"Our" Place reborn! 3rd Year of adults 'n REAL Classic Trains in a special environment!

[coalminer3]

Good Morning Barkeep and All Present; coffee, please (New England Four Seasons Blend) and slide the donut tray this way - thank you!  Round for the house and $ for the jukebox. 

Interesting night for fans of things Boston in sports.  The World's Serious game was a dandy - lots of inside stuff which I like - hit behind the runner, pick offs, and some insane relief pitching.  Then, right across the mountain we had Boston College and Virginia Tech - what a finish there!  Also (hang on to your fez's, the Bruins won!  Holy Cow! (Sorry Harry, wherever you are).  Shaping up to be an interesting weekend, too.

Classic Trains arrived this a.m.  I won't comment on any of the stories except to say that one of them has a great photo of the DL&W at Lackawanna Terminal in Buffalo.

Now let's look at the stack of stuff.

Rob - Thanks for the information on the Witts.

Pete - UP has a couple of steam engines in service, of course.  I believe, however, that 8444 is the only one that was not "retired."  I'll do some looking on headboards.  Over here, they were used to display the train name, rather than the route.

Eric - They add, change, and delete pages in the bar rules at will.  It's like the "book" in baseball.  The "book" exists but nobody has ever seen a copy.  Lovely MP cab; one of the last before they got swallowed up, IIRC. 

Lars - Appreciate the bookmobile materials.  I don't know how you know the results of the darts match yet.  We'll have to see what the reporter submits.  Remember his comment about "fog of war" yesterday - it may have something to do with the refreshments and other entertainments - I'm anxiously awaiting his dispatch. 

OSP - MacArthur and corncob pipes.  You got on that one ahead of me.  A Missouri Meerschaum loaded with Prince Albert - a manly smoke for sure.  Enjoyed your story abt. seegars on the bridge - worked good, I bet - haven't seen a mosquito yet.  Kinda like Boris's snakebite medicine, I guess.  2600^th post?  I had no idea (of, course lots of folks say that)

As for cutters, that brought "revenue cutters" to mind.  The following website has lots of neat material - check it out, folks, there's a lot of history. 

http://www.uscg.mil/history/webcutters/USRC_Photo_Index.html

work safe

Boris?  Boris?  Oh, there you are - There's smoke coming out of the vents on the Marconi - give it a good thump on top - thanks - maybe that will will allow the next message to get through - I hope that our reporter has not been surrounded (or worse fallen into the settling ponds behind the building).

[coalminer3]

Were Off to See What?

Greetings from our studios high atop Majestic Mount Mentor.  We begin this report with a travelogue. 

There is, of course, a garage beneath the studio which houses a variety of vintage motor cars.  Some of them work and some don't - sort of like a lot of people we know.  Anyway, at an early hour, Boris donned his motoring togs and went out to fire up the Packard.  As luck would have it, it wouldn't start.  Problem seemed to be something having to do with mice in the magneto or was it a dormouse in the distributor?   Anyway, we have Artie looking into the situation.  His motivation is that he gets to eat what he finds. 

The Locomobile was out of the question as it was on blocks because earlier we had to swap out the tires and put then on the Packard.  The Pierce Arrow, usually, the choice of all upscale Mentorians is being saved for the victory celebration. 

So that left us with the Crosley.  You think its easy fitting Boris, your intrepid reporter, a variety of mascots, food hampers, ammunition boxes, etc. into a Crosley?  Anyway we got down the hill, crossed the rope bridge and successfully negotiated all of the Mentor Defense Force checkpoints with a modicum of trouble.  They are easily distracted, believe me - I think it was because they had been training so hard, that they never even opened their eyes when we passed by.

Our first stop was to obtain our media credentials - a snappy-looking gold-painted railroad spike on a length of chain - certainly a well-balanced and potentially useful item should the fun-loving fans and contestants get a little rowdy.  We will keep it close to hand throughout the tournament.

Even Boris was concerned as he changed from his usual brogans to the steel-tipped ones.  He's been around and can take care of himself, but he always does things correctly.  I almost said by the numbers, but the last time he did that he got 10 to 20 with time served. 

Boris's rules of engagement are simple.  He makes sure there is at least one good escapeway, never sits with his back to a door or window, and always carries plenty of bail money and wild boar jerky in case we run short of rations.

Thus fortified, we were ready to begin.

Our first stop was the section of the media area which was behind the razor wire.  The Second Class team in an electric (no Boris, ecelectic) crew this year.   

FIRST EDITOR'S NOTE - This dispatch arrived earlier today but it was seriously fragmented because of solar flares, we appreciate your forbearance

Media Circus Maximus -1, or Things Always Sound Better in Latin

IMWWDT media day can be a dangerous proposition because the contestants are getting tanked (make that warmed up).  We made sure that our media credentials were at the ready and that our PPE was functional.

As mentioned above, our first stop was at the Second Class's training venue and dip pens where Mt. Man Mike (MM for short) was actually in a jovial mood (for him) as he was using a fine file rather than the wood rasp on his teeth.  Sorry Boris, I didn't mean to confuse you about second being first.  Think of it in terms of Pullman car prices back in the day - the price of the upper was lower because it was higher.  Got it?  Good work! 

We greeted him carefully, but before we could talk about his team and its chances, he wanted to show me the latest acquisition in camp décor. Your jaded reporter was actually impressed because what I thought to be tiki torches turned out to be heads on sticks.  The Second Class Owner, GM and first alternate explained that this decoration served a four-fold purpose. 

First, it was to inspire his team (he said that he had told Mo, Rock, Lance, and Doug that this was what would happen to them if they didn't win this year).  This is the kind of stuff your reporter likes to find out - strategy and intent, right Awk?  After all, you never know the questions a good cross-examiner might ask.

Second was to intimidate the Our Place team.  Your reporter casually observed that given the usual state/condition of the Our Place d'artistes, seeing one more skull floating in the air wasn't going to make a whole lot of difference.  MM carefully considered the proposition brought forward by your reporter, and remarked, "It's the thought that counts, I believe in leading by example, smoke ‘em if you got ‘em."  I noticed he does have a corncob pipe.

The third purpose was to get a jump on Halloween.  MM is truly a party animal (stress on the animal) as he said reflectively, "The holidays seem to start earlier every year."

The fourth purpose was to as he put it, "Inspire the guys in Oakland."  I had Boris make a note of that so we can board the private car and travel west to see whassup with the Raiders.

Your inquiring reporter then asked for a rundown on the team and how MM thought they would do.  He said that, "They were all run down before we drafted them - think of it as road kill."  That, of course, made Boris and Artie hungry. 

MM said, "Just look at ‘em; new uniforms this year (fresh hides - kind of rough smelling in damp weather), and we even got chromed chains and buffed the maces and tridents.  We're ready."  This appraisal was reinforced by a chorus of grunts, screams, wheezes, gurgles, and gasps from the training area.

It was clear that our interview was at an end because it was feeding time, so we headed on to the Our Place site to see what they were doing

ANOTHER EDITOR'S NOTE:  The transmission broke up here, but rest assured that as soon as we finish massaging the voice print, we will have some up close and personal material about the Our Place folks and their alibis, strike that, Frostbite, I think he meant plans and intentions.  The last little bit that did get through mentioned that our intrepid reporter was going to load up the Crosley and move streetside for the parade and pep rally as soon as he got done with the visit to the Our Place camp -  the parade is generally a good one.

 

 

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

Some activity this morning - which of course is good, actually GREAT considering the events of last nite!

Some quickie responses . . .

No, no, no - Lars didn't "spill the beans," Shane - methinks you've read more into his comments than are there. Of course he KNOWS who won - he was there!!! He was on the team!!! <geesh> What in the world are YOU putting into that corn cob pipe <uh oh>

Received your Email 'n responded - Dan!

Lars you look like a penny waiting for change . . . how in the world did you ever manage to lift Mountain Main Mike off the deck like that Not a gentle <or gentile> landing either! <yikes>

Surely glad I remained in control of my faculties - being Proprietor 'n Chief Barkeep, gotta remain on top of things. Anyway, we all eagerly await the "news" . . . .

Now for another installment of . . . .

Six to Go! Number Four

Rural America

 

Fall colors beginning to show in central Missouri

 

Eastbound Ann Rutledge - running late <what's new!>

 

Missouri National Guard vehicles near Jefferson City

 

 

Wolfman boarding - and he IS wearing the hat I bought him!! <wow>

* * * * *     * * * * *     * * * * *

More later . . . six at a time!

Enjoy!

Tom

[JanOlov]

Greetings Master Tom and fellow Knights Of The Golden Turntable.....

May I please have some black Java please and usual top up with cigars for the troops....? Here's some $$$$ for yourself....

I'm just back from town after giving blood, not to worry, I used my left arm since I'm right handed.... I see that the party is in full swing outside for our latest Championship...should still be able to give a good fight at the bar with beers and grub...

  

I thought that I'd stay off the booze for at least another 5 minutes, don't you agree folks?

coalminer3, Soooo.....does it work like for every outer ring you down a dram, inner ring two drams and bullseye three drams...hmmm?? Or am I thinking of a completely different sport?

Tom, those are some serious nice pics mate? Can't remember ever heard Missouri as "Old Muddy", probably one of many nicknames on the river and I guess that Mississppi and the others have some as well... 

pwolfe, still working hard mate.....would hate to be unfit to the big tournament at hand.....              

trolleyboy, thanks for clearing that up for me mate...too many years from school ya know.... One thing though, isn't moose and elk the same animal?? I've always had trouble with those two, keeping them apart and all that...

EricX2000, I'm cool mate......I think or I hope I am....what do you mean being safe or almost safe..?   

Tom, six more pics to enjoy good man....!  I've been informed that keeping everybody topped up and well fed is hard work, so I thought that I'd come prepared....

Da Larsman, nice covers as always mate! I do NOT know what you're talking about...beer, team, running, me??   

Can I have that beer now, please?  

[DL - UK]

Hello Tom and all in

I'll have a pint of Harvey's Bitter please, and a look at the menu for Friday since it is the end of the week.

Jan - thanks for your comments.

Tom - you certainly had good weather on your trip - it shows in the pictures very well - nice light always makes a great picture. I've learned to try and avoid taking pics on dull overcast days (like you get in England) as it always end up with disappointing results.

Thanks for the corn pipe explanation - sometimes the obvious is not what you think of!

Pete - Holden's mild was at the beer festival here - I enjoyed some - very good!

Incidentally I have been leant a copy of Rolt's Red for Danger which I am reading (this is presumably still doing the rounds with someone) - very good book. I have now finished his book Railway Adventure about saving the Tallylyn narrow gauge line back in 1951 - a really good read.

We are agreed on Bristol - it is the curve of the roof that made me think of it too.

Rob - Yes, I enjoyed the Warplane museum - I wanted to see the aircraft my late uncle had flown during his Commonwealth Air Training stint in Canada and afterwards - and apart from a  Short Sunderland they had an example of every type there. I was surprised so many were in working order, and we were lucky in that because the next day many planes were going down to the Brantford (?) Air show so would not have been there for us to see. The Mitchell bomber was fired up to warm up the engines - and that was great to see and hear. The Lanc was towed out to make space but not fired up - which was shame. Two weeks after I got back here the RAF flying Lanc flew low over our house 3 times on a lap of the city here - what a site and sound!

Thanks for the info on the ONR stock - I'd be interested in seeing some pictures of the cars ‘back in the day' in their NYC, CNR or VIA guise (I suppose we need link man Mike to find those....)

I knew some of the other cars were ex GO - they have been really well rebuilt, with the only criticism being that the windows are rather small and do no line up with the seats inside. Since there were no reservations though I made sure we got seats with good windows.

What will happen to ONR services if Ontario Province sell the system? I would imagine that would put them at risk. I was impressed by their services on what must have been low income.

Eric - your comment on the ONR ex TEE cars got me thinking - along with Rob's thoughts - so I did a bit of research on the cars. Of course you were right to say they were Dutch (also swiss) - turns out they are historically important because they were the first TEE generation SBB / NS RAM 1 type.

I always used to think the TEE sest looked stylish when I saw pictures of them in old railway magazines of the 60s.

I found some sites well worth looking at - some of the pages are in ducth or german (which I can't translate) but they are amply sullied with great pictures and well worth a look - I'm putting them sepertly to avoid wide page probs.

I'm off to London tomorrow - booked on an early train with a seat reserved in the dining car for breakfast. Should be a good trip.

All the best

DL

 

[DL - UK]

Another beer please - now we move on: 

Have a look at the following selection which shows the cars and the massive effort to get them back to Europe for restoration and the problems that then ensued.

Here's an interesting story of a second generation TEE restored and operated as a preserved unit in Switzerland (not the same as the ONR sets though):

http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/specials/modern_switzerland/detail/Vintage_TEE_train_back_on_track.html?siteSect=2251&sid=4652102&cKey=1074680230000&ty=st

Here's background on the TEE network for anyone unfamiliar with this classic European train concept from the ‘classic era' :

http://homepages.cwi.nl/~dik/english/public_transport/TEE/history.html

History of the ONR TEE cars - with some good links showing their ‘rescue'

http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/RGodby/trains/northlander.htm

An extract:

"After nearly 4 million kilometres of service they were retired from European service when electrification of the entire TEE system was completed in the early 1970's. Many view these diesel powered units as historically significant because they are an example of the first generation of high(er) speed passenger trains that Europe has since become famous for.

The power coaches were built in Holland by Werkspoor (this fact later led to the pun "works poor" when referring to the recurring power coach problems experienced in their later years on the ONR!)"

ONR TEE in Europe in the classic era - also explains their Dutch lineage as Eric mentioned:

http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/RGodby/trains/Northlander/TEEI_Europe.htm

Here's an extract about the planned preservation and an obscure link to the Britsh Class 50 -  (I don't think anything ever coame of this plan)

"As the power coaches were ultimately scrapped in 1984 (click here for photo), it is now planned that a new power coach be constructed using one of the two pilot coaches and a former Class 50 diesel from British Rail."

Some pictures of the remarkable journey back to Europe from Canada

Some pictures of the remarkable journey back to Europe from Canada

http://www.northlander.de/english/index-e.htm

with pictures inside one big ship!

http://www.northlander.de/english/gal-e.htm

Scroll down this page for a report (in English) on a fire in the cars at North Bay in 2005 which does not suggest there is much hope for them (did you know about this Rob? Did it happen since you last saw them?):

http://www.nicospilt.com/Canada.htm

This Dutch site has some superb pictures of them back in the day on TEE trains in Europe during the 1960s - well worth a look:

http://www.nicospilt.com/Diesel_TEE.htm

Also pictures showing the units in 2006 still in ONR livery but presumably back in Europe and having undergone some restoration - I've no doubt if you can translate the Dutch it will explain!

Further down the page it seem to be getting a re spray into the original red livery in 2007.

Some real info on the restoration - quite a saga but very interesting:

http://www.stichtingtee.nl/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.informatief_showPage&selid=1&mn_Id=6

A site in German dedicated to the TEE - good pictures.

http://www.tee-classics.ch/00.html

Anyway - plenty of reading matter there - but interesting.

DL

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

Proprietor's Comments: <uh oh>

I'm noticing that we are still seeing a bit of unwillingness to use the Forums to best advantage. <Thus far today, Lars, Shane 'n Dan are excused from this tirade!>

We used to have a guy who frequented this place with once per day visits. He complained quite a bit about being overwhelmed with the material "backed up." In my off-line Emails to him, I explained over 'n over about using the RELOAD/REFRESH feature on his browser to get the most current Postings. He just wouldn't do it - so when he visited, he'd always be a "day late 'n a dollar short!" So no wonder he was always behind the curve - by the time he answered the comments directed to him, they'd be days old . . .

Soooooooo, if the shoe fits! USE the RELOAD/REFRESH button on your browser BEFORE 'n AFTER making your Post!

* * * * *     * * * * *     * * * * *

 

 

Here they are, the final fotos (36 including these) from my Oct 23rd Amtrak adventure with Wolfman Pete - six at a time of course!

<Oh there are many others - however, for the guys <guyz> who have been with us all along, no point in boring you with more of the same - you've seen the sights in previous trip reports!>

 

 

 

Six to GO! Number Five 'n Final

<Trip report on Page 130>

 

Eastbound Amtrak #316 <formerly westbound #311> coming back from the Wye at KCity

 

The scene of the crime - Amfleet Café Car 'n Business Class!

 

Waiting to board

 

Lady driver for Amtrak #316 (St. Louis Mule)

Proprietor Tom in KCity <camera still works!>

 

Wolfman Pete in KCity <does this man really NEED more than 3 Sam Adams >

 

 

* * * * *     * * * * *     * * * * * 

 

Enjoy!

Tom

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

OOH ME HEAD a mug of coffee for now RUTH and perhaps I may manage a bacon sarnie later. I will load a barrel of Bathams XXX on the bus for a quick top up between the Second Class Saloons offerings tonite. I am going over a bit early in one of Vito the Hits cabs, as I am having a ride on the RDCs that leave by the Saloon before Match 2.

ROB Thanks for the info on the FP7s, I had not realized they had been re-engined with CAT engines. I guess there is quite a difference in sound between those and the ones with the original engines.

Liked the photo of the Witt streetcar, I managed to get a photo of an old car working in San Francisco, among the PCCs.

Any info on this car would be great. We had a ride back on the trolleys and I was hoping it would be this one, but I dare not get the bride to wait for it any longer as we had let a couple pass

ERIC It was a good idea to have a coffee in the middle of the darts contest; if I had I might be able to remember what went on.

Good news the line in Tucson is to be extended. It seems a lot of light rail schemes open new extensions, once they can get the first one built.

It is great to see a lot of the cabooses are to be found near stations when they finished in railroad service. I suppose the railroads donated them.

LARS Glad you can remember some of what went on last night, it is a blank to me. I promised myself I would stay sober in case there was a ‘wardrobe malfunction' with one of the cheerleaders but that notion went about the third Bathams XXX.

Great Canadian National and Pacific Railway bookcovers, the ‘Facilities' book looks an interesting read even an RDC on the cover.

CM3 Sorry I was not too clear on the headboards, the boards that had the destination were on the side of the carriages, in BR days the headboard on the locomotive had the train name. Some of the pre-grouping railways like the North British did have the destination on the front of the locomotive. The BR diesel multiple unit had a destination blind from the start.

Many thanks for the link to those Eighteenth and Nineteenth century Revenue Cutters.

Our intrepid reporter is on very fine form, and it is great to read that BORIS's driving skills have improved. MM does seem in a very mellow mood (for him). Looking forward to further reports.

JAN Hope for a speedy recovery on your arm ready for to night. As you say it is a hard job keeping the team supplied, I think the track gang are coming over tonight as well to give support.

A local brewery in Kansas City has a brew call ed Muddy MO Stout, quite good it is too.

DL Yes Holden's mild is a great pint to start an evening with. There is a Holden's pub that has been set up in the old station buildings at Codsall, the 2^nd station out from Wolverhampton on the line to Shrewsbury. When I was there last there was a manual signalbox and semaphore signals but I think they were due to replaced, so may not be there now. The Great Western pub near Wolverhampton station is a Holden's house they also sell Bathams bitter there. Alan tells me Holden's Golden Glow as finished high up in its class in the CAMRA Beer of the Year awards.

Glad you are enjoying Red for Danger. L.T.C. Rolt is a very good author I think.

Many thanks for the links to the TEEs; they were very stylish trains that made quite an impact in Britain in the railway press. That is an interesting shunting locomotive in front of TEE 1900 in the great set of photos.                 

TOM We have heard from our friends in Poway and fortunately there home is safe although they know people who have lost theirs, as you say, a very sad time for the folks in that area.

Yes my fall in Denver is a good tale for the Rendezvous, enough to say I honestly thought I had broke my ankle, but you would have admired my British spirit, if you had seen me hobble up the steps to view the cab of the Big-Boy in the museum there.

I don't think the bride h

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

Just to get a leg up on the Posts . . .

Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative)

Friday - 26 Oct 2007:

Lars (LoveDomes) at 8:16 AM: An early start for a guy who had such a HUGE nite out! Hmmmmm, my guess is you never hit the sack . . . for sleep that is! <uh oh>

Swedish yodeling!?!! I don't wanna know! <yikes>

Surprised - but pleased - that you were able to put those fine Canadian railway bookcovers together. Nice job!

CM3 Shane (coalminer3) at 9:50 AM & 10:30 AM: Two appearances, but THE "report" didn't come <yet> . . . ohhhhhhhhhhh well. I suppose it's being walked down the mountain, eh Not a problem, for those of us who were THERE know all about what transpired at the 1^st nite of the Dart's Challenge ‘n Grudge Match! The rest of ya will just have to wait . . . <grin> <grimace> <groan>

Got a kick out of the Ace Reporter's offerings . . . with the promise of more coming keeping me <and others> on the edge of our seats. <wonder where that expression came from?> Anyway, tonite we're at The Second Class Saloon with no World Series game to distract us.

Thanx for the two visits - rounds ‘n quarters on this chilly ‘n overcast day in mid-continent USA!

Blues dropped one to the Blue Jackets <interesting name, eh > So much for the "promise" of better things to come . . . <arrrrrrrrrgggggggghhhhhhhh>

Jan (JanOlov) at 10:56 AM: I'm beginning to think of you as our "teenager in residence," don't know WHY, but the symptoms are all about! <grin>

Of course we know better - appreciate the top up, et al!

By the by, our security cameras have "it" all recorded . . . you outran 'em to a point, then . . . <ugh> not pretty!

Dan (DL-UK) at 8:33 AM & 11:45 AM & 11:50 AM: All kinds of good material to become engrossed in ‘n with! While we've seen quite a bit of "Tee" info on Pages past over on the Original Thread - it's definitely a winner to see more, especially given the conversation that has sprung up . . .

Your trip to London sounds delightful - especially with a breakfast aboard the train!

And oh yes, corn cobs have "other uses," but not for discussion in this "family bar"!! <uh oh>

Interesting that I did NOT get the "wide page phenom" on my desktop ‘puter but DID get it on the laptop . . . settings are the same <or at least they are supposed to be> Hmmmmm - no matter, all came thru just fine! Thanx . . .

Pete (pwolfe) at 3:12 PM: Oooooooomigosh - I besmirched my Mate - Pete about his hat! Duly noted - corrected - mea culpa - have a couple of me! <remorse>

You "nailed" your partner square in the "keester" - perhaps you need to practice a wee bit more with those throws. <yikes>

Good news about your friends in Poway - I'd say they were very, very fortunate given the circumstances all around . . . very fortunate indeed.

Yeah I know your Mrs. doesn't work for MoDot <geesh> but she works for state government ‘n may be "closer" to talking to someone there than I am! <double geesh>

Fine looking streetcar - and - railtown fotos!

Glad my Pix turned out okay - still don't care for the camera, but I guess somehow, some way, I'm getting the hang of it . . . <grin>

Good luck tonite over at The Second Class Saloon! Be careful of those Swedish babes that have been sent in to "distract" our team!!! <uh oh>

 

 

See y'all in the 'morrow . . . remember, Saturday is ENCORE! 'n Photo Posting Day!

Tom

[JanOlov]

Greetings young Tom and fellow youths....

May I have a cold Guinness, top up with cigar for the lads please? Keep the change....

Honestly I was somewhere else....must have been my evil twinbrother that you've cought on tape and not me....    cough...cough....mmhmm....y-e-e-s-s-s...

Anyhoo, what would it take to make all this, well, disappear...? Wash your cars?

Tom, great pics as always mate...! Might be a tiny wee bit off topic here, but does AMTRAK still have problems today? Just looking at the times that you posted....

pwolfe, Wouldn't mid to try some of the American small breweries.... When my dad worked in Stockholm, he sometimes brought beers of all kinds home, because there's a shop where you can buy beers from all over the world not too far away from where he worked...great pics!

I really like that streetcar in your pic, nice and classy!

And the steamers.....YUM!

I've seen those Swedish babes....doesn't this go under "cheating"?
 

[EricX2000]

Good morning Captain Tom and all the others!!

Where is Leon? At the Second Class Saloon!? Where is... hmm, at that other place I guess.

Geesh, my arm is aching. It was a tough struggle tonight! I have no clue who won, but it must have been our teams!! And today is the Grand Finale!

Tom –  We were? Lars and I? Did we have fun? I really don’t remember.

Thanks for the pictures from your trip! I actually believed it was a little bit more hilly through Missouri. More like in picture two in your fourth installment. It certainly was a short train you rode! And just a few passengers. Maybe more people traveling between St. Louis and Jefferson City than between Jefferson City and Kansas City?

Lars –  Oh, there you are! What happened last night? The only thing I can recall was when you tried to teach Ruth how to through the dart. Very strange way, to say the least!

I was yodeling? I wondered where that noise came from.

Interesting books! Canadian Pacific! I bet Tom likes the top one with all the snow!

CM3 –  Is that what they do? No wonder I couldn’t find any rule #53. I saw rule # 51 and the next one was #67!

A very good report from the enemy’s camp! It is always good to know what they think (?) and plan. I just wish we had known it before the game last night. Or do I? So, the smell came from their uniforms? Could be, could be. But I think it was the roadkill. Who was killed? It must have been several days earlier considering the smell.

JanOlov –  Those smileys look like me in the rehab!

You are safe as long as you are alert and don’t fall asleep when cleaning the bar. Manager Lars is not in a good mood right now after he learned about Ruth’s passion for streetcars.

Hmmm, I don’t recognize those babes from last year! I wonder what happened? The last one looks like Ruth with a blonde wig!

DL –  I thought I had seen something similar to the ONR exTEE in pictures from Holland. To me that design is 100% Dutch (I may be wrong but I don’t care).

Thanks for the TEE links!

Pete –  Streetcar #496 is from Melbourne, AUS! Built 1929 and retired 1984. More info on the link below.

http://www.streetcar.org/mim/streetcars/fleet/antique/496/index.html

Having coffee in the middle of the dart contest was the right thing to do. Then I pretended I was leaving, saying I was going to the Second Class Saloon and I think it was their guy Lance who took off in that old model A and then he was gone for the rest of the night!

Nice pictures from Railtown! You mention that “Lurking in a siding was another Shay”. Where is the other one?

Another Australian streetcar from Melbourne in Seattle 1993.

 

 

Eric 

[siberianmo]

This is ENCORE! Saturday - and - Photo Posting Day!

Remember: "Our" Place is CLOSED on Sundays.

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STANDARDS at the BAR: In the nearly 3 years of operating this cyber tavern I haven't had to make a plea like the one to follow. However, a recent Posting has forced the issue.

PREFACE: We do NOT own this site nor are we paying for the use of it. Kalmbach has graciously provided one ‘n all the opportunity to browse and participate as they see fit. On each Forum Page you will see a Thread entitled

Our forum policies, including no advertising (updated 05-24-07)

by Bergie

 

Everyone who frequents these Forums should read what the expectations and requirements are for us. In other words, READ the rules!

BAR DECORUM: We pride ourselves on being an adult cyber bar ‘n grill where good natured banter supplements the discussion of Classic Trains. It has been that way since April 12^th, 2005 and until this joint shuts down, I intend to keep it that way.

Yes, as adults we get a bit "risky" with our discussions ‘n descriptions of this ‘n that. However, the line MUST be drawn when it comes to explicit photographs that one would NOT wish youngsters to view. In other words, "anything goes" does NOT go at this bar!

Also, the advertising of products within our submissions is NOT permitted either. So let's put a STOP to that as well! 

This is not censorship so much as a call for sense of decency and use of common sense when it comes to monitoring our own actions at the bar.

Keep in mind that we are GUESTS on this Forum and as such have a choice, either abide by what the host requires, or go elsewhere.

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Thanx for your understanding!

Tom

Proprietor of "Our" Place, an adult eating 'n drinking establishment!

[siberianmo]

<personal foto>

 

 

This is ENCORE! Saturday - and - Photo Posting Day!

Remember: "Our" Place is CLOSED on Sundays.

 

 

Guten Morgen allersiets!

Wie ist jeder? Es is OKTOBERFEST! Partei wollen wir!

 A beautiful fall day here in mid-continent USA with all kinds of outside activity being planned by my other half . . . <uh oh>

Best fill up the coffee mug, grab a few pastries 'n maybe order a <light> or <traditional> breakfast before things begin moving <like ME!>  

 

Comments from the Proprietor:

Final OKTOBERFEST at "Our" Place today at noon!

We are featuring GERMAN brew all month!

GERMAN sausages have been added to the menu for the month, with all the trimmings!

On Saturday's in October The Mentor Village Teutonic Society will sponsor Oompah Music live at the "Our" Place picnic grounds Pavillion and Dance Emporium! Performers include the Sauerkraut Band, Electric Lederhosen and Burst the Wurst Trio 

Lederhosen and Alpine hats are being worn by "Our Place"! staff throughout the month!

Full scale LGB trains will be running on the main lines for free round trips to Can-Am Gorge on weekends - 10 AM to 4 PM.  First northbound departs the "Our" Place platform at 10 AM sharp, undt ve mean, sharp!

SHARE THIS FALL CELEBRATION WITH US!

 

Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative)

Friday - 26 Oct 2007:

Jan (JanOlov) at 6:44 PM: PLEASE take the time to read my comments before this morning's summary and take appropriate measures to straighten up your Post.

IF there was a way to communicate with you by EMail <DIRECTLY> I would have done so.  

Thanx!

Saturday - 27 Oct 2007:

Eric (EricX2000) at 2:26 AM: A rather early, early or late, late appearance by our Resident Nocturnal Desert Swede! Back to old habits, eh Well, no matter - it's good to see ya 'n apparently no worse for wear after game two of our Dart's Challenge 'n Grudge Match over at The Second Class Saloon.

Missouri IS hilly between St. Louis 'n KCity - however with just a few fotos in my spate of offerings I guess it's difficult to draw that conclusion. One gets much more "feel" for the topography when driving Interstate 70 between those locations - that is IF one has time to sightsee - far too much traffic, traveling much too fast! <ugh>

The 3 car train consist is pretty much the "norm," and has been for decades. In fact I recall when there were only 2!! More people board and disembark at Kirkwood than in downtown St. Louis. Jefferson City (state capital) is another major passenger location - the rest are so-so. Of course there are times during the year when exceptions to the "rule" are evident. Oktoberfest at Hermann usually draws a bunch of folks on the weekends - Amtrak puts on an extra coach for that. The August State Fair in Sedalia sometimes warants an extra car too. But for the most part - the cafe car 'n two coaches is "it"!

Nice trolley shot - is that lady any relation to the brunette you've been talking about Interesting street name!

Good luck tonite at game #3 here at "Our" Place . . .

 

Reminder: Cindy has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.

Saturday is Steak ‘n All The Trimmings Nite!

Dinner begins at 5 PM so come early ‘n often! C

Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!

 

Auf Wiedersehen!

Tom

[JanOlov]

Greetings Tom and gentlemen....

May I please have a large cup of strong black Java....and the usual top up with cigars for the lads...? Here's some $$$$ for yourself...

$$$$ and some more $$$$ for the cigar box and Mr Wurlitzer....missed a couple of days worth for those two....

EricX2000, I think that it is Ruth with a blonde wig...just elected in I heard....someone is in a mood you're saying....better keep a low profile then....eh?  

Tom, post read and appropiate measures has been taken....cought up in the festivity mood and all with the Championships going on....terribly sorry!   

 

[trolleyboy]

Good morning folks; I think i'll have a liberal helping of the saurbroten and oh what the heck I stein of the best czeck pilsner you have on tap

Tom-A humble apology for the "cutter" coment we landlubbers konw no different liked the photo's. I hope homeland security doen't nab you for those powerplant shots <uh oh>You may want to bring several cigars if you do that Northland run or a small flak gun as the mosquito's tend to roost late into the year some years in the north country.

CM3-I'm glad that you liked the Witt info and picture,excellant reporting of the pre festivities for teh darts grudge match , hopefully the sunspots aren't caused by some secret weapon the second classers have thunk up, or I'd be affraid that the mentor defence forces may be under out gunned.

DAN-I'm glad you got to see the aircraft all at the roost. Indeed Brantford has a yearly airshow at our airport ( itself originally built during the war as a Commonwealth training facility ) used for cargo and private aircraft now.Heaher an I go every year it kicks off the anual United way summer chairity drive. The show is your typical airshow. The Great War boys from Brampton ( they "dogfight " with replica WW1 aircraft ) A couple private aerobatic people Patti Wagstaff was there this year,the RCAF and USAF send a few display vehicles. US was an A10 this year,RCAF supplies a CF18, a Hawk trainer their Sky Hawks parachute team jumping from thier Buffalo and they wind up with the Snowbirds flight demonstration squadron. Warplane sent down their Lancaster, the Canso ( PBY5 ) the Mitchell and theFairy firefly. As a bonus this year the Niagara Falls historical guys flew thier MK9 spitfire and their Hurricane MK2 in the show ( in formation with the Lanc quite a show )They also had their ME109 at the show( the only one still flying with the original Daimler Benz engine )I haven't got any shots of those cars in their before uses, as far as th ONR goes their mandate is to provide passeneger service and freight service to keep Ontario's north vital so the passeneger services will stay.The TEE fire had occured a month or two before I took the shots you could see teh blanked panels and all teh windows had been plywooded up.

PER-Is see that DL got you the info on the TEE's they were the Duth/Swiss design. As far as I know ELK and Moose are two different critters. The ELK being the Arctic cousin,Moose tend to range accross most of the country including Newfoundland, wheer as the Elks tend to stay to the far North in the Territories and Northern BC and Alberta, mind you I'm not an animal guru.

Lars-I see you survived match one and two? And came through with some fine book covers. Enyoy your victory? celebration up in the penthouse !

Rob

[Fergmiester]

Good Morning Tom and Sundry

Got the All Stations Call and realized I musta missed something

I know another forum where something was posted and it "stirred the pot" so I'd say ya made a good call there skipper.

Anyway Tom I loved the pics of the USCG cutters the other day. They looked very impressive!

Not much on the go as I am full bore trying to put the house back in order and finish up on the tail end of renos and getting the MiL (RSM) moved in. This will be about 4 to 6 weeks in the making. Recieved another addition to the MESS yesterday. One undecorated Heavy Mountain by Bachmann. Will be retrofitting it with Elesco Feed Water Heater, Tsunami and a Vanderbilt tender and  putting the MESS touches on it.

Later All

Fergie

 

[LoveDomes]

Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!

Cindy my sweet how radiant the glow <oooooooops> thought you were Ruth for a second! <phew> <uh oh> Having just a bit of difficult seeing outta the one eye that will open. <oooooooooooh>

A round for the boyz - treats for the crittAHs ‘n a double jolt in my Joe if you please! Ya know, sleeping in a dumpster isn't as bad as I had thought it would be . . . wondAH how I got back from the 2^nd Class Saloon????? Who won????? Who cares!!!!!! <groan> Where's Boris????

Didjasee that great photo of the Swedish Bikini Team gals???? <pant> <pant> But then they were GONE - just like that! <oooooooooooh>

In all seriousness - and not to put down what Da Bossman has said - we CANNOT have this sort of thing at Da Bar. There's a reason why Kalmbach has put those rules together ‘n if anyone doesn't want to abide by ‘em - as Da Bossman has said many a time, don't let the door hit you in the <keestAH!> on the way OUT!!!

Hey Jan! What in the world are you smoking these days?? I'd think seriously about dumping that advertisement you're using on your posts . . . also something Kalmbach could find offensive too. I think Da Bossman is soooooooo correct on this and also had you provided the e-mail address he and I have requested - several times - we could've avoided putting this on at the bar. See, there IS a reason!

Hey Cap'n Tom! Throughly enjoyed the series of photos you provided on that trip to Kansas City with Bar Chandler Pete. Really nice stuff ‘n I don't get tired of viewing the sights along the way. One day, maybe . . . but the bar car bettAH have more than just a "few" brews behind the countAH!! <geesh>

Back to some thoughts about the bar of my own:

There's a reason for our success here and it has NOTHING to do with foolishness ‘n the "one liner" posts some guys think are cute or necessary. Nope. The exchanges of info like those put forth by Dan (DL-UK), Per (marthastrainyard), Shane (CM3) and of course our Bossman, that are chock full of "stuff" about the subject at this bar which is CLASSIC TRAINS.

Cap'n Tom has stressed QUALITY over QUANTITY over ‘n over throughout the months I've been here (years, actually!) and it makes sense. Who cares about nonsense as the primary focus???? Screw that - take it elsewhere or bettAH yet, create your own Thread ‘n knock yourself out.

Enough of that - I'm getting PO'd the more I think about this "stuff" . . . . <arrrrrrrggggggghhhhhh>

Ok - time for an Encore! for the day . . . after all that is what Saturday's are for at "Our" Place!

This was posted by barndad Doug (remember HIM!?!?!) on Feb 19, 2006, page 251 over at the old bar site.

Good morning all. Today, I didn't want to use any pix other than my own, so I'm going through my "stuff" in search of things you maybe haven't seen before (heavy on the maybe) at the IRM.

Toledo & Detroit Railroad 16
Builder: Baldwin Locomotive Works
Year Built: 1914
Wheel Arrangement: 4-4-0
Length: 57ft 1in
Width: 10ft 6in
Height: 14ft
Weight: 233700 lbs
Brakes: G-6
Tractive Effort: 18200 lbs
Cylinders: 18x24
Boiler Pressure: 190 psi
Drivers: 67in




The next three pix are of the last running (2004 season) steam engine at th emuseum. We should be back up for the 2007 season after some extension wheel maintenance.

St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad 1630
Builder: Baldwin Locomotive Works
Year Built: 1918
Wheel Arrangement: 2-10-0
Length: 71ft
Width: 10ft 3in
Height: 16ft 2in
Weight: 210000 lbs
Brakes: LT
Tractive Effort: 42180 lbs
Cylinders: 24x28
Boiler Pressure: 160 psi
Drivers: 52in


1630 tender


Ah ha! Here's how to make moving all that coal a little easier!


Lake Superior & Ishpeming 35
Builder: Baldwin Locomotive Works
Year Built: 1916

Wheel Arrangement: 2-8-0
Length: 73ft 4in
Width: 10ft 6in
Height: 15ft 8in
Weight: 270000 lbs
Brakes: 6ET
Tractive Effort: 60480 lbs
Cylinders: 26x30
Boiler Pressure: 200 psi
Drivers: 50in