Hello everybody at the bar! Have a great weekend, all of you.
Ruth, I'll have a ham and cheese for lunch and a pint of Guinness. I see that the Grant I left last time must have been a success, so here's another one for the boys when they come in.
I finally got some of my New England pictures uploaded, so look for them at the end of this post.
Tom, Thanks, it was the PS-4 I was thinking of. I saw the one in the Smithsonian, but I would really have liked to see one under steam!
Interesting you should mention landscaping of your layout. That was one of those tasks I thought was going to be really difficult. I had read a lot and everybody said it was easy, but I just didn't believe them. Until I saw one of the guys in the club going at it on his little area of the club layout. "Is that all there is to it?" I asked and he said yes and offered me to try a corner of the area he was working on. Yes, it really wasn't that difficult so now I've finished my part of the layout and I am reay to attack a home layout once I get back to CA.
Very interesting reading about the Canadian transcontinental train, the Con-adian. Too bad it's no longer going all the way. I remember reading about the VIA train back in Sweden, it must have been in 1979 or 1980., and wanting then to have a ride on it.
Thanks also for the article on BR. Now I understand what "Big 4" the Brits around here are talking about. I like the "Ferret and Dartboard" logo, a real classic. When I looked at the Wikipedia link I got a bit confused with the terminology (why doesn't that surprise me?). A "carriage" is a passenger car and a ""wagon" is a freight car, is that right? But there is one article talking about Carriage and Wagon classification as if they were synonymous.
Great article about the Marx company. It's hard to believe that the trains and the "Donald the Demon" figurine come from the same maker. As somebody else mentioned here, Marx must have been a couple of steps down from Lionel and maybe American Flyer, but I bet they are sought after in these days anyhow.
That T&P E8 is a beauty! The E8 is a very powerful looking locomotive.
The L&N Hummingbird drumhead is great! I wonder if that was an illuminated sign.
My first phone number was 11688. See, even I remember that! When the town grew they added a "1" to it, 111688, it was never that easy to say.
Great pictures, as usual, from Alaska. That little 0-4-0 looks great.
Pete, Yes, those streets in San Francisco are really steep, aren't they? Makes you understand Bill Crosby's "drifting backwards in to the Bay" or "Come around!" much better.
I wonder when they started to use other cities' street cars in San Francisco. Makes it like a living museum, almost.
That Jubilee 5690 Leander is a real beauty. I wonder who's keeping it that clean and polished.
I like the pictures from San Diego. Are those you posted on Wednesday from the Tehachapi layout?
I recognize the Sacramento area where you took the pictures, but I was never inside the station, so that mural is something I missed. It looks great!
Eric, Thanks for the info on the FRA Metroliner. That was some interesting reading you provided. Are you close to their test track area? It is in AZ, isn't it?
Interesting that you should show a picture of the Sunnyside yard. I had just read about the yard in an old issue of Trains. Do you know if it has been downsized from the size in the 50's?
Rob, do you mean that the PCC cars in San Francisco are all former "in house" cars that are just painted in other colors? I thought for a while that those were genuine imported cars. But San Francisco had a lot of PCC cars, didn't they. I remember riding in them when I first visited back in 1966. And then when I read farther down I see you mentioned that many of them came from Toronto. Are there any of the original San Francisco PCC cars left?
Al, there are many times I have regretted not having a camera as well. There were so many things we took for granted and never put on film that we miss now. One would think that we could learn from past experience and take more pictures nowadays, but that's not always the case, unfortunately.
CM3, I hope your family's medical situation has turned to the better by now.
I saw that Citibank ad as well. The first time I saw it I thought there was something funny with it, and the second time I realized what it was. I don't think you can buy two boat tickets anywhere in Norway and get to Stockholm with those!
I really like the link to the Erie magazine. It was great fun to read what the employees thought of railroading 50 years from then (= today). Everything from an atomic engine to "If Congress just acts this will be fine", to "greater competition". Some of those guys came pretty close to what the situation is today.
If you just give me the address to the "Weber's Warehouse of Wondrous Forgotten Technologies and Skills" I'll be there right away! I've always wanted to learn how to use a sextant. Or how to cut a perfect dovetail with a handsaw? That's not so easy, really. I still know how to use a stick shift and double clutch, if needed. Maybe I'm a bit rusty on the use of a slide rule, but please tell me how to use an Abacus.
I saw Tom had reposted your article about North Station. What a masterpiece! I still haven't had a chance to get there, maybe next time in Boston.
Ron, yes I have found a nice train club. It is kind of small around 10-15 members, but everybody get along very well. The only problem is that I have been spoiled now, and will probably have great difficulties finding something in CA when I move back there. San Diego is too far away so those clubs are out of the question.
That's a nice shop you have! The size of that D roof is enormous! It didn't hit me when you mentioned the length in feet and inches, but when I saw the picture, oh WOW! How heavy is the roof alone? Do you have any idea what the weight of the complete engine will be?
I couldn't agree with you more on the fuel policy, but I really doubt the government will do anything drastic. They are too much in the hands of the oil industry.
Jan, nice pictures of the 4-8-2's. That depot in the background in the Fort Worth picture is still there. I think parts of it are converted to lofts and condos now.
Thanks for reposting Barndad's article on Delano. That was great! What does it mean when a car is blue-flagged? I don't think it has anything to do with being parked under the Blue Ribbon Beer sign.
Great UP Streamliner pictures as well. That M-10000 always looked so "angry" to me. Quite a change in design between that and the LA-1 in only a few years.
Lars, nice to see you again. Keep come in as you can. I see the Larsman Mobile has modernized and is now stocking DVDs. That's great. Does anybody know where that tunnel picture on the B&M is taken?
DL, I like the links you provided, especially the black and white photos. There seems to be something that has been lost in the photographic skills when we stopped using BW.
As promised, here are a couple of pictures from my New England trip.
It was the Boston & Maine that went through Northampton, here's the bridge:
Greetings Tom and gentlemen....
May I please have a strong black Java please.....and the usual top up with cigars for the lads as well....keep the change. Any painkillers lying about...? I've managed to attract a slight headache....
$$$$ for the cigar box and Mr Wurlitzer...
UP 4-6-2 2906 in Cheyenne, Wyo., July 18, 1937.
UP observation car 1535, "Colorado Club," on its initial run on the Columbine, in Denver, Colo., May 22, 1930.
UP M-10006 with train #112, City of Denver, getting ready to leave Denver Union Station on first eastbound run, June 18, 1936.
UP M-10005, The City of Denver; before starting service here with 7 cars, on exhibition at Denver, Colo., June 14, 1936.
UP streamlined 4-8-2 7002 with train #48, the 49er, here with 8 cars doing 35 mph, near Echo, Utah, October 23, 1937.
CMStP&P 10300 with train #15, The Olympian; emerging from Pipestone Pass tunnel with 12 cars, Butte, Mont., August 9, 1938.
Credit: Otto Perry and photoswest.
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of Bathams would go down well CINDY.
ERIC I guess those Santa Fe locomotives will one day be on display in the museum, thanks for the info on them.
Any info you can add to the photos from Alan on his recent trip to Holland would be very welcome.
It will be interesting to see what it is you are in the cab of, in the photo, I am guessing a locomotive.
JAN Great idea to have DOUG'S Jack Delano post as an encore, really great photos and color from those days. Those photos of the workers at the C&NW roundhouse are simply great works of art. I remember the post caused a lot of discussion at the bar when it was first posted. Thanks for sharing.
Many thanks for those great photos from the 1930s and 1940s. M 100000 must have caused quite a stir when it first came out and the sound UP #s 9019 and 4023 must have made with that freight near Wyoming must have been wonderful
Thanks for the round.
RON Thanks for the info on the Chilean tramcar
That is a good link to Standard class 5 No 73129. I have that painting featuring 73129 in Caprotti Crescendo here in mid Missouri. The Midland Railway Centre is a great place to visit with a great museum and workshop at Swanwick Junction. It is also the home of the two Stanier LMS Pacifics, Princess class 46203 and Duchess 6233.
They have a narrow gauge railway, which features small diesel locomotives and some cars that were used to carry miners to the coalface.
PER I think the Carriage and Wagon department was run by the same management with the locomotive and operating sides run by a separate managements. I think the locomotive and C&W would both report to the Chief Mechanical Engineer.
I am sure ROB will be able to help with the San Francisco streetcars.
It will be the volunteers would keep those steam locomotives looking as though they have just come out of the paint shop. It is a matter of pride to the support crews, especially when the locomotives that are certified to run on the BR system to haul to specials, on the cleanliness of the locomotives.
Glad you liked the photos of the model museum. I don't think the ones this week were on the Tehachapi layout.
Many thanks for the photos of Northampton (I used to live about 20 miles from the English town of the same name). Did you get a chance to go inside the Union Station restaurant or the Tunnel Bar.
TOM I'm afraid I have not been too clear (again). No 71000 Duke of Gloucester was a one off; the year after the Duke was built the ‘Modenisation Plan' for British Railways was announced which stopped any new steam locomotive designs. The reason I have heard given for the ordering of 71000 was to replace the re-built Turbomotive No 46202, which was destroyed in the very bad Harrow and Weldstone wreck.
The Duke is a powerful locomotive (for the UK) on one trip you could feel the acceleration in the cars not often felt with steam or diesel traction.
One great trip we had was a trip that was one of the first trips of preserved steam on the southern part of the West Coast Main Line (still very rare today) out of London Euston. The start out of Euston is up Camden Bank a 1% grade. In steam days trains were usually helped up the bank by the locomotive that brought the cars into the terminus. On our trip the Duke took the train up the bank unassisted steadily accelerating, as you say the sound was magnificent.
I will see if I can get some photos of the Standard classes of steam locomotives together although I don't think I have any of the Britannias or of the 4 classes out of the 12 classes of Standards built, that did not survive into preservation, although there are a couple of schemes one to build a ‘Clan' class pacific from new and one to convert a 2MT 2-6-0 tender locomotive class number 78XXX to a 2MT 2-6-2 tank locomotive class 84XXX
Many thanks for the link to Sacramento Amtrak station. There are some great benches by the back of the Railroad Museum where trains can be watched crossing the Sacramento River. I have a couple of photos I will show next week. I did notice some UP intermodel freights pass through.
A pushbike is I guess called a bicycle here, no motor just pedals.
Another great Encore today with CM3's classic on the B&M and Boston North station in the change over from steam to diesel, we really have had some great posts at Our Place. Loved the term ‘Complicated Ballet'. Many thanks for sharing this great and evocative post again.
ENCORE! Saturday ‘n Photo Posting Day!
at "Our" Place!
We are CLOSED on SUNDAYs!
EXCEPT tomorrow where we'll be open ONLY for those wishing to provide material relevant to Remebrance - Armistice ‘n Veteran's Day!
Starting Sunday at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!
. . . November 11th thru 17th: All Quiet On The Western Front (1979) Starring: Richard Thomas, Ernest Borgnine, Donald Pleasence, Ian Holm, Patricia Neal - and - The Lost Batallion (2001) Starring: Rick Schroder, Phil McKee, Jamie Harris, Jay Rodan & Adam James (II). SHORT: The Three Stooges - Three Little Twerps (1943).
All Quiet On The Western Front (1979)
PLOT SUMMARY: A devastating story of war and a generation destroyed. In 1914 a group of German schoolboys, idealistic and inflamed with youthful patriotism, set off to fight in the "glorious" war. During their brutal basic training disenchantment begins; then, boarding a train for the front, they see the wounded being rushed back to hospitals. They begin to grasp the grim reality of war.On their first night in action they come under heavy attack. In the trenches, they begin to fall. Their youth is stripped away by the violence, and the boys become as sullen as veterans.When Paul (Richard Thomas) shoots a Frenchman and watches him die, he realizes the futility of the war. Wounded, he returns home to a different world, a place where he cannot fit in. Sent back into battle, he meets destiny on a day when the German High Command Communiqu states simply, All Quiet On The Western Front.
A devastating story of war and a generation destroyed. In 1914 a group of German schoolboys, idealistic and inflamed with youthful patriotism, set off to fight in the "glorious" war. During their brutal basic training disenchantment begins; then, boarding a train for the front, they see the wounded being rushed back to hospitals. They begin to grasp the grim reality of war.On their first night in action they come under heavy attack. In the trenches, they begin to fall. Their youth is stripped away by the violence, and the boys become as sullen as veterans.When Paul (Richard Thomas) shoots a Frenchman and watches him die, he realizes the futility of the war. Wounded, he returns home to a different world, a place where he cannot fit in. Sent back into battle, he meets destiny on a day when the German High Command Communiqu states simply, All Quiet On The Western Front.
<from: amazon.com>
The Lost Batallion (2001)
PLOT SUMMARY: The true World War I story of an American unit that was surrounded by German troops and pounded mercilessly for days (at times even by its own artillery) is vividly portrayed in this made-for-television film starring Rick Schroder. Playing a patrician New York City lawyer commissioned a major and sent into combat, Schroder commands a battalion composed of New York wiseacres as well as so-called "apple knockers" from the West. The plot is straightforward (and will be familiar to those who know World War I history), but the film rises above what could have been a clichéd telling of the story of Major Whittlesey and his heroic men. The action sequences, shot tightly with hand-held cameras, owe a debt to Saving Private Ryan, and the surreal horror of World War I, in which armies killed with machine guns yet communicated by carrier pigeon, is conveyed very well. --Robert J. McNamara
The true World War I story of an American unit that was surrounded by German troops and pounded mercilessly for days (at times even by its own artillery) is vividly portrayed in this made-for-television film starring Rick Schroder. Playing a patrician New York City lawyer commissioned a major and sent into combat, Schroder commands a battalion composed of New York wiseacres as well as so-called "apple knockers" from the West. The plot is straightforward (and will be familiar to those who know World War I history), but the film rises above what could have been a clichéd telling of the story of Major Whittlesey and his heroic men. The action sequences, shot tightly with hand-held cameras, owe a debt to Saving Private Ryan, and the surreal horror of World War I, in which armies killed with machine guns yet communicated by carrier pigeon, is conveyed very well. --Robert J. McNamara
SHORT: Three Little Twerps (1943)
PLOT SUMMARY: The Stooges get a job putting up posters for the circus, but discover that they are paid in tickets rather than cash. They go to the circus to scalp their tickets, and when Curly accidentally finds a long string of tickets, the boys try to scalp them. They're chased by the cops and dragged before the circus owner, who's mad at them for ruining his posters. Instead of sending Happy Railroading! Siberianmo EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Sunday, November 11, 2007 1:01 AM Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!Leon, good to see you my friend! I know, I better have a meatloaf sandwich, fries and coleslaw! Coffee, please! Round for the house!A lot of stuff to read and look at tonight! Tom – I think you and I are the only ones who know that 50% of the attendees were awake aboard that Amtrak train! A wild night it was, that is true! What, what, what???? Me tweeted?? Not ordering?? Haven’t you noticed? Leon knows, but you missed it!! Leon knows what I want when I get to Our Place because I always order the same thing. All I have to do is to nod my head! Just like when I have lunch at Cracker Barrel. The waitresses know what I have each day of the week. They don’t ask. This is unbeleivable! Me tweeted? And rule #2 of all rules!?!? Where are those stupid bug lights? Mumble, mumble. Monster truck? No, it is just a regular 18-wheeler, a Freightliner with a trailer loaded with cat- and dog food. The 2nd photo is a loco, a class Rc2, see picture below.This is actually a Rc1, but they look the same. Thanks for the North Station article by CM3! Very interesting with a lot of details! And thanks for the (last?) Alaska pictures! Very nice! All Quiet On The Western Front! A very good movie! I have seen a couple of older versions and I have the book. The Lost Batallion - Duty, seems also to be a very good movie! Right choice of movies for this week! JanOlov – You re-posted a very interesting article barndad posted earlier this year! Amazing pictures! A bunch of pictures of UP equipment! One of the M-10000 has actually been to the Hoover dam when it was built. I don’t know which one though. UP class 9000 from 1926 is an impressive 3-cyl. steam locomotive. Below are a few pictures of #9000 that is on display at the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society Museum in Pomona, CA.Ron provided some info on these locos.UP observation car 1535 looks kind of different! I guess it is an radio antenna on its roof. 6 wheel trucks! Ron – Thanks for the info on the Chile streetcar! Built 1925. I wonder if any of them has been preserved? I wish your son best luck with his rig and hope it will work well! It sounds like it is in a pretty good condition! Per – Test track area? Do you mean the Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) in Pueblo, CO? As far as I know FRA does not have any test area. TTCI has an interesting site that can be found on this link.http://www.aar.com/welcome.htmI am afraid I do not know if Sunnyside has been downsized from the size in the 50’s. But I don’t think so. Thanks for the Boston pictures! Kind of sad to see Union Station demoted to a restaurant! Not much left of that ball field! Pete – I think you are right about those SF locomotives. I found some info on the locomotives in Alan’s pictures. The first photo shows an (#521) English Electric 400 hp diesel-electric from 1953. Built by Dick Kerr Works, Preston, UK.Locomotive #262 and 264 are known as “Sik”. Built 1936 by Werkspoor, Amsterdam, Holland. Steam locomotive #5 was built by La Meuse, Luik, Belgium 1924. Weight 40.5 metric tons, max speed 40 km/h (25 mph)Steam locomotive #2 Borsele was built by Krupp, Essen, Germany 1924. Weight 43.5 metric tons, max speed 45 km/h (28 mph)Locomotive #1 Wittouck was built by Orenstein & Koppel, Berlin Germany 1921. Eric JanOlov Member sinceDecember 2001 From: GB 376 posts Posted by JanOlov on Sunday, November 11, 2007 4:58 AM The 11th month. the 11th day and the 11th hour, the guns fell silent..... All the best! Jan siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, November 11, 2007 8:32 AM <personal foto>As an exception to our policy, the bar will be OPEN today for those who have something to contribute to Remembrance - Armistice ‘n Veteran's Day. Otherwise, we're CLOSED. G'day Gents! This is Remembrance - Armistice ‘n Veteran's Day, all rolled into one - depending on where in the ‘free world' one resides. A tradition at the Tavern by the Tracks has been to Post material featuring the RRs and those who served in the Armed Forces during times of global conflict.So, as an exception to our "CLOSED on Sundays" rule - we invite one ‘n all to provide your input TODAY‘ n tomorrow <legal observance>!It's just our way of thanking those who provided us with a chance to have what we have today! Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative) Saturday - Nov 10th, 2007: Jan (JanOlov) at 8:25 AM ‘n 9:17 AM: Began the ENCOREs with something from a UTB, barndad Doug from Page 28 of the reborn <this> Thread . . . Posted on March 3rd, 2007 (the 4th over in the UK!!) Good selection . . . Doug always provided the guys with so MUCH to read on Saturdays, but all quality stuff replete with fotos. A master at what he did, fer sure, fer sure! You mentioned a bunch of guys - many whom you never met ‘n I'm surprised you took the time to jot ‘em down. At any rate, guys come ‘n go - just like the weather, we just can't count on any particular group to remain in tact. Such is life as a barkeep! Followed up with some fine fotos of UP diversity in motive power! Excellent choices, Mate! Top ups, cigars ‘n cash all appreciated from our Resident Swede in Scotland! Ron (DD1) at 10:32 AM: And what to our surprise but a Saturday morning appearance from our Resident Southern Gentleman down in Ole Miss <aka: transplanted New Yorker!> No Ron, can't say that I ever fooled around with anything on board a trolley. Was a bit too young for the gals, so what else is there to fool with, eh What we DID engage in was to hitch rides on the back of city buses in the winter. Yeah, used to "straight arm" the rear bumper ‘n let the beasts tow us around. Not smart, eh You are absolutely CORRECT! Amazing any of us lived to where we are, eh Regarding what it will take to turn things around in this country - energy wise - well, IF we are the government, then by we need to INSIST upon an expedited course to get away from petroleum. We squandered so much time and perhaps many, many innovative ideas in favor of pandering. <arrrrrrrrrggggggggghhhhhh> <there goes my B/P!!> Round much appreciated along with your visit ‘n thoughts! Per (marthastrainyard: at 2:02 PM: Long time between visits but most happy to have our Resident Cowboy Swede at the bar! Many decades ago I purchased one of those model RR books on scenery. It left me with a headache . . . The book still resides somewhere in my stack of magazines needing to be placed in binders, if for no other reason than to do it. Anyway, the pikes of my past never were landscaped to any great extent. Couldn't do it because of my career moves . . . made no sense.Once I retired and built my first trainroom and permanent layout, I figured the landscaping would come later. It never did. That layout is gone <so much for permanence, eh?> And the room is used for something else. Then after a couple of years and with the prodding of a friend ‘n neighbor of mine, I decided to turn the major portion of our basement into what it is today - The Can-Am Trainroom. The friend of mine is an accomplished model painter ‘n detailer. He also has a rather small HO layout that he landscaped, that in my opinion should be featured somewhere in a magazine. It's that well done. Anyway, he told me if I put up a new layout, he'd do the landscaping. Ha - he bailed out on the "promise." Sooooooooo, the rest is history. I did it myself, with a bit of help from my wife Happy Railroading! Siberianmo siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, November 11, 2007 9:11 AM Now Arriving on Track #1 Railroad Ads from the World WarsThreesomes! - Number One"Our" Place 2007 Commemoration of Veterans - Remembrance - Armistice Day!<A form of these were initially Posted on Pages 159-160 - Nov 11th, 2005 on the Original Thread> Number 1 of 9: more Vital than gold All the gold buried in Fort Knox, Ky., is less important to Victory than the rich iron ore deposits of the Mesabi, Cuyuna, and Vermillion ranges of northern Minnesota. The Mesabi range along contains the world's largest developed deposits, and much of this ore lies in open pits. From these pits giant shovels scoop the vital "red dust" into Great Northern cars which dump it a few hours later into the docks in Duluth and Superior, at the Head of the Lakes. There ore boats are swiftly loaded for delivery to the nation's steel mills. When the shipping season closed December 5, new mining records had been set on the mining ranges, and Great Northern Railway handled nearly 29,000,000 long tons - a third of the Lake Superior district's total production. With the necessity of preserving equipment, Great Northern, between shipping seasons, is reconditioning motive power, cars, trackage and its Allouez docks in Superior making ready for a still bigger job in 1943. The fabulous iron ore deposits in Minnesota are only part of the wealth contributed to America by the Zone of Plenty - and delivered by this vital artery of transportation. GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY ROUTE OF THE EMPIRE BUILDER - BETWEEN THE GREAT LAKES AND THE PACIFIC IN THE ZONE Of Plenty * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Number 2 of 9 "OVER HILL, OVER DALE, WE WILL RIDE THE IRON RAIL . . . AS THE PULLMAN'S GO ROLLING ALONG" Growing and GOING that's the story of our armed forces. Growing every day and going every night, for long distance troop movements are usually under the cover of darkness, in Pullman sleeping cars. It's a big job for the railroads to haul so many cars. And a big job for Pullman to provide them. But it's a welcome job for both of us, one we're proud and happy we were prepared to handle. Prepared? Oh, yes. The way Pullman and the railroads worked together in peacetime - through the Pullman "pool" of sleeping cars - fitted right into the wartime picture. Here's how that "pool" works: > Railroad passenger traffic in different parts of the country fluctuates with the season. Travel south, for instance, is heaviest in winter. And travel north increases in the summer. > If each railroad owned and operated enough sleeping cars to handle its own peak loads, many of those cars would be idle most of the year. > With the Pullman "pool," however, over one hundred different railroads share in the ability of a sleeping car fleet big enough to handle their combined requirements at any one time. As the travel loads shifts north, south, east or west, these cars shift with it. They are seldom idle for when fewer cars are needed on one railroad, more are needed on another. Now that war has come this "pool"operation of sleeping cars enables troop trains to be made up on short notice - at widely scattered points - and routed over any combination of railroads. That's what we meant when we said that Pullman and the railroads were prepared to handle the tremendous mass movement of troops that goes on constantly. It takes a lot of sleeping cars to do it. Almost drains the Pullman "pool" at times. As a result, civilian travelers are sometimes inconvenienced. But the war comes first with the railroads and first with Pullman - just as it comes first with you! AN AVERAGE OF MORE THAN 25,000 TROOPS A NIGHT NOW GO PULLMAN Buy War Bonds and Stamps Regularly! Happy Railroading! Siberianmo LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Sunday, November 11, 2007 9:33 AM Ahoy Cap'n Tom 'n fellow contributors at the bar!Here's something that I Posted on Page 427, Nov 11th, 2006 over at the old bar site. Should fit quite well with what's being called for on this VETERAN's DAY - ARMISTICE DAY 'n REMEMBRANCE DAY! A day we must celebrate, so without taking away from the efforts of our Proprietor, let me provide my input, ever mindful of the efforts, accomplishments and sacrifices put forth by all who wore the uniform of the military or sailed the seas as merchant men during all of the conflicts our nations have engaged in during the 20th and 21st centuries. The U.S. Merchant Marine SongHeave Ho! My Lads! Heave Ho!Heave Ho! My Lads! Heave Ho! Give us the oil, give us the gasGive us the shells, give us the guns.We'll be the ones to see them thru.Give us the tanks, give us the planes.Give us the parts, give us a ship.Give us a hip hoo-ray!And we'll be on our way. It's a long, long way to go, It's a long, long pull with our hatches full,Braving the wind, braving the sea, Fighting the treacherous foe, Heave Ho! My Lads! Heave Ho! Let the sea roll high or low, We can cross any ocean, sail any river, give up the goods and we'll deliver, Damn the submarine! We're the men of the Merchant Marine!Words and Music by Lieut. (jg) Jack Lawrence, USMS, 1943.Performed by the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Regimental BandCaptain Kenneth R. Force, USMS, Director of MusicNow for some WWII posters:======================================= Bossman give all of our vets a drink - active duty too! 5- Salute to all of our Armed Forces! Until the next time! Lars JanOlov Member sinceDecember 2001 From: GB 376 posts Posted by JanOlov on Sunday, November 11, 2007 10:52 AM Greetings Tom and gentlemen.... Some Sunday reading Regarding WWI and USRA.... $$$$ for the cigar box and Mr Wurlitzer since I'm here....United States Railroad Administration.....BackgroundOn April 6, 1917, the United States entered World War I, and very soon the nation's railroads proved inadequate to the task of serving the nation's war efforts. There were several sources of the problem. Although the carriers had made massive investments in first years of the twentieth century, there were still inadequacies in terminals, trackage, and rolling stock. Inflation struck the American economy, and when in 1906 the federal government empowered the Interstate Commerce Commission to set maximum rates, the rail firms had difficulty securing revenue sufficient to keep pace with rising costs. The Interstate Commerce Commission did allow some increases in rates, however. Also, investors had overexpanded the nation's trackage, so by late 1915 fully one-sixth of the railroad trackage in the country belonged to roads in receivership (bankruptcy). The railroad unions (commonly called "brotherhoods"), desiring shorter working days and better pay, threatened strike action in the second half of 1916. To avert a strike, President Woodrow Wilson secured Congressional passage of the Adamson Act, which set the eight hour day as the industry standard. When the Supreme Court ruled the law constitutional, the carriers had no choice but to comply.The railroads attempted to join forces to coordinate their efforts and help the war effort, but private action proved inadequate. Observers noted, for example, that sometimes competitive practices prevailed that were not in the best interests of efficient mobilization. Also, government departments sought priority for shipment made on their behalf, and congestion in freight yards, terminals, and port facilities became staggering.Finally, in December 1917 the Interstate Commerce Commission recommended federal control of the railroad industry to ensure efficient operation. The resulting efficiencies were to go beyond simply easing the congestion and expediting the flow of goods; they were to bring all parties, management, labor, investors, and shippers, together in a harmonious whole working on behalf of the national interest. NationalizationOn December 26, 1917, President Wilson used the Federal Possession and Control Act to nationalize the vast majority of US railroads. William Gibbs McAdoo, Secretary of the Treasury, was appointed Director General of Railroads, with the Santa Fe's chairman Walker D. Hines appointed Assistant Director General. The United States Railroad Administration officially took charge at noon on December 28, 1917. Railroad consolidation The USRA had a plan to consolidate the nation's railroads into nineteen railroad systems. The plan was abandoned in 1940. The planned railroads were as follows:Boston and Maine Railroad; Maine Central Railroad; Bangor and Aroostook Railroad; Delaware and Hudson Railroad. New Haven Railroad; New York, Ontario and Western Railway; Lehigh and Hudson River Railway; Lehigh and New England Railroad.New York Central Railroad; Rutland Railroad; Virginian Railway; Chicago, Attica and Southern Railroad. Pennsylvania Railroad; Long Island Rail Road. Baltimore and Ohio Railroad; Central Railroad of New Jersey; Reading Railroad; Buffalo and Susquehanna Railroad; Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh Railway; 50% of Detroit, Toledo and Ironton Railroad; 50% of Detroit and Toledo Shore Line Railroad; 50% of Monon Railroad; Chicago and Alton Railroad (Alton Railroad). Chesapeake and Ohio-Nickel Plate Railroad; Hocking Valley Railway; Erie Railroad; Pere Marquette Railway; Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad; Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad; Chicago and Illinois Midland Railroad; 50% of Detroit and Toledo Shore Line Railroad. Wabash-Seaboard Air Line Railway; Lehigh Valley Railroad; Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway; Pittsburgh and West Virginia Railway; Western Maryland Railway; Akron, Canton and Youngstown Railway; Norfolk and Western Railway; 50% of Detroit, Toledo and Ironton Railroad; Toledo, Peoria and Western Railroad; Ann Arbor Railroad; 50% of Winston-Salem Southbound Railway. Atlantic Coast Line Railroad; Louisville and Nashville Railroad; Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway; Clinchfield Railroad; Atlanta, Birmingham and Coast Railroad; Mobile and Northern Railroad; New Orleans Great Northern Railroad; 25% of Chicago, Indianapolis and Louisville Railway (Monon Railway); 50% of Winston-Salem Southbound Railway Southern Railway; Norfolk Southern Railroad; Tennessee Central Railway (east of Nashville); Florida East Coast Railway; 25% of Chicago, Indianapolis and Louisville Railway (Monon Railway). Illinois Central Railroad; Central of Georgia Railway; Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway; Tennessee Central Railway (west of Nashville); St. Louis Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt Railway); Atlanta and St. Andrews Bay Railroad. Chicago and North Western Railway; Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railway; Litchfield and Madison Railroad; Mobile and Ohio Railroad; Columbus and Greenville Railway; Lake Superior and Ishpeming Railroad. Great Northern-Northern Pacific Railway; Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railway; 50% of Butte, Anaconda and Pacific Railway. Milwaukee Road; Escanaba and Lake Superior Railroad; Duluth, Missabe and Northern Railway; Duluth and Iron Range Railroad; 50% of Butte, Anaconda and Pacific Railway; trackage rights on Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railway to Portland, Oregon. Burlington Route; Colorado and Southern Railroad; Fort Worth and Denver Railway; Green Bay and Western Railroad; Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad; 50% of Trinity and Brazos Valley Railroad; Oklahoma City-Ada-Atoka Railway. Union Pacific Railroad; Kansas City Southern Railway. Southern Pacific Railroad Santa Fe Railway; Chicago and Great Western Railroad; Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway; Missouri and North Arkansas Railway; Midland Valley Railroad; Minneapolis, Northfield and Southern Railway. Missouri Pacific Railroad; Texas and Pacific Railroad; Kansas, Oklahoma and Gulf Railway; Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad; Denver and Salt Lake Railroad; Western Pacific Railroad; Fort Smith and Western Railroad. Rock Island-Frisco Railway; Alabama, Tennessee and Northern Railroad; 50% of Trinity and Brazos Valley Railroad; Louisiana and Arkansas Railway; Meridian and Bigbee Railroad. Changes and new equipmentChange happened swiftly. The railroads were divided into three Divisions; East, West and South. Duplicate passenger services were killed off, costly and employee-heavy sleeping car services were cut back and extra fares applied to discourage their use. Uniform passenger ticketing was instituted, and competing services on different former railroads were cut back. Terminals, facilities and shops were shared.Over 100,000 railroad cars and 1,930 steam locomotives were ordered at a cost of $380 million, all of new USRA standard designs, which were up-to-date and standardized types, designed to be the best that could be produced to replace much outdated equipment. However, as commonplace with designs approved by a committee and paid for by the Government, some of the designs were inefficient and the costs higher than they should have been.Before the new USRA standard locomotive types were built and released, locomotives that builders had on hand were issued to various railroads. 2-8-0 "Consolidation" locomotives built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works for transport and use in France were made available. Then 2-10-0 "Decapod" locomotives built for Imperial Russia by both ALCO and Baldwin, but stranded in the US by the Russian Revolution of 1917 were also made available to the railroads. The USRA leased these locomotives. ProgressionOn March 21, the Railroad Control Act became law; it guaranteed the return of the railroads to their former owners within 21 months of a peace treaty, and guaranteed that their properties would be handed back in at least as good a condition as when they were taken over. It also guaranteed compensation for the use of their assets at the average operational income of the railroads in the three years previous to nationalisation. This act laid down in concrete that the nationalisation would be only a temporary thing; before, it was not defined as necessarily so.Both wages and rates for both passenger and freight traffic were raised by the USRA during 1918, wages being increased disproportionately for the lower-paid employees, which proved unpopular among more senior ones.With the Armistice in November of 1918, McAdoo retired from his post, leaving Hines as the Director General. Winding downIn early 1920 the Interstate Commerce Commission's powers over the railroads were substantially increased, in readiness for the USRA's disbandment in March 1920. They were given powers to approve or reject railroad mergers, to set rates, to approve or reject abandonments of service, and much else. The government also made financial guarantees to the railroads after control was handed back to them, to ensure their financial survival after the restoration of control.On March 1, the railroads were handed back to their original owners and the USRA disbanded. ConclusionsIt is estimated that the USRA and the nationalizing of the American railroads between December 28, 1918, and March 1, 1920, cost the United States government $1.12 billion dollars, which was a huge amount of money back then (approximately $15 billion in 2003 dollars, adjusted for inflation) . The USRA is generally seen as having been effective in getting things moving for the war effort, but at a steep price.The locomotives the USRA built, the USRA Standard designs, were immensely successful, and after the war were copied in great numbers, becoming the closest thing the United States locomotive builders came to standard designs. Indeed, the last steam locomotive built for a Class I railroad was a USRA copy, an 0-8-0 for the Norfolk & Western Railway. More controversy exists about their freight car designs, but they were certainly an improvement on many outdated cars in service before the USRA period. It can certainly be said, however, that the influx of new and modern locomotives and cars 'for free' assisted in the revival of the railroads' hitherto shaky fortunes and set up, in the years between the Great War and the Great Depression, a somewhat 'Golden Age' for railroading.The experiment was not repeated. In World War II, the private railroads handled the war effort admirably, though one could argue that some major East Coast railroads impoverished themselves in so doing, setting up the later railroad collapses in the region.Credit: Wikipedia... All the best! Jan Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 11, 2007 11:34 AM In rememberance of Armistice and Veteran's day, here are a few posters: Edit pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Sunday, November 11, 2007 12:21 PM Hi Tom and all.I watched an English soccer game this morning,and before the kick-off a minutes silence was held for Remembrance Day which I observed with them. The minutes silence was immaculately held by the crowd at the match.For my contribution for Veteran's Day this is something I posted at the old Our Place on page 160. A toast, please, for all Veterans Past and Present. Very good posts on this most noteworthy of days showing how the railroads Stepped up to the Plate, as I believe you say over here, in the most difficult of times. The skill needed to drive the often-overloaded trains in the blackout many with hazardous cargos with the danger of air raids is truly amazing. After WW1 some railway companies in the U.K named a loco in Honour of the Fallen who had previously been in the service of that Company. The London Brighton and South Coast had a 2-6-4 tank it named REMBERANCE. The London & North Western had a 4-6-0 named PATRIOT and the Great Central a 4-6-0 named VALOUR. The name VALOUR is carried today on a North American built diesel loco Class 66 owned by the GBRf Company. In Britain, Remembrance Sunday as it is known, is commemorated by the sale of paper poppies, which benefit the Royal British Legion. You may have noticed Prince Charles was wearing one on his recent visit. At the factory I went to work for in Rugby, outside the main gate is a Memorial to the Fallen of the two World Wars. In steam days on Remembrance Sunday the Rugby locomotive depot prepared the locomotive Patriot by covering it in poppies. The loco was then parked on a bridge, which gave access to the works, adjacent to the Memorial. A service was then held there. After Patriot was withdrawn the loco used was a Royal Scot class 4-6-0 #46170 British Legion. This engines nameplate was a replica of the Legion emblem with a lion's head and the words to the top and bottom. I'm Afraid I don't know why Rugby was singled for this honour. Today the bridge and the Engine Shed have gone. Thankfully the Memorial and works (though much smaller still survive).Pete. LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by LoveDomes on Sunday, November 11, 2007 12:52 PM Ahoy Cap'n Tom 'n fellow contributors at the bar!Just wanted to say how great it is to see the participation on this November 11th!Nice work, gentlemen - 'n have a round on me! Ring it Boris 'n Tom please serve 'em up! Until the next time! Lars Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 11, 2007 12:56 PM The Ballad of Rodger Young Frank Loesser Oh, they've got no time for glory in the Infantry.Oh, they've got no use for praises loudly sung.But in every soldier's heart in all the InfantryShines the name, shines the name of Rodger Young.(Shines the name, Rodger Young!Fought and died for the men he marched among.To the everlasting glory of the Infantry.Lives the story of Private Rodger Young.)Caught in ambush lay a company of riflemenJust grenades against machine guns in the gloom.Caught in ambush till this one of twenty riflemenVolunteered, volunteered to meet his doom.Volunteered, Rodger Young!Fought and died for the men he marched among.In the everlasting annals of the InfantryGlows the last deed of Private Rodger Young.(It was he who drew the fire of the enemyThat a company of men might live to fight.And before the deadly fire of the enemyStood the man, stood the man we hail tonight.)On the island of New Georgia in the SolomonsStands a simple wooden cross alone to tell.That beneath the silent coral of the SolomonsSleeps a man, sleeps a man remembered well.Sleeps a man, Rodger Young!Fought and died for the men he marched among.In the everlasting spirit of the InfantryBreathes the spirit of Private Rodger Young.No, they've got no time for glory in the Infantry.No, they've got no use for praises loudly sung.But in every soldier's heart in all the InfantryShines the name, shines the name of Rodger Young.Shines the name, Rodger Young!Fought and died for the men he marched among.To the everlasting glory of the InfantryLives the story of Private Rodger Young.Courtesy of WikapediaDD1 Edit siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, November 11, 2007 1:14 PM Now Arriving on Track #1Railroad Ads from the World WarsThreesomes! - Number Two "Our" Place 2007 Commemoration of Veterans - Remembrance - Armistice Day!<A form of these were initially Posted on Pages 159-160 - Nov 11th, 2005 on the Original Thread> Number 4 of 9: "Keep "Em Rollin' . . or Else!"says grandpappy engine 2414 to a 1942 Santa Fe Freight Diesel "Back in '98, in the Spanish-American War," reminisces little Old-Timer 2414, "20 cars was an average-length freight train. By World War I, we'd upped our Santa Fe freights to an average 35.9 cars. Not bad railroadin', that." "Not bad is right," answers the big new freight Diesel, "but not good enough for World War II. Now we've stretched ‘em out another 41% to 50.9 cars, and those cars are bigger, loaded heavier, and rolling farther and faster." "Good work, son," says Old-Timer. "Yours is the BIG war job. Keep ‘em rollin' - or else!" KEEP ‘EM ROLLIN' - OR ELSE* No nation that does not possess efficient mass transportation can hope to win a modern war. In America that mass transportation job is squarely up to her railroads. If they fail, we lose. * Neither battle gallantry nor industrial wizardry alone will turn the tide. To meet this tremendous responsibility, we ask for every possible consideration in the allocation of materials for vitally essential repairs, maintenance and new equipment. DAILY THE LOAD INCREASESTo date, the railroads haves met 100% the staggering demands born of this global war. Many have helped make that record possible - the War Department, the Office of Defense Transportation, civilian shippers and travelers everywhere. In the first six month of 1942 with 25% fewer locomotives, the Santa Fe moved 94% more freight ton-miles and 27% more military and civilian passenger miles than in the first six months of 1918 in World War I. Daily the load increases. No man knows what the peak will be. We do know there is a limit to the performance that can be squeezed out of existing equipment. SANTA FE SYSTEM LINESSERVING THE SOUTHWEST FOR 70 YEARSBuy U. S. War Bonds - They Identify You" * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Number 5 of 9: Like Father in 1917 ~ Like Son, in 1942 ~ Americans feel at home in BritainAmericans have always felt at home in Britain . . . in peace time . . . or in war. Whether they have come over, equipped with guide books, golf clubs and cameras for a quiet sojourn among Britain's peaceful hedgerows, historic landmarks, and the ancestral beginnings of American ideals, laws and traditions or whether they have come, as in 1942 with steel helmets, bayonets, tanks and bombers in defenses of these very ideals, by which both nations are so closely bound together in common heritage, Americans feel that they are truly among friends - in Britain. Year after year, in happier times, British Railways have brought American travelers along the magic trail that leads into the heart of Britain - the glorious, colourful panorama of History, Literature, Tradition and Ideals. Until Victory comes, as it must and will, British Railways continue to maintain their contact with their American Friends, through their General Traffic Manager, C. M. Turner, 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, N. Y.BRITISH RAILWAYS* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Number 6 of 9: A BOY ON A HILL-TOPHe used to wave at me from that hill . . . we lived just beyond it. He knew the exact time I'd be by . . . and I'd wave to him from the cab. And on my time off, I'd go to the hill with him, and we'd sit together, my son and I, and wait for the trains to come along. We'd hear their whistle calling across the distance . . . then see the long plume of smoke come into view, racing like the wind . . . and as they thundered by, we'd both wave to the engineer. Maybe Happy Railroading! Siberianmo LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Sunday, November 11, 2007 2:17 PM Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow contributors at the bar!Just a few more Merchie posters, then I gotta skedaddle . . . . Jints play the Cowboys today - should be a "gudun!" A round for all who have contributed to this fine Veterans - Remembrance - Armistice Day outpouring at the Watering Hole by the Wayside! Until the next time! Lars siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, November 11, 2007 4:47 PM Now Arriving on Track #1 Railroad Ads from the World WarsThreesomes! - Number Three "Our" Place 2007 Commemoration of Veterans - Remembrance - Armistice Day!<A form of these were initially Posted on Pages 159-160 - Nov 11th, 2005 on the Original Thread> Number 7 of 9: HE WHO "steps up" ALSO SERVESUNION PACIFIC is doing its share to meet the nation's vital need for dependable transportation. It's a job we're proud to do. Over the "the strategic middle route" connecting East with West, our gigantic locomotives are hauling not only war materials but also thousands of Uncle Sam's men in uniform. Thus, it is apparent that travelers may not always find it possible to obtain their preferred accommodations. Perhaps only coach seats or upper berths will be available. To Union Pacific patrons, who we have had the pleasure of serving and will continue to serve to the best of our ability, we would like to say, "he who steps up also serves" and express our thanks for your cooperation. The ProgresssiveUNION PACIFIC RAILROAD The Strategic Middle Route"Buy U. S. War Bonds - They Identify You" * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Number 8 of 9: ON THEIR WAY Shades are drawn down. Lights dim low. The landscape is blotted out . . . there's just the hum of the speeding train. These boys know what it means - the troop train is approaching the troop ships. Some draw a deep breath. A soldier fumbles for a letter. Another wonders if he can make a last telephone call. Another draws out a crumpled photograph. No, travelers don't see this - but the trainmen of the Pennsylvania Railroad do, daily. And more so than ever now. As the swelling tide of American youth - fine and fit streams overseas . . . Of course, it takes a lot of equipment for these troop movements - but with what remains we are doing our best to serve all essential travelers . . . efficiently, courteously. BUY UNITED STATES WAR BONDS AND STAMPS Pennsylvania Railroad * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Number 9 of 9: A NEW DAY DAWNS IN RAILROADING War traffic has more than doubled the volume of freight hauled by the Western Pacific Railroad from Salt Lake City to San Francisco. Wherever the going it toughest n this rugged route, General Motors Diesel freight locomotives have kept this vast stream of vital munitions moving steadily. War building is being rushed ahead with reliable General Motors Diesel power. In the days to come this dependable, economical power will be ready to do the hard jobs of peace. Throughou Happy Railroading! Siberianmo Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 11, 2007 5:44 PM Guarding TheTOMBOf TheUnknown SoldierThe SentinelsThe 3rd United States Infantry has served our Nation continuously since 1784, and today is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the U.S. Army. Headquartered out of Fort Myer, Virginia, it is traditionally known as "The Old Guard", a proud nickname ascribed by General Winfield Scott during a victory parade at Mexico City in 1847.Since World War II The Old Guard has been the Army's official HONOR GUARD. Among their duties, beyond providing security to our Nation's Capitol in time of national emergency or civil disturbance, are some of the most impressive displays of military ceremony.Soldiers from The Old Guard escort the President, conduct military ceremonies at the White House, Pentagon, and national memorials in our Capitol City, including funeral details and other special ceremonies at Arlington National Cemeteries. One of their most recognized responsibilities is providing sentinels...Tomb Guards, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.Since April 6, 1948 the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of weather. Millions of Americans annually visit the Memorial Amphitheater to watch these dedicated soldiers of a new generation, dutifully pace 21 steps across a black mat on the west face of the Tomb. It is a time honored ritual, executed with great precision and filled with American pride.The sentinel marches 21 steps across the black mat, past the final resting places of the Unknown Soldiers of World War I, World War II, Korea, and the crypt of the Unknown Soldier of the Vietnam War. With a crisp turn, the sentinel turns 90 degrees to face east for 21 seconds. The sentinel then turns a sharp 90 degrees again to face north for 21 seconds. A crisp "shoulder-arms" movement places the rifle on the shoulder nearest the visitors to signify that the sentinel stands between the tomb and any threat. After the moment, the sentinel paces 21 steps north, turns and repeats the process. The practiced cadence is timed so that the sentinel paces at a rate of 90 steps each minute.The Sentinel's CreedMy dedication to this sacred dutyIs total and wholehearted-In the responsibility bestowed on meNever will I falter-And with dignity and perseveranceMy standard will remain perfection.Through the years of diligence and praiseAnd the discomfort of the elementsI will walk my tour in humble reverenceThe best of my ability.It is he who commands the respect I protectHis bravery that made us so proud.Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day,Alone in the thoughtful peace of night,This soldier in honored Glory restUnder my eternal vigilance.Click for Larger Image Appropriately, the men who march 21 steps south, turn and march 21 steps north, and then repeat the process minute-by-minute for up to an hour at a time day or night, are the very best of the Army's best. Whether under a blazing sun, unsheltered from driving rains, or in freezing snow, they perform their duty with great precision and military bearing. Each of them is a volunteer from the 3rd Infantry, eligible to apply for duty as a sentinel ONLY after they have already been ceremonially qualified in The Old Guard. Each soldier among them is physically fit for the demanding responsibility and between 5'10" and 6'4" tall with a proportionate weight and build.Acceptance in The Old Guard's Company E does not assure a volunteer that he will become one of the fewer than 400 soldiers in the last 45 years to earn the distinctive Tomb Guard Badge. Before any soldier is allowed "a walk", he must memorize seven pages of history on Arlington National Cemetery and then recite it verbatim. If a soldier finishes this phase and is granted "a walk", he enters a new phase of training known as "new-soldier training". In addition to extensive training in the manual of arms, the guard change ceremony, and the intricacies of military ritual, the new-soldier is required to memorize additional information on Arlington, including the grave locations of nearly 300 veterans.It may take months for a soldier to earn the right to TEST to wear the coveted silver Tomb Guard Identification badge, and even then, the award is temporary. Only after the sentinel has served at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for nine months does the award become permanent. One of the Army's rarest emblems, it features the inverted laurel and a replica of the East face of the tomb where Greek images represent the virtues of Victory, Valor, and Peace.Each "walk" is a shift of one-half hour during daylight hours in the summer, one hour during daylight hours in the winter, and all night shifts are one-hour walks. Each walk concludes with the ceremonial Changing of the Guards...even when no audience is present. The ChangingofThe GuardThe changing of the guard ceremony is conducted every hour in winter time, and every half hour during summer daylight hours to provide visitors ample opportunity to witness one of the Army's proudest traditions.As the active sentry nears the conclusion of his walk, a uniformed relief commander enters the plaza to announce the Changing of the Guard. When the sentinel assigned the next walk leaves the guards' quarters, he unlocks the bolt of his M-14 rifle to signify that he is ready to begin the ceremony. The relief commander approaches the tomb, slowly salutes, then faces the visitors and requests silence during the ceremony.As the new sentinel approaches the relief commander slowly and with great precision, conducts a white-glove inspection of the sentinel's weapon. The two then march to the center of the mat where the duty sentinel stops his walk, and all three men salute the Tomb."Pass on your orders." the commander instructs the active sentinel."Post and orders, remain as directed." He replies."Orders acknowledged." Answers the relieving sentinel, who then steps into position at the center of the black mat. As soon as the relief commander passes, the new sentinel begins his own walk, 21 paces south, turn and pause for 21 seconds, turn and pace 21 steps south, and then repeat the actions without distraction until relieved by the next Changing of the Guards. Although this is my third visit today, I thought a little history about the honor guard was appropiate. Join me in a toast to these great soldiers.Ron Edit Gunneral Member sinceSeptember 2002 From: NZ 242 posts Posted by Gunneral on Sunday, November 11, 2007 6:06 PM Hi Tom and all,Leon a round for all our veterans who defended our freedom and democracy!And for our fallen hero`s."They shall grow not old as we who are left grow old, age shall not weary them nor the years condemn, at the going down of the sun, and in the morning, WE WILL REMEMBER THEM."Binyons Ode for the fallen, as used by the New Zealand Returned Services Association in memory of our comrades-in-arms.To all. Thanks for all the really great info and pics, am pushed for time today so will acknowledge all your efforts on my next visit!See ya, Allan siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Monday, November 12, 2007 6:01 AM <personal foto>A smile to begin the week! You can't think and hit at the same time.<A Yogi-ism!>G'day Gents! Today is a holiday for many - the legal observance of Veteran's Day - Remembrance Day ‘n Armistice Day! So, the breakfasts, pastries ‘n coffee is on the house for all who have served or have had close family members in the military. Help yourselves, Gents! Experienced some Forum's Weirdness over the weekend. First I couldn't log in for quite awhile on Saturday afternoon ‘n when I did finally get on the only Pages that would appear were several back from the most current. Then on Sunday a couple of Posts came through all screwed up. Pete's had Ron's identification ‘n then Lars' ID showed up on MY Post. I had a hulluva time trying to delete that one!! <geesh> Then my stuff then got placed on the wrong Page!! Never, ever saw any of that happen before. Only thing that I can come up with is perhaps those submissions were all being made pretty close to one another thereby skewing <screwing up> the data. Have no clue, really! Things straightened out once I logged off - rebooted the ‘puter ‘n tried again. Finally got my Post out okay - Weird, Weird, Weird! Comments from the Proprietor: An excellent turnout for November 11th by the crew at "Our" Place! Really shows that we have interest from the majority ‘round here in the things that makes this Tavern by the Tracks unique in the Ether! Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative) Sunday - Nov 11th, 2007:Lars (LoveDomes) at 9:53AM ‘n 12:52 PM: Most pleased to see that you were able to come through for us as promised! Always like those WWII "merchie" posters ‘n of course the Merchant Marine Song has special meaning for me in memory of my dad . . .Rounds, visits ‘n thoughtfulness very much appreciated! Jan (JanOlov) at 10:52 AM: Now there's some information one doesn't get to see every day. Very interesting ‘n a good choice for this day! Generosities appreciated - as always! Ron (DD1) at 11:34 AM & 12:56 PM: Excellent selection of relevant posters! Most fitting "Ballad of Rodger Young" on this day of remembrance for our veterans and those serving in the Armed Forces! Good choice. Lars (LoveDomes) at 2:17 PM: Thrice in one day! <awwwwwwwright!> Super-fine "merchie" posters - fits well within the idea of this day. Many thanx, Mate! Giants dropped a game they really could've won had they all "been there." Watched most of it, but really got turned off when the Cowboys JOs began their antics. Can't stand to watch "professionals" do those things. <ugh> My option: turn the channel.Round ‘n material most appreciated, as always! Ron (DD1) at 5:44 PM: Back with a 3rd offering! Unfortunately it had that "wide page pheom" which Happy Railroading! Siberianmo siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Monday, November 12, 2007 8:21 AM G'day Gents!Here's an "annual" Post that many of our guys have enjoyed at this time of year . . . Here's something a bit different that I found in my latest TransportAction newsletter from Transport2000Canada, Vol 27, No. 6, Dec 05, 2005. The article has been retyped with permission from the author, which I profoundly express my appreciation. Hope all of you enjoy it. A Trip to Remember(Marcus Garnet, President, T2000 Atlantic)My wife, Christine, and I had been looking forward to riding VIA Rail's Remembrance Day Train ever since we had booked our trip from Halifax to Montreal. This train was, in fact, a special expanded version of VIA's regular Ocean run, and left Halifax on November 9th, two days before Remembrance Day. The general public were permitted to ride in addition to veterans, who were especially encouraged to be part of this historic trip. They would transfer in Montreal to Train 33 to continue their journey to Ottawa the following morning.The idea for the commemorative trip during the Year of the Veteran had arisen many months previously, with a suggestion made at the Halifax ticket office and the dedicated initiative of Ronald Jackson, one of the VIA agents there. Many other VIA staff members and external organizations worked together to make the trip a success.When we arrived at the Halifax station we were greeted by a red carpet. An on-veterans we felt unworthy to tread on it, but this was only the beginning. Many thoughtful touches gave a period feel, including a shoe-shiner offering his services for 25 cents, who later rode on the train itself. The booking hall abounded with uniformed military people and displays of photos and war memorabilia.We were immediately reminded of the personal cost which so many have paid to protect freedom and democracy in Canada and other nations, including my homeland - the United Kingdom. My parents had often told me of the hardships of growing up in England during World War II. More recently, and over in Canada, Christine's late father was well known and loved by the patients whom he had faithfully visited for many years at the Camp Hill Veteran's Memorial Hospital.After checking our luggage we took turns to look at the displays, before a staff member exhorted us to get on board. We walked down another red carpet, awed by the ranks of military personnel standing at attention on either side. We gazed along the platform between two endless rows of gleaming stainless steel railcars, each door guarded by a uniformed military person as well as the helpful VIA Rail staff. We heard that the 33-car train (including three engines, two domes, three diners, three coaches and a baggage car) would be the longest to operate on this route since World War II, and would carry approximately 420 passenger once those from Moncton had embarked. Because of its length, the train was parked at the station in two halves and later coupled together.After moving into our double bedroom we hastened to the dome in the Park Car, and watched the enormous train pull out of Halifax, recalling the troop trains that connected with ships to and from Europe so many years ago. Along the historic railway cut, people stood on the many bridges looking down at our train and waved to us. The Halifax Herald printed a special page with the words "Thank You" accompanied by a bright red poppy, and many onlookers held these up as signs while our train passed. There were many media reporters on board with their TV cameras, and some remained on the train for the entire trip. Seated up in the dome, we had a panoramic view and felt humbled by the privilege of participating in such a special occasion. Soon we could see the whole train stretched out alongside the Bedford Basin, reminding us of the wartime convoys which had been assembled there, and which many veterans had helped to protect.Before boarding we had been given a paper assigning us to one of the three diners on the train, which for the occasion were termed "Mess Halls." There were tow sittings for lunch and three for supper, while breakfast was also available the following morning. Walking down the endless corridors to "Mess Hall 2," it was easy to see that more than half the passengers were veterans. Signs outside their bedrooms indicated the name and military position, and in our diner there were plenty of uniforms and colourful badges. At one of the meals we made friends with an older couple who told us of family members who had lost their lives while fighting overseas in World War II. It was a reminder than many who fought never returned, and that this train was also a tribute to them.After our first meal on board, we waited for our bill, but it never came. We were told that all meals were complimentary, sponsored by Atlantic Superstore and VIA Rail. The food was very enjoyable, served by an attentive and efficient staff. Throughout the journey, we appreciated the enthusiastic attitude and helpfulness of VIA employees. This was all the more impressive in view of the large numbers who needed to be accommodated, some of whom had special needs. It seemed that every detail had been anticipated, including the provision of a volunteer paramedic who assisted several passengers enroute.Our train was enthusiastically welcomed at the many Maritime communities we passed through. Some people held up "Thank You" signs in their own yards. Others were parked near grade crossings to anticipate our arrival. One or two stood alone and saluted the train as it passed. At Truro, crowds of children lined their schoolyard fence and waved. Crossing the Tantramar marshes, we were greed by two deer romping in a nearby field with the train curving around almost as a backdrop - a magnificent sight! At each station, a home-grown welcome awaited us, a band, a choir, a troupe of cadets standing at attention. At Moncton, we took a brief walk outside and almost got lost in the crowd following the pipe band marching up the platform.There were poignant greetings at the tiny communities served by flagstops, where people had gone far out of their way to prepare for the train's arrival. We especially remember the stop at Jacquet River late in the northern New Brunswick evening, where a flatbed truck had been parked as a float, complete with a strobe light mounted on a stepladder. People used what they had to show their appreciation. The last community in New Brunswick, Tidewater, does not even have a flagstop, but by prior arrangement our train slowed down so we could see the people waving, the coloured lights and the lone fire truck with its strobes flashing a salute. These people had stayed up late and waited long for our dela Happy Railroading! Siberianmo LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Monday, November 12, 2007 9:22 AM Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar! Ruth my deAH, how good it is to feast these old eyes upon your radiant beauty! <blush> <phew> Time for a mugga Joe with a jolt - a round for the boyz ‘n treats for the crittAHs! Keep the change my deAH! Boris, that LARGE jar of PPF is for you AFTER you feed the gang their breakfast ‘n don't forget, Artie gets his field mouse OUT BACK <ugh>. I'd say we had a terrific Nov 11th here at the Watering Hole by the Wayside. Yeah, we missed a couple of guys who I really thought would show up - but such is life, huh We ALL have things requiring our time ‘n attention aside from being in cyber space. I thought Da Bossman totally stole the show yesterday with those reworked WWII RR related postAHs. Really some fine stuff ‘n well done. A 5- Salute to Cap'n Tom! Not to take away from the other guys - Ron, Jan ‘n Pete all contributed to make the day a success. Really well done boyz! Thought today's submission by Cap'n Tom hit the spot too! Must've been a great ride for those vets ‘n their wives. Appreciated the links . . . Did anyone other than Da Bossman and me notice the screwy stuff going on yesterday when several of the guys tried to post around the same time Really a strange result. Somehow got straigtened out, but for a while it looked like one of those <Twilight Zone> episodes of "back in the day"! I've got a few more posters to share, then I'm afraid it's time for me to disappear for awhile. Got some mattAHs to attend to that will keep me away perhaps ‘til right before Thanksgiving. I'll surely try to get in now ‘n then, but things are looking TIGHT right now.Here comes the Larsman Mobile with more five more WWII posters! Ruth, we've got some <ahem> admin matters to attend to on your break! <ooooooh>Until the next time! Lars LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Monday, November 12, 2007 9:26 AM Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!Ruth, another round on me! Boris, ring the chimes . . .Back with 5 more from the Larsman Mobile! Until the next time! Lars JanOlov Member sinceDecember 2001 From: GB 376 posts Posted by JanOlov on Monday, November 12, 2007 9:30 AM Greetings Tom and gentlemen.....Barkeep.....may I please have the usual extra cold Guinness, top with cigars for the crew please...? Keep the change..$$$$ for the cigar box and Mr Wurlitzer.....marthastrainyard, nice pics mate.... I must admit that I wasn't a fan of those UP M-10000's at first, and I still like the later ones better than M-10000-M10002...Cy Young...? Am I correct guessing baseball?pwolfe, I like that post from the second I saw it, awesome pics to say the least.... Nice pics in your post mate ....that tiny diesel, it is a Kof or whatever they were called....German?Tom, good choice of flicks mate....and your post are second to none.....EricX2000, nice pics of the 4-12-2 9000 mate ....looks like she needs a bit of TLC...Da Larsman, great posts and ads....DD1, great ads and lyrics and the post about Guarding The TOMB Of The Unknown Soldier...Next round is on me lads!Perhaps as you entered the hall tonight, you noticed the small table, set for one, in a place of honor. The military cast is filled with symbolism. This table is our way of acknowledging that members of our proud profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are POWs, MIAs and KIAs. We call them brothers. They are unable to be with us this evening, so we remember them because of their sacrifices. The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms. The single rose in the vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our Comrades-in-Arms who keep faith, awaiting their return. The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase, is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and *** of thousands who bear witness to their underlying determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. A slice of lemon is on the bread plate, to remind us of their bitter fate. The salt is symbolic of the tears, as they wait. The glass is inverted; he cannot toast with us this night. The chair is empty; he is not here. Remember, all of you who served with them and called them comrade, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely they have not forgotten you. I propose a toast to our Fallen Comrades.... All the best! Jan siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Monday, November 12, 2007 12:51 PM G'day Gents!Ruth, go ahead and take your break - in fact - take the rest of the day off, things are looking mighty sloooooooooow here.For all planning to attend Rendezvous III - check your Email! A perfectly luke-warm, partly cloudy fall day has turned to bouts of hard driving rain - nothing severe - but much need precip 'round these parts. <finally> Leaves are piling up - looks like there's gonna be lots of work out there for someone. <oooooooops> That's Moi!<groan>Good to see Lars 'n Jan show up on this holiday Monday . . . figured we'd have some slack on this day. Nice contributions from both!! Just a bit surprised that we haven't seen either of the Canadian guys lately . . . yeah I know, busy, busy . . . But sure seems odd that Cap'n Fergie has taken shelter ever since he got <tweeted> back on Page 137, Nov 5th . . . Perhaps a bit of promise - heard from one of our favorite characters and now a UTB - Nick (nickinwestwales) by Email. Family matters have kept him away, but he's beginning to see daylight - so who knows Maybe - just maybe we'll see a return. Stealing a "theme" from our Manager, here's a few BOOK COVERS I've found to continue along with the wartime-RR theme for these past two days . . . Hawaiian Railway Album, Vol 1Hawaiian Railway Album, Vol 2Hawaiian Railway Album, Vol 3Hawaiian Railway Album, Vol 4America's Fighting Railroads* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Enjoy! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Monday, November 12, 2007 1:03 PM G'day Gents!Here's something SPECIAL for Wolfman Pete who inquired about that 0-4-0 steam loco on display across from the Anchorage, Alaska train depot . . .<This was initially Posted on 10 Jun 2006 on Page 351 of the Original Thread>The Davenport Locomotive on the pedestal in front of the Anchorage Depot was never on the roster as #1. It is actually #6 and started life as a 3 foot gauge locomotive that was then standard gauged. It became the ceremonial #1 only because it was a survivor. from: http://alaskamodelrrnews.homestead.com/Steam.htmlHistorian Pat Durand says, "Builders #764 by Davenport Locomotive Works October 1907 for the Isthmus Canal Commission where it operated as No. 802. Acquired by the Alaska Engineering Commission as #6 in 1917. This locomotive was 3 foot gauge and was converted to standard gauge and used as a shop switcher in Anchorage. During 1947 she was renumbered No. 1 for use by the Anchorage Lions Club Moose Gooser train on 4th and 5th Avenue during the Fur Rendezvous for two years. Later she was placed on display facing East in front of the Depot. In the 1990, Bob Yost lead a group to a full restoration, short of a new boiler, and she went back on the display facing West." from: http://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former-loco/JC-arr1.htmlAnd, finally from my Pix archives! Okay - drinks on Pete for all of MY efforts! Later . . .Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Monday, November 12, 2007 3:12 PM Hi Tom and all.A round please RUTH for an excellent day yesterday. As Tom says we are a Unique Place in the Ether.TOM Those Railroad Ads were all really well written, but the NYC Boy on a Hill Top really stands out for me.Many thanks for sharing the very moving letter from Marcus Garnet. I appreciate him letting us share it. Well done VIA rail for making the train possible. Having now traveled the route of the train from Halifax and Montreal I can imagine the people turning out to see the train at the stations on route. LARS Thanks for the Merchant Marine posters. I know my father, who served in the Royal Navy in WWII, had a great deal of respect and admiration for the Merchant Seamen.JAN Thanks for the very interesting info on the USRA. I had heard of the USRA but did not know a lot about it. There are some of the USA war time built locomotives for Europe In the UK on preserved lines, I believe they are of class S160.They are very fine and poignant words in your post today.RON Thanks for the Veterans Day posters and the Ballard Of Rodger Young which I had not seen before. The bride's cousin served in the Honor Guard so the piece was of great interest to me many thanks for sharing.ALLAN Those fine words are used at ceremonies in the UK as well.I would like to mention a preserved loco which as been dedicated to the British Military Railway men who lost their lives in the World Wars . It is an ex LMS 8F 2-8-0 class of freight locomotive which was built by the North British Locomotive Company of Glasgow Scotland in 1940. The loco was used in Persia in 1941 ferrying supplies to the Russians and was later in Egypt. It was in very poor condition after the war and was due to be scrapped, but instead was shipped back to England and was repaired at Derby Works. It was saved after its BR service and now runs on the Severn Valley Railway and no doubt will be involved at a Remembrance service held on the railway .The loco is behind No 45110 and is in the livery and appearance it would have been when serving in the war as W.D. No 307.A link to the 8F, to see the plaque please click on RE WWII.http://www.8fsociety.co.uk/002.htmERIC Many thanks for the info on those locomotives from Holland in Alan's photos; I will send them to him.UP # 9000 is a very impressive locomotive, thanks for the photos TOM I see you are getting the much-needed rain we have had it most of the morning with the odd bit of thunder.I too noticed something with the forum Saturday. I saw LARS ‘s name on the post about the NYC Ad.It is great you have heard from Nick and many thanks for the book covers I think it is the first time I have ever seen books on the railways of Hawaii. I wonder if any remain in service there todayThe info on Alaska railroad #1 or more properly #6 certainly deserves a round from me. I must ask about the Anchorage Lions Club Moose Gooser train at the Fur Rendezvous. I don't suppose there will be any moose gooseing at our rendezvous.Well it was RUTH when I started but I see it is owner TOM now, so drinks on me.Pete. siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Monday, November 12, 2007 7:22 PM G'day Gents!Figured I'd get a leg up on the comments while I'm still able. <grin>Customer Acknnowledgments - since my last narrative Monday - Nov 12th, 2007:Lars (LoveDomes) at 9:22 AM & 9:26 AM: Ten absolutely perfect Merchant Marine posters to help commemorate our observance of Remembrance - Armistice - Veteran's Day here at the Saloon by the Siding! Five- Salute to the man we call the Larsman! We amassed quite an archive of WWII material, much of it railroad/railway related. Says a lot about this current crew. Nicely done - ALL! Many thanx for your continuing efforts to keep this place moving forward, the round ‘n having you aboard twice this day! Jan (JanOlov) at 9:30 AM: If that is an original thought regarding the table set for one - terrific job. If not, it's a most appropriate tribute to those many of us hold in high esteem, especially at this time of year. Five- Salute to our Resident Swede in Scotland! As ever - round, visit ‘n extras most appreciated! Pete (pwolfe) at 3:12 PM: Another all around fine, inclusive ‘n interesting Post from our Bar Chandler <Acting Manager>! Catch up Email received - thanx! Having never goosed a moose, I've no further comment! <uh oh> Info on the Stanier 8F steamer is really worth the reading . . . thanx! It's good that there are people who take the time ‘n make the effort to preserve that which is worth preserving! Cheers to them!Aside from what I mentioned regarding the Forum's Gremlins on Saturday - it's kinda like UFO sightings; one begins to wonder whether it happened or not. <strange>Many thanx for the visit, foto ‘n round! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * See ya in the 'morrow!Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo wanswheel Member sinceNovember 2005 4,190 posts Posted by wanswheel on Monday, November 12, 2007 9:26 PM Good evening Commander, a round for the houseThank you for your service Tom. Keep on the SunnysideMike EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Monday, November 12, 2007 10:55 PM Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!Leon, a chicken filet sandwich, please! A cold Keith's.I am very disappointed and frustrated this evening. I had some photos and slides put aside to scan for this Veteran's Day and last night when I was going to scan them they were all gone! And still is! I have no clue what happened to them. All I have is this picture from Arlington.In Honor of All our veterans!!! All I can do is to apologize for not keeping things in better order. I am still trying to find the missing pictures. Tom – Not aged a day since that cab photo was taken? I guess I should be flattered but I think I looked old already then! Probably caused by the water, yes. I thought something was wrong with the movie title, but I thought Oh no, our Captain would never miss anything like that! Railroads are extremely important during wars. Interesting facts about Great Northern and Pullman!! Plus AAR!A Trip to Remember, a very good article I read earlier! Lars – Nice post with the flag of the Merchant Marine and song, plus several wellknown posters! JanOlov – Interesting reading about the USRA!Ron – Very nice posters! The top one from a very important year, 1943! That was when I started...I am glad you posted a picture from Arlington! I have some pictures I was going to use from Arlington but they all disappeared just in time for this Sunday. Pete – Nice of the railroads to honor the previous employees who didn’t come back from the war(s). Mike – The top picture is the best! And the Sunnyside pictures are very interesting! Eric « First«90919293949596»Last » SUBSCRIBER & MEMBER LOGIN Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more! Login Register FREE NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter Submit More great sites from Kalmbach Media Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy
The Stooges get a job putting up posters for the circus, but discover that they are paid in tickets rather than cash. They go to the circus to scalp their tickets, and when Curly accidentally finds a long string of tickets, the boys try to scalp them. They're chased by the cops and dragged before the circus owner, who's mad at them for ruining his posters. Instead of sending Happy Railroading! Siberianmo EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Sunday, November 11, 2007 1:01 AM Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!Leon, good to see you my friend! I know, I better have a meatloaf sandwich, fries and coleslaw! Coffee, please! Round for the house!A lot of stuff to read and look at tonight! Tom – I think you and I are the only ones who know that 50% of the attendees were awake aboard that Amtrak train! A wild night it was, that is true! What, what, what???? Me tweeted?? Not ordering?? Haven’t you noticed? Leon knows, but you missed it!! Leon knows what I want when I get to Our Place because I always order the same thing. All I have to do is to nod my head! Just like when I have lunch at Cracker Barrel. The waitresses know what I have each day of the week. They don’t ask. This is unbeleivable! Me tweeted? And rule #2 of all rules!?!? Where are those stupid bug lights? Mumble, mumble. Monster truck? No, it is just a regular 18-wheeler, a Freightliner with a trailer loaded with cat- and dog food. The 2nd photo is a loco, a class Rc2, see picture below.This is actually a Rc1, but they look the same. Thanks for the North Station article by CM3! Very interesting with a lot of details! And thanks for the (last?) Alaska pictures! Very nice! All Quiet On The Western Front! A very good movie! I have seen a couple of older versions and I have the book. The Lost Batallion - Duty, seems also to be a very good movie! Right choice of movies for this week! JanOlov – You re-posted a very interesting article barndad posted earlier this year! Amazing pictures! A bunch of pictures of UP equipment! One of the M-10000 has actually been to the Hoover dam when it was built. I don’t know which one though. UP class 9000 from 1926 is an impressive 3-cyl. steam locomotive. Below are a few pictures of #9000 that is on display at the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society Museum in Pomona, CA.Ron provided some info on these locos.UP observation car 1535 looks kind of different! I guess it is an radio antenna on its roof. 6 wheel trucks! Ron – Thanks for the info on the Chile streetcar! Built 1925. I wonder if any of them has been preserved? I wish your son best luck with his rig and hope it will work well! It sounds like it is in a pretty good condition! Per – Test track area? Do you mean the Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) in Pueblo, CO? As far as I know FRA does not have any test area. TTCI has an interesting site that can be found on this link.http://www.aar.com/welcome.htmI am afraid I do not know if Sunnyside has been downsized from the size in the 50’s. But I don’t think so. Thanks for the Boston pictures! Kind of sad to see Union Station demoted to a restaurant! Not much left of that ball field! Pete – I think you are right about those SF locomotives. I found some info on the locomotives in Alan’s pictures. The first photo shows an (#521) English Electric 400 hp diesel-electric from 1953. Built by Dick Kerr Works, Preston, UK.Locomotive #262 and 264 are known as “Sik”. Built 1936 by Werkspoor, Amsterdam, Holland. Steam locomotive #5 was built by La Meuse, Luik, Belgium 1924. Weight 40.5 metric tons, max speed 40 km/h (25 mph)Steam locomotive #2 Borsele was built by Krupp, Essen, Germany 1924. Weight 43.5 metric tons, max speed 45 km/h (28 mph)Locomotive #1 Wittouck was built by Orenstein & Koppel, Berlin Germany 1921. Eric JanOlov Member sinceDecember 2001 From: GB 376 posts Posted by JanOlov on Sunday, November 11, 2007 4:58 AM The 11th month. the 11th day and the 11th hour, the guns fell silent..... All the best! Jan siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, November 11, 2007 8:32 AM <personal foto>As an exception to our policy, the bar will be OPEN today for those who have something to contribute to Remembrance - Armistice ‘n Veteran's Day. Otherwise, we're CLOSED. G'day Gents! This is Remembrance - Armistice ‘n Veteran's Day, all rolled into one - depending on where in the ‘free world' one resides. A tradition at the Tavern by the Tracks has been to Post material featuring the RRs and those who served in the Armed Forces during times of global conflict.So, as an exception to our "CLOSED on Sundays" rule - we invite one ‘n all to provide your input TODAY‘ n tomorrow <legal observance>!It's just our way of thanking those who provided us with a chance to have what we have today! Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative) Saturday - Nov 10th, 2007: Jan (JanOlov) at 8:25 AM ‘n 9:17 AM: Began the ENCOREs with something from a UTB, barndad Doug from Page 28 of the reborn <this> Thread . . . Posted on March 3rd, 2007 (the 4th over in the UK!!) Good selection . . . Doug always provided the guys with so MUCH to read on Saturdays, but all quality stuff replete with fotos. A master at what he did, fer sure, fer sure! You mentioned a bunch of guys - many whom you never met ‘n I'm surprised you took the time to jot ‘em down. At any rate, guys come ‘n go - just like the weather, we just can't count on any particular group to remain in tact. Such is life as a barkeep! Followed up with some fine fotos of UP diversity in motive power! Excellent choices, Mate! Top ups, cigars ‘n cash all appreciated from our Resident Swede in Scotland! Ron (DD1) at 10:32 AM: And what to our surprise but a Saturday morning appearance from our Resident Southern Gentleman down in Ole Miss <aka: transplanted New Yorker!> No Ron, can't say that I ever fooled around with anything on board a trolley. Was a bit too young for the gals, so what else is there to fool with, eh What we DID engage in was to hitch rides on the back of city buses in the winter. Yeah, used to "straight arm" the rear bumper ‘n let the beasts tow us around. Not smart, eh You are absolutely CORRECT! Amazing any of us lived to where we are, eh Regarding what it will take to turn things around in this country - energy wise - well, IF we are the government, then by we need to INSIST upon an expedited course to get away from petroleum. We squandered so much time and perhaps many, many innovative ideas in favor of pandering. <arrrrrrrrrggggggggghhhhhh> <there goes my B/P!!> Round much appreciated along with your visit ‘n thoughts! Per (marthastrainyard: at 2:02 PM: Long time between visits but most happy to have our Resident Cowboy Swede at the bar! Many decades ago I purchased one of those model RR books on scenery. It left me with a headache . . . The book still resides somewhere in my stack of magazines needing to be placed in binders, if for no other reason than to do it. Anyway, the pikes of my past never were landscaped to any great extent. Couldn't do it because of my career moves . . . made no sense.Once I retired and built my first trainroom and permanent layout, I figured the landscaping would come later. It never did. That layout is gone <so much for permanence, eh?> And the room is used for something else. Then after a couple of years and with the prodding of a friend ‘n neighbor of mine, I decided to turn the major portion of our basement into what it is today - The Can-Am Trainroom. The friend of mine is an accomplished model painter ‘n detailer. He also has a rather small HO layout that he landscaped, that in my opinion should be featured somewhere in a magazine. It's that well done. Anyway, he told me if I put up a new layout, he'd do the landscaping. Ha - he bailed out on the "promise." Sooooooooo, the rest is history. I did it myself, with a bit of help from my wife Happy Railroading! Siberianmo siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, November 11, 2007 9:11 AM Now Arriving on Track #1 Railroad Ads from the World WarsThreesomes! - Number One"Our" Place 2007 Commemoration of Veterans - Remembrance - Armistice Day!<A form of these were initially Posted on Pages 159-160 - Nov 11th, 2005 on the Original Thread> Number 1 of 9: more Vital than gold All the gold buried in Fort Knox, Ky., is less important to Victory than the rich iron ore deposits of the Mesabi, Cuyuna, and Vermillion ranges of northern Minnesota. The Mesabi range along contains the world's largest developed deposits, and much of this ore lies in open pits. From these pits giant shovels scoop the vital "red dust" into Great Northern cars which dump it a few hours later into the docks in Duluth and Superior, at the Head of the Lakes. There ore boats are swiftly loaded for delivery to the nation's steel mills. When the shipping season closed December 5, new mining records had been set on the mining ranges, and Great Northern Railway handled nearly 29,000,000 long tons - a third of the Lake Superior district's total production. With the necessity of preserving equipment, Great Northern, between shipping seasons, is reconditioning motive power, cars, trackage and its Allouez docks in Superior making ready for a still bigger job in 1943. The fabulous iron ore deposits in Minnesota are only part of the wealth contributed to America by the Zone of Plenty - and delivered by this vital artery of transportation. GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY ROUTE OF THE EMPIRE BUILDER - BETWEEN THE GREAT LAKES AND THE PACIFIC IN THE ZONE Of Plenty * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Number 2 of 9 "OVER HILL, OVER DALE, WE WILL RIDE THE IRON RAIL . . . AS THE PULLMAN'S GO ROLLING ALONG" Growing and GOING that's the story of our armed forces. Growing every day and going every night, for long distance troop movements are usually under the cover of darkness, in Pullman sleeping cars. It's a big job for the railroads to haul so many cars. And a big job for Pullman to provide them. But it's a welcome job for both of us, one we're proud and happy we were prepared to handle. Prepared? Oh, yes. The way Pullman and the railroads worked together in peacetime - through the Pullman "pool" of sleeping cars - fitted right into the wartime picture. Here's how that "pool" works: > Railroad passenger traffic in different parts of the country fluctuates with the season. Travel south, for instance, is heaviest in winter. And travel north increases in the summer. > If each railroad owned and operated enough sleeping cars to handle its own peak loads, many of those cars would be idle most of the year. > With the Pullman "pool," however, over one hundred different railroads share in the ability of a sleeping car fleet big enough to handle their combined requirements at any one time. As the travel loads shifts north, south, east or west, these cars shift with it. They are seldom idle for when fewer cars are needed on one railroad, more are needed on another. Now that war has come this "pool"operation of sleeping cars enables troop trains to be made up on short notice - at widely scattered points - and routed over any combination of railroads. That's what we meant when we said that Pullman and the railroads were prepared to handle the tremendous mass movement of troops that goes on constantly. It takes a lot of sleeping cars to do it. Almost drains the Pullman "pool" at times. As a result, civilian travelers are sometimes inconvenienced. But the war comes first with the railroads and first with Pullman - just as it comes first with you! AN AVERAGE OF MORE THAN 25,000 TROOPS A NIGHT NOW GO PULLMAN Buy War Bonds and Stamps Regularly! Happy Railroading! Siberianmo LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Sunday, November 11, 2007 9:33 AM Ahoy Cap'n Tom 'n fellow contributors at the bar!Here's something that I Posted on Page 427, Nov 11th, 2006 over at the old bar site. Should fit quite well with what's being called for on this VETERAN's DAY - ARMISTICE DAY 'n REMEMBRANCE DAY! A day we must celebrate, so without taking away from the efforts of our Proprietor, let me provide my input, ever mindful of the efforts, accomplishments and sacrifices put forth by all who wore the uniform of the military or sailed the seas as merchant men during all of the conflicts our nations have engaged in during the 20th and 21st centuries. The U.S. Merchant Marine SongHeave Ho! My Lads! Heave Ho!Heave Ho! My Lads! Heave Ho! Give us the oil, give us the gasGive us the shells, give us the guns.We'll be the ones to see them thru.Give us the tanks, give us the planes.Give us the parts, give us a ship.Give us a hip hoo-ray!And we'll be on our way. It's a long, long way to go, It's a long, long pull with our hatches full,Braving the wind, braving the sea, Fighting the treacherous foe, Heave Ho! My Lads! Heave Ho! Let the sea roll high or low, We can cross any ocean, sail any river, give up the goods and we'll deliver, Damn the submarine! We're the men of the Merchant Marine!Words and Music by Lieut. (jg) Jack Lawrence, USMS, 1943.Performed by the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Regimental BandCaptain Kenneth R. Force, USMS, Director of MusicNow for some WWII posters:======================================= Bossman give all of our vets a drink - active duty too! 5- Salute to all of our Armed Forces! Until the next time! Lars JanOlov Member sinceDecember 2001 From: GB 376 posts Posted by JanOlov on Sunday, November 11, 2007 10:52 AM Greetings Tom and gentlemen.... Some Sunday reading Regarding WWI and USRA.... $$$$ for the cigar box and Mr Wurlitzer since I'm here....United States Railroad Administration.....BackgroundOn April 6, 1917, the United States entered World War I, and very soon the nation's railroads proved inadequate to the task of serving the nation's war efforts. There were several sources of the problem. Although the carriers had made massive investments in first years of the twentieth century, there were still inadequacies in terminals, trackage, and rolling stock. Inflation struck the American economy, and when in 1906 the federal government empowered the Interstate Commerce Commission to set maximum rates, the rail firms had difficulty securing revenue sufficient to keep pace with rising costs. The Interstate Commerce Commission did allow some increases in rates, however. Also, investors had overexpanded the nation's trackage, so by late 1915 fully one-sixth of the railroad trackage in the country belonged to roads in receivership (bankruptcy). The railroad unions (commonly called "brotherhoods"), desiring shorter working days and better pay, threatened strike action in the second half of 1916. To avert a strike, President Woodrow Wilson secured Congressional passage of the Adamson Act, which set the eight hour day as the industry standard. When the Supreme Court ruled the law constitutional, the carriers had no choice but to comply.The railroads attempted to join forces to coordinate their efforts and help the war effort, but private action proved inadequate. Observers noted, for example, that sometimes competitive practices prevailed that were not in the best interests of efficient mobilization. Also, government departments sought priority for shipment made on their behalf, and congestion in freight yards, terminals, and port facilities became staggering.Finally, in December 1917 the Interstate Commerce Commission recommended federal control of the railroad industry to ensure efficient operation. The resulting efficiencies were to go beyond simply easing the congestion and expediting the flow of goods; they were to bring all parties, management, labor, investors, and shippers, together in a harmonious whole working on behalf of the national interest. NationalizationOn December 26, 1917, President Wilson used the Federal Possession and Control Act to nationalize the vast majority of US railroads. William Gibbs McAdoo, Secretary of the Treasury, was appointed Director General of Railroads, with the Santa Fe's chairman Walker D. Hines appointed Assistant Director General. The United States Railroad Administration officially took charge at noon on December 28, 1917. Railroad consolidation The USRA had a plan to consolidate the nation's railroads into nineteen railroad systems. The plan was abandoned in 1940. The planned railroads were as follows:Boston and Maine Railroad; Maine Central Railroad; Bangor and Aroostook Railroad; Delaware and Hudson Railroad. New Haven Railroad; New York, Ontario and Western Railway; Lehigh and Hudson River Railway; Lehigh and New England Railroad.New York Central Railroad; Rutland Railroad; Virginian Railway; Chicago, Attica and Southern Railroad. Pennsylvania Railroad; Long Island Rail Road. Baltimore and Ohio Railroad; Central Railroad of New Jersey; Reading Railroad; Buffalo and Susquehanna Railroad; Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh Railway; 50% of Detroit, Toledo and Ironton Railroad; 50% of Detroit and Toledo Shore Line Railroad; 50% of Monon Railroad; Chicago and Alton Railroad (Alton Railroad). Chesapeake and Ohio-Nickel Plate Railroad; Hocking Valley Railway; Erie Railroad; Pere Marquette Railway; Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad; Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad; Chicago and Illinois Midland Railroad; 50% of Detroit and Toledo Shore Line Railroad. Wabash-Seaboard Air Line Railway; Lehigh Valley Railroad; Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway; Pittsburgh and West Virginia Railway; Western Maryland Railway; Akron, Canton and Youngstown Railway; Norfolk and Western Railway; 50% of Detroit, Toledo and Ironton Railroad; Toledo, Peoria and Western Railroad; Ann Arbor Railroad; 50% of Winston-Salem Southbound Railway. Atlantic Coast Line Railroad; Louisville and Nashville Railroad; Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway; Clinchfield Railroad; Atlanta, Birmingham and Coast Railroad; Mobile and Northern Railroad; New Orleans Great Northern Railroad; 25% of Chicago, Indianapolis and Louisville Railway (Monon Railway); 50% of Winston-Salem Southbound Railway Southern Railway; Norfolk Southern Railroad; Tennessee Central Railway (east of Nashville); Florida East Coast Railway; 25% of Chicago, Indianapolis and Louisville Railway (Monon Railway). Illinois Central Railroad; Central of Georgia Railway; Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway; Tennessee Central Railway (west of Nashville); St. Louis Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt Railway); Atlanta and St. Andrews Bay Railroad. Chicago and North Western Railway; Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railway; Litchfield and Madison Railroad; Mobile and Ohio Railroad; Columbus and Greenville Railway; Lake Superior and Ishpeming Railroad. Great Northern-Northern Pacific Railway; Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railway; 50% of Butte, Anaconda and Pacific Railway. Milwaukee Road; Escanaba and Lake Superior Railroad; Duluth, Missabe and Northern Railway; Duluth and Iron Range Railroad; 50% of Butte, Anaconda and Pacific Railway; trackage rights on Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railway to Portland, Oregon. Burlington Route; Colorado and Southern Railroad; Fort Worth and Denver Railway; Green Bay and Western Railroad; Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad; 50% of Trinity and Brazos Valley Railroad; Oklahoma City-Ada-Atoka Railway. Union Pacific Railroad; Kansas City Southern Railway. Southern Pacific Railroad Santa Fe Railway; Chicago and Great Western Railroad; Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway; Missouri and North Arkansas Railway; Midland Valley Railroad; Minneapolis, Northfield and Southern Railway. Missouri Pacific Railroad; Texas and Pacific Railroad; Kansas, Oklahoma and Gulf Railway; Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad; Denver and Salt Lake Railroad; Western Pacific Railroad; Fort Smith and Western Railroad. Rock Island-Frisco Railway; Alabama, Tennessee and Northern Railroad; 50% of Trinity and Brazos Valley Railroad; Louisiana and Arkansas Railway; Meridian and Bigbee Railroad. Changes and new equipmentChange happened swiftly. The railroads were divided into three Divisions; East, West and South. Duplicate passenger services were killed off, costly and employee-heavy sleeping car services were cut back and extra fares applied to discourage their use. Uniform passenger ticketing was instituted, and competing services on different former railroads were cut back. Terminals, facilities and shops were shared.Over 100,000 railroad cars and 1,930 steam locomotives were ordered at a cost of $380 million, all of new USRA standard designs, which were up-to-date and standardized types, designed to be the best that could be produced to replace much outdated equipment. However, as commonplace with designs approved by a committee and paid for by the Government, some of the designs were inefficient and the costs higher than they should have been.Before the new USRA standard locomotive types were built and released, locomotives that builders had on hand were issued to various railroads. 2-8-0 "Consolidation" locomotives built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works for transport and use in France were made available. Then 2-10-0 "Decapod" locomotives built for Imperial Russia by both ALCO and Baldwin, but stranded in the US by the Russian Revolution of 1917 were also made available to the railroads. The USRA leased these locomotives. ProgressionOn March 21, the Railroad Control Act became law; it guaranteed the return of the railroads to their former owners within 21 months of a peace treaty, and guaranteed that their properties would be handed back in at least as good a condition as when they were taken over. It also guaranteed compensation for the use of their assets at the average operational income of the railroads in the three years previous to nationalisation. This act laid down in concrete that the nationalisation would be only a temporary thing; before, it was not defined as necessarily so.Both wages and rates for both passenger and freight traffic were raised by the USRA during 1918, wages being increased disproportionately for the lower-paid employees, which proved unpopular among more senior ones.With the Armistice in November of 1918, McAdoo retired from his post, leaving Hines as the Director General. Winding downIn early 1920 the Interstate Commerce Commission's powers over the railroads were substantially increased, in readiness for the USRA's disbandment in March 1920. They were given powers to approve or reject railroad mergers, to set rates, to approve or reject abandonments of service, and much else. The government also made financial guarantees to the railroads after control was handed back to them, to ensure their financial survival after the restoration of control.On March 1, the railroads were handed back to their original owners and the USRA disbanded. ConclusionsIt is estimated that the USRA and the nationalizing of the American railroads between December 28, 1918, and March 1, 1920, cost the United States government $1.12 billion dollars, which was a huge amount of money back then (approximately $15 billion in 2003 dollars, adjusted for inflation) . The USRA is generally seen as having been effective in getting things moving for the war effort, but at a steep price.The locomotives the USRA built, the USRA Standard designs, were immensely successful, and after the war were copied in great numbers, becoming the closest thing the United States locomotive builders came to standard designs. Indeed, the last steam locomotive built for a Class I railroad was a USRA copy, an 0-8-0 for the Norfolk & Western Railway. More controversy exists about their freight car designs, but they were certainly an improvement on many outdated cars in service before the USRA period. It can certainly be said, however, that the influx of new and modern locomotives and cars 'for free' assisted in the revival of the railroads' hitherto shaky fortunes and set up, in the years between the Great War and the Great Depression, a somewhat 'Golden Age' for railroading.The experiment was not repeated. In World War II, the private railroads handled the war effort admirably, though one could argue that some major East Coast railroads impoverished themselves in so doing, setting up the later railroad collapses in the region.Credit: Wikipedia... All the best! Jan Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 11, 2007 11:34 AM In rememberance of Armistice and Veteran's day, here are a few posters: Edit pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Sunday, November 11, 2007 12:21 PM Hi Tom and all.I watched an English soccer game this morning,and before the kick-off a minutes silence was held for Remembrance Day which I observed with them. The minutes silence was immaculately held by the crowd at the match.For my contribution for Veteran's Day this is something I posted at the old Our Place on page 160. A toast, please, for all Veterans Past and Present. Very good posts on this most noteworthy of days showing how the railroads Stepped up to the Plate, as I believe you say over here, in the most difficult of times. The skill needed to drive the often-overloaded trains in the blackout many with hazardous cargos with the danger of air raids is truly amazing. After WW1 some railway companies in the U.K named a loco in Honour of the Fallen who had previously been in the service of that Company. The London Brighton and South Coast had a 2-6-4 tank it named REMBERANCE. The London & North Western had a 4-6-0 named PATRIOT and the Great Central a 4-6-0 named VALOUR. The name VALOUR is carried today on a North American built diesel loco Class 66 owned by the GBRf Company. In Britain, Remembrance Sunday as it is known, is commemorated by the sale of paper poppies, which benefit the Royal British Legion. You may have noticed Prince Charles was wearing one on his recent visit. At the factory I went to work for in Rugby, outside the main gate is a Memorial to the Fallen of the two World Wars. In steam days on Remembrance Sunday the Rugby locomotive depot prepared the locomotive Patriot by covering it in poppies. The loco was then parked on a bridge, which gave access to the works, adjacent to the Memorial. A service was then held there. After Patriot was withdrawn the loco used was a Royal Scot class 4-6-0 #46170 British Legion. This engines nameplate was a replica of the Legion emblem with a lion's head and the words to the top and bottom. I'm Afraid I don't know why Rugby was singled for this honour. Today the bridge and the Engine Shed have gone. Thankfully the Memorial and works (though much smaller still survive).Pete. LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by LoveDomes on Sunday, November 11, 2007 12:52 PM Ahoy Cap'n Tom 'n fellow contributors at the bar!Just wanted to say how great it is to see the participation on this November 11th!Nice work, gentlemen - 'n have a round on me! Ring it Boris 'n Tom please serve 'em up! Until the next time! Lars Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 11, 2007 12:56 PM The Ballad of Rodger Young Frank Loesser Oh, they've got no time for glory in the Infantry.Oh, they've got no use for praises loudly sung.But in every soldier's heart in all the InfantryShines the name, shines the name of Rodger Young.(Shines the name, Rodger Young!Fought and died for the men he marched among.To the everlasting glory of the Infantry.Lives the story of Private Rodger Young.)Caught in ambush lay a company of riflemenJust grenades against machine guns in the gloom.Caught in ambush till this one of twenty riflemenVolunteered, volunteered to meet his doom.Volunteered, Rodger Young!Fought and died for the men he marched among.In the everlasting annals of the InfantryGlows the last deed of Private Rodger Young.(It was he who drew the fire of the enemyThat a company of men might live to fight.And before the deadly fire of the enemyStood the man, stood the man we hail tonight.)On the island of New Georgia in the SolomonsStands a simple wooden cross alone to tell.That beneath the silent coral of the SolomonsSleeps a man, sleeps a man remembered well.Sleeps a man, Rodger Young!Fought and died for the men he marched among.In the everlasting spirit of the InfantryBreathes the spirit of Private Rodger Young.No, they've got no time for glory in the Infantry.No, they've got no use for praises loudly sung.But in every soldier's heart in all the InfantryShines the name, shines the name of Rodger Young.Shines the name, Rodger Young!Fought and died for the men he marched among.To the everlasting glory of the InfantryLives the story of Private Rodger Young.Courtesy of WikapediaDD1 Edit siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, November 11, 2007 1:14 PM Now Arriving on Track #1Railroad Ads from the World WarsThreesomes! - Number Two "Our" Place 2007 Commemoration of Veterans - Remembrance - Armistice Day!<A form of these were initially Posted on Pages 159-160 - Nov 11th, 2005 on the Original Thread> Number 4 of 9: "Keep "Em Rollin' . . or Else!"says grandpappy engine 2414 to a 1942 Santa Fe Freight Diesel "Back in '98, in the Spanish-American War," reminisces little Old-Timer 2414, "20 cars was an average-length freight train. By World War I, we'd upped our Santa Fe freights to an average 35.9 cars. Not bad railroadin', that." "Not bad is right," answers the big new freight Diesel, "but not good enough for World War II. Now we've stretched ‘em out another 41% to 50.9 cars, and those cars are bigger, loaded heavier, and rolling farther and faster." "Good work, son," says Old-Timer. "Yours is the BIG war job. Keep ‘em rollin' - or else!" KEEP ‘EM ROLLIN' - OR ELSE* No nation that does not possess efficient mass transportation can hope to win a modern war. In America that mass transportation job is squarely up to her railroads. If they fail, we lose. * Neither battle gallantry nor industrial wizardry alone will turn the tide. To meet this tremendous responsibility, we ask for every possible consideration in the allocation of materials for vitally essential repairs, maintenance and new equipment. DAILY THE LOAD INCREASESTo date, the railroads haves met 100% the staggering demands born of this global war. Many have helped make that record possible - the War Department, the Office of Defense Transportation, civilian shippers and travelers everywhere. In the first six month of 1942 with 25% fewer locomotives, the Santa Fe moved 94% more freight ton-miles and 27% more military and civilian passenger miles than in the first six months of 1918 in World War I. Daily the load increases. No man knows what the peak will be. We do know there is a limit to the performance that can be squeezed out of existing equipment. SANTA FE SYSTEM LINESSERVING THE SOUTHWEST FOR 70 YEARSBuy U. S. War Bonds - They Identify You" * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Number 5 of 9: Like Father in 1917 ~ Like Son, in 1942 ~ Americans feel at home in BritainAmericans have always felt at home in Britain . . . in peace time . . . or in war. Whether they have come over, equipped with guide books, golf clubs and cameras for a quiet sojourn among Britain's peaceful hedgerows, historic landmarks, and the ancestral beginnings of American ideals, laws and traditions or whether they have come, as in 1942 with steel helmets, bayonets, tanks and bombers in defenses of these very ideals, by which both nations are so closely bound together in common heritage, Americans feel that they are truly among friends - in Britain. Year after year, in happier times, British Railways have brought American travelers along the magic trail that leads into the heart of Britain - the glorious, colourful panorama of History, Literature, Tradition and Ideals. Until Victory comes, as it must and will, British Railways continue to maintain their contact with their American Friends, through their General Traffic Manager, C. M. Turner, 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, N. Y.BRITISH RAILWAYS* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Number 6 of 9: A BOY ON A HILL-TOPHe used to wave at me from that hill . . . we lived just beyond it. He knew the exact time I'd be by . . . and I'd wave to him from the cab. And on my time off, I'd go to the hill with him, and we'd sit together, my son and I, and wait for the trains to come along. We'd hear their whistle calling across the distance . . . then see the long plume of smoke come into view, racing like the wind . . . and as they thundered by, we'd both wave to the engineer. Maybe Happy Railroading! Siberianmo LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Sunday, November 11, 2007 2:17 PM Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow contributors at the bar!Just a few more Merchie posters, then I gotta skedaddle . . . . Jints play the Cowboys today - should be a "gudun!" A round for all who have contributed to this fine Veterans - Remembrance - Armistice Day outpouring at the Watering Hole by the Wayside! Until the next time! Lars siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, November 11, 2007 4:47 PM Now Arriving on Track #1 Railroad Ads from the World WarsThreesomes! - Number Three "Our" Place 2007 Commemoration of Veterans - Remembrance - Armistice Day!<A form of these were initially Posted on Pages 159-160 - Nov 11th, 2005 on the Original Thread> Number 7 of 9: HE WHO "steps up" ALSO SERVESUNION PACIFIC is doing its share to meet the nation's vital need for dependable transportation. It's a job we're proud to do. Over the "the strategic middle route" connecting East with West, our gigantic locomotives are hauling not only war materials but also thousands of Uncle Sam's men in uniform. Thus, it is apparent that travelers may not always find it possible to obtain their preferred accommodations. Perhaps only coach seats or upper berths will be available. To Union Pacific patrons, who we have had the pleasure of serving and will continue to serve to the best of our ability, we would like to say, "he who steps up also serves" and express our thanks for your cooperation. The ProgresssiveUNION PACIFIC RAILROAD The Strategic Middle Route"Buy U. S. War Bonds - They Identify You" * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Number 8 of 9: ON THEIR WAY Shades are drawn down. Lights dim low. The landscape is blotted out . . . there's just the hum of the speeding train. These boys know what it means - the troop train is approaching the troop ships. Some draw a deep breath. A soldier fumbles for a letter. Another wonders if he can make a last telephone call. Another draws out a crumpled photograph. No, travelers don't see this - but the trainmen of the Pennsylvania Railroad do, daily. And more so than ever now. As the swelling tide of American youth - fine and fit streams overseas . . . Of course, it takes a lot of equipment for these troop movements - but with what remains we are doing our best to serve all essential travelers . . . efficiently, courteously. BUY UNITED STATES WAR BONDS AND STAMPS Pennsylvania Railroad * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Number 9 of 9: A NEW DAY DAWNS IN RAILROADING War traffic has more than doubled the volume of freight hauled by the Western Pacific Railroad from Salt Lake City to San Francisco. Wherever the going it toughest n this rugged route, General Motors Diesel freight locomotives have kept this vast stream of vital munitions moving steadily. War building is being rushed ahead with reliable General Motors Diesel power. In the days to come this dependable, economical power will be ready to do the hard jobs of peace. Throughou Happy Railroading! Siberianmo Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 11, 2007 5:44 PM Guarding TheTOMBOf TheUnknown SoldierThe SentinelsThe 3rd United States Infantry has served our Nation continuously since 1784, and today is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the U.S. Army. Headquartered out of Fort Myer, Virginia, it is traditionally known as "The Old Guard", a proud nickname ascribed by General Winfield Scott during a victory parade at Mexico City in 1847.Since World War II The Old Guard has been the Army's official HONOR GUARD. Among their duties, beyond providing security to our Nation's Capitol in time of national emergency or civil disturbance, are some of the most impressive displays of military ceremony.Soldiers from The Old Guard escort the President, conduct military ceremonies at the White House, Pentagon, and national memorials in our Capitol City, including funeral details and other special ceremonies at Arlington National Cemeteries. One of their most recognized responsibilities is providing sentinels...Tomb Guards, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.Since April 6, 1948 the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of weather. Millions of Americans annually visit the Memorial Amphitheater to watch these dedicated soldiers of a new generation, dutifully pace 21 steps across a black mat on the west face of the Tomb. It is a time honored ritual, executed with great precision and filled with American pride.The sentinel marches 21 steps across the black mat, past the final resting places of the Unknown Soldiers of World War I, World War II, Korea, and the crypt of the Unknown Soldier of the Vietnam War. With a crisp turn, the sentinel turns 90 degrees to face east for 21 seconds. The sentinel then turns a sharp 90 degrees again to face north for 21 seconds. A crisp "shoulder-arms" movement places the rifle on the shoulder nearest the visitors to signify that the sentinel stands between the tomb and any threat. After the moment, the sentinel paces 21 steps north, turns and repeats the process. The practiced cadence is timed so that the sentinel paces at a rate of 90 steps each minute.The Sentinel's CreedMy dedication to this sacred dutyIs total and wholehearted-In the responsibility bestowed on meNever will I falter-And with dignity and perseveranceMy standard will remain perfection.Through the years of diligence and praiseAnd the discomfort of the elementsI will walk my tour in humble reverenceThe best of my ability.It is he who commands the respect I protectHis bravery that made us so proud.Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day,Alone in the thoughtful peace of night,This soldier in honored Glory restUnder my eternal vigilance.Click for Larger Image Appropriately, the men who march 21 steps south, turn and march 21 steps north, and then repeat the process minute-by-minute for up to an hour at a time day or night, are the very best of the Army's best. Whether under a blazing sun, unsheltered from driving rains, or in freezing snow, they perform their duty with great precision and military bearing. Each of them is a volunteer from the 3rd Infantry, eligible to apply for duty as a sentinel ONLY after they have already been ceremonially qualified in The Old Guard. Each soldier among them is physically fit for the demanding responsibility and between 5'10" and 6'4" tall with a proportionate weight and build.Acceptance in The Old Guard's Company E does not assure a volunteer that he will become one of the fewer than 400 soldiers in the last 45 years to earn the distinctive Tomb Guard Badge. Before any soldier is allowed "a walk", he must memorize seven pages of history on Arlington National Cemetery and then recite it verbatim. If a soldier finishes this phase and is granted "a walk", he enters a new phase of training known as "new-soldier training". In addition to extensive training in the manual of arms, the guard change ceremony, and the intricacies of military ritual, the new-soldier is required to memorize additional information on Arlington, including the grave locations of nearly 300 veterans.It may take months for a soldier to earn the right to TEST to wear the coveted silver Tomb Guard Identification badge, and even then, the award is temporary. Only after the sentinel has served at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for nine months does the award become permanent. One of the Army's rarest emblems, it features the inverted laurel and a replica of the East face of the tomb where Greek images represent the virtues of Victory, Valor, and Peace.Each "walk" is a shift of one-half hour during daylight hours in the summer, one hour during daylight hours in the winter, and all night shifts are one-hour walks. Each walk concludes with the ceremonial Changing of the Guards...even when no audience is present. The ChangingofThe GuardThe changing of the guard ceremony is conducted every hour in winter time, and every half hour during summer daylight hours to provide visitors ample opportunity to witness one of the Army's proudest traditions.As the active sentry nears the conclusion of his walk, a uniformed relief commander enters the plaza to announce the Changing of the Guard. When the sentinel assigned the next walk leaves the guards' quarters, he unlocks the bolt of his M-14 rifle to signify that he is ready to begin the ceremony. The relief commander approaches the tomb, slowly salutes, then faces the visitors and requests silence during the ceremony.As the new sentinel approaches the relief commander slowly and with great precision, conducts a white-glove inspection of the sentinel's weapon. The two then march to the center of the mat where the duty sentinel stops his walk, and all three men salute the Tomb."Pass on your orders." the commander instructs the active sentinel."Post and orders, remain as directed." He replies."Orders acknowledged." Answers the relieving sentinel, who then steps into position at the center of the black mat. As soon as the relief commander passes, the new sentinel begins his own walk, 21 paces south, turn and pause for 21 seconds, turn and pace 21 steps south, and then repeat the actions without distraction until relieved by the next Changing of the Guards. Although this is my third visit today, I thought a little history about the honor guard was appropiate. Join me in a toast to these great soldiers.Ron Edit Gunneral Member sinceSeptember 2002 From: NZ 242 posts Posted by Gunneral on Sunday, November 11, 2007 6:06 PM Hi Tom and all,Leon a round for all our veterans who defended our freedom and democracy!And for our fallen hero`s."They shall grow not old as we who are left grow old, age shall not weary them nor the years condemn, at the going down of the sun, and in the morning, WE WILL REMEMBER THEM."Binyons Ode for the fallen, as used by the New Zealand Returned Services Association in memory of our comrades-in-arms.To all. Thanks for all the really great info and pics, am pushed for time today so will acknowledge all your efforts on my next visit!See ya, Allan siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Monday, November 12, 2007 6:01 AM <personal foto>A smile to begin the week! You can't think and hit at the same time.<A Yogi-ism!>G'day Gents! Today is a holiday for many - the legal observance of Veteran's Day - Remembrance Day ‘n Armistice Day! So, the breakfasts, pastries ‘n coffee is on the house for all who have served or have had close family members in the military. Help yourselves, Gents! Experienced some Forum's Weirdness over the weekend. First I couldn't log in for quite awhile on Saturday afternoon ‘n when I did finally get on the only Pages that would appear were several back from the most current. Then on Sunday a couple of Posts came through all screwed up. Pete's had Ron's identification ‘n then Lars' ID showed up on MY Post. I had a hulluva time trying to delete that one!! <geesh> Then my stuff then got placed on the wrong Page!! Never, ever saw any of that happen before. Only thing that I can come up with is perhaps those submissions were all being made pretty close to one another thereby skewing <screwing up> the data. Have no clue, really! Things straightened out once I logged off - rebooted the ‘puter ‘n tried again. Finally got my Post out okay - Weird, Weird, Weird! Comments from the Proprietor: An excellent turnout for November 11th by the crew at "Our" Place! Really shows that we have interest from the majority ‘round here in the things that makes this Tavern by the Tracks unique in the Ether! Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative) Sunday - Nov 11th, 2007:Lars (LoveDomes) at 9:53AM ‘n 12:52 PM: Most pleased to see that you were able to come through for us as promised! Always like those WWII "merchie" posters ‘n of course the Merchant Marine Song has special meaning for me in memory of my dad . . .Rounds, visits ‘n thoughtfulness very much appreciated! Jan (JanOlov) at 10:52 AM: Now there's some information one doesn't get to see every day. Very interesting ‘n a good choice for this day! Generosities appreciated - as always! Ron (DD1) at 11:34 AM & 12:56 PM: Excellent selection of relevant posters! Most fitting "Ballad of Rodger Young" on this day of remembrance for our veterans and those serving in the Armed Forces! Good choice. Lars (LoveDomes) at 2:17 PM: Thrice in one day! <awwwwwwwright!> Super-fine "merchie" posters - fits well within the idea of this day. Many thanx, Mate! Giants dropped a game they really could've won had they all "been there." Watched most of it, but really got turned off when the Cowboys JOs began their antics. Can't stand to watch "professionals" do those things. <ugh> My option: turn the channel.Round ‘n material most appreciated, as always! Ron (DD1) at 5:44 PM: Back with a 3rd offering! Unfortunately it had that "wide page pheom" which Happy Railroading! Siberianmo siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Monday, November 12, 2007 8:21 AM G'day Gents!Here's an "annual" Post that many of our guys have enjoyed at this time of year . . . Here's something a bit different that I found in my latest TransportAction newsletter from Transport2000Canada, Vol 27, No. 6, Dec 05, 2005. The article has been retyped with permission from the author, which I profoundly express my appreciation. Hope all of you enjoy it. A Trip to Remember(Marcus Garnet, President, T2000 Atlantic)My wife, Christine, and I had been looking forward to riding VIA Rail's Remembrance Day Train ever since we had booked our trip from Halifax to Montreal. This train was, in fact, a special expanded version of VIA's regular Ocean run, and left Halifax on November 9th, two days before Remembrance Day. The general public were permitted to ride in addition to veterans, who were especially encouraged to be part of this historic trip. They would transfer in Montreal to Train 33 to continue their journey to Ottawa the following morning.The idea for the commemorative trip during the Year of the Veteran had arisen many months previously, with a suggestion made at the Halifax ticket office and the dedicated initiative of Ronald Jackson, one of the VIA agents there. Many other VIA staff members and external organizations worked together to make the trip a success.When we arrived at the Halifax station we were greeted by a red carpet. An on-veterans we felt unworthy to tread on it, but this was only the beginning. Many thoughtful touches gave a period feel, including a shoe-shiner offering his services for 25 cents, who later rode on the train itself. The booking hall abounded with uniformed military people and displays of photos and war memorabilia.We were immediately reminded of the personal cost which so many have paid to protect freedom and democracy in Canada and other nations, including my homeland - the United Kingdom. My parents had often told me of the hardships of growing up in England during World War II. More recently, and over in Canada, Christine's late father was well known and loved by the patients whom he had faithfully visited for many years at the Camp Hill Veteran's Memorial Hospital.After checking our luggage we took turns to look at the displays, before a staff member exhorted us to get on board. We walked down another red carpet, awed by the ranks of military personnel standing at attention on either side. We gazed along the platform between two endless rows of gleaming stainless steel railcars, each door guarded by a uniformed military person as well as the helpful VIA Rail staff. We heard that the 33-car train (including three engines, two domes, three diners, three coaches and a baggage car) would be the longest to operate on this route since World War II, and would carry approximately 420 passenger once those from Moncton had embarked. Because of its length, the train was parked at the station in two halves and later coupled together.After moving into our double bedroom we hastened to the dome in the Park Car, and watched the enormous train pull out of Halifax, recalling the troop trains that connected with ships to and from Europe so many years ago. Along the historic railway cut, people stood on the many bridges looking down at our train and waved to us. The Halifax Herald printed a special page with the words "Thank You" accompanied by a bright red poppy, and many onlookers held these up as signs while our train passed. There were many media reporters on board with their TV cameras, and some remained on the train for the entire trip. Seated up in the dome, we had a panoramic view and felt humbled by the privilege of participating in such a special occasion. Soon we could see the whole train stretched out alongside the Bedford Basin, reminding us of the wartime convoys which had been assembled there, and which many veterans had helped to protect.Before boarding we had been given a paper assigning us to one of the three diners on the train, which for the occasion were termed "Mess Halls." There were tow sittings for lunch and three for supper, while breakfast was also available the following morning. Walking down the endless corridors to "Mess Hall 2," it was easy to see that more than half the passengers were veterans. Signs outside their bedrooms indicated the name and military position, and in our diner there were plenty of uniforms and colourful badges. At one of the meals we made friends with an older couple who told us of family members who had lost their lives while fighting overseas in World War II. It was a reminder than many who fought never returned, and that this train was also a tribute to them.After our first meal on board, we waited for our bill, but it never came. We were told that all meals were complimentary, sponsored by Atlantic Superstore and VIA Rail. The food was very enjoyable, served by an attentive and efficient staff. Throughout the journey, we appreciated the enthusiastic attitude and helpfulness of VIA employees. This was all the more impressive in view of the large numbers who needed to be accommodated, some of whom had special needs. It seemed that every detail had been anticipated, including the provision of a volunteer paramedic who assisted several passengers enroute.Our train was enthusiastically welcomed at the many Maritime communities we passed through. Some people held up "Thank You" signs in their own yards. Others were parked near grade crossings to anticipate our arrival. One or two stood alone and saluted the train as it passed. At Truro, crowds of children lined their schoolyard fence and waved. Crossing the Tantramar marshes, we were greed by two deer romping in a nearby field with the train curving around almost as a backdrop - a magnificent sight! At each station, a home-grown welcome awaited us, a band, a choir, a troupe of cadets standing at attention. At Moncton, we took a brief walk outside and almost got lost in the crowd following the pipe band marching up the platform.There were poignant greetings at the tiny communities served by flagstops, where people had gone far out of their way to prepare for the train's arrival. We especially remember the stop at Jacquet River late in the northern New Brunswick evening, where a flatbed truck had been parked as a float, complete with a strobe light mounted on a stepladder. People used what they had to show their appreciation. The last community in New Brunswick, Tidewater, does not even have a flagstop, but by prior arrangement our train slowed down so we could see the people waving, the coloured lights and the lone fire truck with its strobes flashing a salute. These people had stayed up late and waited long for our dela Happy Railroading! Siberianmo LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Monday, November 12, 2007 9:22 AM Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar! Ruth my deAH, how good it is to feast these old eyes upon your radiant beauty! <blush> <phew> Time for a mugga Joe with a jolt - a round for the boyz ‘n treats for the crittAHs! Keep the change my deAH! Boris, that LARGE jar of PPF is for you AFTER you feed the gang their breakfast ‘n don't forget, Artie gets his field mouse OUT BACK <ugh>. I'd say we had a terrific Nov 11th here at the Watering Hole by the Wayside. Yeah, we missed a couple of guys who I really thought would show up - but such is life, huh We ALL have things requiring our time ‘n attention aside from being in cyber space. I thought Da Bossman totally stole the show yesterday with those reworked WWII RR related postAHs. Really some fine stuff ‘n well done. A 5- Salute to Cap'n Tom! Not to take away from the other guys - Ron, Jan ‘n Pete all contributed to make the day a success. Really well done boyz! Thought today's submission by Cap'n Tom hit the spot too! Must've been a great ride for those vets ‘n their wives. Appreciated the links . . . Did anyone other than Da Bossman and me notice the screwy stuff going on yesterday when several of the guys tried to post around the same time Really a strange result. Somehow got straigtened out, but for a while it looked like one of those <Twilight Zone> episodes of "back in the day"! I've got a few more posters to share, then I'm afraid it's time for me to disappear for awhile. Got some mattAHs to attend to that will keep me away perhaps ‘til right before Thanksgiving. I'll surely try to get in now ‘n then, but things are looking TIGHT right now.Here comes the Larsman Mobile with more five more WWII posters! Ruth, we've got some <ahem> admin matters to attend to on your break! <ooooooh>Until the next time! Lars LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Monday, November 12, 2007 9:26 AM Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!Ruth, another round on me! Boris, ring the chimes . . .Back with 5 more from the Larsman Mobile! Until the next time! Lars JanOlov Member sinceDecember 2001 From: GB 376 posts Posted by JanOlov on Monday, November 12, 2007 9:30 AM Greetings Tom and gentlemen.....Barkeep.....may I please have the usual extra cold Guinness, top with cigars for the crew please...? Keep the change..$$$$ for the cigar box and Mr Wurlitzer.....marthastrainyard, nice pics mate.... I must admit that I wasn't a fan of those UP M-10000's at first, and I still like the later ones better than M-10000-M10002...Cy Young...? Am I correct guessing baseball?pwolfe, I like that post from the second I saw it, awesome pics to say the least.... Nice pics in your post mate ....that tiny diesel, it is a Kof or whatever they were called....German?Tom, good choice of flicks mate....and your post are second to none.....EricX2000, nice pics of the 4-12-2 9000 mate ....looks like she needs a bit of TLC...Da Larsman, great posts and ads....DD1, great ads and lyrics and the post about Guarding The TOMB Of The Unknown Soldier...Next round is on me lads!Perhaps as you entered the hall tonight, you noticed the small table, set for one, in a place of honor. The military cast is filled with symbolism. This table is our way of acknowledging that members of our proud profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are POWs, MIAs and KIAs. We call them brothers. They are unable to be with us this evening, so we remember them because of their sacrifices. The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms. The single rose in the vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our Comrades-in-Arms who keep faith, awaiting their return. The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase, is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and *** of thousands who bear witness to their underlying determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. A slice of lemon is on the bread plate, to remind us of their bitter fate. The salt is symbolic of the tears, as they wait. The glass is inverted; he cannot toast with us this night. The chair is empty; he is not here. Remember, all of you who served with them and called them comrade, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely they have not forgotten you. I propose a toast to our Fallen Comrades.... All the best! Jan siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Monday, November 12, 2007 12:51 PM G'day Gents!Ruth, go ahead and take your break - in fact - take the rest of the day off, things are looking mighty sloooooooooow here.For all planning to attend Rendezvous III - check your Email! A perfectly luke-warm, partly cloudy fall day has turned to bouts of hard driving rain - nothing severe - but much need precip 'round these parts. <finally> Leaves are piling up - looks like there's gonna be lots of work out there for someone. <oooooooops> That's Moi!<groan>Good to see Lars 'n Jan show up on this holiday Monday . . . figured we'd have some slack on this day. Nice contributions from both!! Just a bit surprised that we haven't seen either of the Canadian guys lately . . . yeah I know, busy, busy . . . But sure seems odd that Cap'n Fergie has taken shelter ever since he got <tweeted> back on Page 137, Nov 5th . . . Perhaps a bit of promise - heard from one of our favorite characters and now a UTB - Nick (nickinwestwales) by Email. Family matters have kept him away, but he's beginning to see daylight - so who knows Maybe - just maybe we'll see a return. Stealing a "theme" from our Manager, here's a few BOOK COVERS I've found to continue along with the wartime-RR theme for these past two days . . . Hawaiian Railway Album, Vol 1Hawaiian Railway Album, Vol 2Hawaiian Railway Album, Vol 3Hawaiian Railway Album, Vol 4America's Fighting Railroads* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Enjoy! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Monday, November 12, 2007 1:03 PM G'day Gents!Here's something SPECIAL for Wolfman Pete who inquired about that 0-4-0 steam loco on display across from the Anchorage, Alaska train depot . . .<This was initially Posted on 10 Jun 2006 on Page 351 of the Original Thread>The Davenport Locomotive on the pedestal in front of the Anchorage Depot was never on the roster as #1. It is actually #6 and started life as a 3 foot gauge locomotive that was then standard gauged. It became the ceremonial #1 only because it was a survivor. from: http://alaskamodelrrnews.homestead.com/Steam.htmlHistorian Pat Durand says, "Builders #764 by Davenport Locomotive Works October 1907 for the Isthmus Canal Commission where it operated as No. 802. Acquired by the Alaska Engineering Commission as #6 in 1917. This locomotive was 3 foot gauge and was converted to standard gauge and used as a shop switcher in Anchorage. During 1947 she was renumbered No. 1 for use by the Anchorage Lions Club Moose Gooser train on 4th and 5th Avenue during the Fur Rendezvous for two years. Later she was placed on display facing East in front of the Depot. In the 1990, Bob Yost lead a group to a full restoration, short of a new boiler, and she went back on the display facing West." from: http://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former-loco/JC-arr1.htmlAnd, finally from my Pix archives! Okay - drinks on Pete for all of MY efforts! Later . . .Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Monday, November 12, 2007 3:12 PM Hi Tom and all.A round please RUTH for an excellent day yesterday. As Tom says we are a Unique Place in the Ether.TOM Those Railroad Ads were all really well written, but the NYC Boy on a Hill Top really stands out for me.Many thanks for sharing the very moving letter from Marcus Garnet. I appreciate him letting us share it. Well done VIA rail for making the train possible. Having now traveled the route of the train from Halifax and Montreal I can imagine the people turning out to see the train at the stations on route. LARS Thanks for the Merchant Marine posters. I know my father, who served in the Royal Navy in WWII, had a great deal of respect and admiration for the Merchant Seamen.JAN Thanks for the very interesting info on the USRA. I had heard of the USRA but did not know a lot about it. There are some of the USA war time built locomotives for Europe In the UK on preserved lines, I believe they are of class S160.They are very fine and poignant words in your post today.RON Thanks for the Veterans Day posters and the Ballard Of Rodger Young which I had not seen before. The bride's cousin served in the Honor Guard so the piece was of great interest to me many thanks for sharing.ALLAN Those fine words are used at ceremonies in the UK as well.I would like to mention a preserved loco which as been dedicated to the British Military Railway men who lost their lives in the World Wars . It is an ex LMS 8F 2-8-0 class of freight locomotive which was built by the North British Locomotive Company of Glasgow Scotland in 1940. The loco was used in Persia in 1941 ferrying supplies to the Russians and was later in Egypt. It was in very poor condition after the war and was due to be scrapped, but instead was shipped back to England and was repaired at Derby Works. It was saved after its BR service and now runs on the Severn Valley Railway and no doubt will be involved at a Remembrance service held on the railway .The loco is behind No 45110 and is in the livery and appearance it would have been when serving in the war as W.D. No 307.A link to the 8F, to see the plaque please click on RE WWII.http://www.8fsociety.co.uk/002.htmERIC Many thanks for the info on those locomotives from Holland in Alan's photos; I will send them to him.UP # 9000 is a very impressive locomotive, thanks for the photos TOM I see you are getting the much-needed rain we have had it most of the morning with the odd bit of thunder.I too noticed something with the forum Saturday. I saw LARS ‘s name on the post about the NYC Ad.It is great you have heard from Nick and many thanks for the book covers I think it is the first time I have ever seen books on the railways of Hawaii. I wonder if any remain in service there todayThe info on Alaska railroad #1 or more properly #6 certainly deserves a round from me. I must ask about the Anchorage Lions Club Moose Gooser train at the Fur Rendezvous. I don't suppose there will be any moose gooseing at our rendezvous.Well it was RUTH when I started but I see it is owner TOM now, so drinks on me.Pete. siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Monday, November 12, 2007 7:22 PM G'day Gents!Figured I'd get a leg up on the comments while I'm still able. <grin>Customer Acknnowledgments - since my last narrative Monday - Nov 12th, 2007:Lars (LoveDomes) at 9:22 AM & 9:26 AM: Ten absolutely perfect Merchant Marine posters to help commemorate our observance of Remembrance - Armistice - Veteran's Day here at the Saloon by the Siding! Five- Salute to the man we call the Larsman! We amassed quite an archive of WWII material, much of it railroad/railway related. Says a lot about this current crew. Nicely done - ALL! Many thanx for your continuing efforts to keep this place moving forward, the round ‘n having you aboard twice this day! Jan (JanOlov) at 9:30 AM: If that is an original thought regarding the table set for one - terrific job. If not, it's a most appropriate tribute to those many of us hold in high esteem, especially at this time of year. Five- Salute to our Resident Swede in Scotland! As ever - round, visit ‘n extras most appreciated! Pete (pwolfe) at 3:12 PM: Another all around fine, inclusive ‘n interesting Post from our Bar Chandler <Acting Manager>! Catch up Email received - thanx! Having never goosed a moose, I've no further comment! <uh oh> Info on the Stanier 8F steamer is really worth the reading . . . thanx! It's good that there are people who take the time ‘n make the effort to preserve that which is worth preserving! Cheers to them!Aside from what I mentioned regarding the Forum's Gremlins on Saturday - it's kinda like UFO sightings; one begins to wonder whether it happened or not. <strange>Many thanx for the visit, foto ‘n round! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * See ya in the 'morrow!Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo wanswheel Member sinceNovember 2005 4,190 posts Posted by wanswheel on Monday, November 12, 2007 9:26 PM Good evening Commander, a round for the houseThank you for your service Tom. Keep on the SunnysideMike EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Monday, November 12, 2007 10:55 PM Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!Leon, a chicken filet sandwich, please! A cold Keith's.I am very disappointed and frustrated this evening. I had some photos and slides put aside to scan for this Veteran's Day and last night when I was going to scan them they were all gone! And still is! I have no clue what happened to them. All I have is this picture from Arlington.In Honor of All our veterans!!! All I can do is to apologize for not keeping things in better order. I am still trying to find the missing pictures. Tom – Not aged a day since that cab photo was taken? I guess I should be flattered but I think I looked old already then! Probably caused by the water, yes. I thought something was wrong with the movie title, but I thought Oh no, our Captain would never miss anything like that! Railroads are extremely important during wars. Interesting facts about Great Northern and Pullman!! Plus AAR!A Trip to Remember, a very good article I read earlier! Lars – Nice post with the flag of the Merchant Marine and song, plus several wellknown posters! JanOlov – Interesting reading about the USRA!Ron – Very nice posters! The top one from a very important year, 1943! That was when I started...I am glad you posted a picture from Arlington! I have some pictures I was going to use from Arlington but they all disappeared just in time for this Sunday. Pete – Nice of the railroads to honor the previous employees who didn’t come back from the war(s). Mike – The top picture is the best! And the Sunnyside pictures are very interesting! Eric « First«90919293949596»Last » SUBSCRIBER & MEMBER LOGIN Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more! Login Register FREE NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter Submit More great sites from Kalmbach Media Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, good to see you my friend! I know, I better have a meatloaf sandwich, fries and coleslaw! Coffee, please! Round for the house!
A lot of stuff to read and look at tonight!
Tom – I think you and I are the only ones who know that 50% of the attendees were awake aboard that Amtrak train! A wild night it was, that is true! What, what, what???? Me tweeted?? Not ordering?? Haven’t you noticed? Leon knows, but you missed it!! Leon knows what I want when I get to Our Place because I always order the same thing. All I have to do is to nod my head! Just like when I have lunch at Cracker Barrel. The waitresses know what I have each day of the week. They don’t ask. This is unbeleivable! Me tweeted? And rule #2 of all rules!?!? Where are those stupid bug lights? Mumble, mumble. Monster truck? No, it is just a regular 18-wheeler, a Freightliner with a trailer loaded with cat- and dog food. The 2nd photo is a loco, a class Rc2, see picture below.
This is actually a Rc1, but they look the same. Thanks for the North Station article by CM3! Very interesting with a lot of details! And thanks for the (last?) Alaska pictures! Very nice! All Quiet On The Western Front! A very good movie! I have seen a couple of older versions and I have the book. The Lost Batallion - Duty, seems also to be a very good movie! Right choice of movies for this week! JanOlov – You re-posted a very interesting article barndad posted earlier this year! Amazing pictures! A bunch of pictures of UP equipment! One of the M-10000 has actually been to the Hoover dam when it was built. I don’t know which one though. UP class 9000 from 1926 is an impressive 3-cyl. steam locomotive. Below are a few pictures of #9000 that is on display at the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society Museum in Pomona, CA.
Ron provided some info on these locos.
UP observation car 1535 looks kind of different! I guess it is an radio antenna on its roof. 6 wheel trucks! Ron – Thanks for the info on the Chile streetcar! Built 1925. I wonder if any of them has been preserved? I wish your son best luck with his rig and hope it will work well! It sounds like it is in a pretty good condition! Per – Test track area? Do you mean the Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) in Pueblo, CO? As far as I know FRA does not have any test area. TTCI has an interesting site that can be found on this link.http://www.aar.com/welcome.htmI am afraid I do not know if Sunnyside has been downsized from the size in the 50’s. But I don’t think so. Thanks for the Boston pictures! Kind of sad to see Union Station demoted to a restaurant! Not much left of that ball field! Pete – I think you are right about those SF locomotives. I found some info on the locomotives in Alan’s pictures. The first photo shows an (#521) English Electric 400 hp diesel-electric from 1953. Built by Dick Kerr Works, Preston, UK.Locomotive #262 and 264 are known as “Sik”. Built 1936 by Werkspoor, Amsterdam, Holland. Steam locomotive #5 was built by La Meuse, Luik, Belgium 1924. Weight 40.5 metric tons, max speed 40 km/h (25 mph)Steam locomotive #2 Borsele was built by Krupp, Essen, Germany 1924. Weight 43.5 metric tons, max speed 45 km/h (28 mph)Locomotive #1 Wittouck was built by Orenstein & Koppel, Berlin Germany 1921.
Eric
<personal foto>
As an exception to our policy, the bar will be OPEN today for those who have something to contribute to Remembrance - Armistice ‘n Veteran's Day. Otherwise, we're CLOSED.
G'day Gents!
This is Remembrance - Armistice ‘n Veteran's Day, all rolled into one - depending on where in the ‘free world' one resides. A tradition at the Tavern by the Tracks has been to Post material featuring the RRs and those who served in the Armed Forces during times of global conflict.
So, as an exception to our "CLOSED on Sundays" rule - we invite one ‘n all to provide your input TODAY‘ n tomorrow <legal observance>!
It's just our way of thanking those who provided us with a chance to have what we have today!
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative)
Saturday - Nov 10th, 2007:
Jan (JanOlov) at 8:25 AM ‘n 9:17 AM: Began the ENCOREs with something from a UTB, barndad Doug from Page 28 of the reborn <this> Thread . . . Posted on March 3rd, 2007 (the 4th over in the UK!!) Good selection . . . Doug always provided the guys with so MUCH to read on Saturdays, but all quality stuff replete with fotos. A master at what he did, fer sure, fer sure!
You mentioned a bunch of guys - many whom you never met ‘n I'm surprised you took the time to jot ‘em down. At any rate, guys come ‘n go - just like the weather, we just can't count on any particular group to remain in tact. Such is life as a barkeep!
Followed up with some fine fotos of UP diversity in motive power! Excellent choices, Mate!
Top ups, cigars ‘n cash all appreciated from our Resident Swede in Scotland!
Ron (DD1) at 10:32 AM: And what to our surprise but a Saturday morning appearance from our Resident Southern Gentleman down in Ole Miss <aka: transplanted New Yorker!>
No Ron, can't say that I ever fooled around with anything on board a trolley. Was a bit too young for the gals, so what else is there to fool with, eh
What we DID engage in was to hitch rides on the back of city buses in the winter. Yeah, used to "straight arm" the rear bumper ‘n let the beasts tow us around. Not smart, eh You are absolutely CORRECT! Amazing any of us lived to where we are, eh
Regarding what it will take to turn things around in this country - energy wise - well, IF we are the government, then by we need to INSIST upon an expedited course to get away from petroleum. We squandered so much time and perhaps many, many innovative ideas in favor of pandering. <arrrrrrrrrggggggggghhhhhh> <there goes my B/P!!>
Round much appreciated along with your visit ‘n thoughts!
Per (marthastrainyard: at 2:02 PM: Long time between visits but most happy to have our Resident Cowboy Swede at the bar!
Many decades ago I purchased one of those model RR books on scenery. It left me with a headache . . . The book still resides somewhere in my stack of magazines needing to be placed in binders, if for no other reason than to do it. Anyway, the pikes of my past never were landscaped to any great extent. Couldn't do it because of my career moves . . . made no sense.
Once I retired and built my first trainroom and permanent layout, I figured the landscaping would come later. It never did. That layout is gone <so much for permanence, eh?> And the room is used for something else.
Then after a couple of years and with the prodding of a friend ‘n neighbor of mine, I decided to turn the major portion of our basement into what it is today - The Can-Am Trainroom. The friend of mine is an accomplished model painter ‘n detailer. He also has a rather small HO layout that he landscaped, that in my opinion should be featured somewhere in a magazine. It's that well done. Anyway, he told me if I put up a new layout, he'd do the landscaping. Ha - he bailed out on the "promise." Sooooooooo, the rest is history. I did it myself, with a bit of help from my wife
Now Arriving on Track #1
Railroad Ads from the World Wars
Threesomes! - Number One
"Our" Place 2007 Commemoration of
Veterans - Remembrance - Armistice Day!
<A form of these were initially Posted on Pages 159-160 - Nov 11th, 2005 on the Original Thread>
Number 1 of 9:
more Vital than gold
All the gold buried in Fort Knox, Ky., is less important to Victory than the rich iron ore deposits of the Mesabi, Cuyuna, and Vermillion ranges of northern Minnesota. The Mesabi range along contains the world's largest developed deposits, and much of this ore lies in open pits. From these pits giant shovels scoop the vital "red dust" into Great Northern cars which dump it a few hours later into the docks in Duluth and Superior, at the Head of the Lakes. There ore boats are swiftly loaded for delivery to the nation's steel mills. When the shipping season closed December 5, new mining records had been set on the mining ranges, and Great Northern Railway handled nearly 29,000,000 long tons - a third of the Lake Superior district's total production. With the necessity of preserving equipment, Great Northern, between shipping seasons, is reconditioning motive power, cars, trackage and its Allouez docks in Superior making ready for a still bigger job in 1943. The fabulous iron ore deposits in Minnesota are only part of the wealth contributed to America by the Zone of Plenty - and delivered by this vital artery of transportation.
GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY ROUTE OF THE EMPIRE BUILDER - BETWEEN THE GREAT LAKES AND THE PACIFIC
IN THE ZONE Of Plenty
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Number 2 of 9
"OVER HILL, OVER DALE, WE WILL RIDE THE IRON RAIL . . . AS THE PULLMAN'S GO ROLLING ALONG" Growing and GOING that's the story of our armed forces. Growing every day and going every night, for long distance troop movements are usually under the cover of darkness, in Pullman sleeping cars. It's a big job for the railroads to haul so many cars. And a big job for Pullman to provide them. But it's a welcome job for both of us, one we're proud and happy we were prepared to handle. Prepared? Oh, yes. The way Pullman and the railroads worked together in peacetime - through the Pullman "pool" of sleeping cars - fitted right into the wartime picture. Here's how that "pool" works: > Railroad passenger traffic in different parts of the country fluctuates with the season. Travel south, for instance, is heaviest in winter. And travel north increases in the summer. > If each railroad owned and operated enough sleeping cars to handle its own peak loads, many of those cars would be idle most of the year. > With the Pullman "pool," however, over one hundred different railroads share in the ability of a sleeping car fleet big enough to handle their combined requirements at any one time. As the travel loads shifts north, south, east or west, these cars shift with it. They are seldom idle for when fewer cars are needed on one railroad, more are needed on another. Now that war has come this "pool"operation of sleeping cars enables troop trains to be made up on short notice - at widely scattered points - and routed over any combination of railroads. That's what we meant when we said that Pullman and the railroads were prepared to handle the tremendous mass movement of troops that goes on constantly. It takes a lot of sleeping cars to do it. Almost drains the Pullman "pool" at times. As a result, civilian travelers are sometimes inconvenienced. But the war comes first with the railroads and first with Pullman - just as it comes first with you! AN AVERAGE OF MORE THAN 25,000 TROOPS A NIGHT NOW
GO PULLMAN Buy War Bonds and Stamps Regularly!
Ahoy Cap'n Tom 'n fellow contributors at the bar!
Here's something that I Posted on Page 427, Nov 11th, 2006 over at the old bar site. Should fit quite well with what's being called for on this VETERAN's DAY - ARMISTICE DAY 'n REMEMBRANCE DAY!
A day we must celebrate, so without taking away from the efforts of our Proprietor, let me provide my input, ever mindful of the efforts, accomplishments and sacrifices put forth by all who wore the uniform of the military or sailed the seas as merchant men during all of the conflicts our nations have engaged in during the 20th and 21st centuries. The U.S. Merchant Marine SongHeave Ho! My Lads! Heave Ho!Heave Ho! My Lads! Heave Ho! Give us the oil, give us the gasGive us the shells, give us the guns.We'll be the ones to see them thru.Give us the tanks, give us the planes.Give us the parts, give us a ship.Give us a hip hoo-ray!And we'll be on our way. It's a long, long way to go, It's a long, long pull with our hatches full,Braving the wind, braving the sea, Fighting the treacherous foe, Heave Ho! My Lads! Heave Ho! Let the sea roll high or low, We can cross any ocean, sail any river, give up the goods and we'll deliver, Damn the submarine! We're the men of the Merchant Marine!Words and Music by Lieut. (jg) Jack Lawrence, USMS, 1943.Performed by the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Regimental BandCaptain Kenneth R. Force, USMS, Director of Music
The U.S. Merchant Marine SongHeave Ho! My Lads! Heave Ho!
Heave Ho! My Lads! Heave Ho!
Give us the oil, give us the gasGive us the shells, give us the guns.We'll be the ones to see them thru.Give us the tanks, give us the planes.Give us the parts, give us a ship.Give us a hip hoo-ray!And we'll be on our way.
It's a long, long way to go, It's a long, long pull with our hatches full,Braving the wind, braving the sea, Fighting the treacherous foe,
Let the sea roll high or low, We can cross any ocean, sail any river, give up the goods and we'll deliver, Damn the submarine!
We're the men of the Merchant Marine!
Words and Music by Lieut. (jg) Jack Lawrence, USMS, 1943.Performed by the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Regimental BandCaptain Kenneth R. Force, USMS, Director of Music
Now for some WWII posters:
=======================================
Bossman give all of our vets a drink - active duty too! 5- Salute to all of our Armed Forces!
Until the next time!
Lars
Some Sunday reading Regarding WWI and USRA.... $$$$ for the cigar box and Mr Wurlitzer since I'm here....
United States Railroad Administration.....
Background
On April 6, 1917, the United States entered World War I, and very soon the nation's railroads proved inadequate to the task of serving the nation's war efforts. There were several sources of the problem. Although the carriers had made massive investments in first years of the twentieth century, there were still inadequacies in terminals, trackage, and rolling stock. Inflation struck the American economy, and when in 1906 the federal government empowered the Interstate Commerce Commission to set maximum rates, the rail firms had difficulty securing revenue sufficient to keep pace with rising costs. The Interstate Commerce Commission did allow some increases in rates, however. Also, investors had overexpanded the nation's trackage, so by late 1915 fully one-sixth of the railroad trackage in the country belonged to roads in receivership (bankruptcy). The railroad unions (commonly called "brotherhoods"), desiring shorter working days and better pay, threatened strike action in the second half of 1916. To avert a strike, President Woodrow Wilson secured Congressional passage of the Adamson Act, which set the eight hour day as the industry standard. When the Supreme Court ruled the law constitutional, the carriers had no choice but to comply.
The railroads attempted to join forces to coordinate their efforts and help the war effort, but private action proved inadequate. Observers noted, for example, that sometimes competitive practices prevailed that were not in the best interests of efficient mobilization. Also, government departments sought priority for shipment made on their behalf, and congestion in freight yards, terminals, and port facilities became staggering.
Finally, in December 1917 the Interstate Commerce Commission recommended federal control of the railroad industry to ensure efficient operation. The resulting efficiencies were to go beyond simply easing the congestion and expediting the flow of goods; they were to bring all parties, management, labor, investors, and shippers, together in a harmonious whole working on behalf of the national interest.
Nationalization
On December 26, 1917, President Wilson used the Federal Possession and Control Act to nationalize the vast majority of US railroads. William Gibbs McAdoo, Secretary of the Treasury, was appointed Director General of Railroads, with the Santa Fe's chairman Walker D. Hines appointed Assistant Director General. The United States Railroad Administration officially took charge at noon on December 28, 1917.
Railroad consolidation
The USRA had a plan to consolidate the nation's railroads into nineteen railroad systems. The plan was abandoned in 1940. The planned railroads were as follows:
Changes and new equipment
Change happened swiftly. The railroads were divided into three Divisions; East, West and South. Duplicate passenger services were killed off, costly and employee-heavy sleeping car services were cut back and extra fares applied to discourage their use. Uniform passenger ticketing was instituted, and competing services on different former railroads were cut back. Terminals, facilities and shops were shared.
Over 100,000 railroad cars and 1,930 steam locomotives were ordered at a cost of $380 million, all of new USRA standard designs, which were up-to-date and standardized types, designed to be the best that could be produced to replace much outdated equipment. However, as commonplace with designs approved by a committee and paid for by the Government, some of the designs were inefficient and the costs higher than they should have been.
Before the new USRA standard locomotive types were built and released, locomotives that builders had on hand were issued to various railroads. 2-8-0 "Consolidation" locomotives built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works for transport and use in France were made available. Then 2-10-0 "Decapod" locomotives built for Imperial Russia by both ALCO and Baldwin, but stranded in the US by the Russian Revolution of 1917 were also made available to the railroads. The USRA leased these locomotives.
Progression
On March 21, the Railroad Control Act became law; it guaranteed the return of the railroads to their former owners within 21 months of a peace treaty, and guaranteed that their properties would be handed back in at least as good a condition as when they were taken over. It also guaranteed compensation for the use of their assets at the average operational income of the railroads in the three years previous to nationalisation. This act laid down in concrete that the nationalisation would be only a temporary thing; before, it was not defined as necessarily so.
Both wages and rates for both passenger and freight traffic were raised by the USRA during 1918, wages being increased disproportionately for the lower-paid employees, which proved unpopular among more senior ones.
With the Armistice in November of 1918, McAdoo retired from his post, leaving Hines as the Director General.
Winding down
In early 1920 the Interstate Commerce Commission's powers over the railroads were substantially increased, in readiness for the USRA's disbandment in March 1920. They were given powers to approve or reject railroad mergers, to set rates, to approve or reject abandonments of service, and much else. The government also made financial guarantees to the railroads after control was handed back to them, to ensure their financial survival after the restoration of control.
On March 1, the railroads were handed back to their original owners and the USRA disbanded.
Conclusions
It is estimated that the USRA and the nationalizing of the American railroads between December 28, 1918, and March 1, 1920, cost the United States government $1.12 billion dollars, which was a huge amount of money back then (approximately $15 billion in 2003 dollars, adjusted for inflation) . The USRA is generally seen as having been effective in getting things moving for the war effort, but at a steep price.
The locomotives the USRA built, the USRA Standard designs, were immensely successful, and after the war were copied in great numbers, becoming the closest thing the United States locomotive builders came to standard designs. Indeed, the last steam locomotive built for a Class I railroad was a USRA copy, an 0-8-0 for the Norfolk & Western Railway. More controversy exists about their freight car designs, but they were certainly an improvement on many outdated cars in service before the USRA period. It can certainly be said, however, that the influx of new and modern locomotives and cars 'for free' assisted in the revival of the railroads' hitherto shaky fortunes and set up, in the years between the Great War and the Great Depression, a somewhat 'Golden Age' for railroading.
The experiment was not repeated. In World War II, the private railroads handled the war effort admirably, though one could argue that some major East Coast railroads impoverished themselves in so doing, setting up the later railroad collapses in the region.
Credit: Wikipedia...
In rememberance of Armistice and Veteran's day, here are a few posters:
I watched an English soccer game this morning,and before the kick-off a minutes silence was held for Remembrance Day which I observed with them. The minutes silence was immaculately held by the crowd at the match.
For my contribution for Veteran's Day this is something I posted at the old Our Place on page 160.
A toast, please, for all Veterans Past and Present. Very good posts on this most noteworthy of days showing how the railroads Stepped up to the Plate, as I believe you say over here, in the most difficult of times. The skill needed to drive the often-overloaded trains in the blackout many with hazardous cargos with the danger of air raids is truly amazing. After WW1 some railway companies in the U.K named a loco in Honour of the Fallen who had previously been in the service of that Company. The London Brighton and South Coast had a 2-6-4 tank it named REMBERANCE. The London & North Western had a 4-6-0 named PATRIOT and the Great Central a 4-6-0 named VALOUR. The name VALOUR is carried today on a North American built diesel loco Class 66 owned by the GBRf Company. In Britain, Remembrance Sunday as it is known, is commemorated by the sale of paper poppies, which benefit the Royal British Legion. You may have noticed Prince Charles was wearing one on his recent visit. At the factory I went to work for in Rugby, outside the main gate is a Memorial to the Fallen of the two World Wars. In steam days on Remembrance Sunday the Rugby locomotive depot prepared the locomotive Patriot by covering it in poppies. The loco was then parked on a bridge, which gave access to the works, adjacent to the Memorial. A service was then held there. After Patriot was withdrawn the loco used was a Royal Scot class 4-6-0 #46170 British Legion. This engines nameplate was a replica of the Legion emblem with a lion's head and the words to the top and bottom. I'm Afraid I don't know why Rugby was singled for this honour. Today the bridge and the Engine Shed have gone. Thankfully the Memorial and works (though much smaller still survive).
Pete.
Just wanted to say how great it is to see the participation on this November 11th!
Nice work, gentlemen - 'n have a round on me!
Ring it Boris 'n Tom please serve 'em up!
Oh, they've got no time for glory in the Infantry.Oh, they've got no use for praises loudly sung.But in every soldier's heart in all the InfantryShines the name, shines the name of Rodger Young.(Shines the name, Rodger Young!Fought and died for the men he marched among.To the everlasting glory of the Infantry.Lives the story of Private Rodger Young.)Caught in ambush lay a company of riflemenJust grenades against machine guns in the gloom.Caught in ambush till this one of twenty riflemenVolunteered, volunteered to meet his doom.Volunteered, Rodger Young!Fought and died for the men he marched among.In the everlasting annals of the InfantryGlows the last deed of Private Rodger Young.(It was he who drew the fire of the enemyThat a company of men might live to fight.And before the deadly fire of the enemyStood the man, stood the man we hail tonight.)On the island of New Georgia in the SolomonsStands a simple wooden cross alone to tell.That beneath the silent coral of the SolomonsSleeps a man, sleeps a man remembered well.Sleeps a man, Rodger Young!Fought and died for the men he marched among.In the everlasting spirit of the InfantryBreathes the spirit of Private Rodger Young.No, they've got no time for glory in the Infantry.No, they've got no use for praises loudly sung.But in every soldier's heart in all the InfantryShines the name, shines the name of Rodger Young.Shines the name, Rodger Young!Fought and died for the men he marched among.To the everlasting glory of the InfantryLives the story of Private Rodger Young.
Courtesy of Wikapedia
Threesomes! - Number Two
Number 4 of 9:
"Keep "Em Rollin' . . or Else!"
says grandpappy engine 2414 to a 1942 Santa Fe Freight Diesel "Back in '98, in the Spanish-American War," reminisces little Old-Timer 2414, "20 cars was an average-length freight train. By World War I, we'd upped our Santa Fe freights to an average 35.9 cars. Not bad railroadin', that." "Not bad is right," answers the big new freight Diesel, "but not good enough for World War II. Now we've stretched ‘em out another 41% to 50.9 cars, and those cars are bigger, loaded heavier, and rolling farther and faster." "Good work, son," says Old-Timer. "Yours is the BIG war job. Keep ‘em rollin' - or else!"
KEEP ‘EM ROLLIN' - OR ELSE
* No nation that does not possess efficient mass transportation can hope to win a modern war. In America that mass transportation job is squarely up to her railroads. If they fail, we lose. * Neither battle gallantry nor industrial wizardry alone will turn the tide. To meet this tremendous responsibility, we ask for every possible consideration in the allocation of materials for vitally essential repairs, maintenance and new equipment.
DAILY THE LOAD INCREASES
To date, the railroads haves met 100% the staggering demands born of this global war. Many have helped make that record possible - the War Department, the Office of Defense Transportation, civilian shippers and travelers everywhere. In the first six month of 1942 with 25% fewer locomotives, the Santa Fe moved 94% more freight ton-miles and 27% more military and civilian passenger miles than in the first six months of 1918 in World War I. Daily the load increases. No man knows what the peak will be. We do know there is a limit to the performance that can be squeezed out of existing equipment.
SANTA FE SYSTEM LINESSERVING THE SOUTHWEST FOR 70 YEARSBuy U. S. War Bonds - They Identify You"
Number 5 of 9:
Like Father in 1917 ~ Like Son, in 1942 ~
Americans feel at home in Britain
Americans have always felt at home in Britain . . . in peace time . . . or in war. Whether they have come over, equipped with guide books, golf clubs and cameras for a quiet sojourn among Britain's peaceful hedgerows, historic landmarks, and the ancestral beginnings of American ideals, laws and traditions or whether they have come, as in 1942 with steel helmets, bayonets, tanks and bombers in defenses of these very ideals, by which both nations are so closely bound together in common heritage, Americans feel that they are truly among friends - in Britain. Year after year, in happier times, British Railways have brought American travelers along the magic trail that leads into the heart of Britain - the glorious, colourful panorama of History, Literature, Tradition and Ideals. Until Victory comes, as it must and will, British Railways continue to maintain their contact with their American Friends, through their General Traffic Manager, C. M. Turner, 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, N. Y.
BRITISH RAILWAYS
Number 6 of 9:
A BOY ON A HILL-TOP
He used to wave at me from that hill . . . we lived just beyond it. He knew the exact time I'd be by . . . and I'd wave to him from the cab. And on my time off, I'd go to the hill with him, and we'd sit together, my son and I, and wait for the trains to come along. We'd hear their whistle calling across the distance . . . then see the long plume of smoke come into view, racing like the wind . . . and as they thundered by, we'd both wave to the engineer. Maybe
Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow contributors at the bar!
Just a few more Merchie posters, then I gotta skedaddle . . . .
Jints play the Cowboys today - should be a "gudun!"
A round for all who have contributed to this fine Veterans - Remembrance - Armistice Day outpouring at the Watering Hole by the Wayside!
Threesomes! - Number Three
Number 7 of 9:
HE WHO "steps up" ALSO SERVES
UNION PACIFIC is doing its share to meet the nation's vital need for dependable transportation. It's a job we're proud to do. Over the "the strategic middle route" connecting East with West, our gigantic locomotives are hauling not only war materials but also thousands of Uncle Sam's men in uniform. Thus, it is apparent that travelers may not always find it possible to obtain their preferred accommodations. Perhaps only coach seats or upper berths will be available. To Union Pacific patrons, who we have had the pleasure of serving and will continue to serve to the best of our ability, we would like to say, "he who steps up also serves" and express our thanks for your cooperation.
The ProgresssiveUNION PACIFIC RAILROAD
The Strategic Middle Route"Buy U. S. War Bonds - They Identify You"
Number 8 of 9:
ON THEIR WAY Shades are drawn down. Lights dim low. The landscape is blotted out . . . there's just the hum of the speeding train. These boys know what it means - the troop train is approaching the troop ships. Some draw a deep breath. A soldier fumbles for a letter. Another wonders if he can make a last telephone call. Another draws out a crumpled photograph. No, travelers don't see this - but the trainmen of the Pennsylvania Railroad do, daily. And more so than ever now. As the swelling tide of American youth - fine and fit streams overseas . . . Of course, it takes a lot of equipment for these troop movements - but with what remains we are doing our best to serve all essential travelers . . . efficiently, courteously.
BUY UNITED STATES WAR BONDS AND STAMPS
Pennsylvania Railroad
Number 9 of 9:
A NEW DAY DAWNS IN RAILROADING
War traffic has more than doubled the volume of freight hauled by the Western Pacific Railroad from Salt Lake City to San Francisco. Wherever the going it toughest n this rugged route, General Motors Diesel freight locomotives have kept this vast stream of vital munitions moving steadily.
War building is being rushed ahead with reliable General Motors Diesel power. In the days to come this dependable, economical power will be ready to do the hard jobs of peace. Throughou
Guarding TheTOMBOf TheUnknown Soldier
The Sentinels
The 3rd United States Infantry has served our Nation continuously since 1784, and today is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the U.S. Army. Headquartered out of Fort Myer, Virginia, it is traditionally known as "The Old Guard", a proud nickname ascribed by General Winfield Scott during a victory parade at Mexico City in 1847.Since World War II The Old Guard has been the Army's official HONOR GUARD. Among their duties, beyond providing security to our Nation's Capitol in time of national emergency or civil disturbance, are some of the most impressive displays of military ceremony.Soldiers from The Old Guard escort the President, conduct military ceremonies at the White House, Pentagon, and national memorials in our Capitol City, including funeral details and other special ceremonies at Arlington National Cemeteries. One of their most recognized responsibilities is providing sentinels...Tomb Guards, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.Since April 6, 1948 the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of weather. Millions of Americans annually visit the Memorial Amphitheater to watch these dedicated soldiers of a new generation, dutifully pace 21 steps across a black mat on the west face of the Tomb. It is a time honored ritual, executed with great precision and filled with American pride.The sentinel marches 21 steps across the black mat, past the final resting places of the Unknown Soldiers of World War I, World War II, Korea, and the crypt of the Unknown Soldier of the Vietnam War. With a crisp turn, the sentinel turns 90 degrees to face east for 21 seconds. The sentinel then turns a sharp 90 degrees again to face north for 21 seconds. A crisp "shoulder-arms" movement places the rifle on the shoulder nearest the visitors to signify that the sentinel stands between the tomb and any threat. After the moment, the sentinel paces 21 steps north, turns and repeats the process. The practiced cadence is timed so that the sentinel paces at a rate of 90 steps each minute.The Sentinel's CreedMy dedication to this sacred dutyIs total and wholehearted-In the responsibility bestowed on meNever will I falter-And with dignity and perseveranceMy standard will remain perfection.Through the years of diligence and praiseAnd the discomfort of the elementsI will walk my tour in humble reverenceThe best of my ability.It is he who commands the respect I protectHis bravery that made us so proud.Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day,Alone in the thoughtful peace of night,This soldier in honored Glory restUnder my eternal vigilance.Click for Larger Image Appropriately, the men who march 21 steps south, turn and march 21 steps north, and then repeat the process minute-by-minute for up to an hour at a time day or night, are the very best of the Army's best. Whether under a blazing sun, unsheltered from driving rains, or in freezing snow, they perform their duty with great precision and military bearing. Each of them is a volunteer from the 3rd Infantry, eligible to apply for duty as a sentinel ONLY after they have already been ceremonially qualified in The Old Guard. Each soldier among them is physically fit for the demanding responsibility and between 5'10" and 6'4" tall with a proportionate weight and build.Acceptance in The Old Guard's Company E does not assure a volunteer that he will become one of the fewer than 400 soldiers in the last 45 years to earn the distinctive Tomb Guard Badge. Before any soldier is allowed "a walk", he must memorize seven pages of history on Arlington National Cemetery and then recite it verbatim. If a soldier finishes this phase and is granted "a walk", he enters a new phase of training known as "new-soldier training". In addition to extensive training in the manual of arms, the guard change ceremony, and the intricacies of military ritual, the new-soldier is required to memorize additional information on Arlington, including the grave locations of nearly 300 veterans.It may take months for a soldier to earn the right to TEST to wear the coveted silver Tomb Guard Identification badge, and even then, the award is temporary. Only after the sentinel has served at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for nine months does the award become permanent. One of the Army's rarest emblems, it features the inverted laurel and a replica of the East face of the tomb where Greek images represent the virtues of Victory, Valor, and Peace.Each "walk" is a shift of one-half hour during daylight hours in the summer, one hour during daylight hours in the winter, and all night shifts are one-hour walks. Each walk concludes with the ceremonial Changing of the Guards...even when no audience is present. The ChangingofThe GuardThe changing of the guard ceremony is conducted every hour in winter time, and every half hour during summer daylight hours to provide visitors ample opportunity to witness one of the Army's proudest traditions.As the active sentry nears the conclusion of his walk, a uniformed relief commander enters the plaza to announce the Changing of the Guard. When the sentinel assigned the next walk leaves the guards' quarters, he unlocks the bolt of his M-14 rifle to signify that he is ready to begin the ceremony. The relief commander approaches the tomb, slowly salutes, then faces the visitors and requests silence during the ceremony.As the new sentinel approaches the relief commander slowly and with great precision, conducts a white-glove inspection of the sentinel's weapon. The two then march to the center of the mat where the duty sentinel stops his walk, and all three men salute the Tomb."Pass on your orders." the commander instructs the active sentinel."Post and orders, remain as directed." He replies."Orders acknowledged." Answers the relieving sentinel, who then steps into position at the center of the black mat. As soon as the relief commander passes, the new sentinel begins his own walk, 21 paces south, turn and pause for 21 seconds, turn and pace 21 steps south, and then repeat the actions without distraction until relieved by the next Changing of the Guards. Although this is my third visit today, I thought a little history about the honor guard was appropiate. Join me in a toast to these great soldiers.Ron
The 3rd United States Infantry has served our Nation continuously since 1784, and today is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the U.S. Army. Headquartered out of Fort Myer, Virginia, it is traditionally known as "The Old Guard", a proud nickname ascribed by General Winfield Scott during a victory parade at Mexico City in 1847.
Since World War II The Old Guard has been the Army's official HONOR GUARD. Among their duties, beyond providing security to our Nation's Capitol in time of national emergency or civil disturbance, are some of the most impressive displays of military ceremony.
Soldiers from The Old Guard escort the President, conduct military ceremonies at the White House, Pentagon, and national memorials in our Capitol City, including funeral details and other special ceremonies at Arlington National Cemeteries. One of their most recognized responsibilities is providing sentinels...Tomb Guards, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Since April 6, 1948 the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of weather. Millions of Americans annually visit the Memorial Amphitheater to watch these dedicated soldiers of a new generation, dutifully pace 21 steps across a black mat on the west face of the Tomb. It is a time honored ritual, executed with great precision and filled with American pride.
The practiced cadence is timed so that the sentinel paces at a rate of 90 steps each minute.
The Sentinel's Creed
My dedication to this sacred dutyIs total and wholehearted-In the responsibility bestowed on meNever will I falter-And with dignity and perseveranceMy standard will remain perfection.Through the years of diligence and praiseAnd the discomfort of the elementsI will walk my tour in humble reverenceThe best of my ability.It is he who commands the respect I protectHis bravery that made us so proud.Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day,Alone in the thoughtful peace of night,This soldier in honored Glory restUnder my eternal vigilance.
Click for Larger Image
Appropriately, the men who march 21 steps south, turn and march 21 steps north, and then repeat the process minute-by-minute for up to an hour at a time day or night, are the very best of the Army's best. Whether under a blazing sun, unsheltered from driving rains, or in freezing snow, they perform their duty with great precision and military bearing. Each of them is a volunteer from the 3rd Infantry, eligible to apply for duty as a sentinel ONLY after they have already been ceremonially qualified in The Old Guard. Each soldier among them is physically fit for the demanding responsibility and between 5'10" and 6'4" tall with a proportionate weight and build.
Acceptance in The Old Guard's Company E does not assure a volunteer that he will become one of the fewer than 400 soldiers in the last 45 years to earn the distinctive Tomb Guard Badge. Before any soldier is allowed "a walk", he must memorize seven pages of history on Arlington National Cemetery and then recite it verbatim. If a soldier finishes this phase and is granted "a walk", he enters a new phase of training known as "new-soldier training". In addition to extensive training in the manual of arms, the guard change ceremony, and the intricacies of military ritual, the new-soldier is required to memorize additional information on Arlington, including the grave locations of nearly 300 veterans.
It may take months for a soldier to earn the right to TEST to wear the coveted silver Tomb Guard Identification badge, and even then, the award is temporary. Only after the sentinel has served at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for nine months does the award become permanent. One of the Army's rarest emblems, it features the inverted laurel and a replica of the East face of the tomb where Greek images represent the virtues of Victory, Valor, and Peace.
Each "walk" is a shift of one-half hour during daylight hours in the summer, one hour during daylight hours in the winter, and all night shifts are one-hour walks. Each walk concludes with the ceremonial Changing of the Guards...even when no audience is present.
The ChangingofThe Guard
The changing of the guard ceremony is conducted every hour in winter time, and every half hour during summer daylight hours to provide visitors ample opportunity to witness one of the Army's proudest traditions.
As the active sentry nears the conclusion of his walk, a uniformed relief commander enters the plaza to announce the Changing of the Guard. When the sentinel assigned the next walk leaves the guards' quarters, he unlocks the bolt of his M-14 rifle to signify that he is ready to begin the ceremony. The relief commander approaches the tomb, slowly salutes, then faces the visitors and requests silence during the ceremony.
As the new sentinel approaches the relief commander slowly and with great precision, conducts a white-glove inspection of the sentinel's weapon. The two then march to the center of the mat where the duty sentinel stops his walk, and all three men salute the Tomb.
"Pass on your orders." the commander instructs the active sentinel.
"Post and orders, remain as directed." He replies.
"Orders acknowledged." Answers the relieving sentinel, who then steps into position at the center of the black mat. As soon as the relief commander passes, the new sentinel begins his own walk, 21 paces south, turn and pause for 21 seconds, turn and pace 21 steps south, and then repeat the actions without distraction until relieved by the next Changing of the Guards.
Although this is my third visit today, I thought a little history about the honor guard was appropiate. Join me in a toast to these great soldiers.
Ron
Hi Tom and all,
Leon a round for all our veterans who defended our freedom and democracy!
And for our fallen hero`s.
"They shall grow not old as we who are left grow old, age shall not weary them nor the years condemn, at the going down of the sun, and in the morning, WE WILL REMEMBER THEM."
Binyons Ode for the fallen, as used by the New Zealand Returned Services Association in memory of our comrades-in-arms.
To all. Thanks for all the really great info and pics, am pushed for time today so will acknowledge all your efforts on my next visit!
See ya, Allan
A smile to begin the week!
You can't think and hit at the same time.
<A Yogi-ism!>
Today is a holiday for many - the legal observance of Veteran's Day - Remembrance Day ‘n Armistice Day! So, the breakfasts, pastries ‘n coffee is on the house for all who have served or have had close family members in the military. Help yourselves, Gents!
Experienced some Forum's Weirdness over the weekend.
First I couldn't log in for quite awhile on Saturday afternoon ‘n when I did finally get on the only Pages that would appear were several back from the most current. Then on Sunday a couple of Posts came through all screwed up. Pete's had Ron's identification ‘n then Lars' ID showed up on MY Post. I had a hulluva time trying to delete that one!! <geesh> Then my stuff then got placed on the wrong Page!! Never, ever saw any of that happen before. Only thing that I can come up with is perhaps those submissions were all being made pretty close to one another thereby skewing <screwing up> the data. Have no clue, really!
Things straightened out once I logged off - rebooted the ‘puter ‘n tried again. Finally got my Post out okay - Weird, Weird, Weird!
Comments from the Proprietor:
An excellent turnout for November 11th by the crew at "Our" Place! Really shows that we have interest from the majority ‘round here in the things that makes this Tavern by the Tracks unique in the Ether!
Sunday - Nov 11th, 2007:
Lars (LoveDomes) at 9:53AM ‘n 12:52 PM: Most pleased to see that you were able to come through for us as promised! Always like those WWII "merchie" posters ‘n of course the Merchant Marine Song has special meaning for me in memory of my dad . . .
Jan (JanOlov) at 10:52 AM: Now there's some information one doesn't get to see every day. Very interesting ‘n a good choice for this day!
Ron (DD1) at 11:34 AM & 12:56 PM: Excellent selection of relevant posters!
Lars (LoveDomes) at 2:17 PM: Thrice in one day! <awwwwwwwright!> Super-fine "merchie" posters - fits well within the idea of this day. Many thanx, Mate!
Giants dropped a game they really could've won had they all "been there." Watched most of it, but really got turned off when the Cowboys JOs began their antics. Can't stand to watch "professionals" do those things. <ugh> My option: turn the channel.
Round ‘n material most appreciated, as always!
Ron (DD1) at 5:44 PM: Back with a 3rd offering! Unfortunately it had that "wide page pheom" which
Here's an "annual" Post that many of our guys have enjoyed at this time of year . . .
Here's something a bit different that I found in my latest TransportAction newsletter from Transport2000Canada, Vol 27, No. 6, Dec 05, 2005. The article has been retyped with permission from the author, which I profoundly express my appreciation. Hope all of you enjoy it. A Trip to Remember(Marcus Garnet, President, T2000 Atlantic)My wife, Christine, and I had been looking forward to riding VIA Rail's Remembrance Day Train ever since we had booked our trip from Halifax to Montreal. This train was, in fact, a special expanded version of VIA's regular Ocean run, and left Halifax on November 9th, two days before Remembrance Day. The general public were permitted to ride in addition to veterans, who were especially encouraged to be part of this historic trip. They would transfer in Montreal to Train 33 to continue their journey to Ottawa the following morning.The idea for the commemorative trip during the Year of the Veteran had arisen many months previously, with a suggestion made at the Halifax ticket office and the dedicated initiative of Ronald Jackson, one of the VIA agents there. Many other VIA staff members and external organizations worked together to make the trip a success.When we arrived at the Halifax station we were greeted by a red carpet. An on-veterans we felt unworthy to tread on it, but this was only the beginning. Many thoughtful touches gave a period feel, including a shoe-shiner offering his services for 25 cents, who later rode on the train itself. The booking hall abounded with uniformed military people and displays of photos and war memorabilia.We were immediately reminded of the personal cost which so many have paid to protect freedom and democracy in Canada and other nations, including my homeland - the United Kingdom. My parents had often told me of the hardships of growing up in England during World War II. More recently, and over in Canada, Christine's late father was well known and loved by the patients whom he had faithfully visited for many years at the Camp Hill Veteran's Memorial Hospital.After checking our luggage we took turns to look at the displays, before a staff member exhorted us to get on board. We walked down another red carpet, awed by the ranks of military personnel standing at attention on either side. We gazed along the platform between two endless rows of gleaming stainless steel railcars, each door guarded by a uniformed military person as well as the helpful VIA Rail staff. We heard that the 33-car train (including three engines, two domes, three diners, three coaches and a baggage car) would be the longest to operate on this route since World War II, and would carry approximately 420 passenger once those from Moncton had embarked. Because of its length, the train was parked at the station in two halves and later coupled together.After moving into our double bedroom we hastened to the dome in the Park Car, and watched the enormous train pull out of Halifax, recalling the troop trains that connected with ships to and from Europe so many years ago. Along the historic railway cut, people stood on the many bridges looking down at our train and waved to us. The Halifax Herald printed a special page with the words "Thank You" accompanied by a bright red poppy, and many onlookers held these up as signs while our train passed. There were many media reporters on board with their TV cameras, and some remained on the train for the entire trip. Seated up in the dome, we had a panoramic view and felt humbled by the privilege of participating in such a special occasion. Soon we could see the whole train stretched out alongside the Bedford Basin, reminding us of the wartime convoys which had been assembled there, and which many veterans had helped to protect.Before boarding we had been given a paper assigning us to one of the three diners on the train, which for the occasion were termed "Mess Halls." There were tow sittings for lunch and three for supper, while breakfast was also available the following morning. Walking down the endless corridors to "Mess Hall 2," it was easy to see that more than half the passengers were veterans. Signs outside their bedrooms indicated the name and military position, and in our diner there were plenty of uniforms and colourful badges. At one of the meals we made friends with an older couple who told us of family members who had lost their lives while fighting overseas in World War II. It was a reminder than many who fought never returned, and that this train was also a tribute to them.After our first meal on board, we waited for our bill, but it never came. We were told that all meals were complimentary, sponsored by Atlantic Superstore and VIA Rail. The food was very enjoyable, served by an attentive and efficient staff. Throughout the journey, we appreciated the enthusiastic attitude and helpfulness of VIA employees. This was all the more impressive in view of the large numbers who needed to be accommodated, some of whom had special needs. It seemed that every detail had been anticipated, including the provision of a volunteer paramedic who assisted several passengers enroute.Our train was enthusiastically welcomed at the many Maritime communities we passed through. Some people held up "Thank You" signs in their own yards. Others were parked near grade crossings to anticipate our arrival. One or two stood alone and saluted the train as it passed. At Truro, crowds of children lined their schoolyard fence and waved. Crossing the Tantramar marshes, we were greed by two deer romping in a nearby field with the train curving around almost as a backdrop - a magnificent sight! At each station, a home-grown welcome awaited us, a band, a choir, a troupe of cadets standing at attention. At Moncton, we took a brief walk outside and almost got lost in the crowd following the pipe band marching up the platform.There were poignant greetings at the tiny communities served by flagstops, where people had gone far out of their way to prepare for the train's arrival. We especially remember the stop at Jacquet River late in the northern New Brunswick evening, where a flatbed truck had been parked as a float, complete with a strobe light mounted on a stepladder. People used what they had to show their appreciation. The last community in New Brunswick, Tidewater, does not even have a flagstop, but by prior arrangement our train slowed down so we could see the people waving, the coloured lights and the lone fire truck with its strobes flashing a salute. These people had stayed up late and waited long for our dela Happy Railroading! Siberianmo LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Monday, November 12, 2007 9:22 AM Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar! Ruth my deAH, how good it is to feast these old eyes upon your radiant beauty! <blush> <phew> Time for a mugga Joe with a jolt - a round for the boyz ‘n treats for the crittAHs! Keep the change my deAH! Boris, that LARGE jar of PPF is for you AFTER you feed the gang their breakfast ‘n don't forget, Artie gets his field mouse OUT BACK <ugh>. I'd say we had a terrific Nov 11th here at the Watering Hole by the Wayside. Yeah, we missed a couple of guys who I really thought would show up - but such is life, huh We ALL have things requiring our time ‘n attention aside from being in cyber space. I thought Da Bossman totally stole the show yesterday with those reworked WWII RR related postAHs. Really some fine stuff ‘n well done. A 5- Salute to Cap'n Tom! Not to take away from the other guys - Ron, Jan ‘n Pete all contributed to make the day a success. Really well done boyz! Thought today's submission by Cap'n Tom hit the spot too! Must've been a great ride for those vets ‘n their wives. Appreciated the links . . . Did anyone other than Da Bossman and me notice the screwy stuff going on yesterday when several of the guys tried to post around the same time Really a strange result. Somehow got straigtened out, but for a while it looked like one of those <Twilight Zone> episodes of "back in the day"! I've got a few more posters to share, then I'm afraid it's time for me to disappear for awhile. Got some mattAHs to attend to that will keep me away perhaps ‘til right before Thanksgiving. I'll surely try to get in now ‘n then, but things are looking TIGHT right now.Here comes the Larsman Mobile with more five more WWII posters! Ruth, we've got some <ahem> admin matters to attend to on your break! <ooooooh>Until the next time! Lars LoveDomes Member sinceJanuary 2006 From: northeast U.S. 1,225 posts Posted by LoveDomes on Monday, November 12, 2007 9:26 AM Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!Ruth, another round on me! Boris, ring the chimes . . .Back with 5 more from the Larsman Mobile! Until the next time! Lars JanOlov Member sinceDecember 2001 From: GB 376 posts Posted by JanOlov on Monday, November 12, 2007 9:30 AM Greetings Tom and gentlemen.....Barkeep.....may I please have the usual extra cold Guinness, top with cigars for the crew please...? Keep the change..$$$$ for the cigar box and Mr Wurlitzer.....marthastrainyard, nice pics mate.... I must admit that I wasn't a fan of those UP M-10000's at first, and I still like the later ones better than M-10000-M10002...Cy Young...? Am I correct guessing baseball?pwolfe, I like that post from the second I saw it, awesome pics to say the least.... Nice pics in your post mate ....that tiny diesel, it is a Kof or whatever they were called....German?Tom, good choice of flicks mate....and your post are second to none.....EricX2000, nice pics of the 4-12-2 9000 mate ....looks like she needs a bit of TLC...Da Larsman, great posts and ads....DD1, great ads and lyrics and the post about Guarding The TOMB Of The Unknown Soldier...Next round is on me lads!Perhaps as you entered the hall tonight, you noticed the small table, set for one, in a place of honor. The military cast is filled with symbolism. This table is our way of acknowledging that members of our proud profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are POWs, MIAs and KIAs. We call them brothers. They are unable to be with us this evening, so we remember them because of their sacrifices. The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms. The single rose in the vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our Comrades-in-Arms who keep faith, awaiting their return. The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase, is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and *** of thousands who bear witness to their underlying determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. A slice of lemon is on the bread plate, to remind us of their bitter fate. The salt is symbolic of the tears, as they wait. The glass is inverted; he cannot toast with us this night. The chair is empty; he is not here. Remember, all of you who served with them and called them comrade, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely they have not forgotten you. I propose a toast to our Fallen Comrades.... All the best! Jan siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Monday, November 12, 2007 12:51 PM G'day Gents!Ruth, go ahead and take your break - in fact - take the rest of the day off, things are looking mighty sloooooooooow here.For all planning to attend Rendezvous III - check your Email! A perfectly luke-warm, partly cloudy fall day has turned to bouts of hard driving rain - nothing severe - but much need precip 'round these parts. <finally> Leaves are piling up - looks like there's gonna be lots of work out there for someone. <oooooooops> That's Moi!<groan>Good to see Lars 'n Jan show up on this holiday Monday . . . figured we'd have some slack on this day. Nice contributions from both!! Just a bit surprised that we haven't seen either of the Canadian guys lately . . . yeah I know, busy, busy . . . But sure seems odd that Cap'n Fergie has taken shelter ever since he got <tweeted> back on Page 137, Nov 5th . . . Perhaps a bit of promise - heard from one of our favorite characters and now a UTB - Nick (nickinwestwales) by Email. Family matters have kept him away, but he's beginning to see daylight - so who knows Maybe - just maybe we'll see a return. Stealing a "theme" from our Manager, here's a few BOOK COVERS I've found to continue along with the wartime-RR theme for these past two days . . . Hawaiian Railway Album, Vol 1Hawaiian Railway Album, Vol 2Hawaiian Railway Album, Vol 3Hawaiian Railway Album, Vol 4America's Fighting Railroads* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Enjoy! Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Monday, November 12, 2007 1:03 PM G'day Gents!Here's something SPECIAL for Wolfman Pete who inquired about that 0-4-0 steam loco on display across from the Anchorage, Alaska train depot . . .<This was initially Posted on 10 Jun 2006 on Page 351 of the Original Thread>The Davenport Locomotive on the pedestal in front of the Anchorage Depot was never on the roster as #1. It is actually #6 and started life as a 3 foot gauge locomotive that was then standard gauged. It became the ceremonial #1 only because it was a survivor. from: http://alaskamodelrrnews.homestead.com/Steam.htmlHistorian Pat Durand says, "Builders #764 by Davenport Locomotive Works October 1907 for the Isthmus Canal Commission where it operated as No. 802. Acquired by the Alaska Engineering Commission as #6 in 1917. This locomotive was 3 foot gauge and was converted to standard gauge and used as a shop switcher in Anchorage. During 1947 she was renumbered No. 1 for use by the Anchorage Lions Club Moose Gooser train on 4th and 5th Avenue during the Fur Rendezvous for two years. Later she was placed on display facing East in front of the Depot. In the 1990, Bob Yost lead a group to a full restoration, short of a new boiler, and she went back on the display facing West." from: http://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former-loco/JC-arr1.htmlAnd, finally from my Pix archives! Okay - drinks on Pete for all of MY efforts! Later . . .Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo pwolfe Member sinceFebruary 2005 From: mid mo 1,054 posts Posted by pwolfe on Monday, November 12, 2007 3:12 PM Hi Tom and all.A round please RUTH for an excellent day yesterday. As Tom says we are a Unique Place in the Ether.TOM Those Railroad Ads were all really well written, but the NYC Boy on a Hill Top really stands out for me.Many thanks for sharing the very moving letter from Marcus Garnet. I appreciate him letting us share it. Well done VIA rail for making the train possible. Having now traveled the route of the train from Halifax and Montreal I can imagine the people turning out to see the train at the stations on route. LARS Thanks for the Merchant Marine posters. I know my father, who served in the Royal Navy in WWII, had a great deal of respect and admiration for the Merchant Seamen.JAN Thanks for the very interesting info on the USRA. I had heard of the USRA but did not know a lot about it. There are some of the USA war time built locomotives for Europe In the UK on preserved lines, I believe they are of class S160.They are very fine and poignant words in your post today.RON Thanks for the Veterans Day posters and the Ballard Of Rodger Young which I had not seen before. The bride's cousin served in the Honor Guard so the piece was of great interest to me many thanks for sharing.ALLAN Those fine words are used at ceremonies in the UK as well.I would like to mention a preserved loco which as been dedicated to the British Military Railway men who lost their lives in the World Wars . It is an ex LMS 8F 2-8-0 class of freight locomotive which was built by the North British Locomotive Company of Glasgow Scotland in 1940. The loco was used in Persia in 1941 ferrying supplies to the Russians and was later in Egypt. It was in very poor condition after the war and was due to be scrapped, but instead was shipped back to England and was repaired at Derby Works. It was saved after its BR service and now runs on the Severn Valley Railway and no doubt will be involved at a Remembrance service held on the railway .The loco is behind No 45110 and is in the livery and appearance it would have been when serving in the war as W.D. No 307.A link to the 8F, to see the plaque please click on RE WWII.http://www.8fsociety.co.uk/002.htmERIC Many thanks for the info on those locomotives from Holland in Alan's photos; I will send them to him.UP # 9000 is a very impressive locomotive, thanks for the photos TOM I see you are getting the much-needed rain we have had it most of the morning with the odd bit of thunder.I too noticed something with the forum Saturday. I saw LARS ‘s name on the post about the NYC Ad.It is great you have heard from Nick and many thanks for the book covers I think it is the first time I have ever seen books on the railways of Hawaii. I wonder if any remain in service there todayThe info on Alaska railroad #1 or more properly #6 certainly deserves a round from me. I must ask about the Anchorage Lions Club Moose Gooser train at the Fur Rendezvous. I don't suppose there will be any moose gooseing at our rendezvous.Well it was RUTH when I started but I see it is owner TOM now, so drinks on me.Pete. siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts "Our" Place reborn! An adult bar 'n grill for the discussion of Classic Trains! Posted by siberianmo on Monday, November 12, 2007 7:22 PM G'day Gents!Figured I'd get a leg up on the comments while I'm still able. <grin>Customer Acknnowledgments - since my last narrative Monday - Nov 12th, 2007:Lars (LoveDomes) at 9:22 AM & 9:26 AM: Ten absolutely perfect Merchant Marine posters to help commemorate our observance of Remembrance - Armistice - Veteran's Day here at the Saloon by the Siding! Five- Salute to the man we call the Larsman! We amassed quite an archive of WWII material, much of it railroad/railway related. Says a lot about this current crew. Nicely done - ALL! Many thanx for your continuing efforts to keep this place moving forward, the round ‘n having you aboard twice this day! Jan (JanOlov) at 9:30 AM: If that is an original thought regarding the table set for one - terrific job. If not, it's a most appropriate tribute to those many of us hold in high esteem, especially at this time of year. Five- Salute to our Resident Swede in Scotland! As ever - round, visit ‘n extras most appreciated! Pete (pwolfe) at 3:12 PM: Another all around fine, inclusive ‘n interesting Post from our Bar Chandler <Acting Manager>! Catch up Email received - thanx! Having never goosed a moose, I've no further comment! <uh oh> Info on the Stanier 8F steamer is really worth the reading . . . thanx! It's good that there are people who take the time ‘n make the effort to preserve that which is worth preserving! Cheers to them!Aside from what I mentioned regarding the Forum's Gremlins on Saturday - it's kinda like UFO sightings; one begins to wonder whether it happened or not. <strange>Many thanx for the visit, foto ‘n round! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * See ya in the 'morrow!Tom Happy Railroading! Siberianmo wanswheel Member sinceNovember 2005 4,190 posts Posted by wanswheel on Monday, November 12, 2007 9:26 PM Good evening Commander, a round for the houseThank you for your service Tom. Keep on the SunnysideMike EricX2000 Member sinceDecember 2002 From: Phoenix, AZ 683 posts Posted by EricX2000 on Monday, November 12, 2007 10:55 PM Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!Leon, a chicken filet sandwich, please! A cold Keith's.I am very disappointed and frustrated this evening. I had some photos and slides put aside to scan for this Veteran's Day and last night when I was going to scan them they were all gone! And still is! I have no clue what happened to them. All I have is this picture from Arlington.In Honor of All our veterans!!! All I can do is to apologize for not keeping things in better order. I am still trying to find the missing pictures. Tom – Not aged a day since that cab photo was taken? I guess I should be flattered but I think I looked old already then! Probably caused by the water, yes. I thought something was wrong with the movie title, but I thought Oh no, our Captain would never miss anything like that! Railroads are extremely important during wars. Interesting facts about Great Northern and Pullman!! Plus AAR!A Trip to Remember, a very good article I read earlier! Lars – Nice post with the flag of the Merchant Marine and song, plus several wellknown posters! JanOlov – Interesting reading about the USRA!Ron – Very nice posters! The top one from a very important year, 1943! That was when I started...I am glad you posted a picture from Arlington! I have some pictures I was going to use from Arlington but they all disappeared just in time for this Sunday. Pete – Nice of the railroads to honor the previous employees who didn’t come back from the war(s). Mike – The top picture is the best! And the Sunnyside pictures are very interesting! Eric « First«90919293949596»Last » SUBSCRIBER & MEMBER LOGIN Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more! Login Register FREE NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter Submit More great sites from Kalmbach Media Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy
A Trip to Remember
(Marcus Garnet, President, T2000 Atlantic)
My wife, Christine, and I had been looking forward to riding VIA Rail's Remembrance Day Train ever since we had booked our trip from Halifax to Montreal. This train was, in fact, a special expanded version of VIA's regular Ocean run, and left Halifax on November 9th, two days before Remembrance Day. The general public were permitted to ride in addition to veterans, who were especially encouraged to be part of this historic trip. They would transfer in Montreal to Train 33 to continue their journey to Ottawa the following morning.
The idea for the commemorative trip during the Year of the Veteran had arisen many months previously, with a suggestion made at the Halifax ticket office and the dedicated initiative of Ronald Jackson, one of the VIA agents there. Many other VIA staff members and external organizations worked together to make the trip a success.
When we arrived at the Halifax station we were greeted by a red carpet. An on-veterans we felt unworthy to tread on it, but this was only the beginning. Many thoughtful touches gave a period feel, including a shoe-shiner offering his services for 25 cents, who later rode on the train itself. The booking hall abounded with uniformed military people and displays of photos and war memorabilia.
We were immediately reminded of the personal cost which so many have paid to protect freedom and democracy in Canada and other nations, including my homeland - the United Kingdom. My parents had often told me of the hardships of growing up in England during World War II. More recently, and over in Canada, Christine's late father was well known and loved by the patients whom he had faithfully visited for many years at the Camp Hill Veteran's Memorial Hospital.
After checking our luggage we took turns to look at the displays, before a staff member exhorted us to get on board. We walked down another red carpet, awed by the ranks of military personnel standing at attention on either side. We gazed along the platform between two endless rows of gleaming stainless steel railcars, each door guarded by a uniformed military person as well as the helpful VIA Rail staff. We heard that the 33-car train (including three engines, two domes, three diners, three coaches and a baggage car) would be the longest to operate on this route since World War II, and would carry approximately 420 passenger once those from Moncton had embarked. Because of its length, the train was parked at the station in two halves and later coupled together.
After moving into our double bedroom we hastened to the dome in the Park Car, and watched the enormous train pull out of Halifax, recalling the troop trains that connected with ships to and from Europe so many years ago. Along the historic railway cut, people stood on the many bridges looking down at our train and waved to us. The Halifax Herald printed a special page with the words "Thank You" accompanied by a bright red poppy, and many onlookers held these up as signs while our train passed. There were many media reporters on board with their TV cameras, and some remained on the train for the entire trip. Seated up in the dome, we had a panoramic view and felt humbled by the privilege of participating in such a special occasion. Soon we could see the whole train stretched out alongside the Bedford Basin, reminding us of the wartime convoys which had been assembled there, and which many veterans had helped to protect.
Before boarding we had been given a paper assigning us to one of the three diners on the train, which for the occasion were termed "Mess Halls." There were tow sittings for lunch and three for supper, while breakfast was also available the following morning. Walking down the endless corridors to "Mess Hall 2," it was easy to see that more than half the passengers were veterans. Signs outside their bedrooms indicated the name and military position, and in our diner there were plenty of uniforms and colourful badges. At one of the meals we made friends with an older couple who told us of family members who had lost their lives while fighting overseas in World War II. It was a reminder than many who fought never returned, and that this train was also a tribute to them.
After our first meal on board, we waited for our bill, but it never came. We were told that all meals were complimentary, sponsored by Atlantic Superstore and VIA Rail. The food was very enjoyable, served by an attentive and efficient staff. Throughout the journey, we appreciated the enthusiastic attitude and helpfulness of VIA employees. This was all the more impressive in view of the large numbers who needed to be accommodated, some of whom had special needs. It seemed that every detail had been anticipated, including the provision of a volunteer paramedic who assisted several passengers enroute.
Our train was enthusiastically welcomed at the many Maritime communities we passed through. Some people held up "Thank You" signs in their own yards. Others were parked near grade crossings to anticipate our arrival. One or two stood alone and saluted the train as it passed. At Truro, crowds of children lined their schoolyard fence and waved. Crossing the Tantramar marshes, we were greed by two deer romping in a nearby field with the train curving around almost as a backdrop - a magnificent sight! At each station, a home-grown welcome awaited us, a band, a choir, a troupe of cadets standing at attention. At Moncton, we took a brief walk outside and almost got lost in the crowd following the pipe band marching up the platform.
There were poignant greetings at the tiny communities served by flagstops, where people had gone far out of their way to prepare for the train's arrival. We especially remember the stop at Jacquet River late in the northern New Brunswick evening, where a flatbed truck had been parked as a float, complete with a strobe light mounted on a stepladder. People used what they had to show their appreciation. The last community in New Brunswick, Tidewater, does not even have a flagstop, but by prior arrangement our train slowed down so we could see the people waving, the coloured lights and the lone fire truck with its strobes flashing a salute. These people had stayed up late and waited long for our dela Happy Railroading! Siberianmo
Ruth my deAH, how good it is to feast these old eyes upon your radiant beauty! <blush> <phew> Time for a mugga Joe with a jolt - a round for the boyz ‘n treats for the crittAHs! Keep the change my deAH!
Boris, that LARGE jar of PPF is for you AFTER you feed the gang their breakfast ‘n don't forget, Artie gets his field mouse OUT BACK <ugh>.
I'd say we had a terrific Nov 11th here at the Watering Hole by the Wayside. Yeah, we missed a couple of guys who I really thought would show up - but such is life, huh We ALL have things requiring our time ‘n attention aside from being in cyber space.
I thought Da Bossman totally stole the show yesterday with those reworked WWII RR related postAHs. Really some fine stuff ‘n well done. A 5- Salute to Cap'n Tom!
Not to take away from the other guys - Ron, Jan ‘n Pete all contributed to make the day a success. Really well done boyz!
Thought today's submission by Cap'n Tom hit the spot too! Must've been a great ride for those vets ‘n their wives. Appreciated the links . . .
Did anyone other than Da Bossman and me notice the screwy stuff going on yesterday when several of the guys tried to post around the same time Really a strange result. Somehow got straigtened out, but for a while it looked like one of those <Twilight Zone> episodes of "back in the day"!
I've got a few more posters to share, then I'm afraid it's time for me to disappear for awhile. Got some mattAHs to attend to that will keep me away perhaps ‘til right before Thanksgiving. I'll surely try to get in now ‘n then, but things are looking TIGHT right now.
Here comes the Larsman Mobile with more five more WWII posters!
Ruth, we've got some <ahem> admin matters to attend to on your break! <ooooooh>
Ahoy Cap'n Tom ‘n fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth, another round on me! Boris, ring the chimes . . .
Back with 5 more from the Larsman Mobile!
Greetings Tom and gentlemen.....
Barkeep.....may I please have the usual extra cold Guinness, top with cigars for the crew please...? Keep the change..
$$$$ for the cigar box and Mr Wurlitzer.....
marthastrainyard, nice pics mate.... I must admit that I wasn't a fan of those UP M-10000's at first, and I still like the later ones better than M-10000-M10002...
Cy Young...? Am I correct guessing baseball?
pwolfe, I like that post from the second I saw it, awesome pics to say the least.... Nice pics in your post mate ....that tiny diesel, it is a Kof or whatever they were called....German?
Tom, good choice of flicks mate....and your post are second to none.....
EricX2000, nice pics of the 4-12-2 9000 mate ....looks like she needs a bit of TLC...
Da Larsman, great posts and ads....
DD1, great ads and lyrics and the post about Guarding The TOMB Of The Unknown Soldier...
Next round is on me lads!
Perhaps as you entered the hall tonight, you noticed the small table, set for one, in a place of honor.
The military cast is filled with symbolism. This table is our way of acknowledging that members of our proud profession of arms are missing from our midst.
They are POWs, MIAs and KIAs. We call them brothers. They are unable to be with us this evening, so we remember them because of their sacrifices.
The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms.
The single rose in the vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our Comrades-in-Arms who keep faith, awaiting their return.
The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase, is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and *** of thousands who bear witness to their underlying determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing.
A slice of lemon is on the bread plate, to remind us of their bitter fate.
The salt is symbolic of the tears, as they wait.
The glass is inverted; he cannot toast with us this night.
The chair is empty; he is not here.
Remember, all of you who served with them and called them comrade, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely they have not forgotten you.
I propose a toast to our Fallen Comrades....
Ruth, go ahead and take your break - in fact - take the rest of the day off, things are looking mighty sloooooooooow here.
For all planning to attend Rendezvous III - check your Email!
A perfectly luke-warm, partly cloudy fall day has turned to bouts of hard driving rain - nothing severe - but much need precip 'round these parts. <finally> Leaves are piling up - looks like there's gonna be lots of work out there for someone. <oooooooops> That's Moi!<groan>
Good to see Lars 'n Jan show up on this holiday Monday . . . figured we'd have some slack on this day. Nice contributions from both!!
Just a bit surprised that we haven't seen either of the Canadian guys lately . . . yeah I know, busy, busy . . . But sure seems odd that Cap'n Fergie has taken shelter ever since he got <tweeted> back on Page 137, Nov 5th . . .
Perhaps a bit of promise - heard from one of our favorite characters and now a UTB - Nick (nickinwestwales) by Email. Family matters have kept him away, but he's beginning to see daylight - so who knows Maybe - just maybe we'll see a return.
Stealing a "theme" from our Manager, here's a few BOOK COVERS I've found to continue along with the wartime-RR theme for these past two days . . .
Hawaiian Railway Album, Vol 1
Hawaiian Railway Album, Vol 2
Hawaiian Railway Album, Vol 3
Hawaiian Railway Album, Vol 4
America's Fighting Railroads
Enjoy!
Tom
Here's something SPECIAL for Wolfman Pete who inquired about that 0-4-0 steam loco on display across from the Anchorage, Alaska train depot . . .
<This was initially Posted on 10 Jun 2006 on Page 351 of the Original Thread>
The Davenport Locomotive on the pedestal in front of the Anchorage Depot was never on the roster as #1. It is actually #6 and started life as a 3 foot gauge locomotive that was then standard gauged. It became the ceremonial #1 only because it was a survivor. from: http://alaskamodelrrnews.homestead.com/Steam.htmlHistorian Pat Durand says, "Builders #764 by Davenport Locomotive Works October 1907 for the Isthmus Canal Commission where it operated as No. 802. Acquired by the Alaska Engineering Commission as #6 in 1917. This locomotive was 3 foot gauge and was converted to standard gauge and used as a shop switcher in Anchorage. During 1947 she was renumbered No. 1 for use by the Anchorage Lions Club Moose Gooser train on 4th and 5th Avenue during the Fur Rendezvous for two years. Later she was placed on display facing East in front of the Depot. In the 1990, Bob Yost lead a group to a full restoration, short of a new boiler, and she went back on the display facing West." from: http://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former-loco/JC-arr1.htmlAnd, finally from my Pix archives!
from: http://alaskamodelrrnews.homestead.com/Steam.html
Historian Pat Durand says, "Builders #764 by Davenport Locomotive Works October 1907 for the Isthmus Canal Commission where it operated as No. 802. Acquired by the Alaska Engineering Commission as #6 in 1917. This locomotive was 3 foot gauge and was converted to standard gauge and used as a shop switcher in Anchorage. During 1947 she was renumbered No. 1 for use by the Anchorage Lions Club Moose Gooser train on 4th and 5th Avenue during the Fur Rendezvous for two years. Later she was placed on display facing East in front of the Depot. In the 1990, Bob Yost lead a group to a full restoration, short of a new boiler, and she went back on the display facing West."
from: http://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former-loco/JC-arr1.htmlAnd, finally from my Pix archives!
Okay - drinks on Pete for all of MY efforts!
Later . . .
A round please RUTH for an excellent day yesterday. As Tom says we are a Unique Place in the Ether.
TOM Those Railroad Ads were all really well written, but the NYC Boy on a Hill Top really stands out for me.
Many thanks for sharing the very moving letter from Marcus Garnet. I appreciate him letting us share it. Well done VIA rail for making the train possible. Having now traveled the route of the train from Halifax and Montreal I can imagine the people turning out to see the train at the stations on route.
LARS Thanks for the Merchant Marine posters. I know my father, who served in the Royal Navy in WWII, had a great deal of respect and admiration for the Merchant Seamen.
JAN Thanks for the very interesting info on the USRA. I had heard of the USRA but did not know a lot about it. There are some of the USA war time built locomotives for Europe In the UK on preserved lines, I believe they are of class S160.
They are very fine and poignant words in your post today.
RON Thanks for the Veterans Day posters and the Ballard Of Rodger Young which I had not seen before. The bride's cousin served in the Honor Guard so the piece was of great interest to me many thanks for sharing.
ALLAN Those fine words are used at ceremonies in the UK as well.
I would like to mention a preserved loco which as been dedicated to the British Military Railway men who lost their lives in the World Wars . It is an ex LMS 8F 2-8-0 class of freight locomotive which was built by the North British Locomotive Company of Glasgow Scotland in 1940. The loco was used in Persia in 1941 ferrying supplies to the Russians and was later in Egypt. It was in very poor condition after the war and was due to be scrapped, but instead was shipped back to England and was repaired at Derby Works. It was saved after its BR service and now runs on the Severn Valley Railway and no doubt will be involved at a Remembrance service held on the railway .
The loco is behind No 45110 and is in the livery and appearance it would have been when serving in the war as W.D. No 307.
A link to the 8F, to see the plaque please click on RE WWII.
http://www.8fsociety.co.uk/002.htm
ERIC Many thanks for the info on those locomotives from Holland in Alan's photos; I will send them to him.
UP # 9000 is a very impressive locomotive, thanks for the photos
TOM I see you are getting the much-needed rain we have had it most of the morning with the odd bit of thunder.
I too noticed something with the forum Saturday. I saw LARS ‘s name on the post about the NYC Ad.
It is great you have heard from Nick and many thanks for the book covers I think it is the first time I have ever seen books on the railways of Hawaii. I wonder if any remain in service there today
The info on Alaska railroad #1 or more properly #6 certainly deserves a round from me. I must ask about the Anchorage Lions Club Moose Gooser train at the Fur Rendezvous. I don't suppose there will be any moose gooseing at our rendezvous.
Well it was RUTH when I started but I see it is owner TOM now, so drinks on me.
Figured I'd get a leg up on the comments while I'm still able. <grin>
Customer Acknnowledgments - since my last narrative
Monday - Nov 12th, 2007:
Lars (LoveDomes) at 9:22 AM & 9:26 AM: Ten absolutely perfect Merchant Marine posters to help commemorate our observance of Remembrance - Armistice - Veteran's Day here at the Saloon by the Siding! Five- Salute to the man we call the Larsman!
We amassed quite an archive of WWII material, much of it railroad/railway related. Says a lot about this current crew. Nicely done - ALL!
Many thanx for your continuing efforts to keep this place moving forward, the round ‘n having you aboard twice this day!
Jan (JanOlov) at 9:30 AM: If that is an original thought regarding the table set for one - terrific job. If not, it's a most appropriate tribute to those many of us hold in high esteem, especially at this time of year. Five- Salute to our Resident Swede in Scotland!
As ever - round, visit ‘n extras most appreciated!
Pete (pwolfe) at 3:12 PM: Another all around fine, inclusive ‘n interesting Post from our Bar Chandler <Acting Manager>!
Catch up Email received - thanx!
Having never goosed a moose, I've no further comment! <uh oh>
Info on the Stanier 8F steamer is really worth the reading . . . thanx! It's good that there are people who take the time ‘n make the effort to preserve that which is worth preserving! Cheers to them!
Aside from what I mentioned regarding the Forum's Gremlins on Saturday - it's kinda like UFO sightings; one begins to wonder whether it happened or not. <strange>
Many thanx for the visit, foto ‘n round!
See ya in the 'morrow!
Good evening Commander, a round for the house
Thank you for your service Tom. Keep on the Sunnyside
Mike
Good evening Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, a chicken filet sandwich, please! A cold Keith's.
I am very disappointed and frustrated this evening. I had some photos and slides put aside to scan for this Veteran's Day and last night when I was going to scan them they were all gone! And still is! I have no clue what happened to them. All I have is this picture from Arlington.
In Honor of All our veterans!!!
All I can do is to apologize for not keeping things in better order. I am still trying to find the missing pictures.
Tom – Not aged a day since that cab photo was taken? I guess I should be flattered but I think I looked old already then! Probably caused by the water, yes. I thought something was wrong with the movie title, but I thought Oh no, our Captain would never miss anything like that! Railroads are extremely important during wars. Interesting facts about Great Northern and Pullman!! Plus AAR!A Trip to Remember, a very good article I read earlier! Lars – Nice post with the flag of the Merchant Marine and song, plus several wellknown posters! JanOlov – Interesting reading about the USRA!Ron – Very nice posters! The top one from a very important year, 1943! That was when I started...I am glad you posted a picture from Arlington! I have some pictures I was going to use from Arlington but they all disappeared just in time for this Sunday. Pete – Nice of the railroads to honor the previous employees who didn’t come back from the war(s). Mike – The top picture is the best! And the Sunnyside pictures are very interesting!
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