Good Afternoon Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
It seems that all enjoyed a fine time at the rendezvous - I sure hope I can get to next year's in Chicago. I was looking at some of the folks in the CanAm room under the watchful eye of the K9 Trainmaster; I'm sure Juneau made sure that all passed the Rule Book exam b4 they were allowed to run trains.
A belated birthday greetings to OSP. I know, who's counting?
A fine choice of movies at the Theatuh.
Thanks also to all for their nostalgia material and the OSP and James for a nice selection of SOO material.
Mike sent some more historical items along with a couple of beautiful shots of New York, specifically GCT and Park Avenue leading to GCT.
Sorry for the shortness of this visit, but I have to get ready for activities scheduled for the end of the week. Will post more tomorrow.
DL stopped by as I was getting ready to post my meager offering for today. Glad to see that you made it home in one piece.
Work safe
G-day Tom and all present!
Ruth- Could I get a coffee and a turkey sandwich. Thanks, Oh and a round for the guys including a double for Tom. I noticed it was his Birthday! Thanks again.
Well, things have been good for me and the family. It's been kind of cold up here in the North. But it should get warmer here in the next couple of days. We have also been getting some pretty nasty Thunderstorms here in the last few days. The last one was this morning at about 6 am. That was a big one.. <geeez>
CM3- Well, when it comes to RRRR&R, I have been busy with the model railroad. I got my Milwaukee Road electric Bipolar up and running and is pulling passenger trains around the layout quite nicely. I just need to decal the locomotive and then it will be looking nice. I have also been working on a couple of industries. One I am scratch building. So I hope to get that done when my order of plastic square tubing and plastic strips. So that is on hold at the moment. But for this Wednesday I should have a few pics to show. Especially the Bipolar electric.
Tom- First off, to you!!! I hope you had a good one. And I see the Rendezvous went as according to plan! And many pics to share along with that. A good selection of pics. I see your layout looks a little busier with Doug, Eric, and Pete standing around the place. Glad you guys had a good time. It sure looked like it to me. Thanks for all the nice pics. Looking forward to some more nice pics.
Mike- A nice article and a cool little story (Mournful Whistles) And some picture which I really like. The Minnetonka is one of the tiniest road steam engines I have ever seen on a railroad. It's always a nice sight to behold when I go down to the Museum here in Duluth. I wish it were still running. I'd love to hear that little thing puff away. Thanks for sharing the story and pics.
I've also got a neat little article to share. It's on the DSS&A Railroad. Duluth, South, Shore & Atlanitic railroad.
HISTORY
The Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railway (DSS&A) (AAR reporting marks DSA) was an American railroad serving the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the Lake Superior shoreline of Wisconsin. It provided service from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and St. Ignace, Michigan, westward through Marquette, Michigan to Superior, Wisconsin, and Duluth, Minnesota. A branchline stretched northward from Nestoria, Michigan up to the Keweenaw Peninsula and terminating at Houghton, Michigan, with trackage rights extending further to Calumet, Michigan.
The first predecessor of the DSS&A began operations in 1855. The railroad fell under the control of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in 1888, and was operated in 1888-1960 as an independently-nameplated subsidiary of the CPR. In 1949, a reorganization of the DSS&A took place, creating new heralds and designating the company a railroad (RR) instead of a railway (RY). In 1961, the DSS&A RR was folded into the CPR-controlled Soo Line Railroad. Since 2001, the remaining operating trackage of the former DSS&A has been operated by the Canadian National Railway (CN).
The development in the 1850s of hematite iron ore mines in the Upper Peninsula hills above Marquette encouraged the development of numerous railroad plans for spur lines and connecting routes between mines, local boom towns, and the shores of the Great Lakes. While most of the Upper Peninsula's iron ore and Keweenaw copper was shipped to the rest of the United States by lake boat, the inability of water-based shippers to offer service to northern Michigan in winter encouraged railroad promoters to launch numerous plans for lines in the Upper Peninsula.
By the 1870s, a maze of corporate charters and tiny stub lines had been created or built in the central Upper Peninsula, primarily to carry iron or copper ore from the mines down to smelters and docks on the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. In 1879-81, venture capitalists led the construction of the Detroit, Mackinac & Marquette (DM&M), a standard-gauge main line from St. Igna
Hi Tom and all.
RUTH A round please to celebrate a wonderful Rendezvous with great events and even better company. Also another round for Tom's
JAMES Many thanks for the interesting post on the SOO Line and the SOO #2719, although I could not find her in the link.
On our visit to the Museum of Transportation at St Louis they have a Bi-Polar electric locomotive#E-2 looking really great in Milwaukee Road colors, no doubt a photo of E-2 will appear at Our Place, unfortunately I gave my camera a bath in soda and wrecked it.
MIKE Interesting articles on the formation of Amtrak, at least it was a better name than Railpax. I see on the news this morning travel by public transport in the United States today is the highest it as been for many years.
Many thanks for the links. It was good to see Minnetonka in steam after seeing her well kept today in James's link to the museum. In the 2nd photo of old New York it is amazing how few cars are on the street compared to today.
CM3 That is good news they have a WP&Y steam locomotive working at ‘Dollywood' with a good ride with a steep grade, so many of the UK theme parks, if they have a railway, is a steam outline diesel loco.
It was a pleasant surprise when we visited the Silver Dollar City near Branson MO they had a real steam loco running there.
Really hope you can make the rendezvous in Chicago next year.
DOUG Glad you made it back to Chicagoland OK and it was great to meet you. I am sure Tom will let you into the secret of the great weather we had.
DL Glad your flight back to the UK was good. Thanks for the info on Toronto. When I first arrived here in mid Missouri I did see a copy of a couple of British railway magazines but I have not seen one in the bookstores here for a couple of years now. I did notice that Trains was cheaper in the UK although they do a pretty good subscription offer here. They always used to have Trains at the news store at Birmingham New St. station. Talking of British railway magazines, at the library Tom took us to in St Louis they had, among other Brit books a bound copy of the first two volumes of The Railway Magazine from way back in 1897.
In one of the articles was a description of life in the Rugby steam shed in 1897. I will have to go back to the library again.
I am glad you found some good micro-brews in Toronto. When we visited the TrainWreck Saloon on the rendezvous I found another good St Louis brew called O'Fallon's 5 Day a English tasting beer served very wellThe only trouble is the Train Wreck is 100 miles from here, but the local pub Pat's Place serves local brews.
That is sad news about Nottingham's London Rd High Level station as you say it lasted a long time after it last saw a train. I believe I have been in there when it was Sam Fays, if it was still a Hooters we might get Eric on a rendezvous to the UK.
I will ask Alan to get me the last BR timetable (I can still remember when it was issued for each region). At the moment Alan is thinking of our Shrewsbury Town F.C. who have reached the new Wembley in the Division 2 Play Off final this Saturday.
TOM I hope Juneau is not missing his new found friends from the Rendezvous too much. It really was a great time many thanks to the Bride and yourself.
I see the Passenger Train Nostalgia was prophetic as we did get to ride the ‘Texas Eagle' although sadly not hauled by Mo-Pac F-Units.
Looking at the alternative horoscope I think the ‘Catfish' for me is quite accurate, apart from the "runs fast" bit and no mention of clumsiness.
Ruth- Thanks but I'm still working on my first round. But thanks again!
Pete- I just caught your post! Glad you liked the Soo line stuff. I will have to see if I can find a better site that has the steamer. Or I might have to go and get a picture of it tonight. But I will get you a pic. You saw one of my favorite electrics. I have seen some pictures of it but they were from a few years ago. I know that it has been restored to the grey, orange and maroon passenger paint scheme, which is on of my favorites. Can't wait to see the pics. Thanks for sharing!!!
James
G'day Gents!
Appears as if we'd had an uncharacteristically active day here at the Saloon by the Siding - so I'll get some acknowledgments going. Gonna be out 'n about tomorrow and may not make it in 'til late afternoon . . .
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative this morning):
DL at 12:17 PM today: Good to know you made it home safely . . . appears as if you didn't see the 2nd Annual Rendezvous Posts . . . must be the "time warp," eh
Appears as though you took the time to "smell the roses" at Union Station and surroundings. Coming back to Canada later in the year?? Hmmmmm. Perhaps we could meet up in Toronto. Maybe if we can get Rob back on board we could arrange something. Let's pursue via Email . . .
Don't know what it is about train schedules, but I generally "scoop" ‘em up too whenever in major stations such as Toronto or Montreal or Vancouver. There's a drawer crying out for "relief" right now - pretty much "bulging" from paper that I'll most likely never review. Ahhhhh, the joy of it all.
Yes, dirty windows and exteriors of the cars seems to be an indicator of budget shortfalls. On our return to St. Louis from Springfield, Illinois aboard the Texas Eagle, it was very evident that the material condition of the train was suffering. Paint was chipped here ‘n there inside ‘n out, seats in need of replacement in the coach and just a bit "shabby" over all. Not something Amtrak used to be known for - but then again, money IS tight. It will be interesting to observe how VIA Rail is holding up during the trips Pete ‘n I have planned for this week ‘n next.
I hope you'll have the chance to review the Posts since you were last able . . . much info exchanged, along with the repeated "notices" that things ‘round here have changed. Suggest you review the Monday - Wednesday - Friday Acknowledgments . . .
Thanx for dropping by and providing us all with some fine material!
CM3 Shane at 12:23 PM today: Many thanx for the B'day wishes.
Juneau took good care of the guys here at the Haus during the morning breakfasts and after our full days of activities. Hair is everywhere and on everyone I suspect. DNA being spread far ‘n wide one might say.
Far too early to get anything out for Chicago in May 2008 - but I'll be sure to include you in the Email once we being planning in earnest. The guys agreed that even if the bar should fold up, we're still going forward with it. Doug is eager!
Round ‘n quarters always appreciated!
James at 3:49 PM ‘n 3:59 PM today: Appreciate the B'day wishes. When you get to where I am in life, one doesn't really "count" anymore - far too many candles on the cake, if yanowutImean. <grin>
Good stuff on the DSS&A and I hope that the few remaining customers we have take the time to check it out. Liked the Pix . . .
One of these days <daze> I'm gonna visit the part of the world you're at . . . I've seen all of the Great Lakes, but Superior from the Canadian side only.
Appreciate your taking the time to provide some fine material, which of course also helps to keep the bar up ‘n running!
I see where you've called Ruth - Leon. Hmmmmmm. Guess we'll have to work on that, eh <uh oh>
Pete at 3:52 PM today: Back in your familiar "slot" and doing your thing with another inclusive - informative ‘n interesting Post!
Having the 3 of you here for my 69th B'day was an additional treat and the well wishes are and were most appreciated!
Seems like the 2nd Annual Rendezvous came ‘n went, eh I'm sure Juneau is ‘wondering' where all of his friends have gone to. Once he's "logged" the sniffs, he's got you in his sensory notebook for keeps! <grin>
Yes, we were living right when the Texas Eagle pulled into the Springfield, Illinois station in time for us to board for the return to St. Louis. Otherwise, we would've had a 3-hour layover. Worked out as perfectly as everything else, including the weather. Yeah, I can just envision a pair of EMD E8s or E7s heading up that train, ahhhhhhhhh, just the thought of it, eh
The itinerary for our Canadian rail adventure has been sent by Email . . . Received yours this morning - thanx!
We're gonna have to work on those Can-Am breakaways, eh Methinks you were distracted by Juneau! <grin>
Leon, set 'em 'n Boris ring the bell - drinks on Da Boss!
Tom
A few more 2nd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis fotos:
Friday - May 18, 2007 (Tom's B'day!)
Breakfast at Juneau's house
Gifts from Eric!
University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL) Library
Some serious reading at the John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library
The boyz aboard MetroLink to Illinois from UMSL
MetroLink facility - St. Louis
A landmark mural at a the "new" Sheraton, downtown
Crossing the Mississippi River aboard MetroLink on the Eads Bridge - looking south
More later . . .
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house; $ for the jukebox.
Have been enjoying OSPs rendezvous pictures and connecting "faces to names." The Barriger Library looks like it is well-designed with open space. Had the pleasure of having dinner with the namesake of the library yrs. ago when still living in New England. A fascinating conversationalist and very easy to talk with. He was doing things with the B&M back then, but I had lots of questions about his time with the Monon.
James - Looking forward to your pictures. Also thanks for the DSS&A material along with the fine passenger train photograph.
Pete stopped by with comments.
For those of you interested in refrigerator cars (and FGE service in general), let me call your attention to the April issue of C&O History. They are starting a series of articles in FGE service on the C&O. Part One deals with the FGE installation at Clifton Forge. Lots of car shots, track diagrams, ice platform pictures, etc. There is enough there to make a fine industry on a layout. Highly recommend this one. C&O Historical Society Convention this year is July 11-15 in Charleston, WV.
Back at the Haus for a respite (cutting the lawn, feeding my face, tending to Juneau, etc.) before round II with the Doc's . . .
Good to see Shane stop by!
Received an Email from barn weevil Doug - thanx!
Friday - May 18, 2007 (Tom's B'day!) - continued:
From the Illinois side of the Eads Bridge - looking west - MLK Bridge, Admiral Riverboat Casino & Edward Jones Dome (home of the NFL Rams)
MetroLink arriving
North view of the Mississippi River from the Eads Bridge aboard westbound MetroLink
Side entrance to St. Louis Union Station
Under the train shed at Union Station
Unused sidings at Union Station - Amtrak in background
The only trains at Union Station
A pint of O'Fallons please RUTH.
JAMES I shall look forward to seeing the photos of your Milwaukee Road Bi-Polar electric model on the layout.
Enjoyed reading the history of the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Railway. From the railway's beginnings hauling Iron and Copper Ore and then timber, until the line was merged into the Soo Line. Thanks for sharing.
As you can see from Tom's photos the weather was great for color photography so the locomotives at the museum should come out really well.
CM3. It would be very interesting to hear how Mr. Barringer formed the library and how he managed to get some of those railway publications from the 1800s, it really is an impressive collection.
DOUG Received E-Mail, many thanks.
TOM Hope round II with the Doc's goes well.
Many thanks for the next two great sets of photos from the Rendezvous. They show the outstanding sunshine we enjoyed and we were so lucky the temperature was how it was as well.
Marvelous pic from the Metro car on Eads Bridge as the train was moving and all those girders on the bridge.
I well remember seeing the Mural on the new Sheraton, when I first arrived in St Louis in early 2001; it certainly is a great landmark but must take a lot of work to keep it in such great condition. I know we have talked about it before but it is sad to see those empty tracks at the Union Station in St Louis so different from the time in January 2001 when there was a lot of railway stock stabled there in the snow.
I have found this advert that Tom posted on the old Our Place on page 140
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #10 Here's something to enjoy regarding the Union Pacific from an advertisement in The Official Guide of the Railways - Aug 1956 Overnight - Every night between CHICAGO & DENVER Streamliner "CITY of DENVER" THIS SMART STREAMLINER FEATURES . . . * The very latest in Pullman equipment; de luxe bedrooms with newly designed, convenient lavatory facilities. Modern roomettes . . . no need to step into the aisle to lower or raise bed. Also long length, restful berths. * Coach seats built for complete comfort. Stretch- Out leg rests and reclining backs. All seats Reserved. * Unusually attractive dining car serving highest Quality of freshly prepared foods. * Beautiful club lounge for Pullman occupants and distinctive tavern car "The PUB" for all passengers. Early morning arrival in both Denver and Chicago WESTBOUND Lv. Chicago (Milw. Road) .......... 4:30 p.m. Ar. Denver (U. P.) ..................... 8:30 a.m. EASTBOUND Lv. Denver (U. P.) ..................... 3:30 p.m. Ar. Chicago (Milw. Road) .......... 8:45 a. m. UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD Enjoy!
Me again. That was the way to travel.It must have been wonderful to visit the Tavern Car before retiring to the Pullman bedroom.
Well Leon I see you have come in, so another for me and a round please.
Pete.
Leon- Could I get a coffee and a turkey sandwich, Thanks.
Alright, Things are going quite well for me at the moment. The days are getting warmer and I will soon be volunteering at the NSSR and LSRM museum here in Duluth. Can't wait.
Tom- Okay, I'm sorry Ruth, I usually post in the afternoons so I get a little mixed up. But I wonder how I got such a pretty person like you mixed up with Leon.... Must be that coffee. I am surprised you caught that so fast Tom. I realized it almost as soon as I had posted. So I changed it and wrote another quick post. So the posts weren't all messed up, I'm happy to say! Anyway, Some more nice pictures to go along with the second rendezvous. That looked like a really good breakfast you guys were having.. And a nice little gift from Eric too. I am quite familiar with the Lima Company. When I go to train shows I usually see a few of those cars around, and the detail doesn't look to bad either. I might need to pick a couple up the next time I see some, for they're certainly cheap enough. It could make a nice looking passenger train. Just need to find the locomotive.
MMMMM books, and train books at that. I love going through books. I've already got a whole bunch and I am planning on purchasing a Wisconsin Central book that just came out in the last six months. There are so many books out there on trains I could spend an eternity looking and reading through them. Also I saw the Union Station pic. Obviously there won't be any trains going through but by the looks of it, it has been renovated quite nicely. I really like that little lake/ pond they built for all to enjoy. That would be cool to look out of your hotel room and look at the water. Pretty cool stuff. Thanks for sharing.
CM3- I will drop the pics later tomorrow. But first I need to take the little digital thing and get the pics. They should be fine. I will see if can get my Milwaukee Little Joe running around the layout. I will get some good shots.
Pete- Glad you liked the DSS&A article. It's a little railway I know about and at the Depot here in Duluth, we have a former DSS&A Alco RS-1. I just love to here that thing chug away. It's being worked on at the moment, but it does run. When it came to the museum it was in pretty tough shape. A lot of tech problems and wiring problems with it, so it would run but you wouldn't be able to notch it up. But now we have it so it goes to notch 6 of the 8 notches fine. We also had to switch the trucks out from underneath it. The other trucks didn't have the traction motors in place so it would be really hard to move under its own power. But it's coming and it's slowly being painted in the DSS&A colors.
Also thanks for the UP nostalgia. I see they mentioned the Milwaukee Road down in the schedule. So the Milwaukee had just joined forces with the Ups passenger service. The Milw started painting there cars the UP scheme back in 1955. It was a type of merger with the passenger trains and it was more convenient this way. The UP and the Milwaukee Road could be advertised all on the same train. Some pretty cool stuff, Thanks for sharing.
Happy railroading
Thanks Leon, but I'm good. Get a round for the guys, Thanks.
I just wanted to drop off an article on one of my favorite railway Depots of all time.
The Milwaukee Road, Rock Island and Soo Line Union Depot in Downtown Minneapolis, Minneasota.
HISTORY OF THE OLD MILWAUKEE ROAD DEPOTThe last train left in 1971, but the Depot still stands as a monument of rail days gone by. For nearly seven decades, family members and loved ones stood at the atrium of the Depot and waved to passengers boarding the trains of the Milwaukee Road line.
The rail line, first built in 1864, was originally known as the Minnesota Central Railroad. In 1867 the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad bought the Minnesota Central Railway, changing the name of the railroad to the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad in 1874 before shortening the name to Milwaukee Road. The old Milwaukee Road Depot was constructed in 1899 and remains one of the last long-span, truss-roofed sheds surviving in the nation.
The Depot, a Renaissance Revival style building, was designed by Charles Frost. Considered conservative in style, the ground floors were paved in white marble with black borders and walls were built with cream and brown enamel brick. The ceiling of intricately paneled oak gave the rooms a large, spacious feel. The total cost of the Depot was about $200,000.
The Depot fluttered with activity during the late 1800s when Minneapolis was a rapidly growing city. At the peak of activity in 1920, the prosperous Depot was bustling with 29 trains departing daily. In 1971, the Milwaukee Road terminated rail service to Minneapolis and converted the building into office use. In 1978, the Minnesota Historical Society placed the Depot and the nearby freight house on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Minneapolis Community Development Agency purchased the Depot and the seven-block surrounding areas from the Resolution Trust Corporation for $2 million to preserve its historic significance. In recent years there have been numerous development concepts for the Depot ranging from an agricultural museum to a casino.
In 1998, the MCDA approved a land sale to CSM Corporation for the development proposal currently underway at the Depot. The finished complex includes a Renaissance by Marriott, a Residence Inn by Marriott, an indoor water park, an interpretive history center about the Depot, The Stone Arch Bar, Charley's Restaurant, banquet space, underground parking for 650 automobiles and an enclosed seasonal ice rink. The entire project was completed in July of 2001.
Info and the first two pics from: http://www.thedepotminneapolis.com/newSite/history.asp
Pic from: www.mpls.lib.mn.us/history/tr2.asp
Check out this site for the look of the depot today. prescott.imbri.com/images/ftc/depot/index.shtml
Amtrak's Lincoln Service to Chicago - our stop was Springfield, Illinois (sun in the lens!)
Eric ‘n Doug aboard Amtrak at St. Louis
Pete aboard Amtrak at St. Louis
Busch Stadium (home of the MLB NL Cardinals) from the train - heading east
Crossing the Interstate highways en route Illinois
Crossing the Mississippi River en route Illinois
Lenox junction in Illinois (I think!)
Doug remaining "connected"
Scores of locos!
Amtrak's Horizon Business Class car # 54528
We made it! Springfield, Illinois - 2 hours from St. Louis
More tomorrow . . . also ACKNOWLEDGMENTS!
Good evening Leon and friends! I'll have a bottomless draught and buy a round for the house. Looks like I should be posting a few Rendezvous pix, and I literally have hundreds of 'em. But before I do, let me just compliment James for several outstanding classic train posts. That's exactly the kind of stuff this thread is known for!
Tom and Pete, who met me at the Amtrak station in St. Louis. Pete has a pocket full of an assortment of coins, freshly flattened by the train as it arrived.
Here we are, checking into our hotel. For some reason, hotel management insisted on mug shots and a full set of fingerprints. We were escorted and locked into our respective rooms
Tom explains to Eric his plans to extend his CanAm layout into surrounding basements
It's Tom's birthday! Here's the only gift he received that wasn't inflatible, but I can see the wheels turning ....
Tom waits expectantly in the quiet of the University library. The railroad crossing sign he smuggled in is about to break the sound barrier.
Did you know the Metrolink machines accepts Monopoly money? Eric shields his face from platform cameras while Pete stands amazed
More to come!
<from my personal collection>
Wednesday's Witticism!
If it takes liquor to build your courage, you may have to prove it.
Mid-week and one day removed from the start of a Canadian rail adventure with Pete. So, there will be an absence of these kinda Posts ‘til we return . . . . It's up to those who give a Rat's Patoot to keep things movin' forward ‘round here!!
Wednesday and time for a mugga Joe, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and of course a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board!
Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative on Monday):
CM3 Shane at 8:49 AM Tuesday: What a treat it would've been had you visited the Barriger RR library, especially since you've had personal contact with "the man."
Thanx for the heads up on the refrigerator cars and C&O get together in WVA . . .
Quarters ‘n round always appreciated!
Pete at 5:11 PM Tuesday: The return of Stealthy Pete, Wolfman ‘n "Our" Place Bar Chandler supreme! This Thread would be hurting without your inclusive, informative ‘n interesting Posts!
I'm flattered by your choice to use my Posts for Encore! submissions!
Here's something for the guys on the mural we saw from MetroLink:
The former Edison Brothers Stores warehouse at 14th and Spruce -- originally opened in 1929 as the J.C. Penney western states distribution center and later donated to the University of Missouri -- is covered on three sides by murals that look like real statuary and fenestration. In reality, this is a simple box warehouse adjacent to I-64. The murals were commissioned by Edison Brothers and painted by muralist Richard Haas and his team in 1985-6. The building now houses condominiums developed by Donald Breckenridge, and the Sheraton St. Louis City Center Hotel & Suites.
Certainly looking forward to our Canadian rail adventure . . . heard from Fergie last night and he'll meet us in Halifax on Saturday morning!
James at 6:00 PM ‘n 6:10 PM Tuesday: Railroad stations, terminals ‘n depots are special places that surely deserve special mention when it comes to Classic Trains. When Pete ‘n I travel to Montreal, we'll be treated to the experience of a continuing active rail station right in the heart of the city. Always enjoy that place, which was featured over on the original Thread a couple of times . . .
Enjoyed your Old Milwaukee Road Depot article - something to learn and enjoy ‘round here while having fun. Interesting signs on the tower for the Milwaukee Road - Rock Island ‘n Soo Line. Surely don't see things like these days (daze)! <groan>
Doug at 9:56 PM Tuesday: The return of the barn weevil with some Rendezvous Pix! Of course the hotel management wanted mug shots, consider the clientele, eh We don't mess around in this community! <grin> Enjoyed the ‘captions' . . .
I like the new avatar, by the by!
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
Thursday is Fish ‘ Chips Nite!
Friday is Pizza ‘n Beer Nite! - and - Steak ‘n Fries Nite!
Saturday is Steak ‘n All The Trimmings Nite!
Dinner begins at 5 PM so come early ‘n often!
Cindy is now our Saturday bartender!
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Have been enjoying the pictures of the rendezvous - I can see why the escort was required. OSP's other presents? Can't wait to see the pictures in Police Gazette, or wil they run in Popular Mechanics - enquiring minds want to know.
Barndad and OSP sent more pictures of the boy's "Day Out." New Busch Stadium looks nice from the outside. Now if we could put a baseball team on the inside. Seriously, they are facing what my boys did last year - injuries and no pitching to bring up to fill the gaps. I watched them play the Pirates last night as we get the Pittsburgh feed here on the cable - Cards basically looked like they were done.
Only trains at Union Station? Barkeep, three fingers of the good stuff - it's enough to make you weep.
Pete - As with many of us who follow things rail, JB was a collector. It's a curse, believe me! Anyway, he was in a position to obtain material and did so from his earliest days in the business. The important thing to remember is that not that many people collected rr-related material back years ago. Thus it was possible to get items w/o going bankrupt. He was a voracious reader (another curse!) with a keen sense of history and his library followed him from place to place and forms the nucleus of the collection you visited. It was a bequest. Richard Saunders's book, Merging Lines: America's Railroads, 1900-1970 has a good summary of his career and helps to set JB's idea of "super railroads" in a larger national context. See, now you have something else to read. BTW, it's an excellent book.
James - Sounds as though you have the collector's gene as well - I am so sorry for you! I enjoyed the pictures of the old MILW station in Minneapolis. I agree with OSP's note: a classic sign on the tower for certain. At least the structure was saved.
Almost forgot (in line with my never-ending Captains of Industry posts) - The May, 2007 RMC has a fine article on open deck bridges replete (how do like that one, Boris?) with pictures, diagrams and lotsa numbers I call OSP's attention to p. 95 with a 1932-era Erie motor car - study that picture for awhile, Tom - the details are incredible. So again, something else for the packrats to add to the pile.
Good Day Tom and everyone present,
Ruth, coffee and baked goods for all present, please.
A long lost member of your group is finally back. I walked past the bar a couple of times, but I wasn't sure if I would dare come in. I peeked through the windows at the old place, but it is awfully dark and gloomy over there, the light doesn't seem to have been on for a long while. So I sat down in your library and studied what y'all (I'm in Texas after all) have been up to this year and I must say you have been busy. What a treasure trove of information you have amassed in 5 short months!
But before I go in to too much detail, please let me try this post to see how much I have forgotten about posting. Memory is the second thing that you lose with age, isn't it?
Let's try a picture also; I didn't know that Western Pacific and Amtrak had a "code share" going on so I was surprised to see this up front of the Southwest Chief (more on that later):
Raton, NM, 4/30/2007
Good Day again Tom and everyone present,
Ruth, drinks for all present, please, and a pint of your best dark ale for me.
My test posting didn't go so well. Aw shucks! And I even read the instruction on how to post pictures. Hopefully someone can teach me so I can share a few of the pictures I have found.
I'm glad to see so many familiar faces from yesteryear. Tom, of course, I hope you will let me back in after this long absence. Al, CM3 (Shane, isn't it?), Doug - nice to see you again, Lars, Mike, Pete and Rob. Then I see a few newcomers: James - a fellow model railroader if I understand it correctly, DL - from "over there" nice to meet a fellow who understands real beer (sorry you other guys), Eric - a fellow Swede and an X2 driver at that - Wow!, and underworld - I'm sorry I didn't catch your name. You have all been very busy and your keyboards must be close to be worn out by now.
My work took a very busy turn and there just wasn't enough time in the day to try to catch up with what all of you wrote, and without that it wasn't much reason to try to keep a presence. I have changed assignment and I think things will be a little bit easier around here now. And besides, I will retire at the end of the year and move back home to California (Orange County) and just take it easy with house, garden, model railroading, and whatever the missus will have on the "honey dew" list (I'm sure that list will be long).
I traveled a bit; rode the X2000 a couple of times, twice with my son who was very impressed, especially with the "cushy seats" - we rode first class and even if the new seats aren't as comfortable as the old, they are still a whole lot better than a coach seat on an airplane across the Atlantic! The Swedish Railroad has a pricing policy that makes the US airlines look like they have a standard price list. It seems that each departure of each train has a flexible price structure and the fare changes almost daily up until the departure. "Just Nu" (right now) is what they call it. And with that price structure, the first class seats many times sell for less than coach if you time it right.
And a couple of weeks ago I accompanied my daughter home from college on the Southwest Chief (and the Lakeshore Limited) from Boston to Fullerton. What a trip! It was both good and bad, but mostly very, very good. We got stuck for hours somewhere east of Chicago waiting for 7 or 8 freight trains to pass, and then there was this track! I still wonder how the couplers managed to hold the cars together with that much vertical movement, but they did. It was difficult to take a shower, though; what a riot! Both of us were glues to the window as we rode across Colorado and New Mexico. We both praised the invention of the digital camera as we would have gone broke on film alone during that time! We came home just in time for the Fullerton Railroad Days. Once I get the pictures sorted out, and I have figured out how to post them (and where to store them -Flickr, here I come!), I will post some.
Now to some comments about what I read during the last couple of weeks from all y'all.
Tom, I saw you had been at the 1953 Jamboree in Santa Ana. I have heard a great deal about that, even though it was years before I came over here. In 1953 I was probably a Cub Scout in Sweden and had no idea what a Jamboree was. But that Jamboree is made immortal in that there is a road named after it. It goes all the way from the beach area (nowadays Newport Beach - I believe) where the Jamboree was held up north to Tustin. At the north end of the road is the scout house of the troop my son used to belong to. And it passes just a couple of blocks from my house in Tustin. How's that for a small world?
Did you have many women signing up for the Spring classes? I saw a couple of classes that ought to have been "sold out", I hope they were.
You posted some posters by Santa Fe; the Chief posters reminded me of some signs that are still along the route. I will find the one I managed to get a picture of and try to post it. I also saw your UP drumheads. Eric says you dislike UP, I wonder why?
All this talking about UP leads me to James. You are a modeler, what are your favorite areas? I am trying to put together the UP City of Los Angeles from 1950. I have finally found all 13 cars, but most of them need painting. I have put all of it on my website; take a look if you like. There is a lot of Ambroid information in there as well; if you are interested in craftsman kits for MR cars, that's the place to go.
http://home.att.net/~pers_home/
You are so right about books. If it hadn't been for my ability to read I would have been a wealthy man. They way things are now, I buy too many books, mostly railroad books.
And Doug, you had a nice picture from the Orange Empire Museum (and so did Eric, by the way, but I don't think he told us where it was from). The OERM will be much closer once I move back home to Tustin (and can leave this hot place called Dallas), so I will most definitely visit there again and take some pictures. It has been about 15 years since I was there last. One of their conductors taught my son to add and subtract by just using pebbles. It worked!
Eric, a fellow Swede. Nice to meet you. I guess you took the "move to a warmer climate" to the extreme when you moved to Phoenix. I settled for Southern California, but I wonder if you didn't pick the better place. If you were on the X2000 when it visited Los Angeles, I must have seen you, at least through the window when you drove that "thing" back over the Beaumont Pass (at least that's where I think it went) - or was it Cajon? We never managed to get a peek inside when you were at the LAUPT. Again, I have pictures, but who knows where right now?
The sleeper you posted in Amtrak colors was an ex-UP sleeper, the Pacific Patrol, built by Budd in 1950 as part of a 50-car order. This car was put in service on 3/30 that year. It was one of the 25 that were delivered in the two-tone-gray color scheme, whereas the other 25 were delivered in the more traditional Armor Yellow and Harbor Mist Gray that soon afterward became the standard for all UP streamliners. One of its sister cars is part of "my train". Your car was later converted to a Crew Dorm/Lounge car, number 2910. Ain't Google great? I'm not going to put the picture here because it isn't mine, but here's a link:
http://www.trainweb.org/amtrakpix/locoshots/heritage106/2510A.jpg
I giggled when I saw your picture of the guys trying to couple the X2000 together. I think they had an "IKEA style" instruction sheet and were just discussing where to strike the hammer to make it all fit, right? Aw, come on, you can tell us!
The strange pattern in the sky over the Atlantic reminded me of something similar I saw after a rocket launch from the Vandenberg. Once the rocket gets up high enough you see those trails moving around because of the wind currents.
I also managed to see an FL-9 once. I was on a trip up along the Hudson river to Poughkep... (ah, you know, the place where IBM is, and only a local can spell). I decided to find the station in town and just as I got out of the car (with camera in hand) I heard a train approaching. What was in the lead, if not an FL-9 in the classic NH colors!
The picture I tried in my little test post, didn't work. Let's try it again; I didn't know that Western Pacific and Amtrak had a "codeshare" going on so I was surprised to see this up front of our train:
Amtrak Genesis 146 at Raton, NM, 4/30/2007
I later found out that this engine had pulled a WP Special, not only once, but twice. The WP sticker was supposedly put there during the Feather River Express (http://www.trainweb.org/chris/fex.html) on 4/1/2002. The sticker is in an amazing condition for being up front for 5 years, but maybe Amtrak doesn't wash their engines that often? Or, maybe it got a new sticker when it pulled the Reno Zephyr (http://rlehmer.50megs.com/photos/passenger) on 4/15/2004?
I just read about your Rendezvous. It must have been a great get-together. I was impressed to see the agenda, there was a lot to see and do. The breakfast spread at Tom's house must have been delicious. I didn't know you a re a passenger train modeler as well, Tom. You line-up of trains is truly impressive!
Enough for one day! I will try to keep this up on, at least, a weekly basis, unless of course, you tell Boris to stop me in the door.
Per
Hello Tom
Good luck on your travels with Pete - but more of that later - I'll have a pint of bitter please, maybe a snack too if there is anything in stock.
Yes, I did see the rendezvous stuff (think I mentioned what a good itinerary it was) unfortunately can't view the pics with my browser, but the captions look good (esp Doug's witty captions - without the pictures it leaves more to the imagination - like they say with radio - the pictures are better than on the TV!)
Yes, will almost certainly have to go to Toronto later in the year - for house clearance purposes - that is why I'd like to plan a trip on Ontario Northland if I could - looks interesting - but probably a 3 or 4 day excursion. Toronto link up - maybe its an option. I'd also like to get to the warplane museum and the Halton County street car museum.
I've had a chance to review the recent material - but if you take a break you notice a fair amount go stuff gets posted here - I note the new 3 day per week regime - looks OK to me!
Anyway - I very much look forward to a trip report from you and Pete in Eastern Canada - you've got a great itinerary worked out and I look forward esp. to Pete's opinions on the UK built cars and also thoughts on the Budds on the Gaspe trip (supposed to be great scenery on that run). By the way - if you are in a deluxe cabin on a Ren car take something to wrap around the shower pipe to stop it slapping against he wall at night with the motion of the train - maybe some elastic bands to tie a towel on would do the trick and muffle it. Oh, and use the ‘heads' before using the shower! Tom will be well aware of this already and probably mentioned it anyway!
James - some nice history stuff - very informative - I too enjoyed the Milwaukee Road Depot
CM 3 Thanks for that acknowledgment - yes back on terra firma here as they say.
Pete: Yes, you can get ‘Trains' at Derby Station WHS store. Rugby steam shed in 1897 - that would be an interesting article!
Scroll down these pages and there are some pics of London Road High Level Station in recent years (some other interesting pics too)
http://www.leytransport.i12.com/nott.htm
So now some contributions from Per - am I right in thinking you might be one of the ‘legion of the lost' before I encountered this forum? If so good to make your acquaintance. That Swedish price structure seems to be the way advance booking is going in the UK - causes confusion amongst the passengers who don't seem to be able to get their heads round it - even though they can work it out if they are going by plane.....
Well, Tom and Pete - enjoy your travels. Same day you're off I'm heading for Cornwall in the south west for a few days. I'm booked on the ‘Night Riviera' sleeping car train from London to Penzance (and back). Pete - you will be able to compare the channel tunnel stock with the BR Mark 3 sleeper - its predecessor for UK overnight travel.
Here's an article about this journey - the threat mentioned in here has been lifted since this was written (at least for now...)
http://travel.guardian.co.uk/article/2005/jun/19/cornwall.railtravel.unitedkingdom
Cheerio
DL
PS - Pete - what was that pub in Cornwall you mentioned a while back was it in Helston?
SPECIAL MENTION!
Welcome back marthastrainyard Per!! While it has been a long time, your Posts have come at a time when this cyber bar 'n grill is at a rather lo-point in attendance. Spring-summer travels and so forth. <groan>
You surely may join us at the bar and allow me to provide your drinks 'n lunch for the day! Boris, ring the bell in that "special" gong sound - something Per will take with him for hours on end when he leaves! <grin> <uh oh>
You surely took some time in gathering data for your responses and that is MOST APPRECIATED by the barkeep 'n a few others 'round this joint. Let me see if I can give you a quick rundown on who's left at this Saloon by the Siding:
Pete (Wolfman) is our Bar Chandler who came to Jefferson City, MO from Rugby, UK - he's one of a few who really supports this place through his Posts and purchases! <grin> . . . Eric (Resident Desert Swede) is our nocturnal custome out in Phoenix and is en route home from the Rendezvous and other places - he'll surely enjoy meeting you! . . . Doug (barndad - barn weevil) is supposed to be our Assistant Manager, but he's been "horsing around" and isn't in control of his schedule these days (daze) - he's in upper Illinois, near Wisconsin . . . CM3 Shane (coalminer3) is our WVA connection and resident oracle when it comes to all things railroad. He pretty much supports this place with quarters for our juke box (Herr Wurlitzer) and rounds for the gang . . . James (CMSTPP) is our Duluth connection and a railroad fanatic in all regards - he's very much "into" the Milwaukee Road and has more RR knowledge packed into his 19 years than most men have twice his age . . . Mike (wanswheel) is our ResidentURLMeisterMonster, appearing perhaps weekly - has little to say, but lots to offer through his links . . . Rob (trolleyboy) is our Ontario connection and Chief Chef who has been away from the bar more than at it. He's currently MIA once again, which really is sad, considering how much we used to depend upon him here. He'll most likely show up in a week or three . . . DL in the UK is our Euro connection and gives Pete a "Mate" when it comes to all things Brit (trains 'n brew, of course!) . . . Lars (LoveDomes) has more going on for him lately than these Pages can chronicle. Let's just say that our Manager is on a leave of absence, as they've purchased a "get-away-home" in the Keys, are currently in California and will be returning to Staten Island, NY in a couple of weeks . . . BK (BudKarr) is our Alberta connection but I doubt we'll be hearing from him any time soon. Very serious illness that has overtaken his bride of about 1 year . . . that pretty much covers who is left, although we have seen Dave (West Coast S) in his Posts from Iraq. I believe his tour ends this month, so we're in hopes that he'll return home safely and resume his activities with us.
You mentioned a guy that was never "one of us" - we've had all sorts of those kinds of visitors. They've been welcomed, but of course never read what has been offered, or if they have, we'd never know it. The "hit 'n run" stuff just doesn't get it 'round here - no matter who from. So some things haven't changed a bit!
Sorry to cut this short, but I'm at a "break" before getting back to attending to matters before Pete 'n I depart for our Canadian rail adventure. The bride and Juneau are beckoning . . .
Very happy to have you back with us and I'm sure the guys will be too!
Amtrak's Lincoln Service in Springfield, Illinois - Capitol building in background
Lincoln Service departing for Chicago
Illinois Capitol building
Land of Lincoln
Tracks right in the heart of town
Southbound Texas Eagle arriving
Good to see Shane - DL 'n Per today . . . sorry, but really no time to get into any serious chat . . .
Have a special request for James - watch out for "my other Thread" while Pete 'n I are gone - okay?? Thanx!
Thought I'd provide the movies for next week, though - prepared 'em weeks ago!
Starting Sunday at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!
. . . May 27th thru June 2nd: The Silver Streak (1934) Starring: Sally Blane, Charles Starrett, Hardie Albright, William Farnum & Irving Pichel - and - The Lady Vanishes (1938) Starring: Emile Boreo, Mary Clare, Selma Vaz Dias &Catherine Lacey. SHORT: The Three Stooges - So Long, Mr. Chumps (1941).
The Silver Streak (1934)
PLOT SUMMARY:
Beyond the fact that both films shared a "railroad" background, RKO Radio's 1934 actioner Silver Streak bore no relation to the 1974 Gene Wilder vehicle of the same name. The earlier film stars Charles Starrett as Tom Caldwell, the dynamic young designer of a streamlined, high-speed passenger train. During a polio epidemic, our hero endeavors to prove the efficiency of his train by making a breakneck 2000-mile trip to deliver iron lungs to the Boulder Dam region. The well-chosen supporting cast includes William Farnum as old-time railroad man B. J. Dexter, who in the film's most moving scene ruminates over the brief but colorful history of his chosen profession. The real-life Burlington Zephyr "plays" the titular train in Silver Streak, which earned a much-needed $107,000 profit for RKO.
from: amazon.com
The Lady Vanishes (1938)
The Lady Vanishes, Alfred Hitchcock's comedy-thriller, came at the end of his British period; this film's success brought Hitchcock to the attention of Hollywood. He would complete only one other British production, Jamaica Inn, before crossing the Atlantic to working for David O. Selznick on Rebecca. The film concerns the young Iris Henderson (Margaret Lockwood), heading home on a train after spending the holidays in the Balkans. Iris becomes friends with a kindly old lady, Miss Froy (Dame May Whitty) after Iris gets hit in the head with a flowerpot meant for Miss Froy. On the train, recovering from the blow, Iris falls asleep. When she awakens, Miss Froy has vanished, replaced by someone else in Miss Froy's clothing. Iris talks to the other passengers, a bizarre collection of eccentrics who think that Iris is crazy for insisting on there even being a Miss Froy -- everyone denies having ever seen the old woman. Finally, Iris finds a young musician, Gilbert (Michael Redgrave), who believes her and the two proceed to search the train for clues to Miss Froy's disappearance.
From: amazon.com
SHORT: So Long, Mr. Chumps (1941)PLOT SUMMARY: Featuring Moe, Larry & Curly
The boys get thrown into prison, in the hopes of finding convict #41144, whom they believe to be "an honest man." Upon finding their man, they attempt to break out of prison by painting the prison uniforms to look like guard uniforms, expect they FORGET to paint the BACKS of the prison uniforms.
from: threestooges.net
Enjoy! Tom
Ruth- Hello, glad to see you on this fine afternoon. Could I get a coffee and a turkey sandwich, Thanks.
Tom- small note: No problem. We will keep the other thread trucking along!
I see we have someone coming back to "Our place." A new face for me, fer sure. Nice to meet Per. I see you are doing a nice job painting and building that UP passenger train for yourself. Thanks for the website also. I really enjoyed looking at your consist. I model the Milwaukee Roads' electric Rocky Mountain Division in 1969. But when it comes to the passenger trains I tend to be all over, starting with the first streamlined Hiawathas in 1928 up until the agreement with the UP and the Milwaukee in 1955. One of my biggest passions are the Passenger Hiawathas, Frieght comes close in behind.
I will have more acknowledgements later today yet, just came in to meet our new friend and drop off some pics.
This is my Milwaukee Bipolar. Now I know there aren't any cantenary (I think that's how you spell that) wires up yet, I am still in the planning and building stage at this moment.
Now the reason these locomotives are called Bipolars is because, The 12 traction motors these locomotives had, had only to field poles which was a remarkable thing at the time plus the armature was directly mounted on the axles of the wheels giving it the name "Gearless Bipolar." Each GE traction motor was capable of putting out 367 horsepower and could easily tow 2 of the milwaukee roads 2-6-6-2s around with both in full throttle. These locomotives were made for passenger service only, with the steam generator located in the middle section.
Pic from: http://www.wikipedia.org/
After watching and wondering why the bipolar was sitting there for that short time, This light power consist comes down the hill and around the corner.
This is a Milwaukee road Little Joe, or a "Joe' for short. This was the Milwaukee's frieght hauling brute. This loco had 8 traction motors and was capable of puttong out 5500 HP. These would be on almost all trains going throught the Rocky mountain division. The locomotive had a starting tractive effort just over 120,000 pounds and could hold a continuous tractive effort of 60,000 pounds.
Enjoy!
This is "it" - final Post 'til Pete 'n I return from Canada . . .
Just read through today's offerings and I must say it's been a good day! Really enjoyed those captions from Doug - the continuing insights from Shane - the return of Pers and the fine offering from DL. Surely wish we could help our Brit-Euro connection out to enable him to view the Pix . . .
Just noticed that James popped in! Great post and thanx for keeping up the Wednesday OPTIONAL Toy 'n Model Trains Day here at the Bar by the Ballast! Some super fine shots and narrative. Maybe we should think about a Rendezvous in Duluth so we could all take in your model railroad!! How about mid-winter?? Eric would love it! <grin>
Thanx for picking up on my request . . .
DL: Comments on the Renaissance "logged" and appreciated! A friend of mine just sent me some Pix of her trip to Halifax and she detests the equipment. Figures, as she's been "spoiled" by the Budd cars for several years on that route. Anyway, she commented that the VIA Rail crew was rather disgruntled at the complaints the passengers were making about "no dome" and "no this or that" - the conductor told her that VIA made the biggest mistake ever in purchasing those cars. Yeah well, no one asked me! <groan> When she traveled to Halifax last year in early May, they had the Park Car on the line, however this year - for whatever the reason - they've decided not to add it until June 1st. Crazy, eh Youbetcha! The charm of that route has always been the scenery through New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as viewed from the dome - not cramped into a Euro bedroom with seats facing backwards in every other configuration. <yikes>
Depending on when you're planning to return to Toronto, I may be able to travel up that way. Perhaps if the timing works out, we can meet up with Rob in Toronto for a "tour" of the Halton County Radial Museum - but first we've got to "find" Rob (again)!! Drop me an Email when you have time and we can discuss things further . . .
Pers - I got through all of your material and repeat once again - many thanx for dropping by. Hope you'll be able to resume your activities with us when time permits. We may be small in number, but we do enjoy this place!
A trip from Boston to Fullerton, CA!! Only an aficionado for and of passenger rail travel would willingly put up with THAT these days <daze> especially with Amtrak. Glad you found more to enjoy than not . . .
Santa Ana was the site for the 1953 BSA Jamboree and 50 thousand scouts attended. We swam at Newport Beach and there's so much for. A trip that a 15 year old (me) will never, ever forget. Three weeks from New York City and return - quite the rail adventure along with visiting all the locations I mentioned a few pages ago - wonderful fun, fer sure, fer sure! The whole trip cost $300 - can you imagine THAT?!?! Rail fare - food - Jamboree - tours - everything. Ahhhhh, the good old days <daze>!
Those 'spring classes' did attract some attention from the gals - Names are being withheld to protect the "significant others"!! <grin>
For Pix Posting - check out www.photobucket.com they are a very user-friendly site and the price is right! FREE . . . Looking forward to your Pix!
And some more 2nd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis fotos:
The boyz in the Superliner Coach - southbound to St. Louis
The boyz in the Superliner Sightseer Lounge car - southbound to St. Louis
Trackside stuff from the southbound Texas Eagle
Scores of locos (again) from the southbound Texas Eagle
And some more locos
Making the turn to cross the Mississippi from Illinois
Look familiar?
Texas Eagle at St. Louis
Texas Eagle Sightseer Lounge car at St. Louis
Birthday gifts!
More next week . . .
A pint of Bathams please Ruth to celebrate the return of Pers.
JAMES. It seems, like myself, you have a great love of railroad books and magazines, you would have liked the library we visited on the rendezvous with books and magazines going way back.
Talking of magazines I have just received the Classic Trains ‘In Search of Steam' special in the mail, there are some steam scenes around Duluth and some photos of steam on the Duluth & Northeastern Railroad, do you know anything about this line
I am sure the DSS&A Alco RS-1 will look and sound great when the locomotive is finished.
Glad you liked the UP Nostalgia it was one I "borrowed" from Tom off the old thread.
Enjoyed the interesting post on the Milwaukee Road Depot in Minneapolis. A great looking building. I wonder when it was first built they ever thought there would be an ice rink in the building one day, the depot would be well worth a visit today.
Many thanks for the photos of the Bi-polar and the Little Joe on your layout. I wonder if having the armature on the axles on the Bi-Polars had a bad effect on the track.
DOUG Many thanks for your first set of photos from the rendezvous. Loved the comments with each pic. I wonder why I was trying to smuggle a soccer ball on to the Metro under my shirt.
CM3 I well know about the railway book-collecting curse, as when we had to clear the house. It is a marvelous thing to do to leave all those old and some copies of no doubt valuable books and magazines for the enjoyment of others with an affection of railroads.
As to collecting railwayana I wish I had bought some of the diesel locomotive nameplates that were on sale soon after the locos were withdrawn from service in the 1970s. They were not too expensive then but are going for a fortune nowadays. Some steam loco nameplates are costing now more than the locos cost to build.
That does sound an interesting book on the gentleman's railroad career.
Back PERS. I do hope you can go from being a member of the "Legion of the Lost" to becoming a Regular at the bar again.
Many thanks for the interesting post and links. I particularly enjoyed the Feather River Express and the model ones.
Glad you got your photo to post and, by your message to DL, you like good old English beer.
DL Many thanks for you best wishes to Tom and I on our Canadian adventure, we will be sure to post some details and photos from our trip.
I tried the link to London Road Station but it said it was temporary unavailable but the one to the Penzance sleeper worked fine. I had to smile when the chap made comment on the lady burping as it reminded me of how sound does travel from one berth to the next in the MKIII sleepers.
No doubt you will have a great time in Cornwall, it is a great place. The pub at Helston is the Blue Anchor, the weakest ale they sell is around 5% I believe and in the 1970s it was only one of 6 home brew pubs left in England. A bus runs to Helston from Penzance bus station, which is very close to the rail station. I have found a link to the pub.
http://www.spingoales.com/
TOM. Good to talk to you today.
Many thanks for the photos from the rendezvous. I wonder if anyone has any information on those diesels that we saw from the train. No wonder the approach to Springfield depot is so slow with all those grade crossings. That is a great photo of the arch at St Louis taken from the Texas eagle with the sun going down
Thanks for the info on the St Louis mural and building. I had not realized it was done as recently as 1986. It is a great piece of artwork. 'Fenestration'.
Enjoyed reading your description of the regulars for Pers, as you say a good day at the bar.
I shall enjoy those films at the Emporium when we return from Canada,
Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Hello Leon, nice to see you again! No, just a cup of coffee tonight. Kind of tired after all driving the last few days.
Back in the desert again after a couple of super fun days in St, Louis!! Everything is fine and I'll be back tomorrow with an inclusive post. On the way from St. Louis (read Chesterfield) I stopped at Atchison, KS, and took a few pictures of some old Santa Fe equipment. Sorry to say, but most of it was in a pretty sad condition. Pictures later.
Eric
good morning all first time posting here..read alot of great info on this thread.
well just wanted to say hi from california were its gonna be nice and sunny today!
take care!
Hello all in
Quick pint for me - message for Tom and Pete really - but I expect you are on you way by now. Yes, pretty crazy not to put the Dome car on until so late in the season - will be interesting to hear what the rider figures are (since abscence of risders is the only logical reason I can think of not to use it).
Pete - thanks for the pub reminder - I thought it was the Blue Anchor - website is helpful - much obliged. I hope I can make it in there - the older brew pubs are very rare - of course with the micro expansions brew pubs are more common now - but it would be good to go to one with a pedigree. I must say Pubs of good quality are thick on the ground in Cornwall. One of my travelling companions is equipped with the CAMRA GBG so we will have plenty of choice.
All the best to everyone else - I'll not be in myself until next week so I'll probably miss the film screenings - The Lady Vanishes has some superb train sequences - models often and they look good for a 1930s film. Very much captures the idea of travelling across the more obscure parts of central and eastern europe during that period concerned.
Cheers
PS - Eric - look forward to seeing some of your pics from the re-union as for whatever reason i can always see the pics you post!
Leon- Instead of a coffee, I need a OJ with a turkey sandwich, Thanks!
Well I wonder how Tom and Pete's trip is going. Hope to see some pretty cool pics when they return.
Tom- Some more nice pictures you have there. I wonder what they want to do with all of those locos sitting there wasting away with time I think I know but lets hope it doesn't come to that. Also some more nice Amtrak pics. Amtrak sure keeps there Horizon Business car looking nice. Do you know what exterior of the car looks like Thanks for all the great pics.
Ya, when it comes to old Depots and stations still standing around there just aren't a lot of words to explain them. Standing in front of that Depot and inside the shed was an experience all by itself. It was really weird standing right were the Milwaukee Road trains came in and out of. It was almost like going back in time....... I could almost hear the trains in that shed....
If some of you guys could make it up here that would be great!! Unfortunately the NSSR isn't running any trains in the winter but I could certainly show you around the place. It would be great to meet some of the guys.
Doug- Some nice pictures from you sir. I can't believe the amount of passenger trains Tom has. When he expands that will be a really cool passenger railway. His layout is certainly bigger. I just need to get going on mine and get it finished up a bit more. Thanks for all the great photos.
CM3- Ya that Milwaukee Depot is a nice building. I am surprised they kept the thing even to this day and they have done such an outstanding job restoring the old building to it's former glory that it almost takes back to when it was in use for the railroad. Unfortunately I didn't get any pics but I will be going back down quite a few more times and I will be down there for railway recertification so I will be getting some pics of the station then. And a lot of pics too.
Pete- Books, point me in the right direction!! I can spend quite some time behind a railroad book and enjoy it the whole time. It's amazing what they can teach you. Without the book I wouldn't as much as I do. There is a lot of great info on trains out there, you just need to find it read it!
Along with the Duluth and Northeastern did they also mention the Duluth and Northern railway? If they did, I believe this to be the predecessor to the Duluth Missabe and Iron Range railway. The Duluth and Northeastern was after the Duluth and Northern. And then the Duluth and Iron Range came along and finally the DM&IR. I'm sure they were talking in the earlier part of the 1900s. Like 1920 or early 1930.
When it came to having the armature directly connected to the axle, it was like having an extra boost of power. There were no gears to deal with so the tractive effort came up substantially. But I'm sure you're right. It probably was harder on the track, but I don't know for sure. I will have to get researching that.
Eric- Good to see the little tavern next to the tracks. It reminds me of what this place is about. Thanks for sharing the pic.
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, just a plain cheeseburger tonight! Coffee, thank you!
Spent a good portion of this evening reading everything posted since Tuesday last week!So I have to skip the pictures this time.
Tom – Nice to see those Toronto pictures. I guess I get kind of a different view now after the 2nd Rendezvous. A rainy day in Toronto May 12, wasn’t it? At least in the evening.My old camera is still in Enfield, CT. Waiting for parts that have been ordered (don’t know when). I am glad I have the new one. Chicago - Duluth almost 12 hours in 1956? I guess that gave people a chance to get a full night sleep. Texas Eagle (!) from St. Louis to Texas! Today it runs from Chicago.Time to visit the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre again. Tombstone is a must see! The Silver Streak and The Lady Vanishes are new to me.Your conclusion about the Rendezvous is absolutely correct, it could not have been better except for one thing! That Hooters still had been around with that same brunette I met in 1993! But I guess that was asking too much. Thanks for the pictures from the Rendezvous!! But who the heck is that old, gray haired, Swede? Where was I? BTW, it is Lenox Junction shown in your picture. I took a very similar picture of it myself where the name is visible.CM3 – Hell Gate Bridge is an impressive structure! 4 tracks but at that time (1993) only 3 were used. Thanks for the info about Paoli! Maybe I should have moved there instead of moving here? No, too much snow in the winter! We had a most excellent rendezvous and I am sure you would have liked it a lot! Seems like you had a good time on your Tennessee trip! Where is Dollywood at? I have heard about it but never checked where to find it. Pete – Amtrak’s engineers I talked to all liked the Swedish Meatball (or the Toaster). Many of the AEM-7s have been rebuilt now and are now called AEM-7AC. I think you forgot to explain your reference to ale at the rendezvous! Now, we’ll never know! I am afraid I don’t understand the first part of the London & Northwestern and Caledonian Railways poster. Does it show travel times and if so, from where? The 2nd class passengers probably had to bring their own food! James – That trail you can see in my picture is not smoke, it is the light itself that created that pattern because it was so dark that the shutter was open for a number of seconds. Since the plane I was sitting in was vibrating a little bit and I was holding the camera the camera moved a little while the shutter was open. Thanks for all the info on Soo Line! It explains some questions I had. A question though about the Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railway, why the last part of the name, Atlantic? I can’t find any connection to the Atlantic or am I missing something? Nice pictures from your layout! Are you going to paint your Bipolar? Mike – Interesting articles about the start of Amtrak (Railpax). Some predictions were correct, some missed. Both articles are kind of negative/pessimistic. Interesting pictures, as always! Thank you!Doug – Back to the horses!?! I agree 100% with you about the Rendezvous! Now my expectations for the next year Rendezvous are very high!!Of course I had to shield my face staning in front of the ticket machine. I won two golden dollars on it and don’t want IRS to know! Did you have to tell that we were locked into our rooms? But we had a lot of fun!DL – You gave me the answer about the missing service for 2nd class passengers! There never was a 2nd class on those trains! The mystery is solved!I’ll be glad to show pictures from the Rendezvous. But it has to wait a day, I haven’t had time to fix the pix yet. Busy day today. Per – Nice meeting you, Sir! After almost 50 years of fighting snow and ice in the Old Country it was time to move to a warmer climate and Phoenix is not bad at all (from that point of view). Yes, I was on the X2000 when it visited Los Angeles. Southern Pacific sponsored the California visit. I don’t remember if the X2000 was open to the public or only invited guests when it was on display at LAUP. I hope to see your pictures if you find out where to find them! Of course they had an instruction sheet when they tried to couple the X2000 together. It was the first time they did it! After a while someone figured out they held the instruction sheet upside down and after that things went more smoothly! Please don’t tell.As I told James above, that pattern in my picture was created of the light because the camera moved while the shutter was open. No smoke at all. I took some pictures of a rocket launch from the Vandeberg when we were in Santa Barbara with the X2000 and it looks kind of the same. Nice picture from Raton, NM! I drove by there last Tuesday afternoon on my way back to Phoenix.
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