Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, nice to see you! Quiet day today? Oh, Boris did? Yeah, you never know. I'll have a ham sandwich, please. Coffee!
A late evening visit to my favorite bar! Nice to sit down for a while.
Pete – I think the electric loco, Class 1200 when it was new, was painted all blue. I am quite sure that was the case. I used to have a model of it in the 1960’s and it was blue. I will try to find info on the latest agreement between Amtrak and UP about the St. Louis – Kansas City line. The way that Amtrak train you were on was handled can’t be right. If it is, there is no need for a timetable. A date would be enough. Ron/DD One – I think you are correct about many Chile trains were bought second hand! I kind of remember reading about that many years ago. Too bad that New York loco pix doesn’t show any more. I saw it when I had a quick look earlier today, but now it’s gone. I managed to open it in a separate window though. Could not find any info on it. The Pullman ad is also missing, but the 1939 World’s Fair poster is still showing. Wow, all of a sudden all three pictures are back!!!
For our British friends. London 1975.
Eric
Master Tom and everybody.....
Finally back again....! Was it just me or was it impossible for someone else to get in here the last few days? It was slow as which really annoyed me, since I have a kitchen to run ...
Here's another study in electric locomotives, Swedish State Railways class MG.
I'm also trying to convince my dad to join in here, since he's been working for the railway since '62. We'll see if I can bribe him with something.
How are you all doing? All well and dandy I hope. It's all good here in the old country, plenty of sunshine and warmth.
<courtesy: www.viarail.ca>
G'day Gents!
It's TUESDAY once more - funny how that keeps happening, eh
So, whatillitbe The coffee is freshly ground ‘n brewed. Pastries have just been loaded into The Mentor Village Bakery case. And our Menu Board features some fine <light> ‘n <traditional> breakfasts. So, let's get a move on!
Wondering: How come several of you log in - check the bar - but say nothing? Your input doesn't have to be of epoch proportions - just stopping by to say "hi" - ordering a drink, etc. is just fine. A "plus" is that it keeps us "visible" on the Forum's . . . nothing wrong with that, eh
Appears that CM3 Shane is the first to succumb to the Contest's Siren Song! At this writing we're still on Page 98.
CONTEST underway: The day we will reach 100 Pages!
(1) CM3 Shane sez Monday, Aug 20th
(2) Jan sez Saturday, Aug 25th
(3) Pete says Thursday, Aug 30th
(4) Eric says Tuesday, Aug 21st
(5) Lars says Monday, August 27th
(6) Ron says Wednesday, Aug 22nd
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative)
CM3 Shane at 8:56 AM Monday - Aug 20th: Nothing wrong with kicking back over the weekend, especially when one feels as if they've been through a mental meat grinder. Been there, done that . . .
Just checked out the GM&N "Rebel" design of motorcar from ACF. While I see the similarity to the foto Ron put up, it's not a "Shovelnose" by Budd - who manufactured the Zephyrs. Correct?? Anyway, surely would like to find something to identify that Chilean locomotive - driving me crazier than usual! <grin>
A link:
http://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former-loco/JK-213.html
Baseball in Saint Looooooooo still hasn't flicked my switch. Figured they'd "split" in ChiTown - but the rains deprived "us" of the two victories needed. BUT, "we" won today! It's gonna be one hulluva September in the NL Central along with perhaps the rest of the majors. Pretty good races falling into place. Now's the time for me to rev up the hard ball enthusiasm. <putt> <putt> <sputter> <sputter> <groan> <clank> Guess NOT!
Haven't watched any pre-season NFL - usually don't. Far too much hype for the "product" being displayed. I'm READY for some FooBall, REAL FooBall, that is!
Round, quarters ‘n chat appreciated!
Eric (EricX2000) at 2:01 PM Monday - Aug 20th: Another daylight visit from our Not-So-Nocturnal Resident Desert Swede!
I too thought perhaps that 2nd loco was being used for HEP purposes - however, in all of the years I've traveled that route (close to 20) I've NEVER experienced two engines for ANY consist (ours was 3!!). Just an observation, but I'd have thought someone in the crew would've known! <geesh>
Concur about the total daylight vs. total twilight/darkness in far north locations. Alaska too has mosquitoes that will carry you away if not careful! <uh oh>
Interesting fotos - explanations??
Appreciate the visit!
Pete (pwolfe) at 3:46 PM Monday - Aug 20th: An early mid-afternoon visit from our Bar Chandler - but happy to see ya. We surely had a slow morning at the bar. Anyway . . . . your comments regarding our Café Car perhaps being put on the end of the consist would've solved the problem. However, that's giving far too much credit to the nit-wits who get paid to assemble the trains in Chicago. <geesh>
By the by - I think the car number in my "report" is correct - confirmed in a foto.
Email sent to you over the weekend . . .
Round, visit ‘n chat appreciated!
Ron (DD1) at 7:20 PM Monday - Aug 20th: An evening visit, which of course helps out a lot. Leon our Night Man enjoys the company!
Did you SEE the fine book covers that Lars put out on Sunday for YOU????!!!! Hope so.
I "found" the 3rd rail "shoe" on that little electric. Reminds me of the S.I.R.T. "shoes" from days long, long gone. Liked the NY World's Fair items too. Thanx!
Fieldmarshal Tom and everybody.....
Tom, sorry about that son..... . I've got my own stash hidden away for whenever I need a drink (shouldn't have said that), my flirting with the lassies is of that kind that I need to keep it behind the scene for sensitive ears and eyes....
I eat too much when I cook here everybody order so many nice tasty treats...
So, an extra cold guinness for me, Tom and everybody else. Better make it a Dufftown single malt around the house too, so that I don't end up in the corner.... I've heard that the straight jackets comes rather nice colors this season.
Maybe we should put up a jar here for swearing and forgetting to order drinks and food. On a second thought, that wouldn't be such a good idea I think. I'd probably fill it up myself, eh? I don't think that I can afford that
Once again, terribly sorry folks (hangs head in shame and scratches foot in the ground)....
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please (New England Breakfast Blend); round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Still having fun getting used to new computer, but "We're learning the river," as Mark Twain said. Gas went up 15 cents/gal. yesterday afternoon. Holding at $2.89 this a.m.
Eric - I believe you are correct about the E60s. I need to go back and look some more but a recent Amtrak roster did not reveal any of them to be around. However, they still roster a pair of GP7s and a GP9.
If my failing eyes don't deceive me, the picture at San Luis Obispo is of an EMD Demo GP38-2. Good catch. For the N scalers out there, Atlas years back did an SD45 in EMD Demo. Nice looking model.
Pete stopped by with comments. Remember the 2nd Law of Railroading, "Late trains always get later." The first commandment is, "You should have seen what went through yesterday!" The corollary to that is "Availability of film is always in inverse ration to the rarity of the subject." There are a bunch more of these that I have thought up (encountered) over the years. Maybe we can write something up about that. More comments re UP, etc. under the "OSP" section of this post.
DD1 - Excellent beastie that you photographed - pan and third rail shoe. Thanks for sharing. Incidentally, plans are on their way to you.
JanOlov - Good to hear from you and I appreciated the picture you sent.
OSP sent wide-ranging comments and a trip report. Always enjoy reading "dispatches from the front." It is indeed aggravating, but many folks did not anticipate traffic volume would ever come back, so money was not put into track, capital improvements, etc. Back in the day, when C&O/B&O were joined together, management decided to engage in something called (O.K. Boris, hold him back) "plant rationalization." This was a euphemism for ripping up track, deferred maintenance, etc. They were not the only company to do this. IMHO. deferred maintenance is truly the enemy because you have a bunch of slow orders which gums everything up. Then you add increased traffic volume to it and presto, gridlock! In other words it all comes down to the quality of your track. Padding a schedule doesn't help anything because you still have trains parked everywhere.
I agree with your comments re preseason football. It's too risky - just look at what happened to the Giants over the weekend; three starters injured (one potentially career-ending) on one play. Baseball is always interesting to me, I guess because I follow it so closely - there's always something to think about, etc.
Work safe
Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth my deAH, take heart, the Larsman will be back in the saddle by week's end! <ommigosh!!> A round for the house ‘n a mugga Joe with a jolt should be fine for now. Treats for the crittAHs - Boris, line ‘em up! And yes, the LARGE jar of PPF is for you!!
I see our Bar Chandler has been feeding ‘em in my absence. Still trying to get in my good graces, huh
Can't believe the difference in temperatures between where we are and where we were. Woke up to a record low the other morning. Fall appears to be making a start in these parts and things are beginning to look just fine. It's been in the low 70's -F- for the daytime, some clouds, but just right as far as I'm concerned. Love it! Hmmmmm, let's see - spend the summAHs here ‘n wintAHs in the Keys!
Our place down in the Keys will be taken care of by an outfit we contracted with. Short of the water overtaking the property or the winds carrying the place away, we should be ok. <uh oh> Last of the boys will be departing for home last Monday in August.
Gas up here is rather high. Saw it at $3.15 (rounded off). TV said highest in state is where we are. Figgers!
Good to be missed by the gang! Surprised at the slack in activity, although one cannot depend upon weekends for anything. I figger if guys show up it's a PLUS.
Hey Boss! Not to worry about those book covers from Chile. Figgered if Ron saw ‘em he'd say something. I've been wrong B4, but I'll be RIGHT tonight, huh Ruth!?!!? <grin>
I'm more disturbed over the obvious lack of interest in recruting new customers ove ron your other thread! You are so right when you ask the guys to think about how they got here - many were in fact INVITED! C'mon mates, all ya have to do is think about our future - where are the customers going to come from when we lose another 2 or 3??
Most interesting TRIP REPORT from your rail adventure to Kansas City ‘n return. No matter how many times I hear, "Passenger railroads have priority," I've yet to experience it in modern times. Just a bunchacrap to say that, much less believe it.
Amtrak screwed us up mightily on our last visit up here. Told you guys all about it then and that's part ‘n parcel for the Mrs. wishing not to try that again. Can't say I blame her, for it really wasn't a fun experience. Using the buggy is much more convenient, plus there's more control over things than when stuck aboard a train in a siding. <ugh>
Liked the pix ‘n didn't expect to see any! Loved that shot through the door window showing the "nose" of the trailing loco! Nifty idea!
So looked like stealthy Pete was carrying THAT bag of his! Does he EVER go anywhere WITHOUT it??? Must have a stash of Bathams in there . . . <grin>
Got your e-mail and let me say this up front. If you ‘n Pete are interested in a New England rail journey - depending on WHEN - I'd love to be counted "in." Good idea!!
We're pretty much "booked" for the Keys in the winter, then again in the spring (May). And then there's always the haunting of another coerced trip to California. <arrrrgggghhhh>.
Hey Jan! I see you've been away, but hardly long enough to call it a vacation, huh?? Anyway, where in Sweden are your folks? Just curious, but how ‘n when did you wind up in Scotland?? Inquisitive mind needs to know. <grin>
Nice electric!
Don't mess with Da Boss - just a WOID to DA WISE. Vito the Hit, Guido ‘n his boyz are ALWAYS lookin'n out for guys in need of cement shoes. <uh oh>
More great Scotch I see <urp>!
Hey Eric! Nice to see the activity resuming from Phoenix! Some mighty fine pix from you ‘n I too enjoy the cab shots. Must've been quite an experience being the engineer AND Chief Photographer! <grin>
Please refresh our memories a bit regarding the X2000 trip. When did it begin - where did you go - and when did it end? I'm sure you've passed on bits ‘n pieces about this wonderful experience, but it would be nice to have it all under one roof, so to speak!
Also, how in the world did you wind up getting selected for the job?? Must've been like winning the Lottery, huh? I'd surely think so.
I recall on my ‘round the world trip in the Navy. They were looking for just the "right" guys for certain positions aboard ship. When I was told that I'd be going, I couldn't believe it. It did help being a member of the crew at the time. But some guys were transferred off - not me. Something that I really thought was special.
Good to know things are progressing so well!
Hey Ron! What's this talk of Joe D and the USCG?? He was an Army guy during WWII, and spent most of his time playing baseball! Imagine that?? <uh oh> Anyway, did I miss something??
Broke some hearts when he hooked up with Marilyn. Just kinda dropped him in esteem. Don't get me wrong, I know we're ALL human, especially SAILORS! <grin> But, Joe D - now you're talking about an ICON. Her? Great looking, but that's about it in my opinYUN. Cheap shot? Yeah, she was! Sorry - nah, I'm NOT.
Have enjoyed your pix from Chile railroading ‘n the NY World's Fair stuff too. Electric pretty &
Tom and all,
G'day mates, Cappucino and sandwich please....and something for yourself. (Puts some change in the tip jar)
Lars, I ended up in Glasgow, Scotland in December 2001. Women you know, they make you do many strange things in a confused state of mind.... As for now, I'm visiting my parents and friends where I used to live here in sweden, Östersund. I'm here for two weeks, going back home to Glasgow on Friday next week.
A wee quick question, where in the US did you have the same competition between companies as between Chicago and the Twin Cities and Chicago and New York?
Peace!
Good Late Morning Basrkeep and all Present; coffee, please; another round and more $ for the jukebox.
Chicago and st. Louis come to mind.
work safe
Another cappucino for me please and something for yourself barkeep....give the boys a top up as well.
What's cooking folks?
If you don't mind I'll just sit down here to read my Classic Trains issues and Rockabilly Magazine...
Puts a few $ in the jukebox and Elvis Presley's Mystery Train stream out from the speakers....
Sweeeeet.
What kind of music do you folks prefer to listen to? Rockabilly here.
Should make mention that Allan (Gunneral) in "down under" NZ territory sent me an Email from a local library to say that his server is giving him fits. He's offline 'til whatever the issue gets straigtened out. Passes his regards . . .
Great to see the Manager "in" today - don't know what we'd do without the Larsman!! Visits 'n some chat today between the guys - Jan 'n CM3 Shane.
Time to liven up the joint with a Blast from the Past!
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #51
<Initially Posted on Page 209 of the Original Thread>
Here's something to enjoy regarding the Canadian Pacific (CP) from a 1963 advertisement in my personal collection.
Sail away to Europe in a Canadian Pacific White Empress. Come aboard at Montréal, and discover a 1000 miles of beauty as you sail up the St. Lawrence, past Québec's historic Château Frontenac and on to Greenock and Liverpool.
Ride away to the Canadian Rockies aboard Canada's only scenic doomed streamliner, "The Canadian." Discover 2,881 miles of spectacular scenery along the Banff-Lake Louise route as you cross Canada in streamlined comfort.
Hide away at Banff Springs Hotel a mile high in the Canadian Rockies. You'll enjoy gourmet food, gracious service. And you'll find golf, tennis, swimming, fishing - every resort facility. Open May 31 to September 14.
Holiday all the way with Canadian Pacific Trains/Trucks/Ships/Planes/Hotels/Telecommunications. WORLD'S MOST COMPLETE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Enjoy!
Tom
Good day Tom and all at the bar. Drinks for all, Guinness for me. I'm not sure which country I would like most to visit, Ireland or Chile. I might opt for Chile because of their rich railroad history. If you click on the sites listed, you will discover much about who contributed to the building of their railroads. Most of their trackage is 3'-3 3/8" (3642 Km), 3'-6", standard (150Km) and 5'-6"gauges (3974Km). Interestingly, the BART system in San Francisco uses 5'-6" gauge.
Much information about railroads in Chile can be found at the following three sites.
http://www.martynbane.co.uk/modernsteam/ldp/rfirt/santafes.htmhttp://www.trainweb.org/tusp/index.htmlhttp://railwaysofthefarsouth.co.uk/
Visit the following site to read about a current project to build an all steam railroad between Chile and Argentina.
http://www.martynbane.co.uk/modernsteam/smcmahon/rfirt/aug06news.htm
What follows is a brief description of the all steam project.
Motive power for this transport corridor will be reciprocating steam locomotives modernised to 21st century mechanical and thermodynamic standards under the direction of Ing. Shaun McMahon. He is applying and further developing the theories, practices and philosophy of the late Ing. L.D. Porta who previously modified the same Mitsubishi built 2-10-2 locomotives in the late 1950s. When completed these locomotives will be the most modern reciprocating steam locomotives in the world. The prototype ‘Advanced Santa Fe' type is due to appear in 2007.
Motive Power Details:
In the face of the current energy crisis (fuel oil rationing is already a reality in the Argentine province of Santa Cruz) it has been decided future policy will be directed towards the rational use of energy. Río Turbio is a town with vast reserves of coal but no oil, thus it is seen that the use of coal for all types of transport, power generation, building material manufacture, domestic heating in isolated parts of the region etc. is the sensible option in this early part of the 21st century. In connection with this work, there is a plan in place to return to service up to 11 stored, Mitsubishi built, 75cm gauge 2-10-2s. These machines, already famous for the modernisation undertaken by Ing. L.D.Porta between 1957-1960, are to be brought up to 21st century levels of efficiency, reliability and environmental friendliness. This work is under the direction of Ing. Shaun McMahon who, for many years, worked directly with Ing. Porta on numerous projects.
The locomotive reactivation plan is thus:
By late 2006/early 2007 it is planned that all currently available passenger carrying vehicles will have had full mechanical and body overhauls.
If it goes through as planned, it could mean a rebirth of steam in some countries where it is economically feasible to do so. Who knows, our next rail fan tour may be in Chile, a country worth visiting at any rate. I have been there twice and will probably go again in the near future. It is a very friendly country, not intimidating like so many others. One doesn't have to worry about being kidnapped and held for ransom like in Mexico or Columbia. No worry about terrorist activities. The wine is some of the best in the world. You will find all the amenities found at home. Seafood is abundant. If this sounds like I'm endorsing Chile travel, it's because I am. If you ever go, plan to spend at least a month, for there is so much to see and do especially in regard to railroads.
For those interested in old cars and tractors, visit this site.
http://www.tractoreszoolujan.com.ar/vapor/067/067.html
DL: The last time I was in Chile (1995), I found old traction engines (showman's for our English friends) still in use in the fields. I have some pictures of them, but I have to dig them out. In fact most of the engines I saw were English made.
CM3 I haven't received anything yet, but I'm watching my mail box. Please let me know what cost you incurred so I may reimburse you for your trouble.
To all: I often times don't respond to individual messages, but that's because I find it hard to keep track of who's who and where. I do read every post and find all the photos very enjoyable. I spend several hours a day researching one thing or another on the web. I find what I want and usually more than I bargained for. That's how I came across the Joe DiMaggio info (bogus). That's the curse of having too many interests. One link leads to another and the day is gone. I try to present only the info that I think may interest you. The pub atmosphere tends to draw flies with the same interests together. Let me know when you've had enough. Have another on me.
PS, If I make this post long enough, I may win the 100 page contest.
Emperor Tom and all Generals,
An extra cold Ginness for me and a top up for everybody else.
It has come to my knowledge that some try to cheat in this friendly competition with posting ridiculously long posts.....I won't mention any names.
DD1, I know the feeling. I have too many interests myself. Though, this is one of my BIGGEST of those I have.
Anyone up for a tour on the Milwaukee road?
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Bathams please RUTH.
RON Thanks for the photos. Was the photo of New York City Transit #64 taken at a museum do you know.
We were talking at the bar a while back about those great World's Fair and Expos no longer being held nowadays. In those days it seemed that the railroads always had a big presence. I have noticed that when the railroads hold a special event today it is often restricted to employees only.
Thanks for the links, I do hope the regulars have a look at the new line, with steam, across the Andes. L.D. Porta's ideas were incorporated in a South African locomotive that carried his name. As the gas prices get higher perhaps there could be another age of steam locomotives using L.D. Porta' ideas.
They run steam excursions in Ireland.
http://www.rpsi-online.org/
The tractor in the link says it is a Sentinel. I suppose this was built in Shrewsbury England, they also produced some vertical boiler, chain driven locomotives.
It would be great if you could post those traction engines photos.
ERIC I would think that all over blue would suit that electric locomotive.
If your photo were a quiz I would have got the location. A view no longer possible as the London Transport Routemaster double-deck buses are withdrawn for normal services now, they were a very familiar sight in London. Many thanks for the photo.
Tom posted a link to a site that provides a list of Amtrak's trains timekeeping, a while back and Tom has kindly given me again as I had lost it. I had a look at the train Tom and I used from Kansas City to Kirkwood, over the last 4 days, the AVERAGE lateness was 2 hours 25 minutes late, with yesterdays train being a whopping 4 hours 15 minutes (it arrived in KC over an hour later that it should have left). There is a lot of difference between arriving at 9PM than at after 1AM. I know on a particular day something out of the ordinary can cause a large delay, but over the 4 days the EARLIEST the train was an hour and a half late. In my opinion the very least that should happen with a very late train, is a FULL refund for the passengers paid for by UP. I will be in the Rat's Patoot room for a while.
JAN Glad you are having a good time in the old country.
Thanks for the photo of the Swedish MG locomotive it looks on excellent condition.
It would great if can get your dad to visit the bar.
I generally like most types of music, favorite group ‘The Who'
It would be great to have a tour over the Milwaukee Road in that ‘Railcar'
A photo for RON and yourself,note the name.The locomotive was used for shunting at the brewery in Dublin.Alan took the pic at Whitehead the base of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland.
CM3 The 1st Law of Railroading brought back the memories. When us group of spotters were joined by another regular, or someone went away for a while, the first question was "What's been through" the answer was always an exotic engine from a far off depot to be greeted with the statement " Show us your book, lying. Of course when a rare loco did come through no one believed it.
I would like to hear more sayings.
It is so true about the deferred maintenance. In fact one of the worst terms I have heard is ‘Maintenance Holiday' trying to imply not doing maintenance is something good, at the worst, something really bad happens and generally when the maintenance is finally carried out it costs more than if it was done regularly.
I know we have seen the delays to Amtrak; it makes me wonder how much the freight is being delayed, no doubt to the anger of the customers.
I see in Ireland there is a lot of investment in railways, they are quadrupling a line out of Dublin and they are going to build a tunnel under the city for a new commuter heavy rail line.
Have heard of the unusual locomotive at the bottom of my post.
LARS I thought I was always in your good graces.
The bride and I were thinking of taking the train out and back to California but we have decided to fly out. We are taking the Southwest C
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, my friend, I would like my weekly Rumpsteak Café de Paris tonight!
Hmm, I wonder why we didn't reach 100 pages today and I would have won the contest!
JanOlov – Your dad started to work for the railroad in 1962? I started in 1964 so I was a few years later. Class Mg electric locomotive fram the mid 1940’s. 17 were built.Östersund? In the middle of Sweden. Below is a picture of the station in Östersund 1968.
Tom – The pictures? The first one shows two locomotives at San Luis Obispo. They were marked GM and Shane is quite sure one is an EMD Demo GP38-2. I took the picture in 1993 during the X2000 tour. The second picture is from Ottawa, during the Canadian Tour. It shows two of the locomotives (we had 3) and a baggage car, the first of three C&NW sleepers and we also had two private cars in our consist. Plus the X2000. Reading your trip report it seems to me like UP has not lifted many of the slow orders. How much slack do they want Amtrak to have, half a day?Nice ad for Canadian Pacific! I would Ride away on “The Canadian” anytime and then hide away at Banff Springs Hotel. Hope they have hiking trails. CM3 – Thanks for the info on the locos at San Luis Obispo! It seems like there are some E60s still in service. Amtrak and New Jersey Transit don’t have any, the last ones were retired in 2003. But according to Wikipedia there are some in service around Montreal (bought by Montréal Agence Métropolitaine de Transport, in Québec 2006) and in Colorado/Utah (Deseret-Western Railway). Texas Utilities bought 3 in 1999 for their Martin Lake Line.Lars – Do you mean the X2000 Tour around the US? The first part of the Tour started May 7 1993 and we returned to Washington D.C. July 22. Then we lef left for Canada July 26 and returned August 1. The Tour is showed on the map below. The text is in Swedish but that should not be a problem, right? Anyway, Red dots show cities along the North East Corridor, Blue dots show places where we spent at least one night and Yellow dots places where the train was on display. Not all places where we stopped are shown on the map.How did I get selected for that job? There were five of us to choose from and I guess I was the one most fluent in English. I had spent much more time in the US than the other guys before this happened. Yes, it was an honor.Nice book covers! At least I have one of those books, Travel by Pullman. A very interesting book.Ron – You should have made your post much longer. Then I would have won this contest!Very intereting links, especially the first one! It really shows a lot of details and features on those not so old steam locomotives!Pete – Since I don’ remember 100 % where I took the picture of the double-deck bus in London, please tell me. I kind of believe it is on Oxford Street not too far from Selfridge’s department store, but... Obviously UP doesn’t care at all how Amtrak is doing between St. Louis and Kansas City (or other places). Maybe it is time for the Congress to do something. Nice picture of that “Guinness” locomotive! I wonder what they have in the saddle tank? Beer?
Morning Tom and gentlemen,
EricX2000, indeed it is Östersund in the middle of Sweden young man. They've been living here for 31 years now. I used to tag along every now and then when he went to work in Sundbyberg (Sumpan) and around Stockholm for switching or transfer duties. His dad worked on the railroad and so did one of his cousins, in Vancouver B.C when he moved there in 1924. He had a short tour in and around the woods there first though. The "old man" got excited over the 1968 picture of Östersund, great pic! I'm sure that you two would have a few stories to share from back in the day...
Puts a few $ in the jukebox and the tip jar.....
Next is on me lads...
Wednesday's Witticism
When two play, one wins.
PLEASE READ THE MORNING ACKNOWLEDGMENTS!!
Mid-week in HOT mid-continent USA. Best I can offer is we're within striking distance of SEPTEMBER! <hooray>
<light> ‘n <traditional> breakfasts are ready to be ordered! Pastries are waiting in The Mentor Village Bakery Case ‘n the coffee's freshly ground ‘n brewed!
From the SAD SIDE: Heard from Fergie today by fone - his dad passed away on Monday.
Looks like Eric is the 2nd to go under with the "guesstimate" for the Contest. As of this writing, we're on Page 99.
Jan (JanOlov) at 7:42 AM ‘n 10:11 AM ‘n 11:04 AM ‘n 3:07 PM Tuesday - Aug 21st: Apologies in order regarding a question you posed a few days back . . . had to do with the difference between "railways" ‘n "railroads." No one picked up on it. That's unlike the crowd ‘round here - but then again, we're NOT the same as we used to be . . . hopefully BETTER!
Anyway, we've had this discussion at the bar and if memory is correct, there isn't really a difference, other than simple usage. Brits ‘n Euros use railways, whereas railroads seem more accepted in North America. HOWEVER, I remember putting up quite a list of U.S. roads that used (and use) railways. So, it comes down to whatever "flicks your Bic"!
We have a ROOM set aside for the guyz who MUST "vent" - it's called the RAT's PATOOT ROOM. Feel free to use it whenever the urge overtakes you . . . it's in the back, just to the left of the pool tables. <grin>
Tips wind up in the cigar box ‘n go to buying rounds for the house. Everyone working behind the bar is salaried ‘n draws their pay from the bathtub up on the 2nd floor - using their respective "dippers" of course! <ohhhhhhhh>
We listen to ALL KINDS OF MUSIC in this joint. Juke box has an inexhaustible quantity of tunes. It's been digitized - but still looks like a Wurlitzer from days gone by - it's called Herr Wurlitzter. Five plays for a quarter - and the coins are in the Coal Scuttle, right next to the juke. There's more - but of course you already know this - having availed yourself of "checking" us out before coming aboard, eh
Chicago ‘n St. Louis DID indeed have competing rail services for the passenger dollar. Not quite in the league with Chicago ‘n New York with the Broadway Ltd ‘n 20th Century Ltd, but the rivalries existed fer sure, fer sure.
Just off the top of my aging head, I can think of these passenger RRs operating between StL ‘n ChiTown - Gulf Mobile &Ohio - Wabash - Illinois Central ‘n Rock Island.
Now let me think about your comments regarding "cheating" - hmmmmmmm, and this from a guy who routinely provides multiple Posts, short on substance, long on graphics ‘n also has perhaps the largest avatar in the signature of any customer! Hmmmmmm - who is "loading up" the Pages?!?!? Just an observation! Nah, I don't think there is any "cheating" going on - but, one must always look at all sides of an issue, eh <uh oh>
Appreciate the WHISKY ‘n rounds!
CM3 Shane (coalminer3) at 8:31 AM ‘n 10:21 AM Tuesday - Aug 21st: Whatever the term used, putting off ‘til tomorrow what should've been done yesterday is PP business practice AND could prove to be dangerous.
I can't recall the last time train travel meant anything to me other than ENJOYMENT. I'd never take one if time was an issue - nope. However, when one experiences what went on this past Thursday, it's difficult to accept, much less overlook. I'm thankful that the opportunities have been there to take those daytime round trips - but I fear the service will wind up on the ash heap one day, and it all could've been avoided, it will be said. <
Lord Tom and gentlemen....
Cappucino for me and top up for the boys.
Cigars for the boys, justb delivered and I thought that i'd share....
Tom, "Now let me think about your comments regarding "cheating" - hmmmmmmm, and this from a guy who routinely provides multiple Posts, short on substance, long on graphics ‘n also has perhaps the largest avatar in the signature of any customer! Hmmmmmm - who is "loading up" the Pages?!?!? Just an observation! " border="0" width="15" height="15" /> Nah, I don't think there is any "cheating" going on - but, one must always look at all sides of an issue, eh " border="0" width="15" height="15" /> <uh oh>"
Darn! You spotted me......shoot!
Thanks for the replies as well, no apologies needed....
(Thinks of new ways to turn this competition to his favour)
Good Morning Barkeep and all Preset; coffee, please (New England Four Seasons Blend today); round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Cigars? I'll take one for later, thank you. We're heading back up into the higher temperatures later this week, youngest started back to school today, and gas is "holding" at $2.89.
Jan Olov - Taste(?) in music. As OSP remarked, it's eclectic. Sometimes I put song titles (all actual) in my posts - scroll back and you'll see them. I like just about everything except for some of the trash that is out there today. Thanks for the electric locomotive pictures.
DD - Thanks for the post and links - there is a lot of good material out there and I know what you mean about the day "flying by." Don't worry about costs - it's all part of the service.
Pete - Guinness? What's in the Texaco barrel? Nick (wherever he is) would appreciate this - I was taking pictures at Harmon one day and saw a six-dome tank car full of wine heading toward the City. Also, Bath and Hammondsport had wineglasses stenciled on their boxcars.
Amtrak is presently moving all sorts of Amfleet equipment west to cover for disrupted Talgo service. Lord knows what they are doing with their power. 50/51 usually has one unit. Most it can handle (grades and terrain) is 10 cars.
A 4-8-0 in any form was exotic. The N&W used them on branch line trains around here back in the day.
OSP Sent CP materials. The difference between "Railway" and "Railroad" was usually semantic. Oftentimes the name would change when a property went into receivership and emerged as a reorganized company. All about the lawyers, doncha' know.
Received your e-mail we'll try it and see what happens.
I see we've been visited by Jan 'n CM3 Shane to start off the daylight hours 'round here! Cigars from Cuba 'n straight talk from our WVA Connection. Good show!
Wednesday is OPTIONAL Toy 'n Model Trains Day!
These Pix represent my first train set. Unfortunately, that set is long gone and what you will see are recreations from other sources on the web . . . I'm sure you'll get the idea!
For many, you've seen these before, last time was 20 Dec 2006 on Page 447 of the Original Thread.
Lionel 2020 (O-27) PRR 6-8-6 S-2 turbine (1946-49)w/smoke & MagneTraction
Lionel #6020 I(O-27) tender w/whistle (1948-49)
Lionel #3451 operating log car (1947-48)
Lionel #6452 PRR gondola w/barrels (1948-49)
Lionel #2456 LV hopper (1948)
Lionel #2460 Bucyrus Erie Crane Car (1946-50)
Lionel #6420 DL&W work caboose /w searchlight (1948-50)
Lionel #1033 90 watt transformer (1948-56)
These trains are "classics" in every sense and represent to many an era as important as those we discuss here at the bar involving the real trains of days gone by . . .
Good day Tom and all present. A round of drinks and a Guinness for me. I hope Boris hasn't eaten all the possum. I think Andrew Zimmern might like to try some.
Eric: The shovelnose was indeed built by Mann. Electricals were provided by AEG. It was a three car train set similar to the Zephyr, but really didn't have anything to do with it. It may have just been a design experiment. Certain designs fall into a "similarity" box based on standard design practice. Take cars for example. Their streamline characteristics dictate their general outline, regardless of who designs them. Temuco is the place where the National Railroad Museum is located.
Lars: Thanks for the pics of the Chilean books. They sure have an unusual assortment of engines. After doing a lot of research, I found out that Chile got most of their rolling stock second hand from other countries including England, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Japan and even China. The U.S. has built some narrow gauge steamers for them way back. The 20 steam engines (Sante Fe class) they are presently refurbishing for their 2007 opening, were built by Mitsubishi. There is so much information on the web, that I cannot include all of it here. I can provide links where appropriate.
Tom: You haven't seen South America until you've seen Chile. It is the most "European" of all the SA countries, having been settled mainly by Germans, English and Spaniards. There was no slavery in Chile as was the case in the other countries (if you get my drift). My wife is from Chile (so was my second wife, my first wife was from Sweden).
Pete: Thanks for the Guinness loco pic. I hope the Texaco was for the engine and not for the beer. The NYC electric was taken fairly recently (2002?) and was in service in the subway yards. More research is needed to determine why the pantographs, as all NYC subways are third rail.
Jan: Those Swedish electrics are an engineering masterpiece. They have always appealed to me. Is that a Dodge or De Soto on the rails? I can see it's an inspection car. Is it on Milwaukee rails? Vintage 1946 or 8? Those cigars are a beautiful sight as I am a cigar smoker of 50+ years. My father was in the restaurant business back in the 50's in NYC and the tobacco salesmen would give him sample boxes of fine cigars. He didn't smoke, so he brought them home and that's how my cigar-smoking career got started. I only smoke hand-made imports, which can get pretty expensive.
Tom and all present,
An extra cold Guinness for me and a top up for everybody else please.
DD1, that's indeed a DeSoto, a 1947 me thinks. One of Milwaukee Road inspection cars.
I thought that those cigars would find a few new homes so to speak....
......grabs the guinness and sits down in the corner, waiting for more firsthand stories to be told.....and enjoyed
. . . and Ron 'n Jan have been "in"!
Another Blast from the Past!
<A form of this was initially Posted on Page 209 of the Original Thread>
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #52
Here's something to enjoy regarding the General Motors Electro-Motive Division from a 1948 advertisement in my personal collection.
The colorful recreation car on The Jeffersonian, Pennsylvania Railroad all-coach streamliner, provides a luxurious game and reading lounge, a children's playroom, a miniature movie theatre and a sunken buffet-lounge. The Jeffersonian is in daily service between New York and St. Louis. It is provided by a General Motors locomotive.
PLAY AS YOU GO
You get more fun out of the pleasures today's travel affords when you train is powered by a General Motors Diesel locomotive. For then you travel with a new smoothness - and a new speed, too. Often, on the straightaways, your train will top 100 miles an hour. General Motors locomotives have also brought a new cleanliness to travel - no smoke and cinders to mar your appearance; no clouds of steam to mar your view. For years General Motors locomotives have held the records for on-time arrivals. It is easy to see why 197 of America's finest, fastest name trains are headed by General Motors power. Easy to understand why better trains follow General Motors locomotives.
ELECTRO-MOTIVE DIVISION
GENERAL MOTORS * LA GRANGE, ILL.
Home of the Diesel Locomotive
Enjoy! Tom
ERIC AHHHH You have called my bluff, I would have said London for the bus's location, service 137 does run through Oxford Street today still, but it seems it does not go to Crystal Palace now. A link to the 137 service today.
http://uk.geocities.com/busroutes/placesindex/claphamcommon.htm#137
I wonder how the saddle tank would run on beer; I bet the steam would smell wonderful.
Thanks for the map of the X2000 route; it must have been a great way to see some of the railroads of North America.
JAN Many thanks for those great photos of the Swedish locomotives. I particularly liked the look of the center cab electrics.
I have been trying to turn the competitions at the bar in my favor for ages; if you find out how to do it can you let me know.
CM3 As you say NICK will enjoy the photo of the Guinness saddle tank, it would be good to know what he thought was in the Texaco barrel.
I wonder if Amtrak keep any of the older types of locomotives stored in case there is a sudden shortage of motive power. I guess using freight locomotives is of no use, as they cannot provide HEP
RON Glad you liked the photo of the Guinness tank loco. It must have been a good job for the engine crew shunting at the brewery.
It was good to hear that the NYC electric was still in service recently, hopefully when it is retired it would find its way to a museum. I'm sure that someone at the bar will be able to solve the question of the pantograph. I will be interested to know as well.
TOM Very sorry to learn of the sad news about Fergie's dad.
It does make one wonder why they did change the Amtrak schedule; it must have been UP who said it would be OK. One of the worst things about this is the poor passengers waiting at an unmanned station not knowing when the train will turn up in this hot weather, and think of the volunteers trying to look after passengers who will not be very happy.
Many thanks for the GM Nostalgia from 1948. They must be the most successful diesel locomotive manufacturers in the world today. There can't be many countries in the world, with a railroad system that does not have a GM locomotive.
I always enjoy seeing those Lionel Trains, especially that great ‘Erie Crane Car'
In the Railway Magazine I was talking about yesterday, there is another good article. After many years of research, two people have documented railway locomotives that have been lost at sea. The majority was caused by enemy action in the two World Wars.
An interesting fact I noticed, was the first and the last steam locomotives listed as lost, were destined for the United States. The first in 1829 was from England and the last in 1991 was a new steam loco from China.
As Eric did not win the competition(did you think Manager Lars would let you or me anywhere near the Penthouse Suite for a weekend) I will do Part 3 of the Named Locomotives of the Big 4.
LONDON MIDLAND & SCOTTISH RAILWAY. (LMS)
The two big rivals who were put together in the LMS were the London & North Western Railway and the Midland Railway. When formed, the LMS went with the MR small engine policy, which was found to be inadequate for the West Coast Main Line of the L&NWR. In a trial between a LNWR Claughton and a GWR Castle, the Castle out performed the Claughton. The LMS asked the GWR for a set of Castle blueprints, which request was refused but the SR allowed the LMS to have a set of their Lord Nelson drawings, this formed the basis of the Royal Scot class of 4-6-0s.
The Royal Scot train was the LMS rival to the LNER Flying Scotsman train from London to Scotland. The Royal Scot engines were named after regiments of the British Army, although when first built a few Scots were named after early steam locomotives that ran on lines the LMS now owned. These engines had a neat brass plate below the nameplate with an etched picture of the original loco named. Two of the Scots were named ‘The Boy Scout' and ‘The Girl Guide. An interesting byline was that one Royal Scot went from having the shortest name to one having the equal longest when No. 6121 went from H.L.I. to Highland Light Infantry, City Of Glasgow Regiment.
A smaller version of the Royal Scots was built. The first two of this class of 52 locos were nominally re-builds of Claughton class locos thought very little of the Claughtons was used in the new locos. The first loco was the L&NWR war memorial engine ‘Patriot' which the class was known as although they were also called ‘Baby Scots' in their early days. 42 of the locos were named, with a mixture of names including more army regiments, seaside resorts served by the LMS, railway officials and two LNWR employees who won Britai
Evening Leon and gents! Allow me to buy a round for the house and offer early congratulations for hitting the 100th page here? Should there be a contest to guess the date that the Trains moderator asks that this forum be closed since it's too big, like the original thread?
As you may have guessed, I am writing once again from the OD breakroom. The routine with job #2 has settled to days on Saturday and Sunday, Monday and Wednesday evenings. Oh well. Gotta do what one must do when raises and bonuses from job #1 aren't going to happen.
Have a pleasant evening. Sure looks like great material and fun times here at the bar!
Leon, a perfect time for an early breakfast! Coffee and a Cheese Danish! Thank you!
A busy day today. Started the day at the rehab, then to the pharmacy, to the doctor's office, to my office, to Cracker Barrel and a few other places. At least the doc agreed to let me go back to work the day after Labor Day! That feels good!
JanOlov – Glad your “old man” liked the picture! I’ve been switching in most yards in and around Stockholm, including Sundbyberg, see picture below.Sundbyberg 1980.Nice pictures of those locomotives! The top one is probably a Class Of, but I am not sure. The next one is a Class T41 followed by two Class Du2 and Class Hg (single cab). The next single cab is a Class Öc (can run on batteries). The cab interior is from a Du2, but I never saw a cab painted gray like that before.The inspection car is a 1947 Dodge. It now belongs to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, WI. Same car is on the picture below.
Tom – Very sorry to hear the sad news from Fergie. I think no one will win the contest! Ron will most likely be the one closest to the correct date! Yes, I have a lot of memories from my time with Amtrak and the X2000! Many more than photos! When I retire by the end of this year I am going to go through the 6 hours of video I shot during that time. The X2000 arrived in October 92 and was shipped back in October 93. The ICE train arrived in the summer of 93 and was shipped back in December/January 93/94. Darn, I missed the Model Train’s Day today! Too much to do. But I appreciate your pictures! I like that Lionel PRR S2 turbine locomotive the most! The real S2 was used for passenger service between Chicago and Crestline, OH, for a short period. Then it was placed in storage until scrapped.Thanks for the EMD ad! CM3 – If you come to Phoenix you can get gas for $2.46 (rounded).Ron – Do you know how many shovelnose trains they had? I agree, for natural reasons the design is very similar to the Zephyr. Pete – I guess my memory is slightly better than I thought! Even Selfridge’s was correct according to the info on the link! To travel around the US by train is the way to travel! you will see so many views you never will see when driving or (even worse) flying. It’s just so sad you have to count on being late for several hours when taking the train today. Thanks for the London Midland & Scottish Railway article! Not bad for an employee to get his name on a locomotive! I am sure they both earned and deserved it!Doug – I am sure we will hit the 100th page today!!! I am kind of confused about your job(s) but I hope everything will get straightened out to your satisfaction! Only 266 days to the 3rd Annual Rendezvous!
PLEASE READ THESE MORNING ACKNOWLEDGMENTS!!
And just like that it's the day before Friday! Where does the time go Once again we've made ready here at the Tavern by the Tracks for the morning's bill o' fare. Freshly ground ‘n brewed hot coffee - <light> ‘n <traditional> breakfasts from our Menu Board - along with freshly baked pastries in The Mentor Village Bakery case! C'mon - let's dig in.
Ron has bitten the dust with his guesstimate for the Contest. Appears we may not have a winner. We're still on Page 99 - Whowuddathunk it, eh
Jan (JanOlov) at 6:15 AM ‘n 11:48 AM Wednesday - Aug 22nd: Cuban cigars - nice touch! We have an area set aside for such things - great vent system, it's called the "outback"!! Of course here in cyber space, we can do as we please 'n the "issues" of reality just don't apply! So lite up, boyz!!
Now for the sore point: This is a bar ‘n grill - a tavern - a saloon and NOT a Cappuccino joint or a coffee shop or a . . . . We're a man's bar! <geesh> Cappuccino - yeah right! Best you can get ‘round here is <unleaded> or <regular> with a "splash" of hooch. But you already knew that! <grin>
Forum's glitch: Gotta watch the cut ‘n paste - somethings do not transpose clearly - especially the Forum's smilies ‘n symbols. Gotta check what you Post! <uh oh>
Rounds (top offs) appreciated!
CM3 Shane (coalminer3) at 8:44 AM Wednesday - Aug 22nd: Always good to have some corroboration - yours is something to take to the bank!
Cards pulled out a game they had "lost" on Monday nite - thanx to a couple of errors by the Florida Fish.
Email received ‘n replied to . . . thanx!
Quarters, round ‘n visit most welcome!
Ron (DD1) at 11:32 AM Wednesday - Aug 22nd: There's so much of this old world I'd like to see ‘n experience, but as they say, "So little time." My long, long distance traveling days are long gone I suspect. Don't doubt what you say about Chile, but I'll have to just enjoy what I can catch on the tube or here in the Ether.
Bride #3, eh I figger two is my limit. <grin>
Where did you get that AM-103 foto of the "shovelnose"? I've looked ‘n looked, but have never gotten a "hit" on it in the Ether. Been looking ever since you Posted it.
My guess is Mr. Zimmerman would eat the A-end of a snake if it didn't wiggle! <yuck>
Visit, chat ‘n round of drinks appreciated!
Pete (pwolfe) at 4:21 PM Wednesday - Aug 22nd: Pretty quiet during the afternoon - glad you made it "in"!! Poor Ruth, she looked so tired - almost as if she needed her nap up in the Penthouse Suite! <say what!?!?>
Only YOU would think boiling beer steam would have a good smell! <geesh>
This talk of Nick (nickinwestwales) brings to mind that our West Wales Connection is long overdue for a visit. Personal situations vary and always are changing, for us all. At least he sent me an Email - which is far more than some of the Legion guys have done.
Don't know when we'll see Fergie - funeral is Monday the 27th. His dad was living with them and had some serious health issues. I believe he was 86 and according to Fergie, didn't have an easy time of it at the end. I'm sure the condolences from our guys will positively impact him once he makes his return.
AMTRAK, but more importantly the State of Missouri, got SNOOKERED by Union Pacific. That&#
Tom The Almighty and gentlemen.....
An extra cold Guinness for me and a top up for everybody else. Puts some change in the tip jar and juke box.....Wreck Of Old 97, Wabash Cannonball and others streams out from the speakers...followed by some more Rockabilly.
Just thought that I'd share some winter pics with you lads. Unfortunately they're a tiny wee modern but I hope that'll be ok with you anyway. The locomotive is an RC and they're taken on the line to Storlien me thinks, on the border to Norway.....
Not as bad as the Rockies, or the bad boys further west....but still some light snowfall.
Ruth my deAH, ‘tis I, the man in your life <I WISH!!> with a hankerin' for a mugga Joe with a jolt! That's about "it" when you're at my age in life. <grin>
Treats for the crittAHs, Boris line ‘em up! Small jar of PPF is yours when you're finished ‘n don't forget to take Artie outback for his "field mouse"! <ugh>
CHANGE is good for the soul, or so I've heard. We remaining for a few more days up here in paradise north. Just in no hurry to return to "the island" called home. We figured, why not What's the rush, plus we're really kickin' back ‘n letting the world pass us by. Phil ‘n his Chief Mate are fantastic people along with being splendid hosts.
By the way, Phil passes his regards to Cap'n Tom ‘n the guys who may recall him from earlier this year down in the Keys. Said he's amazed at how much material gets logged at the bar. Wants Da Boss to know that if he's evAH in these parts, to make sure a "heads up" is given, for he'd like to meet you (and your Mrs.)!! Yeah, I KNOW, you'' probably nevAH come down to the Keys, but I've read a comment or two about how much you enjoy "upstate New Yawk," so why not, huh Can't get much further "up" than this.
Won't even try to make a full compilation of comments, but I will hit the "high notes" for what I've seen:
Wondered why we haven't seen Allan from NZ ‘round here lately. Server problems! Just like women - can't live with ‘em or without ‘em, huh <groan>
My condolences to our Canadian friend, Fergie, on the loss of his dad. Never a pleasant time, but I hope the memories are all positive! Best to you ‘n yours, Chief Officer Fergie!
So, WHO is this guy "barndad" ?????
For Da Boss: Always providing those great nostalgia posts - CP was a fine sight and the EMD ad is a "gudun" too!
Your Cardinals have caught up with the Brewers in the loss column. My Mets aren't looking as consistent as they need to be to go all the way. BUT, they're in 1st place with the best winning percentage in the NL.
For Ron: Enjoyed the links ‘n motive power "stuff" related to Chilean railroading.
Remind me not to provide YOU with anymore book covers! <grin>
For Jan: Cuban smokes, huh I LOVE ‘em - but the Mrs. says I have to light up in the next county! <grin> Fortunately, Phil ‘n I "sneak" down to the boat for our cigars . . . <grin>
I think the term is <gotcha> from Da Boss! <uh oh>
Nice string of Swede power. As Da Boss said, how ‘bout some narrative
Some great looking winter shots. What do you mean by "bad boys further west"?? What's further west than the Rockies??
Sure could use a bunch of photos on Saturday, which is our Photo Posting Day ‘round here. Unless one is using photos ‘n graphics to support a submission, we try to limit pix to about a half dozen or so . . .
Your father at the bar? Now that would be a first! Hmmmmm, hope you're "of age" to be here. We've already had a bad experience with a pretender. Don't get me wrong, but burned once is enuf if you follow my drift.
For Eric: Many, many thanks for the insights of your X2000 experiences here in the states ‘n up in Canada. What a great map!! I also visited your train AND the Ice train in NYC way back when. I never figured Amtrak would spring for the bucks for either version, but it was nice walking through ‘em.
Have a "belt" on me for your efforts!
So what's the hurry to return to work?? Thought you were retiring in less than a year??? Mixed signals, mate!
For Pete: Looks like YOU will be in charge over the weekend, as I'm remaining up here. So that means you get to use MY dipper, but ONLY if you show up for duty!! This taking off on Saturdays isn't gonna "get it." <grin>
Thanks for feeding the crittAHs, but don't forget Boris gets a small jar of pickled pig's feet too! He was looking might forlorn when I last saw him (most difficult to look the guy in the ‘eye'! Anyway, he expects a treat too . . .
I too enjoyed your rendition of those fine Brit locos &l
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please (New England Breakfast Blend); round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Gonna be a hot one today and even hotter tomorrow. It's hard to believe that we are baking and dry here and not too far away, in Ohio, they are underwater. Gas is at $2.89 this a.m.
Let's see what's happening today.
Jan Olov - The snow shots were most appreciated. Terrain looks much like where my wife's people are in western New York. Look close, folks, the work always comes down to a guy with a shovel. Inspection vehicle is a dandy. IIRC, New Haven had a hi-rail Cadillac (now there's a title for a country song).
PETE - Many thanks for LMS material. The Duchess is as lovely as ever! There's something about the LMS livery that works, too. GE is the big dog in locomotives in the U.S. right now. I'll try and resend e-mail in a bit - maybe it'll get through this time.
Barndad (!?) - Stopped by.
DD1 visited with wide-ranging comments,
Eric covered a lot of territory as well. Good medical news from the sound of it. Cracker Barrel (home to all starving miners - eat enough there and you're good for two shifts underground).
OSP is here with a Lionel rerun - always good to see the "big iron." I started with steam in Lionel and then dieselized - never got the NYC F units I coveted, but I did have a CB&Q GP7 (silver and red); so that's how the Burlington came to be in New England. The EMD summary was a good one. They are now, of course, not a player in the U.S. as they once were. I grew up around all sorts of first generation EMD stuff. Boston and Maine was the big player as they had lots of early geeps and EMD yard switchers (I know, Boris, they also had BL2s - no, not BLTs, but I'll take the sandwich and put it in the dinner bucket for later.) They also ran beautiful E units on their passenger trains, and Fs on freights. Across town, the New Haven had more variety with their power. They had geeps, and, of course, FL9s. Much of their other power was Alco and FM when I was a "pup."
The builder's plate is later EMD - earlier ones were oval. Oldest EMD power I recall being "up close and personal" with was old prewar E units which came through Nashville every now and then. They were in SCL paint by then but they still could get the job done.
Cards keep moving - Red Sox wasted another quality pitching performance last night, and, OMG did the Texas nine put an almighty hurting on the Birds. Too bad they don't have a mercy rule in MLB.
Hit "refresh" and there's Lars. anyway, I heard the crunch of the bookmobile tires on the driveway. BTW, how did you ever sneak that bus out of Glacier? Good to hear from you. The Monon book is a good one and the NYC electric book is a good pictorial introduction to the subject. Check out that gorgeous P motor on the cover. Smoking "seegars" on the boat? Good plan, also keeps the bugs away.
Always a good day when our WVA Connection, CM3 Shane, provides such a fine AM Posting! Glad to see Manager Lars come back AND those winter shots by Jan, our Resident Swedish Scot, "cooled" things off quite nicely!
And now, a Fallen Flag . . .
The Passenger Railroad Fallen Flags of "Our" Place #20
Here's another Fallen Flag for the gang from Classic American Railroads:
Spokane, Portland & Seattle (SP&S)
<A form of this was Posted on Page 134 of the Original Thread>
Caveat: The information provided is NOT all inclusive and is reflective only of the periods mentioned.
Headquarters: Portland, OR Mileage in 1950: 968 Locomotives in 1963: Diesel: 93 Rolling stock in 1963: Freight cars: 3,547 Passenger cars: 48
Principal routes in 1950: Portland-Spokane, WA Portland-Seaside, WA Portland-Eugene, OR (subsidiary Oregon Electric Railway) Wishram, WA-Bend, OR subsidiary Oregon Trunk Railway)
Passenger trains of note: Columbia River Express [Portland-Spokane) Empire Builder (Portland-Chicago) Oriental Limited (Portland-Chicago) Western Star (Portland-Chicago) North Coast Limited (Portland-Chicago) Mainstreeter (Portland-Chicago)
Of note: SP&S handled GN's Empire Builder, Oriental Limited and Western Star between Portland and Spokane; SP&S handled NP's North Coast Limited and Mainstreeter between Portland and Pasco, WA
Some drumheads of the SP&S
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