Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth my deAH, it's time for a Lars special hero sandwich - I'm hungry for something to put my hands around! So, make it a ham ‘n Swiss, mustAHd ‘n buttAH with two extra large ‘n crunchy pickles from the barrel please. Ah yes, treats for the crittAHs - a saucer of brine for Tex - a tray of seeds for Awk - a bucket of ice cubes for Frostbite and of course a small jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris! I'll have a stein of Rheingold if you please, a round for the boyz and the change is yours!
An interesting weekend and I'm struck by a comment made by our leader. I've noticed over the years that there are those who seem to avoid this place for awhile, then come back with gusto, then are gone again. Such is life, huh? Wouldn't give it too much energy, for it does tend to . . . . <arrrrrggggghhhh> I should know better than to dole out compliments! NevAH mind!
Great to see the return of West Coast S Doug and my hope is we'll be treated to his Southern Pacific (SP) "stuff" once things settle down for him personally and professionally. Best to you, Dave!
Seems like I'm always saying this, but our Cap'n is surely providing the gang with quite a panoply of pix from Canada. Really fine stuff, mate! Looking forward to those Canadian RR museum pix . . .
Yeah, Shane, there's just nothing quite like sitting up in a dome car, especially at night. Every now ‘n then we'd get a car attendant who couldn't figure out that the interior lights needed to be extinguished in order for the full "flavor" of it all to be enjoyed. Eventually he or she would "get it." <arm twisting!> I liked the forward most seats for night viewing - in the daytime it didn't matter to me where I sat, but up forward was great to watch the "dancing" headlight" and all of the landscape, dark notwithstanding. Made for some truly memorable times that I'll nevAH, evAH forget.
The newer versions of those domes, like the Superliner sightseer lounges and the more recent Ultradomes by Colorado railcar (like the ones Tom traveled aboard in Alaska), really have taken that kinda thing to a different level. I've never quite understood the rationale behind putting so few in a consist of long distance trains. To me, those cars are the SELLING POINTS! Good grief Charlie Brown, it ain't "rocket surgery"! <grin> Yeah, Boris - I KNOW it should be . . . oh nevAH mind! <frown>
Hey Eric! Was that YOU sneaking a peak UNDER the door to the Penthouse Suite?? We I heard a <bump> when I opened the door, but the hallway was dark. You wouldn't have a <bump> on your forehead now, wudja???
Figured I'd give it another "go" at the admin "stuff" then I'm gonna have to take off for a bit. We've got some things to take care of . . . Should mention that I was at the Mets game yesterday. SWEEP! Number two son gets the greatest seats . . . anyway, first game for me this year and I'm getting "warmed up."
Cards are in town for a series - I doubt it will be anything like the playoffs of last season! Let's Go Mets!
One more Ruth, then WE must get to <ahem> business . . .
Until the next time!
Lars
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present: coffee, please; round for the house, and $ for the jukebox.
Dave - Welcome back.
OSP - Sent more travelogue pictures. And there is a fine selection of movies for this week. We need to see if we can find the movie "It Happened to Jane," and run that with the original "Out of Towners" for a New Haven double feature. Also, thanks for the rerun of trip report. BTW, the snowplow scenes in "Murder on the Orient Express" were great.
Fergie stopped by - Fish cakes and beans - excellent. We used to have that for breakfast sometimes on Sunday morning - Mom made them up from what was left in the refrigerator. Saturday was dinner was often franks and beans with brown bread. What one of my buddies used to call "Brown beans on brown plates, served in the dark." Baked beans (made from scratch). Good stuff! Glad you "hit the mark," too.
Lars stopped by with the bookmobile and the video van. The B&M book was written by a good friend of mine. Both he and his son worked for the B&M. Nice to see the home folks in your post.
Appreciated your comments on domes. One of my favorite dome trips used to be on the Lake Shore Limited when they had domes. Go up there at night when the dispatcher was weaving the train around a variety of freights and the view was tremendous. Sometimes you could see four+ trains at once. Also have fond memories of the former Wabash dome on the Pocahontas going through the coalfields early in the morning. A couple of GP9s on point, a flock of baggage and express car, and then the rest of the train - with PRR style position signals. There are some other ones as well, but I need to find the right notebook.
Pete - Thanks for the kind words and pictures of the home ground on my mom's side. We had family who worked at Swindon (looong time ago).
Eric - Pentrex is a good source for SP videos. The C&O 4-8-4s were beasts; with 66,450 lb. tractive effort. The 4-8-2s had TF of 58,000 pounds. I will have to dig up some more information for you. Incidentally, they also used 2-8-4s on passenger trains just about everywhere. The 4-8-4s did not run west of Hinton very often, usually when heading to or from Huntington. The 2-8-4s were real runners. I remember a friend's story about moving along the highway heading east from Charleston and being passed by a 2-8-4 with a passenger train. It had made a station stop at Charleston and as he said, it was accelerating when it passed him like "He was nailed to the highway."
614 ran New River Trains between Huntington and Hinton not all that long ago and I was fortunate not only to ride behind it (in a full length dome, yet), but also to get lots of pictures of it at ground level. The domeites would have enjoyed that ride. Yes, Boris, I'll bring pictures to the rendezvous. A magnificent piece of machinery that ran like a watch.
Work safe
G'day Gents!
Continuing on with Pix from Day Four: Sunday - May 27th, 2007 - en route Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Crossing the St. Lawrence Seaway on the Victoria Jubilee Bridge to Montreal
VIA Rail train at maintenance facility in Montreal
Alstom rail works in Montreal
Train board in Montreal's Central Station - we have arrived!
Montreal's Central Station early Sunday morning
To be continued at the ExpoRail Canadian Railway Museum at Delson/Saint-Constant, Quebec, Canada . . .
Tom
<w/permission: http://www.scenic-railroads.com/>
A smile to begin the week!
Grammy has so many clothes, she never wears the same outfit once.
<A Yogi-ism!>
What's to say other than it's MONDAY! <ugh> Look on the bright side, begin your new week right here by starting off with a freshly ground ‘n brewed mug of coffee, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and perhaps a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board selections! [yeha]
What a week last week was, ,eh We had the return of long-lost Nick - our Manager Lars made it back to ‘work' - and West Coast S Dave is home safely from Iraq! Now that's a sure-fire-winner for us all!
Was a busy, busy week for me at the bar, which isn't all bad, fer sure, fer sure. Just a tad more time at the keyboard to ensure that I've not left anyone out in my acknowledgments . . . after all to preach inclusiveness is to practice it, eh
Observation: One of "our own" has been observed on-line for several days - but NOT here! He's been MIA for several days 'round here . . . It's easy to figure out who is has logged on - just "go" to the FORUMs main Page -scroll to the bottom and click the "options" box - that will show whos "on" . . . also can do that with the Classic Trains (General Discussion) Page - those who aren't signed in are shown as "guests" . . .
Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative):
Lars at 11:02 AM Saturday - July 23rd: A super-fine Post from our Manager, capped off with BOOK COVERS!
Don't quite know what's "with" Boris and the outfit he was wearing on Saturday - he hasn't let anyone "in" on what that was all about. Hmmmmmmmm.
That "teaser" into your early travels aboard the California Zephyr has the makings of a fine "report." Sure, memories of this ‘n that fade over time, but my guess is you've retained sufficient amounts to put together a captivating rail adventure! Also, the URL was "right on" and the Pix tell a great story of what must've been a remarkable experience back in the day . . .
Got a kick out of your comments regarding the dome car and "how to" enjoy the view. Funny, I've thought pretty much the same thing at times. But then again, to each his own, eh But I do concur, the dome was created for views in the panorama mode, not the "directed" view of "side looking."
Thanx for the round!
Dave (West Coast S) at 4:03 PM ‘n 6:21 PM Saturday - June 23rd: Special recognition ‘n comments in my Saturday Post . . . Back, Mate (again)!
Hope you'll be able to review the Pages since your last Post from Iraq . . . the guys asked several questions, but more importantly, they appreciated having YOU back with us - need I say more Take your time, but the Pages are full o' great stuff, especially the fotos from our 2nd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis, and the Pix from the Canada Rail Adventure with Pete. Surely worth the effort . . . plus it will put your mind in a place that you may enjoy being - right HERE at the Saloon by the Siding!
Round appreciated - new bell, welllllllllllllll <groan>
Pete at 8:50 PM Saturday - June 23rd: A fine array of Pix from your friend Alan. What a life this guy leads (echoing sentiments from Lars)! I've "threatened" spending my last 6 months of life doing nothing but traveling aboard Budd stainless steel observation dome cars! <grin>
Round ‘n visit appreciated!
Lars at 7:50 AM ‘n 8:02 AM Sunday - June 24th: An appropriate visit ‘thru the mail slots' from our Manager in tribute to the return of our Left Coast Connection West Coast S Dave!
Nice spate of SP book ‘n video covers to brighten up Sunday for anyone out ‘n about <ooooot ‘n aboooot> for our friends north of the 49th. <grin>
Eric at 11:27 PM Sunday - June 24th: THANX for the ‘correction' - honestly missed that one!
Not a bad thought regarding the "extras" for our very tentative trip to Fremont, NE. HOWEVER, gotta consider the bride's wishes too - she's good about putting up with my eccentricities when it comes to trains and in return, there's gotta be reciprocity! <ooooohhh> <grin>
Of careers and work: There are no "do overs" in life - just "do better"! So, when I look back upon my experiences in what I did for most of my adult life, I can honestly say I'd do it again. It surely wasn't all "fun" and there were times when I surely wished I was elsewhere . . . but as a whole, it was a fine career for me and something that fell into place with the help of "mentors" along the way, if you know what I mean.
Ooops, now that stupid light is out again! Hard to find the slot. Wait... did I hear something? Let's see. No, the building is all dark, but I can swear I heard a voice that sounded a lot like R... No, can't be. What would she do here this time a Sunday evening. The only one here on a Sunday is Manager La... Hmm. I better drop this and get away. Where is my notebook?
Fergie – Congratulatons to the perfect approach! I bet it is not easy to control a boat in the sea with wind and currents doing their best to get you in the wrong spot at the wrong time. Tom – Gas prices have not jumped here yet. They actually came down to $2.88 (rounded) a few days ago. Why don’t you combine the drive to the dinner train in Nebraska (Fremont?) with a visit at the UP museum in Council Bluffs, IA? It’s on the way. Then you have the Santa Fe museum in Atchison!Your explanation about the guy in the dining car sounds reasonable. Continental Breakfast is usually good enough. Especially if your description of the alternative is correct. Yes, I consider myself lucky when it comes to my job for the railroad. I would do it all over again! Read your final segment of your 2005 Canadian trip! Backing in or out of a station is somehing one prefer not to do. In Europe they usually replace the locomotives with new ones at the other end of the train so they will be able to pull in and pull out.I think there was a mishap about the movies of the week at the Emporium. The plot summary for “Murder on the Orient Express” is about another good movie, The Dirty Dozen. "Welcome to Mooseport" is correct though. I have never seen that movie but it sounds like one worth seeing! Good movies!
Lars – I agree with you about Mike “the Url Guy”! I don’t understand how he can find all those url’s with the perfect pictures and infon on what we are discussing. Must be very time consuming. I always check each and every one of those url’s. Thanks for the link to all the California Zephyr pictures! It must have been something else to ride those train with dome cars! Nice book covers again! I actually remember some of them! Especially the rusty one, Rites of Passage. When I see that case for the SP DVD I remember that SP took a lot of video of the X2000 when it was in California (SP sponsored that part of the tour). I wonder if that video is available today? They had a helicopter taking a lot of footage when we were heading down to Santa Barabra from Oakland. Dave – Good to see you back again, Sir! For you I’ll post a pix of a good looking SP loco, Class SP-2 from Pomona, CA. I have shown it before but it is a good looking locomotive.
Since you are the SP expert here I am asking you if you know of any place where one can find SP-videos?Pete – Some very nice pictures from Alan! I have actually visited Stratford-on-Avon once in the late 70’s. Didn’t see any trains though. It is kind of strange to see the old locos without any headlights at all.
Hooters is not there any more. Union Station St. Louis.
Swedish State Railways Class S1.
Eric
Ahoy Mates!
Another message slipped through the mail slot . . .
'tis the Larsman again - hey, Pete! Aside from Maisie Mayweather no longer "strolling" the streets of KC, I'd say the trolleys gave way to buses 50 years back . . .
Nice spate of pix from your mate, Alan. He must be living the life most of us 'round here dream of having!
Good movie selections, Cap'n Tom - that Orient Express flick brings back many, many memories (in the balcony!) <hee hee> Anyway, never saw the Mooseport movie - might just take it in later in the week.
Hope youse guyz all have a relaxing Sunday - stay cool!
Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers waiting for the bar to open tomorrow!
A message slipped through the mail slot this Sunday for WEST COAST S (Dave) - Back to the fold, mate! A five Salute to our Left Coast man of mystery, Dave!
Here's a little something from the archives to make you feel at home:
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Bathams please LEON and a round to celebrate DAVE's safe return.
Really late today but I have been doing 'Honey-Dos' all day..I though I would post some photos from Alan and catch up with the replies to the posts Monday if that is OK.
The pictures are from a recent trip Alan went on. One of the places visited was Stratford on Avon in the Midlands of England.The motive power was two of the rapidly deminishing class 37 Co-Co Diesel-Electrics left in service with EWS.
This is 37411 arriving at Stratford.
These two are close ups of 37411. The loco has been painted in BR green which the loco was delivered in, it is also wearing its original number D 6990. The name 'Castell Caerfili' is a recent naming. This is the Welsh Spelling of Caerphilly Castle.
The next two pics are taken at the preserved East Lancs Railway at the Rawtenstall end of the line.
The loco is one of the BR Standard class 9F 2-10-0 frieght engines. This was the last class of steam loco built for BR. The last example No 92220 'Evening Star' was turned out from the ex Great Western Railway works at Swindon in March 1960.
These should enlarge.
Quick Quiz." What on this day 50 years ago disappeared from the streets of Kansas City.
Well LEON another Batham's and the Steak please.
Pete.
Tom, how rude of me, did I forget to mention that I got Boris a special gong? You remember my donation of the bell from hell several years ago? Well, wait till Boris gets his paws on this one!!! Must admit it feels odd not being shot at or on constant guard. I'll tell you that doctor that did our medical exams upon our return assumes were all in an advance state of PTSD or are 5150, had to inform him i've been a bit odd my entire life!! My mind is clear, I did what had to be done to the best of my abilities. However, wouldn't have made it without the help of the Clergy, a refreshing inspiration in times of extreme terror, stress and confusion , matter of fact I had one order me to stand down for a week, first time i've had a man of the cloth address me in such a sharp/firm yet reassuring tone.
Well gotta run again, seems we have a major flood somewhere under the kitchen sink that requires my immediate attention, then that issue with the back door needs to be addressed...........Thanks for the chit and all enjoy my welcome back rounds!!
Dave
SPECIAL for West Coast S - Dave
Back, Mate! Great to know that you made it back home from Iraq safely! Won't comment on the 'sound' part, given that we never figured you WERE!
Very sobering to read your reference to what must've been THE single most devastating event in your tour . . . and perhaps your experiences to date. As these weeks progress, I'm sure you'll fill us in on this 'n that . . .
Things are pretty much the SAME in the way we operate the bar - but DIFFERENT in that we've lost several of the "faces" you remember. It won't take you very long to figure out who's remaining and I see you've picked up on several of the new "faces."
Great to have you aboard once again and hope that it won't be too long before we'll be seeing that familiar "West Coast S" popping up on the Forums!
Cindy give the man a "chit" for free drinks 'n lunch for the remainder of the summer! Boris, keeping ringing the GONG - Dave LOVES that!
Good day to all from the coaster on my auspicious return to the good ole' US of A!!! Round for all. What have we been up to around the bar of late? I see several unfamilar faces, greetings Gunneral, Allen and Fergimester as well as many familar ones, Sir Tom and the gang seems to have kept Boris accountable for his actions! And, Cindy you're just as lovely as I remember, I see Nick is among our midst, must say that menu looks tempting.
Well here goes some acknowledgements:
Tom, Excelent recollections of your Canadian adventures, not too many oppertunities to travel of late, (I mean, travel unteathered from flak vest and such) I do have a 30 day TDY to Arizona pending, perhaps catch some local rail action, schedule permitting of course. Good job with the acknowledgements, a primary source of getting back up to speed in my case..
CM3:
Never experienced a locomotive simulator, sounds like a blast. I did attend a simulator for the agency I work for, how was I to know it was rigged? Not only did I get my partner and numerous civilians killed I also mannage to permit my vehicle to be blown up. I felt lower then a slugs belly until someone put me wise that this was standard modus-oprandi for newbies!!
Where's Rob been hiding? Howdy Pwolf good, diverese topics as usual, our man of England indeed.
Lovedomes:
Great contributions, We have about 300 MHC cars stored north of us, any takers regarding their ultimate fate...perhaps they could be the solution to the car shortage, a few windows and doors and viola revamped equiptment at a fraction of new!! Speaking of honeydo list you should see mine!! A new residence is not too far in the future as the misses is disgusted with the extensive repairs necessary on the current abode...ye money pit indeed!!!
Hate to run, but duty calls, until then keep the libations and classic railroading conversations flowing.
l
ENCORE! Saturday ‘n Photo Posting Day!
at "Our" Place!
We are CLOSED on SUNDAYs!Starting Sunday at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!
. . . June 24th thru 30th: Murder On The Orient Express (1974) Starring: Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, Martin Balsam, Ingrid Bergman & Jacqueline Bisset - and - Welcome To Mooseport (2004) Starring: Gene Hackman, Ray Romano, Marcia Gay Harden, Maura Tierney & Christine Baranski. SHORT: The Three Stooges - I'll Never Heil Again (1941).
Murder On The Orient Express (1974)
PLOT SUMMARY:
Just the name "Orient Express" conjures images of a bygone era. Add an all-star cast (including Sean Connery, Ingrid Bergman, Jacqueline Bisset, and Lauren Bacall, to name a few) and Agatha Christie's delicious plot and how can you go wrong? Particularly if you add in Albert Finney as Christie's delightfully persnickety sleuth, Hercule Poirot. Someone has knocked off nasty Richard Widmark on this train trip and, to Poirot's puzzlement, everyone seems to have a motive--just the setup for a terrific whodunit. Though it seems like an ensemble film, director Sidney Lumet gives each of his stars their own solo and each makes the most of it. Bergman went so far as to win an Oscar for her role. But the real scene-stealer is the ever-reliable Finney as the eccentric detective who never misses a trick. --Marshall Fine
from: amazon.com
Welcome To Mooseport (2004)
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b222/siberianmo/Movies/51DXPG9GM8L.jpg
Cast your ballot for big laughs when Gene Hackman and Ray Romano find themselves in a hilariously heated race for mayor of Mooseport, Maine. A local plumber (Romano) is plunged into the national spotlight when he takes on the former President of the United States (Hackman), who can't believe he's running against the man installing his toilets! To make matters worse, the ex-prez is trying to steal the election -- and the affection of the handyman's girlfriend (Maura Tierney). Whoever wins, one thing's for sure: this town isn't small enough for the both of them!
SHORT: The Three Stooges - I'll Never Heil Again 941)PLOT SUMMARY: Featuring Moe, Larry & Curly
The Stooges are the same positions they were in YOU NAZTY SPY! and they are still ruling the country of Moronica. The three men of the cabinet who betrayed the king before have turned good and want to help rid of Moe Hailstone, his Field Marshall (Curly) and Minister of Propaganda (Larry). So the king's daughter is sent as a spy and she gives the Stooges a bomb that is inside a cue ball. She tricks them into believing that rulers of other countries are plotting against them, so the rulers and the Stooges play football for a world globe that Moe owns. The Stooges win and end up knocking out all of their opponents. In anger against Moe for not letting him have the globe, Curly throws the explosive cue ball on the ground and it explodes. The Stooges wind up as trophies for the king in the end.
from: threestooges.net
Enjoy! See y'all on Monday . . . Tom
This is ENCORE! Saturday - and - Photo Posting Day!
Remember: "Our" Place is CLOSED on Sundays.
Many thanx to our Manager, Lars for the interesting Post and spate of book covers for our ENCORE! Saturday . . .
Here's the final segment of the 4 parter on my May 2005 Canadian Rail Journeys . . .
from back on Page 16 of the original Thread.
Canadian Rail Journey, Part IV and final Wednesday, May 11th, 2005 - a glorious morning in Bedford (Halifax) Nova Scotia and the time has come to bid adieu to family and friends. Arriving at the VIA Rail station in Halifax, we checked in at the Easterly Class kiosk with plenty of time to spare for our 12:40 PM (ADST) departure for Montreal. The familiar sight of Train #15 and its all Budd consist once again rekindled that feeling of anticipation as we checked our luggage into Bedroom D of the Revelstoke Park car (observation dome). "Claude," our attendant greeted us with his typically warm and friendly manner and we settled in to our seats up in the dome - front right. Our train was made up of 13 cars and 2 F40PH locos (#6419 & 6418). The consist: one baggage, three coaches, one Skyline dome car - one dining car - six Chateau series bedroom cars and the Revelstoke Park observation dome car. After snapping off a few more photos, we began our journey along the winding trackage from the station to the shoreline of Halifax Harbor and Bedford Basin. Before to long, the dome filled with travelers as we left Halifax behind and headed up to Truro. The countryside is a pretty sight, replete with large farms, lakes, and lots of new construction. Makes one wonder just where are all the people moving from? Since there are no departures from Montreal (or Halifax) on Tuesdays, there was no passing train to view as we cleared Truro on the way to Amherst, the last station stop in Nova Scotia. {Back at the Halifax there was another Budd consist sitting across the platform that would become Train #15 on Thursday. This is the same train I came in on Monday late afternoon with the Evangeline Park observation dome car.) A thought occurred to me as we wound our way through some really great looking scenery, that this may very well be the last time my wife and I travel the "Ocean" in Budd cars, if at all. As I've indicated in previous "reports," VIA Rail will be shifting all the Budd equipment to western service by January 1st thereby making the "Ocean" an all Renaissance equipment train. Having experienced Renaissance in October of 2004, I doubt that I'll be spending any of my retirement dollars for a repeat performance. As always seems to be the case, we arrived in Moncton, New Brunswick rather quickly, although "Claude" told us we were running about 10 minutes late. With the elegant depots of Amherst and Sackville behind us, the idea that we were heading home settled in. Another 15 minute stop at New Brunswick so we stretched our legs, took some pix, and checked out the dining car menu. Oh no! Not again - same menu as every trip thus far since leaving home! With just two entrees on the menu, the selection does become rather limited when one has been traveling the route for 4 evenings since May 5th. "Claude" told us that the Chaleur, VIA Rail's train to Gaspe, Quebec, may have a schedule change to permit it to make the trip in daylight. Operating on a three day per week departure in each direction, the "Chaleur" is part of the "Ocean's" makeup at Montreal, with the separation occurring at Matapedia. That same stop is where "Chaleur" meets the Montreal bound "Ocean" as well. For the first time in many, many trips, we did not have the "Chaleur" with us, nor did I on my "solo" round trips earlier in the week. Anyway, they say the scenery along the route to Gaspe is really something. Perhaps some day, unless someone decides to put Renaissance on the line for that as well. Rogersville - Miramichi - Bathurst (with some snow still visible) - Petit Rocher - Jacquet River - Charlo and Campbellton (last stop in New Brunswick) all were stops where it appeared more passengers boarded than departed. The Campbellton stop also was our signal to call it a day .... Which we did. Thursday morning found me sitting in the dome at about 5 AM (EDST) as the train backed into the station at Charny, Quebec. I guess I'll never get used to this backing in, backing out business - and yes, it is railroading - but somewhere in my "socialization" regarding railroads, trains are supposed to pull in and pull out. As I thought about this quirk of mine, it occurred to me that even my model railroad "empire" requires backing in or out amongst the 8 consists of passenger cars accommodated at my Can-Am Union Station. Oh well ..... In a perfect world, it surely would be different! With no full breakfast to look forward to in the dining car nor a continental breakfast in the Park car (both discontinued by VIA Rail as cost cutting measures (?)) the day began a bit differently than we were accustomed to. The Park car does offer juices, coffee, tea and hot chocolate along with apples and oranges for the Easterly Class folks. Fortunately, I still had some cookies left from my "solo" trip, so we survived on those until reaching Montreal's Central Station at 8:05 AM (10 minutes early). Once we reached Saint-Lambert, it was time to get our things together as the journey was about to come to an end. This was a bittersweet conclusion for us in that 15 years of travel along the Montreal-Halifax-Montreal round trip route may very well have ended. Once inside the station, we had breakfast at our favorite "sidewalk café" table. Again, each breakfast of two eggs, sausages/bacon/ham with toast and coffee/tea cost $5 (Cdn) each. Had VIA Rail offered the full breakfast, it would have cost us $9 apiece and we would have gladly paid it if for no other reason than to have the ambiance of the dining car along with the views along the way. Alas, change is all about ....... So, that concludes my "report" of our rail experiences in Canada 2005. The intention of these "reports" has been to share my experiences with those of you who appreciate trains - and the "Ocean," with over 100 years of operation, is a "Classic" in every definition of the word. Final pictures will be posted separately ........ See y'all later!
Fotos of these journeys are Posted on the original Thread - scan beginning on Page 12 . . . Here's the URL to get started if you're interested . . .
http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/12/991587/ShowPost.aspx#991587
Later!
Ah it's Cindy behind the bar and what a pleasing sight to the eyes! A mugga Joe with a jolt, if you please. I'll prepare the treats for the crittAHs my deAH as they appear anxious for "uncle" Lars to get a move on! <grin>
Boris, you're looking . . . well, looking . . . let's just say, you're LOOKING! So, what's with the attire this morning You've got your Oktoberfest Alpine hat, bib overalls with Leon's red cummerbund and boondockers with steel reinforced toes with red spats. You MUST be trying to impress the gals today - I'm sure it'll "work"! <yeah, right!>
So, it's the Encore! time once again, and I'll see what's in my library of "stuff" - most probably book covers, as they seem to please the gang the most.
Thoroughly enjoying the Tom Show with those pix from the Rendezvous and Canadian RR journeys. Really fine stuff and only the guys at the bar can truly appreciate the meaning behind the effort. A five Salute to our Mentor - Cap'n Tom!
Wanted to also add some "directed" comments to our newfound friend from so far away - Allan in New Zealand. Great having you aboard, mate and thanks for the dialogue on the trains down your way. I did check out those pix via Url that Mike posted and found the "looks" to be pretty much what I had seen in some RR books and mags from years ago. Have you traveled very much by rail in NZ? I can well imagine the scenery must be outstanding. As Tom likes to say, maybe one day . . . . <ahhhhh>
Great to see Fergie back again (and again!) - appears as if you're finding this place to YOUR liking, huh?? As another sailor (retired Merchie - below decks) lemme add my aboard and perhaps we can engage in some ship board exchanges one day. For example, I'm curious about your engineroom, having spent the greater part of my adult life in all kinds of 'em, what's the power plant?
B4 getting to that, let me make a few comments about the goings on ‘round the bar: Great work from Eric - Pete - Shane 'n DL - terrific, encouraging and entertaining! That should cover it.
I offer these words to those who may not do so - read the WORDS guys, all of ‘em. There's an awful lot of "good stuff" in the responses and just because they may be "directed" to another, doesn't mean the info within isn't for your eyes too. Can't document how many times I've picked up on some great material, some that has gone on with active exchanges between the guys.
Can't tell you how much I've missed over the weeks 'n months and now years since I've been participating. I mean, how many of us GO BACK to check???? <groan>
Want to make particular mention to and about a guy who has been with the bar for quite some time. Maybe not a "regular" in that sense, but regular enough. Mike the Url guy is without peer. There's just no getting around it. Drop a subject, or a WOID, and this guy picks up on it like stink on <doo doo> - Sorry, best analogy I could come up with! <grin> Anyway, there's lots of efffort in those Urls and it's simply up to the reader to take advantage of 'em . . .
Speaking just for myself, I'm a bit remiss with the Url browsing, primarily because they take up more time than I wish. If they are supplemental to the ‘story' being told, sure, otherwise I put ‘em on the back burner - which most times means I don't get to ‘em. Sorry. But at least I'm up front about it. No point in glossing over these things by offering hollow platitudes. Seen far too much of that in days gone by. Glad this group is much more interactive.
The California Zephyr, mentioned by a few lately, brings to mind some mixed remembrances. Most of ‘em are good and only the last two trips with Amtrak have soured us. My first round trip was with my mother & father "way back when" as he took us to the left coast by train from Penn Station. Being a retired 2nd generation B&O man, rail travel was always his preference for our family vacations. Why not? Anyway, we'd take the Broadway Limited to Chicago and then wait for the boarding of the CB&Qs California Zephyr at Union Station.
It was always a grand experience for the family as my sister and I would run amok through the station's many "hiding places," only to be "found" by my father who would act "mad," but was thoroughly enjoying our game of "let's drive our parents crazy!" <grin>
Needless to say, the dome cars were our favorites, and of course were the feature of that wonderful train. Glued to the windows, we'd count the telephone poles until they zipped by so fast that neither of us could keep up. Then there were the freight cars with all of those road names. It was nearly impossible to jot them all down in my little note book, something my father instilled in me, and absolutely maddening to file in memory.
Another thing my father also passed to me was that riding in a dome car is NOT like riding in a coach, where the passing scenery is along side of you, kind of like watching the world pass by through one of those View Masters of old - you got the 3 dimensions, but the scenes just zipped by. Sitting in the dome affords one of a PANARAMIC view, something unavailable in a coach or bedroom window. Never knew what's coming or what just passed by. In the dome, you could take it all in with a 180 degree perspective ahead. That's the way to do it! I recall seeing lots of people pretty much perpendicular to the windows and always wondered if they realized how much they were missing on the other side of the train!!
Saturday has begun in fine form as we have blue skies, the threat of severe storms has passed us by and it's not supposed to make it to 90 (F) today! Petrol jumped to $2.89 (rounded) as the 4th of July approaches.
Some fine Posts to finish Friday and this resurgence of activity makes for interactive times once again! Thanx to all who've made it so . . .
CM3 Shane at 8:34 AM Friday - June 22nd: A fine submission on the C&Os passenger power! Can just "see" those E8s - although the Amtrak livery would definitely be a downer . . .
Gilbert James McDougald (born May 19, 1928) is a former Major League Baseball infielder.He was born in San Francisco, California.He played his first major league game on April 20, 1951. On May 6 of that year, he tied a major league record by batting in 6 runs in one inning. Later in the year, in the World Series, he became the first rookie to hit a grand slam home run in the Series. He narrowly beat out Minnie Miñoso in the voting for the 1951 American League Rookie of the Year. His entire major league career was spent on the New York Yankees, wearing uniform number 12. He was a versatile player, playing all the infield positions except first base: 599 games at second base, 508 games at third, and 284 at shortstop. He played in five All-Star Games: in 1952, 1956, 1957, 1958, and 1959.On May 7, 1957, McDougald, batting against Herb Score of the Cleveland Indians, hit a line drive that hit Score in the eye. It caused Score to miss the rest of the 1957 and much of the 1958 season, and Score was never again the outstanding pitcher he had been up to that event. McDougald reportedly vowed at the time of the incident to retire if Score was blinded.In 1958, McDougald was given the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, which is awarded annually by the Phi Delta Theta fraternity (to which Gehrig belonged) at Columbia University.In 1961 he was selected by the Washington Senators in the expansion draft. Rather than play for that team, he retired.Gilbert now lives in Wall Township, New Jersey.
He was born in San Francisco, California.
He played his first major league game on April 20, 1951. On May 6 of that year, he tied a major league record by batting in 6 runs in one inning. Later in the year, in the World Series, he became the first rookie to hit a grand slam home run in the Series. He narrowly beat out Minnie Miñoso in the voting for the 1951 American League Rookie of the Year. His entire major league career was spent on the New York Yankees, wearing uniform number 12. He was a versatile player, playing all the infield positions except first base: 599 games at second base, 508 games at third, and 284 at shortstop. He played in five All-Star Games: in 1952, 1956, 1957, 1958, and 1959.
On May 7, 1957, McDougald, batting against Herb Score of the Cleveland Indians, hit a line drive that hit Score in the eye. It caused Score to miss the rest of the 1957 and much of the 1958 season, and Score was never again the outstanding pitcher he had been up to that event. McDougald reportedly vowed at the time of the incident to retire if Score was blinded.
In 1958, McDougald was given the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, which is awarded annually by the Phi Delta Theta fraternity (to which Gehrig belonged) at Columbia University.
In 1961 he was selected by the Washington Senators in the expansion draft. Rather than play for that team, he retired.
Gilbert now lives in Wall Township, New Jersey.
- and -
Stanley Edward "Stan" Lopata (born September 12, 1925 in Delray, Michigan) was a former Major League Baseball player.Lopata, a catcher was a two-time all-star who played for parts of 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Braves. He made his debut in 1948 and served as a backup to Andy Seminick and Smoky Burgess for many seasons. In 1955 he hit 22 home runs and became the Phillies full time catcher the next season. In 1955, Lopata had his best season as he hit 32 home runs finished second in the league in doubles and was in the top ten in other statistical categories including Slugging percentage, Runs batted in, OPS, and homers.After two years of declining performance Lopata was traded to the Braves in 1960 and played in 32 games over two more seasons before retiring.He finished his career having played in 863 games with a .254 batting average and 116 home runs.Lopata ser Happy Railroading! Siberianmo Fergmiester Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Out on the Briny Ocean Tossed 4,240 posts Posted by Fergmiester on Saturday, June 23, 2007 5:54 AM pwolfe wrote: Hi Tom and all.A pint of Kimberley mild please RUTHMIKE Many thanks for the links.FERGIE Great to see you in. Not sure about the menu you have selected though. Fish cake, beans and eggs.Pete! Don't knock it until you've tried it. It is very, very good, especially the Fish cakes as they were made from the left over Salt Cod, Pork Scraps and Onion dinner we had on Wednesday!Good Morning AllThough it's only 7am here and I've just logged an hour in the gym I think a pint of Kimberley Mild is in order Ah heck make it two, Just had a bagel with cream cheese and will need something to wash it down with! Not much on the go, still off the Shelf gathering data. Was up to 23:00 last night recovering deep water moorings. One is missing and we hope to get it this morning. Did a bit of boat driving yesterday, did a perfect approach on a buoy ($100,000 worth) and not a scratch! Put a smile on the "Old Man's " face so life is good.Chicken Wings were last night and Tenderloins tonight!!Anyway must runLater AllFergie 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 EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Saturday, June 23, 2007 2:58 AM Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!Leon, thank you for keeping this place open at this hour. I think it is a great time for a juicy Filet Mignon again! Of course, lots of mushrooms! A lot of activities since my last visit. So I better start right away.Tom – I can see that the Renaissance cars aren’t that spacious inside. Yes, I liked the old version of “RR Tycoon”! Built a very successful railroad and made a lot of money. But they are all gone now. I’ll see if I can repeat it with this new version. You must have been very lucky during your Halifax trip! You managed to catch Stealthy Pete several pictures!! This time I actually checked the map to see where your pictures were taken. I found Moncton right away! Nice pictures!People at the Second Class Saloon have already started planning the next Grudge Match Dart’s Challenge ‘n “whatever” according to third hand information directly from someone (no name).What do you mean? One point isn’t enough? My points are so called Megapoints!Looking at your pictures from day 4, I wonder if the guy sitting behind Pete in the diner didn’t want to be in the picture? Maybe he was running from the police!?! CM3 – I experienced RoadRailers the first time as a truck driver when I picked up a trailer from a RoadRailer train close to Los Angeles in 1996. It did not take long time to break up the train.I have a picture (see below) of Amtrak 42 from somewhere along the line between Philadelphia and Harrisburg.A question about C&O and their motive power. You say that they used 4-8-4s for the mountain trains and 4-8-2s for flatland east. Wouldn’t it had been better to do the opposite? Especially if those locomotives all were about the same size/weight? The 4-8-2 should have had more weight on its drivers than the 4-8-4. But maybe the 4-8-4 was a much heavier locomotive than the 4-8-2. Lars – It took a lot of practice to get Juneau’s ears at the right spot! But finally I got my shot!Strange, Ruth said that she helped you with that... hmm, administrative stuff up in the Penthouse suite!? I thought that was something for the manager’s office? DL – I don’t understand people who, just for the fun (?) of it, destroy things. Must be sick in their heads. Thanks for the info on the bus manufacturing in the UK! I wonder why Leyland National only had doors in the front? Must take some extra time to get people off the bus at each stop. Interesting to see that picture of the Leyland Railbus again! I remember one was on a tour in Sweden many years ago. Leyland Railbus (two of them) actually made it to the US according to Wikipedia:“It should be noted that even though some of these vehicles carried numbers in the departmental coach series, they were actually used in ordinary passenger service. LEV1 was tested in passenger service at first in East Anglia, and then elsewhere, before being exported to the USA, which was also the destination for LEV2. Similarly, R3 was exported to Canada after its testing phase. These Railbuses were sent abroad in the hope of gathering export orders, but they never transpired.”More info:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_RailbusesYes, that wheel in the picture is rusty. That car has not been in service for many years. It belongs to the Santa Fe Museum in Atchison, Kansas, see picture below.Thanks for the trip report! So you tried the job as an engineer! Hope you liked it!Pete – I am afraid I don’t have any pictures of getting the RoadRailer changed from road to rail operation. I have seen it first hand, but did not have a camera available at that time. As I said to Shane above, I have even pulled one of those trailers when I worked as a truck driver.You are half right about what is in the picture! It is not the Aerotrain, but an old Burlington coach at the Santa Fe Museum in Atchison, KS. The generator below. The generator was sitting under one of these coaches, don't remember which one though. Mike – You got me right! “...wary train engineer, looking skeptical that conditions will remain ideal but ready for whatever comes next.”. That is how I feel after 29 years with the railroad. But I loved them all (the years). As my boss at Amtrak used to say “To work for the railroad is not just a job, it is a way of living!Thanks for all the pictures! You must spend a lot of time looking up all those (always) interesting pictures! Especially liked the ones from NZ!Nick – Wow, a lot of fish! I think I’ll have your vegeterian special! pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Friday, June 22, 2007 5:22 PM Hi Tom and all.A pint of Kimberley mild please RUTHMIKE Many thanks for the links.Really enjoyed those of Rugby and the Oxford Canal. I wonder if the lad standing by the, not very often photographed, Rugby No 3 signalbox watching ‘Royal Scot class ‘King's Own' is me, I had a rain coat like that (but so did a lot of others at the time) and usually the belt was hanging down.In the photo of class 5 No 44870 below the smokebox handles can be seen a small plate with 2A on it, this was the shed code for Rugby Motive Power depot and indicates the loco was allocated to Rugby. Great photos of the New Zealand railways, sadly this area is not often shown in the railway magazines. Loved the ‘We Want Beer' photo.NICK Thanks for the great menu. H&H try but they have not quite got the knack of making mushy peas so it is great to have you back in the kitchen.Have a great time in Devon and we shall look forward to your photos from there.ERIC Is the mystery photo the Aerotrains braking system of a pulley arrangement for working a car generator for the lights etcIs the location at St Louis.ALLAN Thanks for the round I will try a Tui.I used to holiday in the North Wales area, in my post to DL I have put a link to the shed at Llandudno Junction, there are some photos in there of the area in steam days.It is amazing how being here at Our Place can recall a memory long forgotten.There are two railway museums I have been to in the Newcastle area One is the Tanfield Railway at Marley Hill and the other is the Bowes Railway at Springwell near Gateshead, both feature industrial locomotives and there is an incline plain at the Bowes, although I am not sure if it is in working order just at the minute.Thanks for the info on NZ Railways; I will have a look at their web-site.FERGIE Great to see you in. Not sure about the menu you have selected though. Fish cake, beans and eggs.Glad the sea is calm and hope it stays that way for you.CM3. It is scary when a locomotive or trains that wont operate the signals. I recall a certain class of short wheel-based diesel switcher in the UK had to have a wagon permanently coupled to it, as it would not work the track circuits in a certain areas Enjoyed the piece on the C&O passenger power, the 4-8-4s and the E8s must have sounded great in the mountains. DL Sounds a though you had a great time at the Rutland Railway Museum. I have not been there for many years and indeed would love to go there on a Gala Day. We I was there I found the folks there friendly as well.As to the large excavator. I believe it is the one that was at Corby, when I was with the company in England. I worked at Corby Steelworks, on one of their shutdown periods we refurbished an electrical machine in the rolling mill. While we were there we met a manager who arranged, after work one day, to visit the giant excavator. We were allowed in to the cab and watched it operate as it dug the iron ore. The size of the bucket was huge. I believe it was powered by a 12,000 Volt AC landline, which fed a Motor generator set in side the excavator. The set had been made in the same factory as I worked. Unfortunately none of us had a camera with us. That sounds and interesting booklet you picked up. Also working at the site was some ex BR class 14 Diesel Hydraulics.As another Our Place co-incidence The following article appeared in the Kansas City Star newspaper a couple of days ago about the "World's Largest Electric Shovel Still In Existence". It is called "Big Brutus" and is in a town called West Mineral, Kansas. It has not moved for 33 years. Hope you enjoy the article.http://www.kansascity.com/news/columnists/mike_hendricks/story/157427.htmlThe North Wales Land Cruise was a British Railways run tour. I have found this link to a ride on it in 1954. I must have traveled on it a few years later, but not many. I do not know when it stopped operation but I suspect in the early 1960s.It says in the link there were 4 trains that ran from 4 starting points. We would have joined the train at Rhyl. They gave a booklet out on the train sadly mine was lost many years ago 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 Friday, June 22, 2007 3:00 PM G'day Gents!Great seeing the continuing interest 'n activity at the bar! I see CM3 Shane 'n DL have been "in" since my AM Acknowledgments . . . Continuing on with Pix from Day Four: Sunday - May 27th, 2007 - en route Montreal, QuebecHydro facility- Drummondville, Quebec Drummondville, Quebec In the diner - can't go wrong with a Continental Breakfast! - that's Pete! En route Montreal To be continued . . . Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo DL - UK Member sinceAugust 2006 280 posts Posted by DL - UK on Friday, June 22, 2007 12:29 PM Hello Tom and all inFirst of all to the various points and queries (or rather second of all - firstly thanks to Allan for the round -I've not tasted an NZ beer before so I'm not going to pass up on the chance).Mike - That Leyland bus post plus pic is good - the history section was detailed but interesting - they were a very famous brand here. That link mentioned the railcar production work Leyland did.Nick - Have a good time in DevonEric - that wheel is pretty rusty!CM3 - interesting you mention those other railcars - I think the lightweight nature of the ones I was linking too was / is part of their problem - although they are useful on lightly used liens (which may well have no freight use here) since the line maintenance costs are reduced accordingly.Tom - appreciate your thoughts on the accents! In terms of some of your countrymen it sounds like you ‘don't suffer fools gladly' - a phrase we use here!Pete - a trip across to California has to be a good one - my trip n the modern California Zephyr a few years back was worth every penny - although no doubt it bears little comparison with the classic zephyr. I think an Amtrak small bedroom is adequate and can be priced well if booked well in advance at a slack period.As you say, accents in Britain vary over quite short distances but I expect that is declining as people move about more and the influence of TV reduces local accents - I prefer the diversity myself!That north Wales land cruise sounds interesting - was that a BR organised tour? I recall seeing pictures of land cruises organised by the LNER back in the 1930s. A for conductors on buses here I think the only buses with them now are the few that work the day time ‘heritage Routemaster' services in central London - since the end of full Routemaster services that is it. However, Nottingham and Sheffield trams have conductors and I think that is now a rare example of public transport with a conductor on board in the traditional sense (not counting a railway guard of course)Any way - here is some recent info on a trip I made. I did not in fact get to Little Bytham as hoped - but this was because I was staying near Grantham and studied the map and realised I was not too far from the Rutland Railway Museum. http://ukhrail.uel.ac.uk/rrm.htmlThis is a museum based in what is left of some iron ore quarry sidings in a rural part of central England - it is only small and has no other locomotives bigger than 0-4-0 and 0-6-0 shunting engines both diesel and steam. When we turned up we found it was gala day with both steam and diesel in operation, and also the opportunity to drive the diesel hydraulic shunter plus 3 wagon and break van up and down the ¾ mile line for five quid. Both myself and the bride took a turn. It was great fun and showed how tricky it was to keep the loose coupled wagons from buffering up too suddenly when braking!We learned a lot about the iron industry in the area - where they had quarried ore out of the ground and taken it by train to the steel works in Corby (all closed in the early 1980s) - now ore is not mined here but imported from cheaper sources, but in this area it had been mined / quarried since the late 19th century.However, it was strip mined (open cast mined) and this required drag line diggers to remove top soil etc. It turns out that in 1957 the largest ever drag line digger built in the world to that date was constructed to work at this site. It was given the name ‘Sundew' after the 1957 Grand National horse race winner. Subsequently larger diggers have been built in the USA and Australia for open cast mining but this was the first big one I think. If anyone can find any web info on this Ransomes and Rapier drag line excavator (I think others were buolt for other quarries and may have eventually been sold to the states) I would be interested - althoygh I did buy a little booklet about it at the museum.I can't find much information about this massive excavator - but they had a scale model and it was clearly massive - when the quarry closed in 1974 it was walked 13 miles to Corby to another quarry but was eventually scraped in 1986. Pete - do you recall reading about this at the time? - the pictures of them walking the excavator across the midlands landscape were remarkable - but I see none on the web.A cab was saved from scraping but it was located at the museum in the open air and was now - after 20 years - very rusty and looked pretty much beyond repair to me. Sadly the museum was fighting a losing battle against the elements as they only had undercover for the workshop. However, like many small musueums the enthusiats runnign ti were highly welcoming - friendly and doing a great job. It was superb visit!It is hard to imagine the whole area - which is very rural now with all the land restored for farming and the local cottages picturesque with their thatched roofs - had been the site of such massive open cast mining activity. After a visit there we then drove to visit a windmill in a village called Wymondham and found the site of the old long abandoned station on the Midland and Great Northern railway - more of that in the next post!RegardsDL coalminer3 Member sinceJanuary 2001 From: WV 1,251 posts Posted by coalminer3 on Friday, June 22, 2007 8:34 AM Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.OSP - Chairs and gates - we had 'em for dogs and kids. You gotta do what you gotta do. How about bobbing for mines? Speaking of thigs ordnance, the Military Channel has been running a series about a Pythonesque group down on the Isle of Wight who rebuild tanks. I watched two segments of it last night; one about a Sherman r/b, and the other about a Comet (no Boris, the tank, not the airplane) - man, do they have some neat toys in their shop. They also dug a German Panther out of a river in Poland, but that episode did not begin until after my bedtime. Somewhere in the annex to the east wing, I have a manual for Case steam tractors - lovely piece of equipment. They'd burn anything; hay, peat, coal, straw. The manual is a real keeper.Lars stopped by for a visit - My, my, what happened to the pinstripers when they went to Denver? Now they go to San Francisco. Gotta love it.DL visited with a wide-ranging post. I think (Boris and others, stop laughing!) that one of the rail cars was in the states for tests. It was, however, made by Fiat (say no more!) and did not work out very well. The New Haven, back in the day had rail cars made by Mack. You can find pictures of them in a bunch of places. They ran pretty well, but it was kind of scary as they were so light, they did not enable signals to work.Pete - ATK did their own switching. Cars were arranged so that they could be cut in and out easily, generally by road power. Mike sent pictures - I love the picture of the Our Place building being returned to its rightful place after the darts tournament last year.Yogi in the Pullman - excellent. I'll bet OSP can help here, but is that not Gil McDougald sitting across the aisle? What was he noted for?Also enjoyed the "We Want Beer" picture - nice candid snap from last year's Christmas bash.The G motor at Broad Street series was good. The last one in the series is an up close and personal visit with a K4. Incidentally, fans in Phialdelphia believe (for whatever reason) that the Phillies will never win a championship until the Wm. Penn statue comes down. Geez, maybe it might be about the ball club? Sort of like waht George Pickett said when asked about his escapade at Getysburg. He thought a second and said, "Well, the Yankee Army had something to do with it."Nick - Be careful, indeed! When do we eat?Allen was here and Fergie as well; glad to see you.April 24 marked the 75th anniversary of the C&Os "George Washington." Hey, it's a little late, but any excuse for a party. Boris, get the sword so we can cut the cake. Careful with the candles, buddy. The present issue of the C&O History is devoted to the George.Let's talk about passenger power on the C&O.The C&O, as did many roads, assigned motive power according to the terrain. They divided the railroad into three parts: Flatland west, Mountain, and Flatland east. Flatland west was between Hinton and Cincinnati, Mountain between Charlottesville and Hinton, and flatland east between Washington and Charlottesville.In the early 30s, flatland power was 4-6-2s and mountain power was 4-8-2s.In the mid 30s to the beginning of WW2, flatland west runs were handled by 4-6-2s, mountain by 4-8-4s, and flatland east by 4-8-2s.WW2 to abt. 1951 marked the last stand of steam. Flatland west trains were pulled by 4-6-4s, mountain trains by 4-8-4s and flatland east by 4-8-2s.From 1951 until Amtrak pairs of E8s handled everything. Between 1956 and 1971, trios of E8s handled the mountain sections.I do recall, that sometimes more than three Es were used. I have talked about this in other posts. Work safeGood night, Stan Lopata, wherever you are. 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 Friday, June 22, 2007 8:12 AM <w/permission: http://www.scenic-railroads.com/>G'day Gents! It's the END OF THE WORK WEEK <for many>! Time to rejoice - no, that's for Sunday! Anyway, how about a cuppa Joe Yeah, and have a few pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery. Perhaps a breakfast selection of a <light> or <traditional> breakfast will help kick off this final week day in the proper direction! Spent a HUGE portion of yesterday printing out Pix on my SONY "Picture Station" digital photo printer. Working on making an album for the Rendezvous in St. Louis - and those shots are lookin' fine if I do say so myself! Am using an "editing" package that has helped with some PP lighting problems and also blur. So, at least I'm able to make corrections to shots I thought were "lost."There's 233 Pix in the bunch, NOT counting the zillion Eric sent in his marvelous 3-disc set. This could take awhile . . . <grin>Another fine day at the bar and I refrain from making THAT statement about things getting back to NORMAL - for NORMAL ‘round the Saloon by the Siding has been Feast or Famine much of the time. So, I'll stick with ‘nother saying of mine, "We takes what we gets!" Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative): CM3 Shane at 8:44 AM Thursday - June 21st: Good to see the willingness to engage in another Grudge Match Darts Challenge ‘n Apple Bobbing Contest <or weenie roast>! I'll put together "something" appropriate, following the last format - I'm confident we'll manage to scrape up a cuppla teams. Shirts?? It's SUMMER and we're a rough bunch, leading a rough life. SHIRTLESS darts, now that's a MAN's GAME! <uh oh> Perhaps we'll use the same outfit who provided the shirts last time . . . <grin>So what's wrong with Christmas decorations in mid-June??? Down under I'd imagine it's perfectly "normal"! Anyway, have you been looking at fotos of our haus?? <grin> Speaking of that - I've just got to move that rusting hulk of a "fridge" out in the "back 40" along with the Case lawn tractor that has been welded in place since it no longer could claim the manta of "Case Tough"! Yeah, right. <frown>MORE on the materials handling cars, PULEEZE! Many thanx for another fine Post, quarters ‘n round! Lars at 10:17 AM Thursday - June 21st: A fine rendering of disjointed commentary from our Manager <as usual> BUT most appreciated! So what's so UNUSUAL about a gate ‘n a chair Boys have toys ya know! <grin> YOU, Sir are SICK, SICK, SICK! Watch this space for info on the planning for the next Grudge Match Dart's Challenge ‘n "whatever" . . . The Second Class Saloon guys are really getting "antsy" these daze . . . <uh oh>DITTOs for your definition of REALITY! I can handle that . . .Many thanx for a fine Post <really> and your continuing support for the bar! DL at 12:23 PM Thursday - June 21st: Buses!?!? Buses!?!?!? Hmmmmmm, borderline <tweeting> territory, Mate. HOWEVER, you have indeed put together a convincing case for linking them to Classic Trains. <stretch> <grin>Some super fine links and ed-u-mah-kay-shun-al stuff too. Thanx! Of accents, Brits ‘n Aussies. You're giving far too much credit to we Yanks, Mate! Anyone who speaks with so much as a "twinge" of "proper" English gets a label. This is a country where many couldn't locate Canada on a map if their lives depended upon it. So to give credence to calling a Brit an Aussie or vice versa is most generous, from my point of view. For I am of a mind that "those" types don't really know the difference, much less the geographic location of the island continent! <ugh>Now having said all of THAT, your idea just may hold true for the more sophisticated - you know, the one's who are BELIEVERS in Crocodile Dundee! Many thanx for a most interesting Post, one that required much effort on your part! Pete at 4:42 PM Thursday - June 21st: That's one of your better Posts, Mate - although ALL of your submissions are surely in keeping with the INCLUSIVE theme of this joint! Don't recall a whistle being sounded aboard the city buses - if so, I'd say there'd have been a mad scramble to exit the rear door by some with "reason" to evade and avoid the PO-LEECE! <grin>Don't be too hard on yourself with regard to your "train spotting" duties - Juneau had you distracted! He's awfully hard to ignore and after all, Happy Railroading! Siberianmo Fergmiester Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Out on the Briny Ocean Tossed 4,240 posts Posted by Fergmiester on Friday, June 22, 2007 7:06 AM Good Morning from the, albeit foggy, Flat Calm North Atlantic! Got into Argentia for a few hours Tuesday, stretched the legs, saw the sights (yah right) and now we are back out off the shelf gathering more info for the scientist to mull over.Can't stay long as I have work to do but might as well order a.... let's see...mmm2 Fish cakes, baked beens, german potatoes and a couple of sunnyside ups!Should hold me to coffe time!Later AllFergie 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 Gunneral Member sinceSeptember 2002 From: NZ 242 posts Posted by Gunneral on Friday, June 22, 2007 4:20 AM Hi to you all,It`s my "shout" at the bar this time, set em` up Ruth, a round of Tui, a kiwi beer named after a native bird, or a Steinlager, world famous in NZ, if it suits you.Tom. The pics of your travels are great, top shots.Nick. Bora`da, spent a lot of time in Wales in the 50`s during my army service, at Rhyl, Tofanau near Towyn, Ty Croes Anglesey, and Manorbier near Tenby. I sincerely promise not to ever mention the All Blacks!Pete. You are bringing back old memories for me when you mentioned the tram wheel squeal coming off the High Level bridge in Gateshead from the Newcastle side, used to get the tram to Saltwell Park now and then, their was a great little transport museum there if I remember? Eric. NZ railways were sold in 1990, current length of track is 3,898kms, Toll operates three major passenger trains, the Overlander from Wellington to Auckland, the Tranzcoastal from Christchurch to Kaikora, a Whale watching place, and the Tranzalpine from Christchurch to Greymouth, this is noted as one of the most scenic trips in the world. Wellington commuter services are run by Tranzmetro with financial aid from the area. Auckland commuter services are run by Connex NZ and are in the process of a major build and re-equipment programme, this is because Aucklander`s love their cars and all public transport was very sparse and run down due to apathy. If you Google " New Zealand Railways" you will find a lot of info and some great steam sites there.Lars and DL thanks for the welcome aboard the forum, and that goes to all who`s names I cannot recall at this moment.Allan EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Thursday, June 21, 2007 11:29 PM Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!No tnaks, Leon. I am in a hurry. I just wanted to say I'll be back tomorrow with an inclusive post! Other things popped up tonight. But I am leaving this picture for you to figure out what it shows. Not that hard to see what it is.Extra point for location! Eric nickinwestwales Member sinceApril 2005 901 posts Posted by nickinwestwales on Thursday, June 21, 2007 8:27 PM Well then-roll up,roll up my lambkins and welcome to the feast-`tis thursday night here at the hottest joint in town and after a most productive trip to the Mentor fish market the house is delighted to offer to discerning customers:- starters.. Roasted baby peppers stuffed with crab meat Fillets of smoked mackeral with gooseberry sauce Grilled giant tiger prawns with sweet chilli sauceEntrees.. Seared tuna steak with fine beans Darne of Canadian salmon with cloudberry sauce Calamari with noodlesMains... Pembrokeshire sea bass poached in rum,lime & ginger with pommes duchess and seasonal veg Pembrokeshire Lobster,with a selection of dips and salads and oven-fresh wholemeal breads North Atlantic cod in a light beer batter with home fries and a choice of mushy peas (for the Brits) or a wholesome salad platter Oven baked Cleddau Trout stuffed with garlic and button mushrooms served with mange-tout , garden-grown baby carrots and pommes DianeVegetarian dishes are always available,please ask for the daily specialsENJOY !!!!!!!Ok boys-thats me for the next week-will be back next weekend with,hopefully, some decent pix of various steam and main-line workings around the south Devon area-be lucky everybody,and as the man says--take care out there..............Nick wanswheel Member sinceNovember 2005 4,190 posts Posted by wanswheel on Thursday, June 21, 2007 6:34 PM Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the..Househttp://pro.corbis.com/images/IH138785.jpg?size=67&uid={71f98d31-3697-4bba-81b2-5ac84ea9b385}Thanks to CM3 for explaining it allAnd hi to Nick the Hippie, long time no see. It's 2007 have you got your haircut yet? Tom has a great barber. But don't go to Barndad's guy as he tends to take a little too much off the top. Luckily Doug has movie-star looks, so when the cameras are rolling he never gets caught not smiling. Eric is the picture of a wary train engineer, looking skeptical that conditions will remain ideal but ready for whatever comes next. Pete is great at conveying that Monty Pythgonesque pique: Man Enduring Millionth Photo Op. Anheuser-Buschhttp://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/cph/3c20000/3c23000/3c23200/3c23216v.jpghttp://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/01900/01916v.jpghttp://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/mo/mo0900/mo0926/photos/099653pv.jpgOxford Canalhttp://pro.corbis.com/images/HU008219.jpg?size=67&uid={7be66160-6f17-4e81-9874-57872d3644b2}http://pro.corbis.com/images/HU008274.jpg?size=67&uid={9a147b5a-bcd7-4972-a8bc-7b101376c350}Rugbyhttp://pro.corbis.com/images/IL003224.jpg?size=67&uid={0e1af25f-e89e-4531-a932-1afbbd73f2c1}http://pro.corbis.com/search/searchFrame.aspx?as=True&loc=Rugby,+England,+UKFor James a Hiawatha observation car at Minneapolis Depothttp://pro.corbis.com/images/IH162724.jpg?size=67&uid={4c7c5d91-cf40-45b6-8c18-6cea7a8f5c5b}http://www.railpictures.net/images/images2/t/tcwr2004.jpg.86873.jpgWelcome to Allan. In Zea they drive on the left. http://www.railpictures.net/images/n/NZR4191-121593.jpg.61902.jpghttp://www.railpictures.net/images/images2/c/coastdftdcdc.jpg.41666.jpghttp://www.railpictures.net/images/images2/c/cassa.jpg.35316.jpghttp://www.railpictures.net/images/n/Nz501_copy.jpg.91961.jpghttp://www.railpictures.net/images/images2/b/bankers_dft_bridge_600.jpg.72712.jpghttp://www.railpictures.net/images/images2/p/prev.jpg.12551.jpghttp://www.railpictures.net/images/d/DX5419+DC4035_BlueDuck_2.jpg.43631.jpg.jpghttp://www.railpictures.net/images/d/DSC00261-800x600.jpg.51615.jpghttp://www.railpictures.net/images/a/ad0026.JPG.64792.jpghttp://www.railpictures.net/images/a/Ab663.jpg.66922.jpghttp://www.railpictures.net/images/d/D16_and_train_2.jpg.27303.jpghttp://www.railpictures.net/images/d/DFT7117+DFT7104_TaramakauRiver.jpg.96705.jpg.jpghttp://www.railpictures.net/images/d/DX5483+DC4640_Claverly.jpg.77287.jpg.jpgDL, thus far there's seems to be no evidence that this darn thinghttp://www.53a-pix.co.uk/picture/RailbusRB004-YD-210894.jpgwas ever in the United States. But if you like Leyland (or need a nap) here's some datahttp://www.petergould.co.uk/local_transport_history/manufacturers/chassis/leyland1.htmhttp://www.petergould.co.uk/local_transport_history/manufacturers/chassis/leyland2.htmYogi Berrahttp://pro.corbis.com/images/U882568ACME.jpg?size=67&uid={2cf6e731-b1a5-4b41-811c-230a8ce5d86c}William Penn Mike pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Thursday, June 21, 2007 4:42 PM Hi Tom and all.As it is a little early I will try a pint of Brains Mild please RUTH, if you have finished with the ‘administrative' duties with Lars.NICK Thanks for the week's beer.Thanks for the info on the London Taxi driver's badges. I have heard a little of the heavy rain in England through the radio on the Internet but not many details. I was sad to hear of the Severn Valley's trouble with the rain. I know a stretch of the line, along side the river, at Sterns between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade is vulnerable to land slips. There is a permanent speed restriction of 5 MPH there. Another Our Place Co-incidence, just as I was writing this, on the radio it said that the Severn Valley had been damaged in 9 places by the weather and was only running between Kidderminster and Bewdley.ALLAN Yes the A4s Chime whistle was unique, the whistle used on the LMS Stanier locomotives was more of a hooter based on a Caledonian Railway design I believe. It was when the Standard Britannia Pacifics appeared they were fitted with a chime whistle, although different sounding than an A4.Talking of steam in the Newcastle area I had a look in my book collection and found a book that was issued when the National Railway Museum in York held a photographic display called North East Focus which featured the last years of steam in the area, with some very atmospheric photos taken by six of the leading steam photographers of the time. The area was known as "The Cradle of Railways" and I was fortunate to attend the 150th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway cavalcade at Shildon in 1975.I always thought the BR Mk 2 coaches were good coaches.ERIC Great photo of Tom and the Kirkwood station painting.It would be interesting to watch the operation of getting the Road-Railer changed from road to rail operation.CM3 I shall look forward to the story of the Welsh miners at the rendezvous.Thanks for the info on the RoadRailers and the Amtrak handling cars, did Amtrak locomotives do the switching do you know.I enjoy the Aflac adverts as well.LARS Many thanks for the tip on the rail pass. We shall be visiting some friends who used to live here and are now in Poway CA, a visit to Balboa Park is already penciled in.The bride seems quite keen to give train travel to California a go; we have built in a fair bit of time at the destinations so unless it runs really late we should be OK.I must agree with what you say about Tom's photographs they really are first rate.DL It will be good to hear the others views on the accents. It is strange even in England how an accent is heard differently Alan who is from Shropshire thinks we sound like Londoners in Rugby, although we don't. If you go 20 miles north the people of Leicester have a different accent, yet 30 miles northwest the Brummies have a totally different one.There is an old joke on the Glasgow accent:Q. "What is the difference between Bing Crosby and Walt Disney.A. Bing Crosby sings and Walt Disnae(For our American friends ‘Disnae is the way Glaswegians pronounce ‘does not').That is a very sad story of the historic buses at Ruddington including some last built examples. It must have been heartbreaking for the volunteers who saved and restored the buses. It is bad enough when a natural disasters cause the loss of historic vehicles, like what has happened at the B&O museum and the railway museum in Germany but when it is caused by vandalism it is beyond words.Many thanks for the interesting details on Workington, the Leyland National bus and the Leyland railcars.I have traveled many miles in these vehicles mainly in the Yorkshire area. I can recall a sleeping passenger being bounced out of his seat and on to the floor as a 141 unit passed over a bad piece of track. They also gained the nickname ‘Squealers" from the sound the wheel flanges made when traveling over tightly curved track, approaching the High Level Bridge, Newcastle-on-Tyne, from the Sunderland direction springs to mind. I will have to tell about when an engine on one of the 142 units gave out in spectacular fashion in their early days. I think I still have the trip in an old notebook.TOM I don't think I covered my self with glory with my watching for ‘uncouplings' on the CAN-AM. 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 Thursday, June 21, 2007 2:15 PM G'day Gents!Greetings to Shane - Lars 'n DL! Good to see ya this fine day . . . Continuing on with Pix from Day Three: Saturday - May 26th, 2007 - en route Montreal, Quebec Stealthy Pete in the service car Approaching Moncton, NB Ocean at Moncton for refueling, etc. VIA Rail Station at MonctonNew Brunswick sceneryRenaissance coach Quick stop at Bathurst, NB - that's Pete! Loading baggage at BathurstTo be continued . . . Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo DL - UK Member sinceAugust 2006 280 posts Posted by DL - UK on Thursday, June 21, 2007 12:23 PM Hello Tom and all in - I'll follow on from LarsAnother pint of Woodforde's Wherry for me please.Acknowledgments all round - even if no names mentioned below I've enjoyed the posts!By the way - I've been mistaken for an Aussie in the USA too - just like Pete. I had a theory - (and it is up to you state siders to consider) - I think there is a lot in common between every day speech used in modern British accents and Australian ones - some commonality as accents have changed over time - but I think that some people in the US who are not so familiar with English people (‘phew' some of you might say) - tend to think of an English accent as more of what we call a ‘cut glass' accent - you know - like the Queen speaks - unfortunately us lower orders don't sound like her and I wonder if this is where the confusion comes from? Anyone else any ideas....Yes, Pete we are having some heavy down pours here - caused a few wash outs around the place. Pete - there is / was indeed a bus collection at Ruddington - with some rare buses in it - in an absolutely tragic situation earlier this year vandals broke into the site and set vehicles alight - form what I read several vehicles were totally destroyed - well beyond restoration - "A fire at the Ruddington premises of Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre (at the northern end of the Great Central Railway) has destroyed five historic buses and severely damaged two others, as well as damaging a number of other artefacts.Believed to be arson, the blaze was discovered at 6am on Wednesday 21st February among vehicles parked closely together outside the main building. The fire service reached the blaze in time to prevent it spreading to the building. All the vehicles lost were privately owned - the last Daimler Fleetline built (a 1982 South Notts bus), the last Albion Lowlander built (1967 South Notts), ex Nottingham AEC Renown & Leyland Atlantean, and an ex Lincs Road Car Bedford Plaxton. Not all were runners, but others had been fully restored"Here is some info and a pic of the wreckage:http://www.nthc.co.uk/news/news_output/index.asp?id=250&page=1&checkSource=1Nick - presumably you have simply had an all line rail rover + inter rail card for a few months and thus off line as you travel on the wheels of steel around and about?Hopefully Tom will forgive this off topic comment but I've done some more bus research - and I've got a cunning way of bringing the matter back ‘on topic' - so read on:I checked out the situation with the Leyland Bus plant in Workington - Workington is in a relatively remote part of north west England but had a proud history of steel making due to the presence of iron ore deposits in the area I think. I think it was during the 1970s that the government persuaded the nationalised British Leyland to locate a large modern bus manufacturing plant in the town - probably to alleviate unemployment caused by a down turn in the steel industry. Well, in the 1980s it seems like this plant was privatised and sold off to Volvo / Scania. It sounds like by the early 1990s Volvo decided to close the plant - here is a reference from Parliament:"The need for a debate on the closure of the Volvo bus plant, formerly known as Leyland National, in my constituency". This matter is urgent, as west Cumbria is now on the eve of a renewed spate of large-scale redundancies. Last week, job losses were announced at Allbright and Wilson, and last weekend Volvo announced the closure of its bus plant in Workington with a loss of 370 jobs. That closure will, from July next year, leave empty a modern factory of 650,000 sq ft in my constituency. The matter is important, as Volvo clearly blamed the Government's economic policies for its decision. In the press release announcing the closure, Volvo states : "The actions are the direct result of deregulation of bus services and the recession, which have combined to severely depress demand." The matter is specific, because the Leyland/Volvo plant in Workington is Britain's principal bus producing plant. Surely it cannot be right for a foreign company, faced with recession and a lack of profitability at home, in Sweden, to cut its overseas operations and, in doing so, close down the United Kingdom's strategic bus manufacturing plant. The plant was built under a Labour Government, with a large amount of taxpayers' money, as part of efforts to consolidate bus manufacturing within the United Kingdom. Its loss can lead only to an invasion of imports when the recession ends and the market picks up. In the absence of adequate bus production capacity in the United Kingdom, we can face only danger in terms of the future bus market."So - I presume that was the end of the factory there.Anyway - I think it was originally built to construct the Leyland National Bus which looked like this (with some history):http://www.woottens.co.uk/rrm148m.htmor slightly larger pictures here:http://www.ampyx.org.uk/lcountry/vehicles/lnc.htmlAnyway, how does this relate to trains you ask?Well, by the late 1970s early 1980s the railways in the UK realised that the generation of diesel railcars introduced in the 1950s and 60s were getting a bit long in the tooth. However, government expenditure requirements were severe so British Railways tried to look at a cheap replacement diesel railcar (like an RDC but a long way off the quality). Their research division came up with the idea of merging the Leyland National Bus body with a 4 wheeled wagon style chassis to build one of these:http://www.wtht.co.uk/bre%20railbus.htmAs you can see there is a remarkable similarity - esp if you scroll down to the larger picture of it when new.Now as I understand it this vehicle went to the USA for a while - I think on some sort of sales tour, but I'm not sure who suggested that because I can't imagine it being very successful on US lines. Maybe we have to leave it to Mike to find us a link of this Brit vehicle in the USA! I think some production models actually got bought by Iranian Railways and are still in use!!It was a precursor of a range of railcars built on similar 4 wheel chassis, but with body work less like a bus - however they all suffer from very poor riding conditions because of the 4 wheel design - with no bogies to aid going round curves! They certainly were / are cheap and cheerful.Another prototypehttp://www.therailwaycentre.com/Pages%20DMU/Recognition%20DMU/IllusDMU_140.htmlA production design (although all now withdrawn)http://www.therailwaycentre.com/Pages%20DMU/Recognition%20DMU/IllusDMU_141.htmlYet another varianthttp://www.therailwaycentre.com/Pages%20DMU/Recognition%20DMU/IllusDMU_142.htmlStill plenty of these about:http://www.therailwaycentre.com/Pages%20DMU/Recognition%20DMU/IllusDMU_143.htmland of thesehttp://www.therailwaycentre.com/Pages%20DMU/Recognition%20DMU/IllusDMU_144.htmlThe other characteristic they have is that when going fast (well not that fast) they tend to start ‘bouncing' up and down on their suspension - this has earned them the nickname ‘nodding donkey'. I bet you have a few in West Wales Nick?However, it should be recognised that the cheap construction methods mean the government of the day were prepared to buy them - which probably helped ensure a number of the lines on which they operate did not get closed. They have the advantage of large glass windows so the views from them are good if you are a passenger.I hope this is of interest!RegardsDL « First«83848586878889»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
Lopata, a catcher was a two-time all-star who played for parts of 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Braves. He made his debut in 1948 and served as a backup to Andy Seminick and Smoky Burgess for many seasons. In 1955 he hit 22 home runs and became the Phillies full time catcher the next season. In 1955, Lopata had his best season as he hit 32 home runs finished second in the league in doubles and was in the top ten in other statistical categories including Slugging percentage, Runs batted in, OPS, and homers.
After two years of declining performance Lopata was traded to the Braves in 1960 and played in 32 games over two more seasons before retiring.
He finished his career having played in 863 games with a .254 batting average and 116 home runs.
Lopata ser
pwolfe wrote: Hi Tom and all.A pint of Kimberley mild please RUTHMIKE Many thanks for the links.FERGIE Great to see you in. Not sure about the menu you have selected though. Fish cake, beans and eggs.
A pint of Kimberley mild please RUTH
MIKE Many thanks for the links.
FERGIE Great to see you in. Not sure about the menu you have selected though. Fish cake, beans and eggs.
Pete! Don't knock it until you've tried it. It is very, very good, especially the Fish cakes as they were made from the left over Salt Cod, Pork Scraps and Onion dinner we had on Wednesday!
Good Morning All
Though it's only 7am here and I've just logged an hour in the gym I think a pint of Kimberley Mild is in order Ah heck make it two, Just had a bagel with cream cheese and will need something to wash it down with!
Not much on the go, still off the Shelf gathering data. Was up to 23:00 last night recovering deep water moorings. One is missing and we hope to get it this morning. Did a bit of boat driving yesterday, did a perfect approach on a buoy ($100,000 worth) and not a scratch! Put a smile on the "Old Man's " face so life is good.
Chicken Wings were last night and Tenderloins tonight!!
Anyway must run
Later All
Fergie
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959
If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, thank you for keeping this place open at this hour. I think it is a great time for a juicy Filet Mignon again! Of course, lots of mushrooms!
A lot of activities since my last visit. So I better start right away.
Tom – I can see that the Renaissance cars aren’t that spacious inside. Yes, I liked the old version of “RR Tycoon”! Built a very successful railroad and made a lot of money. But they are all gone now. I’ll see if I can repeat it with this new version. You must have been very lucky during your Halifax trip! You managed to catch Stealthy Pete several pictures!! This time I actually checked the map to see where your pictures were taken. I found Moncton right away! Nice pictures!People at the Second Class Saloon have already started planning the next Grudge Match Dart’s Challenge ‘n “whatever” according to third hand information directly from someone (no name).
What do you mean? One point isn’t enough? My points are so called Megapoints!Looking at your pictures from day 4, I wonder if the guy sitting behind Pete in the diner didn’t want to be in the picture? Maybe he was running from the police!?! CM3 – I experienced RoadRailers the first time as a truck driver when I picked up a trailer from a RoadRailer train close to Los Angeles in 1996. It did not take long time to break up the train.I have a picture (see below) of Amtrak 42 from somewhere along the line between Philadelphia and Harrisburg.
A question about C&O and their motive power. You say that they used 4-8-4s for the mountain trains and 4-8-2s for flatland east. Wouldn’t it had been better to do the opposite? Especially if those locomotives all were about the same size/weight? The 4-8-2 should have had more weight on its drivers than the 4-8-4. But maybe the 4-8-4 was a much heavier locomotive than the 4-8-2. Lars – It took a lot of practice to get Juneau’s ears at the right spot! But finally I got my shot!Strange, Ruth said that she helped you with that... hmm, administrative stuff up in the Penthouse suite!? I thought that was something for the manager’s office? DL – I don’t understand people who, just for the fun (?) of it, destroy things. Must be sick in their heads. Thanks for the info on the bus manufacturing in the UK! I wonder why Leyland National only had doors in the front? Must take some extra time to get people off the bus at each stop. Interesting to see that picture of the Leyland Railbus again! I remember one was on a tour in Sweden many years ago. Leyland Railbus (two of them) actually made it to the US according to Wikipedia:“It should be noted that even though some of these vehicles carried numbers in the departmental coach series, they were actually used in ordinary passenger service. LEV1 was tested in passenger service at first in East Anglia, and then elsewhere, before being exported to the USA, which was also the destination for LEV2. Similarly, R3 was exported to Canada after its testing phase. These Railbuses were sent abroad in the hope of gathering export orders, but they never transpired.”More info:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_RailbusesYes, that wheel in the picture is rusty. That car has not been in service for many years. It belongs to the Santa Fe Museum in Atchison, Kansas, see picture below.Thanks for the trip report! So you tried the job as an engineer! Hope you liked it!Pete – I am afraid I don’t have any pictures of getting the RoadRailer changed from road to rail operation. I have seen it first hand, but did not have a camera available at that time. As I said to Shane above, I have even pulled one of those trailers when I worked as a truck driver.You are half right about what is in the picture! It is not the Aerotrain, but an old Burlington coach at the Santa Fe Museum in Atchison, KS. The generator below.
The generator was sitting under one of these coaches, don't remember which one though.
Mike – You got me right! “...wary train engineer, looking skeptical that conditions will remain ideal but ready for whatever comes next.”. That is how I feel after 29 years with the railroad. But I loved them all (the years). As my boss at Amtrak used to say “To work for the railroad is not just a job, it is a way of living!Thanks for all the pictures! You must spend a lot of time looking up all those (always) interesting pictures! Especially liked the ones from NZ!Nick – Wow, a lot of fish! I think I’ll have your vegeterian special!
Really enjoyed those of Rugby and the Oxford Canal. I wonder if the lad standing by the, not very often photographed, Rugby No 3 signalbox watching ‘Royal Scot class ‘King's Own' is me, I had a rain coat like that (but so did a lot of others at the time) and usually the belt was hanging down.
In the photo of class 5 No 44870 below the smokebox handles can be seen a small plate with 2A on it, this was the shed code for Rugby Motive Power depot and indicates the loco was allocated to Rugby.
Great photos of the New Zealand railways, sadly this area is not often shown in the railway magazines. Loved the ‘We Want Beer' photo.
NICK Thanks for the great menu. H&H try but they have not quite got the knack of making mushy peas so it is great to have you back in the kitchen.
Have a great time in Devon and we shall look forward to your photos from there.
ERIC Is the mystery photo the Aerotrains braking system of a pulley arrangement for working a car generator for the lights etc
Is the location at St Louis.
ALLAN Thanks for the round I will try a Tui.
I used to holiday in the North Wales area, in my post to DL I have put a link to the shed at Llandudno Junction, there are some photos in there of the area in steam days.
It is amazing how being here at Our Place can recall a memory long forgotten.
There are two railway museums I have been to in the Newcastle area One is the Tanfield Railway at Marley Hill and the other is the Bowes Railway at Springwell near Gateshead, both feature industrial locomotives and there is an incline plain at the Bowes, although I am not sure if it is in working order just at the minute.
Thanks for the info on NZ Railways; I will have a look at their web-site.
Glad the sea is calm and hope it stays that way for you.
CM3. It is scary when a locomotive or trains that wont operate the signals. I recall a certain class of short wheel-based diesel switcher in the UK had to have a wagon permanently coupled to it, as it would not work the track circuits in a certain areas
Enjoyed the piece on the C&O passenger power, the 4-8-4s and the E8s must have sounded great in the mountains.
DL Sounds a though you had a great time at the Rutland Railway Museum. I have not been there for many years and indeed would love to go there on a Gala Day. We I was there I found the folks there friendly as well.
As to the large excavator. I believe it is the one that was at Corby, when I was with the company in England. I worked at Corby Steelworks, on one of their shutdown periods we refurbished an electrical machine in the rolling mill. While we were there we met a manager who arranged, after work one day, to visit the giant excavator. We were allowed in to the cab and watched it operate as it dug the iron ore. The size of the bucket was huge. I believe it was powered by a 12,000 Volt AC landline, which fed a Motor generator set in side the excavator. The set had been made in the same factory as I worked. Unfortunately none of us had a camera with us. That sounds and interesting booklet you picked up. Also working at the site was some ex BR class 14 Diesel Hydraulics.
As another Our Place co-incidence The following article appeared in the Kansas City Star newspaper a couple of days ago about the "World's Largest Electric Shovel Still In Existence". It is called "Big Brutus" and is in a town called West Mineral, Kansas. It has not moved for 33 years. Hope you enjoy the article.
http://www.kansascity.com/news/columnists/mike_hendricks/story/157427.html
The North Wales Land Cruise was a British Railways run tour. I have found this link to a ride on it in 1954. I must have traveled on it a few years later, but not many. I do not know when it stopped operation but I suspect in the early 1960s.It says in the link there were 4 trains that ran from 4 starting points. We would have joined the train at Rhyl. They gave a booklet out on the train sadly mine was lost many years ago
Great seeing the continuing interest 'n activity at the bar! I see CM3 Shane 'n DL have been "in" since my AM Acknowledgments . . .
Continuing on with Pix from Day Four: Sunday - May 27th, 2007 - en route Montreal, Quebec
Hydro facility- Drummondville, Quebec
Drummondville, Quebec
In the diner - can't go wrong with a Continental Breakfast! - that's Pete!
En route Montreal
To be continued . . .
Hello Tom and all in
First of all to the various points and queries (or rather second of all - firstly thanks to Allan for the round -I've not tasted an NZ beer before so I'm not going to pass up on the chance).
Mike - That Leyland bus post plus pic is good - the history section was detailed but interesting - they were a very famous brand here. That link mentioned the railcar production work Leyland did.
Nick - Have a good time in Devon
Eric - that wheel is pretty rusty!
CM3 - interesting you mention those other railcars - I think the lightweight nature of the ones I was linking too was / is part of their problem - although they are useful on lightly used liens (which may well have no freight use here) since the line maintenance costs are reduced accordingly.
Tom - appreciate your thoughts on the accents! In terms of some of your countrymen it sounds like you ‘don't suffer fools gladly' - a phrase we use here!
Pete - a trip across to California has to be a good one - my trip n the modern California Zephyr a few years back was worth every penny - although no doubt it bears little comparison with the classic zephyr. I think an Amtrak small bedroom is adequate and can be priced well if booked well in advance at a slack period.
As you say, accents in Britain vary over quite short distances but I expect that is declining as people move about more and the influence of TV reduces local accents - I prefer the diversity myself!
That north Wales land cruise sounds interesting - was that a BR organised tour? I recall seeing pictures of land cruises organised by the LNER back in the 1930s.
A for conductors on buses here I think the only buses with them now are the few that work the day time ‘heritage Routemaster' services in central London - since the end of full Routemaster services that is it. However, Nottingham and Sheffield trams have conductors and I think that is now a rare example of public transport with a conductor on board in the traditional sense (not counting a railway guard of course)
Any way - here is some recent info on a trip I made. I did not in fact get to Little Bytham as hoped - but this was because I was staying near Grantham and studied the map and realised I was not too far from the Rutland Railway Museum.
http://ukhrail.uel.ac.uk/rrm.html
This is a museum based in what is left of some iron ore quarry sidings in a rural part of central England - it is only small and has no other locomotives bigger than 0-4-0 and 0-6-0 shunting engines both diesel and steam. When we turned up we found it was gala day with both steam and diesel in operation, and also the opportunity to drive the diesel hydraulic shunter plus 3 wagon and break van up and down the ¾ mile line for five quid. Both myself and the bride took a turn. It was great fun and showed how tricky it was to keep the loose coupled wagons from buffering up too suddenly when braking!
We learned a lot about the iron industry in the area - where they had quarried ore out of the ground and taken it by train to the steel works in Corby (all closed in the early 1980s) - now ore is not mined here but imported from cheaper sources, but in this area it had been mined / quarried since the late 19th century.
However, it was strip mined (open cast mined) and this required drag line diggers to remove top soil etc. It turns out that in 1957 the largest ever drag line digger built in the world to that date was constructed to work at this site. It was given the name ‘Sundew' after the 1957 Grand National horse race winner. Subsequently larger diggers have been built in the USA and Australia for open cast mining but this was the first big one I think. If anyone can find any web info on this Ransomes and Rapier drag line excavator (I think others were buolt for other quarries and may have eventually been sold to the states) I would be interested - althoygh I did buy a little booklet about it at the museum.
I can't find much information about this massive excavator - but they had a scale model and it was clearly massive - when the quarry closed in 1974 it was walked 13 miles to Corby to another quarry but was eventually scraped in 1986. Pete - do you recall reading about this at the time? - the pictures of them walking the excavator across the midlands landscape were remarkable - but I see none on the web.
A cab was saved from scraping but it was located at the museum in the open air and was now - after 20 years - very rusty and looked pretty much beyond repair to me. Sadly the museum was fighting a losing battle against the elements as they only had undercover for the workshop. However, like many small musueums the enthusiats runnign ti were highly welcoming - friendly and doing a great job. It was superb visit!
It is hard to imagine the whole area - which is very rural now with all the land restored for farming and the local cottages picturesque with their thatched roofs - had been the site of such massive open cast mining activity.
After a visit there we then drove to visit a windmill in a village called Wymondham and found the site of the old long abandoned station on the Midland and Great Northern railway - more of that in the next post!
Regards
DL
Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
OSP - Chairs and gates - we had 'em for dogs and kids. You gotta do what you gotta do. How about bobbing for mines?
Speaking of thigs ordnance, the Military Channel has been running a series about a Pythonesque group down on the Isle of Wight who rebuild tanks. I watched two segments of it last night; one about a Sherman r/b, and the other about a Comet (no Boris, the tank, not the airplane) - man, do they have some neat toys in their shop. They also dug a German Panther out of a river in Poland, but that episode did not begin until after my bedtime.
Somewhere in the annex to the east wing, I have a manual for Case steam tractors - lovely piece of equipment. They'd burn anything; hay, peat, coal, straw. The manual is a real keeper.
Lars stopped by for a visit - My, my, what happened to the pinstripers when they went to Denver? Now they go to San Francisco. Gotta love it.
DL visited with a wide-ranging post. I think (Boris and others, stop laughing!) that one of the rail cars was in the states for tests. It was, however, made by Fiat (say no more!) and did not work out very well. The New Haven, back in the day had rail cars made by Mack. You can find pictures of them in a bunch of places. They ran pretty well, but it was kind of scary as they were so light, they did not enable signals to work.
Pete - ATK did their own switching. Cars were arranged so that they could be cut in and out easily, generally by road power.
Mike sent pictures - I love the picture of the Our Place building being returned to its rightful place after the darts tournament last year.
Yogi in the Pullman - excellent. I'll bet OSP can help here, but is that not Gil McDougald sitting across the aisle? What was he noted for?
Also enjoyed the "We Want Beer" picture - nice candid snap from last year's Christmas bash.
The G motor at Broad Street series was good. The last one in the series is an up close and personal visit with a K4. Incidentally, fans in Phialdelphia believe (for whatever reason) that the Phillies will never win a championship until the Wm. Penn statue comes down. Geez, maybe it might be about the ball club? Sort of like waht George Pickett said when asked about his escapade at Getysburg. He thought a second and said, "Well, the Yankee Army had something to do with it."
Nick - Be careful, indeed! When do we eat?
Allen was here and Fergie as well; glad to see you.
April 24 marked the 75th anniversary of the C&Os "George Washington." Hey, it's a little late, but any excuse for a party. Boris, get the sword so we can cut the cake. Careful with the candles, buddy. The present issue of the C&O History is devoted to the George.
Let's talk about passenger power on the C&O.
The C&O, as did many roads, assigned motive power according to the terrain. They divided the railroad into three parts: Flatland west, Mountain, and Flatland east. Flatland west was between Hinton and Cincinnati, Mountain between Charlottesville and Hinton, and flatland east between Washington and Charlottesville.
In the early 30s, flatland power was 4-6-2s and mountain power was 4-8-2s.
In the mid 30s to the beginning of WW2, flatland west runs were handled by 4-6-2s, mountain by 4-8-4s, and flatland east by 4-8-2s.
WW2 to abt. 1951 marked the last stand of steam. Flatland west trains were pulled by 4-6-4s, mountain trains by 4-8-4s and flatland east by 4-8-2s.
From 1951 until Amtrak pairs of E8s handled everything. Between 1956 and 1971, trios of E8s handled the mountain sections.
I do recall, that sometimes more than three Es were used. I have talked about this in other posts.
Good night, Stan Lopata, wherever you are.
It's the END OF THE WORK WEEK <for many>! Time to rejoice - no, that's for Sunday! Anyway, how about a cuppa Joe Yeah, and have a few pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery. Perhaps a breakfast selection of a <light> or <traditional> breakfast will help kick off this final week day in the proper direction!
Spent a HUGE portion of yesterday printing out Pix on my SONY "Picture Station" digital photo printer. Working on making an album for the Rendezvous in St. Louis - and those shots are lookin' fine if I do say so myself! Am using an "editing" package that has helped with some PP lighting problems and also blur. So, at least I'm able to make corrections to shots I thought were "lost."There's 233 Pix in the bunch, NOT counting the zillion Eric sent in his marvelous 3-disc set. This could take awhile . . . <grin>
Another fine day at the bar and I refrain from making THAT statement about things getting back to NORMAL - for NORMAL ‘round the Saloon by the Siding has been Feast or Famine much of the time. So, I'll stick with ‘nother saying of mine, "We takes what we gets!"
CM3 Shane at 8:44 AM Thursday - June 21st: Good to see the willingness to engage in another Grudge Match Darts Challenge ‘n Apple Bobbing Contest <or weenie roast>!
I'll put together "something" appropriate, following the last format - I'm confident we'll manage to scrape up a cuppla teams. Shirts?? It's SUMMER and we're a rough bunch, leading a rough life. SHIRTLESS darts, now that's a MAN's GAME! <uh oh> Perhaps we'll use the same outfit who provided the shirts last time . . . <grin>
So what's wrong with Christmas decorations in mid-June??? Down under I'd imagine it's perfectly "normal"! Anyway, have you been looking at fotos of our haus?? <grin> Speaking of that - I've just got to move that rusting hulk of a "fridge" out in the "back 40" along with the Case lawn tractor that has been welded in place since it no longer could claim the manta of "Case Tough"! Yeah, right. <frown>
MORE on the materials handling cars, PULEEZE!
Many thanx for another fine Post, quarters ‘n round!
Lars at 10:17 AM Thursday - June 21st: A fine rendering of disjointed commentary from our Manager <as usual> BUT most appreciated!
So what's so UNUSUAL about a gate ‘n a chair Boys have toys ya know! <grin> YOU, Sir are SICK, SICK, SICK!
Watch this space for info on the planning for the next Grudge Match Dart's Challenge ‘n "whatever" . . . The Second Class Saloon guys are really getting "antsy" these daze . . . <uh oh>
DITTOs for your definition of REALITY! I can handle that . . .
Many thanx for a fine Post <really> and your continuing support for the bar!
DL at 12:23 PM Thursday - June 21st: Buses!?!? Buses!?!?!? Hmmmmmm, borderline <tweeting> territory, Mate. HOWEVER, you have indeed put together a convincing case for linking them to Classic Trains. <stretch> <grin>
Some super fine links and ed-u-mah-kay-shun-al stuff too. Thanx!
Of accents, Brits ‘n Aussies. You're giving far too much credit to we Yanks, Mate! Anyone who speaks with so much as a "twinge" of "proper" English gets a label. This is a country where many couldn't locate Canada on a map if their lives depended upon it. So to give credence to calling a Brit an Aussie or vice versa is most generous, from my point of view. For I am of a mind that "those" types don't really know the difference, much less the geographic location of the island continent! <ugh>
Now having said all of THAT, your idea just may hold true for the more sophisticated - you know, the one's who are BELIEVERS in Crocodile Dundee!
Many thanx for a most interesting Post, one that required much effort on your part!
Pete at 4:42 PM Thursday - June 21st: That's one of your better Posts, Mate - although ALL of your submissions are surely in keeping with the INCLUSIVE theme of this joint!
Don't recall a whistle being sounded aboard the city buses - if so, I'd say there'd have been a mad scramble to exit the rear door by some with "reason" to evade and avoid the PO-LEECE! <grin>
Don't be too hard on yourself with regard to your "train spotting" duties - Juneau had you distracted! He's awfully hard to ignore and after all,
Good Morning from the, albeit foggy, Flat Calm North Atlantic! Got into Argentia for a few hours Tuesday, stretched the legs, saw the sights (yah right) and now we are back out off the shelf gathering more info for the scientist to mull over.
Can't stay long as I have work to do but might as well order a.... let's see...mmm
2 Fish cakes, baked beens, german potatoes and a couple of sunnyside ups!
Should hold me to coffe time!
Hi to you all,
It`s my "shout" at the bar this time, set em` up Ruth, a round of Tui, a kiwi beer named after a native bird, or a Steinlager, world famous in NZ, if it suits you.
Tom. The pics of your travels are great, top shots.
Nick. Bora`da, spent a lot of time in Wales in the 50`s during my army service, at Rhyl, Tofanau near Towyn, Ty Croes Anglesey, and Manorbier near Tenby. I sincerely promise not to ever mention the All Blacks!
Pete. You are bringing back old memories for me when you mentioned the tram wheel squeal coming off the High Level bridge in Gateshead from the Newcastle side, used to get the tram to Saltwell Park now and then, their was a great little transport museum there if I remember?
Eric. NZ railways were sold in 1990, current length of track is 3,898kms, Toll operates three major passenger trains, the Overlander from Wellington to Auckland, the Tranzcoastal from Christchurch to Kaikora, a Whale watching place, and the Tranzalpine from Christchurch to Greymouth, this is noted as one of the most scenic trips in the world. Wellington commuter services are run by Tranzmetro with financial aid from the area. Auckland commuter services are run by Connex NZ and are in the process of a major build and re-equipment programme, this is because Aucklander`s love their cars and all public transport was very sparse and run down due to apathy. If you Google " New Zealand Railways" you will find a lot of info and some great steam sites there.
Lars and DL thanks for the welcome aboard the forum, and that goes to all who`s names I cannot recall at this moment.
Allan
Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
No tnaks, Leon. I am in a hurry. I just wanted to say I'll be back tomorrow with an inclusive post! Other things popped up tonight.
But I am leaving this picture for you to figure out what it shows. Not that hard to see what it is.
Extra point for location!
Well then-roll up,roll up my lambkins and welcome to the feast-`tis thursday night here at the hottest joint in town and after a most productive trip to the Mentor fish market the house is delighted to offer to discerning customers:-
starters..
Roasted baby peppers stuffed with crab meat
Fillets of smoked mackeral with gooseberry sauce
Grilled giant tiger prawns with sweet chilli sauce
Entrees..
Seared tuna steak with fine beans
Darne of Canadian salmon with cloudberry sauce
Calamari with noodles
Mains...
Pembrokeshire sea bass poached in rum,lime & ginger with pommes duchess and seasonal veg
Pembrokeshire Lobster,with a selection of dips and salads and oven-fresh wholemeal breads
North Atlantic cod in a light beer batter with home fries and a choice of mushy peas (for the Brits) or a wholesome salad platter
Oven baked Cleddau Trout stuffed with garlic and button mushrooms served with mange-tout , garden-grown baby carrots and pommes Diane
Vegetarian dishes are always available,please ask for the daily specials
ENJOY !!!!!!!
Ok boys-thats me for the next week-will be back next weekend with,hopefully, some decent pix of various steam and main-line workings around the south Devon area-be lucky everybody,and as the man says--take care out there..............Nick
Hi Tom and everyone, a round for the..
House
http://pro.corbis.com/images/IH138785.jpg?size=67&uid={71f98d31-3697-4bba-81b2-5ac84ea9b385}
Thanks to CM3 for explaining it all
And hi to Nick the Hippie, long time no see. It's 2007 have you got your haircut yet? Tom has a great barber. But don't go to Barndad's guy as he tends to take a little too much off the top. Luckily Doug has movie-star looks, so when the cameras are rolling he never gets caught not smiling. Eric is the picture of a wary train engineer, looking skeptical that conditions will remain ideal but ready for whatever comes next. Pete is great at conveying that Monty Pythgonesque pique: Man Enduring Millionth Photo Op.
Anheuser-Busch
http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/cph/3c20000/3c23000/3c23200/3c23216v.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/01900/01916v.jpg
http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/mo/mo0900/mo0926/photos/099653pv.jpg
Oxford Canal
http://pro.corbis.com/images/HU008219.jpg?size=67&uid={7be66160-6f17-4e81-9874-57872d3644b2}
http://pro.corbis.com/images/HU008274.jpg?size=67&uid={9a147b5a-bcd7-4972-a8bc-7b101376c350}
Rugby
http://pro.corbis.com/images/IL003224.jpg?size=67&uid={0e1af25f-e89e-4531-a932-1afbbd73f2c1}
http://pro.corbis.com/search/searchFrame.aspx?as=True&loc=Rugby,+England,+UK
For James a Hiawatha observation car at Minneapolis Depot
http://pro.corbis.com/images/IH162724.jpg?size=67&uid={4c7c5d91-cf40-45b6-8c18-6cea7a8f5c5b}
http://www.railpictures.net/images/images2/t/tcwr2004.jpg.86873.jpg
Welcome to Allan. In Zea they drive on the left.
http://www.railpictures.net/images/n/NZR4191-121593.jpg.61902.jpg
http://www.railpictures.net/images/images2/c/coastdftdcdc.jpg.41666.jpg
http://www.railpictures.net/images/images2/c/cassa.jpg.35316.jpg
http://www.railpictures.net/images/n/Nz501_copy.jpg.91961.jpg
http://www.railpictures.net/images/images2/b/bankers_dft_bridge_600.jpg.72712.jpg
http://www.railpictures.net/images/images2/p/prev.jpg.12551.jpg
http://www.railpictures.net/images/d/DX5419+DC4035_BlueDuck_2.jpg.43631.jpg.jpg
http://www.railpictures.net/images/d/DSC00261-800x600.jpg.51615.jpg
http://www.railpictures.net/images/a/ad0026.JPG.64792.jpg
http://www.railpictures.net/images/a/Ab663.jpg.66922.jpg
http://www.railpictures.net/images/d/D16_and_train_2.jpg.27303.jpg
http://www.railpictures.net/images/d/DFT7117+DFT7104_TaramakauRiver.jpg.96705.jpg.jpg
http://www.railpictures.net/images/d/DX5483+DC4640_Claverly.jpg.77287.jpg.jpg
DL, thus far there's seems to be no evidence that this darn thing
http://www.53a-pix.co.uk/picture/RailbusRB004-YD-210894.jpg
was ever in the United States. But if you like Leyland (or need a nap) here's some data
http://www.petergould.co.uk/local_transport_history/manufacturers/chassis/leyland1.htm
http://www.petergould.co.uk/local_transport_history/manufacturers/chassis/leyland2.htm
Yogi Berra
http://pro.corbis.com/images/U882568ACME.jpg?size=67&uid={2cf6e731-b1a5-4b41-811c-230a8ce5d86c}
As it is a little early I will try a pint of Brains Mild please RUTH, if you have finished with the ‘administrative' duties with Lars.
NICK Thanks for the week's beer.
Thanks for the info on the London Taxi driver's badges. I have heard a little of the heavy rain in England through the radio on the Internet but not many details. I was sad to hear of the Severn Valley's trouble with the rain. I know a stretch of the line, along side the river, at Sterns between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade is vulnerable to land slips. There is a permanent speed restriction of 5 MPH there. Another Our Place Co-incidence, just as I was writing this, on the radio it said that the Severn Valley had been damaged in 9 places by the weather and was only running between Kidderminster and Bewdley.
ALLAN Yes the A4s Chime whistle was unique, the whistle used on the LMS Stanier locomotives was more of a hooter based on a Caledonian Railway design I believe. It was when the Standard Britannia Pacifics appeared they were fitted with a chime whistle, although different sounding than an A4.
Talking of steam in the Newcastle area I had a look in my book collection and found a book that was issued when the National Railway Museum in York held a photographic display called North East Focus which featured the last years of steam in the area, with some very atmospheric photos taken by six of the leading steam photographers of the time. The area was known as "The Cradle of Railways" and I was fortunate to attend the 150th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway cavalcade at Shildon in 1975.
I always thought the BR Mk 2 coaches were good coaches.
ERIC Great photo of Tom and the Kirkwood station painting.
It would be interesting to watch the operation of getting the Road-Railer changed from road to rail operation.
CM3 I shall look forward to the story of the Welsh miners at the rendezvous.
Thanks for the info on the RoadRailers and the Amtrak handling cars, did Amtrak locomotives do the switching do you know.
I enjoy the Aflac adverts as well.
LARS Many thanks for the tip on the rail pass. We shall be visiting some friends who used to live here and are now in Poway CA, a visit to Balboa Park is already penciled in.
The bride seems quite keen to give train travel to California a go; we have built in a fair bit of time at the destinations so unless it runs really late we should be OK.
I must agree with what you say about Tom's photographs they really are first rate.
DL It will be good to hear the others views on the accents. It is strange even in England how an accent is heard differently Alan who is from Shropshire thinks we sound like Londoners in Rugby, although we don't. If you go 20 miles north the people of Leicester have a different accent, yet 30 miles northwest the Brummies have a totally different one.
There is an old joke on the Glasgow accent:
Q. "What is the difference between Bing Crosby and Walt Disney.
A. Bing Crosby sings and Walt Disnae
(For our American friends ‘Disnae is the way Glaswegians pronounce ‘does not').
That is a very sad story of the historic buses at Ruddington including some last built examples. It must have been heartbreaking for the volunteers who saved and restored the buses. It is bad enough when a natural disasters cause the loss of historic vehicles, like what has happened at the B&O museum and the railway museum in Germany but when it is caused by vandalism it is beyond words.
Many thanks for the interesting details on Workington, the Leyland National bus and the Leyland railcars.
I have traveled many miles in these vehicles mainly in the Yorkshire area. I can recall a sleeping passenger being bounced out of his seat and on to the floor as a 141 unit passed over a bad piece of track. They also gained the nickname ‘Squealers" from the sound the wheel flanges made when traveling over tightly curved track, approaching the High Level Bridge, Newcastle-on-Tyne, from the Sunderland direction springs to mind.
I will have to tell about when an engine on one of the 142 units gave out in spectacular fashion in their early days. I think I still have the trip in an old notebook.
TOM I don't think I covered my self with glory with my watching for ‘uncouplings' on the CAN-AM.
Greetings to Shane - Lars 'n DL! Good to see ya this fine day . . .
Continuing on with Pix from Day Three: Saturday - May 26th, 2007 - en route Montreal, Quebec
Stealthy Pete in the service car
Approaching Moncton, NB
Ocean at Moncton for refueling, etc.
VIA Rail Station at Moncton
New Brunswick scenery
Renaissance coach
Quick stop at Bathurst, NB - that's Pete!
Loading baggage at Bathurst
Hello Tom and all in - I'll follow on from Lars
Another pint of Woodforde's Wherry for me please.
Acknowledgments all round - even if no names mentioned below I've enjoyed the posts!
By the way - I've been mistaken for an Aussie in the USA too - just like Pete. I had a theory - (and it is up to you state siders to consider) - I think there is a lot in common between every day speech used in modern British accents and Australian ones - some commonality as accents have changed over time - but I think that some people in the US who are not so familiar with English people (‘phew' some of you might say) - tend to think of an English accent as more of what we call a ‘cut glass' accent - you know - like the Queen speaks - unfortunately us lower orders don't sound like her and I wonder if this is where the confusion comes from? Anyone else any ideas....
Yes, Pete we are having some heavy down pours here - caused a few wash outs around the place. Pete - there is / was indeed a bus collection at Ruddington - with some rare buses in it - in an absolutely tragic situation earlier this year vandals broke into the site and set vehicles alight - form what I read several vehicles were totally destroyed - well beyond restoration -
"A fire at the Ruddington premises of Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre (at the northern end of the Great Central Railway) has destroyed five historic buses and severely damaged two others, as well as damaging a number of other artefacts.
Believed to be arson, the blaze was discovered at 6am on Wednesday 21st February among vehicles parked closely together outside the main building. The fire service reached the blaze in time to prevent it spreading to the building.
All the vehicles lost were privately owned - the last Daimler Fleetline built (a 1982 South Notts bus), the last Albion Lowlander built (1967 South Notts), ex Nottingham AEC Renown & Leyland Atlantean, and an ex Lincs Road Car Bedford Plaxton. Not all were runners, but others had been fully restored"
Here is some info and a pic of the wreckage:
http://www.nthc.co.uk/news/news_output/index.asp?id=250&page=1&checkSource=1
Nick - presumably you have simply had an all line rail rover + inter rail card for a few months and thus off line as you travel on the wheels of steel around and about?
Hopefully Tom will forgive this off topic comment but I've done some more bus research - and I've got a cunning way of bringing the matter back ‘on topic' - so read on:
I checked out the situation with the Leyland Bus plant in Workington - Workington is in a relatively remote part of north west England but had a proud history of steel making due to the presence of iron ore deposits in the area I think. I think it was during the 1970s that the government persuaded the nationalised British Leyland to locate a large modern bus manufacturing plant in the town - probably to alleviate unemployment caused by a down turn in the steel industry.
Well, in the 1980s it seems like this plant was privatised and sold off to Volvo / Scania.
It sounds like by the early 1990s Volvo decided to close the plant - here is a reference from Parliament:
"The need for a debate on the closure of the Volvo bus plant, formerly known as Leyland National, in my constituency".
This matter is urgent, as west Cumbria is now on the eve of a renewed spate of large-scale redundancies. Last week, job losses were announced at Allbright and Wilson, and last weekend Volvo announced the closure of its bus plant in Workington with a loss of 370 jobs. That closure will, from July next year, leave empty a modern factory of 650,000 sq ft in my constituency. The matter is important, as Volvo clearly blamed the Government's economic policies for its decision. In the press release announcing the closure, Volvo states :
"The actions are the direct result of deregulation of bus services and the recession, which have combined to severely depress demand." The matter is specific, because the Leyland/Volvo plant in Workington is Britain's principal bus producing plant. Surely it cannot be right for a foreign company, faced with recession and a lack of profitability at home, in Sweden, to cut its overseas operations and, in doing so, close down the United Kingdom's strategic bus manufacturing plant. The plant was built under a Labour Government, with a large amount of taxpayers' money, as part of efforts to consolidate bus manufacturing within the United Kingdom. Its loss can lead only to an invasion of imports when the recession ends and the market picks up. In the absence of adequate bus production capacity in the United Kingdom, we can face only danger in terms of the future bus market."
So - I presume that was the end of the factory there.
Anyway - I think it was originally built to construct the Leyland National Bus which looked like this (with some history):
http://www.woottens.co.uk/rrm148m.htm
or slightly larger pictures here:
http://www.ampyx.org.uk/lcountry/vehicles/lnc.html
Anyway, how does this relate to trains you ask?
Well, by the late 1970s early 1980s the railways in the UK realised that the generation of diesel railcars introduced in the 1950s and 60s were getting a bit long in the tooth. However, government expenditure requirements were severe so British Railways tried to look at a cheap replacement diesel railcar (like an RDC but a long way off the quality).
Their research division came up with the idea of merging the Leyland National Bus body with a 4 wheeled wagon style chassis to build one of these:
http://www.wtht.co.uk/bre%20railbus.htm
As you can see there is a remarkable similarity - esp if you scroll down to the larger picture of it when new.
Now as I understand it this vehicle went to the USA for a while - I think on some sort of sales tour, but I'm not sure who suggested that because I can't imagine it being very successful on US lines. Maybe we have to leave it to Mike to find us a link of this Brit vehicle in the USA!
I think some production models actually got bought by Iranian Railways and are still in use!!
It was a precursor of a range of railcars built on similar 4 wheel chassis, but with body work less like a bus - however they all suffer from very poor riding conditions because of the 4 wheel design - with no bogies to aid going round curves! They certainly were / are cheap and cheerful.
Another prototype
http://www.therailwaycentre.com/Pages%20DMU/Recognition%20DMU/IllusDMU_140.html
A production design (although all now withdrawn)
http://www.therailwaycentre.com/Pages%20DMU/Recognition%20DMU/IllusDMU_141.html
Yet another variant
http://www.therailwaycentre.com/Pages%20DMU/Recognition%20DMU/IllusDMU_142.html
Still plenty of these about:
http://www.therailwaycentre.com/Pages%20DMU/Recognition%20DMU/IllusDMU_143.html
and of these
http://www.therailwaycentre.com/Pages%20DMU/Recognition%20DMU/IllusDMU_144.html
The other characteristic they have is that when going fast (well not that fast) they tend to start ‘bouncing' up and down on their suspension - this has earned them the nickname ‘nodding donkey'. I bet you have a few in West Wales Nick?
However, it should be recognised that the cheap construction methods mean the government of the day were prepared to buy them - which probably helped ensure a number of the lines on which they operate did not get closed. They have the advantage of large glass windows so the views from them are good if you are a passenger.
I hope this is of interest!
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