Hello Tom and all in
I'll have a pint of mild please.
Thanks for your comments Tom, I guess the Caboose option at the Trainwreck was missed by me as my browser does not pick up many of the pictures, as mentioned before (although I'm getting the layout pics you just posted - very nice!)
Tom, good to start reading your commentary on the Gaspe trip - I'll wait to see how late the return journey was given your outbound delay.
That comment about pics does not apply to James though - I enjoyed your illustrated post and glad you've had the time to call by.
The Glasgow electric unit poster I posted was a type of train that earned the nickname ‘blue trains' because of that livery - long after they stopped painting them blue I might add. As you say it was great colour scheme. I wonder if Mike could find some great colour slides of those trains from that period - the US ones always ‘cut the mustard'.
Looks like the fireless loco stimulated a few comments - from James, Lars, Pete, Ron, CM3 etc.
Ron, I certainly agree with Pete re the use of brick in the UK railway civil engineering - simply because of he age of the structures - most of the network was constructed prior to 1885 - and there would not have been the amount of wood available that I think would have been available in North America (we Europeans had chopped it all down building war ships prior to the age of steel!). It would not have been for labour union reasons.
As Pete says the SR (who expanded their network in the 1930s) made much use of precast concrete in stations etc and of course modern lines (like the new channel tunnel link - has extensive concrete civil engineering structures - as you would expect).
Some pictures of a classic era SR concrete structure is here. This station is famous for its Art Deco design - and as such is quite unusual in the UK (but not so in North America I would say).
http://www.michaeltaylor.ca/Surbiton/
Having said all of that I do know what you mean about the widespread use of brick - for viaducts, cutting linings, station buildings etc - esp the characteristic Staffordshire Blue Bricks which are very hard and good for civil engineering - virtually impossible to drill into I might add!
Some early wooden trestles were replaced by brick or stone - Brunel's wooden viaducts in particular:
http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?image=10419625&wwwflag=2&imagepos=4
as opposed to steel trestle construction - maybe they did not want to spend money on paint over the long term!
Pete - if you have problems with losing posts prepared in Word you could try setting up the Auto save function to save docs automatically at more frequent intervals than the default frequency - eg 5 minutes - that makes more of the document recoverable if it goes pear shaped and saves you having to remember to hit the save button frequently. However, you need to do that in your settings so best to ensure you check with anyone else who shares the ‘puter so they are happy with it too. I found it handy when I had problems with losing docs!
Also I see the main euro railways (inc Eurostar) have entered into an alliance for high speed lines to try and take on the short haul airlines - like Pete I'm sure it will come down to price - but here in the UK market share has been lost - I know loads of people who will queue for ages and then sit in the most cramped aircraft seats and pay more than the train fare and that is with journeys in the UK (eg London Scotland or even London to Manchester let alone to destinations in Europe) - this is quite crazy. One of the problems is the simple inability to walk into any travel agent and buy a train ticket - which is the opposite of the airline industry where you can always get a flight from any agent you want. Sadly the demise of BR meant that marketing of the trains across to Europe does not happen at all - with an assumption that the channel tunnel lines end in Paris - when of course they really end in Istanbul / Athens / Moscow etc!
Allan - I think a lot of those Bullied Pacific's had the good fortune to get sold for scrap to Dai Woodham in Barry - and were hence available to rescue - the other scrap dealers must have bought other designs but cut them up much quicker. There's certainly a good few restored - and one or two rescued and not yet restored (General Steam Navigation comes to mind) and I suspect the prospects for their restoration is not ideal given the other members of the class still in good shape - which would be a shame if they had lasted this long and were then lost.
All the best
DL
PS - news today is that the construction consortium employed on a 30 year contract to upgrade two thirds of the London Underground network has gone into some sort of bankruptcy.
G'day Gents!
Mea Culpa, CM3 Shane - your are indeed THE GURU when it comes to ALL THINGS NEW YORK CENTRAL. <grin> More specific comments in my next round of ACKNOWLEDGMENTS! Good to see ya though . . .
Manager Lars sent me an Email to let us know that he may not make it in today - something about wife - shopping in Manhattan - unintelligible! <uh oh>
So it's Wednesday ‘n time for another OPTIONAL Toy ‘n Model Trains Day! For the benefit of those guys who haven't seen this before, or who suffer from CRAFTS disease, it goes like this: If you have info or some Pix supportive of model railroading as a hobby, today's the day to Post it. Try to limit the fotos to about a half dozen or so . . . that's it!
Some dated fotos from my Can-Am Trainroom . . . <click to enlarge>
Overall view from the north end <layout constructed in 2004>
Overall view from the south end
Overall view from the west side
Polar Express O-gauge shelf system (3-car set - 2 cars added later) <shelf sytem constructed in 2005)
Polar Express on shelf system - HO Canadian Pacific in display case
The S-Capades S-gauge - ceiling suspended system <constructed in 2005>
Enjoy!
Tom
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox (Texas quarters today for the armadillo). Warm and humid over here today. GAs is at $3.05 to $3.09, depoending on where you stop. We finally got some rain last night and more is on the way, followed by about one day of cool weather and then the broiler gets turned on again.
The Owl is certainly appropriate. After all, the New Haven did have an overnight train called the "Owl." Also, there is an Owl Shop (tobacconist) in New Haven as well. We have to be careful, though, as owls can see about everything, especially in the dark (hmm...)
Pete - Thanks for the information on tenders on work trains. The C&O had all different types of tenders that they used in work train service. Many of them were Vanderbilt types. Somewhere I have a list of the steam engines that these tenders came from. Also, thanks for posting the pictures.
B4 I forget, I have posted a lot of NH material which might intrigue you - much of it is on the old thread.
OSP - Just remember, "Late trains always get later." Folks, take a closer look at the sleeper picture right after the train board shots. You will see a car attendant making down a double bedroom - you don't see that much anymore. I always liked boarding an overnight train in the middle of its run, walking through the sleeper to your space and finding the beds made down and everything ready - try doing that on an airplane.
I thought I was a guru on the NYC, too (LOL). Anyway, they most certainly did operate PAs on passenger trains, especially the New England States. Question for the day, what major eastern road(s) used PAs in freight service?
American Flyer cars survived for years in commuter service in Boston after they got bumped off long haul service.
Nantucket Light - used to be a lightship, IIRC. Incidentally, there is some archeological work going on at Minot light (near Cohasset for the flatlanders in the crowd). They are trying to find the remains of the metal structure which got knocked over years ago. I won't play the light house quiz as I know the answer.
For those interested in such things, see if you can find books by Edward Rowe Snow - many of them have been reprinted; lots of information in a more than readable format.
My dad's family had a house within spitting distance of the USCG station at Point Judith. It's gone now (weather will do that), but the garage still stands along Sand Hill Cove Road.
Muriel cigars - Edie Adams - "Why don't you pick one up and smoke it sometime?" They also manufactured menthol cigars for awhile - that would even gag Boris, and we understand he's been known to smoke his shoelaces (when he can find his shoes). Last one re lighthouses - I'll bet you have heard of Ida Lewis.
Theme idea is fine with me; maybe if we do it once a month. I know that we have managed to turn up lots of stuff in the past.
Allan - Thanks for the kind words.
Eric - The ATSF crane is similar to what the C&O used. The C&O cranes were larger Burros, however. Almost forgot, often the work outfits included a Jordan spreader; those were always fun to watch. The UP item is a "tie crane" in this part of the world.
Well, I'd better get out of here.
Work safe
<w/permission: http://www.scenic-railroads.com/>
Wednesday's Witticism
Life is like checkers. When you reach the top, you can move wherever you want.
What's to say other than it's mid-week in mid-continent USA. So, let's begin this Wednesday with a mugga Joe - pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery ‘n of course a breakfast selection from our Menu Board!
Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative):
Lars at 9:02 AM Tuesday - July 19th: Were you eavesdropping on my thoughts That was one quick response to my "non-theme" New Haven material. Nice job with the book covers - always look super-fine to Moi!
I had a "quickie" love affair with the New Haven which began in January of 1957 and ended that July. Used to take the train from New London down to Grand Central on Fridays, with a return on Sunday evening. Somehow, I always managed to get a streamliner for the southbound (Pennsy Senator cars) and NH heavyweights on Sunday night. Just loved that route ‘n must admit, those 6 months of weekends were great for train riding. Did take the train up to Bahstun (Boston) for a weekend - but that was such a short trip. An hour ‘n a half if I recall. Anyway, once I graduated from my Class "A" school, it was off to sea and that was "it" for the New Haven.
In 1964 I got assigned to our Training Station in Groton, CT and once again refamiliarized myself with New London and the train station. I didn't spend that much time watching trains, and none riding ‘em. Just used to like to see those New Haven diesels on the move.
Then of course there was the 1968 merger of the NYC with the Pennsy to form the ill-fated Penn Central. A year later Congress mandated the New Haven be folded into the PC ‘n the rest of the story gets even worse. <ugh>
By the by, do you recall those fine looking American Flyer S-gauge passenger cars with New Haven markings Check these out:
http://www.geocities.com/theupstairstrain/New_Haven_sets.html
http://www.geocities.com/theupstairstrain/trains.html
I'll put forth a Tuesday "theme" - AFTER - we see the comments on the subject. With interest we can do most anything ‘round here. Otherwise, it just becomes "labor," and Lawd knows, I've enough of that . . . <groan>
Now you being THE New York Central "Guru" ‘round here - did they or did they not operate Alco PAs??? I know they had FAs for passenger ‘n freight. And I concur with your opinion of those lightning stripes. A terrific paint scheme that really ranked right up there with the best of ‘em all - Santa Fe war bonnet - and - Delaware & Hudson blue ‘n yellow bonnet of their own.
Must admit that I enjoyed going through those fotos from ExpoRail. Took quite a bit of time, as most of ‘em had to be enhanced in order to bring out the features - especially those from building #5. Thanx for the positive feedback - glad you've enjoyed ‘em.
Thanx for the continuing support, visit, Pix ‘n round!
CM3 Shane (coalminer3) at 9:09 AM Tuesday - July 19th: back to our WVA Connection, Ace Reporter ‘n AM "slot holder"!
You must live right - had we been gone for 3 weeks, our grass would be knee deep to a T-Rex upon our return. <yikes>
K-9 Corps is how many Always dislike the "kennel part" for Juneau when we leave for trips. But, we've found a decent place for him <rather pricey> but they offer the ‘amenities' like walks in a huge wooded park (horse, hiking ‘n biking trails> - play time, etc. Costs about as much per day for him as a motel does for us! <not really, but it seems like it!>
Do you know if the "Iron Horse" is still at North Station
I recall Mary Backstage, Noble wife - somewhat recall the "flypaper" company. Ahhhh, memories! <grin>
The "thing" with ‘puter software is that the "one size, fits all" approach somehow just doesn't work as well as with socks. And with the latter, why do they keep slipping down into my shoes!?!?! Anyway, I've found it soooooo easy to perpetuate bad habits at the keyboard, but most difficult to adapt to the conventions spelled out in the tutorials. Who watches or reads ‘em, eh <grin>
Ernie Kovaks was by far the BEST of ‘em all ‘n he used to have me absolutely red-in-the-face with laughter. Truly great at his craft. Remember his wife who made those "Murial cigar" commercials
Used Nantucket light on many an occasion while navigating those waters. Didn't spend any time on the island though. Had a buddy who was the Officer-in-Charge of the Station, many, many dec
Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
No, Leon. Just a cup of coffee. I can't stay tonight. Thank you!
Had a quick look tonight and saw CM3's post where he mentioned cranes. Since I just looked at two pictures of MoW-cranes I have in my computer I thought I should post them. Not any good pictures, but the first one is a ATSF crane on rails on a flatcar (Orange Empire Railway Museum) and the other one is a picture the mrs took of a small UP crane in December 2005.
I'll be back Thursday or Friday! Thanks Leon, that coffee was just right!
Eric
Hi Tom and all,
Set em up Ruth? Can`t remember whose the barkeep, must have a touch of "CRAFT" disease, "Can`t Remember A Flippin` Thing!
Tom. Got your e-mail this this morning, thanx for your warm wishes. Really enjoyed your pics of the trip with Pete, looks as if you had a great time.
Eric. We have been lucky here in Hawkes Bay the main flood area was north of Auckland so it did`nt affect us, BUT, yesterday we had a heavy rain warning and the area north of us near Hasting`s had some flooding, it`s mid winter over here so we have to put up with some bad weather.
Per. Yep, CBD, aka Central Business District, the Main Post Office facade is the main entrance to the station which is partly underground a few steps from the site of the very 1st station. Can`t help you with any info on the trams, hav`nt been over to Oz in years, last time was 81 on the way to Perth, it`s funny the metro cars we rode on then in Perth are now running on Auckland Metro.
DD1. Great idea about using the geothermal steam to drive the loco`s over here, all the geothermal area is in the Central north island so it would be a bit of a hassle. I did see those fireless loco`s in the old country years ago, I think one was at Cadbury`s the big chocolate maker near Birmingham.
Lars. Here`s me thinking you had a enormous reference library! Your book covers are great to see.
Pete. Your pics and narrative are great, you were right about Bullied working with Gresley at the LNER, he had a hand in the design of the A4`s and the giant Mikado`s, the P2`s, that were built for the Edinburgh/Aberdeen line, I think they were the only four coupled passenger loco`s in the UK, I saw "**** o` the North" and "Thane of Fife" at Waverley station in 1948 just before nationalisation, I was 13yrs old and an avid train spotter in those days! [ Still am]! Three P2`s had the same streamlining as the A4`s.
DL. Bullied was a very innovative engineer, must have learned a lot from Gresley, they both designed steam, electric, and deisel loco`s so they must have made a great team together. They seem to have restored a lot of Bullied`s re-built West Country Pacific`s, I once rode behind one on the Newcastle/Bristol train.
Mike. Good to see you back, great panorama of "The City of Sails" aka Auckland, all the url`s were top class.
CM3. Welcome back mate.
James. Enjoyed your post, great pics.
If I forgot to acknowledge anyone please blame it on the "CRAFT" disease!
See ya all, Allan
And finally, a narrative to accompany the fotos.
After turning in the rental car, Pete ‘n I arrived at the VIA Rail station to enjoy the sights ‘n sounds while waiting for the Chaleur to Gaspé, Quebec.
Take a CLOSE look at the train board fotos ‘n check the times for the Chaleur (GASPE)! It was a loooooooong wait to stay the least.
There were far too many anxious moments brought about by a very recalcitrant Service Manager assigned to the Chaluer. He appeared to be an experienced fellow, but most unwilling to converse with us regarding the delay, food service on board once we finally got underway, and what if any impact the delay in departure would have on our return trip. This latter concern seemed to boggle his mind, in that to this day I'm not certain he understood we were returning from Gaspe on the very same train, once it got turned around and serviced.
Two very accommodating VIA Rail people overheard my exasperation with this JO ‘n interjected that if we had connections to make on Tuesday morning, we should consider changing them because any delays with the train going to Gaspé would most probably NOT be made up for the return trip. Soooooo, that's what we did. Cost us a "bundle" to change the arrangements with NWest Airlines, but what choice did we have, eh
Neither of us were overly concerned about a late departure from Montréal, for it was going to be dark once we pulled out of the station, so aside from perhaps missing a meal in the diner, we suspected at least the beer would be available! <grin>
There's more to this story, but it will be told in segments, as the fotos progress on!
Continuing on with Pix from Day Four: Sunday evening - May 27th, 2007 - at Montréal's Gare Centrale (Central Station):
Bedroom check-in kiosk for the Chaleur - and - the Ocean
<hmmmmmmm>
<uh oh>
<really?>
Finally! Began boarding at 22:15 - got underway at 22:43 . . .
"Our" bedroom car - Chateau Laval
Acadian dining car (not in service!) Part of the consist for the round trip.
All aboard!
To be continued . . .
Hi Tom and all.
Another Bathams please TOM.
These are the first three of my pics from Shed #1 at Exporail.
I will post the other three soon.
Pete.
A pint of Bathams please TOM as I see you have given RUTH a break.
JAMES Thanks for the article and pics on the DW&P. Although it was a short line it was an important cross border line. What a great name ‘Rainy Lake' is in a railroad title.
ERIC You are right about July, over half the month gone already.
When Tom first posted the Burlington fallen Flag I asked the same thing about the
Ak-Sar-Ben Zephyr, although I though it was to do with Arkansas.
Doesn't the rain give any relief to the heat there or just makes it feel humid.
Thanks for the Burlington photos.
Very best for tomorrow.
LARS I don't think I would have liked to be aboard that submarine with all that caustic soda.
I have not heard from Alan for a while I think he is away. If we ever do get to England with the gang I am sure we will share a tankard (or eight) with Alan.
I wonder if they sold the Knickerbocker beer aboard the NYC train of the same name. That beer top would have made a great Drumhead for the train.
Good words for Eric.
Thanks for the NH book covers and you are so right about Tom's photos from the Exporail museum, I am going to post mine from Shed #1. Out of the ones I took there is only about 4 worth showing, without Toms great photos I would hardly have any good photos of our visit there.
I have no end of diplomas from Vito the Hit (although they do not seem to improve my typing); in fact he gives me one every time I give him a copy of the surveillance tape from the Penthouse Suite. I can't understand why he wants them although I know he sends them to a place in Amsterdam.
CM3 Great to see you back at the bar.
You brought to mine something I had forgotten, the use of old locomotive tenders in works trains. I seem to recall one use on BR for them, way back, was in weed killing trains. Two very old tenders appeared in an out of the way siding at Rugby when I was a kid, they had the wheel springs, along side of the water tank above the frames, there were there for some time. Where they came from or where they went, I suppose for scrap, I do not know. Thanks for evoking the memory for me.
TOM Sorry about mixing up the Burlington with the Burlington Northern, must have been thinking about the BNSF, for some reason, at the time.
It will be interesting to see when the new high-speed line to the Channel Tunnel opens, how that effects air travel from Britain to Europe. I think it will come down to the price of the fares.
I did not know that quote was from Sir Walter Scott; you learn something new everyday at Our Place.
To ARTIE THE OWL, my he does look posh and will add class to Our Place, although I don't fancy his chances with FROSTBITE dressed liked that.
Many thanks for the NH Railroad from Yesteryear and the Drumheads, great ‘Yankee Clipper,and very clever and stylish New York New Haven and Hartford ones. I suppose the founding fathers of the line would be pleased to know, that today, part of the line hosts the fastest trains in North America traveling at speeds at well over 100MPH.
I have found something BK posted on page 140 of the old Our Place about the New Haven. I see it mentions the RDCs
Good Afternoon Captain Tom and staff. I surely enjoyed the New Haven fallen flag data and thank you for honoring my request. I am a bit surprised that more of your regular customers have not inundated you with their selections. Nevertheless, thank you. I cannot imagine that anything coming from me will be either enlightening or informative to those who know the NH. But here are a few tid bits of information regarding that prized railroad: * Unlike the majority of other railroads, passenger train revenue was largely responsible for the success of the company. * The railroad was considered to be a compact railroad, connecting virtually all of the towns
A hearty back to CM3 I'm not Shane (coalminer3) from a too-long hiatus from our Tavern by the Tracks! But a guy's gotta do, what a guy's gotta do, eh
Also, many THANX to Manager Lars for quickly picking up on our "non-theme" for this day - the New Haven! The arrival of the "book mobile" was most timely!
Specific comments in tomorrow's AM summary . . .
Oh yes, received an Email from Allan in NZ - thanx for "signing up" for our B'day Watch List! Also - need a reply from Ron down in Mississippi to my Email - thanx!
Now, here are some drumheads for the New Haven - rather hard to find 'em.
Ruth, set 'em up. then take your break - Boris ring the bell!
And what's THIS A new critter has arrived at the bar - we'll call him Artie the Owl!
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox (several rolls of Pennsylvania quarters for Frostbite). We are back, the K9 Korps has been recovered from "camp," and we are trying to get back into the routine. It has been so dry here that I didn't have to mow when I returned.
I have been trying to get caught up with posts and will get there sometime. As for now, a few comments.
Eric - Fine looking camp car; better than most that the C&O had, although they did have a few heavyweights in work train service. They also used old automobile box cars (with end doors), troop sleepers, etc. The most interesting items that showed up on work trains around here were old steam locomotive tenders (used as water cars), and they also had a Burro crane on rails which were mounted on a flat car. Add a few battered gons and you were ready to go.
OSP mentioned the Iron Horse. The neighborhood around North Station has changed a lot what with removal/construction of highways, etc. The Iron Horse was always a good place during hockey season.
Bert and Harry were Bob and Ray, of course. Who out there remembers Biff Burns, and Mary Backstage, Noble Wife? Laso the Einbinder Flypaper Company? B&R used to be live in Boston on WHDH Radio (850 on your a.m. dial") when I was growing up. Certainly formative influences along with Jackie Gleason and Ernie Kovaks on my (according to some) warped view of the world
Appreciated your comments on Word which was created in the inner circles of, well...Anyway, we call "Find and Replace," "Search and Destroy." Also thanks for Burlington and New Haven reruns. Enjoyed the shot of the Napierville Jct. caboose. Remember seeing those at Rouses Point on the D&H. IIRC, I posted something a long time back abt. Rouses Point.
Lars stopped by with vintage beer material (kind of a contradiction, but why not). BTW, I went to George's when I was down at Point Judith, RI last week. All mariners know that place. I was looking through the menu and found that they had Narragansett and Schlitz in what they called retro cans. Probably washed ashore and they found them on the beach. Tom will be pleased to know that the Coast Guard station and lighthouse are still there. Also thanks for the Burlington book covers - see a few items there that might be interesting. My experience with the Q was on the racetrack west of Chicago and also a couple of rides to and from Denver.
Your post appeared while I was preparing this one. Glad to say I have ll of the NH books you posted. Incidentally, a friend had a Knickerbocker beer clock. Lord knows where he got it, but it spelled out "Have a Knick." I wonder how much that would fetch in the brew-related market.?
James stopped by with information on the "Peg." Used to see their power every so often on the CV.
DD1 - Glad to see you are with us. Welcome. Fireless cookers could be found in chemical plants in Kanawha County until fairly recently.
Last, I want to let folks know that the C&O Historical Society has added some most interesting sections to their website. When you get on their site, go to the section called Society Information. Click on that and you will see all kinds of links. Of particular interest to the barflies (excuse me Boris, esteemed and most valued patrons) will be two links. One is called the Basement Subdivision which has all sorts of plans, etc in PDF format - good stuff. Also look at the section titled C&O History Online Supplemental. There are some good data sets, pictures, and so on. Enjoy.
P.S. Anybody that I neglected to mention, accept my apologies - hard to read three weeks worth of stuff in one sitting.
Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth my deAH, you brighten up the joint like a fresh coat of paint, but smell far bettAH! <blush> A round on me, treats for the crittAHs ‘n a small jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris! Ring it man, ring it!
I'll take a #3 from the menu board ‘n a mugga Joe with a jolt! Keep the change my deAH!
Great viewing the New Haven once again. One of my favorites as well, but of course my "love" has been and will ALWAYS be the New York Central. An Alco in the lightning stripes! Ahhhhhhhhhh.
Anyway, I'll add a few nostalgia book covers at the end of this post, just to keep the idea going. I miss having the "theme" on Tuesday. But of course as we lost our customer base - mainly those who PARTICIPATED - it just didn't make sense to continue on.
A recommendation: Let's go with again and let Cap'n Tom select the next few, just to get us back in the groove. What say you guyz??
Hey Dan! Those fireless boilers were quite the innovation. Contrary to what some people may believe, they were pretty safe. Way back in time I saw ‘em aboard a ship or two that were "steamers." They were used in limited applications, not to power the ship, but other internal applications. Didn't last long as I recollect.
FYI: In 1885, American inventor, Joshua Tuck demonstrated his form of "fireless boiler" for submarine use. His was powered by 1500 pounds of caustic soda which resulted in 5 hours of power.
Hey DD1! Good to see ya, mate. And don't let the Cap'n get to ya - 72 ain't ‘old' it's just ‘vintage'!
Hey Pete! Panty hose ‘n bartending?!?! I'm the Manager ‘round here AND I don't KNOW!!
Would be nice to have your "man" show up. After all with years of photos from him, those of us who give a rat's patoot, would surely like to hoist a tankard in welcome!
You hit it on the head <again> - since Vito is also the Superintendent of Adult Ed in Mentor Village, those certificates <diplomas> all come with a PRICE! <uh oh>
I like that Brit beer slogan! Does you good, huh?? Only ‘til you wake up the next mornin'!! <groan>
Check this one out!
Hey Eric! Hang in there, mate! We're all pulling for ya ‘n we KNOW you'll be back with us in full-form in no time at all.
So, WHAT IS IT this time about the "goings on" up in the Penthouse Suite??!! Aside from that bump on your forehead from your ill-fated attempt at voyeurism, I'd refrain from PERSUING this nonsense! OR we'll have to delve a bit deeper into the whereabouts of that BRUNETTE you mentioned some time back! <Ah Ha!>
And for the Cap'n: Almost sad to see the end of those Expo Rail pix. You must've provided hundreds over these pages ‘n if the guys haven't checked ‘em out - their loss, huh? I really appreciate the efforts you put forth ‘round here and am looking forward to the next installment of Canada pix!
My offering for this "non-theme" Tuesday! <grin>
LET'S GO METS!
Sorry, Tom - but I've got something to say. So, what's THIS!?!?!!? Our teenager caught in the act, huh I SUSPECTED it back then, and I'm more convinced NOW. BK was RIGHT - the IP address didn't come up false when we tracked down that "trashing" episode.
Also that business with not knowing about Red P surely says something as well. Best to move on, but in a man's world in a man's bar, once in doubt - ALWAYS in doubt. Sorry, that's life. Burn us once, shame on us, burn us twice - shame on YOU!
Until the next time!
Lars
Here's a sample from the days when we used to feature CLASSIC PASSENGER RRs on Tuesdays . . . The way it "worked" was the Proprietor (Moi) would let the gang know in advance which RR was to be featured - then go with it. Those with interest, would submit appropriate supporting "stuff" . . . . Of course we encouraged recommendations from the guyz too.
Now arriving on track #1 .....
Railroads from Yesteryear! Number Five
<A form of this was first Posted on page 242 of the Original Thread>
Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources.
New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad
Locale: New York, NY to Boston, MA
Reporting marks: NH
Dates of operation: 1872 - 1969
Track gauge: 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) (standard gauge)
Headquarters: New Haven, Connecticut
The New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad (AAR reporting mark NH) was a railroad that operated in the northeast United States. Commonly referred to as the New Haven, the railroad served the states of Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Its primary connections included Boston and New York.
History
The New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad was formed July 24, 1872 as a consolidation of the New York and New Haven Railroad and Hartford and New Haven Railroad. This included not only the main line from New York City to Springfield, Massachusetts via New Haven and Hartford, Connecticut, but also leases of lines including the Shore Line Railway to New London. The New Haven went on to lease more lines and systems, eventually forming a virtual monopoly in New England south of the Boston and Albany Railroad.
The first line of the original system to open was the Hartford and New Haven Railroad, opened from New Haven to Hartford in 1839 and beyond to Springfield in 1844. The New York and New Haven came later, as it ran parallel to the Long Island Sound coast and required many bridges over rivers. It opened in 1848, using trackage rights over the New York and Harlem Railroad (later part of the New York Central Railroad system) from Williamsbridge south to Grand Central Terminal, which served as the New Haven's New York City terminal.
Around the turn of the century, New York investors, led by J.P. Morgan gained control and in 1903, installed Charles Mellen as President. Morgan and Mellen sought a complete monopoly of transportation in New England, purchasing other railroad and steamship and trolley lines. More than 100 independent railroads eventually became part of the system before and during these years, reaching 2,131 miles at its 1929 peak. Substantial improvements to the system were made during the Mellen years, including electrification between New York, and New Haven. But Morgan's expansion left the company overextended and financially weak. It never truly recovered.
Under the stress of the Great Depression, in 1935 the New Haven slipped into bankruptcy, remaining in trusteeship until 1947. Common stock was voided and creditors assumed control.
After 1951 both freight and passenger service lost money. New Haven's earlier expansion had left it with a network of light density branch lines that could not support their maintenance and operating costs. The New Haven's freight business was short-haul, requring a lot of switching costs that could not be recovered in short-distance rates. The New Haven had major commuter train services in New York and Boston (as well as New Haven, Hartford and Providence), but these always lost money, unable to recover their investment providing service just twice a day during rush hour. The death of the New Haven may have been sealed by the building of the Connecticut Turnpike and other interstates. With decades of inadequate investment, the New Haven could not compete against the automobile or the trucker.
In 1954 the flashy Patrick McGinnis led a proxy fight against incumbent president Buck Dumain, vowing to return more of the company's profit to shareholders. McGinnis accomplished this by deferring maintenance. McGinnis also spent money on a flashy new image for the company - dull green and gold trim was replaced by loud black, orange and white. When he departed, 22 months later, he left the company financially wrecked. It once again went into bankruptcy on July 2, 1961.
At the insistence of the ICC, the New Haven was merged with Penn Central on January 1, 1969. Following the bankruptcy of Penn Central, in 1976 a substantial portion of the former New Haven main line between New York and Boston was transferred to Amtrak, and now forms a major portion of the electrified Northeast Corridor, hosting high speed Acela Express and commuter rail service.
Harlem River
The Harlem River and Port Chester Railroad was the New Haven's first lease after its merger. It was chartered in 1866, leased by the New Haven on October 1, 1873, and opened later that year, running from the New Haven at New Rochelle, New York south into the Bronx, New York City. It was originally a branch line, but in 1916 the New York Connecting Railroad and its Hell Gate Bridge opened, turning the Harlem River Branch into a major through route.
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Who's ready for coffee, pastries ‘n breakfast We are! So, let's kick off this Tuesday with a little something . . .
Fergie (Fergmiester) at 6:44 AM Monday - July 16th: Awfully difficult for me to <tweet> a fellow sailor who really never has been a professed regular ‘round here. So, he get's a pass - for now! <grin>
The "Press Gang" . . . . hmmmmm, not a bad idea! Wonder where all THAT began!
Nice to see you're model RR herald gracing our establishment once again! Best of the bunch in my opinion!
Lars (LoveDomes) at 10:03 AM Monday - July 16th: You surely outdid yourself with that Post, Mate! Great stuff - fine narrative, beer trays ‘n book covers - nice going!
Yeah, you're correct about Red P ‘n young James being at odds about a year or so back. Guess James has forgotten those days <daze> - best to put it all behind anyway. What's the point, eh But, Red P ‘n his PennCentral was always good for "something" <grin> . . .
I have some recollections of R&H beer that go way back. My uncle was a journeyman plumber who hired me as his apprentice (bad move on his part!). Anyway, the summer after high school graduation, he got a contract with the R&H Brewery to "re-pipe" the place. Quite a summer indeed! <urp>
Really liked that Bert & Harry Piel cartoon tray . . .
Oh yeah, Juneau wants you to know there's no "E" in Husky! <grrrrrr>
Panty hose container???!!!
Some fine looking observation dome cars on those Zephyrs!
Thanx for the visit!
Dan (DL-UK) at 11:37 AM Monday - July 16th: The idea of a caboose "annex" to "Our" Place is a grand idea and one that we've kicked ‘round before. In fact, if you've been able to view the Pix from our 2nd Annual Rendezvous (along with some earlier in the year when Pete visited ‘n got stuck during the ice storms in January) - the TrainWreck Saloon (prototype structure for "Our" Place) has just such an arrangement!
Links proved most interesting and I concur about the good looks of those Scottish rail cars. That little loco reminds me of a "bomb" on the tracks. Don't know why, but "boom" should be the caption. Looks dangerous . . .
Appreciate the visit!
James (CMSTPP) at 12:40 PM Monday - July 16th: At your stage of life, you SHOULD have other things on your mind and occupying your time than being here in the Ether along with those of us who for some strange reason think this is fun! <grin> <groan>
The pace of things ‘round this joint is ALWAYS set by the customers. The more interest they show, the more active I get. It's pretty simple. Glad you are finding this place to your liking . . .
Feel the same way about the removal of Rob from our "active" list - he's now OH-FISH-UL-LEE a permanent member of The Legion of the Lost. Life goes on, no point in dwelling on the reasons why - it's most times a matter of personal choice. Exceptions do exist - BudKarr (BK) for example. Life holds many twists ‘n turns for each of us . . .
No "theme" with anything I've put up today - just "stuff" to generate some conversations. Check out my "opening" comments in today's summary . . . maybe we'll get back to Tuesday "themes" - depends on the interest.
Thanx for the round ‘n for not completely forgetting about us!
Ron (DD1) at 12:50 PM ‘n 2:02 PM Monday - July 16th: Man, you ARE O-L-D!! <grin> But ya know
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, I'll have a Sugar Cured Ham Sandwich, please! No, coffee! Thank you!
A quick visit between the thunderstorms.
Tom – I heard some stuff about the Penthouse Suite and I don’t think you want to know what is going on there. July will be over before it even started for real. You don’t remember what I told you about the X2000 being like a Tiger tank under the plastic nose? Wow, your memory is as bad as mine! I am glad you could “solve” the Zephyr "mystery" picture!I think high speed rail can compete with the airlines at distances of up to 300 miles. Maybe even 400 miles depending on how fast trains we are talking about. I agree, transit is something else.Burlington Route! Looked at the Passenger trains of note and wonder why one was called Ak-Sar-Ben Zephyr? Sounds kind of Arabic to me. Thanks for the ExpoRail pictures! I like those caboose pix. No explaining signs inside, looks more like it was when it was used. Fergie – Good to see you back safe on land! Come back soon!Lars – I am trying to stay cool, 114°F today. Thanks for the book covers! So many books and I have so little money!DL – Today there are two fireless boiler engines preserved in the old country. At least one of them is operational. James – Glad you liked the pictures! I’ll check to see if I have any more ATSF GP35 war bonnet. I have seen a few MoW trains the last 12 months and they have more modern equipment now. Interesting info on DWP! Do they still use locomotives with the DWP paint scheme? Nice pictures!Ron/DD1 – Don’t have a layout right now, but a lot of model trains. After my retirement I’ll try to make room for a layout somewhere in the house. Most is HO, some N and some G. Hope the doctor’s visit went well!Pete – As I already told Lars, we had 114° today and tonight a dust storm followed by some lightning, thunder and rain. And now another storm is coming up from the south. The monsoon seems to be here. 86 days since we had any rain, so we need it.
Since it was a Burlington Monday I am adding some Burlington pix (reruns).
I don't know if I will have time tonight for a visit. If not I'll probably be back Thursday or Friday morning!
Please excuse that first post. My friend was logged in under the computer.... and I didn't know and posted under his name... Don't ask me how... But it won't let me delete the first one so it's stuck there..... Sorry for the double post again.
James
G-day Tom and all present!!
Leon- Could I get a beef sandwich along with a coffee, thanks. Keep the change.
Okay, I am back with an article that may be of interest around here and a few pics to follow.
The Duluth, Winnipeg and Pacific Railway
The Duluth, Winnipeg and Pacific Railway (DW&P) (AAR reporting marks DWP, DWC) is a subsidiary railroad of Canadian National Railway (CN) operating in northern Minnesota. A CN system-wide rebranding beginning in 1995 has seen the DWP logo and name largely replaced by its parent company. The DWP line serves as CN's connection between International Falls and Duluth, Minnesota, where the railroad connects to a short stretch of the former Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railway before following the former Wisconsin Central (both now wholly owned by CN) to Chicago, Illinois.
The Duluth, Virginia and Rainy Lake Railway (DV&RL) started construction at Virginia, Minnesota in 1901, with the line extending to Silver Lake, Minnesota when the company was purchased by the Canadian Northern Railway (CNoR) who renamed it the Duluth, Rainy Lake and Winnipeg Railway (DRL&W).
Construction continued in 1908 to extend the line to International Falls, Minnesota where the DW&P bridged the Rainy River on the International Boundary to cross into Fort Frances, Ontario and an interchange with the CNoR mainline between Winnipeg, Manitoba and Port Arthur, Ontario.
In 1909, CNoR renamed the DRL&W to the present name of Duluth, Winnipeg and Pacific Railway (DW&P), the year that construction started to achieve access to Duluth, Minnesota. Duluth was reached in 1912, providing interchange with several US railways.
The DW&P mainline ran for 167 miles from Duluth Junction at Fort Frances (CN interchange) to DW&P Junction (Great Northern Railway interchange).
Following the bankruptcy of the CNoR system and its subsequent nationalization by Canada's federal government under the Canadian National Railways (CNR), the DW&P was maintained as an important connection for CNR to the upper mid-western states.
During the post-war era, the DW&P line was upgraded to handle an increase in freight and unit train traffic, such as potash, lumber and paper. In 1960 CNR changed its name to "Canadian National/Canadien National" (CN) and introduced a radical new paint scheme and logo. At the same time, DW&P was changed to just DWP and given a logo of similar flowing design to the CN "noodle". CN's other US subsidiary, Grand Trunk Western Railroad also underwent a similar name/acronym change to Grand Trunk Western (GT).
DWP began to play an increasingly important role for CN in the 1990s, following the implementation of the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and later the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which contributed to increases in Canadian exports south and US imports north. The DWP provided the most direct connection from CN's western Canadian trackage to the major US interchanges at Chicago, Illinois, however unlike rival Canadian Pacific Railway
DWP began to play an increasingly important role for CN in the 1990s, following the implementation of the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and later the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which contributed to increases in Canadian exports south and US imports north. The DWP provided the most direct connection from CN's western Canadian trackage to the major US interchanges at Chicago, Illinois, however unlike rival Canadian Pacific Railway which had its own <
Mechanical Department "No no that's fine shove that 20 pound set all around the yard... those shoes aren't hell and a half to change..."
The Missabe Road: Safety First
A pint of Bathams please RUTH.
RON You are right about the beer you grow up with, although in England in the late 1960s and 1970s a lot of the smaller breweries were taken over and them closed. It seems, sadly, that a similar thing has been happening over the last few years, with breweries from our young days being no longer around.
I think the main reason most of the tunnels and stations in Britain are made of brick is the age of them. The Southern Railway in the 1930s went for concrete in a big way but of course only for new stations or those that needed rebuilding. Concrete was used in the building of the West Highland extension from Fort William to Mallaig in Scotland.
This line which appears in the Harry Potter films, (Apart from the first one) the ‘Hogwart's Express appears on Glenfinnon Viaduct. The line also has a 6 days a week steam special in the summer months.
Although I don't do any modeling myself, yet, I enjoy them greatly.
ERIC. Try to keep cool in that heat 111F.Still love that sign on the corner of the UP MOW Dining Car.
The X2000 cab has little of the look of a BR class 90 electric loco without the plastic nose.
Great sunrise/sunset photo.
FERGIE Good to see in the bar again. Hope the building of your retaining wall is going well, and it is not too hot there for working.
LARS It is great to see RUTH so happy again (I wont say a word about THAT container).
Yes it was great Saturday at the bar.
Thanks for the kind words on Alan's photos I will see if he will call in, but he is not spending much time near his computer lately.
NO I am not doing too well in Molly's Typing and Mud Wrestling class in fact I finished below BORIS. I have heard that you get your Diploma before your take any classes at Vito the Hit's Woid course but later you are liable to get a call in the middle of the night asking for ‘favor'.
Thanks for the R&H beer info, I too wonder what they meant by the ‘Friendliest Beer in Town' slogan, perhaps it did not leave you with a hangover the next day. One British beer slogan I recall, I think for Mackinson, was the "Looks Good, Tastes Good And, By Golly It Does You Good".
Many thanks for the Zephyr and the Burlington Route book covers.
DL I think the small subclass of five 322 units were built for the Stanstead Airport service since these units no longer work these services they must have spread their wings.
Great link to the Scottish ‘Blue Electrics' Terance Cuneo poster. I see it is the one hundred years anniversary this year of Mr. Cuneo's birth. They were stylish units I think a few finished up in the Manchester area.
Thanks for the link to the Fireless locomotives. I remember there used to be one along side the Stafford to Wolverhampton line at a chemical works; it always looked in good condition. I have not heard of it happening, but it must have happened, a fireless loco being stranded from its steam supply, if there was only the one loco, I wonder how they got it back to the steam supply.
JAMES Good to see you at the bar with a great post. Sorry you had to work such a long day on the anniversary, as you see we have some new folks at the bar.
Many thanks for the offer for a trip on Soo Line #2719 hopefully I can get up to Duluth some time. I made a mistake when I said the CRVR was the only steam trip in the U.S so far. What I should have said was only Standard gauge steam trip, as I have been on the marvelous Cumbres & Toltec and the Durango railroads.
Looking forward to your photos.
TOM Enjoyed seeing the Birthday list again it is amazing how my Catfish sign does seem to suit me (apart from the ‘run fast' part), I wonder why it tells me to stay away from ‘M
Not bad thus far for a Monday, as we've seen Lars (our Manager), Dan (DL-UK), James (CMSTPP) ‘n two visits from Ron (DD1). Nice going! My comments will be in tomorrow's morning summary . . .
Continuing on with Pix from Day Four: Sunday - May 27th, 2007 - ExpoRail Canadian Railway Museum at Delson/Saint-Constant, Quebec, Canada
Final swing through the grounds (cont'd)
Napierville Junction (NJ #34) Caboose - Built by Delaware &Hudson (1912).
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Stelco #9 - Gas Electric - Built by Porter (1928)
The first functioning loco at ExpoRail -p nicked named "Sans-pareil" <Without Equal> by Museum volunteers
Waiting for the trolley
Last ride of the day!
Next up - VIA Rail to Gaspe, Quebec . . . .
Good afternoon Tom and all. After reading the post on the birthdays of the members, it appears, at 72, I'm the oldest of the lot. I hope I can keep up with you young whippersnapers. Later.
P.S. Thanks Mike for the link to the DD-1 photo that I have added as my avitar.
Good afternoon Tom, Ruth and everyone at the bar. It's lunchtime around here so I won't be long.
Tom: I'm guessing the voices of Burt and Harry were Bob and Ray. Remember the "La Touraine" coffee ads in Boston that used the Muppets in their TV ad? Spent all of Sunday going through boxes of old photos looking for some railroad pics, but haven't come up with any yet, only a pic of a cogway going up a hill in Valparaiso, Chile. It's more of an inclined elevator than a train, so I won't include it
DL: Thanks for the great info on fireless boiler engines. BTW, have you or anyone who has visited the UK ever noticed that all railway structures, including stations, tunnels, embankments and just about everything that has to do with railways, are built from bricks? Even today I think it is still the practice. I'm guessing it's a union thing. It seems it's a labor intensive thing as opposed to concrete and steel construction. While I was in Ireland, I rode a few trains on a broad gauge. Do you know if the Royal Scot train will ever appear in the U.S. again? I didn't get to see it the first time around. I did see the SP, no. 4449 in '76 colors when it was in San Francisco.
To all: Is everyone here into model railroads and have layouts? I like everyone else, started out with Lionel or American Flyer, but switched to O or HO after the Christmas tree came down. I was poor, I had a Marx train set, but some Lionel later. I had a pretty extensive HO layout when I was around 14. Remember "Truscale" self-gauging wood roadbed? I was in and out of it after joining the labor force and of course discovering girls. I dabbled in "N" gauge for a while, but settled on "G" gauge due to eye problems. I still build some locomotives and cars in 1-1/2" scale. I tried live steam, but it was too expensive. I have a 4-4-0 camelback that I built from wood and some metals. It is powered by a 12V motor from a sidewalk kids car. It is a cheap way to get into large scale operating trains. I'm also an avid woodworker. The two go hand-in-hand.
I enjoyed all the photos and older posts over the weekend and hope to be able to contribute more as time goes on. Got to go and get ready for a doctor's visit. Nothing serious, just routine. See ya'll later.
Ruth- I can't believe how long I have been gone.... This has never happened before.. Oh well, If you could get me a turkey sandwich and an OJ, that would really help me out. Thanks so much. Keep the change and get a round for the guys. Thanks.
Okay.... Well, I'm not completely sure were to start.. I have been looking over some of the stuff over the last few days as I got the time to look around and I have to say, you guys do an amazing job at keeping this place going. I am getting into the pictures and the information is endless. Just when you think you can't go any further in the subject something new pops up. I am truly amazed. Sorry for not showing up on Thursday. I told Tom that I would and then found myself working the whole day from about 10 am all the way to 10 pm.... But I have to say HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! You guys have brought this place far and it should keep going. Even if my summers are a little harsh, I will still come around and talk. I won't forget.
Now onward to a few acknowledgements.
Tom- I don't know how you can do it, but you do an amazing job at keeping this place up and running. I am impressed with all of the nostalgia. With your piece from Rob, it made me wonder whether he is going to come back. He always had some good articles on trolleys and I had some good conversations with him. I hope he's not lost forever. <sniffle>
And another couple of nice pics from whom I have never met. Red P must have been an engineer just by his sur name. Some neat pics from the pennsy. Thanks
Ah and a birthday list is up. I've always "cracked" up that I'm boiled peanuts. It seems so.. So me..
Now I like the idea of the theme of the day. I have missed that little section of this thread. It always seemed a little lonely without it.
And some more great stuff on the Burlington road. Always a classic railroad to talk about. They certainly had some neat locos and there history is just as fascinating. You can certainly tell that steam was all but eradicated. Only 10 steamers existed and almost 700 diesels were around in 1960s. Thanks for keeping this place going.
Pete- You have so many great photos to go around that there aren't enough compliments to go with them. You have always come up with some nice pictures and these are even better. Alan took some good pics from Ireland..... I wonder what those locos are?? They look similar to the BQ23-7. Something like that. Thanks for the pics.
I really liked the CRVR steamer. When you said that was the only steamer pulled excursion you have ridden in... that may not be the last one either. Here in Duluth we are working on a Steam loco and we want it running by this fall. It's the SOO Line #2719. So if you guys get up here in the next couple of years, I can certainly get you on a steam excursion or any other train ride you want.
I see we have a new comer. DD1 has joined our little tavern by the tracks. Hope you find this place to be of interest to you. I'm 19 years of age and I find absolutely fascinating. There always some neat stuff to go around. Once again Welcome.
Dave- When I read your stuff I am agog of what you know. Some of the guys around here call you the passenger expert and now I can see why. You know a lot about passenger trains, especially the SP. Thanks for your nostalgia. It fits in well here at the little Tavern. I am looking forward to more great info. Thanks
Eric- I am always surprised by the amount of pics you seem to post. And all them are great. That ATSF GP35 war bonnet caught my eye. To find a war bonnet here in Superior, Wisconsin is becoming increasingly rare. So I would get pics of them whenever you can. Thanks for all of the neat pics. That Bipolar is still a cool sight. Thanks again. Also nice picture of the MOW dining car. The MOW equipment has changed drastically over the last few years. The equipment used now is so much more advanced and it makes track work much easier. Have any of you guys seen A MOW train? They are neat!!
Per- You certainly have come to know this place well, I see your still on track with us, which is a good thing. Now I have not asked you before, but do you model any railroad You probably know what I model since I talk about it and it's in my sig too. The Milwaukee Road is my favorite of the bunch. Some nice passenger trains and the greatest and most famous electrics in the United States. I will have to get a few articles going on the railroad. I could talk about the Milwaukee Road for hours... But that can get boring. Thanks for sticking around.
Lars- Good to see you back on the thread. You know, I'm going to spruce this place a little more with my posts. I will be around a couple times today. So It should be a good day here beside the tracks. I see your back with some good stuff for all to view. And see Tom has sparked the Burlington railroad as the featured railroad for the day. And
I'll have some of those bakery products if anything is available, thanks.
I would have gone for the name change but my brother goes by that name so the parents could have got confused!
Good to see Brief Encounter on at the cinema - a film enjoyed by the ladies but with no shortage of classic era steam action!
I wondered if there was enough room for a grounded Caboose body to be lined up outside Our Place? Is that a useful suggestion Tom, or would it just add to the maintenance liability of the place?
Lars - glad you made it home OK.
Mike - really enjoyed those links - some great colour slides there with a superb depth of colour.
To answer Pete's question - I think some of those EMUs were transferred there (or supplied new) to work on the Ayr route - but I'm not too sure
Here's a picture of a Glasgow Electric train in the classic era - very stylish units there were - and they remained in service until the 1990s:
http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?image=10324602&wwwflag=3&imagepos=1
Allan - some good links there - interesting web pages from those organisations - and like Pete I did not know of Bullied's NZ origins. I've always liked the design of the un-rebuilt Pacifics with their unique ‘streamlined' design.
DD1 - yes - you can certainly get fed up if you have to make a tight connection on a train and you have luggage now that the railway porter is a facility long gone.
The UK system of a multiplicity of private contractors (who run services to a specified level contracted by the government and receive subsidy to do it) is in my mind a wasteful design of system and has never provided any better quality of service than the system did when wholly run by the state (British Railways) - oh - and the system now costs 5 times the subsidy the old BR costs (at equivalent prices) yet does not deliver significantly more in terms of outputs for the travelling public!
I've never been to Ireland but I think I would enjoy taking the train in that country with its beautiful scenery.
Incidentally - I'm aware of some fireless boiler engines that operated in the UK . Some pics here
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/foxfield/fireless_no_1.htm
And I think one loco is preserved at the Midland Railway centre here in England (formerly from the Boots Chemist company factory site)
Ruth my deAH, ‘tis the Larsman ‘n a Monday! I've got a powerful <urge>, so make that a double <jolt> in the mugga Joe! <grin> Let me check out the menu while I munch on a few of those lo-cal pastries! <yeah right!>
Hope everyone enjoyed the week's end ‘n are ready to begin anew. We do this 52 times a year dontchaknow!?!
Boris, set up the crittAHs with their treats - you should have it "down" by now!<geesh> Bucket of ice cubes for Frostbite the Penguin. Tray of seeds for Awk the Parrot. Saucer of brine for Tex the Armadillo. And of course a chew bone for Juneau, Resident Huskey! Yes, yes - the large jar of pickled pig's feet is right over there - next to the panty hose container. Panty hose??? What in the world is THAT doing behind the bar??? Maybe some things are just bettAH left alone . . .
Hey guyz! What a Saturday with all of those posts. It's a pace that we haven't seen ‘round the bar in some time. Really appreciate the return of enthusiasm to the joint.
Good to see some "memories" for Encore day. Those two were B4 my time, however, I do remember those two customers. Who wouldn't! Rob was a veritable fixture ‘round here ‘n one can only wonder why he chose to simply walk away from it all. But he did and life goes on.
I believe Red P left us for a reason. He was very unhappy with an exchange or two from our teenager. That set him off ‘n away from the bar for keeps. A shame, but I do understand principal over BS. I'm pretty much the same way. However, I think there's plenty of space ‘round here for the two of ‘em. There'll nevAH be another quite like our PC (and I'm NOT speaking of politically correct!) customer called Red P! <grin>
Cudda fooled me with the descriptions of those two switcher engines. Surely look the same to me. See? What do I know!?!?! <grin>
Hey Pete! What do we have to do in order to get your friend to at least make his presence known at the bar??? For cripes sakes, he's provided so many fine pix, at least we'd like to hoist a tankard or two with the man. Anyway, nice stuff, as always.
Appears that you haven't mastered too much over at Molly Throttlebottom's typing ‘n mud wrestling class. So, maybe we should set you up for a WOID course at Vito the Hit's Computer ‘n Chainsaw Emporium. What say you???
R&H? Why, BEER - of course! <grin> And the colder, the bettAH!
But on the serious side, R&H stood for Rubsam & Horrmann Brewing Company and was Staten Island's "claim to fame" when it came to having an operating brewery. Decades past, there were several, but R&H outlived ‘em all. They had a slogan, "The friendliest beer in town." Gotta think about that one, huh?
Check this out:
Hey Dave! You aren't smoking the "funny stuff" are ya?? How in the world could you have missed 27 MONTHS???!!! Nearly ALL of the posts referred to it. Not to mention the e-mails! Anyway, glad you're baaaaaaaaaack ‘n the standing "freebies" will work quite well as the 12th has a habit of arriving once a month! <grin>
Hey Per! Sounds like you are a sucker willing customer to take on some responsibility ‘round here! BettAH be careful, Cap'n Tom reads the woIds!! <grin> Not to worry, he wouldn't "sand bag" you at least ‘til you're settled into your new digs!
That is quite a list of named trains from the NYC ‘n I'm just not sure which RR had the most. Pennsy surely had a "bunch" - perhaps more.
The "source" I used pegged the NYC at 58. And the Pennsy had 78. Those trains were from the year 1948.
Guess it just depends on the "source" used and the time frames involved. Some lists are for periods (ie: 1940s) whereas others appear to be all inclusive (even if not). I just get a kick out of seeing all those names . . . For me, I'd like to see the names of the trains just with dome cars. Now that would be special.
Hey Ron! Check this out!
Yeah, and my Mrs. is 21 going on 21! Got a chuckle out of that comment of yours. <grin>
Hey Shane! Great to see the return of CM3 to the bar. It's been quite a long haul since you graced these premises. Only complaint I have is that the Coal Scuttle is might low on quarters since you made your rather inglorious exit some weeks ago. Sorry, but you'll have to "double down" on those ‘till we catch up! <grin> Lookin' forward to your "report" on Tuesday!
Hey Eric! Stay COOL out there in H!! <ugh>
Hey Fergie! Good to see again - BUT - no greeting for the barkeep ‘n no order?!?! You're flirting with rocks ‘n shoals, mate! <grin> Surely a TWEETING violation on two counts.
Noted our "m
The Passenger Railroad Fallen Flags of "Our" Place #17
Burlington Route
<A form of this was initially Posted on Page 129 of the Original Thread>
Here's another Fallen Flag for the gang from Classic American Railroads:
Caveat: The information provided is NOT all inclusive and is reflective only of the periods mentioned.
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q) Burlington Route
Headquarters: Chicago, IL Mileage: 1950: 11,000 (includes subsidiaries, Fort Worth & Denver and Colorado & Southern) Locomotives in 1963: Steam: 10 Diesel: 691 Rolling stock in 1963: Freight cars: 41,099 Passenger cars: 925 Principal lines in 1950: Aurora, IL-Minneapolis, MN via Rochelle, IL Chicago-Omaha-Denver via Lincoln, NE Galesburg, IL-Kansas City & St. Joseph, MO via Quincy, IL Savanna & Rock Island, IL-Paducah, KY Burlington, IA-St. Louis via Quincy Omaha-Kansas City via St. Joseph Napier, MO (St. Joseph)-Oxford,NE Table Rock, NE-Billings, MT via Lincoln Billings-Galveston, TX via Thermopolis & Cheyenne, WY & Denver Ashland, NE-Sioux City, IA Galesburg-Peoria, IL Kansas City-St. Louis (trackage rights on GM&) Kansas City-Mexico, MO) Passenger trains of note: Afternoon Zephyr (Chicago-Twin Cities) Ak-Sar-Ben Zephyr (Chicago-Lincoln) American Royal Zephyr (Chicago-Kansas City) Black Hawk (Chicago-Twin Cities California Zephyr (Chicago-Oakland, CA; jointly operated with D&RGW and WP) Denver Zephyr (Chicago-Denver-Colorado Springs Empire Builder (Chicago-Seattle & Portland, jointly operated with GN and SP&S) Exposition Flyer (Chicago-Oakland; jointly operated with DR&GW and WP; replaced by California Zephyr in 1949) Kansas City Zephyr (Chicago-Kansas City) Mainstreeter (Chicago-Seattle & Portland, operated jointly with NP and SP&S) Morning Zephyr (Chicago-Kansas City Nebraska Zephyr (Chicago-Lincoln) North Coast Limited (Chicago-Seattle & Portland, jointly operated with NP and SP&S) Pioneer Zephyr (West Quincy-Hannibal, MO) Sam Houston Zephyr (Dallas-Houston) Texas Zephyr (Denver-Dallas) Western Star (Chicago-Seattle & Portland, jointly operated with GN and SP&S) Zephyr Rocket (Minneapolis-St. Louis; jointly operated with RI)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Some drumheads of the Burlington Route
Enjoy! Tom
Good Morning All
Figured I'd better make an appearance before Tom sent out the Press Gang... again
BTW loved the pictures of the old TTC Cars a bit before my time but they bring back memories.
Been very busy as of late building a retaining wall in the backyard and seeing the last of the renovations being carried out.
Anyway I must run
Fergie
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959
If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007
A smile to begin the week!
I need to go shopping for clothes to shop in.
<A Yogi-ism!>
It's THAT day again - MONDAY, the start of a new work week <for many>. So, best way to get ‘er goin' is to draw a mug of freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee <unleaded> or <regular> - order a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board ‘n while you're waitin' ‘n sample a couple of pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery case!
An interesting Saturday at the Saloon by the Siding. For a day pretty much put aside for ENCORE! - and - Photo Posting, we seem to have had quite a bit of "normal" activity at the bar throughout the day ‘n evening. Nice going to all who stopped by!
For the benefit of those who are comparative newcomers, or simply have forgotten - we are CLOSED on Sunday (and Christmas Day) at this establishment in order to give at least one day "off" to those who work so hard to keep this place perking along.
Saturday was set aside for ENCORE! Posts largely due to the slack at the bar on that day. So, repeating some worthy Posts ‘n Pix caught on as a way to keep things movin' forward ‘round here AND of course provide a chance to perhaps catch up on something previously missed.
There's nothing hard ‘n fast in any of this - aside from being CLOSED on Sunday - just the way we do things here.
A thought: With this much activity, PERHAPS we can return to our Tuesday Theme for the Day!
For those who don't know, we used to feature a passenger railroad on Tuesday, then watch for the supporting "stuff" from the guys once the Proprietor or one of the guy's kicked it off. Of course we gave ample notice of what the RR was going to be for those who prefer to do some research in advance. If there's interest, we'll try again . . .
The Birthday Watch List was Posted yesterday to acquaint the new guys with another feature of this bar 'n grill!
Lars (LoveDomes) at 12:31 PM Saturday - July 14th: Surprised but pleased to see our Manager back "up" at the bar so soon after getting home from Florida. Now there's a man who is THINKING about the bar through "evidence" at Posting!
Quite a Post from the Larsman, covered all the bases ‘n then some! Of course enjoyed viewing that list of named trains from the New York Central. Rounded things out quite nicely, Mate!
You struck a chord with me regarding the "demand" for petrol here in the U.S. - You'd think we would've learned something from the contrived oil shortages back in the 70s. With two to deal with within a few years of one another, there were some efforts made to cut back on fuel use. I recall some "downtown" areas going "dark" and so forth. The "odd-even" license plate idea for getting fill ups ‘n all the rest. So here we are into the 21st century ‘n we're worse than ever regarding dependence on petrol from outside of our borders. <nah> <nah> <nah> We just don't want to conserve much less go "full bore" for the alternatives to fossil fuels. <barf>
Yeah, I noticed that a couple of weeks ago you directed a couple of very nice comments to our youngster James - and he's gone! <grin> Best keep your trap shut, Mate! <uh oh>
I think that Dave Dan (DL-UK) cudda saved us all a bunch of grief by simply changing HIS name! Good thinking!
In giving some thought to what you said about having FIFTEEN of us, I think that's really a misleading number. In taking a look at those who are REGULARS, then subtract out those who haven't been ‘round for a week or more, it's easy to see how the numbers rapidly dwindle. But yes, if we were fortunate enough to ever get 4 or 5 to pick a "slot" for Posting, we'd do just fine. On a bright note, Shane is back!
Seems that the Penthouse Suite has been getting some use over the weekends. Should I bother to inquire??? <uh oh>
Glad to have you back with us - even though it seemed like you never left!
Thanx for the round!
Rush, rush, rush. Hmm, here it is. Push it in through the slot and I am on my way!
A warm day here in the Southwest, 111°F.
Per – I read your response to Tom and your opinion about population density being too low to support rail traffic. Last week I read about France and their high speed rail service. The first line (very succesful) was between Paris and Lyon, two big cities. But the area between those cities does not have a high population density. Now I remember, it was Don Phillips who wrote about it in his article in the latest Trains (August). Among other things he wrote that France is not like New York City and Connecticut, but more like Illinois and Kansas when it comes to population density. If you get a chance, read his article. Most of the passenger cars in Sweden are now being scrapped in Nykroppa, Värmland. The MoW Dining car is the one below.
The X2000 cab looks like that on all the X2000 trains but it is covered by a much better looking plastic nose. OERM is a nice place and obviously so for your son! The way he learned to add and subtract reminds me how I learned to read. It happened “by accident” and took less than two minutes. I still remember it. Pete – The 2-6-4 tank engine #1928 is built 1952, so it is not that old. Ron/DDi – Budweiser the biggest seller in Ireland (but called Guinness)? Learning something new every day! CM3 – back! Hope your vacation was a good one! Looking forward to see you again soon. Tom – I just noticed that Pete has his birthday the same day as my sister! Thanks for the update!
2007 BIRTHDAY WATCH LIST
(rev. July 15th)
January 14th (Eric - 64)
OKRA (Dec 22 - Jan 20) Are tough on the outside but tender on the inside. Okras have tremendous influence. An older Okra can look back over his life and see the seeds of his influence everywhere. You can do something good each day if you try. You go well with most anyone.
March 5th (Nick - 47)
March 13th (Doug - 51)
BOLL WEEVIL (Feb 20 - March 20) You have an overwhelming curiosity. You're unsatisfied with the surface of things, and you feel the need to bore deep into the interior of everything. Needless to say, you are very intense and driven as if you had some inner hunger. You love to stay busy and tend to work too much. Nobody in their right mind is going to marry you, so don't worry about it.
March 31st (Lars - 67)
MOON PIE (March 21 - April 20) You're the type that spends a lot of time on the front porch. A cinch to recognize the physical appearance of Moon Pies. Big and round are the key words here. You should marry anybody who you can get remotely interested in the idea. A Chitlin would be a good mate but it's not going to be easy. You always have a big smile and are happy. This might be the year to think about aerobics. Maybe not.
May 18th (Tom - 69)
POSSUM (April 21 - May 21) When confronted with life's difficulties, possums have a marked tendency to withdraw and develop a don't-bother-me-about- it attitude. Sometimes you become so withdrawn, people actually think you're dead. This strategy is probably not psychologically healthy but seems to work for you. You are a rare breed. Most folks love to watch you work and play. You are a night person and mind your own business. You should definitely marry an Armadillo.
May 27th (Dave - 48)
CRAWFISH (May 22 - June 21) Crawfish is a water sign. If you work in an office, you're hanging around the water cooler. Crawfish prefer the beach to the mountains, the pool to the golf course, and the bathtub to the living room. You tend not to be particularly attractive physically but have a good heart.
August 11th (Pete - 56)
CATFISH (July 24 - Aug 23) Catfish are traditionalists in matters of the heart, although one's whiskers may cause problems for loved ones. You Catfish are never easy people to understand. You run fast. You work and play hard. Even though you prefer the muddy bottoms to the clear surface of life, you are liked by most. Above all else, Catfish should stay away from Moon Pies.
September 11th (Per - 62)
GRITS (Aug 24 - Sept 23) Your highest aim is to be with others like yourself. You like to huddle together with a big crowd of other Grits. You love to travel though, so maybe you should think about joining a club. Where do you like to go? Anywhere they have cheese, gravy, bacon, butter, or eggs and a good time. If you can go somewhere where they have all these things, that serves you well. You are pure in heart.
September 29th (James - 19)
BOILED PEANUTS (Sept 24 - Oct 23) You have a passionate desire to help your fellow man. Unfortunately, those who know you best, your friends and loved ones, may find that your personality is much too salty, and their criticism will affect you deeply because you are really much softer than you appear. You should go right ahead and marry anybody you want to because in a certain way, yours is a charmed life. On the road of life, you can be sure that people will always pull over and stop for you.
December 29th (CM3 - 61)
Not on the list Send me an Email with your birth date (month-day-year) Corrections too!
Tom (Siberianmo)
Proprietor of "Our" Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!
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