Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, okay, just a cup of coffee. No, no, no danish tonight. Here is $10, keep the change!
I had a quick look tonight and thought I should let you know I'll be back here on Saturday. I am taking it easy now (still working though) on the doctor's order, got into some problems at the rehab because of a cold (or maybe the flu) in my body. My heart doesn't like that.
Have a piece of cake!
Super good!
Eric
G-day Tom and all present!!
Before I order anything... something needs to be said. I am very saddened to hear about BK. May God hold him in the palm of his hand. Tines will be tuff for awhile.. I am very sorry.
With that said, leon, make it something small. a turkey sandwich, and a small OJ.
Jan- might have to go ahead and talk to the MILW historical society about that. Every November I go to a train show in Milwaukee and the Society comes every year. So I think I will talk to them there. I don't know if I would beable to get a reponse out of them through email. But thanks for the idea. when it comes to the Milwaukee Road, there always first. But some the things you listed there I didn't even know..... well, I guess I not a know-it-all after all. Thanks for sharing. Well you have a good collection of books. I think I have 3 or so. I haven't really counted. But I have 23 Milwaukee Road HO locomotives and gaining steadily. And if you are going to talk about steam locomotives, make it Alco made steamers.
Pete- Yes, I know I had to go and clean that shed again. My guess is, that's going to be my punishment every time I slip up...... I hope I don't do that again... Anyway, Thanks for being concerned about the weather. It was pretty bad... Friday I was volunteering as a Fireman on one of the excursion trains and a water spout formed over the lake and blew right on through Duluth... It was a bit scary. I was really surprised since I have only been through two tornados in the 15 years I have lived in Duluth. It was interesting.
Tom- Yes, the shed is clean for now, but in a couple of weeks Boris will have worked his...ahem.. "magic." Which means I will be out there again sometime.. Just not soon hopefully. I have to say that the train wreck saloon is wuite the place. They have so much stuff, it's a bit unreal. I think it looks great. And it looks like a great place to catch up with all your friends. That's a saloon i would enjoy.. fer sure.
Lars- you certaibly have been busy showing off all of your steam pics. I do enjoy coming in and seeing the varity of pics you post around this place. Just something that keeps this place going. Thanks for all of the great posts. Keep'em coming.
Eric- If I were able to I would have tried to ride the X2000. That had to be revolutionary time for Amtrak. Something new to test out. It's amazing they haven't come out with something similar to go around the US in. That would be neat indeed. Well, if that business car has no history on there website then theu might have sold it. Something that could be interesting to find and look up.
Sorry for making a quick one tonight. But I promise I will be back and get those I have missed.
Happy railroading
James
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Bathams please RUTH.
ERIC Hope you are back at the bar soon and feeling fully fit.
PER Great to see you in the bar again.
It would be great if they can get the Sacramento Locomotive Works open to the public. It would be good to see your photos of it. I have one photo of a Santa Fe steam locomotive outside the works and some inside the museum. I will post the photos from my trip soon. I liked the Santa Fe station in San Diego as well.
I could spell ABQ as I had the Amtrak Southwest Chief route guide in front of me.
Thanks for the photos of that great LEGO train layout.
JAN The Atlantics had all been withdraw from service in the UK before I saw them, although I did get a ride behind an ex Great Northern Atlantic when it was put back in service for a few years by the National Railway Museum at York in the 1970s. The 4-6-0s lasted to the end of BR steam, with them working the last BR steam train together with the lone Pacific on BR's books in August 1968.
Great pictures of the ‘Pacifics'. In that photo of the two Pennsy K4 Pacifics you can almost hear the sound of them. Thanks for sharing.
I'm afraid I do not know the track gauge in my model photos, I am sure Tom will help me.
LARS IT would be really great to have you with us on a trip along the Missouri to K.C with Tom and I. As Tom says we ought to let Amtrak know so they can make sure the buffet car is well stocked with beer. Of course a visit to the TrainWreck saloon is a must, and I am sure you would like Pats Place here in Jeff City.
Really enjoyed reading your thoughts on a successful married life. Talking of which the bride has told me that after 522 years there is the first female ‘Beefeater' at the Tower of London, and I thought it was when the ravens left the Tower that England was doomed.
Many thanks for the West Coast Book covers That is a great one of the SP Sacramento Division; a bit different to when we were there as it was hot. I think it said their rainfall had been 0.01 inches the last few months
TOM TWEETINGI wonder what work is required at Our Place. It can't be fitting that massive mirror that as arrived for the Penthouse Suiteas I am banned from going in there. I was working on the principle of a picture being worth a thousand words, you are right though I ought to write a trip report up
Enjoyed the MR link to the Santa Fe.
When you see the layout as it is now and what it will look like around December makes one realize how much work is involved in getting those layouts ready for the folks to see around Christmas time.
The Lionel photo was a Sacramento, The first floor had a lot of models as well as a ‘Thomas the Tank' play area for the kiddies, at the time there was a photo exhibition as well. During our visit the mezzanine floor was closed for refurbishment, I don't know what is to be shown there.
It is hard to believe that a fine building as the Second Class Saloon has such shady charctures inside
Many thanks for the Northern Pacific Blast from the Past. What a great way to go to Alaska NP train to Seattle then by boat. Great posters
Part one of my trip to California.
After ariving in San Diego on Saturday evening we made our way to Poway where we stayed with friends.
Next day we visited the Poway Midland Railroad in Old Poway park.
It was scheduled for a steam loco but due mainly to very hot weather it was not running, probably as wise decision as there was not many visitors to the park that day.
G'day Gents!
Time for a Blast from the Past in the form of a nostalgia passenger train ad:
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #58
<A form of this was initially Posted on Page 222 of the Original Thread on 17 Jan 2006>
Here's something to enjoy regarding the Northern Pacific (NP) from a 1947 advertisement in my personal collection.
We met these "huskies" near Ikpikpuk!
Why deny yourself
ALASKA?
GO THIS YEAR to this fabled frontier land of Eskimos and totem poles, silent fjords and gleaming glaciers. Glide along the lake smooth Inside Passage, up endless aisles of emerald isles, past a parade of snow-capped peaks. We'll send facts and prices, arrange every last detail, take you to your Alaska-bound ship in Seattle on the streamlined NORTH COAST LIMITED. If interested in this Alaska trip by train and steamer, just write E. E. Nelson, 313 Northern Pacific railway, St. Paul 1, Minn.
NORTHERN PACIFIC
MAIN STREET OF THE NORTHWEST
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Enjoy! Tom
Greetings Master Tom and fellow "our place" inhabitants....
Could I please have a top up of my extra cold Guinness and the usual for the lads please? And make it a LARGE dram of the house finest Whisky for Da Larsman. $$$ for the cigar box and Mr Wurlitzer.....
Tom, no danger here mate. I must have missed the "over six" rule.... Will do my best to remember that one from now on....
See you around the corner....
Ring the bell, Boris - a round on the Proprietor!
Take your break, Ruth - I'll watch things 'til you return! "Secret place," eh Hmmmmmm.
Fine spate of fotos from Jan, our Resident Swede in Scotland! Looks like perhaps our Manager has "nailed" you for the "over 6 rule"! Not to worry though, we KNOW your heart is in the right place - "Our" Place!!
Nice visit from Lars 'n the Larsman-mobile! Continuing fine covers for the enjoyment of our crew!
The Second Class Saloon up in the Can-Am Mountain Village - "home of the thugs"
Catch y'all later . . . .
Tom
Greetings Tom and gentlemen....
One extra cold Guinness, top up with cigars for the lads...please. Here's something for yourself too... $$$ for the cigar box and Mr Wurlitzer.
Da Larsman, point taken and I do apologise.... Nice covers, especially the Southern Pacific Sacramento Division one....
Kitchen is buzzing with life.....
See you around the corner.....
Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth my deAH what a lovely sight for these aging eyes. Reminds me of my younger days, when fair maidens ‘n sailors . . . . best to drop THAT for now! <grin> A round for the gang, treats for the crittAHs, PPF for Boris ‘n a mugga Joe with a jolt ‘n a few pastries should be just fine! Change is YOURS my deAH!
While we didn't set any records for posts yesterday, it was indeed a special occasion with the return of the guy who goes by "marthastrainyard" <I think I'd change that one!!> Really a fine compilation of material and about as inclusive a summary as one could get! I'm impressed.
For Per! Been away far too long, mate ‘n I hope at some point you'll "roost" with us here at the best Watering Hole by the Wayside one could evAH find in reality or in cyber space!!
Don't know where I saw this or even when, but I recall that you ‘n Da Boss were discussing that hobby store in LA - the one called Allied Model Trains. Apparently the original owner sold the business and it was relocated to a site in Culver City (isnt' that where the original was??) Anyway, it's either directly across the street from where it had been or nearby. Supposedly has a fine selection of "stuff" and something you'll most likely check out when you get to southern Cal again. Thought you'd be interested . . .
I had visited the old location many, many years ago. Place looked like a miniature LA Union Station (terminal - depot) . . . Bought a few magazines, then it was back to the ship. Anyway, thought the joint was a bit on the "glitzy" side - but again, that was far too many years back for my memory banks to have vivid recollections of!
For Pete! Some really fine material once again from our Bar Chandler 'n Mid-Missouri <misery> Resident Brit! <grin> Liked the makings of that layout in KC's Union Station. What is THIS??? You ‘n Da Boss are taking ANOTHER Amtrak trip to that place???? <geesh> <triple geesh> Don't you two evAH get tired of riding those rails???? Guess not!! I'm super envious . . . hope the brew is chilled for Pete, cold for Tom!!
Got a kick out of the hat story . . . in my case, I'd have forgotten to wear it at all. Then the guys wudda jumped my bones because of the glare from the top of my head blinding everyone near to me! Ah what is that saying, "Can't grow grass on a busy street," or something similar ??? <grin>
Look mate, goes like this: my Mrs. ‘n I have been "joined at the hip" for so long that neither of us could make it through life without the other. So if she gets offended over my warped sense of humor, she'll have to get over it - or fall flat on her face! <grin> THAT my friend is the ‘secret' to a long ‘n happy marriage. Don't evAH give up your manhood for the company of the "fair sex" - nevAH.
Oh just a minute - what is that my love? You want me to take you SHOPPING?? And you mean like right NOW??? Of course, my sweet - just as soon as I finish up here. Yes, yes, I'm hurrying! <grin>
For Dan! Liked the photo links to that ONR trip you took. Coaches look fine, livery is interesting. Just kinda get turned off by the loco they are using. Those freight locos just don't "get it" when it comes to powering passenger trains. Hardly "classic" in my opinYUN! Anyway, appreciated the fine report and am looking forward to the rest.
NevAH made it that far north in Ontario and don't expect to. But, since I've been a regular at this bar, my eyes have surely been opened to just how many wonderful rail experiences are out there for the taking.
Getting back to YOUR train - seems that our "used to be" from Ontario had given us some info way back about a consist with a diner and I thought - a dome too. Maybe it was our other "used to be" from Wales. Either way, ONR apparently has dumped the amenities in favor of expediency - or whatever the term these days. I love train travel, but am not excited over the prospect of 10 or 12 hours in coach with no where to "go" on the train (diner or dome).
Ahhhh, yes you mentioned a snack car. Do you have any interior photos to show us? Would love to see ‘em . . .
For Da Boss! Loved the spread you provided about "Our" Place! Fit right in with the Toy & Model Trains Day idea!! Liked the photos of ‘my' bar up in the Penthouse Suite <sad> and of course the "interior" shot . . . Having seen the pix you provided from your last trip over to the Train Wreck saloon with Pete, I can see that there are similarities between what you found on the "net" for the "interior" shot AND the reality of the Train Wreck's bar ‘n dining area. Fantastic stuff ‘n I hope one day to spend some time there with you ‘n the Wolfman from central MO!!
Sports Gloom: Mets have been leading their division pretty much all season and now it's down to ONE GAME!!! Tonight they have a make-up game against Cap'n Tom's Cardinals, who are "out of it" for this year BUT could really put a damper on my Mets. Yo
Greetings Tom and all present.....
May I please trouble you for an extra cold Guinness, top up with cigars for the lads? Here's something for yourself as well....
Tom, great pics on our place on your awesome layout .
pwolfe, I have to admit that the 4-6-0's and 4-4-2's have some specail charm to them. I remember at first I never really liked them, don't ask me why.... Now though I found more and more of these nice wee lassies here and there. They sure did their part as well, just as the BIG girls. Great pics, what scale is that?
Thanks for the SPV idea, never thought that far.....
marthastrainyard, them cookbooks are great and I like them. The food on the Limiteds was some of the best in land.
Sounds like I have to do something about my X2000 rides, eh? I can't be the one with fewest.....darn!
I used to have Roco trains, but that was before that I saw the light...
Mr Karl F. Nystrom knew what he was doing. Another one of those railroad geniuses that I'd have loved to meet.
What IS that railroad in your pics?? It's not LEGO is it?
And here's some nice looking Pacifics....
Santa Fe steam 3526-3763/"Scout" 1939 Santa Fe #3526 and #3763 are seen in double-headed serviceon train #2, the "Scout," just east of Williams, Arizona,1939.
Photographer: Fred C. StoesMilwaukee Railroad 4-6-2 #178Milwaukee Pacific #178 is seen near Deerfield, Illinoiswith a five car passenger train, 1949.
Photographer: Fred C. Stoes
C&NW 4-6-2 #601 lettered C.St.P.M.& O. While 4-6-2 #601 is labeled as Chicago & North Westernon the tender, it wares the initials of the Chicago,St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha on the cab.
Original photograph from the Paul Eilenburger Collection
L&N Heavy Pacific Loco #279 Coal fired Louisville & Nashville 4-6-2 locomotive #279is about to work a heavy feight out of thr yard at"E'st Louis, Ill" November, 1949.
Original photograph from the Paul L. Eilenberger Collection
MKT "Katy" 4-6-2 loco #396 A Missouri, Kansas & Texas 4-6-2 locomotive #396waits for its engine crew to put it in action.
Photographed by: H. Maywald
N.C. & St. L. 4-6-2 locomotive #536A heavy Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Pacificlocomotive #536 with passenger train pauses at Mephis,Tennessee, 1929.
Photographer: Thomas T. Taber III
Baltimore & Ohio P7d 4-6-2 #5301, 1950 One of four P7d streamlined locomotives, Baltimore & Ohio4-6-2 #5301 pauses in this June of 1950 view taken atToledo, Ohio. Originally built in 1927, the P7'swere known as President locomotives as the first 20 wereso named. In later years the streamlined engines becameP7d's, distinguishing them from the others.
Photographer: Paul Eilenberger
Erie Railroad 4-6-2 Loco #3205 A nice Erie Railroad class K-4 Pacific pauses atthe engine terminal while the fireman does thenormal lubrication.Photographer: Unknown
New York Central Pacific #4931, 1946. The large firebox slowly burns as this big New YorkCentral 4-6-2 #4931 quietly waits to breath coal fireand smoke on a fast passenger train later in the day.Bell Fontaine, Ohio, 1946.
Pennsylvania RR dbl-hdr action steam! In this raw power black & white photograph two PennsylvaniaRailroad K4 Pacific locomotives eat up the main, crossingHayes Arboretum Road east of Richmond, Indiana, 1949. Thestreamlined K4
<personal foto>
Yeah, it's Thursday <again> - temps should be in the upper 70s (F), skies are clear 'n life is good in mid-continent USA!
Coffee's ready - pastries in The Mentor Village Bakery case are fresh 'n our <light> 'n <traditional> breakfasts are all set for ordering!
Comments from the Proprietor:
Using the REFRESH/RELOAD feature on your browser is the ONLY way to ensure seeing the MOST CURRENT info at the bar! Why not take advantage of it when checking in AND out
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative)
Wednesday - Sep 26th:
Lars (LoveDomes) at 9:50 AM: Many thanx for maintaining our mid-morning continuity now that CM3 Shane is "off" to work in the great outdoors! Anyway, helps to keep that "slot" filled . . .
More MoPac covers ‘n all well done! Also a nice compliment to the Santa Fe with your DVD cover!
All you have to do is "say the word," and you can join Pete ‘n I for a cross-Missouri rail trip aboard Amtrak from Kirkwood station to KCity! Of course with the three of us on board, I doubt their reefers will hold sufficient quantities of cold beer for the return trip! <uh oh>
Tell us MORE about your escapades aboard those sailing vessels during your younger days <daze>! Imaginations have a way of runnin' wild!
Appreciate the visit, round ‘n covers!
Dan (DL-UK) at 11:51 AM & 11:53 AM: Long awaited ONR trip report! I've poured through it ‘n have lots more to investigate, thanx to those carefully ‘n well thought out URLs! <no wide page phenom, either!!> Looking forward to MORE!
One drawback for a similar trip is the fact that we're so spoiled by rail travel in domes. It's true, especially where long distances are involved. That plus having a "real" dining car in the consist. Quite frankly that's what has pretty much eliminated VIA Rail from our preferred method of getting to Halifax for our annual trek to visit friends ‘n family. Flying direct is more preferable than traveling in Renaissance minus dome cars ‘n a diner with a Chef. Also we've witnessed quantum leaps in rail fares over the decades we've traveled that route. All spells out - take the plane. As horrid as it is to travel by air in those jammed little regional jets, we'd wind up spending twice as much by cranking in the train from Montreal. Crazy, but true.
Now to the ONR - I'd still like to make the trip but am just at that point in life where I'm not interested in "brown bagging" or having to make due with "snoozing" in coach seats. Nah - probably won't do it, but at least I now have something tangible to base my thinking on. Thanx!
In my "list" of "must do" Canadian rail journeys I'd have to put the trip from Jasper, Alberta to Prince Ruppert, British Columbia as #1 followed by the journey from Winnipeg to Churchill as #2. My better half will accompany me to Prince Ruppert, whereas I'll more than likely wind up "solo" with the Churchill trip. Ahhhhhhh, just the thought of sitting in the dome, dining in the diner ‘n all the rest gets me "going"!!
Makes me wonder WHY my good friend ‘n traveling companion, Wolfman Pete, has yet to come up with a report for his 2-day experience from LA to KCity. <geesh> you'd think this wudda been "done" before he returned to the bar! <double geesh> Hmmmmm, Boris - check the <tweetable offenses book> just to make sure he's not in VIOLATION! Hmmmmmm. <grin>
Your comment about Amtrak made me realize that my reference to the Sunset Limited may have been incomplete. Amtrak still has NOT resumed service between New Orleans and the east due to hurricane Katrina damage. Of course they are totally at the mercy of the freight operators ‘n unless we have someone "on scene" down that way who can let us know whether the freights are running, we'll simply not know. Sorry for misleading anyone . . .
Round, report ‘n visit most appreciated!
Jan (JanOlov) at 12:09 PM: The Santa Fe Super Chief began as an all heavyweight consist - powered by diesel locomotives. In 1937 the consist was comprised of Budd manufactured lightweight stainless steel cars.
I'm unfamiliar with any reference to "heavyweight limited."
Here's a link from Classic Trains Forums that has some rather
Good Evening everybody present! Leon, please a round for everybody, some coins for the juke box, and a good size tequila for me, please.
It’s been too long, once again but I’ll try to make a quick summary before I show some pictures of a different model railroad layout. It is the optional MR day today, isn’t it? I’m scanning the old posts very quickly so I hope you forgive me if I skip someone in the rush.
There’s been a whole lot of football talk here at the bar. I must excuse myself from all that because I have no idea what you guys are talking about.
Tom, it was a really nice summary of the Canadian railroads you posted. Many interesting happenings, both tragic and positive. Did the same bridge fall twice, or was it a second span that fell the day after the first? I feel sad for Jumbo, but I guess his reaction was a very natural one for him to try to stop an upcoming danger.
MEC seems to have been a busy little railroad. What surprises me is the number of named passenger trains! That’s a lot for a small line, or did they give it a different name every day of the week?
And then you found HBRY! That seems to be something worth looking into a bit more. It’s too far away for to even think of riding, but that would sure have been a ride!
I like the idea of the book relay. Once I finish reading the book I got today, I may even lend it for a relay next year. It’s “Ten Turtles To Tucumcari” a history of the REA.
The TrainWreck saloon seems to be a cozy place (but maybe saloons aren’t supposed to be cozy). If I’m ever in your neck of the woods, that’s going to be high on my list of places to visit!
And then the Chiefs! What trains! I only wish I could have had the chance to ride one of them, preferably the Super Chief. I just now watched a program on PBS about the American Orient Express. That was as close one could come to the classic trains, I guess. Too bad the company is out of business.
Sacramento Northern; that was one of those small lines I knew of even before I came over here. They had those little electric steeple cabs that looked so interesting. I drove up to that area when I visited Sacramento a while back. There are still some artifacts left of the old railroad, and some organization was restoring one of the depots.
Eric, that SP car at LAUPT is some kind of parlor car, or some such. It has no doors because it was never meant to have boarding passengers, or so I was told.
Pullman continued to make freight cars for a while after they stopped making passenger cars. The last was the Superliner cars and that stopped in 1982. They continued making freight cars until 1984 when they sold off that division. Thanks, Wikipedia!
As usual, I appreciate your pictures! Especially those from your old jobs! Streetcar driver in Stockholm in the 60’s! That must have been interesting. The bus on line 743 is close (I think) to where I lived for a while, Västerhaninge (or was that another 740-something line?) And then you got to drive the F. My brother would have envied you, that was his very favorite engine. Did you fly the “Draken”, or did you make sure it could fly?
You take care, and listen to the doctor now, ya’ hear!
Shane (CM3), I still haven’t tried dispatching. I did get to try to switch in “my” Wylie last night. What a disaster! The MMR who suggested the track plan had a train waiting for me to finish, so he finally helped me with some hints. That made it go much faster!
I’m glad you liked the UP pictures. Yes, that little boy in the cab will remember that for a very long time. Hopefully that will make him interested in MR as well, we need some new blood in the hobby.
Jan Olov, it’s nice to hear thatmy family isn’t the only one with railroad cookbooks. My wife collect cookbooks and she has a couple of RR books as well. They are all in California, though, so I can’t post any good recipes either. Yes, the steam train, and the classic Chevy were a highlight of that day.
You sure find a lot of RR songs. Some of them I haven’t even heard of…
I think I beat you on the number of X2000 rides; I have at least 4, maybe 6, by now!
I really liked your consist listings. Even though it is from the East Coast, it is interesting to compare the consists between the years.
Nice pictures of the Roco engines. Roco seems to me to be a manufacturer who hasn’t got the full acknowledgement for the high detail models they make.
Thanks for the biography on Mr. Nystrom; a name that was completely unknown to me.
James (CMSTPP), I was really a mainline hog yesterday. I had three trains waiting for me for a very, very long time. Once my train was in the yard, there was some very hectic activity on the main line for a while.
I was also thinking about the justification UP may have to keep their steamers in operation. When I saw the 844 it looked like it just came out from the factory, spotless, clean and very shiny. It must cost them a bundle, but I heard the royalty money goes to the steam program.
You mentioned the Yellowstone being a (1'D)D2'. What’s the difference between that and a (1’D)(D2’)?
Lars (Lovedomes), you posted some nice pictures of old Fleishmann engines. I was a Märklin person myself (so, of course I thought that was “better”) and one of my friends was a Fle
A pint of Bathams XXX, a stronger ale, to celebrate the cooler temperatures around here please RUTH.
ERIC I hope you are able to get the rest the Doc has recommended. Take it EASY friend.
LARS Sometimes I think a bolt of lightening may do the puter some good but not if I am too near it.
I have loaded my railway pics from the trip now. That must have been a great time as engineer on the sailing vessels. Hope your Mrs. doesn't read the post.
Many thanks for the Missouri Pacific book covers. I think, looking at them, that the new diesel that UP painted in tribute to MO-PAC could have had a color scheme a lot more like that worn by the classic diesel on the first cover.
I believe, and perhaps Tom can confirm, that surely one of the best Missouri Pacific stations left is the one at Kirkwood a marvelous building and it is close to the TrainWreck saloon, you will have to come and see them both.
As to the cap, I will have to set the scene. At the local club in Rugby where I played Dominoes for the team, they ran a bus trip each year for the Old Age Pensioners. If there was spare seats they were offered to members of the club. Anyway the bus trip was to Sheffield calling at a massive shopping center at Meadowhall. The two Alans and I went on the trip to travel on the Sheffield tram that had a terminus at Meadowhall. After traveling on the tram we found a local pub that sold a great selection of real ales, where we spent a little longer than we had planned.
When we got back and got on the bus one of the chaps we knew said " I see you have been on the beer" I replied ‘How do you know" To which he answered "Your cap is on straight". Apparently I only time I were my cap straight is after a few pints.
The photos Tom took before and after I had been in the TrainWreck reminded me of this.
DL I am looking forward to the BTF DVD to arrive. Perhaps they will do some more of the series for the North American market soon. What is the price for these DVDs in the UK do you know. I am only able to play the UK DVDs on the computer it will be good to see the DVD on a bigger screen.
The Three A4s has really caught the imagination with the train selling out already. I am sure the new A1 first trips will be very popular as well. That is a great link to the A4 trip, thanks for sharing.
Some times the water in the canal at the back of my old house was a Pea Green colour, I never knew why.
Many thanks for the great ONR trip description. The friendliness of the railway staff can make all the difference. Great scenery and a couple of steam locos to see as well. All the links worked ok, what did that diesel sound like. It was very interesting about Grey Owl to think he may have influenced Richard Attenborough in his interest in wildlife. It was a pity the train was 2 hours late back but still worth it after such a great trip. I wonder how that town got the name Swastika and Metheson.
JAN Sorry to hear you had another rough night at work, there ARE days at work when it starts bad and seems to get worse. I know I have had them
Glad you enjoyed the ship photos. Many thanks for the 4-6-0 locomotive photos a very common wheel arrangement in the UK. They enlarged well. I noticed the rather different center driving wheel on the Soo Line #2722 I wonder what the reason for this was.
On the Milwaukee Road DVD perhaps,Steam Powered Video UK may be able to help. I see they advertise in British Railway magazines and have a lot of US DVDs. Perhaps DL will have more info.
TOM Must admit I have not ‘Spam' Fritters for a long time I doubt if they are available anymore so you would be safe on a visit to England.
I have loaded my films so I have plenty of train photos.
It is good that Amtrak has kept some of the famous tr
As this is our OPTIONAL Toy 'n Model Trains Day! at the bar AND in view of a comment recently Posted . . . I thought it is time to reacquaint the guys with the model used as "Our" Place.
Each guy who has been invited to check us out has been referred to various places on either of the "Our" Place sites (Threads) to get up to speed with how we do things and so forth.
One feature that should've "jumped" out at everyone is the bar "contest" found on Page One of the ORIGINAL Thread - at:
http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1/991587/ShowPost.aspx#991587
(Just read the first Post . . . . you'll get the idea!)
Now, the bar has undergone some "minor" changes since the "contest" - for example, the sign above the front porch is one . . .
And as recently pointed out by one of our gang, "Our" Place is located on my Can-Am HO layout.
IF you've checked out the URL above, you'll know that there are TWO saloons of "prominence" - the other being The Second Class Saloon; a name that should "ring a bell" to all who have been following our Annual Dart's Challenge 'n Grudge Match info. <grin>
"Our" Place is a model fashioned after a REAL tavern located in Rock Hill, Missouri. Originally called the Nine Mile House (because of its proximity to the city-county line) it has undergone many name & physical changes over the years and today is known as the TrainWreck Saloon.
The Second Class Saloon is also a model of a REAL tavern that was owned by an American legendary lawman, Wyatt Earp, in Nome, Alaska.
So then, here are some fotos of "Our" Place - a structure with a "history" (provided several times on either Thread) - and one with special meaning to the "fortunate few" from the bar who have frequented the TrainWreck Saloon in Rock Hill, Missouri!
As always - CLICK to ENLARGE these fotos!
The first appearance of "Our" Place . . . .
The modified "Our" Place in a Classic Trains setting (suggested by a customer!) . . .
For Canada Day - July 1st . . .
For US Independence Day - July 4th . . . .
The Manager's Bar up in the Penthouse Suite!
"Our" Place from within . . .
"Our" Place on the western side of the Can-Am mountain range . . . . (that's CP's "The Canadian" for a commemorative run marking the 51st Anniversary of that famous train!)
Enjoy!
Greetings Tom and fellow Knights Of The Turntable....
May I trouble you for an extra cold guinness, top up with cigars for the lads please? Here's something for yourself asd well....
Puts some $$$ in the cigar box and Mr Wurlitzer.
Da..Da..Da Larsman, nice pics as always my good man . Never been much of a fan of Missouri Pacific, but I understand that they had some really nice trains....look forward to see more covers.
DD1, I didn't know that first. I always thought that PRR and GN were the only ones with Belpaire fireboxes....
siberianmo, another great post mate . I really liked the AT&SF on the different Chiefs. Wouldn't mind to have an heavyweight Chief with a Hudson....yummmmy! Didn't the Super Chief exist as a heavyweight limited as well?
pwolfe, had a even worse night last night mate, one of those "off...days" you sometimes have, when nothing works your way etc..... I'm sucker for old ships as well, clippers, ocean liners and yachts.... . More nice pics to go.....great!
EricX2000, sorry to hear mate.... Well, enjoy your time "off" and see you soon again.
.....and some ten wheelers to go.
Southern Pacific heavy 4-6-0, #2371Southern Pacific 4-6-0, #2371, Class T-40, was believed bymany authorities to be the heaviest Ten-Wheeler ever builtand run in the United States. It is seen here sitting atSanta Cruz with a section of the "Suntan Special" waitingto return to San Francisco via Watsonville Junction.
St. Louis Southwestern 4-6-0 Loco #657 The fireman in the cab gazes off at the photographer asthis pristine shot of Cotton Belt 4-6-0 #657 is recordedfor posterity. The #657 was one of the original G0 classof Cotton Belt Ten-Wheelers with Walschaert type valvegear. Built by Baldwin in 1913, it had 69-inch drivers.
Photograph By: Paul Stringham
Soo Line 4-6-2 #2722/Pass, 1948Soo Line Pacific locomotive #2722 is seen on anafternoon passenger train at Enderlin, North Dakota,1948.
Photograph by: Robert Gray
Chesapeake & Ohio 4-6-0 #89
A Cheseapeak & Ohio ten-wheeler #89 sits in storage inan unknown yard.
Photograph by: Unknown.
Photograph from the original Paul Eilenberger Collection
Lehigh Valley Camelback 4-6-0 #1623 Lehigh Valley 4-6-0 Camelback locomotive #1623is captured in this view at an unknown location
Credit: yesteryeardepot, ironhorse, prrsteam.
Edit: Does anyone know if and where I can find this 3 DVD set from Pentrex in the PAL system for Europe?
Hello all - Trip Report
Drinks are on me whilst I recount my Toronto to Cochrane by Ontario Northland Railway experience.
Here's the first part of my trip report which I've promised for a while. So here goes.
I'd booked the ONR tickets in advance but did not want them posted internationally - so asked for them to be ready at the ONR counter (open every day the service runs - which is 6 days per week - not Saturday) at Toronto Union Station. I went in a couple of days before we were due to travel to collect them and the friendly member of staff gave me the ‘heads up' on the journey.
I must say that friendly staff was a feature of the whole ONR operation - from booking over the phone, to travel on the Northlander Train and through to our experiences at Cochrane and on the Polar Bear Express.
On the day of travel the service departs Toronto at 8.40 so we were advised to get down there about 8.15 and queued up accordingly. There were not a great deal of passengers - but a decent handful. Passengers were also already at the station waiting for The Canadian as it was also one of the days Via's Transcontinental was due to depart.
We would be leaving from Track One - so we queued at one end of the station near the walk to the CN Tower.
It was not too long before we were advised to board and we went up on to the platform. The train consist was 3 seated passenger cars (all one class) and 1 buffet counter car. Traction was one of these (GP9) - backed up with
http://www.onrgallery.com/july/july0305.html
an auxiliary power unit (presumably for train supply) that looked rather like the units I associate behind the driving / power cars of E or F units (hopefully one of you guys can help me out with this) - looked like a vintage equipment, complete with its round port hole windows in any case.
Passengers cars were very comfortable - I understand that they were 1990s rebuilds of old single Decker GO commuter cars - interior were spacious. My only criticism is that the window layout was of smaller windows - this pic pretty much shows the cars and consist
http://www.onrgallery.com/previews/preview0073.html
and this shows it at Cochrane rather well:
http://www.onrgallery.com/previews/preview0346.html
I'm not sure if the predominantly white livery is for the best - it shows dirt - but inside these cars were nicely done.
It's a shame there is no proper diner, but we took some food to supplement the buffet counter car (which in fact served some good stuff) as we would be on board all day -until at least 7.25 pm.
Anyhow - we left on time going east bound in nice sunshine - giving great views of The Canadian three or 4 tracks across. Anyway - we head out and up the Don Valley (under the impressive double deck bridge that takes the TTC subway across the valley) along the route used by GO Transit trains to Richmond Hill (I'm not sure if we are on CN or CPR trackage - CN I think) (where oh where is Trolley Bob Rob when you need him?.....)
An uneventful ride takes us up past Lake Simcoe (?) and on towards the first stop Washago.
I must say it does not take too long before the scenery gets better and better - lakes, woods, remote cottages beside lakes - we're in Toronto's cottage country as we head up through Bracebridge to North Bay - it really is picturesque country and very reminiscent of the paintings made by the Group of 7 artists - if interested in that see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_of_Seven_(artists)
But it is how you imagine this sort of Canadian landscape.
This goes on for mile after mile - twisty stretches, lakes, forest, sun shine and great views opening up over lakes, some small some big. All very interesting.
North Bay is where we cross the southbound service - a similar consist, and there is a prolonged stop here. We've got late unfortunately (about 35 mins), but this stop does not permit us to catch up much time. There is quite switch over of passengers at North bay with many getting off and a similar number getting on.
The stretch of line from North Bay, through Temagami to New Liskeard is especially scenic - with stretches of line in a narrow valley taken at low speed due to the twisty nature of the track.
Of interest (if you know of him) is that this is the area where the somewhat controversial character Grey Owl pursued his interests back in the 1920s - more on that is here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_Owl
Definitely an interesting individual!
After New Liskeard - and completely taking us by surprise - the landscape opens up into rolling farming country for quite some distance.
Of interest along this northern stretch is Temiskaming & Northern Ontario Pacific number 701 on display in Englehart, on a plinth beside the station - see
http://www.steamlocomotive.info/vlocomotive.cfm?Display=1871
Sadly this is looking like it needs a bit of care, what with it being open to all weathers in what must be a harsh environment - I reckon over here that would be restored to steam able condition - but I guess such a remote community just does not have the ability to raise the funds for such a restoration - it was smart looking loco as you will see.
Heading on towards Cochrane we go back into forested area with lots of signs of logging activity. At a few of these stations up here I note that ONR has connecting road coaches which wait for the train in the station yards - providing excellent integrated transportation services for the area. One of these heads on to Hearst (where the passenger service no longer runs although the lines go on north from Cochrane) - where it would be possible to join up with the Algoma Central passenger route from Sault Ste Marie (Agawa Canyon route). That would make a good round trip - give enough time!
After Swastika and Metheson the 4 of us make up 50% of the passenger complement on the train!
Eventually we roll into Cochrane about 1 hour late - which is a shame. Lucky I rang ahead to tell the folks at the restaurant at the Station Hotel we were coming - as they stayed open JUST FOR US ! (We arrived about 8.30pm - they usually close at 9pm and would not normally have taken bookings for us) - pretty lucky as I don't think there is any other eating choice in town apart from a Tim Horton's 24 hour café!
The Station Hotel is owned by ONR (who staff the station right through to 11pm too with full service tickets etc available) - that shows you how friendly and hospitable they are in this small town where ONR's Polar Bear Express is responsible for bringing in a lot of tourism.
The Station Hotel (all part of the depot building) would certainly be the place to stay - but unfortunately when I arranged the trip they were booked up by coach parties also travelling the next day on the Polar Bear Express. ONR fixed for us to stay at a nearby Motel - and paid for taxis to take us there and back too - so once again great service from the ONR staff.
Also at Cochrane is a railway museum
http://www.museumsnorth.org/cochrane/
Which essentially consists of a train parked up in the open beside the station with various cars you can look at and a steam loco - but once again the ravages of the weather are taking their toll on this vintage equipment. Once again it would be nice to feel that boiler warm again!
All in all this is a very scenic trip - in some ways of more interest than the more notable Polar Bear Express. So Tom, if it is on your list of trips to do in Canada then I would very much recommend it - the fares are pretty cheap too - and the accommodation costs booked through ONR were very reasonable.
Return journey was pretty much the same apart from being a Sunday the passenger loading was heavier - and sadly due to delays awaiting freight services on the line north of Toronto we got later and later - being 2 hours late back into Union station which was rather poor.
More on the Polar Bear Express next time.
Cheers
DL
Hello Tom and all in
Pint of Harvey's best Bitter for me please.
Tom - I liked the Santa Fe info - very informative - contributes to the learning process! Nicely complemented by Lars' picture selection.
Ron - good luck with your trip (you're probably en route). I guess you will have to check out a few trucks! As Tom says the passengers service you mentioned was the Sunset Limited - that this is not running yet is a great shame - as I think this was really he only coast (nearly) to coast service in North America. A route I'd like to ride.
Pete - I think you will NOT be disappointed by the BTF DVD I'm sure - will wait to here what you think - there are 5 volumes of the DVDs now from the BFI and they have great stuff - films made to the highest professional quality ‘back in the day' - some by top film makers. I have a number and enjoy them (I was watching Farmer Moving South last night - all about how BR picked up a farmer, farm equipment. Staff, animals house contents the lot and moved them by special train from Stokesly (near Whitby) to Hartfield near East Grinstead in Sussex overnight.
"The farmer's move from Skutterskelf Hall Farm, near Stokesley in North Yorkshire, to Perry Hill Farm, Hartfield, Sussex takes place on the 31st December 1950 - a date that was recorded as the coldest night of the year."
South West Chief only 6 minutes down - what's going on with Amtrak when that sort of timekeeping is going on? Nicely done - and the bride enjoyed it to - is she now a convert. So, time to plan the next long distance Amtrak journey - what will you go for?
Thanks for the A4 dates - they're in my diary. The tour has already sold out though!! See:
http://www.steamdreams.com/content/view/42/58/
Harecastle Canal Tunnel - Orange Canal water is presumably due to some ore deposit it goes through I suppose?
Ruth my deAH you are radiance personified! Mind if I just stare at you for a few hours <grin> Ok, ok - I know . . . a mugga Joe with a jolt, a couple of crullers from the bakery ‘n a round of that spiked OJ for the gang! Yes, Boris - feed the crittAHs ‘n the PPF jar is for YOU!
Slim pickin's since my last visit - with nothing of substance from anyone other than Da Boss ‘n our Bar Chandler! Sure will be "different" around here without the guy who is NOT Shane!! <grin>
Didn't attach any significance to my 2,300th post . . . . just happened! <grin>
Gotta make a quick reference to Da Bossman's concerns: I'm FINE - don't need the time "off" - this is "play time" (as you've called it ) and NOT work. Not to worry, mate - but I appreciate your concern!
My BIG THING about these forums has to do with ignorance, rudeness 'n taking advantage. Something that there is NO control over when it comes to the "freebie" nature of this thing. I'm in favor of paying with control over who can 'n who cannot access OUR material! But yeah, we don't have the numbers we once had to make it work . . .
Now to be really concerned - well let's keep a "watch" on our Swede out there in the desert called Phoenix. What's going on ???????? Maybe an e-mail to the "core" would be in order, huh Doc knows best, mate - so let's not hear anything about "no problem." There IS a problem so take care of it.
Some great stuff from Cap'n Tom (what's NEW?!?!?) with that fine submission on the Santa Fe Super Chief 'n Chief . . . . really enjoyed it!
I wish we had someone at the bar who could elaborate some on those fine trains. We HAD a guy way back when - called himself Trainnut484 (Russell) - but he too skeedaddled without so much as a goodbye or reason . . . he was a Santa Fe kinda guy if my memory is correct. I can still "see" his avatar . . . Reason I ask is I've wondered WHEN domes were included in the consists and were they on both Chiefs
So Wolfman Pete stays off the ‘puter when the thunder boomers come to town! BettAH safe than sorry, but I must admit to ignoring the precautions myself. Every now ‘n then the Mrs. asks, "Shouldn't we shut off the TV?" and I tell her to just go over ‘n hang on to something made of metal! <grin> Only kidding . . . Come to think of it, I bettAH take a look to see if the lightning rod I had installed on her broom is ready for Halloween flights!
Ohhhhhhhhhhh, how I long for those carefree days at sea where my only concerns were keeping the engines on the line, screws making turns ‘n everything ship-shape below decks. Sometimes we just don't know when we have it so good, huh
For Pete! Some fine looking ships in those pix your Mrs. took. So as Cap'n Tom said, WHERE ARE THE TRAINS!?!?! <grin>
Bet you didn't know that I spent a couple of summAHs aboard sailing vessels when I got out of the Navy. Kinda was bumming around, looking for work when I was in those long periods between "merchie" trips. Signed on for work as the engineer aboard a sailing vessel. What! you say . . . yeah, the modern ones have diesel back ups. It was a blast. The Mrs. was a "bit concerned" that I'd be spending far too much time with the tourists (female) than what I was there for. HA - fooled her. <grin>
Glad you enjoyed the MoPac covers! I'd like to see some of those stations that you ‘n Cap'n Tom see on your trips in Missouri. Some REAL railroad history I'll bet . . .
Ooooooooooops, forgot to ask: So, what about your hat from the train wreck bar????
Counting down the days to our my return to the Penthouse Suite!
Some MORE from my archives of book covAHs! <grin>
Ok Ruth, I'll be waiting in our "secret place" to get going on that <ahem> admi
Wednesday's Witticism
No matter how hard the winter, spring always comes.
Mid-week in mid-continent USA ‘n the temps have fallen into Fall!
C'mon guys, the coffee's ready, pastries freshly loaded into The Mentor Village Bakery case ‘n our <light> ‘n <traditional> breakfasts are ready for ordering!
WEDNESDAY at the bar is OPTIONAL Toy ‘n Model Trains Day!
Congratulations to Lars (LoveDomes) for making the 2,300th Post at the reborn bar!
Tuesday - Sep 25th:
CM3 Shane (coalminer3) at 8:13 AM: There resides in one of my wall mounted Lucite train display cases an all yellow - smoothsides coach - with the PRR markings. Supposedly is a replica of the Southwind . . . . way back in my mind's eye, I recall seeing a train like that - or better yet - a train with mixed passenger cars, some were indeed yellow. Goes way, way back though . . . cudda been!
Glad you found the 6-pack of interest ‘n in particular the Sacramento Northern - a road I'd never heard of previous to my "discovering" that poster! The things we learn here at the bar . . .
Sure wish a sequel to "Master and Commander" would be made - but <alas> I've read where the tempermental spoiled brat "star" won't go for it. <barf> It is a fine flick with a great continuing story yet to be told.
You refer to trains by their numbers, which of course "forces" me to look ‘em up on the Amtrak web site - which ain't easy! <grin> Anyway, I'm assuming you're referring to trains passing through Huntington, WVA - yes/no Diners?? Taken off! Good Gawd Gertie, what's next - guys coming aboard at the stations with trays of sandwiches for sale And those "conical" containers of juice. Ooooooooooops, I remember those days <daze>!!
Sad that the only way to travel to your part of the country from here is via Chicago. I could drive to Huntington faster than it takes to make connections up there, etc. Flying - well that's ‘nother matter. I'd prefer the drive - I-64 covers some decent landscape.
But, "back in the day" . . . ahhhhhhhh.
We'll be here upon your return - just be sure to come "equipped" with rolls ‘n rolls of quarters!
Thanx for the visit, chat, round ‘n cash!
Jan (JanOlov) at 8:16 AM: Our Glasgow Connection never sleeps! The man is always "lurking" about the decks.
Should have a few more weeks of Alaska fotos - then I'll have to come up with something else for Photo Posting Saturday! <grin> Glad you are finding them to you liking . . . actually, what's NOT to like, eh
I'll pass along any ‘n all comments to BudKarr (BK) should he contact me again . . . thanx! For those who "know" him - he's NOT a rail enthusiast or aficionado by any stretch. Just found this place something special ‘n he really fit in quite well amongst those who gave a Rat's Patoot about the bar ‘n the way we operate it.
Thanx for the "top up," cigars ‘n cash!
Lars (LoveDomes) at 9:15 AM: Busy morning with a most welcome appearance by our Manager. Appreciate the dedication to duty - OR does it have something to do with Ruth ‘n her break time Hmmmmmmm.
Your Email has been received ‘n responded to . . . thanx!
Hey Mate! Gotta go easy on the guys - don't want you "lighting up" the customers! <geesh> I mean, it's tough enough keeping the place opened as it is! <double geesh> BUT if it's any solace to you - I'm in complete agreement
No, Leon. Not tonight. I have to leave right away.
Just wanted to say that I'll be back tomorrow. The doctor gave me order to get some extra rest after getting into some physical problems at the rehab. Nothing to worry about!
See you tomorrow!
A pint of Bathams please RUTH. I see you and Leon have been quite busy since my last visit.
ALLAN It would be a shame if the Raton line were to lose its traffic. I wonder now that the line is not seeing a lot of traffic, if it would be possible to run some steam excursions on the line, I am sure they would be very popular.
Yes the four A4s will be a wonderful sight (and sound). I bet no one would have believed, when BR steam finished on the East Coast Main Line, that it would be possible to travel from London to Edinburgh and back using three A4s over 40 years later.
Thanks for the info on Derek Cross. He was a great railway photographer. He did two steam albums with a Mr. Anderson on steam in Scotland, which are truly masterpieces.
The HMS Surprise was in Master and Commander. I don't know a bout the pirate movies but below deck there is an exhibition all about pirates. AAAAAAAAHHHHH Jim lad etc.
ERIC Thanks for the answer on the 701 verses the X2000 in the driving differences. What was the top speed of the 701.
Many thanks for the kind words on the photos. I will pass them on to the bride; she takes a much better photo than I do.
Great photo of the Sage Creek Trestle, is that an Amtrak train approaching the trestle.
DL I used to like the occasional Spam Fritter, I really miss the corned beef I used to get in England. The corn beef here is a lot different; I can't recall seeing any of the Fray Bentos corned beef at all over here.
Many Many Thanks for the tip on the BTF films released over here. I am going to place an order after I have post this. Over 4 hours,it sounds a bargain to me. It is almost worth the price seeing 60017 on the non-stop Elizabethan in the 1950s and I shall look forward to seeing the film of Rail 150 at Shildon as I was there in 1975.
Enjoyed the link to Meccano, I had the ‘Quayside Crane' now long gone I'm afraid.
We had a good trip on the Chief with an excellent and friendly sleeping car attendant and a good dining car crew. The car attendant was most apologetic that we were 6 MINUTES late into Kansas City. The only slight down side was the conductor would not let people off for a smoke unless it was a designated smoking stop, not while it was a stop to load passengers and baggage, which pleased the missus but not me. Also the track was rough in places while in the sleeper, but all in all a great trip. The proof being the bride wants to go on another long distant Amtrak train.
That does indeed sound a good trip run by the friends of the NRM. The three A4 trip from London to Edinburgh is scheduled for July 5-6 next year. This is the nearest weekend to the July 8th anniversary.
Many thanks for the links to the canal system as I have said before my old house backed on to the Oxford Canal and I see Newbold tunnel was on the list. That was very interesting about the electric tug in Harecastle tunnel, I had not heard of this before. The tunnel is visible from the train and I have always wondered about the colour of the water there, and the tunnel has a ghost. Thanks for sharing.
CM3 490 miles is a long distance on one tenderfull of coal, I guess in was a matter of pride by the engineer and fireman that the locomotive did not have to take coal on.
I bet the streamlined L&N #295 looked great in the Tuscan paint. I guess if 295 was not available an ordinary liveried locomotive stood in.
I enjoyed the book Master and Commander as well.
Really hope the reporter can be found to comment on the Dart's Match. I suppose the question of ‘Danger Money' will come in to it.
JAN Glad you were able to call in the bar after a rough night shift.
The Raton Pass must have been a great line to travel in steam days, with the sharp curves giving great views of the locomotives working hard.
Glad you liked the ship photos.
LARS Sooner or later you will forget to give BORIS his PPF and the secret hiding place will be a secret no more, still not long before the Penthouse Suite will be yours again.
Many thanks for the Missouri Pacific book covers
Now Arriving on Track #1
Back in the Day - Number Three
The Chiefs of the Santa Fe
Some say the 1950s were the last of the glory days for American classic trains. If true, then the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway (AT&SF - Santa Fe) was perhaps the most storied of the lot.
The Super Chief, the premier passenger train of the Santa Fe, was also known as "The Train of the Stars." The train made its eastbound voyage from Los Angeles, a "neighbor" of Hollywood and the "stars' who enjoyed the amenties offered between southern California and Chicago.
Amongst the many features found aboard that train was a private dining room, called the Turquoise Room. An experience for the gentry and celebrities seeking something set apart from the mainstream for railroad travel.
The Super Chief's route paralleled America's most famous highway, US Route 66 - the main street of American dreams.
A typical Super Chief consist from 1951 to 1956:
A typical Super Chief consist from the early 1960s (all-Pullman section):
<consist information from Wikipedia.com>
Super Chief being serviced at the depot, Albuquerque, New Mexico. March 1943. (Public Domain - wikipedia.com)
AT&SF Promotional material <Image from multiple sources>
The Chief offered upscale bedroom service between Los Angeles and Chicago. Its slogan, "Extra Fast - Extra Fare" exemplified the "rolling boudoir" acceptance for Hollywood
Good day Tom and all present at the bar. Drinks are on me and just a quicky for me. Sorry for the absence, but I'm rushing to get ready for a trip to Florida. I know it doesn't sound very exotic, but business calls me there to Tampa. My son and I are looking to buy a truck (Peterbilt or equal). There just isn't much around here to pick from. Trucks are in short supply because of Katrina. My son wants to get into the hauling business. Big bucks are to be made. Some haulers are taking down 20K a week with just one truck. I don't know when I'll be back, but hopefully in just a few days. Too bad there isn't a train going that way. There used to be one that ran from Jacksonville to Los Angeles, but lack of ridership, shut it down.
Pete: I think the preference for DC motors, has to do with their torque characteristics. DC motors have higher torque at low speeds, needed for long, heavy freight consists.
DL: Thanks for the link to peameal bacon. Sounds like a good product. I'll have to try getting some.
Jan: I can see from the pictures of "Atlantics" that the B&O RR also used some belpaire fire boxes, not only the PRR.
Ruth my deAH, a mugga Joe with a jolt AND give Eric TWO of whatever he'd like! <geesh> Surely didn't mean to "wind you up" with my ramblings. Had NOTHING to do with you . . . Here, take a sip of THIS fine "stuff" . . . <grin>
Boris, no need to look so forlorn, mate - the small jar of PPF is right where it always is - just feed the crittAHs their "due" ‘n help yourself! <grin>
So, what have we today Pretty good material to check out as those who turned out didn't disappoint!
I see Cap'n Tom "jumped" on a couple of questions directed my way - no problem for me, saved me the research! <grin> Anyway, I didn't have a "clue" regarding the GM&O question!! THANKS!!
Many thanx for the e-mail Bossman - I just may take you up on the idea of coming out to St. Louis. NevAH say nevAH . . . just that I'm pretty much spur of the moment with things like that, so as the Boy Scout motto goes, "Be Prepared"!!
Sailing ships from Pete - Jan with the steam locos - a visit from down under where Allan lives ‘n of course our West Virginia report from CM3 I'm NOT Shane! Wasn't really a bad day at all. Then the NEW day began with Eric our night owl ‘n Dan with all kinds of insights! Then along comes our man from West Virginia (again) and our Glasgow Contact! Has all the makings of a fine day!
Eric, I love wagers ‘n can "taste" my winnings already! <grin> A case of my favorite brew will be hard to locate - but a wager is a wager! And by the way, I KNEW you didn't pilot the jet - just yanking your chain.
Shane, you'll be missed at the bAH . . . Go Sox from Bahstun! Would love ANOTHER World Series between my Mets 'n your Sox - where are you Bill Buckner?!?!?
Patriots are off ' runnin' - what's new, huh Jints at least aren't "zip" for 3 . . . some daylight being seen!
Really enjoyed the spate of ads from Cap'n Tom - had not seen any of ‘em B4 at the bar! Nice work. Really "dig" that streamliner poster!
Time again for a little "something" to generate some interest ‘n discussion . . .
Wolfman Pete ‘n Cap'n Tom should especially enjoy these, huh
Ruth, I'll be waiting in our "secret place" to get a leg up on the <ahem> admin work! <blush>
Boris, ring the bell - a round on the Manager on this fine day!
Until the next time!
Lars
Greetings Master Tom and gentlemen....
Another rough night at work and I'm knackered.... I thought that I'd stop by anyhoo to say hello and get myself a quick pint and all that.
So, if you don't mind barkeep an extra cold Guinness for me, top up with cigars for the lads and something for yourself....please
Puts some $$$ in the cigar box and Mr Wurlitzer....
siberianmo, nice railroad ads Tom . I'd have no problem whatsoever to find a place on my walls for the Streamliner one..... Hope to see some more of your great Alaska pictures again.
pwolfe, "As we climbed the Raton Pass I kept wondering what it must have been like in steam days with those big Santa Fe steamers pounding up the grade" border="0" width="23" height="15" />." Tell me about it mate... I tend to do that sometimes reading my books... Great pics of the ships !
Gunneral, ANY 1st generation is a nice diesel and occasional 2nd too of course. Do NOT like the modern ones at all mate...
EricX2000, well mate, you haven't disappointed me at all . As for the PRR E-6's, I like them almost as much as the Milwaukee Road's class A's. Remember reading somewhere that the E-6's were good machines and well liked by the crews. Hope to see some more interesting pictures from the old country in the east...
DL - UK, interesting post my good man....
As for BK, I never met him, but I hope to do at some point, sounds like a nice chap. If anyone happen to speak with him, would you mind awfully to give him my very best and all that please.
Thanks
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. It's going to be another warm day over here with temperatures in the upper 80s.
Something didn't look yesterday after I replied to Pete's question regarding long-distance steam locomotive runs on the L&N. So I had Boris fire boss the east wing, we strapped on our cap lights, and went to the "L&N room" to get the right answer.
Auxiliary tenders were used on the "Florida Arrow" which operated between Chicago and Miami. This was a joint PRR-L&N-ACL-FEC run. A 4-6-2 originally hauled the L&N portion of the run (Louisville-Montgomery) Later,
4-8-2s handled the train. These locomotives had an auxiliary ender lettered for the "Florida Arrow." You can find a picture of one on p. 162 of Prince's book, Louisville and Nashville Steam Locomotives.
In 1940, the "South Wind," an all-coach streamliner began operation between Chicago and Miami. This, too, was a PRR-L&N-ACL-FEC run. The L&N used a r/b streamlined 4-6-2 (L&N 295 in tuscan paint) with a large capacity tender (20 thousand gals.) for the "Wind."
The engine was tuscan to match PRR cars. This locomotive operated 490 miles between Louisville and Montgomery without (ideally) stopping for coal. The train did take on water at Nashville and Birmingham. There was a 7-minute station stop at both cities, so you can see that they really had to work fast. You can find more pictures and a sample timetable on pp. 163-165 in Prince's book. Charlie Caster's book, The Old Reliable, has some additional information.
Moral: Never rely on memory (I think!)
Lars stopped by with IC and related material.
Pete - I'll cast a vote for the "Surprise" being in "Master and Commander." I enjoyed the scenes in that one where they stopped at the Galapagos. Good story.
Allan visited with comments.
Eric - Sage Creek trestle! I haven't been out that way in a long time. I can't tell which way you were facing when you took the picture, but I do remember the GN station being right near the bridge as all of a sudden the westbound was "airborne." Speaking of which, at least I did well with my aircraft identification.
DL sent lots of links which I will get to when I return.
OSP provided a good six pack today. I was especially taken with the Sacramento Northern material. Had a friend in Tennessee who modeled that road because he spent a lot of time around it in his younger days. I also enjoyed the picture of the different diesel paint schemes. Got your e-mail and will reply.
Your post hit just as I was ready to send this oneThe reporter is probably still on work release, but we'll see what we can do. Amtrak 50 and 51 were reinstated after being discontinued - a long and complicated story with a fair amount of personal involvement by several of us in the area - that would be a good one for the rendezvous as well. Anyway, it's running and we're glad to see it even though its only three days a week. I heard ugly rumors about the diner being taken off (i.e. downgraded) on 48 and 49 recently (SNARGH!)
I will try and post again later today, but if not, see you all next week.
Work safe
The much needed rain, initially forecast for more than 2 inches, hasn't materialized <again>. So the arid conditions continue in mid-continent USA. But the good news is tomorrow we'll see the temps begin to become more like Fall!
It's TUESDAY - help yourself to the coffee ‘n pastries - on the house today! Breakfasts from our Menu Board though are "for sale"! <grin>
(repeat) Coming up in October:
"Our" Place Oktoberfest! This will be our 3rd year for the fall harvest celebration. As with last year, we'll restrict the festivities to weekends. The big tent will be "up" in the outback, full o' things to enjoy for customers ‘n their families! Watch for it!
(repeat) The 2nd Annual Darts Challenge ‘n Grudge Match against the thugs gang from The Second Class Saloon will take place over a three day period - beginning on Thursday ending on Saturday nite. Best two out of three wins the Can-Am County Dart's Championship trophy. "Our" Place will field two teams of 2 each ‘n 2 alternates - so Boris, that means we need SIX guys total! <uh oh> Watch for the ‘sign up'!
Monday - Sep 24th:
CM3 Shane (coalminer3) at 9:12 AM: Figured the Marshall flick would "work" for you. While I knew the story, we hadn't viewed the movie ‘til the other night - it's been added to our DVD library. Movies like that never seem to get the "play" in the theatres that they deserve. Quite frankly, I don't recall seeing it advertised for very long. Anyway, well done - but I'd have picked another actor for the head coach. He did an "okay" job, but somehow I wasn't convinced of his "down hominess" if you follow my drift. Ahhh, so what, eh That's why I'm a retired sailor instead of movie critic!
We viewed the "Snowy River" flicks recently - both worthy of showing at the Emporium! Sequel wasn't bad at all - great scenery in both along with some fine looking "hosses."
Thanx for the "heads up" regarding your planned absence from the bar . . . always helps to know! [tup ] Just leave the quarters IN ADVANCE of your trip! <grin>
Emails received ‘n responded to - thanx!
Guess you're feeling somewhat "relieved" now that the BoSox have made it to the playoffs. Was there any doubt Of course! Just be thankful they had such a huge lead to squander . . .
Figured you'd have visited St. Louis in your travels from days gone by. BUT we're talking about recently - you know, since the inception of jet aircraft! Ahhhhh, but to think about "when" one could actually take a train from "wherever" to St. Louis Union Station ‘n return. Yeah, must've been a grand time! HEY - wait a minute! I recall those times! <grin>
Are you going to provide that "ace" reporter's coverage for our 2nd Annual Dart's Challenge ‘n Grudge Match coming up in October
Many thanx for the visit, chat, round ‘n quarters!
Jan (JanOlov) at 9:36 AM ‘n 12:23 AM: Steam locos - rounds, tips ‘n cigars! Does this guy ever sleep?!?!? Seems to be always logged in . . .
Lars (LoveDomes) at 10:53 AM: Many THANX for signing up for the 2nd Annual Dart's Challenge ‘n Grudge Match! And I didn't even get the "ad" out yet!
I think the thought regarding having our own web site pretty much has died on the vine. We've been through it all via Email ‘n here at the bar. I'd rather NOT get into it again. Why Simply put - we don't have the nucleus of support needed to make it work. Good Gawd Gertie, when you think about how few we really are in keeping this place up on the Forum's Page . . . I appreciate your concern - really do. But, let's let this GO - at least for the present time.
Soo
Here's the looooong links:
Map:http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk/images/BW_Waterway_map_and_addresses.pdf
Interesting list of dimensions which effectively shows whic canas are narrow and which are broad - most were narrow really - some very much so:
http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk/images/Craft_Dimensions_tcm6-71620.pdf
Interesting list of tunnels and dimensions:
http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk/images/National_list_of_tunnels_tcm6-71612.pdf
Intersting facts ont his tunnel - I read it had an electric tug until 1954 which pulled boats through using an overhead witre like a trolley car! I could nto find any pictures though:
http://www.waterscape.com/servicesdirectory/Harecastle_Tunnel
Regards
Hello Tom and all in - I'll take pancake breakfast please, with home fries, juice and coffee. Oh, and I'll have some Peameal Bacon on the side please.
That allows me to answer Ron's question - kind of hard to describe other than to say peameal is like English style bacon (what the heck help is that to you I ask!) - well instead of being fried up crispy it is cooked but softer. Kind of tastes the same.
Here's a picture
http://www.realcanadianbacon.com/
And here is a useful description from Wikipedia which kinda helps. I reckon you may well have had your bacon this way on your trip to the UK and Ireland you mentioned a while back Ron.
"In the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, bacon comes in a wide variety of cuts and flavours whereas bacon in the United States is predominantly what is known as "streaky bacon", or "streaky rashers" in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Bacon made from the meat on the back of the pig is referred to as back bacon and is part of traditional British and Irish breakfasts. In the United States, back bacon may also be referred to as Canadian-style Bacon or Canadian Bacon"
As for spam - yes you can still get - we used to get fed it at school certainly back in the 1970s/80s - - which is probably why the Monty Python team featured it. Personally I could not get to like it - I guess some people do. You can deep fry it in batter and make Spam Fritters I believe. I still would not fancy them! Maybe Jan can put them on the menu some time?
Next up some info esp for Pete (but maybe also for Allan depending on what DVD system you use) - and of course anyone else interested in the British Scene. I got this of a news group I belong to. The films are superb and were made by British Railways in house film unit - here's the info:
"On Tuesday, the first volume of the BFI's DVDs - On and Off the Rails will be released in NTSC format for the USA and Canadian Market.
http://www.kino.com/video/item.php?film_id=878
You'll notice that the contents are identical to the BFI's release but are marketed under the KINO label with different packaging and with no reference to the BFI on the front."
Here's some more info on the contents:
"On and Off the Rails (over 4 hours long), contains classics from the video compilations including Blue Pullman, Snowdrift at Bleath Gill and John Betjeman goes by Train, along with films new to the series such as This Year - London, The Diesel Train Driver and On Track for the Eighties. A booklet containing an introduction and film notes by BTF historian Steve Foxon accompanies the discs."
From the dedicated website:
http://www.britishtransportfilms.co.uk/
Allan - I enjoy those meccano magazine covers too, wonderful artwork - I remember reading my father's old ones and then picking up back numbers in second hand shops - I have a few years worth from the 50s and 60s - require more effort to read than anything presented to the target age group now I think! I think you can still get copies second hand for about 2 pounds each for the post war years. Pre war are more expensive - I guess you had to save them carefully to stop them getting collected in a scrap paper wartime drive!
If you scroll down this interesting page there is a great example of cover art - world's largest boat lift lock - not sure where it is though!
http://www.btinternet.com/~a.esplen/mecc.htm
And you could scroll down this page for a picture that Tom will esp enjoy - a classic Canadian scene!
http://www.btinternet.com/~a.esplen/models/MeccanoEnthusiast.htm
Pete - yes, good to see your SW Chief stuff - how was the journey time wise, comfort wise, service wise - did it live up to expectations of both of you?
No British Brews at the Toronto Roundhouse - I think they just brew north America style beer - but very good stuff.
I was talking about Tom Rolt to a colleague of mine, who had his book about the Tallylyn Railway preservation story which he has lent me - so I'm looking forward to reading that. Here is some info from the railway's site and a link:
"By this time (1940s) the service had been reduced to two trains three days a week, in the summer only. The Talyllyn somehow escaped the nationalisation of railways in 1948, as officialdom thought it too run-down, and the level of traffic too low, to be worth taking over. Derailments were increasingly common and the railway's decline accelerated, culminating in August 1949 with Dolgoch cracking its main frames; this was repaired by welding. Sir Haydn died on 2nd July 1950, and whilst his widow kept the line going until the end of the summer season on 6th October, it then appeared that the railway had closed for good. But fortunately it was not to be. A group of enthusiasts, led by the engineer and author Tom Rolt, called a public meeting in Birmingham and the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society was formed"
From:
http://www.talyllyn.co.uk/history.html
Pete - 1st day of the high speed Chanel tunnel link and move to St Pancras is 14th Nov. The Friends of the NRM have a tour scheduled - out from Waterloo on 13th Nov on the old route to Brussels and back on 14th to St Pancras. That would be good!
That A4 trip sounds good - I should get to Newark or Grantham to watch it (or Little Bytham perhaps!) Is the date scheduled yet - presumably they want to commemorate the actual date of the record run to the day?
Eric - Nice selection of pictures from your career Eric!
hopefully you can download the waterways map from the link below. But it is schematic and does not differentiate between rivers and canals - except by name (ie the ones called ‘canals' are man made). I've put these under a separate entry in the hope this avoids the wide page phen. Tom mentioned - Tom - does that work? Ie does the wide page only happen if the message has the long link in it - that message goes wide page - not every message on the page of Our Place?
On another question could the Raton Pass close if that Amtrak service was taken off for example?
Lars - nice tribute to BK, as others said - when I joined first time he still posted now and again and I always enjoyed his posts - you selected a couple of classics - maybe he will return to visit us from time to time in the fullness of time.
Cheerio
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, an early breakfast plaese! Coffe and a Cheese danish!
Short on time this early morning. But I had to stop by and see what happened today.
Lars – No, I never “drove” a jet. But I did my military service in the Air Force. Which was very interesting during the cold war. Top! I know the Snakes will smash the Mets if they get a chance! Interesting books (as usual)! I noticed that The Gulf, Mobile and Ohio was called the Tigrett Road. What is the story behind that? Hey, I made a comment about Tom’s Alaska photos! I love his pictures and always make some comments. Illinois Central! Interesting books! I think I would pick the one called Monday Mornin’ Rails! Sounds very interesting.Tom – I’ll sign up for the Can-Am County Dart’s Chanpionship trophy! Where is Boris?No, I never flew the fighter jet. But it reminds me about my time in the Air Force. Nice ads! I like the first one, Streamliners! I am not big on steam streamliners with the exception of Milwaukee Roads’ trains. But I like the diesel streamliners. The Soo Line ad is also a good one.
Recevied mail, thank you.CM3 – Yes, it is a SAAB J35 Draken (Dragon) from the mid 50’s. A Mach 2+ fighter. You are correct about road bases and installations inside mountains. Even the Swedish Navy has/had a base inside a mountain. They could take destroyers and submarines inside. That base is not far from where I used to live.JanOlov – Sorry to disappoint you (or is it myself?), but I never was a pilot. I did my military service in the Air Force though. I am afraid I can’t give you an answer to your question, if PRR’s E-6 was the next best thing. Interesting pictures!Pete – No, I never visited Raton station. Never thought of it. I’ll see if I can find the article I read about Amtrak being the only trains over Raton Pass. It is hard to compare #701 and the X2000. 701 was built in the late 40’s and kind of complicated to operate. The X2000 is modern and easy to run, everything is computerized. From comfort point of view, X2000. From the feeling of really operating a locomotive I would say Class F 701. Sorry, but I have no clue what movie the Star of India starred in. Beautiful pictures of a beautiful ship!!Allan – Yes, it is a SAAB J35 Draken jet fighter. Not in service any more. “Our” Place saloon is on Tom’s layout. I would say the years with the X2000 was my greatest experience. Very busy years, but interesting and rewarding. Things may change even in NZ! Maybe you’ll have more passenger train service in 10 years!
Sage Creek Trestle, Cut Bank, Montana.
Hi Tom and all,
Leon the usual brew please, Tui`s all round for the crew.
Tom. Great Six Pack post and enjoyed all your pics over your last few posts. "She who shall be obeyed" expects all jobs to be done YESTERDAY, or even LAST WEEK! Great pic of you, Pete and Eric at the Trainwreck Saloon. [who took the pic Eric?]
Pete. Really enjoyed all your photo`s of your trip an the Chief, good to see it still stops at Raton, their was a rumour that they were going to divert all traffic over to the Belen line. Yes, the Derek Cross on the Rimutaka site is the famous Scots photographer, he loved NZ railways for it`s narrow gauge big steam loco`s and the scenery. Would love to be at that A4 anniversary, what a site four A4`s would make, real eye candy!
Eric. Great posts and photo`s mate, thats a SAAB Draken is`nt it? You certainly had a great variety of transport jobs, was driving the X2000 your greatest experience? Somehow I can`t see passenger trains ever coming back on the line here, their has been a lot of rural decline, population wise, theirs not much support for long distance bus services here either! Great photo of "Our place" saloon bar, whose layout is it on?
Lars. Great book covers as usual, keep the steam loco`s coming mate! Nice reposting of BK`s early entries as well.
CM3. Many thanks for the link to the narrow gauge site, will have a look at it properly when "Da Boss" is satisfied with todays redecorating programme.
Jan. What a great choice of steam photo`s in your posts, although I have a few diesel likes such as the F7, the PA, and of course the BR Deltic.
Fergie. Nice to see you again, hope you have your sea legs back!
Pete. Was that ship in the film "Master and Commander" [Russell Crow]? My better half reckons it was in the latest "Pirates" movie!
See ya, Allan
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