Good evening Leon and friends! I'll have a bottomless draught and buy a round for the house. Looks like I should be posting a few Rendezvous pix, and I literally have hundreds of 'em. But before I do, let me just compliment James for several outstanding classic train posts. That's exactly the kind of stuff this thread is known for!
Tom and Pete, who met me at the Amtrak station in St. Louis. Pete has a pocket full of an assortment of coins, freshly flattened by the train as it arrived.
Here we are, checking into our hotel. For some reason, hotel management insisted on mug shots and a full set of fingerprints. We were escorted and locked into our respective rooms
Tom explains to Eric his plans to extend his CanAm layout into surrounding basements
It's Tom's birthday! Here's the only gift he received that wasn't inflatible, but I can see the wheels turning ....
Tom waits expectantly in the quiet of the University library. The railroad crossing sign he smuggled in is about to break the sound barrier.
Did you know the Metrolink machines accepts Monopoly money? Eric shields his face from platform cameras while Pete stands amazed
More to come!
G'day Gents!
A few more 2nd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis fotos:
Friday - May 18, 2007 (Tom's B'day!) - continued:
Amtrak's Lincoln Service to Chicago - our stop was Springfield, Illinois (sun in the lens!)
Eric ‘n Doug aboard Amtrak at St. Louis
Pete aboard Amtrak at St. Louis
Busch Stadium (home of the MLB NL Cardinals) from the train - heading east
Crossing the Interstate highways en route Illinois
Crossing the Mississippi River en route Illinois
Lenox junction in Illinois (I think!)
Doug remaining "connected"
Scores of locos!
Amtrak's Horizon Business Class car # 54528
We made it! Springfield, Illinois - 2 hours from St. Louis
More tomorrow . . . also ACKNOWLEDGMENTS!
Tom
G-day Tom and all present!
Thanks Leon, but I'm good. Get a round for the guys, Thanks.
I just wanted to drop off an article on one of my favorite railway Depots of all time.
The Milwaukee Road, Rock Island and Soo Line Union Depot in Downtown Minneapolis, Minneasota.
HISTORY OF THE OLD MILWAUKEE ROAD DEPOTThe last train left in 1971, but the Depot still stands as a monument of rail days gone by. For nearly seven decades, family members and loved ones stood at the atrium of the Depot and waved to passengers boarding the trains of the Milwaukee Road line.
The rail line, first built in 1864, was originally known as the Minnesota Central Railroad. In 1867 the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad bought the Minnesota Central Railway, changing the name of the railroad to the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad in 1874 before shortening the name to Milwaukee Road. The old Milwaukee Road Depot was constructed in 1899 and remains one of the last long-span, truss-roofed sheds surviving in the nation.
The Depot, a Renaissance Revival style building, was designed by Charles Frost. Considered conservative in style, the ground floors were paved in white marble with black borders and walls were built with cream and brown enamel brick. The ceiling of intricately paneled oak gave the rooms a large, spacious feel. The total cost of the Depot was about $200,000.
The Depot fluttered with activity during the late 1800s when Minneapolis was a rapidly growing city. At the peak of activity in 1920, the prosperous Depot was bustling with 29 trains departing daily. In 1971, the Milwaukee Road terminated rail service to Minneapolis and converted the building into office use. In 1978, the Minnesota Historical Society placed the Depot and the nearby freight house on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Minneapolis Community Development Agency purchased the Depot and the seven-block surrounding areas from the Resolution Trust Corporation for $2 million to preserve its historic significance. In recent years there have been numerous development concepts for the Depot ranging from an agricultural museum to a casino.
In 1998, the MCDA approved a land sale to CSM Corporation for the development proposal currently underway at the Depot. The finished complex includes a Renaissance by Marriott, a Residence Inn by Marriott, an indoor water park, an interpretive history center about the Depot, The Stone Arch Bar, Charley's Restaurant, banquet space, underground parking for 650 automobiles and an enclosed seasonal ice rink. The entire project was completed in July of 2001.
Info and the first two pics from: http://www.thedepotminneapolis.com/newSite/history.asp
Pic from: www.mpls.lib.mn.us/history/tr2.asp
Check out this site for the look of the depot today. prescott.imbri.com/images/ftc/depot/index.shtml
Happy railroading
James
Leon- Could I get a coffee and a turkey sandwich, Thanks.
Alright, Things are going quite well for me at the moment. The days are getting warmer and I will soon be volunteering at the NSSR and LSRM museum here in Duluth. Can't wait.
Tom- Okay, I'm sorry Ruth, I usually post in the afternoons so I get a little mixed up. But I wonder how I got such a pretty person like you mixed up with Leon.... Must be that coffee. I am surprised you caught that so fast Tom. I realized it almost as soon as I had posted. So I changed it and wrote another quick post. So the posts weren't all messed up, I'm happy to say! Anyway, Some more nice pictures to go along with the second rendezvous. That looked like a really good breakfast you guys were having.. And a nice little gift from Eric too. I am quite familiar with the Lima Company. When I go to train shows I usually see a few of those cars around, and the detail doesn't look to bad either. I might need to pick a couple up the next time I see some, for they're certainly cheap enough. It could make a nice looking passenger train. Just need to find the locomotive.
MMMMM books, and train books at that. I love going through books. I've already got a whole bunch and I am planning on purchasing a Wisconsin Central book that just came out in the last six months. There are so many books out there on trains I could spend an eternity looking and reading through them. Also I saw the Union Station pic. Obviously there won't be any trains going through but by the looks of it, it has been renovated quite nicely. I really like that little lake/ pond they built for all to enjoy. That would be cool to look out of your hotel room and look at the water. Pretty cool stuff. Thanks for sharing.
CM3- I will drop the pics later tomorrow. But first I need to take the little digital thing and get the pics. They should be fine. I will see if can get my Milwaukee Little Joe running around the layout. I will get some good shots.
Pete- Glad you liked the DSS&A article. It's a little railway I know about and at the Depot here in Duluth, we have a former DSS&A Alco RS-1. I just love to here that thing chug away. It's being worked on at the moment, but it does run. When it came to the museum it was in pretty tough shape. A lot of tech problems and wiring problems with it, so it would run but you wouldn't be able to notch it up. But now we have it so it goes to notch 6 of the 8 notches fine. We also had to switch the trucks out from underneath it. The other trucks didn't have the traction motors in place so it would be really hard to move under its own power. But it's coming and it's slowly being painted in the DSS&A colors.
Also thanks for the UP nostalgia. I see they mentioned the Milwaukee Road down in the schedule. So the Milwaukee had just joined forces with the Ups passenger service. The Milw started painting there cars the UP scheme back in 1955. It was a type of merger with the passenger trains and it was more convenient this way. The UP and the Milwaukee Road could be advertised all on the same train. Some pretty cool stuff, Thanks for sharing.
Hi Tom and all.
A pint of O'Fallons please RUTH.
JAMES I shall look forward to seeing the photos of your Milwaukee Road Bi-Polar electric model on the layout.
Enjoyed reading the history of the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Railway. From the railway's beginnings hauling Iron and Copper Ore and then timber, until the line was merged into the Soo Line. Thanks for sharing.
As you can see from Tom's photos the weather was great for color photography so the locomotives at the museum should come out really well.
CM3. It would be very interesting to hear how Mr. Barringer formed the library and how he managed to get some of those railway publications from the 1800s, it really is an impressive collection.
DOUG Received E-Mail, many thanks.
TOM Hope round II with the Doc's goes well.
Many thanks for the next two great sets of photos from the Rendezvous. They show the outstanding sunshine we enjoyed and we were so lucky the temperature was how it was as well.
Marvelous pic from the Metro car on Eads Bridge as the train was moving and all those girders on the bridge.
I well remember seeing the Mural on the new Sheraton, when I first arrived in St Louis in early 2001; it certainly is a great landmark but must take a lot of work to keep it in such great condition. I know we have talked about it before but it is sad to see those empty tracks at the Union Station in St Louis so different from the time in January 2001 when there was a lot of railway stock stabled there in the snow.
I have found this advert that Tom posted on the old Our Place on page 140
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #10 Here's something to enjoy regarding the Union Pacific from an advertisement in The Official Guide of the Railways - Aug 1956 Overnight - Every night between CHICAGO & DENVER Streamliner "CITY of DENVER" THIS SMART STREAMLINER FEATURES . . . * The very latest in Pullman equipment; de luxe bedrooms with newly designed, convenient lavatory facilities. Modern roomettes . . . no need to step into the aisle to lower or raise bed. Also long length, restful berths. * Coach seats built for complete comfort. Stretch- Out leg rests and reclining backs. All seats Reserved. * Unusually attractive dining car serving highest Quality of freshly prepared foods. * Beautiful club lounge for Pullman occupants and distinctive tavern car "The PUB" for all passengers. Early morning arrival in both Denver and Chicago WESTBOUND Lv. Chicago (Milw. Road) .......... 4:30 p.m. Ar. Denver (U. P.) ..................... 8:30 a.m. EASTBOUND Lv. Denver (U. P.) ..................... 3:30 p.m. Ar. Chicago (Milw. Road) .......... 8:45 a. m. UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD Enjoy!
Me again. That was the way to travel.It must have been wonderful to visit the Tavern Car before retiring to the Pullman bedroom.
Well Leon I see you have come in, so another for me and a round please.
Pete.
Back at the Haus for a respite (cutting the lawn, feeding my face, tending to Juneau, etc.) before round II with the Doc's . . .
Good to see Shane stop by!
Received an Email from barn weevil Doug - thanx!
From the Illinois side of the Eads Bridge - looking west - MLK Bridge, Admiral Riverboat Casino & Edward Jones Dome (home of the NFL Rams)
MetroLink arriving
North view of the Mississippi River from the Eads Bridge aboard westbound MetroLink
Side entrance to St. Louis Union Station
Under the train shed at Union Station
Unused sidings at Union Station - Amtrak in background
The only trains at Union Station
More later . . .
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house; $ for the jukebox.
Have been enjoying OSPs rendezvous pictures and connecting "faces to names." The Barriger Library looks like it is well-designed with open space. Had the pleasure of having dinner with the namesake of the library yrs. ago when still living in New England. A fascinating conversationalist and very easy to talk with. He was doing things with the B&M back then, but I had lots of questions about his time with the Monon.
James - Looking forward to your pictures. Also thanks for the DSS&A material along with the fine passenger train photograph.
Pete stopped by with comments.
For those of you interested in refrigerator cars (and FGE service in general), let me call your attention to the April issue of C&O History. They are starting a series of articles in FGE service on the C&O. Part One deals with the FGE installation at Clifton Forge. Lots of car shots, track diagrams, ice platform pictures, etc. There is enough there to make a fine industry on a layout. Highly recommend this one. C&O Historical Society Convention this year is July 11-15 in Charleston, WV.
Work safe
Friday - May 18, 2007 (Tom's B'day!)
Breakfast at Juneau's house
Gifts from Eric!
University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL) Library
Some serious reading at the John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library
The boyz aboard MetroLink to Illinois from UMSL
MetroLink facility - St. Louis
A landmark mural at a the "new" Sheraton, downtown
Crossing the Mississippi River aboard MetroLink on the Eads Bridge - looking south
Appears as if we'd had an uncharacteristically active day here at the Saloon by the Siding - so I'll get some acknowledgments going. Gonna be out 'n about tomorrow and may not make it in 'til late afternoon . . .
Customer Acknowledgments (since my last narrative this morning):
DL at 12:17 PM today: Good to know you made it home safely . . . appears as if you didn't see the 2nd Annual Rendezvous Posts . . . must be the "time warp," eh
Appears as though you took the time to "smell the roses" at Union Station and surroundings. Coming back to Canada later in the year?? Hmmmmm. Perhaps we could meet up in Toronto. Maybe if we can get Rob back on board we could arrange something. Let's pursue via Email . . .
Don't know what it is about train schedules, but I generally "scoop" ‘em up too whenever in major stations such as Toronto or Montreal or Vancouver. There's a drawer crying out for "relief" right now - pretty much "bulging" from paper that I'll most likely never review. Ahhhhh, the joy of it all.
Yes, dirty windows and exteriors of the cars seems to be an indicator of budget shortfalls. On our return to St. Louis from Springfield, Illinois aboard the Texas Eagle, it was very evident that the material condition of the train was suffering. Paint was chipped here ‘n there inside ‘n out, seats in need of replacement in the coach and just a bit "shabby" over all. Not something Amtrak used to be known for - but then again, money IS tight. It will be interesting to observe how VIA Rail is holding up during the trips Pete ‘n I have planned for this week ‘n next.
I hope you'll have the chance to review the Posts since you were last able . . . much info exchanged, along with the repeated "notices" that things ‘round here have changed. Suggest you review the Monday - Wednesday - Friday Acknowledgments . . .
Thanx for dropping by and providing us all with some fine material!
CM3 Shane at 12:23 PM today: Many thanx for the B'day wishes.
Juneau took good care of the guys here at the Haus during the morning breakfasts and after our full days of activities. Hair is everywhere and on everyone I suspect. DNA being spread far ‘n wide one might say.
Far too early to get anything out for Chicago in May 2008 - but I'll be sure to include you in the Email once we being planning in earnest. The guys agreed that even if the bar should fold up, we're still going forward with it. Doug is eager!
Round ‘n quarters always appreciated!
James at 3:49 PM ‘n 3:59 PM today: Appreciate the B'day wishes. When you get to where I am in life, one doesn't really "count" anymore - far too many candles on the cake, if yanowutImean. <grin>
Good stuff on the DSS&A and I hope that the few remaining customers we have take the time to check it out. Liked the Pix . . .
One of these days <daze> I'm gonna visit the part of the world you're at . . . I've seen all of the Great Lakes, but Superior from the Canadian side only.
Appreciate your taking the time to provide some fine material, which of course also helps to keep the bar up ‘n running!
I see where you've called Ruth - Leon. Hmmmmmm. Guess we'll have to work on that, eh <uh oh>
Pete at 3:52 PM today: Back in your familiar "slot" and doing your thing with another inclusive - informative ‘n interesting Post!
Having the 3 of you here for my 69th B'day was an additional treat and the well wishes are and were most appreciated!
Seems like the 2nd Annual Rendezvous came ‘n went, eh I'm sure Juneau is ‘wondering' where all of his friends have gone to. Once he's "logged" the sniffs, he's got you in his sensory notebook for keeps! <grin>
Yes, we were living right when the Texas Eagle pulled into the Springfield, Illinois station in time for us to board for the return to St. Louis. Otherwise, we would've had a 3-hour layover. Worked out as perfectly as everything else, including the weather. Yeah, I can just envision a pair of EMD E8s or E7s heading up that train, ahhhhhhhhh, just the thought of it, eh
The itinerary for our Canadian rail adventure has been sent by Email . . . Received yours this morning - thanx!
We're gonna have to work on those Can-Am breakaways, eh Methinks you were distracted by Juneau! <grin>
Leon, set 'em 'n Boris ring the bell - drinks on Da Boss!
Ruth- Thanks but I'm still working on my first round. But thanks again!
Pete- I just caught your post! Glad you liked the Soo line stuff. I will have to see if I can find a better site that has the steamer. Or I might have to go and get a picture of it tonight. But I will get you a pic. You saw one of my favorite electrics. I have seen some pictures of it but they were from a few years ago. I know that it has been restored to the grey, orange and maroon passenger paint scheme, which is on of my favorites. Can't wait to see the pics. Thanks for sharing!!!
RUTH A round please to celebrate a wonderful Rendezvous with great events and even better company. Also another round for Tom's
JAMES Many thanks for the interesting post on the SOO Line and the SOO #2719, although I could not find her in the link.
On our visit to the Museum of Transportation at St Louis they have a Bi-Polar electric locomotive#E-2 looking really great in Milwaukee Road colors, no doubt a photo of E-2 will appear at Our Place, unfortunately I gave my camera a bath in soda and wrecked it.
MIKE Interesting articles on the formation of Amtrak, at least it was a better name than Railpax. I see on the news this morning travel by public transport in the United States today is the highest it as been for many years.
Many thanks for the links. It was good to see Minnetonka in steam after seeing her well kept today in James's link to the museum. In the 2nd photo of old New York it is amazing how few cars are on the street compared to today.
CM3 That is good news they have a WP&Y steam locomotive working at ‘Dollywood' with a good ride with a steep grade, so many of the UK theme parks, if they have a railway, is a steam outline diesel loco.
It was a pleasant surprise when we visited the Silver Dollar City near Branson MO they had a real steam loco running there.
Really hope you can make the rendezvous in Chicago next year.
DOUG Glad you made it back to Chicagoland OK and it was great to meet you. I am sure Tom will let you into the secret of the great weather we had.
DL Glad your flight back to the UK was good. Thanks for the info on Toronto. When I first arrived here in mid Missouri I did see a copy of a couple of British railway magazines but I have not seen one in the bookstores here for a couple of years now. I did notice that Trains was cheaper in the UK although they do a pretty good subscription offer here. They always used to have Trains at the news store at Birmingham New St. station. Talking of British railway magazines, at the library Tom took us to in St Louis they had, among other Brit books a bound copy of the first two volumes of The Railway Magazine from way back in 1897.
In one of the articles was a description of life in the Rugby steam shed in 1897. I will have to go back to the library again.
I am glad you found some good micro-brews in Toronto. When we visited the TrainWreck Saloon on the rendezvous I found another good St Louis brew called O'Fallon's 5 Day a English tasting beer served very wellThe only trouble is the Train Wreck is 100 miles from here, but the local pub Pat's Place serves local brews.
That is sad news about Nottingham's London Rd High Level station as you say it lasted a long time after it last saw a train. I believe I have been in there when it was Sam Fays, if it was still a Hooters we might get Eric on a rendezvous to the UK.
I will ask Alan to get me the last BR timetable (I can still remember when it was issued for each region). At the moment Alan is thinking of our Shrewsbury Town F.C. who have reached the new Wembley in the Division 2 Play Off final this Saturday.
TOM I hope Juneau is not missing his new found friends from the Rendezvous too much. It really was a great time many thanks to the Bride and yourself.
I see the Passenger Train Nostalgia was prophetic as we did get to ride the ‘Texas Eagle' although sadly not hauled by Mo-Pac F-Units.
Looking at the alternative horoscope I think the ‘Catfish' for me is quite accurate, apart from the "runs fast" bit and no mention of clumsiness.
Ruth- Could I get a coffee and a turkey sandwich. Thanks, Oh and a round for the guys including a double for Tom. I noticed it was his Birthday! Thanks again.
Well, things have been good for me and the family. It's been kind of cold up here in the North. But it should get warmer here in the next couple of days. We have also been getting some pretty nasty Thunderstorms here in the last few days. The last one was this morning at about 6 am. That was a big one.. <geeez>
CM3- Well, when it comes to RRRR&R, I have been busy with the model railroad. I got my Milwaukee Road electric Bipolar up and running and is pulling passenger trains around the layout quite nicely. I just need to decal the locomotive and then it will be looking nice. I have also been working on a couple of industries. One I am scratch building. So I hope to get that done when my order of plastic square tubing and plastic strips. So that is on hold at the moment. But for this Wednesday I should have a few pics to show. Especially the Bipolar electric.
Tom- First off, to you!!! I hope you had a good one. And I see the Rendezvous went as according to plan! And many pics to share along with that. A good selection of pics. I see your layout looks a little busier with Doug, Eric, and Pete standing around the place. Glad you guys had a good time. It sure looked like it to me. Thanks for all the nice pics. Looking forward to some more nice pics.
Mike- A nice article and a cool little story (Mournful Whistles) And some picture which I really like. The Minnetonka is one of the tiniest road steam engines I have ever seen on a railroad. It's always a nice sight to behold when I go down to the Museum here in Duluth. I wish it were still running. I'd love to hear that little thing puff away. Thanks for sharing the story and pics.
I've also got a neat little article to share. It's on the DSS&A Railroad. Duluth, South, Shore & Atlanitic railroad.
HISTORY
The Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railway (DSS&A) (AAR reporting marks DSA) was an American railroad serving the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the Lake Superior shoreline of Wisconsin. It provided service from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and St. Ignace, Michigan, westward through Marquette, Michigan to Superior, Wisconsin, and Duluth, Minnesota. A branchline stretched northward from Nestoria, Michigan up to the Keweenaw Peninsula and terminating at Houghton, Michigan, with trackage rights extending further to Calumet, Michigan.
The first predecessor of the DSS&A began operations in 1855. The railroad fell under the control of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in 1888, and was operated in 1888-1960 as an independently-nameplated subsidiary of the CPR. In 1949, a reorganization of the DSS&A took place, creating new heralds and designating the company a railroad (RR) instead of a railway (RY). In 1961, the DSS&A RR was folded into the CPR-controlled Soo Line Railroad. Since 2001, the remaining operating trackage of the former DSS&A has been operated by the Canadian National Railway (CN).
The development in the 1850s of hematite iron ore mines in the Upper Peninsula hills above Marquette encouraged the development of numerous railroad plans for spur lines and connecting routes between mines, local boom towns, and the shores of the Great Lakes. While most of the Upper Peninsula's iron ore and Keweenaw copper was shipped to the rest of the United States by lake boat, the inability of water-based shippers to offer service to northern Michigan in winter encouraged railroad promoters to launch numerous plans for lines in the Upper Peninsula.
By the 1870s, a maze of corporate charters and tiny stub lines had been created or built in the central Upper Peninsula, primarily to carry iron or copper ore from the mines down to smelters and docks on the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. In 1879-81, venture capitalists led the construction of the Detroit, Mackinac & Marquette (DM&M), a standard-gauge main line from St. Igna
Good Afternoon Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.
It seems that all enjoyed a fine time at the rendezvous - I sure hope I can get to next year's in Chicago. I was looking at some of the folks in the CanAm room under the watchful eye of the K9 Trainmaster; I'm sure Juneau made sure that all passed the Rule Book exam b4 they were allowed to run trains.
A belated birthday greetings to OSP. I know, who's counting?
A fine choice of movies at the Theatuh.
Thanks also to all for their nostalgia material and the OSP and James for a nice selection of SOO material.
Mike sent some more historical items along with a couple of beautiful shots of New York, specifically GCT and Park Avenue leading to GCT.
Sorry for the shortness of this visit, but I have to get ready for activities scheduled for the end of the week. Will post more tomorrow.
DL stopped by as I was getting ready to post my meager offering for today. Glad to see that you made it home in one piece.
Hello there Tom
Pint of bitter please.
Yes, sorry that was a Sunday post - I guess I had to leave it with the animals and that is why it appeared twice! In fact it was the only chance I got to get near a computer and file a post - I clean forgot what day it was (jet lag and all that).
It would certainly have been good to have headed south and joined the get together - sounds like you had a great time - well organized itinerary etc.
I'm back in the UK now, but thanks for the Toronto info from the prev re-union - helpful stuff.
By the way I did get the chance to head down to Union station (picked up GO Timetables, an up to date Amtrak system timetable which is a good souvenir, and a VIA one too). I only had the chance to ride TTC equipment (of all forms) so no heavy rail - but I did get a good view of a west bound GO train when I was in the restored Distillery District - the line passes right close by - so that was good. Plus from the apartment I was in in the distance you could see a good rail line with plenty of freight - no shortage of Auto racks anyway! Tis harks back to Rob's comment about the TTC - I did notice the system looked rather dirty in places with evidence of lack of investment in some stations and bus interchanges - I wonder if that is the result of the budget issue you mentioned Rob? - I guess cleansing etc is the easiest first cut to make - but it drives down the user experience as it undermines the appearance of quality - so it is not good.
Return flight was 1 hour early due to wind I guess so that was nice.
Another thing I noticed which might be of interest was a leaflet for guided tours of Toronto Union station on, I think the last sat of the month, by appointment. Looked good - shame I was not there on that Saturday or I'd have booked one
The way things turned out there will need to be a longer visit back to Toronto later in the year for dealing with personal affairs etc - with planning I'd like to combine this with an Ontario Northland trip if I can.
One of the places I did go to in Toronto was the worlds largest bookshop (more quantity than quality it must be said) - but they did have an extensive magazine selection but I noticed that many of the railroad magazines were actually from the UK! The copy of Trains I picked up cost more than it does here in the UK (when available!) - and I thought the exchange rate was supposed to favour the pound at the moment!
Worrying news about VIA rail in your recent post Tom - do keep us posted.
Return journey from the airport was made up better by taking a GNER express northbound and enjoying a 2 course meal in the dining car on the way from London to Grantham - very nice indeed - an antidote to 6 hours in a plane and airline food of indeterminate quality!
Pete - glad you got to explain the idiosyncrasies of UK passengers classes - which must have confused people back in the day - 1st and 3rd but no second class on most trains!!
I agree with you about the micro brews - some good stuff - I guess when you are in a strange city and short of time you don't have the chance to seek them out. Well, that is my excuse anyway. Not ideal but there we are - glad you have access to some good brews.
By the way you might be amused to know that before it was recently demolished the former GCR / GNR London Road high level station in Nottingham was a branch of Hooters! Before that it had been a bar / diner called Sam Fays which was really rather good - adorned with railway memorabilia and signage. I think that went when Hooters moved in but I don't know what happened to the memorabilia. It is a shame the building has now gone following redevelopment of the site - given it lasted so long after the trains were withdrawn!
By the way - the last ever National Rail timetable to be published in printed format is out - I've got mine last week. I wondered if you wanted to pick up a copy as a souvenir so thought I'd mention it (maybe one of your Rugby mates can get one for you?)
By the way Mike - couple of interesting articles there - I enjoyed reading them.
Once again, thanks to all of you for your good wishes - reading them when I was out there was very much appreciated.
Regards
DL
Time to provide some 2nd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis fotos . . .
Thursday, May 17th, 2007
The barn weevil (Doug) has arrived!
Doug ‘n Wolfman (Pete)
Resident Desert Swede (Eric) - Doug - Pete - Siberianmo (Tom) at the Springhill Suites
Doug - Eric - Juneau - Pete in the Can-Am Trainroom
Pete at the controls of the S-Capades (S-gauge ceiling suspended layout)
Doug ‘n Eric checking out the S-Capades layout
<from my personal collection>
A smile to begin the week!
I eat apples, but no fruit.
(A Yogi-ism!)
The 2nd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis is HISTORY as the gang departed yesterday. We had a blast and I do not believe it could have turned out any better. The guys were as one, the events went off without a hitch, Juneau got to meet ‘n play with the guys and of course my bride lent her hospitality ‘n culinary talents to our arrival dinner ‘n morning breakfasts! Just an all ‘round wonderful time that has added another foundation block for the continuation of this event.
Next year, CHICAGO! Thanx to this bar environment, we have a nucleus of guys who give a Rat's Patoot! Doug will host the 3rd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous! Tom (that's me) remains as the Coordinator, so watch for the announcements of time, place, and so forth. As has been the practice from day one of these things, we'll use Email to communicate the specifics.
Here it is Monday once again and the staff ‘n characters of "Our" Place are all ready to make the beginning of your week as pleasant as possible. So, why not head over to the coffee pot? Check out The Mentor Village Bakery case selections while you're at it and of course our Menu Board for a <light> or <traditional> breakfast!
Surely doesn't appear to be very many comments to catch up on, but then again, it was predictable, eh Perhaps a glaring "absence" here or there, but such is life here in the Ether . . . Surely appreciate any and all contributions to keeping our group going and of course this special Thread!
Customer ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative):
Pete at 5:16 PM Wednesday - James at 4:03 PM ‘n 4:13 PM Thursday - CM3 Shane at 1:03 PM Friday - Mike at 6:24 PM Friday - and - Doug at 7 AM Saturday.
Doug at 5:10 AM today! - Glad you made it home safely ‘n looking forward to continued friendship here at the Bar by the Ballast along with Pix ‘n stuff from our Rendezvous!
A recommendation:
Go back ‘n READ these Posts! Those of us who attended our 2nd Annual Rendezvous strongly support the idea of this cyber bar ‘n grill. The objective is to create ‘n maintain INTEREST in Classic Trains through DIALOGUE ‘n FUN! The only way to accomplish that is to READ the words - all of ‘em! Then respond accordingly, being sure to give credit where it is due and of course maintain inclusiveness through it all.
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing.
Cindy is now our Saturday bartender!
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
Good morning Tom and friends! I'll have a light breakfast to go please, as I am once again off to the stable and then to work. I see that our Captain changed the marque at the Emporium, and the Tombstone film happens to be one of my favorites.
Can't say enough about the good times we had at the 2nd Rendezvous and the hospitality of Tom, Carol and 1st mascot Juneau, and surely enjoyed meeting Pete and Eric, who is still on his way home. We covered a lot of territory in the few days available, which ya'll will be reading about here for some time. Don't know how Tom arranged the terrific weather, but will hopefully learn the trick before the Rendezvous hits Chicago next year.
Have a great day gentlemen. I must be off!
2nd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous
in St. Louis 2007 - AGENDA
Good Early Morning Gentlemen!
The bar opens at 6 AM, but just in case there's a "regular" or three out there who happens to be up 'n about the decks, here's a copy of the Rendezvous schedule of activities that took place from Thursday thru Sunday . . .
2nd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis!
May 17th - 20th, 2007
Thursday, May 17th
Friday, May 18th
Saturday, May 19th
Sunday, May 20th
It was a Rendezvous that simply couldn't have been better!
2nd Annul "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous
in St. Louis DEPARTURE Day!
We are CLOSED on SUNDAYs!Starting Sunday at the Mentor Village Emporium Theatre!
. . . May 20th thru 26th: Tombstone (1993) Starring: Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton & Powers Boothe - and - The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000) Starring: Will Smith, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, Bruce McGill & Joel Gretsch. SHORT: The Three Stooges: Boobs in Arms (1940).
Tombstone (1993)
PLOT SUMMARY:
A sizzling, star-studded cast brings to life the legendary battle to deliver justice to TOMBSTONE! Kurt Russell (MIRACLE, VANILLA SKY) turns in a gripping performance as U.S. Marshall Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer (THE MISSING, BATMAN FOREVER) ignites the screen as the outrageous Doc Holliday. Together, they team up to bring law to the lawless in a notorious showdown with the ruthless outlaws at the O.K. Corral! The all-star ensemble also includes Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Dana Delany, Jason Priestley, Michael Biehn, and long-time Hollywood favorite Charlton Heston. Get ready for an explosive, action-packed adventure the Wild West would never forget!
from: amazon.com
The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)
A down-and-out golfer attempts to recover his game and his life with help from a mystical caddy. A disillusioned war veteran, Capt. Rannulph Junah (Matt Damon), reluctantly agrees to play a game of golf. He finds the game futile until his caddy, Bagger Vance (Will Smith), teaches him the secret of the authentic golf stroke which turns out also to be the secret to mastering any challenge and finding meaning in life.
From: amazon.com
SHORT: Boobs in Arms (1940)PLOT SUMMARY: Featuring Moe, Larry & Curly
In this Stooge short, the boys are greeting card salesmen who try to help a wife by posing as her lovers. When her husband comes home, he sees the Stooges and chases them outside, where they hide in a line of people. Unfortunately for them, it's a line to sign up for the Army! To make matters worse, their commanding officer is the jealous husband who they ran away from. While in training, they march in the opposite direction than their supposed to, run away from the husband, hide in bayonet practice dummies, and their commanding officer does bayonet practice on them! Then, when their on the battlefield, they accidentally give themselves a dose of laughing gas and get captured by the enemy. They make a mess of the enemey's headquarters (while still on laughing gas), get bombed by their side, and ride off into the clouds on a bomb.
from: threestooges.net
Enjoy! Tom
Just a quickie this Saturday morning as we're expecting the guys for breakfast, then wer're off to another full day of activities. The 2nd "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis is going every bit as planned - if not better. Having loads of fun and of course, wish all of our "regulars" could join us. Pehaps next year!
Really a treat meeing up with Eric (Sweden 'n Phoenix, AZ) - Doug (Chicagoland) and of course Pete (Rugby, UK 'n Jefferson City, MO). Had a great day on Friday with light rail (MetroLink) and Amtrak to 'n from Springfield, IL as the highlights. Caught the Texas Eagle on the return with some fantastic views from the Sightseer Lounge car . . . just a fine time!
Thursday evening was drnks 'n dinner here followed by some fun moments in the Can-Am Trainroom - the guys seemed to enjoy the HO - O - 'n S gauge layouts. Got to play with a few!
Thanx for the B'day wishes, Mike - nice to know there's someone keeping track of these things! At my age, who counts???? <grin>
See y'all one of these days (daze)!
2007 BIRTHDAY WATCH LIST
(rev. May 19th)
January 14th (Eric - 64)
OKRA (Dec 22 - Jan 20) Are tough on the outside but tender on the inside. Okras have tremendous influence. An older Okra can look back over his life and see the seeds of his influence everywhere. You can do something good each day if you try. You go well with most anyone.
March 13th (Doug - 51)
BOLL WEEVIL (Feb 20 - March 20) You have an overwhelming curiosity. You're unsatisfied with the surface of things, and you feel the need to bore deep into the interior of everything. Needless to say, you are very intense and driven as if you had some inner hunger. You love to stay busy and tend to work too much. Nobody in their right mind is going to marry you, so don't worry about it.
March 31st (Lars - 67)
MOON PIE (March 21 - April 20) You're the type that spends a lot of time on the front porch. A cinch to recognize the physical appearance of Moon Pies. Big and round are the key words here. You should marry anybody who you can get remotely interested in the idea. A Chitlin would be a good mate but it's not going to be easy. You always have a big smile and are happy. This might be the year to think about aerobics. Maybe not.
May 18th (Tom - 69)
POSSUM (April 21 - May 21) When confronted with life's difficulties, possums have a marked tendency to withdraw and develop a don't-bother-me-about- it attitude. Sometimes you become so withdrawn, people actually think you're dead. This strategy is probably not psychologically healthy but seems to work for you. You are a rare breed. Most folks love to watch you work and play. You are a night person and mind your own business. You should definitely marry an Armadillo.
May 27th (Dave - 48) <Leave of absence - Iraq>
CRAWFISH (May 22 - June 21) Crawfish is a water sign. If you work in an office, you're hanging around the water cooler. Crawfish prefer the beach to the mountains, the pool to the golf course, and the bathtub to the living room. You tend not to be particularly attractive physically but have a good heart.
August 11th (Pete - 56)
CATFISH (July 24 - Aug 23) Catfish are traditionalists in matters of the heart, although one's whiskers may cause problems for loved ones. You Catfish are never easy people to understand. You run fast. You work and play hard. Even though you prefer the muddy bottoms to the clear surface of life, you are liked by most. Above all else, Catfish should stay away from Moon Pies.
September 8th (Rob - 36)
GRITS (Aug 24 - Sept 23) Your highest aim is to be with others like yourself. You like to huddle together with a big crowd of other Grits. You love to travel though, so maybe you should think about joining a club. Where do you like to go? Anywhere they have cheese, gravy, bacon, butter, or eggs and a good time. If you can go somewhere where they have all these things, that serves you well. You are pure in heart.
September 29th (James - 19)
BOILED PEANUTS (Sept 24 - Oct 23) You have a passionate desire to help your fellow man. Unfortunately, those who know you best, your friends and loved ones, may find that your personality is much too salty, and their criticism will affect you deeply because you are really much softer than you appear. You should go right ahead and marry anybody you want to because in a certain way, yours is a charmed life. On the road of life, you can be sure that people will always pull over and stop for you.
October 18th (BK - 67)
December 29th (CM3 - 61)
Not on the list Send me an Email with your birth date (month-day-year) Corrections too!
Tom (Siberianmo)
Proprietor of "Our" Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!
Good morning viewers from the Rendezvous!
Having a terrific time here in St. Louis with Captain Tom, Pete and Eric. I'd share pix but my laptop won't connect to the internet in my room, so this is being typed from the hotel lobby. Have a great day and I'll be sharing adventures both real and imagined real soon ... so stay tuned!
Tom, a round for the house
Articles to slick up the pack....
Step To Nationalization Time Magazine Oct. 26, 1970 www.time.com
On the eve of adjournment last week, Congress belatedly shouted its approval of a costly federal rescue for the tottering passenger railroads. The House and Senate approved emergency legislation creating a National Railroad Passenger Corp. to take over and run intercity passenger trains. Commuter service is unaffected.
If President Nixon signs the measure as expected, the new corporation, to be known as "Railpax," will begin operations by May 1 as a semipublic but government-controlled body. Railroads will have until then to sign contracts transferring their passenger runs to the corporation. The railroads, however, will have to buy designated amounts of Railpax common stock, either with cash or by contributing equipment. The legislation authorizes not only a $40 million federal grant to assist Railpax to get started but also up to $100 million in Government loan guarantees to help the corporation buy rolling stock and improve roadbeds and up to $200 million in loan guarantees to enable private railroads to finance their required Railpax investment.
As TIME Correspondent Mark Sullivan reported: "This is quasi nationalization of the nation's rail system. It will most likely lead to more Government participation as time goes on. The U.S. until now has been the only industrialized country in the world with a totally private rail system. The Penn Central debacle, if not turned around quickly, will hasten the day that this private system becomes another arm of the Government."
No Miracles. Undoubtedly, railroads will waste no time choosing to turn their unwanted intercity trains over to Railpax. By their own computations, U.S. lines are losing $200 million a year on passenger operations. In a direct form of pressure, the legislation would force any railroad that remains outside of Railpax to continue running all its present passenger trains for at least two years.
Railpax seems likely to save some passenger trains from becoming extinct, but it will hardly work miracles in restoring long-haul service, which attracts mainly sightseers. Few passengers are still willing to spend three days traveling coast to coast, or two days from the Northeast to Texas. The legislation empowers Transportation Secretary John Volpe to decide what routes Railpax must serve at the outset. He will probably order continued service over heavily traveled corridors, particularly between Boston and Washington. Some long runs that draw varying amounts of patronage-for example, the Northeast to Florida, Chicago to New Orleans, and New York to Chicago -would presumably be continued. But a substantial number of the nation's 383 intercity trains are likely to die, including such little-used ones as the thrice-weekly Harrisburg-Buffalo run, or the Salt Lake City-Butte, Mont., runs.
Hope of Profits. Theoretically, the new rail corporation is supposed to earn a profit, like Comsat. Private railroaders consider this idea ludicrous, and predict that Railpax will be forced to turn to Congress for more subsidy within a year or two. Even if their freight operations are included, the much-admired nationalized railroads of Western Europe and Japan run deeply in the red. Railpax backers count on managerial innovations to entice more riders aboard trains. The average passenger may find conditions much the same for a considerable time. Railpax will pay the private railroads to operate its trains; they will run over the same bumpy tracks and be manned by the same surly crews that have made train travel a trauma instead of a treat.
===============================================================
Mournful Whistles Time Magazine May 10, 1971
In an almost literal sense, it was the railroad tie that bound the nation together - trains pumping commerce across the vast continental expanse, rattling and mournfully whistling through the prairie or small-town American nights with the promise of escape to the cities, of traveling on. For generations of Americans, the rhythm of trains has been part of their national memory, the clickety-clack of long journeys, the special sense of desolate silence that overwhelms the countryside when a train passes and disappears.
Last week, in an effort to turn the railroad into a modern if diminished mode of travel, the National Railroad Passenger Corp., called Amtrak, began its service. In the interests of efficiency, Amtrak eliminated nearly 200 trains. Among the casualties were some that had become legendary-the Wabash Cannonball from St. Louis to Detroit, the Capitol Limited from Washington to Chicago, the Nancy Hanks II from Savannah to Atlanta. Dozens of other great trains, such as the Twentieth Century Limited and the Phoebe Snow between Hoboken, N.J., and Chicago, had already vanished. What remains of rail service may become better than ever, as Amtrak promises rather unconvincingly, but the special mythic quality has been lost on the wind with the vanished steamers.
Minnetonka
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN13933.jpg
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN14518.jpg
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN16053.jpg
http://muse.museum.montana.edu/rvndb/rvn-jpgs/RVN16052.jpg
Old New York
http://images.nypl.org/?id=1558218&t=w
http://images.nypl.org/?id=1558470&t=w
Good Afternoon Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house, and $ for the jukebox.
I assume that everyone is in the midst of RRRR&R (Railroad Related Roistering, Rest and Relaxation). We survived our trip to Tennessee with the heathenistics on their end-of-year trip. Nice to see the parts of the old N&W down there. Even saw a sign for the Virginia Creeper Trail - old branch line which OWL made famous in some of his photographs.
Theme park attraction is always part of one of these trips and this year was Dollywood. They still have their train ride, which is about a thirty minute trip behind an ex White Pass & Yukon 2-8-2 which was built by Baldwin in the late 30's. So while other folks were scrambling themselves on coasters, I got a chance to suck down some coal smoke and get behind a steam engine.
Part of the line has some 4 percent grades so it's more than just a short trip around the park. The whistle on this beast will curl your hair; as near as I can figure it came from the Southern Railway. They change out whistles every so often with one from the NYC, but this was sounded like nothing I ever heard on a Central steam engine. I told one of the folks I was riding with that when I heard that and closed my eyes, I was suddenly about four years old again.
Ruth- Thanks but I'm good. Thanks again!
How about a little piece on the Soo Line railroad just to go off from Tom's Nostalgia.
The Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault St. Marie Railway/ SOO Line
The Soo Line Railroad (AAR reporting marks SOO) is the United States arm of the Canadian Pacific Railway, serving Chicago and the areas to the east and west. Formerly known as Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railway (and commonly known as the Soo Line after the phonetic pronunciation of Sault), the present name was adopted as a trade name in 1950. In late 1960 the company was consolidated with several subsidiaries and reorganized under the current name.
In 1985 the Soo Line purchased the Milwaukee Road and attempted to operate the pre-1985 Soo Line and selected Milwaukee Road branchlines as a wholly owned subsidiary, the Lake States Transportation Division. Because of lackluster traffic levels and the need to pay off debt resulting from the purchase of the Milwaukee Road, most of the LSTD (including the original Wisconsin Central Railway) was sold in 1987 to the newly formed Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation.
Passenger trains
The Soo Line is a part of the Canadian Pacific Railway system. As time passes, more and more Soo Line equipment is being repainted into the Canadian Pacific's current paint scheme, slowly erasing the Soo's identity as a subsidiary railroad
The Soo Line was never a major carrier of passenger traffic since its route between Chicago and Minneapolis was much longer than the competing Milwaukee Road, Chicago and North Western and Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad railroads. The Soo Line also had no direct access to Milwaukee.
The primary train operated by the Soo was the Laker which operated from Chicago's Grand Central Station to Duluth/Superior with additional service to Minneapolis until it was discontinued on January 15, 1965. During the 1920s and 1930s the Soo Line operated the Soo-Pacific, a summer only Chicago-Vancouver service with the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Timeline
Ruth- Good to see you on this warm and nice afternoon. Could I have a coffee and a Turkey sandwich, Thanks!
Well I can see that it hasn't been a real busy day here today. That's the beginning for summer for you. But I will do my best to spiff this place up a little bit. Starting with Acknowledgements.
Eric- A nice picture from Toronto. That tower just gives that city away. A changing color white smoke trail..<yike> I'm not quite sure. I really can't say much.. but you have a pic of the thing so we can guess. Glad you liked the Milwaukee video. I thought it was a good one. I certainly have not seen the Bipolars in action and there they were. I have a trillogy of videos on the Milwaukee Road and they show the Boxcabs and Little Joes working the rocky mountain division. It was really cool.
Tom- Some more nice pictures from the first rendezvous. I've been in a couple of subway stations and that is one of the bigger stations I have seen. Also a bit more fancy than the few I have been in. Nice pics, thanks for sharing. And some more nice pictures of the rendezvous. I really liked that TTC trolley. Now I would like to see a few more of those here in the U.S. I know Minneapolis, St. Paul in Minnesota put in a similar thing. An all electric light railsystem going all the way around the city. Its pretty nice. The shed.... I can't believe Boris has already put his name on everything already. I suppose he won't clean it even if you ask him..... will he...
Ah yes... I know the Passenger Nostalgia this time. Something that comes all to familiar to me. The laker. One of the more famous passenger trains through the Twin ports area. As you know, the Laker has ceased to exist for 40 years or so. But it was run by a famous loco which is being restored to running condition and we hope to use it here in the next year. The Pacific steam locomotive, SOO Line #2719. It ran the laker and many other SOO line trains. I will have to dig some info up on this most interesting route and loco. And another neat Nostalgia that I learned about. Thanks for all the info and thanks for keeping this thread going. Ruth, get Tom a round please.
Pete- When it comes to steam heat here in the U.S. there is no such thing. There are only memories of times gone by. But atleast there is some equipment that we can still ride as many people did in the past. That's our goal at the Duluth Depot. To keep the past alive with the railroads. So with the commuter lines coming to Duluth, we will have to see what happens.
There were quite a few recordings of the Milwaukee Road electrics. They pretty much sound like a power station. They have a deep roar to them with the traction motor blower going. It's hard to explain but they were one of the coolest locos.. Well in my eyes they were. If I could figure out how to make movies on this computer I could load a small video for you.
I liked the your list of trains from the LONDON & NORTHWESTERN and CALEDONIAN RAILWAYS. Some good info to go off from there if you want to make a few schedules for your models or for a book. Thanks for the info
G'day Gents
The 2nd Annual "Our" Place Classic Trains Rendezvous in St. Louis has finally arrived! The guys come to town today and we're looking forward to a full agenda of things-to-do 'n see . . .
Things 'round the bar will be rather different as I'm not planning on being online, aside from maybe a morning start-up . . . from the looks of things, there's no one picking up the slack anyway.
Something from the original Thread, which is most appropriate for this area and the Rendezvous!
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #37
Initially Posted on page 182 of the original Thread
Here's something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with Classic Trains.
Check this out (from The Official Guide of the Railways - 1956)
surround them with scenery! sell EAGLE Dome Coaches
Your Travel Patrons will enjoy thrilling Dome Coaches on these great trains! *The TEXAS EAGLES overnight between St. Louis, Memphis and the principal cities of Texas. Through sleeping cars between Chicago, New York, Washington and Texas. Planetarium-dome coaches between St. Louis and Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio. Direct connections at Laredo with new streamlined AZTEC EAGLE to Mexico City. *The COLORADO EAGLE between St. Louis, Kansas City, Wichita and Colorado. Planetarium-dome coaches between St. Louis and Denver. *The MISSOURI RIVER EAGLE between St. Louis and Kansas City, St. Joseph, Lincoln, Omaha. Planetarium-dome coaches between St. Louis and Omaha.
R. J. McDermottGeneral Passenger Traffic Mgr1601 Missouri Pacific Bldg.St. Louis 3, Mo.
MISSOURI PACIFIC LINES Route of the Eagles
Good Evening Gents!
Wake up, LEON!! Suprised that you'd be nodding off on this Wednesday night with the "goings on" in the back room! 'nuf said . . . Where's the Manager when we need him??!! Heck, where's the Assistant Manager while we're at it!!?? Where's the Chief Chef?!?! Where's everybody . . . .
We KNOW Doug has been peeking in - he changed his picture!! Hmmmmmm . . . . .
Here's a little something from the original Thread for anyone happening by . . .
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #36
Originally Posted on Page 181 of the original Thread
Here's something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with Classic Trains. Check this out (from The Official Guide of the Railways - 1956)
THE LAKERCHICAGO - DULUTH - SUPERIOR
On the Following Fast and Convenient Schedule:NORTHBOUND . . . . . (Daily - Central Standard Time) . . . . . SOUTHBOUND Lve. CHICAGO . . . . . . . . . . 6 30 PM . . . . . . . . . . Lve. DULUTH . . . . . . . 7 30 PM Lve. WAUKESHA . . . . . . . . 9 20 PM . . . . . . . . . . Lve. SUPERIOR. . . . . . 8 00 PM Arr. SUPERIOR . . . . . . . . . .7 48 AM . . . . . . . . . . Arr. WAUKESHA . . . . . 5 40 AM Arr. DULUTH. . . . . . . . . . . . 8 15 AM . . . . . . . . . . Arr. CHICAGO. . . . . . . 8 15 AM
FEATURES - Pullman Sleepers offering a variety of private rooms (Bedrooms, Bedroom Suites and Roomettes) and open sections. Dining - Club - Lounge - Complete Beverage Service and the Best Meals on Wheels.
Probably as good a time as any to rerun the FIRST PAGE of this Thread -
Happy New Year to the regulars at "Our" Place!As requested by Kalmbach, the old Thread has been shut down and the new begins today, January 1st, 2007.What's different Nothing! Same crew, same way of doing things and hopefully the same supporting cast that has kept us afloat all this time.History: "Our" Place began on April 12th, 2005 on the General Discussion (Classic Trains) Forum.Concept: An adult bar & grill for all who are interested in and familiar with "Classic Trains." The conversations are as they would be in a neighborhood bar, where people know one another and share stories, photos and other information relevant to the idea of the Forum - Classic Trains. All of this with some humor thrown in and the rest is simple.Objective: Have fun!Ground rules: Leave ALL emotional baggage and "attitudes" on the front porch. Be inclusive with your comments through the acknowledgment of the other guy's efforts. Hit ‘n run Posts are not welcome.Greet the bartender upon entering and order a drink or food. Pretty easy, eh Final "stats" for the "old" Thread at mid-night!Replies: 9,013Views: 163,151 Pages: 451 For those who may require it, the link to the "old" Thread is:http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/451/991587/ShowPost.aspx#991587 Tom (siberianmo) Proprietor, "Our" Place
As requested by Kalmbach, the old Thread has been shut down and the new begins today, January 1st, 2007.
What's different Nothing! Same crew, same way of doing things and hopefully the same supporting cast that has kept us afloat all this time.
History: "Our" Place began on April 12th, 2005 on the General Discussion (Classic Trains) Forum.
Concept: An adult bar & grill for all who are interested in and familiar with "Classic Trains."
The conversations are as they would be in a neighborhood bar, where people know one another and share stories, photos and other information relevant to the idea of the Forum - Classic Trains.
All of this with some humor thrown in and the rest is simple.
Objective: Have fun!
Ground rules: Leave ALL emotional baggage and "attitudes" on the front porch.
Be inclusive with your comments through the acknowledgment of the other guy's efforts. Hit ‘n run Posts are not welcome.
Greet the bartender upon entering and order a drink or food. Pretty easy, eh
Final "stats" for the "old" Thread at mid-night!
Replies: 9,013
Views: 163,151
Pages: 451
For those who may require it, the link to the "old" Thread is:
http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/451/991587/ShowPost.aspx#991587
Tom (siberianmo)
Proprietor, "Our" Place
Good to see ya Pete and very much looking forward to meeting Doug 'n Eric tomorrow as the Rendezvous arrivals take place!
Well Ruth a bit quiet in the bar so I will keep you company for a while and have a Bathams.
TOM Thanks for the latest photos from last year's rendezvous. My pics on Monday were there at first and the next time they had gone, but they seem back again now.
That does seem very bad news for the passenger service on VIA Rail in Canada, with the witholding of subsdies. With the Renaissance cars I wonder if they will use the older cars, of if the service will be withdrawn, All in all not a good time for Canadian passenger travel.. As we have said before it is best to ride these services while the still run as who knows what is around the corner.
I think my reference to the ale yesterday got a bit lost in the translation. I had best explain it at the rendezvous. Many thanks for the link to the Old Style.I see on the web site they sponser the Cubs.
It is a shame when a beer is taken over and tastes differently than it used too like DL and I have talked about breweries doing this in the UK.Any link to beer is great with me.
When the bride and I went to St Louis the first time I was in the U.S. there was a Hooters in Union Station, I had no idea what the word meant or what type of bar it was. The last time I was there a little bar which I think was called Route 66 and that seemed not to be there anymore.
I had to go to town today and I noticed the Amtrak was in the siding here so it seems it is still a bus forming some of the services through here.
Well see Eric Doug and you tomorrow for the rendezvous
Following yesterday,s post I will do the same with one of TOM's post from page 135 of the old thread, then my comments
Here's something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with Classic Trains, this time from Great Britain! Check this pre-WWI poster out! LONDON & NORTHWESTERN and CALEDONIAN RAILWAYS London (Euston) .................. 8h. 0m. Birmingham ...... To ............ 6h. 45m. Liverpool .......... Glasgow ...... 5h. 10m. Manchester ..... (Central) ..... 5h. 5m. Bristol ............................... 9h. 35m. London (Euston) .................. 8h. 0m. Birmingham ...... To ............ 6h. 35m. Liverpool ......... Edinburgh ... 5h. 0m. Manchester .... (Prin. St.) .... 5h. 10m. Bristol ............................... 9h. 45m. London (Euston) .................. 9h. 55m. Birmingham ...... To ............ 9h. 25m. Liverpool ......... Dundee ...... 7h. 15m. Manchester .... (West) ........ 7h. 20m. Bristol .............................. 12h. 20m. London (Euston) .................. 11h. 15m. Birmingham ...... To ............ 11h. 0m. Liverpool ......... Aberdeen .... 8h. 20m. Manchester ........................ 8h. 15m. Bristol .............................. 14h. 20m. LUNCHEON and DINING CARS for the accommodation of FIRST and THIRD CLASS PASSENGERS are run on the undernoted Trains: .......... From London (Euston) To ............................... a.m. .... p.m. Glasgow (Central) .......... 10 0 .... 2 0 Edinburgh (Princes St.) ... 10 0 .... 2.0 ... Perth ........................ 10.0 ... 2*0 ... Aberdeen .................. 10.0 .... 2*0 *to Carstairs .......... From Liverpool To ............................... a. m. .... p.m. Glasgow (Central) .......... 9^50 .... 5 50 Edinburgh (Princes St.) ... 9^50 .... 5*50 ... Perth ....................... 9^50 .... 5*50 ... Aberdeen ................. 9^50 ..... 5*50 *to Carstairs; ^Luncheon Car, Manchester (Victoria) to Glasgow, Liverpool Passengers join at Preston. ........... From Manchester To .............................. a.m. .... p. m. Glasgow (Central) ......... 9 50 .... 5 45 Edinburgh (Princes St.) .. 9*50 .... 5^45 ... Perth ...................... 9*50 .... 5^45 ... Aberdeen ................. 9*50 .... 5^45 *to Carstairs; ^Luncheon Car, Manchester (Victoria) to Glasgow, Liverpool Passengers join at Preston. New and Improved SLEEPING SALOONS ................... between ......................... LONDON (Euston) & SCOTLAND by Night Trains.
ROB posted a question on the above advert which TOM let me answer.
Interesting cart on that British Railroad, I noticed that the first and third class tickets could get food. What of the second class ( maybe there wasn't one )? Or were they doing the cooking and serving?
This was my comment and the answer to Rob's question
Another great G.B. passenger train nostalgia.I see the 8 hour agreement was in force when this was issued. The 10.00AM departure became THE ROYAL SCOT, the 2.00PM train was known as THE CORRIDOR as it was one the first trains on the L&NWR to have this facility allowing the use of the Dining car for all passengers. This train was formed of magnificent 12-wheelers and the Royal train was for many years had a slightly modified form of these cars. I believe the livery was called Plum and Spilt Milk. Some of the Royal Train cars are preservred in the National Railway Museum at York. In latter days the 2PM became named The Mid-Day Scot. Talking of the Royal Sco
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