PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #40
<Initially Posted on Page 185 of the original Thread>
Here's something to enjoy regarding the BRITISH RAILWAYS in a 1948 advertisement from my private collection:
25% Reduction IN TOUR FARESFor Americans Visiting The BRITISH ISLES When planning your British Isles holiday, make a list of all the places you want to see in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Your Travel Agent will be glad to help you prepare your complete individual itinerary. That way you'll effect substantial savings on planned tour tickets offered by British Railways.
See More in Britain!
Naturally, you'll visit our great cities, our world-famous historic and scenic shrines (all within a day's train trip from London) . . . but with more time you can enjoy so many equally memorable travel experiences in our less publicized byways. So plan to stay longer - discover for yourself the charm of our villages, countryside and rugged coastline.
Travel means BRITISH RAILWAYS
TRAINS . . . Swift, comfortable transportation to every corner of the British Isles. HOTELS . . . 45 hotels associated with British Railways, strategically situated for your tour or business trips. CROSS-CHANNEL FACILITIES . . . Railway-operated steamer services over a wide variety of routes to Ireland and the Continent. Depend on the all-inclusive travel services of British Railways for every phase of your tour of the British Isles. We suggest you secure your rail transportation, as well as Pullman, cross-channel steamer and hotel reservations before your leave. British Railways - official agents for air tickets on British European Air Corporation routes in the British Isles. Write for British Railways - new and amusing booklet, "WHAT, NO ICE?" - written especially for Americans planning to visit us; as well as the full-color map folder, "THE BRITISH ISLES" both free upon request to Dept. 25 at any of the offices shown below. For tickets, reservations and authoritative travel information on the British Isles CONSULT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT or any British Railways office:
NEW YORK 20, N. Y., 9 ROCKEFELLER Pl.CHICAGO 3, ILL, 39 So. Lasalle St. LOS ANGELES 14, CAL., 510 W. 6th St. TORONTO, ONT., 69 Younge Street
BRITISH RAILWAYS
Enjoy!
Tom
<w/permission: http://www.scenic-railroads.com/>
G'day Gents!
The end of the work week <for many> and it's amazing what a mid-week holiday can do with one's perception of what day it SHOULD be! I've been thinking it's Tuesday rather than Friday! <grin>
Heat ‘n humidity has arrived here in the St. Louis area and we're to have it through early next week. Heard the days are getting SHORTER, so that can only mean FALL is due "up" - but not too soon.
Been really thinking about the future of this joint and how the summer isn't going to get any shorter. Without Lars 'n Shane in the mornings for awhile, this place is going to be awfully quiet . . . We used to have so much interaction and now it pretty much has been relegated to responding to this ‘n that after HOURS of down time. Can't remember the last time we had a "good" interactive session with guys online at the SAME time. Ahhh, the good ole days <daze>. "We takes what we gets," eh
Okay, time for a cup of Joe, a <light> or <traditional> breakfast ‘n of course some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery.
Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative):
Lars at 1:11 PM Thursday - July 5th: So it has come ‘round again, eh Off you go winging on down to Florida for some R ‘n R in the Keys.
We'll keep things "ship shape" in your absence ‘n of course make sure that Ruth isn't spending her time in despondency! <grin>
The D&H dome "says it all"!!
Thanx for the visit, chat ‘n round! And of course those treats for the critters . . .
Mike at 9:35 PM Thursday - July 5th: Don't know whether to <tweet> the man or <thank> the man. At any rate, nice work with resurrecting Nick's Pix!
A "hit ‘n run" Post by any other name . . .
Pete at 9:51 PM ‘n 9:55 PM Thursday - July 5th: Back with the guys after ANOTHER absence. Hmmmmm, however, at least you do come back with LOTS to say!
"Wonderful graphics and pictures" from BERGIE?!?!? You gotta be kidding! <grin>
I too wind up spending time over at the original Thread after retrieving some "stuff" for Posting here. Just so much great info, interaction 'n good times. Amazing that the "count" keeps on climbing in spite of the Thread being "locked."
The Flexliner was an "okay" ride to KCity ‘n back. Really don't think the equipment was designed for such a long run. Never thought about that aspect you brought up regarding the grade crossings, and it's one that surely makes one think. Anyway, I'd have thought the train could've been put to use for short hauls moreso than trips that take 6 hours or more. Get's a bit weary and I noted it was rather noisy in comparison to being inside "regular" Amtrak cars. Thought the food service by cart was a good idea and of course did enjoy the large windows and change of pace to what was the "norm" for that trip.
The absolute BEST Amtrak experience along that route for me was when they ran the Superliner cars WITH a Sightseer lounge back in the winter several years ago. Was truly an experience well worth the fare. Superliner coach travel beats the Horizon ‘n Amfleet equipment any day - but when in a Sightseer lounge, well what more needs to be said, eh Always wondered if they ‘screwed up' with that one . . . but I took advantage of it, fer sure, fer sure - TWICE, once with and once without the bride!
As an aside, I noticed that Amtrak has a "promotion" on for Missouri travel - companion goes free. Worth thinking about, eh
Figured someone would decide you'd look good in a "lobster" suit! Why didn't YOU surrender in the FALL!?!!? Surely wudda been far better than the sweltering heat of the summer! <geesh> <grin>
Now before someone "jumps my case," yeah I know - the Revolutionary War continued on for nearly a year AFTER the victory at Yorktown . . . Hollywood "revisionists" notwithstanding.
I believe the term, "Fare box car" is just that. A trolley or streetcar where one deposited the fare into a box.
Wishful thinking regarding the Barn Weevil . . . at least he's checking in now 'n then.
Can't find the guide book, eh Check that bag you carry ‘round with you. The one with your most precious ‘n required possessions in it! <grin> Watch out for the soda . . . . <arrrggghhh>
Thanx for the visit, inclusive - informative ‘n interesting Post ‘n round!
Eric at 1:07 AM today - July 6th: This just in: Cardinals rid Busch Stadium of Arizona reptiles! Away serpents, away!! That's 3 out of 4, which is more than luck. However, in t
God morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, a ham sandwich would be perfect! Sugar cured ham. Cold. Coffee!
Back to work after five very short days off. It's like I never had any time off. But I will in 168 days!
DL – Very interesting trip report!! If I understand this correctly that signal tower (signal box) is still in operation today, right? I think you should send those Gatwick Airport Express Cars to NZ and Allan! What kind of cars are they?Sad news about that pub! Was it closed against the will of the owner? I think I have read about that crash with the two B17s during WWII. Tragic, getting back from the raid over Germany and then crash just before landing back on their own base. Tom – More nice pictures from a very interesting museum! Just wish Rob could give us more info on those streetcars! That electric boxcab seems to be in good shape. And the Buick has white walls on the wheels! Thanks for the congrats! I think the Red Birds were just plain lucky, don’t you? Bad news about the 1947 Freedom Train, just one car is still around! That is sad. Not much better for the 1976 AFT! Most cars scrapped 1995. The Flexliner was basically the same train as the one on this link:http://www.jarnvag.net/bild/vagnguide/extY21371.jpgIt is a Class Y2 belonging to the Swedish State Railways. Called “Rubber nose” in Sweden. Lars – Thank you for your share of the heat! I’ll save until December! We had 115° today and no wind! Thanks for the toast!!Have a safe trip! Hope to see you again soon! Nice dome car!!Mike – Thanks for fixing Nick’s pictures! Now I can see them all! I did not even know that they are running spaceships on British railways! Nick?Pete – Painting or a photo of a locomotive in snow? Good!? Brrr, no way!!!! If the human being was ment to live in snow we would all have a fur like Juneau! Thanks for the congratulations! Time flies! About the Flexliner and the position of the engineer, there was a bad accident in Sweden about a year and a half, or maybe two years, ago when a Class Y2 (same as the Flexliner) collided with a big rig at a grade crossing. The train was running at a speed of 140 km/h (87 mph). The engineer was killed instantly.
Eric
Hi Tom and all.
Just caught NICK's photos, well done MIKE
Pete.
HOPE EVERYONE HAD A GREAT 4th OF JULY
A round please RUTH to celebrate an excellent 4th of July at Our Place. Wonderful graphics and pictures by ERIC TOM LARS AND BERGIE.
ALLAN Great to see you at the bar. I hope you can give us a report of your trip behind the WAB tank; it sounds a great day out.
MIKE Many thanks for those great links.
Great photos of Duluth station I am amazed at how they used to do those colored postcards. Wonderful photo of the Classic diesel line-up
ERIC Glad you liked Alan's photos, I will pass your message on, thanks.
I am sure the Railway Magazine did an article fairly recently on British train acceleration, steam one month and modern traction the next, I will go to the basement and try to find it I am sure it will mention the HSTs. When the East Coast Main Line was being electrified the first section to Leeds was ready but the MK4 Driving Van Trailers for use with the class 91 electrics built for the line, were not ready. So some HST power cars were modified (which included fitting buffers) for use with the class 91s. While in this formation they had the 6,000+ HP of the 91 and the 2,500 hp of the HST for the 8 cars, it was said the acceleration from a stop was brilliant. Although I did not travel behind this combination, I did see them start away from Doncaster and the HST power car was doing its share of the work.
You have got admit there is something good about a painting or photo of a steam loco in the snow..
Congratulations on your 10 years
DL Great link to the Marmite, no wonder I liked it, being linked to the brewing process. Yes defiantly add the crisps just before eating, although sometimes it was difficult to pries the sandwich apart and if you did not spread it out enough you knew when you had a lump of it.
Enjoyed the Nottingham bus pics and that was interesting about the Cuban train services. I noticed in the timetable that the morning train from Havana to Cienfuegos took 11 hors to get there but the evening one took only 5 hours to do the same journey.
The museum at Liphook is also called the Hollycombe Collection. I have a link to it (Loved the graphic at the top)
http://www.hollycombe.co.uk/
I used to enjoy my visits to Carnforth when it was open as a museum; it was one of the last steam sheds on BR along with Rose Grove and Lostock Hall. There was, at least until fairly recently, a concrete coaling stage in the confines of Immingham diesel depot although I am not sure if it is still there today, but I am fairly sure that Carnforth not only has the coaling stage it has the only concrete ash disposal tower left. As you say there are some great steam scenes in Brief Encounter
Many thanks for that great Norwich trip report and links. It reminded me of, in the mid to late 1970s, BR ran some what they called Round Robin tickets from our area using service trains. One of which was a trip from Birmingham via Leicester and Peterborough to Ely with a break. Then back from Ely to March then on to Spalding and Lincoln on the now closed Great Northern & Great Eastern Joint RLY, through Whitemoor yard at March. At Lincoln it was a change of station from Central to the now closed St Marks for the Class 120 DMU trip to Derby via Newark and Nottingham, to connect with a ‘Peak' hauled train back to Brum. There was the option on these trips to pay another pound to travel 1st class. Happy days.
I can feel your pain at finding that pub in Reedham being converted to flats. This was happening to a lot of pubs when I was there, and I have just learnt that one of my favourite pubs in my home town is being converted, as you say once they have gone that wont come back and in a small town when a pub goes a lot of the character of the village goes too in my opinion.
Berney Arms is one place I would to have loved to get off the train there.
On a brighter note I was able to find a bottle of Black Sheep ‘Riggwelter' and Lees Moonraker in a shop in Kansas City.
nickinwestwales wrote: Right-will not be beaten by software.....Here`s what I did on my holidays........here is base camp-an old (1810 ) rectory-the nearest neighbours were a nest of shrewsOur first expedition was to the South Devon Railway-running between Buckfastleigh and TotnesThe engine in steam was a 57xx pannier tank,in immaculate condition and hauling 5 coachesWe missed the first train of the day by a couple of minutes so decided to spend an hour or so wandering around the butterfly and otter sanctuary After a delightful hour here,we caught the next train to Totnes--As can be seen from this view from the footbridge,the weather was not kind to us.......found this "grand Dame" resting on the back road-looks ready to steam but note the lack of a piston rod on the left side...So-onto the train and a wonderfully gentle ride was had to Totnes:-From the steam railway station one has a short walk to the town,passing by the main line stn where we have..on the right, a Virgin spaceship departing northbound and a single car local R.D.C arriving southboundA good lunch was had in Totnes before returning to the train,the passing Virgin unit swapped horns with the pannier in a most acceptable fashion Once we returned to Buckfastleigh,small Hannah and self set out to find the maze,despite biblical weather..............In the shed we found a prairie in the elagant B.R lined blackand a couple of coaches in the matching carmine and cream liveryBefore I go I feel a little taster for traction fans is due:---here we have a former Scotrail class 37 awaiting its next turnand one of a pair of class 20`s ---more to follow but sleep beckons Enjoy the day chaps -and raise a glass for us in the old countrybest to all ,nick
Right-will not be beaten by software.....Here`s what I did on my holidays........
here is base camp-an old (1810 ) rectory-the nearest neighbours were a nest of shrews
Our first expedition was to the South Devon Railway-running between Buckfastleigh and Totnes
The engine in steam was a 57xx pannier tank,in immaculate condition and hauling 5 coaches
We missed the first train of the day by a couple of minutes so decided to spend an hour or so wandering around the butterfly and otter sanctuary
After a delightful hour here,we caught the next train to Totnes--
As can be seen from this view from the footbridge,the weather was not kind to us.......
found this "grand Dame" resting on the back road-looks ready to steam but note the lack of a piston rod on the left side...
So-onto the train and a wonderfully gentle ride was had to Totnes:-
From the steam railway station one has a short walk to the town,passing by the main line stn where we have..
on the right, a Virgin spaceship departing northbound and a single car local R.D.C arriving southbound
A good lunch was had in Totnes before returning to the train,the passing Virgin unit swapped horns with the pannier in a most acceptable fashion
Once we returned to Buckfastleigh,small Hannah and self set out to find the maze,despite biblical weather..............
In the shed we found a prairie in the elagant B.R lined black
and a couple of coaches in the matching carmine and cream livery
Before I go I feel a little taster for traction fans is due:---
here we have a former Scotrail class 37 awaiting its next turn
and one of a pair of class 20`s ---more to follow but sleep beckons
Enjoy the day chaps -and raise a glass for us in the old country
best to all ,nick
Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!
My last visit for awhile as we're outta here in the early morning - expect to be down in the Keys by early afternoon. Must admit, I'm looking forward to it, just not thrilled to death about the traveling. Don't know WHAT my Mrs. thinks of when she packs, for we just may need an extra plane to stow the gear she figures we NEED! <groan> <moan>
What a fine turnout from the guys over the holiday period, dontchathink???? I do! Many THANKS to all for helping out, but ESPECIALLY to our guys from places outside the U.S. - Allan in New Zealand - Fergie in Canada's Atlantic waters - DL in the UK & Nick in Wales (west)!!
As the Cap'n said - a FIVE SALUTE to youse guyz!
Must agree with Da Bossman, we've found a fine group of patrons eager ‘n willing to keep the place open. UTB's were pretty much daily customers. Now we're seeing a stready trade, not always daily, but a bunch that keeps comin' back. That's good and I know our Cap'n appreciates all of you!
Should make special mention that the U.S. Freedom Train spate of pix ‘n info from the Cap'n was most enjoyable. Really appreciated the link in this morning's acknowledgments . . . never enjoy knowing that fine machines of the past wind up being scrapped, but same can be said about some ships I used to call "home." Nice to know that the Daylight #4449 has been saved, even if back in its SP livery . . . Thanx, mate!
Also, great spate of Expo Rail photos today . . . you must have ‘shot the wad' with pix taking up there! Really enjoying them!
Yo Eric! You can have MY share of the heat, for now and for evermore. How in the world any living creature can put up with temperatures upwards of 110 (F) is beyond my comprehension. <yikes> <double yikes>
Here's to YOU on your 10th year of U.S. citizenship! Boris, ring it and let's have a toast to our Desert Swede and his continued good cheer at the bar!
Yo DL: Some nifty Urls to supplement your fine account of rail trips in the UK. Ever wonder what it IS that gets a man SO interested in trains?!?!?
Yo Allan: Take heart, mate, in sports, there's ALWAYS another day. The trophy goes on the mantle or within a case. Another gets manufactured and made ready for the next winnAH - it seems to perpetuate itself, wudntyathink?!?!
Yo Fergie: Work - sleep ‘n eat sounds like old times for me. Shipboard routine. Been awhile for me and there are times when I think about signing on for "just one more" . . .
Yo Nick: Enjoyed the pix, but sorry to see those gremlins gotcha. I'm not help in these things, but there's surely a remedy. Why not take the "old man" up on his offer?
D&H #500/507 (from: www.trainweb.org - photo credit: Robert Staples)
Ok crew, time for the Larsman to get some <ahem> admin work squared away B4 shoving off. Are we ready, Ruth???? <grin>
Until the next time!
Lars
And a Grand Time was had by all on the 4th in the Big Tent out back . . . The Can-Am County Scrub Board, Spoon Playing ‘n Jaw Harp Philharmonic Band was simply terrific!
The turn-out for our Independence Day celebration was terrific, especially when one takes into account just how few we are in number compared to days <daze> gone by.
Many, many THANX to our "internationalists" who took the time ‘n made the effort to help out ‘round here while the handful of we Yanks tended to things like family, food ‘n fun! 5- Salute to Allan in New Zealand - DL in England - Nick in west Wales and Fergie aboard ship in off of Canada's eastern shores!
Makes me think a bit about this time last year - in my opinion, we may have had more Posts back then, but the quality is still top shelf and I think we have MORE who are demonstrating their willingness to participate in this interactive cyber bar ‘n grill of ours!
SPECIAL MENTION: Many THANX to our Manager Lars for coming up with the idea to get our "internationalist" customers to stop by on the 4th . . . it WORKED WELL! 5- Salute to the Larsman!
And so, it's time again for a cuppa Joe, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and of course a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board!
Lars at 11:59 AM Wednesday - July 4th: Glad you were able to get a few minutes "off" to spend some time with us yesterday! Wouldn't be a ‘special' day ‘round here without our Manager!
Nice lookin' DAYLIGHT Freedom Train . . . have a speedy ‘n safe trip and we'll be awaitin' your return!
Round most appreciated too . . .
Fergie at 4:40 PM Wednesday - July 4th: Many THANX for helping to keep things movin' along! Glad you found us all out in the BIG TENT! <grin>
Nick at 5:52 PM ‘n 7:44 PM Wednesday - July 4th: A man of his word, fer sure, fer sure - we're always put in fine spirits when our West Wales Connection makes a visit!
The Pix that turned out look just fine. Methinks there's a Resident Gremlin at work with your PhotoBucket account. If you wish, I'm willing to give you a hand with this problem - just ship me an Email and we'll take a look at the situation!
Sorry - but we spilled the rounds of TEA into the harbor (harboUr)!! <grin>
Eric at 1:01 AM today - July 5th: This just in - Red Birds pluck another snake from the grass at Busch! <grin>
Congrats to you on your 10th year anniversary of U.S. citizenship!
Here's a link that will answer your questions regarding the American Freedom Train of 1947 (and the one from 1976 too):
http://www.freedomtrain.org/html/whereabouts.htm
Thanx for the info on the Amtrak at WashDC Union Station!
Nice looking Chicago, Aurora & Elgin coaches!
DL at 6:21 AM today - July 5th: Always a pleasure to have you aboard, Mate!
What's to say OTHER than a super-fine job with your "trip report"! 5- Salute to our Resident Brit Connection!
Really spent some time checking out those links - very well placed and great selections I should add. The Signal Box is enthralling in that it clearly depicts what was going on and how much attention had to be payed to the business at hand.
Liked those Posters too - there's one that reminds me of a "boy" with a "train set" - nicely done! <double wow>
Some years back there was a demonstrator train run by Amtrak called the Flexliner. In fact, I rode it several times - once on a round trip from St. Louis to Kansas City, MO (6 hours each way). Anyway, that train surely resembles many viewed on your recent and past links . . .
An Amtrak press release from 1997:
Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
Runnin' a bit late today, which is fine as it IS summertime, summertime, good ole summertime! <grin>
Acknowledgments a bit later on, but want to make mention of visits by Lars - Fergie - Nick - Eric 'n DL - GREAT to see all of you!
Now baaaaaaack to those Pix from our Canada trip!
Continuing on with Pix from Day Four: Sunday - May 27th, 2007 - ExpoRail Canadian Railway Museum at Delson/Saint-Constant, Quebec, Canada
Inside Building #1 (cont'd)
Montreal Park & Island Railway (MP&IR #1046) suburban streetcar - Built by Montreal Steel Railway (1902)
MP&IR # 611 wooden interurban streetcar - Built in Ottawa (1917)
Montreal Transportation Commission (MTC #3200)converted from a fare box car to a tool car - Built by MTC (1928)
Canadian National Railway (CNR #6711) Boxcab electric locomotive - Built by GE (1914)
CNR #49 4-6-4 bi-directional tank locomotive - Built by Montreal Loco Works (1914)
Hydro Quebec 15 ton switcher - Built by Plymouth (1922)
Inter Colonial Railways #531 sleeping car - Built by Crossen (1904)
Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR M-235) - Built by Buick (1938)
To be continued . . .
Hello Tom and all in - hope you've recovered from the holiday spirit - and had an enjoyable day - as Doug pointed out - hopefully there were plenty of special events at RR museums conveniently placed for one and all!
I'll have a Keith's as kindly offered by Fergie - thanks for that!
Tom - well Brief Encounter is very much a ‘human interest' kind of film - but the key location is at a Railway Junction and the film makers chose this place Carnforth in the north west of England as it was considered sufficiently far away from Europe for the risk of enemy aircraft to spot the lights of film making at night (it was made towards the end of WW2) - There are a lot of action shots of LMS local and express trains arriving, departing, and running through non stop.
Pete will be familiar with the designs and I'm sure will have seen the film. Back in the day Carnforth was a busy location with an important steam shed which was one, if not the, last steam shed on British Railways. The location is a junction between the busy London - Glasgow mainline, the line east across to Yorkshire (cities of Leeds and Bradford), the line west to the port of Heysham on the Irish sea and also the line north west to Cumbria and the port and shipbuilding communities of Barrow and steel making towns on the coast of Cumbria - all of these lines, albeit some downgraded, still exist today.
The steam sheds at Carnforth were preserved and opened as a museum for some years, which closed some time ago now, but they still exist as a shed for private railway operation, maintaining steam and diesel - the concrete coaling tower, the last one to exist in the UK I think, is still in existence - some pics are here.
http://home.clara.net/gw0hqd/media/railmod0878/railmod0878.htm
Anyhow the station was downgraded over the years and by the 1980s all staff were removed - the buildings were becoming derelict and no one was maintaining them - it was proposed to demolish them all. However, the location was well known because of the film and a local campaign was waged to get them restored. Eventually this came to pass and they have done a pretty good job. Some of the rooms have a superb photographic exhibition of stills from the film and other historic photographs of the railway in the area, and the ‘refreshment rooms' - or station cafeteria - where much of the film takes place, have been recreated in the traditional style and of course you can get a meal there if you want to. The station is staffed again now.
If you are a Stanley Holloway fan you will enjoy the film - although not a key part, he has the role of station ticket collector who fancies his chances with the manageress of the refreshment rooms!
Nick - looks like a good time was had in Devon - I've not visited the Totnes line but it has a good reputation that seems well deserved.
Anyhow - now on to a long promised Trip Report
It was over a couple of weeks ago that I had to head for Norwich - which is an interesting train journey over the flat lands of eastern England.
The route from here is a pretty ambling cross country journey served by trains that run coast to coast from Liverpool to Norwich. Usually 2 or 3 car diesel railcars which run on an hourly frequency. This is the type of train:
http://www.centraltrains.co.uk/templates/Page.aspx?id=453
The route covers bits of the network that are not too modernised, so on some stretches semaphore signalling is much in evidence, traditional signal towers and along one lengthy part of the line even the old telegraph poles and wires dipping up and down as you pass by.
One of the scenic highlights of the route is the spectacular views of Ely cathedral - dating from medieval times (they kicked off construction back in the year 1081) which can be seen from the train - some pictures here - http://www.easterncathedrals.org.uk/ely.html#mhi
Also of interest in this location will be these pics of a far more ‘on topic' nature:
http://www.signalbox.org/branches/dg/elynorthjcn.htm
The line passes through several remote (by English standards) communities as it crosses the flat Fen lands of eastern England - basically reclaimed marsh areas that are very fertile - so agriculture is the main activity - in a way the landscape is reminiscent of parts of the mid west USA I often think.
En route we passed through the once significance railway junction of March - sadly now a shadow of its former self but once the location of the important sorting sidings at Whitemoor (now mostly long since closed and the site of a present day prison!).
Some classic posters showing the site are here:
http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?image=10173736&wwwflag=2&imagepos=1
http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?image=10174118&wwwflag=2&imagepos=3
Although half of March station seems rather derelict now, the other half is in use, and the station is still part signalled using semaphore signalling - with I think at least 2 signal towers at the location - there were a number of sidings in use - some with maintenance wagons, and others with a rake of redundant Mk2 carriages ex Gatwick Airport Express cars - maybe they are waiting for scrap - or maybe for export to New Zealand - who knows!
If you scroll down this page you will see some pictures of the station environment:
http://www.trainspots.co.uk/locpage.php?ts_number=110
It is also of interest because in the area are a number of semaphore signals - some of which I think are of the old Great Northern Railway type (so dating back to before 1923) with the posts made of pre cast concrete rather than the more usual wood or steel.
See this example:
http://www.signalbox.org/signals/gn.htm
Anyway, on to Norwich station which is an impressive terminus - built in the French renaissance style
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/norfolk/3642766.stm
I had plenty of time - so decided that I would head off on one of the branch lines from Norwich to a small railway junction called Reedham where I have visited for holidays before - it is on the edge of one of the rivers that make up an area called the Norfolk Broads - a network of rivers and low lying land that is rather atmospheric.
I was looking forward to this because you can take a nice walk down by the river, and look over the railway rotating bridge across the river (watched over by a signal tower that also operates the swing bridge mechanism). The station itself is again a classic ‘country junction' with all its tracks in place including short sidings that once would have been used for wagon deliveries etc. You can walk up the lane which overlooks the classic signal box as pictured here from the narrow bridge behind:
http://www.signalbox.org/gallery/e/reedhamjcn.htm
On occasions I have stayed there I have walked past at night on the bridge on a summer evening when you can see into the lit up box and watch the actions when trains come and go, listening to the bells and leavers etc as the signal man does his work. It must have been a fascinating location back in the days when rural freight trains would have been part of the activity here.
Sadly the station buildings are rather derelict - although part of one has been converted into a house (not very sympathetically) the other part of the building is in need of serious restoration.
Opposite the station I knew of the existence of the superb pub the Railway Tavern - which served good food and beer and had accommodation too last time I visited the location 4 or 5 years ago. I planned to look round the visit and then have a pint prior to a return to Norwich. Imagine my shock when walking out of the station to find a sign up outside the pub saying "Under conversion to 5 two and three bedroom flats"! How depressing this was!!! Once a pub gets converted like this there is never any going back to being a pub - it was the classic Victorian Railway pub - now destroyed - It is a great shame the powers that be did not refuse permission to change its use from a pub to a residential location (which they could have done I think).
Out beyond the village the line goes across the marsh land through this fascinating location of Berney Arms - where this tiny station stands all alone in the drained marshland - only accessible by foot - I have hiked across this area and was pleased to see as here that the old fashioned style sign at Berney Arms has recently been restored. The older pictures on this link are fascinating:
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/berneyarms/html/berneyarms/railway/berney_railway1.htm
Anyway - I had a look round the village and again had a chance to look at the memorial to a tragic accident from WW2 when two USAAF B17 aircraft collided near the village over marsh land at low altitude when returning from their mission - the memorial - erected relatively recently - was probably put up after the incident was featured in a TV programme as here:
http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/T/timeteam/archive/reedham.html
The memorial is placed next to the village war memorial commemorating the dead of village in two world wars - and names the crew of both aircraft - all of whom must have died in this crash. This part of England was home to a lot of USAAF bases at that time.
Anyway - regards to all
DL
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Sorry Leon, too much to eat today so I just have a cup of coffee! It is time to hit the sack in a few minutes. Tomorrow is another work day.
After a hot Independence Day (116°F) and a lot of activities I'll just stop by for a moment to check what happened here today, sorry, yesterday.
DL – I checked the site om Marmite and decided against trying it even though I found a store in New Jersey that has it. Engine- grease!? No, I’ll pass. I saw pictures of buses with just one front door and some with two front doors (side by side). Bad design in my opinion! I remember those London buses with rear platforms. Thanks for the HST 125 info! It was what I thought it would be. That Carnforth Station looks very nice! They certainly did a very good job restoring it!Tom – Interesting stuff about the Freedom Train! Do you know if the locomotive or any cars have been preserved? Maybe it is time to run it again!?Shoot, the snakes didn’t make it tonight! Glad you liked the graphic! No, it is not a mirror image of Boris, he insisted showing that side beacuse “That is my good looking side”.The Amtrak shot is from Union Station, Washington DC, June 1993. We were about to leave for Florida.Doug – Interesting story about CA&E. Why did they close so abruptly? I found a picture of CA&E #308 that now can be found at IRM!
Shown with permission from Wikipedia.
I don’t know if I tolerate 114°. I mean, I accept it, but it is kind of hot. Today it was supposed to get up to 117° but it reached “only” 116°F. Hot enough! Lars – I enjoyed this holiday a lot, it was my 10th Anniversary as a citizen of this Great Country! Glad you liked the picture af the crittAHS! They sent a special hello to you!Fergie – Thanks for the Keith’s! Looking forward to see you again soon!Nick – Obviously you are having some problems with this forum! You are not the first and most likely not the last. Most of your pictures do not show at all.But I can tell the weather was not so nice but I hope you still had a nice time! The pictures from the footbridge and the one of the “Grand Dame” are showing like the ones of the beaver/otter and the Class 20 diesel locomotive.
" border="0" /> here is base camp-an old (1810 ) rectory-the nearest neighbours were a nest of shrews
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" border="0" /> on the right, a Virgin spaceship departing northbound and a single car local R.D.C arriving southbound
siberianmo wrote: Happy Independence Day to the U.S.A.!!!
Happy Independence Day to the U.S.A.!!!
Ladies And Gentlemen Have a very Festive and Safe Independence Day!!!
And since I'm here, a round of Keith's for Everyone!!!!!
Fergie
I realize after reading back a few posts I have some answer backs for a few of you. My apolagies!
A what the heck a bowl of of your finest Wings
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
Happy 231st Birthday to the U.S.A.
Ruth my deah, I'll have a double belt of JD on the rocks while I sample the buffet table . . . looks like a winnAH as always from The Mentor Village Deli!
Just couldn't let this day pass by without wishing my friends at "Our"Place a most HAPPY 4th of JULY!!
I've always loved this day and am still taken in by the celebrations, the music, the hoopla and fireworks. A great day for all who call themselves Americans! 5 Salute to the good ole U.S.A.
My, my Ruth, you do look absolutely stunning in that Red, White ‘n Blue outfit! Something from the "Not So Secret Store" over at the Mentor Mall ‘n Soil Sampling Depot You surely "fit well" into it! <blush>
Nice spate of "stuff" from Da Boss - as always - you surely do keep us entertained!
A round on me - DOUBLE treats for the crittAHS and of course a LARGE jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris, all decked out in his Uncle Sam suit.
Great looking piece of work from Eric today in that lead in graphic. <double wow> Nicely done, mate!
Thanks to Allan ‘n DL in the UK for "answering the call"!! Thought we'd see Fergie - but the day isn't over yet . . .
Hello's to Pete - Eric ‘n Doug - hope youse guyz are enjoying this holiday!
I'm being bellowed beckoned . . . gotta run. <groan>
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY 2007! (Click to enlarge)
It's nearing lunch time here at the Saloon by the Siding - so check out the buffet table layed out just for the 4th of July!
For anyone interested, here's the link to last year's 4th of July at the Saloon by the Siding:
http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/370/991587/ShowPost.aspx#991587
Lars at 10:40 AM Tuesday - July 3rd: Many THANX for the continuing support for the bar and what we do!
No need to "beat a dead horse" when it comes to who is and who isn't ‘round the Bar by the Ballast. Best to simply move on down the line . . . Y'all KNOW my thoughts and it's far better just to leave it at that. RIP to those in the "used to be" - UTB - category! <grin>
Email received and responded to - thanx! If you can't make it in today - don't sweat the small stuff. Surely hope your travels are safe and without the hassle associated with air travel these times.
Round appreciated!
Pete at 3:55 PM Tuesday - July 3rd: Only reason I can come up with for an Aussie playing the part of an American 1776 patriot is that all of ours are deceased! <grin>
We can talk about a fall trip to KCity aboard Amtrak - before the change back to standard time of course.
Four nice Pix from your Mate, Alan - many thanx! The man surely knows HOW to take some fotos with clarity!
Thanx for the KEG!
Allan at 5:32 PM Tuesday - July 3rd: (but the 4th in NZ!!) Many thanx for the visit and well wishes! Most appreciated, fer sure, fer sure.
We've gotten used to having you aboard and it's nice to know you're still interested in this place . . . the more the merrier, eh
Amazin' to me how the "national pysche" can rise ‘n fall with the outcome of a sporting event. Ask any Canadian when it comes to their teams in hockey competition, especially when they are global in nature. In parts of South America it's worth one's life ‘n limb should a soccer team fail to do what's expected. The U.S. lays "claim" to baseball in the "World Series" and football's "Super Bowl," and so it goes on and on. So why not the America's Cup and the NZ team, eh <grin>
Mike at 8:03 PM Tuesday - July 3rd: Some fine URLs and "stuff" from our Resident URLMeisterMonster. That Liberty Bell poster and "1776" loco helped to make our celebration step off smartly. Thanx!
Thanx for the round!
Eric at 2:21 AM today - July 4th: What's to say other than for the opening graphic to your Post! Terrific job with the critters and "things" that identify with "Our" Place. Boris looks to be a "mirror image" - why not!?!? <grin> Nicely done and THANX! 5- Salute to our Resident Desert Swede!
This just in: Cardinals bitten by snakes in the grass at Busch! <uh oh>
This from Lars on 30 June - page 75
Read that New Zealand has had a rough go of it in the America& Happy Railroading! Siberianmo Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 9:50 AM Good morning one and all! Is it too early for a celebratory adult-strength drink?Quite the compilation of 4th of July well-wishing going on here. Amazing work from Eric, to be sure! Thanks for the birthday wishes from across the pond too DL.Ya know, it hardly seems like just 50 years ago from yesterday, that the CA&E abruptly abandoned its electric line, leaving 3,000 commuters stranded in downtown Chicago. I sure hope they all found their ways home by now. Anyhow, to commemorate the event, the IRM took willing participants on a reinactment to an isolated spot on the museum grounds and left them stranded, to be rescued by the Chicago and North Western Railroad.Can't believe the temperatures across the country recently. Don't know how Eric tolerates 114+ degrees, but I see highs near 120 on the left coast today. Sure am glad I live in ice and snow territory, where our temps will be in the 80's. Neighbors started bringing out their oridinance last night, only to be doused by rain.Today is Trolley Pageant Day at IRM. Unfortunately for ya'll, none of the web cams will cover the track they will be using, or you could see it from your homes. Also, the Fox River Trolley museum is running their 4-mile round-trip for the incredible cost of $1 today, for what they call their "Red, White and Blue Dollar Day. I imagine other rail museums have special programs going today as well.Anyhow, ya'll have the best of days! Edit siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment! Posted by siberianmo on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 7:21 AM Happy Independence Day to the U.S.A.!!! <from: Wikipedia.com><from Wikipedia.com>1947--Freedom Train--1949126 Historic Freedom Documents American Heritage FoundationThe Freedom Train was on Tour for 413 days,visited 322 Comunities in all 48 States and traveledover 37,000 miles during its historic Journey.Over 3.5 Million Visitors touredthe Freedom Train with one in every 500,000receiving a special gift. Each visitor signed the "Freedom Scroll," which was presented to President Harry S. Truman. Note: All Freedom Train images and relevant information obtained from http://www.lincoln-highway-museum.org/FT/FT-Index.html. There is no intent to misuse, profit or otherwise denegrate the use of these materials. Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo DL - UK Member sinceAugust 2006 280 posts Posted by DL - UK on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 5:43 AM Hello all Well, Happy 4th of July to you statesiders! Hope you enjoy the day and all your holiday activities (incidentally – sorry I missed Canada day to those of you north of the border!). I’m not sure what food is on offer this holiday day, but if there is any I’ll have a breakfast and some coffee and juice please. Anyway – first of all – lest answer the Marmite question – kind of an acquired taste admittedly – but you can’t beat it – it sort of looks like tar / bitumen – and has a rather salty taste. You can spread it on bread thinly (as Pete mentions) or indeed stir it into cooking on occasion. It is made from a by product of the beer making process - see http://www.marmite.co.uk/love/history/ “It seems that Marmite first appeared around the time of the Industrial Revolution. That's right. We paid a heavy price for railways and combustion engines in the form of this foodstuff. Ever taken a good look at engine grease? Like a real up-close look? Ever compared the two? A pot of Marmite and a thick scraping of burnt oil? Exactly” Anyway – Tom – back at my last post I noted you were on line – I think we posted pretty much the same time, hence you missed my post – just co-incidence – no gremlins I don’t think – Lars was being pessimistic there. Thanks for your comments on the Sunset Limited (and indeed to Eric who added to that). Planning a trip up to Churchill? – that has to be an ambition I hope you can realise – looks like an interesting route and I for one will look forward to the trip report! I’m sure others will too. Amtrak delays are depressing – you would think the ‘host roads’ might have more of a sense of pride in letting the passengers get through on time – I suppose we live in an era where pride is all well and good – until it interferes with profit…. Nick – look forward to hearing more about your Devon expedition. Still raining here too. East Coast route seems to still have problems in the Doncaster area with flooded tracks. Eric – you misunderstood me about the bus doors – they only have one door – at the front – no rear boarding – so in other words you have to wait for passengers to alight before you can get on – hence the delay at stops – this was the beauty of the old London buses with the rear access platforms which avoided this problem. See this link (a heck of a lot of pictures, but you’ll get the picture!) http://www.nctx.co.uk/Enthusiasts/Enthusiast%20Photos/NCT%20Fleet%20Photos/index_5.htm HST 125 – I ‘m not sure of the acceleration stats (Pete might be able to locate that) but it is not bad – however, not as good as an electric or as some of the new distributed power trains (which are 25 years younger of course) – the HST strong point is consistent high speed running with limited stops, and the better ride quality compared with distributed power. Just adding to the New Zealand information I think the BR Mk2 carriages for NZ are being converted into commuter cars (with extra doors added) which is quite a change as they were originally built for long distance inter city use in the early 1970s. They must have been well built to have a new lease of life ahead of them. Lars – you mentioned situation in Cuba – information on the current railway network is here: http://www.seat61.com/Cuba.htm And about half way down the page is a shot of one of the RDCs – inside and out. “Some services (shown in the timetable above as 'Note R') are provided by railcars, either ex-Spanish Railways or stainless steel Budd railcars bought second-hand from VIA Rail Canada (shown below). The latter are comfortable, carpeted, air-conditioned single-coach railcars with reclining seats, hostess service and refreshments” Mike – thanks for the excavator pics – impressive stuff – just the sort of info I was looking for! James - - I certainly agree with you about the old Depots – a real shame in some cases – Mike’s pics of Duluth illustrated exactly the point you were making – it seems that the only chance of survival for many of them was that the real estate was not worth enough to make it worth demolishing them – and with that in mind we have some superb architecture left with us – more by luck than judgement of the ‘powers that be’. The situation is the same this side of the Atlantic – although it is good when a new use can be found – a good example being the Gare D’Orsay in Paris which is now a very famous and large art museum in what was once one of the City’s stations. Pete – marmite and crisps is of course a classic sandwich combo – with the crisps added just before consumption of course, not at the time the sandwich is made. Maybe Nick will do a round of these next time he is in the kitchen? – although his regular staple is rather more ‘high falutin’!! Thanks for the extra info on the giant excavator – must have been very interesting. Such large bits of equipment are unusual in the British landscape, it must have been remarkable. The Rutland museum had tried to get money in the 90s to restore the cab and wire it up to the model excavator so you could get a feel for it – but this had obviously not happened and in all honesty I fear the kit had gone beyond the point of no return. I have only made the run along the North Wales coast once – when I had to go to a conference in Llandudno – I took the train to Holyhead for the ride – it was interesting and scenically attractive. I’ve not been to the Liphook museum – in fact I’ve not heard of it – you will have to give me more information. I’ve been looking out for more Colin Gifford books following your recommendation – but not located any in my travels beyond the one I got at the GCR. Trent station must have been an interesting place, but the book explains that when the stations up the Erewash valley were closed – and some of the ones to the south and east and west, the need for it was limited so it was closed. There is a story of US troops being disembarked there during the war and having to wait several hours for a connection at night wanting to check out the local town only to be told there was no town there! It reminds me of the junction station in the film Brief Encounter (Carnforth in real life) – although that is in the town. http://home.clara.net/gw0hqd/brief/locations/locations.htm#carnforth Tom – is this film well known in the US? – it might make a possible screening for the Mentor Village picture house. The station here has been very well restored recently – to recreate the atmosphere of the film – and you can still get there by train as I did a couple of years back. See: http://www.carnforthstation.co.uk/centre.html Enjoy your holidays! DL EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 2:21 AM Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!! Leon, still awake! I feel like having a Rumpsteak Café de Paris! Samuel Adams, please! Yeah, you know!Good to see all the creatures, including Boris, celebrating 4th of July this early! USA!!! Tom – I’ll be at the Emporium today to see my favorite cartoon! I actually have some of them on tape! And of course the other movies, 1776 and The Patriot!We have the same gas price here, $2.76! It is amazing, but it almost sounds cheap!Don’t pay any attention to the scorpions and snakes, the fall is here, sorry I mean, there (in St. Louis)! We were supposed to get 114 yesterday but reached only 113. Today it is 117° though. I wonder who dropped who last night at Busch Stadium? 7-1 or something? You better have a closer look at your bears at Mt. Mentor. They do not even wear any bikinis!!!My long Holiday break is getting close to its end, but I have enjoyed it so far.Lars – Yellow Pea Soup is very good. If you have any IKEA store in the neighborhood you should be able to get a can or two there at thier food department. Just add water, heat it and enjoy! It’s kind of salty, so it is perfect for a sailor!!!Pete – HST, that is it! For whatever reason I couldn’t remember it last night. Do you know what kind of acceleration they have, how long it takes to reach 125 mph from 0? As I told Tom, those bears do not even care wearing any bikinis! They are na..., you know.From my point of view calendar makers don’t have to have any snowy scenes at all! But you are right, who wants to see more snow in the wintertime when it is outside (not in Phoenix)? Very nice, steamy, pictures from Alan!! The paint finish on the loco is outstanding! Say thank you to Alan!Allan – America’s Cup? Is that taking place now? I haven’t seen or heard anything on the news! I have to check that. Hope to see a report from your trip if you get to ride the “Overlander”! Mike – A whole bunch of pictures from Duluth! Good size station and yard! I understand that the train shed is gone but the station building is still standing. Like that lineup with the diesels! A fantastic picture from NZ! Mt. Cook and Lake Pukaki!! Beautiful!!! Tarzan left the djungle for New Zealand!!The right colors for today!!! Eric wanswheel Member sinceNovember 2005 4,190 posts Posted by wanswheel on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 8:03 PM Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the houseHappy 4th! James, Soo Line Depot looks substantial, too bad it's gonehttp://www.duluth-mn-usa.com/Duluth_Postcards/mckenzie_photo_a-20209_soo_line_passenger_station.jpgDuluth Union Depot, historical pictures slow to load but I saw a train shedhttp://www.duluth-mn-usa.com/Duluth_Postcards/mckenzie_photo_7563_union_depot.jpghttp://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=120&REC=1 http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=172&REC=2 http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=182&REC=3http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=122&REC=4http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=884&REC=5 http://www.railpictures.net/images/l/Lineup2.jpg.23003.jpgThis just in by iPhonehttp://www.railpictures.net/images/images2/1/192-2.jpg.84045.jpgAllan, cool scenery down there http://pinker.wjh.harvard.edu/photos/new_zealand/pages/Mt%20Cook%20&%20Lake%20Pukaki.htmhttp://pinker.wjh.harvard.edu/photos/new_zealand/pages/Tarzan.htmMike Gunneral Member sinceSeptember 2002 From: NZ 242 posts Posted by Gunneral on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 5:32 PM Hi Tom and all on deck, HAPPY BIRTHDAY U.S.A.!A salute to the U.S.A on it`s Independance Day celebrations, it`s 231st birthday today so a big toast to that.Tom. Congrats on your very comprehensive coverage of NZ railways, I learned a quite a lot of statistics from your info. I am pushed for time at the moment so I will answer some of the crews queries in the near future.We have mainline steam hauling the "Overlander" on a section from Feilding to Ohakune, this is on Saturdays only for about 3 months. The Loco is a WAB tank based on the AB Pacific, it was preserved by the Feilding Loco Society, they ran it last year and it was so popular that Toll continued it this year. I hope to get across to have a ride on it in the next couple of months!At the moment NZ is in mourning over the America`s Cup loss this morning, but as the old saying goes over here "She`ll be right mate"!HAVE A GREAT DAY, Allan pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 4:18 PM Hi Tom and all.In case I don't get in tomorrow A few of Alan's pics. OK RUTH a quick Bathams then. Thses were taken on the East Lancs preservered railway. The line runs from Bury(a Town about 12 miles north of Manchester) to the town of Rawtenstall. These two of of the ex Souther Railway class LN it is the pioneer loco of the class and the only surviver of a class of 16. the loco is No 850 Lord Nelson. The loco has just been restored to working order after a long overhaul by volunteers.Please enlarge the 2nd photo to see the fantastic paint finish. These are of Sir William A. Stanier's Jubilee 5XP 3 cylinder class of 4-6-0s.This is No 5690 Leander in LMS livery, the fine looking loco was one of a class of 191 locos The Loco is in Bury Bolton Street station.I hope you enjoy the photos Pete. pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 3:55 PM Hi Tom and all.A pint of Bathams please RUTH.ERIC The train in Nick's photo is called HSTs or High Speed Train. The have two power cars and usually 7 or 8 trailer cars. The power cars are class 43 in the TOPS system of BR numbering. They have a Paxman engine and are rated at 2,500 HP per car; some now are be re-engined with MTU 4000 diesels. They were introduced in 1976 and have given BR great service and did give a great boost to British rail travel with their 125 MPH capability.I would put nothing past the Track Gang.The sight of a bear wearing a bikini is a sight not seen very often.I not sure which was the hardest to separate Tom from Sibley Park or me from the A4 steam loco.Looking at your photo a thought came to me. I wonder why calendar makers always have snowy scenes in January and hot scenes in July it would make better sense to have a cold scene to look at in the hot weather, at least it may make you seem a bit cooler looking at a cold scene.LARS You are right about the steam trains. It is great when I was on a Steam special to go through a station. Of course the railfans knew it was coming and had their cameras ready but the look on the faces of the ordinary public, especially the young folk, who never knew the steamer was going to be there was priceless. As one of my old mates said "People look at a steam loco and can't help but smile".Enjoyed the link to the playing the spoons and the jaw harp, loved the advice " Keep your tongue out of the way". I only hope BORIS does not play the spoons with the pay ladles with his dexterous touch they will finish flattened bits of metal.TOM I do hope I can call in tomorrow to the big tent, although I think the bride's moms computer is till feeling poorly. As it sounds a great afternoon, I would like to see BORIS and LEON in their Uncle Sam suits and no doubt the mascots will be dressed up as well.Good films for the matinee. I don't believe I have seen 1776 although I have seen The Patriot. Just one question why did they have an Australian to play an American Patriot, a question I ask Scots about Braveheart. Anyway a good selection of films for the 4th .No doubt I shall probably weaken and take a trip to KC on Amtrak while the present schedule allows, at least on paper, a 4 ½ hours stop there, but it not so bad to here in Jeff City if it is late, but it is no fun when there is at LEAST another 2 hours on to Kirkwood arriving at who knows what time of night.Well we are off to South WEST (got it right this time) Missouri in a bit, so RUTH a KEG of Sam Adams for my American friends..Pete. LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 10:40 AM Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!Ruth my deAH, time for another mug of hot coffee with a jolt if you please. Treats for the crittAHs and a small jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris after he feeds ‘em! <grin> A round on me and the change is yours! By the way Cap'n Tom, nice photo for the July "header" . . . RDC's always look mighty fine, especially in such a great setting. I think you did a great job at promoting the Canada Day! holiday here at the bar. 5 Salute for all you do! Sorry to say that the guy who we all hoped would emerge, didn't. Even over a holiday weekend. So, look, it goes like this - he's gone, gone, gone and the sooner we accept it the bettAH for all. So sez I. We need a new category of customers, "UTB" <used to be> . . . Realism raises its ugly head once again, huh?Two of my "boys" and their families are making ready to depart for the Keys. First "set" leaves this weekend - the next 2 weeks later. They'll have the place hummin' ‘til mid-August as the 3rd son will be going down in early August to "relieve" the watch. The Mrs. and I are making a "quickie," just to calm her concerns that the place is "ready" for ‘em. Good Grief Charlie Brown, this woman can find all sorts of reasons to support the airlines! <arrrrgggghhhh> Maybe we should buy some airline stock . . . <nah> <nah> <nah> Some super fine "stuff" yesterday and many thanx for the ‘skinny' on those RDC units that went to Cuba. Kinda wondered about that . . . Saw some photos of those machines in the library out in Sacramento that I forgot to mention. They came out of that great book you're always talking about "RDC - The Rail Diesel Car" - anyway, the pix from Cuba looked fine and seemed that those RDC's back in the 50's were put to good use. Guess they continued using ‘em ‘til they just wore out, huh?? I see that Expo Rail does have a fall schedule - September 6 to November 18: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Don't know how this fits into anyone's plans, but with some long term planning, I could "do it." After that it's November 19 to May 2008 : Weekends and holidays, 10 am to 5 pm.Count on the Cap'n to not only keep things movin' here at the bar, but to continually come up with "themes" and well thought out material for nothing more than our ENJOYMENT! Speaks highly of the MAN, sez I!! Amazin' - we JUST viewed the movie, "The Patriot." A real "keeper," in spite of the gore. Fictitious, but one of those stories where it makes one wondAH what it must've been like back in the times when breaking away from the mother country was more than quiet talk. Anyway, we enjoyed it. We saw the musical, "1776" on Broadway many years ago and in fact saw it a few years back at a summer theater - but right now can't recall where we were! It's a good one too and from what I recall, much is based on fact. Nice selections for our 4th of July celebration! Let's GO Roadrunner! Yo Eric! Yellow is fine with me, however, I'm a bit on the "reserved" side when it comes to pea soup. Yeah I know, strange for a Scandinavian to admit to that, but just the way it is. My mother and grandmother would be most displeased to hear that . . . <grin>Yo Pete! Some of those steam locos from the past were indeed "monsters" <as the Cap'n sez> and just marvelous machines. I may LOVE DOMES - but I surely LOVE STEAM LOCO's too! Much more "romance" involved with ‘em when considering just how they're engineered and then to watch ‘em in operation. Wunnerful, huh Yo James! Yeah, the Canadian Pacific's maroon ‘n grey livery with those beaver heralds was "it" for me too. I liked the script lettering as well. However, when it comes to just the beauty of a diesel paint job, I'll take the Santa Fe or Delaware & Hudson any time - love that war bonnet scheme and particularly on Alcos. There was a time when the passenger railroads really gave a rat's patoot about things like paint jobs and so forth. It all went into the advertising of their trains. Anything pleasing to the eye just might get a potential passenger, which of course equated to dollars. There was a reason for it all. Ah, but those times are long gone. No competition anymore - you either take Amtrak or . . . . same for Via Rail in Canada. Pity.All's ready for our 4th of July BASH and it appears as if the Town Council from Mentor Village is "blessing" this year's event with a paid-for performance by the Can-Am County Scrub Board, Spoon Playing ‘n Jaw Harp Philharmonic Band! These guyz work for money??? Don't miss it, if you can! <grin>For those who are curious siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment! Posted by siberianmo on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 8:11 AM <w/permission: http://www.scenic-railroads.com/> G'day Gents! The temperatures here in mid-continent USA are in the hi-60s (F) this morning and it has been a splendid start to July! So very hard to believe, fer sure, fer sure! Humidity is low and that's the "secret" to the daytime comfort zone. Ahhhh but, things are about to change as both indices are on the rise. Been wunnerful! Even petrol dropped to $2.76 (rounded) which is astounding in these times and especially right before a major holiday. Go figure, eh Time for a mug of coffee, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and perhaps a <light> or <traditional> breakfast to start the day. Tomorrow is the 4th of July and Independence Day here in the U.S.A. - so for all who frequent our establishment in Can-Am County, stop by in the late afternoon - after the matinee over at the Emporium Theatre! The "big tent" will up - entertainment, food 'n drink out back - fireworks once it gets dark! And of course, watch for Boris 'n Leon in their Uncle Sam suits! Ah yes, the gals of "Our" Place will be taking orders too . . . Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative): Lars at 10:27 AM Monday - July 2nd: A super-fine Post from our Manager! Swedish food ‘n Canadian English slang - what more is there to life, eh Good selections, fer sure, fer sure! Odd isn't it that the "getting there" part of a get-away is always the worst. It's the "being there" that we look forward to . . . feel the same way. I think you'll find things down Marathon way quite to your liking! <envy>Nice suggestion regarding making Posts in advance. However, I think while your intentions are honorable, the outcome will be pretty much as usual - same-ol, same-ol. Droughts will continue and only the relative few who really give a Rat's Patoot will keep the bar uppermost on their minds through their visible works. Having said THAT - I appreciate everyone's contributions to the bar, as long as they are within the parameters we've all come to appreciate ‘round here. Hope I didn't throw a damp rag on your <idea> regarding a trip to ExpoRail. Fully understand the concept - but for me, the reality of Amtrak's poor on-time-performance these days makes it far, far simpler to fly direct. The fall sounds good - let's see if we get any serious "takers," then we can begin planning. I'm for it.Thanx for the visit, Post ‘n round! James at 12:30 PM Monday - July 2nd: A fine Monday inclusive Post from our Duluth Connection! There's no doubt about it <doot aboot it> ExpoRail IS expanding . . .Canadian Railways from the Past that have been Posted are hardly trunk or short lines. These were bonafide major railways, fer sure, fer sure.Wisconsin Central was part of the ownership group with reference to the railways in New Zealand. Perhaps our friend Allan can shed some additional "light" into this . . .While there's no one more saddened than I when grand RR structures from the past come tumbling down, the reality simply must overtake nostalgia. These former "palaces," most times empty and in dire need of repair, cost ‘someone' big bucks just to keep ‘em standing. There's taxes, there's security (maybe), utilities, and so forth. Take the cost of maintaining one's home and multiply that by a factor of perhaps ½ zillion and you'll see where I'm going . . . BC Rail was indeed a "might fine road," and one that many people in British Columbia are still upset about regarding its demise. The RDCs were in terrific condition, the route up to Prince George was in a word - picturesque - and there were many who depended upon those trains. Oh well, time marches on and I'm very happy to have experienced a "sliver" of the passenger run . . . Thanx for dropping by! Pete at 6:34 PM Monday - July 2nd: Good to see ya, Mate and thanx for the Pix too! Given the PP on-time-performance these days <daze> to KCity, MO, I'd be rather skeptical of trying to take in an exhibit at Union Station 'til things get back to some semblance of normalcy for Amtrak on the Union Pacific tracks. Probably would be far better to drive it, at least that way you control the comings 'n goings . . .ExpoRail in the fall could be a distinct possibility for me. However, I am most seriously looking into a trip up to Churchill, Manitoba aboard VIA Rail from Winnipeg. That's a run I've spoken about "forever" and as I "push" old age <ha> I want to "do this" while I still have the ability . . . We both know what traveling to 'n from Montreal can be like, so it isn't something I relish. However, if the guys were to get serious about such a trip, I'd be for it. Rounds most appreciated. Now THAT's the way to spend your earnings! <grin> Eric at 2:02 AM today - July 3rd: Let's see if I get this right: Pretend I'm in Phoenix insofar as temps are concerned then it would be FALL already! Do the scorpions, snakes and other not-so-friendly critters know???? <ugh>Speaking of snakes, I see that my Red Birds dropped the Diamondbacks on their backs last night at Busch Stadium. Another meaningless contest for the throngs of people who delight in such things. Ahhhh, that used to me MOI! <grin>There is "regular" train transportation from Central Station in Montreal to ExpoRail (don't know precisely where the station is or how one gets from it to the museum) - and it is operated by AMT. Unfortunately, it doesn't run all year ‘round and I believe Sundays are "out." As you've found, there are also Happy Railroading! Siberianmo siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment! Posted by siberianmo on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 7:09 AM HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the U.S.A.! . . . Wednesday, July 4th - MATINEE ONLY: . . . 1776 (1972) starring: William Daniels & Howard Da Silva - and - The Patriot (2000) starring: Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger & Joely Richardson. CARTOON: Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner in Beep, Beep (1952) 1776 (1972)The film version of the Broadway musical comedy of the same name. In the days leading up to July 4, 1776, Continental Congressmen John Adams and Benjamin Franklin coerce Thomas Jefferson into writing the Declaration of Independence as a delaying tactic as they try to persuade the American colonies to support a resolution on independence. As George Washington sends depressing messages describing one military disaster after another, the businessmen, landowners and slave holders in Congress all stand in the way of the Declaration, and a single "nay" vote will forever end the question of independence. Large portions of spoken and sung dialog are taken directly from the letters and memoirs of the actual participants.from: imdb.com The Patriot (2000)The movie takes place in South Carolina in 1776. Benjamin Martin, a French-Indian war hero who is haunted by his past, is a patriot who wants no part in a war with Britain. Meanwhile, his two eldest sons, Gabriel and Thomas, can't wait to go out and kill some Redcoats. When South Carolina decides to go to war with Britain, Gabriel immediately signs up to fight...without his father's permission. But soon, Colonel Tavington, British solder infamous for his brutal tactics, captures Gabriel and sentences him to be hanged. As Gabriel is taken away, Thomas tries to free him, only to be killed by Tavington, in front of Benjamin. Now, seeking revenge for his son's death, Benjamin leaves behind his 5 other children to bring independence to the 13 colonies. from: imdb.com Enjoy! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 2:02 AM Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!Leon, just a black cup of coffee! Did you? Okay, I'll have that danish too then.Well, I better start wishing a belated Happy Canada Day!!!Nick – So there are still some “Terriers” alive and well! Nice picture of the GWR #578! I love the picture of that modern train (I am trying to remember the class). Kind of dramtic feeling in it!Fergie – I hope you got to eat something you liked! Coming home soon?Tom – My apologies! I missed 6 AM this last morning. That stupid alarm didn’t sound. What? Set it? I don’t remember, but it didn’t sound.The END of summer!!??! I saw you will only have 89° for high Tuesday! That is the end of summer (October) for us in Phoenix (114°, Tuesday). So pretend you live in Phoenix and you can say the summer is gone!I read something about train trips from Montreal to the Canadian Railway Museum this summer. July 8, August 19,and September 16 you can take a train to the museum. No way, I don’t have any desire to go to a place with snow, but sometimes I have to in order to check the facts, in this case about Mt. Mentor and its snowcap. OK, you are right. That picture is from Norway, but it looks exactly like Mt. Mentor! Interesting to read about PGE! What is also interesting is that they have a picture of a freight train on the timetable for their passenger trains! Something went wrong there. An embarrassing train derailment by the inaugural train to Fort Nelson! Nice looking RDCs! 999 year lease!? Wow, that is a long time. $ 1 billion for 999 years? Hmm. How do we know that CN will return BC Rail to the government after so many years? I just wonder. Anyway, I have copied both part I and II for future refereces! More nice pictures from ExpoRail! I think Pete forgot his coffee... sorry, tea. Or didn’t you eat and or drink anything at the museum? I agree, too bad trolleyman Rob isn’t here to tell us more about those streetcars. The more I see of that museum the more I would like to go.Lars – Some very nice Canadian book covers and pictures of steam locomotives! What kind of Pea soup (Ärtsoppa) do you mean? Green or yellow? I would recommend Yellow Pea Soup! Every Thursday, in the old country, for lunch (or dinner) people eat Yellow Pea Soup and when that is finsihed they have some Pancakes with Strawberry Jam (or some other kind of jam). Very good!! I never heard that story about Falukorv! Brown beans!!! That is good stuff! Tuesday food! I skip the pork and eat more brown beans instead! Thanks for the Canadian English/slang! Mike – Those pictures of the train going through the spiral tunnel are classic indeed! Interesting machine, Big Muskie! Too bad they scrapped it.Thanks for the picture showing Lars and Ruth!! Now we know for sure!!!James – I saw my pictures of the simulator not long ago. I’ll find them one of these days! I don’t remember the price tag on that simulator, but it was expensive. Pete – I Pass on the Marmite! If it is that hard to describe it I am sure I wouldn’t like it. Do you think the track gang want to hump the dining car? That is okay after we have used it. I saw quite a few wild animals climbing Mt. Mentor. There were some bears on the mountain who were packing their suitcases. Tired of all that snow they are going to Florida for the summer. Nice pictures! RDCs and... wait, did the Captain ever leave that observation/dome car? Or did he spend the entire day by its side? For Captain Tom and Juneau! Eric pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Monday, July 2, 2007 6:34 PM Hi Tom and all.A pint of Bathams bitter and around for the interesting posts over the weekend please RUTH.Great to see NICK in after the break in Devon. It seems as though the rain is still soaking England and Wales.Looking forward to the photos after the GWR 0-6-0 Pannier tank and HST tasters, those clouds do look angry at Dawlish. ERIC I don't know if Waddon is in running condition. I doubt she is though as I would have thought that the loco would have been in use somewhere as the boiler ticket would be running down and the loco could be earning some money.Yes it can be said that Marmite does have a unique aroma I will let DL describe the taste, if it is possible.Thanks for the photos. You were very brave climbing Mount Mentor to get those great photos for us. There are many wild animals, including bears living on the mountain. I think the track gang would be at home in the UP MOW Dining car although the notice on the bottom right of the van may upset them.Yes Enro's was a great restaurant.FERGIE Great to hear from you on Canada day. Safe Voyage.LARS They are forecasting Thundershowers for the 4th here as well.Talking of Cuba they run tours from the UK for the sugar harvest as they have, at least until very recently, had steam locomotives serving the sugar mills there. I believe they are mainly locomotives built in the U.S some of which are over 100 years old now.Enjoyed those photos of the CP FPA9s and I am sure our Canadian friends will enjoy those Book covers and photos. It is amazing how those Selkirk locos fit in with the mountainsThanks for the Swedish Dishes. I never knew there was Blodpudding in Sweden, it is a found in the Midlands and North West of England, also known as ‘Black Pudding'. A staple at our darts and skittle matches.Great list of the Canadian sayings and meanings, some I recognized but others I had not seen.MIKE Thanks for the links. Brutus certainly is an impressive machine. Loved the last pic.JAMES Glad you liked the photos, that conductor on the streetcar certainly looked the part. I have sent your link to the Stock wood fill to a Civil engineer friend.Reading your post reminded me about how little it seems has been written about the railroads that used to work in large factories and steel mills etc. From places that, perhaps, had just on or two locomotives to do the switching, to large steel mills, that had a large fleet of locos that worked 24 hours a day over quite a large system.TOM I had another look at the Schedule for UP 844 at Union Station K.C. although it should arrive at 11.am today it only due to be on show at the station Tuesday and Wednesday, so It was not worth the risk to go over to KC even if I had not had to stay here to see someoneI would be great to go to Exporail with Eric and Lars. As you say it would be a good museum to volunteer for, perhaps we could get 60010 running again.Great Canadian Encores for Canada Day. With the N.A.R. and parts I and II of the Pacific Great Eastern and B.C Railways. It seems a long time now, since I first asked you about the BC Rail center beam car for carrying timber products, that I had seen in Jeff City.Great photos from inside Building #1 at Exporail That MLW FPA4 looks superb. That surely must be the best view from a café for anyone interested in Classic Trains, although it appears I have frightened the other customers away. Two films I have not seen on at the Emporium this week. They look good films to watch, and of course, the Stooges up to their usual mayhem..For a contribution for Canada Day I have some pics taken at Exporail siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment! Posted by siberianmo on Monday, July 2, 2007 4:06 PM Canada Day at "Our" Place!140th Birthday!<legal observance> Canadian Railways of the Past Number Three:British Columbia Railways (BCR) PART II of II<Initially Posted on Page 262 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. The sale of BC Rail Looking to retire BC Rail's debt, on May 13, 2003, British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell reneged on promises to the contrary and announced that the government would privatise BC Rail (by means of a 999 year lease), while retaining ownership of the right-of-way. On November 25, 2003, it was announced that Canadian National's (CN) bid of $1 billion would be accepted over those of several other companies. The transaction was closed on July 15, 2004. Many opponents, including the Canadian Pacific Railway, accused the government and CN of rigging the bidding process, though this has been denied by the government. It has also recently surfaced that Dave Basi and other upper-echelon aides may have been unsuccessfully bribed by OmniTRAX, another bidder, in exchange for skewing the process in that company's favour. Freight services The railway transported a wide variety of products, from resource traffic to intermodal freight. Forest products are one of the main products transported by the railway. Before its sale to CN, the railway transported over 120,000 carloads of lumber, pulp, woodchips, and other forest products per year. The railway served several lumber and pulp mills in the province. Between 1983 and 2003, the railway hauled coal in unit trains from the Teck and Quintette mines near Tumbler Ridge to to Prince George, from where CN would haul the trains to Prince Rupert for shipment to Japan. The Quintette mine, the larger-producing of the two, closed in 2000 and the Teck mine closed in 2003. Starting in the 1960s, the PGE operated an intermodal service that transported truck trailers between North Vancouver and Prince George, and to places further north. Unlike most of the railway's other traffic, most of the intermodal traffic was northbound. In April 1982, the railway combined its piggyback and LCL services to form a new Intermodal Services Department. BC Rail halted its intermodal services in 2002. Starting in 1958, the railway started to haul grain from the Peace River District, serving grain elevators at Dawson Creek, Buick, Fort St. John, and Taylor. With an amendment to the Western Grain Transportation Act in 1985 that included the railway in the Act, it became economical for the railway to transport grain, and it also carried grain from Northern Alberta bound for Prince Rupert, interchanging with CN at Dawson Creek and Prince George. From the 1920s to the 1960s, the railway also carried gold concentrate and bullion from the Bridge River goldfield towns of Bralorne and Pioneer Mine, which were trucked out of the goldfield area over 3500' Mission Pass to the railway at Shalalth. The main freight company operating out of Shalalth was Evans Transportation Co., which grew to be one of the biggest transportation companies in the province. In addition to gold concentrate and ore, Evans and other companies based in [[Shalalth, British Columbia|Shalalth carried passengers, heavy equipment, and supplies of all kinds over 3500' Mission Pass. Interchanges Between 1928 and 1952, the PGE did not interchange with any other railway. Connections were made to other railways when the railway expanded during the 1950s. The main connection to the North American rail network was in North Vancouver, where there was a connection to CN. There was also a rail connection to deep-sea terminal operator Vancouver Wharves, and some interchange occurred with the Union Pacific Railroad through the Seaspan railbarge link between North Vancouver and Seattle, Washington. The railway also interchanged with CN at Prince George, and with Northern Alberta Railways (acquired by CN in 1981) at Dawson Creek. CN's line between Dawson Creek and Hythe, Alberta, fell into disuse in 1998, but CN agreed to reopen it as a condition of purchasing BC Rail. Reporting marks BCIT 871027 in interchange service on the BN in 1992. [Creative Commons] (photo: Sean Lamb) Reporting marks are a system intended to help keep track of rolling stock and financial transactions between railways. The Pacific Great Eastern Railway used the reporting mark PGE. It later adopted the reporting mark PGER in 1971 for freight cars in international service. When the railway was renamed to the British Columbia Railway, it adopted the reporting mark BCOL, as well as the BCIT reporting mark for freight cars in international service. Passenger services Since the line opened, the PGE had provided passenger service between Squamish and Quesnel (as well as between North Vancouver and Horseshoe Bay until operations were discontinued there in 1928). When the PGE reached Prince George and North Vancouver, daily service was extended to these cities. Service between Lillooet and Prince George was cut back to three times weekly in the 1960s. In 1978, the McKenzie Royal Commission recommended that the BCR eliminate its passenger services, which were losing over $1 million per year, unless it received government funding for them, but the BCR did not do so. However, facing large losses and an ageing fleet of Rail Diesel Cars, it reduced passenger operations to three trains weekly to Lillooet and once weekly to Prince George on February 16, 1981. This service reduction led to public outrage, and the British Columbia governm Happy Railroading! Siberianmo « First«80818283848586»Last » SUBSCRIBER & MEMBER LOGIN Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more! Login Register FREE NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter Submit More great sites from Kalmbach Media Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy
Good morning one and all! Is it too early for a celebratory adult-strength drink?
Quite the compilation of 4th of July well-wishing going on here. Amazing work from Eric, to be sure! Thanks for the birthday wishes from across the pond too DL.
Ya know, it hardly seems like just 50 years ago from yesterday, that the CA&E abruptly abandoned its electric line, leaving 3,000 commuters stranded in downtown Chicago. I sure hope they all found their ways home by now. Anyhow, to commemorate the event, the IRM took willing participants on a reinactment to an isolated spot on the museum grounds and left them stranded, to be rescued by the Chicago and North Western Railroad.
Can't believe the temperatures across the country recently. Don't know how Eric tolerates 114+ degrees, but I see highs near 120 on the left coast today. Sure am glad I live in ice and snow territory, where our temps will be in the 80's. Neighbors started bringing out their oridinance last night, only to be doused by rain.
Today is Trolley Pageant Day at IRM. Unfortunately for ya'll, none of the web cams will cover the track they will be using, or you could see it from your homes. Also, the Fox River Trolley museum is running their 4-mile round-trip for the incredible cost of $1 today, for what they call their "Red, White and Blue Dollar Day. I imagine other rail museums have special programs going today as well.
Anyhow, ya'll have the best of days!
<from: Wikipedia.com>
<from Wikipedia.com>
1947--Freedom Train--1949126 Historic Freedom Documents American Heritage Foundation
The Freedom Train was on Tour for 413 days,visited 322 Comunities in all 48 States and traveledover 37,000 miles during its historic Journey.
Over 3.5 Million Visitors touredthe Freedom Train with one in every 500,000receiving a special gift. Each visitor signed the "Freedom Scroll," which was presented to President Harry S. Truman.
Note: All Freedom Train images and relevant information obtained from http://www.lincoln-highway-museum.org/FT/FT-Index.html. There is no intent to misuse, profit or otherwise denegrate the use of these materials.
Hello all
Well, Happy 4th of July to you statesiders!
Hope you enjoy the day and all your holiday activities (incidentally – sorry I missed Canada day to those of you north of the border!).
I’m not sure what food is on offer this holiday day, but if there is any I’ll have a breakfast and some coffee and juice please.
Anyway – first of all – lest answer the Marmite question – kind of an acquired taste admittedly – but you can’t beat it – it sort of looks like tar / bitumen – and has a rather salty taste. You can spread it on bread thinly (as Pete mentions) or indeed stir it into cooking on occasion. It is made from a by product of the beer making process - see
http://www.marmite.co.uk/love/history/
“It seems that Marmite first appeared around the time of the Industrial Revolution. That's right. We paid a heavy price for railways and combustion engines in the form of this foodstuff. Ever taken a good look at engine grease? Like a real up-close look? Ever compared the two? A pot of Marmite and a thick scraping of burnt oil? Exactly”
Anyway – Tom – back at my last post I noted you were on line – I think we posted pretty much the same time, hence you missed my post – just co-incidence – no gremlins I don’t think – Lars was being pessimistic there.
Thanks for your comments on the Sunset Limited (and indeed to Eric who added to that).
Planning a trip up to Churchill? – that has to be an ambition I hope you can realise – looks like an interesting route and I for one will look forward to the trip report! I’m sure others will too.
Amtrak delays are depressing – you would think the ‘host roads’ might have more of a sense of pride in letting the passengers get through on time – I suppose we live in an era where pride is all well and good – until it interferes with profit….
Nick – look forward to hearing more about your Devon expedition. Still raining here too. East Coast route seems to still have problems in the Doncaster area with flooded tracks.
Eric – you misunderstood me about the bus doors – they only have one door – at the front – no rear boarding – so in other words you have to wait for passengers to alight before you can get on – hence the delay at stops – this was the beauty of the old London buses with the rear access platforms which avoided this problem.
See this link (a heck of a lot of pictures, but you’ll get the picture!) http://www.nctx.co.uk/Enthusiasts/Enthusiast%20Photos/NCT%20Fleet%20Photos/index_5.htm
HST 125 – I ‘m not sure of the acceleration stats (Pete might be able to locate that) but it is not bad – however, not as good as an electric or as some of the new distributed power trains (which are 25 years younger of course) – the HST strong point is consistent high speed running with limited stops, and the better ride quality compared with distributed power.
Just adding to the New Zealand information I think the BR Mk2 carriages for NZ are being converted into commuter cars (with extra doors added) which is quite a change as they were originally built for long distance inter city use in the early 1970s. They must have been well built to have a new lease of life ahead of them.
Lars – you mentioned situation in Cuba – information on the current railway network is here: http://www.seat61.com/Cuba.htm
And about half way down the page is a shot of one of the RDCs – inside and out.
“Some services (shown in the timetable above as 'Note R') are provided by railcars, either ex-Spanish Railways or stainless steel Budd railcars bought second-hand from VIA Rail Canada (shown below). The latter are comfortable, carpeted, air-conditioned single-coach railcars with reclining seats, hostess service and refreshments”
Mike – thanks for the excavator pics – impressive stuff – just the sort of info I was looking for!
James - - I certainly agree with you about the old Depots – a real shame in some cases – Mike’s pics of Duluth illustrated exactly the point you were making – it seems that the only chance of survival for many of them was that the real estate was not worth enough to make it worth demolishing them – and with that in mind we have some superb architecture left with us – more by luck than judgement of the ‘powers that be’.
The situation is the same this side of the Atlantic – although it is good when a new use can be found – a good example being the Gare D’Orsay in Paris which is now a very famous and large art museum in what was once one of the City’s stations.
Pete – marmite and crisps is of course a classic sandwich combo – with the crisps added just before consumption of course, not at the time the sandwich is made. Maybe Nick will do a round of these next time he is in the kitchen? – although his regular staple is rather more ‘high falutin’!!
Thanks for the extra info on the giant excavator – must have been very interesting. Such large bits of equipment are unusual in the British landscape, it must have been remarkable.
The Rutland museum had tried to get money in the 90s to restore the cab and wire it up to the model excavator so you could get a feel for it – but this had obviously not happened and in all honesty I fear the kit had gone beyond the point of no return.
I have only made the run along the North Wales coast once – when I had to go to a conference in Llandudno – I took the train to Holyhead for the ride – it was interesting and scenically attractive.
I’ve not been to the Liphook museum – in fact I’ve not heard of it – you will have to give me more information. I’ve been looking out for more Colin Gifford books following your recommendation – but not located any in my travels beyond the one I got at the GCR.
Trent station must have been an interesting place, but the book explains that when the stations up the Erewash valley were closed – and some of the ones to the south and east and west, the need for it was limited so it was closed. There is a story of US troops being disembarked there during the war and having to wait several hours for a connection at night wanting to check out the local town only to be told there was no town there!
It reminds me of the junction station in the film Brief Encounter (Carnforth in real life) – although that is in the town. http://home.clara.net/gw0hqd/brief/locations/locations.htm#carnforth
Tom – is this film well known in the US? – it might make a possible screening for the Mentor Village picture house.
The station here has been very well restored recently – to recreate the atmosphere of the film – and you can still get there by train as I did a couple of years back. See:
http://www.carnforthstation.co.uk/centre.html
Enjoy your holidays!
Leon, still awake! I feel like having a Rumpsteak Café de Paris! Samuel Adams, please! Yeah, you know!
Good to see all the creatures, including Boris, celebrating 4th of July this early! USA!!!
Tom – I’ll be at the Emporium today to see my favorite cartoon! I actually have some of them on tape! And of course the other movies, 1776 and The Patriot!We have the same gas price here, $2.76! It is amazing, but it almost sounds cheap!Don’t pay any attention to the scorpions and snakes, the fall is here, sorry I mean, there (in St. Louis)! We were supposed to get 114 yesterday but reached only 113. Today it is 117° though. I wonder who dropped who last night at Busch Stadium? 7-1 or something? You better have a closer look at your bears at Mt. Mentor. They do not even wear any bikinis!!!My long Holiday break is getting close to its end, but I have enjoyed it so far.Lars – Yellow Pea Soup is very good. If you have any IKEA store in the neighborhood you should be able to get a can or two there at thier food department. Just add water, heat it and enjoy! It’s kind of salty, so it is perfect for a sailor!!!Pete – HST, that is it! For whatever reason I couldn’t remember it last night. Do you know what kind of acceleration they have, how long it takes to reach 125 mph from 0? As I told Tom, those bears do not even care wearing any bikinis! They are na..., you know.From my point of view calendar makers don’t have to have any snowy scenes at all! But you are right, who wants to see more snow in the wintertime when it is outside (not in Phoenix)? Very nice, steamy, pictures from Alan!! The paint finish on the loco is outstanding! Say thank you to Alan!Allan – America’s Cup? Is that taking place now? I haven’t seen or heard anything on the news! I have to check that. Hope to see a report from your trip if you get to ride the “Overlander”! Mike – A whole bunch of pictures from Duluth! Good size station and yard! I understand that the train shed is gone but the station building is still standing. Like that lineup with the diesels! A fantastic picture from NZ! Mt. Cook and Lake Pukaki!! Beautiful!!! Tarzan left the djungle for New Zealand!!
The right colors for today!!!
Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the house
Happy 4th!
James, Soo Line Depot looks substantial, too bad it's gone
http://www.duluth-mn-usa.com/Duluth_Postcards/mckenzie_photo_a-20209_soo_line_passenger_station.jpg
Duluth Union Depot, historical pictures slow to load but I saw a train shed
http://www.duluth-mn-usa.com/Duluth_Postcards/mckenzie_photo_7563_union_depot.jpg
http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=120&REC=1
http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=172&REC=2
http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=182&REC=3
http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=122&REC=4
http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nemhc&CISOPTR=884&REC=5
http://www.railpictures.net/images/l/Lineup2.jpg.23003.jpg
This just in by iPhone
http://www.railpictures.net/images/images2/1/192-2.jpg.84045.jpg
Allan, cool scenery down there
http://pinker.wjh.harvard.edu/photos/new_zealand/pages/Mt%20Cook%20&%20Lake%20Pukaki.htm
http://pinker.wjh.harvard.edu/photos/new_zealand/pages/Tarzan.htm
Mike
Hi Tom and all on deck,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY U.S.A.!
A salute to the U.S.A on it`s Independance Day celebrations, it`s 231st birthday today so a big toast to that.
Tom. Congrats on your very comprehensive coverage of NZ railways, I learned a quite a lot of statistics from your info. I am pushed for time at the moment so I will answer some of the crews queries in the near future.
We have mainline steam hauling the "Overlander" on a section from Feilding to Ohakune, this is on Saturdays only for about 3 months. The Loco is a WAB tank based on the AB Pacific, it was preserved by the Feilding Loco Society, they ran it last year and it was so popular that Toll continued it this year. I hope to get across to have a ride on it in the next couple of months!
At the moment NZ is in mourning over the America`s Cup loss this morning, but as the old saying goes over here "She`ll be right mate"!
HAVE A GREAT DAY, Allan
In case I don't get in tomorrow A few of Alan's pics. OK RUTH a quick Bathams then.
Thses were taken on the East Lancs preservered railway. The line runs from Bury(a Town about 12 miles north of Manchester) to the town of Rawtenstall.
These two of of the ex Souther Railway class LN it is the pioneer loco of the class and the only surviver of a class of 16. the loco is No 850 Lord Nelson. The loco has just been restored to working order after a long overhaul by volunteers.Please enlarge the 2nd photo to see the fantastic paint finish.
These are of Sir William A. Stanier's Jubilee 5XP 3 cylinder class of 4-6-0s.This is No 5690 Leander in LMS livery, the fine looking loco was one of a class of 191 locos The Loco is in Bury Bolton Street station.
I hope you enjoy the photos
A pint of Bathams please RUTH.
ERIC The train in Nick's photo is called HSTs or High Speed Train. The have two power cars and usually 7 or 8 trailer cars. The power cars are class 43 in the TOPS system of BR numbering. They have a Paxman engine and are rated at 2,500 HP per car; some now are be re-engined with MTU 4000 diesels. They were introduced in 1976 and have given BR great service and did give a great boost to British rail travel with their 125 MPH capability.
I would put nothing past the Track Gang.
The sight of a bear wearing a bikini is a sight not seen very often.
I not sure which was the hardest to separate Tom from Sibley Park or me from the A4 steam loco.
Looking at your photo a thought came to me. I wonder why calendar makers always have snowy scenes in January and hot scenes in July it would make better sense to have a cold scene to look at in the hot weather, at least it may make you seem a bit cooler looking at a cold scene.
LARS You are right about the steam trains. It is great when I was on a Steam special to go through a station. Of course the railfans knew it was coming and had their cameras ready but the look on the faces of the ordinary public, especially the young folk, who never knew the steamer was going to be there was priceless. As one of my old mates said "People look at a steam loco and can't help but smile".
Enjoyed the link to the playing the spoons and the jaw harp, loved the advice " Keep your tongue out of the way". I only hope BORIS does not play the spoons with the pay ladles with his dexterous touch they will finish flattened bits of metal.
TOM I do hope I can call in tomorrow to the big tent, although I think the bride's moms computer is till feeling poorly. As it sounds a great afternoon, I would like to see BORIS and LEON in their Uncle Sam suits and no doubt the mascots will be dressed up as well.
Good films for the matinee. I don't believe I have seen 1776 although I have seen The Patriot. Just one question why did they have an Australian to play an American Patriot, a question I ask Scots about Braveheart. Anyway a good selection of films for the 4th .
No doubt I shall probably weaken and take a trip to KC on Amtrak while the present schedule allows, at least on paper, a 4 ½ hours stop there, but it not so bad to here in Jeff City if it is late, but it is no fun when there is at LEAST another 2 hours on to Kirkwood arriving at who knows what time of night.
Well we are off to South WEST (got it right this time) Missouri in a bit, so RUTH a KEG of Sam Adams for my American friends..
Ruth my deAH, time for another mug of hot coffee with a jolt if you please. Treats for the crittAHs and a small jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris after he feeds ‘em! <grin> A round on me and the change is yours!
By the way Cap'n Tom, nice photo for the July "header" . . . RDC's always look mighty fine, especially in such a great setting.
I think you did a great job at promoting the Canada Day! holiday here at the bar. 5 Salute for all you do!
Sorry to say that the guy who we all hoped would emerge, didn't. Even over a holiday weekend. So, look, it goes like this - he's gone, gone, gone and the sooner we accept it the bettAH for all. So sez I. We need a new category of customers, "UTB" <used to be> . . . Realism raises its ugly head once again, huh?
Two of my "boys" and their families are making ready to depart for the Keys. First "set" leaves this weekend - the next 2 weeks later. They'll have the place hummin' ‘til mid-August as the 3rd son will be going down in early August to "relieve" the watch. The Mrs. and I are making a "quickie," just to calm her concerns that the place is "ready" for ‘em. Good Grief Charlie Brown, this woman can find all sorts of reasons to support the airlines! <arrrrgggghhhh> Maybe we should buy some airline stock . . . <nah> <nah> <nah>
Some super fine "stuff" yesterday and many thanx for the ‘skinny' on those RDC units that went to Cuba. Kinda wondered about that . . . Saw some photos of those machines in the library out in Sacramento that I forgot to mention. They came out of that great book you're always talking about "RDC - The Rail Diesel Car" - anyway, the pix from Cuba looked fine and seemed that those RDC's back in the 50's were put to good use. Guess they continued using ‘em ‘til they just wore out, huh??
I see that Expo Rail does have a fall schedule - September 6 to November 18: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Don't know how this fits into anyone's plans, but with some long term planning, I could "do it." After that it's November 19 to May 2008 : Weekends and holidays, 10 am to 5 pm.
Count on the Cap'n to not only keep things movin' here at the bar, but to continually come up with "themes" and well thought out material for nothing more than our ENJOYMENT! Speaks highly of the MAN, sez I!!
Amazin' - we JUST viewed the movie, "The Patriot." A real "keeper," in spite of the gore. Fictitious, but one of those stories where it makes one wondAH what it must've been like back in the times when breaking away from the mother country was more than quiet talk. Anyway, we enjoyed it. We saw the musical, "1776" on Broadway many years ago and in fact saw it a few years back at a summer theater - but right now can't recall where we were! It's a good one too and from what I recall, much is based on fact. Nice selections for our 4th of July celebration!
Let's GO Roadrunner!
Yo Eric! Yellow is fine with me, however, I'm a bit on the "reserved" side when it comes to pea soup. Yeah I know, strange for a Scandinavian to admit to that, but just the way it is. My mother and grandmother would be most displeased to hear that . . . <grin>
Yo Pete! Some of those steam locos from the past were indeed "monsters" <as the Cap'n sez> and just marvelous machines. I may LOVE DOMES - but I surely LOVE STEAM LOCO's too! Much more "romance" involved with ‘em when considering just how they're engineered and then to watch ‘em in operation. Wunnerful, huh
Yo James! Yeah, the Canadian Pacific's maroon ‘n grey livery with those beaver heralds was "it" for me too. I liked the script lettering as well. However, when it comes to just the beauty of a diesel paint job, I'll take the Santa Fe or Delaware & Hudson any time - love that war bonnet scheme and particularly on Alcos.
There was a time when the passenger railroads really gave a rat's patoot about things like paint jobs and so forth. It all went into the advertising of their trains. Anything pleasing to the eye just might get a potential passenger, which of course equated to dollars. There was a reason for it all. Ah, but those times are long gone. No competition anymore - you either take Amtrak or . . . . same for Via Rail in Canada. Pity.
All's ready for our 4th of July BASH and it appears as if the Town Council from Mentor Village is "blessing" this year's event with a paid-for performance by the Can-Am County Scrub Board, Spoon Playing ‘n Jaw Harp Philharmonic Band! These guyz work for money??? Don't miss it, if you can! <grin>
For those who are curious
The temperatures here in mid-continent USA are in the hi-60s (F) this morning and it has been a splendid start to July! So very hard to believe, fer sure, fer sure! Humidity is low and that's the "secret" to the daytime comfort zone. Ahhhh but, things are about to change as both indices are on the rise. Been wunnerful! Even petrol dropped to $2.76 (rounded) which is astounding in these times and especially right before a major holiday. Go figure, eh
Time for a mug of coffee, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and perhaps a <light> or <traditional> breakfast to start the day.
Tomorrow is the 4th of July and Independence Day here in the U.S.A. - so for all who frequent our establishment in Can-Am County, stop by in the late afternoon - after the matinee over at the Emporium Theatre! The "big tent" will up - entertainment, food 'n drink out back - fireworks once it gets dark! And of course, watch for Boris 'n Leon in their Uncle Sam suits! Ah yes, the gals of "Our" Place will be taking orders too . . .
Lars at 10:27 AM Monday - July 2nd: A super-fine Post from our Manager!
Swedish food ‘n Canadian English slang - what more is there to life, eh Good selections, fer sure, fer sure!
Odd isn't it that the "getting there" part of a get-away is always the worst. It's the "being there" that we look forward to . . . feel the same way. I think you'll find things down Marathon way quite to your liking! <envy>
Nice suggestion regarding making Posts in advance. However, I think while your intentions are honorable, the outcome will be pretty much as usual - same-ol, same-ol. Droughts will continue and only the relative few who really give a Rat's Patoot will keep the bar uppermost on their minds through their visible works. Having said THAT - I appreciate everyone's contributions to the bar, as long as they are within the parameters we've all come to appreciate ‘round here.
Hope I didn't throw a damp rag on your <idea> regarding a trip to ExpoRail. Fully understand the concept - but for me, the reality of Amtrak's poor on-time-performance these days makes it far, far simpler to fly direct. The fall sounds good - let's see if we get any serious "takers," then we can begin planning. I'm for it.
Thanx for the visit, Post ‘n round!
James at 12:30 PM Monday - July 2nd: A fine Monday inclusive Post from our Duluth Connection!
There's no doubt about it <doot aboot it> ExpoRail IS expanding . . .
Canadian Railways from the Past that have been Posted are hardly trunk or short lines. These were bonafide major railways, fer sure, fer sure.
Wisconsin Central was part of the ownership group with reference to the railways in New Zealand. Perhaps our friend Allan can shed some additional "light" into this . . .
While there's no one more saddened than I when grand RR structures from the past come tumbling down, the reality simply must overtake nostalgia. These former "palaces," most times empty and in dire need of repair, cost ‘someone' big bucks just to keep ‘em standing. There's taxes, there's security (maybe), utilities, and so forth. Take the cost of maintaining one's home and multiply that by a factor of perhaps ½ zillion and you'll see where I'm going . . .
BC Rail was indeed a "might fine road," and one that many people in British Columbia are still upset about regarding its demise. The RDCs were in terrific condition, the route up to Prince George was in a word - picturesque - and there were many who depended upon those trains. Oh well, time marches on and I'm very happy to have experienced a "sliver" of the passenger run . . .
Thanx for dropping by!
Pete at 6:34 PM Monday - July 2nd: Good to see ya, Mate and thanx for the Pix too!
Given the PP on-time-performance these days <daze> to KCity, MO, I'd be rather skeptical of trying to take in an exhibit at Union Station 'til things get back to some semblance of normalcy for Amtrak on the Union Pacific tracks. Probably would be far better to drive it, at least that way you control the comings 'n goings . . .
ExpoRail in the fall could be a distinct possibility for me. However, I am most seriously looking into a trip up to Churchill, Manitoba aboard VIA Rail from Winnipeg. That's a run I've spoken about "forever" and as I "push" old age <ha> I want to "do this" while I still have the ability . . . We both know what traveling to 'n from Montreal can be like, so it isn't something I relish. However, if the guys were to get serious about such a trip, I'd be for it.
Rounds most appreciated. Now THAT's the way to spend your earnings! <grin>
Eric at 2:02 AM today - July 3rd: Let's see if I get this right: Pretend I'm in Phoenix insofar as temps are concerned then it would be FALL already! Do the scorpions, snakes and other not-so-friendly critters know???? <ugh>
Speaking of snakes, I see that my Red Birds dropped the Diamondbacks on their backs last night at Busch Stadium. Another meaningless contest for the throngs of people who delight in such things. Ahhhh, that used to me MOI! <grin>
There is "regular" train transportation from Central Station in Montreal to ExpoRail (don't know precisely where the station is or how one gets from it to the museum) - and it is operated by AMT. Unfortunately, it doesn't run all year ‘round and I believe Sundays are "out." As you've found, there are also
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the U.S.A.!
. . . Wednesday, July 4th - MATINEE ONLY: . . . 1776 (1972) starring: William Daniels & Howard Da Silva - and - The Patriot (2000) starring: Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger & Joely Richardson. CARTOON: Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner in Beep, Beep (1952)
1776 (1972)
The film version of the Broadway musical comedy of the same name. In the days leading up to July 4, 1776, Continental Congressmen John Adams and Benjamin Franklin coerce Thomas Jefferson into writing the Declaration of Independence as a delaying tactic as they try to persuade the American colonies to support a resolution on independence. As George Washington sends depressing messages describing one military disaster after another, the businessmen, landowners and slave holders in Congress all stand in the way of the Declaration, and a single "nay" vote will forever end the question of independence. Large portions of spoken and sung dialog are taken directly from the letters and memoirs of the actual participants.
from: imdb.com
The Patriot (2000)
The movie takes place in South Carolina in 1776. Benjamin Martin, a French-Indian war hero who is haunted by his past, is a patriot who wants no part in a war with Britain.
Meanwhile, his two eldest sons, Gabriel and Thomas, can't wait to go out and kill some Redcoats. When South Carolina decides to go to war with Britain, Gabriel immediately signs up to fight...without his father's permission. But soon, Colonel Tavington, British solder infamous for his brutal tactics, captures Gabriel and sentences him to be hanged. As Gabriel is taken away, Thomas tries to free him, only to be killed by Tavington, in front of Benjamin. Now, seeking revenge for his son's death, Benjamin leaves behind his 5 other children to bring independence to the 13 colonies.
Enjoy! Tom
Leon, just a black cup of coffee! Did you? Okay, I'll have that danish too then.
Well, I better start wishing a belated Happy Canada Day!!!
Nick – So there are still some “Terriers” alive and well! Nice picture of the GWR #578! I love the picture of that modern train (I am trying to remember the class). Kind of dramtic feeling in it!Fergie – I hope you got to eat something you liked! Coming home soon?Tom – My apologies! I missed 6 AM this last morning. That stupid alarm didn’t sound. What? Set it? I don’t remember, but it didn’t sound.
The END of summer!!??! I saw you will only have 89° for high Tuesday! That is the end of summer (October) for us in Phoenix (114°, Tuesday). So pretend you live in Phoenix and you can say the summer is gone!
I read something about train trips from Montreal to the Canadian Railway Museum this summer. July 8, August 19,and September 16 you can take a train to the museum. No way, I don’t have any desire to go to a place with snow, but sometimes I have to in order to check the facts, in this case about Mt. Mentor and its snowcap. OK, you are right. That picture is from Norway, but it looks exactly like Mt. Mentor! Interesting to read about PGE! What is also interesting is that they have a picture of a freight train on the timetable for their passenger trains! Something went wrong there. An embarrassing train derailment by the inaugural train to Fort Nelson! Nice looking RDCs! 999 year lease!? Wow, that is a long time. $ 1 billion for 999 years? Hmm. How do we know that CN will return BC Rail to the government after so many years? I just wonder. Anyway, I have copied both part I and II for future refereces! More nice pictures from ExpoRail! I think Pete forgot his coffee... sorry, tea. Or didn’t you eat and or drink anything at the museum? I agree, too bad trolleyman Rob isn’t here to tell us more about those streetcars. The more I see of that museum the more I would like to go.Lars – Some very nice Canadian book covers and pictures of steam locomotives!
What kind of Pea soup (Ärtsoppa) do you mean? Green or yellow? I would recommend Yellow Pea Soup! Every Thursday, in the old country, for lunch (or dinner) people eat Yellow Pea Soup and when that is finsihed they have some Pancakes with Strawberry Jam (or some other kind of jam). Very good!! I never heard that story about Falukorv! Brown beans!!! That is good stuff! Tuesday food! I skip the pork and eat more brown beans instead! Thanks for the Canadian English/slang! Mike – Those pictures of the train going through the spiral tunnel are classic indeed! Interesting machine, Big Muskie! Too bad they scrapped it.Thanks for the picture showing Lars and Ruth!! Now we know for sure!!!James – I saw my pictures of the simulator not long ago. I’ll find them one of these days! I don’t remember the price tag on that simulator, but it was expensive. Pete – I Pass on the Marmite! If it is that hard to describe it I am sure I wouldn’t like it. Do you think the track gang want to hump the dining car? That is okay after we have used it. I saw quite a few wild animals climbing Mt. Mentor. There were some bears on the mountain who were packing their suitcases. Tired of all that snow they are going to Florida for the summer. Nice pictures! RDCs and... wait, did the Captain ever leave that observation/dome car? Or did he spend the entire day by its side?
For Captain Tom and Juneau!
A pint of Bathams bitter and around for the interesting posts over the weekend please RUTH.
Great to see NICK in after the break in Devon. It seems as though the rain is still soaking England and Wales.
Looking forward to the photos after the GWR 0-6-0 Pannier tank and HST tasters, those clouds do look angry at Dawlish.
ERIC I don't know if Waddon is in running condition. I doubt she is though as I would have thought that the loco would have been in use somewhere as the boiler ticket would be running down and the loco could be earning some money.
Yes it can be said that Marmite does have a unique aroma I will let DL describe the taste, if it is possible.
Thanks for the photos. You were very brave climbing Mount Mentor to get those great photos for us. There are many wild animals, including bears living on the mountain. I think the track gang would be at home in the UP MOW Dining car although the notice on the bottom right of the van may upset them.
Yes Enro's was a great restaurant.
FERGIE Great to hear from you on Canada day. Safe Voyage.
LARS They are forecasting Thundershowers for the 4th here as well.
Talking of Cuba they run tours from the UK for the sugar harvest as they have, at least until very recently, had steam locomotives serving the sugar mills there. I believe they are mainly locomotives built in the U.S some of which are over 100 years old now.
Enjoyed those photos of the CP FPA9s and I am sure our Canadian friends will enjoy those Book covers and photos. It is amazing how those Selkirk locos fit in with the mountains
Thanks for the Swedish Dishes. I never knew there was Blodpudding in Sweden, it is a found in the Midlands and North West of England, also known as ‘Black Pudding'. A staple at our darts and skittle matches.
Great list of the Canadian sayings and meanings, some I recognized but others I had not seen.
MIKE Thanks for the links. Brutus certainly is an impressive machine. Loved the last pic.
JAMES Glad you liked the photos, that conductor on the streetcar certainly looked the part.
I have sent your link to the Stock wood fill to a Civil engineer friend.
Reading your post reminded me about how little it seems has been written about the railroads that used to work in large factories and steel mills etc. From places that, perhaps, had just on or two locomotives to do the switching, to large steel mills, that had a large fleet of locos that worked 24 hours a day over quite a large system.
TOM I had another look at the Schedule for UP 844 at Union Station K.C. although it should arrive at 11.am today it only due to be on show at the station Tuesday and Wednesday, so It was not worth the risk to go over to KC even if I had not had to stay here to see someone
I would be great to go to Exporail with Eric and Lars. As you say it would be a good museum to volunteer for, perhaps we could get 60010 running again.
Great Canadian Encores for Canada Day. With the N.A.R. and parts I and II of the Pacific Great Eastern and B.C Railways. It seems a long time now, since I first asked you about the BC Rail center beam car for carrying timber products, that I had seen in Jeff City.
Great photos from inside Building #1 at Exporail That MLW FPA4 looks superb. That surely must be the best view from a café for anyone interested in Classic Trains, although it appears I have frightened the other customers away.
Two films I have not seen on at the Emporium this week. They look good films to watch, and of course, the Stooges up to their usual mayhem..
For a contribution for Canada Day I have some pics taken at Exporail
Canada Day at "Our" Place!
140th Birthday!
<legal observance>
Canadian Railways of the Past Number Three:British Columbia Railways (BCR) PART II of II
<Initially Posted on Page 262 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.
The sale of BC Rail Looking to retire BC Rail's debt, on May 13, 2003, British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell reneged on promises to the contrary and announced that the government would privatise BC Rail (by means of a 999 year lease), while retaining ownership of the right-of-way. On November 25, 2003, it was announced that Canadian National's (CN) bid of $1 billion would be accepted over those of several other companies. The transaction was closed on July 15, 2004. Many opponents, including the Canadian Pacific Railway, accused the government and CN of rigging the bidding process, though this has been denied by the government. It has also recently surfaced that Dave Basi and other upper-echelon aides may have been unsuccessfully bribed by OmniTRAX, another bidder, in exchange for skewing the process in that company's favour. Freight services The railway transported a wide variety of products, from resource traffic to intermodal freight. Forest products are one of the main products transported by the railway. Before its sale to CN, the railway transported over 120,000 carloads of lumber, pulp, woodchips, and other forest products per year. The railway served several lumber and pulp mills in the province. Between 1983 and 2003, the railway hauled coal in unit trains from the Teck and Quintette mines near Tumbler Ridge to to Prince George, from where CN would haul the trains to Prince Rupert for shipment to Japan. The Quintette mine, the larger-producing of the two, closed in 2000 and the Teck mine closed in 2003. Starting in the 1960s, the PGE operated an intermodal service that transported truck trailers between North Vancouver and Prince George, and to places further north. Unlike most of the railway's other traffic, most of the intermodal traffic was northbound. In April 1982, the railway combined its piggyback and LCL services to form a new Intermodal Services Department. BC Rail halted its intermodal services in 2002. Starting in 1958, the railway started to haul grain from the Peace River District, serving grain elevators at Dawson Creek, Buick, Fort St. John, and Taylor. With an amendment to the Western Grain Transportation Act in 1985 that included the railway in the Act, it became economical for the railway to transport grain, and it also carried grain from Northern Alberta bound for Prince Rupert, interchanging with CN at Dawson Creek and Prince George. From the 1920s to the 1960s, the railway also carried gold concentrate and bullion from the Bridge River goldfield towns of Bralorne and Pioneer Mine, which were trucked out of the goldfield area over 3500' Mission Pass to the railway at Shalalth. The main freight company operating out of Shalalth was Evans Transportation Co., which grew to be one of the biggest transportation companies in the province. In addition to gold concentrate and ore, Evans and other companies based in [[Shalalth, British Columbia|Shalalth carried passengers, heavy equipment, and supplies of all kinds over 3500' Mission Pass. Interchanges Between 1928 and 1952, the PGE did not interchange with any other railway. Connections were made to other railways when the railway expanded during the 1950s. The main connection to the North American rail network was in North Vancouver, where there was a connection to CN. There was also a rail connection to deep-sea terminal operator Vancouver Wharves, and some interchange occurred with the Union Pacific Railroad through the Seaspan railbarge link between North Vancouver and Seattle, Washington. The railway also interchanged with CN at Prince George, and with Northern Alberta Railways (acquired by CN in 1981) at Dawson Creek. CN's line between Dawson Creek and Hythe, Alberta, fell into disuse in 1998, but CN agreed to reopen it as a condition of purchasing BC Rail. Reporting marks BCIT 871027 in interchange service on the BN in 1992. [Creative Commons] (photo: Sean Lamb) Reporting marks are a system intended to help keep track of rolling stock and financial transactions between railways. The Pacific Great Eastern Railway used the reporting mark PGE. It later adopted the reporting mark PGER in 1971 for freight cars in international service. When the railway was renamed to the British Columbia Railway, it adopted the reporting mark BCOL, as well as the BCIT reporting mark for freight cars in international service. Passenger services Since the line opened, the PGE had provided passenger service between Squamish and Quesnel (as well as between North Vancouver and Horseshoe Bay until operations were discontinued there in 1928). When the PGE reached Prince George and North Vancouver, daily service was extended to these cities. Service between Lillooet and Prince George was cut back to three times weekly in the 1960s. In 1978, the McKenzie Royal Commission recommended that the BCR eliminate its passenger services, which were losing over $1 million per year, unless it received government funding for them, but the BCR did not do so. However, facing large losses and an ageing fleet of Rail Diesel Cars, it reduced passenger operations to three trains weekly to Lillooet and once weekly to Prince George on February 16, 1981. This service reduction led to public outrage, and the British Columbia governm
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