 1970s I have only known the station since 2001. When I boarded a train there,that year, it was from a small cabin along side the Union Station, at least nowadays you board the train from the main station building. I believe I am right in saying there are just 6 trains that use the station now. The Southwest Chief to Chicago in the morning about 7 45 AM and the Chief heading for Los Angeles about 11pm. Then there are two trains departing towards St Louis, the morning train is a through train to Chicago and the afternoon 4pm train runs to just St Louis. The 2pm arrival is from St Louis and the evening train is a through train from Chicago via St Louis.I see Tom as given you details about the Rendezvous it really is a great time. TOM Getting those photos from BORIS must have been quite a challenge; he was getting very fond of them.It would be great to go to that restaurant in the Crown Center with you, perhaps they will change the schedule on Amtrak next spring like it was this year, where we have over 4 hours scheduled in Kansas City. trolleyboy Member sinceMay 2014 3,727 posts Posted by trolleyboy on Thursday, December 27, 2007 3:47 PM Hello Ruth , I think another round of nog on Jan just before you are out for the day. You might as well put your feet up and have one along with us as well.CLASSIC STEAM #29 THE BAY OF QUINTE RYThis was first posted on page # 364 of the old thread.Please enjoy again ! The Bay of Quinte RY of (BQ),despite it's history and many bits and pieces left behind is little more than a small foot note in Ontario's railway history. It all began with Edward Rathburn.One of the ambitious entrepreneurs that was spawned by the 19th centuries industrial revolution.Rathburn founded what would become one of the largest and most diversified empires in 19th centruy Canada.From it's large mills in Desoronto Ontario ( the northeastren shore of Lake Ontario ) the Rathburn company expanded in all directions.It's fleets carried lumber and other cargo southward to Oswago NY, while it's trains moved cargo east and west along the Grand Trunk.To the north lay Rathburn's vast timber reserves and his Bay Of Quinte RY. Like much of Rathburn's empire the railway began as a mishmash of existing lines and unused charters.After building his own link from Deseronto a short distance from Grand Trunks main line west of Napanee Ontario,Rathburn purchased the Napanee Tamworth and Quebec Line, a railway that led north from Napanee.He extended this line northwest to Tweed and later Banockburn,as well as northeast to Syndenham.This gave the company the all-important access to it's timber limits.By 1903 the network of tracks had become known as The Bay of Quinte RR or BQ. The railway gained it's revenue from more than just Rathburn's timber ventures.a marble quarry at Actinolite,a cement plant at Marlebank, and a pyrite mine at Queensborough all added their piece to the railways profits.In 1910 the expanding Canadian Northern added the BQ to it's national inventory of undervalued lines.The CnoR, was less interested in the timber, mines and quarries than it was in it's completeing of it's mainline from Toronto to Ottawa.The BQ was a valuble link in that route. Neglected by it's new owners, the cement plant , mines and mills closed one by one,by 1930 only one train operated north of Tweed each week.To no ones supprise the section between Tweed and Banockburn was abandonned in 1935, and from Tweed to Yarker in 1941.The CNR continued service from Napanee to Yarker and beyond to interchange with CPR at Smithville until 1986. Run brieflty as a shortline the Smithville branch was lifted in 1991.The BQ left a colourfull history and many old stone mills and plants along it's ROW many are still to be seen today.Rob trolleyboy Member sinceMay 2014 3,727 posts Posted by trolleyboy on Thursday, December 27, 2007 3:07 PM Good afternoon Ruth , I think I could manage a number 3 oh and certainly a large snifter full of the egg nog, what the haek since jan's being soooo generous hows about a round of nog for everybody. Yes Boris I know, his bar tab is already longer than your mothers tail <yikes>Tom-Another fine "two fer" of Christmas nostalgia posts thanks for re-sharing them with us 5x for all it is that you do for us here at the ole saloon.Thanks for getting the contest up and running,two entries in and the pixels are barely dry on your announcement of it Hopefully the private car will be back on the tracks in time for the prize for this contest. I didn't know about Bessie either until I read it in a small book on the B&O that I had come accross.Likely a good thing that it didn't make it off the drawing board though,imagine the menagerie the CSX would now have with all the additional railroads that joined Chessie fold in the years since that first merger. Tom put me down for the "Track Greeser" as my pitifull entry to the contest. Lars-Perhaps your Giants will give you the thrill of beating the Pats on saturday,that would be a find send off to the sunny south for you.Loved todays book covers BTW.Shane-Yup if one was to dig deeply into Niagara Centrals lower cabinets and basements I'm sure brand new kits of all those manufacturers would surface.ext time you are up to Buffalo you should nip accross the boarder to St Catharines and do some searching,they have a room full of old Lionel ,and other O and O27 stuff not to mention the brass of all scales etc etc. Loved the info on the train service that you dug out for Pete as well thanks Eric-Don't blame you I don't like getting up any earlier than required myself.I have heard as well that John Mills is working on a reprint of his NS&T book with some new info, if it comes out I'll let you know.Sven-I don't think that was a sac -religious name.The donut is a noble food. ( I say that cause dad was a cop )Rob siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Thursday, December 27, 2007 2:09 PM G'day Gents!Continuing with Christmas NOSTALGIA from Pages Past to maintain the spirit of the season! Christmas train travel NOSTALGIA CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #4 of 8 <A form of this was initially Posted on 12 Dec 2005, Page 189 on the Original Thread> Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1949 advertisement in my private collection: Give your family theSunfor Christmas Go Santa Fe to Phoenix, Wickenburg, Palm Springs and Southern California You've promised yourself to take the family on a winter vacation sometime. This is the year! Why not make it your Christmas present to them? The resorts and ranches in sunny Arizona and Southern California are beckoning and Santa Fe's famous fleet of fine trains to those "sun spots" offers schedules and accommodations to suit you to a "T." Enjoy! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Thursday, December 27, 2007 1:09 PM G'day Gents!Just happened to "over hear" an inquiry from our new friend, Sven the Resident Cheesehead Swede regarding Rendezvous III.Let me "enlighten" you a bit regarding our get togethers . . . It all began back in 2005 when I came up with an idea for a get together - live 'n in person - of those willing 'n able to do so. Our first Rendezvous was in Toronto in May 2006 where 3 of us attended. The next was here in St. Louis, again in May, where 4 of us got together. And now we're planning for May of 2008, a repeat in St. Louis, where thus far 4 have signed up.Here's what we've decided upon thus far:Arrival will be Wednesday late afternoon - May 14th - for those wishing to attend the Cardinals-Pirates baseball game the following day at noon. Otherwise, arrival is Thursday.A Rendezvous get together <social hour 'n dinner> is slated for Thursday evening at my Haus. That will be followed by a 'session' in the Can-Am Trainroom 'n Brewroom <aka: basement> The OH-FISH-UL Rendezvous takes place on Friday 'n Saturday with events to be disseminated via Email once I put the agenda into final form. We begin early 'n end late.These Rendezvous are strictly for the Customers of "Our" Place with no guests permitted. That's the way we have done it, are planning to do it 'n will continue to do it. Departure day is Sunday - May 18th.We keep the majority of our travel 'n personal plans restricted to Email communications - so if you <or anyone else> is interested in participating, send me an "off line Email" - NOT via the Forums PLEASE!!!!PLEASE use Email for any additonal info, questions or concerns. In other words, use Email! <grin>There is plenty of "history" contained within the Pages amassed at this Thread <reborn bar> and over on the Original Thread . . . . pictures, stories, etc. All one has to do is take the time 'n make the effort to check it out! We'd love to have you join us! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, December 27, 2007 12:17 PM Good Afternoon, Ruth! Really nice to see you back after your Christmas Day off. I'll have my regular Gevalia. Is that a liquid included in the all paid for drinks by Jan? Then I'll pay you for three doughnuts, which I will ease into the Galley to enjoy fresh from "The Halo Creator".Rob suggested we should give the donut machine a name, and my entry to the name contest is: "The Halo Creator". You know, it creates round rings, shiny yellow, tastes heavenly - The Halo Creator - or is that sac religious?Tom DaBossman, Thank you for the advice to enroll in Molly Throttlebottom's Adult Learning Centre. "Reading, it's the written word!" The tuition seems steep to me. Is there a chance to get a scholarship from any source known to the patrons of this place?Eric, don't worry about the spoon. It was only one of those plastic ones they have in the Swedish Bistros (that's what the simplified restaurant cars on Swedish trains are called nowadays). Thank you for verifying my story of food delivered on model trains. May I, as a body that just came in from the cold, ask what the "3rd Annual Rendezvous in May (140 days!)" is about? Do you all here at the bar get together once a year live and in color?Pete, thank you for the photos from the Union Station in Kansas City. I think my wife and I took the train from there at one time in the 70-ies. Can have been on our way to or from Tulsa, OK. (Bus Tulsa - Kansas City, train Kansas City - NYC?????). I have to check our old travel albums when I get back home tonight.Sorry, have to switch out on the main line again to earn my keep.See you at my next whistle stop.Sven Edit siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Thursday, December 27, 2007 12:15 PM G'day Gents!Some more Christmas NOSTALGIA from Pages Past to maintain the spirit of the season! Christmas train travel NOSTALGIA CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #3 of 8 <A form of this was initially Posted on 12 Dec 2005, Page 189 on the Original Thread> THE PULLMAN COMPANY Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1948 advertisement in my private collection: Christmas Cargo They'll be home for Christmas! There are miles of snow and mountains ahead. But this family will spend their night before Christmas snug and secure in their Pullman compartment. They bring gifts for her folks back home. But his greatest gift to that proud Grandfather and Grandmother will be the sight of their first grandchild. He'll be home for Christmas! He's a hard working trouble-shooter for his company, and business almost kept him away for Christmas. But there'll be no disappointments in this father's house tomorrow morning. Traveling Pullman, he and his presents will arrive safe and sound right in the heart of town, just a stones' throw from Christmas at home. She'll be home for Christmas! "Dear Mother and Dad," she wrote. "I'll be home for Christmas with a straight "A" for the quarter. Don't you think that deserves going Pullman?" It does and it did. But more important, her mother and father will sleep as soundly tonight as she will, knowing she's traveling the safest, most comfortable way to be home for Christmas. To be sure you'll be home for ChristmasGo PullmanTHE SAFEST, MOST COMFORTABLE WAY TO GET THERE! Enjoy! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo « First«25262728293031»Last » SUBSCRIBER & MEMBER LOGIN Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more! Login Register FREE NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter Submit More great sites from Kalmbach Media Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy
Ruth my deAH, you KNOW where I'll be . . . . <blush>
Until the next time!
Lars Eagle Expidited Merchandise Service - 'cos DHL, FedEx, and UPS are ignorant of their history..........
LoveDomes wrote: Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!Ruth my deAH, fill up the coffee mug wudja ‘n I'll check out the pastry case . . . My, my - you are lookin' mighty fine ‘n I'm wonderin' HOW I can manage to get you down to the Keys ‘n maintain my <discreet nature> while doing it! <uh oh>Boris, treats for the crittAHs ‘n the small jar of PPF is for YOU!Well, this is my next-to-last day for posting at the bar for awhile. Not quite sure when I'll get "up" once we get settled in the Keys . . . surely hope to be back before the New Year! I'll try . . . which of course is all we can ask of any of the guys who frequent this joint. Speaking of which . . . Sorry if this disappoints anyone, but I've "seen" a couple of guys who occasionally stop by the bar. Fergie has been rathAH active on "his" forum - the model railroader one, which I think is "normal" for him. However, the guy called marthastrainyard (Per) was active yesterday ‘n today on a different forum than ours. Thought he said he'd be back here in late November??? Has he too decided to give up on us WITHOUT even a fair-thee-well??? Hope not . . .We've been down this road B4 with guys who are now UTB's . . . gets really OLD thinking one thing ‘n then realizing another. <barf> Good to see the possibility of getting another customer at the bar. Like the way the guy from Lemay handled his first visit with us. Now to see if he'll be back . . . to "Our" Place - MoPacBarrettTunnel - there's gotta be a "name" attached to that monikAH! In absence of one - I think what Shane dubbed him will 'work' - MoPac!! yeah, that "sounds" right. So UNLESS you tell us otherwise - YOU, Sir are MoPac to us. Really a great looking Mountain loco ‘n the transfer caboose! Enjoyed the "story" too . . . Fine way to get going at the Watering Hole by the Wayside! Since I'm the Manager ‘round here, let me know if there's anything I can do to help make you feel at home . . . we pride ourselves on being a small but interactive group. HARDLY the <crap> that goes on elsewhere with the HIT ‘n RUN posts, etc. Nope, we acknowledge the other guy - as you'll find out when you review the pages recommended by Da Bossman! I see the "beat goes on" with Eric ‘n Pete still stirring the proverbial "pot." Can't get me going guyz - just ain't gonna happen! <grin>Hey Rob! Some fine "stuff" from our southern Ontario guy . . . good idea about a New Year's blast - BUT I think Cap'n Tom hit it on the head. We're really not "flush" with people as once upon a time. Let's see - New Years Day means all those who are "work day only postAHs" will be gone - then there are those who are away from home (me - Allan in NZ - Pete) and B4 you know it - who is left???? Might be a tough road to hoe - but give it a TRY! If I'm online then, I'll surely participate! [tup Want to wish Shane a Happy Birthday (29th of Dec) just in case I can't get "in" tomorrow!! OKRA (Dec 22 - Jan 20) Are tough on the outside but tender on the inside. Okras have tremendous influence. An older Okra can look back over his life and see the seeds of his influence everywhere. You can do something good each day if you try. You go well with most anyone. Ok - time for another spate of reruns from the Larsman Mobile of Classic Trains "stuff" . . . these are "for" our new friend from Lemay, MO - MoPac! <grin> MoPac Color Guide to Freight & Passenger EquipmentMoPac Diesel PowerMoPac in Color, Vol 1 - The Era of the Eagles Eagle Expidited Merchandise Service - 'cos DHL, FedEx, and UPS are ignorant of their history.......... MopacBarrettTunnel Member sinceAugust 2006 62 posts Posted by MopacBarrettTunnel on Saturday, December 29, 2007 2:32 AM EricX2000 wrote: MopacBarrettTunnel – Welcome to the Tavern by the siding, “Our” Place! I like your story including a couple of nice photos! MT-73 was a very good looking locomotive. Do you know if any of those MT-73 has been preserved? The Barrett Tunnel.{Leon, Eric's got me hungry again - could I trouble you for another double-cheeseburger and fries? Looks like a "fair stretch" is shaping up.......}Forgive me, Mate - I'm working "backwards" in my replies just now, so don't be too confused with me answering your last post first - I do this sort of thing all the time, when I'm "settling in." Now, to answer your question, no the MoP didn't save any of their MT-73's, sadly. Or nearly every other steam class, save a couple TN-60/67 4-6-0's. Since you've been to the Museum, you've seen one of them, Eric - St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern #635, fka MP#2707. {The other one is #2522, currently rotting away in Paris, Arkansas}.How'd you manage a "downgrade end" shot of the tunnel, Mate? Last time I visited {'04}, it was fenced off. Eagle Expidited Merchandise Service - 'cos DHL, FedEx, and UPS are ignorant of their history.......... MopacBarrettTunnel Member sinceAugust 2006 62 posts Posted by MopacBarrettTunnel on Saturday, December 29, 2007 2:09 AM EricX2000 wrote: I had to come back. Just saw Chris' latest post! Again, most Welcome to Our Place!!! It is always interesting to learn to know a "new" person. It seems like we have one thing in common, late hours! Or, maybe more correct, odd hours. About myself, I came to this country 15 years ago from the old country (Sweden) where I was a locomotive engineer for many years. Here, in Arizona, I am a retiree since one week back. Thanks for the info on the "real" Barrett tunnel! I read about those tunnels some time ago but was not sure about the exact location of the real one. I posted a photo of the tunnel that ends next to the museum. Nice to see you, Sir! Eric {Okay, Leon, I'm ready - another "boiler explosion" please......}Right back at you, fellow Night-Owl!! I can see I'm "in trouble" already - this place is so addictive! Great info, great bunch of regulars, and a worlwide clientele - who could ask for more? Myself, I'd kill to play {or at least become a regular} in a place like this if it were in the "real" world -it's that good!Thanks for the kind comments, Eric - I could go on for months about my beloved "Kirkwood Hill" memories, but I don't want to try and tell them all at one sitting {although this place tempts me to give it a go}. Love the X2000 in your s/n here, Mate - I'm still kicking myself over NOT having my camera with me, when I saw the prototype on my old stomping grounds during it's tour in '92 or '93.......... Eagle Expidited Merchandise Service - 'cos DHL, FedEx, and UPS are ignorant of their history.......... MopacBarrettTunnel Member sinceAugust 2006 62 posts Posted by MopacBarrettTunnel on Saturday, December 29, 2007 1:49 AM coalminer3 wrote: Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please and slide the pie case down here.Weather here is clear for the moment although it is supposed to rain later today. We had a real heavy frost and lots of fog in between the hills.Let's see what's happening today.Rob stopped by with comments and BQ material from days past.Eric - The passengers could remain on the sleepers until a "civilized" hour. It's hard to believe how much different things were back then.Sven - Good to hear from you, sir.Lars - Could not believe that the football gods smiled upon us. Gotta love it! Anyway, we'll be TV-side on Saturday. I am just anxious as to which or our Jints team will show up - you know what I mean, I'm sure. Also, thanks for the inclusion of more Christmas train material.Pete - Yes, switching was done with electric power. Mopac - Good story. I was interested to read about the "Non passenger 3d Section." As you mentioned, the train did not have to make stops but maintained its tt rights. Put another way, you ran on a schedule with a "slot," but didn't get all hung up with being an extra. IMHO, MP had some of the most elegant looking steam power of any road. For those interested, they had four sets of 4-8-2s which were classified as MT73.5308-5312 were blt at Schenectady in 1921. 5313-5316 came from Schenectady two years later.5335-5339 were blt by Brooks in 1927.5340-5344 were blt by Schenectady in 1930.They shared some common dimensions: 27x30 cylinders and 73-inch drivers. Steam pressure varied from 210-250, depending on date of construction. And tractive force ran between 53,475 and 63,665, again depending on when constructed.OSP has been cleaning the vaults of advertising material from Pullman, ATSF, and NYC. Well, I did some looking as well and here's some material (again from 1950) re transcontinental sleeping car service. Enjoy.In 1950, the Pennsylvania Railroad provided coast to coast sleeping car service on four different routes. Passengers between New York and Los Angeles could travel every day on either the Overland Route or the so-called "Santa Fe" route. Service ran very other day on the Golden State Route. Riders between New York and San Francisco could travel every day on the Overland Route or every other day on the California Zephyr Route.Let's look at each route.Overland Route service to Los Angeles was coordinated between PRR Train 49, the "General" and UP Train 1, the "Los Angeles Limited." Transcontinental passengers rode in a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car which left New York at 5:00 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 8:00 a.m. the next morning. The "Los Angeles Limited" departed Chicago at 1201 p.m. and ran via the C&NW/UP with a 10:40 a.m. arrival in Los Angeles two days later.Eastbound passengers traveled via UP Train 2, the "Los Angeles Limited" to Chicago where the through car continued east on PRR Train 2, the "Pennsylvania Limited." The train departed Los Angeles at 1201 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 2:00 p.m. two days later. Eastbound from Chicago, PRR 2 departed at 630 p.m. with an 11:59 a.m. arrival the next day in New York. Service here again was in a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car.Overland Route Service to San Francisco operated via the PRR-C&NW, SP, and SP. PRR Train 55, the "Gotham Limited" handled a 10 roomette 6 double bedroom car to Chicago, and it continued west on C&NW, UP, SP Train27, the "San Francisco Overland." This car left New York at 11:40 p.m. and arrived in Chicago Union Station at 3:40 p.m. The car was moved to Northwestern Station where it departed on Train 27 at 8:00 p.m. It reached San Francisco at 6:50 p.m. two days later. Eastbound the 10 roomette/6 double bedroom San Francisco car ran on SP-UP-C&NW 28, the "San Francisco Overland," and on PRR 70, the "Admiral." SP 28 pulled out at 11:00 a.m. and arrived two days later at Northwestern Station, Chicago at 1:00 p.m. PRR 70 departed Union Station at 5:30 p.m. with an 11:45 a.m. arrival in New York the next day.The cars were transferred between Northwestern Station and Union Station at Chicago.The Santa Fe Route westbound was covered by PRR 29, the "Broadway Limited," and ATSF Train 19, the "Chief." This service operated a 4 compartment/2 drawing room/4 double bedroom car. Passengers paid a $10.15 extra fare surcharge to ride the "Chief." Westbound service departed New York at 6:00 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 9:00 a.m. the next morning. The car was switched from Union Station to Dearborn Station for a 1:30 p.m. departure on TSF Train 19. Arrival in Los Angeles was at 8:30 a.m. two days later. Eastbound, ATSF Train 20, the "Chief" departed Los Angeles at 12:30 p.m. and arrive at Dearborn Station Chicago at 11:30 a.m. two days later. The car was moved to Union Station where it departed at 4:30 p.m. on PRR 28, the "Broadway Limited," which arrived in New York at 9:30 a.m. the next day.The "Golden State" route carried a 4 compartment/2 drawing room/4 double bedroom car between New York and Los Angeles on a PRR-Rock Island-SP routing. Passengers paid a $10.15 extra fare surcharge to ride the "Golden State." Westbound travelers rode the Pennsy's Train 55, the "Gotham Limited" to Chicago to connect with RI-SP Train 3, the "Golden State." Train 55 departedNew York at 11:40 p.m. and arrived at Union Station, Chicago at 3:40 p.m. the next afternoon. The car was moved to LaSalle St. Station where it departed ay 10:15 p.m. with a 5:15 p.m. arrival in Los Angeles after a two day trip. Eastbound, SP-RI Train 4, "Golden State," handled the cross country sleeper to Chicago. It finished its eastbound journey on PRR 48, "The General." Train 4 departed Los Angeles at 12:30 p.m. with a two day later arrival at LaSalle St., Chicago ay 11:30 a.m. Train 48 departed Union Station at 3:30 p.m. and arrived in New York at 8:30 the next morning.Travelers using the California Zephyr Route did not have to have their cars switched at Chicago as all arrivals and departures were at Union Station. This route was covered by a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car which left New York westbound on PRR Train 1, the "Pennsylvania Limited," at 6:45 p.m. It arrived in Chicago at 10:25 a.m. the next day. CB&Q-DRGW-WP Train 17, the "California Zephyr" left Chicago at 3:30 p.m. with a two day later arrival in San Francisco at 4:50 p.m. Eastward, WP-DRGW-CB&Q Train 18 departed San Francisco at 9:00 a.m. with a two day later arrival in Chicago at 1:30 p.m. PRR Train 48, the "General," handled the eastbound car. It left Chicago at 3:30 p.m. with an 8:30 a.m. arrival the next day in New York.Work safe{No, I'm fine right now, Leon.} Eagle Expidited Merchandise Service - 'cos DHL, FedEx, and UPS are ignorant of their history.......... EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Saturday, December 29, 2007 1:32 AM I had to come back. Just saw Chris' latest post! Again, most Welcome to Our Place!!! It is always interesting to learn to know a "new" person. It seems like we have one thing in common, late hours! Or, maybe more correct, odd hours. About myself, I came to this country 15 years ago from the old country (Sweden) where I was a locomotive engineer for many years. Here, in Arizona, I am a retiree since one week back. Thanks for the info on the "real" Barrett tunnel! I read about those tunnels some time ago but was not sure about the exact location of the real one. I posted a photo of the tunnel that ends next to the museum. Nice to see you, Sir! Eric EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Saturday, December 29, 2007 1:15 AM Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!Leon, I would like a Filet Mignon with mushrooms! Before the meal I'll have a large spiked Egg nog! I know, JanOlov will take care of that! This day there will be a big Birthday Party in Boris' shed! CM3 will be there most of the day. Yeah, Boris tied him to that chair so he can't leave. Happy Birthday!!! MopacBarrettTunnel – Welcome to the Tavern by the siding, “Our” Place! I like your story including a couple of nice photos! MT-73 was a very good looking locomotive. Do you know if any of those MT-73 has been preserved? The Barrett Tunnel.Tom – Pete and I trying to derail our Manager? No, no, and no! We are trying to help him in any way we can. Narrow gauge ‘n standard gauge is (was) pretty common. The picture below shows such a “dual” track in the old country. I like the retired life! It is pretty easy to get adjusted to it!A couple of more Pullman Christmas ads! Safe, comfortable, dependable! New York Central wants people to give tickets, the gift that brings them home! CM3 – Happy Birthday!!!! Have a great one!!!I think that is pretty normal in most countries that you can remain in your sleeper until a civilized hour after arriving to the last stop. I know that is still the case in the old country. Thanks for all the info on PRR’s sleeping car service! Very interesting. I like those long trips, staying on the train and just relax!. Lars – Stirring the proverbial pot? I have no clue what you are talking about. We are just a little bit disappointed you left us behind on your trip. But we forgive you! Wow, a whole bunch of MoPac covers! I am curious about MoPac in Nebraska!I know, I have shown this one before. Atchison, KS. Pete – I am afraid I did not take any pictures of the pointwork at the start and end of the gauntlet tracks. Was the last broad gauge in UK abolished in 1892? or was it just that mixed gauge track? Is that KCS Dome Car just on display? Maybe part of a museum? Fergie – Looking forward to some pictures of your new cars when they are running in a M.E.S.S. train.Rob – Sounds good about that new old book! I understand that you have had some bad weather. Lots of snow? Interesting reading about the CSR’s St Clair Branch! Reading it I am kind of surprised it survived until 1960! Eric MopacBarrettTunnel Member sinceAugust 2006 62 posts Posted by MopacBarrettTunnel on Saturday, December 29, 2007 1:12 AM Good Evening, All!!!Leon, I'd like to by the house a round {roundhouse - oh, I bad......} of "Nuclear Nogs" with a snifter of Remy Martin alongside. Y'all have heard of boilermakers, right? Well, my combination's a "boiler explosion {My Nuclear Nog is 151 Bacardi-spiked, remember}!" If Boris is still hungry, I brought some PPF......... Oh, and could I get a double cheeseburger and fries, if the kitchen's still open, please?You all sure know how to make a newbie feel welcome. Lars, Tom, everyone - I'm Chris, and I'm glad to meet you all! Tom, I'll start with you, since we're both in "Gateway." I've actually been banging aound the general forum here and over at Trains for over a year now. I kind of shied away from coming in here for a couple reasons. One, I've been playing drums professionally since 1987, and I've seen more "Pubs, clubs, 'n taverns" than I care to admit - my reticence is sort of a "who wants to hang out in their place of business" - type thing, you know? {Offline, this is indeed the case - I was never one for the bar scene, unless the band was working.} My second reason for being a bit gun-shy is due to some unpleasant experiences I've had on other forums/boards/blogs over the years; I've been a "Web-Rat" since '97, and I've seen {and a few times, been hurt by} things that would put most people off the 'Net for good. So, if at first I might seem a bit "standoffish," please don't take it that way; I'm not, I'm just a little shy and cautious, until I get settled in. Once I do - look out!! This place will be hummin', trust me! And one more thing - whilst I have every intention of becoming a regular here ASAP, don't be surprised if I seem to post at odd hours, or wildly different times of the day/night. My schedule is pretty crazy; in addition to the band, I own my own Internet business, and do the odd temp-job assignment, so I'm pretty unpredictable as to when I might pop in for a mug-n-chat.I think for now, I'm going to do my usual way of "working the room" here and adress you all individually, until I settle in. So, to start off, I'm going to keep our "winter" theme going in appropriate style, with the following:This is a shot taken by me on 3/10/1984. It's looking west on the MoP's Kirkwood Hill; just around the curve is the Barrett Station Road overpass, and the Transport Museum. The other neat thing about this pic is something I've highlighted:The arrow is pointing right at the real MopacBarrettTunnel - the easternmost one, which is not "on" the Museum grounds proper, although they own it. My brother and I practically lived here as we were both growing up; this shot was taken as I was standing under the signal bridge {since replaced, sadly}. This stretch of "The Hill," the Museum, and the nearby Frisco Springfield Sub were regularly haunted by us as youths - and we frequently had cameras with us, as we got older....... Keep the date of this pic in mind - it'll gain significance shortly. Eagle Expidited Merchandise Service - 'cos DHL, FedEx, and UPS are ignorant of their history.......... trolleyboy Member sinceMay 2014 3,727 posts Posted by trolleyboy on Friday, December 28, 2007 10:23 PM All right , I think I'll nab another rum punch from Leon and I'll jot down another encore from the old thread. This will also be one of the former Classic steam series, and also ties in so of our more recent rail topics. this one deals with the Ontario oil belt and it's service by the Canada Southern RY. CLASSIC STEAM #14 THE CSR's ST CLAIR BRANCH This was first printed out onto the old thread around page #226 or so. Up until 1960 people in the "oil belt" of Ontario would have been familiar with trains along the Canada Southern's St Clair Branch right up until it's abandonenment in 1960.Trains of box cars tanks and passenger cars were regulars on this line right up until it's ending. This line of the Canada Southern ( CASO ) was one of several railway lines whose builders saw this area as a convenient short cut between American cities in this case Chicago and Buffalo via Ontario.Yet the difference with this one is that it was launched by Canadians William Thompson and Adam Cooke,although most of their time and effort was spent in the US looking for US intrest and financing. While the Caso's mainline would run arrow straight from Niagara Falls to Windsor ( some of the heaviest rail built in Ontario in fact ), the St Clair branch veered northwestward from a junction just west of St Thomas and continued on through to the St Clair River. Here , at a point on the railroad called Courtright,( named for Milton Courtright the railways principal investor )the railway had hoped to establish a major railway terminus, with a bridge accross the busy St Clair River to the Michigan side.From there trains would make their way to Chicago,and to the rest of the American West. The American link failed however,and the Windsor route with it's tunnel under the Detroit River earned the bulk of the rail traffic from Southwestern Ontario.The grand scheme of a bridge over the St Clair River was then reduced to a barge operation.This operated accross the river from Courtright and St Clair for a few years until it burned and sank. With the sinking sank tio last vestige of this American link to Chicago and beyond. The Caso pinned it's early hopes on a reprieve and revenue on this line with teh oil boom in the 1860's. this put places like Petrolia Ontario and Oil Springs Ontario on the map and provided easier acess to these boom towns. To help boost the revunes on this line a new line called the Chatham Sarnia and Eastern ( CSE ) was created. It began in a town called Shrewsbury on Lake Erie and it was intended that it would pass through Oil Springs and Petrolia and terminate at Sarnia,interchanging with the Pere Marquette & C&O.However this project never went beyond short temporary spurs built from the Caso St Clair Branch north to Petrolia and South to Oil Springs. Later the hub of this oil Industry moved to Sarnia where te Pere Marquette was already established.The CSE was then absorbed into the Canada Southern which bypassed the spurs and built the line to follow the St Clair River to Sarnia Once these short lived oil pockets tapped out the line was given up for abandonement as the ligth agricultural and wood product and the small mixed trains were not enough to keep this piece of the Canda southern viable so in January of 1960 it was abandoned after about 80 years of sporadic frieght rvenues.Rob trolleyboy Member sinceMay 2014 3,727 posts Posted by trolleyboy on Friday, December 28, 2007 10:12 PM Good evening Leon , nice cold rainy night here today wish teh weather would pick what it wants to do <sheesh> I think a hot rum punch on Mr jan's tab will be what teh Dr ordered tonight sir with a Keith's chaserTom-Thanks for passing on the email , it was a good read Nice wind up for the week with the rest of the Christmas passenger posts.You are right a low key meet and greet is likley the best we can manage on the first , still through everything we've had one good year.Perhaps I'll run a tab for the day and treat the bunch, that may drag some participation outWe might just have to run a speacial day later on in January , nothing says the shindig has to be done on the first, most of us won't be up till afternoon anywayLars-Ah yes two fine runs of Mopac books as a send off for your trip.Hopefully it will bring ouit the best in Mr Mopac a 5x for all your tireless efforts this year. hopping you and yours have a fine fine trip and a grrrreat New Year.I'll be in and out myself on the first so perhaps a raincheck for the party later in the month may be better.It is a Leap year this year so perhaps a Feb 29th Luau may be the way to go. I'll have to think on it.H&H could fire up the Zepplin and drag in some Hawaiian treats for us hmmm must ponderEric-As soon as I have anything real on John's new old book I'll let you know. I imagine that they will be an extremely low run so I can pick one up for you and mail it to you perhaps. It will be one we sell at the museum so again I'll keep you posted.Shane-Thanks for all the train info , great info added to the mix as per usual Also a most happy to you tomorrow,be safebut have a blast.Mopac-[welcome] on into the best darn saloon by the siding , an absolutley bang on first post. Hopefully the first of many. Fergie-I'm kinda waddling myself at the moment, hazzards of the season to be sure.Hoep you've got the hatches battened for that snowstrom you are getting or have gotten this weekend. Good reason to enjoy the nog and play on the M.E.S.S.Pete-You can see the strong ties to the old country that we still have here. there are a lot of towns and cities in Ontario and indeed accross the country with English Irish French and Scottish names part of what makes us Canadian. Hope you have a wonderfull trip on the first I'm sure you will come back with some storiesRob Fergmiester Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Out on the Briny Ocean Tossed 4,240 posts Posted by Fergmiester on Friday, December 28, 2007 4:31 PM Good Afternoon Captain Tom and crew siberianmo wrote:G'day Gents!Not a very active week at the Bar by the Ballast - but that was anticipated. But I figure the guys who are around appreciate very much the offerings this week from Lars - Pete - CM3 Shane - Rob - Eric 'n the new guy <if in fact he returns> MoPac <unless he decides to offer up a name - that's IT!> Correction made Pete . . . Es are very important! Email to "a few" received from Lars . . . I'll have a Coffee to go please. Just say NO to Turkey!Hard to waddle up to the bar when you got a full caboose load! I imagine there's a few Trestle Bridges groaning ou there!Speaking of "Pullman" Just bought a Rapido CN Green livery "Hudson Bay" 10-5 Sleeper and ordered a CN Baggage car due out in the New Year.Later AllFergie http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959 If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007 siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts Posted by siberianmo on Friday, December 28, 2007 4:04 PM G'day Gents!Not a very active week at the Bar by the Ballast - but that was anticipated. But I figure the guys who are around appreciate very much the offerings this week from Lars - Pete - CM3 Shane - Rob - Eric 'n the new guy <if in fact he returns> MoPac <unless he decides to offer up a name - that's IT!> Correction made Pete . . . Es are very important! Email to "a few" received from Lars . . . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *The finale for my reruns of train travel at Christmastime! Christmas train travel NOSTALGIA CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #8 of 8<A form of this was initially Posted on 12 Dec 2005, Page 190 on the Original Thread> THE PULLMAN COMPANY Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1948 advertisement in my private collection: Happy holiday homecoming by Pullman! This year let your trip itself be a holiday! make it A pleasure all the way - by Pullman. No driving tensions or weather worries . . . no time-wasting stops for meals or lodging. The miles slip by safely and swiftly. You and your family enjoy the peace, quiet and relaxation of your private Pullman "living room." This very holiday season, take the greatest trip on earth. Home for the holidays by Pullman! A full night's rest! For dad, mother and every young member of the family - sleep just comes naturally in soft, king-sized Pullman beds. Next morning everyone's fresh and rested . . . ready for a busy day. Your local Ticket Agent will help: 1. Provide information on routes and fares. 2. Help you plan stopovers. 3. Furnish rail and Pullman tickets. 4 Reserve a "rent-a-car" at your destination. YOU'RE SAFE AND SURE WHEN YOU TRAVEL BY PULLMANthe travel service of comfort, privacy and sleep! That's it for this day - hope you enjoyed these advertisements from Christmas seasons past. It was my pleasure to present them to you! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Friday, December 28, 2007 3:20 PM Hi Tom and all.A pint of Bathams XXX on Jan's tab please RUTH.ROB Enjoyed reading about the Bay of Quinte Railway. There are some Scottish names like Bannockburn and Tweed served by the railway as well as the English Syndenham.Is the BQ right of way today a trail passing those old mills and plants.Thanks for the kind words on my photos of the model layout at KC, it would be good if the lady does call in to Our Place from time to time, but if not, it is still great to have someone take the time and say thanks.Yes almost a year of the new Our Place. I think if we had a competition a year ago I doubt if anyone could have guessed that we would have around 3,200 posts and 100,000 views a year later, and as often said the posts are of marvelous quality. A5X salute indeed.ERIC I remembered the gauntlet track although, it was very rare in the UK I believe, although on the Great Western Railway for many years there was mixed gauge track with three rails for the GW 7ft ¼ inch Broad Gauge and the 4ft 8 ½ inch Standard Gauge until the broad gauge was abolished in 1892.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_gaugeA link to some mixed gauge lines.It would be interesting to see the pointwork at the start and end of the gauntlet track.Many thanks for the photos.MOPAC BARRETT TUNNEL. Many thanks for a very enjoyable post; I live near the old MoPac line here in Mid Mo although I am a newcomer. Tom and I were recently at the Museum of Transportation at Kirkwood and while we were there a short freight hauled by two of the smaller UP diesels were making a great sound coming up Kirkwood Hill, how I wish it could have been 5342. Thanks for sharing.CM3 to you for tomorrowJust a quick question, how did they keep those sleeping cars heated after they were detached and before the passengers left.Many thanks for the details on Mopac's post and Pennsylvania Railroad's coast-to-coast sleeping car services. It seems the PRR had a good relationship with all the railroads west of Chicago.LARS Hope you able to get in the bar tomorrow, if not, have a great trip down to the KEYS.Many thanks for those great Missouri Pacific bookcovers. I think the 5th one of the first set could be a painting of a Mo Pac Alco along side the Missouri between Washington MO and Jeff City. I wonder if the painting on the cover of ‘Cabooses of the Missouri Pacific Lines' shows the Works in Sedalia, I believe the building is still standing. TOM Another Law of Close Encounters is that, if you have skived off work someone from work will see you.I'm afraid you have missed the ‘E's off my DoNut Machine entry.I was lucky enough to see Polar Express in a cinema when it first came out with the bride's family as you say the film was enjoyed by all ages.You are so right about the photos posted at the bar, it so wonderful that most of them can be enlarged on the web so the full effect of the photos can be appreciated.Good words for Mopac.Many thanks for the Christmas RR Travel Nostalgia. Loved the NYC ones with one in rhyme and another well-written ad from the Pullman Company.A couple of photos.KCS Dome Car at Kansas City.At Jeff siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Friday, December 28, 2007 1:03 PM G'day Gents!Continuing with reruns of train travel at Christmastime - here's another! " border="0" width="15" height="15" /> Christmas train travel NOSTALGIA CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #7 of 8<A form of this was initially Posted on 12 Dec 2005, Page 190 on the Original Thread> Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1953 advertisement in my private collection: Christmas Window on the Water Level Route Watch New York Central trains roll past this time of year. You'll see Christmas windows by the hundred . . . bright with the most precious of all gifts. People! Couples taking their children to see Grandmother (on money-saving Family Fares). Older folk, off to spend Christmas with married sons or daughters - enjoying ever minute of New York Central comfort. Youngsters from school or college getting a first taste of holiday fare in the dining car. Fathers, away on business, taking it easy in the club car . . . sure that New York Central will get them home "weather or not." Those are the year's favorite jobs for New York Central men and women. So whether you ride with us or meet the train . . . here's wishing you a MERRY CHRISTMAS! Give Tickets - The Gift that Brings Them Home! . . . Ask any Central ticket agent how easy it is to . . . send rail and Pullman tickets as your gift . . . to someone you want with you at holiday time. New York CentralThe Water Level-Route - You Can Sleep Enjoy! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Friday, December 28, 2007 11:03 AM G'day Gents!Winding down my reruns of train travel at Christmastime - here's another! Christmas train travel NOSTALGIA CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #6 of 8 <A form of this was initially Posted on 12 Dec 2005, Page 189 on the Original Thread> THE PULLMAN COMPANY Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday retyped taken from a 1950 advertisement in my private collection: 3 questions to ask when you plan your Christmas trip 1. "How safe?" - The weather is something you do not worry about - when you go Pullman over the Christmas holidays. Throughout your trip your peace of mind is as weather-proof as your Pullman Accommodations. You know you're even safer in a Pullman crossing the country than you are in your Own home. . . . . . 2. "How comfortable?" Your mind is as carefree as . . . . . a child's as you sleep deep and undisturbed on your . . . . . Pullman bed. And in the morning you freshen up . . . . . and dress at your leisure. You have complete toilet . . . . . facilities, hot and cold running water, everything . . . . . you need to prepare for a welcome Santa himself . . . . . would envy. 3. "How dependable?" You get where you want to be when you want to be there . . . when you go Pullman. and you're the very spirit of Christmas as you arrive in the center of town - rested, relaxed, Ready for fun. (Christmas season or any season,) Go Pullman - the safe, comfortable, dependable Answer to all your travel questions.) . . . . . It won't be Christmas without you. So plan . . . . . now to go home for the holidays. And for railroad . . . . . travel at its best, plan to go Pullman. To be sure . . . . . of getting the reservations you want, see your . . . . . ticket agent early. Go PullmanCOMFORTABLE, DEPENDABLE, AND-ABOVE ALL - SAFE! Enjoy! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Friday, December 28, 2007 10:09 AM Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!Ruth my deAH, another jolt in the coffee mug if you please! <grin> Back with a few more covAHs for MoPac ‘n the crew! The RETURN of the Larsman Mobile . . . <grin>MoPac - River & Prairie RailsRoute of the Eagles - MoPac in the Streamlined EraFour-Eight-Fours on the MoPacCabooses of the MoPac Lines1975-1976 MoPac AnnualThe Missouri Pacific Lines in ColorNote: Just a reminder that we try to keep our postings reasonable by NOT overloading the page . . . so six photos is pretty much our "norm" . . . exceptions on Saturdays! Ruth my deAH, you KNOW where I'll be . . . . <blush>Until the next time! Lars LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Friday, December 28, 2007 9:09 AM Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!Ruth my deAH, fill up the coffee mug wudja ‘n I'll check out the pastry case . . . My, my - you are lookin' mighty fine ‘n I'm wonderin' HOW I can manage to get you down to the Keys ‘n maintain my <discreet nature> while doing it! <uh oh>Boris, treats for the crittAHs ‘n the small jar of PPF is for YOU!Well, this is my next-to-last day for posting at the bar for awhile. Not quite sure when I'll get "up" once we get settled in the Keys . . . surely hope to be back before the New Year! I'll try . . . which of course is all we can ask of any of the guys who frequent this joint. Speaking of which . . . Sorry if this disappoints anyone, but I've "seen" a couple of guys who occasionally stop by the bar. Fergie has been rathAH active on "his" forum - the model railroader one, which I think is "normal" for him. However, the guy called marthastrainyard (Per) was active yesterday ‘n today on a different forum than ours. Thought he said he'd be back here in late November??? Has he too decided to give up on us WITHOUT even a fair-thee-well??? Hope not . . .We've been down this road B4 with guys who are now UTB's . . . gets really OLD thinking one thing ‘n then realizing another. <barf> Good to see the possibility of getting another customer at the bar. Like the way the guy from Lemay handled his first visit with us. Now to see if he'll be back . . . to "Our" Place - MoPacBarrettTunnel - there's gotta be a "name" attached to that monikAH! In absence of one - I think what Shane dubbed him will 'work' - MoPac!! yeah, that "sounds" right. So UNLESS you tell us otherwise - YOU, Sir are MoPac to us. Really a great looking Mountain loco ‘n the transfer caboose! Enjoyed the "story" too . . . Fine way to get going at the Watering Hole by the Wayside! Since I'm the Manager ‘round here, let me know if there's anything I can do to help make you feel at home . . . we pride ourselves on being a small but interactive group. HARDLY the <crap> that goes on elsewhere with the HIT ‘n RUN posts, etc. Nope, we acknowledge the other guy - as you'll find out when you review the pages recommended by Da Bossman! I see the "beat goes on" with Eric ‘n Pete still stirring the proverbial "pot." Can't get me going guyz - just ain't gonna happen! <grin>Hey Rob! Some fine "stuff" from our southern Ontario guy . . . good idea about a New Year's blast - BUT I think Cap'n Tom hit it on the head. We're really not "flush" with people as once upon a time. Let's see - New Years Day means all those who are "work day only postAHs" will be gone - then there are those who are away from home (me - Allan in NZ - Pete) and B4 you know it - who is left???? Might be a tough road to hoe - but give it a TRY! If I'm online then, I'll surely participate! [tup Want to wish Shane a Happy Birthday (29th of Dec) just in case I can't get "in" tomorrow!! OKRA (Dec 22 - Jan 20) Are tough on the outside but tender on the inside. Okras have tremendous influence. An older Okra can look back over his life and see the seeds of his influence everywhere. You can do something good each day if you try. You go well with most anyone. Ok - time for another spate of reruns from the Larsman Mobile of Classic Trains "stuff" . . . these are "for" our new friend from Lemay, MO - MoPac! <grin> MoPac Color Guide to Freight & Passenger EquipmentMoPac Diesel PowerMoPac in Color, Vol 1 - The Era of the EaglesMoPac in Color, Vol 2 - Screamin' Eagles coalminer3 Member sinceJanuary 2001 From: WV 1,251 posts Posted by coalminer3 on Friday, December 28, 2007 8:40 AM Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please and slide the pie case down here.Weather here is clear for the moment although it is supposed to rain later today. We had a real heavy frost and lots of fog in between the hills.Let's see what's happening today.Rob stopped by with comments and BQ material from days past.Eric - The passengers could remain on the sleepers until a "civilized" hour. It's hard to believe how much different things were back then.Sven - Good to hear from you, sir.Lars - Could not believe that the football gods smiled upon us. Gotta love it! Anyway, we'll be TV-side on Saturday. I am just anxious as to which or our Jints team will show up - you know what I mean, I'm sure. Also, thanks for the inclusion of more Christmas train material.Pete - Yes, switching was done with electric power. Mopac - Good story. I was interested to read about the "Non passenger 3d Section." As you mentioned, the train did not have to make stops but maintained its tt rights. Put another way, you ran on a schedule with a "slot," but didn't get all hung up with being an extra. IMHO, MP had some of the most elegant looking steam power of any road. For those interested, they had four sets of 4-8-2s which were classified as MT73.5308-5312 were blt at Schenectady in 1921. 5313-5316 came from Schenectady two years later.5335-5339 were blt by Brooks in 1927.5340-5344 were blt by Schenectady in 1930.They shared some common dimensions: 27x30 cylinders and 73-inch drivers. Steam pressure varied from 210-250, depending on date of construction. And tractive force ran between 53,475 and 63,665, again depending on when constructed.OSP has been cleaning the vaults of advertising material from Pullman, ATSF, and NYC. Well, I did some looking as well and here's some material (again from 1950) re transcontinental sleeping car service. Enjoy.In 1950, the Pennsylvania Railroad provided coast to coast sleeping car service on four different routes. Passengers between New York and Los Angeles could travel every day on either the Overland Route or the so-called "Santa Fe" route. Service ran very other day on the Golden State Route. Riders between New York and San Francisco could travel every day on the Overland Route or every other day on the California Zephyr Route.Let's look at each route.Overland Route service to Los Angeles was coordinated between PRR Train 49, the "General" and UP Train 1, the "Los Angeles Limited." Transcontinental passengers rode in a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car which left New York at 5:00 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 8:00 a.m. the next morning. The "Los Angeles Limited" departed Chicago at 1201 p.m. and ran via the C&NW/UP with a 10:40 a.m. arrival in Los Angeles two days later.Eastbound passengers traveled via UP Train 2, the "Los Angeles Limited" to Chicago where the through car continued east on PRR Train 2, the "Pennsylvania Limited." The train departed Los Angeles at 1201 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 2:00 p.m. two days later. Eastbound from Chicago, PRR 2 departed at 630 p.m. with an 11:59 a.m. arrival the next day in New York. Service here again was in a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car.Overland Route Service to San Francisco operated via the PRR-C&NW, SP, and SP. PRR Train 55, the "Gotham Limited" handled a 10 roomette 6 double bedroom car to Chicago, and it continued west on C&NW, UP, SP Train27, the "San Francisco Overland." This car left New York at 11:40 p.m. and arrived in Chicago Union Station at 3:40 p.m. The car was moved to Northwestern Station where it departed on Train 27 at 8:00 p.m. It reached San Francisco at 6:50 p.m. two days later. Eastbound the 10 roomette/6 double bedroom San Francisco car ran on SP-UP-C&NW 28, the "San Francisco Overland," and on PRR 70, the "Admiral." SP 28 pulled out at 11:00 a.m. and arrived two days later at Northwestern Station, Chicago at 1:00 p.m. PRR 70 departed Union Station at 5:30 p.m. with an 11:45 a.m. arrival in New York the next day.The cars were transferred between Northwestern Station and Union Station at Chicago.The Santa Fe Route westbound was covered by PRR 29, the "Broadway Limited," and ATSF Train 19, the "Chief." This service operated a 4 compartment/2 drawing room/4 double bedroom car. Passengers paid a $10.15 extra fare surcharge to ride the "Chief." Westbound service departed New York at 6:00 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 9:00 a.m. the next morning. The car was switched from Union Station to Dearborn Station for a 1:30 p.m. departure on TSF Train 19. Arrival in Los Angeles was at 8:30 a.m. two days later. Eastbound, ATSF Train 20, the "Chief" departed Los Angeles at 12:30 p.m. and arrive at Dearborn Station Chicago at 11:30 a.m. two days later. The car was moved to Union Station where it departed at 4:30 p.m. on PRR 28, the "Broadway Limited," which arrived in New York at 9:30 a.m. the next day.The "Golden State" route carried a 4 compartment/2 drawing room/4 double bedroom car between New York and Los Angeles on a PRR-Rock Island-SP routing. Passengers paid a $10.15 extra fare surcharge to ride the "Golden State." Westbound travelers rode the Pennsy's Train 55, the "Gotham Limited" to Chicago to connect with RI-SP Train 3, the "Golden State." Train 55 departedNew York at 11:40 p.m. and arrived at Union Station, Chicago at 3:40 p.m. the next afternoon. The car was moved to LaSalle St. Station where it departed ay 10:15 p.m. with a 5:15 p.m. arrival in Los Angeles after a two day trip. Eastbound, SP-RI Train 4, "Golden State," handled the cross country sleeper to Chicago. It finished its eastbound journey on PRR 48, "The General." Train 4 departed Los Angeles at 12:30 p.m. with a two day later arrival at LaSalle St., Chicago ay 11:30 a.m. Train 48 departed Union Station at 3:30 p.m. and arrived in New York at 8:30 the next morning.Travelers using the California Zephyr Route did not have to have their cars switched at Chicago as all arrivals and departures were at Union Station. This route was covered by a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car which left New York westbound on PRR Train 1, the "Pennsylvania Limited," at 6:45 p.m. It arrived in Chicago at 10:25 a.m. the next day. CB&Q-DRGW-WP Train 17, the "California Zephyr" left Chicago at 3:30 p.m. with a two day later arrival in San Francisco at 4:50 p.m. Eastward, WP-DRGW-CB&Q Train 18 departed San Francisco at 9:00 a.m. with a two day later arrival in Chicago at 1:30 p.m. PRR Train 48, the "General," handled the eastbound car. It left Chicago at 3:30 p.m. with an 8:30 a.m. arrival the next day in New York.Work safe siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Friday, December 28, 2007 6:44 AM <"Our" Place Christmas Holiday Train>Friday's GrinReason "things" happen!Law of Close Encounters: The probability of meeting someone you know increases when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with. G'day Gents!The last Friday of 2007 has arrived ‘n with it another opportunity to partake in the offerings from our breakfast menu - our freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee ‘n pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery of Mama ‘n Papa Grundledink! Comments from the Proprietor: REMINDER: Drinks are "on Jan Olov" ‘til the New Year! So, don't be bashful - order away! PLENTY of holiday "nog" <spiked of course!> so help yourselves! Name the DoNut Machine CONTEST underway!<closes on Fri, 07 Jan 2008 at NOON (CST)>Lars . . . . GreeseMeister (27 Dec)Sven . . . . The Halo Creator (27 Dec)Pete . . . Holey-Moley (27 Dec)Rob . . . . Track Greeser (27 Dec)<Participants may "vote" for any of the above by sending me an "offline" Email - NOT via the Forums pu-leeze!> Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative) Thursday - Dec 27th: Lars (LoveDomes) at 10:26 AM: Elena ‘n the girls those are the names I couldn't recall! Well, Elena called here ‘n wanted to provide you with something ‘special' for your railway excursion. She "follows" the events right here on the Forums! Anyway, I told her about your "therapeutic" use of the hot tub while you were feeling low - so she said "her connections" with the Track Gangs ‘n the "suits" of the Can-Am Railway would be put to "good use." That's how it unfolded . . . Repeated for what it's worth: Mine is to initially respond to all who frequent our establishment. Beyond that - I'm totally ‘with you' regarding any "reward for bad behavior." Ain't gonna happen . . . We've got a fine group of guys here ‘n if we are fortunate enough to keep the "nucleus" in tact, we'll do fine. We surely don't need "saturation" in terms of material being Posted. Those days are OVER - RIP!! Thanx for entering the name the Mo-Sheen contest! Nicely done spate of Christmastime book covers ‘n good to see "the Manager's bar" again! Sven (Sven Olov) at 12:17 PM: A mid-day Post from our Resident Cheesehead Swede! Tuition at Molly Throttlebottom's Adult Learning Centre doesn't cost our customers anything other than the willingness to participate. When recommended - you're "in"! <grin> Question is - can you handle it Remember - it's the Adult Learning Centre AND Mud Wrestling Emporium! <uh oh>You are correct about a train from KCity to NYork City back in the 70s . . . Happy Railroading! Siberianmo MopacBarrettTunnel Member sinceAugust 2006 62 posts Posted by MopacBarrettTunnel on Friday, December 28, 2007 1:06 AM Wow!!This thread is something else - wish I could have discovered it sooner..... Well, I think I've got the hang of the "R&R," so one tankard of 151 {Nuclear} Eggnog please, Innkeeper? A quick "Hello" to my neighbor siberianmo {I'm down in Lemay, by JB!} Let's see - Christmas train stories? Well, my Dad's Cousin Dan worked for the MoPac for 35 years, and he loved telling my brother and me stories about his early exploits as fireman, and later engineer. One of his favorites was the Christmas mail and express runs {in multiple sections} the Mop laid on every year about Thanksgiving through the end of the holidays. He was lucky enough to catch a few runs with his favorite class of power, the #5339-44 series of MT-73 heavy Mountains: Danny preferred the oil-burners over the coal-burners - "Less stress for me," as he put it. He said that they had no problem getting a twelve-to fifteen car consist up to 90, but the first time he ever experienced it himself "it scared the hell out of me!!" He was on the eastbound run one December night, and the hogger was really on a tear - "We had the 5342 which was fresh out of Sedalia after Class 3's {general overhaul}. She was right and tight, and ran like a scalded dog, which my hogger took every advantage of. We slogged our way up Kirkwood hill, and since we were a non-passenger Third Section, we didn't have to make any of the suburban stops - we sailed over the top, and flew down the east slope. By the time we hit Webster Groves, I quit looking at the newly-installed speed recorder; it was pointing to'five o'clock' and heading for six {90 miles per hour}!! Why we didn't fly right off the rails on the Maplewood curves I'll never know, but I've never had such a fast - and smoth - ride on any engine as that one."As for myself, I can still clearly recall the lovely sight of a then-new MoPac short-bay window "transfer" caboose, complete with lighted Christmas wreaths on both ends! Quite often the old Amtrak National Limited would also be "wreathed" at both ends during November and December - I've got some ancient Polaroids somewhere of an SDP40F posing at Kirkwood, festive wreath on it's poited snout, with another one on the rear of the last coach. 'Twas the Season, after all!!!Cheers! Eagle Expidited Merchandise Service - 'cos DHL, FedEx, and UPS are ignorant of their history.......... EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Friday, December 28, 2007 12:15 AM Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!! Okay, Leon, tonight I would like one of my favorites, Rumpsteak Café de Paris! You should try it yourself some time, it's is very good! I have to go back to Solothurn, Switzerland, and try the original one again one day.The cold weather continues here in the desert, but the forecast for next week looks pretty good. CM3 – No, it was not my retirement speech in my hand. I don’t remember what it was, but I had not prepared any speech. I guess the audience thought it was my speech, that’s why they look nervous. Thanks for the Boston - Pittsburgh sleeper info!! I would say those trains were leaving Boston/Pittsburgh at right time and arriving to their destination just in time for breakfast! Maybe 4:00 p.m. for train 46-186 was a little bit early. But at least you could sleep all night!Pittsburgh. No sleeper in this train.Tom – It is a gauntlet track you see in that picture from New Carrollton outside Washington D.C. If you give each rail a number 1-4 from the left, number 1 and 3 are used by all “normal” trains. That will take you close to the platform in case it is a passenger train that is going to make a stop. Rail 2 and 4 are used by freight trains with wide loads so they won’t hit anyone or anything. The photo below shows a gauntlet track through Baltimore. Baltimore.I’ll remember to check into National Geographic data archives when I get a chance. Travel by Pullman! Just wish it was still possible. But I guess Santa Fe was a better choice going to Phoenix! Sun for Christmas! New York Central? Naeh, can’t get to Phoenix with them. Lars – Elena ‘n the girls? Does Ruth know? She will find out and then you are in big trouble! Have a nice time down in the Keys! We will take care of Ruth. More nice covers! The same book as a book and as 6 CD’s! I’ll pick the book! I prefer to read it myself. Sven – I noticed that Tom already told you about the Rendezvous! We had a very nice Rendezvous last May and I am looking forward to the next one! I certainly can recommend it!I am glad to learn that it was just a plastic spoon you broke. Coffee is free if you order something to eat at the same time. That was one of the first things I learned when I started to stop by at this place. Rob – Sounds interesting if John Mills is going to reprint his book! I am very interested. Thanks for the story on The Bay of Quinte Railway! Obviously a foot note in Ontario’s railway history, but an interesting one. As most of those small railroads it did not last very long though. But I guess the part of it that became part of Canadian Northern’s main line is still alive. Pete – At least you recognized a gauntlet track when you saw it!! You can find them at a few places along the North East Corridor.Thanks for the KC photos! Eric siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Thursday, December 27, 2007 4:50 PM G'day Gents!My finale for this day - another flashback to yesteryear 'n travel at Christmastime by train . . . . Christmas train travel NOSTALGIA CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #5 of 8<A form of this was initially Posted on 12 Dec 2005, Page 189 on the Original Thread> Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1950 advertisement in my private collection: Merry Christmas from all on your New York Central overnighter WHEN GOING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, Delay you can't afford. So take the train. For, storm or rain, I'll still say, "ALL ABOARD!" Your N.Y.C. Conductor SEASONS GREETINGS! Come in and dine. No other travel has meals as fine. The varied, fresh-cooked food's a treat, And you can sight-see while you eat! Your N.Y.C. Diner Crew MY GIFT TO YOU is perfect rest. Your big, soft bed's the very best. So sleep, and wake up fresh next day. You're traveling world's safest way! Your N.Y.C. Pullman Porter THE BEST OF HOLIDAY GOOD CHEER And sociability are here. Enjoy refreshments, relaxation Aboard your Central observation. Your N.Y.C. Club Car Steward WHITE CHRISTMAS in a song is swell. But when you plan to travel - well, If you'd be certain to arrive, Best go by train, and let me drive! Your N.Y.C. Engineer PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY HOME-COMING ON NEW YORK CENTRAL'S GREAT FLEET OF DIESELINERS GIFT IDEA! A TRIP HOMEAsk your New York Central ticket agent about arranging tickets and reservations as your gift to a parent or youngster, brother or sister away from home. New York Central The Water Level-Route - You Can Sleep Enjoy! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo trolleyboy Member sinceMay 2014 3,727 posts Posted by trolleyboy on Thursday, December 27, 2007 4:29 PM Good afternoon again Leon, Whats that oh yes this is the first time I've seen you today must be all of the eggnog speaking of which oh yes I see that you have loaded up my favourite beer stein for me, thank-you. Yes I know that Boris likes spit-polishing the beer steins , not to worry I never drink the bottom fifth of the glass.Pete-Good afternoon sir,some more wonderdfull pictures of the Christmas layout.I hope the young lady that visited does come back, but we shant hold our breath,mind you having another female in the bar will hopefully "class" up the joint. No Boris H&H don't count ( certainly not as far as class goes at any rate )Perhaps "Bessie" would have been black and whiteI think that your your name for the donut machine is as far as I can tell the best so far, an early lead at any rate.Have fun in KC,don't do anything that Tom wouldn't Just struck me that this new and improved version of Pur Place is rapidly approaching it's one year aniversary,seeing as New years day was the relaunch after the original closed down.Sounds like a good excuse for a shindig or a hootnanny at the very least. what say you goodHeck I'll even spring for the decorations and hors'd'ourves.Rob pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Thursday, December 27, 2007 4:10 PM Hi Tom and all.A pint of Bathams on Jan's tab please RUTH.ROB BORIS is quite pleased with his replacement present, his shed was not in too good a shape before, I feel the next victim of a ‘Tweeting' will get the job of tiding the shed up.Many thanks for the B&O C&O merger encore; I bet it was hard for the long-term employees of the two roads to come to terms of the merger after being rivals for so long.I wonder what ‘Bessie the Cat' would have looked like.Glad you enjoyed the model photos, can't believe you are on Manager Lars side after what he done to poor Eric and I.Great to see you in the bar this afternoon, yes the donut-naming contest is very popular.ERIC It is good to know that restaurant the Iron Horse in Seattle is still in operation and still delivering burgers by model train.Glad you enjoyed the photos of the model layout at Union Station in KC it is a good-sized layout, they were setting it up when we arrived back from California, which was in September. I am not sure of the gauge though I think I recall reading that the Jones train was going to at the station this year. Tom and I was hoping to have a look round at the layout this year, but the Amtrak was running late and I afraid all we saw of Union Station was the Amtrak platform.I am going to Kansas City for the New Year and hopefully will be able to call in at Union Station although I am not sure when the layout is taken down.Thanks for the photo of the rare gauntlet track.CROWGR8DAUGHTER Really glad you enjoyed my photos from that great layout at Union Station and many thanks for posting at Our Place to thank me, much appreciated..I have a couple more photos taken on that day.CM3 Many thanks for the very interesting Boston Pittsburgh sleeping car service. I guess the switching at Penn station New York was done by an electric locomotive.LARS I see your visit to the warmer weather at the Keys is getting nearer, I am sure you will have a great time there. I wonder what gift you will return with this time; the Penthouse Suite Private Bar certainly looks very classy.Many thanks for those great Christmas time covers. I think the Polar Express will become a firm Christmas favorite and will be shown on TV around this time for many years to come, I hope so at least.SVEN I bet the Union Station in Kansas City was a lot busier with trains in the 1970s I have only known the station since 2001. When I boarded a train there,that year, it was from a small cabin along side the Union Station, at least nowadays you board the train from the main station building. I believe I am right in saying there are just 6 trains that use the station now. The Southwest Chief to Chicago in the morning about 7 45 AM and the Chief heading for Los Angeles about 11pm. Then there are two trains departing towards St Louis, the morning train is a through train to Chicago and the afternoon 4pm train runs to just St Louis. The 2pm arrival is from St Louis and the evening train is a through train from Chicago via St Louis.I see Tom as given you details about the Rendezvous it really is a great time. TOM Getting those photos from BORIS must have been quite a challenge; he was getting very fond of them.It would be great to go to that restaurant in the Crown Center with you, perhaps they will change the schedule on Amtrak next spring like it was this year, where we have over 4 hours scheduled in Kansas City. trolleyboy Member sinceMay 2014 3,727 posts Posted by trolleyboy on Thursday, December 27, 2007 3:47 PM Hello Ruth , I think another round of nog on Jan just before you are out for the day. You might as well put your feet up and have one along with us as well.CLASSIC STEAM #29 THE BAY OF QUINTE RYThis was first posted on page # 364 of the old thread.Please enjoy again ! The Bay of Quinte RY of (BQ),despite it's history and many bits and pieces left behind is little more than a small foot note in Ontario's railway history. It all began with Edward Rathburn.One of the ambitious entrepreneurs that was spawned by the 19th centuries industrial revolution.Rathburn founded what would become one of the largest and most diversified empires in 19th centruy Canada.From it's large mills in Desoronto Ontario ( the northeastren shore of Lake Ontario ) the Rathburn company expanded in all directions.It's fleets carried lumber and other cargo southward to Oswago NY, while it's trains moved cargo east and west along the Grand Trunk.To the north lay Rathburn's vast timber reserves and his Bay Of Quinte RY. Like much of Rathburn's empire the railway began as a mishmash of existing lines and unused charters.After building his own link from Deseronto a short distance from Grand Trunks main line west of Napanee Ontario,Rathburn purchased the Napanee Tamworth and Quebec Line, a railway that led north from Napanee.He extended this line northwest to Tweed and later Banockburn,as well as northeast to Syndenham.This gave the company the all-important access to it's timber limits.By 1903 the network of tracks had become known as The Bay of Quinte RR or BQ. The railway gained it's revenue from more than just Rathburn's timber ventures.a marble quarry at Actinolite,a cement plant at Marlebank, and a pyrite mine at Queensborough all added their piece to the railways profits.In 1910 the expanding Canadian Northern added the BQ to it's national inventory of undervalued lines.The CnoR, was less interested in the timber, mines and quarries than it was in it's completeing of it's mainline from Toronto to Ottawa.The BQ was a valuble link in that route. Neglected by it's new owners, the cement plant , mines and mills closed one by one,by 1930 only one train operated north of Tweed each week.To no ones supprise the section between Tweed and Banockburn was abandonned in 1935, and from Tweed to Yarker in 1941.The CNR continued service from Napanee to Yarker and beyond to interchange with CPR at Smithville until 1986. Run brieflty as a shortline the Smithville branch was lifted in 1991.The BQ left a colourfull history and many old stone mills and plants along it's ROW many are still to be seen today.Rob trolleyboy Member sinceMay 2014 3,727 posts Posted by trolleyboy on Thursday, December 27, 2007 3:07 PM Good afternoon Ruth , I think I could manage a number 3 oh and certainly a large snifter full of the egg nog, what the haek since jan's being soooo generous hows about a round of nog for everybody. Yes Boris I know, his bar tab is already longer than your mothers tail <yikes>Tom-Another fine "two fer" of Christmas nostalgia posts thanks for re-sharing them with us 5x for all it is that you do for us here at the ole saloon.Thanks for getting the contest up and running,two entries in and the pixels are barely dry on your announcement of it Hopefully the private car will be back on the tracks in time for the prize for this contest. I didn't know about Bessie either until I read it in a small book on the B&O that I had come accross.Likely a good thing that it didn't make it off the drawing board though,imagine the menagerie the CSX would now have with all the additional railroads that joined Chessie fold in the years since that first merger. Tom put me down for the "Track Greeser" as my pitifull entry to the contest. Lars-Perhaps your Giants will give you the thrill of beating the Pats on saturday,that would be a find send off to the sunny south for you.Loved todays book covers BTW.Shane-Yup if one was to dig deeply into Niagara Centrals lower cabinets and basements I'm sure brand new kits of all those manufacturers would surface.ext time you are up to Buffalo you should nip accross the boarder to St Catharines and do some searching,they have a room full of old Lionel ,and other O and O27 stuff not to mention the brass of all scales etc etc. Loved the info on the train service that you dug out for Pete as well thanks Eric-Don't blame you I don't like getting up any earlier than required myself.I have heard as well that John Mills is working on a reprint of his NS&T book with some new info, if it comes out I'll let you know.Sven-I don't think that was a sac -religious name.The donut is a noble food. ( I say that cause dad was a cop )Rob siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Thursday, December 27, 2007 2:09 PM G'day Gents!Continuing with Christmas NOSTALGIA from Pages Past to maintain the spirit of the season! Christmas train travel NOSTALGIA CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #4 of 8 <A form of this was initially Posted on 12 Dec 2005, Page 189 on the Original Thread> Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1949 advertisement in my private collection: Give your family theSunfor Christmas Go Santa Fe to Phoenix, Wickenburg, Palm Springs and Southern California You've promised yourself to take the family on a winter vacation sometime. This is the year! Why not make it your Christmas present to them? The resorts and ranches in sunny Arizona and Southern California are beckoning and Santa Fe's famous fleet of fine trains to those "sun spots" offers schedules and accommodations to suit you to a "T." Enjoy! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Thursday, December 27, 2007 1:09 PM G'day Gents!Just happened to "over hear" an inquiry from our new friend, Sven the Resident Cheesehead Swede regarding Rendezvous III.Let me "enlighten" you a bit regarding our get togethers . . . It all began back in 2005 when I came up with an idea for a get together - live 'n in person - of those willing 'n able to do so. Our first Rendezvous was in Toronto in May 2006 where 3 of us attended. The next was here in St. Louis, again in May, where 4 of us got together. And now we're planning for May of 2008, a repeat in St. Louis, where thus far 4 have signed up.Here's what we've decided upon thus far:Arrival will be Wednesday late afternoon - May 14th - for those wishing to attend the Cardinals-Pirates baseball game the following day at noon. Otherwise, arrival is Thursday.A Rendezvous get together <social hour 'n dinner> is slated for Thursday evening at my Haus. That will be followed by a 'session' in the Can-Am Trainroom 'n Brewroom <aka: basement> The OH-FISH-UL Rendezvous takes place on Friday 'n Saturday with events to be disseminated via Email once I put the agenda into final form. We begin early 'n end late.These Rendezvous are strictly for the Customers of "Our" Place with no guests permitted. That's the way we have done it, are planning to do it 'n will continue to do it. Departure day is Sunday - May 18th.We keep the majority of our travel 'n personal plans restricted to Email communications - so if you <or anyone else> is interested in participating, send me an "off line Email" - NOT via the Forums PLEASE!!!!PLEASE use Email for any additonal info, questions or concerns. In other words, use Email! <grin>There is plenty of "history" contained within the Pages amassed at this Thread <reborn bar> and over on the Original Thread . . . . pictures, stories, etc. All one has to do is take the time 'n make the effort to check it out! We'd love to have you join us! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, December 27, 2007 12:17 PM Good Afternoon, Ruth! Really nice to see you back after your Christmas Day off. I'll have my regular Gevalia. Is that a liquid included in the all paid for drinks by Jan? Then I'll pay you for three doughnuts, which I will ease into the Galley to enjoy fresh from "The Halo Creator".Rob suggested we should give the donut machine a name, and my entry to the name contest is: "The Halo Creator". You know, it creates round rings, shiny yellow, tastes heavenly - The Halo Creator - or is that sac religious?Tom DaBossman, Thank you for the advice to enroll in Molly Throttlebottom's Adult Learning Centre. "Reading, it's the written word!" The tuition seems steep to me. Is there a chance to get a scholarship from any source known to the patrons of this place?Eric, don't worry about the spoon. It was only one of those plastic ones they have in the Swedish Bistros (that's what the simplified restaurant cars on Swedish trains are called nowadays). Thank you for verifying my story of food delivered on model trains. May I, as a body that just came in from the cold, ask what the "3rd Annual Rendezvous in May (140 days!)" is about? Do you all here at the bar get together once a year live and in color?Pete, thank you for the photos from the Union Station in Kansas City. I think my wife and I took the train from there at one time in the 70-ies. Can have been on our way to or from Tulsa, OK. (Bus Tulsa - Kansas City, train Kansas City - NYC?????). I have to check our old travel albums when I get back home tonight.Sorry, have to switch out on the main line again to earn my keep.See you at my next whistle stop.Sven Edit siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Thursday, December 27, 2007 12:15 PM G'day Gents!Some more Christmas NOSTALGIA from Pages Past to maintain the spirit of the season! Christmas train travel NOSTALGIA CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #3 of 8 <A form of this was initially Posted on 12 Dec 2005, Page 189 on the Original Thread> THE PULLMAN COMPANY Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1948 advertisement in my private collection: Christmas Cargo They'll be home for Christmas! There are miles of snow and mountains ahead. But this family will spend their night before Christmas snug and secure in their Pullman compartment. They bring gifts for her folks back home. But his greatest gift to that proud Grandfather and Grandmother will be the sight of their first grandchild. He'll be home for Christmas! He's a hard working trouble-shooter for his company, and business almost kept him away for Christmas. But there'll be no disappointments in this father's house tomorrow morning. Traveling Pullman, he and his presents will arrive safe and sound right in the heart of town, just a stones' throw from Christmas at home. She'll be home for Christmas! "Dear Mother and Dad," she wrote. "I'll be home for Christmas with a straight "A" for the quarter. Don't you think that deserves going Pullman?" It does and it did. But more important, her mother and father will sleep as soundly tonight as she will, knowing she's traveling the safest, most comfortable way to be home for Christmas. To be sure you'll be home for ChristmasGo PullmanTHE SAFEST, MOST COMFORTABLE WAY TO GET THERE! Enjoy! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo « First«25262728293031»Last » SUBSCRIBER & MEMBER LOGIN Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more! Login Register FREE NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter Submit More great sites from Kalmbach Media Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy
Ruth my deAH, fill up the coffee mug wudja ‘n I'll check out the pastry case . . . My, my - you are lookin' mighty fine ‘n I'm wonderin' HOW I can manage to get you down to the Keys ‘n maintain my <discreet nature> while doing it! <uh oh>
Boris, treats for the crittAHs ‘n the small jar of PPF is for YOU!
Well, this is my next-to-last day for posting at the bar for awhile. Not quite sure when I'll get "up" once we get settled in the Keys . . . surely hope to be back before the New Year! I'll try . . . which of course is all we can ask of any of the guys who frequent this joint. Speaking of which . . .
Sorry if this disappoints anyone, but I've "seen" a couple of guys who occasionally stop by the bar. Fergie has been rathAH active on "his" forum - the model railroader one, which I think is "normal" for him. However, the guy called marthastrainyard (Per) was active yesterday ‘n today on a different forum than ours. Thought he said he'd be back here in late November??? Has he too decided to give up on us WITHOUT even a fair-thee-well??? Hope not . . .
We've been down this road B4 with guys who are now UTB's . . . gets really OLD thinking one thing ‘n then realizing another. <barf>
Good to see the possibility of getting another customer at the bar. Like the way the guy from Lemay handled his first visit with us. Now to see if he'll be back . . . to "Our" Place - MoPacBarrettTunnel - there's gotta be a "name" attached to that monikAH! In absence of one - I think what Shane dubbed him will 'work' - MoPac!! yeah, that "sounds" right. So UNLESS you tell us otherwise - YOU, Sir are MoPac to us.
Really a great looking Mountain loco ‘n the transfer caboose! Enjoyed the "story" too . . . Fine way to get going at the Watering Hole by the Wayside!
Since I'm the Manager ‘round here, let me know if there's anything I can do to help make you feel at home . . . we pride ourselves on being a small but interactive group. HARDLY the <crap> that goes on elsewhere with the HIT ‘n RUN posts, etc. Nope, we acknowledge the other guy - as you'll find out when you review the pages recommended by Da Bossman!
I see the "beat goes on" with Eric ‘n Pete still stirring the proverbial "pot." Can't get me going guyz - just ain't gonna happen! <grin>
Hey Rob! Some fine "stuff" from our southern Ontario guy . . . good idea about a New Year's blast - BUT I think Cap'n Tom hit it on the head. We're really not "flush" with people as once upon a time. Let's see - New Years Day means all those who are "work day only postAHs" will be gone - then there are those who are away from home (me - Allan in NZ - Pete) and B4 you know it - who is left???? Might be a tough road to hoe - but give it a TRY! If I'm online then, I'll surely participate! [tup
Want to wish Shane a Happy Birthday (29th of Dec) just in case I can't get "in" tomorrow!!
OKRA (Dec 22 - Jan 20) Are tough on the outside but tender on the inside. Okras have tremendous influence. An older Okra can look back over his life and see the seeds of his influence everywhere. You can do something good each day if you try. You go well with most anyone.
Ok - time for another spate of reruns from the Larsman Mobile of Classic Trains "stuff" . . . these are "for" our new friend from Lemay, MO - MoPac! <grin>
MoPac Color Guide to Freight & Passenger Equipment
MoPac Diesel Power
MoPac in Color, Vol 1 - The Era of the Eagles
Eagle Expidited Merchandise Service - 'cos DHL, FedEx, and UPS are ignorant of their history..........
EricX2000 wrote: MopacBarrettTunnel – Welcome to the Tavern by the siding, “Our” Place! I like your story including a couple of nice photos! MT-73 was a very good looking locomotive. Do you know if any of those MT-73 has been preserved? The Barrett Tunnel.
MopacBarrettTunnel – Welcome to the Tavern by the siding, “Our” Place! I like your story including a couple of nice photos! MT-73 was a very good looking locomotive. Do you know if any of those MT-73 has been preserved? The Barrett Tunnel.
{Leon, Eric's got me hungry again - could I trouble you for another double-cheeseburger and fries? Looks like a "fair stretch" is shaping up.......}Forgive me, Mate - I'm working "backwards" in my replies just now, so don't be too confused with me answering your last post first - I do this sort of thing all the time, when I'm "settling in." Now, to answer your question, no the MoP didn't save any of their MT-73's, sadly. Or nearly every other steam class, save a couple TN-60/67 4-6-0's. Since you've been to the Museum, you've seen one of them, Eric - St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern #635, fka MP#2707. {The other one is #2522, currently rotting away in Paris, Arkansas}.
How'd you manage a "downgrade end" shot of the tunnel, Mate? Last time I visited {'04}, it was fenced off.
EricX2000 wrote: I had to come back. Just saw Chris' latest post! Again, most Welcome to Our Place!!! It is always interesting to learn to know a "new" person. It seems like we have one thing in common, late hours! Or, maybe more correct, odd hours. About myself, I came to this country 15 years ago from the old country (Sweden) where I was a locomotive engineer for many years. Here, in Arizona, I am a retiree since one week back. Thanks for the info on the "real" Barrett tunnel! I read about those tunnels some time ago but was not sure about the exact location of the real one. I posted a photo of the tunnel that ends next to the museum. Nice to see you, Sir! Eric
I had to come back. Just saw Chris' latest post!
Again, most Welcome to Our Place!!! It is always interesting to learn to know a "new" person. It seems like we have one thing in common, late hours! Or, maybe more correct, odd hours.
About myself, I came to this country 15 years ago from the old country (Sweden) where I was a locomotive engineer for many years. Here, in Arizona, I am a retiree since one week back.
Thanks for the info on the "real" Barrett tunnel! I read about those tunnels some time ago but was not sure about the exact location of the real one. I posted a photo of the tunnel that ends next to the museum.
Nice to see you, Sir!
Eric
{Okay, Leon, I'm ready - another "boiler explosion" please......}
Right back at you, fellow Night-Owl!! I can see I'm "in trouble" already - this place is so addictive! Great info, great bunch of regulars, and a worlwide clientele - who could ask for more? Myself, I'd kill to play {or at least become a regular} in a place like this if it were in the "real" world -it's that good!Thanks for the kind comments, Eric - I could go on for months about my beloved "Kirkwood Hill" memories, but I don't want to try and tell them all at one sitting {although this place tempts me to give it a go}. Love the X2000 in your s/n here, Mate - I'm still kicking myself over NOT having my camera with me, when I saw the prototype on my old stomping grounds during it's tour in '92 or '93..........
coalminer3 wrote: Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please and slide the pie case down here.Weather here is clear for the moment although it is supposed to rain later today. We had a real heavy frost and lots of fog in between the hills.Let's see what's happening today.Rob stopped by with comments and BQ material from days past.Eric - The passengers could remain on the sleepers until a "civilized" hour. It's hard to believe how much different things were back then.Sven - Good to hear from you, sir.Lars - Could not believe that the football gods smiled upon us. Gotta love it! Anyway, we'll be TV-side on Saturday. I am just anxious as to which or our Jints team will show up - you know what I mean, I'm sure. Also, thanks for the inclusion of more Christmas train material.Pete - Yes, switching was done with electric power. Mopac - Good story. I was interested to read about the "Non passenger 3d Section." As you mentioned, the train did not have to make stops but maintained its tt rights. Put another way, you ran on a schedule with a "slot," but didn't get all hung up with being an extra. IMHO, MP had some of the most elegant looking steam power of any road. For those interested, they had four sets of 4-8-2s which were classified as MT73.5308-5312 were blt at Schenectady in 1921. 5313-5316 came from Schenectady two years later.5335-5339 were blt by Brooks in 1927.5340-5344 were blt by Schenectady in 1930.They shared some common dimensions: 27x30 cylinders and 73-inch drivers. Steam pressure varied from 210-250, depending on date of construction. And tractive force ran between 53,475 and 63,665, again depending on when constructed.OSP has been cleaning the vaults of advertising material from Pullman, ATSF, and NYC. Well, I did some looking as well and here's some material (again from 1950) re transcontinental sleeping car service. Enjoy.In 1950, the Pennsylvania Railroad provided coast to coast sleeping car service on four different routes. Passengers between New York and Los Angeles could travel every day on either the Overland Route or the so-called "Santa Fe" route. Service ran very other day on the Golden State Route. Riders between New York and San Francisco could travel every day on the Overland Route or every other day on the California Zephyr Route.Let's look at each route.Overland Route service to Los Angeles was coordinated between PRR Train 49, the "General" and UP Train 1, the "Los Angeles Limited." Transcontinental passengers rode in a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car which left New York at 5:00 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 8:00 a.m. the next morning. The "Los Angeles Limited" departed Chicago at 1201 p.m. and ran via the C&NW/UP with a 10:40 a.m. arrival in Los Angeles two days later.Eastbound passengers traveled via UP Train 2, the "Los Angeles Limited" to Chicago where the through car continued east on PRR Train 2, the "Pennsylvania Limited." The train departed Los Angeles at 1201 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 2:00 p.m. two days later. Eastbound from Chicago, PRR 2 departed at 630 p.m. with an 11:59 a.m. arrival the next day in New York. Service here again was in a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car.Overland Route Service to San Francisco operated via the PRR-C&NW, SP, and SP. PRR Train 55, the "Gotham Limited" handled a 10 roomette 6 double bedroom car to Chicago, and it continued west on C&NW, UP, SP Train27, the "San Francisco Overland." This car left New York at 11:40 p.m. and arrived in Chicago Union Station at 3:40 p.m. The car was moved to Northwestern Station where it departed on Train 27 at 8:00 p.m. It reached San Francisco at 6:50 p.m. two days later. Eastbound the 10 roomette/6 double bedroom San Francisco car ran on SP-UP-C&NW 28, the "San Francisco Overland," and on PRR 70, the "Admiral." SP 28 pulled out at 11:00 a.m. and arrived two days later at Northwestern Station, Chicago at 1:00 p.m. PRR 70 departed Union Station at 5:30 p.m. with an 11:45 a.m. arrival in New York the next day.The cars were transferred between Northwestern Station and Union Station at Chicago.The Santa Fe Route westbound was covered by PRR 29, the "Broadway Limited," and ATSF Train 19, the "Chief." This service operated a 4 compartment/2 drawing room/4 double bedroom car. Passengers paid a $10.15 extra fare surcharge to ride the "Chief." Westbound service departed New York at 6:00 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 9:00 a.m. the next morning. The car was switched from Union Station to Dearborn Station for a 1:30 p.m. departure on TSF Train 19. Arrival in Los Angeles was at 8:30 a.m. two days later. Eastbound, ATSF Train 20, the "Chief" departed Los Angeles at 12:30 p.m. and arrive at Dearborn Station Chicago at 11:30 a.m. two days later. The car was moved to Union Station where it departed at 4:30 p.m. on PRR 28, the "Broadway Limited," which arrived in New York at 9:30 a.m. the next day.The "Golden State" route carried a 4 compartment/2 drawing room/4 double bedroom car between New York and Los Angeles on a PRR-Rock Island-SP routing. Passengers paid a $10.15 extra fare surcharge to ride the "Golden State." Westbound travelers rode the Pennsy's Train 55, the "Gotham Limited" to Chicago to connect with RI-SP Train 3, the "Golden State." Train 55 departedNew York at 11:40 p.m. and arrived at Union Station, Chicago at 3:40 p.m. the next afternoon. The car was moved to LaSalle St. Station where it departed ay 10:15 p.m. with a 5:15 p.m. arrival in Los Angeles after a two day trip. Eastbound, SP-RI Train 4, "Golden State," handled the cross country sleeper to Chicago. It finished its eastbound journey on PRR 48, "The General." Train 4 departed Los Angeles at 12:30 p.m. with a two day later arrival at LaSalle St., Chicago ay 11:30 a.m. Train 48 departed Union Station at 3:30 p.m. and arrived in New York at 8:30 the next morning.Travelers using the California Zephyr Route did not have to have their cars switched at Chicago as all arrivals and departures were at Union Station. This route was covered by a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car which left New York westbound on PRR Train 1, the "Pennsylvania Limited," at 6:45 p.m. It arrived in Chicago at 10:25 a.m. the next day. CB&Q-DRGW-WP Train 17, the "California Zephyr" left Chicago at 3:30 p.m. with a two day later arrival in San Francisco at 4:50 p.m. Eastward, WP-DRGW-CB&Q Train 18 departed San Francisco at 9:00 a.m. with a two day later arrival in Chicago at 1:30 p.m. PRR Train 48, the "General," handled the eastbound car. It left Chicago at 3:30 p.m. with an 8:30 a.m. arrival the next day in New York.Work safe
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please and slide the pie case down here.
Weather here is clear for the moment although it is supposed to rain later today. We had a real heavy frost and lots of fog in between the hills.
Let's see what's happening today.
Rob stopped by with comments and BQ material from days past.
Eric - The passengers could remain on the sleepers until a "civilized" hour. It's hard to believe how much different things were back then.
Sven - Good to hear from you, sir.
Lars - Could not believe that the football gods smiled upon us. Gotta love it! Anyway, we'll be TV-side on Saturday. I am just anxious as to which or our Jints team will show up - you know what I mean, I'm sure. Also, thanks for the inclusion of more Christmas train material.
Pete - Yes, switching was done with electric power.
Mopac - Good story. I was interested to read about the "Non passenger 3d Section." As you mentioned, the train did not have to make stops but maintained its tt rights. Put another way, you ran on a schedule with a "slot," but didn't get all hung up with being an extra.
IMHO, MP had some of the most elegant looking steam power of any road. For those interested, they had four sets of 4-8-2s which were classified as MT73.
5308-5312 were blt at Schenectady in 1921.
5313-5316 came from Schenectady two years later.
5335-5339 were blt by Brooks in 1927.
5340-5344 were blt by Schenectady in 1930.
They shared some common dimensions: 27x30 cylinders and 73-inch drivers. Steam pressure varied from 210-250, depending on date of construction. And tractive force ran between 53,475 and 63,665, again depending on when constructed.
OSP has been cleaning the vaults of advertising material from Pullman, ATSF, and NYC. Well, I did some looking as well and here's some material (again from 1950) re transcontinental sleeping car service. Enjoy.
In 1950, the Pennsylvania Railroad provided coast to coast sleeping car service on four different routes. Passengers between New York and Los Angeles could travel every day on either the Overland Route or the so-called "Santa Fe" route. Service ran very other day on the Golden State Route. Riders between New York and San Francisco could travel every day on the Overland Route or every other day on the California Zephyr Route.
Let's look at each route.
Overland Route service to Los Angeles was coordinated between PRR Train 49, the "General" and UP Train 1, the "Los Angeles Limited." Transcontinental passengers rode in a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car which left New York at 5:00 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 8:00 a.m. the next morning. The "Los Angeles Limited" departed Chicago at 1201 p.m. and ran via the C&NW/UP with a 10:40 a.m. arrival in Los Angeles two days later.
Eastbound passengers traveled via UP Train 2, the "Los Angeles Limited" to Chicago where the through car continued east on PRR Train 2, the "Pennsylvania Limited." The train departed Los Angeles at 1201 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 2:00 p.m. two days later. Eastbound from Chicago, PRR 2 departed at 630 p.m. with an 11:59 a.m. arrival the next day in New York. Service here again was in a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car.
Overland Route Service to San Francisco operated via the PRR-C&NW, SP, and SP. PRR Train 55, the "Gotham Limited" handled a 10 roomette 6 double bedroom car to Chicago, and it continued west on C&NW, UP, SP Train27, the "San Francisco Overland." This car left New York at 11:40 p.m. and arrived in Chicago Union Station at 3:40 p.m. The car was moved to Northwestern Station where it departed on Train 27 at 8:00 p.m. It reached San Francisco at 6:50 p.m. two days later.
Eastbound the 10 roomette/6 double bedroom San Francisco car ran on SP-UP-C&NW 28, the "San Francisco Overland," and on PRR 70, the "Admiral." SP 28 pulled out at 11:00 a.m. and arrived two days later at Northwestern Station, Chicago at 1:00 p.m. PRR 70 departed Union Station at 5:30 p.m. with an 11:45 a.m. arrival in New York the next day.
The cars were transferred between Northwestern Station and Union Station at Chicago.
The Santa Fe Route westbound was covered by PRR 29, the "Broadway Limited," and ATSF Train 19, the "Chief." This service operated a 4 compartment/2 drawing room/4 double bedroom car. Passengers paid a $10.15 extra fare surcharge to ride the "Chief." Westbound service departed New York at 6:00 p.m. and arrived in Chicago at 9:00 a.m. the next morning. The car was switched from Union Station to Dearborn Station for a 1:30 p.m. departure on TSF Train 19. Arrival in Los Angeles was at 8:30 a.m. two days later.
Eastbound, ATSF Train 20, the "Chief" departed Los Angeles at 12:30 p.m. and arrive at Dearborn Station Chicago at 11:30 a.m. two days later. The car was moved to Union Station where it departed at 4:30 p.m. on PRR 28, the "Broadway Limited," which arrived in New York at 9:30 a.m. the next day.
The "Golden State" route carried a 4 compartment/2 drawing room/4 double bedroom car between New York and Los Angeles on a PRR-Rock Island-SP routing. Passengers paid a $10.15 extra fare surcharge to ride the "Golden State." Westbound travelers rode the Pennsy's Train 55, the "Gotham Limited" to Chicago to connect with RI-SP Train 3, the "Golden State." Train 55 departed
New York at 11:40 p.m. and arrived at Union Station, Chicago at 3:40 p.m. the next afternoon. The car was moved to LaSalle St. Station where it departed ay 10:15 p.m. with a 5:15 p.m. arrival in Los Angeles after a two day trip.
Eastbound, SP-RI Train 4, "Golden State," handled the cross country sleeper to Chicago. It finished its eastbound journey on PRR 48, "The General." Train 4 departed Los Angeles at 12:30 p.m. with a two day later arrival at LaSalle St., Chicago ay 11:30 a.m. Train 48 departed Union Station at 3:30 p.m. and arrived in New York at 8:30 the next morning.
Travelers using the California Zephyr Route did not have to have their cars switched at Chicago as all arrivals and departures were at Union Station. This route was covered by a 10 roomette/6 double bedroom car which left New York westbound on PRR Train 1, the "Pennsylvania Limited," at 6:45 p.m. It arrived in Chicago at 10:25 a.m. the next day. CB&Q-DRGW-WP Train 17, the "California Zephyr" left Chicago at 3:30 p.m. with a two day later arrival in San Francisco at 4:50 p.m. Eastward, WP-DRGW-CB&Q Train 18 departed San Francisco at 9:00 a.m. with a two day later arrival in Chicago at 1:30 p.m. PRR Train 48, the "General," handled the eastbound car. It left Chicago at 3:30 p.m. with an 8:30 a.m. arrival the next day in New York.
Work safe
{No, I'm fine right now, Leon.}
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!Leon, I would like a Filet Mignon with mushrooms! Before the meal I'll have a large spiked Egg nog! I know, JanOlov will take care of that! This day there will be a big Birthday Party in Boris' shed! CM3 will be there most of the day. Yeah, Boris tied him to that chair so he can't leave. Happy Birthday!!!
MopacBarrettTunnel – Welcome to the Tavern by the siding, “Our” Place! I like your story including a couple of nice photos! MT-73 was a very good looking locomotive. Do you know if any of those MT-73 has been preserved? The Barrett Tunnel.Tom – Pete and I trying to derail our Manager? No, no, and no! We are trying to help him in any way we can. Narrow gauge ‘n standard gauge is (was) pretty common. The picture below shows such a “dual” track in the old country.
I like the retired life! It is pretty easy to get adjusted to it!A couple of more Pullman Christmas ads! Safe, comfortable, dependable! New York Central wants people to give tickets, the gift that brings them home! CM3 – Happy Birthday!!!! Have a great one!!!I think that is pretty normal in most countries that you can remain in your sleeper until a civilized hour after arriving to the last stop. I know that is still the case in the old country. Thanks for all the info on PRR’s sleeping car service! Very interesting. I like those long trips, staying on the train and just relax!. Lars – Stirring the proverbial pot? I have no clue what you are talking about. We are just a little bit disappointed you left us behind on your trip. But we forgive you! Wow, a whole bunch of MoPac covers! I am curious about MoPac in Nebraska!
I know, I have shown this one before. Atchison, KS.
Pete – I am afraid I did not take any pictures of the pointwork at the start and end of the gauntlet tracks. Was the last broad gauge in UK abolished in 1892? or was it just that mixed gauge track? Is that KCS Dome Car just on display? Maybe part of a museum? Fergie – Looking forward to some pictures of your new cars when they are running in a M.E.S.S. train.Rob – Sounds good about that new old book! I understand that you have had some bad weather. Lots of snow? Interesting reading about the CSR’s St Clair Branch! Reading it I am kind of surprised it survived until 1960!
Good Evening, All!!!Leon, I'd like to by the house a round {roundhouse - oh, I bad......} of "Nuclear Nogs" with a snifter of Remy Martin alongside. Y'all have heard of boilermakers, right? Well, my combination's a "boiler explosion {My Nuclear Nog is 151 Bacardi-spiked, remember}!" If Boris is still hungry, I brought some PPF......... Oh, and could I get a double cheeseburger and fries, if the kitchen's still open, please?You all sure know how to make a newbie feel welcome. Lars, Tom, everyone - I'm Chris, and I'm glad to meet you all! Tom, I'll start with you, since we're both in "Gateway." I've actually been banging aound the general forum here and over at Trains for over a year now. I kind of shied away from coming in here for a couple reasons. One, I've been playing drums professionally since 1987, and I've seen more "Pubs, clubs, 'n taverns" than I care to admit - my reticence is sort of a "who wants to hang out in their place of business" - type thing, you know? {Offline, this is indeed the case - I was never one for the bar scene, unless the band was working.} My second reason for being a bit gun-shy is due to some unpleasant experiences I've had on other forums/boards/blogs over the years; I've been a "Web-Rat" since '97, and I've seen {and a few times, been hurt by} things that would put most people off the 'Net for good. So, if at first I might seem a bit "standoffish," please don't take it that way; I'm not, I'm just a little shy and cautious, until I get settled in. Once I do - look out!! This place will be hummin', trust me! And one more thing - whilst I have every intention of becoming a regular here ASAP, don't be surprised if I seem to post at odd hours, or wildly different times of the day/night. My schedule is pretty crazy; in addition to the band, I own my own Internet business, and do the odd temp-job assignment, so I'm pretty unpredictable as to when I might pop in for a mug-n-chat.
I think for now, I'm going to do my usual way of "working the room" here and adress you all individually, until I settle in. So, to start off, I'm going to keep our "winter" theme going in appropriate style, with the following:
This is a shot taken by me on 3/10/1984. It's looking west on the MoP's Kirkwood Hill; just around the curve is the Barrett Station Road overpass, and the Transport Museum. The other neat thing about this pic is something I've highlighted:The arrow is pointing right at the real MopacBarrettTunnel - the easternmost one, which is not "on" the Museum grounds proper, although they own it. My brother and I practically lived here as we were both growing up; this shot was taken as I was standing under the signal bridge {since replaced, sadly}. This stretch of "The Hill," the Museum, and the nearby Frisco Springfield Sub were regularly haunted by us as youths - and we frequently had cameras with us, as we got older....... Keep the date of this pic in mind - it'll gain significance shortly.
All right , I think I'll nab another rum punch from Leon and I'll jot down another encore from the old thread. This will also be one of the former Classic steam series, and also ties in so of our more recent rail topics. this one deals with the Ontario oil belt and it's service by the Canada Southern RY.
CLASSIC STEAM #14 THE CSR's ST CLAIR BRANCH
This was first printed out onto the old thread around page #226 or so.
Up until 1960 people in the "oil belt" of Ontario would have been familiar with trains along the Canada Southern's St Clair Branch right up until it's abandonenment in 1960.Trains of box cars tanks and passenger cars were regulars on this line right up until it's ending.
This line of the Canada Southern ( CASO ) was one of several railway lines whose builders saw this area as a convenient short cut between American cities in this case Chicago and Buffalo via Ontario.Yet the difference with this one is that it was launched by Canadians William Thompson and Adam Cooke,although most of their time and effort was spent in the US looking for US intrest and financing.
While the Caso's mainline would run arrow straight from Niagara Falls to Windsor ( some of the heaviest rail built in Ontario in fact ), the St Clair branch veered northwestward from a junction just west of St Thomas and continued on through to the St Clair River. Here , at a point on the railroad called Courtright,( named for Milton Courtright the railways principal investor )the railway had hoped to establish a major railway terminus, with a bridge accross the busy St Clair River to the Michigan side.From there trains would make their way to Chicago,and to the rest of the American West.
The American link failed however,and the Windsor route with it's tunnel under the Detroit River earned the bulk of the rail traffic from Southwestern Ontario.The grand scheme of a bridge over the St Clair River was then reduced to a barge operation.This operated accross the river from Courtright and St Clair for a few years until it burned and sank. With the sinking sank tio last vestige of this American link to Chicago and beyond.
The Caso pinned it's early hopes on a reprieve and revenue on this line with teh oil boom in the 1860's. this put places like Petrolia Ontario and Oil Springs Ontario on the map and provided easier acess to these boom towns. To help boost the revunes on this line a new line called the Chatham Sarnia and Eastern ( CSE ) was created. It began in a town called Shrewsbury on Lake Erie and it was intended that it would pass through Oil Springs and Petrolia and terminate at Sarnia,interchanging with the Pere Marquette & C&O.However this project never went beyond short temporary spurs built from the Caso St Clair Branch north to Petrolia and South to Oil Springs. Later the hub of this oil Industry moved to Sarnia where te Pere Marquette was already established.The CSE was then absorbed into the Canada Southern which bypassed the spurs and built the line to follow the St Clair River to Sarnia
Once these short lived oil pockets tapped out the line was given up for abandonement as the ligth agricultural and wood product and the small mixed trains were not enough to keep this piece of the Canda southern viable so in January of 1960 it was abandoned after about 80 years of sporadic frieght rvenues.
Rob
Good evening Leon , nice cold rainy night here today wish teh weather would pick what it wants to do <sheesh> I think a hot rum punch on Mr jan's tab will be what teh Dr ordered tonight sir with a Keith's chaser
Tom-Thanks for passing on the email , it was a good read Nice wind up for the week with the rest of the Christmas passenger posts.You are right a low key meet and greet is likley the best we can manage on the first , still through everything we've had one good year.Perhaps I'll run a tab for the day and treat the bunch, that may drag some participation out
We might just have to run a speacial day later on in January , nothing says the shindig has to be done on the first, most of us won't be up till afternoon anyway
Lars-Ah yes two fine runs of Mopac books as a send off for your trip.Hopefully it will bring ouit the best in Mr Mopac a 5x for all your tireless efforts this year. hopping you and yours have a fine fine trip and a grrrreat New Year.I'll be in and out myself on the first so perhaps a raincheck for the party later in the month may be better.It is a Leap year this year so perhaps a Feb 29th Luau may be the way to go. I'll have to think on it.H&H could fire up the Zepplin and drag in some Hawaiian treats for us hmmm must ponder
Eric-As soon as I have anything real on John's new old book I'll let you know. I imagine that they will be an extremely low run so I can pick one up for you and mail it to you perhaps. It will be one we sell at the museum so again I'll keep you posted.
Shane-Thanks for all the train info , great info added to the mix as per usual Also a most happy to you tomorrow,be safebut have a blast.
Mopac-[welcome] on into the best darn saloon by the siding , an absolutley bang on first post. Hopefully the first of many.
Fergie-I'm kinda waddling myself at the moment, hazzards of the season to be sure.Hoep you've got the hatches battened for that snowstrom you are getting or have gotten this weekend. Good reason to enjoy the nog and play on the M.E.S.S.
Pete-You can see the strong ties to the old country that we still have here. there are a lot of towns and cities in Ontario and indeed accross the country with English Irish French and Scottish names part of what makes us Canadian. Hope you have a wonderfull trip on the first I'm sure you will come back with some stories
Good Afternoon Captain Tom and crew
siberianmo wrote:G'day Gents!Not a very active week at the Bar by the Ballast - but that was anticipated. But I figure the guys who are around appreciate very much the offerings this week from Lars - Pete - CM3 Shane - Rob - Eric 'n the new guy <if in fact he returns> MoPac <unless he decides to offer up a name - that's IT!> Correction made Pete . . . Es are very important! Email to "a few" received from Lars . . .
G'day Gents!
Not a very active week at the Bar by the Ballast - but that was anticipated. But I figure the guys who are around appreciate very much the offerings this week from Lars - Pete - CM3 Shane - Rob - Eric 'n the new guy <if in fact he returns> MoPac <unless he decides to offer up a name - that's IT!>
Correction made Pete . . . Es are very important!
Email to "a few" received from Lars . . .
I'll have a Coffee to go please. Just say NO to Turkey!
Hard to waddle up to the bar when you got a full caboose load! I imagine there's a few Trestle Bridges groaning ou there!
Speaking of "Pullman" Just bought a Rapido CN Green livery "Hudson Bay" 10-5 Sleeper and ordered a CN Baggage car due out in the New Year.
Later All
Fergie
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959
If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The finale for my reruns of train travel at Christmastime!
Christmas train travel NOSTALGIA
CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #8 of 8
<A form of this was initially Posted on 12 Dec 2005, Page 190 on the Original Thread>
THE PULLMAN COMPANY
Happy holiday homecoming by Pullman!
Your local Ticket Agent will help: 1. Provide information on routes and fares. 2. Help you plan stopovers. 3. Furnish rail and Pullman tickets. 4 Reserve a "rent-a-car" at your destination.
YOU'RE SAFE AND SURE WHEN YOU TRAVEL BY PULLMANthe travel service of comfort, privacy and sleep!
That's it for this day - hope you enjoyed these advertisements from Christmas seasons past. It was my pleasure to present them to you! Tom
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Bathams XXX on Jan's tab please RUTH.
ROB Enjoyed reading about the Bay of Quinte Railway. There are some Scottish names like Bannockburn and Tweed served by the railway as well as the English Syndenham.
Is the BQ right of way today a trail passing those old mills and plants.
Thanks for the kind words on my photos of the model layout at KC, it would be good if the lady does call in to Our Place from time to time, but if not, it is still great to have someone take the time and say thanks.
Yes almost a year of the new Our Place. I think if we had a competition a year ago I doubt if anyone could have guessed that we would have around 3,200 posts and 100,000 views a year later, and as often said the posts are of marvelous quality. A5X salute indeed.
ERIC I remembered the gauntlet track although, it was very rare in the UK I believe, although on the Great Western Railway for many years there was mixed gauge track with three rails for the GW 7ft ¼ inch Broad Gauge and the 4ft 8 ½ inch Standard Gauge until the broad gauge was abolished in 1892.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_gauge
A link to some mixed gauge lines.
It would be interesting to see the pointwork at the start and end of the gauntlet track.
Many thanks for the photos.
MOPAC BARRETT TUNNEL. Many thanks for a very enjoyable post; I live near the old MoPac line here in Mid Mo although I am a newcomer. Tom and I were recently at the Museum of Transportation at Kirkwood and while we were there a short freight hauled by two of the smaller UP diesels were making a great sound coming up Kirkwood Hill, how I wish it could have been 5342. Thanks for sharing.
CM3 to you for tomorrow
Just a quick question, how did they keep those sleeping cars heated after they were detached and before the passengers left.
Many thanks for the details on Mopac's post and Pennsylvania Railroad's coast-to-coast sleeping car services. It seems the PRR had a good relationship with all the railroads west of Chicago.
LARS Hope you able to get in the bar tomorrow, if not, have a great trip down to the KEYS.
Many thanks for those great Missouri Pacific bookcovers. I think the 5th one of the first set could be a painting of a Mo Pac Alco along side the Missouri between Washington MO and Jeff City. I wonder if the painting on the cover of ‘Cabooses of the Missouri Pacific Lines' shows the Works in Sedalia, I believe the building is still standing.
TOM Another Law of Close Encounters is that, if you have skived off work someone from work will see you.
I'm afraid you have missed the ‘E's off my DoNut Machine entry.
I was lucky enough to see Polar Express in a cinema when it first came out with the bride's family as you say the film was enjoyed by all ages.
You are so right about the photos posted at the bar, it so wonderful that most of them can be enlarged on the web so the full effect of the photos can be appreciated.
Good words for Mopac.
Many thanks for the Christmas RR Travel Nostalgia. Loved the NYC ones with one in rhyme and another well-written ad from the Pullman Company.
A couple of photos.
KCS Dome Car at Kansas City.
At Jeff
CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #7 of 8
Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1953 advertisement in my private collection:
Christmas Window on the Water Level Route
Watch New York Central trains roll past this time of year. You'll see Christmas windows by the hundred . . . bright with the most precious of all gifts. People!
Give Tickets - The Gift that Brings Them Home!
. . . Ask any Central ticket agent how easy it is to . . . send rail and Pullman tickets as your gift . . . to someone you want with you at holiday time.
New York CentralThe Water Level-Route - You Can Sleep
Enjoy! Tom
CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #6 of 8
<A form of this was initially Posted on 12 Dec 2005, Page 189 on the Original Thread>
1. "How safe?" - The weather is something you do not worry about - when you go Pullman over the Christmas holidays. Throughout your trip your peace of mind is as weather-proof as your Pullman Accommodations. You know you're even safer in a Pullman crossing the country than you are in your Own home.
Go PullmanCOMFORTABLE, DEPENDABLE, AND-ABOVE ALL - SAFE!
MoPac - River & Prairie Rails
Four-Eight-Fours on the MoPac
Cabooses of the MoPac Lines
1975-1976 MoPac Annual
The Missouri Pacific Lines in Color
Note: Just a reminder that we try to keep our postings reasonable by NOT overloading the page . . . so six photos is pretty much our "norm" . . . exceptions on Saturdays!
Lars
MoPac in Color, Vol 2 - Screamin' Eagles
<"Our" Place Christmas Holiday Train>
Friday's Grin
Reason "things" happen!
Law of Close Encounters:
The last Friday of 2007 has arrived ‘n with it another opportunity to partake in the offerings from our breakfast menu - our freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee ‘n pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery of Mama ‘n Papa Grundledink!
Comments from the Proprietor:
REMINDER: Drinks are "on Jan Olov" ‘til the New Year! So, don't be bashful - order away! PLENTY of holiday "nog" <spiked of course!> so help yourselves!
Name the DoNut Machine CONTEST underway!
<closes on Fri, 07 Jan 2008 at NOON (CST)>
Lars . . . . GreeseMeister (27 Dec)
Sven . . . . The Halo Creator (27 Dec)
Pete . . . Holey-Moley (27 Dec)
Rob . . . . Track Greeser (27 Dec)
<Participants may "vote" for any of the above by sending me an "offline" Email - NOT via the Forums pu-leeze!>
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative)
Thursday - Dec 27th:
Lars (LoveDomes) at 10:26 AM: Elena ‘n the girls those are the names I couldn't recall! Well, Elena called here ‘n wanted to provide you with something ‘special' for your railway excursion. She "follows" the events right here on the Forums! Anyway, I told her about your "therapeutic" use of the hot tub while you were feeling low - so she said "her connections" with the Track Gangs ‘n the "suits" of the Can-Am Railway would be put to "good use." That's how it unfolded . . .
Repeated for what it's worth: Mine is to initially respond to all who frequent our establishment. Beyond that - I'm totally ‘with you' regarding any "reward for bad behavior." Ain't gonna happen . . . We've got a fine group of guys here ‘n if we are fortunate enough to keep the "nucleus" in tact, we'll do fine. We surely don't need "saturation" in terms of material being Posted. Those days are OVER - RIP!!
Thanx for entering the name the Mo-Sheen contest!
Nicely done spate of Christmastime book covers ‘n good to see "the Manager's bar" again!
Sven (Sven Olov) at 12:17 PM: A mid-day Post from our Resident Cheesehead Swede!
Tuition at Molly Throttlebottom's Adult Learning Centre doesn't cost our customers anything other than the willingness to participate. When recommended - you're "in"! <grin> Question is - can you handle it Remember - it's the Adult Learning Centre AND Mud Wrestling Emporium! <uh oh>
You are correct about a train from KCity to NYork City back in the 70s . . .
Wow!!This thread is something else - wish I could have discovered it sooner.....
Well, I think I've got the hang of the "R&R," so one tankard of 151 {Nuclear} Eggnog please, Innkeeper? A quick "Hello" to my neighbor siberianmo {I'm down in Lemay, by JB!}
Let's see - Christmas train stories? Well, my Dad's Cousin Dan worked for the MoPac for 35 years, and he loved telling my brother and me stories about his early exploits as fireman, and later engineer. One of his favorites was the Christmas mail and express runs {in multiple sections} the Mop laid on every year about Thanksgiving through the end of the holidays. He was lucky enough to catch a few runs with his favorite class of power, the #5339-44 series of MT-73 heavy Mountains:
Danny preferred the oil-burners over the coal-burners - "Less stress for me," as he put it. He said that they had no problem getting a twelve-to fifteen car consist up to 90, but the first time he ever experienced it himself "it scared the hell out of me!!" He was on the eastbound run one December night, and the hogger was really on a tear -
"We had the 5342 which was fresh out of Sedalia after Class 3's {general overhaul}. She was right and tight, and ran like a scalded dog, which my hogger took every advantage of. We slogged our way up Kirkwood hill, and since we were a non-passenger Third Section, we didn't have to make any of the suburban stops - we sailed over the top, and flew down the east slope. By the time we hit Webster Groves, I quit looking at the newly-installed speed recorder; it was pointing to'five o'clock' and heading for six {90 miles per hour}!! Why we didn't fly right off the rails on the Maplewood curves I'll never know, but I've never had such a fast - and smoth - ride on any engine as that one."
As for myself, I can still clearly recall the lovely sight of a then-new MoPac short-bay window "transfer" caboose, complete with lighted Christmas wreaths on both ends!
Quite often the old Amtrak National Limited would also be "wreathed" at both ends during November and December - I've got some ancient Polaroids somewhere of an SDP40F posing at Kirkwood, festive wreath on it's poited snout, with another one on the rear of the last coach. 'Twas the Season, after all!!!Cheers!
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!! Okay, Leon, tonight I would like one of my favorites, Rumpsteak Café de Paris! You should try it yourself some time, it's is very good! I have to go back to Solothurn, Switzerland, and try the original one again one day.
The cold weather continues here in the desert, but the forecast for next week looks pretty good.
CM3 – No, it was not my retirement speech in my hand. I don’t remember what it was, but I had not prepared any speech. I guess the audience thought it was my speech, that’s why they look nervous. Thanks for the Boston - Pittsburgh sleeper info!! I would say those trains were leaving Boston/Pittsburgh at right time and arriving to their destination just in time for breakfast! Maybe 4:00 p.m. for train 46-186 was a little bit early. But at least you could sleep all night!Pittsburgh. No sleeper in this train.Tom – It is a gauntlet track you see in that picture from New Carrollton outside Washington D.C. If you give each rail a number 1-4 from the left, number 1 and 3 are used by all “normal” trains. That will take you close to the platform in case it is a passenger train that is going to make a stop. Rail 2 and 4 are used by freight trains with wide loads so they won’t hit anyone or anything. The photo below shows a gauntlet track through Baltimore. Baltimore.I’ll remember to check into National Geographic data archives when I get a chance. Travel by Pullman! Just wish it was still possible. But I guess Santa Fe was a better choice going to Phoenix! Sun for Christmas! New York Central? Naeh, can’t get to Phoenix with them. Lars – Elena ‘n the girls? Does Ruth know? She will find out and then you are in big trouble! Have a nice time down in the Keys! We will take care of Ruth. More nice covers! The same book as a book and as 6 CD’s! I’ll pick the book! I prefer to read it myself. Sven – I noticed that Tom already told you about the Rendezvous! We had a very nice Rendezvous last May and I am looking forward to the next one! I certainly can recommend it!I am glad to learn that it was just a plastic spoon you broke. Coffee is free if you order something to eat at the same time. That was one of the first things I learned when I started to stop by at this place. Rob – Sounds interesting if John Mills is going to reprint his book! I am very interested. Thanks for the story on The Bay of Quinte Railway! Obviously a foot note in Ontario’s railway history, but an interesting one. As most of those small railroads it did not last very long though. But I guess the part of it that became part of Canadian Northern’s main line is still alive. Pete – At least you recognized a gauntlet track when you saw it!! You can find them at a few places along the North East Corridor.Thanks for the KC photos! Eric
CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #5 of 8
Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1950 advertisement in my private collection:
Merry Christmas from all on your New York Central overnighter
Your N.Y.C. Conductor
SEASONS GREETINGS! Come in and dine. No other travel has meals as fine. The varied, fresh-cooked food's a treat, And you can sight-see while you eat! Your N.Y.C. Diner Crew
MY GIFT TO YOU is perfect rest. Your big, soft bed's the very best. So sleep, and wake up fresh next day. You're traveling world's safest way! Your N.Y.C. Pullman Porter
THE BEST OF HOLIDAY GOOD CHEER And sociability are here. Enjoy refreshments, relaxation Aboard your Central observation. Your N.Y.C. Club Car Steward
PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY HOME-COMING ON NEW YORK CENTRAL'S GREAT FLEET OF DIESELINERS
GIFT IDEA! A TRIP HOME
Ask your New York Central ticket agent about arranging tickets and reservations as your gift to a parent or youngster, brother or sister away from home.
New York Central The Water Level-Route - You Can Sleep
Good afternoon again Leon, Whats that oh yes this is the first time I've seen you today must be all of the eggnog speaking of which oh yes I see that you have loaded up my favourite beer stein for me, thank-you. Yes I know that Boris likes spit-polishing the beer steins , not to worry I never drink the bottom fifth of the glass.
Pete-Good afternoon sir,some more wonderdfull pictures of the Christmas layout.I hope the young lady that visited does come back, but we shant hold our breath,mind you having another female in the bar will hopefully "class" up the joint. No Boris H&H don't count ( certainly not as far as class goes at any rate )
Perhaps "Bessie" would have been black and whiteI think that your your name for the donut machine is as far as I can tell the best so far, an early lead at any rate.Have fun in KC,don't do anything that Tom wouldn't
Just struck me that this new and improved version of Pur Place is rapidly approaching it's one year aniversary,seeing as New years day was the relaunch after the original closed down.Sounds like a good excuse for a shindig or a hootnanny at the very least. what say you goodHeck I'll even spring for the decorations and hors'd'ourves.
A pint of Bathams on Jan's tab please RUTH.
ROB BORIS is quite pleased with his replacement present, his shed was not in too good a shape before, I feel the next victim of a ‘Tweeting' will get the job of tiding the shed up.
Many thanks for the B&O C&O merger encore; I bet it was hard for the long-term employees of the two roads to come to terms of the merger after being rivals for so long.
I wonder what ‘Bessie the Cat' would have looked like.
Glad you enjoyed the model photos, can't believe you are on Manager Lars side after what he done to poor Eric and I.
Great to see you in the bar this afternoon, yes the donut-naming contest is very popular.
ERIC It is good to know that restaurant the Iron Horse in Seattle is still in operation and still delivering burgers by model train.
Glad you enjoyed the photos of the model layout at Union Station in KC it is a good-sized layout, they were setting it up when we arrived back from California, which was in September. I am not sure of the gauge though I think I recall reading that the Jones train was going to at the station this year. Tom and I was hoping to have a look round at the layout this year, but the Amtrak was running late and I afraid all we saw of Union Station was the Amtrak platform.
I am going to Kansas City for the New Year and hopefully will be able to call in at Union Station although I am not sure when the layout is taken down.
Thanks for the photo of the rare gauntlet track.
CROWGR8DAUGHTER Really glad you enjoyed my photos from that great layout at Union Station and many thanks for posting at Our Place to thank me, much appreciated..
I have a couple more photos taken on that day.
CM3 Many thanks for the very interesting Boston Pittsburgh sleeping car service. I guess the switching at Penn station New York was done by an electric locomotive.
LARS I see your visit to the warmer weather at the Keys is getting nearer, I am sure you will have a great time there. I wonder what gift you will return with this time; the Penthouse Suite Private Bar certainly looks very classy.
Many thanks for those great Christmas time covers. I think the Polar Express will become a firm Christmas favorite and will be shown on TV around this time for many years to come, I hope so at least.
SVEN I bet the Union Station in Kansas City was a lot busier with trains in the 1970s I have only known the station since 2001. When I boarded a train there,that year, it was from a small cabin along side the Union Station, at least nowadays you board the train from the main station building. I believe I am right in saying there are just 6 trains that use the station now. The Southwest Chief to Chicago in the morning about 7 45 AM and the Chief heading for Los Angeles about 11pm. Then there are two trains departing towards St Louis, the morning train is a through train to Chicago and the afternoon 4pm train runs to just St Louis. The 2pm arrival is from St Louis and the evening train is a through train from Chicago via St Louis.
I see Tom as given you details about the Rendezvous it really is a great time.
TOM Getting those photos from BORIS must have been quite a challenge; he was getting very fond of them.
It would be great to go to that restaurant in the Crown Center with you, perhaps they will change the schedule on Amtrak next spring like it was this year, where we have over 4 hours scheduled in Kansas City.
Hello Ruth , I think another round of nog on Jan just before you are out for the day. You might as well put your feet up and have one along with us as well.
CLASSIC STEAM #29 THE BAY OF QUINTE RY
This was first posted on page # 364 of the old thread.Please enjoy again !
The Bay of Quinte RY of (BQ),despite it's history and many bits and pieces left behind is little more than a small foot note in Ontario's railway history.
It all began with Edward Rathburn.One of the ambitious entrepreneurs that was spawned by the 19th centuries industrial revolution.Rathburn founded what would become one of the largest and most diversified empires in 19th centruy Canada.From it's large mills in Desoronto Ontario ( the northeastren shore of Lake Ontario ) the Rathburn company expanded in all directions.It's fleets carried lumber and other cargo southward to Oswago NY, while it's trains moved cargo east and west along the Grand Trunk.To the north lay Rathburn's vast timber reserves and his Bay Of Quinte RY.
Like much of Rathburn's empire the railway began as a mishmash of existing lines and unused charters.After building his own link from Deseronto a short distance from Grand Trunks main line west of Napanee Ontario,Rathburn purchased the Napanee Tamworth and Quebec Line, a railway that led north from Napanee.He extended this line northwest to Tweed and later Banockburn,as well as northeast to Syndenham.This gave the company the all-important access to it's timber limits.By 1903 the network of tracks had become known as The Bay of Quinte RR or BQ.
The railway gained it's revenue from more than just Rathburn's timber ventures.a marble quarry at Actinolite,a cement plant at Marlebank, and a pyrite mine at Queensborough all added their piece to the railways profits.In 1910 the expanding Canadian Northern added the BQ to it's national inventory of undervalued lines.The CnoR, was less interested in the timber, mines and quarries than it was in it's completeing of it's mainline from Toronto to Ottawa.The BQ was a valuble link in that route.
Neglected by it's new owners, the cement plant , mines and mills closed one by one,by 1930 only one train operated north of Tweed each week.To no ones supprise the section between Tweed and Banockburn was abandonned in 1935, and from Tweed to Yarker in 1941.The CNR continued service from Napanee to Yarker and beyond to interchange with CPR at Smithville until 1986. Run brieflty as a shortline the Smithville branch was lifted in 1991.The BQ left a colourfull history and many old stone mills and plants along it's ROW many are still to be seen today.
Good afternoon Ruth , I think I could manage a number 3 oh and certainly a large snifter full of the egg nog, what the haek since jan's being soooo generous hows about a round of nog for everybody. Yes Boris I know, his bar tab is already longer than your mothers tail <yikes>
Tom-Another fine "two fer" of Christmas nostalgia posts thanks for re-sharing them with us 5x for all it is that you do for us here at the ole saloon.Thanks for getting the contest up and running,two entries in and the pixels are barely dry on your announcement of it Hopefully the private car will be back on the tracks in time for the prize for this contest.
I didn't know about Bessie either until I read it in a small book on the B&O that I had come accross.Likely a good thing that it didn't make it off the drawing board though,imagine the menagerie the CSX would now have with all the additional railroads that joined Chessie fold in the years since that first merger.
Tom put me down for the "Track Greeser" as my pitifull entry to the contest.
Lars-Perhaps your Giants will give you the thrill of beating the Pats on saturday,that would be a find send off to the sunny south for you.Loved todays book covers BTW.
Shane-Yup if one was to dig deeply into Niagara Centrals lower cabinets and basements I'm sure brand new kits of all those manufacturers would surface.ext time you are up to Buffalo you should nip accross the boarder to St Catharines and do some searching,they have a room full of old Lionel ,and other O and O27 stuff not to mention the brass of all scales etc etc.
Loved the info on the train service that you dug out for Pete as well thanks
Eric-Don't blame you I don't like getting up any earlier than required myself.I have heard as well that John Mills is working on a reprint of his NS&T book with some new info, if it comes out I'll let you know.
Sven-I don't think that was a sac -religious name.The donut is a noble food. ( I say that cause dad was a cop )
Continuing with Christmas NOSTALGIA from Pages Past to maintain the spirit of the season!
CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #4 of 8
Here is an advertisement for Christmas holiday travel retyped from a 1949 advertisement in my private collection:
Give your family theSunfor Christmas
The resorts and ranches in sunny Arizona and Southern California are beckoning and Santa Fe's famous fleet of fine trains to those "sun spots" offers schedules and accommodations to suit you to a "T."
Just happened to "over hear" an inquiry from our new friend, Sven the Resident Cheesehead Swede regarding Rendezvous III.
Let me "enlighten" you a bit regarding our get togethers . . .
It all began back in 2005 when I came up with an idea for a get together - live 'n in person - of those willing 'n able to do so. Our first Rendezvous was in Toronto in May 2006 where 3 of us attended. The next was here in St. Louis, again in May, where 4 of us got together. And now we're planning for May of 2008, a repeat in St. Louis, where thus far 4 have signed up.
Here's what we've decided upon thus far:
Arrival will be Wednesday late afternoon - May 14th - for those wishing to attend the Cardinals-Pirates baseball game the following day at noon. Otherwise, arrival is Thursday.
A Rendezvous get together <social hour 'n dinner> is slated for Thursday evening at my Haus. That will be followed by a 'session' in the Can-Am Trainroom 'n Brewroom <aka: basement>
The OH-FISH-UL Rendezvous takes place on Friday 'n Saturday with events to be disseminated via Email once I put the agenda into final form. We begin early 'n end late.
These Rendezvous are strictly for the Customers of "Our" Place with no guests permitted. That's the way we have done it, are planning to do it 'n will continue to do it.
Departure day is Sunday - May 18th.
We keep the majority of our travel 'n personal plans restricted to Email communications - so if you <or anyone else> is interested in participating, send me an "off line Email" - NOT via the Forums PLEASE!!!!
PLEASE use Email for any additonal info, questions or concerns. In other words, use Email! <grin>
There is plenty of "history" contained within the Pages amassed at this Thread <reborn bar> and over on the Original Thread . . . . pictures, stories, etc. All one has to do is take the time 'n make the effort to check it out!
We'd love to have you join us!
Tom
Good Afternoon, Ruth! Really nice to see you back after your Christmas Day off. I'll have my regular Gevalia. Is that a liquid included in the all paid for drinks by Jan? Then I'll pay you for three doughnuts, which I will ease into the Galley to enjoy fresh from "The Halo Creator".
Rob suggested we should give the donut machine a name, and my entry to the name contest is: "The Halo Creator". You know, it creates round rings, shiny yellow, tastes heavenly - The Halo Creator - or is that sac religious?
Tom DaBossman, Thank you for the advice to enroll in Molly Throttlebottom's Adult Learning Centre. "Reading, it's the written word!" The tuition seems steep to me. Is there a chance to get a scholarship from any source known to the patrons of this place?
Eric, don't worry about the spoon. It was only one of those plastic ones they have in the Swedish Bistros (that's what the simplified restaurant cars on Swedish trains are called nowadays). Thank you for verifying my story of food delivered on model trains.
May I, as a body that just came in from the cold, ask what the "3rd Annual Rendezvous in May (140 days!)" is about? Do you all here at the bar get together once a year live and in color?
Pete, thank you for the photos from the Union Station in Kansas City. I think my wife and I took the train from there at one time in the 70-ies. Can have been on our way to or from Tulsa, OK. (Bus Tulsa - Kansas City, train Kansas City - NYC?????). I have to check our old travel albums when I get back home tonight.
Sorry, have to switch out on the main line again to earn my keep.
See you at my next whistle stop.
Sven
Some more Christmas NOSTALGIA from Pages Past to maintain the spirit of the season!
CHRISTMAS RR TRAVEL #3 of 8
Christmas Cargo
He'll be home for Christmas! He's a hard working trouble-shooter for his company, and business almost kept him away for Christmas. But there'll be no disappointments in this father's house tomorrow morning. Traveling Pullman, he and his presents will arrive safe and sound right in the heart of town, just a stones' throw from Christmas at home.
She'll be home for Christmas! "Dear Mother and Dad," she wrote. "I'll be home for Christmas with a straight "A" for the quarter. Don't you think that deserves going Pullman?" It does and it did. But more important, her mother and father will sleep as soundly tonight as she will, knowing she's traveling the safest, most comfortable way to be home for Christmas.
To be sure you'll be home for ChristmasGo PullmanTHE SAFEST, MOST COMFORTABLE WAY TO GET THERE!
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