Good Morning/Afternoon Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please (iced); round for the house and $ for the jukebox. ‘Tis like a sauna here today with temps pushing toward 100 - very unusual for this area.
Lets' see what's happening.
Mike stopped by with pictures.
Vinnie looks as though he's ready for the game - Schaefer's and Luckies (breakfast of champions, eh, Boris?) Background of Ebbets Field was from an angle you don't see too often in pictures.
Color shot of the Scooter was excellent - look at the shoes, the glove, the heavy uniform - also check out how the base is anchored to the field - old school - gotta love it.
The picture of the "Joy Boys" was a good one. End of an era for sure.
Pete's here - e-mail works - I'll be in touch.
The Duchess is getting a facelift? The shots of LMS 5960 - my, my! Belpaire firebox and look at them drivers!
DD1 - The electric in the picture looks like a hybrid NYC Class T and NYC Class P. Interesting.
Allan is here.
Was that Rob I saw hiding in the shadows - get him, boys!
JanOlov - Thanks for your shots, I (of course) especially liked the ones of the ore trains.
OSP sent all sorts of SP&S material. We used to see carloads of lumber from them on the B&M branch at home.
BTW, I am considered to be a qualified SPF by some of my fellow NYC devotees.
Now about the buses. They have been a fixture at Glacier Park for years. There were 33 of them constructed by White between 1936 and 1939. They were rebuilt awhile back and are used to tour people on the Going to the Sun Road at Glacier National Park. The following link will take you to the tour company site; there is a link to the busses there (with pictures). I think you'll see what I meant about Lars's bookmobile. http://www.glacierparkinc.com/
Book relay? All right! I'll send an e-mail to you a bit later today.
Lars - Your post wasn't there when I hit "refresh." I send my post and there you are! How do they do that? Good picks for reading material. McGee and Nixon items are top of the line (price and quality). Hope you are enjoying your sojourn in the North Country. Been to see the D&H yet?
Fergie - Our thoughts are with you.
Work safe
Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth my deAH, set em' up for the gang ‘n I'll have my morning Java with a jolt if you please! My, my, how radiant you are. Makes we wish I was there instead of here! Mixed bag - love the getaway, miss YOU! <blush>
Boris, I see the crittAHs have lined up, which can mean only one thing - they're HUNGRY! So feed ‘em ‘n that small jar of PPF is for you! Don't forget, take Artie out back for his field mouse "delight"! <ugh>
Hey gents - I must say something (unusual for me, huh??> Anyway, it's becoming rather clear to me that we are going to have to get back to the WAY WE WERE at this bar. Remember the days when we DID NOT acknowledge those who failed to acknowledge US??? Count me "out" for the bending over backwards to please ‘n appease those who could care less about the way things are done here. That's just the way it is with me and will be for as long as I hang around at "Our" Place. The ignorance factor P's me off, big time. Just like in real life, you don't speak to me, I don't speak to you..
Can't understand why we have guys who think that responding to those who drop in every other week (maybe) is going to get their attention. Good Grief Charlie Brown, do you need a wall to fall in on you?? They aren't reading - plain ‘n simple. ‘Nuf said
Yeah I know, I'm a divider not a unificator! <grin>
Predictions of thunderstorms for today thru the weekend. Oh well, it's been near perfect ‘round here since our arrival. But the temperatures are on the rise as summer appears to be trying to make a comeback. <ugh> Some lightning strikes on the lake will keep us ashore . . .
Anyone seen that latest "Bourne" flick I think the Cap'n mentioned it awhile back. We saw it last night ‘n it's really an action packed film. Aside from the not-so-subtle anti-US not-so-sublimal shots, it's a fast pace thriller, for sure. Recommend it - has some good European train shots too! The Bourne Ultimatum is the name - escaped me for the moment! <senior moment at that!>
We definitely want to be back home before the Labor Day weekend, so mid-week coming looks like departure time for us.
I'll try to "hit" on the hi-lites (for me) of the posts since my last visit . . .
For Da Boss: The Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway - now there's one ya don't see very often. I've got some "stuff" at the end of this post to supplement your ad . . .
COUNT ME IN ON THE RR BOOK RELAY! I've sent my Email . . . A great idea ‘n a book that looks mighty interesting. Good Show from you ‘n Wolfman Pete!
For Allan: Great to see ya again - was hoping that ‘puter issue would get rectified. Now let's see if you can catch up! <ho ho ho> So much there, so little time, huh Glad you didn't bail out on us, as we like having our NZ Connection around! The drink is on ME!
For Eric: Don't do that to me!! I think it was the early 90's, but your photo gives it away! Penn Station was the place, so it must've been 1993. Hurts to think "that hard"! <grin
Yeah, I post covers of videos (VHS ‘n DVD) along with books. "Good eye
I see your Reptiles are still in 1st place.
For Ron: If you build it, they will come! <Field of Dreams>
Came close with your "guesstimate" for 100 - but not close enuf, huh
For Pete: Needless to say, you're going to ENJOY being fitted for those cement shoes! Admin duties are NOT in the purview of the Bar Chandler. So keep your thoughts in focus, man, focus! Does the name Silvia mean anything to you?!?!?
Weekend duties pretty much involve ensuring that all runs smoothly ‘round here. Friday nite track gangs in the pool room <ugh> - dinners tonite ‘n tomorrow - making sure the bar is covered ‘n gals are waiting tables. You can handle it . . .
Ok - I think that pretty much sums up those who "spoke" to me!
Some covers ‘n signs for the SP&S!
NOTICE! NOTICE! NOTICE!
We are about to begin a new RR BOOK RELAY! For the guyz at the bar who've been here awhile, you recall the success we had a couple of years back with this. So, we're going to do it again!
Pete (pwolfe) has a book that he'd like to share with the boyz - it's called Red for Danger. Here's a photo of what may be on the cover of his version:
So what's a RR BOOK RELAY
For the guyz interested in reading this book, here's how it works:
(1) Send me an Email with your full postal mailing address.
(2) Upon receipt of the book, send an Email stating that you received it.
(3) Before mailing it to the next person on the list, make your written comments on the blank page(s) provided.
(4) Send me an Email stating that the book has been mailed to . . . .
(5) Last person on the list - which will be me - mails it back to Pete.
(6) I will ensure that all participants get an Email compilation of the comments made . . .
Simple enough
Now WHO wants "in"
Let me know by EMAIL because sometimes things Posted at the bar have a way of getting misplaced (ie: not read)!!
Let's have some fun with this!
Tom
Tom and all....
Terribly sorry about that folks. All this running around visiting family, friends and old work back in the old country, I completely forgot about it.....
An extra cold Guinness for me and a top up for the boys please.
......puts change in the tip jar and jukebox.....
To make it up to you this Friday, I'll make everybody's favorite meal no matter what it is..ok?
<courtesy: www.viarail.ca>
G'day Gents!
It's THAT day again, FRIDAY! Time to fill up the coffee mugs, order a <light> or <traditional> breakfast ‘n try a few pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery!
CONTEST is OVER! :Page 100 was reached yesterday, Aug 23rd!!! Honorable Mention to Ron (DD!) who essentially "backed into" it, as his first choice had been the 21st! <grin> THANX to all who participated.
Petrol up at "Collusion Corner" was $2.60 (rounded) yesterday . . . Temps made it to the century mark downtown and it was 98 (F) here. But of course adding that nonsense about "feels like" - then it was near 110. HOT by any other description. <ugh> Supposed to drop into the mid-80s over the weekend - then return to the 90s shortly thereafter. C'mon FALL!
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative)
Jan (JanOlov) at 6:27 AM Thursday - Aug 23rd: Quite a string of winter RR scenes! Wunnerful to see the SNOW, especially when we're broiling here in mid-continent USA. <phew>
Thought we'd get a Chief Chef's Special from you for Thursday . . . But no matter, Fish 'n Chips is ALL Pete EVER eats when it's on the menu. <grin>
Thanx for the "top up."
Lars (LoveDomes) at 8:28 AM Thursday - Aug 23rd: Don't blame you one bit regarding staying in "upstate NY" - especially if the surroundings are as pleasant as you've described. Regards to Phil, ‘n we're still waiting for him to appear at the bar!
About the ONLY reason we'd be in "upstate NY" from here would be on a trip to Cooperstown, something I've wanted to do for decades, but never have. Don't have a clue if it will ever materialize. Getting as far north as Plattsburgh, well that's ‘nother matter. Nice of Phil to extend the "invite," ‘n please tell him THANX!
Quite an eclectric (there's THAT word!!) spate of covers from the Larsman! What's Shane talking about with his comment about Glacier ‘n the bus
Not to be concerned about Saturday's. The way I figger it is the guys who want to be here, will. PERIOD. We'll keep it as ENCORE! ‘n Photo Posting Day! for those who give a Rat's Patoot. Appreciate your support - as always.
Visit, covers, chat ‘n round most welcome!
CM3 Shane (coalminer3) at 9:08 AM Thursday - Aug 23rd: Funny how we recall those electric trains we wished for, but never got! Using your term, "back in the day" I longed for Lionel's GG1, but there was no way in Gawd's Green Earth that I'd ever get one. First off it was O-gauge ‘n my layout was O-27 - that monster wouldn't have negotiated my switches or curves. Secondly, it was so far out of my paperboy budget that to dream was the best I could do.
Glad you enjoyed the EMD ad . . . builder's plate was an add-on, only one I could find! Leave it to our WVA Oracle to come up with the oval vs. rectangular! But then again, it's good stuff to KNOW!
Appreciate the quarters, round ‘n chat!
Mike (wanswheel) at 3:11 PM Thursday - Aug 23rd: Surprises never cease as another of our irregular former regulars returned to the bar. URLs, what else, from our ResidentURLMeisterMonsterMike!
I see you put us on Page 100 . . . a milestone for the bar!
Round appreciated!
Pete (pwolfe) at 4:37 PM Thursday - Aug 23rd: Nice looking LMS livery - reminds me a bit of PRRs tuscan . . .
Email received ‘n responded to . . .
Methinks that anyone even remotely "thinking" about Ruth, will have Lars to contend with! <uh oh>
I'm not going to be Transportation Liaison for anyone - that was a paid political position that I held for about 6 years ‘n absolutely will not engage in it again. However, this effort has to do with putting some trains back on the tracks running through the area I live in. Primarily freight, w
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, I'll have my usual ham sandwich, please! Let's start with a Tui!
Some nice surprises today! Mike and Rob stopped by!
Tom – Very few turbine locomotives were successful. There was one private railroad in Sweden who bought 3 turbine locmotives for their iron ore trains and they used those locmotives for many years. The first one was built 1930 and the other two 1936. All three have been preserved and one of them is still operational. Picture of them on the link below.http://www.historiskt.nu/diverse/dagens_bild/dagens_bild_05.aspSpokane, Portland & Seattle Railway! I have heard about them before but did not know much at all. How long did they stay in business? JanOlov – Terrible pictures! That is what I hate about the old country, snow and ice! Interesting pictures though. It’s okay when I can sit here in 110° F looking at them.I like those pictures from Malmbanan! At least most of them are taken during the summer time with midnight sun and 24 hours daylight! The Class R steam locomotives were used hauling iron ore from Kiruna to Narvik, Norway, before the electrifcation 1910-1915.Lars – Tell Phil we all hope he will become a regular guest here at the Bar by the siding! Maybe I saw you when you visited the X2000 in 1993 (or was it 92?). Where was it at?
Penn Station, NYC, August 1993.
I am retiring in 119 days! But I will probably work part time for another year. Nice book covers and one ad! I just noticed that the Daylight Freedom Special is a DVD! CM3 – You are correct about Cracker Barrel and eating there. I have been going to the same CB the last 9 1/2 years for my lunch almost every workday. It’s getting close to 2500 visits now. Mike – Good to see you again, sir! Glad you are not shy any more! Nice picture of that inspection car! Looks like a Chrysler! That Hiawatha locomotive was a different looking one! Never seen that before!Pete – Thanks for those stories about railroad heroes! I bet those cleaners felt kind of stupid when Woods got a locomotive named after him! Nice looking locomotive, Leander! Ron – I am afraid that you are correct about no more engines are being built in Sweden. ABB sold their Traction Division and Bombardier was the last one, as far as I know, who built any trains (EMUs) in Sweden. I have never seen anything like a shovelnose in Sweden. If you find out something else, please let me know! I finally found out about that electric locomotive (#64) you posted a picture of a couple of days ago. It is an old boxcab from Butte, Anaconda & Pacific Railway (BA&P) in Montana. They electrified their railroad in 1912 and run the first electric train in 1913. It was a very successful move by the railroad, owned by a copper mine. It was a 2400 V D.C. electrification and they bought 17 80 ton boxcabs. 15 of them were geared for freight and 2 were geared for passenger service (55 mph). Thanks for the pictures of the NYC locomotives! I’ll see if I can find any info about the top one. Allan – Good to see you again! Hope you will get your connection and server straightened out!Rob – The BIG surprise, glad to see you again!!! Welcome back! Hope to see you soon again! Time to talk about streetcars!
Eric
Some closeups on a Dm-3 electric....
Noooooooo!......down on his knees reaching for the skies and screams.....NOT 100 already, it's NOT fair!
Erm.....cough, cough, cough.....sorry about that Sir Tom and gentlemen.
An extra cold Guinness will probably calm me down, and top up the lads too please if you don't mind.
Abisko Östra railway station and old transformer building in northern Sweden along the Malmbanan
Björkliden over the national park into Lapporten ''(the Gate to Lappland)''.
Torneträsk (Lake Torneå) railway station and powerstation on Malmbanan.
Vassijaure railway station and powerstation also on Malmbanan.
One of the old girls on Malmbanan, Class R a 2-10-0.
An empty ore train on its way to Kiruna at Haugfjäll west of Björnfjäll.
Connex train from Stockholm and Luleå on its way to narvik near Katterat.
Two El 15-locomotives with a loaded ore train above Rombaksbotn between Katterat and Rombak.
Good evening Captain Tom and all the ships at sea It has been an eternity since I last graced the finest pub this side of the either. I'm glad to see that it's still in full swing and with several new faces since I last perched upon my stool. Yes Boris you can take that potted plant off of it.I seems that the gods of employment smile once again and I should be able to stop by more often then I had been ( don't say it too loud though in case they change their minds )
First allow me to drop a $50 in the box for the morning rounds, also Boris you will find 10 kegs of keith's that I brought back with me from Nova Scotia as well as several cases of screetch from the Rock ( only to be consumed by those with a cast iron constitution.
Tom please pass my best wishes onto Fergie and his clan as well hearing of his dad's passing isn't the happiest of first news to read now that I am back.
Anyway gents I'm off for now remember to grab a round on me at the best "Saloon by the siding" the internet has to offer.
Rob
Hi Tom and all,
Leon set em up all round , Tui`s if you like.
Tom. Am on line again but am having some difficulty posting my entry, just did a 1/2hr write up and it would`nt post properly. Will get onto my server to find out whats up!
See ya, Allan
Good day Tom and all in attendance. A round of drinks for all and a pint of the Guinness for me.
Lars: Now that's an engine. Maybe I'll try building one of them next.
Fergie: Sorry to hear of your loss. I don't pray much, but I will offer up one.
Eric: I enjoyed the pics of that beautiful trackwork, catenary and electric engine. I read that Sweden no longer manufactures railway engines, but gets them made in Finland and assembled in Sweden. I think (if memory serves me) they got six shovel noses and they didn't last too long in service. I will do some research on the subject.
Mike: Those baseball greats photos brought back fond memories. Baseball has never been the same with them gone. That's why I don't follow baseball much anymore. How did Hiawatha sneak in?
Tom: I did some research and came up with everything you wanted to know about the shovel noses. Read on.
In 1930, Man of Germany produced trains that ran successfully from Berlin to Hamburg and were called "Automotive train, Hamburg type". In 1938, Chile ordered six units, but due to the war in Europe, only two sets were delivered. In 1946, the other four units were finally delivered to be put into service during the 1947/1948 summer season. High cost of fuel, maintenance and rider-ship, caused service to be curtailed. In 1954, service was to begin again, but the introduction of more fuel friendly diesels, relegated the "Arrow-of-the-South" as they were called to secondary rail service. By 1960, the trains were taken out of service permanently due to their high maintenance and fuel costs. One of the biggest problems was the lack of spare parts. In 1980, the railway people discovered a cache of brand new spares for the trains, but it was now too late. The trains were now beyond repair. The specifications of the trains were: power by 2 Man diesels of 600 hp, 4 motors by AEG, a speed of 130km/hr, a capacity of 124, 1st class passengers. Track gauge was 1676 mm (65.5"). The time from Santiago to Puerto Montt, a distance of 1080 km 9900 miles) was 17 hours.
Since you are also a New York Central fan, here is a photo taken in Valpariso, Chile. Not to worry, those kids on top are playing on a display engine. I saw this engine when I was there last, but didn't take a picture. This shot is from the web.It was built by Alco with Westinghouse gear and looks similar to the NYC and NYNH&H engines except the platforms appear much longer and the headlight is located differently. Here are two more. The first is the NYC, the second the NYNH&H
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Bathams (not cold) please Ruth.
DOUG Great to see you in the bar, and thanks for the round. Yes soon 100 pages.
I must admit I too thought the moderator for Trains has been mighty quiet lately.
Hope you are not working too hard.
ERIC Thanks for the details on Jan's Swedish photos.
Glad you enjoyed the LMS named locos. I will have to do the one on the LNER namers soon.
There was a great letter in Steam Railway a while back, I cannot find the issue now, but the gist of the letter was about Private Woods VC. He was a foreman cleaner at an engine shed and the young engine cleaners did not give him a lot of respect until one day he arrived at the shed in a suit and it was the day the locomotive was named after him. After that the cleaners always addressed him as MR Woods.
There have been modern locomotives named after railwaymen who have been awarded the George Cross Britain's highest civilian honour, sadly some posthumously. Two that were named were Class 47 diesels in the 1970s, they were 47574 Benjamin Gimbert G.C. and 47579 James Nightall G.C. These brave men saved the Cambridgeshire town of Soham from great devastation when a wartime ammunition train caught fire, by detaching the burning wagon and hauling it clear of the town, where it exploded.
JAN Thanks for the top up and those winter pics. I hope the overhead power was still on as the locomotive crew could at least have some heating in the locomotive, although the power would be switched off while the locomotives were rescued, I would suppose.
LARS Glad you are enjoying your break in the north and can you say HI to PHIL from me.
OK I will give BORIS his Pickled Pigs Feet, although I suspect he had something to do with the photos in the envelope.
Many thanks for the bookcovers and adverts. On the British Rail cover, at the time there were a lot of moans about the corporate blue and white every locomotive and coach was painted. Nowadays the stock and locos can be seen in many varied liveries. The loco is a class 86 locomotive, these were introduced in 1965/66 and there are a few still in use on intermodel freights. One class 86 has been privately preserved and returned to the main line for use on specials, it has been painted in BR blue as on the cover and some MK III coaching stock painted in the blue and white colours to match. It looks a fine sight.
NO NO NO not Bathams COLD. We will have go to the Black Country area of the Midlands in England where the Batham and Holden pubs are.
Does being in charge at the weekend mean I have to do the ‘Admin Duties', I see the Penthouse is free as no one has won the Competition, and as I have the treat jars, what goes on in the Penthouse should stay in the Penthouse.
CM3 The LMS livery was a great livery After BR was formed the passenger locos of the ex LMS were painted in Brunswick Green, which suited the Duchesses as well. In the late 1950s some of the English based members of the class were painted in maroon, as in the picture. It should not be too long now before the Duchess that is being re fitted with a streamline casing is finished no doubt it will look stunning in its Maroon and gold stripe livery.
Back around 1980 the Midland Compound 4-4-0 was on the main line and on one trip it was paired with LMS Jubilee ‘Leander', the tour ran over the Settle & Carlisle line and the two LMS looked superb against a snowy background. The Compound was a loco I never get to ride behind as each time I booked to go on it the tour did not run, usually down to a high fire risk, and when it did run I was unable to go on the tours.
A couple of pics of Leander in LMS livery
At York on a main line special, with a poor film I'm afraid.
A better photo from Alan with Leander at Bury on the preserved East Lancs Railway
Receive e-mail and I have replied, thanks
TOM It is best if I don't get involved with an
Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house
Are we there yet? Guess so. Happy Hundred!
It's been a while. Lightning wrecked the internet connection and by the time it got fixed I got shy.
Deep condolences to Fergie. No doubt his Dad was very proud to have a son in the Coast Guard.
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?2007051000482328925.jpg
Perlman & Saunders
http://pro.corbis.com/images/U1515257.jpg?size=67&uid={a5bc70a6-05ec-4ac9-9fc8-7776def5edff}
Red Barber
http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/cph/3c20000/3c20000/3c20200/3c20217v.jpg
Mel Allen
http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/cph/3c10000/3c12000/3c12000/3c12027v.jpg
The Gipper
http://pro.corbis.com/images/U1853207.jpg?size=67&uid={18601b77-8e68-4c94-90ad-bc200347fe45}
Vin Scully
http://jpg3.lapl.org/pics05/00022010.jpg
Russ Hodges
http://pro.corbis.com/images/U1320327INP.jpg?size=67&uid={2a36f405-208c-47cc-93ff-6eb2b63f8c84}
Jerry Coleman
http://pro.corbis.com/images/DM2538.jpg?size=67&uid={7d12588d-e931-4b9b-a3d4-b7481a35662b}
Yogi Berra
http://pro.corbis.com/images/BE049680.jpg?size=67&uid={d340f8e9-8811-4f30-9de1-275e8e94355d}
Allie Reynolds
http://pro.corbis.com/images/U996393ACME.jpg?size=67&uid={134c239d-f181-479a-8acc-8f485690b063}
The Duke of Windsor
http://pro.corbis.com/images/U1224480INP.jpg?size=67&uid={6b317044-6559-42ee-9b95-1b19bbc4bbc7}
Phil Rizzuto
http://pro.corbis.com/images/U595606ACME.jpg?size=67&uid={7e37a803-832b-4610-ac53-eee7d9b34591}
http://pro.corbis.com/images/U1124151B.jpg?size=67&uid={b98545a0-637b-414a-955e-b2014f5b0cc8}
Hiawatha
http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/pr_hiawatha.jpg
Mike
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
Enjoy! Tom
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.
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
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.
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
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
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&#
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!
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!
A pint of Bathams please RUTH.
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
. . . 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
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
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.
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 . . .
Enjoy!
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.
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)
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. <
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...
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?
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