Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth my deAH, I couldn't help but notice that "glow" this morning! Young, beautiful and what's a nice gal like you doing in a place like THIS??!! I cudda said, "What's your sign?" or something REALLY clever - but not suitable for "family viewing." Ahhh, summertime is upon us and my sentiments are in line with those of our Cap'n. I'll take the fall ‘n spring! Really detest the humid, hot ‘n sticky (and stinky) days of summer in these parts. Makes me wonder what things will be like down in the Keys - but then, we'll KNOW in short order! Expect to make a trip down in July, but not a long one as two of the boys and their families have designs on the place from mid-month ‘til August something or other.
A round on me if you please and line another one up ON NICK! Remember, we have a WEEK's WORTH of free brew on the man from Wales!
This morning I'll stick with my mugga Joe with a jolt if you please. Of course, treats for the crittAHs, including a small jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris. Speaking of our giant Cyclops, he looks rather pleased of late as his "boss" has returned to the fold. It's a giveaway once he drags out his favorite inflatable and places it next to Nick's stool! <uh oh>
So, there's really been an outpouring of material these past couple of days. Great to see the guys interacting and we don't need "data dumps" to keep things on a roll around "Our" Place! The conversation flows quite well and that all speaks highly of the group we have on board at this time.
Noticed a swing in gas prices on "the island" with $3.35 the highest and $3.14 the low. Who wuddathunk we'd be "happy" at dipping below 3 bucks??!! <good grief Charlie Brown!>
We're partly cloudy with temperatures predicted to be in the hi-70's - lo-80's range (F) for the next few days. A mild beginning to an anticipated long, hot summAH in the City! <arrrrgggghhhh>
One of my sons is into those virtual games BIG TIME and has "threatened" to teach me how to indulge. HA! Given the way my Mrs. reacts to the time I'm spending doing my Manager's duties, I can well imagine her "joy" at my "playing" virtual games. I can imagine that these "things" have gotten to the point where one probably has difficulty sorting out the make believe from reality. I like my REALITY as is right NOW - for example, RUTH standing in the rays of the morning sun. Ahhhhhhhhhh. Now that's my REALITY!
Wanna give a heads up for the morning. I'm not sure how things are going to stack up for me. The Mrs. has "declared" that my time will be HER time on Friday. Sooooooo, we'll see. <groan> <double groan>
Yeah, Tom, Amtrak was doing quite well with the mail and freight venture. I too believe there's a hulluvalotmore to the story than we've been told. Not interested in the anecdotal crap that comes from "sources" in the ether, I'd really like to KNOW what the skinny was with dropping both.
I think our Cap'n has adequately summarized the posts from the gang, so I'll try my best to avoid being repetitious. Just let me say that it's most enjoyable to see the activity and let's see what we can do to keep things on an even keel!
I'm "in" for the Darts Challenge grudge match and weenie roast! When will it be? Also, why not "go" with the shirts from last year -they surely were "winnAHs." Hope Shane will be our "reporter" again . . .
For Pete: Oh, before I totally forget - somewhere I read that you're planning an Amtrak trip to California. Be sure to check the Amtrak website for their "specials" and rail passes. There is a rail pass that enables one to ride the CalTrans trains AND Amtrak. Would save you a few bucks. Also, I just noticed a change in the Zephyr schedule due to an "arrangement" with UP. It's good to read their Press Releases too - keeps you "up" on things. Hope your experiences turn out bettAH than our last one and the one B4 that . . . . San Diego and the entire Balboa Park experience is an absolute MUST.
For Shane: Ah yes, I recall those "flexivans" in use by my favorite of favorite RR's - the New York Central! While mine was a love affair with the passenger fleet, couldn't help but notice ALL of the freight traffic that used to be . . . While the majority of my travels with the Central involved trips "up state," I enjoy reading about their operations in your former part of the world.
Love that Aflac goat - <nah nah nah> !
For Allan: Many thanks for the "skinny" on the New Zealand passenger ops. Was wondering if you recall when the government sold ‘em off to private concerns? And yes, Wisconsin Central is correct - surely didn't know their "reach" extended half a globe away.
Nothing like the sound of a ‘steamer' and it's whistle breaking the silence of an evening or early morning. Ahhhh, now those are great recollections!
For Eric: You must have really practiced hard to get that pix of Juneau's ears! <grin> Was wondering about the "gate ‘n chair" - didn't want to "push it," as who knows what kind of "games" go on in the Haus of our Cap'n! <uh oh>
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Nice day here as temperatures were down in the 40s last night so you could actually get some sleep. Joys of living in the "higher" elevations. Gas is at $2.95 this a.m.
Following is in no particular order.
Lars stopped by as did DL. Good to hear from you both.
OSP visited with pictures and commentary. Time for another darts tournament? We still haven't cleaned up from the Christmas party. One of my neighbors never takes down his house decorations. Icicle lights are a nice touch on a hot and humid night.
Since the cast of characters has changed, I suppose we need to have a draft to see who the Our Place team will be. Then pick uniforms - the shirts were a class touch last time (I think). Trophy? What's Boris groing in the trophy?
Nick - We do a lot of virtual reality, 3D animations, etc. when we produce training materials, so I have no problem with making the leap to trains.
I "test drove" one of the simulations last fall at the WNY show in Buffalo. The one I tried was pretty realistic. I ran a BNSF train on the old GN high line. Terrain was good as were the signals, ballast color, etc. Once I got used to operating the beasts (a pair of SD70MACs), I added in some extras such as dynamic braking, etc. That really made it interesting as you had to handle the train, not just push it through the landscape. Another scenario I tried was set on the NEC; got to drive a GG1 (with working cab signals).
Incidentally, the July 2007 issue of RMC has an article on a virtual modeling of a NYC subway line - Article showed IRT and IND lines with appropriate cars. Check it out. Now OSP can have the subway line he always wanted w/o having to tunnel through the walls.
Also, b4 I forget, CMT over here has a program called "Crossroads." I hope that it airs in your part of the world. Anyway, the other night they had a show featuring Hank Williams Jr., and Kid Rock. A most unlikely pairing, but it turned out to be excellent.
Allan - We all share memories here (not just because we're old, either) - that's what keeps the bar up and going.
Pete - Australian? As the Aflac goat says, "Nah, nah, nah." Australian miners I have been around all partied hard, as did some of the ones from Cape Breton back in the day. Nick will be proud, however, that the honors go to a bunch of Welsh shaft sinkers. I spent a "week one night" with them. That is definitely a story for the rendezvous.
Eric visited with information. IIRC, the RoadRailers were something that originally ran on the C&O, basically on the old PM. IIRC, they never really pursued the technology and it sort of was around but not used or exploited until the Triple Crown trains started running.
NYC had an interesting concept called Flexivan which was the ancestor of today's stack trains. After the worms came around, it was strange to see Flexivan cars opertaing on trains running on the old New HAven.
The NYC later twitched the "flexi" prefix and applied it to pressure unloading bulk cars. These were called Flexiflo cars. There was a Flexiflo terminal at Framingham (just west of Boston). It was interesting to watch them work with these cars.
Materials handling cars ran in and out of New England Amtrak 448 and 449 (Boston side of the Lake Shore Limited. Eastbounds originated at Chicago on 48. They were spliced into the consist with the other Boston cars. They would be cut in and out at Springfield, MA. Westbounds were picked up by 449 at Springfield. 50 and 51 around here handled Amtrak Express and some pouch stuff. All of this was carried in the baggage car. No, Awk, we're not going to sing "In the Baggage Coach" ahead; the neighbors will complain that they can't hear the railroad!
Work safe
<w/permission: http://www.scenic-railroads.com/>
G'day Gents!
Summer has arrived in the northern hemisphere! <phew> C'mon FALL! <grin>
Thursday - the day before Friday - which is close to week's end! And so we find ourselves at the Saloon by the Siding, enjoying a 2nd mugga Joe, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and pondering a <light> or <traditional> breakfast. Ahhhhh, life is good, eh
Been thinking of things past ‘n present and how the more things CHANGE the more the remain the SAME. It's been quite the past couple of days and I must attribute the good vibes to the return of two of our most esteemed characters from the distant and recent past - NICK 'n LARS! The irrepressible transplanted Londoner and the Norseman from Staten Island - there's a twosome, fer sure, fer sure!
Then along came the man from New Zealand who goes by the handle of GUNNERAL - ALLAN to his newfound friends at the bar. Isn't it grand to be amongst those with like-minded interests in a setting designed for fun ‘n relaxation
<crash> <bang> <slam> Ohhhhhh, Boris, WHAT in the world was THAT??!?!??! Will you put Tex down, you know he doesn't appreciate being held by tail. Armadillos can be rather nasty critters once removed from terra firma. <geesh> Boyz will be boyz! <grin>
Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative):
CM3 Shane at 8:39 AM Wednesday - June 20th: Anytime a modeling outfit announces that prices are TBD, I KNOW it's gonna be outta my league! Yeah, I know - whatever the market forces dictate . . .<groan>
Never, ever thought I'd enjoy a movie with THAT actor - however, the Pirates of the Caribbean flicks are part of our DVD library and really entertaining, fer sure, fer sure! Will be adding #3 once released . . . Yo-Ho-Ho and a bottle of . . . <grin>
We try to avoid the truly personal when it comes to Pix at the bar - however - "mug shots" are unavoidable at times, and we DO have a few "mugs," eh That Chicago gathering in May 2008 should be one for the ages, methinks!
Wonderful nostalgia with your Nickel Plate ad! I know I've read it before - probably while perusing my seemingly inexhaustible archives of RR ads from the 1940s . . . I haven't been brazen enough to chance the <copyright> restrictions for duplication herein. Narrative reproduction "works" just fine. Thanx!
And the story about the Red Sox fan and the priest is a "keeper," fer sure, fer sure. Still grinning on that one . . .
Are you READY for another Dart's Tournament "report" assignment We had been thinking of making this an annual event, but it seems like the rabble over at the Second Class Saloon are restless for another drubbing . . . <uh oh>
Appreciate the visit, quarters ‘n support of the bar . . . that is YOU holding things UP from down there, eh Best to use those "seat belts" on the stools! <grin>
Lars at 10:59 AM Wednesday - June 20th: Great to have our Manager on board once again.
Yes, the farewell dinner at Erio's Italian Ristorante turned out to be a fine night out for all. The guys managed to turn it into a belated B'day dinner for me and a thank you for Carol for putting up with us at the haus (dinner ‘n two breakfasts). I think Pete even found ONE brew to his liking . . . <grin>
The Rendezvous in St. Louis will ALWAYS remain a special moment in time for me as everything truly went "off" so well . . . . The sessions with the Can-Am and S-Capades were great fun, even though we had some uncouplings with the HO. Interesting how they seemed to happen "over there" where Pete was acting as train spotter! Hmmmmm - and it was on the side where "Our" Place is located. <double Hmmmmmm>
Round appreciated along with the resumption of your place at the bar!
DL at 11:16 AM Wednesday - June 20th: Email received - thanx! Not to be concerned - the "planning document" messages are for those who are "in" and those who wish to be included as "info only." My pleasure, Mate!
Never factored in THAT round you purchased as perhaps being the impetus behind the upsurge in activity ‘round here. Hmmmmmm. <grin>
Of buses ‘n things that roll on rubber. As a kid, I dearly loved riding the city buses in NYCity. I recall the Whites, the Macks ‘n GMCs of the 1940s ‘n 50s. I believe the Whites had a "co pilot's seat" reserved for supervisory personnel. Every now ‘n then the driver would let me sit in it - oh what a grand treat that was. Used to cost a nickel to ride the bus - the driver used to have a hand-held "thing" to insert the coins when he came around at "transfer" points. I ALWAYS wanted one of those gadgets!! They disappeared with the raising of the fare to 7 cents and free transfers. Ahhhhh the memories are sooooooo vivid!
Thanx for stopping by! We look forward to your next "report"!
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, just a cup of coffee tonight! You keep the change!
Time for a visit before hitting the sack! Nice to see Nick and Allan again!
Tom – Gas prices here in the desert is now down to $2.88!
I agree with you that photos can’t do justice to what was the best of the Rendezvous get together! The photos are just reminders of some great days!Titanic? Under water? Hmmm, no I am quite sure it was kind of dry and even if the picture is showing some details of a big thing it was not the Titanic size.More nice pictures from Canada! I must say those cars don’t look bad inside, looking at the picture of the inside of the service car! I thought Truro was a singel track station? I guess you met the eastbound Ocean on a siding outside Truro. That mural looks very nice!CM3 – I give you a day or two to study that picture.During the Rendezvous we discussed if we should take the pictures you are used to see (full face and two profiles) but decided against it since we know you are good at recognizing things/people regardless. Another problem was that the memory card in my camera was kind of getting full. Interesting facts about traveling by train in 1943! That priest was helpful! LOLLars – Toys when I was a kid? Of course! I had some rocks and two wooden sticks! I was just looking for a good place to hide some rocks and sticks when I took that photo. To give us those plaques certainly was a class act! Tom unwrapping his Birthday gifts. Kirkwood Station, MO.DL – Scania was my favorite buses when I worked as a bus driver many, many years ago. Looking forward to yourtrip report!Pete – Sorry, but this time it is not the Aerotrain in the picture. You are right, just 11 months till the next Rendezvous! Time flies. before we know it it’s time to go!This is not a picture (below) of a Rail-Roader car, it is a Road-Railer.
St. Louis, MO.
Nick – 27 different kinds of rain? I remember only 2 kinds, wet and super wet!I used to have a computer game called Railroad Tycoon years ago. I liked it and the other day I bought the latest version. I have not had time to install and try it yet but I will next weekend. Allan – Thanks for the info on the NZ railways! I remember that Wisconsin Central was involved but all details have faded away. Do you know how many miles/kilometers of track with passenger service there is today?
Eric
Hi Tom and at "Our place reborn,
Many thanks for your very warm welcome to your pages, I will try to enter the portals from time to time as I have to compete with my better halve`s daily phoning programme!
Pete. My home town was Wallsend and it was only a short distance from the East Coast main Line, so I spent a lot of time watching the Gresley loco`s passing by, especially the A4`s on Flying Scotsman duties, they were an awe inspiring sight and sound, the chime whistle was very different to the usual UK "peep". Gresley`s Moguls were a great sight too. Stephensons Killingworth coal railway line used to run about a block away from where we lived.
You will have to excuse me at the moment not memtioning names of everyone with queries, I shall get to know you all as time progresses.
NZ railways are now operated by Toll Transport an Austrialian group, the system was run down when the government sold it to private investors, they were once owned by Wisconson? Central, then were profit stripped by Faye Richwhite of America`s Cup fame! The track is now owned and operated by a government enterprise called "On Track". They are now introducing refurbished BR Mk 2 coaches mainly the on Wellington to Masterton and Auckland to Hamilton commuter services, they had to re-bogie them to 3ft 6in gauge for NZ service.
I live in Hawkes Bay on the east coast of the North Island and we get quite a few steam hauled enthusiasts trains running during our summers, October/March, hauled by AB Pacific`s and J class Mountains, NZ railways used the standard American whistle on all their steam in later years and the loco`s sound great coming up the valley here!
Thats about all at the moment from NZ, once again thanks for the welcome aboard, it`s my shout next time I think?
Allan
What Ho Chaps !!! Happy half-way-there day to you all (if memory serves,this is model train night,of which more anon--) Anyway,Leon,bestir yourself-there is work to be done here dear boy--looks like the Double Dragon is reaching the end of its useful life so time to broach the Brains S.A-the second pump is cleaned and ready --ahh,good man-right,a glass for each and one for yourself................
Right,as ever,starting at the top --Capt TOM-Am blown away by the pix-an insight into the country that no travelogue could ever compete with-that glimpse of the family home through the trees deserves framing-no explanation needed, anybody with half a brain could find a story in there-whilst on the subject,that pic of you with your plaque-will you look at the face on that lady in the background-absolutely priceless !!!!! Am still mulling over my own contribution to the " where has he been" quiz (the truth is out there.......) Is a shame we have lost ROB,but if his life requires that he give his time elsewhere we can only wish him well and hope he drops in from time to time to keep us updated
Now ,as for those rogues from the second class saloon....Bring it on says I..!!!!!!!!
LARS-glad I find you well,-and glad you enjoyed the black cab references-As important an element of people transportation as the trains they connected with,indeed most of the London Terminii were layed out with this in mind,as I am sure Grand Central and your other local stations were...as a quick addendum R.E Barflys- this was the name under which myself,Missisnick and fat Steve the drummer previously trod the boards..synchronicity at work here
ALLEN--A warm welcome to one of the more unusual of the threads on this forum--given that you are a Kiwi by adoption might we enter into a pact not to mention rugby scores at all ??
CM3--Useful and interesting notes as ever from our man in the mountains,also liked the joke ( the priest had a strong Irish accent from where I was sitting )...Re `Pirates`-enjoyed both but felt #2 was a little cartoonish-the scene in #1 where Capt Jack crosses swords with Orlando Blooms` character held genuine menace--loved Bill Nighy with the Muppet workshop make-up though..................
ERIC--Dry heat be d****d -where I live we have 27 different kinds of rain--but I guess you know all about that sort of stuff..anyway,good to see you mate !!
PETE--thanks for explaining the crisps/chips thing -hot news,looks like the Severn Valley line will be operating a reduced service for a while,flash floods have taken out part of their main line just outside Bewdley--not sure where the break is but the whole of that stretch will need checking--has been some fierce weather here just lately...As to Taxi drivers badges,there are two types-green badges which are applicable in central London and yellow badges which are only good for local use.
DL-Nice to see you as well mate-grab yorself a beer and lets settle round the fire and catch up
Right then--its wednesday and model train night ,so lets throw a topic out and see if anybody bites ......!!
VIRTUAL TRAINS-now I`m sure this will get some feedback <grin>-right,I currently have 3 of these beasts running-the most basic is `Trainplayer`-this gives you all of Lin Westcott`s 101 layout plans brought to life-as supplied it has very basic `GIFS` to represent the trains but has a huge library of loco and car images to draw on-it is 2D overhead views and within its own parameters quite satisfying-there is also a more sophisticated version called `Tracklayer` which allow you to write your own layouts.
Next up we have a disc which runs as `Build your own model railroad`--this gives you full 3d action-the version I have gives mostly west German trains and buildings but I understand that later versions are more universal-this one is quite good fun-it allows for a great deal of automatic working via what would be relays in the real world
The most sophisticated of them is TRAINZ--I only have a very early version of this,but I would recommend it to anyone-you can be in the driving cab,next to the track or in helicopter follow mode--again you can build your own layout or take a train around a previously established track--there are pre-written scenarios where you are the engineer and have to get the train in on time (without breaking speed limits)--also you can design your own liveries for stock ..(South Ontario Bridge Line stock runs with green & Yellow sides and red ends)
No doubt there will be universal condemnation of this approach to modelling ,and its a point I will happily concede,since there has been no progress on the real S.O.B lines in recent times,however ,I do feel it has the potential to be a useful tool -if used wisely
O.K-thats my contribution to this weeks model day--I look forward to responses from you all
LEON-another round of the S.A if you please.....good man yourself
O.K chaps-enjoy---
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Double Dragon please RUTH.
ALLAN Great to see you back in the bar. I see you were from Newcastle On Tyne, that was a great place for railways, unfortunately I did not get to see the area until steam had finished there it still was a very busy area in the 1970s.Do you recall steam in the Newcastle area.
I am from the Rugby Warwickshire area, so it was mainly ex LMS steam although there were ex LNER locomotives, as well as BR Standards, that worked over the Great Central line.
I hear that some BR coaches are being shipped over for use with NZ Railways.
NICK Certainly I will have a Double Dragon with you and it would be great to have a Brains SA in the brewery tap in Cardiff.
YES I have had trouble over here with ‘Chips'. At one place it was "Fish and Chips" and when I got it it was fish with crisps. I generally ask now. At one restaurant where it was Fish and Chips I asked it the chips were fries and the waitress replied "Yes, but they are called chips in Britain, what are they called in Australia" Me confused with an Australian with my perfect English accent, as TOM will attest. I must be showing my age as I can remember when the only food you could get in pubs was crisps or if you were lucky a small pork pie.
Interesting info about the ‘Hackney Cabs and your Grandfather's link to the London General Cab Co.Do you know if the London Cabdrivers still have to pass an exam on the route ‘Knowledge' before getting their cab driver's license.
Another Our Place coincidence Alan has just sent some photos, some which are from the Devon area when class 5 no 45407 done some tours of Devon and Cornwall branch lines, which included the South Devon railway. I will look forward to your photos from the area.
ERIC Yes it was a month ago we said farewell at the hotel after the rendezvous, still only 11 months till the next one.
That is a big order for buses for Scaniait seems that bus passenger rider ship as well as rail passengersis on the rise in Britain In the West Midlands there is a very reasonable priced ticket that allows travel on trains, trams, and buses in the West Midland Metropolitan area after 9.30 AM. I believe there is also a ticket for travel before 9.30 AM which costs a bit more.
I will have a guess at the Aerotrain in the photo.
118F.
CM3 Yes that was Lt Hunter, I believe at one time he patrolled the precinct in an armored car.
Great news that you are coming to Chicago.
Thanks for the wartime Nickel Plate wartime notice; the railroads did wonders with the increase in traffic with the same equipment. I see the Classic Trains special magazine later this year is going to be Railroads and World War II
Enjoyed the baseball joke.
LARS Great to see you in your regular spot again.
We had a great time at Erio's celebrating Tom's birthday and the rendezvous, looking at the photo I must admit I do look a bit on the red side. I think the waitress did find me a drink I liked but I can't recall what it was.
Thinking of the railway running by Shrewsbury's ground it must have been great at a evening match in the winter in steam days with the locomotives working hard leaving the station and heading for the South West. The loco depot was not far from the ground as well.
DL Great to see you in. Looking forward to your trip report.
In the photos Alan has E-mailed me are some of old closed lines in the West Country, hopefully I should get the details and will started posting them soon.
Talking of buses I heard at one time there was going to be a road transport museum at Ruddington on the Great Central (North) preservation site, do you know if this happened.
TOM So the Second Class Saloon boys want revenge for last years darts match. I wonder what happened to the trophy last time I saw it BORIS had it.
I recall on my first visit to the U.S., on an Amt
An interesting mid-week collection of morning <central USA> visits from CM3 Shane - Lars 'n DL!
Continuing on with Pix from Day Three: Saturday - May 26th, 2007 - departing Halifax, Nova Scotia, en route Montreal, Quebec
Bedford Basin
If you look REALLY hard through the trees, that's "mom's house" on the left . . .
First stop - Truro, Nova Scotia
My favorite mural at Truro from the moving train
The east bound Ocean through the service car windows shortly after departing Truro
Nova Scotia scenery
Sackville Depot <New Brunswick> reflections ‘n all!
Sackville area scenery
To be continued . . .
Tom
Hello all in
Tom, I'll have a pint of Woodforde's Wherry please.
Certainly been an up turn of business around here last few days - must have been that round I left on the bar - combined withthe exchange rate Pete mentioned! Good to see nick and lars in - plus the regulars and a handy contribution from our new Geordie Kiwi resident - a warm welcome of course. Thanks for filling in on the bus info. The Bendy Buses are pretty useless but they've bougth plenty of them - they work well in the straight line streets of Europe but not in the older street patterns of London. Of course there are plenty of double deckers in London and the regional cities - but as Eric I think pointed out - Scania are makign many of the chassis units.
I'll work up my trip report as promised (east anglian lines) plus soem other info on a couple of long disusused stations I chanced upon on a road based expedition at the weekend.
Back in due course!
DL
Had a hulluva time trying to get "in" this morning - even used Da Boss' log in data. Don't know even if this is going to "take" . . . strange things are happening!
Ruth my deAH, seeing your smile brings joy to my heart! I'm in the mood for a mugga Joe with a jolt if you please! And of course treats for the crittAHs, including a small jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris. A round on "ice" for the bar and the change is yours, you loveRly thing you!
Well, it surely appears as if things have begun the upward rise ‘round here. Do we attribute that to Nick? Or perhaps the fellow from New Zealand? Or maybe MY return?? How about a combo deal?!?!?
We're missing Per, who said he'd be gone ‘til month's end, and DL who seems to be tied up with whatever he does to earn his keep, then of course the MIAs Doug ‘n Rob (covered quite well by the Cap'n). So given all of this, we're still lookin' mighty good from where I sit!
In checking out those final rendezvous pix, it occurred to me that the gala event encompassed your B'day, Tom! Now that must've been a winnAH in all respects, huh?? While I didn't see very much here at the bar to commemorate your "big number day" (if anything at all!) my guess is you had a grand time with and amongst those who gave that Rat's Patoot you seem to appreciate! Pix from the restaurant looked fine and I'm never quite sure with the expressions from Pete. You know, kinda "reading" into the photo - what's he saying - things like that. Perhaps the beer was too cold for me, huh? OR maybe just not to his liking? That's probably more like it. <grin>
Thanks for sending the Email attachments of the more "private" stuff - they all are great and as I've mentioned several times, I surely wish my time could have been orchestrated a bit better to have spent it with youse guyz in St. Looooooo.
For Allan: What's the current situation with passenger rail travel in New Zealand? I've read this ‘n that over the years leading me to the conclusion that it really isn't anything one would want to spend time or money on. Is that so? If so, why?
For Eric: Dontchajustluvit - "It's a dry heat!" Right. When one's eyebrows feel like they've been exposed to the ‘wind' from a blast furnace when leaving an air conditioned building for the outdoors, dry or not, that's plain HOT to me. <ugh>
An interesting and challenging photo. Question is, did you have any toys when you were a child? What kindamind comes up with these pix?
I see Cap'n Tom "did it again" with those plaques for the attendees at the Rendezvous. A class act, huh? Youbetchaboots!
For Pete: Look, it's quite simple: Michigan quarters SPEND just as easily as others, plus they are stamped on BOTH sides. Others are called "slugs" - be careful, mate! <grin>
Never could take my eyes from a football game, even if trains were in view. Although a good looking "thing" passing by now ‘n then may have caused the turn of my head . . . <uh oh>
For Shane: Nice RR ads - and I do recall reading them, but I thought they were from a bunch posted on Vet's Day by our leader. Anyway, good stuff and a fine reminder of what we're "about" at this bar!
Simply LOVED that joke! Heard it before, but it was "tailored" another part of the world. Nevertheless, the idea of it simply cracked me up!
For Nick: Only YOU can come up with those "lines" that keep us rolling. I figure you got thrown out of your digs, denied access to the home ‘n hearth, thereby keeping you offline for these months. Further, you were then abducted by a traveling rock band, forcing you into a state of bondage to where it was most difficult to keep the smile from overtaking the feigned grimace on your mug. Close?
The reference to the cabs in London really was of interest. No connection with taxis in my lot, however, the term "Hackneys" always kinda made me wonder . . . Great to have you back amongst the sick-o group at the bar!
I didn't really think this day would be "open" for me, but I managed to make it in. Still have that huge pile of paperwork to attack. <groan> Well, a guy's gotta do, what a guy's gotta do! RUTH . . .
A round on NICK - Boris ring the bell! <grin>
Until the next time!
Lars
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the Jukebox. The hot weather has gone away for awhile after some serious rock and roll wind, thunder, rain, etc. last night. Nonetheless we are still standing.
A note to the modelers out there. Overland has posted announcements that they will be producing GN electric locomotives and Genset locomotives as well. Delivery is a ways off and prices are "TBD." Quick, Boris, a couple of finers of Captain Jack's finest in my cup!
Lars - Good morning sir! Glad you have returned with the shiny side up! There is a Red Sox-Yankee item for you at the end of this post.
Pete - I forgot about him and then as soon as I saw the name, it came back. Howard Hunter - Aviator glasses, flak vest, ball cap, and pipe.
Nick - Couldn't help the reference to Capt, Jack. I got to see Caribbean Part 2 while on the road trip to Tennessee with the school group last month - surprisingly good movie.
Eric - Gotta study on that picture for awhile.
Gunneral - Welcome in.
OSP sent more pictures. I hardly recognized some of the folks as I am used to seeing three pictures (full face and two profiles) when I go to the Post Office. Thanks for sharing. I am going to make every effort to travel to Chicago for next year's festivities.
Here's a little something from the Nickel Plate file. I posted it awhile ago, but there are some who may not have seen it before.
CURRENT FACTS ABOUT TRAVEL
Passenger travel on the railroads is now twice what it was a year ago, and four times what it was in 1939. The railroads are doing their best to meet this great and sudden increase in the demand for service although they have just about the same number of passenger cars and engines which they had in 1939. The demand for steel and other materials essential to the war effort, practically precludes the construction of new equipment at this time.
Two million service man and women travel each month under military orders, This vast army requires more than half of all the sleeping cars and about one-third of all the coaches.
With the remaining equipment the railroads must move service men traveling individually or in small groups; soldiers and sailors on furlough; families visiting service men in camps; business men and other workers traveling on urgent missions.
TO THOSE WHO FEEL THE NECESSITY OF TRAVEL
Plan trips for the less-crowded days of the week. Mid-week trains are preferable.
Carry a minimum a mount of baggage to conserve seating space.
Cancel reservations of Pullman space promptly if travel plans are changed.
Stagger vacations to avoid seasonal travel peaks.
Make room in dining car promptly after finishing meal, as others may be waiting.
The comforts of peacetime travel are of necessity subordinated to the needs of a nation at war and every true American faces this conditions just as other wartime problems are met - with firmness and the resolve to do everything necessary to win the war and establish a victorious and lasting peace.
Nickel Plate Road - 1943
Now for Lars and all other baseball fans out there. This is truly a good one.
A Red Sox fan liked to amuse himself by scaring every Yankees fan he saw strutting down the street in an obnoxious NY pinstripe shirt. He would swerve his van as if to hit them, then swerve back just missing them.One day while driving along, he saw a priest. He thought he would do a good deed, so he pulled over and asked the priest, "Where are you going, Father?" "I'm going to give Mass at St. Francis church, about two miles down the road," replied the priest. "Climb in, Father. I'll give you a lift!" The priest climbed into the passenger seat, and they continued down the road. Suddenly, the driver saw a Yankees fan walking down the road, and he instinctively swerved as if to hit him. But, as usual, he swerved back onto the road just in time. Even though he was certain that he had missed the guy, he still heard a loud THUD. Not knowing where the noise came from, he glanced in his mirrors but still didn't see anything.He then remembered the priest, and he turned to the priest and said, "Sorry Father, I almost hit that Yankees fan." "That's OK," replied the priest "I got him with the door."
Wednesday's Witticism
The stuff that makes you tipsy, makes you tip your hand.
Mid-week in mid-continent USA - skies are mostly blue, temps should be tolerable as summer approaches and there's a chance of some needed precip. Petrol, last time I looked, was still at $2.82 (rounded) up at "Collusion Corner" and expected to make that rapid climb as the 4th of July holiday approaches . . . <groan>
Life at the bar has taken an "up turn" with the return of Nick and perhaps a new customer in Allan from New Zealand. Losing Doug as a regular and Rob completely cannot be compensated for, however, we "takes what we gets" at the Bar by the Ballast!
The bright side is we're still up ‘n running, PLUS it appears as if we've got FIVE locked in for our 3rd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in Chicago 2008!
CM3 Shane at 9:21 AM Tuesday - June 19th: Good grins from your "Nick Quiz"!
I remember WHEN Busch Gardens was "new" in Williamsburg, VA. We were living in Chesapeake in those days and the kids simply loved that place - adults too! Ahhhh, the brew in the German bier garten!
Speaking of "oldies," we purchased the DVD set of the F Troop series. Wanna laff These are priceless . . . <grin>
Second Class Saloon gang have been making rumblings about another grudge match Dart's Tournament and Apple Bobbing Nite! Stay tuned . . .
Thanx for the quarters, round ‘n visit!
Lars at 10:32 AM Tuesday - June 19th: Seeing your avatar on the screen once again makes things appear "normal" ‘round here. We got very used to your daily visits and indefatigable support for the bar! Great having you back and hope the staggering load of paperwork doesn't keep you from your <ahem> duties - Ruth awaits! <grin>
Sports rundown of interest - but ya know, I've really been turned "off" thus far this year. Can't get "into" baseball and it's not only the Red Birds and their nose dive, just pretty much had it with it all. I'll take riding trains thank you very much! <grin>
Did note that the Mets took one on the chin last night - big time and the Cards beat the Royals <ho hum>. Interleague play is a bummer for me too . . .
Of the Rendezvous: Let things simply fall where they may. If you can - you can. There's a long road ahead ‘til May 2008! Who knows what's around that "corner"
Thanx for the round <on Nick!> and we'll be looking for our Manager to keep things movin' along in the style to which we've become accustomed! <whip. <snap>
Pete at 3:43 PM Tuesday - June 19th: THANX for the Email reply to planning document #2 . . .
Those VIA Rail Spiderman abominations seem to be featuring Spiderman II - whereas the flick is now at III. There's a contest (or was) that's behind all of this promotion. Of course, VIA Rail reaps some financial benefit - they need it.
Too bad Amtrak can't figure out a money maker. But then again they DID. For awhile the U.S. Mail returned to the rails along with some freight. But alas, the whiners ‘n complainers got their way and that rather brief experiment ended. Seems to me they were doing fine - but those in power sidestepped supporting ‘em and . . .
The reality of it all is that we'll not be seeing a return to the halcyon days of passenger railroads. Ain't gonna happen in North America and I'm grateful for having had the opportunities to travel aboard some of those great trains of the past. Most cherished of all have been our trips across Canada and to Halifax aboard the Budd stainless steel beauties.
Appreciate the visit!
Gunneral - Allan at 5:21 PM Tuesday - June 19th: A return visit earned you the SPECIAL RECOGNITION previously Posted! Aboard <again>!
Nick at 8:21 PM Tuesday - June 19th: IN-corrigible is a state of mind whereas we were wondering more along the lines of WHERE as opposed to what we already KNEW! <grin>
Good to see ya, Mate and as with my comments regarding the return of Lars, having you aboard makes things seem "normal" at the bar.
The past Pages are replete with Pix from the Rendezvous in St. Louis - AND - the recent Canada Rail Adventure with Pete. Recommend you scroll back a few Pages every now ‘n then - you'll be treated to all kinds of "stuff" - even Can-Am shots.
The Rendezvous was in a word - GREAT. Couldn't have asked for it to have been any better. The guys hit if off as if we've known one another for years - which I suppose one could say is true - and our planned activities kept us out of trouble and into some grand times as the time flew by . . . Photos simply can't do justice to what was the best thus far of our get togethers. I have HUNDREDS of Pix of my own - ditto for Eric ‘n Doug. So the entire thing was well chronicled in pixels.
Have a few zillion Pix of the
Boris? What the heck are you doing here? Leon did? He went to the Mentor Village National Bank to open a savings account? Wow! That much in Sterling? No, I'll just have a burger and a coke!
Tuesday went by and not much happened here in the desert but some good news at the Bar! New and new old faces!
Tom – Of course you all should know the precise location of the bell on the DD40. That is basic knowledge!Nice pictures of nice memories! My plaque is hanging on the wall in my den! Very much appreciated! Today it is actually exactly one month since we said farewell that Sunday morning outside the hotel! CM3 – We have the TV-Land channel. TV-Land used to run another of my favorite shows, “Hogan’s Heroes”, but not any more.Since you missed the bell quiz I’ll give you another chance to guess what and where? (see picture below).What and where?I hope they manage to clear that area of unexploded ordnance without any accidents.Lars – Thank you for the nice words! Ruth is very happy to have you back at the Bar by the siding. Thanks for the round on Nick! Pete – Talking about buses, I just read that the Swedish Bus builder Scania landed an order for 300 buses to the UK. “Scania has won its largest ever single order for buses and coaches in the UK. National Express Group has selected 300 Scania vehicles for delivery over the coming three years.The order comprises 180 Scania Omni single- and double-deck buses and 120 Scania coaches with bodywork supplied by Caetano Levante. The vehicles will be used by National Express Group's UK-wide coach network and bus operations in the West Midlands and London areas.”Allan – Welcome to “Our” Place!! This is indeed a very international Bar! New Zeeland! I’ve never been there but certainly would love to go there one day. I have heard a lot of different information about the NZ railways so I hope you can tell us the facts whenever you have a chance! Nick – Good to see you back so soon! And thanks for the rounds!!! The sunshine is getting hot, tonight the weatherman threatened us with a possible 118°F (47.7°C) on Thursday. But it is a dry heat!
Gentlemen All !! - A very good evening from the West Welsh end of the bar-I am truly touched by the warmth of your collective welcome back-so much so that even the mild trauma of being met at the Zeppelin field by the redoubtable Leon and held up by the ankles and shaken until all the loose currency about my person was released has immediately faded ...............
So-as we are all in comfortable surroundings once again,let the merriment proceed-A round of the Felinfoel Brewery`s finest Double Dragon ale for the house if you please Leon with chasers of the extra special rum (additional bottles are concealed beneath the floorboards of Boris`s shed ) with an accompaniment of that most British of bar snacks ,cheese & onion flavour crisps (chips) --PETE-you will have to explain this one.........
Right-to business:--
Starting at the top--Capt TOM--Love the quiz idea (although in--corrigable was my first thought),some smashing pix from the recent get together -Your good lady looks as lovely as ever--would love to see some pix of the Can-Am operating session......R.E Spiderman livery,there are some good shots on the web of VIA F40`s working round To in that scheme....try tapping in " Canadiantrains " or similar-there is a huge library out there
CM3--A double edged sword on the Captain Jack reference-(what happened to all the rum--whooah-THATS what happened to all the rum )-both my favoured spirit AND the upcoming guest cameo of my favourite rock star (another rum drinker over a game of dominoes with his old dad -)-Also I was a great fan of Hill St Blues (be careful out there)-also on my list is heavy horses-little known fact-the origin of Londons Hackney carriages is Horses and carts from Archeney in Belgium which were brought over to London to provide the first coach-for-hire service in the British capital ..............The name became corrupted to Hackneys and history was made-my own family have a link here-my grandfather was one of the founders of the London General cab company,the largest black cab company in the capitol
PETE-awright mate ?--sit back and have a few beers on me-off to Devon this coming weekend -should be able to get pix from the Dart Valley & the crew up at Buckfastleigh-may also get across to Torrington and see whats happening over there plus maybe some main lin shots from the beach at Dawlish Warren--another pint of Dragon dear ??
LARS--You saw right through my little plan-still,surely a round of drinks works at whatever price ( Leon,leave me alone--I CAN pay,honestly )
ERIC--How is the world with you ?-still enduring that awful west coast sunshine -is not good for the skin they tell me.................
JAMES--How is the world with you ?--what progress on the layout-was looking good last I saw-have to admit,no progress at all on the South Ontario Bridge Line ,other than chasing away various rodents and spiders.............
Well gents,bedtime approaches-enjoy a drink or three at my expense-----what news of Trolleyboy ROB ????????
Hope to speak soon,regards to all,NICK
SPECIAL for GUNNERAL - Allan
Aboard! This cyber bar 'n grill is home to an international crew! We'd be proud to have you join the gang from Sweden - Canada - England - Wales - and the U.S. We've got ex-pats and home growns. We've got railroad aficionados and those who simply enjoy the subject of Classic Trains!
So, should your time permit - feel free to join us at the bar. We have a cast of characters who will soon make you feel at home along with an atmosphere hard to match here in the Ether!
Boris - ring the bell and let's toast our newfound friend from New Zealand! Leon - set up the bar!
Looking forward to some Classic Trains info from your part of the world!
Hi Pete, Tom and all of "Our' Place reborn! members,
Will take your advice and peruse the site more thoroughly, was just having a "nosey" through the forums and the bit about the London buses hit me.
I am an expat from Newcastle-on-Tyne, migrated from there in 1969, now retired and am trying to emulate David Haines superb model RR of the Raton Pass of the 50`s in N gauge.
If I can be of any help to you all regarding NZ railways info I will do my best to help.
Regards to you all, Allan
A pint of Felin Foel please RUTH as NICK as buying the weeks beer.
Gunneral ALLAN Many thanks for the info to Alexander Dennis. It is good to see a UK bus builder is alive and doing well. I well recall the name Dennis, as they have been building Fire Engines and equipment for many years.
I do hope you take up TOM's advice to have a look at us here at Our Place as it is a great place to discuss classic railway matters and it would be good to hear of things in NZ.
ERIC. I was going to say Aerotrain for the bell (HONEST) but I had a look back of the photo of her at St Louis and decided the nose was too big as the bell seems pretty near the front of the cowling, great photo.
CM3 Liked the competition.
The answer to the Hill Street Blues quiz is James B. Sikking, he played Lt Howard Hunter in the Blues and Captain Stiles of the U.S.S. Excelsior in Star Trek III movie.
You are right about TV shows; it was cookery programmes then no end of DIY shows I tremble to think what the next craze will be. Luckily we have Turner Classic Movies.
Looking forward to the report of the Menta Pro Musical Summer Pops Concert starring BORIS, that will have the critters in the Can-Am gorge howling.
LARS Thanks for the round, glad you made it back home OK and you had a great Father's Day.
Looks like you have caught me out with my weekend dalliances; it is mainly Michigan Quarters in the pay tub anyway.
I won't say anything about the Dollar-Pound exchange rate, as when I do it sinks faster than a lead balloon.
Enjoyed the round up of the North American sport, talking of football, it is just over a month before the English football (soccer) starts again (August 11th). The team I Support, Shrewsbury Town F.C. has even got a picture of a match in the latest (British) Railway Magazine as they are moving to a new ground, and the old ground, was adjacent to the railway line. You could watch trains and football at the same time. The line was quite popular with steam specials a few years ago, but they are not so many run on that line today.
TOM I will have to give the "Nick" competition some thought. When Nick says in his post "You wouldn't want to know where I have been", Oh yes we would.
I have had a look at some photos and although I cannot find a list of the VIA class 64XXs liveries. The photo of loco 6401 is in Spiderman livery but the only photos of 6400 are in VIA rail colors. I wonder if a locomotive was painted for the latest Spiderman film.
Thanks for the list of the Dirty Dozen film locations. It is a fair time since I have seen the film so the scene where the soldiers were training on a railway line may be from another film.
We had quite a few heavy showers through here yesterday; no doubt ERIC could have done with one in Arizona. The bride likes the Cards to win providing they are not playing the Royals, the owner of Pat's Place is a big Cards fan and we may have to go down there if the Royals take a big lead tonight. (I know any excuse)
Great photos from the great dinner we had at Erio's, and we look no worse for wear after the Rendezvous. The plaque is by my puter. Attended, Participated, Survived and Thoroughly Enjoyed the Festivities.
Another brew from the Llanelli South Wales Brewery please RUTH
Pete.
Thanx to Shane 'n Lars for the AM visits!
FINAL Pix from the
2nd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis:
Saturday - May 19, 2007
Plaques for Da Boyz!
Plaque for Da Bride! <from Da Boyz!>
Carol ‘n Pete at Erio's Italian Ristorante - St. Peter's MO
Doug ‘n Eric
Sunday - May 20, 2007
Farewell to Eric at the hotel in Chesterfield
Farewell to Doug at the St. Louis Amtrak "station"
That's it!
Ruth, my deAH, you are as radiant this fine day as the sun itself! A round on me for the gang, treats for the crittAHs - tray of seed for Awk, bucket of cubes for Frostbite, saucer of brine for Tex and a LARGE jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris! For me, I think a tankard of Rheingold will do along with one of those snack trays. The change is yours, you sweet thang you! <blush>
And so, back where it all began for me. Home again and it has taken no time at all to find ourselves back in the routine of life on "the island." Hope that father's day was as pleasant for you as it was in my digs. Each year it simply gets bettAH at the Larsman hut. Don't know if we were being "prepped" for another trip AWAY, or . . . but to be serious, it was a fine day and really enjoyed being in and amongst the family once again.
Was I surprised to see the emergence of one named nickinwestwales - Nick! Where in the world have you been, mate??? Ah, but I see there's a "contest" of sorts brewing . . . pretty good stuff I see from our Cap'n and also Shane. Well, wherever Nick has been AND whatever he's been doing, my guess is we'll be let in on it - bit by bit. Good to see ya again and hope that you'll find a way to rejoin this energetic, but small, group of earstwhile bar flies at the best of the cyber bars!
I see we have a WEEK of rounds on our friend from Wales - but paying for it in Sterling, hmmmmmm. Hey wait a minute! "Their" money is worth a heckuvalot more than ours! Go for it, mate - go for it! Don't let the exchange rate get in the way - just "do it" without regard to differences! <grin>
That Lionel Poster post on Father's Day was terrific! Really "said" it all. 5- Salute to our Cap'n!
A visit from a guy half a world away and in New Zealand at that! I think that's a first for us and in keeping with a "wish" our Cap'n has had for a long time. Get an Aussie and a Kiwi on board . . . that would be great fun! Well, as the policy is to refrain from doing "back flips" based on one visit and one post - let's see if our visitor returns . . .
Needless to say I've enjoyed ALL of the pix provided by our leader. The rendezvous shots are terrific and those from the Canadian trip have been "right there" as well. Honestly don't know how you do it, Cap'n Tom, but you've really been putting forth lots of energy in getting those pix to us. Many thanks, mate and always know that your efforts are what keeps me coming back.
Got the rendezvous emails and surely looks great to see things falling into place so quickly. Thanks for providing them for me as "info" and I'm hoping that as the time moves on, perhaps I can be moved up to "To" which would mean I'm coming. We'll see . . . . Long range thinking ‘n planning would have us away in May, down in the Keys is my guess. Another guess is we WON'T be in California!! <groan>
On the sports front, I'm at a loss for words with what's happened to the World Champs! Good grief Charlie Brown! This surely can't be the same bunch that destroyed my Mets in the playoffs and embarrassed the Tigers in the series. Unbelievable what a new season can bring, huh??
So, we're in mid June and the Red Sox are looking strong in the AL east, in spite of some PP play and games lately. Yanks should shoot for the wild card. Mets looking like, well the Mets! Couldn't believe their last few series, but there's quite a ways to go. As long as they finish AHEAD of those Hotlanta guys, that'll satisfy me.
Don't like inter league play any more. Getting really old and the ‘special' nature of it has been lost on the routine of Mets-Yanks, Cubs-White Sox, Cards-Royals, Giants-As, Dodgers-Angels, etc. Time to get back to separate leagues in all respects.
Saw where the Spurs wrapped up another NBA title. Awesome group for the round ball fans. Don't get much media attention, do they?? Not the dynasty of the Celtics of old, but when you look at the past 9 years, well, they've been "in it" more than not.
So the Ducks are the champs in hockey! I am 100% in agreement with those who feel that the NHL shouldn't be in places like SoCal, Arizona, Florida, Texas and places where shorts are worn by other than the players! Anyway, I must admit my surprise at how easily they dispatched the Senators from Ottawa. Really figured it to be a tough series. Anyone but me notice just how many games throughout the NHL playoffs and finals were decided by 1 goal??? A record, I'd think.
And then there's the football camps! Ah, not that far off for the sweat, tears and torn muscles of July-August. <groan>
For Pete: I'd say that YOU are in deep <doo doo> when it comes to the hours you put in versus the "scoop" taken out! No sympathy from me, mate. Work hard, play hard is the mantra for the galley slaves crew ‘round here! <grin>
For Eric: You'
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
We'll begin with OSPs postings.
Good information re the Dirty Dozen locations.
Let's see - a contest for Nick. O.K. (Circle appropriate answer)
He was
On the road
On the train
On the bus
Under the road (culvert crawling)
Under the train
Under the bus
I really enjoyed the pictures of the Clydesdales. They have them at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg as well. Many of the farmers in my father-in-law's part of the world keep work horses; Belgians, Percherons, etc. They are, indeed, magnificent beasts. He had horses as well b4 he got out of the farming side of things (age has a way of doing that). Barndad will appreciate this as he had Arabians and Morgans.
I truly enjoyed working with and around the Morgans as they have a real sense of humor. BTW, a great horse book for the younger set (or for those who like horses in general) is Justin Morgan Had a Horse. A lot of small logging operations up home use them as well as they selectively cut, and a horses are a lot less destructive than cutting a tote road and running heavy equipment. You can go see Morgans either at UNH or UVM if you are ever in New England.
James - Ultimate kitbashing for locomotives.
Pete - You have to remember that most audiences have the attention span of a fruit fly. Also, it's all about the $ - reality show production costs are a lot less. My guess is Daniel J. Travanti.
Eric - Missed the bell quiz (by a long way) - oh well, that's why we play. ALTV is, I think, the logo for Alternate TV. Anyway they do all kinds of old shows.
TVLAND is another good place for old shows. Wants watch "Mr. Ed?" Go there - I can hear Boris and the Mentor Pro Musica singing "A horse is a horse..." at their summer pops concert. They are still, I understand, clearing the area of unexploded ordnance from last year's Christmas Concert - but we may get to hear soemthing a little later this season. The Second Class Glee Club may be out on work-release after all - brush needs cut along the Mentor and Sounthern Narrow Gauge ROW.
Tuesday and the bar is open! Begin the day with some freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee, pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and a <light> or <traditional> breakfast too!
So, the man called NICK has returned. Now we need to figure out just what's been going on. Perhaps a CONTEST is in order. Ya know, WHERE HAS HE BEEN ‘n WHAT HAS HE BEEN DOING Could have a bit of fun with it. Hmmmmm, let's see - maybe a multiple "guess" would be appropriate:
Nick has been IN (a) spired (b) furiated (c) fatuated (d) jail
Nick has been DOING (a) naughty things (b) nice things (c) naughty-but nice things (d) the easy ones twice
Get the idea <grin>
CM3 Shane at 10:26 AM Monday - June 18th: Back with a fine compilation of this ‘n that - also great to have you aboard for our 3rd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in Chicago 2008!
Thanx for the DVD ‘n TV rundown . . . ‘round these parts, a DQ ice cream-log roll was the hi-lite for Moi!
Filling the AM "slot" is of significant help ‘round here - makes for time to do other things! Round, quarters ‘n chat most welcome!
James at 11:36 AM Monday - June 18th: Covered lots of ground with that inclusive Post of yours - well done!
Somewhere not all that far back on the Pages is the agenda for our 2nd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis - those hosses were featured for Saturday. Couldn't have had our Barn Weevil in St. Louis without making time to view ‘em. Good Gawd Gertie, don't wanna see ‘n hear a grown man cry!
Good luck with your new camera - I recall doing some research on the Rebel and it's indeed has a lot of capability.
Pete at 5:49 PM Monday - June 18th: Had a "doozy" of a thunderstorm roar through here about 4 PM - but all's settled down. Cards-Royals game is presently underway . . . not sure we'll make it through it, two poor teams playing a game with little or no meaning tonight. ‘Tis a long season. <groan>
Are you certain that BOTH of those F40PHs were in Spiderman livery I should know better than to doubt the word of Eagle Eye Pete - but I'd be surprised that they'd run two of ‘em together.
This may come as a surprise to ya, but I've watched so few Hill Street Blues episodes that my guess would be far off, fer sure, fer sure.
Nice thought regarding Nick and the Chief Chef situation, but we've a long way to go before the man declares he's ready to resume such a responsible position!
Regarding the movie, "The Dirty Dozen," here's the UK film locations:
Aldbury, Hertfordshire, England, UK (Devon village - Red Force Division 1 HQ)
Ashridge Management College, Little Gaddesden, Hertfordshire, England, UK (Marston-Tyne Military Prison - recruitment of the dirty dozen)
Ashridge Park, Little Gaddesden, Hertfordshire, England, UK (near)
Beachwood Park School, Markyate, Hertfordshire, England, UK (exteriors)
Chenies, Buckinghamshire, England, UK
Hendon Aerodrome, Hendon, London, England, UK (airbase)
Little Gaddesden, Hertfordshire, England, UK
MGM British Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, UK (Borehamwood, England) (studio)
Markyate, Hertfordshire, England, UK (exteriors)
<source: imdb.com>
"Roadrunner" cartoons have become a "cult" thing with so many . . .
Leon, tonight it is time for my Rumpsteak Café de Paris! Medium, please!
Monday again! Well, it's past Monday, one day closer to Friday!
Tom – No, no, I would never take any points from you! I’ll stay on the ground, you ride the horse! The MoPac picture was taken at the museum! You better put it on your list to see for your next visit! Your are right about the direction to the airport. Straight down!Glad you like the discs. I was thinking about putting all pictures on a DVD instead of three CDs, but I was not sure everyone had a DVD-drive in their computer so I played it safe. Ooops, I guess I was reading too fast or something. I was sure it was in Halifax you did the “organized march”. It must be the heat!Nice and beautiful pictures from Grant’s Farm! Good looking horses and a lot of green!Another batch of pictures from Halifax! I found Stealthy Pete in that picture, but I had to look twice. Not too many passengers. I understand there is one daily train to and from Halifax. Nice pictures, and the march doesn’t look organized at all!CM3 – We have rattlers here as well and we have Diamondbacks! Doing so and so this season. The bell in the picture is not sitting on or under the DD40. It’s located under the front of the Aerotrain. ALTV stands for what? I don’t think we have it on our cable. Too bad, because “Hill Street Blues” is one of my top favorite TV-shows! James – Rain? You should come here, we haven’t had any rain since mid April and then it was only .05”. I’ll be happy for some rain.Canon Rebel is a very good camera! Which one did you buy, the XTi? With 10.1 MP you will get pictures with very high resolution. Congratulations! What lens did you pick?Thanks for the info on TC&W! No, the bell is under the front of the Aerotrain! No points today. The cab signal was from the X2000.Pete – Sorry to say, but DD40 is not a good bet when it comes to that bell. The correct answer is the Aerotrain. The picture below is showing the location of the bell on a DD40.
I took the picture of the contrails from Texas Eagle when we were approaching St. Louis.
Pete,
Try the "Alexander Dennis" website, they make double decker buses for London Transport. Also the "London Transport Buses" site, they are currently trialing an electro-diesel bus similar to the petro-electric buses that were operated in the early 1900`s. Flexi-buses take up too much road space and are not very successful.
Hope you find that info helpful,
A round please RUTH to celebrate the return of NICK. Back mate.
We are getting a fair amount of thundershowers through here most of the afternoon so sorry this is a bit late.
JAMES.I enjoyed the details maps and photos of the Twin Cities & Western Railroad short line. Those diesels look great in that deep red livery, they will make good looking models. Many thanks for the link to the locomotive roster. I see the line was visited by some UP power, the first for some time it said.
We have had some different companies locomotives through here lately with CSX and NS power on some auto racks, making a change from the usual UP locos.
That is a good saying about model railroads there are so many diverse aspects of our hobby of Classic Trains.
DOUG The Pullman town is indeed something to look forward to on the 3rd Rendezvous.
Many thanks for the Town history and the photos.
ERIC. Tom has answered the question about the locos we had on the Halifax run. If I recall correctly VIA Rail locos # 6400 and 6401, which passed us, were in Spiderman livery as well.
Many thanks for the Rendezvous photos. The ones with the aircraft trails was a great shot.
I will be interested to learn of which locomotive that bell is from; I think the DD 40 AX suggested by CM3 is a good bet.
CM3 They were some great DVDs for father's day. To me Jeremy Brett was the Sherlock Holmes I pictured many many years ago when I first read the books from the library, although I read that playing the part had an adverse effect on Mr. Brett's health.
Hill Street Blues was another programme that was never missed at my home in England; it was on at 10PM on a Monday night. I wonder why they do not make programmes like Sherlock Holmes or Hill Street Blues anymore.
An easy Quiz Question. ‘Which actor, who played a Lieutenant in Hill Street Blues played a Captain in a different profession'.
TOM I think it is OK with LARS for me to have the last weekends off as, if I am not at the bar, I cannot tell if RUTH is there when CINDY has the bar duties.
Enjoyed reading the Canadian Part III again and many thanks for the Rendezvous and the Halifax photos. The horse in the first pic is the only one I think I would feel remotely safe on and I don't look to be up to any good in the waiting room at Halifax Station.
Don't like the sound of "Aggressive Snakes" at all.
Very good image for Father's Day.
Another must see week at the Emporium. No doubt there will be a lot of ACME products in the Roadrunner cartoon (I remember in one there was a crate and on the lid it said "Contents 1 ACME Wildcat"). The Dirty Dozen is a classic with a very strong cast indeed. Some of the film, if I recall correctly, was filmed on the BlueBell railway in Sussex England.
Perhaps with the return of NICK we will have a Head again.It is great to see NICK again
I hope you avoid the T-Storms we are having, if they do head that way it could well effect the Cards-Royals game tonight.
Well LEON another round please.
I see James was in this morning . . .
Continuing on with Pix from Day Three: Saturday - May 26th, 2007 - departing Halifax, Nova Scotia
Inside the VIA Rail Station at Halifax - waiting to board the Ocean
There's Pete!
The Ocean thru the glass doors
Now boarding!
Underway in the Renaissance service car - just leaving the station area
Farewell Halifax!
Of what used to be
G-day Tom and all present!
Ruth- Good to see you even if the weather is a little rainy. Could I get an OJ and a something Apple pastry! Thanks.
Well, I don't have a lot going on at the moment, so I decided to stop by and see how people are doing.
Doug- Well I think I lost that 1000 points.... It doesn't even spark a single thought in my mind. I think it's an old station of some kind but I'm not all too sure. It certainly has a bit of architecture stuck into it and that clock tower adds a bit of history to it.. ....... Oh so it's the Pullman administration and clock tower building..... I don't think I would have guessed that.. Well I tried to answer it above but I was not very close...... oh well. Thanks for the history behind that building and the surrounding grounds. Now I see why you would give a 1000 points.. There were nearly 1000 rowhouses... So you gave a clue with the amount of points. Smart. It looks like to me the clock tower burned and then was restored to its original state. Did it catch on fire Thanks for the rest of the neat photos.
Eric- Well the camera I got is Canon Rebel digital. I should be able to take some pretty nice pics with it. It should be here with in the next couple of days too!!!
The TC&W is located down in southern Minnesota. It's headquarters are out of Glencoe. So they pretty much hall anything from corn, beans, Alcohol/ E85 which is making them a huge amount of money!!, gravel, and other mixed goods. There just a neat little short line that I thought would be fun to model.
That bell.... Hmmmm, I'm going to take a guess and say it's under one of Amtrak's Genesis units... But that's not for sure. Also thanks for all of the neat pics from St. Louis. I see that the Missouri Pacific car is in need of a little help. She's starting to rust. Need to take it in and get it painted again. Then it will be back to it's original glory. Also your pic of the airplanes was funny. I don't think I would have thought of it that way. Thanks for all of the pics. Now I know the sight of in cab signals. Now lets see that train cruise along!!
Tom- Your words are very true. As long as it's inclusive and ummm.. keeps guys out of "trouble," it works for me. But I should get some nice looking pics. I am quite excited about that.
When it comes to model railroading there are no limits on creativity and artistic ability. It's whatever and wherever you want it. That's the beauty about modeling. If you can think of it, you can add it. I always liked this saying, "I wish my model railroad could be as diverse as my knowledge of trains." And I don't remember were I heard that from either. But I like it.
Also thanks for the article of the Canadian rail journey. You certainly saw some land changes while on your trip in Canada. You could be seeing mountains one day and a sea the next. That's what makes traveling by train so exciting. By plane you miss it all and by car... well I guess you could go by car but the train seems a little more inviting to me. That way you can sit back and enjoy the ride.
Ah yes, And fathers day was here on Sunday. My dad was happy to come home and enjoy the little token presents we got him and of course a couple of steaks. It was fun. It's a little late but Happy fathers day to all those out there.
I see horses!! And some nice horses too... "Hay" wait one darn minute.. Is that a Budweiser sign.. So went to see the horses and see the beer too. Maybe Leon and Ruth should look into this!!
CM3- Well I know that the GP30C came from the SOO Line and then was painted into the TC&W scheme. They were originally built from GP30s but mostly resemble a GP35. I also know that the GP20C was rebuilt in the early 80s for the TC&W. Yet I cannot find a locomotive that matches this loco. I have looked at many locos and this GP20C has a GP20 with a GP38 stuck in with it. I suppose they put a locomotive together so it could handle the CAT engine in it. The GP15C they have doesn't really resemble much. The loco sits on a GP35 walkway and cab with a mix loco parts and pieces to make the body of the GP15C. But I plan on tackling the GP15C next, after I have finished painting the GP30C I just built. I will have pics of it for you guys on Wednesday.
Nick- Is that you!!!??? I can't remember the last time I talked to you!! It's good to see you back. But like Tom said, I will also be waiting for your next post. But glad you popped in.
Happy railroading
James
Good to see CM3 Shane on board this morning! Email received 'n responded to - thanx!
MORE Pix from the
Grant's Farm - home of the Budweiser Clydesdales!
The Barn Weevil at Grant's Farm
Eric found a friend!
Da Boyz
Different hoss, same pose! <grin>
More later . . .
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house, and $ for the jukebox. Very warm here today with humidity to go with the heat. I will be around this week so will try and cover the a.m. as best as I can.
Nick's back? As Capt. Jack once said, "Why is the rum always gone?"
OSP sent tons of pictures and a good movie choice. I ran the table on Father's day; "Man for all Seasons," "Becket," and 1 4-DVD set of "Return of Sherlock Homes," with Jeremy Bret. Incidentally, "Dirty Dozen" reminds me of some of my classes "back in the day." Also, I remember those Lionel catalogs- wore the covers off of 'em!
Pete - Yes, I do remember the "Frost Report."
Eric Thanks for the pictures. You are correct re the DC streetcars. We have snakes around here; mostly nonpoisonous, but we do have rattlers and copperheads, so one must be careful when out and about by the tracks. Guess in the bell - DD40?
DL stopped by - good to hear from you.
Fergie also stopped by good to hear from you as well.
James sent some most interesting TC&W material. The shortlines or regionals have a lot to recommend them as they are small enough to understand, yet large enough to have some variety. The TC&W color scheme is very similar to that of the Ohio Central. We must find out more about a couple of those modified units.
Barndad - I guessed the Pullman Bldg. but your answer was posted way before this reply. Anyway, as a "Captain of Industry," I'm ready to go - I assume we travel there by office car?
A couple of general comments. The sign for the GG1 was pretty comprehensive, although folks often forget that they ran as far west as Harrisburg and also to Amboy on Jersey Coast trains. If you can find a copy of Don Wood's excellent book I Remember Pennsy, you will find a good selection of pictures taken around Amboy - that's another place on my time machine list, folks.
Last, Boris helped me (thanks for holding the light, buddy) to find the C&O steam file(s) in the east wing.
Now we can add a little more to Mike's Union Station shot of C&O 485. This was a class F-18 Pacific. It was part of a group (C&O 480-485) built at Alco- Richmond in 1923. It had 46,900 pound tractive effort. Incidentally C&O got a bunch of locomotives in 1923. These included, in addition to the F18s, C&O 1495-1519 Class H-6, 2-6-6-2s, all built at Alco-Schenectady, and a p[air of Class J-2 4-8-2s (C&O 548-549 which came from Alco-Richmond.
Incidentally, did anyone happen to see the most excellent piece, "Hll of Fame Dad" which ran on ESPN - every so often they cut through all of the usual bull and do something decent.
Also, for those of you who get ALTV on cable, they are running episodes of "Hill Street Blues," the last network-produced show that I would make plans to watch.
work safe
A smile to begin the week!
I'm so hungry right now I can't even look at food.
<A Yogi-ism!>
It's that day again <groan> Monday! However, brighten up your spirits a bit with a selection of a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board, freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee and a pastry or two from The Mentor Village Bakery!
Hope all of you Dad's out there enjoyed "your day" and also if you're fortunate enough to have YOUR Dad in the world, had the chance to visit or chat . . .
Having major access problems to the Forums . . . began at 5:30 AM (Central) and it's been over 2 hours trying . . . Both ‘puters . . . all other web sites "work" fine. <geesh>
WHAT!?!?! Nick has returned . . . See below . . .
Eric at 2:53 PM Saturday - June 16th: A daylight visit from our Resident Desert Swede!
Ruth was "in"???? Hmmmmm, Cindy works on Saturdays! Thought I heard some "rustling ‘round" up in the Penthouse Suite - perhaps I should've checked . . . <grin>
IF what you said holds true regarding those "points" from Doug - YOU may have my turn on the horse! <uh oh> I love animals, but for some reasons, hosses and Moi - welllllll, I'll ride trains thanx!
VIA Rail operates the Ocean between Montreal ‘n Halifax 6 days per week, both ways. No departures either way on Tuesdays. Given the ridership on that route, a 7th day would appear to be warranted, but I think it's more of an equipment and personnel situation than anything else - plus, funding is dwindling, dwindling, dwindling in terms of the government subsidy. Been that way for well over a decade or more . . .
Email received - many thanx!
An interesting spate of fotos, fer sure, fer sure!
Bell??? Why that's the "world famous" girder bell in St. Louis!
Where was the MoPac Pix taken If that was at the StL MoT, I missed it!!
And the direction to the airport is DOWN! <grin>
By the by, I got through Disc #1 of your Rendezvous Pix - really appreciate the effort you put into the "project" - all look fine to me and rounds out the experience, fer sure, fer sure! In stark contrast to the 2006 Rendezvous where the foto exchange just didn't materialize. Nicely done, Eric!
Nick at 8:23 PM ‘n 9:14 PM Sunday - June 17th: What?!?!?! Is it REALLY our man from West Wales I'll believe it when I see another visit.
The welcome mat is always out for you, Mate - but I warn you, things have changed a bit since your last "regular" attendance. But then again, what or who hasn't, eh <grin>
Eric at 1:22 AM Monday - June 18th: The "All Eric Show" continues as the mid-June doldrums have set in. Weekends are getting longer, the guys are getting "scarcer" but thanx to our Nocturnal Resident Desert Swede, there's still life on them thar stools! <grin>
No, the "organized march" was in Ottawa, not Montreal. The "organized pandemonium" worked well in Montreal! <grin>
Those mystery Pix are mind benders!
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
Thursday is Fish ‘ Chips Nite!
Friday is Pizza ‘n Beer Nite! - and - Steak ‘n Fries Nite!
Saturday is Steak ‘n All The Trimmings Nite!
Dinner begins at 5 PM so come early ‘n often!
Cindy is now our Saturday bartender!
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
So, there it is, the slot. Put this in and back home to get some sleep before the new work week starts.
Doug – I don’t know how I managed to miss your post Saturday! But I certainly did. Now I have read it and looked at the pictures. I should have checked about Pullman trying to identify the building in your picture, but I didn’t even though I knew it was from the Chicago area. I have a book about Pullman and I am sure there are some pictures of it in that book. Anyway, the facts about Pullman are very interesting. Too sad they are no longer around. But I guess the market for passenger cars are not that big anymore. I think Pullman State Historic Site would be an interesting place to see next year. Tom – Organized march to the train doesn’t sound like any fun at all. Was it the same procedure this year? Obviously the same rules in Canada as in the old country for engineers operating a train involved in an accident (or suicide), immediately taken out of service. It is not a good experience. Nice trip report!Good movies on the Emporium Theahtre this week! One of my favorite cartoons, the Roadrunner, and a good war movie, the Dirty Dozen! I have seen them both and I actually believe I have seen Time Out for Rhytm as well! I’ll be happy to see all three again!Thanks for the Happy Father’s Day wishes and a belated Happy Father’s Day to you!Nick – Nice to see you again, Sir! I am sure Leon and the ladies are prepared to accept sterling currency! Looking forward to more visits in the near future!
Clear!
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